Chatt Valley December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor See page 7

Dr. Christie McCarley and her staff wish your family a Merry Christmas.

2

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

NOW OFFERING IMPLANTS!

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

Valid at the following locations only:

3722 S. Railroad St. • Phenix City 3908 U.S. Hwy. 80 W. Phenix City

FREE

Zax Kidz Meal ®

with any adult meal purchase.

7626 Schomburg Rd. Columbus 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus 6190 Bradley Park Dr. Columbus 7033 Ruffie Way • Columbus

Participating locations only.

Mondays

5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Offer only valid Monday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kids 10 and under only. Limit one Zax Kidz Meal per adult meal purchase. Adult meals include any Zalad®, Sandwich Meal or Most Popular Meal. Dine-in only. Not valid at any other locations. © 2018 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC “Zaxby’s,” “Zax Kidz” and “Zalad” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

The Importance

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s tips

3

of

Outdoor Play

In the winter months, the reduced number of hours of daylight and chilly temperatures can make it more difficult to ensure kids get at least an hour to play outside each day. However, there are multiple ways in which kids benefit from playing outdoors in the winter that make it worth putting aside time for play and bundling everyone up for an outdoor adventure.

Playtime outdoors in the winter keeps kids healthy Spending time outdoors provides an opportunity for everyone in the family to get some fresh air and provides a break from the recycled, heated air indoors. The recycled air indoors can contain germs and allergens like dust and pet dander. Spending time outdoors reduces the amount of time kids are exposed to the germs and allergens in the air indoors, actually making it less likely they will get sick or have allergy trouble.

Outdoor play provides an opportunity for kids to exercise large muscle groups while they play games and explore the outdoors. Your child continues to grow during the winter months and daily exercise helps support her muscle development and gives her a chance to practice her motor skills. Also, research studies suggest that exercise can help give a boost to the immune system, which may help the body fight germs.

Spending time playing outdoors ensures your child is exposed to sunlight. Getting enough exposure to sunlight during the day helps regulate

your child’s sleep pattern. Also, research studies may have found a link between exposure to sunlight and mood. Sunlight may stimulate the brain to release a hormone called serotonin. Researchers suggest that low serotonin levels may be associated with an increased risk of depression.

Winter outdoor play encourages kids to explore and use their imagination Playing outdoors encourages kids to take a break from screen time and explore their surroundings. Take your kids on a nature walk and help them compare the way the plants and wildlife look in the winter versus the way they looked during summer.

Bring along some binoculars and use a picture guide of birds found in your area to help identify the birds your kids see.

Even if ice and snow are a rarity where you live, your family can still have some winter fun. When the overnight temperatures drop below freezing, create ‘ice jewels’ by filling ice trays with water, adding food coloring and leaving them outside overnight. On the days when it does snow, after ensuring kids are dressed for the weather, give them plenty of time outdoors to enjoy the transformed winter landscape with all its new opportunities for imaginative play.

Dressing The Part

As long as kids are bundled properly, stay dry and occasionally go inside to warm up, outdoor play in the winter can be extremely beneficial.

Dress your kids in layers to keep them warm. The layers help prevent the loss of body heat. Also, layers make it easy to adjust for outdoor temperatures rising as the day goes on or your child becoming warm from exercising.  Select a base layer made of a wicking material, not cotton.  The next layer should be made of an insulating material like wool or fleece.  The outer layer should be a waterproof jacket that will help protect your child from wind and repel moisture.  A hat, gloves and scarf protect skin from the cold winter air and help keep your child warm.  Keep feet warm with heavy socks made from a non-cotton material.

RESOURCES: - Lambert GW, Reid C, Kaye DM, Jennings GL, Esler MD. Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. Lancet 2002;360:1840-2. 6.

- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12480364 - Thieu, Phan X, et al Intrinsic Photosensitivity Enhances Motility of T Lymphocytes, Scientific Reports, 2016.

- nature.com/articles/srep39479

4

The Scoop!

Where’s Santa?

For a directory of local appearances, visit familyandkidsga.com/santa

Booths NOW On Sale

10TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR!

March 15 Noon- 4pm | FREE | national infantry museum

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants; or see our interactive distro map at: familyandkidsga.com/get-a-copy

TO SUBMIT AD OR EVENT: Tammy Usie, Publisher tammy@familyandkidsga.com 253-212-7270 FamilyAndKidsGA

www.Familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

5

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

6

New Holiday

FAMILY READS!

By Charmette Perry, S. Columbus Library, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries Twinkling lights, candy canes and gingerbread houses—it’s the holidays! A cold winter night is the perfect time for curling up with your family and sharing a story. There are some great new holiday reads to explore. While you’re checking out books, don’t forget to ask about the seasonal programs available at every branch or download an official program guide at cvlga.org

Long ago, on a silent night

Nutcracker night

by Julie Berry

by Mireille Messier

There’s an elf in your book

Happy Howlidays! (Vol. 2)

The miracle of Christmas comes alive in this celebration of unconditional love and the hope and promise in every child.

by Tom Fletcher

Don’t let the elf trick you into being naughty! Just follow his instructions to sing a Christmas carol, clap, burp... Children will be delighted to participate in this satisfying holiday tale.

The Nutcracker ballet comes to life, as a little girl joyfully experiences her first visit to see the ballet.

by James Patterson

Junior experiences many things during his first Christmas, including something called snow, a tree that seems to have sprouted in the middle of the Picture Box Room, and packs of strange humans called Carol.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s HEALTHY Antioxidants are nutrients that help keep cells in the body healthy by defending them against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an oxygen electron and look to scavenge an oxygen electron from another molecule. The cells in the body produce free radicals when they metabolize food into energy. Exercise, inflammation in the body due to an internal stress, and external stresses, such as exposure to pollution, also produce free radicals.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to cells by giving up an oxygen electron to free radicals without becoming unstable. However, when there are not enough antioxidants in the body to keep the free radicals from accumulating, a condition referred to as oxidative stress occurs. When the body is in a state of oxidative stress, free radicals start causing damage by attacking the molecules of DNA, proteins, and lipids (fat) that make up the cell structure.

There is some evidence of a connection between the damage free radicals cause to DNA and the development of cancer. Also, free radicals may cause damage to cells that lead to heart disease, central nervous system diseases like dementia, or the development of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Free radicals have also been associated with an increased breakdown of cells that leads to signs of aging.

WHAT IS: AN ANTIOXIDANT

There are many different varieties of antioxidants, each one with a unique role to play in the defense against free radicals. Some antioxidants even help repair cell damage caused by free radicals.

While the body does produce some antioxidants on its own, foods, especially plant-based ones, are the best source of antioxidants.

Studies of antioxidant supplements suggest they may be of little or no benefit and may even cause harm in some cases.

Fruits and vegetables that are brightly colored, such as berries, beets, broccoli, carrots and red sweet peppers, are good sources of antioxidants. Coffee, salmon, nuts and green tea have also been shown to have antioxidant properties. Each food has its own unique combination of antioxidants, so eat a variety of whole foods. In addition, reducing your consumption of processed foods and fried foods may help decrease the production of free radicals.

RESOURCES: Lien Ai Phan-Huy et al, Free Radicals, Antioxidants in Disease and Health Internal Journal of Biomedical Science, 2008 June; Sing R et al, Role of free radical in atherosclerosis, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia: larger than life, Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2015 Feb and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC3614697

7

8

Wise Choices for You & Your Family HOO’s INSPIRED

Not-So-Typical

Celebrations Are you tired of the same ‘ol Christmas activities every year? Does the obligation of gifts for everyone intimidate you to the point of declining invites? Do you dread the 24th and 25th because it involves a trip to every family member’s house in less than a 48-hour period? You are not alone. This holiday season, break the monotony and toss the anxiety by creating new traditions for a more festive celebration.

Here are some suggestions for an enjoyable, holiday themed get-together with your loved ones:

Gingerbread Decorating Party: Clear out your pantry, stop by Dollar Tree and have yourself a party. To make this party a success, you need lots of supplies! Pretzels for trees, cereal for shingles and Oreos for windows. Your imagination is the only limit. If you’re catering this party towards young children, consider creating simple gingerbread houses with graham cracker cookies glued together, building many for the kids to decorate. If the party is for adults, ask each adult to bring a kit and you provide the supplies for decorating.

Gift Wrap Holiday Party: I spend hours on my living room floor late at night wrapping Christmas presents. I curl every ribbon, decorate each name tag, and assign wrapping paper based on interests and personalities. Wait, you do this too? So why are we doing it alone? Invite your friends over for some wrapping fun. Supply wine, cheese, tape, scissors and some ribbon. Ask each friend to bring rolls of paper and share. When you’ve got good company, the time passes so much faster. Be sure to set the date well in advance, so shopping is completed, and the time is reserved.

Cookie Exchange Party It’s the most delicious time of the year! The first time I attended a cookie exchange party, I was a bit intimidated. Thankfully, chocolate chip cookies are always a hit and easy to make. But I was also blown away. The cookies were thoughtfully decorated with pearls and glitter, displayed in ready-to-go bags with beautiful recipe cards and festive charm. Quite honestly, a cookie exchange is genius. You bring a lot of one kind of cookie, and in return leave with a whole lot of every kind of cookie, perfect for gifting to neighbors, the mailman and more. Simply ask guests to bring a dozen cookies to taste and a dozen cookies to take, more or less depending on the number of guests. Visit our website Familyandkidsga.com/ cookie-exchange-recipes for some simple, yet tasty cookie recipes.

Ugly Sweater Party: ‘Tis the season to be tacky! Invite your friends to create the ugliest sweater of them all. Award trophies for the ugliest sweater, the most festive, the most unique and the most questionable. Sip hot cocoa, play caroler karaoke and set up a selfie station.

Movie-Viewing Party “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!” or “Fraa-JeelAay, huh. Must be Italian!” Whatever your Christmas movie style is, there’s a themed party behind it. Invite friends over for a viewing of your favorite Christmas film and include movie themed games, snacks and décor. If you want to make a real event out of it, choose a few different seasonal films and have yourself a sleepover movie marathon, hello Christmas PJs.

We want to know!

What kind of Christmas celebrations do you have? Email us at Info@Family andKidsGA.com with your celebrations.

We may feature it in a future issue!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

9

More than a mile of beautiful lights!

Wagon-Ride Nights (rsvp online)

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 19-21 from 5:30-9:30pm

December 7 and 14 (rsvp online)

Breakfast with the Grinch December 21 (rsvp online)

• • • •

Christmas Express Train Rides (rsvp online) Santa's Arts and Crafts Workshop Dining, Shopping & Music Visit with Santa

Drive-Through Nights All other nights until Christmas from 6-9:30pm • Drive through in your personal vehicle • Shopping and Grab-and-Go Snacks

TheRockRanch.com Christmas Word Search

CHRISTMAS

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is running late!

HOO’s FUN

Help Santa find what he needs by circling the words below. Search up-to-down, left-to-right, and diagonally. The solution is on the next page.

Word Search

SLEIGH PRESENTS TOYS BAG HAT GLOVES BELT BOOTS SUIT DASHER DANCER PRANCER VIXEN COMET CUPID DONNER BLITZEN RUDOLPH

D A S H E R E L U G O G P Q

A O Z C G T D K T S A N T P

H R U D O V G Y F O C P N R

Q A H B L I T Z E N Y G Y E

W K T K O G P T C H R S S S

E M U X K O J A D E P U Q E

O J R R U F T L B A R W S N

Z C U P I D V S P I B R C T

V R D T E Z A X T R T T O S

D B O C O S K N E S H P M Y

O X L L D R T U C L G C E N

N I P J S U I T H E B O T R

N T H Y B M C R X I R Q P M

E P N B A V N P R G Q A A B

R G R V S L I I G H B Z O C

V C E M Z D H X Z B W E J X

C G L O V E S H E D G O L Q

Word List: Sleigh, Presents, Toys, Bag, Hat, Gloves, Belt, Boots, Suit, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph

A I S R S Y P R A N C E R T

10

Choices for You & Your FamilyGUIDE AFTERWise SCHOOL ACTIVITY

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

11

12

Choices forACTIVITY You & Your Family AFTER Wise SCHOOL GUIDE

Do you provide a Kid’s activity?

Let us know!

We'd love to feature it in our directory.

Email: tammy@familyandkidsga.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE

WE ARE A 3 STAR QUALITY RATED PROGRAM! Small class sizes, homework time, recess, character building curriculum, and much more!

706-221-5947

STRENGTH SPEED AGILITY POWER CONFIDENCE The Only After School Program for Athletes Ages 7- Adult Go to www.ImpactPerformanceRX.com and schedule a FREE class today!

You could reach over 15,000 moms in this space for only $75..

Call 253-212-7270

13

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

14

Richard Mansfield, D.O. FAAP Amy Cool, M.D. FAAP Veronica Manka, MD, FAAP Neha Potini, MD, FAAP Trina Williamson, FNP

PEDIATRICS at brookstone centre 706.571.9699

2001 Brookstone Centre Pky

pediatricsatbrookstonecentre.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s PICKS

15

2019

gift guide

Finding the perfect gift for the special person in your life isn’t always easy. Oftentimes, we have that one special recipient we just can’t check off our list. What do you get for the person who wants for nothing? You get them something they never knew would improve their everyday life! Check out some of our favorite gift options for the 2019 holiday season:

For the person in need of time:

For those who need to relax:

HOME CHEF: Save the hassle of meal planning with a subscription to Home Chef. A week or a year, if your recipient needs time, they will appreciate dinner being checked off the list.

WEIGHTED BLANKET: A weighted blanket provides a deep pressure touch, promoting relaxation. It’s like a hug that lasts for hours. Encourage your recipient to use this blanket for a cozier rest.

ROBOT VACUUM: Not only do robot vacuums save cleaning time, they also provide a more cleanly home, able to sweep, mop or vacuum daily. Your recipient’s floors will be spotless with this gift.

OIL DIFFUSER: Aroma therapy is useful for a lot of people and so are essential oils. Present your recipient with the gift of aroused senses with an oil diffuser. Lavender and Ylang Ylang are two options for relaxing aromas.

INSTANT POT: Cook chicken breasts in 7 minutes with an Instant Pot! This gadget saves time and allows for whole new dinner opportunities.

JADE ROLLER: A jade roller is a mini paint roller for the face! It increases blood flow beneath the skin, creating a beautiful glow.

Consider it a daily, mini facial massage for a more beautiful skin and relaxed face.

For those that love gifts:

For the Gadget Lover:

Subscription boxes offer long-lasting gifts, with a little surprised delivered to the door each month.

FRUIT OF THE MONTH HARRY & DAVID: Give your special recipient the freshest, most exotic fruit with a membership to Harry & David’s Fruit of the Month Club. This is truly a gift for the person who wants for nothing.

ECHO DOT: Who’s this lady you keep hearing about, Alexa?

Well she lives inside an Echo Dot and can turn on your lights, tv or beatbox. She also offers games like Name That Tune, can give answers to hard questions, tells jokes and keeps lists. If a Smart Home isn’t your recipient’s forte, Alexa makes a great Bluetooth speaker as well.

OWL CRATE: Each month your recipient will receive a newly published young adult novel, an exclusive item from the publisher or author that includes a handwritten letter from the author, and a Bookish keepsake from a small business.

SMARTPHONE CAMERA LENS SET: If your friend is always ready to take a photo, a phone lens set may be the perfect gift.

It offers lens for macro photos (close up, detailed), wide angled images, and more. It’s also very compact for everyday use.

KIWI CO.: Kiwi co. is the perfect gift for the crafty child or teen engineer. They offer a wide range of boxes based on your recipient’s interests and age to create, build and design. It’s highly customizable and everything needed is included in a cute, little crate. Send your teen a kit to build an electric pencil sharpener, or your toddler a box for creating a fishing game.

BLUETOOTH HAT: With this gift, your recipient can keep warm while listening to their favorite tunes in their bundled up ears. The knit beanie offers volume and music controls sewn right into the hat.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

16

December 1 Sensory Sensitive Sunday. 9-11am. Chuck E. 6 The Polar Express 3D. 2pm and 5pm. $8- 11 A Visit From Santa. 4-5pm. Columbus LiCheese; 706-568-6887

2 Winter Holiday Extravaganza. 4-5pm. Columbus Library; 706-321-6322

$10, 4 and under free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2622

6-7 Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 7:30pm.

2 STEAMpunks Stories & Science. 3:30-

$5-$14. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

3 Little Sprouts. 10:30am. $5/family. Colum-

Columbus Trade Center; 706-327-4522

4:30pm. S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 bus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

3 Light the Spirit Tree Lighting. 6-8pm. St. Francis Butler Pavilion; 706-596-4000

4 Holiday Kids Craft Club. 4-5pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

4-8

Jingle ARRGH the Way! Wed & Thurs 9:30 & 11am. Fri 9:30am, 11am & 7:30pm, Sat. 10am & 7:30pm, Sun 2pm $6-$12. Riverside Theatre; 706-507-8444

5

LEGOS In The Library. 5-6pm. Columbus Library; 706-321-6322

5

VIP Night for Kids with Special Needs.

6-8pm. $10. Launch Trampoline Park; 706221-8680

5-8

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Thurs-Sat 7:30pm. Sun 2:30pm. $20-$48. The Springer; 706-327-3688

6 River Dragons Hockey vs. Port Huron.

7:35pm. Columbus Civic Center. rdragons.com

6

MOPS and MOMSnext. 9:30-11:15am.

Wynnbrook Baptist Church; 706-323-4374

7 Breakfast with Santa. 8am-10am. $10-$15.

12

Santa Visits Riverside. 5:30-8:30pm. Fort Benning; 706-545-0522

12-1 5 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinder-

ella. Thurs - Sat 7:30pm. Sun 2:30pm. $20$48. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

7 Breakfast with Santa. 8:30am. The Rock 13 Ranch. $18. RSVP. rockranch.com

Gingerbread Storytime. 4:30-5:30pm.

Mildred Terry Library; 706-243-2782

7 Country’s Reindeer Run. 9am. Benefits Chil- 13-1 4 dren’s Miracle Network. Country’s on Broadway; runsignup.com

7 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon.

Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-3229240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

7 Bi-City Christmas Parade. 10am. Begins Colin Powell Pkwy in Phenix City; 334-291-4719

7 Puppy Tales. 10:30-11:30am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

7 Holiday Cards For Heroes. 2-3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

7:30pm. $5-$14. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

13-1 5

The Polar Express 3D. 2pm and 5pm. $8-$10, 4 and under free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2622

1 4 Breakfast with Santa. 8:30am. The Rock Ranch. $18. RSVP. rockranch.com

1 4 Pancakes With Santa, 10am-12pm. Cusseta-Chattahoochee Library; 706-989-3700

1 4-1 5 Columbus Ballet presents The Nut-

cracker. Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. $20-$40.

RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

7 Astronomy Night. 6pm. Coca-Cola Space 1 4-1 5 Academy Dance Center presents Science Center; 706-649-1477

7-8 Christmas at the CivilWar Museum. Free.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm. Rainey-McCullers Theatre; 706-561-8085

8 The Polar Express 3D. 2pm and 5pm. $8-

Best Christmas Pageant Ever. 7:30pm. $5-$14. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

10-5pm Sat, 12:30-5pm Sun, PortColumbus.org

$10, 4 and under free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2622

6 Sensory Friendly Storytime. 3-4pm. Colum- 9 Mini Makers. 10:30-11:30am. Columbus bus Library; 706-321-6322

brary; 706-321-6322

Library; 706-321-6322

15 17

Frosty’s Frosting Party. 4:30-5:30pm.

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

17 Cantus Christmas. 7:30pm. $36. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

17

r Events PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

18

Books & Cookies With Santa. 4-5pm.

North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

19-22 Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Thurs - Sat 7:30pm. Sun 2:30pm. $20$48. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

20 MOPS and MOMSnext. 9:30-11:15am.

Wynnbrook Baptist Church; 706-323-4374

20-21 River Dragons Hockey vs. Del-

27-28 River Dragons Hockey vs. Danville. Fri. 7:35pm, Sat. 6:05pm. Columbus Civic Center. rdragons.com

28 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Colum- WEDNESDAY Preschool Story Hour, 10-11am. Phenix City bus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 ry Library; 706-243-2782

Preschool Storytime. 10:30-11:15. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 (not 12/25)

30

THURSDAY

Happy Noon Year Celebration. 11am12pm. Mildred Terry Library; 706-243-2782

20-21

30 New Year’s At Noon. 11-12:30pm. Co-

20-22

The Polar Express 3D. 2pm and 5pm. $8-$10, 4 and under free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2622

21

Breakfast with The Grinch. 8:30am. The Rock Ranch. $18. RSVP. rockranch.com

21

The Grinch Toddler Time at SkyZone.

10am-noon. skyzone.com/Columbus-ga

21 How To Make Homemade Snow. The

Columbus Museum. 10am-noon. Free. Columbusmuseum.com

24 Christmas Eve at SkyZone. 1-2pm Cookie

Decorating, 3-4pm Visit with Santa. skyzone. com/columbus-ga

26-28

NIM Kids Winter Film Fest.

10am & 2pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; 706-685-2622

27 Kwanzaa Celebration. 2-3:30pm. Mildred Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Library; 334-297-1139 (not 12/25 or 1/1)

28 Uno Dos Tres Craft. 3-4pm. Mildred Ter-

aware. Fri. 7:35pm, Sat. 6:05pm. Columbus Civic Center. rdragons.com Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

7:30pm. $5-$14. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

Unplug from the Computer for Chess’ Sake.

4:30-6pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782 (not 12/24 or 12/31)

lumbus Library; 706-321-6322

31

New Year’s Eve Lock-in at SkyZone. 11pm7am. $30. skyzone.com/Columbus-ga

Weekly Events

Toddler Storytime. 10:30-11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679 (not 12/26) Toddler Storytime. 11am. Barnes & Noble; 706-653-7880 Get Your Game ON! 3:30-4:30pm. South Columbus Library, 706-683-8805 (12/26)

FRIDAY

Music ‘n Motion. 10:30-11:15am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2679 (not 12/27)

SATURDAY

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details.

MONDAY

EVERYDAY

Baby Storytime. 10-10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-321-6322 (not 12/23 or 12/30)

Ludy’s Christmas Lights Spectacular. 5784 Ironstone Dr, Columbus; Ludychristmas.com

Preschool Storytime. 11-11:40am. Columbus Library; 706-321-6322 (not 12/23 or 12/30)

Fantasy In Lights. 6-8:30pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com

TUESDAY

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

Baby Storytime. 10-11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855 (not 12/24 or 12/31)

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

18

H AV E YO U J O I N E D O U R

New Mom Club?

BEING A NEW PARENT GETS EXPENSIVE! Once Upon A Child wants to help new moms find everything they need while saving real money.

Join our New Mom Club & receive exclusive monthly specials just for new moms (or dads!).

NO COST TO JOIN! SIGN UP IN-STORE! Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706-507-3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ENTER YOUR CUTIE: www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Abigail, 3 years Phenix City

Leanna, 2 years Columbus

Lily-May, 2 years Columbus

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

19

HOO’s CRAFTY

MELTED CRAYON ORNAMENT Decorate your tree or gift these homemade beauties Courtesy of www.upstateramblings.com

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

First you need a bunch of peeled crayons in many different festive colors. Then, take off the top of the glass ornament, and put two or three small bits of crayon inside each ball. We found less crayon wax was better, since it doesn’t take much to coat the inside of the ball. It worked best when we used pieces about 1/2 an inch long. One of my favorite combinations was the orange, yellow and red crayons, which made an ornament that reminds me of a crackling fire. Then use the pliers to hold the end of the ornament and a hair dryer to melt the wax.

Once the hair dryer heats up, it starts to melt the crayon bits so they flow inside the ornament. As the crayon wax melts, turn the ball to create swirling patterns.

Once you are satisfied with the design, simply wait for the ornament to cool and put the top back in the ornament.

HOW

GLASS ORNAMENTS CRAYONS PLIERS HAIR DRYER

stole Christmas

TODDLER TIME • DEC 21 • 10-12PM

20

PURCHASE

$

Cookie Decorating

GIFT

CARD

GET A FREE

30 MINUTE JUMP PASS

Free cup of

hot

cocoa

(exp. 1/31/20)

-----------------

-----------------

---------------------

---------------------

SKYZONE.COM/COLUMBUS-GA

Christmas Eve • 1-2pm

Meet ‘n Greet with Santa

Christmas Eve • 2-3pm

New Year’s Eve Lock-in 11pm-7am • $30 per jumper/ Ages 6-17

3716 GENTIAN BLVD COLUMBUS, GA 31907 706-507-9559

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals 20

for Kids

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

MONDAY Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Sapo’s

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

Zaxby’s

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

Tuesday

The Chicken Lady’s COOP 5-8pm: Kids chicken plate for $3.25

Denny’s 4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

Hudson’s Free kids’ meal for 12 and under with adult entrée

Jason’s Deli 5-9pm: Free kids’ meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

Ruby Tuesday

thursday MOE’s Southwest Grill 5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Captain D’s Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

saturday Denny’s 4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

sunday The Simple Greek Kids 12 & under get free kids bowl with purchase of regular bowl or pita

every day 219 On The Lake 5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

Bruster’s Ice Cream

TGI Friday’s

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

wednesDAY Applebee’s Half off kid’s meal per adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids to adult

Pita Street Food 4-9pm: Kids eat free, per $8 min. adult buy; dine-in

Golden Corral Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

McAlister’s Kids’ meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

Newk’s 4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W)

O’Charley’s

Your Pie

Free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 10 & under

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted.

Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

Red Robin Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

21

!

Falling

Holidays

Accepting New Patients!

Hockey Is Back!

DECEMBER GAMES 12/06 V PORT HURON 12/20-21 V DELAWARE 12/27-28 V DANVILLE RDRAGONS.COM

•

706-507-GOAL

•

COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER

22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO SAYS...

How Does Santa get into your house?

Landon, 4 years, Columbus

Lola, 9 years, Fortson

Vivienne, 4 years, Columbus

Cohen, 7 years, Columbus

Hugh, 8 years, Columbus

Buckley, 4 years, Columbus

...through the roof!..wait no, the chimney! With lots of toys! ...through the Tube!..And then he delivers presents by the Tree.

If he doesn’t fit through the chimney, he uses the window.

...through the back door. The elf (on the shelf) lets him in!

That’s Easy! Santa is Magic, and uses a magic key!

If you don’t have a chimney, he has a special key!

NEXT MONTH: MONTH: What is something new you want to do in the new year? Respond at familyandkidsga.com/hoo-says

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

COME & enjoy the Stories you'll hear

NOWHERE

else!

1002 VICTORY DRIVE • COLUMBUS, GA 31901 WWW.PORTCOLUMBUS.ORG

Trending #Aldifinds More and more shoppers are flocking to Aldi for affordable prices on organic items.

If you’re curious what kind of deals you can find at Aldi, follow the hashtag #Aldifinds.

It offers recipe ideas, limited release items and new items too delicious to pass up

Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Published author and parenting expert, Janet Lansbury, offers reassuring advice to help parents become calm guardians. Each episode addresses a reader’s parenting issue through the lens of Janet’s respectful parenting philosophy.

For Every Mom

Dollar Tree Addicts

A place online where women can experience the essentials of motherhood: spirituality, laughter, community and awesome parenting tips. This is a place where we’re all in it together: working moms, stay-athome-moms, step-moms, adoptive moms, foster moms, single moms, married moms, new moms and experienced moms. You are ALL welcome here.

The dollar store is full of opportunity. This large Facebook group takes simple, inexpensvie items and repurposes them into beautiful decor, gifts and handy hacks. The group also offers members a chance to find deals, create affordable snacks and see humor in being frugal.

23

24

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

Preparing Your Child For Success!

Now Enrolling for the 2019-2020 School year!

Our children enjoy a curriculum focusing on language development that includes the study of math, science, social studies, phonics, sign language, art, music, self-help skills, emotional growth and character. 6 weeks to 12 years.

Growing Room - 706-596-1234 1200 Manchester Expressway Growing Room Too - 706-653-0088 6110 Bradley Park Drive GR Christian Academy - 706-221-3248 7572 Kayne Blvd.

www.growingroomusa.com

Learning through physical activity & Sports

Math & Reading Tutoring & Enrichment

Ages

3-11 free academic assessment

ILD AN GIVE YOUR CHNTAGE IN VA AD ACADEMIC BEYOND! SCHOOL AND To learn more, we invite you to schedule a Free Placement Test today.

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

Sign up Online btglearning.com (762) 208-5048

COLUMBUS - NORTH

11290 Double Churches Rd., Suite K, Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963 • kumon.com/columbus-north

©2018 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

HOO’s PICKS www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

YOGA

25

Shifting their FOCUS

“Anything bad that’s happened to you I want to exit it out of your heads…A teacher made me upset, breathe in, breathe out, something happened that I did not like, breathe in, breathe out, someone did something to me unfairly…Deep breaths.”

This is how yoga begins at St. Mary’s Elementary Magnet Academy in Muscogee County. At the end of school each day, students ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade gather in the library to find their center with Assistant Principal Mrs. Zara Williams. It’s one way she’s connecting with her students.

“Growing up, I had to make space for myself to be okay in classes…and I was just thinking what if somebody took the time to talk to me. Not even talk to me, just ask “how are you” how much of a difference would that make in my life,” Mrs. Williams explains.

The assistant principal has an open-door policy in her office. She believes open communication can reduce the number of consequences her students receive during their time at school. One of the biggest struggles for her students is being heard. Students are often in her office because they’re unable to break down barriers of communication, sometimes struggling to make friends. “When somebody hurts their arm or their finger, we’re all over it, we take the steps to make them feel better. But if somebody’s hurt emotionally, you can’t see it and nobody takes the time to help or walk you through as if you have a ‘boo-boo,’” she shares.

Mrs. Williams began yoga as an impromptu way to help her students cope, emotional first aid. “Just because you’re being sent to my office doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. We’re trying to change the behavior, so we don’t have to give students a consequence. We want students thinking before it happens,” which is an action called metacognition.

The assistant principal began teaching students breathing exercises. She wanted to provide them space and time to refocus and re-energize. Eventually, that transformed into yoga sessions with a few students in her office. Now there is a yoga meeting every afternoon in the library.

Some yoga students experience heavy issues; homelessness, incarcerated parents, one just lost a sibling. Mrs. Williams implemented yoga as a tool to help these students self-regulate, become more in control of their mindset and effectively manage the obstacles faced in their lives. At the end of each yoga session, the students are reminded, “… the goal [of yoga] is to create a space where you were once stuck, to unveil layers of protection you built around your heart, to appreciate your body and become aware of the mind and noise it creates and to make peace with who you are. The goal is love. The goal is you.”

Although yoga is new to the school, students are already seeing results. “Sometimes I want to hit something very bad, but you can’t do that. So, I do my breathing. One of my favorite breathing techniques… we bring our hands up and swan dive, that makes me feel good. It makes me feel better,” shares 5th-grade student, Nehemiah. The yoga techniques are helping students gain better control of situations and being mindful of their reactions. When the students are asked if yoga helps them at home, the answer is an overwhelming “Yes.” Every yoga session ends with “each one, touch one” as they go in for a group hug. “We are not perfect at all. Each one, touch one. We are not perfect in any way, but we are a work in progress…the most important part is, who?” asks Mrs. Williams, “You,” the students cheer. “Namaste.”

26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

We Make Math Make Sense This Is Their Year.

Are They Ready?

Give them the Mathnasium advantage This school year, your child is taking on new subjects and exploring new ways to unlock their potential.

The Mathnasium Method™ gives them the solid math and critical thinking skills they need for their classes, test prep, graduation, and beyond. With over 1,000 learning centers worldwide, we’re the authority in math education. Our expert instructors help students develop good habits so they can succeed in high school and college, thrive in their careers, and take on the world!

Contact us today to schedule a risk-free assessment.

Mathnasium of Columbus Bradley Park www.mathnasium.com/columbusbradleypark (706) 322-4244• 6501 Whitesville Road #100, Columbus, GA 31904

Changing Lives Through Math.™

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE

27

Become a Knight!

K3-12th grade * Biblical Instruction * Weekly Chapel Challenging Academics * AP & Honor Classes Dual Enrollment * 5th & 6th Grade Academy Pre-engineering and Space Science Class 1 of 5 schools worldwide with an experiment on the International Space Station Full Athletic Program * Extra-Curricular Activities Fine Arts * Before & After School Care OPEN HOUSE: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guided tours at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. or contact our Admissions Director at saraketcham@calvaryknights.com

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Christian School CalvaryKnights.com / 706.323.0467, ext. 204

28

the

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

he t h

t

wi

HOO’s tips

Holiday family traditions make memories and create a sense of belonging for the family members. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are the perfect opportunities to create new family traditions that can be a blend of the ones you grew up with and new activities you think your kids will enjoy. With a little planning, you can keep even young kids entertained at these holiday gatherings.

Family Fun on New Year’s Eve On New Year’s Eve, include kids too young to stay up until midnight in the celebration by having one for them earlier in the day. Have a dress-up party and create a ball to use for a ‘ball drop’ countdown to noon. Read a book together about New Year’s Eve and the ways different cultures around the world ring in the new year. Have some fun games available and enjoy some holiday sweets.

For older kids who are determined to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, create a slumber party in the family room complete with blankets and pillows. This will allow kids who fall asleep before the clock strikes twelve to rest comfortably until it is time to wake up the next day. Keep kids entertained by making some fun New Year’s crafts together, like the paper plate noisemaker craft or the toilet paper tube confetti launcher, that can be used to help ring in the new year later in the evening.

Enjoy creating your family’s New Year’s Day dinner traditions A New Year’s Day dinner menu full of special recipes is a tradition in many cultures. If you are looking to create a unique dinner tradition for your family, have fun combining your favorite family recipes with ones from other cultures. Research the New Year’s Day food traditions of other countries with your kids and ask them to help you select a new item to add to your family’s New Year’s Day dinner menu. For example, the European tradition of baking a special cake for New Year’s is one that the whole family can enjoy (just leave out hiding a coin in the cake). Some other traditional New Year’s foods from other cultures include rice, noodles and grapes.

New Year’s Day family activities that make memories One tradition shared between cultures is spending time to reflect upon the year past and making resolutions for the new year. At first, this might seem like an activity only adults would be interested in, but here are some ways to make it a kid-friendly tradition that will create memories you will cherish. With your kids, write a letter that touches on the highlights of the year past to send to friends you don’t see very often or to add to a scrapbook. Help kids create a list of family outings and activities from the year past that they enjoyed and a wish list of family adventures for the upcoming year. You could also create a time capsule and add this list plus pictures and souvenirs from your family vacations. Create a holiday ornament on New Year’s Day for each child by helping her write her name and the year on a glass ball ornament, along with one thing she wishes to achieve in the new year.

Even if your holiday tradition is to vacation in a new location you have never visited before, you can pack up the supplies for these family activities and take them with you.

Resources: www.thriftyfun.com/Toilet-Paper-Tube-Confetti-Launcher.html www.kixcereal.com/kix-cereal-paper-plate-noise-maker

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Tuesdays Kids Eat Free!

From 5-9pm with each adult entrée

29

Over 10 Kids Meals under $4 each!! (includes drink)

FREE ICE CREAM Because everyone deserves dessert!

All-natural

jasonsdeli.com

706-494-8857 • 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus • Hours: 10am-10pm

ingredients Diet Restriction Friendly Online Ordering Catering

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

30

HOO knew?

Crazy Christmas Facts The world’s largest Christmas stocking was 106 feet and 9 inches (32.56 m) long and 49 feet and 1 inch (14.97 m) wide. It weighed as much as five reindeer and held almost 1,000 presents. It was made by the Children’s Society in London on December 14, 2007.

llll

ll

Approximately 33 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.

In 1836, Alabama became the first state in the US to declare Christmas a legal holiday. In June of 1870, Christmas became a federal holiday in the US and Oklahoma became the last state to declare Christmas a legal holiday in 1907.

l llllllllll

The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was in Seattle, Washington in 1950.

The Christmas tree was 221 feet tall!

ll lll

ll lll

During the Christmas season, nearly 28 sets of LEGOs are sold every second.

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

31

Making Making Communities Communities Healthier Healthier

Having a primary care provider will keep you healthier you Having a primary care provider will keep you healthier asas you age.

You can benefit from having a go-to provider for things like age. You can benefit from having a go-to provider for things like and other non-urgent healthcare needs. addition other fluflu and other non-urgent healthcare needs.

In In addition to to other important check-ups keep you your best. important check-ups to to keep you at at your best.

We’ve got you covered you can focus life.

We’ve got you covered soso you can focus onon life. find a doctor, call 800.424.DOCS. ToTo find a doctor, call 800.424.DOCS.

MyStFrancis.com MyStFrancis.com