N rth Texas Your Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids
October 2008
FREE
www.northtexaskids.com
Kids
Cover artist: Alfred, age 4.5
In this issue: Confused About What to Feed Your Kids? / What is Cyberbullying? / Spotlight North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
on Southlake / The Mommy Vote / October Calendar of Events
1
2
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
3
4HERAPY 2000 4HE .ORTH 4EXAS LEADER IN HOME BASED THERAPY FOR CHILDREN
7E TREAT BABIES FOR Feeding & Swallowing Disorders (including the need for Vital Stim Therapy) #EREBRAL 0ALSY s .EUROLOGICAL $ISORDERS s $OWN 3YNDROME Sensory Processing Disorders and many others A comprehensive hearing screening is administered to all children admitted for speech therapy services. To obtain physical, occupational or speech therapy services for your child, call THERAPY 2000...
OR s www.T2000.com
7ELCOME TO OUR &AMILY
4
North Texas Kids  •  October 2008  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
5
Contents October 2008
l
Volume 6 No. 8
17
12
8 Too Much to Lose in Teenage Drinking
9
20
Healthy KidCast
14
Halloween Spooky Scramble
10
Confused About What to Feed Your Kids?
14
Emma’s Kid-Friendly Restaurant Review
19
Halloween Riddles
12
What is Cyberbullying?
16
Get to Know... Steve Mauldin
31
Coloring Contest!
17
Carving Out Safe Jack-o-lantern Fun
19
Alexandria’s Book Review
20
Spotlight on Southlake
22
Enrichment Directory: Classes & Activities
A Passion for Volleyball
26
A Pain in the Backpack!
24
29
Family Resource Guide
Common Sports-Related Injuries for Kids
28
The Mommy Vote
25
30
Simple Concepts, Outings & Adventures
Sports & Fitness Programs
41
Risks of Incorrect Car Seat Installation
35
32
October Calendar of Events
Why Physical Fitness Matters
41
33
Get to Know... Jerre van den Bent
40
Index of Advertisers
Craft pick of the month: Stickler Kits - Decorate your phone and your iPod? We get a lot of free samples requests to promote different products. Every once in a while we get something really fun and unique. Recently we received a new product called Sticklers from Sakura. “Just color-in & personalize the world around you with Sticklers™ Kits. Metallic outline stickers coordinated with Souffle™ & Glaze® 3-D ink pens, offer an easy way to personalize stationery, school notebooks and folders, even personal electronics such as cell phones, ipods & cameras. Get great results on a variety of other surfaces including glossy cardstocks, vellums, mirrors, plastics & glass.” Sounds fun, right? Well they are! I have been putting them on everything I can think of and the kids are totally enamored of them. My husband even put one on his remote control We hope you try them and have as much fun as we did! I could not find any local stores that carry them yet, but you can buy them online at http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/Kits-Sticker. 6
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Note from the Publisher
Minette Riordan, Ph.D.
Halloween, Health & Hope Yes, the title will make sense, bear with me for a minute. October is a fun-filled month and a very busy month, full of great activities and opportunities. We are all back in the full swing of school. The first reports cards will be coming home this month, those initial parent teacher meetings are happening in elementary school and there are pumpkins everywhere you turn. Make sure you visit the pumpkin patch at the Arboretum. Fall at the Arboretum is outstanding and they have really outdone themselves this year. I love Halloween, the chance to get dressed up and be whoever you want to be. I confess, I love to dress up in costume and my husband and I met at a Halloween party. What inspiration, what joy, what a great way for our children to express their creative spirit. I hate Halloween, all the candy that comes home that I won’t let my children eat (at least not all at once on that night) and eventually gets thrown out at Easter. I love the jack-o-lanterns, the ghosts and all the wild, spooky decorations. The rule in our house is that our kids get one sweet treat a day and we try to stick to that but Halloween is a challenge! The reason we have this rule is that our children’s health is our concern. We are responsible for what they eat, how much sleep they get
and how much exercise they get. If we don’t guide them in the right direction, how will they learn what is healthy and what is not. This month’s issue includes a few articles focused on Halloween but our theme is really Health & Wellness. There is an interesting article that talks about common hand injuries and how to safely carve a pumpkin from Texas Scottish Rite hospital. We have tried to cover a variety of health-related topics. October is a fun month, but it often brings the first round of flus, colds and other common childhood maladies with it. There are many aspects of our own and our children’s health to consider: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. While we didn’t have space to cover everything in this issue, check our blog for other great articles and book reviews related to health & wellness. On a personal note, I am trying to do a better job of managing my own health. Since I started this business, I have gained about 40 pounds. Ugh! Weight has always been a looming issue in my life and I have spent many years yo-yoing! I am determined to make some changes that will last the rest of my life. My brother is getting married in March in Santa Barbara, CA and
grandchildren and to be able to sit on the floor and play with them. I am 43 years old, my kids are 9 and 6. I have a long way to go. So I am asking for your moral support and your words of wisdom. Email me your thoughts and suggestions and I will add them to our blog for other moms to see, too. If you want to see my before picture, visit our blog at www.northtexaskids.blogspot. com. I will keep you updated on the plan that I am following and on my progress. I cannot promote health and wellness, or be a role model to my own children until I get my own issues under control. Our children model what we do, not what we say. The theme of hope in the title refers to my own journey back to health and the hope for long life. It
also refers to all of the amazing nonprofit organizations that bring hope to people’s lives. We have a great article on bullying in this issue (page 12) sent to us by The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center. Based in Collin County, The Turning Point serves Dallas and other areas, too. They help women in crisis situations find hope and start a new life. They are having their annual fundraising gala this month (see ad on pg. 42) and would love for you to join them.
Publisher/Editor
Minette Riordan minette@northtexaskids.com
Web/Media Designer
Brad Dobson bdobson@northtexaskids.com
CMO
Cindy Watts cindyw@northtexaskids.com
Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik
mike@northtexaskids.com
Office/Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs heidi@northtexaskids.com
Account Executives
Tari Jacobs Cindy Johnson Michelle Simms Cindy Watts
Creative Dir. /Designer Brittany Allen
2nd Story Design brittany@2ndstorydesign.com
Printed by
Midway Press, Dallas Tx
Mailing Address
Scissortail Publishing
700 E. Park Blvd. #110 Plano, Texas 75074
Phone
972-516-9070
Fax
972-516-9048
North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing LLC. North Texas Kids is published 10 times a year. Copyright 2008 by North Texas Kids©. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids encourages your submission of articles, children’s artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the right to edit all submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication. Recommended article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the
I want a new dress and I want to look and feel my best. Perhaps more importantly, I want to live to see my
content of their printed advertisements and agree to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom.
Cover Artist...
Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork Alfred Four (and a half) year old Alfred lives in Southlake, TX. He enjoys soccer, Tae Kwon Do and is busy with preschool. His favorite color is green - unless you’re asking about Power Rangers, in which case it’s red. Alfred loves cheese pizza, birthday cake and anything Star Wars. Go Dragons!
on the cover of NTK. North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s Masterpiece. We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child that appears on our cover receives $50.00 along with their picture and story in the paper. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to info@ northtexaskids.com or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E. Park Blvd., Ste. 110, Plano, TX 75074. North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
7
Too Much To Lose in
by Dr. Donna Barsky, R.Ph, D.Ph.
Music Together Dallas is licensed by Music Together LLC www.musictogether.com
8
Whether we realize it or not, some parents teach their children how to drink. For example, after a rough week at work, a parent comes home Friday, opens the refrigerator and gets an alcoholic drink. So the first time kids have drama or stress, they are looking for a way to make themselves feel better. We forget that our children look to us for the signals on how and when to drink and the accessibility is always there. The scary thing is that we are oblivious to their observations. Kids learn alcohol use at home; it’s up to us to stop it, experts say. Starting to drink when you are underage can lead to addiction. Statistics show that those who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to become addicted. There are 12 million alcoholics in this country, and more than 50 percent of them are under the age of 25. Why is age 21 the minimum drinking age in all 50 states? 1. In 1982, when most states used 18 as their minimum drinking age, 55 percent of all fatal crashes involving youth drivers involved alcohol. Since then, the number of alcohol-related deaths in traffic accidents has been cut in half - an estimated 17,000 lives saved between 1975 and 1997. 2. Brains don’t finish developing until a person is about 24, and one of the last regions to mature is involved with the ability to plan and make complex decisions. Young brains are designed to acquire new memories and to learn. Add alcohol to that development and young people are impairing their brains’ abilities to learn and retain memories. So, in answer to “Why age 21?” such limits were established to save your brain and your life. AMA surveys of teens aged 13 to 18, and parents with children aged 12 to 20, have found that minors obtain alcohol easily—and often from familiar, non-retail sources. The facts are startling for alcohol and tweens—children between ages 9–13 (fourth through eighth grades). One out of every two eighth graders has tried alcohol. The first use of alcohol typically begins at age 12.
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Seven in 10 young teens say that alcohol is easy to get. Almost half of youth who begin drinking before age 14 later become alcohol dependent. Even though these statistics are alarming, parents can do a lot to help tweens avoid alcohol. Many young people say that parental disapproval of underage drinking is the key reason they have chosen not to drink alcohol. Many parents don’t realize how much they can change or improve their children’s lives, especially for tweens. However, parental involvement can be the safety net that protects tweens from drinking during the preteen years—years that can be confusing and difficult. Communication With Parents Youth are much more likely to delay drinking when they have a strong and supportive relationship with a parent or guardian. Open and trusting communication is a vital part of such a relationship. Opening the lines of communication can start with many questions or comments. The following are examples: • Encourage children to talk about their interests and activities and how they would like you to support those interests. • Ask questions—ones that require more than a yes or no answer—so that children can tell you what they feel and how they manage emotions such as anger or intimidation. • Start short conversations about the dangers of alcohol. Short frequent conversations are far more effective than a lecture. • Ask your tween what he thinks about teen drinking. • Set clear “no use” rules about drinking because children are less likely to drink when parents establish firm “no alcohol” rules. These rules could include instructions such as: Not riding with any friends or peers who have been drinking Not staying at parties where alcohol is being served Not giving, asking, or taking alcohol from brothers or sisters. Peer Pressure Tweens usually look for support from three sources—friends, family,
and the media. Because a child’s friends can have tremendous influence on kids’ behavior and decisions, start early to teach kids how to choose friends wisely. Part of helping kids choose friends is encouraging them to get involved in activities that are interesting, fun, and don’t involve alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. Parents can also help kids resist pressure to drink by tracking children’s activities, connecting with other parents, and enforcing a “no alcohol use” rule in the house. In addition, parents can give their children firm guidance on how to say NO. For many kids, knowing how to say no is a big part of resisting peer pressure. Help them practice ways to say “No thanks” by starting with these comebacks: I don’t like it…do you have a soda? Alcohol’s not my thing. Are you talking to me? Forget it! Why do you keep pressuring me when I said NO? Back off! Importance of Parents The tween years can be a time of confusion, when youth are more susceptible to negative influences. However, by building a strong and trusting relationship and by getting involved in the child’s life, parents can help protect and guide their child in positive directions. Your time and interest in your children’s interests and activities not only add structure and stability to their decisions, but it often helps to reduce confusion. Importantly, parents can provide skills to help kids resist alcohol and gain the courage to contradict peer pressure and other negative influences—and at the same time, have lots of fun as a family. Dr. Donna Barsky, R.Ph., D.Ph. TexasStar Pharmacy, Plano, TX Sources used:
Buzzed – The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy, by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder and Wilkie Wilson. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Youth Fatal Car Crash and Alcohol Facts. Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s youthimpaired driving issues compendium as well as MADD’s Web site
HEALTH MATTERS™
With Nurse Christie “we talk about everything from croup to poop� Halloween is supposed to be a spooky time of year for kids. But the most frightened creatures are often us parents as our own tiny ghouls head out the door! We need to remind our little monsters how to stay safe when they are out and about on this creepy night. The American Academy of Pediatrics has the following safety tips:
Costume concerns • Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames. • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Consider adding reflective tape or lights to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. • Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats instead of masks that may limit vision. • When shopping for costumes, make sure they are flame resistant. • If a sword, cane or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long.
Home safe home • Remove anything from the porch and front yard a child could trip over. • Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. • Restrain pets.
The trick-or-treat trail • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children. • Attach contact information to costumes in case kids get separated. • If older children are going alone, plan and review an acceptable route. • Children should understand that they are not to stray from the route, so parents/guardians can find them in case of emergency. Agree on a curfew time when they should return home. • Give flashlights with fresh batteries to all children and their escorts. • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind trick-or-treaters: • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going. • Carry a mobile phone for quick communication. • Only go to homes with a porch light on. • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. • Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat. • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Healthy treats • A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on sugary Halloween treats. • Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books, stickers, or pens and pencils. • Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Although tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw way any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. • Try to ration treats in the days after Halloween. Finally, if your child is too scared to go trick-or-treating, don’t push them. Staying home and watching a movie, making cookies or playing a board game might be just the trick (or treat).
MON
Walk with Spirit
OCT
Join internist Rosemary Bates, MD for her
13
presentation Bone and Joint Health, followed by a
6:30 discussion of Cardiometabolic Syndrome. Then PM
join us for a Walk with Spirit as we gather healthy-
At The Shops at Willow Bend, Grand Court
living tips hidden in stores. Learn the correct answers to health questions and earn chances to win valuable door prizes including a $125 gift card at The Shops at Willow Bend. Don’t miss these Spirit of Women events! Call 214.473.7317 for reservations. THU
OCT
16
Midnight Mammo Marathon!
Anglin, MD. Then, after the fashion show, sit back with popcorn and soft drinks to watch your favorite chick flicks
Mammograms: 3:00 p.m.– Midnight
on the big screen! Wear your pajamas
at Women’sLink™ Diagnostics,
or relaxation clothes, and bring a pillow
#VJMEJOH t Schedule a mammogram,
if you like! Activities include:
featuring the softer, more comfortable At Medical Center of Plano
MammoPad, as late
Bra fittings by Soma Intimates
as midnight! Call
Chair massages
972.612.6500
Yoga and Tai Chi demonstrations
to schedule, and
Makeup and skin care tips
receive a free gift!
Hand and foot care Drinks, snacks, and chocolate!
Women’s Program: 6:30 p.m.–
Screenings for BMI, blood pressure,
Midnight, Auditorium, Building 3
flexibility and GALE risk assessment
Enjoy an evening of fun, education and
for breast cancer
healthy living, including a breast-health presentation by breast surgeon Beth
SUN
OCT
19
Pajama Fashion Show by Soma
Intimates (9:00 p.m.)
FIFTH ANNUAL PINK RIBBON TEA Q N t "VEJUPSJVN #VJMEJOH BU .FEJDBM Center of Plano Dress in your favorite tea attire (hats welcome) to
remember, honor and celebrate the special women in your life who have been touched by breast cancer. Genetic counselor Pia Banerji, MS presents Is Breast Cancer in Your Genes? to shed light on the genetics of breast cancer — new genes associated with breast cancer, the future of genetic testing, and how genetic information can be used in the treatment of breast cancer. Reserve your spot today! Call 972.519.1437 for reservations. Health is Action
Medical Center of Plano is a proud member of the national Spirit of Women Hospital Network, offering the highest standards of excellence in women’s health outreach and care.
3901 West 15th Street t Plano, Texas 75075 t 972.596.6800 t medicalcenterofplano.com
North Texas Kids  •  October 2008  •  www.NorthTexasKids.com
9 
Confused about what to feed your kids? TRAFIC LIGHT EATING will get you on the road to better health... By Geri Moran It is a sad reality today that many parents think more about the grade and cost of fuel they are putting in their cars than the fuel they are putting on the family dinner table. We understand the benefits of using high octane fuel which improves your auto engine performance. Consider fueling your family with the same intensity. Fresh, whole food is not processed or packaged. Living life in the fast lane, catching meals on the run, driving through for fast food or skipping meals all together have become common. Our children are suffering from being overscheduled and undernourished. It’s no wonder they are getting more chronic illnesses. Ear infections, colds, asthma, allergies and ADHD are at an all time high. They are simply “running out of gas” and not eating real food to fuel their bodies and keep them in good working order. Consider these facts: • Over 9 million children today are overweight or obese - 1 out of 3 • Cancer kills more children than any other disease • By age 12, an estimated 70% of our children have developed beginning stages of hardening of the arteries • 1 in 3 children born after 2000 will develop type II diabetes by age 20 • 8 million children have Asthma, up 232% in last 40 years According to David Katz, MD medical Director for Oprah Magazine and Director at Yale University Prevention Research Center if this trend continues our children will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. “We live at a time when our children are more harmed by poor diet, than by exposure to drugs, alcohol and tobacco combined.” Univ. of Wisconsin.
What can we do? When parents regain the control of the food in their home they can reverse this trend. Change what goes into your children’s mouth and you will change their behavior and academic and athletic performance. Experience the power behind WHOLE FOOD. To help you get started refer to the Traffic Light Eating Chart on page 11. Notice the GREEN Light Foods are whole and in their original package. Fruits and veggies are the original fast food and have stood the test of time! GREEN Light Foods are GO and GROW foods. Eat as much as you like. The YELLOW Light Foods are SLOW DOWN, eat these with caution and limits. The RED Light Foods are STOP, THINK can I make a better choice? Just say NO. They are empty calories, loaded with preservatives and highly processed, with little nutritive value. Most children understand and respond to this concept very quickly. Get started today on the road to better health. This concept was taken from the book “Dr Sears’ L.E.A.N. Kids”, by William Sears, MD Other books you might like to read with your youngsters are: “The Berenstain Bears And Too Much Junk Food” by Stan & Jan Berenstain “The Tawny Scrawny Lion” Golden Book by Kathryn Jackson “Alexander and the Great Food Fight” by Linda J. Hawkins
Geri Moran is a Certified Health Consultant and National Marketing Director. Her mission is to educate and motivate families to improve their health and to empower children to make better food choices daily. To contact Geri or to schedule a TRAFFIC LIGHT EATING Children’s Nutrition class for your Family/Friends, School, Church or Sports Team call 972-337-0164 or go to www.got-health.com. 10
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Traffic Light Foods These lists are examples and are not exclusive.
Green-Light Foods - Grow Foods
Vegetables Fruits Legumes Fish Whole grains and sprouted grains Whole grain pastas Raw nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts) Seeds (sunflower, flax) Soy products, tofu (organic) Eggs (cage free/no hormones) Meat and poultry (no nitrates) Whole wheat organic crackers (Kashi) Homemade soups (make and freeze) Dairy products (plain, organic no hormones)
Oils to Cook With Butter Olive Oil Canola Oil Sweeteners Stevia Honey
Yellow-light Foods - Good Snack Food Choices, Eat in Limited Quantities
100% Fruit drinks White breads Regular yogurt (watch the sugar) Frozen yogurt Organic snacks Pretzels White flour pasta Packaged or deli meats Popcorn (organic or air popped) Almond butter Natural brand chips (Cheetos, Doritos, Corn Chips) Hotdogs (nitrate free) Breakfast bars (organic) Organic frozen fries
Red-Light Foods
Any food containing: partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors Instant or frozen potatoes Beef jerky Diet soft drinks or Sugar-free drinks Fried Snack Foods Sauce mixes and dinner mixes Instant Rice or Rice Mixes Bacon Canned fruits and soups Breakfast sausages Margarine or shortening Vegetable oils (corn, safflower) Sweetened breakfast cereal Lunch snack packs Peanut butter (controversial) Fast Food Chicken Nuggets French Fries Hamburgers North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
11
Many adults experienced school-yard bullying at some point in their childhood, but today’s kids are facing a new form of bullying as well. Cyberbullying represents one of many new challenges our children face in today’s electronic environment. This form of bullying utilizes the Internet, cell phones and other devices to embarrass or hurt susceptible individuals. Some cyberbullies may send messages to children pretending to be someone else, while others may tease or frighten children via email, text or IM messages. Cyberbullying is any form of electronic communication that elicits a sense of fear or intimidation in the victim. Kids of any age may become a target of cyber-bullies, so parents need to be proactive about discussing safety measures with their children ASAP. Implementing some basic safety strategies may prevent your child from encountering this form of bullying. Here are some tips for reducing your family’s risk of cyber-bullying:
• Keep home computer(s) in easy-to-view locations like a family room or kitchen. • Talk to your children about putting MySpace, Facebook, blogs, and other networking sites on private so others cannot freely view your child’s information. • Make sure your children understand the importance of not giving out any personal information online. This includes their name, address, phone number, school, etc. Ensure that they do not post pictures that would give away where they live or go to school. For example, never post photos of kids in a school uniform or standing in your front yard. • If your child experiences cyber-bullying, keep the messages and photos that were sent to your child. Note the date and time the message was sent. Consider reporting the offender to the providers of the Internet or cell phone service or directly to the web- master of the domain where the bullying originated. • Discourage your child from engaging with or responding to cyber- bullies. Encourage them to talk to you if they experience bullying or receive frightening or questionable messages. • If the cyber-bullying occurs at school or is coming from a student who attends your child’s school, contact the school. If the bully does not attend your child’s school, consider talking to his or her parents. • Contact the police if there are: o Threats of violence o Extortion o Obscene or harassing phone calls or text messages o Harassment, stalking, or hate crimes o Child pornography
All forms of bullying can be quite harmful to children. The emotional and psychological effects can be troublesome and long-lasting. Unfortunately, cyber-bullying is not the only form of bullying that a child can experience. Another common form of bullying is sexual harassment. By law, sexual harassment is any attention of a sexual nature that causes a reasonable person discomfort and interferes with the ability to perform a job or in school. Children’s peers and even adults may use verbal, visual or physical means to sexually harass a targeted individual. 12
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Some specific forms of sexual harassment include teasing, telling dirty jokes, spreading rumors, touching, grabbing, suggestive notes, emails, or Internet messages. Sexual harassment does not discriminate between the genders and can occur at any age. In middle schools, for example, things like “pantsing” and bra-snapping, derogatory comments on MySpace and name-calling are common types of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment results when these actions are repeated, unwanted or make the victim feel uncomfortable or upset. Make sure your child or teen knows that it is okay to assertively let a bully know that the behavior is unwanted and needs to stop. If the child has to tell a harasser to stop more than twice, they should seek help from an adult. In addition, young people should tell a trusted adult immediately if they experience harassment of a physical nature from a peer or from an adult. When a child knows he or she can take action to stop harassment, they feel more empowered. However, some children may not report sexual harassment or bullying to avoid “tattling” on their friend(s). They may also experience feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, depression, anxiety, or fear. Talk about sexual harassment with your children so, if something happens in the future, they will feel confident about discussing the issue and seeking support. Cyber-bullying and sexual harassment are significant stressors and challenges facing children today. Parents play a key role in helping kids stay safe, but parents aren’t alone in addressing safety concerns. The Turning Point is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping survivors of sexual violence as well as their friends and family. At The Turning Point, we feel it is vital to address bullying and harassment in order to equip children to combat these struggles. We offer community awareness and education programming to help kids and adults alike enhance their personal safety and to prevent sexual violence from spreading in our community. For more information or support in dealing with these issues, contact The Turning NTK Point at 972-985-0951 or at info@theturningpoint.org.
Things to do today: 1. Read our blog northtexaskids.blogspot.com
2. Check out our website for even more neat stuff!
Success Means Something Different to Every Child
For Conner, it meant climbing to the top of this mountain on his own two feet. Last year he had to climb a different mountain. He was your typical 3rd grade boy, bright but not doing as well as his teachers and his parents knew he could. After a thorough diagnostic assessment at LearningRx, we discovered that he struggled with short term memory. After 12 weeks of training, Conner improved by 4 grade levels and was able to sit still and pay attention! He finished 3rd grade with straight A’s on his report card and a huge smile on his face.
“We cannot thank LearningRx enough for the difference they have made in his life. They did a great job of matching Conner with the perfect trainer and making their program so fun that he loved to go!” - Minette Riordan, Plano mom
d antee
Guar s result
LearningRx can help your child define success, too! www.learningrx.com
Call today to schedule an assessment. 972.267.8900
Conveniently located near George Bush & Tollway
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
13
Emma’s Kid Friendly Restaurant Review
Effective communication is the ultimate key to success in life and in business. Looking for a dynamic speaker for your next Mom’s Club, Play Group, Church event or Corporate Lunch-n-Learn? Minette’s passion to improve communication in all walks of life drives her presentations, whether speaking to a group of parents, a business organization or to a sales force. In her speeches, Minette focuses on skills that anyone can use to become a compassionate listener and a passionate speaker.
Varsity Club Grill & Sports Bar 6205 Coit Road. Plano, TX 75024
At first glance, you might think
the Varsity Club is a smoky sports
bar for adults, but actually there is
a very large family-friendly dining room and a gameroom for kids
Sample Topics: 10 Steps to Improving Communication at Home or on the Job Heart-Centered Parenting: Connect to Your Child By Listening to Their Feelings Life is Too Short to Wear Diamond Studs: How to Live a Bolder, Brigther Life For descriptions of these topics, testimonials from groups she has spoken to, or to read Minette’s bio, please visit her website at www.MinetteRiordan.com. To schedule Dr. Riordan for your next event, please call her office at 972-516-9070 or email her directly at minette@minetteriordan.com. Speaker
Trainer
Mentor
Author
Life - Work Balance is Possible!
separate from the bar.
My family has been here a few
items including chicken fingers,
hamburger, and mini-corn dogs. I had the hamburgers with fries; it
was pretty good. My brother also
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
and other sporting events. We will definitely go back again. It’s a fun time for the whole family.
Varsity Club is located on the
and vegetables. He must have liked
and Coit in Plano. Kids EAT FREE
Emma Bonin is a third-grader at Hughston Elementary. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack. She is excited about the opportunity to review area restaurants and share her thoughts with the readers of North Texas Kids. Emma is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, and getting together with friends.
B O OO Halloween Spooky Scramble thsgo
lesketno
cihwt
atb
O O ! aprmive
oiglnb
obo
hleloeawn
answers: ghost, witch, vampire, boo,skeleton, bat, goblin, halloween
14
atmosphere were casual. A lot of
Monday – Wednesday – what a deal!
items include various different
RSVP Required: Rojas_joya20@hotmail.com or 972-244-5725
We had a good time playing
chopped steak with mashed potatoes
the kids menu. Eric splurged on the
She loved them. Other menu
Limited Space Available, RSVP Today!
with a chocolate chip cookie.
northwest quadrant of Spring Creek
mom had the chicken quesadillas.
Bring 1 or 2 friends who are looking for health, work, life & financial balance to join you for an evening just for women.
menu item, but the kid’s meal came
had the hamburger, but not from
shared. These were very good. My
Meet experts with advice on: wellness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation and beauty.
I don’t think dessert is a big
people stop by after soccer games
with mashed potatoes which I
Hear 2 phenomenal speakers:
salmon.
us. The kid’s menu has several
my brother’s friend Eric came with
them like a caveman. His ribs came
H.O.P.E. Talks with Sue Thompson (www.Zeal4life.com) Life is Too Short to Wear Diamond Studs with Minette Riordan, Ph.D. (www.MinetteRiordan.com)
cheesesteak, salads, and even grilled
the video games. The food and
My dad had the ribs and ate
Thursday, October 23 7:30pm - 9:00pm Lifetime Fitness 7100 Preston Rd. @ Legacy Plano, TX 75024
types of sandwiches, like a Philly
times, and this particular night,
it because he ate almost every bite.
Join us for a free Women’s Stress Management Workshop
by Emma Bonin
972-758-5300
Take the 1st step in preparing for baby… Register with Babies”R”Us! From our trained team of Registry & Product Specialists to our huge selection of the best & most innovative brands, we’re 100% dedicated to you & your baby. You see, we’re all about getting you ready for your new arrival. So be sure to sign up for our Free Seminars, too… where you’ll learn about daily baby care, safety & more. With so much to offer… it’s no surprise that we’re the top choice of moms everywhere!
Register today in-store or online at Babiesrus.com.
Visit any of our Dallas/Fort Worth locations: Addison (972) 247-4229 • Arlington (817) 784-2229 • Hulen (817) 423-8829 • Hurst (817) 595-2189 • Lewisville (972) 459-9333 Mesquite (972) 682-1450 • Plano (972) 735-1229 For the nearest location, visit us at Babiesrus.com or call 1-888-BABYRUS.
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
15
Get to know... Steve Mauldin Meet Steve Mauldin, President and General Manager of CBS 11 and TXA 21 by Minette Riordan, Ph. D. North Texas Kids had the opportunity recently to catch up with one of our Family Expo Sponsors. We wanted to share with you some of Steve Mauldin’s accomplishments and his commitment to serving the DFW community. We also wanted to give him a big “thank you” for sponsoring the first annual NTK Family Expo on Saturday, November 15. Steve Mauldin is the proud father of four: Michael, Christopher, Jeffrey and Stephanie. A native of Odessa, Steve is thrilled to be living and working in Texas again after his career has taken him to Miami, Tampa, Houston, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. “I’m occasionally asked whether I would have an interest in working in Los Angeles, New York or Chicago,” Steve said, “but my heart is in Texas. This is my home, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” When we asked him why he is so committed to serving community, we found that Steve’s approach to creating great television stations is not unlike his life philosophy. “First, you have to be a good
16
neighbor, a good citizen,” he says, “People have to want to invite us into their homes. That requires earning their trust and their loyalty by demonstrating that they can count on us - not only for great news and weather coverage - but that they can count on us to make a positive difference in North Texas, as well.” CBS 11 and TXA 21 will sponsor more than 60 community events in 2008, and its managers and on-air personalities will make hundreds of personal appearances for school groups, service organizations and fundraisers this year. “You can’t just pay lip service to community involvement,” Steve says. “You have to be truly committed.” Steve demonstrates his commitment not just through his work with CBS 11 and TXA 21 but also through his personal time and involvement. Steve devotes his time in an informal advisory role to a number of local non-profit organizations, and he serves on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas and the CAN! Academies of
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Texas. He is also the honorary chair of this year’s Cowtown Ball (www. cowtownball.com) October 18 at Will Rogers in Fort Worth. The event benefits the American Cancer Society, which is especially meaningful to Steve, because he is a cancer survivor. “Everyone knows someone - loves someone - who has been affected by this disease,” Steve says. “That’s why it’s so important to me to support efforts to fund research for a cure and programs for patients and their families. I feel blessed as a survivor to be able to have the opportunity to help others who are making that journey through diagnosis, treatment -- and hopefully - cure.” Another effort very close to Steve’s heart is outreach for families with special needs children. His devotion to this cause is inspired by his 18-year-old daughter, Stephanie, who was diagnosed at age two with autism. “Sixteen years ago, there was not a lot of information out there for parents of children with autism,” Steve says. “Fortunately, that has changed a great deal. However, with one in every 150 babies today being diagnosed with autism, it’s more important than ever for us to do all we can to help these families - and those of all special needs children - locate resources which can help them.”
To that end, in 2001, Steve created an event in South Florida called “Stephanie’s Day.” “The concept behind Stephanie’s Day is simple,” Steve says. “It’s a chance for parents to get the information they need about therapy options, advocacy organizations, support groups - even babysitting for special needs children - all under one roof.” Stephanie’s Day came to North Texas in 2004 and, since then, has continued to grow. More than 30 local vendors are represented at the event, but that’s not all. “It’s also an event designed to be fun for the kids,” Steve continued. “We have autograph signings by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the Mavs Dancers, the Maniaacs, and of course, the CBS 11 and TXA 21 News Team, plus face painting, clowns, music therapy, you name it!” Steve also points out that it’s an invaluable opportunity for families with special needs children to connect with each other. “At the very first Stephanie’s Day, a man and his 16-year-old son, who had autism, came up to Stephanie and me,” Steve says. “The young man gave Stephanie a big hug, and his dad thanked me for Stephanie’s Day, saying that it was the first event that they had ever attended which was just for special needs children. That’s the reason we have Stephanie’s Day.”
Carving Out Safe Jack-o-lantern Fun by Marybeth Ezaki, M.D.
Since the 1800s, Americans have carved pumpkins, a tradition typically associated with the celebration of Halloween. Add a light source in the carved-out gourd, and you have a playful or scary jack-o’-lantern that is sure to delight children of all ages. But many parents may overlook some risks involved with this tradition.
Don’t Let Safety Slip
A finger or hand laceration is a serious injury because of all the delicate nerves, small vessels and important tendons in the hand. Protect our Texas kids and yourself by following these safety tips during pumpkin carving activities:
1. Think about using paint instead of carving tools. An assortment of designs and colors are available, and painted pumpkins will last longer in the Texas heat. Plus, you’ll reduce the associated mess and clean up.
2. If you’re set on carving a pumpkin, don’t use a regular kitchen knife. Instead, make sure to use one of the specially made serrated pumpkin carving knives. The carving kits are inexpensive and available at area grocery stores and retailers. If properly cleaned, the carving knives should last more than a single season. 3. In preparing your pumpkin, mark your design with a washable marker, allowing you and the kids to easily change patterns.
4. Before carving, make sure your hands are dry and that you have plenty of newspaper to contain the mess. An old rag or hand towel will help keep your hands from becoming slippery. 5. Make sure children have an adult readily available to help and to supervise.
Remember, a slippery pumpkin, plus sharp knives, equals cut fingers.
Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center With the birth of a child, parents tend to count their newborn’s fingers and toes to ensure there are 10. As director of the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, on a daily basis, I see children that experience common hand and upper limb disorders, most apparent since birth. In fact, the hospital has treated more than 2,000 hand patients throughout the last year. Common conditions such as syndactyly (webbed fingers), or symbrachydactyly (short or missing fingers), can be treated at a very early age, enabling children to lead normal lives. They can participate in sports, apply a paintbrush, learn instruments, use a computer and play video games. They can experience life as an everyday kid. One example is Mason. He’s never known what it’s like to have 10 fingers. He was born with syndactyly. From a musical family, Mason’s mother remarked at his birth when she saw his hand that
she worried he may never play the piano. With a strong desire to play music, at age 4 Mason learned to play the piano with his hand disorder. That’s part of what Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children provides patients and their families – the support and understanding to help them personally deal with their specific conditions. Mason underwent hand surgery as an infant and a follow-up surgery at age 12, separating his fused fingers, improving the appearance of his hand, and strengthening his piano playing skills. He continues to enjoy his love for jazz piano, writing and singing, as he pursues his college studies at Stanford University majoring in international relations. Mason recently shared that he has never viewed his hand disorder as an obstacle and neither have his parents. As the first pediatric orthopaedic hospital in the United States to employ full-time hand surgeons, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has trained more than
116 hand surgeons who now practice throughout the United States and around the world. This expert training provides valuable care for children with congenital and acquired hand and upper limb disorders. The hospital is also conducting research on the causes of limb size differences and collaborating with genetic researchers studying growth abnormalities. As we prepare our kids to face life and seize and enjoy its opportunities, including festive traditions like carving jack-o’lanterns, let’s teach them to take care with those little fingers and little toes. Be safe and have fun! Dr. Marybeth Ezaki is the director of the Charles E. Seay, Jr. Hand Center at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She received her undergraduate degree from Yale College and her medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Ezaki completed her general surgery internship and her residency in orthopaedic surgery at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at
Dallas. She completed her surgery of the hand fellowship at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, England. Dr. Ezaki is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and the co-director of the hand surgery fellowship at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She was president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; the Dallas County Medical Society; and a director of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Ezaki is a consultant reviewer for The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Journal of Hand Surgery, and the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is a premier pediatric orthopedic hospital and admission is open to Texas children birth to 18 years of age. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. For more information, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit www.tsrhc.org.
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
17
CHILDREN’S HOME HEALTHCARE Caring for those who need it most. Dr. Donna Barsky Independent, Locally Owned Children’s Immunizations $14.50 (Including meningitis)
$25
We provide a wide variety of services including skilled pediatric and neonatal care, ventilator and tracheostomy care, nasogastric feedings and education, respiratory care and information, phlebotomy services, wound management and medication administration, patient compliance programs, infusion therapy, respiratory services, and patient education and training. n
n
n
n
n
www.childrenshha.com Plano Office: p. 469-361-2188 n f. 469-361-6887 Van Alstyne Office: p. 903-482-9020 n f. 903-482-9019 (Serving Collin, Cooke, Denton, Fannin, Grayson and North Dallas Counties)
Hiring RNs and LVNs - please call or visit our website.
18
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Flu Shots Available Now
No Appointments. No Waiting.
Come in and see what a REAL PHARMACY looks like
Full Service Pharmacy • Children and adult orthopedic braces and supports • Accept most prescription cards • Wound care supplies • Diabetic Equipment & Supplies
Big City Pharmacy Small Town Friendly Service
• Prescription compounding • Nebulizers and Supplies
972.519.8475 • N.E. Corner of Parker & Independence
Alexandria’s Book Review This is a great book, full of
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
lots of twists and turns and just
A Review by Alexandria Battle
on its own. But just in case you want
by Liz Kessler 224 pages • Ages 9-12 • Candlewick (reprint edition 2006)
entertaining enough to be enjoyed to know more about Emily, two of her sequels are out, entitled Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep and Emily Windsnap and the
grew up in Southport, a seaside town (northwest England), and
kept her boat-home, King of the Sea,
more soon.
grade swim class when she felt
out, and it looks like there will be
For every kid who’s dreamed of
attended three different schools
what it’s like to be a merperson, The
graduated from Loughborough
book for you, capable of being
(one in Staffordshire). Ms. Kessler University studying English, from Keele University with a teaching qualification, and most recently from Manchester Metropolitan
University with a Masters Degree in Creative Writing. She is the
youngest of the family, with an older brother and sister, and enjoys telling her great stories to their children.
Tail of Emily Windsnap is the perfect enjoyed by both the youngest and
oldest kids. In this start of a series,
Emily learns some important lessons about self-confidence, friendship,
and the difference between right and wrong.
For most of her life, Emily
was not allowed near water in
any form, except the water which
afloat. That all changed in seventh
Castle in the Mist, with plenty more action from Emily and her friends.
strange things happening to her feet underwater… It didn’t take long for Emily to realize that she was
part-mermaid—and that she was
not alone. Blowing open that secret led to many other things—namely
Emily gaining friends, discovering well-hidden enemies, and finding out about her past and the reason
behind her long-lost father’s absence and her mother’s fear of water—not to mention coming face-to-face with the King of the Seas himself.
Protection for your family, peace of mind for you. Wills Living Wills
Trusts • Guardianships • Powers of Attorney • Probate
•
“If You Don’t Have a Will, the State of Texas Has One for You!” - Lorie Burch
Law Office of Lorie L. Burch, P.C. 7920 Belt Line Road, Suite 750 • Dallas, TX 75254 (Beltline at Coit) 972.385.0558 • lorie@burch-law.com • www.burch-law.com
Halloween Riddles 1. What instrument do skeletons play? 2. What is a Mummie’s favorite type of music? 3. Where did the goblin throw the football? 4. What tops off a ghost’s ice cream sundae? 5. What is a vampires favorite holiday? 6. What is a ghosts favorite desert? 7. What is a ghosts favorite sale?
www.humormatters.com
the latest book I’m reviewing,
Currently, she has at least four books
1.Trom-BONE 2.Wrap!! 3.Over the ghoul line 4.Whipped scream 5.Fangsgiving 6.Boo-berry pie 7. A white sale
Liz Kessler, the author of
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
19
Spotlight on Southlake fun events... Event:
Southlake Saturday Nite (They do this every month) Calling all 4th, 5th & 6th graders for a night of fun! There is a live D.J., dancing, various inflatables & contests & 4 on 4 basketball. Concession items are available for purchase and everything is under $2. A uniformed DPS officer is on site to ensure a safe environment. Pre-registration and a fee of eight dollars is required. Durham Elementary/Intermediate School • 10/11/2008 • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Event:
Harvest Fest Join the City of Southlake Parks & Recreation Department for our annual Harvest Fest & Carnival. There will be games, prizes, entertainment & lots of fun. Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve • 10/4/2008 • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Event: “Reel” Fun Come cast your line at our fishin’ hole! Join the City of Southlake and the Texas Junior Anglers for an afternoon of fishing. The pond is stocked with adult sized channel catfish for an opportunity to catch the “Big” one. Kids will be divided into age groups. All participants will receive a bag of goodies, with trophies being awarded for the two largest fish caught in each age group. During the event, participants can attend a Junior Anglers educational presentation led by a trained staff member. Bob Jones Park Fishing Pier • 10/5/2008 • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Event:
Spooktacular (preschoolers) Join us for tons of holiday fun! Children will enjoy four hours of games, arts and crafts, and lots of surprises in a well supervised environment. Pizza, juice boxes, and a special treat will be provided. Parents are not required to attend. Children will be supervised in a 1:5 ratio. Pre-registration is required. Durham Elementary/Intermediate School • 10/18/2008 • 10 AM - 2 PM
Event:
Holiday Celebration Join the City of Southlake and Southlake Town Square, Inc. for a night of holiday magic as we light up Southlake Town Square and welcome in the season with lots of family fun! Southlake Town Square • 11/22/2008 • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Event: Southlake Oktoberfest This year marks the 7th annual Oktoberfest celebration hosted by Southlake’s Chamber of Commerce! To attend this event isn’t going to cost you a thing...even the parking is free! This is excluding food and beverages, and booth items. Stroll through Southlake’s beautiful Town Square while looking at the unique, handcrafted arts and crafts booths. Great food and live entertainment are also at your fingertips during this fun-filled event. The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children’s area! Come join us at this year’s Oktoberfest, a good time is awaiting all! Southlake Town Square • Friday, Oct. 3rd 5-11 p.m. • Saturday, Oct. 4th 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sunday, Oct. 5th 12-5 p.m.
mommy’s picks on where to go and what to do in Southlake... et’s al Mark fi and I at Centr wie e e e fr fr t s ea y have r! ays, kid rea, the g dinne a in y k la a On Tuesd p m tri W. ere is a ak from -Del-Me cafe! Th h needed bre c u get a m have e (they s theatr child off in rk a H p your p loves le to dro ttery. ms grou availab laze Po Our mo G a s?) e re a in y h s la n y swing p u b S a ild d b h n o a n ac ) t H. u ie v e (b o . in em t too - Christ during th ial Park is grea n n Bicente
g e, offerin iven tim g d y n n a a s t e is ustling a r franch uare is b to majo -Erin K. q s S e u n q w ti u To bo ing from everyth ! ts a e y e Dog yumm ned Thre wly ope e ew n n r e u th o d red hters an discove g urs on u st o a ju H d r y e u p W e take o y for Yap W b Satur! p o a ry r st e Bak ppy and s & people) or fo u p se e Havan for pup S. ys (treats ate for dogs. -Michelle Thursda d y la p g in rn o m y da
We fo llowed o Knap p is th ur pediatric e grea ian to to the test. W S d e hav outhlake, D South oc vist and e a tra r. Rog lake B t h e er ditio n lvd. a stop at Ch n of going ik-Fil-a Cafe Ex on thin b press rocks -Anne reads ! My k tte H. ti c ids lov usuall ks wh e ys ile wa iting fo to eat the love th plit the Me cris r th dit e Spin ach M erranean S eir food - th py a ushroo e m Turk lmon and lo y ey Burg ve it! I er! -Ja ckie S .
20
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Both o aqu f my kid s atic cent have do but k er. Th n ind. e ins e swim le truct ors a ssons at Bob re fa t J bulo he CISD favo ones Pa us -rite f r firm, amil k and B y ha i - DJ ngou centenn C. ts! ial P ark a I love re ou the c r -Jen hildre nifer n’s p W. rogra ms a t Ga tewa y Ch urch ! -Car rie N .
NexGym is a great way to ge ing w hile t your kid you are o s movut running watching errands there! no idle tv -Mindy W . I love how the town turns gree Fall! South n every Fr lake Caro iday in the ll Dragon are a must s Football see! Games -Laura C.
around town...
quick facts... l The latitude of Southlake is 32.941N. The longitude is -97.133W. l It is in the Central Standard time zone. Elevation is 640 feet. l The estimated population, in 2003, was 24,192. l Carroll Senior High School home of the Dragons l The mayor of Southlake is Mayor Andy Wambsganss l www.cityofsouthlake.com
“Thanks to all of our Southlake Advertisers: Adventure Kids, Jump Zone, NexGym, Let’s Pretend, Rock School, Spicar’s Martial Arts and Velocity Sports.”
coming next month... Spotlight on Dallas
e patio. ing on th s and sitt . The kid o is ri in B rt a going to $2 off m tio. We a e p v a e h th We love y on ay’s the if we sit e gelato le. Wednesd the courtyard ver to th o in ob d y a la e p h n s and N e can e th rn d a ner an en to B are too c ild h have din omolo) and th c drop off icc e R. reat for store (P -Suzann Kids is g re tu n e v . Ad it e v kids lo and our We ju st peop moved to S le o broug here are so uthlake this ht w s in. Peo over good ondeful. O ummer and ur neig ies an ple fro the d offe m the gift ca rs to h hbors all c rd elp us baske s and othe ommunity d settle t that r good onate was h d neigh ies to and bo create coupons, say th rhood welc delivered a welc at the by a S ome w ome c ou have agon ever e ommunity volunte thlake fe x and p perien el here er. I h la c a make ying outsid ed. People is like nothin ve to e all th you fe are w alking g we e time el welc busy li , rid .P ves ho o wever me and in eople reall ing clude y they c you in tr y to an. to the - Ashle ir y M.
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
21 21
The Enrichment Directory: Mosaic Art Studio Birthday Parties for Boys & Girls Ladies Night every third Thursday WALK-INS WELCOME
$15 Off Birthday Party for 11 people or more
With this coupon. Not valid with other offers.
308 Preston Royal Shopping Center Dallas, Texas 75230 Tel: (214) 363-2088
www.smashingtimes.com
Spooky Study Habits? In-Home Tutoring Does The Trick! • All Subjects • Pre-K to Adult • Reading • Writing • Math • SAT/ACT and TAKS Prep • Affordable Rates • Qualified Tutors Flexible Schedules • No Long-Term Contracts Flower Mound 972-956-0963 McKinney 469-952-3663 Plano/North Dallas 972-424-6321
www.clubztutoring.com
We
LOVE
after school activities!!
22
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Classes & Activities
Boost Your
Fall Enrollment!! Advertise Here $325.00 Large Ad / $175.00 Small Ad Call us at 972.516.9070 for more information or visit our website...
Lil’ Trax Free “Parent” Academy Presented by
and Why should your kids have all the fun? While your kids check out one of the classes at LIl’ Trax Sports Academy at Plano Sports Authority, you can listen to a great speaker and join in some adult conversation. Cake and coffee will be served!
Mon. Oct. 13 - Thurs. Oct. 16 at 10-10:45 or 11-11:45 Themes: Why You Need a Will, Cake Decorating Tips, Improve Communication with Your Kids, Build Confidence, Sideline Etiquette
Email psastaff@psaplano.org or visit www.psaplano.org North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
23
NTK Family Resource Guide North Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the resources you need to simplify your life and raise happy, healthy kids!
Simply Pretend www.julieslp.com Providing individualized speech and language therapy. For more information, please contact Julie at 214-336-9342 julie_slp@yahoo.com
Take a Mommy Break The Shady Lady
Themed Party Dress Up Trunk Rentals
at Teacups & Co. An Eclectic Emporium
972-396-1486
...where people collect their memories and make new ones
www.SimplyPretend.com See our Photo Gallery Online! Princess, Tea Party, Glitzy Glamour, Spa, Pink Poodle in Paris, Luau, Chef, Knight, Pirate, Cowboy, Superhero. Costumes & accessories, games, music, activities and much more! Only $95 for 11 children! Co-ed costumes available.
“Pretending” since 2002!
Historic Downtown Plano
1013 E. 15th St. Plano, TX 75074 Sharon K. Lloyd, Proprietress
..
We specialize in: antiques, gift items one of a kind merchandise
B %
Attention Savvy Moms!
911 Sitters
/N #ALL %MERGENCY 3ITTERS
• NO selling/inventory or deliveries • Free support & training • 100% Risk-free • Excellent credentials (BBB Hall of Famer)
• Experienced, Loving, Pre-Screened Sitters • Available at the Last Minute! • No Agency Fees • Dependent Care Reimbursement
972-999-9006
Your Ad Could Go Here!
Open 24/7
www.911Sitters.com
Advertise Your Business Here for $99 a month.* Call us at 972-516-9070 to reserve your space today! *Price valid for full year contract only / BW Ad. Ad design fee $25.00. www.northtexaskids.com 24
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Simple Concepts within
Outings
&
Adventures
For the 4 year-old:
• Using a piece of string, measure a pumpkin, squash or gourd and compare sizes using words “bigger”, “smaller”, “wider”, “thinner, etc. • Talk about how a pumpkin grows, the seeds, soils, water, etc. • Paint a picture of a pumpkin using watercolors or textured paper.
Ask: What is a gourd?
For the 5 year-old: • Visually estimate the size of a pumpkin, squash, or gourd by using hands and arms. Then match and compare with a measuring tape. • Create a simple graph of the findings.
By Lynda Morley
• Volunteer to help at a pumpkin patch or vegetable stand.
If
I say October, what do you say? “Pumpkins”, of course! This month
Ask: How are pumpkins, squash and gourds similar and different?
children all around the metroplex will be visiting pumpkin patches and other fall harvest areas so this simple concept is the perfect choice.
Understanding that most places on this eastern edge of Texas do not grow the traditional pumpkin varieties (it’s a temperature-nature thing), they do truck in beautiful specimens from western areas for us to enjoy. Later this month, come by the Farmstead where we will take a look at fall fruits and offer some hands-on activities that relate to pumpkins and gourds. Remember, the purpose of these activities is to encourage the development of critical thinking skills, allow for exploration of the world close by, and facilitate a strong bond between adult and child. Visit your local visit the library and
Lynda Morley, Director of Education at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, in Plano and author of the 5th edition of Outings and Adventures Everywhere! (2006, ISBN 0-9662888-6-6) has experienced hundreds of fieldtrips and adventures throughout the metroplex. For more information about this theme or other museum programs, please contact Morley at 972-816-3930 or lmorley@heritagefarmstead.org. © 2008 Lynda Morley All Rights Reserved
Happy Halloween !!
read a few books on this theme before and after your adventure. Bring with you a backpack filled with educational tools; color pencils, clip board, plain paper, ruler, scissors, first-aid kit, wad of string (– hey, you never know…) and anything else you think you might need.
Theme:
The simple concept of pumpkins, squash and gourds –
traditional fall plants.
Where: Explore Aubry Pumpkin Patch in Aubry, Texas, The Big Orange Pumpkin Patch in Celina, and local Farmers Markets.
For the 2 year-old: • Feel the textures of the pumpkin stems, vines, leaves, and fruit themselves.
• Talk about the differences in plants growing on a stem (flowers) and vines (grapes and pumpkins). • Taste a pumpkin made into a pie, muffin, or candy.
For the 3 year-old:
• Help your child clean out a pumpkin and talk about what is found inside. • Create a simple snack by roasting the seeds.
• Explore what items could be made with pumpkin and squash: foods like cakes, breads, soups, vegetable dishes, etc. and gourds: containers, masks, musical instruments, and bird houses, etc.
The Biggest & Best INDOOR Kids Amusement Park.
Come for the PIZZA, stay for the FUN!
Affordable Birthday Parties Every Day of the Week C Roller Coaster C Tea Cup Ride C Bumper Cars C Pirate Ship C Jet Planes SE Corner of Parker & Custer 972-985-7711 www.planetpizzaplano.com
BUY 1 GET 1 FREE
Unlimited Ride & Soft Play Tickets ($9.99 Savings) Not Valid Saturday or Sunday or with any other special. One coupon per person per visit. Expires 10-31-08
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm; Sunday 12pm - 7pm North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
25
New book helps parents navigate the fast food menu and make better choices. Read our review of this book on our blog: www.northtexaskids.blogspot.com
A
PAIN
Back-to-school time means back
in the Backpack!
lower-back muscles can become
spines,” says Dr. Denning.
to pain time for some kids who carry
overworked. The weight can cause
too much weight in their backpacks.
pain in the neck, back or shoulders
are a safe way for youngsters to
When that happens, they
and even tingling in the arms and
carry their books to and from
tend to hunch over and
hands.
school—when worn correctly—since
both shoulder straps, instead of just
they rely on the strongest part of
one. Help adjust the straps so the
the body for support—the back and
weight of the pack rests against his
abdominal muscles.
or her body.
the mid- and
Jeremy Denning, M.D., neurosurgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, says that backpacks—as well as heavy purses or computer bags—can cause back and shoulder pain in both children and adults. “For children especially, heavy backpacks can cause a tremendous
26
Dr. Denning adds that backpacks
• Don’t let your child carry more
“When backpacks are worn
or her body weight. • Encourage your child to wear
• Choose a well-designed
correctly, they should not cause back
backpack with thick, padded straps,
problems; however, most kids tend
a padded back and a waist belt.
to wear them with one strap instead
• Help your child learn to pack
of both so over time this can cause
the heaviest items in the center of
significant strain to the back, neck
the bag and to carry only what’s
and shoulders.”
essential.
Dr. Denning offers the following tips to help your child avoid
strain to their
unnecessary back pain this school
still developing
year.
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
than 10 percent to 15 percent of his
For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, visit www.BaylorHealth.com.
Collin County’s
Premier Family Entertainment Center 8789 Lebanon Rd. Frisco, TX 75034
‘NEATH THE WREATH 2008 HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PLANO
PROUDLY INVITES YOU TO THE
Thirteenth Annual ‘Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market
NOVEMBER 7 - 9, 2008 Plano Centre %2000 East Spring Creek Parkway
HOLIDAY MARKET HOURS
November 7 - 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (extended evening hours) November 8 - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. November 9 - 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
HOLIDAY MARKET TICKET PRICES
Advanced Ticket $8 %Ticket at the door $10 Three-Day Advanced Ticket $16 %Three-Day Ticket at the door $20
FLU SHOTS
‘Neath the Wreath advance tickets are sold at select Tom Thumb stores. A list of participating stores is available online. For safety reasons, strollers, carts, wagons, and rolling bags are not allowed.
LADIES NIGHT OUT
Plano Centre %November 6, 2008 %7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Be the first to shop the 2008 Holiday Gift Market at our annual Ladies Night Out. Admission $35 %VIP Admission $75 Tickets are available for purchase online.
For Silent Auction item donation, please email ntw@jlplano.org. Go online or call 972-769-1142 for more information.
www.neaththewreath.org
Junior League of Plano 5805 Coit Road Suite 301 Plano, Texas 75093 972-769-1142 www.jlplano.org
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
27
The Mommy Vote by Erica Yaeger
I get it. Moms are busy. I know this because I am writing this at the same time I am cooking dinner for my kids–I have seven minutes as the macaroni boils. What shocks me though is that it is the excuse I often hear from my mom friends during election season. They are too busy to educate themselves on the issues, so by default vote the same way their parents have or their husbands do. That is, if they vote at all. Are we so busy that we have forgotten that our great grandmothers fought for us to have the right to vote? Surely they intended for us to be smart about the way we use that right. If moms take the time to really understand the impact of politics on their families, there may be more of us heading to the polls this November 4. Consider these disturbing statistics reported on momsrising.org. A full quarter of U.S. families with children under the age of six live in poverty. Nine million children are without health coverage. Perhaps it makes you angry to learn that women without children make 90 cents to a man’s dollar, but mothers make just 73 cents. Single mothers make even less. To paraphrase an email I received from a life coach recently, take the time to get clear about what is most important for you in this election, and then
ISSUE
use that information to articulate the case for your candidate and against the opponent. Consider these questions: • Where does your candidate stand in relation to your deepest values? • Where does the opponent stand?
• What are the difficult challenges related to those values that need to be resolved in your community? • How will your candidate address those challenges if s/he is elected? • How would the opponent address those same challenges?
So here you go moms– an unofficial mommy voter guide for the 2008 election and tools to help you understand the local political scene. Study it in the carpool line, while your kid is watching Noggin or as your macaroni boils. Impress your Bunko friends with your knowledge on the issues. Make an educated vote this fall and set a good example for your children. We owe it to our great-grandmothers!
McCAIN
OBAMA
The economy
McCain would try to make President Bush’s tax cuts permanent for individuals and businesses. (Those tax cuts are scheduled to expire in 2010.) He would cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%.
Obama would reverse President Bush’s tax cuts for upperincome taxpayers and provide 150 million low- and middleincome workers a tax credit of up to $500. He proposes eliminating income taxes for seniors earning less than $50,000 a year and tripling the earned-income tax credit -- to $555 -- for full-time minimum wage workers. He supports tax incentives for companies that keep jobs in the U.S.
The war
McCain has said that American troops could be in Iraq for many years and will gradually draw down as Iraqi security forces are trained and equipped. He was an early proponent for sending more troops to Iraq and has opposed a timetable for withdrawal.
Obama believes in the removal of American troops from Iraq at a pace of one to two brigades a month that would remove them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010.
The state of health care
McCain opposes universal health care. He would replace the current tax-free status of coverage provided by employers with refundable tax credits worth $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families to help purchase insurance.
A priority for Obama is to promote affordable, accessible and high-quality health care. He would mandate health insurance coverage for children but not adults. His plan requires all employers to contribute toward health coverage for their employees.
The environment
McCain proposes a cap-and-trade system that would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging the development of low-cost compliance options.
Obama supports capping emissions and giving incentives to corporations that cut greenhouse gases.
The right to choose
John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned. He believes human life begins the moment an egg is fertilized. He promotes adoption as an alternative.
Obama supports legalized abortion as a woman’s right to choose, but promotes legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies.
For more detailed plans from both candidates, visit their campaign websites. www.johnmccain.com and www.barackobama.com. For more information on The Key Senate Race and other notable local races, visit our website at www.NorthTexasKids.com. Don’t forget your local races! All 150 Texas State Representatives are up for election in 2008. For a quick way to learn in which district you reside and who represents you, visit www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us. Erica Yaeger is a Richardson mom of two and a political junkie. She can be reached at ecyaeger@att.net. 28
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
SmackDown” that will be played
by Mike Kravik
fifth grade through high school who
are exhibiting advanced skills. These
involving sponsors and other
program begins with athletes in the
kids are provided with another
“Timing, degree and conviction are the three wise men in this life.” - R.I. Fitzhenry
When the 1990’s ended and the
new century began, Frisco resident
their gyms for our practices.”
Word began to spread about the
Arneva Martin led a busy life as a
quality of play and Fusion Volleyball
her free time raising her two kids
form at several different age groups
working mom who spent most of (Wes and Marissa). Her daughter
Marissa’s favorite thing to do at that time was play volleyball with her
friends. “When Marissa was 12 years old, she just got the fever to play
volleyball and it became her life,”
began to flourish. Teams began to
and instead of going elsewhere to
play volleyball, more and more girls stayed in Frisco and played with what was now the Frisco Fusion Volleyball Club.
In 2006, Martin established the
says Martin.
Frisco Athletic Network (FAN) as
played recreational volleyball
stated primary goal of “providing
Marissa and her school friends
throughout North Texas but had
a desire to play more competitive teams. A few parents researched
their options and determined that
a non profit organization with the a safe environment which will
allow the athletes to excel in their volleyball skills.”
One of the chief reasons the
they could form their own team.
FAN has been so wildly popular
on the University of Oklahoma
regardless of their ability to play
Martin had walked on as a freshman volleyball team and was deemed the
best candidate by the group to coach the team. It was then that Frisco
Fusion was born and a perfect storm began to form.
In 2007, a Forbes study named
Frisco, Texas as the seventh fastest
growing suburb in the United States. The population of Frisco has grown
from 32,000 in 2000 to 97,000 in 2008 and nearly 30,000 of those residents are under 18 years of age. Simple math and an
understanding of how popular
in the day to make it all happen,”
says Martin. “At first, it was nothing but a good way for the kids to play
their family members.
FAN’s vision for a successful
took another big step when they
volleyball program in Frisco would
their volleyball programs at The
says they still have challenges. “We
announced they will be hosting
Fieldhouse. This spring kids who
play volleyball in Frisco will be able to do so in a brand new $ 13 million 89,000 square foot athletic facility that will feature 13 volleyball/
basketball courts in Frisco. “By
opening The Fieldhouse, Frisco is
now going to become a destination
for the best volleyball players in the area, smiled Martin. Not only will we have an enhanced volleyball program for highly competitive
athletes but we will also now be able to host bigger tournaments.”
Beginning in April 2009, FAN
seem to be complete but Martin
work very hard providing athletes in Frisco the opportunity to reach their athletic goals. We still do all we can to keep fees reasonable
while providing our athletes with
talented, experienced coaches and first rate practice facilities. We’re
always looking for more corporate sponsorships.” When asked if
there was anything else she wanted for the future, the mom who still
works full time at EDS, shook her
head and smiled as she said, “Just more time.”
will begin hosting USA Volleyball junior tournaments called “Frisco
understandable that the kids who want to become better players
would put in the necessary practice time and also want to be able to
play against the best competition. Conversely, some kids view
volleyball as strictly a recreational
sport. The genius of the FAN is that
it has tapped into both markets and has embraced both equally.
Within the infrastructure of
Academy which is for kids in 1st-8th and the goals are to teach kids the skills they will eventually need to
make their middle school team, their high school team or the Lone Star Volleyball Club.
The Lone Star Volleyball Club is
and the parents to socialize. We were
also under the FAN umbrella and it
Frisco Schools let us use some of
play highly competitive volleyball
very lucky at that time because the
event for all teams, athletes and
strictly recreational. It’s completely
grade. The sessions last ten weeks
challenge was finding enough time
tournament making it a weekend
are strictly select while others are
program would have a good chance worked full time so the biggest
The future of FAN recently
organizations from Frisco in this
the sport. Some athletic programs
the FAN is the Lone Star Volleyball
to survive in Frisco. “I’ve always
playing potential.
at The Fieldhouse. FAN will be
is because it is inclusive of all kids
volleyball was becoming in Texas told Martin that a grassroots
avenue to reach their maximum
Sports Scoop
A Passion for Volleyball
and even college volleyball. The
is designed for athletes who want to
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
29
Sports Scoop
by Mike Kravik Dr. Laura Scalfano is a pediatrician who specializes
in Adolescent Medicine and is an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at UTSW Medical Center. Dr.
Scalfano also serves as a referral physician for the Presbyterian Hospital Sports Network.
Are kids getting the same injuries they always have or are the injuries more common because they are playing multiple sports at the same time? Playing multiple sports can actually be beneficial to the young athlete. The type of injury that we have seen on the rise is actually overuse injuries, which are often the result of too many hours devoted to one sport (little league elbow, for example). By playing several sports, kids can develop different muscle groups and skills sets, in addition to increasing their knowledge of a variety of sports. It’s important to remind parents, though, that the choice to play multiple sports should be driven by the CHILD’s desire to play, not the parents’ desire to create a “super-athlete”. Do you see a lot of kids who are playing too many sports at one time? What types of injuries are most common with those kids?
Plano’s Favorite Place to Bounce!
One of the biggest concerns with kids who play multiple sports is that they are more likely to be fatigued or injured when playing. A 12-year-old girl who goes directly from her volleyball tournament on Saturday morning to her soccer game on Saturday afternoon may sustain an injury purely as a result of being overly tired. What are the most common football injuries you see? Sprains, strains, and fractures are the most common. The knee is the body part most often injured in high school football (20%). When do you start seeing kids having concussions from football?
• Huge Slides • Obstacle Course • Gigantic Moonwalks • Sports Challenge • Inflatable Rock Wall • Private Party Rooms • Weekday Open Jump
TEEN NIGHT EVERY FRIDAY
Ages 11-15 / 8pm - 11pm Cost is $10, $5 extra for pizza / drink
Fun for the Kids, No Mess for Moms Call us for daycare, church and fundraising specials.
$2.00 OFF Open Jump Must present coupon, only good for one use
Special Offer $25.00 OFF Town Party Package Reservation
$50 non-refundable deposit required for all reservations Park
30
★
15th St. Plano Pkwy.
Custer
3045 W. 15th St. Plano, TX 75075
Coit
972-867-JUMP(5867)
Independence
www.thejumptown.com
N
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Kids and teens are more susceptible to concussion/traumatic brain injury than adults. We can start seeing kids with concussions as soon as they start playing football! Remember that even if a player does not loose consciousness, if symptoms (dizziness, nausea, confusion, balance problems, memory loss) are present, brain injury has occurred. Short of not playing football, are there preventative measures a player can take for the various common injuries (other than the general use of a mouth guard)? Yes. Properly fitting protective gear in good condition is critical but so are good coaching and medical supervision. Proper tackling and blocking techniques are essential to help prevent head and neck injuries. Keep in mind that reinjuries are common. Proper medical evaluation on and off the field can help prevent further and possibly more severe injuries. An important example of this is the evaluation of a player who sustains a blow to the head during a game. What may appear to just be a “bell ringer”, might in fact be a potentially serious concussion. Allowing that player back onto the field without proper evaluation could increase his risk for a second concussion, which could be deadly. SIS or “second impact syndrome” can be a fatal result of even a minor concussion occurring within 2 weeks of another concussion. What are the most common injuries you see in young basketball players? I would assume sprained ankles & knee injuries but anything else? What is the effect on young basketball players playing year round?
We are starting to hear more about cheerleader injuries. What are the most common injuries to cheerleaders and is there anything they can do to prevent those injuries?
Are basketball injuries discriminatory between boys & girls...are girls more susceptible to certain types more than boys or vice versa?
I’m glad you asked me that one! One of my daughters is a cheerleader and I think that underestimation of cheer as sport has contributed, in part, to its injury rate. Since Texas doesn’t recognize high school cheer as a sport, it is not regulated for safety in the same way as other sports like football or basketball. Also, reporting of those injuries is not mandated so it is difficult to have accurate statistics on the sport. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, 65% of all serious sports injuries among girls are from cheerleading. The most serious injuries include those to the head and spine and internal injuries (ruptured spleen, internal bleeding). More commonly I see strains, sprains, and fractures of ankles, arms, elbows, knees, and back. If your daughter is cheering, make sure that her coach is certified and well trained for his or her job. Check out the guidelines put out by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA).
In basketball, girls are more likely to injure their knees or sustain a head concussion than boys and boys are more likely to suffer a fracture or contusion/ bruise. Overall though, there are no statistically significant differences between boys and girls when it comes to total numbers of injuries in basketball or soccer. What can basketball players do to protect themselves from injury? Is there a relation to fatigue and ankle/knee injuries? As with any sport, warming up appropriately, staying in good condition, and following the rules can all help to avoid injury. With basketball, properly fitting shoes and ankle supports, when needed, can help reduce ankle strains and injuries. The recent injury data that we have for high school basketball (2006-2007 season) does not support theories that girls have more ankle injuries and that this could be because of fatigue compensation. What is the most common baseball injury you see? What is the age of the youngest pitcher you’ve seen who needed surgery on his arm from overuse? Little league elbow (medial elbow pain resulting from pitching from an immature skeleton) is very common in younger players but since my practice specializes in adolescents and young adults, I see mostly rotator cuff (shoulder) injuries in baseball players. I have a 12 year old in my practice who had surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear when he was 10 years old as a result of over-pitching. That’s young! He no longer plays baseball. When it comes to baseball, it’s important to note that the most serious injuries result from direct contact with the ball or bat, usually to the head, chest or eye. Protective gear should be worn at all times, even during practice.
What part do fatigue and conditioning play in preventing injuries to kids? Certainly, the most conditioned athletes are also susceptible to knee injuries or broken wrists, elbows, arms, etc. right? It is absolutely true that athletes in top condition are less likely to be injured than those who are not in good condition. This is the reason I see a peak in sports injuries in my office in August. Kids who have taken it easy all summer hit preseason practice along side teammates who stayed in shape over the summer with summer practice and sports camps. Those who haven’t maintained good conditioning are more likely to suffer injury, especially strains, sprains, and fractures. Of course, you can have problems with the other end of that spectrum, too. Kids who have played a sport year-round (cross-country running and cheer come to mind) can really suffer from overuse injuries. These athletes may suffer fatigue and their skills may be compromised, resulting in potential injury.
@=@C:?8 @?E6DE
Brought to you by:
Enter by October 31 and Win Free Ice Skating Lessons
and
Contest Rules/Prizes 1. Grand Prize Winner: Wins 1 Free Semester of ICE skating lessons 2. 6 Runners-up Win Free Public Skating passes for up to 4 Family members. Includes skate rental. (1 winner per DrPepper StarCenter location: Frisco, Euless, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Plano, PSA-North Plano) 3. Entries may be dropped off at any DrPepper StarCenter location or mailed to: 4020 West Plano Parkway Plano, TX 75093. All entries will be entered into Grand Prize drawing.
www.drpepperstarcenter.com
Visit www.drpepperstarcenter.com for the location nearest you. You may also print copies of this entry on the DrPepper StarCenter website or on www.NorthTexasKids.com.
©Copyright 2007 Ice Skating Institute
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
31
Sports Scoop
The most common basketball injury is a sprained ankle. It accounts for almost ½ of all basketball injuries. The knee is the second most likely body part injured in basketball.
Sports & Fitness Programs
Now Registering for Winter Basketball! Grades K-6 Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 9 Grades 7-12 Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 16 SVAA also offers Tackle Football, Flag Football, Baseball, Volleyball, & Softball
Call SVAA for more information. 972-238-9728
Aqua - Fit Swim & Wellness Center Register Now for Fall Classes 214-257-7637 •Learn to Swim…Children & Adult •Swim Team Skill Training •Aquatic Fitness, Arthritis & Disease Mgmt. Classes •Adaptive & Special Need Classes •Home School Programs •Birthday Parties and Pool Rental •Discount for Siblings
Hey Batta Batta...
www.aquafitplano.com
Advertise your Sports & Fitness program here! Call us for details!
972-516-9070
www.NorthTexasKids.com
32
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Why Physical Fitness Matters by Mike Kravik
@^ Y d `^ c Zi ^ X h 7^gi]YVn EVgi^Zh
2 Hours of fun-filled fitness & games
Give your child the gift of fitness.
Allow us to plan your next birthday party. Perfect for ages 2 to 12.
We come to you!
(Your home, park or rented facility)
Reserve your party date at: Phone/Fax: 214-484-4734 KidokineticsDallas@kidokinetics.com www.Kidokinetics.com
“Parents want to know when your registration deadline is. Let us get the word out for you.”
www.NorthTexasKids.com
Raising a child properly requires parents who not only instill proper values but also demonstrate why those values are so important. One of the most critical layers of a child’s foundation of values that a parent can show their kids is an ingrained importance of physical fitness. If physical fitness is not a priority in your household, you are doing yourself and your child a disservice. The not so big secret of physical fitness is not whether it is track, basketball, soccer, or what ever sport gets your motor running, but that it makes you feel better both physically and spiritually. People who have made physical fitness a priority in their lives feel a void on those days that they don’t get to work out. Kidokinetics, a new North Texas business, is a sports fitness program for children ages 2 through 10 and is structured to promote a fun and non-competitive atmosphere. Simply put, Kidokinetics doesn’t have scoreboards. Learning to deal with losing is a lesson for another day taught by another teacher. The goals of Kidokinetics are for their participants to develop coordination, self confidence and a lifelong love of physical fitness. Kidokinetics works with local elementary schools, churches and day care centers that need to outsource physical fitness. One of the reasons Kidokinetics is so easy to work with is because their coaches conduct their sessions where the kids already are. One Friday afternoon in September I happened to catch one of these sessions. The coach this day was TCU graduate Berkeley Robin, who recently received a kinesiology / physical education degree. Participants for this session were seven different kids, varying in ages from 2 to 4 years old. A couple of kids had just awakened from naps and were just coming out of the clouds while the rest of the class was beaming with anticipation because they know this isn’t “the same ole, same ole” and they are about to have some fun. The children who participate in Kidokinetics get to play multiple sports. Basketball, kickball, volleyball, golf, soccer, track and field, tennis, badminton and t-ball are all a part of the Kidokinetics sports potpourri. Although this particular session is being held in the activity room of a church, we are still in Texas and it’s September which means football is still king. An idle office worker from the church happens to walk by the class and one of the little girls puffs up her chest and brags “We’re getting ready to play some football!” After Robin leads the kids through a warm-up session everybody lines up against a wall and stands on individually colored spots. Robin directs the kids to run with and kick the football. One of the drills requires the kids to throw the football in front of them and then go sit on it which immediately draws giggles from everybody. Robin explains her success, “The main thing I do is to make sure nobody is just standing around and that everybody keeps moving. I always try to keep a high tempo atmosphere.” The tour de force of the session is when Robin brings out everybody’s favorite, the obstacle course. A room already filled with energy swells with more enthusiasm. One of the little girls tells Robin that she is sad because her shoes no longer light up when she runs. Robin says that’s okay and reassures her, “You’re still cool.” The Dallas Kidokinetics franchise is owned and managed by Scott Bradley. Additional information and full program offerings (including birthdays) can be obtained at www.kidokinetics.com, by calling Scott at 214-484-4734 or by emailing him at scott@kidokinetics.com. North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
33
Summer Camp
The Carrollton location of Young Chefs recently closed it’s doors for good. The owner thanks all of you for your patronage. Kindercooks@yahoo.com
One Great Place, Two Amazing Events! Pan American Festival A Cultural, Education & Health Fair
October 11, 2008 10 AM – 4 PM FREE Admission Ethnic Food Vendors Children’s games and activities Music & Entertainment See full schedule online at: www.orlc.org/paf2008/paf.htm
Slime Time
Halloween Alternative Friday, October 31st, 6pm-8pm FREE Admission Photo Booth s Games Face painting s Prizes Tons of Treats s Puppets Professor Gizmo s Atomic Café s Parents Lab Lounge
Come Join Us In October Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 2505 W. Northgate Irving, TX 75062 972.255.0595 www.orlc.org
34
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
NTK Calendar of Events
Looking for Something to Do in Your Own Backyard or Around the Metroplex? You Will Find it Here! Find these events and more online at www.northtexaskids.com.
October
1 Wednesday
Dallas State Fair of Texas - The State Fair Auto Show, livestock shows, a dancing dogs revue, cooking contests, music stages, and college football add up to a premium entertainment package for the 24-day exposition. Fair Park. www.bigtex.com Dallas LILLY’S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE - She’s back! Make way for Lilly - the feisty, irrepressible, impulsive “queen of everything”. This spunky mouse-girl absolutely loves school until her teacher confiscates her purple plastic purse and its very important contents. Lilly’s amazing exploits become life lessons learned with plenty of fun and laughs along the way. Baker Theater/ Rosewood Center. Most enjoyed by ALL AGES www.dct.org Dallas Hand in Hand - Wed Oct 1 10:00 AM: Hand in Hand A children’s program that takes place each Wednesday morning from 10-11:30 am during the school year. Preschoolers and their adult companions can explore, imagine and discover together - hear a story, get your wiggles out to music, create theme-related crafts and enjoy fun activities. www.natureandscience.org Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series Wed Oct 1 10:30 AM: This fun, hands-on activity program for pre-schoolers takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 10:30 am. www.northparkcenter.com Gainesville Frank Buck Zoo Stroller Safari - Wed Oct 1 10:00 AM: For adults with infants, toddlers, and PreK children who are excited about animals and nature and who want to learn more about Frank Buck Zoo’s animal family. For more information contact (940)668-4533.
Grapevine Rainforest Cafe Family Nights - Wed Oct 1 5:00 PM: Rainforest Cafe is hosting Family Nights every Wednesday night. Enjoy a WILD night of family fun in the jungle! Family Night includes activities like face painting and balloon animals. Receive discounts on Kid’s meals and hand out with Cha! Cha!, our very own red-eyes tree frog. It’s an adventure for the whole family! www. rainforestcafe.com 972-539-5001 McKinney Dinosaurs Alive! - Life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs at the Heard. Due to popular demand, these 12 life-size animatronic dinosaurs are coming back from total extinction just for your family to experience and enjoy! Watch our website for updates at www.heardmuseum.org Plano Clothing Drive! We have set aside the October 1st to 15th, for your friends and family members who have not been patients before to receive all first day services. The only things we ask is that you bring in a new or good condition coat. These coats will be given to The Giving Movement and Minnie’s Food Pantry. Please schedule your appointments ahead of time by giving us a call at 214-862-5581. Dr. Amy Wood & Dr. Matt Wood located at the Wellness Solutions Chiropratic 2301 West Parker Rd. Southlake 60 Day Fall Fitness Challenge at Velocity Sports. Wed Oct 1 Complete nutritional guidance-let us show you how to make correct eating choices for your life. Several at home or travel workout programs you can follow. www.velocitysp.com/ southlake/adult_fitness_challenge Plano Babywearing Class - Wed Oct 1 3:00 PM: Instruction in how to use several different baby carriers. Focuses on comfort for the mom & proper support for the baby. You will have the opportunity to try on various baby slings.FREE. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano
Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint. com or by calling 214-623-5080.
Plano Taking Control of your Child’s Educational Journey - Wed Oct 1 6:30 PM: Parents of PISD students in Grades preK-12 are invited to Williams High School to hear dynamic consultants Darlene V. Willis, Ph.D and Martha Parham give parents important information to make educational decisions that will ensure positive experiences for their students. Location is at Williams High School, 1717 17th St. Plano 75074. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristin Anderson, Kristin.Anderson@pisd.edu
2 Thursday Dallas Leonardo’s Workshop - Thu Oct 2 2:00 PM: Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2-4 pm a museum educator will be on hand to assist you in the Children’s Museum galleries. You can explore your creativeness or build science readiness through fun innovative activities. www.natureandscience.org Irving JumpstART - Stories & ART - Thu Oct 2 10:00 AM: 3333 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75062, FREE, Box Office: (972)252.ARTS. FREE family story time with a hands-on art activity to follow. Open to children of all ages. Groups of 15 or more must pre-register - contact Jennifer to pre-register at (972) 252-7558 x1226.Thursday, February 7: Chinese New Year Richardson Infant Potty Training Workshop - Thu Oct 2 5:30 PM: 5:30 p.m. and every first Thursday of the month. Elimination Communication is a natural approach to responding to your baby’s elimination needs. FREE. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080. Wylie Moms & More Monthly Meeting - Thu Oct 2 10:00 AM: Moms & More offers support and activities for parents and kids in Wylie and the surrounding communities. Please call for more info: 469-361-6468. www.wyliemomsandmore.org
3 Friday Flower Mound & Highland Village Excite! Friday & Saturday Nights Out - Fri Oct 3 6:00 PM: Open gym play, inflatables, trampoline, foam pit, games, and pizza dinner. Ages 3 - 11.Fridays at Excite! Flower Mound 972.874.9663 for reservations. Saturdays at Excite! Highland VIllage 972.874.8500 for reservations. $18 Excite! members / $20 non-member. www.excitegymandcheer.com Southlake Oktoberfest - Fri Oct 3- Sun Oct 5 Come take a stroll in Southlake’s beautiful Town Square while looking at the unique, handcrafted arts and crafts booths. Great food, and live entertainment are also at your fingertips during this fun-filled event. The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children’s area! www. southlakechamber.com
4 Saturday Colleyville Canton in the City - Sat Oct 4 Holiday Gift Market. Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk Drive, Colleyville, TX. Shopping Hours (all shows). Saturdays 10-5 / Sunday 10-4. Admission: Adults $5 / JH & HS Students $1. Children to
age 11 admitted Free / Parking is Free! www. cantoninthecity.com
Dallas SPCA Grief Counseling Group - Sat Oct 4 1:00 PM: The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Free and open to the public. SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, conference room. www.spca. org (214) 742-SPCA Dallas Dallas Public Library Children’s Activity Series - Sat Oct 4 2:00 PM: This fun, hands-on activity program for elementary school age children takes place in NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s at 2:00 pm. www.northparkcenter.com Plano Plano International Festival - Sat Oct 4 11:00 AM: Haggard Park, Plano. Experience Plano’s rich cultural diversity at this free, family friendly event. A Parade of Nations and naturalization ceremony kick off the festivities. Then local cultural groups share their music and dance traditions through continuous onstage performances. Cultural booths, a wide array of hands-on children’s activities, an international food court and more round out the fun. Free parking and admission. Come tour the world in downtown Plano! www.planointernationalfestival.org Plano Prenatal Yoga - Sat Oct 4 9:00 AM: Prenatal Yoga Saturdays at 9 a.m.Cost: $60 for 6 weeks Postnatal Yoga Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.Cost: $60 for 6 weeks. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080. Plano Heritage Farmstead Museum’s Harvest Festival - Sun Oct 5 1:00 PM: The Annual Harvest Festival and Craft Fair. Turn-of-the-century games and children’s crafts Mule pulled wagon rides, Arts and crafts vendors and much more. Cost: $8.00 adults, $5.00 children and seniors, 4 years and under free. Heritage Farmstead Museum 1900 West 15th Street Plano www.heritagefarmstead.org 972-881-0140. Stonebriar - Frisco Centennial Medical hosts First Saturday Q&A Sat Oct 4 12:00 PM: The first Saturday of every month, professionals from Centennial Medical Center will present a free question and answer session at Stonebriar Centre. All Q&As are at no charge and will be held on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing, near the Healthy Hometown Play Area, which is sponsored in the shopping center by Centennial Medical Center. www.centennialmedicalcenter.com Southlake City of Southlake Harvest Fest Carnival! - Sat Oct 4 2:00 PM: Join the City of Southlake Parks & Recreation Department for our annual Harvest Fest & Carnival. There will be games, prizes, entertainment & lots of fun. Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve. www.cityofsouthlake.com Southlake Parents Night Out - Sat Oct 4 6:30 PM: FIT FOR KIDS! Boys and Girls Ages 6-12 are invited to Velocity Sports Performance in Southlake for 5+ hours of Games, PG Movies, Pizza, Drinks and more! Safe and Adult Supervised in our 16,000 square foot athletic training facility. The fun begins at 6:30pm and pick up is by Midnight. Call today and reserve you spot; space is limited. 817-416-0606. www.velocitysp.com/southlake
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
35
Wylie WUMC Fall Fest - Sat Oct 4 Free, fun Fall event for the whole family! There will be vendors on hand with a variety gifts! Bounce houses and food! Come celebrate the Fall! www.wylieumc.org
5 Sunday Dallas Campaign 2008: Get Elected! - Sun Oct 5 12:00 PM: Families with kids ages 5-14 can create their own presidential campaign materials, play trivia games and learn about the Kennedy-Nixon race for the White House. Scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. on the museum’s seventh floor, Get Elected! includes prize drawings and a voter registration drive held by the League of Women Voters. Parents with valid voter registration cards receive a $2 discount on admission. www.jfk.org/ jfk@jfk.org Southlake “Reel” Fun - Sun Oct 5 1:00 PM: Come cast your line at our fishin’ hole! Join the City of Southlake and the Texas Junior Anglers for an afternoon of fishing. All participants will receive a bag of goodies, with trophies being awarded for the two largest fish caught in each age group. Bob Jones Park Fishing Pier. www.cityofsouthlake.com The Colony Bow-Wow Pow-Wow - Sat Oct 4 10:00 AM: Join us for all kinds of crazy activities... Doggie Parade and Fashion Show, Silent Auction, Doggie Stupid Trick Contest, Dog Park ...and much, much more! Presented by The Colony Parks & Recreation Department and Animal Control Center, 5900 Carroll Dr., The Colony, TX 75056 www.ci.the-colony.tx.us
7 Tuesday Dallas Organic in the City - Tue Oct 7 6:00 PM: Organic in the City is an urban environmental education and entertainment series at Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. To register, call (214) 428-7476 ext. 23 or visit
www.texasdiscoverygardens.org.First Tuesday of the month. Cost: $10 per person; $8 for members
Plano Babywearing Class - Tue Oct 7 10:00 AM: Instruction in how to use several different baby carriers. Focuses on comfort for the mom & proper support for the baby. You will have the opportunity to try on various baby slings. FREE. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080. Lewisville Barnes & Noble weekly event for Spanish speaking toddlers and preschoolers - Tue Oct 7 4:00 PM: Tuesdays at 4 pm. Please join us for a new weekly event, especially for Spanish speaking toddlers and preschoolers. We’ll read a book, have a snack and make a simple craft all in Spanish. Located at 2325 South Stemmons Frwy Lewisville 75067 (North West corner area at Central & Round Grove Rd) 972-315-7966 Richardson Prepared Child Birth - Tuesdays at 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. starting October 7 - 28 Topics include: Late pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum and newborn characteristics. Common hospital routines, medications, and labor management are discussed in depth.Cost: $90 Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080.
10 Friday Carrollton Carrollton Early Childhood PTA Meeting - Fri Oct 10 9:30 AM: Guest Speaker Tina Sasser presents “Early Childhood Intervention: Recognizing Warning Signs and Developmental Delays.” This event is free, and open to parents/caregivers of babies-preschool age children in Carrollton AND the surrounding community. Child-
care is available for a nominal fee.9:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at Holy Covenant Church, 1901 E. Peters Colony in Carrollton www.cecpta.org
Dallas Three Sisters Consignment Sale - Fri Oct 10 Three Sisters Consignments’ annual fall sale (located at Lake Highlands Baptist Church, 642 Brookhurst Drive, Dallas, 75218) offers gently worn, quality children’s name brand clothing at a fraction of retail prices - from BabyGap to Janie & Jack, and everything in between and beyond. Also, choose from name brand shoes, toys, furniture, baby equipment and more. Let’s not forget Halloween costumes! www.threesistersconsignments.com Lewisville Glinda & the Land of Oz - Fri Oct 10 Taken from the first and last sequels to The Wizards of Oz by Frank Baum, this musical adaptation tells the story of Glinda the Good and the Land of Oz that she rules. 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday Nights, Matinees 2:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. Crawford Center for the Arts, 1720 S Edmonds Lewisville. Kids under 10 - $7
11 Saturday Carrollton 10th Annual Nature Fest - Sat Oct 11 11:00 AM: FREE! Elm Fork Nature Preserve, Inside McInnish Sports Complex off Sandy Lake Road , 1 mile west of IH-35E. The Elm Fork Nature Preserve hosts the Elm Fork Nature Fest with environmental exhibits, a rock climbing wall, animal shows, guided hikes, kayaking, food and a variety of exciting and educational activities for all ages. No pets are allowed at this event due to the sensitivity of the site. Dallas 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars - Sat Oct 11 5:00 PM: The Tour of Gymnastics Superstars offers fans a unique opportunity to see some of their favorite gymnasts perform live. www.americanairlinescenter.com
Flower Mound Otaku Kyokai No Flower Mound (Teen Anime Club) - Sat Oct 11 1:00 PM: (Monthly at 1pm on the second Saturday). Flower Mound Public Library Frisco Mother Son Dance - Sat Oct 11 5:30 PM: Mom’s this is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with the little gentleman in your life. The theme of the dance is “Around the World”. Wakeland High School 10700 Legacy Drive. Tickets are $12 for each person and may be purchased online at www.FriscoFun.org, or in person at the Frisco Athletic Center. Garland Payton’s Texas Hope & Hearts Run - Sat Oct 11 7:30 AM: 5K/100yd. Audubon Park, Duck Creek Trail, 3242 W. Oates, Garland, TX, 817-271-3510 hopeandheartsrun.org/texas/ Highland Village Girl Scout Try-It Event at Excite! - Sat Oct 11 6:00 PM: Brownies come for an evening of fun and earn three Try-Its working with Excite! dance instructors and coaches. Session is 6 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. and includes MyBody, Dancercise, and GirlSports Try-Its, plus, pizza! For more info. and to register email events@excitegym.com or call 972.874.8500. McKinney Second Saturdays - Sat Oct 11 7:00 PM: “Second Saturdays” is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food where featured artists debut their latest creations. Once you experience the energy of these evenings, we are certain “Second Saturdays” will become a regular event on your social calendar. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. For further information call 972.547.2660 or visit www. downtownmckinney.com Plano Free Archaeological Fair in Plano - Sat Oct 11 9:00 AM: Bob Woodruff Park in Plano. There are
FREE ESTIMATES
Mention this ad for a 1st time discount on any of our services.
Look on our website for more great coupons for residential and commercial services. www.alljanitorial.net
Let us give you the GIFT of time. Residential, Commercial, Industrial & Construction Cleanup * Insured & Bonded * Private Residences * Apartments & Condos * Office Cleaning - Large or Small * Nursing Homes
* Restaurants * Schools * Malls * Churches
* Any Type of Construction Cleanup * Floor Stripping, Waxing, and Carpet Cleaning * Day Porter Services * Construction Laborers
NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL. WE DO IT ALL. JUST ONE CALL AWAY!
972-516-9550 900 Ave. K, Ste. 150, Plano, TX 75074
References Provided Upon Request 36
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Member: BBB, Plano Frisco & Dallas Chambers of Commerce
Minority/Women Owned Business
Hands on Excavations (reservation needed), Native American Drummers & Dancers, Sandbox for small children, Flintknapping demonstration, Grind corn and Mano and Metate, Storytellers, use a pumpdrill, pottery demonstration, pottery design transfer, rock painting, Petroglyph site, Pictograph wall and more! Contact Information: Excavation units are limited, for reservations contact Michelle Wurtz at 972.423.5480 (M-F, 9-4) or mwurtz@geo-marine.com. FREE
Plano Downtown @ Sundown - Sat Oct 11 5:30 PM: All of North Texas is invited to come see what downtown Plano is all about during this exciting evening of food, entertainment and shopping! The Downtown @ Sundown Series is a fun-filled mixture of live music, an Art Walk, a vendor marketplace, and many shops and restaurants... which will all be open late to accommodate shoppers and diners. Historic Downtown Plano, 15th Street, between K Avenue and J Place. For more information call 972-941-5260 or check out www.visitdowntownplano.com Southlake Suite Escape Salons Grand Opening - Sat Oct 11 4:00 PM: COME, RELAX & ENJOY! Champagne & Wine along with Hors’dourves. Raffles & Door Prizes PLUS complementary mini-services! 2717 E. Southlake Blvd Suite #160, Southlake, TX 76092, 817-442-9494 suitescape@aol.com Southlake Southlake Saturday Nite - Sat Oct 11 7:00 PM: Calling all 4th, 5th & 6th graders for a night of fun! There is a live D.J., dancing, various inflatables & contests & 4 on 4 basketball. Concession items are available for purchase and everything is under $2. A uniformed DPS officer is on site to ensure a safe environment. Pre-registration and a fee of eight dollars is required. Durham Elementary/Intermediate School. www.southlake.com
12 Sunday Irving Quilting Demonstrations, Family Funday & Art in the Garden - Sun Oct 12 2:00 PM: Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving 75062 Presented by Irving Arts Center - Create a hands-on project with a quilting theme, browse the Sculpture Garden for original art and watch as members of the Irving Quilt Guild demonstrate various quilting techniques. Free.
13 Monday Various Registration starts for PRE WINTER Semester of Ice Skating Classes - Mon Oct 13 Semester runs October 20 - December 20. Classes offered for ages 3 - adult, all levels of classes available. 9 week semester of ice skating classes. www.drpepperstarcenter.com 6 locations in the metroplex to choose from!
14 Tuesday Southlake Youth Baseball/Softball Performance Prep Camp - Tue Oct 14 With the help of our professionally certified and degree coaches, you will experience accelerated gains in speed, power, agility, core stability, balance and movement. The Baseball & Softball Performance Camp is open to athletes ages 8 - 13 years old. www.velocitysp.com/southlake/fallwinter_camps_ Plano Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano - Tue Oct 14 9:30 AM: Join us at one of our regular program meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. There’s always an interesting speaker, and you’ll meet a lot of fun women! Please join us at SMUin-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Look for our signs! (West of Preston Road on the SE Corner of Tennyson & Democracy) www.newcomerfriends.org
16 Thursday Plano Dr. Charles Fay Presents a Day of Love and Logic - Thu Oct 16 8:30 AM: Join Dr. Charles Fay to learn how to get students to behave so you can teach and they can learn! Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring
Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75074, 972-422-0296. Cost: $99. To register or for more information, call 800-338-4065 or visit www.loveandlogic.com
Richardson Baby Sign Language - Thu Oct 16 7:00 PM: Thursdays at 7 p.m. starting October 16 (8 week session, 300 signs) Cost: $80 per person or $120/ couple Or Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. (2-hour workshop, 60 signs) Cost: $40 per person or $60 per couple. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080.
17 Friday
hours of games, arts and crafts, and lots of surprises in a well supervised environment. Pizza, juice boxes, and a special treat will be provided. Parents are not required to attend. Children will be supervised in a 1:5 ratio. Pre-registration is required.Location: Durham Elementary/Intermediate School. www.southlake.com
20 Monday Plano Traffic Light Eating Class - Mon Oct 20 7:30 PM: Confused about what to feed your family? Traffic Light Eating will help you on the road to better health. Free to attendants. Located at the Plano Station 1012 -16th St. - Ste.105, Plano 75074 Rsvp to Geri Moran: 972-337-0164
Frisco Lone Star Storytelling Festival - Fri Oct 17 Hear four award-winning storytellers spin yarns of intrigue and captivate the audience with fables from ancient cultures, hilarious chronicles of childhood misadventures, rollicking anecdotes, and toe-tapping tunes. In addition to story concerts, you’ll experience puppet shows, music, and folk arts and crafts. The festival is fun for all ages. Simpson Plaza at City Hall, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.
22 Wednesday
Irving Pinkalicious, the Musical - Fri Oct 17 9:30 AM: Carpenter Performance Hall, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving 75062. Presented by Irving Arts Center - Pinkalicious appears live onstage in a musical rendition of the beloved book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. Poor Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, despite warnings from her parents about Pinktitis, an affliction that turns children pink from head to toe. But, when Pinkalicious turns more red than pink, only she can figure one way out of her colorful predicament. $8, $6 groups, $2 lap child under 2, (972) 252-ARTS (2787) for tickets. www. irvingartscenter.com
Garland ‘For Whom the Tinkerbell Tolls’ - Thu Oct 23 Plaza Theatre. Snooks Beacon thinks his afterlife is taking a turn for the better when he finds an abandoned theatre to haunt. ‘A HAUNTINGLY GOOD SHOW!’ Tickets are $10 Adults, $9 Seniors 55+, $8 Students and Children and available at 972-412-1927 or www.corptheatre.com. Oct. 23-25 at 7:30pm, Oct. 26 at 2pm
18 Saturday Irving Valley Ranch Pumpkin Dash - Sat Oct 18 7:30 AM: Join us for one of the Metroplex’s most popular family events held in the heart of Valley Ranch. Race proceeds benefit The Salvation Army. Cimarron Park and Recreation Center, 201 Red River Trail, Irving, Texas 8:00 a.m. - Start 1K Fun Run, 8:15 a.m. - Start 5K. Pet Costume Contest, Kids and Adults Halloween Costume Contests, Kids Gaming Area, Pumpkin Patch Photo Area-$1 fee McKinney Round-Up on the Range - Sat Oct 18 This oneday event captures the Old West traditions with chuckwagon cooking, music, animals, Western horse training and many more authentic cowboy activities. Slip on your boots, lasso up the kids, load the wagon and head the horses to Myers Park. Admission: $5.00 per person. Ages 3 and under free! Includes free parking. $15 for chuckwagon lunch.Myers Park & Event Center,7117 County Road 166 McKinney,TX. 75071 Mesquite Cowboys and Kids 5K - Sat Oct 18 8:00 AM: Join us for our second annual Cowboys and Kids 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Run! The event starts and ends at Resistol Arena in Mesquite. afterwards, don’t miss the post-race festivities, which will include great activities and fun for kids. Supporting the Teachers and Students of Mesquite ISD! www.cowboysandkidsrun.com Plano Baby Sign Language - Sat Oct 18 2:00 PM: Thursdays at 7 p.m. starting October 16 (8 week session, 300 signs) Cost: $80 per person or $120/ couple Or Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. (2-hour workshop, 60 signs) Cost: $40 per person or $60 per couple. Peppermint Baby Boutique is located at 1778 N. Plano Rd., Suite 100 in Richardson, 75081. Registration information can be found at www.peppermint.com or by calling 214-623-5080. Southlake Spooktacular - Sat Oct 18 10:00 AM: Join us for tons of holiday fun! Children will enjoy four
Frisco Pottery Barn Kids Fall Sing-Along - Wed Oct 22 10:00 AM: Come sing, dance and play along with some of the best performers in children’s entertainment. The Fall Sing-Along will take place on Wednesday, October 22 at 10am and 11am at Pottery Barn Kids. Stonebriar Mall. www.shopstonebriar.com
23 Thursday
24 Friday Frisco Fall Festival at Frisco Fire Safety Town - Fri Oct 24 6:00 PM: Join us for the second year of this new Frisco family favorite. Children ages tots to fifth graders are welcome to come in costume and safely trick-or-treat through the miniature town. FFST sponsors will be handing out candy and other goodies. The resident fire clowns will be sharing safety tips, and kids can get a closer look at real fire and emergency vehicles, including an actual fire truck cut down to kid size. 8601 Gary Burns Dr. (next to Central Fire Station), Ages: tots to fifth graders. FREE! Gainesville Frank Buck Zoo -Community Pumpkin Decorating - Fri Oct 24 7:00 PM: We provide the pumpkins (while they last) & decorating supplies, your family supplies their creativity and talent. We’ll also provide some yummy snacks for our decorators. Pumpkins will be displayed in the zoo during Zoo Boo the following night. Pumpkins are property of the zoo. For more information contact (940)668-4533.
25 Saturday Dallas Fall Art Thinker’s Day - Sat Oct 25 11:00 AM: Parents, children, families, and friends – you are invited to have an Aha! – a bright, new idea at Dallas Contemporary during our Fall Art Thinker’s Day. Activities for Saturday, October 25: Sculpture Sessions – 3-D design and sculpture using textiles and soft materials á la Joseph Havel, Wildstrokes – kids painting workshop featuring design and pattern concepts, Narrative Portraits – kids can create a narrative collage using self - portraits, bring a picture of have one taken. 2801 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75204 214.821.2522 www.dallascontemporary.net
open to the public. www.northparkcenter.com
Gainesville Frank Buck Zoo - Zoo Boo - Sat Oct 25 6:00 PM: Join us for this non-scary, family friendly, Halloween celebration! Dress up and bring you treat bag. Meet costume characters, visit treat stations, play carnival games and more. Tickets $8 for adults (12 & up) $6 for children. Advanced tickets available starting at 10am Oct. 25. For more information contact (940)668-4533. Grapevine Canton in the City - Sat Oct 25 Welcome to the 6th annual CANTON IN THE CITY “Holiday Gift Market”. At the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 South Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051 972-471-0601. Shopping Hours (all shows). Saturdays 10-5 / Sunday 10-4. Admission: Adults $5 / JH & HS Students $1. Children to age 11 admitted Free / Parking is Free! www. cantoninthecity.com Highland Village Creepy Crawly Carnival at Excite! - Sat Oct 25 6:00 PM: Costume contest, carnival games, trickor-treating (inside the gym), inflatables, train rides, maze, gym play and pizza dinner! Ages 3 - 11. Call 972.874.8500 to reserve your spot! $25 Excite! Members / $28 Non-Members. McKinney McKinney Youth Theatre MYT Annual Gala Fundraiser - Sat Oct 25 Live entertainment as the children/youth of MYT perform song and dance routines from their fall Back to Broadway performance. Silent auction items, raffle items, great food and lots of great desserts! Proceeds will go to scholarships for theatre education for children/teens of Collin County. www.geocities. com/mytgala/ Pilot Point Sharkarosa Fall Festival - Sat Oct 25 10:00 AM: Pics with Critters! Costume Parade! Hay Maze! Safari Rides and more! $8 per person, 2 & under are free. 10am to 5pm. www.sharkarosa.com Plano STAR WARS Fan Days II - Saturday, October 25th from 11am to 6pm. Sunday, October 26th, from 12noon to 5pm. Comics, Toys, Cards, Artists, Collectibles, Celebrities and more. Admission: TBD. For more information call Ben Stevens 972-420-8639 or visit www.scifiexpo.com Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Spring Creek & Jupiter Roads Richardson Huffhines Art Trails - Sat Oct 25 Huffhines Art Trails features close to 200 artists and craftsmen! There is an adventurous scavenger hunt, a Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and our hay bale maze! The show is located in Huffhines Park at the corner of Plano Road and Apollo Road. www.huffhinesarttrails.com
26 Sunday - Daylight Savings Addison Girls In Motion 2nd Annual Trick or Treat Triathlon - Sun Oct 26 7:00 AM: The 2nd Annual Trick or Treat Triathlon is a kids Triathlon open to boys and girls between the ages of 7-10 and 11-14. It will be held at Greenhill School (4141 Spring Valley Rd. Addison, TX 75001) from 7am-10am on October 26. www.playtri.com/tricktreat_race.php
Dallas Halloween Spooktacular at NorthPark Center Sat Oct 25 12:00 PM: Tricks, treats and plenty of festive fun await at NorthPark Center’s Halloween Spooktacular, a free holiday event for the whole family. Arts, crafts, musical performances and special surprises. Dallas musician Eddie Coker will emcee and perform throughout the afternoon, while face painters, magicians, jugglers, balloon artists and more come together for a ghostly good time. All activities are FREE and North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
37
28 Tuesday Irving HerWorld - Tue Oct 28 8:30 AM: Dupree Theater, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving 75062 Presented by DeVry University - Seminar for female high school students interested in learning the more about careers in technology and business. Contact Ayesha Hawkins at ahawkins@devry.edu to register. Free.
29 Wednesday Richardson Fall Fest - Wed Oct 29 6:00 PM: Our church family invites you and your family to come out and join us for an evening of family-friendly fun. There will be lots of fun, games, and, of course, candy! We look forward to seeing you there! Richardson Church of the Nazarene, 2101 E. Renner Rd. Richardson, TX 75082, 214.570.5600 www.yourchurch.org
31 Friday - Halloween Plano Fall Festival - Fri Oct 31 5:30 PM: $5.00 per child ages 2 and up You provide the costume and we’ll provide the FUN! The activities will be outside and include a hay ride, obstacle course bounce house, rock climbing wall, pony rides, petting zoo, mini train rides, carnival games and LOTS of candy! We will also be selling gourmet popcorn and have our church Coffee Shop open as well. The Corners Church | 2400 St Hwy 121, Plano, TX 75025 | 972.867.3000 | www.thecornerschurch.com
Ongoing Fun Classes & Activities Carrollton AW Perry Homestead Museum 1509 N. Perry Rd 972-466-6380. Free Admission and Tours, Mon Sat 10 - 12 & 1 - 5.www.cityofcarrollton.com
Dallas Lakeshore has FREE crafts for kids on Saturdays. Located just north of the Galleria on Dallas Pkwy (13846 Dallas Pkwy) 972-934-8866 for more information. Dallas Dallas Arboretum. Mommy & Me Mondays 10am - 2pm. 10am - 2pm: Tiny Tots Tuesdays presented by Children’s Medical Center. http:// www.dallasarboretum.org Dallas Outstanding family entertainment is abundant at Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse. New Vaudevillians, Slappy & Monday, reach wider audiences in their newly improved and expanded Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse on the third level of the Galleria Dallas next to Nordstrom’s and Children’s Play Place. Continuing their mission of highquality, parent-friendly programs, the theatre offers a vibrant array of European-style puppet shows as well as a unique variety show brimming with the talents of world-class clowns and other circus artists, musicians and magicians. www.slappysplayhouse.com Flower Mound/Highland Village Friday - Flower Mound 6 - 10 pm Saturday Highland Village 6 - 10 pm Excite! holds parents night out so that your children can enjoy their evening with friends and activities. It’s the best deal for a sitter in town! Open Gym, foam pit, games, music and Pizza dinner. Visit www. excitegymandcheer.com or call 972-874-9663 Flower Mound 972-874-8500 Highland Village for more information and reservations (Ages 3 11) http://www.excitegymandcheer.com Frisco Moms Eat Free & Jersey Night. GattiTown. Mondays are Moms Eat Free (with the purchase of a kid’s buffet). Tuesday Nights are Jersey Nights (3pm-close). Kids, wear your practice or game jersey and receive a FREE $5.00 game card and a $5.00 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods (with the purchase of a buffet).www.gattitownfrisco.com
Frisco Wiggly Play Center weekdays 3:00pm - 5:00pm. Arts & Crafts Mondays, Storybook Tuesdays, Monster Mash Wednesdays, Dancing with Dorothy Thursdays, Wiggle with Wags Fridays. 4944 Preston Road, Suite 100 Frisco (469) 633-0676 www.wigglyplaycenter.com Highland Village Acting Classes for Kids. Studio B is offering a wide range of acting classes for ages 3 and up. 1 Nelson Parkway at 2400 FM 407 in Highland Village. 972-966-2787.www.studiobtheater.info Irving JumpSTART Stories and Art. The Irving Arts Center and Irving Public Library now offer FREE family storytimes at the Arts Center, the first Thursday of every month (through December) at 10 a.m. Stories are followed by a fun craft. ‘Seafaring Tales’ is the July theme. (972) 252-7558 x221 for more info. Lewisville Barnes & Noble story-time - Thu Oct 2 10:00 AM: Thursdays at 10 am. Please join us for storytime each week with a new featured story. Call 972-315-7966 or visit the 2325 South Stemmons Frwy Lewisville 75067 location for weekly titles. Bring your family and friends each week. Little Elm Wednesdays 10:15 - 10:45 & 11 - 11:30 am Toddler time (ages 1-3) & Storytime (ages 4-6) Bring your family for a special reading time in the Little Elm Library. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. www.littleelm.com Little Elm 2nd & 4th Thursdays 5:30 - 7:30 pm Chess Club for ages 7 to adult Do you enjoy playing chess and want to learn to play with a variety of people. Join us at the Little Elm Library and bring your friends. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http://www.littleelm.com Little Elm Saturdays 10:30-11 am Family Story Time for all ages Bring your family for a special reading time in the Little Elm Library. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http://www.littleelm.com Little Elm Saturdays 11-12 Chidren’s Film Festival Bring your family for a special time together at the Little Elm Library. Call the library for film titles each week. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http://www.littleelm.com Little Elm Saturdays 1 - 3 pm Saturday Movie Matinee Bring your family for a special time together at the Little Elm Library. Call the library for Movie titles each week. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. http://www.littleelm.com McKinney Second Saturdays Downtown McKinney. ‘Second Saturdays’ is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. From Hwy 75, exit 40A, head east on Louisiana Street for 1.5 miles. McKinney McKinney Farmers’ Market, Every Saturday 8AM - 1PM. Downtown McKinney at the southeast corner of Church Street & Louisiana Street. Locally grown produce, flowers, herbs, local honey, farm fresh eggs, chicken, turkey, beef and pork from grass-fed animals, a natural soap and lotion-maker and chair massages. For information on becoming a vendor call 214-850-0886 Plano Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Bounce U is hosting playdates for Preschoolers from 10am - 12pm, and 1pm-3pm Open Bounce Summer Sessions are being held at your local Bounce U. And Wednesdays from 5 - 7 pm is Family Bounce Night held each week at Bounce U.
38
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
Bounce U 972-422-3399 2532 Summit Ave., Suite #501, Plano http://www.bounceu.com
Princeton Groove Kids, Every Sun & Wed. Absolutely free to kids newborn thru 6th grade - Groove Kids is the place to be to have fun, hang out with Christian friends, enjoy Bible stories, cool music, and more! Every Sunday 10:45-12:00 and Wednesday 7-8 at Family Worship Center in Princeton, TX on Highway 380 @ Tickety Drive. (Call for directions 469.450.7437) http://www.groovekids.com Plano Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Parent Support Group. Meets every first Monday at Schimelpfenig Library 504 Custer Rd. in Plano. Meeting time: 6:30-7:30. No children allowed at the meeting. There will not be a September meeting due to the holiday. For more contact Alinda Ford at: parent_connections@verizon.net. www.spdnetwork.org/parentconnection/us.html Plano Mothers and Others. Meet the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 in the room 230 of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Activity Building. Call Trish Scogin 214-504-0640. Plano The Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW. Monthly meetings at the Davis Library, 7501 Independence Parkway, Plano the 2nd Monday of each month. Contact Carol at 972 862 3460 for more info. www.aauwplanocc.org Various. REGISTER TODAY for Kids First Ice Hockey Program. A totally FREE, get-acquainted program that offers boys and girls, ages 4-8, the opportunity to ‘try’ the game of hockey at NO CHARGE. The first week each player is given a full set of hockey equipment to use during the program. Kids will skate (4) 45 minute on ice sessions designed to introduce kids to the excitement of the sport. (214) GO SKATE http:// www.drpepperstarcenter.com Various Baylor Medical Centers provide ongoing classes in Irving, Frisco, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Classes include Baby Care Basics/Infant Safety and CPR, Prepared Childbirth Class, Infant/Child CPR, Car Seat Safety and SIDS Class, Breastfeeding Class, Sibling Class, Baby Care Basics, Cesarean Birth Class. 1-800-4-BAYLOR http:// www.baylorhealth.edu/
Support Groups Farmer’s Branch My Place - We have early intervention play & communication group classes on Mondays Thursdays (please contact us for times). North Texas Therapy & Associates (972) 385-0006. 14580 E. Beltwood Parkway; Farmers Branch 75244 http://www.northdallasspeech.com Allen MOMS CLUB OF SE ALLEN - Are you a SAHM? Need some support, come join this welcoming group and get acquainted with great MOMS! We offer Playgroups, MNO’s, Monthly meetings and load of activities for you and your child. http://www.allenmoms.com
Allen MOMS club of Allen - West. Fun group of stay at home moms offering support to each other and fun activities with our children. Weekly playgroups and events. Contact Michelle Suastegui at 214-383-3517 or email mailto:momsclub_allenwest@yahoo.com. Allen Allen Early Childhood PTA. Meet the second Friday of every month from 9:30am to 11am during the school year at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 821 S. Greenville Ave. information@aecpta.com http://www.aecpta.com Allen We are the MOMS Offering Moms Support Northeast Allen MOMS Club - Christy Youens at 469-675-6652 email mailto:momscluballenne@ yahoo.com
Arlington MOMS Club of North Central Arlington, TX -Are you a SAHM living in Arlington between I-30 and Pioneer Pkwy? We offer activities for moms, kids, and families. Join us and meet some great MOMS! mailto:support.mom@hotmail.com Carrollton The Carrollton Early Childhood PTA is an organization dedicated to providing activities, support, friendships and education for parents of children age newborn through preschool. Possibly the biggest reason for becoming involved is to meet, socialize and network with other parents in the Carrollton area. For more information about the Carrollton Early Childhood PTA please visit www.cecpta.org.
Collin County The Autism society of Collin County is an organization dedicated to providing support and resources to those families affected by Autism. Sign up for ASCC’s Group E-mail list: http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ascc2/join Visit www.autism-ascc.org or call 214-925-2722 for more information and meeting locations. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ascc2/join Collin County The Collin County Moms Meetup group is a fun, down-to-earth group of moms dedicated to friendship and support. Daily playdates, field trips, supper get-togethers, Mom’s Nights Out and family events too! Whether you work outside the home or stay at home with your kids, there’s something for you. http://moms.meetup.com/994/ Dallas Dallas Dyslexia Information Group (DDIG) provides information on Dyslexia, Learning Differences, and related topics. This group meets at The Winston School, 5707 Royal Lane in Dallas, 75229 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on the second Monday of the month except for December. For information regarding the monthly speaker, call Bob 214-351-1985 or visit . Dallas Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter boundaries are I-30 to the south, I-635 to the north (exception: Addison), Marsh Lane to the east, and Garland Road to the west. mailto:info@ momsclubofdallas.org Dallas/Plano/Frisco Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA (FNDECPTA) is dedicated to facilitating an educational and supportive network of parents of infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children. We are the only early childhood PTA (for families with children under age 6) in Plano ISD. Open to new members year-round and sponsors organized playgroups, mom’s night out, children’s activities, Bunko, holiday parties, special guest speakers and more. We meet in Room 133 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1401 Mira Vista Blvd. at Plano Parkway, and offer free childcare. http://www.fndecpta.txpta.org Denton The Denton Area Mothers of Multiples (DAMOM) is a support group located in North Texas for anyone who has, or is, expecting twins, triplets, quads or more! Our club’s vision is to provide support, encouragement, helpful information, listening ears, friendship, food and fun to all of our members who are “multi-blessed.” DAMOM meets on the 2nd DAMOM meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7pm 9pm at First Baptist Church of Denton, located at 1100 Malone Street Room 216. http://damoms. clubspaces.com/Default_css.aspx Frisco Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is a low-cost health clinic for uninsured children, 18 and younger, living in or attending school in Frisco, Celina or Prosper. The primary focus of Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic is to provide acute health care for uninsured children. The Clinic is held at Primera Bautista Iglesia each Wednesday (September - April) located at 8581 5th Street, in Frisco (corner of 5th and Ash). Appointment cards available at 5 PM. The doctor sees patients
beginning at 6 PM. Cost per child is $5 to see the doctor. Medications are available at no cost. Proof of residency (utility bill) or proof of school enrollment (report card) is required. http:// www.friscocares.org
Frisco Frisco Early Childhood PTA. Meet at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, 2nd friday of the month @ 10am. membership@friscoecpta.org. www.friscoecpta.org Frisco The Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems Inc. at 2611 Internet Pkwy, suite 107, Frisco. Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program for families with children, birth to 3, with disabilities and developmental delays. Call 972-377-7289. Garland Garland Area Early Childhood PTA. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month, September through May, from 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at NorthLake Baptist Church, 1501 N. Country Club, Garland. 972-412-8540. http://www.earlychildhoodpta.com Lewisville Greater Lewisville Mothers & More is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers through support, education, and advocacy. We’re basically a fun group of moms wanting to connect and form lasting friendships. Our chapter welcomes ALL Stay-At-Home & Working MOMS living in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Corinth, & many of the DFW surrounding areas. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm at a restaurant in Flower Mound. For meeting locations, membership info or a current schedule of events please visit www.mothersnmore.com or call 1-888-535-7118. http://www.mothersnmore.com Little Elm Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group. The Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7:00-8:00pm at the Little Elm Public Library. If you have any questions about the Little Elm Support Group, you may contact our facilitator, Tracy O’Mara at 972-987-4010. For more information about other programs sponsored by the Little Elm Library, call (214) 975-0430. Little Elm Writer’s Support Group 3rd Thursday of each month 6 - 8 pm Join us at the Little Elm Library and bring your friends. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes http://www.littleelm.com McKinney DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids are programs offered regularly at McKinney Fellowship Bible Church. DivorceCare helps people recover from the pain of separation and divorce through 13 dynamic video seminars featuring renowned experts on divorce and recovering. The group meets Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., in room 107 of McKinney Fellowship Bible Church. Cost is only $30 for the workbook, materials and snacks. Child care is provided. This is a nondenominational biblical program. Learn more about the programs at www.divorcecare.org, but call 972-547-7000 to register. mcfbc.org McKinney MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of McKinney Central. Come join us for fun daytime activities where you’ll find the support you need, and build long lasting friendships for you and your children! Visit us at www.geocities. com/mckinneymoms.com or contact us at mckinneymoms@yahoo.com.www.geocities.com/ mckinneymoms McKinney La Leche League of McKinney. Meetings are held 3rd Thursdays at 5871 W Virginia Pkwy, 10:15am to 12pm. Dee Dee 972-838-9135, Holly 214-385-0063 or Ricki 214-684-3966. http:// www.lllusa.org/web/McKinneyTX.html
McKinney MOMS Club of McKinney East. Contact Becky Garrett, 972-548-8236 mailto:bogarrett@tx.rr.com McKinney Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday every month from 7-8 pm at Academics Plus, 1831 W. Louisiana, McKinney, Tx. Contact us at 972-548-8788 for more information. http:// www.academicsplus.com Meetup Group
Meetup Group for the Entire FAMILY. This is a fun and exciting meetup group for couples and families to fullfill all of their social needs! We have family nights, couple only nights, playdates for kids of all ages, mom’s night/day out, and of course daddy days! If your looking for the perfect meetup group to make new friends for yourself or for your family this is the place to be! groups.yahoo.com/group/familiesonthego North Coppell MOMs Club of Coppell - NORTH (boundaries are north of Sandy Lake to 121). Join us at Going Bonkers in Lewisville for our monthly meetings. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 10AM. Please call us at 866.841.9139 ext. 3555 or send us an email at momsclubofcoppell@onebox.com. Check out our Web site at www.momsclubofcoppell.org.www.momsclubofcoppell.org North Dallas Mocha Moms of North Dallas meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at the Douglass Community Center on Ave. H in Plano. http://www.mochamomsnorthdallas.com North Richland Hills Asperger’s Support Meeting. 1st Wednesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Come join us! Parents of children of all ages are welcome. We are hoping that you will find encouragement and useful resources and information when you attend. Childcare available with limited space. Please RSVP you and your child’s attendance by emailing events@featnt.org. Located FEAT-NT Resource Center and Library, 4239 Road to the Mall, North Richland Hills 76180 www.featnt.org 817-849-1122 www.featnt.org North Richland Hills Autism Support Meeting. 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Come join us! Our group has started to grow. Parents of children of all ages are welcome. We are hoping that you will find encouragement and useful resources and information when you attend. Childcare available with limited space. Please RSVP you and your child’s attendance by emailing events@featnt.org. Located FEAT-NT Resource Center and Library, 4239 Road to the Mall, North Richland Hills 76180 www.featnt. org 817-849-1122.www.featnt.org
Plano
The Scoliosis Center of Excellence at Medical Center of Plano is offering free diagnostic scoliosis screenings the first Wednesday of each month by appointment for children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. www. medicalcenterofplano.com or 1-877-24-SCOLI. www.medicalcenterofplano.com
Plano
CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center. Contact our Plano Office at 4030 West Plano Parkway, Suite 211. 972.612.5989 http://www.childrenandfamilies.org
Plano
Collin County Early Childhood PTA. Monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month, 9:45 a.m., at Parkway Hills Baptist Church, located at 2700 Dallas Parkway, in Plano. Call Karen Maddox at 972-491-0260
Plano
Plano Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday for breakfast at 7:00 AM (always over by 8:00 AM) at La Madeleine Cafe, 5000 West Park Blvd at Preston Road. http://www.kiwanis.org/club/ plano
Plano
La Leche League of Plano meets the 2nd Tues-
day of the month from 10:30 to 11:45 am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 3601 West 15th Street, Room 105. Call Beth 972-747-1297, Cleo 972-208-0158, or Emilie 469-366-7205, http:// www.lllusa.org/web/PlanoTX.html
Plano
MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter. Meeting the first Thursday of every month, at 9:30 AM, at the Atonement Lutheran Church on Legacy just west of Coit. For more information contact 214-473-4144 mailto:momsclubnc@yahoo.com
Plano
MOMS Club of Plano-North. Monthly Social Meeting is the first Wednesday of every month, at 10:00am, at the Baha’i Faith Plano Center at 4200 Hedgcoxe (just West of Coit Rd). For more information contact membership@momsclubplanonorth or 972-464-1958 http://www. momslubplanonorth.com
Plano
MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Plano Central Are you a stay at home mom living south of Spring Creek? Please join us for weekly playdates and monthly Mom’s night out! We are small but growing and would love to have you. mailto:momsclubplano_central@ yahoo.com
Plano
Own my own mentoring program is a mentoring program for children with incarcerated parents sponsored by Dedicated Women of Christ. Contact Latahra Smith, 972-3778254
Plano
Collin County Homeschool Playgroup. http:// geocities.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/
Richardson
La Leche League Of Richardson meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm. Call Jayne 972-758-7236, Tiffany 972-234-5853 or Mary 972-907-9079, http://www.lllusa.org/ web/RichardsonTX.html
Richardson
Post Partum Depression Support Group. Nonprofit group Dallas Association for Parent Education will hold a free, monthly Post Partum Depression Support Group at their office in Richardson. This also offers network support for moms and families. To sign up or for more info call the DAPE office at 972-699-0420, Mon. - Fri., 9am - 3pm. dallasparents@hotmail.com http:// www.dallasparents.org
RISE
RISE was organized “To help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs.” RISE membership and programs are FREE for qualified participants. Visit www.riseadventures.org or contact Joel Hendrix at jhendrix@riseadventures.org 469-762-5075 http://www.riseadventures.org
Wylie
Moms & More: Be you a Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent or Nanny, we welcome all caregivers from Wylie and the surrounding communities. Our Monthly Convergence is held on the first Thursday of each month. Children are always welcome to all our activities. Drinks and snacks will be provided. For more information and directions, please contact our Membership Chair, Grady at 972-941-8597 or visit our website http://www.wyliemomsandmore.org
Sumbitting Events: All events should be submitted online at www.northtexaskids.com. Please click on the submissions button on the left side-bar and follow the instructions. Please submit no more than two eve nts per group or company. Events should be listed in the format given. Descriptions are limited to 25 words. Priority is given to non-profit organizations and family-specific free events. All calendar listings are free of charge. Questions or corrections should be emailed to info@northtexaskids.com.
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
39
Index of Advertisers 911 Sitters
24
K12 – Texas Virtual Academy
A & J Hair Designs
24
Kidokinetics
2
Rich Educational Consulting
34
33
Rise Adventures
33
Adventure Kids Playcare-FM
2
Knowledge Points
24
Rock School
23
Amy Columbus Photography
11
Kul Fuel
10
Simply Pretend
24
Aqua Fit Swim & Wellness
32
Learning RX
13
Smashing Times
22
Art A Rama
22
Let’s Pretend
24
SoccerTots
29
Babies R Us
15
Lil’ Trax Sports Academy (PSA)
30
Speaker Coop
38
Backstage Dance Studio
22
Lorie Burch, Attorney
19
Spectacular Cakes
42
Boomerangs
18
Made of Sugar & Spice
24
Speech TX
24
Bright Women
24
Maid Brigade
43
Spicar’s Martial Arts
22
C & R Medical
13
Matco Services
30
Spring Valley Athletic Association
32
Child Care Source
18
Maxim Healthcare Services
42
SS Noah
4
Children’s Home Healthcare
18
Medical Center of Plano
9
St. James Episcopal
42
Children’s Medical Center
3
Menarche Parties R Us
24
State Farm Insurance
5
Club Z
22
Minette Riordan, Ph.D
14
Strikz
27
Custom Sports Products
32
Music Together
8
Stroller Fit Dallas
26
Dr Pepper StarCenter
5
’Neath the Wreath
27
Texas Star Pharmacy
18
Drama Kids International
22
NexGym
5
The Artist Within
26
Eagle Gymnastics
19
Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop
16
The Gymnastics Place
23
Eisemann Center
42
North Texas Women’s Conference
11
The Reading Ranch
13
ER Centers of America
27
Nottingham Station
16
The Shady Lady Teacup Antiques
24
Evelyn’s Janitorial
36
O’Reillys McDonald’s
43
Therapy 2000
Fun Times Party Rental
34
Our Children’s House - Baylor
12
Turning Point Gala
42
Frisco Athletic Network
32
Our Redeemer Lutheran
34
Ultimate Body
32
Frisco Sports Authority (PSA)
34
PeeWee Picasso
25
Under the Umbrella
22
Girls In Motion
35
Peppermint Baby Boutique
11
US Toy Company
Gotta Dance
23
Planet Pizza
25
Velocity Sports
21
Healthy Texas Pediatrics
8
Plano Sports Authority
27
Women’s Stress Mgmt. Seminar
14
Inwood Soccer
33
Pump It Up Jr.
43
Work at Home United
24
Jump Town
30
Rainforest Cafe
10
Young Chefs Academy
34
Jump Zone
21
Revelation Dance
23
Please tell our advertisers you saw them in North Texas Kids! Find links to all of these businesses on our website at www.northtexaskids.com 40
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
4
4
Get to know... Jerre van den Bent President and Founder of Therapy 2000 Puts Children and Families First by Minette Riordan, Ph.D. Jerre van den Bent, PT is a native of Holland and that is where he received his training as a physical therapist. Jerre is a tall man with a delightful smile and outgoing personality. He is passionate about the work that he does and committed to supporting the families of the children he works with. He first came to the United States for a 3 month internship in Shreveport, LA, returned to Holland to finish his studies and then returned to the U.S. for a one year job. That one year has turned into 15 years. Jerre (rhymes with Yogi Berra, he told me at our first meeting) did not intend to start his own company but life is a journey and we follow it where it takes us. Jerre was the Director of Rehab for a company which was bought out by a large corporation. When Jerre resigned from that company, he started to receive calls from therapists he had worked with asking hi ven thought to following the American Dream of owning his own business until 7 therapists that he respected told him he needed to do it. Nearly 10 years later, Therapy 2000 is a growing, thriving company providing in-home pediatric services to families across the metroplex. They offer physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, as well as screenings and assessments to families. Each of their four locations also has a social worker on staff to support families and help them navigate the resource maze. When talking to Jerre, it is clear that he has a passion and joy for
working with children. When I asked him about that, he said he has always loved working with children. At age 14, he taught swim lessons to younger children and loved watching them grow, improve and overcome their fear of the water. He went on to become a lifeguard and train other lifeguards. Jerre says he has always known that he wanted to focus his career on helping children. “It keeps us young, there is nothing more fun for me than playing, we come to work everyday and we play.” While Jerre is the president and administrator of Therapy 2000, he is still active in the field and still sees patients. I asked Jerre to describe in a nutshell what he does as a physical therapist. He explained that he works with children with developmental disabilities of all kinds. Some examples would be a child who is a few months delayed in his gross motor skills like not sitting up at 6 months, not crawling at 9 months, not walking at 12-14 months, etc. These are children who will develop normally, they just need a little help. He works with children who have cerebral palsy and may be confined to a wheelchair. He teaches families how to make their child more functional and independent. His goal is to add value to their lives by being a creative problem solver. This is a very short list of what a physical therapist does. Jerre noted that while a pediatrician may note a developmental delay, this is not normally their area of expertise and that parents may directly request a screening for their child from Therapy 2000 or ask their doctor for a referral. Therapy 2000 will
work closely with the family and the pediatrician to determine what is best for the child. I, personally, am very impressed with the goals, vision and scope of Therapy 2000 as a company. When I asked Jerre about his vision for his growing company that current census is 1000 around the metroplex, he says that they have a strong guiding principle. Every decision the company makes has to keep the families and patients’ best interests in mind, down to the smallest administrative detail. It is clear in talking to Jerre, and reading about Therapy 2000 on their website (www.t2000.com), that passion for helping others and doing it very well is the secret to success. “I only want to be in the business of being the absolute best at what we do,” claims Jerre. “To be a parent of child with disabilities you had better be ready! The deck is stacked against you.” Jerre and the other therapists go on doctors’ visits with families, often sitting in those offices for hours, they help them navigate the decisionmaking process, answer questions, and locate additional resources for therapy, counseling, support or other needs the family may have. Jerre notes that having a social worker on staff is a huge part of the additional support they are able to offer patients. Insurance often will not cover a disability that a child is born with, like a speech delay, and parents are forced to pay out of their pocket for services or find alternative funding. They help families find the solutions to these challenges and many others. The social workers also help parents start and run support groups. If you are interested in starting a parental support group in your neighborhood, please contact Kristin Mycke, LMSW, at Kristin. Mycke@T2000.com. Once a year, Therapy 2000 hosts a Family Day where they invite all of their families to join them in a day of
fun. Raising a child with disabilities is challenging, hard work and often a thankless task. Jerre wants to make sure he has the opportunity to say thank you to the parents for all they do for their children. The staff spends the day entertaining the families and just enjoying being together with them. It is one example of what makes this company unique. Jerre finds that society sends signals to parents that they are not doing enough, they need to do more, add more activities, more of this and that. “This is true,” he says, “for all parents, those with special needs children and those without. Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to express my gratitude for parents for the work they do in raising their children.” I thanked Jerre for acknowleding parents in this way. I do think we suffer from guilt that we are not doing enough for our children. Deep in our hearts, we all want the same thing, to raise happy, healthy children. I also thank Therapy 2000 for providing not just high-quality professional services, but also for being a resource that parents can turn to when they have questions or concerns about their child. I encourage you to visit them online and see for yourself all that they have to offer. I would also like to thank Therapy 2000 for their commitment to community. They sponsor a variety of community resource fairs like the March for Respect and Stephanie’s Day. They are also a signature sponsor of the North Texas Kids Family Expo on Saturday, November 15. They will have a variety of staff members on hand that day to answer questions. So come out and meet them personally. Therapy 2000 also has a speaker’s bureau, so if you belong to a MOPS group, early childhood PTA or other parenting organization, they offer a variety of great talks. They also work with early childhood education and childcare centers. If you would like to know more about these programs, please contact Jennifer Riley at 214-986-8046 or Jennifer.Riley@ T2000.com.
Many parents are unaware of risks associated with
INCORRECT CAR SEAT INSTALLATION By: Emily Mulkey, CCLS It is estimated that approximately 1,800 children ages 14 and under are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year, with more than 280,000 injured. Although awareness of car seat safety has certainly increased over the past several years, there are still many parents who struggle with installing them correctly. In fact, studies have shown that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. When installed correctly, car seats are extremely successful in preventing injury and possibly saving a child’s life. By correctly installing a car seat, a caregiver can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent for infants according to Safe Kids USA. Most parents are simply unaware of car seat safety guidelines. For example, did you know that by law car seats expire after only six years? In fact, the state of Texas suggests that car seats expire after five years due to the extreme summer heat. In addition, parents are often surprised to know that car seats should be discarded if the car in which the seat is in is ever in an accident. Furthermore, car seat accessories such as seat covers, mirrors and plush toys have not been crash-tested; therefore, they are not recommended for use. Information about car seat safety guidelines is available from the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.dot.gov).
Emily Mulkey, CCLS, child life specialist with Our Children’s House at Baylor : Emily Mulkey, CCLS, child life specialist with Our Children’s House at Baylor. Safekids Dallas offers free car seat installations by appointment only. For more information, call 214.456.2059. North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
41
42
North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com
8_hj^ZWo FWhjo <kd M[ Ze _j Wbb \eh oek" ie h[bWn [d`eo
+ tax
for up to 10 children $6.10 for each additional child
Â&#x161; 7bb[d Â&#x161; CYA_dd[o Â&#x161; FbWde Â&#x161; H_Y^WhZied
FWhjo _dYbkZ[i0 Happy Meal , Cake, Ice Cream, Decorations, ÂŽ
Party Favors, a Host or Hostess and a Gift for the Birthday Child.
Je cWa[ h[i[hlWj_edi0 Visit www.OreillyMCD.com or call our birthday party hotline at 972.985.9285.
Dem 7lW_bWXb[ - ZWoi W m[[a De Z[fei_j h[gk_h[Z$ Locally owned and operated by Chuck and Julie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party Time!!
All Parties are Private! Hnk 9PXMQEXI .YRMSV 'PEWWMG 4EVX]
Zg] hnk 9PXMQEXI .YRMSV 1MRM 4EVX] [hma bg\en]^3 <Zd^% ibssZ% *)) cnb\^ [hq^l% [Zeehhgl% `hh]b^ [Z`l Zg] `b_m' 9PXMQEXI .YRMSV 'PEWWMG 4EVX]
Ma^ [b``^lm [Zg` _hk rhnk iZkmr [n\d LSYVW SJ JYR JSV OMHW
9PXMQEXI .YRMSV 1MRM 4EVX] !ebfbm^] mbf^ lehml LZmnk]Zr Lng]Zr"
>qi^\mbg` Z lfZee^k \khp] [nm lmbee pZgm Zee ma^ ^qmkZl8 LSYVW SJ JYR JSV OMHW 'EPP XSHE] XS VIWIVZI ]SYV 4YQT -X 9T 4EVX] Â&#x2C6; [[[ TYQTMXYTTEVX] GSQ
4YQT -X 9T SJ 4PERS -*)* >' IZkd ;eo]' *,. IeZgh% M^qZl 0.)0-
$10 OFF any ULTIMATE party!
)\TMVIW
North Texas Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; October 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201A; â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;&#x201A; www.NorthTexasKids.com
43â&#x20AC;&#x201A;
44
Aqua Fit Swim & Wellness Center North Texas Kids • October 2008 • www.NorthTexasKids.com