Southwest Washington Family Magazine

Southwest Washington

Free

December 2015

Oh Christmas Tree Local Greenery Coloring Winners

Vitamins Ways to ‘B’ Healthy

BUGGIN’

Investigating & Collecting Insects

Camp Out A Real Party Birthday

GIFT GIVING SUCCESS

R E A D E R S Of the Month

Olivia Yalovskiy Centralia Christian

Kamryn Hernandez Trudeau Jazmine Franco-Dominguz David Perez Edison Jefferson Lincoln Centralia Christian

Alex Medina St. Joseph School

Hailey McDonald St. Joseph School

Monte Williams Edison

Kezra Smith Edison

Taylor Kooi Edison

Kayleeann Holzmeister Jefferson Lincoln

Estefany Lopez Sosa Jefferson Lincoln

505 S. Tower Avenue, Centralia www.yardbirdsmall.com Open 5 AM - 12 PM | 360-736-9328

Kezra Smith Edison

Uliana Zagorodniy Jefferson Lincoln

Faith Eslick Fords Prairie

Amanda Linwood Fords Prairie

Mabel Imboden Orion Schroeder St. Joseph School St. Joseph School

Roberto Bower R.E. Bennett

Elviso Corina Lopez R.E. Bennett

2100 N. National Avenue, Chehalis www.yardbirdsmall.com Open 6 AM - 9 PM | 360-748-1936

Hailey Isenhower R.E. Bennett

Seigren Wall St. Joseph School

Kolton Moon St. Joseph School

108 S Montesano Street, Westport www.yardbirdsmall.com Open 6 AM - 9 PM | 360-268-7687

On the Cover

Southwest Washington

December 2015

On the cover: Lillian, age 10, and Vivienne, age 5. Parents are Jemmea and Ryan Smalley from Adna. Pictured below: Miriam, age 1, and sister. Photos taken by Katia Hudson Photography. See ad on page 21.

Oh Christmas Tree Local Greenery Coloring Winners

Vitamins Ways to ‘B’ Healthy

pg. 10

Southwest Washington

Family Southwest Washington Family is a publication of Lafromboise Communications, Inc. 321 N. Pearl Street, Centralia, WA 98531

Free

BUGGIN’

Investigating & Collecting Insects

pg. 14

Camp Out A Real Party Birthday

pg. 24

pg. 11 pg. 20

GIFT GIVING SUCCESS

pg. 26

Staff: Creative Director, Editor: Chantel Wilson cwilson@swwfamily.com (360) 807-8213

Graphic Designers: Kelli Erb, Design Director Devon Bergeron, Cindy Gundo, Sean Willson, Jacqueline Douglas

Editorial Assistant: Jackie Viall jviall@swwfamily.com (360) 807-8217

Advertising Sales: Brian Watson, Sales Manager Chrystal Zelazny, Russ Carpenter, Courtney Williams

Pg. 14

Pg. 26

Pg. 20 Pg. 8 Pg. 4

Pg. 24

Pg. 28

December

Contents Pg. 12

Holiday Events

Birthday Faces

Pg. 6

Pg. 14

Did You Know — Phones

Bugs are Fun

Pg. 7

Pg. 16

Holiday Gift Ideas

Pg. 8

Kids Can Cook

Teacher Feature — Britany Hastings

Pg. 18

Pg. 10

Cozy Up With These Books

Pg. 11

Photo Sharing

Vitamin Deficiency Christmas Tree Selection

Pg. 20 Pg. 22

Day Trip - Ice Skating

Pg. 23

Behind the Scenes of The Peanuts Movie

Pg. 24 Camping Party

Pg. 26 Kids’ Gift Giving

Pg. 28 Report Cards for Local Schools

Pg. 29 Daily December Fun December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 3

1

best of

DECEMBER events

Winter Village Display All day, Lewis County Historical Museum, Chehalis Come see the museum’s Winter Village display. The display will be available for viewing through the month of December. For more information, please visit ci.chehalis.wa.us.

5

66th Annual Santa Parade 11 a.m., downtown Chehalis Donations of canned food accepted at the stage before the parade. After the parade, meet the characters from the Southwest Washington Dance ensembles Nutcracker ballet. For more information, please visit chamberway.com.

5

White Christmas 2 p.m., Centralia Fox Theatre Tickets are $8 per person or $20 per family (up to four). Second showing at 7 p.m. For more information, please visit centraliafoxtheatre.com.

5

Christmas in the Park 9:30 a.m., Yelm City Park Holiday parade and tons of fun. For more information, please visit ci.yelm.wa.us.

10

A Christmas Carol 7:30 p.m., Evergreen Playhouse, Centralia The classic tale by Dickens. Admission is pay-what-you-will. Fees apply for additional dates. For more information, please visit evergreenplayhouse.com.

4 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

11

Includes two dental cleanings, one dental exam, unlimited digital x-rays, PLUS 10% off all services!

Borst Park Christmas Lights 5 p.m., Borst Park, Centralia Drive through the park and see the light displays. Runs through December 26. Admission is $3 per car or $2 with a donation of a canned food. For more information, please visit chamberway.com.

Lighted Tractor Parade 6 p.m., downtown Centralia Parade route starts on Main Street, goes to Pearl and Locust and ends on Tower Avenue. For more information, please visit chamberway.com.

12

Evening appointments available!

Free implant consultation Free 2nd opinions 100% same day appointment guarantee!

Dr. Downing and family

Try our Summer specials!

The Glass Slipper Ladies Presents Downtown Holiday Shopping The Wilson Hotel, Centralia Saturday, December 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A large assortment of gifts galore! Featuring: apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty, health and wellness, and more independent retailers, home decor, glassware, holiday crafts, leather works, luxury soap, crochet apparel, treats and gifts from local artisans. There's something for everyone on your shopping list!

WE HAVE MATTRESSES STARTING AT $8995 Implant and Crown Special!

Call for details.

Invisalign™ Call for details.

Complete set of Dentures

Crowns Call for details.

Canned food drive! Bring your canned food donations for the Hub City Mission for your chance to win from many raffle prizes!

Santa Pictures: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Story time with Santa: 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Mighty Fine Seniors of Toledo Senior Center Present Holiday Time in Toledo!

December 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Toledo Elementary School Gymnasium, 311 6th St. Bazaar and cookie sale! Holiday goods, homemade craft items, arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles, door prizes, raffle, and wreaths. 50 Booths! Holiday cookies sold by the ounce!! Come and get into the holiday spirit!

TWINS, FULL, QUEEN AND KING SETS AVAILABLE 1601 S. Gold Street · Centralia

360-736-3832

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 5

K u o n o Y w d i ?

D Telephones • Alexander Graham Bell, an influential scientist, engineer and inventor, invented the first practical phone on March 10, 1876. When he made the first call, he said to his assistant, “Mr. Watson, come here.

I want to see you.”

• By 1948, there were 30,000,000 phones in service.

• In 1949, the Model 500 phone became the standard Bell System telephone and the most widely produced dial telephone ever.

• The first coast-to-coast telephone line was created in 1915 and went from New York to San Francisco.

• The first cell phone call was made by “the father of the cellphone,” Martin Cooper in 1973.

The Party Line 1800s-1980s • A four-party line meant 4 different households shared one telephone line. Incoming calls were identified by different rings. One house would have to listen for two long rings, another for two short and so on.

• Many people were too curious and it was common for a neighbor to listen in when a call came in for another party.

• Teenagers had fun calling their own number and hanging up because it would cause everyone’s phone on the party line to ring.

Candlestick Telephone

Wall Mounted Crank

1890s

Telephone

6 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Rotary Dial

Mobile

Telephone

Telephone

1920s

1940s

Touch-tone Telephone 1960s

Non-Traditional Gifts!

Not a fan of buying electronics, but want to purchase a gift that will be enjoyed? Here are a few unique ideas that may not be on the list but are sure to be a hit.

Mini Basketball Hoop by Red Tool Box

InRoad Toys PlayTape

Rory’s Story Cubes

Peg Doll Family Kit

Mr. and Ms. Food Face Plate

Check your local toy store for fun and unique products that are great for all ages.

SWWF December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 7

Kids Can CooK

Meet Isabella U., age 8, of Adna.

Isabella U. loves to cook all year round!

Below she shares about what inspires her to cook and her favorite recipe.

What inspired Bella to cook?

It was the television series Master Chef Jr. She thought the participants were very talented at such a young age and wanted to be an awesome chef just like them. Her first dish was her breakfast mix which she made for her daddy on Father’s Day. Bella enjoys cooking for her family and just conquered a volcano cake with her cousin.

Serving LewiS County

Pacific

Prosthetics & Orthotics, llc

• Artificial Limbs • Arch Supports • Knee Braces • Diabetic Shoes • Leg Braces Raymond Frieszell, MS, CPO Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist

(360) 330-1602

1800 Cooks Hill Road, Suite A Centralia, WA 98531

8 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Commercial & Residential

Heating & Cooling • Roofing • Electrical Services www.chehalissheetmetal.com • FREE Estimates

800-201-9221 • (360) 748-9221 Lewis and Thurston Counties

CHEHASM252MH

Bella's advice to a new cook would be: Start with an easy recipe. And, a new cook needs to have fun in the kitchen.

Don't be afraid to experiment with new recipes! Always ask a parent’s permission before you start your kitchen creation.

Kids — Do you have a recipe you enjoy making?

Do you love cooking, too?

Send a picture of yourself cooking along with what you enjoy making to:

Here is Bella's favorite recipe to make:

Breakfast Burrito

3 eggs 3 slices of lunch meat 1 flour tortilla ½ of an avocado Sprinkle of cheddar cheese Optional: sautéed red peppers

SWW Family 321 N. Pearl St. Centralia, WA 98531

First, turn the stove on medium heat.

Spray your skillet with non-stick spray.

When your skillet is heated up, crack the eggs into it and scramble them. Right before they are done, place your meat and cheese in the skillet until the cheese melts and the meat is heated up (now is the time to add the red peppers if you wish).

SWWF

80% Off Retail Prices Carpet

Slice up the avocado and place it on top of the egg mixture. Place all ingredients on the tortilla. Wrap it up and enjoy.

Laminate

IN STOCK

25 oz Carpet 4 Colors - 10 Year Wear Waranty!

100% BCF PET Ployester

WOW! $792 Sq. Yard

$40 full set of acrylic nails — includes nail art, any color tips and gels and your fill is FREE!

Find us on Facebook!

CH548530bw.sw

*Fill must be scheduled the day of your first appointment * Offer valid November - December 2015

360-748-4248

www.briannasplace.com

88¢

Starting As Low As

Sq. Ft.

59¢

Sq. Ft.

6525 196th St. SW Rochester 360-273-6903 • 1-800-600-6903

MON-SAT 8:00AM-7:00PM • SUN 9:00AM-5:30PM *All Pictures for illustration pictures only

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 9

Signals of Vitamin Deficiency Parents: Please consult with your family pediatrician about the proper levels of vitamins.

A healthy diet is supposed to provide all of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to sustain a body. But thanks to finicky eating habits and limited choices, many children are not getting the vitamins and minerals they need to grow up healthy. Although many foods are fortified with certain vitamins, they still may not be enough to provide the level of nutrition required for a growing body.

Parents may be well informed of a child’s needs of vitamin C to boost immune system function, but may not be as readily informed about other vitamins that are essential to human health.

Vitamin B12: Nervous

Vitamin B12

system function is largely governed by proper levels of vitamin B12. Children who do not receive enough vitamin B12 may experience weakness, insomnia, edema and abdominal pain.

Vitamin B6: Hyperactivity and impulsiveness are often blamed on an underlying medical condition, such as ADHD. But such conditions may be the result of a deficiency in vitamin B6.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D

is called the “sunshine vitamin” because it is produced in the body after exposure to the sun.

Children who spend many hours indoors or wearing thick layers of sunscreen may not get enough vitamin D. Irritability, muscle cramps and even late teething could be tied to vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A: Vitamin A promotes a healthy immune system and proper eyesight function. A child lacking in vitamin A may be tired and weak and experience weight loss. Other symptoms include dry eyes, skin scaling and respiratory infections.

Vitamin D

Vitamin B6 SWWF

10 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Farm Fresh Christmas Trees Bezy's Beautiful Grand Firs 2710 Jackson Hwy., Chehalis 4'-15'. Any Tree — U-Cut $10, We Cut $20 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jensen's Family Tree Farm 2840 184th Ave. S.E., Tenino Rb-Ranch.com, (360) 359-1970 Open daily.

Gift shop, free cocoa, cookies & candy canes. Wreaths and swags.

• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Christmas Valley Tree Farm 1 Mile West Of Rochester on Hwy. 12.

(360) 273-6196 Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 21 through December 24.

Awesome selection of Noble, Doug, Blue Spruce and Norways! Long lasting Nordmann Fir and fragrant Grand Fir! Trees 4' to 15’, holly and wreaths.

$100 OFF

ANY RESTORATIVE PROCEDURE

Fillings • Crowns Root Canals • Bridges Extractions

Coupon not valid with insurance. May not be combined with any other offer

Lund’s Holiday Acres ½ Mile NW of Napavine off Hwy. 603.

Left On Romerman Rd. (360) 748-8619 or (360) 508-0752 Open daily.

Come enjoy a walk in the country. Noble Firs, Grand and Douglas. $15-$20. Free holly with each tree.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Grega Tree Farm 149 Vista Rd., Chehalis.

(360) 269-4418 Open weekdays at 12 p.m. and weekends at 9 a.m. until sold out.

Noble and Doug Fir. You select, we cut or pre-cut.

CHRISTMAS TREE MAINTENANCE Nothing can guarantee the health and appearance of a tree after it is brought into a home. But choosing a recently cut tree that has good needle retention can help. Here are other tips for a long-lasting tree.

• Use a sharp saw to cut an inch off of the trunk base to remove the sappy covering that forms from cutting. This will improve water intake.

• Fill a tree stand reservoir with warm water. Expect the tree to drink heavily in the beginning.

• Keep the reservoir filled every day and check to see how much water the tree is using.

• Place the tree far from heaters or other drying sources. SWWF

• Appointments available after work, after school and evenings • Digital X-Rays (Less Radiation) • We are in-network providers for most insurances • Spanish speaking staff • All ages served, Family friendly atmosphere

FREE

EXAM & X-RAYS

Includes comprehensive exam & all necessary x-rays Coupon not valid with insurance may not be combined with any other offer

Dr. Ta and Family 1211 S. Gold St. Centralia, WA (360) 736-5040 cascadefamilydentalcenter.com

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 11

C

e t a r b e l e

December

BIRTHDAYS

Coe L. turns 1 on December 24!

Ashlee V. turns 9 on December 27!

Khailee R. turns 11 on December 9!

Maddox W. turns 4 on December 28!

Jordan L. turns 10 on December 26!

Bennett M. turns 4 on December 3!

Allee K. turns 12 on December 10!

Isabella B. turns 8 on December 14!

Benjamin H. turns 9 on December 10!

Kaily W. turns 13 on December 12!

Ethan O. turns 8 on December 25!

Harper R. turns 3 on December 19!

12 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Travis H. turns 10 on December 15!

Lourdes R. turns 8 on December 6!

Olivia O. turns 10 on December 15!

BELATED

Treyvon W. turns 1 on December 19!

Ella O. turns 12 on December 22!

Kyler R. turned 5 on November 10!

Lexi E. turns 14 on December 22!

BELATED

Ambrose K. turned 1 on November 2!

Submit your birthday photos at swwfamily.com.

January birthdays are due by Dec. 11th.

Thank you to our birthday sponsor:

Centralia Rollerdrome

FREE SKATING

* *If you have a birthday featured here, bring this page to the Centralia Rollerdrome during your birthday month to receive one free skate session and free rollerskate rental.

(Valid for regular skate sessions only, not “all night skates.”) See ad on page 19.

SWWF

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 13

C r a w l y y p e e r C Learning

by Nancy Keaton of Chehalis

Creepy, crawly things are an age-old interest for boys as well as girls. Centralia College student, Nadine Rhodes, understands that interest in bugs. She has always liked watching various bugs to see the details of their movements and their “personalities.” When she realized she could turn that interest into more of a hobby, she started collecting bugs. She has kept many live bugs, only keeping them for display when they have died a natural death. Then she pins them to a board and sprays them with art spray to keep them preserved.

Currently,

Nadine has a praying mantis that she found hanging around the college. She keeps it in a terrarium with a grate over the top and takes it out to work with it and train it to get used to her and not fly away. She says you can tell if they are females or males because they all have bands on their bellies but the females have fewer bands than males do.

It’s also easy to simply find bugs anywhere around you. "The most common bugs are flies, 'skeeter' bugs, grasshoppers, hornets, yellow jackets, and fruit flies," shares Nadine. "Which ones you will find really depends on the season."

To find bugs, you can walk around your own yard or the park, and turn over a piece of wood or a rock. Nadine explains that under rocks you will often find underground ant colonies.

As the weather warms, ants will bring their larvae closer to the

Nadine has some advice for kids who want to start collecting bugs: “Pick one bug that really fascinates you. Start reading about them and researching them.”

14 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Prayin g Man tis fou nd at C entrali a Colle ge. surface. You will usually be able to see them as they move their larvae around.

You could also play games while trying to find and figure out your favorite bugs. Create a scavenger hunt looking for bugs or play bug bingo. How about watching caterpillars to see if it’s true that the size of their color bands can predict what kind of winter we will have ... or is that just an old tale?

How about starting your own bug club? A 4-H entomology curriculum is available so you could start your own bug project or incorporate it into another 4-H program that you are doing.

Some bugs are available for purchase through the internet, so kids can start with something like an ant colony or a praying mantis of their own.

Nadine advises to, “Just watch them and learn their habits and behaviors.” She goes on to say, “All insects are fascinating, even earwigs because they are very nurturing mothers who stay with their eggs and clean them.” Nadine believes that when kids watch and learn about bugs, it helps them to enjoy them rather than be afraid of them.

COLLECT!

You can help your child begin their new hobby by getting them a fun kit. These kits can be used for collecting as well as keeping various bugs: Insect Collecting Starter Kit Adventure Planet Bug Catcher Bug Catchers and Holders

LEARN!

Photo courtesy of Bug

Museum & Gift Sho

p

• Need help identifying a bug you have found, or wondering what kind of bugs are local to the area? Check out Washington state bugs at insectidentification.org.

s with touch-a-bug Mantis shaking hand teacher Ms. Dawn.

• Check out these websites for games and other great information to help kids learn about bugs: Amateur Entomologists’ Society — amentsoc.org.

Bugs and Insect Games — primarygames.com/ science/insects.

• Timberland Regional Library has a great variety of kid’s books about bugs. Librarians are always excited and willing to help kids look up information about any bug your child is interested in.

Bug Museum and Nature Gift Sho p

If you want to explore more about bugs and have some hands-on fun, check out the FREE Bug Museum in Bremerton. Kids can look at bugs through microscopes and even see an 8-foot-long ant farm! And who can resist taking a peek at bugs called “Madagascar Hissers” or “Blue Death-Feigning Beetles”?

1118 Charleston Beach Rd W., Bremerton 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. bugmuseum.com. help@bugmuseum.com (800) 870-4248

Nancy Keaton lives in Chehalis with her family. They look for every opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors such as camping, biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, rockhounding, and simply exploring.

SWWF December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 15

e r u t a e F r e h eac

T

Britany Hastings Speech Therapist In-Tot Development Center

“Britany has made such an incredible difference in the life of my son Blake, as well as so many Lewis County children. When Britany started working with Blake over two years ago, he didn’t speak at all. I now have a son who can ask for water, lots of different types of foods, as well as start conversations with other kids at the playground and in preschool. She is such a beacon of light in the lives of parents who are scared and anxious about their children’s difficulties and struggles with speech and communication. Without her, my son wouldn’t be where he is today.”

~Nominator Jennifer Scalici, mother

How long have you been teaching?

15 years,12 years of those In-Tot. What inspires you the most/what is your favorite part of teaching?

I love when kids acquire a new way to communicate with their families, in whatever form they choose, be it sign language or verbal words. It makes my day when a parent says, “My child has never said that before!” I love the families I work with and am honored that families partner with me and allow me to help their children learn to communicate.

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of the classroom?

Our family likes to go on road trips to explore new places. We especially love the lakes and trails the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

When you where little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A journalist or a teacher for the visually impaired. My mother has been legally blind almost my entire life.

16 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Name of teacher/school or coach/team & sport: _____________________________________________________________ Name of child nominating: ___________________________________ Name of parent & phone #: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________

e

&N

ie Sp o n s

W

or

Please include a few sentences on why you think your teacher, student, class, or coach should be featured.

If you have a picture of your teacher, student, class, or coach, please send it in too! We may contact you to learn more.

St u de n t Fe a t & u r

re

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Parents are a child’s first teacher, and I think it is a brave thing for parents to ask for help. I truly enjoy getting to know a child’s family and experiencing many of the child’s “firsts.” I would like to thank all of the families I serve for letting me be a part of their lives and a huge hug to Blake and his mom, Jennifer, for the honor of the nomination!

Mail to 321 N. Pearl, Centralia, WA 98531 or email jviall@swwfamily.com. If you email us and we don’t reply we haven’t received your message. Please give us a call at 807-8217.

i l y Te a c h

What is a favorite teaching memory?

It is especially thrilling to be present when a child says “mama” or “dada” for the first time and witness the interaction and bonding that takes place. It is usually a Kleenex moment for the parents and me!

Send in nominations for your favorite teacher, student or coach.

F am

What made you decide to become a teacher?

I have been working with small children since I started babysitting at age 12. I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist since having the ability to communicate is such an essential part of life; it is a career with a lot of impact. And I got to combine my love of kids and connecting with people. It is such a joy!

SW SWWF

“Smiles from the heart”

Helping With The Important Things In Your Life Visit Any Of Our 11 Local Branches

Orthodontics for children and adults

• Warm, caring atmosphere • Complimentary initial exam & consultation • No referral necessary

• Invisalign certified provider • Most Insurances Accepted • Flexible Financing

2405 Borst Ave. Centralia www.centraliaortho.com • 360-736-0129

Centralia (2 branches) • Chehalis (3 branches) • Grayland Morton • Pe Ell • Raymond • Rochester • South Bend

Extended Hours At Our Chehalis Airport Branch

Open Until 7 p.m. Monday - Friday Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday

ssbwa.com 800-242-2036 Member FDIC

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 17

Library Review Comfy Cozy Reading Time

by Alexis Hardy of Centralia Timberland LIbrary It’s that time of year when avid readers love to stay inside curled up with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. Luckily, there have been some fabulous books published this year that are great to cuddle with.

You don’t always get what you want, but sometimes that can be a good thing. In The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton, Princess Pinecone wants a warrior horse so she can win a battle and be a champion. However, what she gets for her birthday is just the opposite. Her parents give her a small, round ... pony whose “eyes look in different directions (only sometimes though).” Still, she attempts to teach the pony how to be fierce and takes it into battle, hoping that it will find its inner warrior.

What happens there is truly adorable and proves that you don’t need to engage in violence to be a valuable person.

Kate Beaton is a prolific comic artist, both online and in print (your average young adult will likely know her name). Here, she uses her distinctive style in a picture book format and her illustrations are entertaining and hilarious. It’s worth it to take the extra time to look at all the details, especially the pony, which I guarantee will make you and your kids giggle and snort. This is a silly, engaging read that includes several wholesome lessons.

The Princes and the Pony is best for kindergarten through 2nd grade.

What would you do if you found a giant whale that had lost his way? Try to help him of course. In To the Sea by Cale Atkinson, Tim is a young boy whom no one notices. Sam is a big whale with the same problem. It’s a good thing Tim sees Sam and Sam sees Tim. Tim is determined to help Sam find his way back to the ocean, so Tim leaves his friend with a few cups of water and a rubber ducky and goes home to find a way. Tim stays up all night and decides he can pull Sam to the ocean using his bicycle.

It turns out Sam is pretty heavy and it might be harder than Tim thought, but he refuses to give up on his friend.

The illustrations in this picture book are reminiscent of a Disney Pixar movie and there is so much life on each page that I could have sworn I saw them moving. Atkinson has used mainly blue and orange (complementary colors which make the pictures very pleasing to look at) to signify the dark rainy day and the rays of light that illuminate the scene. This is a wonderful story of friendship that your child will want to read over and over again.

To the Sea is best for preschool through 2nd grade.

18 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

There is nothing better than a fun, wacky book full of fun, wacky illustrations. You might not understand the appeal of The Yeti Files: Meet the Bigfeet by Kevin Sherry, but I guarantee that your young reader will find it endlessly entertaining. Blizz Richards is a yeti who has famous cryptid friends and family all over the world. The most important rule about being a cryptid is that you stay out of sight of humans. However, a nosey person snaps a photo of Blizz’s cousin Brian. Brian feels so guilty that he goes into hiding and no one can contact him about the upcoming family reunion. Blizz needs to find Brian without being spotted by humans.

This book is perfect for the young reader who struggles with staying interested in a story.

It is illustration-heavy but still encourages learning vocabulary because the author uses larger words. The illustrations are hilarious and emotive with hidden text in the pictures, giving more to read in the book than you first think. I would give this to any child who struggles with reading or just wants a funny book.

The Yeti Files is best for 2nd through 5th grade.

During the cold months, many grown-ups enjoy snuggling with a cozy mystery. Luckily, Ulf Nilsson has written a cozy mystery that is perfect for children. In The First Case, Detective Gordon, who happens to be an old toad, lives in a snowy forest. One day an upset squirrel comes to him to report that her nuts have been stolen! Now, our old toad is often very tired and would prefer to sit next to the fire eating tins of cakes, but he knows his duty and goes out into the cold to investigate. On the way he meets a baby mouse who is all alone. He names the baby mouse Buffy and employs her as a policewoman. Buffy has much more energy than Detective Gordon and together they find the nut thief and, of course, eat cakes.

Unlike The Yeti Files, The First Case has more text than illustrations. The illustrations themselves are old fashioned, nostalgic and reminiscent of the original Winnie the Pooh books. You will enjoy looking at them with your young reader and your child will enjoy seeing the expressions on the characters’ faces and the silly situations that arise from being an old toad in the snow. This book is for the more avid reader who likes to notice clues and solve a mystery.

The First Case is best for 2nd through 5th grade.

SWWF Alexis Hardy is a Youth Come down to the library this winter to find Services Librarian at these books or get suggestions for other great Centralia Timberland cold weather reads. Library books are available Library and lives in Olympia. She is often in multiple formats: traditional books, audio found trekking through books (both downloadable and on CD), and the forest with big boots e-books. You’ll also find DVDs, downloadable and a camera. She, of music and music CDs, and magazines for both course, reads more than is necessary and can you and your children. Don’t forget to check the be seen in her natural library events calendar at www.TRL.org for fun habitat (the library) activities for all ages. As always, library programs reading books to children and singing songs are free. See you soon at the library! with her puppet, Pierre.

Bring this Coupon in for One Free admission to any Session During Christmas Break. Skate rental extra. expires 12-31-15 @ 4:00 pm

Skate With Santa

Centralia Rollerdrome neW YearS eve all nighter

Sunday, Thursday, Dec. 31 • 7:00 pm - 7:00 am Dec. 20th $20 - Price includes: admission, regular Skates, Slice of Pizza, Small Pop, hat, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm noisemaker, lei, Donut and Juice $6.50

neW Year’S DaY Skate $1 for admission $1 for regular Skates 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

(360) 736-7376 • centraliarollerdrome.com

Winter Break Hours: Mon. - Fri. 1 pm - 4 pm, Sat. and Sun. 1 pm - 5 pm December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 19

DECEMBER

SCRAPBOOK Submit your pictures online at swwfamily.com.

Erik T. and Kate T. at the Pumpkin Patch.

Shelby B. getting centered before Taekwondo.

Ayden J. and Blake J. enjoying a warm sunny day at The Pumpkin Patch.

Thank you to our scrapbook sponsor:

Emilee G. and Meghan G. carving pumpkins.

*See your photo featured on our scrapbook page? Bring in a copy of the magazine to Cascade Family Dental Center during the month you are featured and receive a free electric toothbrush. See ad on pg. 11.

SWWF

Congratulations to our coloring/writing contest winners:

Claire P., 2

Aly K., 7

Travis H., 9

We hope you had fun at the City of Centralia’s Tree Lighting Ceremony!

20 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Southwest Washington Family

is thankful for our business supporters.

katiahudson.com

360.807.4563

• Trisha Goldsby DDS, PS • Cascade West Veterinary Hospital • Lucky Eagle Casino • Cedar Village IGA • Sunbirds • Friends of The Chehalis Library • Centralia Factory Outlets • McCallum Rock Drilling Inc. • Lewis County School Retirees’ Association • Heal & Toes Reflexology I believe with all my heart that the Bible is the Word of God. Why? Because of archeological findings relating to the Genesis flood.

In recent years excavation by the archeologists in various regions of the earth have revealed evidences of a great flood. In 1929 a joint expedition of the University Museum of Pennsylvania and the British Museum, under the leadership of Dr. C.L. Wooley, found a great bed of solid water-laid clay 8 feet thick. Dr. Wooley implied that 8 feet of sediment was proof of a very great depth and long period of standing water.

He further revealed that no ordinary overflow of rivers could have left such a deposit. Since this thick layer has been found in a number of places, we conclude this to be one of the many scientific proofs of the truthfulness of the accounts revealed in the Bible. To make this even stronger, artifacts of an older civilization were found beneath this 8 feet of clay. Also marine fossils have been found in rocks in tops of mountains.

Even further proof are the references of the great flood among the historical legends of Egyptians, Chaldeans, Greeks, and among the present day Mexicans and South Sea Islanders.

Is the Bible trustworthy and from God? The evidence certainly points in that direction!

Come visit with us at

We appreciate your sponsorship of our Newspapers in Education (NIE) program!

Twin Cities Church of Christ 502 E. Plum, Centralia, WA. 98531 (360) 736-9798 Sunday Classes 9:30 am Worship 10:30 am and 2:00 pm

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 21

Lloyd Center Ice Rink

(503)288-6073 lloydcenterice.com 953 Lloyd Ctr. Portland

Ice skating is not just an Olympic sport or for hockey players.

It is a great way to have family fun. There are many locations that offer public ice skating for all ages and ability levels.

There are a ton of cardio benefits linked to ice skating because it involves so much on the aerobic system, which is key to cardiovascular health.

Make sure to dress in warm, comfortable clothing so you aren’t too cold but can still move around. *Tip — Ski pants are great for toddlers as they are warm and add a layer of padding for falls.

Skating Games

Gliders • Have two kids stand behind the same starting line.

• On the start signal, these skaters may take three skating strides and then glide over the ice until they stop.

• The one who glides the farthest wins.

Red Light, Green Light • One player is the stop light. Have everyone else form a line a distance away (age determines distance).

• The stop light person faces away and says green light, and the players can go.

• At any point the “stop light” can say red light and turn around.

• Anyone caught moving is out and the game resumes.

• The person who reaches the stop light first without getting caught wins.

22 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Comcast Community Ice Rink

(425) 322-2600 xfinityarenaeverett.com 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett

Sprinker Recreation Center Ice Rink (253) 798-4000

piercecountywa.org/sprinker

14824 South “C” Street Tacoma, Washington

Hours and prices vary by day. Please visit websites for more information on the location of your choice.

SWWF

By Jaret Bosarge

Have you seen this movie yet?

n October 1, at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, Calif., the official dedication ceremony unveiled the new Charlie Brown Christmas Forever Stamps.

They are based on the classic 1965 TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas – one of the most popular holiday specials of all time. I was at the ceremony, along with Postmaster General Megan Brennan, Schulz’s family members, the Emmy awardwinning Executive Producer of the classic show, Lee Mendelson, and many others, including my favorite – Snoopy! The stamps are available now at your local post office.

On October 3, members of Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox offered a special treat. The movie’s director and animator shared the joys and struggles of making the new movie, The Peanuts Movie. They showed clips of the movie and told fascinating stories about the process they used in the making of the movie.

The movie was the dream of Craig, Charles Schulz’s son. The production crew had full access to the museum, including all of Schulz’s comic strips and animated specials.

One goal for the movie was to “find the pen line,” like in the hand-drawn comic strips, where the ink line goes from thick to thin and the lines are not perfectly straight. Charlie Brown’s collars were always wrinkled and uneven. Computers make things symmetrical with straight lines and perfect circles.

Over 100 animators were trained, at what they referred to as Van Pelt University (in honor of Peanuts character Lucy Van Pelt). For three weeks, they watched the specials, studied the comics, and made a connection with the characters.

From every angle, he had to be the Charlie Brown that we all know.

Mark Bruno, the head of animation, shared some of the greatest challenges his team faced. One was that Charles Schulz only drew Charlie Brown’s head from certain angles (no back angles).

But for 3D-animation there has to be a back to Charlie Brown’s head.

After the presentation, I was able to ask if they had started thinking about another Peanuts movie. They laughed and said that the ink was barely dry on this one!

When looking at Charlie Brown’s ears and nose, animators realized Schulz used a different placement of facial features when drawing Charlie Brown from the side than when he drew them from the front. So the animators made multiple heads to use for different angles. Charlie Brown had to be perfect.

The Peanuts Movie wouldn’t have been the same without the help of Charles Schulz’s wife, Jean. She created the Schulz Museum and access to her late husband’s work made the job of the production crew so much easier.

Young reporter Jaret Bosarge is a 5th grader at Corona Creek Elementary School in Petaluma, Calif.

He plays football and his favorite subjects are art and math.

SWWF December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 23

REAL PARTY Kingston’s Camping Party

24 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Happy 4th Birthday!

3 6 0

740-6333

470 N. Market Blvd Chehalis

Dec. 15th - Dec. 19th

Spend $2500 on Childrens Clothing or Maternity Clothing

Pick $500 More for Free

*Offer before tax - white tag clothing only. One coupon per transaction. Excludes trade or other offers. Excludes nursing.

• Educational Toys • Crafts for kids • Board Games • Puzzles & More!

FREE GIFT WRAPPING !

Brands You Know & Love!

COMPETITIVE PRICING!

360-688-3672 • www.letsplaysomething.com 214 2nd Ave NE • Napavine, WA 98565

Do You Support This Magazine?

Then, Please SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS.

SWWF

We Couldn’t do it without them!

December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 25

My oldest daughter has always been a natural gift giver — perhaps because gifts she is given hold a sentimental value to her. I have never had to hint to her to start thinking about what to get for someone, and adding her name to something I have picked out is offensive to her as it makes her feel less involved. If a birthday or holiday is coming up, she slides some of her allowance into her ”special“ pocket in her purse. Then she spends time scouting the stores as I do my shopping until she figures out what she wants to purchase or make.

My other children, have great intentions but need a bit of help.

Here is how watching their older sister and guidance from me have helped my two youngest go from tagging on to my gift to succeeding at giving gifts from their own hearts: Have a specific place for gift money.

26 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

This helps in a few ways: First, it gets the parent out of paying for the gift — making it even more from the child. Second, they will be able to see how much they have to spend.

When a child makes an effort to save up for a person, the gift tends to have more meaning for the giver and receiver. Lastly, it also helps teach budgeting. When my oldest found a perfect gift a few months ago for her dad, it cost more than she had saved in her special gift pocket. We were able to discuss different options for

her. The first option I gave was to select something cheaper. The second was to dip into her regular money and add to her gift budget, which I have taught her isn’t a wise choice for her overall money management. The third option was to share the cost of the gift with someone also planning to give a gift. When she approached her sister and explained the gift she was looking at, her sister agreed it was a great gift idea and offered to split the cost with her and share the gift giving — bringing it into both of their budgets.

Our middle child just had her first big success at this while getting her dad a gift. Before we went shopping I helped her make a list of things her dad enjoyed. On her list she had written: Dallas Cowboys (I am with you Seahawk fans), movies, M&M’s, outdoors and tractors. So when we went to the store, instead of grabbing a random item from a shelf and saying, “I think he will like this,” she had a list to help her and was very pleased with herself when she was able to find some Dallas Cowboy pajama pants — Dad was pretty pleased too!

Have your child make a list of things the recipient likes.

Let kids browse.

In our busyness, we tend to try to hurry kids to one store and have them pick something right then and there. But do we shop at our best when we do that? Of course not.

Let your child pick two or three stores once they make their list and plan a time for them to wander the aisles.

Let them wrap.

Be prepared to follow through on going to all the stores on the list.

Our youngest found the “perfect” gift at the first store we went to. But after going to two other stores, she found a gift that was more in line with the list she had made for the recipient. This also created the opportunity to talk about getting the best price for an item by checking a few stores before purchasing, and having more options to pick from before settling on a gift.

Nothing says love more than a crinkled, over-taped package worked on by a child’s own two hands.

Let your children pick out a gift bag or wrapping paper to wrap their special gift. They even try to find the person’s favorite color or pattern (heightening the thought behind the gift). Once home, pull out the tape and scissors and let them get to work.

Be prepared to go through lots of tape. Tape strips help with moderating the amount used (two feet long is a bit excessive), but be ready for more than a few of those strips to be used. Practice and patience is key here — and the outcome is worth it.

SWWF December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 27

Dr. Kerry M. O’Connor D.D.S. Family Dentistry in a Warm, Caring Environment 2401 Borst Ave Centralia, WA 98532 360-736-1151

New Patients Always Welcome

Longview Radiologists MRI

P.S. Inc.

Longview Radiologists offers “Healthy Savings” Call today for your cash discount

Does Your School Make the Grade?

W

e all know kids receive report cards, but did you know schools do too? The OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) provides a list of schools in Washington state along with information regarding test scores, demographics and more.

Go to swwfamily.com to check out your school.

Now Serving Two Locations:

910 S. Scheuber Rd. | Centralia, WA 98531 | (360) 736-0200 700 Lincoln St. Ste. 100 | Kelso, WA 98626 | (360) 425-5131

www.longviewradiology.com 28 • December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family

Look for this button!

SWWF

2015 Pretend you are a reporter interviewing Rosa Parks. Write a list of questions you would ask.

Find the packages that are wrapped the same. Not every package will have a match.

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday. Find a recipe for latkes (potato pancakes) and make some.

Hanukkah

Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Plop a dollop of whipped cream on top and stir with a candy cane.

Turn off the TV tonight and spend an hour sharing favorite holiday memories with your family.

Write thank you notes to everyone who gave you gifts.

Tell them what you liked most about their gift.

Do you like to get letters? Then mail a letter to a friend or family member telling them what’s new with you.

If you enjoyed an event in your area, write a public thank you by sending a letter to the editor, (321 N. Pearl St., Centralia, WA 98531).

Christmas Seals were created to raise money in the fight against lung disease.

They were first issued in 1907. Visit christmasseals.org.

Get your own strand of Christmas lights and hang them in your room as a Make room for new sparkly night light. toys by giving away some of your used ones to a shelter for moms and children in need.

Find a radio station playing holiday music.

Dance or exercise to the rhythm.

Read a classic holiday story with your family. Take turns reading aloud before bedtime.

Play a game of flashlight tag outside after it gets dark.

Look in the weather section of The Chronicle to see what state has the most wintery weather today.

National Flashlight Day

First Day of WInter

Read the story The Nutcracker. Who is your favorite character?

Set up a Name an animal for bowling alley with every letter of the alphabet. If you get empty water bottles. stuck, look in books or magazines.

Have a snowball fight with balled-up sheets of newspaper.

(Make sure to get your parent’s permission!)

Serving our communities since 1979

Now Accepting Applications For The 2014-2015 School Year! www.centraliachristianschool.org

※ ※ ※ ※

Certified Teachers Strong, Well-Rounded Academic Emphasis Developing Creative, Critical, Independent Thinking Full-Day Kindergarten Option

Preschool ※ Kindergarten ※ Grades 1-8 Call to arrange a tour of our facility 1315 S. Tower Ave. Centralia • 360.736.7657

Give thanks for your home and all the comfort it provides.

Find a sports story in The Chronicle to share with your family at dinner.

Play Bingo as a family and have a few prizes prepared.

Bake a batch of cookies and share with an elderly neighbor or friend.

Look on The Chronicle’s website or the events page in this magazine to find the season’s concerts and holiday activities.

Go for a family bike ride. Look for signs of winter, such as barren trees or frost.

Use graham crackers, frosting and small candies to create a gingerbread house.

Gingerbread House Day

It’s Family Movie Night! Pop some popcorn and enjoy a movie at home.

Go for an evening walk around and admire the holiday lights and decorations.

Write a poem about your family called ‘Twas the Night Before MY Christmas.

Take some time today to remember those less fortunate.

Invite someone without family nearby to eat dinner with you.

Design a flag using green, red and black crayons.

Visit the library to find a book about an AfricanAmerican hero.

Christmas Eve

Christmas

Make a list of five things you want to accomplish in 2016. Seal the list in an envelope to be opened on 12/31/16.

New Year’s Eve

SWWF

Caring for you, caring for your family Well, everyone but the family pooch

Medical Staff Dr. Birendra Piya, M.D. Physician Assistant Neesha Davies, PA-C Seeing patients Monday-Friday

New Family Discount! $1,000 OFF Annual Tuition per 1st - 8th Grade Student and $500 OFF Annual Tuition per Kindergarten Student *New families only. First year only.* Centralia Christian School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

RIFFE MEDICAL CENTER 745 Williams St, Mossyrock | (360) 983-8990 December 2015 • Southwest Washington Family • 29

HEALTHY ADVICE FOR THE NEW YEAR! Holiday gatherings are a wonderful time to create lasting memories and to learn more about your family’s health history. Our expert team of primary care specialists at Capital Family & Sports Medicine can use this health history to determine the best preventive care screenings and lifestyle changes for your family in the new year!

OUR PHYSICIAN

We’re ready to help!

360-709-9500

Accepting most insurance plans, including Medicaid & Medicare

TEAM

Lan Nguyen, MD Jon Peterson, DO Jamie Nixon, PA-C Brian Reiton, PA-C

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday open until 8 p.m.

2960 Limited Lane NW, Suite A Olympia, WA 98502 ©2015 BCI