Lehigh Valley Family March April 2011

Family Lehigh Valley

P -takreiceless one!

March-April 2011

In This Issue: Are You Building Your Child’s Social Network?

Fun Things To Do With Your Family Grandparents Share the Thrill of Pregnancy with 3d/4d Ultrasound

Parenting With Temperment in Mind www

. LehighValleyFamily . com

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 2011

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

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

CopyrightŠ 2011 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).

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A message from the editor...

Spring is almost here. It is so close I can taste it. Well, I can smell it.

What is it about the springtime that puts an extra spring in our step? For me, I am always super motivated once spring comes around. I can clean, go for a run, eat only healthy nourishing foods, and feel like a shiny new penny from dawn to dusk. I am motivated to do better and to be a better version of myself.

It is my hope that this issue of Lehigh Valley Family emanates all things spring. Many of the articles may inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Inside you’ll find an article on saving money on your grocery bill. Read about our cover family, which does quite a bit to give back to our community. Also, take notice of the article giving tips for the kids to get better nights sleep. As we parents know, once the kids are sleeping soundly, so can we!

Equally important to read is all of the ideas of fun things to do. Check out recipes and a “top things to do” list on pages 30-31. You can find more fun ideas for the family at our website, www.LehighValleyFamily.com.

I wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy, and productive spring season!

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March-April 2011 Table of Contents

• Tongue Twisters ...Page 5 • The Promise of Reading Aloud ...Page 6 • Grandparents Share the Thrill of Pregnancy with 3D/4D Ultrasound ...Page 7 • Are You Building Your Child’s Social Network?...Page 8 • Brain Teasers ...Page 9 • Community Board ...Page 10 • Parenting With Temperment in Mind ...Page 12 • Fun Facts ...Page 13 • Growing Green Summer Camp ...Page 14 • Zumba; Exercise in Disguise ...Page 16 • Massage for Health ...Page 17 • Community Supported Agriculture ...Page 18 • Cyberbullying Crises; Tips to Protect Your Kids ...Page 20 • Happy Birthday Girl Scouts! ...Page 22 • Sweet Dreams, Tips for Kids Sleep ...Page 24 • Meet Our Cover Family! ... Page 25 • 9 Ways to Prepare for Food Inflation ...Page 26 • You Want Me to Wash That When? ...Page 28 • Believe it or Not ...Page 29 • Fun Monthly Stuff ...Page 22-23

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.

On the Cover:

Lehigh Valley residents Brian and Jenae with sons Addison and Weston.

Cover photo by Janet Sena of Pix-Ology, LLC. Visit her online at www.Pix-Ology.com.

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Try These Tongue Twisters -

A pack of pesky pixies.

Poor pure Pierre.

A box of mixed biscuits, a mixed biscuit box.

You know you need unique New York.

Shave a single shingle thin.

Smelly shoes and socks shock sisters.

Bad money, mad bunny.

Ken Dodd’s dad’s dog’s dead.

Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.

How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?

I slit a sheet, a sheet I slit, upon a slitted sheet I sit.

Round and round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran.

Stick strictly six stick stumps.

She should shun the shining sun.

Each Easter Eddie eats eighty Easter eggs.

A fat-free fruit float.

Twelve twins twirled twelve twigs.

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The Promise of Reading Aloud to Your Child

By Nina Pinsley,

Club Z! In-Home Tutoring

Did you know that in your home there exists a hidden gift

that will guarantee your child’s vocabulary and language development? Did you know that this same gift could unleash your child’s critical thinking and conversational skills? As if that weren’t enough, this gift will also strengthen the bond between you and your child. If I told you this treasure would cost you nothing, require little preparation, and would last forever, would you take it?

Fortunately, many parents across the nation are choosing to give the gift of their TIME to their children by reading aloud to them every day. The practice may sound simple, but research has proven the promises of this daily act are real.

It is never too early to start reading to your child. Even newborns and toddlers will benefit from the interaction with early literacy.

The time you invest in your child now will later grow into solid reading comprehension skills, a mastery of language acquisition, and a greater chance of overall success at school.

The suggestions below will all enhance your read-aloud time with your child: • Try to go a step beyond simply reading the book to your child.

Talking about the book, either during or after reading, is vital to your child’s development of critical thinking and language skills.

Asking yes or no questions, such as “Did you like the book” are not as effective. Try sharing your response to the book instead by saying something like, “I’m really surprised by the ending. I thought he would have returned home.” This may be more likely to make your child share his/her opinion. Be accepting of your children’s opinions, so that they learn there can be more than one right answer. As children become used to sharing their opinions, their insights will improve.

• Stock an enjoyable selection of children’s books from which to choose. If you are reading to an infant, try using picture books that are in black and white. For older children, use pictures that have bright, attention-getting colors. Check to make sure the language flows nicely. Are the topics interesting for your unique child? The internet and/or librarians can be good sources for

finding popular children’s books.

• Make sure you pre-read and like the book you are reading to your child. Your enthusiasm and enjoyment of the experience, or lack thereof, will come through.

• Shorten or bypass long descriptive passages until your child’s attention span is capable of handling them.

• Allow your child to choose the book to be read. If he/she chooses the same book every night (kids love repetition), then extend the session and bring in a book of your choice to read afterwards.

• Previewing the book with your child is an important reading strategy that will enhance your child’s reading comprehension.

Look at the pictures before you start reading. Always read the title and the author’s name of the book, even if you’ve read it a million times already. Review some key vocabulary words that may be unfamiliar to your child. Ask your child to predict what the book will be about.

• As you read, try asking your child what he/she thinks will happen next? This will maintain their interest, keep them involved, and build their reasoning skills.

• Allow young children to have a role during the reading by allowing them to turn the pages for you or by having them recite key phrases of the story from memory.

• If you lack the time to finish the book, make sure you choose a good stopping point that will hold your child’s suspense until the following day.

• Read-alouds should not end after your child learns to read.

Beginning readers need a lot of opportunities to practice, and they still enjoy being read to!

• As children grow into more independent readers, try parallel reading with them. This occurs when parents read the same book their child is reading and allows them opportunities to discuss the book together. Parents can also select books by the same authors their children read, and make future reading recommendations to their kids. Involved parents can be one of the biggest influences over what and how often children read.

Enthusiasm is contagious!

Learn more about Club Z! In-Home Tutoring at www.clubztutoring.com/LehighValley.

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Grandparents Share in the Pregnancy with 3D/4D Ultrasound

By Carl Kreft, Womb with a View Allentown

Very often pregnant couples look for unique way to

have grandparents share in their pregnancy. 3D/4D Ultrasound, like that offered at “Womb With A View” in Allentown offers this unique moment for parents-tobe. “I think that is Grandpa’s nose” or “those must be Aunt Sue’s lips“. Grandparents swap stories of how each of their children looked like at birth. Reminiscing from how much hair their babies had when they were born to the size and weight of the mommy and daddy to be usually get conversations going.

Conversations that bond proud grandparents to their daughter and son, that are about to become parents for the first time are especially touching. Grandmothers share with the group mommy-to-be stories of labor and love. Grandfathers share daddy-to-be stories on how times have changed for pregnant dads! Daddies-tobe enjoy sharing the information they are learning in birthing classes in this new age where new dads are more and more included in the actual birth of the baby.

When the baby’s 2d picture comes on the screen the silence in the room is sweet and loving as grandparent get the first view of their new grandson or daughter.

It is especially exiting for everyone to see and hear the heart beat for the very first time. Next the first 3D/4D images are shown of the babies face and proud relatives give a sigh of adoration. This is when the tissues come out as the preborn baby looks like it is right there in the room with you.

Usually right after spending a few minutes of the 3D live view of the babies face, the jokes begin to roll in as features are compared. The baby yawns or is caught picking it’s nose. From there a quick peek to verify gender is done.

This is the moment that is always fun for grandparents as they remember that in their day they were not so certain about the sex of their baby until it was born.

Summer programs NOW ENROLLING

At Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, we’re planning a FUNfilled summer learning experience for school-age children, and we want you to join us! You’ll enjoy:   

Swimming at local pools Field trips Active recreation, team building, community outreach, science & technology, and the arts.

LVCC is the largest, full-day, year-round child care and early education provider in the region with over 20 convenient locations.

LVCConline.org ∙ (610) 820-5333

Are You Building Your Child’s Social Network?

By Carry Gerber, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers early care and education

organization recognizes that one of the many benefits of a quality early learning program is an emphasis on social and emotional development. According to Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards, “Children’s social and emotional development is strengthened when they have classroom experiences that promote a sense of identity and belonging within an accepting and responsive environment.” By modeling and encouraging positive approaches to learning and interacting with others, teachers help children avoid the future risks of poor peer relationships, academic problems and delinquency.

According to a report by the University of Illinois, “When youth are socially and emotionally competent, they are able to recognize and manage emotions, express care and concern for others, make responsible decisions, behave ethically, develop positive relationships, avoid risky behavior, communicate effectively, set and reach goals, and be self-motivated and selfdirected.”

Read on as three early childhood educators talk about how the students in their classrooms are honing these essential skills.

Infants and Toddlers Bertha Ocasio, center director at Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers at Allen High School (Allentown), reflects on the importance of fulfilling an infant’s emotional needs. “I highly recommend regular attendance. Even young infants find a routine comforting.” Children can then begin to engage with regular caregivers and become familiar with their voice and

their touch.”

As infants grow, they become increasingly engaged with their environment - including their parents, teachers and other children. Bertha often positions children facing a mirror during tummy time, so they can examine the world around them. Seeing a reflection of another child or caregiver causes a reaction, and infants start to discover that they are interconnected. “It’s beautiful to watch that development, as children begin to notice other people and objects in their environment. I love to see a child’s face light up as her mom enters a room.”

At ages two and three, children begin to move from parallel play to group play. One particular type of learning that Bertha finds particularly interesting is dramatic play -- where children begin to role play. For instance, one child might play the role of “mother” while another plays the role of “baby.”

Not only is this an important step toward “working as a team” but also crucial that children begin to understand the roles and responsibilities of family members. According to Bertha, “You can really see that children are paying attention to their surroundings. They might use phrases or mannerisms that they see or hear their parents use on a daily basis.”

Preschoolers Pre-K Counts Teacher Dana Gawlik, LVCC’s Fowler Center (Bethlehem), helps children hone social and emotional know-how that they will need when they enter kindergarten essential skills such as problem solving, teamwork, the ability to verbalize wants, accepting others ideas, and the alwaysimportant sharing. According to Dana, “Today, students need

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March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

How do you teach difficult concepts, like patience and acceptance, to three- and four-year-olds? At this age, children continue to learn through dramatic play, art, and music. In one activity, Dana works with students to build a “friendship chain.” Each person constructs (paints, draws, colors) a piece of the chain, which becomes a visual representation of how we are all interconnected - how together we can create something wonderful.

Dana uses games, like “hot potato” and relay races, to teach teamwork and suggests using puppets and other toys to sharpen problem solving skills. “I help my students create puppets with which we present scenarios and work out factious problems.” In one such scenario, the antagonist steals a toy. Dana then prompts her students, “What could you do?”

“What would you say?”

“How would you share the toy?”

The puppets give her students an outlet to practice problem solving and appropriate vocabulary.

School-Age Tracey Bilger, center director at LVCC at Muhlenberg School (Allentown), uses cooperative games to teach team building, leadership, problem solving and cooperation. In one such game, students need to find a way to pass a hula hoop around a circle while holding hands. Tracey records the time. The students’ objective is to continually decrease the amount of time it takes for the hula hoop to make its way around the circle.

In another challenging game, 10 long strings are attached to a shower curtain ring. Each student takes a string and holds it tight while Tracey balances a tennis ball on top of the ring.

The students’ objective is to work together to move the tennis ball from one across the gymnasium from one destination to another without letting it fall. The students discuss strategy and improvise along the way. One student might suggest they “slow down” or “walk faster” while another might suggest they “pull the string tighter.”

Brain Teasers!

A. You have a dime and a dollar, you buy a dog and a collar, the dog is a dollar more than the collar, how much is the collar?

B. On my way to the fair, I met 7 jugglers and a bear, every juggler had 6 cats, every cat had 5 rats, every rat had 4 houses, every house had 3 mouses, every mouse had 2 louses, every louse had a spouse. How many in all are going to the fair?

C. Johnny’s mother had four children. The first was April, the second was May, and the third was June.

What was the name of her fourth child?

D. A man left home running. He ran a ways and then turned left, ran the same distance and turned left again, ran the same distance and turned left again. When he got home there were two masked men. Who were they?

(A.) A nickel, the dog cost $1.05.(B.) Just me...the others were coming from the fair. (C.) Johnny. (D.) The catcher and umpire.

to be able to demonstrate difficult skills, like patience, before they enter kindergarten.”

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To help all students feel included and boost self-confidence, Tracey and her students occasionally pick names out of a hat.

Each student writes two nice things about the person whose name they’ve chosen. The lists are read aloud, but the names of the mystery admirers are never revealed.

Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers is the largest full-day, yearround early care and education provider in the region with over 20 convenient locations. For more information, visit LVCConline.org.

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Community Pages...

Need Motivation To Exercise?

Do it to Help Kids With Cancer The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley has launched registration for its Annual Running to LIVE 8K Run / 5K Walk and ½ mile Fun Run at the Ironton Rail Trail, Whitehall. The event is on March 20th and will begin at the Coplay Parkway, Front and Keefer Streets, Coplay.

Now enrolling for classes in Parent & Me, PreK and Grade School gymnastics tumbling classes, cheerleading, wrestling, and dance. They also host birthday parties, tumble clinics, open gym time, and have adult Zumba classes. Check out their website at www.eastpennchildrensfitnessacademy. com or call them at 610.967.KIDS!

Community Spotlight:

Club Z! is the world’s largest one-on-one in-home tutoring program. Our tutors have helped hundreds of Lehigh Valley students improve their grades, raise their test scores, learn productive study skills, build their academic self-confidence, and reach their full potential. We tutor students of all ages, pre-kindergarten through adult and personal, individual tutoring is available in all core subjects - reading, mathematics, science, history - as well as study skills, foreign languages, standardized test prep, assessment testing such as ACT and SAT, Kindergarten readiness, college and graduate classes and much more!

Club Z! tutors are state certified teachers or degreed professionals with a passion for teaching. A vast majority of our tutors teach or have taught in public or private schools. All Club Z! tutors undergo a thorough background check and screening process prior to being placed with student assignments. Club Z! carefully matches tutors with students based on personality, interests and learning style to ensure that the private tutoring sessions are effective. Instruction is truly individualized - oneon-one, not one teacher to 5, 6 or more children. Immediately following each session, Club Z! tutors meet with parents to review their child’s progress.

Club Z! schedules tutoring at times convenient to parents - morning, afternoon, evening, weekends and summers - in the convenience of your own home.

Club Z! In-Home Tutoring of the Lehigh Valley. 610-351-3500. www.clubztutoring.com/LehighValleyNina Pinsley, Area Director, npinsley@clubztutoring.com.

Puppet Show at the Lehigh Valley Mall Saturday March 26, 11:00 am: Sadecky’s Puppets transforms the stage into a genuine theatrical experience for the children. “A Need to Read” is about Spencer, a boy who doesn’t like to read, discovers a hidden talentt: he can physically enter the book of his choice and interact with the characters. His storybook adventures give him a whole new appreciation for reading.

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March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Community Pages...

Children’s Story Time Every Wednesday 10:30am – 11:00am Moravian Book Shop, Bethlehem.

V-Day Bethlehem joins global effort to stop violence against women and girls

V-Day Bethlehem 2011 presents a benefit production of the Vagina Monologues with a cast of amazing local women. Join us as we raise funds and awareness to end violence against women and girls through our performance and silent auction. At the Banana Factory, 25 w. Third St. Bethlehem. March 11th 7 p.m., the 12th at 7 p.m., and the 13th at 7 p.m. Admission: $10.00

Special Needs Awareness Day Saturday, March 12 at Integrated Health Campus in Allentown.10 am - 2 pm.

250 Cetronia Road, Allentown.

Visit this health fair to talk with and learn about many of the area providers who strive to improve the lives of local special needs children and their families.

EAGLEFEST!

Saturday April 30, 10-4.

Family fun includes story-telling, crafts, green conservation activities, 6 live raptors, and much more. Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Allentown.

Time to Spring into action!

If you’re ready for a BIG adventure…a day you’ll brag about with your friends and family…then Pocono Whitewater’s BIG DAY OUT is for you! Bike, Hike, & Raft the Lehigh Gorge in one BIG day! Great family activity day concluding with a post-trip bonfire.

PoconoWhitewater.com

Would Your Family Like To Be On The Cover of Lehigh Valley Family?

Did you know that each issue of Lehigh Valley Family features a local family? If you would like for your family to be considered as a cover family, friend us on Facebook!

Our group name is Lehigh Valley Family. Like us, and you’ll get all kinds of information pertaining to family life in the Valley. From fun things to do, to announcements on cover family contests, you’ll find it on our Facebook group page.

Just search for Lehigh Valley Family and Like us to get in the loop!

Parenting With Temperament in Mind

By Denise H. Continenza, Family Living Extension Educator Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lehigh County Socks. Gloves. Hats. Rain ponchos. Many things come in

one-size-fits-all. Parenting, however, is not one of them.

Parents often become frazzled and perplexed when they find that strategies that worked with some of their children are ineffective when dealing with another one of their own. The reality is that every child, even within the same family, needs a different set of parenting techniques.

When one child is perceived as “more difficult” or “challenging” to his/her parents, what the parents are usually seeing is temperament at work. This is especially confusing when this child’s other siblings are generally easier to manage.

“What are we doing wrong?” and “What makes this kid tick?” are frequent mantras of frustrated parents. The answer is that they are not doing anything wrong; they simply need to try something different. The child is not “bad;” his/her personality and the parents’ attempts to work with him just need some fine tuning.

Consider this analogy. Two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle look strikingly similar. They have the same color schemes and the same size and shape grooves and notches. You would think they ought to fit together. You push and press to align them, but they just won’t join comfortably. There are gaps, and the pieces begin to bend and fold as you try to force them together. Clearly, these puzzle pieces are not a good match.

Raising children is pretty much the same thing. Parenting with temperament in mind is like sifting through a pile of puzzle pieces and finding the ones that fit. Children and their parents each contribute a piece to the fascinating puzzle of the parent-child relationship.

Temperament refers to the inborn traits that serve as the foundation or “drives” that make up each person’s unique personality. Research shows that babies are born genetically coded for certain traits. Just like a child’s hair and eye color have been decided through the marvelous DNA process, so, too, are the basic drives for ten temperament traits. These are activity level, self-control-impulsiveness, approach-withdrawal, physical sensitivity, general mood, adaptability, intensity of emotions, regularity, persistence and distractibility.

When parents get a sense of where their child stands in relation to temperament, they have a better understanding of their child’s “hard drive.” This, in effect, helps them to choose appropriate discipline techniques or “software” to help their child function at his/her optimal capacity. Here is an example

of how this can work effectively.

A parent comes to the realization that the battles she has been having with her daughter have a lot to do with her child’s persistence and strong emotional intensity. The mother also realizes that she, too, is intense and tends to feed into arguments. By talking with her daughter calmly when discussing tough issues like curfew or boundaries, she avoids emotional escalation which may keep her daughter from flying off the handle. If the child does become upset, the mom empathizes with her, calmly states the limit or expectation that she has set, and walks away. Sometimes she even has to go to another room and shut the door behind her. It is okay to let the daughter rant and rave as long as she is doing so without abusive language or destructive behavior.

Mom need not have the last word. Persistence only lasts as long as there is a challenge or an adversary. If Mom withdraws from the battle, the war will cease. Therefore, children with a high level of emotional intensity and high persistence need to know that they are understood, be allowed to give input, and then given a firm and final limit in an emotionally neutral manner.

But many parents balk at the idea of reforming their behavior.

“Why should I change?” they ask. Two questions I respond with are: “Are you happy with the level of harmony in your family?” and “Is what you are currently doing bringing you and your child closer, or is it tearing you apart?” This often helps parents decide if an adjustment of their parenting techniques is worth considering.

A final note about temperament: It is not an excuse for behavior. It is an explanation for behavior and a starting ground for helping parents teach children how to get along in the world. While temperament is fundamental to who a person is, success in life is based on learning to choose behaviors that are acceptable and appropriate. A child who is emotionally intense needs to learn how to manage strong feelings without angry outbursts.

Increased awareness of temperament, along with the combination of showing love and setting limits, make parents the best teachers that a child can have.

Comment on this and other family-related articles at www. familieslivingwell.blogspot.com Denise H. Continenza, M.Ed., is the Family Living Extension Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lehigh County.

Fun Facts

• Windmills always turn counter-clockwise.

Except for the windmills in Ireland.

• Termites eat wood twice as fast when listening to heavy metal music.

• Every year, the Moon moves a further 3.82cm from the Earth.

• It takes about 20 seconds for a red blood cell to circle the whole body.

• Hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body, second only to bone marrow.

• Onions get their distinctive smell by soaking up sulfur from the soil.

• Guinness Book Of Records holds the record for

• Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he didn’t wear pants.

• A person afflicted with hexadectylism has six fingers or toes on one or both hands and feet.

• When cats are happy or pleased, they squeeze their eyes shut.

• The elephant is the only animal with 4 knees • The tongue is the only body muscle that is attached from one end only.

• Vultures can fly for 6 hours without flapping their wings.

• The average American will eat 35,000 cookies in her lifetime.

being the book most stolen from Public Libraries.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

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Growing Green An environmentally friendly summer camp for campers with special needs

By Marica Theodoredis, Easter Seals Eastern Pa

Lauren in the Growing Green Garden “I’m counting the days and I can’t wait to go back,” says Lauren, who has booked her 2011 week at Easter Seals Eastern PA’s (ESEP) unique residential camp—Growing Green. Now in its second year, Growing Green’s popularity is spreading fast among its clientele—campers with special needs.

Having special needs does not mean that an individual will not be able to enjoy a summer camp experience. Last year at Growing Green, Lauren swam in the lake, went canoeing, planted and tended the garden, hiked, went horseback riding and more. Would you ever have guessed that this young lady is living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus?

The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) campus is home to ESEP’s Growing Green camp. Located in the Poconos, PEEC offers campers access to over 38 acres of diverse forests, ponds and wildlife. Well-maintained properties, accessible bunk houses, lavatories and showers add to the special needs camper’s independence and build selfconfidence.

Camper Shannon says, “Love it so much. I love Growing Green. Save a dance for me.” This special needs camper has a super zest for life. With a very healthy appetite and energy to wear out the hardiest counselor, Shannon can tell you in detail about the great food at camp such as sloppy joes, pancakes, eggs, sausage & bacon. “I eat well to stay strong.

The veggies make me strong but I like the Oreo blizzards,” she adds.

Shannon makes friends easily and likes to assist other campers to join in. She shares this good tip she learned at Growing Green. “I learned that when you hike you take breaks and drink water.” She now tends a summer garden at home after learning to care for the garden she and other campers planted last year at Growing Green.

Whether it’s whispering after lights out with new friends, sleeping in bunk beds or in the yurt village, ghost stories over campfires or dancing under the stars, Growing Green is making it possible for children with a wide-range of disabilities to create their own summer camp memories they will remember for a lifetime. For Lauren it was Bushkill Falls—“It was the most beautiful thing I ever saw.” And about her 2011 camp date she adds, “I wouldn’t miss it!”

Learn more about Growing Green by contacting Alex Humanick at ESEP. Call 610-866-8092 or email alex. humanick@easterseals-easternpa.org. The first 50 readers who contact Easter Seals Eastern PA and mention Lehigh Valley Family Magazine will receive a free Growing Green ecofriendly tote bag.

Shannon with fellow campers

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March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Zumba – Exercise in Disguise By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family Are you looking for a way to have fun exercising? Do you like

to dance? What if you could get a safe, complete workout in an hour, with all the fun and excitement of a dance party? Zumba® may be exactly what you’re looking for. “Zumba creates the feeling that you’re going to have fun. It’s exercise in disguise,” says Lehigh Valley Zumba instructor Kory Prehl, who teaches at Bethany and Asbury United Methodist churches.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends Latin music and contagious steps to form a “fitness-party” atmosphere that is “downright addictive.” The music in a Zumba class is about 70 percent Latin and 30 percent the instructor’s choice. Zumba routines are choreographed to follow the music.

No counting is required, and steps are repeated often to make it easy to follow.

Zumba increases stamina, flexibility and physical awareness.

It also improves balance and increases bone density, strength, cardiovascular health, cognitive abilities, motor control, range of motion and stability. Zumba participants claim that the class makes them feel stronger, healthier, younger and happier.

Zumba originated when Alberto “Beto” Perez, a fitness instructor in Cali, Colombia, forgot to take his traditional aerobics music to the class he was teaching one day. He improvised using tapes he had with him (salsa and merengue music he grew up with).

“Spontaneously, he created a new kind of dance-fitness, one that focused on letting the music move you (instead of counting reps over the music). Energy electrified the room; people couldn’t stop smiling. His class loved it!” (Source: Zumba.com) Since its beginnings in 2001, Zumba Fitness has become the world’s largest and most successful dance-fitness program. Now, more than 10 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages take weekly Zumba classes in more than 110 countries around the world.

The Zumba program currently offers five types of classes in addition to original Zumba: 1. Zumba Toning – Combines targeted body-sculpting exercises and high-energy cardio work with Zumba moves to create a high-calorie burning, toning workout. Students use lightweight, maraca-like Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and tone all their target zones, including arms, abs, glutes and thighs.

2. Aqua Zumba – Known as the Zumba “pool party,” Aqua Zumba incorporates splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering. Aqua Zumba® blends the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines into a safe, cardio-conditioning, body-toning waterbased workout.

3. Zumbatomic – Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12),

Zumbatomic classes offer specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop, reggaeton, cumbia and more. Parents love Zumbatomic because of it increases kids’ focus and self-confidence, boosts metabolism and enhances coordination.

4. Zumba in the Circuit – Gives you the metabolism-boosting, strength-building benefits of circuit training while dancing Zumba moves—all in the same class! You can be in and out in 30 minutes flat; this time-effective and efficient class can be adapted for all fitness levels.

5. Zumba Gold – Targets the largest growing segment of the population: baby boomers. It takes the Zumba dance moves at a slower pace and makes them more manageable for the over-50 participant.

Zumba for Breast Cancer Recovery According to the Washington Post, there has been mounting evidence in recent years that “physical activity in breast cancer patients fights off recurrence, boosts flagging energy levels and improves mood.” A 2005 study found that women with breast cancer who exercised moderately three to five hours a week were 50 percent less likely to die of cancer than sedentary women.

Since those findings were published, more and more doctors have been encouraging women to get moving. Oncologist Barry Lembersky, a clinical associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, encourages women to pursue any physical activity, but Lembersky prefers to promote Zumba.

Zumba requires no special clothing or equipment. Loose-fitting, comfortable work-out clothes and aerobics or court shoes work well.

Classes are available through Athletes for Christ at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville, PA, 18106; and Asbury United Methodist Church at 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA 18104, at the following times: Monday: 9:15 am and 7:30 pm – Bethany Tuesday: 9:15 am – Asbury; 6 pm – Bethany Wednesday: 9:15 am – Bethany Thursday: 9:15 am – Asbury; 6 pm – Bethany; 7:30 pm – Asbury Friday: 9:15 am – Bethany Saturday: 9:30 am – Bethany For more information, go to http://athletesforchrist.net/ zumbaschedule.shtml; email qbrashear@bethanyumchurch.com; or call 610-453-7023; for general information on Zumba, go to Zumba.com. To find other Zumba® classes locally, including Zumba Gold®, Zumbatomic® and Zumba in the Circuit®, go to search.zumba.com/classes.

Mass-a-a-h-h-ge For Health!

By Robin Berry, Bountiful Babies

Today, some consider massage a luxury. Yet touch is so

important that, as newborns, if we do not receive caring touch within the first few days of life it is possible to become ill and die. Massage has held its place, for centuries, as a vehicle to health and wholeness. For thousands of years, healers in cultures on every continent have used their hands to knead knotted muscle and restore balance to the body. Setting aside time and money for bodywork on a consistent basis is truly an investment in your health.

Many know that a good, therapeutic massage can ease those chronic tension areas such as neck, shoulders, and low back; and regularly scheduled appointments can keep tension under control. Some seek massage as a mini-vacation to slow the mind and decompress from everyday stress. Sports enthusiasts receive massage to stay limber and relieve tight muscle tissue. Studies have shown that regular massage can take the place of exercise for the elderly and those who are confined with minimal mobility.

In addition to creating deep relaxation and stress reduction, regular massage enhances the immune system; speeds healing of injury; improves mood by stimulating the production of endorphins; improves range of motion, energy and circulation; and reduces pain and inflammation.

Massage does not need to be painful to be effective, so it is important to communicate with your therapist about the pressure that is best for you. A good therapist will check in with you and apply pressure to your liking, which can be light, medium, or deep, depending on the practitioner and the client. Drink plenty of extra water afterward so that your lymph system can process toxins and waste products released during your massage.

The most common massage styles are: Swedish - tends to be the most calming (a good one to start with if it’s your first time). Applies kneading, circular

movements, and smooth, elongated strokes. Therapist may use oils, aromatherapy, hot stones, warm towels, and various other extras for enhanced experience.

Deep tissue/trigger point therapy - for specific problem areas such as chronic muscle pain, headaches, and over-use injuries.

Shiatsu - rhythmic pressure applied along meridians used in acupuncture.

Sports - targets problem areas and often includes stretching.

Pre-natal - administered after the first trimester, as long as mom and baby are healthy. It is generally gentler and certain areas are avoided to prevent pre-mature labor.

Reflexology – application of pressure to points on hands and feet that directly affect various organ functions.

Robin Berry is a certified massage therapist, and provides therapeutic massage for the whole family! She is available for sessions at Bountiful Babies, Ultrasound 4989 Route 309 Center Valley, PA 18034.

Phone: (610) 797-3232 - Fax: (610) 797-3535 www.

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Robin tailors treatments to your needs using Swedish, trigger point therapy, sports, reflexology, Reiki, pre-natal, and fertility massage, in which special techniques to promote hormonal balance, menstrual cycle health, and increase endorphins to reduce pain and menstrual cramping, and reduce inflammation. This is highly beneficial for all women to promote optimum reproductive health.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

17

From the Farm to the Dinner Table:

CSA’s Offer Food Choices for a Healthier Family and a Healthier Economy

By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family Consumers like you and me are becoming more and more

from, and you can choose safe food from farmers who avoid or reduce their use of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified seed. Purchasing locally grown food protects the environment; local food doesn’t have to travel far, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials.

We aren’t ignoring it. According to the Organic Trade Association’s 2010 Organic Industry Survey, sales of organic foods are on the rise.

You can buy local produce at farmer’s markets, natural food stores and co-op drop-off points. To find farms, stores and restaurants that supply local foods in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region, go to www.buylocalpa.org/files/ lehighvalley/directory.pdf.

conscientious about the sources of the food we eat. Our families’ health is our responsibility. We can’t dispute the frequency of food safety recalls and reports of food borne illnesses that are in the news. We also can’t ignore reports of research on nutrition that is everywhere.

US sales of organic food and beverages increased: - 5.1 percent from 2008 to 2009 - from $1 billion in 1990 to $24.8 billion in 2009.

• Organic fruits and vegetables saw the highest growth in sales during 2009, up 11.4 percent over 2008 sales.

• Organic non-food sales grew 9.1 percent in 2009, to reach $1.8 billion.

• Total U.S. organic sales, including food and nonfood products, were $26.6 billion in 2009, up 5.3 percent from 2008.

Source: Organic Trade Association’s 2010 Organic Industry Survey

• Global organic sales, doubled from 2003 to 2008, reaching $50.9 billion, according to The World Of Organic Agriculture: Statistics & Emerging Trends 2010.

Also on the increase is the number of farms selling products directly to customers. Consumers are starting to recognize the many advantages to buying food grown locally.

You get fresher, better tasting food than that which is shipped long distances from other states or countries. “Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life,” according to foodroutes.org. More of the money you spend on food goes directly to the farmer. You know where your food comes

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If you can’t make it to a nearby farmers’ market, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs are another popular option for accessing local, nutritiously grown food. A “CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes…the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers…sharing the risks and benefits of food production,” according to the USDA. Different CSAs have different practices, according to the way they are set up. For example, one CSA asks that each member dedicate four hours per month to working in its distribution centers. Some supply only a few varieties of produce each week, while some work with other farms to provide a wider choice of foods to its members. Some offer pick-up only at the farm, while others set up multiple distribution centers. To find a CSA that is right for your family, go to localharvest.org/csa/.

There are other compelling reasons for families to join a CSA:

• You can learn about new vegetables and new ways of cooking.

• You usually get to visit the farm at least once a season and give your children the opportunity to learn more about how food is grown.

• Your kids will typically prefer food from “their” farm – even veggies they’ve never enjoyed eating.

• You and your kids will have an opportunity to develop a relationship with the farmer who grows the food.

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

CSA’s of the Valley • Season’s Harvest Farm, Lehartsville. • The Miller Ranch, New Tripoli. • Gottschell Farm, Coopersburg. • Pheasant Hill Farm, Emmaus. • Good Work Farm, Emmaus • Willow Haven Farm, New Tripoli. • Taproot Farm, Shoemakersville. • Quiet Creek Farm, Kutztown. • Thaler Fams, Easton. • Shooting Star Farms, Easton. • Happy Farm, Kintnersville. • Strohl Farm Gourmet Produce, Lehighton. • Creekside Cultural Center, Lenhartsville. • Hunter Hill Farm, Easton. • Heritage Farm CSA, Easton. • Reeder Farm, Easton. • Clear Spring Farm, Easton.

For more information, visit www.LocalHarvest.org

“We really enjoy driving to the CSA farm each week to pick-up our vegetables from the barn and pick our own herbs, flowers, berries and tomatoes from the fields. It’s a great chance to slow down and enjoy the moment as opposed to rushing through the grocery store pushing a cart. The kids love picking berries and eating fresh peaches or apples on the ride home.

To make meal-planning easier, our farmers send out weekly recipes to make with the produce that is in season. We enjoy knowing that we are feeding our family local, organic produce, which actually stays fresh longer than the produce from the store. I’ve had mixed-greens last almost two weeks!� – Merrilee Durrwachter, Quiet Creek Farm member.

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Cyberbullying Computer Crisis: Tips to Protect Your Child

By Dr. Richard Weinblatt, The Cop Doc

Phoebe Prince, a

pretty 15-year-old girl in South Hadley, Massachusetts, and Ryan Halligan, a 13-year-old boy in Essex Junction, Vermont, experienced many of the things that children from previous generations went through. They both tried to make friends and figure out who they were in a sea of raging hormones and a socially challenging teen world. And they experienced bullying. But their exposure to bullying went beyond the typical schoolyard taunt and evolved into an all-out assault on their self-esteem via the invasive methods and much wider audience of today’s high-tech world of computers and cell phones.

The home used to be a safe area for children and provided a respite from the schoolyard bully. Much like the rest of the new, fast-paced high-tech world, bullying has evolved into a relentless, widely shared humiliating barrage of attacks via text, video, instant messaging, and gaming that extends far into the night within the once safe inner-sanctum of the home.

Phoebe and Ryan were pursued by bullies well past school hours and tumbled into the cyber-bullying abyss. They sadly saw no way out except suicide. Teen suicide, after a decline, is now on the upswing and cyber-bullying is the catalyst driving many teens over the edge. A recent study details how 40% of students admit that they have been cyber-bullied.

With the growing pervasiveness of technology for today’s teens who know no other way than their high-tech existence for doing homework and socializing, should parents interject and monitor the use of these devices?

The answer is “Yes.” Most parents wouldn’t think of allowing anyone, whether a teen or adult, past their front door without making sure that the access was controlled by them. You know who walks through the front door of your house and

20

even what they say and do while in your residence. It is important for parents to continue their role as protectors, but they need to adapt to the new technology in order to do so.

The new doorways into your home that give other kids and adults access to your child are Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Xbox 360 Live, Skype, Youtube, Google Talk, Yahoo!

Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger, among others.

Here are a few tips that you can implement in your home today: Educate Yourself. Many parents lament the fact that they grew up in an era before computers were pervasive and they can’t possibly keep up with their kids’ technical literacy.

While you don’t need to have their level of proficiency, you can, and should, have some knowledge to effectively monitor their activities. It’s not just the traditional concern of curiosity-driven secretive visits to Internet pornography websites anymore; the stakes are much higher. You would research a potential employer for a new job interview. It’s no different with your child’s tech-based forays; and the stakes here are even higher.

Family Room Computer. This tip is an easy one to implement. Set up the teen’s tech toy in the family room, kitchen, or some other well-traveled portion of your home.

By the way, this computer should not be one that you use for online banking, financial, or other sensitive and confidential information (that information could be compromised if on the kids’s computer). With the computer facing outward in this open area, you are now able to spot check online activities that can’t be cloaked in the seclusion of a child’s room.

Set Up Parental Controls. Beyond helping to curb unapproved forays onto pornography websites, having parental controls set up on your teen’s computer help to control access to locations that you haven’t approved.

Communicate Regularly. Touch base often with your child concerning their online life. The conversation should extend beyond “How was school dear?” “Fine.” Make sure that you know what is happening in their online life as that has more impact than even the schoolyard life. Ensure that you stop them from being a victim, as well as a cyber predator.

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Control and Monitor Social Networking Sites. Regularly monitor their activity on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking hubs. You’ve heard the argument that likens such forays as snooping in a private diary, but experts disagree.

The diaries of generations gone by did not provide exposure to other kids or adults who may not have your child’s best interests at heart. Your child does not “have” to have his or her own Facebook page and the like until you determine that he or she is mature enough to handle it. Even then, a condition for setting the pages up is that you have all the passwords and access.

that seems like a foreign language to adults. Finally, have the phone in your name, inspect it regularly, and be sure that the bill is sent to your attention.

Watch Gaming Activity. Newer, lesser-known venues for cyber-bullying are extensions of the computer. Video games have evolved from solo endeavors sometimes shared with a fellow player in close physical proximity. With the advent of Xbox 360 Live and others of that ilk, interaction with other gamers can take place emanating from the other side of the planet. Those players include adults and other teens that use the platform to cyber-bully.

While it may seem that your children will resent the intrusion and perceive a lack of trust, most agree that they do look to their parents to protect them and provide safety and structure to their otherwise dramatic lives. Besides, the alternative is devastating. In your role as a parent, you must be involved and understand the world that they engage and are sometimes troubled by.

Like the computer, the video game should be set up facing outward into a common area of the household. Family console settings should be established and edited restricting use to games, TV/movie viewing, and online activity that you approve and coupled with establishment of a family timer to manage time of use.

About the author: Dr. Richard Weinblatt, known as “The Cop Doc,” is a former police chief, ex-criminal justice professor, and past police academy director who is an expert on police, crime, and safety topics. A speaker and book author, Dr. Weinblatt regularly writes articles and has been interviewed in the media including CBS News, CNN, MSNBC, and The Washington Post. To find out more or to contact Dr. Weinblatt, visit www.

TheCopDoc.com.

We are a group of moms, helping moms just like you, stay home with their kids AND become financially fit!

Control Cell Phones. Mobile devices, with e-mail, chat, and text written word, photo, and video capabilities have become potent cyber-bullying arenas that can enable taunting of a teen target literally 24 hours day. Unlike the physically present bully, the cyber bully can do his or her damage over the cell phone and follow your child wherever he or she goes.

www.MomIsTheBoss.com

Instruct your child to give his or her number out only to those that you approve (that includes not posting the number online) and to never allow others to use the phone. Tell him or her not to answer calls or return texts from anyone you don’t know and approve. Learn the text language shortcuts

Work for yourself, not by yourself!

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

21

Girl Scouts: Helping Shape Strong Girls & Women for 100 Years!

By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family

Photo Courtesy of Pix-Ology.

The Girl Scout Birthday, March 12, commemorates the

day in 1912 when founder Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first members in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scout Week is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday; it always includes the Girl Scout Birthday.

Low was a woman ahead of her time. She believed in community service and self-reliance for girls, all within a spirit of fun and adventure. She maintained that a woman could have a meaningful role beyond the home, as an active participant in society. In March 1912, Low reportedly assembled 18 founding members as the first troop of American Girl Guides. The name of the organization was changed to Girl Scouts of the USA the following year.

She brought together girls of various backgrounds to learn about nature, conservation, fitness, the arts, science and business. She was a woman ahead of her time whose values were passed on to future generations through Girl Scouting.

Ann Landers — Advice Columnist Jane Pauley — TV Reporter, “Dateline” Rachel Ray — Cook, Talk Show Host Janet Reno — Former US Attorney General Dr. Sally Ride — Astronaut and First Woman in Space Hillary Rodham Clinton — US Senator Gloria Steinem — Author Martha Stewart — TV Personality, “Martha Stewart Living” Barbara Walters — Anchorwoman of ABC “20/20” and Co Host of “The View” Dionne Warwick — Singer Venus Williams – Tennis Professional Source: www.girlscouts.org.

Register for Lessons Today!

Many famous women in US history were Girl Scouts, and through their leadership have exemplified the independent spirit and zeal of Juliette Gordon Low. Madeleine Albright — former US Secretary of State Dr. Joyce Brothers — Psychologist; Radio & TV Personality Laura Bush — Wife of President George W. Bush Mariah Carey — Singer and Actress Rosalyn Carter — Wife of President Jimmy Carter Chelsea Clinton — Daughter of President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Katie Couric — Anchorwoman, CBS Nightly News Blythe Danner — Actress Sandra Day O’Connor — Associate Justice, US Supreme Court Elizabeth Dole, — Former President, American Red Cross Dakota Fanning — Actress Pam Fields – Mrs. Fields Cookies Founder Peggy Fleming — 1968 Figure Skating Gold Medal Olympian Star Jones, — TV Reporter, Court TV

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30

Parents of newborns can’t wait for

the baby to sleep through the night, but sleeping through the night can be a problem for children of any age, from birth through their teen years. Even naptime can present a challenge, with a number of daytime sounds and distractions preventing the baby from getting the uninterrupted sleep a parent hopes for. Sleep is vital to a child’s health and growth, but what can parents do to help promote quality sleep?

While a child’s sleep-needs vary as they grow, there are two recommendations that remain consistent, no matter the child’s age. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends maintaining a regular bedtime routine and a sleep-friendly environment. “Three of the biggest influences on sleep are noise, temperature and light,” said Jonathan Sadinoff, spokesperson for LightCatcher Curtains, “so maintaining a sleep-friendly environment means controlling those elements as much as possible and keeping them consistent.” In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a cool, dark and quiet room as the best environment for sleeping.

Sweet Dreams:

Setting the stage for a good night’s sleep

How Much Sleep Do They Need? because it mimics what happens when the While there is variability between body’s internal temperature drops to its lowest level during the night. Monitor your child’s each of us in how much sleep room for temperature. Rooms with more sun we need, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has noted that exposure tend to be warmer and may need a the need for sleep changes as we fan. age. The NSF has recommended Light. The human body is sensitive to light, the following sleep guidelines for even while sleeping. The Better Sleep Council selected age groups: (BSC) says that light, such as the rising sun, 0–2 months: 12–18 hours is a powerful cue to the body and can wake 3–11 months: 14–15 hours up the brain well before the alarm clock 1–3 years: 12–14 hours sounds. Keeping the room as dark as possible 3–5 years: 11–13 hours helps the body fall asleep naturally. The BSC 5–10 years: 10–11 hours recommends getting as much exposure to 10–17: 8.5–9.25 hours sunlight during the day as possible, and to Here are some things you can do to Find out more at block as much light as possible during sleeping make your child’s room sleep-friendly www.sleepfoundation.org. hours to keep the body on track. Both the and help them get the rest they need.

BSC and the NSF recommend the use of light Noise, busy traffic, noisy appliances, blocking curtains.

Blackout curtains, such as those made or even the barking of neighborhood dogs can interrupt a

by LightCatcher, can help turn the bedroom into the sleep child’s sleep. Children don’t need complete silence to sleep, sanctuary children need. but minimizing excess sound can help them fall asleep and stay asleep. The white noise of a fan or air conditioner can Because traditional-width curtains can leak light from the help block unwanted sound. Carpet, upholstery and blackout top and sides, LightCatcher blackout curtains are cut wide, curtains can also absorb some of the ambient noise and make in over 50-inch widths, providing more light prevention. the room quieter.

With exclusive Insuldark technology, these curtains also Temperature. There isn’t an ideal temperature for sleep — the point at which temperature conditions interrupt sleep will be different for everyone. But in most cases, the NSF says that temperatures above 75 degrees and below 54 degrees will disrupt sleep. A slightly cooler room contributes to good sleep

24

provide more sound dampening and more energy savings than traditional curtains, helping to keep the room not only dark enough, but cool and quiet enough for good sleep.

LightCatcher curtains are available at buybuybaby.com.

(Family Features)

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Meet Our Cover Family!

I recently had

the privilege of meeting this issue’s cover family. While I spent only an hour with this family, I was struck by their energy. As you read their story and about all the ways they give to the community, you too will be Brian and Jenae with sons impressed. Most Weston and Addison. impressive is how Photo Courtesy of Pix-Ology. they work as a unit to strive to better themselves, the family, and the community. I left our photoshoot energized and inspiried, and I hope their story inspires you as well! Read about their efforts, as written by mom, Jenae: “My husband, Brian, and I have grown up in Emmaus for most of our lives. We have two sons, Weston who is three and Addison who is eight. We just love living in this community!

While Brian’s full time job is as a middle school teacher for a local school district, he has chosen to donate his time to Emmaus by serving as a Borough Councilman. He’s been involved with a lot of great community improvements such as implementing a new trail system on South Mountain, helping with the downtown Triangle Park project, and maintaining a balanced borough budget. He has no political aspirations, but simply wants to help build Emmaus up to keep it as one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ in the country.

I’m a stay-at-home-mom and have enjoyed organizing a local moms’ group (Club Mom on Meetup.com) for the past couple of years. Initially, I joined to meet some new friends and give my sons the chance to play and have fun during the week. It evolved into something much more for me. I found that many of the moms who applied to the group were new to the area, transplants from other states.

As a native to the Lehigh Valley, it was such a pleasure to help them acclimate to our area and help them find basic resources and services such as pediatricians, plumbers and even hairdressers! Running this moms’ group has been such a blessing. It’s allowed me the opportunity to meet some amazing women and children and help them feel welcome and comfortable with their new home in the Lehigh Valley.

Last summer, Brian and I decided to host a Fresh Air Fund child.

This is a program that allows low-income children from inner city New York City come to more ‘rural’ towns for 10 days to enjoy some fresh air. We hosted a wonderful boy named Robert. Addison and Weston became best friends with him on the first day and by the end of the 10 day stay, they were more like brothers.

Not only did it give us the chance to give Robert some really special memories and ‘first-time experiences’, but also gave us a greater appreciation for the things we have. We’re looking forward to having Robert come stay with us again next summer and many more to come!

The experience also inspired me to volunteer as the Fresh Air Fund’s “Friendly Town Chairperson” for Lower Lehigh County. In this role, I am responsible for recruiting local host families (like us) who are interested in having an inner-city child stay with them each summer for 10 days. Once I identify the interested families, I meet with them to learn more about their interests and hobbies so we can introduce them to a child who is the best match possible for their family.

Outside of that, Brian and I are passionate about giving our children the opportunity to be outdoors and to appreciate nature. We feel that this is so important to raising a ‘healthy’ family. We found it difficult to find other local families who enjoyed things like hiking, biking, rock climbing and travel so we created a ‘family’ group on a website called Meetup.com. Our group is called “South Mountain Family Adventurers” (www.meetup.com/lvfamilyfun). We started the group in January 2010 and have grown with over 70 families as members. It’s been AMAZING! Aside from outdoor activities, we also like to offer cultural events like trips to museums, zoos and aquariums. If the weather turns, we host family recipe clubs, game nights and movie nights, as well as a date nights for parents and a monthly book club where we focus on books related to our mission.

This is not a paid position or a job, but something that we feel passionate about. It’s been so encouraging to know that there ARE other local families in the Lehigh Valley who value that family time together. We are so happy that we’ve established this group and are excited to see where it takes us over the next several years as our family continues to grow in the Lehigh Valley!

As a family, we love, love, love to travel. Each year we find at least two weekends when we can escape to our favorite PA state park – Hills Creek – near Wellsboro in north central PA. We often have friends join us as we rent modern cabins and enjoy the weekend in the woods and playing around in the “Grand Canyon of PA”.

We love our little farm on the side of South Mountain in Emmaus.

From spring to fall we often host barbecues for our friends on the deck. We also visit my parents’ horse farm which is just up the road from our place. The boys enjoy playing in the woods, building forts and 4-wheeling in the summer months. People love to visit our place because of our goats, chickens, bunny and Border collie, Scout. The boys handle the feeding and care of the animals. As Addison is getting older, he’s doing more for Brian around the barn and he loves it. It’s a great way for him to learn about responsibility.

We are so happy to live in a place where our family can do the things we love.”

Lehigh Valley Family thanks this family for sharing their story and for all they do to make the Valley a better place to live.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

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will hopefully yield fresh fruits in the years to come.

5. Compare unit costs, not product packaging and creative pricing. Remember

9 Ways to Prepare for Food Inflation

By Jason White, FrugalDad.com

If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you’ve no doubt

discovered that the price of most foods has increased significantly. There’s plenty of blame to go around: increased commodity prices due to increased demand, increased oil prices, devaluation of our dollar, and on and on.

Whatever the reason, increased food prices are putting a major dent in our household budget. Since we can’t do much about the prices, we have to look for other ways to reduce (or at least keep even) our overall food expense.

Food is a unique budget category in that normally when you are struggling with less income and/or increased costs, the natural inclination is to turn to cheaper alternatives. Unfortunately, as many people are discovering, when it comes to food this means an unhealthy diet.

Think of the cheapest foods at your local grocer – they are likely cheap pastas and boxed processed foods (Ramen noodles, mac and cheese, packages of potato flakes sold as “instant mashed potatoes,” etc). While these foods will do in a pinch, they aren’t exactly healthy staples to build the basis of a clean diet.

9 Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Budget

1. Plan to shop every two weeks. Make room in your

pantry (and your budget) to shop for enough food to last two weeks. The more often you see the inside of a store, the more likely you will give into temptation and deviate from your list.

2. Buy in-season produce. The simple laws of supply and

demand tell us that things that are plentiful should be a little cheaper. Of course, the opposite is true if a particular produce item is not plentiful in your area, because it has to be shipped in from another part of the country (or world), and those increased costs to transport are passed along to you, the consumer.

3. Eat less. This one seems obvious, but to someone like me

raised on three squares (big squares) a day, the idea of skipping a meal or two seems foreign. However, here lately I’ve been trying to eat only when hungry, not when the clock says 8:00, 12:00 and 6:00.

4. Grow your own vegetables. The last couple years we’ve

experimented with square foot gardening. This year, we plan to expand on the idea and grow a variety of vegetables in garden boxes in our backyard. We also planted fruit trees last fall that

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price…$0.88.

bigger isn’t always cheaper, and neither are the 10/$10 deals. I recently stocked up on a few items included in a 10/$10 sale and the next week the store returned the item to their normal

6. Consider swapping beans or eggs for meats when looking for a protein source. Like any good carnivore, I like to build a meal around a good meat. Unfortunately, this can get expensive. Here lately, we’ve been enjoying eating “breakfast” for dinner – with scrambled eggs as the main course. Beans also provide a nice source of protein and can augment a smaller amount of meat in dishes like tacos and chili to bulk up the recipe with out increasing the cost per meal.

7. Avoid the “junk food” aisle. Nothing good comes from

this aisle. Soft drinks, chips, snack cakes, and cookies are simply empty calories. And they are expensive when you consider you can’t plan a meal around them. Your waistline won’t miss this aisle, either. Now, this is an area where I need to take my own advice!

8. Eat leftovers. One of the most effective ways to lower your cost per meal is to simply stretch your prepared foods across more meals. In fact, I have found that meals like spaghetti, soups, and meatloaf actually taste better the next night.

9. Freeze the extras. If you are short on freezer space, consider a second freezer to stock up on meats and vegetables when on sale, or to freeze leftovers of your favorite meals. My wife makes a huge batch of soup and freezes the portions we don’t eat the first two days for later consumption. Weeks later, on a particularly hectic day, we’ll toss the frozen soup in a crock pot to thoroughly reheat and enjoy an easy meal.

These tips probably make sense in any environment, but are particularly important in the face of rising food costs, high unemployment and a time of high economic uncertainty. I highly recommend taking the time now to streamline your food budget and use some of the savings to build a pantry of stockpiled food.

Best case scenario, your pantry will provide cheaper food than is currently available in the store. Worst case scenario, your pantry will provide food if there isn’t any in the store. It’s my hope that we never face the latter scenario, but I’d rather be prepared just in case.

To read more articles on how to be a financially savvy family, visit www.FrugalDad.com.

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Saving Money Rocks!

It’s never too early to teach your kids the importance of setting financial goals!

By First Class Federal Credit Union

We at First Class Federal Credit Union, take pride in

educating our youth members about sound financial habits and believe the earlier children are educated about money matters, the better financial choices will be made in the future. Here are just a few ways to teach your child about financial success!

• Empty your pockets – let your young child sort through the change by color and size (or count the pocket change!)

• Play “Shopping Store“ or “Credit Union” – make fake money and pretend to run a register or teller!

• When out shopping – let the kids help, too! Teach them how to comparison shop by looking at prices and brands – getting the most bang for the buck!

• Is there a Tween in your house? Some kids need to know how much things cost. Share receipts and bills with your kids, so they realize the cost of cell phones, movies, groceries, and school supplies etc.

• Dime for Every Dollar! Do you pay allowance? Include your kids in the amount of allowance they receive. Talk about allowance amounts and what they should use their money for.

One small savings tip is to have kids save a Dime for every Dollar received. As kids get older, the amount could change, but it’s a start!

an expense item, have them pay the difference. It is a great way for teens to learn the responsibility of financial decision making.

Get your kids started in the right direction...Bring them in to First Class Federal Credit Union and we can help you raise financially ‘rockin’ kids!

Celebrate National Credit Union Youth WeekTM in our Main Lobby at 510 Business Park Lane, Allentown, PA 18109. “My Credit Union Rocks!” April 17-23, 2010!

To ask about any of our services please contact us at 610.439.4102 or visit us online at www.firstclass.org.

Set limits to what you’ll pay for and what they should be responsible for. For example, when you’re at the movies, let your kids know that you will pay for a drink and snack – but arcade games are on them!

• Explain to children what interest means. Show your kids that as they save, they’re constantly earning dividends on their savings! Youth members at Frist Class Federal Credit Union receive a quarterly statement, which would be an easy tool for your child to see their account grow. Now they will think that rocks!

• Let your teen know what you will pay for and they are responsible for paying for. For example, your teens may want the latest cell phone that comes with a steep price tag. Establish your spending limit, and if they still want www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

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a

Your Style

You Want Me to Wash that When?

By Lauren Wuscher, IMAGEine U

When I ask, most people tell

me they wash their clothing after only one wearing. Or, they may wait a little longer and then decide to throw it in the machine when it starts to lose its fresh scent.

But, surprisingly enough, there are many items in your closet that you should NOT wash day in and day out because it will only add to the daily wear and tear of the garment, shortening the amount of time that the color, fabric, and quality stay in tact.

Here are a few tips for how often you should wash some of those important items you may want to keep for a long time: Denim: Denim is a staple in the American closet and at most stores. A quality denim jean isn’t cheap, which is why you should try your best to keep your denim looking as new as possible all the time. You want to make sure that your jeans don’t fade too fast, ensuring you can keep your favorite pairs for longer.

Wash your denim jeans approximately every four to five wearings as long as they don’t stretch out too much or get too baggy (nothing’s worse than a jean that looks like it’s falling off of you because it has stretched out). When you do wash, turn your jeans inside out to protect the color.

Jackets/Blazers: You can save some water on these because they don’t need to be washed too often, especially since they are normally worn over other shirts. I suggest you wash jackets and blazers every five to six wearings and make sure to air them out after wearing. Depending on the type of fabric, your blazer could retain odors.

Check the cuffs and neckline often to make sure they don’t get dirty, or you will need to wash sooner.

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Swim Suits: I know, we are just hinting towards summer, but soon you will be in full on swim apparel! Chlorine and salt from swimming can eat away at your swim apparel so you want to make sure that you rinse in cold water and hang to dry after each and every single wear (do not twist to wring). If necessary, fully wash after each wearing since these should be treated like underwear, but sometimes you can go two to three wearings, depending on how clean they look.

Tops & Dresses: Undershirts should be washed after every wearing since they come into contact with your skin, but tops and dresses can be washed every two to three wearings, especially if you are wearing something underneath.

Bras: You should wash your bras every 3 to 4 wearings because they do not come in direct contact with your underarms. Try to rotate the bras that you wear because if you wear the same one every day it will break down the elastic. Each bra needs a 24-hour break between wearing to ensure it lasts longer!

New Clothing: Wash as soon as you purchase! Even though new clothing looks new, it spent several months in a factory, on a boat, being touched by factory workers, by the salespeople, by other customers... you get the hint.

Not only that, but new clothing could still contain some dyes that can irritate your skin so it’s better to be safe than itchy!

If you follow these guidelines, your clothing should stay looking new for much longer. Always make sure to wash as per the directions on your garment’s care labels and try to always wash in cold water and on the delicate setting for your dryer. The hotter the water and drying air, the faster your colors will fade.

Visit Lauren online at www.IMAGEineU.com.

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Believe It or Not

By Pam Cantone, Moments Coaching The “Little Engine That Could” had it. Oprah, Donald

Trump, and Bill Gates, they had it. Olympic gold medallists certainly had it. Even my daughter had it as she finished up her first semester of college on the Dean’s List. They all believed. Believed they were capable.

Belief, that success, was within reach.

Belief plays a significant role in carrying out New Year’s resolutions when supported with a few other important aspects. Here are six suggestions to help you keep your resolutions this year.

• Believe in yourself. Yes, you can!

• Be realistic. Determine if your goal is attainable.

• Know why. Understand why you want to reach your goal.

• Talk about it. Keep your resolution front and center in your life.

• Get help. Support your success with accountability.

• Forgive yourself. Failures are beginnings to try again.

For more information, visit www.MomentsCoaching.com.

Z Most people have moments of uncertainty as they chase accomplishment. Breezes of doubt often seep through the cracks of our confidence. Along the path; pebbles cause us to stumble into failure. But time and time again, we each fall back on one thing to pick ourselves up and try harder. Belief. Belief, in the fact that we’re capable of greatness. Imagine, “I know I can’t, I know I can’t”, chugging away in your head, and undermining your strengths and abilities to strive for the ultimate triumph. How do you create success when words tie you to failure before you even get started?

Unlock your greatness by tapping into the power of the mind. With hard work and determination, the more you believe in yourself, the more likely you are to reach the height of your potential dreams. When a picture of success is created in your mind, believe in it, wrap your actions around it, and you can be it.

Building Confidence

Etiquette • Manners • Modeling • Fashion Group and individual classes available for young girls, teens and ladies.

Registration is open for next session!

Zenddy Etiquette & Fashion Academy 610-762-6535 • www.zenddy.com

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

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March

10 Great Things To Do

1. Children’s Storytelling by the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild Series

Make Something Delicious Cheesy Smashed Potatoes

at 2 p.m. every Sunday in February and March at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem. Cops and Kids will be there to hand out free books to the children. A fun “low-tech” approach to some high energy entertainment.

Godfrey Daniels, Bethlehem. 610-799-2742; www.lvstorytellers.org.

2. Hop on In! This is a Zoo Camp for toddlers and adults, featuring animal presentations, games, guided tours, snacks, crafts and an interactive story time; Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville. www.lvzoo.org.

3. Visit “American Presidents: George Washington to Barack Obama”.

Explore the popular image of our nation’s presidents from George Washington to President Obama. Learn about the American Presidency as you explore presidential images from throughout our nation’s history.

Through June. Held at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Allentown.

4. Lehigh Valley Steel Hawks vs Richmond Home Opener! Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

5. Make alphabet biscuits! You’ll need refrigerator biscuits, melted butter or margarine, cinnamon and sugar, grated cheese, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds. Remove one or two refrigerator biscuits at a time and form them into the shape of letters. Set them on a cookie sheet. Prepare small bowls of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, grated cheese, and/or cinnamon sugar; also put melted butter into a small bowl. Brush the biscuits with melted butter and then sprinkle with the treats. Bake as directed on the biscuit package.

6. Bored with your school notebooks? Decorate them. Glue interesting pictures onto a standard-issue notebook. Use stickers, tape, office dots, markers, and more to build your own cover design. Make lettering and decorations with skinny tape. Glue on drawings or make characters with office dots.

7. Enjoy the snow before it’s gone. Go snow tubing at one of the local ski resorts. It’s great family fun.

8. Plant your garden from seed – indoors. Most plants can be transferred outdoors in April. Good bets for planting now are cabbage, eggplants, lettuce, onions, peppers, and radishes.

9. Watch for signs of spring. Track the time of sunrise and sunsets for a week. Watch the weather for spring showers or thunderstorms. Watch for robins to appear and the birds to sing more loudly in the early morning.

Watch the ground for the first spring crocus blossoms to appear.

10. Be a rollercoaster engineer. Use toilet paper or paper towel rolls and make a roller coaster for marbles or matchbook cars. Cut the cardboard tubes in half along the long side to create a U shape that can be taped together with duct tape. Build a ramp at the end and compete to see who can launch their marble the farthest or hit a target such as a paper cup.

(with a secret ingredient – shhhh!)* Kids love cheesy foods. Here’s a way to make healthy smashed potatoes that they’ll devour, and they won’t even know there’s cauliflower in it.

Ingredients • 1 lb. red potatoes, cut into chunks • 1 c. small cauliflower florets* • 1/4 c. light sour cream • 1 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese Cooking Directions Cook potatoes and cauliflower in boiling water in large saucepan 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender; drain. Return to pan. Add sour cream; mash with a potato masher until vegetable mixture is fluffy. Whip with an electric mixer, if desired stir in cheese.

Date Night Suggestion Get dressed up to go out, but stay in.

Wear your prom dress if you still can.

You may never wear it in public now, but it’s fun to wear for a night in.

Celebrate March!

• Peppers and Brocoli Month 6-12: Celebrate Your Name Week 2: Dr. Seuss Day 15: Napping Day

• National Kite Month

7-13: National Procrastination Week

8: Pancake Day 20: Corn Dog Day

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• National Caffine Awareness Month

9: Get Over It Day

21-27: Act Happy Week 12: Girl Scout Day

23: OK Day 30: Grass is Always Browner on the other Side of the Fence Day

March/April 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

April Make Something Delicious Holiday Brunch Casserole with Bagels and Cheese Make your holiday morning meal simple. This easy casserole must be made the night before.

Ingredients • 1/2 lb. diced bacon • 1/2 c. chopped onion • 3 plain bagels •1 c. grated or shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese • 12 eggs or equivalent egg substitute, beaten • 2 c. non-fat or low-fat milk • 2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley • 1/4 tsp. pepper • 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Directions Cook the bacon and onion in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside. Slice each bagel into 4 thin slices. Arrange 6 bagel slices in the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with the bacon and onion mixture, followed by the cheddar cheese. Top with remaining bagel slices. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, parsley, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the bagel layers. Cover, and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

Date Night Suggestion Prepare a meal ahead of time and, when you’re ready to sit down and eat, turn off the circuit breakers (for the lights – not the hot water heater or fridge), light candles, and enjoy the ambiance. Make sure there are enough candles on the table to see the food, and pull out a battery-powered music player for some light dinner music. You’ll be amazed at how different the house feels when lit only by candlelight, and how peaceful it is without electronics.

10 Great Things To Do

1. Watch your indoor garden grow. Check

www.thegardenhelper.com for tips on growing healthy plants.

2. Add tomato seeds to your indoor garden. If you like fresh homegrown tomatoes, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Have you ever met Ping the Panda? He’s the mascot for the best birthday party place in the around! Ping is inviting you to his 1st birthday party! Join him on Saturday, April 30th 12 – 3 PM for his carnival theme party at Active Learning Centers in Fogelsville. Bouncing, carnival games, rock wall climbing, martial arts demos, face painting, food, balloon animals. $10 p/family.

4. Pocono Whitewater’s Big Day Out! Bike, Hike, & Raft the Lehigh Gorge in one BIG day. Visit PoconoWhitewater.com.

5. Check out all the animal babies at the Lehigh Valley Zoo! Hike with us down to the creek to unveil all the new critters that lie underneath the surface. www.lvzoo.org.

6. Dorney Park opening Day – April 30.

7. Build a bridge. Use small rocks, sticks or whatever is at hand and build a toy bridge across a puddle. If running water is available build a dam to watch how the water flows.

8. Explore mud. Instead of viewing mud as an unpleasant mess, dress for the occasion and make mud castles, mud pies, mud sculptures, look at the mud through a magnifying glass, and write in the mud.

9. April 16-17th. Celebrate Earth Day weekend in Jim Thorpe. Food vendors, games for the kids, shows at the Opera House, craft vendors at the train station. River clean-up.

10. Easter Bunny Train - April 22-24 – Strasburg Railroad. Welcome Spring with a ride through beautiful farmland with Peter Cottontail as your conductor. Peter will delight boys and girls with an Easter surprise as he greets them on board this special train. Strasburgrailroad.com.

Celebrate April!

• Grilled Cheese Month

• Straw Hat Month

• Car Care Month

• Keep America Beauiful Month

10-16: Inspirational News Week 22-30: National Dance Week 24-30: National Scoop the Poop Week 1: National Fun Day 4: Deep Dish Pizza Day 7: No Housework Day 10: Baby Masssage Day 12: Walk on Your Wild Side Day 15: Take a Wild Guess Day 16: Husband Appreciation Day 21: High Five Day www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

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Sunday, April 17 at Dorney Park In Allentown Start Your Team at MarchforBabies.org or 610-814-7000