Lehigh Valley Family February 2014

Family Lehigh Valley

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February 2014

Maple Syruping: Tour a Local Farm 6 Things to Know About Your Infant’s Sleep Don’t Go Stir-Crazy!

Ideas to keep kids busy and happy

Calendar of Events Do you Dare to Go Bare?

A primer on hosiery!

Family Lehigh Valley

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Editor

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Jeff Tintle, II Laura Putt

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Vicki Bezems

Jeff Tintle Sr. Art Villafane Kenrick Smith Amanda Furbeck

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T

FROM THE EDITOR

ypically, it irritates me when people complain about the season and yearn for the next. Life isn’t always comfortable, or ideal, but we need to make the best of what we are given each day. That being said, I really hope the groundhog does not see his shadow. It isn’t the snow or the frigid temperatures that are getting to me, but all of the days off of school – which translates into halted productivity for a work-at-home mom like me.

The first few days off, I was rolling with it. Enjoying the extra sleep and downtime with my kids was a nice change of pace. But then I started getting ansy as the stress of an uncompleted to-do list weighed on my mind and deadlines kept approaching at a rapid rate. It has been a challenge to remind myself that these days off with my young children are a gift that I will never again receive and I need to relax and savor each moment.

Here are some things I’ve learned during our time cooped up: - My son looks remarkably similiar to a young George W. Bush using the Photobooth app on our iPad. - S’Mores cookies are amazing. Even the 50th one of the day.

- My chin feels swingy after 50 cookies.

- Spaghetti squash fritters are also quite good, and don’t result in the swingy-chin effect. BUT, spaghetti squash-fritters are best eaten cut up, otherwise you will feel as though you are eating Hair-fritters.

Which I imagine are less delicious.

- Snow angels in one’s bathing suit can be quite refreshing and a challenge most will decline. Still, I don’t recommend it.

- When Facetiming with family or friends, don’t put the camera below face level, the evidence of cookie-binging will be on full display.

- There is such a thing as Face Yoga. Google it. It is hilarious to do with the kids. Or in the mirror when you think no one is watching.

- If you ever get the feeling you should stop tickling someone before they wet their pants, listen to that voice. Especially if the person is sitting in your lap.

- Dance parties are good fun and exercise, just make sure to use the kid’s versions, or your children will learn vocabulary that is less than desirable. There is no mistaking certain words when singing along at full blast.

If you too are beginning to go stir-crazy, check out our guide of things to do one pages 13-15. Enjoy these lazy, snow-bound days of winter making memories with those you love.

- Laura

February 2014 table of contents

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April 11-13

March 28-30

features 4

6 Things You Should Know About Your Infant’s Sleep

5 Fun Facts 6 Healthier Sweets for Your Sweetheart

8 Maple Syruping 10 Ease Into Your Goals 11 Do You Dare to go Bare?

13

A primer on when to wear hosiery

Don’t Go Stir-Crazy Guide

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

6 Things You Should Know About Your Infant’s Sleep

By Shawn Deiter, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers

Y

ou dreamed about the day your baby would arrive.

Your friends and family showered you with gifts of diapers and tiny outfits. At last, she’s here!

And suddenly all the fears rush in as you lay your newborn down to sleep. What if she stops breathing?

Certain sleep environments have been linked to an increased risk of accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 4,000 otherwise healthy infants (0-12 months old) unexpectedly die during sleep yearly in the United States.

Over half suffer from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death. Instead of peeking in the room every five minutes or being glued to the monitor, follow these tips for infants up to 12 months old to keep your child’s sleep environment safe and comfortable.

1. Cribs have expiration dates. It’s great that your

sister gave you her child’s crib. But how old is it? Older cribs have wider gaps between the rails which can create a strangulation hazard. Drop-sided cribs also run the risk of injuring your child. Do not use a broken or modified crib.

Your best bet— stick with a crib that meets current federal safety standards (presently, cribs sold after June 28, 2011).

2. Firmer is better.

As crib mattresses age, they become saggy or the coils may start to poke through. Reduce the risk of SIDS with a firm mattress. Avoid laying your infant on any soft sleep surface, especially your own bed.

4 February 2014

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3. Bare is best. To prevent accidental suffocation or

strangulation in bed, baby is the only thing that should go into the crib. Blankets, pillows, bumper pads and toys are all safety hazards. To keep your child warm, place her in a sleep sack (wearable blanket) over her sleep clothing.

4. Back to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics

recommends always placing infants on their backs to sleep.

Don’t use wedges or props to position the child.

5. Turn down the heat. To prevent an infant from

overheating, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests for room temperature between 65-70 F. Feel her ears and fingers.

If she’s hot, red, and sweaty, she’s too warm.

6. Think twice about swaddling. Although

swaddling is a common method used to calm a crying baby at home, child care centers are discouraged from following this practice. A swaddled infant that rolls onto her stomach, overheating from excessive swaddling, or swaddling too tightly could all increase the risk of serious health outcomes.1 A child develops best when allowed to assume another sleeping position by herself.

So forget the plush toys and turn down the heat this winter.

Using these best practices, you and your little one will enjoy a restful night of sleep— or at least, until it’s time for a feeding.

1 American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. 2011. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Early Care and Early Education Programs. 3rd Edition. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.

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FUN FACTS 160 cars can drive side by side on the Monumental Axis in Brazil, the world's widest road.

A cow produces 200 times more gas a day than a person.

A skunk can spray its stinky scent more than 10 feet.

A sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 m.p.h.

A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans.

About 70% of Americans who go to college do it just to make more money.

Baby robins eat 14 feet of earthworms every day.

Almost 25% of all school age children have a vision problem.

Every person has a unique tongue print.

Every time Beethoven sat down to write music, he poured ice water over his head.

Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.

Honeybees have hair on their eyes.

Human teeth are almost as hard as rocks.

Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

In Tokyo, they sell toupees for dogs.

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5

NUTRITION

frosting. Get the kids in the kitchen with Watermelon Cupcakes for a new take on the beloved classic. Served with pineapple cream cheese frosting, kids will love helping you decorate these darling delights.

If you really want to make their hearts skip a beat, carve an adorable Lips and Love Basket.

Fill it with all of your sweetie’s favorite fruits for a fresh, flavorful display they’ll devour in a heartbeat. Remember, nothing shows your love more than edible gifts crafted by hand. For more ideas, visit www.watermelon.org.

Bonus Benefits

Healthier Sweets for Your Sweetheart

I

Your sweetie will love that they can indulge in the sweetness of the holiday without the guilt or inflated waistline caused by traditional Valentine’s Day treats. A naturally low-calorie option, watermelon also boasts the following benefits: • Vitamin A: Known to enhance eye health and boost immunity by enhancing the infectionfighting actions of white blood cells.

• Vitamin B6: Helps the immune system produce antibodies which fight diseases.

• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system’s defenses against infections and viruses. It also protects the body from harmful free radicals which accelerate aging.

t’s easy to share in the fun of Valentine’s Day by serving those you love sweet treats that are a healthier alternative to ordinary, heart-shaped confections.

Forget the expensive flowers, wines and chocolates.

To really show you care, be a cupid and give your sweetie healthy, delicious treats that feature juicy watermelon. Naturally dressed in the holiday’s hue of vibrant red, using this fabulous fruit in recipes adds color to the spread of any Valentine’s Day party, whether large or intimate.

Mouthwatering Watermelon Treats For an elegant, upscale treat, serve Watermelon Petit Fours, which feature sweet watermelon, candied almonds and is topped with your favorite decadent

6 February 2014

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NUTRITION Lips and Love Basket

- 1 to 2 long, oval-shaped seedless watermelons - Cutting board - Green dry erase marker - Kitchen and paring knives - Melon baller - Assorted cookie cutters (X, O and heart shapes), if desired - Wooden skewers - Toothpicks - Strawberries - Fruits to make fruit salad filling - Large bowl and spoon Wash watermelon under cool running water and pat dry. On cutting board, place watermelon on its side and cut off 1/4 to 1/2 inch from stem end being careful not to cut too deep into white part of rind to provide sturdy base.

With marker, draw scalloped line around width of middle of watermelon. Use paring knife to cut along marker line, then separate the two halves. Use melon baller to scoop out watermelon for your base.

Cut top half of watermelon in half and use dry erase marker to draw large set of lips on one half. Use paring knife to cut out lips. Once you have general shape, carefully carve away rind. Use paring knife to shape lips into more finished look.

Cut remaining 1/4-inch-thick slices and cut hearts, X’s, O’s or other shapes, discarding rind.

Attach lips to top of base using wooden skewers and toothpicks.

Slice strawberries lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices, keeping strawberry tops on for decoration, if desired. Attach slice of strawberry with green top to center of each scallop using toothpick. Use rest of strawberry slices in fruit salad for fruit bowl.

Place fruit bowl on serving platter, fill with fruit salad and garnish with slices of fruit cut into hearts, X’s and O’s, if

Watermelon Petit Fours

Yield: 12 servings - 12 (3-inch) cubes of seedless watermelon - 3/4 cup frosting - 12 candied almonds - Sugar in the Raw, for sprinkling Arrange watermelon cubes on serving platter. Place frosting in zipper bag and trim off bit of one bottom corner.

Decoratively pipe frosting onto each watermelon cube. Place almond at top of frosting on each petit four. Sprinkle with raw sugar and serve immediately.

Watermelon Cupcakes

Yield: 8 servings - 8 cupcake liners - 8 cupcake shaped pieces of seedless watermelon - 2 cups pineapple cream cheese frosting - Sprinkles for garnish Place liners in 8-cup cupcake tin. Cut 3-inch-thick slices of seedless watermelon. Cut round cupcake-sized pieces from slices. Put watermelon cupcake in each liner. Place dollop of frosting on each cupcake. Decorate as desired with sprinkles.

Hearts Love Watermelon

Beyond adding color and variety to your family’s diet, watermelon has other great benefits. Here are a couple of these heart-healthy reasons: • Fresh watermelon is certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart Checkmark program as being low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Watermelon is the primary source of an amino acid called citrulline found in fruits and vegetables. Citrulline can help maintain blood flow within the heart and cardiovascular function.

FAMILY FUN

Maple Syruping

By Jan Marie Schwartz Photo by Kevin Horn

I

t became part of our family’s winter breakfast tradition when I discovered that snow had fallen during the night.

I would open the sliders onto the deck and scoop the fine white flakes into mugs and then turn the mugbound snow into a sweet slush by drenching it with warm maple syrup. It snowed a lot that winter; the bottle of real maple syrup we had in the fridge didn’t last long.

According to the Pennsylvania Maple Syrup Producers Council, maple trees are unique to North America and grow naturally only in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Eighty percent of the world’s maple syrup is produced in Canada and five percent is produced in Vermont. I wanted to see how it was made but I didn’t have the time to travel outside of my state’s border.

8 February 2014

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In 2013, Pennsylvania accounted for four percent of the United States maple syrup production. I realized I didn’t have to travel far from the Lehigh Valley to take a tour, taste and buy some syrup made in Pennsylvania.

The first place we set out for was the Monroe County Environmental Education Center’s Meesing Sugarbush.

A sugar bush, according to the Center’s Environmental Education Coordinator, Roger Spotts, is “a grove of maple trees that vary in size and are large enough (at least eight inches in diameter) to collect sap from.”

Maple trees produce starch that’s converted into sugar as winter turns into spring. The tapping of the tree allows for the clear watery sap to be collected and boiled down to make the golden syrup I love to pour on my waffles.

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FAMILY FUN “Cold nights and warm days.” said Spotts, “Any other weather conditions and the cycle breaks.”

Mother Nature can be an unpredictable lady. This is why one sugaring season can go eight weeks, and produce 45 gallons of syrup for the Center, while another season lasts two weeks, and produces only 19 gallons.

Spotts and other Center staff will lead you into the forest and help you learn to identify and tap a maple tree during the Center’s 37th Public Maple Sugaring Day (www. mcconservation.org) on Saturday, March 1, from 10 am-3 pm. Last year, over 400 people participated in this event and also learned about Native American and pioneer methods of collecting sap and making syrup. After the tour, participants get to try some syrup on freshly made pancakes. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children under twelve.

Then came our second stop, Lalena Stirr and her family’s Dutch Hill Preserves (www.dutchhillpreserves.com) in Canadensis, where tapping maple trees on their property turned into “a hobby gone wild.” Dogs greet you, chickens cackle in their coop, and wood burns in the sugar shack, all lending a homespun air to the family run business, but each year the Stirr family investigates and invests in the latest syruping technology to try to increase their maple syrup production. This year, the family of five hopes that with the acquisition of new property they can produce 300 gallons of syrup as opposed to the 180 gallons they produced last year. Increased production would be good for the people in Monroe, Lehigh and Northampton counties because the syrup usually sells out before the summer season even begins. Their annual maple syrup open house will be on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 from 10 am-3 pm. The open house includes a free tour and gives people the opportunity to buy syrup, jams and jellies as well as treats made from maple syrup.

Jan Marie Schwartz is a freelance writer who loves her adopted home state of Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband and two sons.

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HEALTH

Ease Into Your Goals

By Kenrick Smith, K17Sport Fitness

I

t’s that time again -- the holidays have long since past and life has returned to normal. At the New Year, many of us were inspired to rethink our lifestyle for the better. How’s it going now that you are a few weeks into your resolutions of better health or a more positive lifestyle?

Nationwide, thousands of dollars will be spent on fitness equipment, fitness club memberships, training books, and gear. This is great, but everyone knows that the enthusiasm of most individuals who are gung-ho at the first of the year quickly fades within about two months. The dropout statistics are troublesome. Why is this? What approach should we take so we don’t become another statistic? It comes down to three issues.

1) Too Much Too Quickly – When it comes to

fitness, we need to ease our bodies into physical activity.

We cannot go into our training recklessly, running far too many miles, lifting too much weight, or going way beyond our capabilities at that specific time. We need to take our time and understand that becoming fit is a process and a lifestyle change, and it will take a few months to get strong and adapt to a new normal. Over time, we can really start to push ourselves and see the positive results we are ultimately seeking. If we are not patient with the process we will become frustrated, we won’t see results, we will become very sore, and most importantly we will increase the potential for injury. We need to look at the big picture and start out nice and easy, focusing more on form and technique than on distances or weight totals. In doing this, we will see positive results more quickly, and most importantly truly enjoy the journey. If we are enjoying the activity, then we are more apt to stick with it, which makes it a success. Goal met!

2) Drastic Dietary Changes – I am not a fan

of dieting plans. I think we need to again look at the big picture and eat a balanced, well-rounded assortment of nutritious foods. When most individuals go on a “diet”, they do insufficient research and cut out everything they believe is unhealthy. What happens, more times than not, is they bounce from one extreme to another, eating extremely unhealthily and then making a 180 degree change in dietary

direction. The issue that occurs here is that we deprive ourselves of the foods we truly love. It is okay to indulge at times, and most times it is more about portion control than anything else. For instance, instead of eating a plate of cookies, set aside two cookies. When we deprive ourselves and then our self- discipline cracks, we start a vicious cycle. Once we make one small misstep, we go overboard and our mind says “Well, I made a mistake, I guess I’ll just give up” and we inhale the food we have been depriving ourselves of and bag the journey.

We need to find a happy balance for our nutritional needs; once we get comfortable with where we are, we must reassess the situation.mUnderstand that this can be a long process, but very rewarding, and the body will operate more efficiently. Our bodies will thank us in the long run.

3) Set Big And Small Goals – As we begin our

journey to become healthier and more physically fit, we need to be realistic with our goals. First, come up with your ultimate goal, usually the most obvious one: weight loss, running in a 5k, or even being able to walk up a flight of steps without getting winded. Next, set small goals that we can put in place in order to accomplish our big goals. These small goals are more important than the big goal, because without them we will not be able to accomplish our ultimate feat. Small goals are the road map that we use to guide us to the bigger goal. Every time one of these smaller goals is accomplished, we will see our progress first hand, have a sense of accomplishment, and most importantly, feel more confident. Try not to be deterred by missteps; simply reassess, and push forward on the journey.

So, set that goal and create a plan on how you are going to accomplish the goal.

All goals, no matter what the genre, take time to accomplish.

Patience, perseverance, and determination will overcome any obstacles you might come across in your journey. If you are passionate about your goal you will find a way to succeed. Make a smart and thoughtful plan as to how you are going to achieve it, start slowly and steadily, and enjoy your journey. Good luck in your journey of getting fit and getting healthy!

Kenrick Smith is a local elite amateur athlete. Follow his adventures and learn more at www.K17Sport.com.

FASHION

Do You

Dare

To Go Bare?

By Amanda Furbeck, Lehigh Valley Family Fashionista

O

nce upon a time, it was considered polite and appropriate, indeed necessary, for ladies clad in their finest dresses to cover their legs with stockings, hosiery, or pantyhose. Surely, times have changed! Somewhere along the way, a blossoming debutant decided to take a risk and bare her beautiful legs, and a new trend began. Ever since, it has become the ‘norm’ to wear all styles of dresses with bare legs. But when should you dare to go bare? Is it always appropriate to wear dresses without stockings?

Summertime fun. The most appropriate time to go

hosiery-free is summer, when the temperature is warm and the living is more casual. Think walks on the boardwalk, rounds of mini golf, barbecues, trips to the mall, and even out to a casual dinner as particularly great times to wear summer dresses without hosiery. A good rule of thumb to consider for summer bare legs is to remember that if you can wear shorts there, it’s probably appropriate to wear a dress with bare legs.

Casual Fridays. Some businesses institute casual Friday, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is ok to have bare legs on the job. There may be safety reasons to keep your skin covered,

A primer on when to wear hosiery and when to go bare or it might just be culturally appropriate to your line of work to keep those gams under wraps. When in doubt, ask your boss for the written – or unwritten – rules, and stick to them.

Weddings. Weddings are tricky, because what may be

considered acceptable in one family or community might not be ok for another. Formal, black tie weddings are great times to wear your silkiest stockings, but never with strappy sandals. Casual summer weddings are probably a good time to go bare, along with a strappy sundress and even strappier sandals. When in doubt, ask the mother of the bride, or better yet, the bride herself.

Winter Wonderland. There are a few determined women

who refuse to wear hosiery – even in the coldest of winters, preferring to bare their legs year round. In the Lehigh Valley, with frigid temps and snowy winters, you might want to reconsider if this is your mantra. And if typical pantyhose just won’t cut it for your fashion sensibilities, lighten up your look with a brightly colored pair of tights and a great pair of black booties. The brighter the color, the more attention they will draw to your legs, while darker colored tights will look more slimming. For a fun wintery look, choose tights that are textured to add contrast to your ensemble.

(Continued on Page 12)

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11

FASHION (Continued From Page 11)

Formal Events. Tights and boots

are rarely appropriate for formal events; bare legs are another matter.

In many places, it is perfectly acceptable to wear strappy shoes with a cocktail dress and no hose, but find out for sure before you take a guess.

Always err on the side of formality: silky hose and beautiful shoes, so as not to offend the more conservative set.

Worn with the right shoes. If your style is fun and

funky, you could pair a brightly colored pair of tights with a dark pair of strappy sandals and look great. On the other hand, typical hosiery, even those with ‘invisible seams’ just don’t look great with strappy sandals. When attending a formal affair, choose black patent leather stilettos with silky stockings for a classy, beautiful style. When attending a more casual soiree, you might consider going bare legged with strappy sandals. Fall, winter, and early spring are great times to wear heavy tights in bright colors and fun textures,

but they’ll seem out of place in the warm summer months. For summer, go for the sheerest of stockings when needed, and go bare when not. Tights look best with boots and booties; sheer stockings are best with stilettos and pumps. Sandals should almost always stand on their own.

When in doubt, cover up! It is always

better to be overdressed than underdressed, classier than not, and covered rather than bare. Invest in hosiery that looks great, washes well, and slims and smoothes. Some hosiery even comes infused with lotions to hydrate, smooth, and tone your legs. Other stockings double as compression stockings, which give your legs more support if you’ll be standing long hours on your feet. And as always, look for colors, patterns, and styles that make you look and feel great!

Amanda, a Lehigh Valley native, is a toddler-chasing, coffee drinking, fashion boot-wearing wife and mom to 4 small children. A life-long aspiring writer, you’ll find Amanda’s music and writing on Yahoo Shine, iTunes, a few blogs, and notes to her children’s teachers. Connect with Amanda at www.facebook.com/etudesandencores.

Don’t Go Stir-Crazy...

THINGS TO DO

Use our ideas to keep cabin-fever at bay Places To Go:

~ Symphony Hall in Allentown. There are many shows for children, or introduce your kids to genres such as jazz or opera. ~ Cabela’s in Hamburg. It is almost like a zoo…there are plenty of sights to take in! ~ Independence Fun Center in Schnecksville. Play laser tag, roller skate, or rock climb. ~ Bounce U. Bounce off the extra energy during an open bounce. ~ Bear Creek or Blue Mountain. Ski, snowboard, or snowtube. ~ Da Vinci Science Center. The kids won’t even know they are learning.

~ Lehigh Valley Grand Prix in Allentown. Go-Kart racing at its finest! Must be over the age of 10. ~ The Crayola Factory in Easton. Get in touch with your artistic side. ~ The Melting Pot in Bethlehem. Enjoy a meal together, or just dessert. Either way, this place is great for conversation, because you have to wait between bites for your food to cook.

(Continued on Page 14)

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THINGS TO DO (Continued from Page 13)

~ America on Wheels in Allentown. This museum offers something for everyone, from car enthusiasts to kids who enjoy learning with their hands. ~ Walk Historic Bethlehem and Window Shop. Stop in at one of the many museums, or shop along Main Street’s many stores. ~ Civic Theatre in Allentown. Catch a play at the historic theatre. ~ Allentown or Easton Farmer’s Markets. Walk around and enjoy the sights and smells of the market. Let the kids pick out new fruits or veggies they’ve never had before, and learn how to cook them. ~ Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem. Learn to skate, speed skate, play hockey. There are even adult hockey leagues.

Things To Do: ~ Paint or Make Pottery. There are numerous pottery painting locations in the Valley. Google it to find a location near you. ~Most area high schools have family swim on Sundays for little to no cost. ~ Make necklaces with pasta or cut up straws on yarn. ~ Draw portraits of each other. ~ Visit the Allentown Art Museum. Sundays are free! ~ Drop in for story time at The Moravian Book Shop on Wednesdays at 10:30.

Events

~ Brave the cold and decorate the sidewalk with chalk. It will be unexpected and your bright creations will make your neighbors smile! ~ Make goo. It’s not a solid, or a liquid, and makes for hours of entertainment. You can make goo by following this recipe: 1 cup of cornstarch and a small amount of water. Mix the water and cornstarch together by adding the water slowly until the mixture drips slowly from a spoon. It will seem hard until you try to pick it up with your hands and it will slip through your fingers. If its too fluid, add more cornstarch. If you want it to be a different color other than white, add some food coloring.

- Smack it! If you hit the mixture really hard, it might even break.

14 February 2014

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- Pour it from hand to hand. If you go slowly, it will pour freely.

- Roll it into a ball. If you keep rolling, you can roll it into a nice ball. Of course, as soon as you stop rolling, it will ooze and turn back into a puddle.

- Bounce it! If you get the right consistency, you can even bounce a ball of this goo! ~ Learn how to make a dish from your heritage. Polish?

Make peirogies. Pa Dutch? Make a corn pie. ~ Have a treasure hunt, complete with a map or riddles to help find treasure. ~Make a snow mural with squirt bottles, water, food coloring and a yard full of snow. ~ Need more ideas? Visit us on Pinterest, we have tons of great crafts and activities pinned, find us @ LVFamilyMag.

Events: Story Time.

Let's Play Books children’s bookstore. Wednesdays at 10:30 -- designed for children ages 0 -3. Thursdays at 10:30 -- designed for children 3 and up. All ages are welcome at both. 379 Main St., Emmaus. www. letsplaybooks.com/ Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum.

Discover our local and national heritage – and a little bit of the future. Visit the History of the Lehigh Valley exhibit, and discover our role in history from the American Revolution to the Industrial Revolution.

Learn about the fascinating life of our nation’s sixteenth president in Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Greatness; hands-on activities help children learn experience the Lincoln story. Learn the role of energy in our lives and how easy it is to reduce energy use at home in the Energy Past & Present: Creating, Consuming & Conserving exhibit. Museum hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm; closed Mondays & holidays. 432 W Walnut St., Allentown. www. lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org Easton Farmers Market Winter Mart.

Visit us in our new indoor location. Shop from more than thirty vendors offering fresh, local and organic food

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

THINGS TO DO

Winter Art Classes, Jelly Bean Town, USA. Parents and children of all ages, leave your cares at the front door as you enter a new and exciting experience at the Village and Art Studio of JellyBean Town, USA. Winter art classes include sculpting, painting, multi-media arts, water colors and mosaic tiling. 52 South Main St, Nazareth. jellybeantownusa.com.

American Sign Language to use with Babies and Toddlers.

Learn over 100 ASL signs to use with your child, age 0 – 2 years, Including recommended first signs, as well as easy techniques for successfully integrating signs into everyday life. Classes are designed for parents/caregivers and babies.

In a playful, educational and language-rich environment, caregivers and children will build their American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary through instruction, interactive games and songs. My Smart Hands™ at Ju-Ju Monkey (Natural Parenting Shop) (Located in the Kmart Shopping Center) 4755 W. Tilghman St. Allentown. http://mysmarthandslehighvalley.com/.

Artventures Family Drop-in Art Workshop, Allentown Art Museum.

Visit our Crayola Learning Center for an artful afternoon with the family! Just drop in --no reservation needed -- to enjoy our popular monthly themed art projects, art puzzles and books for children, in-gallery art activities, and much more. Museum volunteers and educators are available to help you and your family achieve maximum fun.

Artventures is part of free Sundays at the museum. 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. 31 N. 5th St., Allentown.

the performance the artists will walk children through a optional workshop allowing them to be able to create some sort of work of art, performance piece, instrument or trick. This theatre is cozy and perfect for children, there is easy viewing of the stage and the sound quality allows everyone present to hear and actively participate in the show. February presentations: "Da Pooch"by Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, Feb. 15; Mock Turtle Marionette Theater/Pennsylvania Sinfonia puppet/music collaboration "Museum of Music" February 22. 421 2nd Ave., Bethlehem. www.mockturtle.org.

ArtsQuest Peas and Q's Family Concert Series.

Splash'N Boots, Feb. 15; Eddie Ray’s Magic Show, Feb. 22. Peas & Qs is our series just for families and kids! It's all about good, clean fun, as we present some of the most talented musicians, magicians and clowns around! We also mix in healthy portions of arts, crafts, films, storytelling and more. Come prepared for singing, dancing, grins and giggles! Free! Saturdays, 11:30AM. SteelStacks - TD Community Stage; 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.

3.5x4.75_Pinkalicious_Layout 1 12/12/2013 1:47 PM Page 1 www.artsquest.org.

Family Friendly!

Preschool Open Tumbling at East Penn Children's Fitness Academy.

East Penn Fitness Academy offers drop in sessions for preschool aged children. Sessions are scheduled throughout the week. These sessions offer an unstructured free play time for children to use equipment, like a ball pit, trampoline, ride on toys and more. 46 West Penn Ave., Alburtis. eastpennchildrensfitnessacademy.com Saturday's Child Series at The Ice House.

The Charles A. Brown Ice House is hosting a Saturday series for children featuring a number of well known local children's entertainers, including Jo Keppl, The Mock Turtle Marrionettes and Dave Fry. Following

Sun., March 16, 2014

11 AM & 2 PM - $20/$10 (child 10 & under) Sponsored by The Morning Call and B104

453 Northampton Street, Easton, PA 610-252-3132 . 1-800-999-STATE Order online www.statetheatre.org

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

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Events

and fine crafts. 325 Northampton Street. Every day from Nov. 30 – Apr. 26, 2014 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm).

The road ahead is filled with bumps and curves. Arm them with healthy habits for life.

Why Should Kids Run? Running:

Builds Brain Cells and Boosts Memory • Stress Relief • Positive Self-Image • Improved Self-Confidence • Stick-to-itiveness • Strong bodies •Weight management • Goal Achievement • Decreased Anxiety and Depression • Self-motivation • Fun • Improved sleep • Passion • Perseverance • Healthy and Inexpensive habit for life.

Why Not? The Lehigh Valley Road Runners Kids Series is a FREE event offered to children ages 3-14 in the Lehigh Valley. During the summer, bring your kids to the Little Lehigh Parkway to participate in the 15th Annual Kids Series, and event just for kids!

2014 Dates: • May 17th • June 14th • June 21st • July 5th • July 19th • August 2nd Learn more and register at

www.LVRR.org/Races/Kids-Series

Presenting Sponsor: