Chattahoochee Valley November2014

NOVEMBER 2014

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

onsor Pg. 5 Sp © The Sweetest Things Photography

Crave is Columbus’ newest sweet spot! Opening Nov. 15.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

It’s our birthday!

Come celebrate with us! Once Upon A Child is having our 1st birthday!

Who:

Once Upon A Child

When:

Saturday, November 22 from 10am - 8pm

What:

It’s a party!

Prizes, face painting, temporary tattoos, activities and more!

Where:

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

No need to RSVP, but do tell all your friends!

celebrate with us!

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HOO’s HEALTHY

Is my child slow developing proper speech or does he have a disorder?

Speech is defined as the ability to produce and form the sounds used in the words we speak, and is a skill needed to communicate and interact with the world around us. Speech skills have their own developmental milestones associated with them, which parents can use to track their child’s progress. A delay in a speech developmental milestone is sometimes dismissed as ‘He’s just shy’ or “He will get to it when he is ready.’ However, such a delay may be an indication of a speech disorder, so it best to have your child evaluated if he seems to be struggling to achieve his speech milestones. Here is an overview of the common speech disorders and how to tell if your child may have one.

Disfluency

A disfluency is a disorder in which sounds, words, or phrases are repeated. Stuttering is the most common disfluency disorder. It typically appears between the ages of 2 and 4, when toddlers and preschoolers begin attempting to string words together and increase their vocabulary. A child who stutters may seem to struggle to speak and to have to force the words out, as if the words were being blocked. No one knows for sure exactly what causes a child to develop this disorder.

However, research has shown that stuttering runs in families due to a DNA gene. Stuttering typically goes away on its own after 3 to 6 months. If the stuttering seems to be frequent or to get worse after 3 months, or if you have a strong family history of stuttering, you may want to seek the advice of a speech language pathologist. Speech therapy can help manage this disorder and reduce your child’s frustration.

If your child starts stuttering after the age of 3, he is even more likely to require speech therapy.

D-d-dad I love you!

Articulation disorders

A child with an articulation disorder has trouble correctly producing the letter sounds that make up words. He may substitute a ‘w’ in place of an ‘r’ or leave out sounds, saying ‘cool’ instead of ‘school’. Some kids with articulation disorders distort the letter sounds, making them difficult to understand. In many cases, the exact cause of articulation disorders in unknown. However, in some instances, this type of speech disorder is linked to problems with the teeth, hearing loss, cleft palate, problems with controlling the muscles needed to form sounds (oral-motor disorder), or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.

All kids make ‘baby talk’ while learning how to speak, so when should you be concerned that your child may have an articulation disorder and needs treatment? Here is a general idea, age by age, of when you should have your child professionally evaluated for an articulation disorder to see if treatment is necessary:

Infants

If your baby does not babble and make consonant sounds by 8 or 9 months or cannot say at least one word by 12 months of age. (Test also for hearing loss, since this may be the cause of the speech disorder).

Toddlers

If your child still communicates mostly by pointing and gestures after the age of 18 months.

Preschoolers and school age

If your three year old cannot be understood by non-family members, has difficulty making sounds and being understood by age 4, or cannot make a wide variety of sounds after age 6 and still leaves sounds out.

Mom, I had fun at cool!

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

4

Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

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

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

Tammy Usie

AD DEADLINES

Dec. Issue: Nov. 5 and Jan. Issue: Dec. 1

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL SECTIONS Hoo’s Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 25

HOO’S Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

HOO’S Healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 18

Hoo’s reading.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23

HOO’S Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14

Hoo’s shopping.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 10

HOO’S Hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

Hoo’s watching.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26

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 tips Comfort items:

Stay or Go? Some toddlers are firmly attached to comfort items, also called transitional objects, like a binky, blankie, or stuffed animal, and take them along everywhere they go. The attachment to a comfort item usually begins when young toddlers recognize that sometimes mom leaves the room and is away for awhile.

To deal with the anxiety and stress of situations like mom putting them to bed and leaving, many babies and toddlers who are comforted by sucking use a favorite binky. Other toddlers may get attached to a favorite blankie or stuffed animal and use it for comfort when stressed or at bedtime.

The attachment to a transitional object is actually a step towards independence. Not only has he decided for himself what to be attached to, he is also building coping skills and learning to comfort himself. For many toddlers, the attachment can be so strong that no one can get the blankie away to wash it and it is a disaster when the favorite binky breaks.

Though it may be annoying to keep up with that favorite blankie, there is no reason to take away the favorite blankie or stuffed animal from your toddler, as long as it is being used for comfort just at bed time or on long trips. You may need to help him understand why he can’t take it with him to preschool, so try reading some children’s books on this topic to him.

If he resists, don’t worry too much. When he sees his classmates don’t have their blankies, he will probably be willing to leave his at home too.

Pacifiers are a different story since there are medical reasons why pacifier use should not be extended past 18 months. One of the biggest reasons is that pacifier use may interfere with the proper development of speech and the other is the negative impact on teeth alignment. Some parents have their toddler leave the binky for the ‘binky fairy’, while others just wait until binky breaks or lost and they don’t replace it.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING GUIDE ATTRACTIONS Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....22 Columbus MMA..................................32 East West Karate & MMA................... 2 IFM Arts Academy............................. 12 My Gym................................................... 7 Performance Dance Centre............... 5 Schwab School of Music..................25 The Art of Christmas........................25 The Columbus Museum................... 21 The Rock Ranch................................. 15 Treadsone Climbing............................ 7 YMCA..................................................... 14

Beauty/ TELLSpa THEM Massage by Michele.......................... 19

SENT YOU!

Childcare/ education Calvary Christian...............................30 First Presbyterian Day.....................30 Grace Christian School....................28 Growing Room....................................29 Kumon...................................................28 Lakewood Child Development ......29 Polka Dots Childcare.........................28 St. Ann-Pacelli Catholic School....30 Sylvan Learning Center...................28 The Major Group................................. 19 Westminster Christian.....................30

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................ 12 Chill Yogurt Cafe.................................. 8 Crave Soda & Candy Bar..................... 5 Moe’s Southwest Grill.......................30 PhoVy Vietnamese............................ 12 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................ 12 Willy T’s Chicken Fingers............... 12 Zaxby’s...................................................27

healthcare Columbus Spine & Performance... 19 James Lopez, DDS................................ 7 Pediatric Acute Care.........................27 Pediatric After Hours.........................11 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 25 Pediatrics at Brookstone Center... 21 Rivertown Pediatrics.........................11 ZÖe Pediatrics..................................... 15

Home/ Handy Lawn Doctor......................................... 19 Lawnscapes......................................... 19 Sparkles Cleaning Service.............. 19

Shopping/ Retail Giggles and Grins Photography.... 19 Matilda Jane Clothing........................ 8 Mickayla’s Place - Resale.................. 8 Once Upon A Time - Resale.............. 2

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Millions of kids agree. . .

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s PARENTING

Is Your Discipline too Harsh?

by Mark Merrill, www.AllProDad.com

I realized I’m too harsh with my kids. The other day, I was driving with my two kids in the backseat. My daughter started to do things that annoyed my son. He was clearly upset and started laying into her. Immediately, I noticed his harsh words and tone. My daughter was hurt and began to cry. That didn’t stop him from continuing. Then I became upset and was about to shout at him to stop when he slammed her with familiar words, “Don’t you ever do that again!” He used the same exact words and tone I had used with him before. It was ugly. He was merely acting out what I had modeled to him. Too many times, I respond in frustration rather than good sound guidance.

Parents need to be firm, but harshness can cause significant damage. Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes a harsh truth is an appropriate wake-up call for personal growth. This is particularly true when the person continues in repeated misbehavior. However, it is an issue when harshness is the norm. These four simple steps helped me change harsh and angry to strong and sound. If you struggle with this, it will help you too.

1. Admit It.

When you hear your kids repeating your harshness, admit to yourself and them that you modeled the wrong thing. Apologize to your kids and then tell them how they should speak and act. Tell your wife or a trusted friend. Ask them to put a hand on your shoulder when you start going down the harsh road. This will help propel you into changed behavior.

2. Write It down.

Identify and write down all of the things your kids do that cause you frustration. Think about why it makes you angry. Again, talk it over with your wife or friend. Then craft your most ideal response to each. Keep in mind what you can teach your child in each scenario. Nothing will give you more joy than when you hear your kids repeating the great things you said to them in a calm and gentle way.

3. Prepare in the morning.

These encounters will arrive throughout the day. Say this to yourself and understand this reality so you can be prepared. Look the list over in the morning. Memorize your responses so they flow naturally.

4. Review at night.

Before bed, review the day. How did you do? What improvements can you make? If you’re married, ask your wife for feedback. At different times, it would even be good to ask your kids. Focus on getting better each day.

Don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back.

Be encouraged by the harsh words that have disappeared.

Sound off

1. What are some other ways to avoid harsh responses?

2. Huddle up with your kids and ask, “Are there times when I’m too harsh?” © 2014 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

10

Best Bets for Bath Time

Announcing bath time for your kids can be an easy sell or the fight of your life. Finding water-friendly toys and activities that make bathing fun and entertaining is your best ally to get children out of their clothes and into the water. The following items have fantastic aquatic appeal for both wee bathers and the tub supervisors looking for a clean bath time experience!

Plui

(Moluk)

From the creators of the wildly popular and versatile Bilbo, the Plui is an entrancing tub toy that’s a guaranteed hit for kids. Submerge the Plui and it fills with water through the hole in the top.

Placing a finger over the hole prevents the water from sprinkling out through the small nozzles on the bottom as it’s lifted up. With simplicity of design that belies its entertainment and educational value, the Plui will keep young bathers happy in the tub until the water is cold!

Floating WonderBlocks (eWonderWorld)

Creativity doesn’t have to stop just because the water’s rising.

Floating WonderBlocks offer kids the resources to design and build their own wonders on top of the water.

Crafted with sturdy, lightweight EVA foam the blocks can also stick to most tub sides with simple water tension, adding another dimension to bath time design. For the little bather who’s ready to build, Floating WonderBlocks carries construction projects forward in the tub!

Ferry Boat (Green Toys)

The best of land and sea combine in Green Toys’ Ferry Boat! Complete with two fast-back mini cars, and modeled after real two-story car-carrying vessel, the Ferry Boat has an adjustable sliding ramp for boarding and off-loading cars and cargo. With realistic design features, it’s seaworthy for bath play and ideal for land action as well. Constructed from 100% recycled milk jugs, the Ferry Boat with Mini Cars is also an environmentally sound bath toy choice that’s durable, buoyant and dishwasher-safe!

Super Scoop (Brica)

A tub full of toys is the mark of bath time enjoyed, but all good times come to an end.

And all those soggy toys need find a new home, high and dry, until they’re called back into action.

Simply drag the large mouth of the Scoop through the water and the mesh fabric collects the toys above and below the surface. A push-lock suction cup mounts on most tub surrounds to hang the Super Scoop where toys can air dry until they’re called back into action. It’s a clean winner for tub time!

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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

Like usSeeonFacebook Facebook page for hours

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

Can’t be combined with other discounts.

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

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

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

Bradley Park 706-660-8914 Macon Road 706-321-5880 Midland 706-561-6040 Phenix City 334-214-5599

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

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Dining Deals

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

MONDAY

saturday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Steak & Shake

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

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

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

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Chill Yogurt & Yocakes

sunday

Sweet Frog Yogurt

Free kids meal with every $8 purchase

Zaxby’s

Kids eat for .99 after 4pm

All mini cupcakes $1

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

Steak & Shake Stevi B’s Pizza

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

Texas Roadhouse

Tuesday

Willy T’s

Atlanta Bread Company

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

Denny’s

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entree (certain holidays are excluded) 11-5pm: 1 free kids meal per regular meal purchase

everyday

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

Golden Corral

TGIF Friday’s

Hartz Chicken Buffet

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

Willy T’s

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

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

thursday

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

IHOP

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

McAlisters Deli

99 cent kids meals all day

PhoVy

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

Ryan’s

Kids 2-3 eat for .99, kids 4-7 eat for 3.99, all day

Captain D’s

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

MOE’s Southwest Grill

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

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted.

Specials are subject to change without notice.

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

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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QMy family member can’t take care HOO’s HELPFUL

of their child. Can I adopt them?

A

By Bande Virgil, M.D., Pediatrician with ZOe Pediatrics, Columbus

Recently, the aunt of a child asked me how she can adopt the baby of her sister who is serving a long sentence in a correctional facility and their mother is just not able to handle the responsibility. So, I am taking the opportunity to offer some general guidance to those of you who want to adopt step children or members of your family who are similarly situated. For advice on your particular situation, please consult an attorney.

The State of GA allows and offers a straight forward process for adoption by relatives whether by a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle or a sister or brother related either by blood or by marriage. You merely file a “Petition for Adoption” in the Superior Court in the county where you live or where the child is living. The child will have to agree to the adoption (in writing) if he or she is over 14 years old. Interestingly, while desirable, biological parents do not have to consent to the adoption. The judge can make a judgment regarding what is in the best interest of the child.

CAUTION: The prospective adoptive parent may not pay for the child or offer anything of value to induce biological parents to give up their child for adoption. Under 18 U.S. Code 2251A (Selling and Buying of Children), even an offer to purchase a child is punishable by imprisonment and a fine.

To adopt a child, you must have lived in Georgia for at least 6 months, at least twenty five years old and ten years older than the child to be adopted. If you are married, you must both agree and demonstrate that you have the wherewithal to support the child. This determination will be ascertained by a home investigation. The judge will send someone to your home to make sure the statements in your petition are truthful. A criminal background check will be made of the parties on the petition.

After the “Petition for Adoption” is filed, a hearing date will be set in which a judge will make a decree or not.

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959 17th Street, Columbus, GA Hours: M-F from 9am-6pm

16

Novemb

pr o vi d e d in partn

1

Astronomy Night at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. 8pm Planetarium Time, 9pm Observation Time. Free. 706-649-1477

1

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

1

Pumpkin Destruction Day. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville HIghway, The Rock, GA; 706-6476374 or www.therockranch.com

1

The Curious Savage. 7:30pm.

Family Theatre; familytheatre.org

1

SteepleChase at Callaway Gardens. 10am. $25-$25; steeplechaseatcallaway.org

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

3

Uptown Friday Night Concert with The Grapevine. 7pm. Free. Bring your lawn chair. Broadway in Uptown Columbus; www.uptowncolumbusga.com

4

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

4

Kidz Flicks: Muppets Most Wanted. 2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road; www. cvlga.org/kids

6

Founders Day at Callaway Gardens. Free admission. Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com

8

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

8

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

8

The Great Outdoor Adventure.

The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville HIghway, The Rock, GA; 706-6476374 or www.therockranch.com

9

Cottonmouths vs. Fayetteville.

4pm. Tickets $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.com

10

American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm.

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

11

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

11

Where Moms Connect.

9-11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist Church, 500 River Knoll Rd, Columbus; 706-323-4374

14

“Fantasy in Lights” kicks off. 6pm.

Five miles of lighted scenes. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com

14

RiverCenter presents Junie B Jones. 7pm. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; rivercenter.org

15

Exploring Nature Day. 9am-4pm.

Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbustate.edu

mber Events

17

rtne r ship with: 15

Farm Heritage Day (featuring Bob & Larry of VeggieTales). The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville HIghway, The Rock, GA; 706-647-6374 or www.therockranch.com

18

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

21

Cottonmouths vs. Fayetteville.

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

22

Cottonmouths vs. Peoria. 7:30pm.

Tickets $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.com

23

Family Movie Matinee: The Wizard of Oz. 3pm. Free. Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd, Columbus; www.cvlga.org/kids

23

Night Walk benefiting March of Dimes during “Fantasy in Lights.”

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; www.callawaygardens.com

25

Where Moms Connect.

9-11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist Church, 500 River Knoll Rd, Columbus; 706-323-4374

25

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

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

27

Thursday

Cottonmouths vs. Fayetteville.

7:30pm. Tickets $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.com Ludy’s Christmas Light Spectacular kicks off. 5784 Ironstone Drive, Cottonwood subdivision, Columbus; www.ludychristmas.com

28

Cottonmouths vs. RiverKings.

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

29

RiverCenter presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze. 7:30pm. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts; www.rivercenter.org

29

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

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

Weekly Events Monday

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Wynnton Road/Midtown. 5-7:30pm.

Crafts and fun. Buy a combo at regular price and get a kid’s 4-pc meal free. 2421 Wynnton Road, Columbus

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

Saturday

Storytime at Barnes & Noble.

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

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

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

PMB-Who Knows The Valley DJ AD:Layout 1 8/4/14 5:28 PM Page 1

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

18

PMB

HOO’s HEALTHY

Risk of Artificial Sweetners Many of us choose to drink diet sodas and eat sugar-free treats sweetened with artificial sweeteners, believing that they will help us lose weight and have no negative side effects. A recently published study has called this into question. In this study, researchers found that artificial sweeteners can cause glucose intolerance, which leads to high blood sugar, in both mice and a group of human volunteers. The study showed that in some people, the artificial sweeteners affected and changed the population of the microbes in the stomach (which are responsible for digestion) in a way that leads to an increase in blood sugar. The researchers emphasized that the results are preliminary, but this study does bring to the spotlight the issue of possible side effects of consuming artificial sweeteners.

This is not the only study that has shown that artificial sweeteners may have some risks. Studies of diet soda have also found a link between consumption of diet sodas and weight gain, along with an increased risk of diabetes. Researchers have not identified the

exact cause of this link, but suspect it may be due to the brain’s response to the sweet taste of the artificial sweeteners. The sweet taste may trigger a response that includes a craving for even more sweets, causing you to consumer even more calories.

However, the concerns about the possible side effects of artificial sweeteners should not be an excuse to consume sodas and sweet treats containing sugar.

Even drinking one sugary soda a day can put you at risk for weight gain and type 2 diabetes. If you are concerned about the side effects of artificial sweeteners, some experts say it is best to use them for a short time period, if needed, to help wean yourself from sugary drinks and food.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

19

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s CUTE

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

Reed, 2 years Columbus

Tinley, 3 years Smiths Station

Antonio, 6 mon.

Columbus

Ava, 4 years Phenix City

Abigail, 1 year Phenix City

Isabella, 6 years Phenix City

PARENT’S ONLINE SHOPPING GUIDE Save yourself the hassle, visit our new

shopping directory on our website for local, family-friendly businesses., all in one place!

Plus you can read and write reviews too!

www.Hoo.KnowsTheValley.com

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO KNEW? Why do boys wear blue and girls wear pink?

The custom of dressing baby boys in blue clothes began in 1400. Blue was the color of the sky and therefore Heaven, so it was believed the color warded off evil spirits. Male children were considered a greater blessing than females, so it was assumed demons had no interest in girls. A hundred years later girls were given red as a color, but it was later softened to pink.

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Join Us for

fall family fun Days Zip Lines, Train Rides, Pumpkins, Tiny Town, Themed Entertainment, a Petting Zoo, Corn Maze and Much More!

Open Saturdays, Beginning Sept. 27th, 10am-8pm

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS!

therockranch.com

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

A Page In A Book Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Paige Gardner Smith

Finding Extraordinary in the Ordinary

The word ‘ordinary’ seems to denote a sense of the unremarkable.

But when you look more closely at the ordinary, really get inside its skin, special qualities emerge and unique aspects are revealed that are, in fact, extraordinary. In the following titles, wallflowers bloom, hidden talents are discovered and opposites swap places, all revealing extraordinary characteristics cloaked in the trappings of the everyday ordinary.

Extraordinary Jane

By Hannah E. Harrison (Dial / Penguin)

In the midst of the most amazing sights, sounds and performances on earth, Jane is a circus dog who feels very plain indeed. She wants to play a flashy role in the show like the other members of her family who all share the spotlight. But Jane’s search for her circus talent ends in disappointment until the reader discover there is something very ordinary about Jane that makes her special to everyone. Harrison’s rich circus-style paintings share a wildly sweet perspective on Jane’s journey to find her gift – which is extraordinary, indeed.

Maude The Not-So-Noticable Shrimpton

By Lauren Child, Illustrated by Trisha Krauss (Candlewick)

The Hueys typically get along with each other very well. But when a regular conversation takes a wrong turn, their amiable talk quickly devolves into an argument. Only when an outsider appears does the disagreement dissolve and cool heads prevail.

The Hueys’argument falls away as unimportant and they reconnect through their shared interest. Jeffers’ adorable simply-rendered characters present a subtle and positive message that supports finding a peaceful perspective when tempers flare.

Troll Swap

By Leigh Hodgkinson (Nosey Crow / Candlewick)

Timothy Limpet doesn’t quite fit in with the other trolls. While they are loud, messy and very active, Timothy prefers to be still and quiet in his tidy cave. Tabitha Lumpit isn’t like other children who are nice, polite and neat. Her parents despair that their loud and active little girl will ever settle down. When Timothy and Tabitha meet by chance, they decide to swap places to see if they each find a better fit in the other’s life. Their experiment reveals that their “normal” is soon missed by their friends and family – and perhaps their ordinary is exactly what makes them special after all!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s HUNGRY

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

MAC & CHEESE by twopeasandtheirpod.com

DIRECTIONS Preheat to 400. Remove seeds and cut squash into chunks. Place on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and toss. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until tender, turning once.

Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain well.

Add butternut squash to food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Add in 1/2 cup of the milk and puree again. This will help thin out the butternut squash.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter is melted whisk in the flour. Add nutmeg. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Add 2 cups of milk and whisk until smooth. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil while continuing to whisk. After sauce has thickened, turn heat to low and whisk in butternut squash mixture.

Stir in the fresh rosemary. Add cooked macaroni to the pan and stir until noodles are well coated. Season with salt and pepper.

Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour half of the macaroni noodles into the pan. Sprinkle half the cheese on top. Add the remaining noodles and then top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until macaroni and cheese is bubbling.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 medium butternut • 1 tbsp olive oil Kosher salt & pepper • 1/2 lb elbow macaroni • 2 1/2 cup milk, divided • 2 tbsp butter • 3 tbsp flour • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 3/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s Fun

Schwob Music Prep Quality music instruction

Ages 5 to adult, beginner to advanced

706-641-5124

ColumbusState.edu/MusicPrep

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies 26

BIG HERO 6 Rated G | Ok for kids 6+

From Walt Disney Animation Studios and the team behind “Frozen” and “Wreck-It Ralph” comes this action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond between Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit), a plussized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter). When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and friends -- adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and fanboy Fred (T.J. Miller). Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called “Big Hero 6.”

INTERSTELLAR PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history: traveling through a wormhole beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the all-star cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy and Casey Affleck. Packed with drama, special effects and family themes, look for “Interstellar” to do well during the upcoming awards season.

penguins of madagascar Rated G | Ok for kids 5+

Those crazy penguins are back! And involved in a spy caper! Yes, now we can discover the secrets of the most entertaining and mysterious birds in the global espionage game. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private must join forces with the chic spy organization, the North Wind, led by Agent Classified (I could tell you his name, but then ... you know), voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch (yes!) to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich), from taking over the world. Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Chris Knights, Ken Jeong, Annett Mahendru and Peter Stormare also lend their voices to this cute family movie.

the hunger games: mockingjay - part 1 PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+ (Intense violence and action, some disturbing images and themes)

The worldwide phenomenon of “The Hunger Games” continues to set the world on fire with “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1,” which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after shattering the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. Directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Danny Strong and Peter Craig, this movie is based on the third novel in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins.

dumb and dumber two PG-13 | Ok for kids 14+ (crude and sexual humor, partial nudity, language and drug references)

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their signature roles as Lloyd and Harry in this franchise that began with 1994’s “Dumb and Dumber” and 2003’s “Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd” (a high school prequel that didn’t star Carrey or Daniels). Yes, it’s been 20 years since that first movie. Now the dimwits are on the road in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney. Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, this movie also stars Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden, Rob Riggle and Paul Blackthorne.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

MONDAY NIGHT IS

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

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

VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 4497 Hwy. 280 • Alexander City • 256.234.2181 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus • 706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 Limited-time offer. Offer valid at this location only, on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult meals include any Most Popular Menu Item, Meal Deal, Zalad or Sandwich Basket.

Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zax Kidz” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

POLKA DOTS

CHILD CARE CENTER 3 MEALS & 2 SNACKS DAILY LOW STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO AFFORDABLE QUALITY CARE

706-321-0096 HOURS: 5:30A-8P

SUMMERwww.HooKnowsTheValley.com CAMPS & SUMMER FUN

Celebrating 25 years!

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

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

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

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Preschool—12th Grade

Open House

Sunday, November 16 1:30—4:00 p.m.

Tour the campus, meet teachers & administrators, and learn how your family can be part of the Viking family! or informaon, contact ulie avis at 06-561-8232 ext. 21 or jdavis@sasphs.net 2020 Kay Circle Columbus, GA 3190 www. BeAViking.com

Traditional

REGISTER TODAY • K3-6th grade • Small Class Sizes • Enrichment Classes • Before/After School Care • A Beka Phonics Curriculum

Tours Daily

Infants through 3 year olds

Montessori

1100 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

Military Discounts

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 2303 Double Churches, Columbus l 706-323-4441

www.columbusfpc.org/day-school

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