NEPA Family Times--Halloween '16

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Fall 2016 • Volume 1, Issue 5

CONTENTS

NEPA Family Times

From The Editor...

149 Penn Avenue

Scranton, PA 18503 Editorial: 570-348-9100 Advertising: 570-348-9185

EdiTor Christine Fanning x 5415 cfanning@timesshamrock.com

MANAgiNg EdiTor Tom Graham x 3492

CoNTribuTiNg WriTErs Jennifer Butler Dave DeCosmo Phil Yacuboski

sAlEs MANAgEr Alice Manley x 9285

AdvErTisiNg ExECuTivEs Judy Gregg x 5425 Jerry Mitchell x 5234 Josette Rzeszewski x 3027

EdiToriAl PAgE dEsigNEr Angela Powell x 5145 Your news is always welcome! Email NEPAFamilyTimes@timesshamrock.com or click NEPAFamilyTimes.com.

Mailed editorial and photo submissions will not be returned.

Opinions of the independent columnists do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial staff.

I remember when my children — now grown — were in Halloween mode. We would spend the week before the big night assembling costumes and taking the customary trip to the pumpkin patch.

We would always uncover perfect jack o’lantern material, then their dad would carve the pumpkin features and reserve the seeds for roasting.

We’d keep our fingers crossed that cold, wet, wintry weather wouldn’t start early and ruin our tour of the neighborhood with our friends from up the street.

For years, we kept the same practice.

On Halloween night the kiddos would trick or treat throughout the neighborhood with the moms tagging along.

Then it was home — to check out the “candy loot.”

Jenna Urban talks about Halloween as a family tradition. The “candy loot” is nice but the memories are everlasting. On page 9, she illustrates unique and inexpensive ways ways to stretch out the holiday and make it more familyoriented.

Ever wonder how pumpkins became associated with Halloween? Read about the history of pumpkins on page 5.

There’s plenty of ideas for cool autumn fun activities inside. Whatever your plans — the memories you make will be cherished ones.

/NEPAFamilyTimes

Christine

Have a spook-tacular Halloween

4

Tips for a safe trick or treat

It’s time for the daily “reconnect.”

The pumpkin connection 5 How did pumpkins get associated

Fall coloring contest listen, please

6

Get in some “leaf peeping,” wine tasting

14

Model your own listening behavior for your children.

and antique shopping before winter sets in.

Today’s grandparents

build a fruit-healthy plate 7

A “spin” with my granddaughter.

Add vitamins and minerals to kids’ diet.

Calendar of Events

Keepers with Christina

Plan your family entertainment.

8

See some great Halloween treat ideas.

Profile

Tips from Jenna

Meet Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran.

Make Halloween about family.

12

Let your imagination soar.

with Halloween?

Autumn in the Pocono Mountains

dinnertime is family time 10

9

14 15 16, 17

For the love of books

19

Give yourself the creeps with these frighteningly good books.

oN THE CovEr: Photo by Steven Serge Photography

@NEPAFamilyTimes NEPAFamilyTimes.com NEPAFamilyTimes@timesshamrock.com NEPA Family Times is published bi-monthly by Times Shamrock Communications.

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Send us your family photos that illustrate unforgettable moments at home, work and play. Email them to nepafamilytimes@timesshamrock.com and look for them in an upcoming issue.

The dynamic duo.

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• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.

• Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

• Restrain pets so they do not excitedly jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

On the trick-or-treat trail: • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind trick-or-treaters: • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

• Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.

• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.

• Never cut across yards or use alleys.

• Only cross the street as a group, in established crosswalks, (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.

• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trickber) if they ever have an emergency or

By Jennifer Butler tives. Hats should fit properly to preor-treaters. Just because one car stops, become lost. vent them from sliding over eyes. doesn’t mean others will.

When it comes time to make a onealloween is an exciting time of • When shopping for costumes, wigs • Law enforcement authorities year for families. Straddling the and accessories, look for and purchase of-a-kind jack-o-lantern here are some should be notified immediately of any helpful safety hints: line between celebration and su- those with a label clearly indicating suspicious or unlawful activity.

• Small children should never carve perstition, the season is rife with scary they are flame resistant.

Some other helpful hints to make pumpkins. Children can draw a face myths and creepy costumes.

• If a sword, cane or stick is part of your holiday a fun one: Halloween is a perfect time for the costume, make sure it is not sharp or with markers. Then parents can do • A good meal prior to parties the cutting. parents to prepare their little witches, too long. A child may be easily hurt by and trick-or-treating will discourage • Consider using a flashlight or glow these accessories if he stumbles or trips. ghosts and goblins for safety while youngsters from filling up on Hallowstick instead of a candle to light your visiting the streets of NEPA towns.

• Obtain flashlights with fresh bateen treats. pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a voHere are a few safety tips from the teries for children and their escorts.

• Consider purchasing non-food treats tive candle is safest.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

• Do not use decorative contact for those who visit your home, such as • Candlelit pumpkins should be lenses without an eye examination and When choosing this year’s costume coloring books or pens and pencils. a prescription from an eye care profes- placed on a sturdy table, away from remember to: • Wait until children are home to sional. While the packaging on decora- curtains and other flammable objects, • Plan costumes that are bright and sort and check treats. Though tamperreflective. Make sure that shoes fit well tive lenses will often make claims such and should never be left unattended. ing is rare, a responsible adult should as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see On the night trick-or-treaters come to and that costumes are short enough closely examine all treats and throw an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative visit make sure you perform a few safety to prevent tripping, entanglement or away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicontact lenses without a prescription contact with flame. measures to your home. Include these: cious items. is both dangerous and illegal. This can • Consider adding reflective tape or • To keep homes safe for visit• Try to ration treats for the days cause pain, inflammation and serious striping to costumes and trick-or-treat ing trick-or-treaters, parents should following Halloween. eye disorders and infections, which bags for greater visibility. remove from the porch and front yard may lead to permanent vision loss. anything a child could trip over such • Because masks can limit or block Source: American Academy of • Review with children how to call as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup Pediatrics 9-1-1 (or their local emergency numdecorations. and decorative hats as safer alterna-

Have a hauntingly happy Halloween

H

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Pumpkins and Halloween

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P

umpkins have become synonymous with the Halloween holiday.

The orange fruit harvested in October is not only decorative, but also features flowers, seeds and flesh that are edible and rich in vitamins. Pumpkin is used to make soups, desserts and breads, and carving pumpkins into jack-o’lanterns is also a favorite Halloween tradition in America that originated hundreds of years ago in Ireland.

For centuries people have been making jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween, but it was not always that way.

The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed “Stingy Jack.” According to History.com, Stingy Jack invited the devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the devil from changing back into his original form.

Jack eventually freed the devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree,

Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the devil could not come down until the devil promised Jack not to bother him for 10 more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell.

He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming Earth with it ever since.

The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.”

However, in Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits.

In England, large beets were used.

Immigrants from these countries brought the jack-o’-lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States where they soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack-o’-lanterns.

Source: History.com

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he warm days and cool nights of autumn, combined with apple cider, mulling spices and the season’s ever-changing palette are a perfect time to get outside before the colder weather forces us inside.

“This is the best time of year to see Mother Nature at her finest,” said Tom Williams, owner of Pocono Bike Rentals and Outdoor Adventures in White Haven.

There’s no better way to enjoy the season than pedaling through the reds, oranges and yellows of fall. “People love the crisp, clean air and less humidity,” Williams said.

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Bicycle tours start at $19.95 and go up to $34.95. The less expensive tours allow riders to stay in the Lehigh Gorge/ White Haven area and the more expensive ones go to the Jim Thorpe area. The White Haven to Glen Summit trip uses the new D & L Trail. Other tours give people time to ride in the morning and go white water rafting in the afternoon.

“We get people from the tri-state area, but we also get people here from all over the world,” Williams said. “We’ve had people from Australia, Europe and a lot of people from Canada and the southern states. It’s a nice mix.”

Another stop on a fall foliage tour are the wineries along the newly formed Pocono Wine Trail.

Randy Detrick, owner of the Blue Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Saylorsburg, started his winery with his wife Tiffany, two years ago. He said they get a lot of visitors during fall. He recently formed the Pocono Wine Trail which is comprised of eight family-owned vineyards and wineries.

Detrick’s Blue Ridge Vineyard and Winery has a pristine setting with a deck that overlooks the whole valley.“ A lot people will just take a glass of wine and walk through the vineyard,” Detrick said. “There’s just nothing like it. It’s a picture-perfect spot to take in the fall season.”

Detrick said this is a busy time of year.

“The whole wine world picks up in the fall because people relate wine to the harvest. We’re in the middle of picking all of the grapes and they can see things in action. One day we’re out picking, the next day we’re crushing and people can even see the fermentation process in the wine cellar. It’s very active. I think that’s what draws people to wineries.”

There are about 20 wines on the menu, ranging from dry whites to dry reds.

They also have some sweet wines too as well as fruit wines such as raspberry and apple. Detrick said he tries to have something on the menu for everyone.

Many visitors stopping to check out the fall foliage also take in the many antique shops in the region, said Dale Bryson who co-owns Pieces of the Past antique shop in Newfoundland with her husband George. The store is open every weekend and closed during the week.

“We have everything from jewelry, records, tools, pottery, furniture and artwork,” she said of the 5,500-squarefeet of space.

“We have a lot of people coming here for fall foliage tours and even fall weddings,” Bryson said.

People love coming to visit us, I think, because it’s so peaceful and quiet here in the Poconos.”

Build a healthy plate with fruit Nutrition and wellness tips for young children

F

ruit should be an important staple in children’s diets. Most toddlers consume enough fruit, but many children 4-years and older do not. Fruit is low in fat and calories and supplies key nutrients that children need to grow. Fruit helps protect children from certain illnesses and diseases as well.

Elementary-age children need between 1 and 1 1/2 cups of fruit each day and teens should get between 1 1/2 and 2 cups.

A sufficient amount of fruit helps your child get enough vitamin C, a nutrient that boosts your child’s immune system and helps prevent infection.

It also provides vitamin A for healthy eyes and folate for normal DNA production.

Plenty of fruit also supplies potassium, a mineral which helps keep his blood pressure normal. Good sources

of potassium are found in bananas, dried plums, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, nectarines, raspberries and orange juice.

You can help your children maintain a healthy diet by adding different fruits to your menu. Besides giving them the vitamins and minerals they need, offering a variety of fruits during the

week can: • Teach healthy eating habits children will use for life.

• Add color, texture and flavor to children’s plates.

• Promote proper digestion, helping them feel full from the added dietary fiber, which will also aid them in maintaining a healthy weight.

Fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruits are all great choices. Introduce kids to the whole rainbow of fruit choices — each has its own unique flavor and nutrients. Providing different choices each day helps children get the nutrition they need.

However, fruit juice should be limited to only a ½-cup (4 oz) serving of 100 percent juice, once per day. While 100 percent fruit juice can be part of a healthy diet, it does not contain the dietary fiber found in other forms of fruit.

Source: fns.usda.gov

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keepers with christina

lano cookie. Coat a cake with chocolate frosting and stick the decorated Milano cookies half-way into the cake so they resemble tombstones.

Ghostly Cheese Snacks Use a black permanent marker to draw ghostly eyes and a mouth onto string cheese packages.

Halloween Marshmallow Pops Stick pretzel sticks into regular-sized marshmallows. Dip marshmallows into melted chocolate so that half of the marshmallow is coated in chocolate. Roll the chocolate-coated marshmallow into Halloween-themed sprinkles.

Pumpkin Cups Use a black permanent marker to draw a jack-o’-lantern face onto individual cups of mandarin oranges.

You can find more Halloween treat recipes and ideas at itisakeeper.com/ NepaFamilyTimes.

Easy Pumpkins Peel mandarin oranges or tangerines, leaving the fruit intact. Cut segments of green licorice about ½-inch long and stick in the top of the fruit to look like a stem.

Spook-tacular Halloween Treat Ideas

By Christina Hitchcock

H

alloween is one of my favorite times of the year. I love how you can really get creative with costumes, decorations and food. Whether you’re making treats for a ghoulish party, a haunted lunch box or devil-

ish trick-or-treaters, check out these wickedly easy treats you can make in no time.

Haunted Graveyard Cake Put chocolate frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a fine tip. Write “RIP” or other scary sayings on half of a Mi-

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Gobblin’ Fingers Dip Nutter Butter cookies into melted green chocolate to cover the entire cookie. Cut green (or black) jelly beans in half, lengthwise. Place half of a jelly bean on one end of each cookie to resemble a finger nail.

Witch Brooms Unwrap bite-size peanut butter cups and place upside down. Stick a pretzel stick into each peanut butter cup so it resembles a broom handle.

Monster Cheese Snacks Remove the wrapper from Baby Bell cheese snacks (leave the wax coating intact). Glue two google eyes on the wax coating. Use a sharp paring knife to cut scary mouths out of the wax coating.

HalloWEEn CHoColatE Bark Ingredients 12 ounce package of white candy melts Assorted toppings such as: Candy Corn Halloween sprinkles Chopped nuts Pretzel pieces M&Ms or other candy pieces Instructions Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper.

Melt chocolate according to package directions.

Pour melted chocolate on to baking sheet and spread out using an offset spatula.

While chocolate is still warm, place toppings on top of chocolate and gently press in.

Allow chocolate to harden before serving or storing.

Mummy Juice Wrap regular juice boxes in toilet paper to resemble a mummy. Glue two google eyes on each juice box.

Christina Hitchcock Christina Hitchcock scours cookbooks, recipe boxes and the internet to bring you only the BEST recipes that have her seal of approval.

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Make Halloween a family tradition

TIPS FROM JENNA ing that it will be mostly neighborhood kids during that hour.

Not about to go out trick-or-treating as a family? How about hanging out as a family and greeting trick-or-treaters.

Whoever said that you had to give out candy for Halloween? Here are some of our favorite creative alternatives for trick-or-treaters: • Glow sticks and finger lights; • Mini-packs of pretzels, raisins or dried fruit; • Temporary tattoos; • Packs of mini play dough containers; and • Halloween pencils and mini activity books or pads of paper.

When your own trick-or-treaters return with their stash, emphasize moderation. A little candy isn’t a bad thing, but a little can go a long way.

Try either freezing chocolate or hiding the candy for future use. If you end up with too much candy, partner with your local dental practice’s buy back program. To find a dental practice in your area that participates log on to halloweencandybuyback.com.

O

ver the years, Halloween has become more about the candy loot or having the most creative costume and less about spending time as a family. This year, consider scaling back and starting some new Halloween family traditions.

No need to break the bank at the pumpkin patch. Think about your Halloween experiences from childhood and plan more experiences as a family. Celebrating doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A day of fun — a hayride, apple picking or pumpkin picking — is perfect.

Whether you like your pumpkins spooky, classic, sporty or cartoonish, you’ll love the free pumpkin carving templates on pumpkinpile.com.

Here are some popular farms to visit: • Miller’s Orchard. 1421 Fairview Rd, Scott Twp., 570-587-3399.

• Ritter’s Farm Market. Route 348, Mt. Cobb, 570-689-5151.

• Roba’s Family Farms. Decker Rd, Dalton, 570-563-2904.

With the crisp chill of fall weather, why not plan a movie night. With so many great Halloween movies available throughout the month, here are our favorites: • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; • “Casper;” • “Spooky Buddies;” • “Halloween Town;” and • “Scared Shrekless.”

Looking to save some cash on Halloween costumes? Search Pinterest for DYI costumes or visit your local consignment shop for used Halloween

ostumes. co Goodwill of N NEPA has a arge variety la off inexpensive costumes in c new or good n shape.

Not s finding what fi you y need?

Why W not post it i on social media?

You might di ? Y i h just have a friend who has the perfect costume.

The days of lighted-up houses on Halloween are diminishing and it seems that more and more houses are shutting off the porch lights on Halloween night. Talk with other parents in the neighborhood to organize a onehour time block for the kids to go doorto-door. Let the rest of your neighbors know that the neighborhood kids will be trick-or-treating during this hour and this way they will be prepared.

Encourage them to participate know-

Forget the tricks and embrace the treats. Here are some frugal and free treats for Halloween: • Wendy’s Halloween coupon books come with five Jr. Frosty coupons for just $1. Proceeds go to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to help children in foster care find their forever homes.

• Dressed up and looking for sweets, stop by Krispy Kreme on Oct. 31 in your costume and get one free doughnut of your choice.

• Stop in Chuck E Cheese on Oct. 31 in costume and get 50 free tickets.

• Baskin-Robbins is again offering any scoop of ice cream for $1.31 on Oct. 31.

Jenna Urban Jenna Urban is a mother, blogger, teacher, writer and bargain hunter.

Twitter: @JennaRUrban

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By Phil Yacuboski

lessons and even playtime, how do you make sure dinnertime happens?

What’s a good time? Is there ever a time hether it’s pasta night, pot roast that’s too late? And how often? or a dinner as simple as pizza “Something is better than nothing,” with half pepperoni, families Griffiths said. “Families should be makshould be sitting down, as much as posing a commitment to make that happen, sible, for a daily meal with the family. even if it’s not at a typical time.”

“With multi-tasking, flying from one Griffiths used her own family as an event to the other, working, activities example. She has three children — 4, and homework, we’re often not present 10 and 15-years-old — who are in all diffor our children and research shows that it’s not the quantity of the time we ferent activities with different eating times. She said the 4-year-old now gets spend time with our kids, it’s the quality,” said Dr. Tiffany Griffiths, a licensed a snack around the regular dinnertime hour to help wait until 7 p.m. when clinical psychologist with practices in she’s home for dinner.

Clarks Summit, Dunmore and Exeter.

“That happens about five days a She said families should use dinnerweek,” she said. “We try to make it evtime to hash out the day and find out ery day, but that’s not always possible.” what’s happening in their children’s “A five or six o’clock dinnertime daily life. might not work because of after-school “It’s a good chance to find out if they activities. Even right after school, are having any issues or problems that there’s homework, so it really depends you should be aware of and really using that time to give them your full and on what’s happening within the family, but try to do it as many days as posundivided attention. It lets them know sible,” Griffiths said. that the door is open, you’re there for Dinnertime is also a time to get rid them, and you care about them and are of all of the distractions. there to hear from them.”

“This is not a time for cell phones, A study published in the academic texting or having the television on while journal New Directions for Child and everyone is eating dinner,” she said. “If Adolescent Development also shows that aside from the nutritional benefits, the phone rings, don’t answer it. Use that time to have the family reconnect.” dinnertime increases vocabulary and Griffiths also said to take advantage even helps children understand stories and how to explain things. Other studies of delving deeper into what is happening in the lives of your children. link regular family dinners to higher “Avoid open ended questions,” she grades in school and achievement in said. “Let them know you’re paying other activities like sports and art. attention to them. Often times they see “It’s a great time to have your kids use you as a sounding board,” she said. us frazzled trying to keep it all together and going from task to task. We have to But with soccer practice, piano show them we’re interested in them.”

W

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C.C. YOUNG & HENKELMAN INSURANCE INC.

1415 Capouse Ave.

In-home care that makes the

Moments of Life Better!

Always have an adult check your candy before eating it

PETHICK Watch for children

www.BeAScout.org or

Contact NEPA Council at 570-207-1227

Never Trick or Treat Alone!

Families United Network Inc.

570-307-CARE (2273)

412 Lackawanna Avenue, Olyphant, PA 18447

Don’t Talk to Strangers!

Never trick or treat alone

educational staffing

Scranton Office 1006 Pittston Avenue, Suite 200 Scranton PA, 18505

124 Centerpoint Blvd., Pittston PA 18640

www.families4kids.org

51k8@kellyservices.com

570-340-1444

570-343-2347

Happy Halloween MASTER Diane Meckwood Prislupsky

PAINT & SUPPLY INC. 1012 Sanderson Ave., Scranton 344-1515 • 344-1555 800-273-2003

Join Cub Scouts!

Mallory Evans

• Personal Care • Companion Care • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Incidental transportation • FREE in-home assessment

PA044576

346-7021 - FAX 342-8487

Mevans@families4kids.org

Free estimates.

570-489-8750

1331 Wyoming Ave. Scranton

PHONE: 342-2613 FAX: 961-3840

Licensed, insured.

570-489-5731

www.circleofscreams.com www.circledrive-in.com www.circlefamilyfun.com

Be Considerate Of Other Trick-or-treaters

JIM BOLES

706 N. Blakely St. Dunmore, PA 18512

Open every weekend

Travel In Groups With At Lease One Adult

1536 Main Street Peckville, PA 18452

SENATOR JOHN

570-348-9192

BLAKE

JohnBlakeSenate.com

Paid for by Friends of Senator John Blake

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF THE FUN CALL 570-348-9160!

Cell: 570-262-1386 Studio: 570-397-6128 spakarate@msn.com spakarate.com

HOME! YOU WIN NEPA FAMILY T IMES

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11

Fall Coloring Contest Pick up your crayons and let your imagination soar!

Enter for a chance to win one of 3 gift cards from a local business!

FOR ALL ENTRIES, BE SURE TO INCLUDE: Child’s Name: _____________________________ Child’s Age: _____________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Name: _____________________________ Parent/Guardian’s phone number: _____________________________ Rules: Contest is open to children up to age 12.

One entry per child. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone. Please note: children of CNG staff members are not eligible to win.

Entries must be mailed to: NEPA Family Times Coloring Contest, 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, Pa, 18503. Submissions must be received by Friday, Oct.28.

have Fun and good luCk! 12

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KOSMIC KIDS

Sunday October 30th at 4:00 Costume Contest at 3:45!

Includes 1 hour of cosmic bowling, mom approved music and videos, live DJ, prizes and family fun! Geared towards children 12 and younger, with their families.

Please call 570.489.7526 to make a reservation.

Now accepting registration for our 10 week Youth Bowling Clubs Starting Sat. Nov. 19 at 9:45AM.

Socialize and learn a lifelong sport while participating and having fun.

Achievement awards, party, shirt, coach supervision and scholarship opportunities are some of the reasons to join us. Ages 5-18 bowl in 4 age categories.

Ages 3-4 begin a new session on Dec. 3.

Stroudsburg: 585 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-7950 Brodheadsville: 1471 Rt. 209, Brodheadsville, PA 570-992-3865

BIRTHDAY PARTIES ARE A PIECE OF CAKE!!!

You Bring the Kids & the Cake.... We’ll Take Care of the Rest!! Bowling/Mini Golf Combo or Bowling Only Parties!!

dunkelbergers.com

Stroudsburg: Mon.-Thur 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm Brodheadsville: Mon-Wed 9am-6pm, Thru & Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm

Also, Teen Bash Packages Available Any Time - Any Day!!!

Idle Hour Lanes 2008 Scranton-Carbondale Hwy, Scranton 570-489-7526 • idlehourlanes.com

Camp, Retreat & Conference Center

ANNUAL SENIOR EXPO Thursday, October 27th 9:30AM - Noon

Spend the day with us and area businesses that support all aspects of senior lifestyle. Join us for lunch and meet business people that can help you!

Noon Lunch $3.00 - Please Call For Reservation 287 Owego Turnpike, Waymart, PA • 570-488-6129

NEPA FAMILY T IMES TS_CNG/FAMILY_TIMES/PAGES [Y13] | 10/12/16

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Listen, please

todAy’S gRAndpAREnt

By Beth Raiola

A

A ‘spin’ with my granddaughter ally all of the music you heard on the radio or at your school dance.

I reminded her that Grandpa used It’s wonderful to share experiences with your grandchildren. We’ve to be a DJ “back in the day.” As a result I’ve got a shelf of old record albums got six of them now, ranging from a that have generally been sitting around 12-month-old to an 18-year-old.

As fall came on we found ourselves gathering dust for a whole lot of years.

The other day she sat with my wife busy following the sports activities of and me in our living room checking the older kids. We try to get to as many out a small portion of my collection. of their games as possible to show our She seems interested in all types of support. That’s a key responsibility of grandparents. But this year I found music, although it took some time to explain how tunes like Roger Miller’s that one of my granddaughters and I “You Can’t Roller-skate in a Buffalo suddenly share a really common link Herd” could be such a big hit. Wait till and it’s got nothing to do with sports. I she hears “Purple People Eater.” discovered it as she opened her birthOf course a few of the old songs we day presents. It was a record player. It used to enjoy have actually come out didn’t look much like the old phonoagain, redone by modern artists. It’s graphs we were used to but it works interesting to hear how they’ve been exactly the same. reworked for today’s audiences.

She just turned 15. It seems that Since this seems to be a new trend youngsters of that age have developed you may want to check the closet, an interest in something that’s brand new to them, but “old hat” for many of warm up your old record player and us: vinyl records. You know, the old 33 invite the grandkids over for “a spin.”

Hope all your news is good!

1/3 and 45s that once provided virtuBy David DeCosmo

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s the youngest of three children, I heard all the stories, good and not so good, about my siblings. The one that remains prevalent is this: when they were young, possibly 3 to 6 years old, they were with my mom in a department store. The elevator doors were open and they were running toward them.

My mom yelled “STOP!” Thankfully, they did. When my mother looked into the elevator, it was an open shaft. I shudder to think what the outcome may have been if my siblings did not listen.

Moral of the story: it doesn’t matter if your child has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — I work with children who are affected by all of these and certainly they have great potential, but we all need to learn to listen.

Listening is considered a skill; some are better at it than others, and often, listening needs to be developed. In family life, it’s not unusual for a parent to find herself repeating the same demand to the children: wash your hands and face, supper is served; pick up your toys, it’s time for bed. It feels like a battle of wills when you feel your child is tuning you out.

The way we talk to our children models the manner in which we want them to respond to us. If we shout while they are otherwise occupied, or demand too much at one time, they may not respond or they may appear as if they are not listening.

Listening is a behavior that needs to be taught. The best form of teaching is modeling the behavior you desire.

Show them respectful, undivided listening behaviors. “Mommy (Daddy), at school today, Brian used the red paint when I wanted the red paint.” Are you making eye contact with your child?

Are you giving him or her a dose of undivided attention?

Distraction is a deal-breaker. If your child, for example, is playing with a toy or a video game he really enjoys, give him/her a heads-up, or count-down: in 10 minutes I would like you to clean

your room, eight minutes, five more minutes …

Set a timer, this allows for less discussion. If you attempt to make a demand while your child is intensely involved in an activity, chances are they will protest or tune-out. That’s why a heads-up prepares them for what’s coming and helps to avoid power struggles.

Some children have difficulty with transitioning from one activity to another. This may be another reason why a parent perceives that the child is not listening or being defiant. Depending upon the age of the child, the warning of what’s to come and when, coupled with a count-down or timer, reduces the stress that a child with transition difficulties experiences. If your child is young or has special needs, a picture — showing the sequence of what’s to come, always, of course, with a prior heads-up, serves to reduce anxiety, with regard to change, transitions and/or following directions.

To summarize: • make sure your child is looking at you when you make a request; • children without the ability to make eye contact should be still and in your “space,” • make sure your child understands what you are asking; • keep it simple — too many steps or tasks may be overloading or confusing; • is what you’re asking age-appropriate or in your child’s repertoire?

Have you seen them do it before, are they capable?

• check in: “Do you know what I am asking you to do?

• most of all, don’t forget verbal praise, a hug and sincere appreciation to your child for listening!

As parents, we are always shaping our children’s behaviors to become socially adaptive and successful. The more positive the experience of learning appropriate behaviors, the more apt your child is to be able to follow rules and directions and build a foundation for success and safety, across all social settings.

Happy parenting.

Email Beth Raiola, MS, LBS, BCBA at researchdir1@aol.com

SeaSonal Moscow Steamtown NHS Fall Foliage Excursion, Oct. 15, 12:30 to 3 p.m., Oct. 22, 12:30 to 3 p.m. The Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Chapter NRHS leases the former Moscow freight house and offers light refreshments doing the train’s layovers. Steamtown National Historic Site, 350 Cliff St., Scranton. $22/$24/$17. 570340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

Bonfire at the Iron Furnaces, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. In addition to a bonfire, this sixth annual event features live music, jack-o’-lantern carving competition, fire twirlers, storytelling, stilt walkers, fire sculpture by Brian Murray, cultural displays, dance, food and drinks. Rain or shine.

Scranton Iron Furnaces, 159 Cedar Ave., Scranton. $15 advance; $20 gate. Free for children younger than 12.

570-963-4804 or scrantonbonfire.com.

Delaware Water Gap Steamtown NHS Fall Foliage Excursion, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour this historic town and enjoy fall activities. Steamtown National Historic Site, 350 Cliff St., Scranton. $32/$49/$54. 570-340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

Trunk-or-Treat Family Fun Day, Oct. 22, noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy candy, games and crafts, a smokehouse by Scranton Fire Department and fingerprints by Lackawanna County Sheriff’s office all under Schimelfenig Pavilion.

Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry St., Scranton. facebook. com/GSJccs.

Halloween Party, Oct. 22, 5 to 8 p.m. Refreshments, treats, games, entertainment and activities. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by guardian. Station Park and Train Station, Church Street, Jessup. Free. jessupborough.com.

Haunted Hallways of West Scranton High School, Oct. 22 through 23, 6 to 10 p.m. Presented by the drama club. West Scranton High School, 1201 Luzerne St., Scranton. $7/$10. 570-348-3616 or facebook.com/ westscrantonplayers.

Cresco Steamtown NHS Fall Foliage Excursion, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy music and refreshments.

The restored depot preserves how life was in the early days in the Poconos. Steamtown National Historic Site, 350 Cliff St., Scranton. $22/$29/$34. 570-340-5200 or nps.gov/stea.

Patrick O’Malley’s 16th annual Halloween Party, Oct. 23, 1 to 3 p.m. The event will include a picture with the Wicked Witch of the West, Good Fellas Pizza, balloon animals and more. Children from preschool to fifth grade can attend. McDade Park, Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. RSVP to this free event by Thursday, Oct. 20. 570-346-1828.

Pumpkin Decorating, Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m. Take a real or artificial pumpkin or gourd to paint, decoupage and embellish with paint, glue and glitter. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 570-823-0156 or osterhout.lib.pa.us.

Things That Go Boom in the Night!, Oct. 26, 6 to 8 p.m. Misericordia University Dead Alchemist Society will offer activities for children, including hands-on experiments, pumpkin makeovers and vomiting fiery pumpkins.

Wells Fargo Amphitheater at Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. Free. 570-674-6400 or misericordia.edu/ chem.

Things That Go Boom in the Night, Oct. 26, 7 p.m.

King’s College’s chemistry club presents its traditional ghoulish exhibition, featuring exploding balloons and flaming pumpkins. Burke Auditorium at King’s College, 133 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Free. 570-208-5900 or kings.edu.

Dickson City Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m.

Trunk-or-treat, costume contest with prizes and “Hotel Transylvania” screening. Tickets can be purchased at Dickson City Civic Center. No admittance without tickets.

Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Dickson City. Free for Dickson City residents and Mid Valley School District students/$5 donation non-residents.

570-383-1813.

CALENDAR

Christmas show, tree lighting ceremony, living nativity, and more. Downtown Hawley, Main Avenue, Hawley.

Shirim’s Klezmer Nutcracker, Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Shirim celebrates the holidays with its klezmer rendition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.

Milford Theatre, 114 E. Catherine St., Milford. $15-$20 or buy a $110 season pass. 570-409-1278 or milfordtheatre. com/milford.

For the kidS

Cars for Kids Car Show, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration is $15 per car and registrants are eligible to win a door prize. Proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger. Geisinger Medical Center, 100 North Academy Avenue, Danville. 570-271-6211 or go.geisinger. org/cmnevents or mapesmopar75@gmail.com.

Kids Yoga, Mondays, 4:15 p.m. Children will be guided through a fun yoga class inspired by nature, art, meditation and movement. Mission Yoga Studio, 1440 Capouse Ave., Scranton. 570-909-9497 or Mission-Yoga.com.

Anime Club, Fridays, 4 to 6 p.m. For children in grades 7 to 12. Abington Community Library, 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit. 570-587-3440 or lclshome.org.

Teen Writing, Fridays, 4 p.m. Practice the writing craft The Times-Tribune Children’s Series at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic through exploration of creative writing topics and share Temple will kick off its 2016-17 season with a presentation of “Dog Loves Books” on your writing with others. For grades 7-12. Carbondale Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. The show, produced by Arts Power Touring Company, will be pre- Public Library, 5 N. Main St., Carbondale. 570-282-4281 or lclshome.org. ceded by a Wiggles and Giggles Craft Workshop at 10 a.m.

Teddy Bear Clinic, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. The Commonwealth Medical College students will teach children how to make their teddy bears feel better by learning how germs Benefits PROSPER drug and alcohol prevention proWayne Hoffman, Oct. 27, 6 p.m. Mentalist-illusionist grams. Carbondale Area Elementary School, 103 Brooklyn spread and the importance of eating healthy. Lackawanna performs. Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Old Route 115, County Children’s Library, 520 Vine St., Scranton. To St., Carbondale. $2 adults/free for children under 12.

Lehman. $5/$10. 570-675-2171 or wb.psu.edu. register, call the Children’s Library at 570-348-3000, ext.

570-282-5656.

Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular, Oct. 29 through 30.

3015. 570-348-3000 or lclshome.org/childrenslibrary.

Fall festival and bazaar, Nov. 13, 2 to 5 p.m. Indoor Wear your costume and join the fun. Costume contest Teen Night, Oct. 26, 6 p.m., Nov. 30, 6 p.m. Teens are event features local artisans, vendors, basket raffle, 50/50 open for all ages and begins at noon on Saturday. Roba and children’s activities. Benefit the Parent Forum. Jewish invited to craft, game, draw, or watch anime. Other ideas Family Farms, Decker Road, Dalton. 570-563-2604 or are welcome too. For Grades 7 to 12. Carbondale Public Community Center of Scranton, 601 Jefferson Ave., robafamilyfarms.com.

Library, 5 N. Main St., Carbondale. 570-282-4281.

Scranton. $5 for adults and free for children..

Pumpkins on Parade, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to noon. Take Block Party, Nov. 14, 6 p.m., Dec. 12, 6 p.m. Children Christmas with the Choral Society, Nov. 29, 4 p.m. a carved pumpkin to Steamtown between 10 a.m. and The Choral Society presents classic holiday fare Covenant ages 3 to 8, and their families are invited to the library noon for this Lackawanna Historical Society-sponsored once a month to build, talk, and create together. RegistraPresbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton. Free.. pumpkin-carving contest. Winners will be selected at tion required. Carbondale Public Library, 5 N. Main St., Swingles, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. A cappella sounds 6 p.m. This is part of Steamtown’s Spooky SpectacuCarbondale. 570-282-4281. and traditional carols by the Grammy-winning group lar. Lackawanna Historical Society, 232 Monroe Ave., Lego JR and Lego Clubs, through Nov. 21, Mondays, will launch the holiday season. Lemmond Theater at Scranton.

5 p.m. Weekly prizes will be awarded for the top three Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. $20/$30.

Olyphant Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 29, 1 p.m. Decorate themed designs voted by library patrons. The Hoyt 570-674-6719 or misericordia.edu/theartsandmore. trunks and vehicles and hand out treats at this event.

Library, 284 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 570-287-2013 or Holiday Workshop, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wargo Fern Hill Park, 700 E. Grant St., Olyphant. To hoytlibrary.org/. register cars, contact David Krukovitz at 570-780-4446, A family-friendly morning of cookie decorating, holiday Nature Wonders, through Dec. 1, Thursdays, 1 to 2:30 Paula Foley at 570-351-8452 or Heather Schroeder at crafts, singing and creations by the balloon lady to get into p.m. Children ages 3 to 6 with parents can attend this the spirit of the season. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., 570-507-3804. program aimed to provide children with a meaningful reStorytelling Dinner, Oct. 29, 6 p.m. Storyteller Sandy Tunkhannock. free. 570-996-1500 or dietrichtheater.com.

Gabrielson entertains at this event including a display of Golden Days of Radio Holiday Performance, Dec. 6, 7 lationship with the nature world through discovery based learning. Lackawanna College Environmental Education p.m. Go back to the golden days of radio during this holiintricately carved pumpkins and a seasonal family-style Center, 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. $8 day performance of radio plays presented by the Dietrich meal. The Settlers Inn, 4 Main Ave., Hawley. $65. 570per child/ Pre-registration required. 570-842-1506 or Theater Radio Players. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., 226-2993 or thesettlersinn.com. wheelerm@lackawanna.edu.

St. John’s Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 30, 3 to 4:30 p.m. ReTunkhannock. free. 570-996-1500 or dietrichtheater.com.

Art Classes for Children, through Dec. 31, Wednesfreshments will be served in church’s lower level. St. John Sleigh Bells Ring Out!, Dec. 8, 8 p.m. Grammy days, 4 p.m. This C.A.V.E Art (Creativity-Artistry-VisionEvangelical Lutheran Church, 7 Wood Street, Pittston.

Award-winners The Mavericks present a country fusion Donations accepted. 570-655-2505 or stjohnslutheranChristmas celebration. F.M. Kirby Center for the Perform- Exploration) is intended for children ages 7 to 10. Perfect Harmony Center for the Arts, 10 W. Dorrance St., 4th ing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. $35-$69. schurch@aol.com. floor, Kingston. $12/class. 570-714-2787.

Back Mountain Trick or Treat, Oct. 31, 6:15 to 8 p.m.

570-826-1100 or kirbycenter.org.

Preschool Story Time, through April 30, Wednesdays, Features a DJ, cider and dance party. Luzerne County Hawley Winterfest, Dec. 9 through 11. This annual 10:45 a.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, 10:45-11:30 Fairgrounds, Route 118, Dallas. Free. 570-675-3247 or pre-holiday winter celebration includes live music, tours, a.m. or 2-2:45 p.m.; Saturdays, 10-10:45 a.m. Story luzernecountyfair.com. exhibits, Christmas tree sales, cookie walk, snow show time is open to children ages 3 1/2 to 5. Call to register.

Holiday Vendor Fair, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. demo, artisan’s fair, meet the author book signings, ice Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre.

Features more than 70 vendors, door prizes and Santa. sculpture, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Ritz Theater Free. 570-823-0156 or osterhout.lib.pa.us.

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James Corcoran III, James Daniel Corcoran IV and Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran.

PROFILE

PhOtO by Emma bLaCk

She was Exeter Borough mayor at 20. She’s a mom, a wife and she represents Pennsylvania’s governor in NEPA. She is also an inspiring blood clot survivor and works with the National Blood Clot Alliance to help bring awareness to the problem. #BeYourOwnBestAdvocate #StoptheClot

Meet Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran

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Cassandra, tell us about yourself.

I am 28 and live in Exeter Borough. I was born in Kingston and resided for a short time in South Wilkes-Barre before moving to Exeter. My mother and stepfather, Barbara and Carlos Velazquez, live in Exeter and my father and stepmother, Dale and Renee Coleman, live in Hanover Twp. You’ll never meet a friendlier and closer knit community than Exeter Borough. Everyone bends over backwards for their neighbors. I truly enjoyed growing up in a small community. Friends that I made in elementary school are some of my closest friends today.

I have three step siblings, Natasha, Jamie and Emily, and they are amazing.

I am one of nine cousins on the Coyne (maternal) side and one of nine on the Coleman (paternal) side.

Growing up in a small town has its advantages. We were able to run around outside, hopping from house to house, never too concerned with traffic and busy streets. We all grew up in each other’s houses.

I graduated from Kings College in 2010 with a degree in political science, and I am the director of Gov. Tom Wolf ’s northeast office.

council representative to Exeter Borough in my junior and senior years. From then, my involvement just flourished.

It was past practice in Exeter that if an elected official passed away, while in office, a spouse or family member could fulfill their term. My grandfather was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in September of 2007 and asked that if anything should happen to him while still in office, that I fulfill his term.

Thanks to his faith in me, I was appointed mayor of Exeter in October of 2008.

that ultimately caused four knee surgeries. In 2011, I reinjured my knee, warranting yet another two surgeries. Six weeks after the surgeries, I fell short of breath and was rushed to the hospital.

At 24 years old, the doctors found blood clots so numerous that they “stopped counting at five.” The clots were blocking my pulmonary blood flow by 80 percent in one lung and 100 percent in the other one. I was transferred to the University of Pennsylvania where I spent more than six weeks in the hospital. After multiple close calls, they were able to get the clots to dissolve and I was What were your challenges on released — but not without lingering the job? effects. I suffered short-term memory It was a great honor to step into my loss and was in a wheelchair while I grandfather’s shoes, but it would be an completed therapy. I was also told I may understatement to say I learned on the never be able to have children. Luckjob. During my 6½ years as mayor, we had ily, we were able to prove them wrong. an explosion in the middle of town, next I built my to an elemenback “Growing up in a small town has strength tary school, up and after as well as the its advantages. We were able to 18 months of flood of 2011. run around outside, hopping from anticoagulaIt was trytion therapy, house to house, never too coning at times, I was told it cerned with traffic and busy but through was safe to streets. We all grew up in each the most difhave a child. ficult days and other’s houses. ” I have been the most tryopen about ing decisions, —Cassandra Coleman-Corcoran my story and I always tried work with What’s a typical day like at work? to imagine the National The northeast office serves the 24 how my grandfather would have hanBlood Clot Alliance to help bring awarecounties of Northeast and Central dled the challenge I was facing. ness.

Pennsylvania. Every day is different Initially, as a young female, it was from the next. I attend events and meetdifficult to get a seat at the table and be ings on behalf of the governor. The Tell us about your family. taken seriously, but I believe I was able governor’s NEPA office also handles a My husband, Jim Corcoran III, and to prove myself and I eventually earned large amount of constituent service on I met through friends in 2008. He was that seat. a daily basis. The great thing about this living in South New Jersey at the time One of the major responsibilities job is every day is a new adventure and I and we had a long distance relationship as a borough mayor is overseeing the look forward to each new challenge. for more than two years. He proposed in borough police department. I will never September 2010. At that time, I knew I forget my nerves walking into the first wanted to build a life, career and family You have an interesting story meeting with the department. How here in NEPA, so he eventually moved about your foray into politics. would they react? Would I be respected? to Exeter. He now sees why this area is My grandfather, the late Mayor Joe Also, would they work with me to teach such a wonderful place. He works for Coyne, served in local government for me what I needed to learn about law Mohegan Sun at Pocono. just about 30 years. He served on Exeter enforcement? Thanks to some truly Jim and I were married on April 13, Council for 17 years and as mayor for commendable officers, those fears and 2013, at St. Anthony’s in Exeter. Be11 years. The Borough of Exeter was nerves were quickly assuaged. They ing told at 24, one year prior to getting near and dear to his heart. He so immediately accepted me and most married, that you may never be able to valued his time serving this communiimportantly, respected me. I was very have children was quite emotional. I feel ty, and he instilled in me a great passion engaged as mayor with our police and extremely lucky to have had a superb and devotion to public service.

I can’t thank our borough police and From a very young age, my grandlaw enforcement as a whole, enough for team, Doctors Theresa Baseski, David Greenwald, Andrew Stuka and Mark father would take me to meetings and always being willing to put their lives Bernardi who worked with me to get events with him. I actually worked my on the line to protect us. me to the point I needed to be at when first polling place at 3 years old. When Tell us about your illness.

Jim and I decided we wanted to grow I was in high school, I served as junior In 2004, I had a cheerleading injury

PROFILE

our family. I was high risk the entire pregnancy and drove Dr. Baseski nuts, I’m sure. But honestly, I cannot thank her enough for everything she did for me. She is one of the main reasons we have our son today and I will forever be indebted to her for her professionalism and compassion. My 40-week pregnancy was pretty uneventful and my labor and delivery was quite quick and easy.

I always joke that after all the medical issues I had, God let me slide with this one and made it a “piece of cake.”

James Daniel Corcoran IV was born Sept. 25, 2014. Jimmy is such an active little boy. I believe he is a perfect mix of my husband and me. He, without a doubt, has my personality. He loves people and always wants to interact. He also has my husband’s demeanor. He is laid back and just goes with the flow. I take him along to political events, just like my grandfather did with me.

Jimmy has a photo in his room of the governor holding him when he was only 5 weeks old. He has a “Tom Wolf for Governor” onesie on. He really knows how to pick the winners. Jim and Jimmy have an amazing relationship and what I do for work and the community is only possible because of the time and energy Jim and my parents put in to helping with Jimmy.

You are a two career family? How do you manage child care?

Jimmy attends the Work of Art Learning Center in Exeter, four days a week. He enjoys nursery school so much. It helps us get through the day knowing what wonderful teachers are there. Jim helps with pickup and dropoff when I’m traveling. My parents are amazing. I truly never realized how much admiration I have for them until I became a parent. Both my parents, as well as my stepparents, have active roles in raising Jimmy, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that they want to be such an important part of his daily life.

I grew up very close to my grandparents and I cherish that relationship and feel extremely lucky that Jimmy will have the same relationship with his Poppy and Nani and Grandma and Abuelo.

NEPA FAMILY T IMES TS_CNG/FAMILY_TIMES/PAGES [Y17] | 10/12/16

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A Times-Shamrock Publication

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For the Love of Books

T

are told The stories s he form of letters, in th newspaper articles and illustrations cred by an unlikely ated o. Their stories trio come popular but bec meet opposition om IMSPOOKY fro nternational (In ovement for the Mo afety & ProtecSa on of Our Kids & tio Youth) who have Yo n anti-Hallowan een agenda. e Student review: “They r are fun to read a because I love reading scary mystery stories!” — Braelyn Reed, fourth grade

he most rewarding part of my job as a school librarian is finding the perfect books for students who claim they do not like reading. After my usual response of “Think of a book as a really long text message,” I conduct a mini interview of their interests and start my search. My book recommendations are not just books that I enjoy… they are books that my students love.

Scare yourself with a good book!

Although many think of October for scary stories, my students enjoy them all year ’round. Some parents may be reluctant to introduce scary stories to their children in fear of nightmares, but here are some age appropriate book series that willl keep your children reading g — and sleeping.

43 Old Cemetery Road Author: Kate Klise Interest level: Grades three through six.

About the book series: This series is perfect for your child’s first spooky reading experience as it contains just the right amount of humorr.

Deadtime Stories Author: Annette Cascone Interest level: Grades three through six.

About the book series: “Many of my students chose to read stu b books from this series ffor summer reading.

These books have short T hapters with humor ch mixed in with creepy, m yet realistic cliff-hangers tha at will keep your chilen engaged. Read the dre ginnings of the books beg eadtimestoriestheatde es.com/. serie Sttudent Reviews: “These books have a lot of plot tw wists. You think one thing is going to happen, but then so omething else hap-

pens that you would never expect. Best horror books I’ve read by far.” — Matthew Nape, sixth grade “Grave Secrets was amazing. It was mysterious and has characters trying to figure out clues about a doll that was buried a long time ago.”

— Aaliyah Cantave, sixth grade “You never know what is going to happen next or how it will end.

I can’t put the book down.” ” — Gianna Natale, sixth grade Goosebumps Author: R. L. Stine Interest level: Grades 5-8 About the book series: R.L. Stine is one of the most popular authors among children and Goosebumps is, by far, the most popular series in the library for my middle school students.

Students are first drawn to the creepy titles and book covers — then they are hooked. Visit rlstine.com for book lists, games, puzzles and more!

Student Reviews: “They’re amazing. I love Goosebumps because of the t descriptive writing.

I would definitely recommend!”

— Adam Eisenm hauer, h sixth grade “This series is aweome. I watched the so movies and now I can’t m op reading the books.” — sto estiny Descoteaux, sixth De ader gra

More Scary Book Series rie to check out: Grades 3-6: You’re Invited to a Creepover by P.J. Night Grades 5-8: Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan Grades 9-12: Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Maria Voytko Maria Voytko is the K-12 District Librarian for Riverside School District in Taylor.

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NEPA FAMILY T IMES TS_CNG/FAMILY_TIMES/PAGES [Y19] | 10/12/16

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