Lehigh Valley Family, Summer 2010

Family Lehigh Valley

Summer Issue 2010

FRE

take onEe!

Why Team?

Reasons for kids to join a team, and tips for the adults who support them

Feasting at the Fair Top Family Friendly Summer Hot Spots in the Valley

How to Live More Simply

and why it’s so important w w w. l e h i g h v a l l e y f a m i l y. c o m

Family Lehigh Valley

OUR TEAM Publisher Jeff Tintle, II

Editor

Laura Putt editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com

Copy Editor Vicki Bezems

Contributor Art Villafane

For Advertising

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

A Thrive, LLC Publication P.O. Box 414 • Macungie 18062 610-762-9011 editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Summer 2010 Copyright© 2010 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, PO Box 414, Macungie 18062, www.lehighvalleyfamily.com.

Lehigh Valley Family’s monthly issues are available online at www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Print issues are published quarterly (fall, winter, spring and summer issues) 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 $10 (4 issues).

From the Editor in your quest to raise a healthier family. Check out the article on page 15, Feasting at the Fair. It provides some eye opening information about how many miles it takes to walk off the calories from a few common summer time treats. You will also find lots of ideas of things to do and places to go throughout the magazine.

Time to get into the spirit of summer!

Ahhh, summer. As I write, the birds are

chirping and I can faintly hear screams of delight coming from Dorney Park. While I am a fan of the hot and sunny days that are summer, it isn’t the weather that makes this my favorite time of year, it’s the attitude. It seems that in the summer, all the rules that apply during the other 3 seasons are thrown out the window. Deadlines may be missed because you were at your kids’ baseball game. Feet are to be bare. Life is to be spent enjoying friends and family.

Another reason I love summer is that it is so much easier to maintain a healthful lifestyle.

Most seasonal activities revolve around moving, and we don’t tend to notice the extra movements because they occur as playtime.

Healthy food is bountiful as the farmer’s fields are popping with fruits and veggies of all sorts.

This issue of Lehigh Valley Family reflects all things we love about summer, especially living a healthy lifestyle and spending time with your family. I hope you’ll find some useful tips

However you and your family spend this summer, I hope you spend it savoring each moment. As for me? I’m headed out to the backyard to watch my daughter play, while soaking my feet in the baby pool, sipping an iced coffee, and catching up with my husband. Ahhh, summer.

R

Spend some time with us this summer and start the next school year with confidence!

One-on-One Tutoring • One-on-One Tutoring • All Subjects • PreK-Adult • Study Skills • Math • Algebra • Geometry • Chemistry • Reading Writing • LD/ADD • SAT/ACT/PSSA Prep • Qualified Tutors • Flexible Schedules • Affordable Rates

610-351-3500 www.clubztutoring.com

SUMMER 2010

Table of Contents

Family

• Goodbye Office ...Page 6 • Mommy to Me: A New Beginning ...Page 7 • In Need of Guilt-Free You Time? ...Page 7 • Respiratory Services at Home ...Page 8 • Orthotic Braces: Dealing With Hot and Humid Weather ...Page 9 • Community Board Page ...10 • Moving Towards a Physically and Spiritually Fit Community ...Page 11 • Why Team? ...Page 12

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.

• Trojan Cross Country Camp ...Page 13 • Is Your Family an Active Family? ...Page 14 • Feasting at the Fair ...Page 15 • Top Family Friendly Summer Hotspots ...Page 16

Learning and Education through Advancement in Reading

• How to Live More Simply and Why it Matters ...Page 18 • Pack Your Bags Not Your Life ...Page 20 • Fun Monthly Stuff ...Page 21-23

• Certified Wilson Reading Specialists • Wilson Fundation Program • Linda Mood-Bell Programs • PSSA Coach Programs • FAST Forward Programs • Kindergarten Readiness • Group Sessions Available • Excellent Study Skill & General Tutoring Available Accepting all major credit cards!

Patricia J. Lear, M.Ed. Learning Specialist/Diagnostician

2031 Hay Terrace, Suite 300 Easton, PA 18042

610-252-0965

www.leareducationalcenter.com

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

FUN FACTS

• It takes about 48 hours for your body to completely digest the food from one meal.

• It takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown.

• Hamsters blink one eye at a time.

• Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

• If a person has 2/3 of their liver removed through trauma or surgery, it will grow back to the original size in 4 weeks time.

• Humans are the only animals that use a smile as an emotional response.

• Experts say people have an average of 150 friends.

• More than 97% of all e-mail traffic is spam.

• Crayola crayons come in 120 different colors, but the labels are only made in 18.

• Your eyes contribute 85% of your total knowledge.

• People buy more blue toothbrushes than red.

Summer!

We offer a variety of summer programs for all kids ages 3 entering 9th grade: z enrichment z sports camps z child care

• The risk of being struck by a falling meteorite for a human is one occurrence every 9,300 years.

• In Greece, a driver’s licence can be taken away if the driver is deemed to be unbathed or poorly dressed.

• Children have more taste buds than adults.

• Only male fireflies can fly.

• A group of goats is called a trip.

• A duck has 3 eyelids.

• A full moon is 9 times brighter than a half moon.

• The peach was the first fruit to be eaten on the moon.

• Beavers can hold their breath for 45 minutes under water.

• A honey bee can fly at 15mph.

• Pigs get sunburned.

• Tastebuds only live for about 10 days.

Loving Inexpensive

Mom Time

Safe

Asbury

PlayDays

1 & 2 Year Old Classes Fun

Songs

Learn As You Play

Crafts Independence

Socialization

610-395-4310 • www.AsburyLV.org

Contact us today to find out how your child can benefit from our vibrant program.

Now taking applications for Fall 2010 for Preschool (age 3) - 8th grade

THE SWAIN SCHOOL

1100 South 24th Street z Allentown 610-433-4542 z www.swain.org

PlayDays is a program for one and two year old children. It is a precursor to preschool where children learn to interact with other children their age in a safe, fun, loving atmosphere. In addition to lots of free play, we make crafts, sing songs, read books, color, put together puzzles, play musical instruments, have snack, play in the gym, and play all sorts of other fun things. While many of our activities have educational elements, we do not operate with a curriculum as such. At PlayDays, the children “learn as they play.” The most important lesson at this young age is to learn to interact, share, play, and socialize in an environment without their parents.

For information on Asbury’s PlayDays program, call PlayDays Director Beverly Kerch at 610-395-4310.

Asbury United Methodist Church 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

• Lehigh Valley Family

Goodbye Office, Hello Creative Scheduling

By Laura Putt, Lehigh Valley Family With the development of laptops,W-Fi, and cell phones that do it all, the days of the traditional 9 to 5 workday are long gone. As technology has allowed many of us to work any time from anywhere, it simultaneously allows us to become more creative with our parenting. No longer are mothers classified as either a working mom or a stay at home mom, as both worlds are now enmeshed.

Still, no matter how great technology is, there are many times that parents need help with child care. With the economic downturn of the past year, child care costs have been a great burden on many families. Parents are forced to get more and more creative with their scheduling and child care options.

Here are a few non-traditional ideas that parents of the Lehigh Valley are using.

Trade time Find another parent who could also benefit from a few hours without children, and trade off childcare days. Discuss your scheduling needs and schedule a day each week to trade kids. Be sure to set clear boundaries, so neither takes advantage of the other.

Family While many grandparents or other relatives may be interested in helping with childcare, most are not interested in being tied down to babysitting 40 hours a week. Instead, ask if they might be interested in one morning or afternoon a week. If the relative refuses to accept payment, be sure to regularly show your gratitude by showering with thank you cards and other thoughtful gestures.

Share a nanny Hire one nanny full time and share her with several families. This can be tricky, so it is important to find families who can agree to prearranged hours and hold up their end of the deal. This ensures giving each family the childcare time they need while providing the nanny with the hours they need to pay their bills.

Parochial resources Many churches offer programs on a very limited basis. The programs are designed to be fun for kids and allow them to socialize with other children and adults other than their parents. The benefits to these programs are that they are relatively inexpensive and allow the parents a few hours to run errands, work, or just enjoy some quiet time. Such programs are found in many churches throughout the community, so ask your church office if they have such a program. Don’t belong to a church or house of worship? Don’t worry, most programs don’t require you to be a member.

Childcare Co-Op This is basically a group of work-at-home parents who swap child care duties hour for hour as the need arises. Keep track of the hours that you watch each child and make sure everybody gets the fair amount. The benefit of this is that you get free childcare.

The downside is that you can’t work while you are watching other people’s children.

Trojan Cross Country Camp For the total athlete

• Run •Drill work • Core Work • Strengthen • Coordinate July 6 - 10, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Ages: 5 - 14 At Parkland High School (Open to students enrolled in any school district).

Register before June 18th for reduced rate!

Family rates available.

Call Loretta Dodson (610) 395-2438 or Chip Carnes(570) 447-8055 for more information or to sign up.

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Mommy to Me: A New Beginning

By Pam Cantone, Moments Coaching Retirement was forced upon me after 17 years of loyal and dedicated service in a job I loved. It wasn’t my age, or a buyout, or even downsizing that was stealing my career. My children’s promotion into adulthood had stripped away my job security.

Simply put, I wasn’t needed anymore...

When my oldest entered high school, I saw it coming, but it was already too late. My heartstrings had created a noose around my neck over the years that slowly had choked the passion from my spirit. Fast approaching forty, I was facing a life with no job, no purpose, and no insight as to who I wanted to be.

My life story isn’t glamorous as a stay-at-home mom. It is ordinary at best. But, it’s REAL and far from over. No matter the path each mother has chosen to take we all come to a point that life changes for whatever reason, and we must choose what’s NEXT.... Reinvent “My children’s who we want to be. GROW. promotion into ...And so my new chapter began. My adulthood had first step was when I got off the stripped away my couch of regrets, self-pity, and job security. Simply depression to face fear and the put, I wasn’t needed unknown. Hiring a life coach, I anymore...” explored my past, present and future, and shifted my “whys” to “why nots”. I went back to school and became a PCI certified Parent Coach with a mission...a passionate purpose to support other women of all ages through the sisterhood of transition of letting go and moving forward.

So often moms forget to preserve a piece of themselves amidst the many roles of motherhood. With a passion, I am now on a mission to be a mother’s reminder of the opportunities and possibilities that lie before them. Starting a business as a parent coach has placed myself in an awkward position as my own first client. Searching beyond “comfort zones” and breaking through limiting thoughts...creating accountability and building confidence...conquering my fears and insecurities, I’m drawn to move forward in my life as other women so desperately desire. My journey is not over. As a matter of fact it has just begun. I’ve been reborn with a confident purpose, again, just in time to reinvent myself at 40!

Pam Cantone is owner of Moments Coaching, LLC. As a certified parent life coach, she works with women of all ages to help them find their ideal balanced life and discover priorities and purpose to reach their goals. For more information visit www.momentscoaching.com.

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

In Need of Guilt-Free You Time?

By Beverly Kerch, Director of Asbury PlayDays Let’s face it, no matter how happy you are to be a Mom, you still need a few minutes to yourself. Just a few hours recharges your batteries and allows you to be a better parent. Finding that precious time is the challenge.

You could get a sitter, use the childcare at your gym or even Wegman’s while grocery shopping. But these options are only good for some things. What if you want something more consistent – something that would also benefit your child?

That’s where Asbury PlayDays comes in. PlayDays is a program for one and two year old children. It began over 10 years ago as a small Mother’s-Morning-Out program and has since evolved into something much more.

PlayDays can best be described as pre-preschool. Children are enrolled into classes and are with the same classmates and teachers each visit. While children get some much needed time to learn how to socialize with other kids, they also learn colors, shapes, counting, matching, sorting, and fine motor skills.

Each day the children play and participate in circle time, songs, stories, crafts, and snack. The foundation needed for preschool is built at PlayDays.

And therein lies the beauty of PlayDays: You started out looking for time for yourself and ended up with a great experience for your child!

For more information go to www.AsburyLV.org and click on PlayDays or call 610-395-4310.

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

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

610-967-2670 • www.prepforsuccess.com • Lehigh Valley Family

Respiratory Services at Home FAQs from Tony Mozzone, Pro2 Respiratory

Hearing that your child needs respiratory assistance is a scary

thing. We understand that, and work hard to alleviate your fears and help you gain the knowledge and skill to help your child live a healthy and full life at home. With some help from in-home nurses and respiratory services, you may not have to send your child to the hospital for specialized care, you can simply allow us to come to you. We can all agree that with the right collaboration of care, kids can live better when they live at home.

Q: What is a Respiratory Therapist ?

A: A Respiratory Therapist is someone who carries a license to provide oxygen therapy, ventilator support and training, and nebulizers, among other things related to the lungs under physician supervision.

Q: What are Respiratory Services?

A: Any therapy that has to do with the lungs. It can be as simple as a nebulizer to deliver medications for an asthmatic child. Someone who needs care for a trach (an artificial tube in the throat to aid breathing). It could be a device to help you move mucous or something that assists in helping you breath like a CPAP, BIPAP or

Inspiring

Our enriched curriculum means new and exciting opportunities every day!

Contact us today to find out how your child can benefit from our vibrant program.

Preschool (age 3) - 8th grade

THE SWAIN SCHOOL

1100 South 24th Street z Allentown 610-433-4542 z www.swain.org

a ventilator. It could be someone who needs oxygen or a machine that monitors your oxygen level.

Q: Why is PRO2 different?

A: We realize that it is frightening to have a child who needs respiratory assistance. We wanted to change how things are done in homecare, and decided the best way to make a difference was to provide only the most qualified persons to help your family with these services. For that reason, we only use a Respiratory therapist for all setups. Most companies use non-licensed drivers. Our monthly deliveries for trachestomy and ventilator patients are also made by a Respiratory Therapist not a driver. Furthermore, we work to provide piece of mind by providing a 24 hour emergency on call number. It is always answered by a live Respiratory Therapist at any hour. We do not use an answering service or a frustrating phone tree. If an issue should arise in the middle of the night, we will talk you through it.

Q: Would Respiratory services help my child?

A: That would be a topic to discuss with your physician. If it is determined that Respiratory services are in order for your child, I am certain that PRO2 Respiratory can help your family make the most of respiratory services and strive to improve the health and happiness of your child.

For more information about PRO2 Respiratory, call Tony at 610-768-0210 or visit our website at www.pro2.net.

Bring home high quality healthcare from compassionate and capable providers.

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

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

Call today for your free in home evaluation.

Allentown 1125 South Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite.107 Allentown, PA 18103-7903 610-439-5700 • www.psakids.com

Orthotic Braces: Dealing With Hot and Humid Weather

By Steven Chu, Valley Prosthetics and Orthotics

As a parent during the summer we all worry about our children

staying cool during these upcoming hot and humid days. For parents whose children wear leg braces (or orthotics) with high socks and closed toe shoes, summer always results in a struggle to keep them cool and still utilize their braces. The solution to this issue lies in what type of orthotics they wear.

If it’s just shoe inserts that go into the bottom of the shoe then you can utilize whatever shoe that they will fit into. If it’s a sandal with a closed heel then they should work with minimal issues. However if the sandal has an open heel, then these are not a good candidate for insert use.

If your child wears larger braces (DAFOs or MAFOs) that come up over the ankles or higher, it is essential that you utilize a sandal type with an ankle strap and heel strap. These types of sandals are extremely popular currently and are easily found in stores selling shoes. Many parents utilize these type of sandals with braces and have done so with no problems whatsoever. The best advice is to go ahead and do some shoe shopping and see what works with the braces your child wears.

In-Home Pediatric & Adult Respiratory Therapy

Finally, if you are heading to the beach or the swimming pool, decrease your “things to worry about”, keep the braces in the after swimming bag and give your child time to enjoy out of the braces.

Enjoying these places are a part of summer, relax and let them wiggle their toes a little and be kids. This should result in a much more pleasant summer time for both your child and you.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Valley Prosthetics and Orthotics Inc. at 610-770-1515, or visit them at www.valleypo.com.

Help your daughter Help your granddaughter

becomeaaconfident confident young younglady. lady.

Z become

All set-ups done by licensed Respiratory Therapists.

24 Hr Emergency line answered by a Respiratory Therapist, not a frustrating phone tree.

We accept: Medicare, Medicaid, AmeriHealth Mercy, Gateway, Unison Coventry Cares, Aetna Better Health and most private insurances.

• • • • •

Oxygen Therapy Aerosol/Nebulizer Therapy Tracheostomy/Airway Management Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV) Mechanical Ventilation

610-768-0210 www.pro2.net

Call now to register for summer camp!

June 28th to July 9th - For young girls, teens and ladies to learn about etiquette, manners, modeling, self-confidence and more! Group and individual classes available.

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

Community Board!

Vacation Bible School

Bethany Church, Wescosville.

July 12-16th 9:15-Noon or 6:15-8:30

Easter Seals Walk With Me June 16 Lehigh Parkway www.walkwithme.org

VBS is for children age 4 (by August 01) thru 6th Grade.

We will begin registration on Saturday, May 01.

Call for Darcy Bierer for more info!

(610) 395-3613.

Pediatric Special Needs Expo Thursday June 3. 9-3 The Palace Center, Allentown. www.specialneedslv.com

LVRR Kids Race Health Expo Saturday June 5th at 8:45 AM. Race begins at 9:00 LVRR Club House Lehigh Parkway in Allentown www.lvrr.org Visit us at www.LehighValleyFamily.com for a full calendar of events and 11 additional articles updated each month. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter!

www.BethanyUMChurch.com Did You Know???

Community Services for Children, Inc is home to the GROWTH Program?

G.R.O.W.T.H. focuses on strengthening and enhancing marriages.

We focusing on the benefits of a healthy marriage such as effective communication, understanding the individuals thoughts around money, techniques on resolving conflicts, and much more. We are open to the community and would like to have more married couples take advantage of this resource and participate in our retreats. The retreats are scheduled on weekends and include meals and a childcare allowance.

To participate couples must meet the following requirements: · Low-income (family of 4 must make less than $66,150 per year) · Married · Must have at least one child that is 5 or under · Live in the Lehigh Valley.

Learn more about G.R.O.W.T.H. by calling Álvaro Castillo at 610 437 6000 Ext. 2108 or email acastillo@cscinc.org

Pediatric Special Needs Expo

C i t yJune s pCamp a15ctoe Sept. 3 SummerS uSummer Camp mmer Camp June 21 to Sept. 2

What: Our J12-week u n e 2camp 1 t oincludes S e p tswimming, . 2 field trips, arts and crafts and special What: Our 11-week camp includes swimming, field events.

Fees are by the week. trips, arts and crafts and specialSome events. Fees meals are by included. the week. Some meals included.

Who: Children Childrengoing goinginto intokindergarten kindergartentotoage age 13 When: Monday to Friday 9 am - 3 pm. Child-care When: Monday to Friday 9 am - 3 pm. Child-care center opens at 6:30 am. Closes at 6 pm. center opens 6:30 St.,Allentown am. Closes at 6 pm.

Where: Cityspace, 457atAllen How: 610-432-2632 cityspace@verizon.net Where: Cityspace, 457orAllen St., Allentown

How: 610-432-2632 or cityspace@verizon.net

10

20 years of service

Thursday, June 3, 2010 The Palace Center 623 Hanover Avenue, Allentown Pa 18109 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Over 80 pediatric businesses and organizations will provide information about resources and services available for special needs families and pediatric caregivers in Pennsylvania. FREE!

www.specialneedslv.com

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Moving towords a physically & spiritually fit Community

By Quay Brashear, Athletes for Christ

Yankee great and baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra said

“Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.” While most would agree that athletics fosters mental toughness, many overlook the spiritual side of sports. One local organization, Athletes for Christ, puts an equal emphasis on spiritual growth and integrity as it does the training and development of the athletic activity.

Practices and events typically start and end with a prayer as well as mini Bible study and lesson. Christian coaches reinforce Biblical values and Christian sportsmanship. The focus of AFC is to provide team sports and activities where people get fit physically and spiritually. We have programs for children as young as 3 and activities for people as old as 95.

Athletes for Christ introduced themselves to you in our Spring 2010 Issue, and now AFC wants to give you an update on what they are currently doing.

• Currently we have 145 kids playing soccer all over the Lehigh Valley.

• AFC continues to offer more and more Zumba Fitness Classes with new sessions forming all over the Lehigh Valley.

We now offer 15 classes a week in churches located in Emmaus, Allentown, and Wescosville.

• Our Men’s Softball Team has started the year strong by winning their first four games of the season. We also have been invited to play in several tournaments throughout the summer and fall.

You can get involved with Athletes for Christ in the fall by signing up for the following sports for kids: Cheerleading

(Girls Ages 5-13), Flag Football (Boys Ages 5-13), and Soccer (Boys and Girls Ages 3-12). Men and women can also get involved with Athletes for Christ by joining clubs such as cycling, running, hiking, and walking. All clubs are being formed now, and will be ready for fall 2010.

For more information go visit us at www.athletesforchrist.net or find us on Facebook under Athletes for Christ.

Summer Day Camp

Rock Climbing Boating Snorkeling Arts & Crafts and more!

••1 Week sessions start June 21, running Birthday parties – Nountil August 27. clean-up, no planning, • Monday - Friday day camp; 9:00 - 5:00; free cake. extended care available from 8:00 - 6:00 • For children entering grades 2-9.

•• 10-1 Camperjump to counselor ratio.

Splash, & slide in the • Fingerprinted and back ground checked Aqua Park. camp staff.

Climb Challenge •• Staff CPR on and the FirstSky Aid certified with high ropes course & rock wall.

AED on site.

•• AllRelax counselors 18sun yearswith or older. in the a beautiful • Camp over 15 years camp and lakeDirector front with view education experience.

• Fun and adventure.

• Full and half day options available.

4733 Hanoverville Rd. Bethlehehm, PA 18020 610-759-2270 www.dutchsprings.com A little more adventure...a little more extreme...above and below the surface!

Why Team?

Reasons to Join a Team & Tips for Adults

By Carol Goodrow Reasons to Team: There are many benefits to being in a

team situation. You can just feel the positive energy in the air if you attend a large kids’ meet. The young kids seem so lucky to have this opportunity: a structured meet in which they are treated like champions.

Is a team for all kids? Perhaps not. Should all kids try a team at least once in their life? I think so.

Camaraderie: When you join a team you gain an instant set of friends. With them you will form a circle of good fellowship and spirit.

Skill: You get the benefit of a coach who knows how to guide your skill development.

Travel: It’s fun to see different towns, even if they’re just 10 miles away and perhaps you’ll someday get the opportunity to travel across the country.

Thrill Of Competition: It can be exciting to enter a competitive event. If you compete with the spirit that you are doing the best that you can, you can feel like a winner, even if you aren’t in first place.

Competition will push you, a bit, to do better than if you were running on your own and it’s fun to try to keep up with or pass that runner on the other team.

The Stuff: You get lots of neat stuff: medals, ribbons, singlets, & team uniforms.

Giving To Others: You’ll have many opportunities to help others.

When you do really well, you can do it for your team. In training you can help your teammates meet their goals by guiding, training with them, and listening to them.

A Busy Schedule: While your event is in season, you’ll always have something to do. It’s better for everyone’s mental health to have more to do, than nothing to do.

You’ll Workout More Often: You’ll be more apt to not skip a workout when you have practices or events on your calendar, and working out more will keep your body fit and trim.

Find Your Best Event: On a team, you’ll get to try different events until you find one that is best suited for you. You’ll find out what

12

you like and don’t like. You’ll also try something you’ve never tried before.

Experience Different Tracks Or Courses: Teaming will take you to different arenas for competition. You might find a turf that you can run better on.

Your Athletics Will Improve: With good coaching and teamwork you’ll get faster and stronger. Your skills will improve.

Adults’ Roles: Adults’ attitudes play an important part in our

children’s team experiences. Whether you’re an official coach, parent or fan, your attitude and behavior will influence our children’s success on a team. As adults, we’re all teachers of kids and they will learn from us. Here are some things to remember. Each of the ideas below should give our kids HOPE, a need that is essential to their well being.

Encourage: No matter the ability of the child, they need to be encouraged.

Cheer: Kids should only hear positive comments while competing from the fans. “You’re looking good!”, “Keep at it!”, “You’ve got it!”, and “Don’t give up!” are the kind of things kids should hear. Cheer for kids on your team and the other team(s). These kids are our future and we want to encourage them all.

Emphasize Fun: Sometimes just ask your kids if they had fun. They shouldn’t be tied to splits, times, and place every time they train or compete.

Help Them Set Reasonable Goals: Setting a new PR, finishing a longer event, running with a more steady pace, and throwing with better form, are all great goals that kids should sometimes set in lieu of ‘winning’.

Get Out There With Them In Training: Don’t just sit back and direct. Sometimes work out with them and always circulate to observe how all your kids are doing. This is a basic for good rapport.

Let Them Play Kids want playing time with the team. They don’t like to be benched, but they also need the other kind of ‘playing time’, that is kids’ play. Once in a while let them play some fun

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

games instead of structured practice: just old fashioned tag or one of the many varieties of the game can be a nice relief for the kids. Let them make up a game or just give them some down time and see what they come up with. You might be surprised at what you can learn by just observing kids.

Plan A Party: Plan a team party separate from the awards banquet, in which they can just have fun with their friends.

An old fashioned field day would be terrific, with some silly events....just for fun.

Teach Them Let them become Making good friends is just one experts in their of the many reasons to consider event.

Teach them joining a team. about the history of the event, about some of the all time greats competitors, and about the mechanics behind it.

Looking for a Summer Camp?

Try the Trojan Cross County Camp!

By Loretta Dodson, Parkland Cross Country Coach As spectators, how many times have we seen teams or individuals lose games or championships because of poor conditioning? Or watched athletes win games and championships as a result of being in top condition? No matter what sport your child plays, running and conditioning play an undeniable part of their success as an athlete.

The Trojan Cross Country camp is open to any kids ages 5-14 of any level. The mission of the camp is to promote running in a positive and fun environment. The camp will benefit kids who play soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and more.

We focus on basic FUNdamentals to increase personal improvement in running. While cross country camp may initially appear to benefit only runners, looking past the surface allows us to see just how important running is to all athletes.

Cross county camp participants will learn: • Correct footwear • Nutrition • Basic form analysis • Strengthening • Cross training • Mental preparation Listen: Take time to listen to what they have to say. Every now and • Older participants will discuss college plans and what to then just ask them what they need or what you can do to help them. expect if they plan on running in college.

They may have a need that you could help them with but they may We will focus on: be afraid to ask.

• Drill Work • Core Work Don’t Push: If your child decides a team is not for him/her, don’t • Strengthening • Coordination: force participation. Encourage your child to continue to run or stay Running is a life long sport. Everyone from beginner to seasoned fit through exercise but don’t insist on team competition. runners can see personal improvement. Running helps kids develop a Let Them Try Other Things: A team shouldn’t monopolize a good work ethic, discipline and have better overall health. The reality child’s life. If they want to take up an academic hobby, spend time is not everyone can cross the finish line first, but everyone can see with a pet, or learn to cook, let them do these things. They also personal improvement. should not specialize in their event or sport to the point that other To learn more about the Trojan Cross County Camp, see our ad on sports are excluded. Remember they are still children and deserve page 6. the chance to try many things. They should also have a say in the decision making about the things they aspire to and participate in as they grow up.

Educate Them About The Benefits Of Exercise: It is important that children are always conscious of the benefits of exercise. They should look at athletics as ‘sport for life’. They need to know that winning is not only doing your best but also using athletics to stay healthy.

With an active lifestyle they will lower their risk of some cancers, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It is important that they have the attitude that even without the team they will continue a lifestyle of health and fitness through exercise.

Carol Goodrow is an author, illustrator, and educator. She is an avid runner. She is passionately sharing her love of running by teaching kids the importance of an active lifestyle while introducing them to to the sport. www.carolgoodrow.com. www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Improving Quality of Life for Children

2200 W. Hamilton St., Ste. 201 Allentown, PA 18104

610.770.1515

www.valleypo.com

Steven Chu, CPO Owner-Practitioner

• Experienced Pediatric Practitioner • Lower & Upper Limb Prosthetics • Scoliosis/Spinal Bracing Treatments • Cranial Remolding Helmets • Advanced Pediatric Orthotics • Free House Calls with Referral • Now accepting AmeriHealth Mercy!

• Lehigh Valley Family

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Is Your Family an Active Family?

The First Step is to Decide, “Yes, We are!”

Kim Capers, Capital BlueCross There was a time when daily chores, getting about town, and

school physical education classes kept young people fairly active.

Today, with labor saving devices, carpooling, and reduced physical education activities in schools, parents must take up the slack in making sure their children are active. Children need to be active at least 60 minutes a day. If your children are not active that much, set 60 minutes as a goal to be reached within a month, two months, or even a year. Keep that goal in mind as, little by little, you find ways to combine sports and fun to bring healthy activities to your days.

One way to assure progress on your road to becoming an active family is by having a solid reason for it.

Ways For Your Family to Become More Active

3. Do household and yard chores as a family. Each person helps.

• Wash the car • Sweep/shovel the walk 10-minute sessions per day, five days a week.

• Rake leaves • Walk around the block.

• Pull weeds • As you walk from one end of the block to another, challenge your • Plant a garden child to run out and back; – see how many times they can do that • Sweep/vacuum before you get to the end of the block. (This way you have them in • Dust your sight the entire time and they get to use more of their pent-up • Neighborhood litter patrol energy.)

4. Walk your dog – if you don’t have a dog, walk your children, or • Spend 10 minutes playing a game in the yard – sometimes 10 walk yourself! minutes grabs a child’s attention and they will want to continue at 5. Take advantage of the big outdoors – for the sake of moving the same or another game. outdoors, or learn about nature, socialize with others, have a picnic.

• Dance to several of your favorite tunes.

• Go to the park, beach, or pool.

• Create an obstacle course inside or outside.

• Visit your local State Park and canoe, kayak, or row. Take a hike • Laugh for 10 minutes – make it a good, long belly laugh. If while you’re there. you can’t think of anything to laugh about, laugh anyway. It’s 6. Sign up for a sport or group exercise class or to learn a new skill. contagious. Or watch http://www.evo.hr/cat/ if you need a starter.

• Play Ground-Level Follow the Leader – the only rule is that you 7. Set up your yard as an active yard – have lots of games and equipment. Ideas include a net for volleyball or badminton. Balls for cannot stand up. catching, kicking, and throwing.

2. Track It 8. Play outdoors in the snow: sled, ski, skate, build snow people.

• Keep track of minutes of physical activity and play time. Make it a contest. Your ultimate goal is 30 minutes of exercise plus thirty 9. Limit screen time: limit time in front of computer, TV and games more of exercise or physically active playtime most days of the week. to 2 hours or less per day.

• Keep track of steps by using a pedometer. You can choose to keep 10. Make it FUN! track of all your steps in a day, or just those that you call “activity People with an active lifestyle tend to have fewer health problems. steps.” How? Keep track of your steps over several days. Set a goal This does not mean you will never see a doctor or need professional to increase steps each week by ten percent until you (an adult) are healthcare; you will. We all need health education, as well as walking 8,500 steps a day. For children the goal is 11,000 per day for girls and 13,000 per day for boys. Consider challenging yourself preventive care and checkups. Invest in your family’s health by taking time to develop a relationship with your Primary Care Physician. to keep up with your children’s steps. It probably wouldn’t hurt.

And, if your child does not have health insurance, CHIP, brought to • Keep track of distance. Challenge family members to cover you by Capital BlueCross can help! CHIP, Pennsylvania’s Children’s a certain amount of distance each week to get you to a specific Health Insurance Program provides free and affordable health care destination. A reward could be to actually go on that trip after you have walked, biked or run the distance. As with steps, increase coverage for uninsured children and teens that are not eligible for Medical Assistance. Contact Capital BlueCross today to learn how distance by no more than 10 percent a week. That way you will keep moving and improving with a low risk of injury. You can find a your family can benefit from CHIP! Call us today at 1-800-KIDS101 or visit us online at www.capbluecross.com/chip to download an preprinted activity log at www.presidentschallenge.org application.

1. Plan 10-minute exercise sessions with a goal of having at three

Feasting at the Fair

Lois Killcoyne, Penn State Cooperative Extension in Northampton County

Some people are not aware that every state has a Cooperative

Extension system with offices and websites. These are wonderful resources for information about health, nutrition, food safety, food preservation and even recipes.

Often I find useful, research-based information to share with others on extension websites. Recently I found an article on helping to keep those calories down when attending many special summer events. I know that an occasional splurge here and there will not ruin my waistline, but it seems that the warmer months are an endless stream of exciting events to attend. Every week is a fair or festival—actually multiple choices.

I thoroughly enjoy all of these events, but it can be a real challenge to maintain a healthy weight faced with all the special “goodies” to eat. Alice Henneman, Extension Educator in Nebraska, calculated how far you would have to walk to burn off the calories from some typical fair foods:

• Corn dog: 4.5 miles • Funnel cake: 3 miles • Soft drink, 32 oz.: 2.5 miles • Sno-cone: 2.5 miles • Soft pretzel: 3 miles • Fried candy bar on a stick: 4.5 miles Fair foods are often large portions loaded with sugar and fat, so, chances are, we are not going to burn off the calories by just the walking we do around the fair. However, what fun would the fair be without indulging in some of these special treats?

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Ways to fit in favorite fair foods with a little planning: • Quench your thirst with a small soft drink instead of the larger sizes. Better yet, buy or bring along bottled water. Save your fairday calories for something else.

• Split foods among several people. For example, share a large funnel cake with friends. Everyone gets a taste, and no one gets overloaded!

• Plan times when you’ll sit down and eat, rather than graze your way from one end of the fair to the other. It’s hard to keep a handle on how much we’re eating when we’re walking, talking and eating at the same time.

• Limit yourself to one treat. Choose reasonable serving sizes of lower sugar and lower fat items for the rest your foods.

• Dress in comfortable shoes so you’re more likely to walk off some calories. Wear a pedometer and see how many steps you can take at the fair. One mile equals about 2,000 steps.

• Check out all the food booths before making your selections.

Imagine you have a “calorie salary.” Enjoy the foods you like the most for your “salary.”

• Finally, if you do indulge a little too much, remember to return to a more balanced way of eating the next day. A day or two of overeating won’t affect our weight that much -- weeks of it will!

Eating 100 extra calories daily can result in a 10 pound weight gain yearly.

Another strategy would be to do some extra physical activity to balance it out. We have to walk about one mile to burn 100 calories. Just realize we may need to do extra physical activity for several days to burn off the calories from multiple treats.

So, plan ahead, make conscious choices, and have a great time while also maintaining your health!

Penn State Cooperative Extension – NorthamptonCounty - http://northampton.extension.psu.edu/

• Lehigh Valley Family

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TOP Family Friendly Valley Hot Spots to Visit This Summer

Kayakers enjoy the water at Ducth Springs. Photo courtesy of Dutch Springs

Museum of Indian Culture

2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown www.MuseumOfIndianCulture.org The Museum of Indian Culture, also known as the Lenni Lenape Museum, features exhibitions that focus on the everyday life of America’s first peoples and the Northeastern Woodland Indians in particular. The displays depict their family life, clothing, hunting and gardening habits, as well as their contributions to American life.

The museum grounds also feature a fish hatchery and two nature trails. The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 PM. Don’t miss the Roasting Ears of Corn Festival on August 21-22. American Indian Drumming, Craft & Jewelry Vendors, Foods, Lifeways Demonstrations, Dancing, Singing, Children’s Craft Area, Aztec Fire Dancers and more.

Independence Fun Center

4345 Independence Drive, Schnecksville. www.FamilyFunOff309.com This is a perfect rainy day destination. Check out the newest indoor Family Fun Center in the Lehigh Valley.

The center boasts over 19,000 square feet of high intensity activity for all ages. Start with the state-of-the-art Rock Climbing Tower and try to roll a 300 game at the Mini-Bowling lanes, dodge black-light combatants during an intense Laser Tag session and end your day cruising on the regulation size Roller Hockey Skating rink. We guarantee you’ll be back for more. Adding more attractions like Zumba, Yoga, and Rollergirls!

Very reasonably priced!

Pick Your Own

www.pickyourown.org One shining example of a fun filled pick your own farm is Strawberry Acres on 1767 Clearview Road, Coplay. Here you can pick apples, peaches, pears, raspberries, and cherries. They provide picking containers and rides to the fields. Monday thru Friday from 9 am. - 7 pm; Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 pm; Sunday from 11 a.m. - 5 pm.

Aside from picking, there are scheduled activities such as crafts, and even a market where you can purchase refreshments and home baked goodies!

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SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Dutch Springs

4733 Hanoverville Road, Bethlehem www.dutchsprings.com Dutch Springs is a 50-acre spring-fed lake with attractions at depths up to 100 feet. There is almost too much to mention here! Enjoy: • Scuba diving with sunk helicopter and more!

• Camping • Rock-climbing wall • AquaPark • Summer camp

A peek inside the 50’s style ice cream parlor.

Photo courtesy of The Inside Scoop.

The Inside Scoop

The Kutztown Folk Festival

www.kutztownfestival.com History unfolds before your eyes. Folklife, farming and gardening, churches and weddings, PA-Dutch dialect and folklore, spinning and weaving, country cooks, blacksmiths, furniture, candles, and more.

Mouthwatering PA-Dutch Food! Tantalizing family style feasts, ox roasts, sausage sandwiches, pies, pastries and lots more! Non-stop entertainment.

Live music and dancing, comedy, country auctions, parades and bands.

Fiddling, storytelling and historical seminars and traditions. Witness a 19th century hanging or take part in an old-fashioned cake walk.

The best examples of Pennsylvania Dutch and early American folk art and crafts are found in the outstanding works of 200 of the nation’s most skilled artisans.

Included in this year’s festival will be fine furniture, miniatures, pottery,clothing, musical instruments, hand-painted art, iron ornaments, weavings, brooms, baskets, florals, hex painting, jewelry, leather, cut paper art known as “scherenschnitte,” Pennsylvania German calligraphic writing called “fraktur”, beeswax candles and more.

A wonderful experience for children! Delightful baby farm animals, puppets, make-and- take crafts, hay stacks and mazes, story time, singalongs, and hands on fun.

301 North 3rd Street, Coopersburg. www.theinsidescoop.com The Inside Scoop is the area’s premier, award winning 1950’s style ice cream parlor. All of their ice cream is made fresh in the store, and you will find the craziest flavors you have ever seen here.

From the tried and true cookies and cream (made with REAL Oreos) to Beer and Peanuts and Maple Bacon. Also try the extra thick old fashioned milk shakes or our 14 scoop smoking Volcano sundae - the largest in PA. Aside from the food, enjoy the: • 1955 Seeburg 200 jukebox • Espresso machine from Holland • 20’ outdoor movie screen, in the picnic area during summer weekends, with movies beginning at dark.

Stop by for a coffee or ice cream and hang out with your family!

Cedar Creek Parkway

This is a park that has it all! You can walk the trail around the Rose Garden, The Old Fashion Garden, and Lake Muhlenberg. Have a picnic at one of the many tables, swim at the pool, or play a game of basketball or volleyball. Best of all, check out the brand new playground with features for children of all abilities. The playground was designed with the support of parents of children with disabilities. The playground includes the newest in technology and also a youth fitness trail that was designed to draw and encourage children to play and exercise, even meeting the requirements of special needs children. www.LehighValleyFamily.com

• Lehigh Valley Family

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How to Live More Simply ...and Why Its So Important

Learn to be content.

Contentment is a powerful ally of the frugal-minded individual.

When we are truly content we have very little that we desire, in terms of material possessions.

This contentment keeps us away from stores, catalogs and advertisements.

Stop trying to impress other people. Millions of dollars are wasted each year by those trying to play up to the ideals of others.

Those who incorrectly believe that material possessions are a symbol of true wealth are on a neverending quest for something bigger and better, and more expensive.

They constantly upgrade their cars, homes, jewelry and clothing in an effort to impress strangers at a red light, many whom they will never meet again, and are likely trying equally hard to impress them.

By Jason White, FrugalDad.com These days there are a lot of arguments being waged on the

benefits of paying down debt, buying used cars, paying off mortages early, and building savings. All of these are noble financial goals, and generally receive positive reinforcement from financial planners in the media. However, there is an element that disagrees with this logic, and they are quick to point out where the mathematics don’t support these life-simplifying steps. This post is aimed primarily at that audience, and for the rest of you, perhaps it will provide some comfort when dealing with these types.

Excess Material Possessions + Excess Financial Worries = Stress Since I know how much you “financial nerds” love formulas, I’ve provided one for you to chew on. I once wrote a post about homeowners paying off their mortgage early, and it was generally well-received. However, I received a number of emails from “financial experts” out there who disagreed with the idea. They were all-too-eager to tell me about the various ways that same money could be earning more in the markets. Maybe so. But their fancy formulas didn’t account for the one variable most important to me at this stage in my life, simplicity.

How to Live More Simply That stress I referred to in the equation above is the result of constant worry over reconciling balances, watching payment schedules, and fretting over the never-ending accumulation of interest, which has a way of cheapening future earnings at a rate faster than inflation. Add to this financial stress the worry of excess things and their storage, protection and maintenance, and you can easily see how too much stuff and too many accounts can lead to an ulcer. So how does one prevent such complication in their lives?

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Rid yourself of things acquired merely for status. So you’ve made a decision to live more simply, but what about that Jaguar in the driveway and the “his and hers” Rolex in your sock drawer that are contradicting your new way of life. Get rid of them. I don’t care how you do it. Sell them, give them away as gifts, or donate them to a charity. Just get rid of them. You will be amazed how freeing the experience can be. While I’ve never had a Jag or Rolex to give away, I’ve eliminated some “extras” from my own life and feel better for it.

Consolidate your lifestyle. Do you have six Roth IRA accounts with five different brokerages? Are your insurance policies cattered around three or four different carriers? While there is some benefit in diversification, by going overboard you are adding stress to your life just from the effort required to manage all the various accounts and policies. Consolidate a couple of those accounts, and move your insurance policies to the same provider (assuming you have researched the provider and are confident in their stability). As an added benefit you may find discounts waiting for having multiple policies with the same carrier.

Recognize the difference in stockpiling and hoarding. It is prudent to stockpile necessities, particularly when you find a good deal, or receive a discount when buying bulk quantities. However, too much of a good thing becomes problematic when you have to spend time, money and energy just to store the items. After I returned home from school to live with my grandfather we stored a bunch of our stuff for $50-$60 per month in a storage unit. After several months went by it occurred to us that we had not used anything from the storage facility. We saved $600 a year by simply getting rid of the stuff. One less bill and a lot less worry!

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

Excess Material Possessions – Ego = Simplicity Much has been written about wars with our own egos–I know I’ve lost my share of battles. But when I stop and think about the real reason why I want something I often find that I am simply feeding my own ego. I want others to know that I am successful. I don’t want others to think I am struggling. I fall into the “I work hard, so I deserve it” line of thinking that is a recipe for financial disaster.

However, once you are aware of this condition you can begin to take steps to resist the urge to give into your egotistical desires. Try to find the same joy that you once found in things in other areas of your life. Learn to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and is freely available to anyone willing to look. Go for a walk in the woods, or barefoot walk in your own backyard. Read a great book.

Spend time playing with your children. Volunteer your time to a cause you believe in. Seek out some of life’s many other simple pleasures. All of these things will fill your life in ways things used to, and they can all be done for next to nothing.

Have a Laugh!

Tennis Bracelet

A woman sees a beautiful tennis bracelet in a jewelry store window. Not having the money to purchase the item, but desperately longing for it, she enters and speaks to the clerk.

“If I were to give you a small deposit for this item, could you possibly hold it for me?”

“Certainly,” replies the clerk. “For how long shall we hold the item?”

“Until my husband does something unforgivable.”

Great Truths

• The best place to be when you are sad is Grandma’s lap.

• Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.

A challenge: Find one thing you’ve been holding on to because it is • Families are like fudge - mostly sweet, with a few nuts. a status symbol, or a luxury item that you don’t really need. Give it • Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside. away to a loved one, or a complete stranger, and enjoy the freedom • Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, of a simpler life. not the toy.

Read more of frugal Dad’s advice at www.frugaldad.com.

• You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

Specializing in Parenthood Transitions Take a Moment...Endless planning goes into the beginning of motherhood, but we rarely prepare for all the endeavors that come next. Daily duties and roles change from stage to stage as our children grow into their life. And still, we don’t pause, prepare, and plan for everything to be different.

Renew ~ Reinvent ~ Reclaim Your Life!

Skills and Tools for Success • Vision and Goal Setting • Confidence Building • Support and Accountability Contact Pam today and take the first steps to reclaiming your life • 610-392-6514 pam@momentscoaching.com

Athletes for Christ 610-453-7023 • AthletesForChrist.net

Athletes for Christ is a faith-based Christ centered Sports Ministry that is based in the Lehigh Valley near Allentown Pennsylvania.

We offer: Soccer, Basketball, Flag Football, Cheerleading, Zumba, Ballet, Women’s Fitness & more!

www.momentscoaching.com www.LehighValleyFamily.com

• Lehigh Valley Family

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a

Your Style

Pack Your Bags, Not Your Life

By Lauren Wuscher, IMAGEine U

I don’t know many people who enjoy packing. You may enjoy it somewhat because it means you’re getting away for awhile, but the act of trying to figure out what you will need while you are out of town is no fun. Not to mention, many over-pack because they want to make sure they don’t forget anything. By following this list of travel musts, you will never forget your stuff again!

Toiletries

* Sunscreen * Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss * Contacts with case and solution or glasses * Body wash, soap and pouf if needed * Shampoo and conditioner * Razor and shaving cream * Moisturizer * Aloe (Incase you get burned!) * Zip-loc bags (to put toiletries in, or your electronics if you will be at the beach) * Nail clipper and file * Band-Aids and Neosporin * Pain medication (such as Aleve or Tylenol) * Any prescriptions or vitamins you take regularly

* Bug repellent * Antacids * Deodorant * Brush or comb * Hair care products (hair spray, mousse, gel, hair dryer, flat or curling iron, hair ties) * Make-up and skin care products * Perfume * Feminine protection

Beach Items

* Beach chair * Beach towel * Magazines and books * Beach Umbrella * 2 or 3 bathing suits * Beach cover-up, hat, and sunglasses * Toys (if you have kids)

* 1 Pair of athletic shoes * 1 Pair of athletic shorts/ pants * 3 Athletic tees or tanks * 3 Pairs of socks * 1 Sweater * 1 Jacket * 3 Tank tops * 2 Pairs of dress shoes (brown and black) * 2 Pairs of flip flops

Other

* Cell phone and charger * MP3 player * Camera and charger * Batteries * Directions or GPS * IDs * Emergency numbers and addresses * Jewelry

* Purse * Flight information * Hotel information * Vouchers, coupons, tickets * Wallet

This list is the minimum for what you will need on a 7-day vacation. Don’t forget to have fun and don’t stress! If you forget something, you can always buy it on arrival.

Lauren Wuscher is the owner of IMAGEine U., an image consulting company based out of the Philadelphia area. For more information, or to sign up for IMAGEine U.’s free weekly email newsletter full of style secrets and image tips, please visit www.imageineu.com

Clothing

* 3 T-shirts (Men you should bring 7 t-shirts or undershirts) * 5 Button Down tops and 2 polos (for men) * 2 “Night-on-the-town” tops * 2 Pairs of jeans * 2 Pairs of shorts/capris * 2 Skirts * 2 Dresses * 1 Pair of Pajamas * 10 Pairs of underwear (just in case!) * 3 Bras (1 strapless/1 regular/1 sports)

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424 Center Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

610-867-8055 Mrs. Marian H. Flax, M.Ed., Director

GATEWAY SCHOOL of the Lehigh Valley

Educating children and adolescents of average and above average intelligence with learning difficulties.

w w w. g a t e w a y s c h o o l o f l v. o r g

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

JUNE 10 Great Things To Do 1. Children’s Story Time.

Every Wednesday from 10:3011:00 AM at the Moravian Bookshop in Bethlehem.

Children between the ages of 2 and 4 years-old are welcome.

2. See Robin Hood, happening the 4th-7th from 10-11 AM. Labuda Center for the Performing Arts in Center Valley.

3. See the Bethlehem

Municipal Band on June 4 at 7:30 PM in Bethlehem’s Rose Garden on Union Blvd.

4. Take a trip to Macungie

Memorial Park for the Antique Truck Club of America Annual Show and Flea Market, happening June 18-20.

5. On Father’s Day, take

Dad to Blue Mountain’s Father’s Day Cruise & Picnic.

Blue Mountain Ski Area, Danielsville.

6. On the 18th at 7:30 PM watch the Festival of Speed

Make Something Delicious

– US 10 Mile Championship.

This championship is a classic, mass-start competition, very exciting and occasionally dangerous as endurance riders fight to keep the pace high and sprinters work to maintain their position. Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Breinigsville.

7. Head to the Museum of

Indian Culture in Allentown to experience Artifest, from 10-6. Enjoy artists, music and dance performances, tomahawk throwing, flint knapping, pottery making and fire starting, craft demonstrations, and a children’s hands-on craft area.

Cucumber Punch • 3 quarts water • 3 quarts ice cubes • 1 (14 ounce) package instant lemonade powder •1 (12 fluid ounce) can white grape juice concentrate • 1 lemon, thinly sliced • 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced.

Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Serve immediately.

Date Night Suggestion

8. Schnecksville Community

Beer Garden:

Fair will be running from the 21 of June till the 27.

9. Attend the Summer Garden Party from 10-4 on the 26th at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in Stroudsburg.

10. Cheer on the home team

and visit an Iron Pigs game at Coca-Cola Park. Find schedule

Head to a specialty store in the neighborhood that sells mix and match micro-brew 6 packs. Pick a few to sample. As you and your spouse sample them, notice things like color, taste, texture, and even the creative labels on the bottle.

Remember to sample responsibly!

Celebrate June!

• Great Outdoors Month

• Dairy Month

• Bathroom Reading Month

• Candy Month

June 21-27 is Watermelon Seed Spitting Week June 1: Go Barefoot Day 5: Doughnut Day 17: Rootbeer Day 20: Juggling Day 27: Backyard Camp Out Day www.LehighValleyFamily.com

• Lehigh Valley Family

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JULY 10 Great Things To Do 1. Challenge yourselves.

6. The Blueberry Festival Go biking at Vertical Earth Gravity Mountain bike Races at Blue Mountain Ski Area. Lift access is available for mountain biking for all levels of riding.

is a weekend of great food, live music and family fun at Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem on the 17th-18th.

Shakespeare at Shakespeare For Kids at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts in Center Valley. July 28-August 7. Shows begin at 10 AM. Geared towards kids ages 4-10.

enjoy traditional crafts, food, music and folklife at the Kutztown Folk Festival.

Runs July 3-11, in Kutztown.

3. Celebrate our great

Country. Check out www.

LehighValleyFamily.com and look under Lehigh Valley Top Picks for fireworks and other celebrations in your neighborhood.

8. Enjoy some outdoor

4. On July 11, celebrate

park. See Where the Wild Things Are, at dusk, in Allentown’s Arts Park.

Easton Area’s Heritage Day, Centre Square, Easton. Celebrate the 3rd public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy entertainment, historical events, food and drink, and fireworks! local athletes at Lehigh Valley SportsFest, occurring at various parks throughout Allentown.

Grilled Pizza • 1 cup thinly sliced tomatoes • 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil • 1/2 cup olive oil • 2 large garlic cloves, minced • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 frozen pizza dough loaf (thawed)

7. Introduce your kids to

2. Bring your family to

5. Enjoy sports? Watch

Make Something Delicious

music at the Summer in the City Music Series on the PPL Plaza in Allentown.

Thursdays at noon.

9. Watch a movie in the

10. On July 21, Join in on

Instructions: Oil grill rack with an paper towels or old rag dipped in oil. Heat to medium-high.

As grill heats, roll dough onto work surface. Cut into 4 equal pieces in rustic shapes. Using large spatula, transfer dough to grill rack; cover and grill until bottoms are brown, about 4 minutes. Turn dough over and immediately top each with a drizzle of olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, basil, and top with cheeses, leaving 1/4-inch border. Cover and grill until pizza bottoms are brown and cheese is melted, about 4 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

Date Night Suggestion

the Zucchini 500. Decorate zucchini for racing. Prizes will be awarded for “Zaniest Zucchini Car” “Most Nutritious” - (How many fresh produce parts will your car have?). Easton’s Centre Square.

Backyard Picnic Pick a beautiful evening to have a picnic together in the backyard. Make the above recipe together, play frisbee, and enjoy the summer evening.

Celebrate July!

• Hot Dog Month • Blueberries Month

• Doghouse Repairs Month

• National Grilling Month

July 4-10 is Be Nice To New Jersey Week July 2: I forgot Day 7: Father and Daughter Take a Walk Day 15: Gummy Worm Day 20: Hug Your Kid Day 22

SUMMER 2010 • www.LehighValleyFamily.com

AUGUST Make Something Delicious Eggplant Parmesan Casserole •

2 eggplant • 1 onion • 1 pepper • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 can diced tomatoes • 1 cup tomato sauce • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded • Garlic, basil, parsley, oregano to taste

Instructions: Thinly slice all of your vegetables. Place the eggplant slices in a colander, and sprinkle salt on them. Allow to sit for 20 minutes and blot salt off with paper towel. (This causes the eggplant to weep and removes excess water) Place vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes at 425. Remove from oven and place in baking dish and add remainder of ingredients. Mix well. Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and allow to melt. Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is so delicious your kids won’t even notice its all veggies!

Date Night Suggestion Star Gaze

Grab a blanket and some pillows and head outside at 9:45 on the night of Thursday August 12. A comet called Perseids should be visible around 10 PM. Enjoy the beautiful lights and colors!

10 Great Things To Do 1. Musikfest will be

rocking Bethlehem from the 6th-15th. Go for a show, something good to eat, or just to walk around and people watch.

2. Enjoy classic cars

at Das Awkscht Fescht on the weekend of the 6th-8th at Macungie Memorial Park.

3. Take a hike. Find a trail near you at www. trails.com.

4. Play backyard games.

Fill water balloons and have a water balloon toss in your backyard, draw a hopscotch court, and have a hula-hoop competition.

5. Go play. Check out the beautiful new playground designed for kids with special needs at Cedar Beach in Allentown.

6. Bird watch at Hawk

Mountain as the birds become more actively flying overhead near the end of the month. Enjoy the fresh air, exercise, and the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

7. Like tomatoes? Visit

Easton’s Tomato Fest on August 21. Downtown Easton’s Centre Square.

8. Camp out! Plan an

evening of fun, games, flashlights, and sleeping bags. It will be the perfect end to a great summer.

9. August 21-22.

Museum of Indian Culture’s Roasting Ears of Corn Festival.

10. On August 21, visit

Allentown’s West Park to have dinner and a movie.

Dinner at 6:30, the movie begins at dusk. Sherlock Holmes.

Celebrate August!

• Happiness Happens Month •Panini Month • Win With Civility Month August 1-7 is Simplify Your Life Week August 1: Respect for Parents Day 4: Chocolate Chip Day 10: S’Mores Day 30: Toasted Marshmallows Day

www.LehighValleyFamily.com

• Lehigh Valley Family

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WalkWithMe

Wednesday,June16,2010 walkwithme.org/allentown

x x x x x

NEW “Camp Lily” summer day camp for teens Growing Green residential camp in the Poconos Travel Trips: Jersey Shore &Williamsburg Thursday night “Hang Time” teen recreation program Saturday Respite

Call or visit our website for all the details.

Phone: 610-866-8092 or 610-289-0114 www.esep.easterseals.com ‘Services’ page