Lehigh Valley Family November-December

Family

Pric take eless one!

Lehigh Valley

.com

November-December 2011

Adventure Dads

Add a Dog to Your Family

Volunteering

Smart Foods

Fun Things to Do!

Family Lehigh Valley

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

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

November-December 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

Copyright© 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).

On the Cover:

Father Kevin Miller and his children Caytlin, John, Megan, and Conner. Cover photo by Janet Sena of Pix-Ology, LLC. Visit her online at www.Pix-Ology.com.

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from the publisher

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his month you may notice a different spin on our content as I have been working to assemble new stories important to me as a father and husband. We know that our readers are predominantly female but since its my turn to manage an issue, I wanted to be sure to encourage my male counterparts in fulfilling their important family responsibilities. Of course none of this is to the exclusion of mothers, who are inherently good caregivers; there is something inside for everyone.

Speaking of mothers, I’d like to congratulate our editor Laura, a new mommy for the second time who is busy with her highest priority, her family. Baby Bennett was born October 13 tipping the scales at

a solid 8 lbs 8 oz. Laura will be back in action with Lehigh Valley Family in time for next issue.

baby bennett

Another milestone is that Lehigh Valley Family is in its third year. I’d like to thank all those who have contributed

and supported Lehigh Valley Family; your efforts have made this publication a success!

As we wind down 2011, we want to wish all a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and whatever else your family celebrates. May God bless you and your family in 2012!

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Caring

maintain a relationship with the absent parent.

for Our

Military Kids Denise H. Continenza, M.Ed. Penn State Extension-Lehigh County

More than 32,000 children in Pennsylvania have at least one parent currently serving in either the National Guard, Reserves or Active Duty component of the military. Even though most people who are in the military are pretty aware of what they signed up for, families are faced with many issues when a parent is mobilized for duty.

Unlike families living on military bases, Reservists and National Guard members tend to be dispersed throughout the community and often do not have easy access to the supports readily available on installations.

Additionally, military bases provide a sense of comradeship where having one parent absent for a period of time is the norm rather than the exception for families. But when sprinkled among ordinary families in the average community, deployment often means something quite different. A shift in roles for all family members including the children, a journey through single parenthood and feelings of being overwhelmed and “different” are frequently cited as changes that families experience. It is like a mobile that is hanging in balance until someone removes one of the pieces. Suddenly, all the weight shifts and the remaining items scramble to regain stability.

The stages of pre-deployment, deployment/separation, and reunification each present a variety of challenges for families and can create a wide range of reactions among the children in the family.

Recent research at the University of Chicago and Virginia Tech points to the specific issues that adolescents face when a parent is called up to report for duty. In addition to the normal stresses of adolescence, these youths have to weather the storm of a parent going away for a long period of time. So, how can we as friends, neighbors, extended family members, schools and others offer support to young people whose parent has been deployed?

3. Offer the non-deployed parent your help with responsibilities such as yard work or child care that might otherwise fall on the teens in the house. While it is certainly reasonable for a teenager to help with maintaining the household, it is also important that adolescents do not take on too much responsibility or become “parentified” during the deployment. They still need time with their peers and adequate down time in order to foster their own development.

4. Adolescents like to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Provide opportunities for youth with military parents to talk with others who have been through what they are going through now.

Assist the young person with finding or starting a blog for teens with deployed parents.

5. Help the family to remain engaged in community, church or school activities. Keeping routines and activities as close to normal is reported to reduce stress and help families cope with the absence of their loved one.

Youth in the research study indicated that when the at-home (non-deployed) 1. Listen, listen, listen. Adolescents parent was able to cope and provide try to make sense of things by “telling support to them, they also were able to the story.” They might want to talk successfully adjust to the change. about how they were informed of their In addition to what we do locally parent’s deployment, where they were, in our own communities, there are why they think this is happening, and larger-scale supports available for how they feel about it. All this helps military families. In Pennsylvania, them process and adjust. Listen with Operation: Military Kids is a resource an open mind, without judging. clearinghouse that strives to provide support to children and youth of 2. Help the youth stay connected active-duty parents in a variety with the absent parent. If the family of ways during the difficult time. does not have technology such as Available programs vary from county Skype, find out if the school or a local to county, and many are accessible via business can assist with setting the the Internet. For more information, household up with this program. Help Pennsylvania residents can contact the at-home parent to understand Susan Smith at 814-865-2264 or social media and how to set boundaries sjs52@psu.edu. You can also find more information on the project at www. and controls. Staying connected operationmilitarykids.org. has been shown to ease anxiety and

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

The holiday season may be a good time to add a dog to your family

by Rayne Reitnauer, Cold Nose Lodge

to take care

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of the dog’s

dog. The family can go together to pick up the dog the day

already housetrained, neutered, up to date on vaccines,

ids are home from school and parents often have extra time off from work to help the dog adjust to life in your home. However, if the entire extended

needs.

Should you

Rayne poses with Oliver, a deaf pitbull available for adoption.

family will be at your house, you may choose to surprise your adopt a puppy or adult dog? Only you can decide which choice is the correct for your family. Adult dogs are often children with a basket of dog supplies and a picture of the after the celebration ends. Another option is bringing the dog home prior to the holiday and providing a safe quiet location for the dog to relax on the busier days.

and may have some previous training. You can also get a clearer picture of their personality. Foster homes and animal shelter staffs also have additional information for

Many dog trainers offer free consultations prior to adopting you on the dogs. Most assess the dogs prior to placing them on the adoption floor. a new dog to help you determine the best fit. Proper matching of the dog to your lifestyle will help ensure a positive experience for you and your new addition. Be sure to set realistic expectations on the care of the dog. Children often say they will help with walks, feeding, training, and grooming. At least one adult in the family must be prepared

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Puppies are adorable but also require a greater

commitment of time and money. You will need to socialize them, teach good potty habits and basic training. You will also have veterinary bills for two to three rounds of vaccines in addition to a spay/neuter surgery in the first year. Remember that we are entering the winter months, and someone will need to walk the dog several times a day, even in the ice and snow. An eight week old puppy should be taken outside every three hours, and after every meal, every play time, and every nap.

What breed? Consider your schedule, the exercise and grooming needs of the dog in addition to size and looks.

Responsible breeders and breed-specific rescue groups are excellent sources of information. Remember, mixed breeds can often be the best fit.

Rayne Reitnauer is the owner of Cold Nose Lodge in Alburtis: ColdNoseLodge.com, 610-965-DOGS (3647)

November/December 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Parental Involvement Will Help Students Excel Nina Pinsley, Area Director

Club Z! In-Home Tutoring of the Lehigh Valley

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hen parents are involved in their children’s education, everyone wins. Involved parents have a direct impact on improving children’s achievement levels, attendance, behaviors, and levels of self-confidence.

Here are a few things you can do now to become more involved in your child’s education:

• Read to your child • Check homework every night • Discuss your child’s progress with teachers In order to help, parents need to • Vote in school board elections stay informed about what is going on • Help your child set challenging in their children’s classrooms. Some academic goals and standards parents are involved in lots of activities, • Limit television on school nights while other parents only have time for one or two events per school year.

Parent involvement can also be Regardless of the level of involvement, as simple as asking your child, “How parents need to be consistent and was your day at school?” These remain active because it will make a actions will let your children know significant difference in their children’s that their schoolwork is important lives. to you and that you expect them Consistency is the key to success! to learn and excel academically.

However, be sure to ask every day.

Open More Doors

Smart Foods!

1. Blueberries are great for improving your long term memory making them one of the best brain foods. The antioxidants protect the brain from free radical damage.

2. Mixed Nuts contain arginine in high amounts which are responsible for providing that calming effect.

3. The scent of Peppermint Tea can lead to much stronger focus, performance, and concentration.

4. Leafy Greens like spinach contain strong sources of B vitamins making them one of the best brain foods to consume.

5. Flax Seed contains ALA or alphalinoleic, which is a healthy fat that improves the pleasure senses of the brain.

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his month, Lehigh Valley Family takes a close look at volunteering -- its impact on the community and on the lives of volunteers.

In today’s busy society, it can be hard to think about finding time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous, to you the volunteer, your family and the community. The right opportunity can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills and even advance your career. Volunteering can even help protect your mental and physical health. Volunteering can be an invaluable life experience for our children and teenagers. It teaches our youth to look beyond themselves and understand the role they can play in their community and country.

If we stop to think about the roles that volunteers play in our world, our nation, and our communities, the list seems endless. Volunteers give freely of their time

to fulfill vital roles in the military, schools, hospitals, emergency response teams, nursing homes, disaster relief, support for medical research, youth sports, services for the elderly, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, libraries, museums, and historical societies, just to name a few.

Toys for Tots One of the most familiar volunteer organizations in our area is Toys for Tots. In the Lehigh Valley and Central and Upper Bucks, you’ll find 450 donation boxes in businesses where we work and shop.

An outreach of the US Marine Corps, Toys for Tots encompasses much more than just providing toys at Christmas. According to the USMC Toys for Tots Foundation, the program’s objectives are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role

Volunteers Make Our World Go Round

By Laura Putt & Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family

in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

While the organization’s main activity is to conduct toy campaigns during the holidays, local coordinators also plan a variety of

volunteer events, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other functions designed to increase interest and generate toys and monetary donations for Toys for Tots.

Background Toys for Tots was conceived in 1947, when Diane Hendricks, the wife of Major Bill Hendricks, a US Marine Corps Reservist in Los Angeles, crafted a handmade doll and asked her husband to give it to an organization which would deliver it to a needy child at Christmas. Bill quickly found that no such organization existed, so he and Diane worked together to start one.

That year a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The 1947 pilot project was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign.

In civilian life, USMCR Major Bill Hendricks, founder of Toys for Tots, was the Director of Public Relations for Warner Brothers Studio. Through his position he was able to convince a vast array of celebrities to support Toys for Tots. In 1948, Walt Disney designed the Toys for Tots logo, which we use today. Disney also designed the first Toys for Tots poster used to promote the nationwide program.

From 1947 through 1979, Marines collected and distributed both new and used toys. Reserve Marines refurbished the used toys on drill weekends during October, November and December.

Beginning in 1980, Marines began collecting and distributing only new toys; their mission: “To deliver a message of hope to children, which will assist in building self-esteem and, in turn, motivate less fortunate children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.” In 1996, the USMCR expanded Toys for Tots to cover all 50 states. Over the 62 years of the Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to over 188 million needy children.

Local Impact It’s no secret that times are, and have been, difficult for families over the past four years. As the need for services such as Toys for Tots has increased, so has the generosity of those able to donate to the Toys for Tots charity.

In Central and Upper Bucks, the 2010 campaign was one of the most successful to date for this distribution area. In the Souderton, Pennridge, Quakertown,

Palisades, Central Bucks and Southern Lehigh school districts, and parts of North Penn and Hatboro-Horsham school districts, over 16,000 toys were collected and distributed to almost 3,700 children. Furthermore, due to the generosity of donations, Kevin Miller, the Central and Upper Bucks coordinator was able to assist local campaigns by transferring 3,000 toys to neighboring communities still in need of donations.

In the Lehigh Valley, Toys for Tots collected over 44,000 toys, and was able to purchase over 5,000 additional toys with monetary donations. In total, over 50,000 toys were donated to 30,000 local children who otherwise may not have received a gift to open at Christmas.

How Does the Program Work?

Families who are interested in receiving toys must apply to Toys for Tots. They will refer the family to the Salvation Army, who will complete a screening process. Once a family is approved, toys for those children can be picked up at a pre-arranged time, or dropped off at the family’s home.

Continued on page 10

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How Can I Help?

You can purchase and donate toys in one of the 450 donation boxes found throughout the Lehigh Valley and Central and Upper Bucks regions. Toys should be new and unwrapped. They will later be sorted and given to a child in the appropriate age category to best appreciate the toy.

While donations of toys are greatly needed and appreciated, consider making a monetary donation. Because the Toys for Tots program partners with retailers, such as or ToysR’Us and Ollie’s, Toys for Tots coordinators can shop at a steep discount. So, for the same twenty dollars, you or I may be able to purchase one or two toys, but the representatives from Toys for Tots may be able to purchase five! That is a big difference in the number of children served and number of toys donated.

For information on donating or requesting toys from Toys for Tots, go to http://toysfortots.org/default.asp .

Your donation at work Rest assured that the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a good steward of your donations. They boast one of the very best program to support ratios within the nonprofit world; 98:2. This means that over 98% of your donation goes to their mission of providing toys, books and other gifts to less fortunate children. The two percent spent on support covers fundraising expenses; not one donated dollar goes to pay for salaries or any

other manpower costs.

Lehigh Valley Family interviewed Kevin Miller,

Coordinator of the Upper and Central Bucks Toys for Tots program. Kevin, Information Technologies Manager for Godshall’s Quality Meats, Inc., in Telford, and a former Marine who was assigned to the USMC Reserve base at Willow Grove, has been involved with Toys for Tots for over 18 years. Kevin’s Toys for Tots League covers all the communities that encompass Souderton, Pennridge, Quakertown, Palisades and Central Bucks school districts.

Kevin’s service and spirit of volunteerism – of giving back to the community – and the impact the program has had on his life and the lives of his children, exemplify the ideals and mission of Toys for Tots and the value of volunteering.

LVF: What is the biggest challenge you face with coordinating the program?

Kevin: I’m a single dad, with four kids, and it’s a juggling act. If I stop to think about it, it doesn’t get done. I can’t tell you how a lot of it happened. You get it done, and it’s amazing what you can get done when you have to. Our family is not in the area to help us, but I’ve made some friends, and friends have helped with the juggling. I have a full family, a full life, a full plate. The downside is that Toys for Tots work takes time away from my family during the

Kevin with his children from left to right:

Megan, 14 – High School Freshman. Holder of the Girl Scout Silver Award. Color Guard and chorus member.

Conner, 13 – Eighth grade Honor student. Active in cross country, swim, track, and Boy Scouts, working toward his Eagle Scout award.

John, 15 – Sophomore in high school. Eagle Scout, honor student, involved in cross country, swim and track. Has scuba certification and works with his school’s marching band.

Caytlin – Sophomore in college, studying to become a math teacher.

holidays.

LVF: How are your kids involved in the program?

Kevin: Except for the oldest, the kids were born into the program. It’s all been part of their blood from day one. From a young age, they were helping me sort the toys and pick out toys for certain ages.

We’ve been able to gain funding to buy toys, so my kids help pick them out, sort them and put toy orders together. The oldest drives her car and helps pick up toys from businesses.

Toys for Tots has basically become a family affair for us.

LVF: How do you feel that your family’s involvement with Toys for Tots has helped your kids grow into individuals who know what it is to contribute to the greater good of society?

Kevin: My kids are extremely helpful to anybody they come in contact with. I think that comes from being out there and seeing kids who don’t have anything. They’ve come to appreciate what they have more. The oldest wants to be a high school math teacher, which is a service within itself. John wants to go to Annapolis and hopefully will take over the program. For all of them, the program has become so much an integral part of their lives, they would miss it if it didn’t exist in our lives. Hopefully they will all continue to keep the program going.

LVF: You give so much of your time and energy to a volunteer organization. Have you ever been the recipient of a community organization, and how did that impact your family?

Kevin: When I first became a single dad, only my oldest child was school aged and my youngest two were still in diapers.

Being a single parent, I found myself on the wrong side of the economy. St. Isadore Parish in Quakertown helped fund private schooling for us.

We, as a family, have tried to give back in any way we can by volunteering time for many different things. John’s Eagle Scout project, which cost the church nothing, was a 4 x 200 foot brick paver walkway on the church grounds. (This would have cost the parish over $10k to install professionally.)

Megan’s Girl Scout Silver Award project was a 144 square foot brick paver meditation area, which also cost the parish nothing. Many years ago, I was instrumental in getting Cable TV and internet provided to the school from Comcast, and then I solicited some volunteers to help me wire the entire school. There are cable TV and internet in every classroom because of that.

LVF: What is the greatest reward you get from your work with Toys for Tots?

Kevin: Seeing the look on a kid’s face when he receives a toy at a distribution event. At these events, the kids get one toy in addition to the bag of toys the parents’ receive.

There are so many stories, it’s hard to pick one. A lot of times we’ll get referrals of families who are too proud to ask for help, so we’ll do a “drop and run.” Depending on the situation, we’ll not just drop toys. We’ll drop food and everything. As a single parent, I know what it’s like to be on the wrong side of the economy. I make a special effort to make sure these families receive what they need.

LVF: Do you have help with the program?

Kevin: Dianne Cochran has been my assistant since my father passed away seven years ago. She was volunteering with the Salvation Army when she became a single mom.

Someone Diane was working with suggested that she talk to me for support getting through life as a single parent. That was in spring, and in fall she was volunteering for Toys for Tots. Then I brought her on as my assistant. Because the program has gotten bigger, I don’t work directly with the businesses that collect toys as much any more. I’m even busier coordinating the volunteers and the logistics. Diane knows what has to be done, and I do the back-end work. When I get stressed out, Diane is usually the one within earshot. Diane is just trying to make the world a better place for others and make sure that kids have the opportunity to be kids.

LVF: As a former Marine, what do you think we can do as a community to reach out to the families of our military, who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom?

Kevin: The community can help military families by reaching out individually or through organizations that help those families. More people need to be aware of how difficult it is when one spouse is deployed. Income may not be what it once was. It’s not the children’s fault that the parent is overseas, in harm’s way, but they feel it as much as the spouse.

We may not agree with where we are or what we’re doing as a nation, but we need to support our military people.

LVF: How do you feel that volunteering benefits the community?

Kevin: It’s the volunteers that make a community what it is, whether it’s firefighters or scouting. Volunteering gives you that intangible feeling of having helped someone, of having made the world a better place by what you’ve volunteered to do. Who knows? At some point you may need help from one of those agencies you’ve helped.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family

11

More than Just Spinning Wheels How One Family Works together to Meet All Their Goals

By Jeff Tintle, Lehigh Valley Family

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e all lead multiple lives.

Not in the pejorative, deceitful, two-faced, I-can’t-believe-I-never-knew way, but in our own responsible pursuit of a balanced life. People recognize us in the context of our activities. The more passionately we engage in those activities, the harder it is for others to visualize us in normal roles outside those activities. The reality is that we have a full plate and try to balance it all – family, careers, hobbies, and social life.

This is something that Nicole Schaffer knows well. She is a player and recruiter for the Lehigh Valley Roller Girls, a local team of 30 female players who practice and play at Independence Fun Center in Schnecksville. “I’ve enjoyed roller skating since I was five years old,” tells Nicole, “and I was looking for a fun activity to stay active and lose weight,

Nicole & family

so I started roller skating at a local rink. I was approached by someone from the local roller derby league who asked me to attend tryouts in January 2010. I knew nothing about roller derby but I fell in love with the sport.

Since I started playing, I’ve lost 65 pounds.”

The roller derby girls practice three times a week from January to November. Games known as ”bouts” are held once or twice a month and can be as far away as Vermont or South Carolina.

Nicole’s roller derby picture

taught by industry knowledgeable professionals.” She took a third shift job so that she and Chris could juggle schedules. “Chris took care of Roller derby is just a small part the kids at night, making sure they of Nicole’s life. She and her did their homework and putting them husband Christopher Moughan to bed,” Nicole recounts. In August have three children, ages 9, 5 of this year, Nicole finished her and 3. Not only do both work, program and graduated in October but they also have been taking 2011 with a degree in Business turns going back to school --- and Administration with a concentration juggling family responsibilities. in Human Resources Leadership.

Chris, who had a technical “Having had many jobs, I saw how degree from Penn State, decided many people were mistreated by to go back for his Bachelor’s management. I never thought that Degree in Information Systems. using fear and intimidation was a good motivator, and I wanted to be In 2008, he graduated from The part of a behavioral change to help Wescoe School of Muhlenberg people,” she explains.

College and is now a manager at a medical products company.

Now that Nicole has her degree, Chris was so happy with his hubby Chris is taking another turn at new degree he persuaded his going back to school and is starting wife Nicole to get hers. “I had his MBA. By the time he finishes his done a lot of physical labor jobs MBA, the couple’s youngest child and he encouraged me to go will be of school age and Nicole will back to school to better myself,” then seek to apply her degree fullsays Nicole. Her parents also time in the professional world. encouraged her to pursue a degree. She also chose The Nicole’s most satisfying Wescoe School because “it is achievement is the example that geared towards adults and is she has set for her three children.

12 November/December 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

She says “When they are adults, I would like them to never utter the phrase ‘I can’t,’ because when they were children Mom could and did.”

Nicole’s Keys to Balancing to Reach Your Goals:

Priorities: “I lived off my iPhone for schedule reminders and to prioritize. I did homework on my lunch break at work.

There were many days I would sit at the kitchen table doing homework and look Whether you want to go back to school, lose at the kitchen sink thinking that I really need to get those dishes done, but then I 65 pounds or pursue a dream of your own, realized that the homework I had in front we hope that you find of me was more important, and the dishes Nicole’s story to be could wait.” inspirational.

Stability: “The most important thing is that a couple must have a strong relationship.”

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Communication: “There has to be a lot Roller Girls visit http:// of communication, even if that means text lehighvalleyrollergirls. and emails if we don’t get a chance to see com/. To learn more about pursuing a degree each other during a particular day.” or certification through Team Work: “We both juggle The Wescoe School of responsibilities and help each other out.

Muhlenberg College, visit One starts doing something, and the other http://Muhlenberg.edu/ will normally come home and finish it.” wescoe.

Also, Nicole credits her parents for pitching in as well.

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Handwriting Help for Homework Time

By Nancy Smith-Bayley, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist, Good Shepherd – Souderton

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ith the return to school comes the dreaded routine of homework for some families. For children who have difficulty with handwriting, homework can be especially stressful. It is estimated that 30 to 60 percent of an elementary school student’s day involves handwriting. Research indicates that difficulty with handwriting contributes to an overall lower school performance.

An occupational therapist can help determine the reasons for difficulty with handwriting and provide therapy to address these concerns. While an occupational therapist can determine specific strategies to help a child experiencing problems, here are some basic suggestions from Good Shepherd Occupational Therapy for parents to help their children excel during homework time.

Environment: • Select a consistent, appropriate place for homework.

• For pencil and paper tasks, position your child at a table or desk with the feet flat and supported, and with the hips, knees and ankles bent to 90 degrees.

• Your child should be able to place both elbows on the table comfortably with the table top at mid-chest level. He or she may need to sit on a few large books or a cushion with a stool under his or her feet.

Warm-Up Activities: • Have your child “wheelbarrow” walk to the table, do pushups against a wall or lie on his or her belly on a large exercise ball with the hands propped for a minute or two.

• Your child can also warm up the arm and hand muscles by helping to tote some heavy items.

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•

For children with a weak or light grasp on a pencil or writing tool, doing some resistive hand activities may be helpful, such as rolling out modeling clay on a flat surface. Your youngster can use a wooden spoon or marker to draw letters in the clay, being certain to use the thumb, index and middle fingers to hold the tool.

• Using a modeling dough press to make a line of dough that can be used to form the letters may also be a fun way to "work" the hands before writing.

Other Strategies for Success: • Another helpful strategy is to have your child use the non-dominant hand as a "helper" to stabilize the paper while writing. Making a game by calling the hand a silly name – such as “Henry the Helper” or simply “Joe” – takes the pressure off the child. Saying "Joe needs to do his job to hold your paper while you make your letters" can be a less threatening way of reminding your child to stabilize his paper while writing.

• For younger children, a thicker pencil can be helpful.

There are a variety of pencil grips commercially available. It is critical to encourage your child to use the proper grip involving the thumb, index and middle fingers.

If you have concerns about how your child is holding a pencil or if your child is complaining about his or her hand being tired, it is important to consult an occupational therapist to evaluate his or her grip. Because handwriting is a significant factor in school success, handwriting difficulty is a primary reason for referral to occupational therapy for school-age children. Good Shepherd's occupational therapists can properly evaluate your child and help make the school year a success for your family.

For more information on Good Shepherd’s Pediatric Occupational Therapy Program, call 610-776-3578.

Fun Facts •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

More American workers (18%) call in sick on Friday than any other day of the week. Tuesday has the lowest percent of other day of the week. Tuesday has the lowest percent of absenteeism (11%).

A newborn expels its own body weight in waste every 60 hours.

Whales die if their echo system fails.

Naturalists use marshmallows to lure alligators out of swamps.

It takes a ton of water to make a pound of refined sugar.

Weevils are more resistant to poisons in the morning than at night.

Cacao, the main ingredient of chocolate, is the most pestridden tree in the jungle.

In deep space most lubricants will disappear.

America once issued a 5-cent bill.

The only vehicle legally allowed to pass a funeral procession is a government owned vehicle: a mail truck.

The average person can live 11 days without water.

There are 35 million digestive glands in the stomach.

In 1800 only 50 cities on earth had a population of more than 100,000.

More steel in the US is used to make bottle caps than to manufacture automobile bodies.

• • • • • • • •

•

It is possible for any American citizen to give whatever name he or she chooses to any unnamed mountain or hill in the United States.

More Americans have died in automobile accidents than have died in all the wars ever fought by the United States.

The principality of Monaco consists of 370 acres.

There are more than 40,000 characters in Chinese script.

During the time of Peter the Great, any Russian man who had a beard was required to pay a special tax.

In ancient Rome it was considered a sign of leadership to be born with a crooked nose It is possible to drown and not die. Technically the term “drowning” refers to the process of taking water into the lungs, not to death caused by that process.

The first known heart medicine was discovered in an English garden. In 1799, physician John Ferriar noted the effect of dried leaves of the common foxglove plant, digitalis purpurea, on heart action. Still used in heart medications, digitalis slows the pulse and increases the force of heart contractions and the amount of blood pumped per heartbeat.

Dry cereal for breakfast was invented by John Henry Kellogg at the turn of the century.

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What You Need to Know about Food Allergies The Basics for Families without Food Allergies

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here’s a good chance you have heard a lot about food allergies in recent years. If you have a child in school, there is a good chance that at least one of his or her classmates has food allergies. As many as eight percent of children are now affected by food allergies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a large percentage of children with food allergies will experience a severe reaction, not just a mild skin rash, if they eat the wrong foods,. Among the 5.9 million children with food allergies, 39 percent have a history of severe reactions and 30 percent have multiple food allergies.

A severe reaction can cause difficulty breathing or even death.

OK, but your child doesn’t have food allergies, so how does this affect you? Why, why, why, you ask, can kids not have birthday cake and peanut butter sandwiches at school like they used to? Food allergies are a serious medical condition – not an intolerance or a preference -- and they can be life threatening. A child with allergies is not only at risk if he eats the food, but he may have a reaction just by being in the

same room with the food or by touching something that has come in contact with it.

If your child is in the lower grades, there are many occasions throughout the school year which involve food in the classroom – especially around the holidays -- and the food is often donated by parents. With the growing number of food allergies, you must be aware of which foods are safe and which are not for your child’s class, before sending them into the classroom.

Many schools now have a food allergy policy. The classroom, the cafeteria or the entire school may be a peanut free zone. You may be limited to sending in only snacks which are commercially packaged and labeled. Or, if homemade baked goods are allowed, you may be asked to provide a list of ingredients that have gone into the homemade items. Your child’s school may have even gone so far as to ban all food from the classroom.

How can you know what is safe for a child with food allergies and what is not? Some basic facts and guidelines will help you to understand.

Before you send food to a classroom: 1. Know the school’s food allergy policy. Contact the teacher, the office or the school nurse for this information.

2. Ask the teacher if there are any food allergies in the classroom and if so, what they are.

3. Read the labels on any foods that you buy. There are eight major food allergens that account for more 90 percent of all food allergies. They are milk, eggs, finned fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy. Federal law requires that if a food contains any of these, the label must declare the allergens in plain language -- not lengthy, chemical names -- either in the ingredient list; with the word “Contains” followed by the name of the allergen – for example, “Contains milk, wheat”; or in parentheses in the list of ingredients – for example, “casein (milk)”.

4. Ask the teacher or contact the parent of the allergic child for a list of safe snacks that the allergic child can have.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The family and teacher will appreciate your acknowledgement and support.

Finally, try to avoid sending foods into the classroom that the food allergic child is not allowed to have. Even if the child has a safe snack of her own, she will feel “left out” or “different” watching the other children enjoy treats that she can’t share.

Food allergies are often referred to as an “invisible handicap.”

Don’t deny these children the privilege of participating in celebrations with the same level of enjoyment as their classmates.

For more information on food allergies, go to www.foodallergy.org (the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network). Vicki Bezems is the mother of a teenage son and daughter with multiple food allergies. She writes from her 14 years’ experience as a parent. She has no medical training, and her advice does not guarantee the prevention of an allergic reaction. For medical advice, please contact your physician. If you have general questions about this article or about parenting a food allergic child, please

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17

ADVENTURE DADS by jeff tintle, lehigh valley family

after a full day of fishing, the father lamented that they had not caught a single fish. “A day wasted,” read the father’s entry. As the man recalled the day’s events his memories were starkly different. It was a glorious day of sunshine, a warm summer’s breeze, skipping rocks, baiting the hook and best of all a full day together with him and his father.

Dads, its time to step up.

Jeff canoeing with son Noah

I

used to do lots of fun stuff, cool things like mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, camping and other adventurous activities. Fast forward to a wife, house and child and the unanticipated responsibilities of adulthood that we longed for as kids.

Today’s exhilarations consist of actually completing the dreaded “honey-do” list or the adrenaline rush of scooping up a child who is about to vomit and successfully carrying him into the bathroom prior to explosion. While these complaints are common among stressed out parents, they control our lives if we let them. Who says the days of adventure are over?

As important as it is for us parents to go out and have fun, its even more vital for us to model an active and healthy lifestyle. Many educational curriculums are designed on experiential and hands-on learning, and somehow Americans have forgot that learning starts at home. On the next page is a list of seasonal activities to encourage

you and your family to be active and explore our world. These activities create lasting memories and provide quality time to pass on our values to Crabbing in South Carolina Jammin’ at home

the next generation. The key to finding time to do the activities is to be intentional. Schedule activities in advance and just do it. If you are like me, you’ve heard this all before, but you need to hear it again.

Recently I heard a story about a man who found his deceased father’s diary. As he curiously read through it he found an entry that intrigued him. It was about a day of fishing with his son. The father took the day off work to fish a favorite spot, and

“And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the river side, Throwing back what we could fry, Drowning worms and killing time, Nothing too ambitious She ain’t even thinking about what’s really going on right now But I guarantee this memories a big one And she thinks we’re just fishin’” - Trace Adkins, Just Fishin’, a song he wrote about spending time with his daughter.

18 November/December 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Local Adventures Hiking is the easiest and cheapest way to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s the perfect introductory activity to spending more time outside and developing additional hobbies like bird watching or photography. Fortunately, the Lehigh Valley is blessed with numerous trail heads within an hour’s drive.

Here are our favorites: Appalachian Trail - dcnr.state.pa.us, Hawk Mountain - hawkmountain.org , Delaware Water Gap - nps.gov/dewa/, South Mountain Preserve - wildlandspa. org and the Trexler Nature Preserve - trexlernaturepreserve. org. An additional tool to find your next hike is to visit the trail database at finderexplorepatrails.com.

also a great way to introduce children to carpentry.

All the activities are fun and provide great learning opportunities not only for the kids but also for the adults.

Be sure to take all precautions necessary and seek expert advice before pursing the activities. Be careful and have fun!

Biking is another great way to explore, and we are fortunate to have options close to home. Local favorites are Lake Nockamixon, Lehigh Gorge and Jacobsburg State Parks (see dcnr.state.pa.us for information on state parks) as well as many other rides of varying difficulty. Visit the trail finder on bikevmb.com.

Rock Climbing is an option for those looking to be outside and learn a new sport. Although the cold temps are not conducive to gripping a rock, you can practice your holds and build your strength by bouldering, which is as simple as finding a large rock and free climbing (no ropes to anchor yourself ). Be sure to have a partner to be a spotter and bring along a crash pad.

The local favorite among serious climbers is Ralph Stover State Park in Bucks County - dcnr.state.pa.us. There are also several indoor rock walls in our area too, like North Summit Climbing Gym in Wind Gap - northsummitclimbing.com and Independence Fun Center in Schnecksville - familyfunoff309.com.

Fishing is a relaxing sport to teach children about nature and enjoy good conversation. Visit fish.state.pa.us for information on everything from how to get a license to local trout streams to upcoming events. If you are looking for a challenge, learn to fly fish and take a visit to the Little Lehigh Fly shop.

Making a fire is the most relaxing activities suggested, but its not all about roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Sure you can enjoy the warmth and company of the fire but don’t miss the learning opportunities. Building a fire also offers children the chance to learn about chopping wood, the proper way to build and extinguish a fire as well as cooking over an open the fire. Most importantly it teaches children the importance and danger of fire so that they maintain a healthy respect for it.

Building a tree house is a great backyard project that could keep the children occupied for a longtime and foster a love for the outdoors as they spent time in their new tree house. If the end of year temps are too cold to construct the tree house, make an event out of the project. Walk around yard to select a location for the tree house and then go inside to plan and design the construction of the tree house for spring time. It’s

Give your son the confidence to take on any challenge! Scouting builds character, leadership, and achievement.

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Your Style

Style Secrets We Can Learn From the Opposite Sex

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By Lauren Wuscher

hen it comes to style, one thing we can do more often is take a few notes from the opposite sex.

The first one’s for the ladies. Keep it simple! Sometimes less is more. Men generally don’t spend a ton of time worrying about accessories and what matches. They don’t pile on the makeup and spend hours on their hair.

(Okay, some may go overboard with the gel, but we’re not talking about the cast of Jersey Shore).

And the most important tip for both men and women is that you have to change it up! We all get stuck in such a routine that we end up wearing the same clothing, keeping the same haircut, and doing the same thing day in and day out. And guess what? It gets outdated and boring.

If you’re a woman who dreads wearing makeup (or even a women who wears too much) or a jeans and t-shirt type of guy who wouldn’t ever put on a tie, change it up!

Men are simple. They may wear a watch with their outfit, Plan a date night with your spouse and surprise yourself and that’s it. Women make it so difficult by having too and your spouse or friend. Hey, you might even find you much! Many women feel as though they don’t look their like it! best without makeup, accessories, and the whole nine yards. This is so far from the truth! Put your money in your pocket, throw on some mascara and lip gloss, tussle Don’t Leave Town... your hair a bit, and leave the house.

And guess what? You don’t need to wear heels with everything or buy the newest trends that will only last a few months. Just take a break and relax about how you look!

Now, I have one for men. Once in a while, you need to be pampered. Maybe that’s not the right word, but women often get teased for spending too much time keeping their grooming and fashion maintenance up to par.

Whether you do it yourself or seek the help of a professional (or your significant other), make sure your hands and nails are kept clean, trim your eyebrows, get a haircut on a regular basis, and take the time to think about what you’re wearing and how you look. (Yes, that means put those bleach stained shorts back in the drawer!)

Take a hint from the women of the world and put some time into maintaining a grooming regimen, and make sure to look in the mirror at what you’re wearing before you leave the house. (And no, a patterned shirt and plaid shorts do NOT match!)

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Bored?

Try These Ideas •

• • • • • • •

Make your own movie. This is great for winter break, snow days or extended periods of down time. Don’t forget to write the script, design the customs and even have a premier ‘party’.

Have a concert or try learning an instrument.

Go roller skating.

Go on a picnic. Yes, that’s right! Find a picnic spot with a shelter and fire pit. Take thermoses full of hot soup or stir fry, build a fire, and have fun.

Go bowling or ice skating.

Have a dance party Go to Independence Fun Center, they have an indoor climbing wall, laser tag, bowling, skating and more.

Familyfunoff309.com/.

Go go-kart race at the LV Grand Prix (10 years and older); Lehighvalleygrandprix.com.

These tweens spent their last day of summer vacation making an action movie at home, with original make-up, costumes and props they created themselves!

• • • • • •

Go to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. Adventureaquarium.com/.

Go to the movies.

Go to your local craft store and make something fun for the holidays.

Go for a swim at an indoor pool.

Cook and try a new recipe.

Check out LehighValleyFamily.com for more ideas!

November

Things To Do

Volunteer to help serve Thanksgiving dinner to the less fortunate.

Dinners are served various times throughout the holiday weekend.

Contact Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church (Everlasting Life Ministries), 224 N. Sixth St., Allentown; 610-776-4009. Or Ecumenical Soup Kitchen/Catholic Charities, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 179 Chew St., Allentown; 610-435-1541. Or St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, 410 Union St., Allentown; call 610-435-8001 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; 610-841-4407 during the evening. Or United Faith Vision School, Dubbs Memorial United Church of Christ, 457 Allen St., Allentown; 610-439-8199.

features original choreography by the department’s senior dance majors, in a variety of genres and styles. This is dance as storytelling, narration in human form, addressing themes as broad-ranging as the students’ own diverse backgrounds.

Some of their pieces are introspective, some lighthearted, some cheerful, some profound; all represent the work of talented students finding expression in collaboration and movement.

Baker Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown Pennsylvania. www.muhlenberg.edu/ main/academics/theatre-dance/onstage/movingstories2011.html

“Vietnam in HD.” The Heritage Museum will host internationallyacclaimed Lou Reda Productions and New York based HISTORY, formerly known as the History Channel, in a pre-release of their upcoming newest documentary. Be among the first to see this moving new film. Nov. 5 at 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St., www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org. Free.

The Great Allentown Comic Con! Mega 2-day Show!

Merchants Square Mall – 1901 S. 12th St Allentown, PA 18103. 10,000+ square feet of vintage and current comic books, toys, guests, memorabilia and more! Saturday, November 19, 10am-6pm. Sunday November 20th 10am-5pm. Admission: $8/1 Day or $12/Both; Kids 12 and under FREE!

Rave Motion Pictures Sensory Friendly Film Series. Designed for individuals with autism or other disabilities and their families/caregivers.

2805 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley Pennsylvania, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Mooseltoe: A New Moosical. OnStage at Allentown Symphony Hall Family Series presents Mooseltoe: A New Moosical. Join Mooseltoe in this children’s Christmas show with his colorful friends and Santa Clause for a magical and whimsical Moosical tale. Tickets: $18 adult, $12 child, $50 family 4-pack. http:// www.allentownsymphony.org/

Sing for America presents the Christmas classic Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”. All proceeds for this production will be going to families of active military in the Lehigh Valley. Every day from Nov. 10, 2011 2011 Holiday Train Exhibit at America On Wheels Museum.

– Nov. 13, 2011 (7:30 pm – 5:00 pm). Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 America On Wheels Museum is proud to join with Toys for River St., Bethlehem Pennsylvania. www.SingForAmerica.com.

Tots as a collection site during the holiday season. Bring a new unwrapped toy. Enjoy the sounds, lights and action of the In this addition to Don Nigro’s Pendragon cycle of plays, set during many trains chugging their way around the galleries. Special the Civil War, Major Pendragon and his men wander in a dark forest and meet an array of eerie characters when they are unable to find their Admission Rates: $10 for adults, $6 for seniors (62+), $6 for way back to the Union Army. Directed by George Miller. Performances: students (16-11) & children 10 and under FREE. Every day from Nov 25, 2011 – Dec 29, 2011 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm).

Nov. 17, 18, 19 @ 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 3 p.m., Nov. 22, 11 a.m.

Reservations suggested: 610-861-5524. Northampton Community College. Admission is free with a donation of canned goods or a $5 donation to the Norman R. Roberts Theatre Scholarship Fund.

Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem. Recognized as one of the top holiday markets in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, Chistkindlmarkt showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by the nation’s finest artisans, the heart-warming sounds of live Christmas music, delicious food, and more. Events will be indoors and outdoors at the Creativity Commons, Cinemas, Blast Furnace Room, Musikfest Café, Sands Deck, Connect @ Steel Stacks, Town Square, and PNC Plaza. 610-332-1300.

Date Night Suggestion Get dressed up and go out to a fancy restaurant. Save the budget by enjoying only an appetizer and drinks, or dessert. Relax and discuss topics outside of the children, jobs, finances, and all the realities and stressors that come with being adults.

Moving Stories at Muhlenberg Theatre & Dance. Moving Stories

Celebrate November!

• Family Stories Month

• Military Family Appreciation Month

7-13: Pursuit of Happiness Week 1: Give Up Your Shoulds Day 14: Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day

• Healthy Lifestyles Month

20-26: National Family Week 21-27: Better Conversation Week 3: National Men Make Dinner Day 6: Zero Tasking Day 19: National Play Day 25: Buy Nothing Day

22 November/December 2011 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Make Something Delicious Turkey Tetrazzini Ingredients • 1 (16 oz) package uncooked spaghetti • 1/2 cup butter • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 3 cups chicken broth • 2 cups milk • 1 2/3 cups grated Parmesan cheese • 4 cups chopped cooked turkey

December

10 Great Things To Do

Pennsylvania German Christmas. Meet Steckel family members from the 1800’s as they prepare for Christmas! Historic TroxellSteckel Farm Museum, 4229 Reliance St., Egypt. FREE to members, non-member adults $6, non-member children $3. Tours last about one hour. Last tour starts at 5:15 p.m. Dec. 3: 12 pm – 6 pm.

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain, and place in the prepared baking dish.

3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour. Mix in chicken broth and milk. Cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir in about 1 1/3 cups Parmesan cheese, and remove from heat.

4. Mix chicken broth mixture and turkey with spaghetti. Top with remaining cheese. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until surface is lightly browned.

“The Snowman”, Raymond Briggs’ animated classic film returns to Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University. 610-683-4092. http://www.kutztownpresents.org/calendar.

Annie the Musical, presented by the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre.

Historic Ice House, Bethlehem, PA. Dec. 1 – 18. Call 610-3321400 or go to www.123pyt.org/Season.aspx.

“Searching for the King”, a dramatic Christmas musical. Free.

Dec. 2 & 3 at 7 pm; Dec. 4 at 2 pm. Bethany Church, 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville, PA. 610-395-3613. Bethanyumchurch.com.

Magical multi-media holiday fun! Back by popular demand, Lehigh University Philharmonic presents Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and a new work based on the fairy tale “The Emperor and the Nightingale”. Dec. 9 – 8 pm. Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave., Bethlehem Pennsylvania. http://www.zoellnerartscenter.org

Date Night Suggestion

PEEPS® Fest. Presented by Just Born Inc. and ArtsQuest. Dec. 2831, noon-5pm. New Location: ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

Give Back Together. Pick a cause you both feel passionate about, and spend an afternoon volunteering together. Need ideas? Visit VolunteerLV.org for a list of local organizations that can use help. While you are at it, make this date a New Year’s Resolution to do together each month.

Dec. 30; and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31. On Dec. 31, 5:15 p.m., the festival closes with a bang as families are invited to gather outside on the ArtsQuest Center for the famous Just Born PEEPS® Chick drop and fireworks display to celebrate the arrival of the New Year! www.artsquest.org/peepsfest/

Celebrate December!

• Rising Star Month • Wear a Tie Month • Safe Toys and Gifts Month 1-7: Tolerance Week 6-12: Handwashing Week 24-31: Its About Time Week 4: Wear Brown Shoes Day 5: Bathtub Party Day 16: Chocolate Covered Anything Day 21: Humbug Day 26: National Whiner’s Day 31: Make Up Your Mind Day 31: No Interruptions Day

The Countdown is On!

Your help is needed to ensure all children in the Lehigh Valley have a toy to open on Christmas!

Monetary donations can be made online.

350 Drop -O Location ff s in the Lehigh V alley

Donate Toys ber mid-Octo thru r Novembe

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