Family & Kids Chattahoochee Valley August 2014

AUGUST 2014

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

See back cover for more.

Voted “Ledger Enquirer’s” Favorite Martial Arts Facility. Get 30 days free.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s PARENTING

Tug of War with after-school time

Research has shown that after-school activities, such as sports and music, have proven benefits, like increasing self-confidence, social skills, and academic performance.

However, overbooking your child’s after-school schedule with activities can be detrimental to your child’s well-being. Here are some tips on how to find a healthy balance when deciding upon an activity schedule for your child.

Decide on your budget for actives. If your child wants to participate in an activity that does not fit in your budget, ask him to select another, less expensive one. Help him understand that your family has a limit on what can be spent on activities and what he has asked for exceeds this limit. While it may feel uncomfortable to have to say ‘We can’t afford it’, it is a good opportunity to teach your child about responsible money management.

Have your child prioritize the list of activities he is inter-

ested in. How much time does the top activity take per week? There is no reason to feel as if you are depriving your child of an opportunity to be successful in the future by saying ‘no’ to a very overflowing, stressful schedule of extra activities. Children need free time to build and maintain family relationships. They also need time for free play, during which they can explore their interests and use their creativity. It is better for your child to master a few activities he is enthusiastic about than to know just a little about many activities and have no free time at all.

When deciding on activities for your child, also consider how these commitments fit in your schedule. Neither you nor your child will be very happy if you constantly feel exhausted and stressed from having to rush him from one activity to the next.

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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 new 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.

Tammy Usie

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Aug. Issue: July 7 & Sept. Issue: Aug. 4

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL SECTIONS Hoo’s Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

HOO Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15

HOO’s Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 & 21

HOO’S Learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . .page 18 & 30

Hoo’s Healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13

Hoo’s News.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 31

HOO’s helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

Hoo’s Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . pages 3 & 7

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.

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www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Dear s” Readers, “Family & Kid attend one I invite you to below to of our services grow and find a place to long. We would a place to be e you. love to welcom ley Pastor Jay Bai - Sunday Worship 9 & 11a - Wednesday Night Cafe 6:30p (meal free for 1st timers) - Wednesday Night Service 7p

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LOTS OF PROGRAMS TO FIT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

KidzRock

Nursery - 5th Grade

Pursuit

Middle-High School

Destined

Women’s Ministry

Steel

Men’s Ministry

LifeGroups

RefresHER EncourageMENt

Oasis

Child Development Center & After-School Care

6959 Warm Springs Road, Midland

706-568-0039 info@solidrock.com solidrock.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide ATTRACTIONS Academy Dance Center.................... 19 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries...... 5 Columbus Cottonmouths................... 8 Columbus Aquatic Center............... 13 Columbus MMA..................................32 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 Elite Dance Academy.......................22 IFM Arts Academy.............................22 My Gym..................................................11 Performance Dance Centre..............11 Schwab School of Music.................. 14 The Columbus Museum..................... 8 Treadsone Climbing............................9

TELL THEM

childcare/ education Calvary Christian...............................28 SENT YOU! First Presbyterian Day.....................28 Grace Christian School....................28 Growing Room....................................29 J3 Lessons’ Math Camps.................24 Kumon...................................................22 Lakewood Child Development ......29 Mathnasium.......................................... 3 Smart Cookie Learning Center......30 STEAM Fair.......................................... 31 Sylvan Learning Center...................30 Westminster Christian.....................28 Wynnbrook Christian.......................28

beauty/spa Fitness for Women............................20 Massage by Michele..........................20

food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................24 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 21 PhoVy Vietnamese............................24 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................24 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers...............24 Zaxby’s................................................... 12

Healthcare Columbus Spine & Performance...27 Great Start GA.....................................20 James Lopez, DDS.............................. 13 Pediatric Acute Care.........................27 Pediatric After Hours.......................... 7 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...22 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center...22 Rivertown Pediatrics.........................11

home/handy Lawn Doctor.........................................20 Sparkles Cleaning Service..............20

religious First Baptist Church..........................27 Solid Rock Church............................... 5

shopping/retail Giggles and Grins Photography....20 Matilda Jane Clothing...................... 19 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................ 15 Once Upon A Time - Resale............ 31

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HOO’s PARENTING

From Shy to “Hi”

We all have our ‘bashful moments’ but if shy behavior is more the norm for your child than the exception, should you intervene and ‘draw her out of her shell’ ?

According to the experts, this depends on your child’s personality. Some children are born with a reserved, cautious personality and they are slow to warm up to new situations and new acquaintances. However, they are happy, self-confident children and generally well behaved. They are very sensitive and empathetic, and they protect their inner peace by very carefully making friends.

If this describes your child, there is no need to ‘fix’ her shy personality. It is who she is.

Instead, provide her with opportunities to develop her social skills in an environment that lets her set her own pace when interacting with others. Don’t label your child as ‘shy’, or she may feel there is something wrong with her. Instead, point out what a

good job she does making a new friend once she warms up to the new situation.

In other cases, a child is using ‘shyness’ to hide deeper emotional problems, such as low self esteem. A child with low self esteem may avoid interacting with others because she does not like herself and is afraid others will not like her either. Also, this lack of confidence may make her fearful of taking on the challenge of entering new social situations. In this case, yes, you will want to help your child ‘come out of her shell’. Start by building her confidence and self esteem.

Evaluate your parenting style to see if your discipline method corrects unacceptable behavior without diminishing her self esteem. Provide her with some tips on how to successfully navigate social situations, such as attending a birthday party. You may want to use role play to help her practice. Don’t forget to praise your child when you notice her successfully stepping into a new situation and using her social skills. The next time she is fearful of entering an unfamiliar situation, remind her of a recent success.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Kitchen Hacks Burnt Pans - Fill bottom of pan with water. Add a cup of white vinegar. Bring to a boil and remove from stove. Add 2 tbsp of baking soda. Empty the pan and scrub.

Cast iron pot - Add 1/4 cup of kosher salt and wipe with a paper towel.

Plastic cutting boards - Soak in bleach and hot water for an hour.

Coffee/tea stains in mugs - Sprinkle baking soda and warm water inside and leave for 5-10 minutes.

Scrub with warm wet cloth.

HOO’s HELPFUL Glass Dish - Ball up aluminum foil add dish soap and scrub.

Oven - Fill an oven safe bowl with 1/2 cup of ammonia and leave overnight in cold oven. Wipe clean after.

Oven Racks - Cover with hot water in tub. Add 6 dryer sheets and 1/2 cup dish soap. Use sheets to scrub remaining build up the next day.

Microwave - Heat a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes and then wipe clean.

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HOO’s FIT

Stress Relievers The way you spend your morning can add a certain flavor to the rest of your day. Here are some healthy lifestyle habits to incorporate into your morning routine that can leave you better able to handle the stress you experience.

Put On Some Music Listening to music as you get ready and start your day will create positive energy and a soothing sense of peace (or a sense of fun, if you play party music). Music can compliment other healthy lifestyle habits, adding a sense of peace to a yoga workout, putting a spring in your step on a morning walk, or stimulating your mind as you write in your journal.

Stretch in the Shower The hot water will loosen up your muscles, so it’s easier to get a good stretch. The act of stretching will help to release stored tension and enable you to start the day feeling more relaxed, at peace, and ready to handle what comes your way.

Eat a Balanced Breakfast For those of you who start the day on a bagel and coffee, read this! Breakfast is known as ‘the most important meal of the day’ for a very good reason: a healthy meal in the morning can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle physical and mental stress. Without it, you will be less resilient, both physically and mentally. Be sure to have plenty of protein and fruit, not just caffeine and empty calories!

Drink Green Tea Sipping a warm cup of tea is a soothing activity that will help you prepare for the day ahead and feel nurtured. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, so it’s a delicious and a healthy lifestyle choice.

Write in Your Journal Journaling has many health and stress management benefits, and can also lead to increased self-awareness. Writing once a day can help you feel focused, process negative emotions, and solve problems.

Morning Walk Walking has so many health benefits, the stress management benefits are practically just gravy!

A morning walk can get you ready for your day, help you sleep better at night, lower your stress level, and reduce your risk of numerous health conditions. And if you bring a dog with you, you’ll be lavished with attention as well!

Yoga For a healthy body and peaceful mind, few activities give as much ‘bang for your buck’ as yoga.

Combining all the goodness of several stress management techniques, such as diaphragmic breathing, meditation, stretching and more, yoga provides some of the best stress management and health benefits you can find in a single technique. A good way to start your morning is by doing a series of yoga poses called Sun Salutations.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Word Up!

Armed with only twenty-six letters kids are on their way to a much bigger world of words!

ABC and word toys expose children to the symbols of their language in a playful environment making them familiar companions before they become actual learning components.

The following toys introduce letters and words, attracting children to the building blocks of language in ways that make learning F-U-N!

See ‘n Spin Rack

Alphabet Soup Sorters

The See ‘n Spin Alphabet Rack wooden frame is tot-friendly with soft molded corners and contact points so it won’t scratch surfaces or rake tender skin, The letter tiles turn easily, helping the very youngest children develop fine motor and sensory skills while older toddlers begin to make letter-sound connections in preparation for reading.

The See n’ Spin Alphabet Rack is an ideal introduction to letters for the littlest learners!

Topping the menu of reading starters, the Alphabet Soup Sorters features 26 durable “soup cans”, one can for each letter and cards for both upper and lowercase letters (vowels are red, consonants are blue). Children will discover the letter sounds as they name the images on the object cards and begin to sort them into the correct cans.

Alphabet Soup Sorters is a sweet recipe for growing kids’ confidence with letter and word recognition as they get ready to read.

Zingo

Magnetic Poetry

Combining the excitement of Bingo with the challenge of learning new words, Zingo is the coolest game to help kids pick up on both common and challenging sight words. As the Zingo tile dispenser to pops out word tiles, creative image hints on the cards help to make the sight word connections! An entertaining way for kids to pick up on the sight words that don’t always make sense phonetically, the reading advantage goes to Zingo!

It’s a common mistake to assume young children can only recognize small words. Preschoolers are perfectly primed to recognize and “sight read” ANY words that they see regularly. Ideal for covering the front of the fridge, the Magnetic Poetry: Really Big Words includes over eighty magnetic words and letters that are easily manipulated by small hands. With words ranging from simple to complex, kids and adults alike will find themselves moving the plus-size words around to make their own poetry.

(Blue Box / B Kids)

(ThinkFun)

(Learning Resources)

(Magnetic Poetry)

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Back to School Means Back to My Gym Offering the best fitness programs and birthday parties designed for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years.

Free trial class!

(706) 507-2966 2501 Old Whittlesey Rd www.mygym.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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MONDAY NIGHT IS

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

(Kids 12 and under only. Limit one Zax Kidz Meal per adult meal purchase. Dine-in only. Kids must be present when ordering.)

VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 4497 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City • 256.234.2181 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus • 706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 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.

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

blueberry

POPS by petiteallergytreats.blogspot.com

DIRECTIONS

Heat oatmeal and liquid in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until steaming hot.

Mix in frozen blueberries and syrup. Pour into popsicle moulds.

Ingredients • 1/2 cup gluten free quick oats • 1 cup water or milk of choice

If using yogurt, alternate oatmeal and yogurt to create a layer. Insert popsicle sticks.

• 1 cup frozen blueberries

Place in freezer for 4-6 hours or until completely frozen. Run under hot water to loosen popsicles.

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (use coconut cream for dairy free)

Feel free to substitute other berries to change it up and include your child’s favorite.

• 1/4 cup maple or agave syrup

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HOO’s HEALTHY

Lice: Prevention & Treatment Lice are tiny, parasitic six-legged insects that live on the human head. They are very small, about the size of a sesame seed. Female lice attach eggs, called nits, near the scalp, on shafts of hair. Children can’t get lice just by being in the same room with someone who is infested, since lice can’t jump or fly. However, lice can be transferred from one person to another by head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items like brushes, combs, or hats. If you get a call from your child’s school nurse notifying you that your child or someone in his class has lice, take action quickly.

The earlier an infestation is treated, the easier it is to remove.

How to Spot A Lice Infestation

If your child has a lice infestation, his scalp may be itchy or he may have the feeling that something is moving around in his hair. To confirm an infestation,

get a fine-toothed nit comb and a magnifying glass.

Inspect your child’s head thoroughly, especially behind the ears and the nape of the neck. If you don’t spot something right away, wet your child’s hair, put some conditioner in it, and run the nit comb through it just to make sure.

How to Treat the Lice Infestation

To get rid of a lice infestation, first try a pesticide-free, over-the-counter treatment, such as pyrethrin. Treat everyone in the household at the same time, and repeat the treatment in 10 days ensure you kill any nits that survived the first treatment. Wash all clothes, bedding, hats, brushes and combs used in the last 48 hours. If after two treatments you are still finding lice, it is time to contact the doctor. A prescription treatment containing pesticides may be necessary to eliminate the lice for good.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

Alyssa, 2 years Columbus

Wyatt, 3 months Columbus

Joshua, 8 mon.

Columbus

Joseph, 3 years Columbus

Amya, 5 years Phenix City

Conner, 2 years Columbus

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HOO knew?

Catch Phrases “envelope pusher”

“Pushing the envelope” is an aviation expression that refers to how test piolts received instructions to challenge the known limits of flight, which often flirted with disaster and ended in death.

The assignment came within an envelope, silently slid across a desk from one man to another.

“chip on his shoulder”

Back in the times of the “Wild West”, boys and men would place a wood chip on their shoulder, challenging anyone who dared knock it off to a fist fight. So if a man had a “chip on his shoulder,” he was clearly in an aggressive mood and ready for a fight.

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August

pr o vi d e d in partne

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Flying High Circus at Callaway Gardens. 3:30pm and 8pm. Included in your garden admission ticket; callawaygardens.com

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American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880

Frozen Friday Sing-Along. 7pm.

Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus

Junior Activity Hour. 10am. Ages 6-11. Phenix City-Russell County LIbrary, 1501 17th Ave, Phenix City

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Friday Night Frog Walk. 8pm. $5 parking. F.D. Roosevelt State Park.

2970 GA Hwy 190, Pine Mountain; 706-663-4858

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Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9amNoon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

Carmike Summer Kids Series.

10am. $4 (includes admission, small drink & small popcorn), Hollywood Ritz 13, 1683 Whittlesey Rd, Columbus

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Friday Night Frog Walk. 8pm. $5 parking. F.D. Roosevelt State Park.

2970 GA Hwy 190, Pine Mountain; 706-663-4858

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Librar y activities Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org 706-243-2669

Phenix City-Russell County

1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City www.phenixcitylibrary.com 334-297-1139

Troup-Harris

706-628-4685 www.thclibrary.net

Beach-side Movie: The Lorax.

Dusk. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens. $2.50-$5 after 5pm; www.callawaygardens.com

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Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 1011am. Free. 1st-5th grades. 6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706320-9292

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Second Saturday: Family Fun Day. 10am. Free. Columbus Museum; edu@columbusmuseum.org

American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880 Baby Signing Class. 10:30am.

Phenix City-Russell Co Library, 1501 17th Ave, Phenix City

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La Leche League meeting. 10am.

Columbus Public Library; 303374-4912

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Back-to-School Homeschool KickOff. 11am. Northside Recreation Center, 2010 American Way, Columbus; hbchambers@gmail.com

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Puppy Tales. 2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road; cvlga.org/kids

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The Amazing Marriage Chase.

8am. $25 per couple; Uptown Columbus; rightfromthstart.com

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Nature Navigators: Raptor Release. 11am. $5. Oxbow Meadows, 3535 South Lumpkin Rd, Columbus; oxbow.columbustate. edu or 706-507-8550

Events

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e r ship with:

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Tuesday

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Thursday

Classic Afternoon Movie: Mary Poppins. 3:30pm. Free. North Columbus Library, 5689 Armour Road, Columbus; cvlga.org/kids

Toddler Tales. 10am. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880

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Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Fri 10am, Sat & Sun 6am. Callaway GARdesn, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com

Car Seat Check/Inspection Station. 5-6:30pm. Free. By appt only. Columbus Dept of Public Health, 2100 Comer Ave, Columbus; 706-321-7183

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Columbus Kids Market. Fri 10am8pm, Sat 8am-1pm. Central Baptist Church, 8303 Whitesville Rd, Columbus. 706-565-5442

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Beach-side Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. Dusk. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens. $2.50-$5 after 5pm; www. callawaygardens.com

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Exploring Nature Day. 9am-4pm. $2. Oxbow Meadows, 3535 South Lumpkin Rd, Columbus; oxbow. columbustate.edu

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Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 1011am. Free. 1st-5th grades. 6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706320-9292

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

Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; youngeagles.org/flightplan/ flight.asp

Sept 1

Old Russell County Courthouse Labor Day Fair. Free. 9-5pm eastern.

Weekly Events Monday

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Wynnton Road/Midtown. 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 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

Teen Bible Study at the Skate Shed. 6pm. 4343 Armour Rd, Columbus; www.theskateshed.com Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

Friday

Fabulous Fridays and Farmers Market. Callaway Gardens; www. callawaygardens.com

Saturday

Storytime at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880 Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

10am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

Market Days on Broadway. 9amNoon. Different activities each week. 1000 Block of Broadway, Columbus; 706.596.0111 or Uptown Columbus on Facebook Summer Sunset Music Series.

7pm. Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens, $2.50-$5 after 5pm; www.callawaygardens.com Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more, visit MuscogeeMoms.com.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

School Buzzwords

HOO’s learning

Stem to Steam

By Charmette Kendrick, Children’s Librarian, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

If you visit your local school this fall, you might creativity. And so, now STEM has been changed be surprised by what you see. You could find to STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art children learning about atoms by building struc- and math; making art an integral part of the tures with toothpicks and marshmallows or program. The goal is to foster the true innovaexperimenting with chemical reactions by mak- tion that comes with combining the mind of a ing slime. Hands-on, participatory learning is an scientist or technologist with that of an artist important aspect of STEAM: science, technology, or designer. engineering, art and math.

What can you do to foster STEAM learning at Before STEAM, there was STEM. Proficiency home? First, it’s important to understand that among students in the areas of science, tech- the “A” in STEAM does not simply mean arts nology, engineering and math has been a goal and crafts. It means using creative and critical among educators for the better part of a decade, thinking skills that are best developed through propelled by a series of reports in the mid-’80s exposure to the arts. One example of a STEAM showing that many American children weren’t art activity for a preschooler is to make a “Splat” mastering them. The reports spurred federal painting. First, talk about gravity with your funding and initiatives in many school districts preschooler. Next, explore the laws of gravity by to bolster STEM learning. dropping a paint filled pom pom onto a piece of In November 2009, the “Educate to Innovate” ini- paper. What happens? Can you make a bigger tiative was launched to move American students splat by getting farther away from the paper? from the middle to the top of the pack in science Stand on a chair and find out! Making hypothand math achievement over the next decade. At esis and conducting experiments are important the heart of this initiative was the push to components of STEAM learning. include more STEM Learning in the classroom In addition to helping your child learn, engaging and at home in hopes it would provide students in STEAM activities is a lot of fun. For many at every level with the skills they need to excel in more STEAM ideas visit your local library or the high-paid, highly-rewarding fields of science look at educational websites, such as Pinterest, and technology. and soon you will have your family moving full But some educators felt something was missing. STEAM ahead!

They believed that art education is a keysetodd111@ to

gmail.com

Schwob Music Prep Music lessons ages 5-adult, beginners to professionals

Call, call, to register for fall, you're not too tall, music's for all, put a note on the wall, you'll be late if you stall, more fun than a ball, sing a song in the hall, for once and for all, it's time to call for fall: 706-641-5124

columbusstate.edu/musicprep

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HOO’s Fun

Can you find all 12 differences between these pictures?

Copyright © 2010-2011 2011-2012 by Education.com

More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Moms Marketplace

TO SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS ON OUR MOM’S MARKETPLACE

CALL 253-212-7270

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s Fun School Game

Help the student collect her school supplies and backpack!

Copyright © 2012-2013 2010-2011 by Education.com

More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Math. Reading.

Confidence.

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.

Kumon Math & Reading of Columbus - North 1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963 kumon.com/columbus-north Š2014 Kumon North America

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

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A Page In A Book Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

The Beauty of Solitude

Once the announcement is made that a new arrival is joining the family, curiosity will abound from the first-on-the-scene children. Introducing the idea of a new baby to soon-to-be-siblings is a time of great joy. It’s also time to prepare little ones for the changes that come to the household with the arrival of an infant. The following titles provide gentle answers to children’s questions as well as lovingly illustrating some of the changes and adventures that come along with a new baby!

Whoa, Baby, Whoa!

By Grace Nichols, Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor (Bloomsbury) Told from a baby’s perspective, all the “exploration” moments that generate a “Whoa!” from parents and caregivers are colorfully rendered with precious results. From creeping toward the pet food and grabbing eyeglasses, to tearing up newspapers and climbing bookshelves – all this baby seems to hear is “Whoa, Baby, Whoa!”.

But when Baby begins to take his first steps, the chorus changes to a new refrain! Both a look ahead to the high jinx that come along with new baby as well as a retrospective for children to revisit their earliest growing moments as a wee one – this book find just the right balance between “Whoa!” and “Go!”.

The Baby Tree

By Sophia Blackall (Nancy Paulsen / Penguin) When a little boy is told by his parents that a new baby is on the way, he begins to wonder how this situation came to be. Faced with the burning question “Where to babies come from?” the boy quietly starts asking around. His babysitter Olive answers “You plant a seed and it grows”.

His teacher says “Babies come from the hospital”. The mailman thinks they come from eggs (though he doesn’t know where to get the eggs).

And the boy’s Grandpa offers up a story about a stork. Confused, the boy finally asks his parents, and their gentle age-appropriate response incorporates the other answers (except the stork, of course). Perfect for the persistently inquisitive sibling-to-be!

Don’t Eat the Baby!

By Amy Young (Viking / Penguin)

Tom is the only child and enjoys all of this parents’ attention until the arrival of his baby brother. His parents call the baby Nathaniel. Tom mostly sees the inconvenience of a new baby, and calls him the Blob.

But when he overhears family members cooing things over the baby like “Don’t you just want to eat him up?”, and “I just want to take a bite out of his fat cheeks!” Tom goes on the defensive offering cookies to the hungry adults and employing somersaults to draw their hungry eyes away from the Blob. “Don’t Eat the Baby” is a sweet illustration of misunderstandings that can follow a new arrival and a fun celebration of the moment when the real love flows between an older sibling and his newest counterpart.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

5300 Sidney Simons Blvd #27 Columbus 706-507-2477

Like usSeeonFacebook Facebook page for hours

FREE KIDS MEAL! with purchase of entree when you mention“Family & Kids”

Can’t be combined with other discounts.

Valid for dine-in only, and only one per table.

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Dining Deals

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

MONDAY

saturday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Denny’s

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

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

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

Chill Yogurt & Yocakes All mini cupcakes $1

Steak & Shake Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Sweet Frog Yogurt

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

sunday

Zaxby’s

Steak & Shake

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

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Tuesday

Kids eat for .99 after 4pm

Atlanta Bread Company

5pm-close: Get a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal

Chick-fil-A, Bradley Park

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

Denny’s

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

TGIF Friday’s

3-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entree

Willy T’s

4-9pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

wednesday Applebee’s

Stevi B’s Pizza

Texas Roadhouse

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

Willy T’s

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

everyday 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

IHOP

4-10pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kids meal with the purchase of adult combo

McAlisters Deli

99 cent kids meals all day

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

PhoVy

thursday

Ryan’s

Captain D’s

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

MOE’s Southwest Grill

5-9pm: Free kids meal per $5 minimum adult entree Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Thursday Nights: Kids 11 and under eat for $.99

Free kids meal when you show their “Family & Kids” ad in this issue Kids 2-3 eat for .99, kids 4-7 eat for 3.99, all day

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.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies 26

Guardians of the galaxy PG 13 | Ok for kids 12+ Ready for an action-packed epic space adventure? Me too, and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” is just the ticket. The story follows brash adventurer Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), who finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan (Lee Pace), a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits -- gun-toting raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), tree-like humanoid Groot (Vin Diesel), enigmatic Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista).

the hundred-foot journey PG | Ok for kids 9+ (mild violence, language and sensuality) The story follows Hassan (Manish Dayal), a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch. Displaced from their native India, he and his family settle in the quaint village of Saint-AntoninNoble-Val in the south of France. It’s the perfect place to open an Indian restaurant, the Maison Mumbai.

That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin starred, classical French restaurant, gets wind of it. Her icy protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own escalate to all-out war between the two establishments - until Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine and for Mme.

The giver PG-13 | Ok for kids 12+ The haunting story of “The Giver” centers on Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), a young man who lives in a seemingly ideal world of conformity and contentment. But as he begins to spend time with The Giver (Jeff Bridges), the sole keeper of all the community’s memories, Jonas quickly begins to discover the dark and deadly truths of his community’s secret past. He realizes that he must escape their world to protect the people he loves -- a challenge that no one has ever succeeded at before. Directed by Phillip Noyce, “The Giver” is based on a book by Lois Lowry (read my interview with her here), and also stars Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush and Taylor Swift.

when the game stands tall PG | Ok for kids 10+ (scene of violence and brief smoking) Inspired by a true story and book by Neil Hayes, this sports drama brings to life the incredible winning streak of the De La Salle High School football team: 151 straight victories over 12 years. As Coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel) builds his seemingly invincible national powerhouse, he’s always emphasized purpose and significance rather than streaks and titles. But when real-life adversity leaves the team reeling, the Spartans must decide if the sacrifice, commitment, and teamwork they’ve always trusted can rebuild their disintegrating team.

if i stay PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+ Mia Hall (Chloë Grace Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Jamie Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left. Directed by R.J. Cutler, this drama is based on the book by Gayle Forman and also stars Mireille Enos, Stacy Keach, Lauren Lee Smith and Aisha Hinds.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.HoOKNOWSTHEVALLEY.COM

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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.columbusfpc.org/day-school

SUMMERwww.HooKnowsTheValley.com CAMPS & SUMMER FUN

Celebrating 25 years!

L iv ing. L o v ing. Le a r n i n g.

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room.

Enroll now for the new school year! www.growingroomusa.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

How to Win the

HOO’s learning

HOMEWORK WAR One of the most commonly waged battles between parents and children is over homework.

Even with the best of intentions, tackling this ongoing dilemma in positive and constructive ways can be a constant challenge.

Be a homework manager. Don’t do your child’s homework, but provide the structure and tools needed to complete assignments successfully.

Often, it’s the lack of planning that makes homework seem overwhelming.

Know your child. Because each child is unique, with different learning styles and academic needs, it is important to personalize the learning process.

Develop a work schedule and study environment based on your child’s personal learning style.

Break long-term assignments into smaller segments.

Larger projects will be less

overwhelming when viewed as a series of incremental tasks.

Set milestones. Teach your child to display completion dates on a calendar to help stay on track and complete projects on time Celebrate success. A celebration gives your child a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Make your home a place for learning. Set up a simple table or desk in a well-lit area. Add a supply of pens, pencils, markers and paper and you’re set.

Be an example. Parents can help encourage learning activities by example. Read with your children. Discuss trips and experiences. Keep your own daily journal.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Let’s Grow STE(A)M Super Students!

Create original projects through STE(A)M for a chance to win awesome prizes!

Registration is now open to all GA/AL Students Pre-K - 12th Grade Projects will be on display Oct. 14-15, 2014 from 5-9pm at the Columbus Civic Center during the Greater Columbus Fair.

Register today at www.columbusciviccenter.org

HOO’s NEWS The 4th annual LET’S GROW STE(A)M initiative will be held October 14-15 at The Columbus Civic Center during the Columbus Fair. This educational fair is sponsored by the Civic Center in order to showcase the various STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, art and math) projects of area Pre-K-12th grade students. To discover the categories and age groups, then register, visit www. columbusciviccenter.org.

The LET’S GROW STE(A)M initiative takes the routine school project from a normal synergized classroom setting to a much larger energized and informal audience. Students get the opportunity to present projects on the topics of robotics, engineering, and science/technology, and the arts. In 2013, over 300 students registered and over 175 students submitted projects. The winners will receive prizes and will be recognized at an awards ceremony ,Wednesday, October 15th at 7pm at the Columbus Civic Center. For more info, Robbie at 706-225-4844 or letsgrow@columbusga.org.

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