Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley March 2014

MARCH 2014

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

or Pg. 30 Spons ver o C

Columbus State University

Build confidence, knowledge & fun with Activ8 camps

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Well it seems like we are having a longer and harder winter than normal. I know that has everyone a little stir crazy. So we have an event to get you out of the house, and it’s indoors so you can enjoy it rain or shine! It’s our 4th Annual Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair on Sunday, March 9 from 1-4pm at the National Infantry Museum. We are hosting it once again with our friends, www.MuscogeeMoms. com. And best of all, it’s free!

Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

This event is all about conveinence. We put together lots of local businsses that are offering services and activities for you and your family to enjoy, so you get to shop and compare them all in one place, face to face. So whether it’s finding a spring break camp, summer camp, or just fun things to get out and do with the kids, you will find it there! I hope you come out to support this free community event that we have put together.

Tammy Usie

AD DEADLINES

April Issue: March 7 & May Issue: April 7

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL SECTIONS HOO’s at the movies.. . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

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

HOO’s Crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

HOO’S learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28

HOO’s healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5 & 19

HOO’S Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10

HOO’s helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

reviews.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 14 & 23

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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HOO’s tips

REDUCING FOOD WASTE Food waste is a major global issue that affects the environment, economy and food security. According to a 2012 report by the National Resources Defense Council, American families throw out 25 percent of the food they buy. That’s roughly the equivalent of $1,500 wasted each year.

Look beyond looks: Often, anything with bruises, bumps or oddities gets picked over. But a misshaped tomato could end up being the firmest and tastiest of the bunch. Don’t be afraid to buy something imperfect, or keep it and just cut away the bad parts.

Prep and protect: Food spoils in homes due to improper or suboptimal storage, poor visibility in refrigerators, partially used ingredients and misjudged food needs. For example, keep lettuce varieties crisp by wrapping in a paper towel, storing in an airtight plastic bag or container. Wrap your celery in foil. Store citrus fruits away from sunlight. Keep potatoes, onions

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and tomatoes out of the fridge and in a cool, dry place to keep their flavor. Wash berries only before eating, as moisture encourages mold growth.

Leftover do overs: Don’t scrap today’s leftovers; use them for tomorrow’s meals. Extra baked or rotisserie chicken? Debone and shred it to make chicken enchiladas or freeze it. Leftover cooked veggies? Use them as the base for a slow cooker meal.

Play musical shelves: When you purchase new food, shuffle the older items to the front, putting the newer items towards the back. You’ll be prompted to use these items first, before they go bad.

Lead with a list: A detailed list will help curtail impulse purchases and over-buying. Be realistic about what you’re going to prepare, accounting for days you’ll eat leftovers or go out.

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SHOPPING GUIDE ATTRACTIONS Activ8.....................................................30 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....22 Columbus Cottonmouths..................11 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 Hollywood Connection..................... 15 IFM Arts Academy.............................24 My Gym................................................. 15 Performance Dance Centre............... 8 Riverview Camp for Girls................ 31 Schwab School of Music..................22 The Columbus Museum...................30 Treadsone Climbing.......................... 18

childcare/ education TELL THEM First Presbyterian Day.....................29 Grace ChristianSENT School....................29 YOU! Kumon...................................................29 Lakewood Child Development ......27 Mathnasium.......................................... 2 Smart Cookie Learning Center......27 St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic................27 St. Luke Early Learning Center......29 St. Luke Elementary..........................26 Sylvan Learning Center...................29 Westminster Christian.....................29 Wynnbrook Christian.......................26

food & beverage Chicken Salad Chick......................... 12 Chick-fil-A............................................ 12 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 15 PhoVy Vietnamese............................ 12 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................ 12 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers............... 12

Healthcare James Lopez, DDS.............................. 18 Pediatric After Hours.......................... 5 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 19 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center.... 11 Rivertown Pediatrics.......................... 8 Serenity Counseling..........................20 St. Francis Women’s Hospital........ 21

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

photography Giggles and Grins Photography....30

religious First Baptist Church..........................24 Oasis Child Enrichment Center ...25

shopping/retail Lil’ Rascals Resale Boutique...........22 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................ 21 Once Upon A Time - Resale.............. 7

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

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HOO’s HUNGRY

BREAD ICE CREAM

who knew you could bake with ice cream! This is a quick, easy and unique recipe from the budget savvy diva that you can share with the kids and experiment with Fun flavors.

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Preheat over to 350 degrees Grease loaf pan In a mixing bowl, mix ice cream and flour together.

Make sure they are completely mixed and a batter has formed.

• 2 Pints of Ice Cream (Any Flavor) • 1½ Cups of Self Rising Flour

Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for around 45 minutes – make sure to place a tooth pick into the loaf to make sure it is fully cooked

Your Kids are Growing!

Spring into g�eat savings!

We sell gently used kids clothing, shoes, toys and equipment, all at up to 70% less than retail.

Plus, we’ll pay $$$ on the spot for items that your kids no longer need.

Put a little spring in your step and visit us today!

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

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HOO’S at the Movies

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Noah PG 13 | Ok for kids 13+ Darren Aronofsky brings the story of Noah’s Ark to the big screen with this Paramount/New Regency religious drama. Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, and Emma Watson head up the all-star cast.

Divergent PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+ In a future where the population is divided by personality types, one young woman classified as “divergent” uncovers a conspiracy to eliminate all who bear her misfit label, and attempts to find out what makes the powers-that-be so frightened of them before time runs out. Shailene Woodley (“The Descendants”) and Theo James (“Underworld: Awakening”) star in this action thriller adapted from the novel by Veronica Roth, and directed by Neil Burger (“Limitless”).

Mr. Peabody & sherman PG for some mild action & brief rude humor | Ok for kids 7+ Here’s a chance to bring some classic characters from the “Rocky and Bullwinkle Show” to your own kids. Mr. Peabody and his adopted human sidekick, Sherman (voiced by Ty Burrell and Max Charles, respectively), strike out on their own for a big-screen CGI adventure in this feature directed by Rob Minkoff (“The Haunted Mansion”). Stephen Colbert and Allison Janney also voice characters in this cute throwback with a modern twist.

Ernest & Celestine PG for some scary moments | Ok for kids 6+ Nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, this gorgeous film takes place deep below snowy, cobblestone streets, where a civilization of hardworking mice live. Unlike her fellow mice, Celestine is an artist and a dreamer, and when she nearly ends up as breakfast for ursine troubadour Ernest, the two form an unlikely bond and are soon living together as outcasts, creating la vie boheme in a winter cottage. But it isn’t long before their friendship is put on trial by their respective bear-fearing and mice-eating communities.

muppets most wanted PG-13 for some mild action | Ok for kids 5+ The Muppets are back! While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into a European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell head up the human cast, with James Bobin directing from a script he wrote with Nicholas Stoller.

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HOO’s PARENTING

Teaching KIDS healthy competition In recent years, the competitive nature of our culture has become even more pronounced. There are reality shows where the loser of a competition is voted off the show and the winner achieves instant stardom. Also, social media has made it more likely that we are comparing ourselves with others on a daily basis. Competition can be good in that it encourages us to apply ourselves and to be innovative. However, competition can have an unhealthy, dark side if it is taken too far and too much emphasis is put on the final outcome. Children who feel pressured to win, no matter what the cost, may even become anxious and fearful that their parents will not love them if they lose. Here are some tips on how to teach your child to participate in all the competitions he encounters on a daily basis in a healthy manner First, begin by teaching healthy competition at •home.

Make it clear to your children that while you expect them to try their best at activities, your love for them has nothing to do with whether they win or lose. Discuss good sportsmanship and practice it as a family. One excellent way to practice good sportsmanship is to play a game as a family. Make it fair by giving younger children a handicap, and don’t forget to let the kids lose sometimes. This will allow them to practice coping with losing. Have fun playing the game, and when it is over ask your kids what they enjoyed about it. Point out the winning or losing moment was just one small part of the time spent playing the game, and that most of the time was spent learning and enjoying a new game.

Next, further prepare your child for healthy •competition outside the home by setting realistic

discussing a game or competitive activ•ityWhen with your child, don’t ask about the score first.

Instead, ask him about what he learned from the activity and what he enjoyed about it. Praise him for good instances of teamwork or where he demonstrated good use of skills, no matter if he won or lost. Temper your child’s disappointment about losing by reminding him he can use the experience to identify any areas that need improvement and to possibly redefine his goals. you are modeling the ideals and val•uesEnsure of healthy competitiveness yourself. Do you

show respect for coaches and teachers or do you challenge grades and coaching decisions? Do you remind your children they have a responsibility to apply themselves or do you blame lack of success on their teachers? A good way to model healthy competition is to engage in a competitive activity of your own. Not only will it be an opportunity to show your children it can be fun to learn a new skill, but you will also be able to demonstrate how to win gracefully and how to recover from losses.

Finally, remind your children that healthy com•petition means never compromising the values of honesty and it means you may lose has cheated.

expectations and goals. Some parents tell their kids they can achieve anything if they try hard enough, but this often does not hold true in the real world.

Even if your child does win a competition, being #1 is a temporary situation, and eventually someone who is even better will come along. Let him Allknow locations unless noted. that allare youColumbus ask if that he continues to Specials try to subject to change without notice. Please verify improve upon his personal best. them with the restaruant in advance. Submit your deal: Office@HooKnowsTheValley.com

fair play, even if to someone who

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your family will drop the 1st puck, on ice plus

WIN 4 cottonmouth Tickets 4 commemorative pucks Photo opp of puck drop

Sun. March 16 l 4pm Columbus Civic Center

It could be you! Click the CONTEST TAB of our website to enter. Drawing March 13. www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Dining Directory

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

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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

Locos

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

Kids 12 and under get a free kids meal per adult entree

Tuesday

Steak & Shake

Atlanta Bread Company

Stevi B’s Pizza

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

Chick-fil-A, Bradley Park

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase Kids eat for .99 after 4pm

Texas Roadhouse

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

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

Denny’s

Willy T’s

TGIF Friday’s

everyday

4-10pm: Up to two free kid’s entrees with adult entree. For kids 10 and under 3-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entree

11-5pm: Up to 2 free kids meals per dine-in parent

Hartz Chicken Buffet

4-9pm: Up to 2 free kids meals per dine-in parent

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

wednesday

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

Willy T’s

Applebee’s

IHOP

Jason’s Deli

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

Thirteen kids meals to choose from under $3.59 with drink

thursday

.99 cent kids meals all day

Captain D’s

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

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

McAlisters Deli PhoVy

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, contact Tammy@ HooKnowsTheValley.com.

Get

Wise Choices for You & Your Family Recommending the best toys

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and products for kids.

By Gerry Paige Smith

this!

Time to Build the Robots!

From the automatons of previous centuries to robots that permeate our pop culture (Wall-e, Transformers, C3PO), humans are fascinated by the marvels of mechanical beings that mimic living creatures. With this field of engineering growing, encouraging children’s interest in robots and robotic science through play is recommended. The following items can give your child an inventive edge.

Robot Invasion (Bloco Toys)

Gyrogot: Gyroscopic Kit

Breaking the stiff mold for traditional robot assembly, this Robot Invasion set is a uniquely childfriendly collection of robot components that are super-easy for little hands to assemble.

The washable, high-density foam pieces and plastic connectors are bendable in ways that allow for stacking, rotating and flexible construction of projects with room to create an all-original robotic army of creations to invade and conquer your household!

With this ideal introduction to gyroscopes (used in everything from smartphones and tablets to video game controllers and space telescopes), kids can harness the power of this amazing device to build seven difference motorized robots, each with unique characteristics and function! From assembling a gravitydefying personal vehicle to a tightropewalker, Gyrobot will amaze and educate kids and adults as they use the power of the gyroscope to mobilize their robotic vision!

Makedo Find & Build (Makedo)

Using the broad range of connectors and decorative elements, the builder is challenged to craft his robot from found items and stuff lying around the house! The ultimate fun recycling project, kids can transform boxes, broken toys, packaging, and plastic bottles into robot wonders using the safe-saw, lockhinges, pins, and clips. This inexpensive kit facilitates the Dr. Frankenbot in every kid as they combine their re-purposing ingenuity with Makedo resources to build a robot!

(Thames and Kosmos)

Build Your Own Robo Pup (Discovery Toys)

With a slick exterior design and a minimum of pieces and parts, Build Your Own RoboPup is a quick intro to robotics.

When the eight main components of the robot pup are assembled (with some adult supervision), it can walk, bark, as well as move its head, ears and tail. Activated by touch and sound, the Robo-Pup presents the possibilities of simple robotics by offering the broad strokes of the science without the complexity of other kits.

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826,000 handstands

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20,000,000 games and rides

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years of experience

Summer Camp Coming Soon!

Look for early registration discounts Millions of kids agree.

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

www.mygym.com

March

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pr o v i d e d in partner ship

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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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Cottonmouths vs RiverKings.

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

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4th Annual SMA 5K - Eat ‘n Run. 8:45am. $20-$30. Hardaway High School, Columbus; 706-718-5580 or active.com

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Mardi Gras Madness 5K, 1M & Tot Trot. 9am. CSU Woodruff Park, Columbus; www.jlcolumbus.com

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Dr Seuss’ Birthday Bash! 2pm.

Free. Columbus Public Library; www.cvls.org/kids

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Empty Bowl Fundraiser. 11am3pm. $5-$10. Northside Recreation Center, 2010 American Way, Columbus; 706-576-5475

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

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5-15

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American Girl Club. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble. 5555 Whittlesey, Columbus; 706-653-7880 Just 4 Kidz Consignment Sale.

Front Porch of the South, 7607 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; www. just4kidzconsign.com

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Les Miserables. 7:30pm. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

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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 “One Foot in Heaven.” 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd; familytheatre.org

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Cottonmouths vs Bloomington.

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

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Daddy Daughter Dance. 6:3010pm. $15-$20. Columbus Convention & Trade Center; www. dddcolumbus.com

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

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Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair.

1pm-4pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; hooknowsthevalley.com or MuscogeeMoms.com for list of vendors & more.

American Girls Club. 6:30pm.

Barnes & Noble. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus; 706-653-7880 Kidz Flicks: Descpicable Me 2.

2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library. 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus; cvlga.org/kids

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Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS).

9:30-11:30am. Childcare provided. with RSVP to First Presbyterian; 1100 1st Ave, Columbus; mopsfpcga@gmail.com

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Harlem Globetrotters. 7pm. $23.50-$65.50. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org

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Cottonmouths vs RiverKings.

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

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Les Miserables. 7:30pm. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

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Family Theatre presents “One Foot in Heaven.” 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd; familytheatre.org

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Kidz Klozet Sale. Fri: 8-2pm. Mt Zion Baptist Church, Double Churches Rd, Columbus

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Cottonmouths vs Knoxville.

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

h Events with: 15

Uptown Columbus’ Color Me RAD 5K. 8am. $45-$50. Woodruff Park; www.colormerad.com

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Thunder in the Valley Airshow.

10am-5pm. $10. Columbus Airport; thunderinthevalleyairshow.com

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Cottonmouths vs Louisiana. 4pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org

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The Secret Garden. 7:30pm. CSU Dept of Theatre. 6 West 10th St; Columbus; theatre.columbusstate.edu

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Family Theatre presents “One Foot in Heaven.” 7:30pm. 2100 Hamilton Rd; familytheatre.org

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Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes. $17.50-$47.50. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.org

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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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James & the Giant Peach. 7pm. $7-$13. Springer Children’s Theatre. springeroperahouse.org

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Family Matinee: Litte Rascals.

2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library. 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus; cvlga.org/kids

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CSO’s S’MORES (Concerts for Kids). 12:30-3:30pm. $3-$5. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; 706-323-5059 or csoga.org

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River Blast! 10am-4pm. National Civil War Naval Museum; www. portcolumbus.org

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The Secret Garden. 2pm. CSU Dept of Theatre. 6 West 10th St; Columbus; theatre.columbusstate.edu

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James & the Giant Peach. 2pm. $7-$13. Springer Children’s Theatre. springeroperahouse.org

28-30

Family Night. Chick-fil-A Phenix City. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun.

Buy combo at regular price, get kid’s 4-pc meal free. 3711 U.S Hwy 280, Phenix City

Tuesday

Family Night. Chick-fil-A Bradley Park. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun.

Buy combo at regular price, get kid’s 4-pc meal free. 1600 Bradley Park Drive, Columbus Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

Saturday

Storytime at Barnes & Noble.

11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

James & the Giant Peach. 7pm. $7-$13. Springer Children’s Theatre. springeroperahouse.org

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

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

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

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

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.

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James & the Giant Peach. 2pm. $7-$13. Springer Children’s Theatre. springeroperahouse.org

Weekly Events Monday

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

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST To enter: visit HooKnowsTheValley.com and click CONTESTS

Ibby, 5 years Lagrange

Braylen, 2 years Columbus

Ilicia, 1 years Columbus

Ridge, 3 months Upatoi

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HOO’s HEALTHY Most milk products in the United States go through a pasteurization process that removes harmful bacteria. However, in states that permit the sale of raw, unprocessed milk, it is available for purchase from local dairies. Though some prefer the taste of raw milk, studies have not proven that it is more nutritious than pasteurized milk, and consuming raw milk does come with risks. The American Association of Pediatrics has recently issued a warning against young children or expectant moms consuming raw milk or dairy products made from raw milk.

If the raw milk is contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. Coli, consuming it could cause a serious illness.

Cow’s milk provides protein, calcium, and vitamin D, and your child should have about 2 to 3 servings of milk or other dairy products each day. If raw milk is not safe for young children, what type of pasteurized milk should they drink?

WHICH MILK? Babies under the age of 12 months should not consume cow’s milk. Their digestive systems are not developed enough to handle the lactose plus milk is missing essential nutrients found in breast milk or formula. Once your baby is a year old, you may introduce him to whole milk. Young toddlers need the fat in whole milk to support brain development, until about age 2. At this age, you can switch your child to 1 or 2 percent milk. Many parents prefer buy organic milk for their kids. Organic milk is pasteurized, but the cows were not treated with synthetic growth hormone or antibiotics and feed on pesticidefree grass.

If your child is allergic to cow’s milk or just won’t drink it, his doctor may recommend giving him soy milk or almond milk. Soy milk contains less protein than cow’s milk but it is low in fat and cholesterol-free.

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Moms Marketplace

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Deliveries Daily!

Celebrating World-class Health Care for Women Our Women’s Hospital is enhancing the quality of women’s health care in our community. Offering a continuum of care from childbirth and gynecology to our state-of-the-art Center for Breast Health, we are delivering compassionate care every day. www.wecareforlife.com

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Spring Semester Music Lessons

$24 From st for u Not j ids! k

Call today to register All instruments, ages, levels ColumbusState.edu/MusicPrep Schwob MusicPrep | 706-641-5124

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A Page In A Book Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

Being Better than the Bully

Everyone encounters a bully, sooner or later. Your child will meet the kid who - through ignorance, anger or meanness - simply turns on his peers with rude, hurtful and pushy behavior. The following titles take a light-hearted look at bullying while offering gentle suggestions that may help children to navigate these troubling situations and more importantly, to behave better than the bully.

Lion Vs. Rabbit

By Alex Lattimer (Peachtree)

All of the animals of the savannah are tired of being bullied by Lion who delights in playing cruel pranks on them. The animals advertise for help against the bully, but the first round of taker fail hard. When the last applicant, a small rabbit arrives to challenge the bully, it seems impossible that someone so small can win against Lion. But Rabbit has a smart plan and several tricks up his sleeve. With humorous illustrations and a very clever storyline twist, “Lion vs Rabbit” is a delightful tale of a lofty bully brought back to earth by strength in numbers.

Llama Llama and the Bully Goat

By Anna Dewdney (Viking/Penquin)

Gilroy Goat is the new “kid” in school and he quickly alienates most of the class with his bad behavior. He mocks the other students, disrupts the lessons and calls the other pupils mean names. When Llama Llama enlists the help of the teacher, some time-out and direct talk puts the “bully” goat onto the friendlier path to making friends. This gentle exploration of bullying is ideal for very young children with its sound advice to involve an adult and its optimism that bad behaviors can changes for the better.

Bad Apple

By Edward Hemingway (GP Putnam’s Sons Penquin’)

Mac is a shiny red apple who is surprised to meet Wil, a worm that’s taken up lodging in his head, and even more surprised to find a kindred spirit. They begin to do everything together, sharing the closest bonds of friendship. When the other apples begin to tease Mac, calling him a ‘bad’ apple because he has a worm in his head, the friendship is tested…and wins! With an uplifting message of staying true to yourself and your friends, in spite of teasing from bullies, “Bad Apple” is a delicious testimony to loyalty and personal strength!the night and make use of the mysterious and marvelous dark!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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IFM Arts Academy Piano - Violin - Cello - Art - Dance 24 and adults to help them develop their For children talents and skills for the glory of God.

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

HOO’s FUN

Copy the Leprechaun

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s CRAFTY

Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

Board: HOO’s Having A Party

karaspartyideas.com

acasarella.blogspot.com

livinglocurto.com jandjhome.blogspot.com

Visit our page for these and other great ideas.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

March Open Houses St. Ann-Pacelli Catholic School March 26 from 8:30am - 10am Wynnbrook Christian School March 20 from 9am-11am

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

PK—12th Grade

College Preparatory School •

• •

Rigorous academic program enhanced with Art, Foreign Language, Music, Religion, and hsical ducaon Nurturing, famil environment efore  aer school care

Open House March 26

8:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m. or call for a personal tour 2020 Kay Circle Columbus, GA 31907 706-561-8232 www.BeAViking.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s learning

RELUCTANT READERS

By Charmette Kendrick Children’s LibrariaN, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

Inspiring a reluctant reader to love, or at least enjoy, books can be frustrating. Finding just the right book that is challenging but not too difficult, and interesting, is hard on the best days.

One tool that can be extremely beneficial for reluctant readers is graphic novels.

With the surge in Superhero movies and tie-ins for the most popular children’s books, graphic novels can be a great way to get reluctant readers in the habit of checking out a book. The images and smaller word groupings make graphic novels less intimidating than standard novels, and can catch a child’s interest faster than plain words on a page.

Learning can take you everywhere!

FREE !

PreK

Tie-ins to popular novels can be a great stepping stone. The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordin has graphic novelizations of the series. If your child gets hooked by the graphic novel, they may move on to the novel more easily than if they had jumped straight to the novel. And reading a graphic novel about your child’s favorite super hero, like Iron Man or Batman, could get them interested in a way regular books may not.

Some great graphic novel titles to try include: The Lightening Thief: the Graphic Novel by Robert Venditti, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

by Tom Angleberger, and Manga Shakespeare: Much Ado

Our children experience a stimulating environment, are treated with dignity and respect, enjoy clean and safe surroundings and participate in daily educational experiences to form a life long foundation for success!

Growing Room - 706-596-1234 1200 Manchester Expressway M-F 5:30am - 6:30 pm Growing Room Too - 706-653-0088 6110 Bradley Park Drive M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm GR Christian Academy - 706-221-3248 7572 Kayne Blvd.

M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm

www.growingroomusa.com

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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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

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Columbus State University

10 Weeks of Activ8 Summer Camp Fun! May 27-Aug 1

Voted Best Summer Camp 2010-2013

by Muscogee Moms

HOO’s HELPFUL HOMEWORK HELP Most students want to succeed, but in their busy world homework sometimes gets neglected.

Make it something to look forward to instead!

Here are a few resourceful websites they can go to help them with their homework and research: school.discoveryeducation.com/homeworkhelp aaamath.com iknowthat.com/com bjpinchbeck.com ed.ted.com www.kidsgov.com

Half Day and Full Day Options Before and After Care

Choose a New Camp Every Week!

Discounts Available!

Activ8er.com 706.507.8070

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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REPEAT DAY ZAXBYT’S 1915 AUBUR ®

N AVE. ONLY A IN COLUMBUS, GA.

Saturday, March 15, order all of your es and get the same order FREE Zaxby’s favorit once between April 1 and April 30!

Bring your March 15 receipt back for a one-time redemption between April 1 and April 30, and we’ll give you the same order absolutely FREE. Valid only at this location: 1915 Auburn Ave. Columbus • 706.507.9297 Offer valid at the location above only from 4/1/14 through 4/30/14. Offer not valid without March 15, 2014, original receipt. Gift cards, Party Platterz™, call-ins, online orders, catering and boxed lunches excluded. No cash value, no substitutions. Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Party Platterz” are trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.