Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley January 2014

JANUARY 2014

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

SEE COVER

SPONSOR PG. 7 We buy and sell gently used clothes, toys & more

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

NEW YEAR

NEW LOOK

NEW WEBSITE www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

In three short years, you have made us the...

#

1 Local Parent’s Magazine!

So we wanted to say thanks with a new look, and a new website...that you can actually use! Plus its mobile and tablet friendly. The website will feature a digital edition of the magazine, helpful or fun info, plus an interactive business directory, that we hope will soon become our area’s....

Most Comprehensive “Family Friendly” Shopping Guide!

It will feature ratings and reviews written for parents, by parents like you!

So go visit, and help us make it more resourceful by adding your comments and ratings.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley,

Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

AD DEADLINES

I am so happy to be able to share this month’s magazine with you, as it is the first one to feature our new look. My little fingers are still sore from designing it all, but it was well worth the hard work. You will still find fun and helpful content inside, plus we will now have more parenting resources for you online through our new website, www.HooKnowsTheValley.com The new site is just a start, and it will continue to improve. There you will find our virtual magazine, contests such as our “Hoo’s Cute,” plus more indepth parenting advice and information. But what I’m most excited to share is that we are extending our resource guide into the virtual world with our Family-Friendly Shopping Guide. It will allow you to rate and review local businesses to share with other parents just like yourself. Now that’s helpful! I invite you to go to the site and help us provide these business ratings by giving yours.

Tammy Usie

Feb Issue: Jan 6 & March Issue: Feb 7

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL SECTIONS HOO’s fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18

HOO knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19

HOO’s fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 25

HOO’s hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

HOO’s healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10

HOO’s Inspired.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 9

HOO’s helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21

HOO’S learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 & 30

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.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s PARENTING Children who spend most of their time ‘plugged in’ to video games, TV, or tablets may not get enough exercise, and that includes exercise of the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some tips on how to create fun, electronic-free play areas that give kids a chance to use their creativity, refine motor skills, and improve social skills.

Start by communicating to your kids how much ‘plugged in’ time a day you will allow. If your kids have trouble reducing the time they are plugged in, you may need to completely take away access for awhile.

You don’t have to purchase expensive toys to keep your kids busy during their ‘unplugged’ time.

Simple traditional toys, like building blocks, that give kids an opportunity to use their creativity can provide hours of entertainment. When your kids want something new to play with, look around your house to see if you have something that can

UN PLUGGING

be turned into a simple toy.

Organize your toys by category (dolls, role playing, art supplies, science learning toys, etc). When your child gets tired of one type of toy, she can put it away in its designated place and move on to the next activity without asking you to find her something new to do.

Electronic-free outdoor play keeps your kids physically fit and improves their motor skills. Set up a play area with a soccer goal or a basketball net.

Show your family that you consider exercise important by spending time with your kids outdoors. The time you spend playing catch, helping your kids plant a garden, or taking a walk with your family will not only keep your family fit but will also build treasured memories.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide ATTRACTIONS Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....23 Columbus Cottonmouths.................26 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 Hollywood Connection..................... 15 My Gym................................................. 15 Performance Dance........................... 15 Ringling Bros Circus.........................25 Schwab School of Music..................25 The Columbus Museum................... 12 Treadsone Climbing..........................25

childcare/ education TELL THEM Brookstone School. ............................28 Calvary Christian...............................28 First Presbyterian Day..................... 31 Grace ChristianSENT School....................

YOU! 31 Kumon...................................................20 Lakewood Child Development ...... 25 Mathnasium.......................................... 2 Oasis Child Enrichment Center ..... 5 Smart Cookie Learning Center...... 31 St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic................28 St. Luke Early Learning Center......30 St. Luke Elementary..........................29 Sylvan Learning Center..................... 8 Westminster Christian..................... 31 Wynnbrook Christian.......................30

food & beverage Chicken Salad Chick......................... 10 Chick-fil-A............................................ 12 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 10 PhoVy Vietnamese............................20 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................ 12 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers...............20

Healthcare James Lopez, DDS..............................25 Pediatric After Hours........................23 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus..... 8 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center... 18 Rivertown Pediatrics.........................11 Serenity Counseling..........................20 St. Francis Women’s Hospital........ 19

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

photography Giggles and Grins Photography....20

religious First Baptist Church..........................26

shopping/retail Lil’ Rascals Resale Boutique........... 21 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................24 Once Upon A Time - Resale.............. 7

spa/beauty Fitness for Women............................20 Diva Spa Parties.................................20

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Clean out your kids’ closet and get $$$ on the spot for all their gently used kids stuff! No appointment necessary.

We’ve got the lowest prices on everything you need for your kids.

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off of I-185 2521 Airport Thruway • Columbus, GA 31904 706-507-3737 www.OnceUponAChildColumbusGA.com

HOO’s HUNGRY OVEN-BAKED ZUCCHINI

fRIES Directions

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine flours, cornmeal, salt and pepper in a large sealable plastic bag. Dip zucchini in egg white, shake in the bag to coat, and arrange, not touching, on the baking sheet. Coat all exposed sides with cooking spray. Bake on the center rack for 7 minutes. Turn the zucchini and coat any floury spots with cooking spray. Continue to bake until golden and just tender, about 5 minutes more. Serve hot.

Ingredients

SERVES: 4 PREP TIME: 30 MIN • Canola oil cooking spray • 1/2 cup(s) whole-wheat flour • 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour • 2 tablespoon(s) cornmeal • 1 teaspoon(s) salt • 1/2 teaspoon(s) freshly ground pepper • 1 1/2 pound(s) zucchini, (about 3 medium), cut into 1/2-by-3-inch sticks • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s INSPIRED

RAISING LEADERS

All of us as parents have a desire to see our children follow their dreams and have meaningful, successful lives as adults. We can help keep our children on the path to achieving the future they envision for themselves by teaching them leadership skills. These skills will first enable your child to be a leader of himself and stay focused on his goals. After that, your child will then be prepared to lead and help others when the opportunity arises. Here are some key concepts of good leadership and tips on providing opportunities for your child to practice his leadership skills.

Ability to form goals for the future and to create a plan to reach the goal Your preschooler probably does not have his future career planned out, but you can help him practice the skills of goal setting and planning. Involve him when you plan a family celebration or a volunteer event by sharing your vision for the event and asking him to give you suggestions on how to reach your goal. For example, he could help you make a grocery list of food for a sibling’s birthday party.

Elementary school children are able to start forming a broad vision of their future as adults, but, at first, focus learning to set short term goals. For example, if your child notices an elderly neighbor down the street needs help with her lawn, ask him to help form a plan to assist her. As your child’s goal setting and planning skills improve, he will be able to start setting longer term goals.

Ability to make decisions It is vital for your future leader to be able to weigh choices and decide which choice is both morally correct and the best one for achieving his goal. When possible, let your child practice making decisions.

Begin with simple choices, like what to wear to school. When he makes a mistake, have your child practice honesty, another important leadership trait, by owning up to making a bad decision.

Confidence and a positive attitude If your child has confidence in himself and feels that yes, he can achieve his goals, he is much more likely to persevere and reach them. Read him stories about famous leaders like George Washington and Martin Luther King who displayed perseverance.

Also, provide a first hand, powerful example to your child by forging ahead even when it looks like reaching your personal goals is going to be difficult.

A feeling of confidence allows your child stand his ground when faced with adversity. Standing up for what is morally right can sometimes mean a faceoff with peers who are making poor choices. The last thing you want is for your child to give in and become a follower of those making bad decisions.

Creativity Your child will encounter obstacles while working towards his goals. Instead of solving problems for him, encourage him to use his creativity to overcome them. Teach him to, when needed, seek information that could help him devise a solution either from other people or by doing research.

Activities like scouting and 4-H provide good opportunities to build problem solving skills

Good communication skills Not everyone is born with the gift of public speaking skills. However, communicating well with others is a skill you can help your child develop.

A leader needs good communication skills to help motivate others and to explain his plan for reaching his goals. Find opportunities for your child to practice his public speaking skills, and teach him to reach out to others in need of encouragement.

Good communication also means being a good listener, so remind your child to listen carefully to what others have to say.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S PLUGGED IN WWW.HoOKNOWSTHEVALLEY.COM

®

A Simple Concept, A Superb Experience!® www.ChickenSaladChick.com 2511 Airport Thruway, Space C I Columbus, GA 31904 Phone 706.507.1611

HOO’s HEALTHY Despite their name, cold sores have nothing to do with the virus that causes the common cold. Instead, they are caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is a highly contageous virus that is spread by the mucus membranes of the body (like those in the mouth) coming in contact with saliva from an infected person.

Most people are infected early in childhood, when close contact and sharing toys is common. In some cases, after someone is exposed to virus, they will experience an initial, primary infection with symptoms that include fever, body aches, rash, and swollen glands.

However, many people do not show any symptoms and don’t know they are infected.

After the primary infection has passed, the virus then lies dormant in the nerve cells in the face and may then be dormant for good, or a trigger like stress, cold, or long exposure to sunlight may awaken the virus and cause an outbreak of cold sores. The cold sore starts out as a bump, which then turns into a painful blister that bursts and crusts over.

COLD SORES There is no cure for an HSV-1 infection. Once someone is infected, the virus remains in their body the rest of their life. To help prevent the spread of HSV-1, discourage your child from putting toys that are shared with other children in his mouth and don’t allow someone who is infected to kiss your child. Don’t let your child share utensils or cups with others.

If you suspect your young child is experiencing the symptoms of a primary infection, call his doctor to see if you need to make an appointment. For those with a weakened immune system, like newborns and infants, a HSV-1 infection can spread to the rest of the body and lead to serious complications.

A newborn or an infant with a rash and a fever should receive immediate medical attention. If your child experiences outbreaks after the primary infection, use over the counter ointments and creams to help lessen the pain and speed healing in a day or two. If your child experiences frequent outbreaks, has a cold sore that does not heal within 7 - 10 days, or has a cold sore that looks infected, he should be seen by his doctor.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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 Our Facebook Fans and Newsletter subscribers will be able to upload their child’s high quality photo by clicking on the contest tab of our website. We will select 3 kids to be featured in our next issue.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Dining Deals

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

MONDAY

thursday

Cafe LaRue

Captain D’s

Get a free kid’s meal with every adult entree purchased. The Landings, Columbus

Get 2 free kid’s meals with purchase of an adult entree. Dine in only. 2547 Airport

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

MOE’s Southwest Grill

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

3711 US Hwy 280, Phenix City

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

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

2421 Wynnton Rd

Chill Yogurt & Yocakes

All mini cupcakes $1. Available at Bradley Park Square and Columbus Park Crossings.

Sweet Frog Yogurt

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

Tuesday 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.

1600 Bradley Park Dr

5-9pm: Free kids meal with each $5 minimum adult entree. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus and 6516 Kitten Lake Dr., Midland Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Thursday Nights: Kids 11 and under eat for $.99.

1900 Manchester Expy

saturday Denny’s 4-10pm: Up to two free kid’s entrees with adult entree. For kids 10 and under. 3239 Macon Rd

Steak & Shake Free kids meal with every $8 purchase. 1601 Bradley Park Dr

sunday Locos

Kids 12 and under eat free. 13th St

Denny’s

Steak & Shake

TGIF Friday’s

Stevi B’s Pizza

Willy T’s

Texas Roadhouse

wednesday

Willy T’s

4-10pm: Up to two free kid’s entrees with adult entree. For kids 10 and under. 3239 Macon Rd Tuesdays 3-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entree. 3116 Adams Farm Dr 4-9pm: Up to 2 free kids meals for each dine-in parent. 7325 Fortson Rd

Applebee’s

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase. 1601 Bradley Park Dr Kids eat for .99 after 4pm. Harmony Place Shopping Ctr. at 2301 Airport Thrwy Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entree (certain holidays are excluded).

2970 North Lake Pkwy 11-5pm: Up to 2 free kids meals for each dine-in parent. 7325 Fortson Rd

Kids eat for .99 cents with the purchase of an adult entree. Limit: 4 kids per adult. All locations

everyday

All locations are Columbus unless noted otherwise. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them with the restaruant directly in advance. Submit your deal: Office@ HooKnowsTheValley.com

Hartz Chicken Buffet

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entree. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices. 5390 Veterans Pkwy

Get

Recommending the best toys

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family and products for kids.

Illuminating Play

this!

By Gerry Paige Smith

Even when the lights go down, there’s still plenty of play left in kids. Offering them opportunities to continue learning, exercising and thinking through light-up toys is a great way to avoid the sundown blues. The following illuminated toys will delight children as they light up the night, creating a new chapter of brilliant experience to be discovered in the dark!

LASER PEGS

LIGHT UP FOOTBALL

TWILIGHT LADYBUG

BIKE BRIGHTZ

(Laser pegs / hearthstone) Laser pegs’ clear components can snap together to assemble a variety of models which can then…light up! Your child’s model can be a static build or it can connect with the power base to illuminate it in soft, glowing colors.

Kids can use the illustrated plans (included) or dream up their own brilliant designs.

There’s no limit to the bright creations that can emerge from the laser pegs building construction set to light up the night!

(Cloud b) Going far beyond the traditional night light for kids, the twilight lady bug is equally loveable and illuminating. With a soft huggable plush body the smooth plastic ‘ladybug’ shell covers a light that shines through strategic perforations, projecting glowing constellations on the ceiling. Whether they’re navigating the wonders of the night sky or just relaxing under a heavenly stellar landscape, the gentle glow of the twilight ladybug is a shining addition to nightime.

(Tealco) It’s hard to “go long” in a postsundown front yard football game when the porch light only shines so far. Enter the tealco light up football. This full-size football weighs, plays, punts, kicks and throws just like a regulation ball. But when night falls the rugged tealco ball lights-up with bright internal leds that carry the game play way past dusk.

(Bike brightz) Making sure that kids can see (and be seen) is a priority for parents whose children want to ride their bikes past dusk.

Easy to install bike brightz utilizes 6 powerful wide beam leds to project a vivid halo of illumination around the bicycle (with settings that range from flashing to steady-on). Bicycle enthusiasts – young and old - can take back the night with this wildly illuminating addition that adds visibility for a safer bike ride.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Millions of kids agree...

A new year is a perfect time for fitness and fun!

Join for only $14 in ‘14!

Valid only at My Gym Columbus.

Expires 1/31/14. Call for details.

(706) 507-2966 2501 Old Whittlesey Road mygymcolumbus@knology.net www.mygym.com

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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January pr o v i d e d in partner ship

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Columbus Ice Rink open for Holiday Public Ice Skating. 2-7pm. www.columbusicerink.org

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Despicable Me 2. 10am. Holiday Kids Movie Series at National Infantry Museum. Free; www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com

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Holiday Kids Camp. 9:3012:30pm. Ages 3-10. Cost $35$40. Discounts available. My Gym Columbus; 706.507.2966

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Home Depot Kids Workshop.

9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12.

Columbus store; 706-322-9240.

Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

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American Girl Club. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-6537880

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RiverCenter presents “Godspell”. 7:30pm. $39.50-$49.50.

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; www.rivercenter.org

Cottonmouths vs Bloomington.

7:30pm. $14-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

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Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

1am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

Professional Bull Riders. 8pm. $12.50-$42.50. Columbus Civic Center;columbusciviccenter.org Family Theatre presents “hard 2 spel dad.” 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd; www.familytheatre.org

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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

Second Saturday: Family Fun Day. 10am-Noon. The Columbus Museum; www.columbusmuseum.com

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New Baby Day Camp for Big Brothers and Sisters. 10-Noon.

Free. Ages 3-10. Conference Center at The Medical Center; www.columbusregional.com

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Springer Theatre Academy Winter Saturday classes begin. K5-12 grade. Springer Opera House, 2nd Avenue; 706-324-1100

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Breastfeeding Basics Class. 6:309:30pm. $20. Columbus Regional Lactation Center & Boutique, Doctors Medical Park, B-30, 500 18th St, Columbus; www.columbusregional.com

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Callaway Gardens reopens to the public; www.callawaygardens.com

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American Girl Club. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-6537880

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Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Kickoff Meeting. 9:30-11:30am.

First Presbyterian Church, Columbus; Mopsfpcga@gmail.com

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Winter Puppet Show. 11am.

North Columbus Library; www. cvrls.net/kids

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Kidz Flicks: Monsters University.

2pm. Columbus Public Library.

3000 Macon Rd, Columbus; http://www.cvlga.org/kids

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Winter Puppet Show. 4pm.

South Columbus Library; www. cvrls.net/kids

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CSU Riverside Theatre presents “The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi”.

2pm. $5-$10. 901 Front Ave, Columbus; 706-507-8444

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

y Ev e n ts

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with: 17

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). 9:30-11:30am. Childcare provided. RSVP to Wynnbrook Baptist; 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706-323-4374

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Family Theatre presents “hard 2 spel dad.” 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd; www.familytheatre.org

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Cottonmouths vs Fayettville.

7:30pm. $12.50-$30.75. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

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CSO’s S’MORES Concert.

12:30pm-3:30pm. $3-$5. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; 706-323-5059 or www.csoga.org

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Cottonmouths vs Louisianna.

7:30pm. $12.50-$30.75. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

Weekly Events

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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

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Family Night at Chick-fil-A Phenix City. 5-8:30pm. Magician, 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

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

Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; www.youngeagles.org/flightplan/flight.asp Family Movie Matinee - Mary Poppins. 3:30pm. Free. Columbus Public Library

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Cottonmouths vs Pensacola.

4pm. $14-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

28-29

CSU Riverside Theatre presents “The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi”.

2pm. $5-$10. 901 Front Ave, Columbus; 706-507-8444

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. 7pm. $12.50$32.50. Parking $5. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

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Breastfeeding Basics Class. 6:309:30pm. $20. Columbus Regional Lactation Center & Boutique, Doctors Medical Park, B-30, 500 18th St, Columbus; www.columbusregional.com

23-26

“A Raisin in the Sun.” 7:30 pm.

Springer Opera House; www. springeroperahouse.org

“A Raisin in the Sun.” 7:30 pm.

Springer Opera House; www. springeroperahouse.org

Monday

Tuesday

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Bradley Park. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free. 1600 Bradley Park Drive, Columbus Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd.

706-653-7880

Saturday

Storytime at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

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

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HOO’s FIT HEALTHY WEIGHT, A FAMILY AFFAIR

G

eorgia is second in the nation in the number of children between the ages of 10 and 17 that are obese. Research shows that the earlier a family makes changes to promote a healthy weight in their children, the more successful they will be.

However it’s never too late for anyone to adopt better eating and activity habits. Even people who may be heavier than they want to be can improve the quality of their lives by adopting healthier habits. Adults need to be role models for their children and grandchildren in living healthy lifestyles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following behaviors to promote healthy weights for American children and their families: E very day eat the number of fruits and vegetables recommended by MyPlate. Vegetables and fruits are low in energy density and high in nutritional value.

Limit sweet drinks. The average child consumes 400 calories per day from beverages.

They do not eat fewer calories at the next meal to compensate for these liquid calories.

Have water available all the time to drink at home and school.

L imit screen time. For children less than 2 years of age, there should be NO screen time at all. After that age, less than 2 hours per day is best.

Eat breakfast daily. This raises the metabolism and improves school performance. It also curbs overeating later in the day.

Limit eating out, especially at fast food restaurants. This will help with portion control and fat, sodium and calorie intake.

Eat together as a family as much as possible.

Typically meals made at home and served to the family are higher in nutritional value than meals eaten alone or out.

Limit portions sizes. Allow younger children to serve themselves. Often they will take less than an adult would put on their plates.

Consume foods rich in calcium. Low fat or reduced fat dairy foods tend to promote a feeling of satiety.

Promote moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day.

Limit calorie-dense foods and select foods that are balanced in carbohydrates, protein and fat.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO knew?

Words to the Wise ............ A prestidigitator is another word for magician. ........ A fingerprint is also known as a dactylogram. ........................... A horologist measures time. ................................ A klazomaniac is someone who feels like shouting. ............. A librocubicularist is someone who reads in bed. ......................... Spat-out food is called chanking. ................. The ball on top of a flagpole is called the truck. ......... The word diastima refers to having a gap between your teeth. ............. A fox’s tail is called a brush.

Great Expectations!

Celebrating World-class Health Care for Women We are excited to announce the opening of the St. Francis Women’s Hospital.

The 47,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility enhances women’s health care in our community. www.wecareforlife.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Moms Marketplace

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

www.phovy-ga.com See website 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.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Q&A Q

DR. Pamela Collman, Ph.D.

Lic. Clinical Psychologist, Serenity Counseling

Why might I need to bring by baby to see a Clinical Psychologist before they are 10 months ?

One reason would be, if a parent is not satisfied with the help he or she receives from a pediatrician for feeding, sleeping or other problems infants can have. Additionally, Psychologists now know much more about what we should expect from infants before they even reach six months of age. Some of these very early milestones are familiar to many parents, such as the emergence of the social smile.

But so many of the challenging symptoms babies with autism may have are the very behaviors we want to encourage in young infants, such as eye-toeye visual interaction, vocalizations and the emergence of spoken and gestural language.

Q

HOO’s HELPFUL

How can a child as young as two years of age benefit from coming to see a behavioral health professional, such as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist?

Even toddlers are now bombarded with internet apps, video games, television and other electronic stimulation that have become a substitute for playtime with old fashioned toys. This is problematic for many important reasons. First and foremost, young children must have time and opportunity to develop their imagination and actively manipulate toys and objects in their environment as they explore play

themes and work through every day conflicts such as separation from a parent. To reach the developmental milestone of engaging in pretend play alone or with peers, children must first be capable of playing alone, or playing solo while in close proximity to a parent or primary caretaker. This is a fundamental developmental milestone and it should be considered as important as a baby’s first spoken word, or learning to walk.

Q

Are there other reasons a parent may want to bring their infant or young child to see a Clinical Psychologist?

Another important reason is to ensure that new moms are happy and as stress free as possible, given the demands of the modern world we live in. All women who carry a pregnancy to full term can be considered at-risk for psychosis or severe depression by virtue of the abrupt and pronounced hormone changes that their bodies must endure. We don’t have any way of knowing which new mothers may be at greater risk of an emotional breakdown from purely physical changes, but lack of sleep and problems with one’s intimate partner or employer can result in stress that also leads new mom’s to become depressed or possibly consider negative actions. If we provide new moms with supportive therapy, this can be helpful for both mothers and their babies.

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A Page In A Book Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

Discovering Friendship

As young and open-to-anything social creatures, children are typically quick to discover new friends. But it’s less common for them to think about the different dimensions of a special friendship, to look at their friendship from diverse angles. The following titles plumb the landscape of friendship and gently explore the layers that give these relationships depth, meaning and longevity.

Ten Things I Love About You

By Daniel Kirk (Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin)

Rabbit is so happy that Pig is his best friend that he decides to make a list of ten things he loves about Pig. But when he needs Pig’s help to complete the list, Rabbit gets the brush-off each time he comes for assistance. Then he discovers why Pig was so busy – Rabbit finds Pig’s list of “Ten Things I Love about Rabbit”! When children read the lists side-by-side, the yin and yang balance found in good friendships is clear to even the youngest hearts.

When Edgar Met Cecil

By Kevin Luthardt (Peachtree Publishers)

When Edgar moves and starts at a new school, the kids seem strange…and the biggest, weirdest kid in his class won’t stop staring at him. Edgar’s anxiety grows as this big, scary kid stalks him around the school. But when they inadvertently startle each other on the playground, the big kid introduces himself as Cecil – and the unlikely pair quickly find common ground for a new friendship. Celebrating the ease of making a new friend even when the landscape changes, “When Edgar Met Cecil” is a great read for kids on the move.

Ollie and Claire

By Tiffany Strelite Haber and Matthew Cordell (Philomel / Penguin)

Ollie and Claire are almost inseparable friends. They do everything together; from yoga and running to picnics and swimming. Their daily routines are perfectly synchronized for bosom buddies, until Claire spots an advertisement for a “travel friend” to seek adventure and explore new places. Will Claire ditch Ollie for a new adventure? Highlighting the missed connections even good friends can experience, “Ollie and Claire” shares the joy of discovering new dimensions in an old friendship.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s learning

Educational iPad Apps

By Charmette Kendrick Children’s Librarian, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries If your child received an iPad this holiday season, make sure to download some educational apps along with the games. Here is a list of some free, educational apps that are worth downloading: Best Books for Tweens: This app is a fun way for parents, teachers, librarians, and readers to get more information about top rated books at the fifth and sixth grade level. You can email your list of “I want this” or “I’ve read this” for an easy way to show which books you’re interested in getting and which books you’ve already completed.

Sight Words for Reading HD: This app helps students learn sight words which aids in their reading comprehension. These words are the most common words in children’s literature. It covers a few

words from both the Fry’s and Dolch lists. Words are presented in context in fun videos.

Toy Story 2 Read Along: It’s elegant and what-you’dexpect-a-kid’s-book-on-the-ipad-to-look-like.

Alphabet Projector: Great for letter recognition practice for pre-school and Kindergarten.

Motion Math Zoom: Motion Math Zoom’s zoomable, stretchable number line is missing some numbers – it’s up to your child to put the numbers back where they belong. Fun animal animations and sound effects help elementary school children master the number line.

References: “The 55 Best Free Education Apps for iPad.” http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/the-55-bestbest-free-education-apps-for-ipad/

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HOO’s FUN

Pirate’s Cove Maze

UNDER THE SEA Arr! Help the pirate in the rowboat make his way to the treasure!

FIN fin is

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T AR T S © Disney spoonful.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

WIN TICKETS & $350 Painting by Circus Elephant

Jan. 28 - 29 Columbus Civic center It could be you! Click on our contest tab at www.HooKnowsTheValley.com and enter to win 4 free tickets plus an Elephant Print worth $350 from one of Ringling’s own. Drawing Jan. 25.

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HOO’S at the Movies

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THE LEGEND OF HERCULES PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+ In this epic origin story, Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen, the “Twilight” franchise) stars as the mythical Greek hero – the son of Zeus, a half-god, half-man blessed with extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom.

THE NUT JOB PG | Ok for kids 6+ Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson, Katherine Heigl, Stephen Lang, and Maya Rudolph voice roles in the film, which takes place in the fictional town of Oakton. Mischievous squirrel Surly (Arnett) and his rat friend Buddy are planning a nut store heist of outrageous proportions. But they unwittingly find themselves embroiled in a much more complicated and hilarious adventure.

I, FRANKSTEIN PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+ Two hundred years after his shocking creation, Dr. Frankenstein’s creature, Adam (Aaron Eckhart), still walks the earth. But when he finds himself in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, Adam discovers he holds the key that could destroy humankind. Also stars Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, and Aden Young as Victor Frankenstein.

NEW ON DVD | BLU-RAY: OCTONAUTS: HERE COME THE OCTONAUTS Not Rated | Ok for kids 2+ Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate Kwazii, medic Peso Penguin and other Octonauts as they explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there, and protect their habitats.

On this DVD, Captain Barnacles tangles with a Colossal Squid who has his hooks in the Octopod, Peso babysits a bunch of penguin chicks stuck in a blizzard, and Kwazii has a shocking encounter with an Electric Torpedo Ray. A cute preschool DVD with an eco-message.

THE HUNTERS PG | Ok for kids 8+ The Hunters are a secret society who hunt down artifacts from fairy tales hidden around the globe. For centuries, this secret society has been sworn to protect them from an evil force called The Krugen. The last time The Krugen got their hands on one of these artifacts - Snow White’s Magic Mirror - they asked the mirror to grant them power, which caused the Dark Ages. Now Mason (Garber), a former Hunter and self proclaimed Krugen, is trying to reassemble the mirror and gain ultimate power. Join Hunters Jordyn and Carter Flynn on their adventure to save their parents and find and protect the missing pieces of the Magic Mirror.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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COLUMBUS’ FINEST COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 3K through 12th Grade PK—12th Grade College Preparatory School •

• • •

Foreign Language, Music, Art, eigion, an sica ucaon Offere Nurturing, Fami nvironment eore  Aer coo are uion Assistance Avaiae

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW FOR FALL 2014

Open House January 29 8:30 a.m.—10:30 a.m. or call for a personal tour 2020 Kay Circle Columbus, GA 31907 706-561-8232 www.BeAViking.com

440 Bradley Park Drive Columbus, Georgia 31904 WWW.BROOKSTONESCHOOL.ORG

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOW TO PICK A NEW SCHOOL Selecting a school for your child is a complex decision that will involve doing your homework.

Here are some key points to consider when deciding where your child will receive her education.

Does the mission statement of the school match the style of education that your child needs?

Does your child learn best in a very structured environment or where she has some freedom to explore her interests? Some schools may have a less structured environment than others.

Write down a summary of what type of learning environment you are looking for and compare it to the school’s mission statement.

Does the curriculum of the school match the educational goals of your child?

Private schools may offer a curriculum that includes courses not found in public schools, like religious studies. Public charter and magnet schools may have a different learning environment and curriculum than the other schools. For example, some magnet schools focus on the arts while others focus on science and technology. If your child has special needs, focus on finding a school that can accommodate her.

HOO’s learning

What is the student - teacher ratio of classrooms in the school?

The fewer students in the classroom, the more individual attention your child will receive.

The student-teacher ratio that is acceptable to you will depend on the needs of your child. If a private school advertises a ‘very low student teacher ratio’, be sure to ask exactly what the maximum ratio is. You don’t want to find out later that your child will be in a larger classroom than you expected.

Is the school well run and organized?

Visit and tour the school during the school day.

Does the school day flow in an orderly fashion in the classrooms or do things seem a bit haphazard? Note attitudes of the teachers. Do the teachers have a positive attitude and seem happy to be there?

What is the cost of tuition?

If you are considering a private school, you will want to see how the cost of tuition fits into your family’s financial plan. Be sure to research any financial aid that private schools offer to help with the cost of tuition.

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Open Houses

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Calvary Christian - K3 to 12th Every Thursday 9-1pm Grace Christian School K3 to 12th Jan. 14 & March 18/ 6-8pm St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic PK to 12th/ Jan. 29 & March 26 8:30-10:30am

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

St. Luke School - K to 8th Jan. 6-10/ 9-3pm Wynnbrook Christian School K to 8th Grade/ Jan. 17 from 12-2pm and March 20/6-8pm For schools not listed, you can call and set up a private tour.

Kids’ Tickets $10!

Good on All Performances Ages 2-12. Limit of four (4) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

©2013 Feld Entertainment

JAN. 28 & 29

254957

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office

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