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NORTHERN NEW YORK’S FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER Serving Clinton, Essex and Warren Counties PUBLISHER Gayle Alexander gayle@denpubs.com 518-873-6368 Ext. 207 GENERAL MANAGER Allen K. Dunham aldunham@denpubs.com 518-570-7248 TRUMAN ASSISTANT/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Laurie Goff graphics@denpubs.com ILLUSTRATOR Cover & Truman • Dan Nelson MARKETING Brian Gay Brian@denpubs.com 518-873-6368 Ext. 207 NATIONAL EDITOR Joy G. Kirkpatrick kvnews@kidsvillenews.com Kidsville News, Inc. Bill Bowman President For Sponsorship Opportunities Please Call: 518-873-6368 P.O. Box 338, 14 Hand Avenue, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 Published Locally By Denton Publications, Inc. Copyright 2009 Kidsville News! Inc., All Rights Reserved. Truman is a service mark of Kidsville News! Inc. and the Kidsville News! logo is a registered trademark of Kidsville News! Inc. No part of this issue of Kidsville News! may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without permission of the publisher or the copyright holder. Neither participating advertisers nor the publisher will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. The publishers reserve the right to edit any submitted material. Kidsville News! Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or other material. Children’s submissions should include name, address, telephone number, and permission to publish signed by a parent or guardian.
Dear Kids, From Christmas and Chanukah, to Posadas and Kwanzaa, December is a month to remember heritage and traditions. It’s also a great time to start new family traditions! Making a holiday card, ornament or gingerbread cookies for an elderly neighbor or a veteran would be a great tradition to start with your friends and family. You can find a recipe for gingerbread cookies in this edition! I love music, so I was really excited to talk to Liz Nealon, the general manager of Kidz Bop. This group of kids makes music CDs featuring all of my favorite songs! Read all about what it’s like to work with the Kidz Bop kids! I hope you have a dynamite December and enjoy your holidays with your family. While you are on break from school, be sure to visit my Web site at www.kidsvillenews.com/northernny to play games and read more interesting articles.
Your friend,
Email Me, I love Mail!!! Truman@denpubs.com
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Holiday Gifts Across the Globe Christians all over the world celebrate December 25 as Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. Families usually have their own traditions around the holiday, and they may decorate a Christmas tree, sing Christmas carols, have a big family meal, open gifts and go to church with the family. Some families include traditions from their ancestors, such as burning a Yule log, kissing under the mistletoe or burying good-luck trinkets in a cake. How do other cultures celebrate Christmas and other holidays during December? Have you ever wondered if children on the other side of the world will be exchanging gifts or sending Christmas cards? Netherlands Sending postcards by mail for special occasions is common in the Netherlands. If putting it in writing is not your style, you can always offer a floral bouquet. Flowers are the typical offering when you are invited to someone’s home in the Netherlands, not surprising for a country famous for its tulips. The Dutch also exchange gifts on Sinterklaas, or Santa Claus Day, on December 5, which celebrates the actual feast day of Saint Nicholas for whom Santa Claus was named. On this day, people indulge in traditional Dutch cookies and candies, adults often make little presents or write poems for one another and children receive a piece of chocolate in the shape of their first initial. Mexico During the week before Christmas (Navidad) Eve (Dec. 16-24), friends and families get together for a special celebration called Posadas. They form a parade, carrying candles and little dolls of the baby Jesus. They sing carols and walk to a neighbor’s house, commemorating Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The happy end to each Posada is the piñata — a jar covered in paper maché and filled with goodies. It is traditionally made in the shape of a star to represent the star that guided the Three Kings to the baby Jesus.
China Using red wrapping paper and envelopes will delight those in China, who think the color brings good fortune and wards off evil. Traditionally, on the Chinese New Year, people exchange red envelopes filled with money. Israel Every December, Jews around the world celebrate Chanukah, the festival of lights or celebration of the Macabees’ victory over the Greeks, who wanted the Jews to give up their culture and faith in favor of a Hellenistic life in 166 B.C. After the Macabees won the war, they needed to rededicate their temple but only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days. As a result, Jews today light candles on the menorah for each of Hanukkah’s eight nights, and often they exchange gifts. Originally, Jews gave monetary presents to teach children about sharing, and in Israel that sentiment remains. Parents often give their children “gelt,” which are coin-shaped chocolates wrapped in gold foil. Potato latkes and jelly doughnuts are the holiday’s signature foods. Portugal In Portugal, and in other parts of Europe, handmade gifts are often seen as the most sincere. Although Christmas is the most popular time of year to exchange gifts, most people bring homemade baked goods or knitted tablecloths, shawls or blankets whenever visiting someone’s home, says Portuguese-American Helder Gil, 26, of Washington, D.C. Sources: Encyclopædia Britannica; Metro Creative Graphics, www. metrocreativegraphics.com.
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2009
Ages: 3-8 Parents’ Choice Gold Award
Ready2Learn Creative Texture Tools Manufacturer: Center Enterprises Website: centerenterprises.com MSRP: $15.99 Ages: 3 + Parents’ Choice Silver Award
The search is on. Sea creatures and colorful treasures are hidden under the “sand” on the beach, and the one who finds the largest number is the winner. Sand and treasures are safely sealed in the “shakeand-peek” box. Pick a card to see which treasure is to be found, then flick the spinner to select the one small section of the beach where treasure hunting is permitted.
Perfectly sized for small hands, this set of four paint brush “texture tools” gives young artists plenty of creative license.
Can You See What I See? Finders Keepers Game Manufacturer: Gamewright Website: gamewright.com MSRP: $14.99 Ages: 4+ Parents’ Choice Recommended Award
Silly Socks Game Manufacturer: Pressman Toy Corp. Website: pressmantoy.com MSRP: $15 Ages: 3-5 Parents’ Choice Approved Award
Can you find a seashell, a top, a rubber ducky or a teddy bear? This seek-and-find game challenges children and grandparents alike. Each player gets 10 or 12 “Keep Me” cards and works to match objects on their cards to the “Find Me” card in play.
Putting a new spin on matching games, the goal is to remove three matching pairs of socks from the washing machine. Game includes 16 pairs of silly cardboard socks, a colorful cardboard washing machine, washing baskets to collect the socks and our young testers’ favorite — four pairs of underpants.
Monkey Match Manufacturer: Popular Playthings Website: popularplaythings.com MSRP: $19.99 Ages: 4+ Parents’ Choice Silver Award
Curious George Discovery Beach Game Manufacturer: I Can Do That! Games Website: icandothatgames.com MSRP: $16.99
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points to the picture you want to match. If you think you recognize which picture belongs, move the monkey to the center of the second circle. The hidden magnet will spin the monkey until his banana points to the correct answer. Fish Stix Manufacturer: Peaceable Kingdom Press Website: pkpress.com MSRP: $14.99 Ages: 6-12 Parents’ Choice Gold Award This is a visual strategy game in which play progresses as in dominoes. Each vertically rectangular card has four different pictures of fish. Players take turns matching fish not only by color, but also by in which direction they’re swimming. Careful observation is required. Printies Pet Design Studio Manufacturer: Technosource Website: technosourcehk.com MSRP: $19.99 Ages: 6 + Parents’ Choice Approved Award This fun kit includes all the materials needed to create six lovable fabric pets. Begin by customizing your pet (cat, dog, bear or pony) online at myprinties.com. Use a color inkjet printer to produce your creation on the presewn fabric sheets, and stuff.
The playing tray holds two circles of pictures side by side. Each picture has a related image in the other circle. The monkey is placed in the center of one circle so the banana he holds
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Quirkle Cubes Manufacturer: MindWare Website: mindwareonline.com MSRP: $24.95 Ages: 6 + Parents’ Choice Recommended Award Build lines of color and lines of shape with
DECEMBER 2009
90 decorative cubed play pieces. The six faces of each cube show a different shape of the same color, and there are 15 cubes of each of six different colors. Players take turns adding to a growing grid with cubes that share the same attribute as the cubes already in that line. Backseat Drawing Junior Manufacturer: Out of the Box Publishing, Inc. Website: otb-games.com MSRP: $19.99 Ages: 7 + Parents’ Choice Silver Award This fun, fast-paced, drawing game is based on instructions given to the Artist from a Director. The Director selects a picture card from the deck and, using only shapes and placement (place a circle above a square) must carefully and accurately describe to the Artist how to draw the image pictured on the card. The viewer(s) and the artist compete to see who the first will be to correctly identify the picture.
16 recessed spaces to accommodate wooden game pieces (gobblets). Players alternate trying to secure four spaces in a row with four different size game pieces. Pieces can be moved on the board, and larger pieces can be moved onto smaller pieces that are then “gobbled up.”
If anyone in your house has the characteristics of a pack rat, this charming oversized puppet will hit the spot. Complete with an actual “pack,” the rat’s tiny legs are adorned with suede-like claws, and the fur and head features are convincingly realistic.
CLEAN WATER SCIENCE Manufacturer: 4M Industrial Development Limited Website: http://www.4M-IND.com MSRP: $14.99 Ages: 8+ Parents’ Choice Recommended Award
RICHARD SCARRY’S BUSYTOWN EYE FOUND IT! GAME Manufacturer: I Can Do That! Games Website: icandothatgames.com MSRP: $16.99 Ages: 3 + Parents’ Choice Gold Award Players must work together to get to Picnic Island before Pig Will and Pig Won’t eat all the food. The spinner shows a player to move forward on the board, solve a Goldbug Mystery or give up food to the hungry pigs. The player who spins a Goldbug turns over a card to reveal a tiny hammer, balloon or trashcan “hidden” within the Busytown scenes that all players must locate on the game board. The search provides an entertaining and cooperative challenge for all ages.
HEXBUG ANT Manufacturer: Innovation International Website: innovationfirst.com MSRP: $9.99 Ages: 8 + Parents’ Choice FunStuff Award This entertaining, fast moving, micro robotic creature moves along the floor on six spinning, chattering wheels. Its brightly colored transparent “skin” reveals the electronic technology and gears that make it work. Button cell batteries provide many hours of enjoyment.
PACK RAT PUPPET Manufacturer: Folkmanis, Inc. Website: folkmanis.com MSRP: $22.00 Ages: 3 + Parents’ Choice Silver Award
DECEMBER 2009
GOBBLET X4 Manufacturer: Blue Orange Games Website: blueorangegames.com MSRP: $24.99 Ages: 7 + Parents’ Choice Silver Award
Clean Water Science is a water purification experiment kit that includes filtration materials and all components necessary to construct a water purification column, a water still, and a solar pasteurizer. It addresses water filtration methods (including various filtration media), explains the need to control flow rate and illustrates some limitations associated with water filtration. Experiments on distillation and pasteurization demonstrate other techniques for purifying water.
About this Guide For the past three years, Kidsville News! has partnered with Parents’ Choice to bring you the “Not-Your-Ordinary-Gift Guide” as a service to help parents and grandparents find quality toys and games for their young ones. Established in 1978, Parents’ Choice is the nation’s oldest nonprofit guide to quality children’s media and toys. The Parents’ Choice Awards program honors the best material for children: books, toys, music and storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, television and Web sites. Parents’ Choice Foundation’s panels of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents and, yes, kids themselves, identify the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, and of varied skill and interest levels. For the complete Parents’ Choice 2009 Holiday Guide, visit www.parentschoice.org.
This easy-to-learn strategy game — played like tic-tac-toe — consists of a wooden game board with
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The Foundation’s purpose is to search out and recommend products that help kids grow — imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally — fairly priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound.
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Can you hear them? All over the North Country people are standing in front of stores and businesses ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Did you know that the Red Kettle Campaign is a yearly fundraising effort to help local families and individuals in times of crisis which might include clothing, emergency housing, food, prescriptions or fuel? This year the Salvation Army is inviting local clubs, organizations, churches, schools, businesses, families and individuals to team up to help ring bells. What a great idea for you and your family to help others at this time of the year. Besides bellringer volunteers, The Salvation Army also needs volunteers right now to help with other activities from mid-Nov. to Christmas Eve. If you and your family can help please call the Salvation Army in the Glens Falls/Warren County region at 7921960 and in the Clinton/Essex County region at 561-2951
Your Friend Truman
The Treats with Truman Winner for November!
I received a GREAT letter from Taylor Barry from Lake Placid Elementary’s 5th grade class! Boy She really enjoys class!
Your Friend Truman Congratulations Mr. Ladisic
is looking for stories on how North country kids make a difference in your community. So if you know a child that helps at a local food shelf volunteers at church or a local charity. Send stories to P.O. Box 338 Elizabethtown N.Y. 12932
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Planetary Smash-up
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Two planets crash headon at 22,400 miles per hour. One of the planets is the size of the Moon. The other is bigger, about the size of Mercury. Both are — or were — made mostly of rock. The smaller planet just vaporizes. There’s nothing left but dust and chunks of re-frozen lava floating in space. Some part of the bigger planet may still exist, but now it is much different. This event really happened. It happened around a star 100 light-years away, possibly only a few thousand years ago. That’s very recent in cosmic time. Astronomers believe that Earth’s moon formed by a similar collision. When the solar system was young, an object about the size of Mars The planetary smashup whose debris was slammed into the recently discovered around a distant star young Earth. The could have looked something like this. collision melted Earth’s surface and blasted a huge chunk of debris into Earth orbit. Eventually, gravity glued all the pieces of debris together to form our Moon. Our early solar system was like a demolition derby. Besides the crash that created our Moon, astronomers think that a giant impact stripped Mercury of its outer crust. Another cosmic wreck tipped Uranus on its side. And at some point, Venus got sideswiped, making it spin backwards. Thankfully, things have settled down a lot now in our solar system. But how did astronomers find out about this traffic jam around a star that is 100 light-years away? They detected the special chemical fingerprint of the vaporized rock and pieces of refrozen lava left from this cosmic smash-up. They used a special instrument on the Spitzer Space Telescope. This instrument sees infrared light — a kind of light our eyes cannot see. The instrument, called a spectrometer, is also able to analyze the light to see the fingerprints of chemicals. You will see lots of images from the Spitzer Space Telescope when you play the Infrared Concentration game at spaceplace. nasa.gov/en/kids/spitzer/concentration. This article was written by Diane K. Fisher. It was provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
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CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD Did you know that the first crossword puzzle was published on Dec. 21, 1913? Try your hand at figuring this one out!
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December Word Find Find the words below that relate to the month of December. If you are not sure why, check the calendar! BLUE MOON CHANUKAH CHRISTMAS COOKIE
ACROSS DOWN 1. Santa’s transportation 1. Jolly guy 3. ____Pole 2. Very long time 6. Day of celebration 4. Shape of Santa’s belly 5. Holiday plant
D B J L Q R W C E R C U T S Z
B E L U V M R O L T Y E J G Q
Y L C K U J I O O M F M I D R
N F U E T D G K P J X E H K H
DECEMBER GINGERBREAD HAIKU KWANZAA
D K R E M J H I H M Q N B C F
Holiday HoHO Ho HO Ho!HO! HOLIDAY come When does Christmas before Thanksgiving? In the dictionary!
What goes “oh-oh-oh?” Santa walking backwards! What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vamp ire? Frostbite!
B P S Z M B T E T G K Q H A J
H A I K U O E D U H Q A A R O
C U S T D A O R O G N Z M N V
S A D A S O P N S U N M E B L
S I W W Z D S S K A L F H T M
E Z W M O W P A W J X G U I C
POSADAS SOUTH POLE WINTER WRIGHT
O H T C B Z H K H O D U Q U N
G I N G E R B R E A D Z Y D I
Z Z Y R E T N I W Z H X M H Z
S A M T S I R H C Q I Y V B G
Cold Weather Scramble Unscramble the words to complete the sentences. 1. Check your T A I H G E N before winter. 2. S R T E I can slip on ice and snow. 3. You should N B E U L D up in the winter. 4. Stay S D N O R O I when it is very cold.
Source: www.metrocreativegraphics.com
Answers: 1. heating 2. tires 3. bundle 4. indoors
DECEMBER 2009
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If you are like many elementary school kids, you probably like music. Maybe a new CD or music player is on your holiday wish list. And, you’ve probably heard of Kidz Bop. The CDs by the Kidz Bop group are everywhere, with a talented group of young people singing the hottest hits from the radio. Liz Nealon heads up Kidz Bop and just finished a nationwide search to cast the new Kidz Bop Kids, a group of five young singers/dancers/performers. She oversees everything from helping to select songs for the Kidz Bop CDs and producing music videos, to developing content for the Website. And sheís had quite an exciting career as a former MTV and Sesame Street executive. She spoke to Kidsville News this month about what itís like to be a general manager in the music industry. TRUMAN: What does it take to become the general manager of a company like Kidz Bop?
NEALON: Oh, my. Having spent my entire life working with and performing music, I’m afraid I can’t name just one. BBC Radio has a program called “Desert Island Discs.” It holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running NEALON: Well, I have a pretty unique combination of skills that makes this radio show, and on the show they interview celebrities by asking them if they the perfect job for me. I majored in music in college and trained to be a music were to be cast away on a desert island, what would be the eight pieces of teacher (though I’ve never actually taught in the classroom, I use those skills music they would simply have to take with them.So, if you have room, I’d like all the time). I worked for a record company for five years after college and to give you my favorite eight songs! learned about how a record label chooses its artists and how it produces the 1. “Theme from Peter Gunn,” best action music ever written. records and some of the important things that a company needs to do to sell 2. “Theme from Twin Peaks” by Angelo Badalamenti. the artist. Then I worked for 10 years for MTV, where I learned all about 3. “Pump It Up” by Elvis Costello. My favorite song from the original punk era making music videos and producing Rockumentaries (and of course, we do — the 1970s! this all the time at Kidz Bop). And finally, I’ve done a lot of work producing 4. “In the Evening” by Led Zeppelin. television shows that star teenagers, so I’ve had a lot of Robert Plant has one of the most experience looking for good young singers, dancers distinctive rock voices ever; I think and actors, and working with them to teach them how this is his most powerful recording. to become professional performers. All these skills are 5. “Boom Boom Pow” by the Blackvery useful in running a record label like Kidz Bop. Eyed Peas. I just love the lyric “I am TRUMAN: When did you know that this was three thousand and eight, you’re so something you wanted to do for a living? two thousand and late.” Wonderful. 6. “Un Bel Di,” from the opera NEALON: I have wanted to work in music since I was Madame Butterfly, by Puccini. You a young child – singing is the thing that makes me don’t have to know (or like) opera to happiest in the whole world. If I could have had my understand this beautiful, sad song. dream job, I would have been a singer/dancer in the 7. “Glad” by Traffic. No matter how chorus of Broadway musicals. It turns out that I don’t many times I’ve heard it, this song have a good enough voice to make a living as a always makes me want to jump up musician, but I have always found ways to make music and dance. be a central piece of the work that I do. And I still go to GM Liz Nealon the set of the latest TV commercial and music video 8. “Julia,” by John Lennon. I love it see musical theater as often as I can! shoot for KIDZ BOP 17 with the KIDZ BOP Kids. because my daughter is named Julia, TRUMAN: How do you pick the kids who sing on the Kidz Bop CDs? so it is my love song to her as well. TRUMAN: What kind of advice would you give to kids who are interested in NEALON: We did a nationwide talent search to find Kyra, Becca, Valerie, becoming a music executive? Harrison and Dana – the Kidz Bop Kids. They can all sing, dance, and do a really good job of working together as a team. TRUMAN: How do you pick the songs? And why do you sometimes change the lyrics? NEALON: Kidz Bop is all about having the top hit songs on the CDs, so we look at what is selling and what is being played on the radio a lot, and we also listen to kids’ feedback on KidzBop.com. Sometimes, if a lyric is not appropriate for kids but we know they love the song, we will ask an artist if we can change a few words to make it more appropriate for our audience. We try to give you all your favorites on every Kidz Bop CD! TRUMAN: What is a typical day like? NEALON: One of the best things about my job is that it’s different every day. TRUMAN: So, what’s the best part of your job? NEALON: Giving a talented young performer his or her first professional opportunity.
NEALON: First, work hard in school, and get a good education. Right now, going to school is your “job,” and developing the habit of working hard and being the very best you can be is a life skill that will help you succeed later in life. Second, if you want to be in the music business, you need to be listening to music all the time, and you should listen to all different kinds of music (see my list above!). Start to be a discerning listener. What is an artist doing to achieve a distinctive sound? How are songs different from each other? Who do you think is a good lyricist (writer of words) and why? The more you think and analyze music, the more knowledgeable you will become, and this will make you a better music executive.Third, take whatever music appreciation classes are available to you in school. The more you learn about the “greats” and why their music has endured, the better prepared you will be to produce great music yourself! TRUMAN: Wow! It sounds like you have a really exciting job! I can’t wait to hear the next CD, now that I know what all goes on behind the scenes. (For the complete interview, please visit our Web site at www.kidsvillenews.com).
TRUMAN: What’s the hardest part of your job? NEALON: Telling young performers that we’re not going to choose them.
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Red, White & True Mysteries This Inventor’s Mouse and Duck Are More than 75 Years Old! Some stories tell of a person who did something spectacular in his lifetime to benefit millions of people, yet the person remains anonymous — the kind of person whom everyone knows by his contribution, but no one knows his name. This is not one of those stories. This is a story about a man of whom you’ve probably heard unless you live in a cave – a man who invented something called the multi-plane camera in 1937. Most people have never heard of the multiplane camera, but it was the only invention this inventor ever patented. This single invention has touched the life of nearly every American, and the inventor’s name is synonymous with the company he founded with his brother. He was born in Chicago on December 5, 1901, and grew up on a farm near Marcelline, Missouri. He kept a mouse AND a duck alive for more than 75 years. In fact, both the mouse and the duck are alive and doing well, even though the man died in 1966. He grew up not far from where J.C. Penney (as in J.C. Penney) was born. J.C. Penney went on to amass a fortune as one of the world’s most successful retailers, but the young farmboy’s story is just as impressive. Farming wasn’t what made him famous, though. He began drawing at age five and sold his first works at age seven. When he was just 16, he wanted to join the military but was rejected because of his age. He then joined the Red Cross and was sent overseas. He was assigned to drive an ambulance, which he covered with cartoons that he had drawn. When he returned stateside in 1920, he moved to Kansas City to begin a career as an advertising cartoonist. A few years later, he moved to California at age 22, with just $40 in his pocket, to join his brother and pursue his dream
sideshow attraction. What a team! That’s not what happened, though. What’s the significance of the multi-plane camera, you ask? The multi-plane camera brought better-looking, richer animation to the big screen. It fueled the imagination of the inventor/artist and allowed other artists who worked for him to expand their work. He also used it to produce Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which was the first full-length animated film to use the multi-plane camera in 1937. Since you’ve probably figured out the identi ties of the man, the mouse and the duck by now, there’s no use in stringing you along any more. We’re talking about Walt Disney (as in Walt Disney). “Oh, I get it — that’s the 75-year old mouse and duck he was talking about.” Disney introduced Mickey Mouse in his second movie, Steamboat Willie, in 1928 and Donald Duck in The Little Wise Hen in 1934. Walt Disney earned the first of his 30 Academy Awards in 1932. He also received the Medal of Freedom from President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. What’s particularly inspiring about Disney is how he rose out of nowhere to become an industry giant. From humble beginnings, the Disney Corporation has made hundreds of films since Walt left for Hollywood in 1923 to join his brother. Including theme parks and merchandise, the Disney Corporation rings up annual sales of $22 billion. Walt Disney was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame posthumously in 2000. There’s one other thing you might not have known about Walt Disney. He was afraid of mice! © 2009 Paul Niemann. This story is part of the Red, White & True Mysteries series by Author Paul Niemann. For more information, please visit www.InventionMysteries.com.
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DRAWINGS FROM WARRENSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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Heather Runnalls Age 6 1st Grade Abraham Wing Glens Falls
Alisha Runnalls Age 9 4th Grade Abraham Wing Glens Falls
DECEMBER 2009
Taylor Duquette Age 10 5th Grade CHES
DECEMBER 2009
DECEMBER SUNDAY
MONDAY
Dec. 14-18 - Inter Continental Cup Nordic Combined Complex/Olympic Sports (Complex) (Olympic Jumping) @ Whiteface, Lake Placid
TUESDAY
1
Eat a Red Apple Day
WEDNESDAY
2
3
9
10
Visit us on the web at www.whitefacelakeplacid.com
St. Nicholas Day
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Mitten Tree Day
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National Cocoa Day
SUPER SUNDAY & RAIL JAM @ Whiteface, Lake Placid
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Games Day
Electric Light demonstrated, 1879
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Visit the Zoo Day
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Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day, 1941
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National Cotton Candy Day
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First Miniature Golf Course Opened in 1929
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National Brownie Day Inventor Eli Whitney, 1765
Bill of Rights Day Underdog Day
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Humbug Day
Look at the Bright Side Day National Flashlight Day
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National Chocolate Day
Chewing Gum Patented in 1869
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Iowa became the 29th state, 1846
Beethoven's BDay
Boston Tea Party Anniversary in 1773
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Human Rights Day Emily Dickinson, 1830
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First Christmas Lights for Sale In 1882
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Wright Brother's First Flight, 1903
Scott Hamilton’s Holiday Concert on Ice Olympic Center & NYSEF K90 Ski Jump (Complex) Olympic Jumping @ Whiteface, Lake Placid
Texas became the 28th state, 1845
4
National Cookie Day
Christmas Eve
National Egg Nog Day
Apollo 8 reached the moon, 1968
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Author Rudyard Kipling, 1865
New Year’s Master Ski Jump (Complex) Olympic Jumping @ Whiteface, Lake Placid
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Hanukkah Begins at Sundown
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Wear a Plunger On Your Head Day
SATURDAY
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12 19
National Maple Syrup Day
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Thermometer Was Invented
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FRIDAY
Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, 1620
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
South Pole Discovered in 1911 First Day of Winter
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National Roof-OverYour-Head Day
Wear Brown First Shoes Day successful heart transplant, 1967 Phonograph Invented, 1877
Dec. 14-20 America’s Cup Bobsled & Skeleton (Complex) @ Whiteface, Lake Placid
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THURSDAY
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New Year's Eve
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CHRISTMAS
Poinsettia Day
Oatmeal Muffin Day Dickens' A Christmas Carol published, 1843
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National Pumpkin Pie Day
TRUMAN WISHES ALL OF YOU A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON & A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!
SEND YOUR EVENTS TO KIDSVILLECALENDAR@DENPUBS.COM
Hovercraft Patented
Boxing Day Kwanzaa Begins National Whiners Day
Coloring Corner Almost 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. every year. What type of ornaments do you like? Create your own special ornaments below.
Image: www.metrocreativegraphics.com Truman
Truman’s Tricky Picture
Find these items! Be sure to find Truman’s hat! Play more games at www.kidsvillenews.com.
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COME OUT AND PLAY! COME OUT AND PLAY!
Cold Weather Fun for Everyone! Cold Weather Fun for Everyone!
Brrr — it’s cold outside. Everyone knows that playing outside in the cold isn’t any fun, right? Wrong! For many kids all around the world, winter brings lots of snow and a passion for strapping special “boards” to their feet and heading out into the cold to ski. Even children as young as two or three can learn to ski, but it is recommended that very young children take lessons from professionals. There are two main types of skiing: Nordic (cross-country) and Alpine (downhill). Crosscountry skiing is basically strapping on the right skis and heading out across any relatively flat snow-covered area. Many families enjoy crosscountry skiing because it is a way to enjoy the outdoors away from crowds and see wildlife of all kinds. Downhill skiing is a little more complicated because you have to have the right ski equipment, a snow-covered hill or mountain and a way to get to the top of the hill each time you want to ski down. For those reasons, the majority of alpine skiing is done at ski resorts, where they have chair lifts to get you to the top, skis for rent and the ability to make snow when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Skiing first began as a method of transportation at least 4,000 years ago and was used by
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hunters and travelers during the long winters in Northern Russia and the Scandinavian countries. Skis were also used by militaries and even mailmen to get their jobs done. At first skis were very long and difficult to use. When people realized that skis could actually be used for fun instead of just work, cross-country skiing became popular, and improvements were made over time. During the 1930s, ski lifts were invented, and Alpine skiing became popular in Europe. Downhill skiing really became popular after World War II, when Austria and Switzerland developed the first Alpine Ski Resorts. Skiing is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. No matter which kind you choose, skiing is a great way to get out of the house during the winter, get some great exercise and keep your body healthy, happy and ready to play! Sheri Collins is a contributing writer for Kidsville News and loves skiing! Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica Online; “History of Skiing, http://www.speedski.com/HistoryofSkiing.htm; “Get Active: Skiing,” http:// health.kaboose.com/active-kids/skiing.html.
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Story Time with Truman Petey’s Secret Power
Chapter Three — It’s Not As Easy As It Seems!
A Quality Serials Story By Mary Maden Illustrated by Tana Brinnand Last Time: Petey Squirrel goes looking for the source of loud noises that woke him from his sleep. Petey travels to the dangerous deep forest to investigate and discovers what is causing the noise. It is three bears in a band practicing their drumming! The bears are confident that they will win first place in The Big Forest Creative Arts Festival and Extravaganza. Petey Squirrel looked up and saw a robin sitting on one of the maple tree’s limbs. “What are you doing?” Petey asked the bird. “I’m warming up my voice,” Rosie Robin answered. “I’m practicing my song for the big contest.” “You’re entering, too?” Petey asked. “Of course,” Rosie replied. “Aren’t you?” “Yeah…sure,” Petey said. “I just haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet.” “Want to hear my song?” Rosie asked. “Okay,” Petey said. Rosie Robin began to sing her song in a beautiful, melodious voice, “Cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up.” “That’s pretty good,” Petey told Rosie. “I might sing in the contest, too. It doesn’t seem so hard.” “It’s harder than you think,” Rosie insisted. “I practice each day.” “I’m sure I can sing,” Petey argued. “I’m very creative, you know.” Petey opened his mouth and let out some loud, squeaking noises. Petey’s singing was anything but harmonious. The little squirrel sounded awful! “I have a dry throat,” Petey fibbed, ashamed to admit that he couldn’t sing a note. “I really don’t like to sing anyhow. I think I will do something else for the contest.” “Good idea!” Rosie heartily agreed. Not wanting to hurt Petey’s feelings, the bird added, “I’m sure you will be very good at something else.” “Thanks,” Petey said. “I’ve got to go now. Good luck with the contest.” “You, too,” Rosie replied. The sweet sound of Rosie Robin’s singing grew faint as Petey continued on through the forest. As he ran quickly toward home, the little squirrel thought and thought about what he could do for the contest. He had to think of something! But what? Maybe he could play the drum like the bears. How hard could it be to hit something with a stick? Petey stopped. He picked two dry sticks up from the ground and sat down in front of a small hollow stump. The little squirrel began to beat the stump with the sticks. Bang! Bang! Petey banged as hard as he could. He tried and tried but he couldn’t get a pleasing beat going. The little squirrel realized that playing the drums was harder than it looked. Besides, it made his arms hurt! Tired and frustrated, Petey gave up. He threw the sticks away, and resumed his journey. Suddenly, he heard a tap, tap, tapping noise echoing through the Big
Forest. Petey paused to listen. The little squirrel stood quiet and still. All of the sudden, a shower of sawdust rained down on him. The sawdust covered him from head to toe. The little squirrel twittered in surprise. “What?” Petey cried out to no one in particular. The little squirrel shook his head and tried to brush off his fur. His nose was filled with dust. “A…a…a..!” Petey tried to fight it but… “Achoo!” he sneezed, blowing a big blast of dust out of his nose. Oh, I’m sorry!” a voice called out from above. “Are you okay?” “I guess so,” Petey answered, and then asked. “What are you doing up there?” Just then, a big woodpecker poked his head out through the leaves. “I’m working on my wood sculpture. My name’s Willy,” the woodpecker introduced himself. “I’m Petey,” the squirrel replied. “Would you like to see my sculpture, Petey?” Willy Woodpecker asked. “Sure,” Petey said and climbed up the tree to where the woodpecker was working. “What do you think?” Willy asked, showing Petey his work. The woodpecker had used his beak to carve a beautiful sculpture of — himself! “It’s a very good likeness,” Petey commented. “What are you going to do with it?” “Why, I’m entering it in the big contest!” Willy explained. “I’m sure to win first place!” “You and everyone else!” Petey mumbled under his breath. “What did you say?” Willy asked. “Never mind,” Petey said. “What are you going to do for your entry?” Willy asked. “I haven’t decided,” Petey replied. “I can do lots of things well. I’m very creative, you know.” “You’re lucky,” Willy said. “I had to practice wood carving for years to get good at it.” “I’ve got to go,” Petey said. “Good luck in the contest.” “Thanks!” Willy replied. Petey climbed down the tree and continued toward home. Along the way, Petey spotted a tree limb on the ground. He picked up the limb and began nibbling and gnawing the limb. He bit off a big chunk of wood. “Yuck!” Petey cried, spitting the wood out. “Wood carving isn’t as easy as it looks!” Petey sat the chewed-up limb down to look at it. It didn’t look like a sculpture at all. It looked like, well, it looked like –– a chewed-up limb! Petey was beginning to get worried. He wasn’t good at playing the drum, singing or woodcarving. What if he wasn’t so creative after all? Next Time: Help?
A Teacher’s Guide to accompany this eight-chapter story is available on the Kidsville News! Web site at www.KidsvilleNews.com. Copyright 2009 by Mary Maden. All rights reserved. Mary Maden is an award-winning author. Visit her on the Web at www.marymaden.com.
Meet Truman’s Friend
Roo the Reader She likes to talk to K-1 kids about reading! Roo gives away free books!
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Literacy Volunteers of Essex/Franklin works with people who want to learn to read. Our primary mission is to help adults who need to upgrade literacy skills, learn English as a Second Language, or work on their GEDs. Literacy Volunteers provides free instruction by trained volunteers to these adults to help them acquire self-esteem and achieve aims in the areas of education, family, employment, and the community. During summer, read a book in your favorite nature spot. Crack open a field guide! Learn about nature and the environment by reading! Raise your GREEN IQ!
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There’s lots to do nearby as winter arrives Holiday activities abound A youngster shares a Christmas wish and a laugh with Santa during a visit to the Chester Municipal Center during a 2007 holiday celebration sponsored annually by the Chestertown Rotary Club. This year’s Santa visit in Chestertown occurs from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 5. Photo by Thm Randall
By Thom Randall thom@denpubs.com
LAKE GEORGE — While most people think of the Lake George-Glens Falls area as a place for adventurous summer vacations, the wintry holiday season offers so much for kids to do. From now through New Year’s Day and beyond, there’s a huge variety of activities for kids with all kinds of interests. Why not take a break from video games or fiddling with your Facebook page, and head for the hills for some real fun! December brings the first real snow to the region, and what’s more fun than getting outside for some skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or snow-tubing! These fun winter sports are available close by, whether it’s West Mountain Ski Center, Gore Mountain or Hickory Hill, which is to be reopened this year. West Mountain has some good beginner and intermediate runs for skiers and snowboarders, and some top-notch local ski team members practice on their slopes. They’ve got really good trails at a very reasonable price. Gore has an amazing array of trails, lifts and runs in a beautiful setting. Now for the fun stuff: Gore has special activities planned for kids through the season, including the Lumberjack Log Jam snowboarding and skiing contests Dec. 19, and the New Year’s Day tubing Party at the North Creek Ski Bowl. For you kids that like two-wheeled mayhem, there’s “The Snow Won’t Stop Us” mountain bike slalom set for Jan. 2. It’s crazy fun for both spectators and competitors. Check out www.goremountain or www.skiwestmountain.com for details. Holiday celebrations all over the region It’s only a few weeks until Christmas, and fun celebrations are happening all over Warren County. “Christmas in Warrensburg” festival is planned for the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6, and most of the activities take place Saturday at the town hall, which is turned into “Toyland” for the day. Here, kids will be busy making gingerbread houses, ornaments and other crafts including wooden toys. Santa will be visiting, giving rides for children in a pony cart, and there should be some live reindeer, which is a lot of fun if you’ve never seen them in person. Photos with Santa will be available from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1-3 p.m. Kid’s Christmas shopping can be a pain on a limited budget, because it can be difficult to get something really special and meaningful for parents or siblings. But Riverside Gallery in Warrensburg is offering a special Kids Holiday Shopping sessions from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. each Saturday, until Christmas. This is a cool idea, because they have high-quality gifts, including a lot of handmade work by some talented artisans. All the gifts will be at special affordable prices for kids. Adding to this experience will be Riverside’s Winter Wonderland, complete with hot chocolate and cookies. Each child who attends will receive a gift bag filled with goodies. Moms or dads need to call Riverside Gallery at 623-2026 to make a reservation.
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Two children get assistance from a helpful elf during a woodcrafts session held in 2007 at Christmas in the annual Warrensburg festival.
Bolton Landing also hosts a Christmas celebration that rings in the spirit of the holidays. The town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6 includes hayrides, refreshments and socializing. Christmas caroling begins at about 3:45 p.m., followed by tree lighting ceremonies at 4 p.m. when Santa arrives, bearing Christmas gifts for the children attending. Chestertown has a similar beloved tradition. Saturday Dec. 5, dozens and dozens of children will gather at 9:45 a.m. at the Chester Municipal Center on Main St. to welcome Santa Claus who will be arriving on a fire truck, bearing gifts. He’ll hold court in the town courtroom as kids share their holiday wishes. Activities include photographs with Santa, and horse-drawn hayrides from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A gingerbread house workshop will be held 9:30 a.m. at the Chester Library in the town Municipal Center, but folks should register for this session by calling 494-5384. A cookie-decorating workshop is occurring at the same time there. Saturday Dec. 12, Santa will be arriving at the Thurman Town Hall at about 1 p.m. in a sleigh pulled by a horse, greeting children gathered for the Children’s Christmas Party. Photos with Santa will be available, and children are sure to enjoy games, refreshments, gifts and activities including singing Christmas carols beside the town Christmas tree. Another treasured hometown tradition occurs on Saturday Dec. 12 in Warrensburg when Santa arrives at Warrensburg Firehouse on Elm St. Santa rolls in at noon with gift bags of candy and listens to Christmas wishes until 2 p.m. The event includes free pictures with Santa, hot chocolate and cookies. More details on all these events can be found in the Adirondack Journal.
During a recent Christmas in Warrensburgh, a boy inspects a gingerbread house he built at the Warrensburg Town Hall, transformed into ‘Toyland’ for a day for the Christmas in Warrensburgh fest.
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At the 2008 Thurman Christmas Party, local children gather beside the town holiday tree to sing carols. This year, the party is set for Saturday Dec. 12, and features a variety of activities including crafts and tree-trimming as well as the traditional carol singing. Photo by Maria Ligon
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BOOKSHELF Reindeer Crunch and Other Christmas Recipes Author/Illustrator: Kristi Johnson
Publisher: Capstone Press Age Range: 3 to 12 With great recipes for Candy Cane Bark, Triple Chocolate Fudge and Gingerbread Ornaments, this book is really a treat! Full-page color photographs and easy-to-read instructions, with big bold graphics, ensure that this cookbook is easy and fun to use. The back of the book features a tool glossary with photos, a glossary of terms and suggestions for further reading and Internet sites to visit. —JK
Mister Rabbit’s Wish Author/Illustrator: Colleen Monroe, Michael Glenn Monroe (Illustrator) Publisher: Mitten Press
Author: Francesca Simon Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. Age Range: 7 to 10 From the Publisher: Horrid Henry sabotages the Christmas play, tries to do all his Christmas shopping without spending any of his allowance, attempts to ambush Santa Claus (to get more presents, of course) and has to endure the worst Christmas dinner ever! Francesca Simon is one of the world’s best-loved children’s authors. She is the only American to have ever won the Galaxy Book Award, and her creation, Horrid Henry, is the #1 bestselling chapter book series in the UK — with a hit TV show and over 15 million copies sold! Each book contains four easy-to-read stories and hilarious illustrations by the one and only Tony Ross, so even the most reluctant of readers won’t be able to resist Henry’s amazing talent for trouble!
A Winter’s Tale
Age Range: 4 to 12 The Monroes (A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree) have teamed up again to create a wonderful book perfect for the holidays. In Mister Rabbit’s Wish, Colleen Monroe tells a gentle, soul-soothing tale of old Mister Rabbit, who hobbles to a special Wishing Tree on one evening of the year at the start of winter. On this night, the Wishing Tree has the power to grant wishes. Along the way, other animals from the forest join Mr. Rabbit on his trek, after hearing about the magical powers of the tree. With images of more food, a nicer house and other things dancing in their heads, the animals get more and more excited as they near the tree. Mr. Rabbit remains quiet, knowing that he will ask for the same thing that he has asked for every year since he was a small bunny. Will his wish finally come true this year? This touching story reminds us of the power of hope, and beautiful peaceful artwork illustrates the message perfectly. —JK
DECEMBER 2009
Horrid Henry’s Christmas
Author/Illustrator: Beatrix Potter Publisher: Penguin Group Age Range: 5 to 8 From the Publisher: One snowy afternoon, Peter Rabbit leaves his home under the root of a big fir tree and goes out to collect firewood. This is the start of a wintry adventure which takes Peter into many unexpected encounters before he finally returns safe and sound to his cozy burrow. Envelopes are included throughout, each containing a snowflake decoration to use on the pop-up fir tree at the end of the story. This book uses rare winter illustrations from Beatrix Potter and is perfect for a winter’s night!
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P ARENTOWN’S K ID S HAPE Tools to Help Your Son Become a Better Man Kanye West, Chris Brown, Michael Phelps, Plaxico Burress, Bernie Madoff, John Edwards, Governor Mark Sanford. The list of men behaving badly in public can feel endless. It seems that poor role models and negative messages about manhood are par for the course in this mediasaturated, ego-driven culture. No one has felt its impact more than parents of young men. “Every day I hear from parents who are sick and tired of the negative messages about manhood that are aimed at their sons,” relates Kelly Johnson, the mother of five sons and the editor of A Better Man: True American Heroes Speak to Young Men on Love, Power, Pride and What It Really Means to Be a Man. “There is a lot of frustration out there and a sense of helplessness in the face of a culture that reaches boys 24 hours a day through movies, television, music, social networking, downloads, and on and on. The good news, however,” Johnson continues, “is that parents can make things better.” It takes patience, persistence, optimism and a little bit of savvy about boys and how they operate — traits Johnson believes most parents have or can easily acquire with a little help. “Parents of boys know the potential that is in their sons. And if you give them the tools and the encouragement, no one will work harder to bring out that potential than they will.” She offers four steps parents can take that are designed to help inspire their sons to become better men. Give him a hero complex. Ask any little boy what he wants to be when he grows up, and the answers will surely be similar: a fireman, a police officer, an army man — a hero. Sadly, somewhere along the way, boys let go of those dreams and began to define success through power, glory and material wealth. Unless parents are willing to unplug their sons from the world, they are going to have to continue to contend with the negative images of manhood and the revolving door of fallen heroes. And while it can seem as though good men are hard to find, it doesn’t mean they’re not out there. In fact, says Johnson, “There are far more good men out there than there are men who let us down, and one of the best and most effective ways to light a fire within your son is to provide him with real-life heroes of his own.” If you’re lucky, that hero lives under the same roof or down the street. But as parents struggle to keep up with the fast pace of life, those relationships are harder and harder to come by. And trying to find time to compile stories and wisdom from real-life men of character is not a small undertaking. Thankfully, parents don’t have to spend that time themselves, because Johnson has done the work for them. A Better Man brings together 26 true American heroes and allows them to speak to young men in their own words. The book is a compilation of interviews and essays from some of the most successful and engaging men in America today, and its pages are filled with their stories and what Johnson calls “straight talk” from one generation to the next. “What I want these boys to remember is why they looked up to heroes in the first place,” explains Johnson. “The men I worked with on this book are all heroes — and not because they rushed into a burning building or jumped out of a plane. They are heroes because throughout the course of their lives they consistently chose the hard right over the easy wrong, they acted with integrity and honor even in the most difficult of circumstances and they strove for the best in themselves while treating others with respect. And yes, they made mistakes — something to which they admit
freely. But they picked up the pieces, made amends, moved forward — and became better men for the experience. All boys can grow into men who do the same. Teach him the language of character. We need to reintroduce the language of character back into the conversation. Knowing something is “wrong” or “right” is very different from being able to articulate why. The men who wrote and who were interviewed in A Better Man do an exemplary job of reintroducing young men to this language. They have managed to avoid platitudes and instead infuse their stories with words like dignity, honor, loyalty, trustworthiness, civility and moral courage. Neither do they shy away from describing behavior as selfish, immature, unsportsmanlike, manipulative, inhumane and corrupt. If we take the time to describe someone’s actions as selfless or decent rather than as simply “the right thing to do,” we give young men a deeper understanding of a situation and its implications. That added layer of complexity becomes a tool in a young man’s arsenal, and when he is confronted with a situation that demands a difficult choice, he will have more from which to draw as he engages in his decision-making. He won’t simply be asking himself, Gee what is the right thing? Instead, he will be formulating his decision using words like honor, faithfulness, courage and trustworthiness. We give our young men a better fighting chance when we arm them with the right tools — ideals and words that have weight. Show him that being a better man starts now. For young men, the life that looms ahead of them feels endless. It’s easy for them to believe that they have all the time in the world to chase their dreams and become all they can be. But we adults know differently, don’t we? Time slips away, and before we know it, the distant and far-off future has suddenly become today. That’s why we must emphasize that the journey to being a better man starts now. “We have to explain to our boys that being a role model doesn’t start when you are an adult,” asserts Johnson. “It starts today — in the small and seemingly mundane moments of life. People who do the right thing in the large and difficult moments are acting out of habit and out of conviction. Becoming a good man takes practice, and it takes time.” Start a conversation. Talking to your son about things like courage and respect is critical because it shows him that these things are important to you — and at the end of the day, parents who are engaged with their kids are still their most important role models. Plus, in a world where most men have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally, these conversations can go a long way toward getting your son to feel more comfortable with talking about things that are important to him. Of course, what most parents want out of these conversations is twofold: to get a gauge on where their son’s thinking is at, and to impart their own hard-earned wisdom. It can be tempting to ask direct questions, but if you ask your son how he feels about courage or bullying or respecting women, you’re likely to get an eye roll, a sigh or a pat answer. If you really want to know what he is thinking or if you hope to pass on ideas you feel are important, you need to take a tactical approach. Research tells us that boys tend to open up more easily when their bodies are in motion. Whether it is shooting hoops, shuffling cards or raking leaves, your son is far more likely to tell you how he is feeling and what he is thinking if he is engaged in physical activity. So start with that knowledge when you pick the time to begin a conversation. The point is to keep the conversation going. As long as your son is willing to talk to you, you are making a difference.
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Your dream finally came true . . . it was announced on the radio and on TV . . . it’s a snow day! School’s closed for the whole day, and that means it’s time for one thing: going outside to have fun in the snow. Or maybe you’re getting ready go on a family skiing trip.
Hearts Hearts & Bodies Bodies to drink has two other bonuses: first, it makes you go inside and get warm for a few minutes while you’re drinking, and second, it makes you go inside and get warm for a few minutes while you’re using the bathroom later!
Take It Easy Sometimes if you’re out having fun, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to your body. But if your body temperature drops even 4 or 5 degrees while you’re outside, it can make you feel crummy. That’s why you need to be alert to your body’s signals. If you’re starting to shiver or your teeth are chattering, it’s a message from your body that you need to head inside. And if you ever feel dizzy or weak, those are sure signs that you have to take it easy indoors for a while. Keeping an eye on other kids can help make things safe: if it looks like a friend is shivering and really cold, suggest that you take a break inside together. You can both warm up while playing a game or watching TV and then head back outside for more fun.
Whatever the case, winter is a really fun time of year ó it’s great to have snowball fights, build snowmen, and construct igloos. But while you’re out having fun, you have to know how to be safe. When it’s cold outside and you’re not prepared, you can feel uncomfortable or even downright rotten. But lucky for you, learning how to stay safe is a breeze ó even when puddles start to freeze!
Love Those Layers Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm and toasty in the cold, because you can start out with lots of clothes to keep you warm and then peel them off once you start to heat up. Depending on where you live and how cold it is, some kids may need more layers, some less. But if you’re in doubt, go for more layers to start with they can always come off later. (Whatever you do, always leave your coat on - that’s one layer that should stay!) For your top half, start by putting on a long-sleeved undershirt (thermal or woolen). Then put on a turtleneck, one or two shirts, a sweater, and a coat. If you can, pick out clothes that are made of fabrics other than cotton, because cotton doesn’t keep you very warm. For your bottom half, put on long underwear first (thermal or woolen), then pull on a pair of heavy pants. Try to avoid jeans or light cotton pants (like khakis), because they won’t keep you very warm. They will actually make your legs and behind colder if you fall down and get wet. Waterproof pants (like ski pants) are best. Finish up with heavy socks and waterproof boots. If you’re going to be doing a lot of trekking around, you’ll want to wear boots that have good treads for keeping you steady on snowy and icy areas.
Fight the Bite If you’re outside on a very cold day and you’re not wearing enough protective clothing, you could be in danger of getting frostbite. Frostbite is when the body’s tissues freeze, and it usually happens to skin that is exposed (like your face or your ears) or to parts of the body like your fingers or toes. If you’re playing it safe in the cold by wearing heavy clothes, socks, and mittens, and by taking breaks inside when you think you need them you probably won’t have any problem with frostbite. But if you’re ever outside and you can’t feel your fingers, toes, cheeks, ears, or nose, it may be a sign of frostbite. (Even if it’s not frostbite, it’s a sign that you should head inside anyway.) Sometimes frostbite can make these body parts hurt or feel hard when you touch them; it can also make the skin on these parts look glossy (shiny) or pale. If you think even for a second that you might have frostbite, go indoors and tell an adult right away. Once you’re inside, an adult should call your doctor. In the meantime, wiggle the part as much as you can ó this will make more blood go to the area. If it’s possible, hold the part against another area of your body that’s warm ó like holding your fingers on your stomach, for example. Finally, if you ever think you have frostbite, never stick the frostbitten part in hot water or hold something hot against it. Putting the part in warm water is OK ó just be sure you have an adult check the temperature first.
Grab That Hat You’re all bundled up and ready to go, but are you forgetting something? Pull a hat onto your head! You’ll stay much warmer with a hat than without one - tons of body heat escapes right from your head. Scarves, face masks, and earmuffs are also great at covering you up so you’ll stay comfortable longer. And don’t forget mittens or gloves - the waterproof kind are best if you know you’ll be playing around a lot in the snow. Keeping your hands warm and dry is important because fingers are sensitive to the cold.
Drink Up! Sounds like advice for hot weather, not cold weather, right? Well, the truth is that it’s good advice for both kinds of weather. When you’re outside in the cold and breathing hard, you lose a lot of your body’s water through your breath. And the best way to get that water back is to drink up! Warm drinks and soups keep you hydrated and heat up your insides when it’s cold outside. Plus, stopping to have something warm
Keeping safe in the winter is easy to do, once you know how. You want your snow day and other cold days to be the most fun they can be, so put on those layers, wear your hat and gloves, have something warm to drink, and head out for the biggest snowball championship ever!
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KIDSVILLE KITCHEN Together Time — Ask an adult for help with projects! Sweet and slightly spicy, the taste of ginger has a way of stirring up fond memories of the holiday season. Gingerbread inspires whimsical creations for the entire family, and it’s easy to make this favorite sweet the centerpiece of any holiday gathering. Helpers of all ages can help mix and measure recipe ingredients and lend a hand with the decorating for a fun holiday activity. To get started, use the basic dough recipe to roll out a batch of Gingerbread Men. After baking, let the kids help pipe on simple vanilla frosting and decorate with traditional cinnamon candies or raisins.
GINGERBREAD COOKIE DOUGH WHAT YOU NEED: • 3 cups flour • 2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Ginger • 1 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup molasses • 1 egg HOW TO MAKE IT: • Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. • Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. • Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
GINGERBREAD MEN 1. Prepare 1 recipe Gingerbread Cookie Dough as directed. 2. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured work surface. Cut into gingerbread-men shapes with 5-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. 3. Bake in preheated 350ºF oven 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are set and just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies with colorful icing or as desired. Makes 2 dozen. Recipe and decorating ideas can be found at www.McCormick.com. Courtesy of Family Features and McCormick.
When a kiss and a bandaid aren’t enough…
24-HOUR EMERGENCY CARE 75 Park Street P.O. Box 277 Elizabethtown, NY 12932 873-6377 www.ech.org
The Heart of Your Community DECEMBER 2009
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Caring for the most important people in the world…
your children! Did you know?
• 1st dental visit is recommended around the 1st birthday • If your local water supply does not contain (518 S D D i, n a fluoride, you should speak Farzad S with your dentist or pediatrician about the possibility of a fluoride … caring for the most supplement important people in the world, • Your child should be your children. At Pediatric assisted with brushing and Dentistry of Glens Falls our doctor and staff are dedicated flossing at least one time until over the age of to helping assist you in making daily eight your child’s smile a happy and healthy one. We specialize in • Snacking or drinking juice or soda frequently can pediatric dentistry in an raise your child’s risk of environment where your child tooth decay feels safe and comfortable.
Pediatric of Dentistry s ll Glens Fa) 798-9966
Directions to: 88 Broad Street, Glens Falls • (518) 798-9966 From North: From South: Take I-87 South to Exit 18. Make a left off exit onto Take I-87 North to Exit 18. Make a right off exit onto Main Street. At 4th traffic signal there will be a fork in Main Street. At 5th traffic signal there will be a fork in will be on the road. Continue going straight, Stewarts will be on the road. Continue going straight, Stewarts 1 your right. 88 Broad Street will be 11⁄2 blocks on your your right. 88 Broad Street will be 1 ⁄2 blocks on your right. We are a 2 story brick building. right. We are a 2 story brick building. We participate with many insurances including GHI. We offer a wide variety of comfort options: laughing gas, mild sedatives, general anesthesia
Pediatric Dentistry of Glens Falls 798-9966 • Fax: 798-0616 • 88 Broad Street, Glens Falls www.pediatricdentistryofglensfalls.com
Dr. Sani Accepting New Patients!
Saturday ts en appointmle! availab
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www.kidsvillenews.com/northernny
DECEMBER 2009