Lehigh Valley Family March April 2012

Family Lehigh Valley

March-April 2012

Pric take eless one!

.com

The Arts: Alive and Thriving in the Lehigh Valley

Everyday Adventures

5 Reasons to Try Horseback Riding 5 Money Saving Grocery Tips

Fun Things to Do! How to Have Effortless, Classic Style www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

Family Lehigh Valley

A Thrive, LLC Publication 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104 • Allentown 18103 610-762-9011 editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

March / April 2012

OUR TEAM

Publisher Jeff Tintle, II

Editor

Laura Putt Editor@ lehighvalleyfamily.com

Associate Editor Vicki Bezems

Photography: Janet Sena Pix-Ology, LLC

Contributors

Art Villafane Lauren Wuscher Pam Cantone Denise Continenza

For Advertising

Contact 610-762-9011 or sales@lehighvalleyfamily.com

Mary Greiss-Coult, DO, FACOOG Stephanie Eckert, DO, FACOOG

Board-Certified OB/GYN Care Routine & High Risk Pregnancy Family Planning Menstrual Disorders Adolescent Gynecology Menopausal Medicine Bladder Problems Minimally Invasive Surgery Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Copyright© 2012 by Thrive, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher.

Thrive, LLC assumes no responsibility for damages arising from errors or omissions. Thrive Media, 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104, Allentown 18103. www. lehighvalleyfamily.com.

Lehigh Valley Family’s monthly issues are available online at www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Print issues are published bi-monthly (Jan/Feb; March/April; May/June; July/Aug; Sept/Oct; Nov/Dec); and are available at libraries, churches, health clubs, medical facilities, child care centers, preschools, educational centers and other locations where publications are generally found. Print subscriptions are available for $20 (6 issues).

New Patients Welcome!

Most Medical Insurances Accepted

1611 Pond Road Suite 102 Allentown, PA 18104

Phone: (610) 366-7444 Fax: (610) 366-0884 www.SeasonsofLifeObGyn.com

from the editor

A

s a kid, I always said I wanted to be a writer. Or a veterinarian. Given my complete lack of science and math aptitude, writing seemed the better option to pursue.

Few things appealed to me as much as getting lost in a book, or even writing my own stories. To this day, it is a treat for me to find a few quiet moments to sit down with a book, or even a magazine. I love to read anything and everything.

I credit my parents for this habit. Over the summers, before we were allowed to play, my mom required us to read for an hour each day. My father is an avid reader.

When I don’t have anything to read, I know I can always raid his pile of books. While I never realized it as a kid, looking back I can see he taught a love of reading quietly by example.

I’m sure that when I was ten and had my nose in a book, nobody would have thought for a moment that it might be my future livelihood. In fact, as my interests grew during my teen years, I ended up pursuing my degree in something entirely different. Still, years later, I found my way back to my love of words and the knowledge or stories they conveyed. Alongside my brother, I put my passion into action and worked to develop this magazine.

Today, although we aren’t what I would consider an “artsy” family, I hope to encourage my children in the same ways my parents encouraged me to appreciate the arts.

The benefits for children of being exposed to the arts

are seemingly endless. Learning an art form stimulates the imagination and critical thinking areas of the brain, refines cognitive and creative skills, and builds a sense of Spring is almost here... craftsmanship, Take time to smell the flowers! quality task performance, and goal-setting, to name a few. In this issue of Lehigh Valley Family, we will give you plenty of ideas on how to incorporate the arts into your family life.

There are so many facets to “The Arts”, that something is sure to suit the intrests of your child. Musical rhythms -- or perhaps the grace of ballet-- may set their hearts on fire.

You never know. That little hobby may just turn out to be their passion and livelihood as an adult!

As you will read in the article by Vicki Bezems on page 12, the Lehigh Valley is laden with places to visit and things to do to expose your children to the arts. There is something for every interest and every budget. Please take advantage of our arts-rich community. You’ll help your children grow into well-rounded individuals while spending time together as a family. Win-Win!

You’ve Already Fallen In Love...

Now Let us Capture the Memories You’ll Treasure Forever • Portraits • Wedding Photography • Engagement • Seniors • Maternity and Newborns Providing quality, natural light photography to capture the emotion and essence of every subject while making the photo session a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Call today for a photo session that will exceed your expectations, but not your budget.

...The art of modern portraiture

Book Your Spring Portrait Today!

www.Pix-Ology.com • 610-509-6169

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

Family Lehigh Valley

ONLINE!

Lehigh Valley Family offers a monthly online magazine with fresh content, articles, listings, calendar of events, videos, links and more! It’s all free and available online. Also sign up on the web site for a free email subscription to Lehigh Valley Family’s news and updates.

Don’t Leave Town!

Your Expert is Right Here In the Valley

• Lower & Upper Limb Prosthetics • Free House Calls with Referral • Orthotic care • Full Service Laboratory Support • Detailed Patient Instructions • Superb Cosmetic Finishing • 24/7/365 On-call Availability

Improving the Quality of Life for Children

Now serving you at two convenient locations: 1250 S. Cedar Crest Blvd Suite 105 Allentown 18103 610-770-1515

Join our Facebook group, Lehigh Valley Family!

595 Bethlehem Pike Suite 402 Montgomeryville18936 484-350-3851

www.V a l l e y P O .com

For over 30 years, Bayada Nurses has been providing special nurses for special children.

One-on-one car for medically fragile children Feeding tube and respiratory care Disease management Home safety evaluations Trachescstomy and ventilator management Services 24 hours, 7 days

Screened, experienced, and fully insured caregivers Medicaid, private pay, and most insurances accepted Accredited and state licensed Servicing the Greater Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas

4 CONSECUTIVE YEARS!

Call 610-776-7000 l www.bayada.com

CONTENTS......................

Education: Helping Your Children Appreciate the Arts...When You Are Not An Artist ...................... 6 Show Your Kids Writing Can Be Fun ............................................................................... 8 Arts Education Lives in the Lehigh Valley ...................................................................... 12

Health The Killer Lurking In Your Mouth ................................................................................. 17 Dispelling the Myths of Pregnancy ................................................................................ 18 The Benefits of Horseback Riding ................................................................................. 24

Just for Fun Everyday Adventures ...................................................................................................... 20 10 Great Bike Rides ........................................................................................................ 21 “C” is For Classic ........................................................................................................... 22 Games ............................................................................................................................ 25 Fun Facts About Flowers ................................................................................................ 28 Monthly Pages ................................................................................................................ 31

Family 38 Parenting Practices That Nurture Moral Intelligence .................................................. 9 Tips on Staying Connected With Your Teen ................................................................... 11 Save Money On Groceries By Being An Intentional Shopper ......................................... 26

................................

Puzzle Answers

Wuzzles A. 1. Backing Up 2. Sleeping at the Wheel 3. Quarterback 4. Coffee Break 5. Identical Twins 6. Count the Ways B. 1. Falling Temperature 2. Two Under Par 3. Fat Chance 4. Broken Hear 5. Hot Under the Collar 6. Head in the Sand Mad Gab 1. A Banana Peel 2. A Bottomless Pit 3. A Back Street Alley 4. A Buried Treasure 5. A Bump in the Night 6. A Bottle of Pop 7. A Bright Idea 8. A Booby Trap 9. A Blank Look 10. A Blizzard

Helping Your Children Appreciate the Arts...

When You Are Not An Artist

By Denise H. Continenza, Penn State Extension-Lehigh County

S

o, you’re not Rembrandt. Nor are you a budding Beyonce, Brad Pitt or the Cake Boss. The good news is that you do not need to be a professional artist or performer to help your child develop a love of the arts. Exciting new brain research is showing that regular participation in music, drama, painting or other forms of creativity actually increases attention span in school. It appears that creative expression has a lot to offer education! As a parent, you can engage your child in creative expression even if you yourself have minimal interest or ability in any of the art forms.

Sometimes when we think of “art” we think only of drawing or painting. For some, this is a hobby; for others it is a chore. As children, some of us learned to dislike art because we were expected to always create a product that

had a right or a wrong way about it. What we have learned about young children is that art is very important to their development physically, socially and emotionally. Engaging in the arts, as in painting or drawing, helps build physical motor skills. It also encourages social development when children have to work together, share materials or talk to each other while creating. Making something and feeling good about it encourages children to try new things, take risks and express themselves. Art is not about producing a finished project. Rather, it is about expression. There are simple things that even the most inartistic parent can do to help a child develop an appreciation of the arts.

Provide a rich variety of materials from which children can create. Don’t limit yourself to the materials available at craft stores. In addition to supplies you purchase, such as crayons, markers, paint and paper, look around the house for things you would ordinarily label as “junk.”

Packaging peanuts, brown paper bags, or even the chopped off bottom of a celery bunch (dipped in paint makes a rose on paper) are some of the fascinating and very lowcost supplies to add to the kids’ art box. Of course, you will need to make some rules about how, when and where these items can be used. Many parents become disdainful of art when their children decide to use the living room as a mural. However, situations like this can be avoided with a little advance planning. Old clothes can be used for dramatic play or “performances,” and empty paper towel rolls make great microphones!

Encourage freedom of expression. In other words, enjoy the process and not the product. Ask your child about his creation. Comment on his use of color and shapes (process) rather than asking what it is (product). Ask your child to tell you what she was feeling when she wrote that little tune she just hummed to you.

Talk about art. Even if you are not an art connoisseur, take some time to visit a museum with your child. Seeing paintings, sculpture and drawings through the eyes of a child is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You can engage your child in an amazing conversation over one single piece of art. Ask questions like: • “Tell me what you see.” And feel free to share what you

March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

see as well!

• “How does this picture make you feel?”

• “What do you think the artist was thinking about when he or she painted this picture?”

• “Let’s make up a story about this piece of art.”

Listen to different kinds of music together. Explore music from different cultures. Notice the different sounds and instruments. Talk about which kind of music you prefer and let your child tell you what he likes best and why. Tap your feet or clap to the rhythm. Dance to the music. Let your child make up a dance that goes with the beat.

Visit the theater. Attend live plays as well as movies. Talk about the story line. Ask your child which character was her favorite and why. Re-enact your favorite scenes when you get home. See if you can copy the same voice, or put a different twist on the story.

P.R.E.P. for SUCCESS LLC Pennsylvania Renaissance Educational Programs

Tutoring by experienced, certified PA teachers, in your home, for all ages and for all subjects • All Ages and All Subjects, K-12th grade and adults • Flexible Tutoring (any day & any time to fit your schedule)

610-967-2670 • www.prepforsuccess.com

We add color to your Business World

The Lehigh Valley is full of opportunities for people young and old to become acquainted with the arts. From Mayfair to Musikfest to Celtic Classic, there are many places where children can become introduced to as well as engaged in the arts. Exposing your child to the arts could be the beginning of a long relationship with creative expression. And the payoff? It will be a masterpiece!

20+ locations

NEWSPAPERS FULL COLOR BROCHURES & MORE

1-800-443-0377 LEHIGHTON, PA 18235

I

Got Food Allergies?

f you or your children have food allergies or sensitivities, you know living with them isn’t easy. It can be scary sending your kids to a friend’s birthday party not knowing if you’ll get a call later that they had a reaction. Finding delicious tasting allergy free foods is also a challenge.

A trusted neighbor

since 1970, Lehigh Valley

Children’s Centers (LVCC) is a leader in providing high-quality early education and child care. We offer: 

Programs for children ages six weeks to 12 years



Well qualified, experienced teaching staff



Nutritious meals and active play



Scholarship assistance

LVCConline.org ∙ (610) 820-5333

With the brand new, never-before-seen, Allergy Free Survival Kit, you’ll pay only shipping and receive an entire box full of amazing allergy free samples, mouthwatering recipes, valuable resources, and more.

Get your Allergy Free Survival Kit while they last!

http://LaurenDavidStyle.com/SurvivalKit

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

Show Your Kids Writing Can Be Fun!

By Shawn Deiter, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers

A

high quality early education program can jump-start your child’s emerging language and literacy skills. Qualified teachers help even the youngest children explore sounds and printed words. Developing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination are precursors to writing.

Infant Pre-writing can be introduced at a very early age.

Charlotte Cortes, Infant Teacher at LVCC’s Walnut Street, stimulates learning by offering the younger infants pencil-shaped objects, like rattles, to grasp. “Let the infant choose the hand,” Charlotte suggests. At six to eight months, she introduces crayons and fingerpainting. “Infants notice they can make a mark on paper, especially when they paint with their feet or hands,” says Charlotte. By eight to nine months, the infants advance to sponge painting colorful shapes and designs.

Toddler To build manual dexterity, Loree Kuhns, Toddler Teacher at LVCC’s Judith Chase Early Learning Center, gives toddlers markers and pastels for creating shapes.

Lined paper is used to control the marks and scribbles.

Loree recommends presenting shapes or things with the name written on it to show your toddler that the alphabet is more than just a bunch of symbols.

“Introduce it as, ‘This is a snowflake. It starts with the letter S,’” Loree suggests. Eventually you may have your child draw or paint a facial feature. Next to the drawing, write the name of the feature (i.e. eye, mouth) and read it back to your child.

Pre-School Velecia Passaru, Pre-school Teacher at LVCC South Mountain, has her preschoolers write letters to Santa during the holidays. By dictating their letters to the teacher, the preschoolers develop their verbalizing skills.

“The children easily fill up a page telling Santa where they live and how old they are,” Velecia comments.

The preschoolers then draw pictures about their letter.

They practice writing their names by signing the letters.

Velecia takes the letters to Macy’s, who then donates a dollar per letter to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The class raised $40.00 this year! “The children are anxious to write to Santa not just for themselves. They know they are helping others.” Velecia remarks.

School-Age School-age students don’t need to be chained to a desk to learn how to write. Amy Morgan, Center Director at LVCC at Truman School, has kindergarten-age students in her after-school program keep an “alphabet journal.”

The children choose a different letter of the alphabet each week. They then draw a picture of a word starting with that letter. “The students’ favorite part of the assignment is to wander around the classroom looking for words in print starting with their letter,” says Amy. “It feeds their curious nature,” she adds. Once they find four words, they copy the words in the journal. The journal is filled with writing and pictures by the time they finish the alphabet.

Learn more about Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers at www.LVChildCare.org.

March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

38 Parenting Practices That Nurture Moral Intelligence

By Dr. Michele Borba

R

eality check: The family is the first school of virtue.

Even in our increasingly toxic culture, parents can still have the inside track in their children’s development because parents are their children’s first and most important moral teachers. That premise only applies, though, if parents choose to use their moral influence.

Remember, children do not acquire strong character in one-time lectures, but in daily teachable moments. So take advantage of everyday moments to stretch your child’s character and there are dozens!

“You have a new friend in your classroom.

How do you think he feels not knowing anyone? What could you do to help him feel less lonely?”

“Listen to the lyrics on that CD. Do you want others to think girls should be talked about and treated that way?”

“Was that helpful or hurtful? In our home we only do things that will build people up – not tear them down. What will you do to make amends to your friend?”

Photo Courtesy of Pix-Ology, LLC.

Here are a few practices from my book, Building Moral Intelligence, that make a difference in raising moral kids. Find ways to use these moral-building principles in everyday moments with your children.

(Continued on page 10)

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

(Continued from page 9)

38 Parenting Practices That Nurture Moral Intelligence • To teach kids empathy, you must show kids empathy.

• Show the impact empathy has on others so your child understands it’s important.

• If you want your child to feel for others, demand your child to feel for others.

• Provide opportunities for your child to experience different perspectives and views.

• Experiencing different perspectives helps children be able to empathize with others’ needs and views.

• Be sure your behaviors your kids watch are ones that you want them to copy.

• If you want your child to act morally, then expect moral behaviors from her.

• Talk about moral issues as they come up, so your child can hear your moral beliefs.

• Plainly explain your concerns to your child, set standards, and then stick to them.

• Catch your child acting morally by describing what she did right and why you appreciate it.

• To teach kids self-control, you must show kids self-control, so be a living example of self-control.

• Refrain from always giving tangible rewards for your child’s efforts so she develops her own internal reward system.

• Your home is the best place for your child to learn how deal with stressful situations. Don’t rob him of the opportunity to learn how.

• Gradually stretch your child’s ability to control his impulses and learn to wait.

• Treat children respectfully so that they feel respected and are therefore more likely to treat others respectfully.

• Tune up your child’s social graces and make courtesy a priority in your home.

• Do not tolerate any form of back-talk or rudeness. Stop it before it spreads.

• Supervise your child’s media consumption closely. Set clear family standards, and then stick to them!

• Explain your moral standards to the other adults in your child’s life so you can work together.

• Make sure you are a positive, affirming role model and surround your child with people of high character.

• Take an active stand against cruelty and just plain do not allow it.

• Take time to tell and show kids how to be kind – never assume they have that knowledge.

• Encourage your child to lend a hand so he or she will understand the power of “doing good.”

• The best way to teach kids any virtue is not through our lectures but through our example.

• Become the living textbook of morality that you want your child to copy.

• Teach your child from the time he is very young that no one is better than any other person.

• Refuse to allow discriminatory remarks of any kind in your

Photo Courtesy of Pix-Ology, LLC.

presence.

• Get in touch with your own prejudices and be willing to change them so your child won’t learn them from you.

• Nurture in your child a sense of pride in her culture, heritage, and identity.

• Expose your child early to games, literature, and toys that represent a wide range of multicultural groups to boost her or his appreciation and acceptance for differences.

• Encourage your child to participate in activities which promote diversity and nurture tolerance.

• The easiest way to increase fairness is by reinforcing fair behaviors.

• Encourage your child when he encounters unfair treatment to stand up for himself and the rights of others.

• Look for opportunities in your neighborhood or community and get involved together in making the world a better place.

• Emphasize acting fairly and good sportsmanship both on and off the field.

• There is no more powerful way to boost kids’ moral intelligence than to get them personally involved in an issue of injustice and then encourage them to take a stand; they will learn that they can make a difference in the world.

There is no rewind button on parenting, so be intentional when it comes to building your child’s character. Parents who raise good kids don’t do so by accident!

10 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Tips on Staying Connected with your Teen

By Nina Pinsley, Club Z! In-Home Tutoring of the Lehigh Valley

C

ommunication with children at any age is vital to building their self-confidence and necessary for strengthening family relationships. Parents often feel teens won’t talk to them, and teens complain that parents never listen. The key to effective communication to remember that it is a two-way street, and that parents play an active role in fostering a safe, open pathway for dialoging with their kids.

Be available to your children when they need to talk.

Some conversations are too important to wait, and sometimes there may not be a second chance to influence your child’s decision. If you really don’t have time to talk, explain by saying something like, “I’m really tied up right now, but come back in half an hour and we can sit down and discuss what is on your mind.”

Communication should be open-ended, inviting responses that are more than one word answers. For example, “Tell me about how the party went,” will encourage more of a response than “Did you have fun at the party?”

Respect the growing need for privacy with some teens.

There may be times when your teen does not want to talk about how they are feeling. Respond by letting them know you understand when they may need some time alone, and that you are there for them when they are ready to talk.

Remember to listen to your child’s response without immediately interrupting her with your judgment or criticism. Parents often spend the majority of their time giving orders and lecturing their children instead of talking with them. This imbalance can discourage and alienate children, making them feel as though they will never measure up. Remember to rephrase and clarify what your teen has said, validate how she is feeling (even if you don’t agree), and be encouraging and positive with the advice you give on the matter.

Most importantly, keep communicating with your teens, even if they don’t seem to be listening. Talk about topics that interest them, respect and ask for their opinions, and let them know you believe in who they are.

Establishing good communication strategies now will help parents stay connected with their teens. An open pathway will encourage teens to seek parental guidance when they find themselves in tough situations, where some loving advice could make all the difference.

Where All the Cool Parents Hang Out...

Register for lessons today!

Are you a parent, babysitter, or anyone looking for familyfriendly activities?

Join our group on Facebook Lehigh Valley Family. We will be concentrating our social media interactions discussing fun things to do with the family.

The perfect remedy to that cabin fevered, whiney voiced, “I’m boooorrrred” we all know so well.

• All Instruments • Voice

• Private & Group • All Ages

23 North Sixth St. Fowler Education Wing Allentown, PA 18101 • 610-435-7725 info@cmslv.org • www.cmslv.org

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

11

Arts Education Lives in the Lehigh Valley

By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family

I

f the arts – visual, performing or literary - are important to you, the Lehigh Valley is an ideal place to be.

Opportunities to experience artistic expression – as a creator, performer, or spectator, in every form, from theatre to dance to photography -- are abundant here.

According to the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, a nonprofit organization that serves as a regional advocate for the local arts community, “The Lehigh Valley is teeming with worldclass arts and culture. From the classical to the exotic, the Valley arts community encompasses a dazzling variety of music and theatre, film and dance, visual arts, festivals, museums and more—dozens of organizations, offering performances and events that span the globe of imagination.”

The Lehigh Valley hosts several major arts events every year. It is home to Musikfest, a 10-day music festival in Bethlehem, which features top-name performing artists as well as local musical and visual artists, and attracts more than a million people. For five days in May, Mayfair brings dancers, storytellers, art exhibits, local and international musical performers, hands-on crafts demonstrations and international foods to Allentown’s Cedar Beach Park. DeSales University in Center Valley hosts the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF), which offers over 200 performances per year and draws some 30,000 theatre goers. In addition to these events, multiple private and community organizations offer performances, art exhibits, classes, readings, and private lessons. The 2011 opening of the ArtsQuest Center at Steel Stacks in Bethlehem opened up an unprecedented venue for concerts, exhibitions and other events.

The vast number of opportunities in arts education for Lehigh Valley children directly reflects the love for the arts that is evident in the many venues that showcase artistic talent.

The LV Arts Council’s 2008– 2009 survey of arts-education resources in regional public and nonpublic schools documented a strong and growing list of opportunities for “I cannot imagine life or school without the performing arts. We have had so many different kids come through our program, onstage, backstage, and in the orchestra, who come together to put on a complete, cohesive piece. We love watching them work hard to get everything just right, and to really take stock in their final product. They learn a lot about performing and a lot about themselves. We hope they carry all the knowledge, skills, and memories that they form while involved in productions throughout their lives.” – Patrick Campbell, Theatre Director, Lower Macungie Middle School

5 & 6 Ye

ar Olds E

njoying th

students.

emselve

s at Bau

m’s Sum

mer Cam

p

Current research supports the need to foster creativity in children, but lack of funding and testing regimens have resulted in cuts to arts programs in many schools. In response, local arts organizations, public and private schools, and professional artists are working together to continually provide opportunities for arts education for children in the Lehigh Valley. Both public schools and private institutions offer a wide array of instructional options for young people in music, visual arts, drama, theatre, and more. In addition, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council and Artsquest both partner with local schools and private artists to make artistic instruction available.

The arts community in the Lehigh Valley truly embraces the importance of the arts in the lives of young people and strives to create opportunities for children of every income level, through scholarships and special programs. The LV Arts Council runs an Arts-in-Education program, which consists of a “coalition of professional artists and arts administrators, educators, parents and business partners, whose purpose is to improve and enhance education for all children through the integration of the arts into the curriculum.” Every year, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council recognizes three K–12 school programs that bring the visual, literary, performing, and media arts to Lehigh Valley students through its Growing Up Artfully Awards for Excellence in Arts-in-Education.

Twenty-three school districts and the Diocese of Allentown are given the opportunity to nominate arts programs. For more information on the LV Arts Council Arts-in-Education program and its partners, go to www.lvartscouncil.org.

ArtsQuest has developed a variety of programs to be used in the schools, with the cooperation of each school district.

For example, ArtsQuest offers the B-Smart after school enrichment program free to middle school students in the Bethlehem Area School District. The students are bused to the Banana Factory for a snack and a variety of classes, including glass blowing, photography and ceramics.

12 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Scholarships are offered for all ArtsQuest classes in visual arts for youth at the Banana Factory. ArtsQuest continues to find ways to address the needs of individuals and schools in the region with very limited resources.

Everyone has an opportunity to contribute to arts in education through volunteering – either in each organization or in the schools. Most of our schools’ music, theatre, and art departments rely so heavily on parental and community support, they would not function without these volunteers.

Community Music School

Since it was founded in 1981, CMS has directly touched the lives of over 15,000 members of the community and their families. Its high quality music instruction makes a visible difference in rounding out the education of the youth of our community. “We see it,” says CMS Director of Development Carolyn Clarke, “we see children come in insecure, shy, looking at their feet, and within six to eight months they are much more confident and outgoing, high-fiving everyone as they come through the door.”

CMS offers a wealth of opportunities for musical and personal growth. CMS, a non-profit organization, works with families through financial aid and scholarships in order to offer each child equal opportunity. Its diverse student body allows students to make friends with people they otherwise would never have come in contact with, and teamwork is highly encouraged. For example, its Saturday Strings and Chamber Ensemble programs give elementary and middle school students from the Allentown and Bethlehem school districts the opportunity to work with various artists in an environment where they are exposed to top quality musicians and other artists.

CMS offers group, ensemble and private instruction in piano, violin, guitar trumpet, saxophone, bass, clarinet, percussion, flute, Afro-Cuban drumming, recorder, piccolo, oboe and voice by professional musicians. Pop, rock, gospel, Latin rhythms, jazz, contemporary and classical music are also offered. CMS also offers coaching sessions to help any student with specific needs for performance, such as a role in a play, an audition for college or charter school, or music theory.

Baum School of Art

The Baum School of Art is a non-profit community art school dedicated to providing instruction, guidance and encouragement for children and adults who wish to reach their highest potential in the study of the visual arts.

The Baum School is located in center city Allentown. It has enriched the lives of thousands of adults and children throughout the Lehigh Valley for the past 83 years. The student body consists of people from all aspects of the community... from preschool age to senior citizens; young adults pursuing college credit through Lehigh Carbon Community College; teens preparing for college; and underprivileged children and families who require full

financial assistance.

Classes and workshops are available during Saturdays or after school for children. These include computer graphics, sculpture, drawing, painting, jewelry and metalsmithing, photography, illustration, fashion design, watercolor, patternmaking, ceramics, figure studies and more.

The faculty is very dedicated and is considered the heart of the school’s educational program.

The Baum School partners with the community and the Allentown school district to help supplement art instruction for students. These programs are held throughout the school year and in summer: The City Arts Program -- a summer program held as a full day experience one week each summer. Approximately 30 children study and create on a shared basis with the following Allentown arts centers: The Baum School of Art, Symphony Hall, the Allentown Art Museum, Repertory Dance Theater and Theater Outlet.

“We see children come in insecure,

The Art Walk Program shy, looking at their feet, and within -- a two-day event held six to eight months they are much in April of each year in more confident and outgoing, collaboration with the high-fiving everyone as they come Allentown Symphony through the door.” – Carolyn Clarke, Association, The Director of Development, CMS Allentown Art Museum and The Baum School of Art. Approximately 300 children from Allentown schools are invited to join this cultural learning experience in April.

Communities in Schools -- Students who are in 9th and 10th grade in the Allentown School District attend art classes at The Baum School of Art for their art credits. Approximately 60 students attend classes each year.

Elect- ASD program for young mothers offers meaningful and interesting art classes for young women in the Elect Program at Allen High School. This program was conceived to offer incentive to stay in school and teach life skills to young mothers. 25 students attend two sessions per year.

Young Artist Program, organized through The Lehigh County

(Continued on page 14)

(Continued from page 13) Office of Probation, provides art classes to teens on probation on a weekly basis. The program, which was established in April 2005, encourages students to express themselves in a safe, creative environment. Started for high school students in the Allentown School District, this program has now expanded to include middle school students and other school districts in Lehigh County.

The Arts Ovation Scholarship Program is presented by The Allentown Arts Commission. Three high school students from Wm. Allen, Dieruff and Central Catholic High Schools receive a full year of classes at The Baum School of Art in fall, winter and spring.

Lehigh Valley Performing Arts High School “My daughter was in theatre all through middle school and high school. The theatre was a stable environment for her. She knew where she belonged. All the kids were so accepting of each other. There was nothing to do with cliqueyness. There was a bond that says, ‘We’re all in this together.’”

– Kathi Swanson, middle school teacher and mother of Emmaus High School graduate, now at NYU.

Since 2003, our area has been home to the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts. LVPA offers a comprehensive academic and artistic program for students in grades 9 through 12 who have demonstrated a passion and talent for a particular art form.

LVPA is a fully accredited public school, tuition-free, with a college preparatory curriculum designed to develop individual potential while preparing students for college and the workplace. Honors level courses are available in every discipline, and advanced placement courses are available in English, American History, Art History, Music Theory and Spanish. In addition to college preparatory classes, each student spends three hours each day in a specified arts discipline of his or her choice: dance, figure skating, instrumental music, theatre, visual art or vocal music. Entrance to LVPA is by audition. “LVPA believes that experience in the arts teaches students skills that they need to be successful learners. The premise of LVPA’s integrated curriculum is that students who are involved in the arts develop fundamental cognitive capacities that improve their thinking and problem-solving abilities. What we have found is that students who are passionately involved in their learning experience, and are challenged to be their best, are excited to be in school and work harder to succeed.” (Source: LVPA.org) Currently, the student population is 448, with the staff to student ratio at 1 to 11, and 123 students in the senior class.

Small class sizes are an attractive feature for many students, both in their chosen artistic area and academically. LVPA is located in Bethlehem; LVPA students come from a ninecounty region across eastern Pennsylvania. Participating school districts provide bus service for LVPA students.

LVPA showcases students’ work in a number of student performances and art exhibitions. Currently through March

4, there a student/ alumni art collection is on exhibit at the Banana Factory. You can find a schedule at: www.LVPA.org.

LVPA Charter Middle School

A charter has been approved for the The Lehigh Valley Arts Academy Charter Middle School, which is being organized

by Dr. Thomas Lubben, founder of LVPA Charter High School. The Arts Adam Pile and Katie Gigler in the Academy will serve Lower Macungue Middle School’s grades five through 2010 production, “Adventures eight, focusing In Dating”. Photo Courtesy of Kathi on the arts, and is Swanson, Capturing Candids. scheduled to open in fall of 2012. An eight period day will be divided into four academic periods, lunch, two artistic specialty classes, and an “arts enrichment” class for all students. Pre-enrollment is currently being accepted. Go to http://artsacademycharterschool.org.

Arts Programs are Strong in All LV Area School Districts The arts hold such a strong presence in our Parkland School District that it holds its own arts festival yearly in May. “The Parkland Festival of the Arts is dedicated to providing an annual venue for the various forms of visual and performing arts found within the school district’s student population and the community it serves.” (Source: www.parklandsd.org)

The Parkland Arts Festival is scheduled for May 17 through 19, 2012. The events include: • Parkland High School Student Art Show • 3rd Annual Family & Consumer Science Art of Living Show • Spring Chorus Concert • FOTA Battle of the Bands • Parkland Stardust Diner and the “Wheels of Time” Car Show • Artists on the Quad – Parkland High School Quad • Dance Showcase The Allentown School District exerts extraordinary effort to give all students an opportunity to pursue their artistic talent: • Allentown Academy of the Arts (AAA) at William Allen High School was established to provide a quality arts education to talented students.

• Arts integrated specialists in the elementary schools to help teachers incorporate library, art, music, and physical education into classroom lessons.

• A coordinated volunteer program. For more information visit www.allentownsd.org/start.

The Allentown School District will hold its second annual High Notes Gala organized by the Foundation for Allentown City Schools. To celebrate innovation and the performing arts in Allentown School District, the evening will feature a reception in the theater lobby, and dinner in the Rodale Room followed by a high energy performance by middle and high school students presenting excerpts from their schools’ spring musicals. The evening will also include an auction of works by noted local artists who are all Allentown School District alumni. For more information contact Debora Roberson, Debora@robersonbutz.com.

Freddy Award

Nothing spotlights the focus on the arts in our Lehigh Valley more than the Freddy Awards. Beginning in 2003, the State Theatre Center for the Arts and WFMZ Channel 69, broadcast a three-hour, live television show to recognize and reward outstanding achievement in local high school musical theater. The FREDDY© Awards served as the TONY®’s for regional high schools from the Lehigh, Northampton and Warren County, NJ region. Aired from Easton’s State Theatre, it is estimated that this program directly involves over 2,900 students in our area each year.

The following area High School Musicals will participate in the 2011-2012 Freddy Awards, State Theatre, May 24, 2012.

Hello, Dolly!

by Bangor High School March 1,2 – 7:00pm March 3 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm CATS

by Southern Lehigh High School March 1,2,3 – 7:30pm March 4 – 2:00pm 484.919.3851 Aida – School Edition

by Saucon Valley High School March 1,2 – 7:30pm March 3 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm March 4 – 2:00pm Buy tickets at Pondelek’s Florist & Gifts (Cash & Check Only) or call 610.838.

Damn Yankees

by Easton Area High School March 2 – 7:00pm March 3 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm March 4 – 2:00pm 610.250.2481 ext. 32064 Barnum

by Northwestern Lehigh High School

March 8,9,10 – 7:00pm March 11 – 2:00pm 610.298.8661 ext. 2267 or

510 510 Linden Linden Street Street P.O. P.O. Box Box 653 653 Allentown, Allentown, PA PA 18105 18105

SUMMER ART CAMP

1&2 week summer camps morning, afternoon, or all day camps

June 18 - August 17 Ages 5-17 (610)433-0032 www.baumschool.org

Seussical by Allentown Central Catholic March 29,30,31 – 7:00pm April 1 – 2:30pm acchsmusic.org Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

by Catasauqa High School March 29,30,31 – 8:00pm April 1 – 2:00pm 610.697.0111, ext.21117 Guys and Dolls

by Emmaus High School Showings: April 11,12,13 – 7:00pm April 14 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm Les Miserables – School Edition

by Liberty High School April 12,13,14 – 7:00pm Tish Alderiso – 610.837.4745 Hello, Dolly!

Parkland High School Showings: April 12,13 – 7:30pm April 14 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm 610.351.5665

13 by Belvidere High School March 9 – 7:00pm March 10 – 11:00am & 7:00pm 908.475.4025 ext. 200 V.M. 734

Once Upon a Mattress Whitehall High School April 13 – 7:30pm April 14 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm April 15 – 2:00pm 610.437.5081 ext.93270

Gypsy

by Northern Lehigh High School March 9 – 7:00pm March 10 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm March 11 – 2:00pm 484.357.2282

The Wizard of Oz Bethlehem Catholic High School April 13,14 – 7:00pm April 15 – 2:00pm April 20,21 – 7:00pm 610.866.0791 ext.18

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast by Wilson High School March 9 – 8:00pm March 10 – 3:00pm & 8:00pm March 11 – 3:00pm 484.373.6034

A Chorus Line William Allen High School April 19,20,21 – 7:00pm April 22 – 2:00pm

Thoroughly Modern Millie

by Freedom High School March 15,16,17 – 7:00pm March 18 – 2:00pm Millie Wescoe – 610.867.5843 big, The Musical

by Northampton High School March 29,30,31 – 7:30pm 610.262.7812

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

Singin’ In The Rain Nazareth Area High School April 20,21 – 7:30pm April 22 – 2:00pm April 27,28 – 7:30pm April 29 – 2:00pm 610.759.1730 ext. 2081 Hairspray Dieruff High School April 26,27 – 7:00pm April 28,29 – 2:00pm 484.765.5500

15

Are you a professional that works with children or families?

Join our Pediatric Professional’s Networking Group. We meet at noon on the 2nd Thursday of each month to exchange information and network with other professionals. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch!

Contact Laura at Editor@LehighValleyFamily.com for more information.

Pianists and violinists by age six Composers while still in preschool PA Cyber Class of 2012 & 2017

For The Lows Brothers, Someday Is Today.

Our life.

Yeeray played piano at age four and violin at age six. Yeerem began playing both piano and violin at age three. So music, obviously, is the driving force in our life. It’s made finding a well-rounded education difficult—how many public schools can really handle child prodigies?

Our choice. The boys being accepted at Juilliard in New York meant we had to find a more flexible option for traditional studies. Finding a qualified cyber school with curriculum, books and everything prepared made it easy for us as parents and helped our boys focus on learning.

Our school.

PA Cyber. It gave them the opportunity and the flexibility to pursue music at that level without sacrificing education. Without PA Cyber, we don’t think it would be possible. Believe me, with all they have to offer, it’s very hard not to fall in love with PA Cyber.

It’s the kind of public school you always hoped for your children someday… available today.

Learn more at www.pacyber.org or by calling 1-888-PACYBER (722-9237).

Build your own school... out of choices, not bricks.

The Killer Lurking In Your Mouth

Barstools, chairs, table tops, table bases, banquet chairs and tables and more!

By Dr. Robert E. Sanford, DMD, LLC Lehigh Valley Center for Dental Heath

A

re you kissable? If you have gum disease – maybe not.

And why not? Because gum disease is primarily a bacterial infection. You can pass this infection on to someone else – girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, children.

Do you have it? Is it dangerous?

These are the signs:

1. Red, swollen, tender gums (Pain is

usually a late sign.).

2. Gums that bleed while brushing, flossing, or eating. (Even a little bit now and then is not a good sign.)

3. Loose gums, bite changes, spaces that develop between teeth. (These are signs that the jawbone near the teeth is melting away from the infection.)

4. Pus between the gums and teeth. (If you’ve had it a while you may not even be aware of it, but truthfully, other people around you are because it causes sign number five.

5. Persistent BAD Breath (Most people won’t tell you – just avoid you.)

Is it dangerous?

As we are finding out, you bet!

When plaque stays on the teeth too long, the plaque bacteria burrows into the gums and eats tiny holes in the gum lining, causing blood to leak from the bloodstream into your mouth. The dangerous part is that the bacteria can get into your bloodstream and damage your health. This can help lead to an assortment of physical problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

And yes, it can happen to you, especially if you are vulnerable. I have seen patients who needed surgery to replace heart valves damaged by gum disease. I have seen a patient with a full heart transplant because his heart was damaged due to gum disease, and also a patient with a brain abscess. These are extremely serious matters.

Where do you get gum disease?

Babies are not born with it.

You got it from someone else. The good news – it is treatable, but not like it has been treated in the past. Not if you really want to be sure you have it under control. Scraping the gums and teeth alone won’t do it. That’s just treating the symptoms; and that is why your gum disease symptoms are back quickly or are out of control again.

For your restaurant, business or home we have it all. Save money at our online store at OutdoorRestaurantSeating.com

At Dr. Sanford’s office, we are resolute about doing our best to eradicate or control gum disease and cavities to keep you and your family healthy and well. If you have had one cavity in the last three years, in our opinion, that’s one cavity too many.

Dr. Sanford is affiliated with The Centers For Dental Medicine and treats gum disease and cavities with the latest evidenced-based protocols.

For more answers about gum disease, cavities or any related dental questions, and for an appointment call: 610-8206000 or check his website at www.

LehighValleyCenterForDentalHealth. com. Saving lives, one smile at a time.

UTDOOR Restaurant Furniture Allentown, PA

610-994-1686

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

17

Ask Dr. Mary

Lehigh Valley Family’s Women’s Health Extraordinaire!

Dispelling the Myths of Pregnancy, Part 1

By Dr. Mary Greiss-Coult, Seasons of Life OBGyn

D

espite the fact that women have been experiencing pregnancy since the dawn of time (literally!), there are still a lot of misconceptions, false information, and old wives’ tales surrounding this blessed event. As an OBGyn, I always find myself educating patients about the changes their bodies are experiencing while fielding questions about the validity of something her cousin said about her pregnancy or debunking information she found randomly on the internet. Women are always daydreaming about what their baby will be like, based on the symptoms they are experiencing. They want to know if their growing fetus will still be healthy if they do this or that.

In this two-part series of articles, I hope to address some of these questions while sorting out fact from fiction. This entry focuses on some of the most common questions about the symptoms of pregnancy and changes in the mother’s body.

The Great Gender Debate:

There is probably no topic with more misconceptions surrounding it than trying to predict a baby’s gender through completely unrelated findings! If you have morning sickness or morning sickness that turns into “all-day” sickness, it does not mean you are having a girl -- it means you are more sensitive to the change in hormones produced by your pregnancy. If your urine is bright yellow, it does not mean that you are definitely having a boy -- it means you are taking a prenatal vitamin! The woman with a belly that is “high” or “all out in front” is no more likely to have a boy than the woman with a belly that is “low” or “carrying wide in back” is likely to have a girl -- you are carrying your pregnancy due to the shape of your pelvis and your body type. Your baby’s heart rate is also in no way predictive of the gender. In fact, during the last few weeks of pregnancy, a baby’s heart rate will decrease, regardless, due to the maturity of the fetal heart and nervous system. The line, “You are what you eat” may be true, but it does not predict your baby’s gender.

Craving sweet things or sour things holds no relationship to the sex of a fetus. The only way to know for sure what your baby will be is to undergo genetic testing either by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. A reliable but less invasive approach is to find out by ultrasound in the second trimester…or to just be surprised at delivery!

Heartburn And Hair:

Contrary to what your grandmother may have told you,

having a lot of heartburn during your pregnancy does not necessarily mean that your baby Photo Courtesy of Pix-Ology, LLC. will come out toting a full head of hair! Heartburn is caused by the delayed emptying of the stomach especially as the growing uterus occupies more space in the abdomen. That’s why heartburn tends to get worse as a pregnancy progresses. A lot of bald babies are born to mommies who had a box of Tums in every room of their house. If you have a lot of heartburn and your baby is born with a head of curly locks, it is only coincidence.

Stretch Marks And How To Stop Them:

Try not to go too crazy with those over-the-counter stretchmark creams for your belly. The fact is that whether your lather up with lotion or not, you will still get those silver and red marks if you are destined to get them. Stretch marks form where there are breaks in the collagen of your skin. How your skin is able to stretch during a pregnancy is more of a genetic trait than the outcome of staying well-moisturized.

There has never been any proof that any cream or ointment, regardless of what it contains or how much it costs, will prevent stretch marks from forming. If you are lucky enough to avoid these marks, you have only your family tree to thank.

Dropping of the belly and the mucous plug:

It is true that a pregnant belly tends to “drop” closer to delivery. It is also possible to lose the mucous plug before you deliver. However, the amount of time between when these events occur and when you will deliver is still anybody’s guess.

The appearance of the pregnant abdomen changes as the baby enters deeper into a mother’s pelvis. For some women this event starts earlier than for others. It is usually more related to the shape of the pelvis, the amount of circulating relaxin hormone which helps your joints to mobilize for childbirth, and the number of times your body has held a pregnancy before. The mucous plug is a glob of goo that does in fact plug the cervix after a pregnancy starts to develop. It is one of the body’s defenses, preventing bacteria from entering the uterus and infecting the baby. Some women lose it weeks

18 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

before delivery while others would never even know it exists.

Regardless, if you lose it, there is absolutely no need to try and find it.

Baby’s size and the changing due date:

The due date of a pregnancy can be determined by several factors. The earliest method of deciding on a due date is by the first day of the last menstrual period. This date can be changed if a dating ultrasound estimates the age of the pregnancy to be significantly different later on. However, once a pregnancy has been well-established and its dating has been set, few things will change that due date. The due date does not change just because a later ultrasound estimates a different date. It also doesn’t change just because the baby seems “big” or “small” for the age of the pregnancy. A big baby will not necessarily deliver sooner than a smaller baby with the same due date. Excluding any complications in a pregnancy (like blood pressure problems, diabetes, growth restrictions, etc.), the size of a baby is more related to genetic factors of the mother and father and in no way predicts when it will deliver.

Stay tuned for the next issue when I will address the myths and misinformation surrounding common activities in pregnancy…. how you should eat, sleep, exercise, and relax!

Bring home high quality healthcare from compassionate and capable providers.

PSA HealthCare is a home care agency that provides nursing and home health aide care to special needs children and adults in Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Montgomery and Schuylkll Counties. PSA has a team of caring professionals with the technical skills, knowledge and commitment to provide the highest level of quality care.

PSA specializes in providing care to technology dependent children and adults.

Call today for your free in home evaluation.

Allentown 1605 N. Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 109 Allentown, Pa18104 610-439-5700 • www.psakids.com

Learn more aboout Seasons of Life Obstetrics and Gynecology PC located at 1611 Pond Road Suite 102 Allentown, PA 18104 610-366-7444 at www.SeasonsofLifeObGyn.com, or see their ad on page 2.

Pregnancy Study!

Researchers in Lehigh UniversityÕs Psychology Department are seeking a diverse sample of pregnant women for a study of stress during pregnancy and the early postpartum period.

Participation involves completing occasional surveys between the sixth month of pregnancy and six weeks postpartum. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Compensation will be provided.!

For more information or to volunteer, please email incope@lehigh.edu or call 610-758-4591.!

Bethany Christian Preschool

Now Registering for Fall 2012 - Programs for 3-5 yrs. old Contact Robin Hagy at 610-395-3613 x29

Moms Morning Out Program

Christian Based Informal/Instructional Day Program Summer Program for Children 18 months to 2 nd Grade Fall 2012 Program 18 months to 5 years of Age Contact Jennie Weitzel for more info 610-395-3613 x40 Both Programs located at 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville, PA

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

19

Everyday Adventures

W

(Family Features) Photo courtesy of Getty Images

hen someone asks you, “What’s new?” do you have a hard time coming up with an answer?

Or are you just tired of doing the same old thing, but don’t know how to break out of the rut? Then you need a little adventure in your day.

As a former professional BMX rider and the host of MTV’s “The Challenge,” TJ Lavin knows a thing or two about adventure. He’s seen highs, by winning medals in several X Games, and lows through suffering serious injuries last year.

But his sense of adventure remains – and drives him to pursue other passions, such as music.

TJ says being adventurous isn’t limited to extreme sports, and anyone can add a little adventure to their daily life. He has teamed up with SOYJOY to encourage you to make your life a little more adventurous. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Put yourself out there. Think of something you haven’t

done before, maybe even something that scares you a little bit, and try it. It definitely gets the heart pumping, but you’ll feel amazing once you’ve done it, and you may even find you have a knack for something surprising. Don’t let feeling silly or self-conscious get in your way either. If you haven’t tried kick-boxing, yoga or spin class at the gym, just wing it and make it happen.

• Expand your horizons. If traveling is in the budget, take a trip to that place you’ve always wanted to visit. If traveling’s not possible now, TJ suggests taking a mini getaway by spending a night camping at a nearby campground. Or expand your cultural horizons by trying new foods, attending local cultural festivals, watching foreign movies, or reading up on the fascinating cultures from around the world.

• Learn something new. Stimulating the brain with

new information challenges and strengthens your neural connections and actually helps your brain perform better.

TJ took up playing the piano, and while he admits he’s not the best at it, he loves the feeling you get when learning something new. So take a class in something you’ve always been interested in. Whether it’s music like TJ, photography, writing, cooking, or a foreign language – you can find any number of opportunities through community colleges, parks and rec departments, museums and with local professionals.

• Be a tourist in your own hometown. There may be some adventures waiting for you right outside your door. Take a different route to work, ride your bike instead of driving, or spend the afternoon in a neighborhood you haven’t visited before. If you haven’t gone to some of the local treasures – the history museum or the bistro everyone’s always talking about – play tourist for a day and discover everything your town has to offer.

• Get more social. Strong social connections are good for your overall health and well-being. And they can open up your world to new people and experiences. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. You can also open your life to new adventures by getting a pet. TJ has found that animals bring a lot of joy to his life and suggests adopting if you can.

Animals can make you both more adventurous and more social at the same time.

You’ll get more out of life when you refuse to settle for the same old, same old. SOYJOY is the perfect balanced snack to fuel you through life’s adventures – whatever they may be. So get out of the rut and put a little adventure into every day. And keep an eye on SOYJOY’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/soyjoy, for more expert advice.

20 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

10 Great Bike Rides in theLehigh Valley

By Jeff Tintle, Lehigh Valley Family

Y

ou don’t need to go far to find good off-road biking.

Whether you are looking for wide, flat easy riding on railroad beds turned bike path or technical single trail our local area has what you are seeking. In fact, the options are so great that we threw in an 11th bonus ride.

For more information, visit the local mountain biking club website for the Valley Mountain Bikers at http://bikevmb. com/trailfinder.

parkway.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie A full service mountain resort featuring technical mountain biking trails. www.skibearcreek.com / http://bikevmb.com/trail/bear-creekmountain-resort

Nockamixon State Park, Ottsville http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/nockamixon. aspx / http://bikevmb.com/trail/nockamixon-state-park

Delaware Canal Towpath, Easton Multi-use, multi-surface path leading from Easton to Bristol. http://bikevmb.com/trail/delaware-canal-towpath Ironton Rail Trail, Whitehall Multi-use, multi-surface path that goes through the Whitehall/Coplay area. http://bikevmb.com/trail/ironton-rail-trail Jacobsburg State Park, Belfast A Pennsylvania State Park featuring beginner through intermediate multi-use mountain biking trails. http://bikevmb.com/trail/jacobsburg-state-park Jordan Creek Parkway, Allentown www.lehighcounty.org / http://bikevmb.com/trail/jordan-

Lehigh Canal Towpath, Allentown Multi-use, multi-surface path leading from Allentown to Easton. http://bikevmb.com/trail/lehigh-tow-path Lehigh Parkway, Allentown Multi-use, multi-surface path in the center of Allentown. http://bikevmb.com/trail/lehigh-parkway

Palmer Township Trails, Palmer Township The eight-to-twelve- foot wide macadam beds easily accommodate cycling, rollerblading and jogging enthusiasts alike.

South Mountain Wildlands Conservancy, Emmaus Technical mountain bike trails managed by the Wildlands Conservancy in Emmaus. http://bikevmb.com/trail/south-mountain-emmauswildlands-conservancy Walking Purchase Park, Salisbury An Immediate/Advanced ride, this multi-use trail system was designed, constructed and is maintained by the Valley Mountain Bikers group. http://bikevmb.com/trail/walking-purchase-park-salisbury

“C” is for Classic A Primer On Style That Never Goes Out Of Style

Y

ou may have heard the saying that everything old is new again, but there are some things that just never go out of style. What is “classic style” – and how can you incorporate those special touches into your every day?

Jane Lilly Warren, Katie Armour and Fallon Hogerty are the creative forces behind www.MatchbookMag.com, an online magazine that serves as a “guide to a charmed life.” The women of Matchbook delight in a variety of classic styles and icons - from Chanel and Jackie O to contemporary stylemakers such as John Derian and Jemma Kidd. Here, they share the basics about classic style for home décor as well as for the wardrobe.

What Defines Classic Style?

“A classic is something that has stood the test of time and proven to be the best in its class,” said Warren. “It’s of high quality and is meant to last to be passed on through the generations.” Warren says that while you might invest in an H & M shirt that will last a couple of seasons, a Lacoste polo will be around – and in style – long enough to hand down to your kids.

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images “There’s definitely a timelessness to these things,” said Hogerty, “they have an ability to transcend eras.”

Modernized vintage designs are cropping up all over the place.

From the clothes modeled on fashion runways to the paint colors in your local hardware store, there seems to be a bit of a retro revival going on. Armour isn’t surprised.

“The world is changing faster than ever,” she said, “and we have seen such instability over the past few years in a vast array of sectors, that I think people are embracing the classics, in part, out of the stability and comfort that they provide.”

How To Incorporate Classic Style Into Your Life

If you’d like to bring some freshly vintage style to your home or wardrobe, the Matchbook mavens have these tips: • Study the classic tastemakers, such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis. By studying, one can get an idea of what classic pieces will stand the test of time.

• When buying that new coat or pair of shoes, think about what is well made and will last through the years – those will invariably be the classics in your wardrobe.

• When it comes to color, black is always in style and can complement any outfit. Black slacks, ballet flats, cardigan or

coat – you can’t go wrong.

• Short red nails, black mascara – sometimes it’s the simple things that add a classic pep to your step.

To Get Some Classic Style On A Budget:

• Rummage through flea markets for under-appreciated, timeless gems at a steal.

• Visit consignment shops for wardrobe bargains.

• Spruce up what you have – a coat of paint on a piece of furniture can do wonders.

• A little pizzazz goes a long way. Maybe you can’t afford the yards of lavish fabric you want for curtains or a sofa – but try using some for a throw pillow.

Visit www.MatchbookMag.com for fashion and décor inspiration, interviews with the hottest style makers, as well as glimpses behind the scenes of some of your favorite style icons.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

– Coco Chanel Classic Jewelry And Accessories:

1. Pearl studs (high quality replicas are just as good as the real thing) 2. A pearl necklace 3. Yellow-gold charm bracelet 4. Dark sunglasses 5. A silk square scarf (to tie around your hair or your handbag)

Top 5 Classic Pieces For Your Home: 1. Monogrammed towels 2. Good china (Finish your set with pieces from www.replacements. com or www.chinaandcrystal.com.)

3. Fine art that speaks to you (Some resources for inexpensive art: www.art.com, www.20x200.com, www.ugallery.com.)

4. Fresh blooms — they’ll brighten up any room 5. Unique, over-sized coffee table books (about your favorite artists, vacation destinations, fashion designers, etc.) can take a coffee table from boring to spectacular

Living a Stylish Life

Top 10 Classic Musts For Every Wardrobe: 1. A crisp, well-fitted white oxford 2. Black cigarette pants 3. A trench coat 4. A cashmere sweater (Land’s End is a great resource for cashmere, both inexpensive and high-quality.)

5. Black ballet flats 6. Little black dress 7. Flattering pair of dark wash denim jeans 8. A black pencil skirt 9. A wrap dress (they’re flattering on nearly every figure) 10. Invest in one trendy piece per season which you can add to your classic wardrobe.

• Embracing the spirit of classic style is about more than what you wear. It’s about approaching life with a certain “joie de vivre” that celebrates even the little things that make life a bit more stylish.

• View the world through rose-colored glasses.

• Love to throw dinner parties, even if you burn the toast.

• Be the first to laugh at your own bad jokes.

• Paint your nails bright coral even when you are feeling blue.

• Be infinitely curious and always up for learning and adventure.

• Pen hand-written notes.

• Have a skip in your step and twinkle in your eye that comes from internal happiness.

Ready for An Adventure?

5 Reasons for You and Your Family to Try Horseback Riding

By Noemi Debriano, A Bit of Luck Farm

1. Horseback riding is a great form of exercise. Horseback

riding is very physical. It works muscles that other forms of exercise cannot. Your back, legs, arms and core get worked all at the same time. It improves your balance and core strength too! Riding is a fun way to burn as many calories as you would running on that boring treadmill for an hour!

2. It Builds Confidence and Teaches Leadership Skills.

Think about it: YOU are on top of a 1,000 lb animal’s back and YOU are in control! When you ride a horse, YOU are the leader! Your horse looks to you for direction. Riding also teaches you trust and respect, how to receive it and return it!

Riding requires a MUTUAL respect relationship, both you and your horse need to respect each other. In turn, it also teaches you partnership and friendship.

3. It brings the family together. Any horse related task is

a great bonding activity. Whether it’s going to horse shows, brushing one of the school ponies, going to lessons to learn how to ride together or even just supporting one of your family members as they ride. Horses have a lot to teach us about communication skills as well. Horses teach you to speak an unspoken language. A horse doesn’t understand human spoken language so it forces you to open up to new ways of communication. Learning new things together really brings people together.

4. It teaches us is responsibility. When you become

interested in riding horses, not only do you learn how to ride and communicate with a horse, but you learn how to take care of them as well. Children who grow up around horses and learn to care for them and take responsibility for them in turn learn compassion.

5. It is just plain fun! You make new friends both 4-legged

and 2-legged. Riding horses can quickly grow from just a hobby to a passion. There is something for everybody when it comes to riding horses! Different breeds and disciplines suit different people; there really is something in it for everyone!

To learn more about A Bit of Luck Farm, visit www.ABitofLuckFarm.com.

Fun Facts!

-> The lifespan of a squirrel is about nine years.

-> Many sharks lay eggs, but hammerheads give birth to live babies that look like duplicates of their parents. They are usually born headfirst, with the tip of their hammer-shaped head folded backward to make them more streamlined.

-> Gorillas sleep as much as fourteen hours per day.

-> President Teddy Roosevelt died from an “infected tooth.”

-> President Theodore Roosevelt was the first to announce to the world that Maxwell House coffee is “Good to the last drop.”

-> A reward of $1,000 was offered for information leading to the capture and conviction of a man robbing taxi drivers. The man turned himself in and demanded the reward as a result. He received a 20 year sentence for aggravated robbery instead.

-> A couple robbing a store caught on camera could not be identified until the police reviewed the security tape. The woman filled out an entry form for a free trip prior to robbing the store.

-> Americans eat more than 22 pounds of tomatoes every year. More than half this amount is eaten in the form of ketchup and tomato sauce.

-> A sneeze travels out of your mouth at over 100 mph.

-> 2 in 5 people marry their first love.

24 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Stretch Your Brain...

Speed Talk!

Try these Mad Gabs Mad Gabs? Whatcha sayin? These are fun for a group game or ice breaker - or just fun to figure out on your own. They are a group of words, that at first glance and first saying don’t make sense... but say them SLOWLY and LISTEN to what you hear to figure out what the phrase is.

Ex: Common Firm Their Rain = Come In From The Rain

Can you figure out these WUZZLES? “What’s a wuzzle”, you ask? A wuzzle is a saying/phrase that is made up of a display of words, in an interesting way. The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, place, or thing that each wuzzle is meant to represent.

A.

1. Abe An An Appeal 2. Abe Autumn Lisp Hit

B.

3. Abe Ax tree Tally 4. Abe Hair Heat Rash You’re 5. Abe Hum Pen Thin Height 6. Abe Odd Hull Up Hop

Answers on page 5!

7. Abe Rye Tidy Yeah 8. Abe Who Beat Wrap 9. Able Ankle Hook 10. Able Hiss Heard

Better Grades, Higher Scores With Club Z! One-On-One, In-Home Tutoring!

s All Subjects s PreK-Adult s Reading s Writing s Math s Study Skills s SAT/ACT/PSSA Prep s Affordable Rates s Qualified Tutors

R

610-351-3500 www.clubz.com/LehighValley

Save Money on Groceries by Being an Intentional Shopper

By Jason White, FrugalDad.com

O

ver the weekend I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. Since we were set on meats and produce, I found myself wandering the aisles more than usual – seeing what was on sale and checking prices of a few of our favorites.

backwards. Start by planning a few meals you and your family would like to have over the next several days, then list the required ingredients for those meals. Check your pantry to see what you have on hand and add any missing items to your grocery list.

Before I knew it, my shopping cart was half-full, and I knew my trip to the store to “pick up a couple things” would likely cost much more than the mission name implied. So it goes when shopping without a list. $38! I spent $38 essentially on junk. Well, it wasn’t all junk, but the very large majority of it was junk. And by junk in this context I mean things that can’t generally be used to make a meal – sodas, chips, a couple dessert items, some frozen items from the “Snack” case, etc. No ingredients, no staples, no meats, no vegetables.

but experience tells me that when I shop with a list I save money. I also forget less things, which requires a return trip to the store which offers more opportunity to spend unintentionally.

2. Always shop with a list. I can’t cite any official study,

3. Shop once a week. The enforcement of this rule alone

will make you a more intentional grocery shopper. If you know this is your once-a-week visit to the grocery store you are more likely to plan and make a complete list so as to avoid a trip again later in the week.

I loaded up the items in my truck and reflected a bit about the grocery trip, wondering how many times I’ve shopped like this in the past and thought nothing of it. I violated nearly every rule in the book of frugal grocery shopping – I didn’t have a list, I had not planned any meals, I was hungry, etc, etc.

I decided from now on I would try to be an “intentional grocery shopper.” That is, I would do a better job of planning before I went to the store.

I would seek out only the things I needed to fit my meal plan and nothing more.

How to Become an Intentional Grocery Shopper

1. Plan meals a week (or two) in advance. One of the easiest ways to plan a shopping list is to work

26 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

4. Use coupons. I am not the best coupon sorter. Some people seem to have it down to a science – it comes naturally to them. Not me. Still, I could probably save $5 – $10 per trip to the grocery store without even trying just by using the coupons in the current Sunday paper. Imagine the damage I could if I actually invested the time to collect and sort them EVERY Sunday.

5. Stay away from the inside of the store. On my

most recent trip to the store I did the exact opposite. I avoided produce, meats and dairy and instead wandered the chip and cookie aisles for half an hour. Big mistake – unless I was targeting something very specific. From now on I will stick to the perimeter of the store, for the most part, stocking up on meats and fish, dairy and produce.

Find more money saving tips at www.FugalDad.com.

Grocery Budget Saving Ideas from our Facebook Group: - Our family uses a lot of store brands. Almost always, generic labels have the same recipe as name brand items.

The only difference is packing and a much lower price tag!

- Philip from Whitehall - I spend time looking over all of the Sunday sales fliers and utilizing coupons I’ve clipped to get even lower pricing.

- Kristine from Bethlehem - The internet has tons of printable coupons available that can be printed and used in the store just like traditional coupons.

- Heather from Northampton - Every other week, I plan 12 days worth of meals. I make a list for everything I need. This purposeful shopping has really cut my budget, by over $100 a month! Aside from having what I need on hand, we don’t have random food lying around that goes to waste or just gets eaten for the sake of using it up. This also saves our waistlines. I just have to dash into the store the next week for little things like milk and fresh produce.

- Sarah from New Tripoli

Dr. Robert Sanford, DMD His focus is on your health & Dental Wellness

LUXURY DOG CENTER Daycare ♦ Boarding ♦ Training Grooming ♦ Boutique

At Dr. Sanford’s office, we are resolute about doing our best to eradicate or control gum disease and cavities to keep you and your family healthy and well. If you have had one cavity in the last three years, in our opinion, that’s one cavity too many.

Dr. Sanford offers many services for all ages. He is affiliated with The Centers For Dental Medicine, and treats gum disease and cavities with the latest evidenced-based protocols. For more answers about gum disease, cavities or any related dental questions, and contact our office.

235 West Penn Ave. Alburtis, PA 18011 610-965-DOGS

www.coldnoselodge.com

610-820-6000 LehighValleyCenterForDentalHealth.com

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

27

April Showers Bring Flowers!

Enjoy these fun facts about flowers..

Want to send the right message? Here is a guide: Know your roses:

To a co-worker:

DAISIES Yellow: “We’re friends.”; or “I am betraying you.”

Red: “You’re my true love.”

White: “This is eternal love.”; or “I’m happy to be silent with you.”

Pink: “You’re full of grace.”

Black: “Death has separated us.”; or “I hate you.”

Lavendar: “Love at first sight.”

Blue: “You’re a mystery to me.”

• Four out of five women prefer getting flowers unexpectedly.

• In order to get one pound of the precious spice saffron, workers must hand pick the fibers from 80,000 saffron crocuses.

provide cheer

For the birth of a baby: Irises promote goodness

To an ill friend:

MARIGOLDS affirm resilience

For a first date:

For a Wedding: Orchids witness love

DAFFODILS demonstrate chilvary

For a girlfriend:

DAHLIAS

For a funeral: Lilies restore peace

admire elegance

For a parent:

HONEYSUCKLES acknowledge devotion

• 70 percent of U.S. flower purchases happen on these 5 holidays: - Christmas/Hanukah - Mother’s Day - Easter/Passover - Valentine’s Day - Thanksgiving

• The average floral purchase at a grocery store is $9. A professional florist purchase is four times more.

• Americans spend $ 6.2 billion on cut flowers annually.

28 March / April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

For a gradution: Gardenias wish luck • Ancient Greeks believed eating orchid tubers would help them produce sons.

• Roses are related to apples, raspberries, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears and almonds.

New Puppy? Its time for Puppy Kindegarten!

By Rayne Reitnauer, Cold Nose Lodge

A

new puppy has multiple visits to the veterinarian for examinations and vaccines. Proper nutrition and basic training are also integral parts of raising a healthy, well balanced dog.

The behavioral health of your dog is just as important as physical health, but is often overlooked or delayed.

At one time, the recommendation from veterinarians and breeders was to keep your puppy isolated until all vaccines had been given. That put many puppies at a huge disadvantage by causing them to miss out on this critical window of development. Purdue University’s Animal Behavior College began new protocol ten years ago. The new recommendation is to get the puppy started training ten days after the first round of vaccines.

An important component of this is puppy socialization. Puppies need to be exposed to as many different people, places, things and other animals as possible before the age of four months. These should all be positive experiences, so they should be planned. These exposures should be controlled, meeting only healthy dogs and friendly people.

By teaching your puppy that new experiences can be fun, you are creating a dog that adapts easily to new experiences and even welcomes them. Socialization is sometimes referred to “vaccinating against scary things.” This type of controlled socialization is found in a good puppy kindergarten class. The puppies in class all are current on vaccines, have had a negative fecal test, and are in general good health.

Puppy Kindergarten classes usually meet once a week and run four to six weeks. Basic commands, good manners and problem prevention will be covered. Fun activities for the puppies are actually great learning experiences for them. They should have some off-leash play time to help with body coordination, communication with other dogs, and to burn off some energy. Obstacle courses, using treats or toys as lures and rewards will teach the puppy that new experiences are fun.

Another fun game in puppy kindergarten is “pass the puppy.” The puppies and families gather in a circle, and the puppies make their way around the circle, getting treats, belly rubs and general praise from all the other families.

The most important part in the behavioral development of puppies is positive reinforcement. Teaching a puppy by forcing them to do something, whether that is pushing a bottom to the ground to sit or yanking on a collar will not earn your trust. Luring with praise, a toy, or treats and allowing the puppy to move at his own pace will lead to a welladjusted dog.

Learn more about Cold Nose Lodge at www.ColdNoseLodge.com.

Doggy Springtime Checklist Get Your Pooch Ready for Spring Fun!

Fleas. Be sure your pets are protected,

and if your dog is not on year-round flea and tick preventatives, now is the time to start administering them. Also, get in the routine of checking your dog for ticks after being outside.

Heartworm. Spring is the time to begin

administering heartworm preventatives if your dog is not already taking them yearround as recommended. Schedule a vet exam to ensure your dog’s heartwormfree, a necessary step before a prescription can be written for preventatives.

Safety First. If you don’t already have a

dog first aid kit, now is the time to create one or update it. Check with your vet to make sure your dog’s rabies vaccination is up to date.

Bath time. Schedule a trip to the groom-

er for a wash and trim. Don’t forget regular brushing, nail trimming and a routine to keep your dog’s teeth clean.

Spring cleaning. Wash your dog’s bed-

ding, clean your dog’s toys, and discard or repair them as needed. Clean, wash and disinfect your dog’s bowls, placemats, and grooming supplies too. And check the dates on your dog treats, discarding those with expired ‘use by’ dates.

Spring fashion. Update any outdated

or hard to read information on your dog’s ID tags as needed. Also, give your dog a fresh look with a new collar.

Have Fun. Plan a fun trip to a park or a

destination he or she enjoys. Take advantage of warmer weather and take longer walks.

Volunteer. As you clean your dog’s toys

and gear, keep your local shelter in mind.

They would appreciate the donations.

They’d also appreciate you donating your time.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

29

March

Make Something Delicious

Top 10 Things To Do 1. LVPA Pop & Jazz Ensemble Student Concert. A mix of favorites and origi-

nal music. March 2, 7:30 pm, Broughal Middle School, 114 West Morton St, Bethlehem.

2. “Skippyjon Jones” presented by the Bethlehem Children’s Theatre. Tickets are being sold locally at Party Warehouse (Easton) and all Lehigh Valley Wegman’s locations. Tickets are available at the door, but it is best to purchase them in advance. Northeast Middle School, 1170 Fernwood Street, Bethlehem.

March 3.

3. Teddy Bedrossian Ski-a-Thon. Saturday, March 3. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort. For skiers and snowboarders. To enhance educational opportunities for children with special needs at the Davidson School at Elwyn. Register at www.firstgiving.com/elwyn/teddy-bedrossian-ski-a-thon. For more information, contact Anna Sofio at anna_sofio@elwyn.org.

4. KEVA Build It Up! An interactive visitor experience in which all ages can enjoy showing off their design and building skills using the popular KEVA planks. KEVA Build It Up! is included with regular DaVinci Science Center admission. 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown. Through Apr 1.

5. The Valley Flower & Garden Show 2012 will be a fun and exciting trip for groups of all ages to view our exhibits and see what our retailers have to offer.

6. Eleemosynary. LVPA, 675 East Broad Street, Bethlehem. Examines the delicate relationship of three women: A grandmother, her daughter, and her greanddaughter. March 8-11.

7. “Stuart Little.” Pennsylvania Youth Theatre. This is the endearing classic about a mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family. The many adventures—both big and small—of Stuart Little are brought vividly to life in this story theatre presentation. March 23 – April 1. The Charles A Brown Ice House, 56 River Street, Bethlehem Pennsylvania.

8. CMS Student Recital. March 25. 1:30 pm Rodale Community Room Here music presented by CMS students. Includes flute choirs, piano and violin students and more. Music performed will include rock as well as jazz and classical. It is free, and open to the public!

9. “The Boys from Syracuse,” presented by the Lower Macungie Middle School theatre department. Based on Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors,” this musical tells the story of identical brothers separated in a shipwreck as children. When the two brothers, their wives and servants (also long-lost identical twins) meet in Ephesus, confusion and comedy lead them to discover each other’s true identities. March 29 & 30 - 7:30 pm; March 31 - 2:00 & 7:30 pm; 10. “Annie, Jr.”, presented by Eyer Middle School. “The depression-era New York and the ‘Hard-Knock Life’ of an orphanage may seem like a dreary setting, but not for a spunky young girl who never stops believing that ‘The sun will come out tomorrow!’” March 29, 30 – 7:00 pm; March 31 – 2:00 & 7:00 pm.

Thurs, & Fri. 7:00 pm. 5616 Buckeye Road, Macungie.

Salmon with Arugula Pesto Ingredients • 2 cups baby arugula leaves • 3/4 cup basil leaves • 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts • 2 cloves garlic, peeled • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt • 1 1/4 pounds salmon fillet • 1 cup dry white wine or vegetable broth • 1 pound angel hair pasta Directions Pesto: 1. In food processor, combine

arugula, basil, nuts and garlic.

Process 1 minute. Gradually add oil and process until blended. Add cheese and salt; process until smooth. Set aside 1 cup for recipe.

Refrigerate remainder for another use (up to 1 week).

Salmon and pasta:

2. Place salmon fillet in a large nonstick skillet. Add wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily. Remove from poaching liquid; keep warm. Discard liquid.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta following package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the water. Toss drained pasta with 1 cup pesto and 1/4 cup of the pasta water, adding more water if needed. Remove skin from salmon.

Flake fish into pasta and serve.

Celebrate March!

• International Expect Sucess Month

• Sing With Your Child Month

• National Umbrella Month

1-7: Write a Letter of Appreciation Week 4-10: Words Matter Week 19-25: Act Happy Week 26-31: National Cleaning Week 2: Dr. Seuss Day 3: National Anthem Day 12: Napping Day 18: Awkward Moments Day Grass is/ Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day 3030:March April 2012 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

April

Make Something Delicious

Top 10 Things To Do 1. Comedy Pet Theater, with Gregory Popovich. Comedy, juggling,

Cinnamon-Honey Crystal Almonds Ingredients: • 2 cups whole almonds • 1/2 cup honey • 2 tablespoons butter • 3/4 cup turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw®) • 1 tablespoon cinnamon Directions 1. Spread almonds on an ungreased baking sheet. Place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant, stir once to brown evenly. (Almonds will continue to roast a bit after you remove them from the oven, so be cautious not to make them too brown in the oven.)

2. Over medium heat in medium saucepan, heat honey and butter to boiling. Reduce heat to mediumlow, simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add almonds; simmer and stir 2 minutes.

3. Using slotted spoon, transfer almonds to baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray; spread in single layer and cool slightly.

4. Toss almonds with sugar and cinnamon to coat using a plastic food storage bag.

5. Place onto a clean baking sheet to dry and harden. Store in an airtight container.

and performing cats and dogs on Sunday, April 3, at 1 & 4:30 p.m. $20; $10/ages 10 and under.

2. “Pinkalicious,” The Musical. Pink-loving enthusiast turns pink from head to toe on Saturday, April 30, at 1 & 3:30 p.m. $20; $10/ages 10 and under. State Theatre Center for the Arts, 453 Northampton Street, Easton.

3. April 5, 6 – 7:00 pm. Musical “Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb, Bethany United Methodist Church, 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville. www.bethanyumchurch.com.

4. “Seussical Jr.” - Civic Theatre School students bring to life favorite Dr. Seuss characters in school matinees on Tuesday, April 12, and Wednesday, April 13, at 9 a.m. Call for ticket costs. Public performances run Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 15, at 6 p.m.; and Saturday, April 9 & 16, at 1 p.m. $12; $8/ages 12 and under. Civic Theatre of Allentown, 527 N. 19th Street, Allentown.

5. Free concert by the Bach Choir on Tuesday from 12:10 to 1 p.m. at Central Moravian Church, Main & Church Streets, Bethlehem. April 12. Call for information on how school groups may be accommodated.

6. Allentown Symphony Orchestra presents school matinees of its annual family concert on April 29 and May 2 at10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Program includes Dukas’s “Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” accompanied by Ballet Guild of the LV Dancers; Saint-Saëns’s “Danse Macabre”; Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King”; and Williams’s Harry’s “Wondrous World.” $6/student; one free chaperone per ten students. Study guides available. Public performance: May 1, 2 p.m. $15/adult; $8/child.

Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown.

7. String orchestra with instrumentalists from grades 5–9 performs on Sunday at 5 p.m. at Moravian College’s Foy Hall, Bethlehem. $7 in advance; $10 at door.

8. 2012 Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Saturday, April 21, 2012. Registration and Activities Open: 8:30 a.m. Walk Starts: 10:00 a.m. Lehigh Parkway, Park Drive, Allentown. For more information, see www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default. asp?ievent=993401.

9. March of Dimes Walk for Babies. April 22. Dorney Park, 3830 Dorney Park Road, Allentown. Walk Distance: 3.5 miles. Registration Time: 9:00 AM. Start Time: 10:00 AM. 10. St. Luke’s Half Marathon, 5K, Youth Run and Family Fun Walk. Sunday, April 29, 2012. Race Start Location: Allen High School, 126 North 17th St.,Allentown, PA. For details, go to www. stlukeshalfmarathon.com.

Celebrate April!

• Frog Month 1-7: Golden Rule Week 1: Sorry Charlie Day

• Keep America Beautiful Month 21-28: Money Smart Week

• Grilled Cheese Month

24-30: Scoop the Poop Week

2: National Love Our Children Day

23-28: Safe Kids Week

4: National Day of Hope 7: No Housework Day

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

31

Join us Sunday April 22, 2012 Dorney Park