Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

These girls are counting down to Christmas. Free photos with Santa Dec 15.

See pg.7

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

the holiday classic

December 5th 7:30pm Columbus Convention and Trade Center 801 front avenue columbus, ga

tickets at studio: 15 kids & $20 adults tickets at show: $ 18 kids & $22 adults

$

presented by Performance Dance and Ballet Company

performancedancega.com 706.563.4255 • mon-thurs 4:30-8:30pm

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, handy resources and fun features.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www.

HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.

AD DEADLINES

The 1st of the month for the next month’s issue

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14

hoo’s Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9 & 15

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 31

HOO’S Healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 11

hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22

HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.

Where to Find HOO? Publix: Columbus & Phenix City Chick fil-A: Columbus & Phenix City Starbucks: Columbus Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops.

Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance Center....................20 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....24 Christmas Made in the South.......... 5 Clement Arts....................................... 19 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 IFM Arts Academy.............................20 La Bella Party & Tea...........................20 Launch Pad Athletes.........................29 My Gym.................................................20 Oasis After School Program........... 14 RiverCenter for Performing Arts..... 7 The Columbus Museum...................23 The Nutcracker - Performance Dance.... 3 The Nutcracker - The Columbus Ballet.10 The Rock Ranch...................................

TELL THEM 8

Childcare/ SENT education YOU! Calvary Christian...............................26 First Presbyterian Day.....................26 Grace Christian School....................26 Kumon...................................................26 Lakewood Child Development ......27 St. Luke Schools.................................26 Sylvan Learning Center...................27 Westminster Christian.....................27

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................ 12 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 15 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................20 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers............... 19 Zaxby’s................................................... 31

healthcare Columbus Counseling........................ 5 Columbus Spine & Performance... 19 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 James Lopez, DDS..............................29 Pediatric After Hours........................ 15 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...24 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center..... 8 Rivertown Pediatrics........................29 Stork Vision Ultrasound..................23

Home/ Handy Sparkles Cleaning Service.............. 19 Turfscapes Lawncare........................ 19 Warehouse World Storage............... 19

Shopping/ Retail Finance Breaking Free Seminars..................23

TELL THEM

Baby Elements....................................30 Giggles and Grins Photography.... 19 Jessica Fowler Photography..........30 Mickayla’s Place - Resale.................. 8 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 12 Wee Blessing.......................................20

SENT YOU!

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Student tickets only $10! | boxoffice@rivercenter.org or 706.256.3641

upcoming school day matinee Performances Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas Dec. 15 | 9:30 AM Intergalactic Nemesis Jan. 26 | 10:30 AM The Very Hungry Caterpillar Jan. 29 | 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM

Families can Attend the public performance Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas Dec. 15 | 7:00 PM Free photos with Santa starting at 5:30 pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar Jan. 30 | 2:30 PM

Caterpillar crafts and veggie snacks in the Grand Lobby starting at 1:30 pm

900 Broadway, Columbus, Ga • rivercenter.org

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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© GIGGLES AND GRINS PHOTOGRAPHY

from one child to another (sizes newborn to 16)

Buying Days Mon - Thurs 10 AM - 5 PM Drop off any day

Store Hours Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 8 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday: Closed

a children’s resale shop

706-221-1154 I 2401 Whittlesey Rd I Columbus, GA 31909

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Forecast Calls for Fun

HOO’s Fun

Get Kids Outdoors No Matter the Weather Parents often keep a running list of rainy day activities, crafts and games to keep kids indoors when the forecast is soggy. But if your kids have never dodged rain drops, built a snowman or enjoyed a lazy summer afternoon outside, they’re missing out on something wonderful.

Weather was cited as the biggest barrier to getting kids outdoors by 61 percent of parents recently surveyed by the National Wildlife Federation. But the outdoor activities kids love, such as running, jumping, climbing, playing games with friends and taking nature walks, are a great strategy for keeping children healthy and happy.

“Children are safe to play outside in most kinds of weather barring the extremes,” said Lindsay Legendre, manager of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement. “Regular outdoor play is so important to kids’ healthy development and a little rain shouldn’t stop them from being out there. Parents might enjoy puddle jumping again

Bring on the Rain.

Rain can sometimes be blamed for causing children to catch colds or flu, particularly when their hair or feet get wet. However, rain cannot make you sick. Dress children in waterproof hats, boots and raincoats to keep kids from getting too soggy. If storm conditions develop, get out of any body of water and seek shelter in a nearby building. Prepare for mud and splashes in advance by keeping a heavy mat and dry towels by the front door.

How Hot is too Hot?

When temperatures climb, make sure to have plenty of water available and take precautions, such as applying sunscreen and wearing loose clothing that is light in color. Try to schedule outdoor time during the early morning and evening, which are often the coolest part of the day.

Allergies.

Seasonal allergies are another challenge for parents to contend with in regard to outdoor play.

Experts say, in addition to any allergy medications recommended by your pediatrician, there are steps you can take to help allergic kids enjoy the outdoors. Encourage kids to go outside in the early morning and evening when pollen counts are lower. Cool shades or sunglasses can prevent allergens from entering their eyes. Have them shower and wash their hair once they come back in.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

Many moms and dads are reluctant to send kids outside when temperatures drop. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to dress kids in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm, including warm coats, boots, gloves and hats. It’s also important to set reasonable time limits on outdoor play and have children come inside periodically to warm up. And don’t forget the sunscreen, as sunlight, especially reflecting off snow, can cause burns.

“Kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, and it’s great if they can do so outside for the fresh air and more room to play,”

- Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and author of Heading Home with Your Newborn.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Hoo’s helpful

Injuries from

Sports If your kids play sports, it is important to take steps to prevent acute sports injuries, which can be painful and even life threatening. Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma and occur most often because of a lack of proper training or improper use of equipment. Here are a few common ones.

Head injuries like skull fractures, concussions, and hematomas are caused by a forceful blow to the head. A hematoma is bleeding in and around the brain. Prevent this type of injury by buying the appropriate helmet for the sport your child is playing and have it fitted for your child. Your child should never participate in a practice or game without wearing his helmet. Head injuries can be serious, even life threatening. If your child has a head injury and experiences a change in consciousness or is not functioning normally, he should receive emergency medical care.

Neck injuries occur most in contact sports like football or in

sports where there is a risk of falling, like gymnastics. Injuries to the neck include sprains and strains along with more serious injuries like fractures and spinal cord damage. Especially in football, the teaching of proper technique and a focus on strengthening the neck muscles helps prevent neck trauma. If your child may have a neck injury, don’t move him. Keep him still and call for emergency medical help.

Foot and ankle injuries like sprains and fractures are common in sports that involve a lot of running. Help prevent these injuries, as well as injuries to the wrist and hands caused by falling, by ensuring that your athlete’s footwear fits properly and the field where he is playing is well maintained. If your child is in a lot of pain or has lost range of motion after injuring his foot, ankle, wrist, or hand, he should be seen by a doctor.

Eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the protective eyewear appropriate for the sport. Look for protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses that meet ASTM standards.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

The

HOO’s HEALTHY how are

Kids

Doctor

meals?

One of my favorite questions to ask during a wellchild visit is “how are meals?”

There’s been a lot of data substantiating the many positive side effects that stem from family meals.

Not only does eating together as a family help improve food choices, which may help prevent obesity, but it also improves a child’s vocabulary and language skills, social skills and manners.

Family meals have also been shown to lessen the chance of risk-taking behaviors in adolescents.

Also, adolescents have fewer eating disorders when they have regular family meals. When I ask children about their meals, I also get parental feedback, which is normally about “picky eaters.”

Many children and parents will say that they don’t

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Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

eat together as a family because everyone eats something different. I don’t think being a “shortorder cook” is a job requirement of any parent.

Social worker Ally Slater delineates parents’ responsibilities with regard to food as “what, when and where” while leaving children, “how much and whether.” I love that! Parents control the grocery cart, meal and snack choices and food offerings on the plate, and kids decide how much they eat and if they want to try something new.

It’s nice to always offer at least one food that most family members like. Once that food is offered and everyone is gathered at the table to eat, parents need to back off. Is that easier said than done?

Maybe, in the beginning, but over time it actually simplifies family life.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

A M i l i ta ry Tr i b ute & Benef i t Co ncert

BUY GIFT TICKETS Send a veteran or soldier to this special tribute dedicated to their honor.

IN CONCERT

N OVEMBER 10

RiverCenter 7:30 PM

100% of the proceeds from the concert benefit children with terminal diseases through Camp Laughing Child.

www.laughingchild.org

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

PARENT’S ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE www.Hoo.KnowsTheValley.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST 10:00AM - 8:00PM

JOIN US FOR OUR

2ND BIRTHDAY VISIT US ONLINE FOR DETAILS! Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904

706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com /onceuponachildcolumbusga

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Captain D’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

5-8pm: $.99 kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Get 2 free kid’s meals with purchase of an adult entree. Dine in only

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

5-9pm: Free kids meal per $5 minimum adult entree Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Thursday Nights: Kids 11 and under eat for $1.99

Sweet Frog Yogurt

saturday

Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entree (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

6-8pm. Buy one yogurt mix, get one 50% off

Zaxby’s 5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with per adult entree

Tuesday Atlanta Bread Company

5pm-close: Free kid’s meal with tan adult meal Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.

Denny’s

4-10pm: Up to two free kid’s entrees with adult entree. For kids 10 and under

Steak & Shake Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

sunday Steak & Shake

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Stevi B’s Pizza

Kids eat for .99 after 4pm

Texas Roadhouse

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entree (certain holidays are excluded)

Willy T’s

TGIF Friday’s

11-5pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

Willy T’s

everyday

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entree 4-9pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

wednesday Applebee’s Kids meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entree. Limit: 4 kids per adult

Golden Corral

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entree. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

PhoVy

Free kids meal when you show their “Family & Kids” ad in this issue

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice.

Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kids’ special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CRAFTY

the very thankful

turkey book An easy DIY craft that will give your little ones a place to store their favorite photos, memories, and thankful thoughts during this holiday season.

Directions Fold the bags in half and punch two holes along the folded edge. From the back, stick the rubber band through to the front, and slide the popsicle stick through the loop. Then, pull the rubber band down the back and through the bottom hole and again, put the stick through that loop, making your binding.

Create your turkey face with googly eyes, a triangle beak, and a tear drop shaped waddle, and glue it down. Next, make the tail feathers using your child’s favorite snack wrappers and glue to secure. Then, let your child fill their new book with all the things they are thankful for this year. Courtesy of B-inspiredmama.com

supplies 3- paper bags popsicle stick googly eyes hole punch rubber band construction paper scissors/ glue snack wrappers

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s Fun

Fall Finder FIND THE HIDDEN PICTURES: Corn Turkey Football Pumpkin Broom Acorn Apples Wheat

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Novembe

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pr o vi d e d in partne r ship with:

1

Cottonmouths vs. Fayettville.

7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

2 American Girl Club - Ages 6-9.

7

Home Depot Kids Workshop.

9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

13 Family Fun: Thanksgiving.

4:30pm. Mildred Terry Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

13-15 25th Annual Christmas Made in the South. $7. Columbus Trade Center; madeinthesouthshows.com

6:30pm. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706653-7880

7 SteepleChase at Callaway Gar-

3 Parenting Workshop: Parenting the Anxious or Depressed Child.

6-7pm. $50-$90. 4-week series.

Pastoral Institute; www.pilink.org

7 Pumpkin Destruction Day. The

13-14 The Importance of Being Earnest. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; www.familytheatre.org

3 Kidz Flicks: Home (PG). 2pm. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlsga. net/events/

9 American Girl Club - Ages 10+.

6:30pm. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706653-7880

14 Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 10-

9 Minecraft Monday. 5-7:30pm.

North Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

14 Harry Potter World. 2-6pm. $5.

Founders Day at Callaway Gardens.

Free admission. Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com

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14 Night Walk benefiting March

6-7

11 Veterans Day Mini Camp. 9am-

5 AMP(ed): Musical Petting Zoo. 4pm. North Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events 6

The Importance of Being Earnest.

7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; www.familytheatre.org

Librar y activities Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org

Phenix City-Russell County www.phenixcitylibrary.com

Troup-Harris

www.thclibrary.net

dens. 10am. $15-$30; steeplechaseatcallaway.org Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Highway, The Rock, GA; 706-647-6374 or www.therockranch.com

La Leche League meeting.

10am. Columbus Library, 3000 Macon Rd; lllofga.org/columbus.

1pm. $10. Ages 5-11. National Infantry Museum; 706-653-9234

12-14

Side by Side with Muscogee Creek Indians at Historic Westville. 10am-5pm. $5-$10.

Lumpkin; westville.org/events.html

13 “Fantasy in Lights” kicks off.

6pm. Five miles of lighted scenes.

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com 13 Family Movie Night: Home (PG). 8pm. Free. Sweet Frog, Columbus; www.facebook.com/ events/666196573522217

11am. Free. 1st-5th grades. 6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706320-9292 Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu of Dimes during “Fantasy in Lights.”

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com

14 Veterans

Day Parade. 10am.

Downtown Phenix City and Uptown Columbus.

14 Uptown Drum Circle. 6-9pm.

Free. Bring your own. Broadway between 11th & 12th at concert stage; facebook.com/UpTownDrumCircle

16

Internet Safety for Parents Workshop. 6:30-8pm. Featuring Jesse Weinberger. RiverCenter; www.pastoralinstitute.org

18 2nd Annual Turkey Bowl. 4pm.

South Columbus Public Library; www.cvlsga.com/events

er Events 17 Face 2 Face Teen Support Group.

26 Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular kicks off. 5784 Ironstone Drive, Cottonwood subdivision, Columbus; www.ludychristmas.com

19 Autism Tween Social Night.

6:30-8pm. Highland Church, 7300 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; autismhopecenter.com/events.html

26 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights kicks off. 6-10pm. Free. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville highway, The Rock, GA; 706-647-6374 or www.therockranch.com

6pm. Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Assoc. www.ccacolumbus.com

20 Friday Family Flicks: Cinderella (PG). 3-5pm. South Columbus Public Library; www.cvlsga.com/events 20-21 The Importance of Being Earnest. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; www.familytheatre.org 21 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/ events 20-22

Candlelight Tour Festival in Warm Springs Village. Free.

Warm Springs; www.warmspringsga.com

23-25 Kidz Break for a Movie: 10:30am. Columbus Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

24

Cottonmouths vs. Knoxville.

7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; olumbusciviccenter.com

24 Autism Support Group Meet-

ing. 6:30pm. Columbus Regional Conference Center, 710 Center Street; autismhopecenter.com

24 Couponing 101: Clipping Down

Your Debt. 10am-12:30pm. $15.

Wingate Conference Center; www. breakingfreeseminars.com

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Phenix City. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free. 3711 U.S Hwy 280, Phenix City

TUESDAY

MOPS meeting. 9am-Noon. First Presbyterian, 1100 First Avenue, Columbus; columbusfpc.org/mops

27 Cottonmouths vs. Louisiana.

7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

THURSDAY

28 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am.

Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or http://youngeagles.com/flightplan/flight.asp

SATURDAY

28 Block Party: Legos in the Library. 10:30pm. Mildred Terry Public Library; www.cvlga.org/events

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Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

Market Days on Broadway. 9amnoon. Different activities each week. Broadway Street, Columbus; uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10amNoon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

28 Minecraft Mania. 4:30pm. Co-

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd.

706-653-7880

Weekly Events

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more event info, visit MuscogeeMoms.com

lumbus Public Library; www.cvlga. org/events

MONDAY

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Wynnton Road. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free. 2421 Wynnton Road, Columbus

There’s no better way to make it through the day than with some tunes, a couple laughs, and someone to listen and listen to. We hear you, we thank you for listening and voting us your READER’S CHOICE favorite radio personalities.

N O’BRIA BEAR WATER S BRIAN OS CHA

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RADIO.

IS CHR

VOT E D FAVO R I T E R A D I O P E R S O N A L I T I E S

WiseDJChoices for You & Your 2:14 Family PMB-Who Knows The Valley AD-2015:Layout 1 8/10/15 PM Page 1 18

PMB

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Moms Marketplace Dance Classes.

Art Lessons.

Orphan Care. www.clement-arts.org

LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

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DWTURFSCAPES@BELLSOUTH.NET

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1ST MONTH WITH NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

Showcase your business to over 15,000 local moms. Call Tammy at 253-212-7270.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

IFM Arts Academy Piano - Violin - Cello - Art - Dance For children and adults to help them develop their talents and skills for the glory of God.

3400 University Ave. Columbus, GA www.ifmga.org (706) 653-0097 Millions of kids agree. . .

. . .A Healthy Start Is a Gift from the Heart!

(706) 507-2966 • mygym.com/columbus

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HOO’S at the Movies

21 21

My all american Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

When Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) is deemed too small by the usual athletic standards, his father trains him hard. Freddie noticed by legendary University of Texas coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart).

Awarded a scholarship and a chance to play, Freddie moves to Austin with his high school sweetheart Linda (Sarah Bolger), determined to make the team. Alongside his old teammate Bobby Mitchell (Rett Terrell) and new pal James Street (Juston Street), Freddie is put through the paces of a grueling practice schedule. But just as the team is reveling in the success of the season, Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis and the biggest challenge he will ever face.

the good dinosaur G | Ok for kids 6+

What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers that he’s stronger than he thought. Directed

by Peter Sohn, this cute movie features the voices of Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Anna Paquin and Steve Zahn.

the peanuts movie Rated G | Ok for kids 4+

In this nostalgic series brought to the present, we find Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle (and flying ace!) embarking on his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their archnemesis.

Meanwhile back home, his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest. So fun to see the all of your favorites from the Peanuts, like Lucy, Schroeder, Linus, Sally, Marcy, Pigpen, Peppermint Patty, back up on the big screen, but in a way you have never seen them before. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE is directed by Steve Martino, and brought to you in CGI animation and 3D.

victor frankenstein PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in this thrilling twist on the legendary tale written by Mary Shelley.

Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation. Directed by Paul McGuigan, this movie also stars Jessica Brown Findlay and Andrew Scott.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY- PART 2 PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

During a Directed by Francis Lawrence, “The Hunger Games” franchise arrives at its final chapter with “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2,” in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) now fully realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival, they are for the future. With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, she confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with her closest friends - including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) - Katniss goes off mission, using the unit from District 13 to stage an assassination attempt on President Snow, who’s intent on destroying her.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

When It Comes to Hand Washing, Many Skip the Suds!

HOO’s tips

Hand sanitation

According to recent research, 95 percent of Americans admit it is important to wash their hands after using a public restroom. This is particularly true with women compared to men.

What’s even more interesting is that a growing number of consumers admit to simply rinsing their hands with water without using soap in public washrooms. In fact, this number has increased from 54 percent to 70 percent on the national level over the past two years. And just how long are they “washing” their hands?

Suds or no suds, a majority of Americans do not wash their hands long enough. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended time to wash one’s hands with soap and water in order to kill bacteria is at least 20 seconds.

These findings are part of the fifth annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey conducted

by Bradley Corporation, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of washroom accessories.

Stay healthy all year long

To keep you and your family healthy, Bradley recommends five simple steps to effective hand washing:

Wash More Frequently It’s important to wash your hands not only after using the washroom, but, before and after preparing and eating food; before and after treating a wound; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; and after touching the garbage.

Count to 20 Proper hand washing means scrubbing with water and soap for at least 20 seconds or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Don’t Forget to Dry Smart hand hygiene should not only include washing, but thoroughly drying hands as well. The most hygienic and sustainable method is using an energy-efficient dryer. If not available, a single use towel is preferred.

Hand Sanitizers Aren’t Enough While 29 percent of consumers surveyed use a hand sanitizer, it may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty. Anti-bacterial gel is not a substitute for soap and water, and should only be relied upon if hand washing facilities are not available.

Clean Hands Means Healthy Kids Hand washing among school-age children is especially important because nearly 2.2 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, according to a 2011 study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Kids should be taught healthy routines like hand washing at an early age.

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November 14

Drop by the Art Cart this month as we explore maps through mixed media. We will construct 3-D maps! Join us for story time and gallery hunts afterward.

Story time: 11 A.M., Follow That Map!

by Scot Ritchie

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

A Page In A Book www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Recommending the Best Books

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for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

A New Twist On Old Tales

Traditional nursery tales are important touchstones of most kids’ childhood. From “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” to “Cinderella” and the like, these common tales create a familiar storytelling landscape that most children can jointly reference throughout their youth. For the folk tale savvy child, the following titles offer refreshing twists on beloved traditional stories

Goatilocks And The Three Bears

By Erica S. Perl, Illustrated by Arthur Howard (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster)

When Goatilocks spies a family of bears, leaving for the afternoon, she’s hungry to peek inside their house while they’re gone. As in the traditional story, the intruder tries the the porridge, chair and bed of each occupant. Diverging from the original tale, Goatlilocks (being just a ‘kid’, after all) eats all of the things that are “just right”.

When the bears return, Goatilocks quickly beats a retreat. But because doing the right thing is important to the impulsive kid, this delightfully illustrated twist on the Goldilocks fable has a deliciously redeeming ending.

Ninja Red Riding Hood

By Corey Rosen Schwartz, Illustrated by Dan Santat (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin)

Once upon a time, there was a wolf who was a failure a catching his prey, so he enrolled in ninja school to learn all the swift moves he needs to secure a square meal. Armed with his new skills, the wolf takes to the woods where he meets Red , and learns that she’s on her way to visit her Grandma. Rushing ahead, the wolf disguises himself as Grandma lies in wait for Red to arrive. But when he’s ready to pounce, he discovers that he wasn’t the only student to attend the ninja school. Action-packed with Asian-influenced comic imagery, this colorful treatment of the Little Red Riding Hood cautionary tale gets an invigorating curtain-call with smashing results!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella

By Jan Brett (G.P Putnam’s Sons / Penguin)

When a young girl nods off in her snowy chicken coop, reality slips into dreams as the community of chickens around her prepare for a ball hosted by the Prince among roosters. Feathers are ruffled, pecking orders are established and poor Cinders is left behind when the others fly off to the ball. Following the traditional tale, Cinders transformation and meeting with the Prince are intact – but Brett’s uniquely edge-to-edge illustrations make the whole story new again. When the girl awakens to her father returning with a handsome cockerel to add to the roost, the reader remains looped in on the secret lives of the chicken realm.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

If you would like to feature your school or child care option, call Tammy at 253-212-7270

Building a strong foundation for life.

school.stlukeum.com 318 11th Street 706-256-1301 St. Luke School Early Learning Center Preschool

Traditional

Infants through 3 year olds

Montessori

1100 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

3 year olds through Kindergarten

2, 3, or 5 Day Class Options Art, Music, Spanish, Chapel, Field Trips Classes 9am to 1pm with options for early drop off and after school care

706-322-4523

www.fpcdayschool.education www.columbusfpc.org/day-school

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Delivering Delivering RESULTS RESULTS ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN

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Sylvan students typically seeare upimportant to two to to three Sylvanmore students typically see up to two to three times growth in their math and reading times more in their mathtoand reading scores than ifgrowth they hadn’t come Sylvan*. scores they hadn’t comeyear to Sylvan*.

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*See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com. *See the complete Sylvan Field Research Results at SylvanResearchInstitute.com.

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LET KIDS DESIGN THEIR STYLES! It’s cool to watch a child grow and develop their own sense of style. The littlest kids will bounce back and forth between their superhero capes in the grocery store to the latest fashions at school without batting an eye. Whether they master all the latest fashion trends or march to their own drummer in the dress-yourself department, the following items let kids put their own distinctive stamp on their personal style!

Duct Tape Wallet Kit

(Alex Toys)

It’s common knowledge that duct tape can fix everything. It can also make almost anything – including uber-cool wallets. The Duct Tape Wallet Kit from Alex comes with everything a kid needs to design and craft a wallet that suits their own distinct style. With five rolls of duct tape (three yards each), plus non-stick paper, stencils, pre-cut fabrics and easy instructions, the stage is set for kids to quickly learn wallet design and construction. Duct Tape Wallet is a satisfying way for kids to pour their style into something that’s useful, unusual AND uniquely theirs!

Hair Chalk Salon

(Alex Toys)

Easy and no mess are some of the first words to describe how the Hair Chalk Salon makes temporary hair coloring a snap. With five washable chalk pens, plus 24 metallic beads and elastics, kids can experiment with all kinds of colors using their hair as the canvas. Ideal for hair of any color, boys and girls can make a temporary hair statement adding a range of color to their locks (colors which wash out easily with shampoo).Perfect for spa play at a sleepover or for adding some heady excitement before a festival or party, the Hair Chalk Salon is a fun, easy and colorful way kids can add flair to their hair!

Sew Cool Sewing Studio

(Sew Cool)

Without thread, without a needle, the New Cool Sewing studio offers a whole new way for kids to craft purses, pouches, soft figures and more with fabric. Complete with patterns and projects pre-cut from felt, the machine uses enclosed prongs that clamp together, fusing the felt as it’s fed across the base. When kids get the hang of guiding the felt through the machine as it “sews” the pieces together, they will quickly develop the confidence and skill to take of bigger felt projects and maybe even design some of their own. A great intro to the world of machine sewing, kids will soon be ready to show off their stitching style with the projects they create.

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Special Offer for New Patients FREE doctor exam at initial visit

706.324.1834

ColumbusKidsDentist.com

1834 Warm Springs Road Columbus, Georgia 31904

Expires December 31, 2015 Please bring or mention this ad at your appointment.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. h o o k n o w s t h e v a l l e y. c o m

Ezra, 2 years Columbus

Cooper, 9 months Smiths

Harper, 7 months FT Benning

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MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

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FREE Zax Kidz Meal between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.

(Limit one Zax Kidz Mealsper adult meal purchase. Dine-In only) VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus •706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7033 Ruffie Way • Midland • 706.289.1258

Limited-time offer. Offer valid at this location only, on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult meals include any Most Popular Menu Item, Meal Deal, Zalad or Sandwich Basket.

Kids must be present when ordering. Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zax Kidz” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

HOO’s HUNGRY

peanut butter pumpkin fudge

This

peanut butter pumpkin fudge has only 5 ingredients and comes together in minutes! Peanut butter and pumpkin belong together, especially in fudge.

DIRECTIONS

Line an 8x8” pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.

Gather all your ingredients; making fudge is fast work.

Place white chocolate chips and peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. (Or, you can do this in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir continuously.)

Once they are melted together and smooth, immediately stir in the pumpkin puree, spice, and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan and let cool to room temperature on the counter. Chill until set, then cut into squares.

Ingredients • 4 cups white chocolate chips • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ** Store in the refrigerator **

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KIDS EAT

FREE

THURSDAY 5PM - 9PM ONE FREE KIDS’ MEAL PER PURCHASE OF AN ADULT ENTRÉE OF $5 OR MORE. KIDS 12 AND UNDER ONLY. CANNOT COMBINE WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. DINE IN ONLY.

KIDS EAT FOR 99¢

5555 WHITTLESEY BLVD. COLUMBUS, GA 31909 706.660.1411

6516 KITTEN LAKE DR. MIDLAND, GA 31820 706.225.0333

#WELCOMETOMOES

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*Only at participating locations.