February 2012 Northland Family

FEB. 2 , 2 0 1 2

Is the color of that snack triggering tantrums?

LIBE R T Y T R I BU N E THE K E A R N E Y C O U R I E R THE S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D GLA D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

Cupcakes — show ’em some love

Get to the root of your family tree

1 ... 2 ... I LOVE YOU, VALENTINE

IN THE MEDICINE CABINET New scope sheds light on oral disease

True friendship survives childbirth

2

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY C O U R I E R , T H E S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D, G L A D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

Food dyes and difficult kids

The research showing that food dyes are harmful to all children prompted the European Union to require warning labels on most foods that contain the dyes. As a result, multinational food companies are now coloring the food in Europe with natural ingredients like grape juice, strawberries and turmeric. In the U.S., however, these same companies continue to use the cheaper petroleumbased dyes.

Dr. Richard Carlton, a New York psychiatrist who specializes in helping children with behavior and learning problems, agrees that it makes sense to replace the chemically-treated foods with their natural counterparts before resorting to stimulant drugs, with all their potential side effects. He also strongly urges that the prenatal vitamins women take be free of artificial colors (which can damage fetal development).

Many years ago, Dr. Ben Feingold discovered that some of the additives found in food can trigger disturbed behavior in sensitive children, and that as more and more of these additives are being used, the number of affected children increases. During the past 50 years, the amount of dye consumed in the United States has increased by 500 percent.

Now, after numerous supportive medical studies and 35 years of success, the Feingold Association is seeing a growing awareness that eating chemicals made from petroleum is harmful for everyone.

— Metro Creative

Those blue drinks, red popsicles and multi-colored cereals could be triggering temper tantrums, learning difficulties, sleep disorders and a host of physical complaints such as asthma, headaches, hives and ear infections.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took the first steps in determining whether these petroleum-based additives are playing a part in the increase in ADHD and other behavior and learning problems. The agency acknowledged that some children are sensitive to these chemicals has changed its website to reflect this.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians now list food additives as potential triggers for conditions like ADHD. This all comes as good news for the Feingold Association of the U.S., the nonprofit support group that shows parents how to address a wide range of problems by continuing to enjoy their favorite foods, but in versions that are free of the worst of the additives. More information is available at www.ADHDdiet.org.

NORTHLAND FAMILY IS A SPECIAL SECTION PUBLISHED THE FIRST WEEK OF EACH MONTH BY LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY COURIER, THE SMITHVILLE HERALD AND GLADSTONE DISPATCH, DIVISIONS OF NPG NEWSPAPERS, INC. MAILING ADDRESS: 104 N. MAIN ST., LIBERTY, MO 64068 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 816-781-4941 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: NORTHLANDFAMILY@NPGCO.COM

SANDERFORD LAW OFFICE, LLC ...because good estate planning is important!

The main office is by Liberty at I-35 and Hwy 152, in the State Farm building between the Bob Evans restaurant and the Hampton Inn.

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE and REASONABLE FEES: We have been serving the Northland for over 20 years. We have prepared thousands of estate plans with over 3,000 clients. We will help you understand the issues, your choices and then prepare that right plan for your situation. We prepare Revocable Living Trust plans, Irrevocable Trust plans, Special Needs Trusts, Non-probate Transfers, Beneficiary Deeds, Wills with proper Guardianship and Testamentary Trusts, General and Health Care Power of Attorney documents.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES: NKCSD-Oak Park HS May 10 & 17 To register: 413-5480 or nkcsd.k12.mo.us

PHSD-Administrative Center February 9 & 16 To register: 359-4060 or parkhill.k12.mo.us

✔ Protect your children with guardianship designations & rules for their inheritance ✔ Eliminate the expense of probate at the time of your death or incapacity ✔ Reduce unnecessary taxes, including capital gains taxes and death taxes ✔ Avoid the loss of control, risks and taxes associated with joint ownership ✔ Minimize the burdens on loved ones and the chances for “misunderstandings”

FastKick Martial Arts Serving Liberty Area with Family Martial Arts Since 2001 www.FastKickTKD.com

Wills – Living Trusts – Beneficiary Deeds

• SETTING GOALS • TAKING ACTION • CHANGING LIVES

816.415.9455 / SanderfordLaw.com Fax: 816.792.2390

Offering Classes for the Entire Family!

SPECIALIZED CLASSES FOR 3-TO-4 AND 5-TO-6 YEAR OLDS

Classes Are Filling Up FAST So Call Now!

NEW STUDENT STARTER PROGRAM

29

$

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATIONS:

Sanderford Law Office offers free initial consultations.

Procrastination is not a plan!

LARGE Parent Viewing Area with TVs & Wifi

106 SS. Forrest A e Libert Ave., Liberty, MO

816-781-3800

Only

00

4 BEGINNER CLASSES AND AN OFFICIAL FASTKICK UNIFORM

Valid with coupon only. Expires 2/29/12.

LI B E RT Y T R I BU N E , T H E K E A R NEY COURIER, THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, GLADSTONE DISPATCH

Tracing your roots

A different way of looking at the situation

If you’re looking for help figuring out who planted the seeds of your family tree, FamilySearch and the Mormons might be able to help.

FamilySearch has 4,600 local facilities in 126 countries where anyone can access genealogical records and receive personal assistance with their family history. These centers include the world-famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City, large regional facilities in places like Mesa, Ariz., and Los Angeles, and smaller centers that are usually found inside Latter-day Saint meetinghouses.

In the Northland, family historians can use the Platte City Missouri Family History Center.

Family history centers are free and open to the public and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

Each facility offers both novices and experienced family historians the tools and resources to learn about their ancestors.

These centers provide free access to subscription genealogical websites. For a small fee, patrons also can access the vast circulating collection of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which includes 2.5 million microfilms from more than 100 countries.

Some public libraries and historical societies in the United States also have been designated as FamilySearch Affiliates, allowing patrons to access these same resources.

The Platte City Missouri Family History Center is on the west side of building at 2700 Ensign Drive. Take the single door to the right of the double doors at the top of the stairs. It is open the following hours: • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; • 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month; • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

For more information, call 858-7551 or email MO_PlatteCity@ldsmail.net.

of 0 years Over 3 nd caring ng a educati hildren. for c

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

Ages 6 wee Kinderg ks to arten

Best Student/Teacher Ratio North of the River Excellent Teacher Tenure Please call about our New Enrollment Specials!

650 E. Ruth Ewing Road, Liberty, MO 64068 • 816-781-6295

www.libertymontessoricenter.com Open 7 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday

Voted Silver Award Daycare / Preschool in The Northland - 2011

I would like to comment on the picture that ran with the story “My son is full of it — and I have the X-ray to prove it” by Yvonne Ruff (Jan. 5 issue). This may seem trivial to most of your readers, but it stuck out like a sore thumb to me.

The person holding the X-ray (a chest film) is holding the radiograph upside down. This is just a note for future reference that whomever you obtained the X-ray from (hospital, etc.) may want to guide the person displaying the film.

Roxanne LeGrotte, Gladstone Editor’s note: Some of the photos used in Northland Family are taken by our staff right here in the Northland, and feature local people and places. Other images, like the one mentioned above, are from a stock photo service and feature paid models. Rest assured that no radiologist in the area was caught on film not knowing which end was up.

3

4

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY C O U R I E R , T H E S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D, G L A D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

The Accidental Parent True friendship survives childbirth ... if you can accept that parenthood changes people

By Betsy Lee

t

To My Childless Friends,

Yes, I know. I’m different than I used to be three years ago.

We used to go out, late. And with nary a glance at the clock, we’d dance or drink or discuss the night away.

And man, could I discuss with the best of ’em. I made you laugh. I dissected your problems. I was fun.

Now, to you maybe, I seem like a shadow. A dull one at that.

I can’t have dinner on a whim. Often, I can’t even have dinner if it’s planned a month in advance.

I’m always tired. So even if I do get a free evening out, I’m glancing at the clock. Either because I’m timing when I need to get home to relieve the sitter or I’m watching the hours of sleep I could be getting click away. And it’s pretty clear I’m wondering if it’s worth it.

And, my goodness, when we talk now, it seems like I haven’t picked up a newspaper in months. (I haven’t.) The documentaries I watch now (in 30-minute segments) are about babies and the American school system. (BORing.)

You might even wonder why I always seem to prefer the company of my friends with children. How did they become the priority when we have a history together?

Truth is … sometimes I miss the old “me” too.

It isn’t easy giving up everything you know to become a virtual slave to an uncommunicative wiggling ball of muscle.

But I need to let you in on some things you obviously don’t understand.

Over the course of a day, I meet the needs of two people (my husband notwithstanding) before I meet my own. For my kids, anything as complicated as brushing teeth requires my assistance.

I answer every question. I dry every tear. I correct every poor decision. Every task that takes you five minutes takes me 20. And I do all of this while trying to teach basic skills (ABCs and 123s anyone?) and instilling in my children compassion, caring, love, morality and spontaneity.

So, when you call at 9 p.m. to chat about your boyfriend or your idiot boss, sometimes (OK, often …)

I just let the call ring into voicemail. I just don’t have any more to give.

I also do this because when you ask me about my children and I say “they’re good,” that part of the conversation ends. I don’t blame you. I don’t really know what to say. We’ve gone so long ignoring my life that I don’t know how to reintroduce you to it.

And somehow, sharing with you that I stared at my sleeping daughter for 15 minutes tonight, wondering where her babyhood disappeared to, seems silly.

Even if it was meaningful to me.

And when it comes to leaving my kids, I’m reluctant. Not because I don’t want to be away from them. Sometimes I want to RUN away from them. It’s because I don’t live in the 1980s, where the friendly neighborhood teenager knocks on your door and

tells you she’s starting a Babysitters Club. And she charges only $3 an hour.

Every sitter we’ve had, we felt the need to pay them at least $10 a hour, just to be certain that this virtual stranger won’t leave our children to go pick up a pizza. And if something happens … if your children are injured or abandoned or abused … I can’t even imagine the guilt.

Plus, my friend, there is this simple fact: When you head home from the bar at 1 a.m., I have a feeling that you won’t have an alarm clock set at 6:30 a.m. But I do. It goes off like clockwork. And it doesn’t snooze.

It’s true. I made the choice to have kids and to be their full-time parent. And the joys that go along with this job are boundless and endlessly fulfilling. I love my children more than my life. So I’m willing, if I have to, to give a version of it up.

But I don’t WANT to. And I want to be your friend. I want to have some crazy nights in my future. I want to hear your stories, celebrate your successes and help you through your troubles.

I just need the same from you. Even if you don’t fully understand. Even if you’d rather be at the movies than sitting at my house playing with my kids.

Even if it’s kinda hard to sit through my frustrations about my lack of sleep or my chorus about my amazing children. (You think I’m thrilled to hear the play-by-play of the conversation you had with that hot bartender?)

If we really are friends, we’ll do these things because we love each other.

And if you can’t, then, sorry. I’ll always remember our fun times fondly.

But I’ve got better things to do.

Love, Betsy Betsy Lee is a Kansas City journalist and columnist who lives in a perpetually messy house with her husband, three children and two pets. She wrote this column before the arrival of her third “wriggling ball of muscle.” She can be reached at contactbetsylee@gmail.com.

LI B E RT Y T R I BU N E , T H E K E A R NEY COURIER, THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, GLADSTONE DISPATCH

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

She refilled my ice chips, breathed with me through contractions

and revived Roger.

Amazing. That’s how people describe our nurses. And what about our birthing center?

Spa-like. We’re also the only hospital with a free follow-up appointment at your home.

So, when you want friendly, personalized care with all the technology (and comforts) you need, choose Liberty Hospital.

Visit libertyhospital.org/baby for more information and enter to win a year’s supply of diapers.

The Right Nurses. Right Here.

5

6

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY C O U R I E R , T H E S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D, G L A D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

THE MEDICINE CABINET: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Shedding light on oral disease with VELscope Vx Early detection of abnormalities that develop in the tissues of the lips, mouth and throat is essential in preventing possibly severe health issues such as oral cancer and other diseases from developing.

To further their goal of protecting patient health, Dr. Meghan Hajduch and the team at Liberty Dental Care use the innovative VELscope Vx to best assess overall oral health. This system is quick, non-evasive and extremely helpful in detecting oral abnormalities.

A Natural Alternative Emphasis on Women’s Health

Creating Beautiful Smiles For Life! $

Includes exam, cleaning & x-rays.

New Patients Only.

$

Call Our Office Or See Our Website For More Information

816.781.7820

www.northlandobgyn.com

-OR-

1.00 Take-Home Whitening

(Reg. $199) Offer Expires in 30 days.

Receive a whitening kit & custom trays with completed new patient exam, cleaning & x-rays.

Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or reduced-fee plans. New Patients Only.

$

2529 Glenn Hendren Dr., Suite 200, Liberty, MO 64068

Exam & X-rays

(Reg. $313) Offer Expires in 30 days.

Now Being Offered By Lynn Cargill-Hickman, M.D.

NORTHLAND OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY, INC.

59 Cleaning,

www.LibertyDentalCareMO.com

Call Today! 816-866-1721

-OR-

1.00 Emergency Exam

(Reg. $70) Offer Expires in 30 days.

Includes emergency exam, necessary x-rays & consultation for new patients.

Meghan Hajduch, DDS - General Dentist 9150 NE Barry Rd, Ste B | Kansas City, MO 64157 A Proud Member of the Heartland Dental Care Family This office is a General Dentistry Practice. Cosmetic dentistry and tooth whitening are specialty areas not recognized by the ADA that require no specific educational training to advertise these services. The following dentists in this practice are not licensed in Missouri as specialists in the advertised dental specialties of Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, or Orthodontics: Meghan Hajduch, DDS

ADV14525

ACUPUNCTURE

The VELscope Vx emits a blue light that causes molecules deep in oral tissue to react with a light of their own in shades of yellow, green and red. Using a filter to block out the reflected blue light, the VELscope can then enhance the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.

First introduced in 2010, the VELscope Vx has received an enthusiastic response.

Exams using this device take only two minutes and involve no distasteful rinses or messy dyes. In addition, an optional digital camera system is available, featuring a 12 megapixel Canon camera, which allows for easy photo-documentation of suspicious lesions to ensure that surgical biopsies target the

LI B E RT Y T R I BU N E , T H E K E A R NEY COURIER, THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, GLADSTONE DISPATCH

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

THE MEDICINE CABINET correct location.

When it comes to identifying and treating oral cancer, the VELscope Vx in an extremely powerful tool.

About 36,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and close to 8,000 of them don’t survive. The best way to treat and prevent the spread of oral cancer is early detection. This is why the VELscope system could by life saving.

With early detection and treatment, oral cancer patients have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate.

In less than two minutes, a complete oral scan can be accomplished, allowing dentists to discover any signs of trouble. Also, the VELscope Vx is also useful in detecting other oral problems that can make chewing, talking, swallowing and sleeping problematic.

The VELscope Vx has received plenty of attention from doctors in the media, including TV’s “The Dr. Oz Show” and “The Doctors.” Both shows praised the VELscope Vx for its capabilities in detecting abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Over the years, a number of clinical studies also have documented the efficiency of VELscope technology. One of the most recent was a groundbreaking 620-patient study conducted by the University of Washington. When the 620 patients were examined via a visual inspection, 28 lesions were missed, including five cases of dysplasia. When examined with the VELscope device, no lesions were overlooked.

For more information on the VELscope Vx at Liberty Dental Care, call 792-3500.

Women Caring for Women Julie F. Hartung, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Karen K. Driskell, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Nancy A. Miller, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Cynthia T. Woollen, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Bridget M. Abney, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Kelly B. Nichols, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Low-income children to benefit from health care foundation grant Children in need of medical care without the financial means available to access it will be the winners in a new grant award of $185,000 to Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center from the Health Care Foundation.

“This grant will provide hope and help to underprivileged children in our community,” said Hilda Fuentes, chief executive officer at SURHC. “Funding will go toward the salary of a new pediatrician and other support services needed to provide quality medical care to children who otherwise may not receive it.”

The Health Care Foundation made the recent award to support SURHC’s Helping Children Access Health Care project. Funds will be utilized to ensure that children without insurance coverage or the means to pay for health services will be able to receive them.

Those services range from immunizations and the treatment of childhood illnesses including infections, to the treatment of asthma and obesity and the provision of imaging, lab and pharmacy services, among others.

Last year alone, SURHC saw almost 7,000 children at its eight locations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and in Lexington.

Shirley Goode, W.H.C.N.P. Christina Fullinwider, W.H.C.N.P. Meghan Cannavan, P.A.-C The physicians of Northland Women’s Health Care are currently accepting appointments with new patients.

We accept most insurance plans.

To schedule an appointment, call

(816) 741-9122

www.nwhcpc.com Northland Women’s Health Care

5844 NW Barry Rd. • Suite 310 • Kansas City, MO

7

8

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY C O U R I E R , T H E S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D, G L A D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

There’s no better way to say “be mine” than with a collection of Valentine’s Day cupcakes — a great surprise for sweethearts of all ages this Feb. 14.

Cupid’s arrow hits the mark with moist and delicious Red Velvet with Love Cupcakes. The vibrant red goodies are fun for kids and adults alike to make, decorate and eat.

Creative cupcakes like these have endless possibilities with Valentine’s tips and techniques from Wilton. Themed baking cups coordinate with colorful sprinkles, icing decorations and party picks to make it easy to decorate a gift from the heart.

Dress up cupcakes using a pink, red and white palette.

Create cute and quick love monsters by piping icing to make the nose, mouth and fur, and then attach candy eyeballs, and heart-shaped picks for ears. Other decorating options include wrapping cupcakes in foil cups for an elegant effect, or finishing with colored sugars and sprinkles. You can even write special messages on them.

After decorating, package cupcakes in a festive box adorned with ribbon and bows for a treat that’s sure to tie a heart in knots.

For more Valentine’s Day celebration ideas, visit www. wilton.com.

Give some love — give ’em

CUPCAKES Red Velvet with Love Cupcakes Makes about 20 standard cupcakes or 4 dozen minis Use Valentine Standard or Mini Baking Cups, Heart Eyelet Baking Cups, Cupcake-N-Pix Combo or Heart Silicone Baking Cups 2 1/2 2 1 1/2 1 1/2 1 1/2 2 1 1/2 1 1 2 1 1/2 1

cups all-purpose flour tablespoons cocoa powder teaspoons baking powder teaspoon salt cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened cups granulated sugar eggs teaspoons No-Taste Red Icing Color teaspoon Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract cup buttermilk tablespoons water teaspoons white vinegar teaspoon baking soda

Buttercream Icing

❤

❤ ❤

PREHEAT oven to 350˚F. Line muffin pan with baking cups or set silicone cups on cookie sheet and spray with vegetable pan spray.

❤❤

IN MEDIUM BOWL, COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, cream butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, red icing color and vanilla extract; mix well until icing color is well incorporated. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk; add water and mix well. In a small bowl, combine white vinegar and baking soda; gently stir into cupcake mixture. Distribute cupcake batter evenly in cups.

❤

Red, Rose and Black Icing Color Red Foil Swirls Cupcake Wraps Valentine Sprinkles, Jumbo Hearts Sprinkles, Heart Icing Decorations, Rose Icing Decorations, Candy Eyeballs

BAKE 20 to 22 minutes for standard cupcakes, 10 to 12 minutes for mini cupcakes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely.

❤

❤

FOR LOVE MONSTER CUPCAKES, use tip 18 and rose icing to pipe pull-out stars on cupcake tops. Add candy eyeballs with dots of icing. Add tip 10 red icing dot nose. Use tip 4 and black icing to pipe dot pupils and outline mouth. Position heart picks.

FOR OTHER CUPCAKES, spatula ice cupcake smooth or top with tip 22 mini cupcake icing swirl or tip 1M standard cupcake icing swirl. If desired, place in cupcake wraps. Top with desired sprinkles or icing decorations or add tip 4 message.

— Family Features

LI B E RT Y T R I BU N E , T H E K E A R NEY COURIER, THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, GLADSTONE DISPATCH

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

9

Let it Snow!! Let it Snow!!

Winter $500 Off Move In February Rents* Special *Private Pay Only Offer Expires 2/29/2012

QUALITY LICENSED RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY We have both studio and one bedroom apartments where residents enjoy an atmosphere that maintains the dignity and independence that is often lost in larger institutional type settings.

SERVICE & AMENITIES

144 — The number of years the chocolate box has been around. The first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates was created and introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.

1 — The ranking given to teachers in terms of most Valentine’s Day cards received. Nos. 2 and 3 belong to children and mothers.

5 — The number of years of shelf life for dark chocolate. Discard milk or white chocolate after a year.

3 — The percentage of pet owners who will buy a gift for their pet.

1,000 — The approximate number of letters mailed to Verona, Italy, and addressed to Juliet every Feb. 14.

76 — The percentage of Americans who celebrate Valentine’s Day. 1415 — The year in which the first Valentine’s Day card was sent.

190 million — The number of greeting cards exchanged for the holiday. Valentine’s Day comes in second to Christmas for the most number of greeting cards sent.

— Metro Creative

1 … 2 … I love you Valentine’s Day by the numbers

• 24-hour protective care by an attentive staff of licensed and certified nursing personnel • Planned social activities and special events • 3 nutritious home cooked meals per day, plus snacks • Transportation to doctors • Medication assistance • Housekeeping • Laundry service • Barber / Beauty Salon • TV and phone hookups

We will match any competitor’s pricing and still maintain our quality of care in our small environment.

Kendallwood Retirement Apartments

2801 NE 60th Street • Gladstone, MO 64119

816.454.7755 Fax: 816.454.4680

www.kendallwood.biz

www.avonleacottage.com

10

FE B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY C O U R I E R , T H E S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D, G L A D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

Bedtime — anytime — stories to share with young readers Here are some “Once Upon a Time Tales” to honor the Brothers Grimm, those ingenious fairy-tale masterminds.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of the first edition of Grimm’s fairy tales.

The German authors couldn’t have imagined the vast legacy they’d leave behind. Over the years children have come to embrace tales like “Hansel and Gretel,” “Snow White,” “Rapunzel,” and “Cinderella,” stories that bring immense enjoyment and end in happily-ever-afters.

Extra Yarn An inventive yarn about a girl with abundant yarn has the makings of a modernday fairy tale. In “Extra Yarn,” you’ll meet Annabelle, not a ding-a-ling, just blessed with a mess of yarn she finds in a mysterious box.

Have yarn, will knit, Annabelle figures, and she sets about making sweaters, hats and scarves for all she comes into contact with —including cranky Nate and his dog Mars, all the students in her class and her doubting-Thomas-of-a-teacher, Mr. Norman.

Annabelle continues with her knit and purl, and news of her endless woolens spreads around the world, and with it a visit from an evil one determined to claim the box and its contents as his own.

Of course there’s a castle and a curse, but not one line of verse in this clever book with illustrations by Jon Klassen, who’s made quite a name for himself with “I Want My Hat Back.” What a stitch! Check it out.

Rumpelstiltskin “Rumpelstiltskin,” retold and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky is a feast for the eyes, and the imagination, a classic that nabbed the Caldecott prize.

Many will recall the poor miller with the pretty daughter, doomed to a life of poverty until a golden opportunity comes her way. But not before her dad spins an outlandish yarn. Daddy tells the king his girl can spin straw into gold. When she fails, the maiden is locked up until she delivers.

Devastated and alone, the desperate girl grabs at straws in her attempt to gain her freedom. She makes a deal with a rather odd-looking creature who offers to fill the king’s order, but of course there will be a price to pay — for starters her ring, the reward increasing in value

with each roomful of spun gold.

A name game ensues — and you know the rest — but for a refresher you won’t want to miss this rendition of a tried-andtrue favorite.

7mm

Laminate

— Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2012.

Laminate

Laminate

69 1 1 ¢ ¢ ¢ 49 49 55 w/Pad

¢ $ 09 $ 59 SF

SF

SF

18x18

12x12

Carpet Sale

Tile Sale

Tile Sale

SF

SF

SF

TV BLOWOUT

Breadcrumbs A world of fantasy awaits in “Breadcrumbs,” a magical tale that will draw you in like a moth to a flame. The book begins in a town in Minnesota, caught in the throes of winter. Hazel and Jack, fifth-grade best friends, share a gift for concocting stories with casts of super heroes and make-believe creatures.

In reality, the two struggle. Hazel, adopted from India, battles feeling different from her classmates, and misses her absent father, while Jack has trouble accepting his mother’s overwhelming sadness.

Tension mounts when Jack begins to buddy up with boys who tease Hazel.

Hurt feelings erupt, and after a snowball fight, Jack gets a shard of something in his eye. It leaves him with an intense longing to inch toward the woods near his yard. Once there, the snow gradually changes into the form of a beautiful woman, a Snow Queen who convinces Jack to follow her — and he does, disappearing without the trace of a footprint in the snow, leaving Hazel to worry, not believing for a minute that Jack has suddenly gone off to visit a relative in another town.

Hazel cares deeply about Jack, and so begins her quest, a journey to rescue her friend from a fate she doesn’t understand.

Pencil drawings by Erin McGuire illustrate the children’s pain and painful journey in this unforgettable book.

Premium 12mm

8m

42”

42” PLASMA

269

$

99

TV BLOWOUT 50” PLASMA

449

$

99

50”

Chairs/Couches Loveseats Chest of Drawers Dressers

30

%

OPEN MON-FRI 9-7

OFF

OPEN SAT 9-6 • SUN 11-5

WORLDWIDE LIQUIDATORS 7720 N. Oak Trfwy.

Kansas City 816-420-8666

2337 S. 291 Hwy. E. 140th St. & Hwy. 71 Santa Fe & I-35 Independence Grandview Olathe 816-478-7996 816-997-9350 913-768-1886

w

LI B E RT Y T R I BU N E , T H E K E A R NEY COURIER, THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, GLADSTONE DISPATCH

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

When children enter school, their circle of friends expands.This means that when their next birthday arrives, there may be requests to invite the entire class to the party. Parents facing the prospect of 20 or more children may wonder what to do in this instance.

Parents and children have no doubt heard the tales of extravagant parties. Reality shows follow families who throw sweet 16 parties that rival weddings or those who spend thousands on their kids’ party regardless of the child’s age.

The average family may feel torn over what to do to celebrate important milestones.

Smaller parties are typically best for younger kids.The children won’t be overwhelmed or overtaxed by smaller parties with less guests. However, some parents fret over which classmates to invite and which to leave off the guest list.

But there are ways around this dilemma.

Check with the school before making any concrete plans to see if they have any policies regarding birthday parties.

Some schools require that all students from the class be invited or none at all.

Others suggest inviting either all of the girls or all of the boys. Knowing the regulations can make the process easier.

Think about having a class party and a separate party for the family and close friends. Many schools will allow parents to bring in snacks so that the class can celebrate. If this is likely to disrupt the class, consult the teacher to find out if lunch can be donated to the class or supplies in honor of the birthday child.

If only select students from the class are on the guest list, mail invitations home or personally deliver them to the parents. Offer an explanation as to why all kids in the class cannot be invited. Budget and available space are often the culprit.

If the entire class is invited, include a note about gifts on the invitation. Suggest a book exchange so that the birthday child is not left with 30 gifts. With a book exchange, each child brings a wrapped book, including the birthday girl or boy.

Then the kids swap and each take home a present. Another idea is to let parents know that gifts will be donated to charity.

When inviting the entire class, keep in mind not everyone will be able to attend.

Perhaps 30 to 50 percent of the class may show up. Plan accordingly using these numbers.

Use the space and the locale to determine the guest list. This will make it easier to enforce a smaller guest list.

Look at locations that can accommodate a big crowd if you cannot pare down the list. Parks, pools, restaurants and party places can often fit a crowd. The more you do yourself, the less expensive the party will be.

Liberty Transmission & Auto Services

530 Church Road • Liberty, MO • 816-792-9750

Family Owned & Operated Quality Work Affordable Prices

Foreign • Domestic Clutches Automatic • 4x4’s Differentials

FREE ESTIMATES & DIAGNOSTICS

Cake, candles and a pint-sized guest list How to plan for your child’s birthday party

Confusion typically reigns when navigating the etiquette of having a birthday party for school children. While there are no hard-fast rules, common sense and personal preference can rule the day when planning the party.

— Metro Creative

Lube, Oil & Filter Special

$

2995 Expires 3/01/2012

Because it’s deer season.

Need we say more?

Hitting a deer is serious business—to you, your passengers and your car. Let Precision Collision tow your car from the scene to our shop, where we’ll repair your dented fender, crunched hood or cracked windshield quickly and costeffectively. Call us when you need us. And, drive safely.

*For most vehicles - Call For Details

100 off Any

PLEASANT VALLEY

Expires 3/01/2012

I-35 Hwy & Pleasant Valley Rd.

$

Transmission Overhaul

95 6 9 Transmission $

Service

Change Fluid & Filter Expires 3/01/2012

GLADSTONE

7109 N. Walnut Street Gladstone, MO 64118

6604 Royal Street Pleasant Valley, MO 64068

816.781.9630

816.468.4011 1 blk west of 72nd & N. Oak

TOW SERVICE

11

Available 24/7

816.291.0497

PrecisionCollisionKC.com

12

F E B. 2 , 2 0 1 2

LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY C O U R I E R , T H E S M I T H V I L L E H E R A L D, G L A D S TO N E D I S PAT C H

PAY LATER. MUCH LATER. 0% APR for 60 Months*.

GET UP TO A COMBINED $2,175 REBATE from Trane, and local utilities!* Imagine coming home every day to an environment that’s as fresh, clean and healthy as it is comfortable.

Now is the perfect time to make that a reality, with a Trane high performance heating and cooling system.

And with 0% APR Financing with equal payments for 60 Months on a qualifying Trane systems, it’s never been so easy to own one.

CALL NOW FOR A ONCE IN A LIFE TIME OPPORTUNITY!!! 0% APR FOR 60 MONTHS ON HIGH-EFFICIENCY TRANE EQUIPMENT. SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 29, 2012*

BUCKNER’S HEATING & COOLING CO.

816-436-1244 202 NW 72nd St, Gladstone MO

www.bucknershc.com

RELIABLE, ENERGY EFFICIENT, CLEAN AIR FOR THE HOME.

��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������e ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������l ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������e ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������e ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������e�� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������e ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������