LOCAL
Parent O w ww.gwinnettparents.com
Winter 09
GWINNETT EDITION: BUFORD - DULUTH - SUWANEE - SUGAR HILL - SNELLVILLE LAWRENCEVILLE - LILBURN - NORCROSS - GRAYSON - DACULA - LOGANVILLE
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holiday gift guide shopping do’s & dont’s kids activities learning & education
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family law gwinnett schools FITNESS & EXERCISE THE family pet
“With caring words, warm hearts and a gentle touch, we are in the business of making smiles.”
• Bonding • Crowns and Bridges • Implants • Veneers
• Whitening • Sealants • Root Canal Therapy • Extractions
• Scaling and Root Planning • Jaw/TMJ • Cosmetic Dentistry
New Patients Welcome All Major Credit Cards Accepted Financial Plans Available
Mall of Georgia Dentistry, LLC 3276 Buford Drive, Ste. 101 Buford, GA 30519
Conveniently located across from the Mall of Georgia
678.714.6343
www.MallofGeorgiaDentistry.com
CONTENTS
6
Holiday Gift Guide
10 12
Inside Gwinnett Schools
6
Family Law: Family Law Attorney and Family Law
14
Health: Sudden Cardiac Arrest versus Heart Attack
16 20 22 24
Party Planning: Get Your Gifts Home for the Holidays
Food & Recipes: Handmade
16
Holidays
Family Pet: Your Guide to Kitten Care
Online Bookmarks
22
Local Parent Editor Terrie Carter Photography JOHN AINSWORTH Bella portraits
Circulation CURTIS THURMAN JOHN HABOWSKI
Advertising ANDREW CARTER JENNIFER MARTINEZ
Intern KAYCI ALBRITTON
Writers/Contributors Ethel Carter, Gwinnett Public Schools, THAIS CUFFY, Vivian Glyck, Bruce mills, TAMMY PETERSON, Aurelia Williams, Irene Zoppi, Carol Copeland, Debra Dawkins Contact Information Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County 3651 Peachtree Pkwy. #325 Suwanee, GA 30024 editor@localparentmagazine.com ____________________ All contents of this magazine are copywritten by Local Parent and it’s licensees. No part may be reprinted, copied, reproduced, or used without written permission of the publisher. Each edition independently owned and operated. For franchise information visit: www.localparentguide.com
Ready Bodies Ready Minds Inc.
Building Foundational Skills For Future Learning 〈
Therapeutic Preschool & After School Program.
〈
Serving children with all abilities.
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Childcare & Pre-k offered 6:30am-6:30pm.
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Group Therapy Sessions available daily, with focus on: Social Skills Development, Sensory processing, Language & Gross Motor Development.
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Daily activities include: music & movement, visual perceptual, yoga, tactile & fine motor, social circle & language.
415 Scenic Hwy. Lawrenceville, GA 30045 Telephone: (770) 822 4001 www.readybodiesreadymindsinc.com ~ All assessments and treatments are done by licensed Occupational & Speech Therapist on site. ~No insurance approval needed for services, various payment options available, State Licensed and CAPS accepted.
[ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ] MY VIRTUAL TUTOR: Reading
m a k e s learning reading skills fun, affordable a n d portable! Through interactive books, school age and grade relevant phonics instruction and fun quiz modes, your child will learn the comprehension, phonics, fluency and vocabulary necessary to become an expert reader, all while having fun with their Nintendo DS. SRP 29.99 (www.myvirtualtutorgame.com)
Family Fun Football
for Wii In this fun, arcade-style casual sports game for everyone to enjoy, play against friends and family in vibrant themed football stadiums, or perhaps even in space! Choose to be one of the game’s quirky characters, featuring animals, aliens and robots, or unlock the mode to play as your own Mii. This game appealing to all ages for a fun pick-up and play party experience. SRP 29.99 (www.familyfunfootball.com)
KIDDIMOTO balance bikes help children to
learn balance very quickly, improving motor skills, increasing strength and developing confidence on two wheels earlier than they have been able to ever before. Ages 2-6. SRP 149.95 (www.kiddimotousa. com)
Complete Smile
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: • General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry & Whitening • Preventive Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Invisalign • Most Insurance Accepted
Katherine Yi, DDS Accepting New Patients
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
302 Satellite BLVD, NE Suite 216 Suwanee, GA 30024
678-541-6020 www.mycompletesmile.com
www.gwinnettparents.com
Medela NursingStool -
Helps you maintain a comfortable position for breastfeeding or breastpumping. Alleviates stress on your back, shoulders and neck. Constructed of fine-crafted wood in a natural oak finish. SRP $25.99 www.medelabreastfeedingus.com
SOFT HUGWEAR has gifts for people
of every age on your list! Soft and cuddly, safe and warm, that’s exactly how you will feel. Step into these slippers or wrap yourself with a blanket when your mate isn’t around. T’is the seaon to cuddle with Soft Hugwear. You will feel love. The Soft Hugwear collection is priced between $3 and $25 and available exclusively at select Wal-Mart. (www.wal-mart.com)
U-PLAY MAT allows the child to sit inside the
opening of the U and have full access to 15 clear pockets - filled with interactive flash cards. From theme-based cards around animals, foods, letters and more - adults can interact with the child and make learning all kinds of lessons fun! SRP 49.00 (www.playthisway. com)
Social SKillS GRoups
and
Kindergarten Readiness
Since 1977, SwimAtlanta has been the leader in swim instruction in the metro Atlanta area.
Our SOcial SkillS GrOupS Help cHildren
 "ĂťĂ˜Ä–ĂŠ gĂ?ÂŽÄ‰Ă˜Ăť FĂťÂźÄ gċ™ LÄ˘ÂźĂŒ 1Â™Ä Ä Ă˜Ă?Ä Â 1Â™Ä Ä Ă˜Ă?Ä gÄ gŸÆgxƙ ÂŞĂ˜Ăť ÆÆ ÂŻÂ™Ä gĂ?ÂŽ ÆÆ 1Â™Ä Â™Ă†Ä Â 1Â™Ä Â™Ă†Ä ÂźÄ ÂźÂŽÂ™ÂŽ xĤ ¯™ gĂ?ÂŽ xĤ xŸÆŸċĤ  LĂŒgÆÆ ^gĂťĂŒÂť^gċ™Ý P™g‚šŸĂ?ÂŻ FĂ˜Ă˜Ă† ÂŞĂ˜Ăť FĂťÂ™Ä Â‚ÂšĂ˜Ă˜Ă†Â™ĂťÄ gĂ?ÂŽ &Ă?ÂŞgĂ?Ä‹Ä Â !ݙ™ FĂťg‚ċŸ‚™ PÂźĂŒÂ™ ÂŞĂ˜Ăť gÆÆ HÂ™ÂŻÂźÄ Ä‹Â™ĂťÂ™ÂŽ LċĖŽ™Ă?Ä‹Ä Â &Ă?ÂŽĂ˜Ă˜ĂťÂ‹ `™gݝHĂ˜Ä–Ă?ÂŽ Ă°Ä–gċŸ‚ ™Ă?ċ™Ý  FĂťĂ˜ÂŞÂ™Ä Ä ÂźĂ˜Ă?gƋ ™ÝċŸªŸ™Ž p ģʙݟ™Ă?‚™Ž &Ă?Ä Ä‹ĂťÄ–Â‚Ä‹Ă˜ĂťÄ Â 1Â™Ä Ä Ă˜Ă?Ä Ă˜ÂŞÂŞÂ™ĂťÂ™ÂŽ ć ÂŽgÄ¤Ä g Ģ™™Ä
u Improve Their Social Skills & Manners u Learn Better Conversation, Sharing & Play Skills u Assert Themselves Confidently & Appropriately u Constructively Deal with Conflict u Better Manage Their Anger & Emotions u Possess Social Skills & Confidence Needed for Future Success!
678-953-9077
www.ChildrensGardenAtlanta.com The Children’s Garden can help your child learn valuable new skills and thrive both at school and at home!
$10.00 off a session of swimming lessons Expires 10/31/09 Expires 12/31/09
SwimAtlanta has 6 locations in the metro Atlanta area ÂźĂ?‚ÆĖŽŸĂ?ÂŻ Ä” ÂźĂ? "ĢŸĂ?Ă?™ċċŠ LÄ˘ÂźĂŒ ċÆgĂ?Ä‹g Âť LÄ–ÂŻgĂťĂ†Ă˜gÂŞ LÄ˘ÂźĂŒ ċÆgĂ?Ä‹g Âť %gĂŒÂźĂ†Ä‹Ă˜Ă? 6ŸÆÆ Â ď LÄ–ÂŻgĂťĂ†Ă˜gÂŞ FÄĢĤ ĂĄĂĄÂŤÄ” Ä–xÄ–ĂťĂ? HĂ˜gÂŽ Suite 702 ĖŸÆŽŸĂ?ÂŻ  1gĢݙĂ?Â‚Â™Ä ÂźĂ†Ă†Â™Â‹ " Ä?ďď g‚ĖÆg‹ " Ä?ÄŹÄŹĂĄĂ”
678-442-7946
770-277-9499
www.saswimschool.com www.gwinnettparents.com
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
[ HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE ] Audio-Technica’s
lightweight
and
compact
ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint® Active Noisecancelling Headphones are ideal for use
with MP3, CD, DVD and in-flight entertainment systems; with fully integrated ANC circuitry that effectively reduces distracting background noise by up to 85%. ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones fold flat for easy portability and include a detachable cable with 3.5mm mini-plugs, a fullwww.audio-technica.com size ¼” adapter, a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems, and a handy carrying case. SRP 219.95
ATH-ON3ABK Portable Headphones by Audio-Technica
Ultra-light, adjustable headband and generously cushioned earpads create an amazingly comfortable, custom fit. Impressive 30 mm drivers project clear, articulate audio. The ultra-light headband is adjustable for a truly custom, forget-you’re-wearingthem fit. The housing swivels for maximum portability and fold-flat storage. SRP 69.95
PREMIUM TEMPLE TOUCH THERMOMETER
•Measurement locations – temple and underarm •Instant measurement, 6 – 8 seconds •Large and easy to read back-lighted LCD •Recalls last reading recorded SRP 29.99 (www.templetouchthermometer.com)
www.anitasar tscool.com
Drawing, Painting & Clay Classes Ages 5 and Up • Summer Camps • Birthday Parties
678-230-4937 • www.anitasartscool.com
Located in Historic Buford • 179 Moreno Street, Suite D, Buford, GA 30518
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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REBEL INK BABY
Baby and Toddlers Apparel and Accessories www.rebelinkbaby.com
BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance Organic
•Adjusts to three positions: Play, Rest and Sleep •Suitable for children 0-24 months (up to 29 lbs/13 kg) •Easy to fold and take with you •Compact, lightweight and easy to carry when folded •Anti-skid pads keep sitter firmly in place •Reversible fabric seat and restraint system allow you to enjoy several design combinations SRP $199.99 (www.babybjorn.com)
Gwinnett Gymnastics Center 927 Killian Hill Rd. • Lilburn , GA 30047• (770) 921-5630
Tumbling (Boys & Girls): Age 7 & Up
Pare n
ts Ni Frida ght yN Ages ights from Out 4 - 12 7-11P ye M Visit o ur we ars old b view sched site to ule dates & cos d t.
Just want to tumble or improve skills for cheerleading, this is the class for you. Classes Available Mon., Tues. or Thurs. 6:30-7:45PM
Register Today! Gymnastics Classes:
Totsie’s Jungle Gym: Preschool Age 3 - 4 Buddy-n-Me: Age 18 mo - 2 years old WOW: Ages 5 - 12 years old Classes Available Mon. - Sat. Fall Schedule Begins Aug. 10, 2009
WOW BIR T Tots ie Pa HDAY P r ties ART IE -A WOW Ages ges 3 & S 4 5-1 Zip L 2 ine O
www.wowgymnastics.com www.gwinnettparents.com
s, bstac le C Bounce Tram ourses, P House, polin it e & G s, Slides , ames
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
[ GWINNETT SCHOOLS ] Gwinnett Receives AT&T Grant to Fund High School Success Initiatives Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students will have additional support to help them successfully complete high school and prepare for college, thanks to a generous contribution from the AT&T Foundation to the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc. This grant for $100,000 will help continue funding the school system’s high school success initiatives. The Grant will focus on early intervention for 9th and 10th grade students to improve the graduation rate in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Currently housed at Phoenix High, with plans to expand the program to all GCPS high schools, Operation Graduation Credit Recovery is a teacher-guided, self-paced computerized performance-based project to help students get back on track for graduation. The program increases the number of Carnegie unit academic credits accumulated by students as required by the state, increases the rate of on-time promotion to the next grade level, encourages regular attendance, and helps students complete high school in a timely manner. Teachers serve as mentors and counselors work to eliminate the need for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) by ensuring students are positioned to graduate on time and with the academic basis for success. “Support of graduation success addresses a critical milestone that is imperative to the future of a young person and to the overall success of our communities.” says Delores Crowell, external affairs, AT&T Corporation.
“We are pleased to support this worthy and necessary project in Gwinnett schools.” This is not the first time AT&T has partnered with Gwinnett County Public Schools to enrich the education of Gwinnett children. Most recently, the organization donated $20,000 to fund a science lab at Freeman’s Mill Elementary. In 2008, AT&T contributed $169 million nationwide through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs. For more information about the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc., contact Kelly Herndon, the Foundation’s executive director, at 678-301-6077 or visit www. gcps-foundation.org.
HONORS
The Siemens Foundation selected four GCPS students as semifinalists in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology. Phillip Cheng, Anisha Hegde, and Arjun Meka, all from Brookwood High; and Emily Summerbell of Collins Hill High placed as semifinalists in the competition. The Siemens Competition is a signature program of the Siemens Foundation, the national leader in supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education with contributions surpassing $7 million each year. Vanessa Gallegos of Central Gwinnett High is one of only 53 students from around the state selected to serve on the state superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. These students will meet three times throughout the school year to advise Superintendent Cox on how state policies are having an impact in the classroom. The Student Advisory Council also will discuss other education-related issues and will serve as the
10 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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Superintendent’s ambassadors for their schools.
• Interact with business volunteers and business leaders • Gain experience for college applications and internships • Develop leadership, communication, networking, and success skills • Collaborate with students in Europe and Africa on joint business ventures
Six Shiloh High Entrepreneurial Ventures students have been selected to participate in the Junior Achievement Fellows Program, a 20-week “learning-by-doing” after-school program for self-motivated teens. Julius Bryant, Ashley Hendrix, Robert Ousley, Robert Quarterman, Justin Wofford, and Jamile Yesuf will meet at Cisco/ Scientific Atlanta one evening a week for the remainder of their high school careers and benefit from participating in the following programs: • Scholarship, award, and travel opportunities • Make contacts with students from the metro-Atlanta area • Start their own business and manage a company, while earning a salary
Lawrenceville Elementary received a plaque from the Department of Defense and an American flag from the spouse of an employee at the school who was deployed to Afghanistan. The flag was flown in Afghanistan during operation “Enduring Freedom.” The school was honored with this gift for the support received by the soldier and his family during his deployment.
3079 Five Forks Trickum Road Lilburn • 770-982-2000
www.FiveForksAcademy.com
Schedule Your Tour Today!
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ages 6 weeks - 4
Private PreK
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Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
11
[ FAMILY LAW ]
Family Law Attorney and Family Law Written by: Daniel Martin
F
amily law focuses on family-related issues and domestic relations such as divorce, child custody, alimony, spousal abuse, child abuse, visitation rights, child support and so on. Family law is a vast and highly specialized area. In almost all jurisdictions in the United States, family courts are the most crowded. According to the recent statistics, marriage rate in US is 7.1 per 1,000 of total population and divorce rate is 3.5 per 1,000 of total population. Those are staggering numbers. Divorce not only
affects the adults but also the children. Everyone’s welfare is at stake. Overview Of Family Law: Divorce There are several categories under divorce like contested divorce, uncontested divorce, fault divorce, no fault divorce, simplified divorce and limited divorce. Each one of them is treated differently and has different implications. For instance, no fault divorce is a system wherein neither
12 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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party finds fault. In fact, they file for divorce due to irreconcilable differences and it is a mutual decision.
DOEVE LAW FIRM, LLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Child Support And Custody The one who is worst affected in divorce cases is the child. The custody battle can play havoc with the child. This aspect of family law decides who will support the child financially and who will possess the right to custody. The parent who is deemed more responsible is given custody. This law also governs the visitation agreement. It determines how frequently the parent can visit the child and where. These elements are covered under family law.
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION 〈 Divorce
〈 Personal Injury / Visitation Wrongful Death 〈 Contract Disputes 〈 DUI / Traffic
770-923-2223 Ext. 2 912 Killian Hill Road Lilburn, GA www.doevelaw.com
Domestic Violence This aspect of family law deals with cases related to physical and mental abuse. The torture could be inflicted on a woman, man, elderly or the child. A good family law attorney will attempt to completely understand the past and present situation to handle such delicate matters. Grandparent’s Rights This aspect of family law gives a right to the grandparents to take care of the child. Sometimes, the child may be more attached to the grandparent or some other close relative. This law is applicable in such cases. There are two types of law - ‘Loco Parentis’ and ‘Legal
www.gwinnettparents.com
〈 Wills / Estates
〈 Child Custody /
Parents.’ In the former case, the child treats a person as a parent since he has developed a bonding and an emotional relationship with the elderly. In the latter, the parents are the biological parents of the child. Family law deals with sensitive issues and therefore it is imperative to hire a lawyer who is compassionate and understands the situation. A lawyer who offers an easy and peaceful solution should be preferred over a hotheaded one. Aggressiveness and boldness are not desirous to have in a family law attorney. Apart from that, a family law attorney should be a good listener. He or she should understand the situation and should study the case thoroughly. A good lawyer is one who makes a client feel comfortable. Specialization in the area of concern is another must.
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
13
[ HEALTH ]
Sudden Cardiac Arrest versus Heart Attack Knowing the difference can save lives
A
ccording to research from the Heart Rhythm Society, more than 70 percent of Americans believe sudden cardiac arrest, SCA, is a type of heart attack. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. The common misunderstanding between SCA and a heart attack can lead people to overlook important risk factors that contribute to SCA. So what is the difference? In basic terms, SCA is an electrical malfunction of the heart, while a heart attack is a blockage in the blood vessels interrupting the flow of blood to the heart – essentially an “electrical vs. plumbing” problem. Knowing the difference could help save thousands of lives each year. Unfortunately, not only is SCA misunderstood, it’s severely underestimated. SCA is a leading cause of death in the United States, taking more than 250,000 lives each year. Unknown by many, SCA claims more lives annually than breast cancer, lung cancer or AIDS. In an effort to raise awareness about SCA and promote better heart health, the Heart Rhythm Society, an organization representing specialized clinicians
trained to treat heart rhythm disorders, has launched a multi-year campaign aimed at helping individuals identify risk factors, understand how to properly respond and how to effectively prevent and treat SCA. Chief among its priorities, the Heart Rhythm Society hopes to help people better understand SCA, and is working to eliminate the confusion between SCA and a heart attack. “Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious health issue. Unfortunately, the public knows little about SCA, such as whom it affects and what can be done to prevent it,” says Richard L. Page, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “The Heart Rhythm Society would like to encourage all Americans to learn more about SCA by becoming aware of preventative and responsive techniques that will ultimately save lives.” The Heart Rhythm Society offers the following tips and advice. Who is at risk of SCA? The following risk factors may indicate an increased risk of SCA: • Previous heart attack • Family history of sudden death, heart failure or heart attack
14 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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• Abnormal heart rate or rhythm • Unusually rapid heart rate that comes and goes • Episodes of fainting • Low Ejection Fraction (less than 35 percent) – a measurement of how much blood is pumped by the ventricles with each heart beat How to respond to SCA. Time is critical. The Heart Rhythm Society advises the following swift actions in response to SCA: • Know the signs of SCA – victims will fall to the ground, become unresponsive and will not breathe normally, if at all • Call 911 • Administer CPR – handsonly CPR is proven to be just as effective • Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available How to prevent SCA. The Heart Rhythm Society offers the following advice to decrease the likelihood of SCA: • Live a healthy lifestyle • Know your family history • Know your risk of heart failure • Treat and monitor health conditions that can contribute to heart problems, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking • Seek professional guidance to control or stop an abnormal heart rhythm For more information please visit www.HRSonline.org.
Simply Dancing
Keeping Dance an Art Form Since 1990
CLASSES OFFERED: BALLET • TAP • JAZZ • HIP-HOP • POINTE •
Now Registering for Classes
PILATES •
5330 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road • Lilburn
770-921-6669
www.gosimplydancing.com
Buford’s Finest Family Recreation Center
Skate Country Birthday Parties are the BEST! We Host: • Children & Adult Birthday Parties • Fundraiser Events • School Spirit Nights Video/Arcade Games, Fun Shop, Cafe, Pro Shop 2700 Buford Highway Buford, GA 30518
678-546-1547 www.gwinnettparents.com
2276 Thompson Bridge Rd. Gainesville, GA 30501
770-532-3248
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
15
[ PARTY PLANNING ]
16 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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an assist from helpers like Bill Yelle, a UPS driver for more than 16 years. “I might not have a long white beard and wear a bright red suit,” says Yelle, “but it’s always fun to see the smile on a customer’s face when I arrive with packages during the holidays. And I don’t want to brag, but I think the children like the big brown truck as much as Santa’s sleigh.” To help your special gifts arrive intact and on time, there are a few simple things you can do.
Use the Right Packing Materials. Use what the professionals use — sturdy, corrugated boxes, foam packaging peanuts and bubble pack — to protect your gifts. Leave enough space between items in the box, and wrap individual items with double cushioning if necessary. Allow at least two inches on all sides of the items being packed, including the bottom and the top. Place the item in the center of the box and fill the remaining space with additional packaging material.
Check With the Experts.
W
ith families spread out all over the country, shipping holiday gifts to loved ones is a part of the season’s traditions. And while Santa has done an admirable job of delivering holiday cheer for many seasons, he often gets www.gwinnettparents.com
If you have fragile or unusually shaped items to ship, or you just don’t have the time to get your packing and shipping done, it can pay to turn to the pros. “I love this time of year,” says The UPS Store owner Mary Hart. “We put so much effort into helping our customers ship their holiday gifts that we share their sense of excitement. We firmly believe the same care should go into shipping gifts as into selecting them.” For the do-it-yourselfers, Hart offers these simple tips:
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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Holiday Shipping DOs and DON’Ts
Print Up Holiday Cheer For extra help printing your holiday newsletters, visit www. theupsstore.com/print. Upload your file, proof it, select paper and/or binding options and you’re ready to print up holiday cheer for everyone on your list.
Key Dates for Holiday Shipping
Most ground packages require five days or less to reach their destination, but if you’re shipping coast-to-coast, it may take longer. n Monday, December 21 — Ship 3 Day Select® for delivery Thursday, December 24.
DO include an address label on the inside of the package with both the destination and return addresses.
n Tuesday, December 22 — Ship UPS 2nd Day Air® for delivery Thursday, December 24.
DO use a shipping option which provides a package-tracking number.
n Wednesday, December 23 — Ship UPS Next Day Air® for delivery Thursday, December 24.
DO take batteries out of toys, electronics, etc., before shipping.
If you are shipping internationally or to military personnel overseas, contact The UPS Store location nearest you to determine the best date to ensure on-time delivery.
DO ship wrapped presents ahead to your destination, especially if traveling by air.
18 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
DON’T wrap boxes in brown www.gwinnettparents.com
paper or tie with string. DON’T use materials like newspaper or real popcorn to cushion items. DON’T use old boxes or gift boxes for shipping items. DON’T use duct tape, masking tape or cellophane tape to seal your boxes for shipping. DON’T ship perfume or cologne since they are considered hazardous materials. Hart has had to perform a package intervention or two during her 25 years in the business. “People should never be embarrassed to ask for help,” she says. “We’re specially trained and certified packing professionals. We can handle any shipping job.” One other essential thing to do — be an early bird. Waiting too long to ship packages can jeopardize their timely arrival and cost you a lot more money. Having to ship items via air takes a lot more out of your wallet, so plan ahead.
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Southeastern Railway Museum Southeastern Railway Museum
Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum
Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum • Train rides on x Georgia’s largest land transportation museum. restored cabooses Overplace 10 kinds • A great for of rail cars to experience and 28,000 square family outings or feet of indoor exhibits. x QCC field trip outlines/activities available to help corporate events. plan your course work. • Special Events x Picnic areas available for lunch year round x Caboose train ride complimentary with • Gift shop with admission or group tours. Thomas® & other x Field trips & guided group tours available by train souvenirs. appointment. Please call (770) 495-0253 x2
One free child admission with a paying Georgia’s 10am – this 5pmad. Call Today! adult with
Official
Thursdays – Saturday -- April - December (770) 476-2013 Saturdays only -- Jan-Mar 3595 Buford Hwy • Duluth
www.srmduluth.org 770-476-2013 www.srmduluth.org
www.gwinnettparents.com
Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
19
[ FOOD & RECIPES ]
Mixed Nuts and Popcorn Sour Cherry Brittle
Give Back
There is no better time than the holidays to give back to your community, and food plays a role there, too. n Deliver a batch of cookies or a tin of spiced popcorn and nuts to the local fire station on Christmas Eve. n Volunteer your time to help serve a holiday meal at a local shelter or food pantry. n Join with some neighbors and hold a bake sale to raise money for a local charity. 20 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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H
oliday giving does not have to be elaborate or expensive. More and more, people are finding that not only are handmade gifts easy on the wallet, they tend to have more meaning, too. This year, take a little time to put together some handmade gifts. Let these ideas serve as inspiration for you to get creative about gift giving this holiday season.
container and no one will know you did not make them yourself! For more delicious ideas, Diamond Foods offers a variety of free downloadable recipes to feed your fingers this holiday season at feedyourfingers.com. You will find recipes for the whole family, like Emerald Deluxe Mixed Nuts and Pop Secret Popcorn Sour Cherry Brittle, and recipes that are sure to impress a crowd, like Diamond Shelled Walnuts With Brie and Pears Crostini.
Gifts Made Simple Food can play an important role in holiday gift giving. “The warmth of sharing good food with family and friends contributes to some of the best memories around the holidays,” said chef and cookbook author Tina Salter, who develops recipes for Diamond Foods. “Favorite holiday foods help keep the festivity in holiday traditions.” Homemade cookies and snacks — packaged with the recipe in decorative tins, tucked into a coffee mug wrapped with cellophane or displayed on holiday plates — make an ideal gift for colleagues, a favorite babysitter or delivery person. Consider hosting a cookie and snack exchange with friends, where everyone brings enough of one recipe to serve several dozen, and the group exchanges so all leave with a delicious assortment of treats that can be gifted, or kept and enjoyed! As your calendar fills up with holiday get-togethers, consider thanking a hostess by offering to help with appetizers or a side dish for the meal. You will find savory recipes like Emerald Sea Salt and Pepper Cashews, White Beans, and Spinach Bruschetta or Diamond Pecans and Citrus on Sweet Potato Rounds at feedyourfingers. com. Or, if you do not have time to make anything yourself, take advantage of savory mixes such as Original Glazed Walnuts or Pecan Pie Glazed Pecans from Emerald Nuts. Put them in a fun
Mixed Nuts and Popcorn Sour Cherry Brittle Makes about 8 cups 1 10-ounce container Emerald Deluxe Mixed Nuts 4 to 5 cups Pop Secret Homestyle Popcorn, popped 8 ounces dried sour cherries 4 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup water 3/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon large sea salt crystals, for sprinkling Lightly oil a large baking sheet; set aside. In a large bowl, combine nuts, popcorn and sour cherries; mix well. In a large (4-quart) saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water; bring to a boil, stirring, over mediumhigh heat. Add butter; cook, without stirring, until caramel reaches a temperature of 300°F, about 8 minutes. Carefully remove from heat; immediately pour over popcorn mixture. Wearing an oven mitt, and using a wooden spoon, stir well to make sure that each nut and popcorn kernel is coated. Quickly pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet; press, with back of wooden spoon, to make it as even as possible; sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool slightly. Using a heavy sharp knife, score brittle into squares, or let brittle sit and use a small hammer to break into pieces.
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[ FAMILY PET ] the life you share. Web sites, like kittenchow. com, make the preparation period easier by offering an informative kitten care video series called the “The Kitten Connection™.” Hosted by Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, the 13 videos cover a wide range of topics from socializing your new kitten to understanding your kitten’s transition to adulthood. The series is full of easy steps to help you enrich your relationship with your kitten and create a foundation of
A
dopting a kitten is especially exciting and can be a very enjoyable experience for the whole family. When choosing to bring a kitten into the family, explore all avenues to adoption, including humane shelters, breeders and rescue organizations. • Look for kittens that are friendly, outgoing and do not struggle when gently handled. • Be sure the coat looks shiny and the eyes are clear. • If you can gather information about the kitten’s parents, it will aid in understanding any long term health or behavioral concerns.
well-being for many years to come. Choosing to adopt a kitten is a lifelong decision, so here are some tips to get you and your kitten started down the right path:
Seek expert advice from veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, breeders and/or online kitten care resources like kittenchow.com.
A quick trip to the local pet supply store can help you find everything you need to keep your kitten happy, healthy and safe. • A pet carrier for transporting your kitten in the car. • Litter and a litter box. • Food and water bowls. • A supply of kitten food such as Purina Kitten Chow. • Grooming tools, toys and a scratching post are also important to your kitten’s socialization and routine development.
By preparing ahead of time, you can welcome your new kitten into your life with confidence and get the most out of
The First Days Home A kitten needs a safe place where she can rest, relax and not get into harm’s
22 Local Parent Magazine of Gwinnett County
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way. Choose a quiet, small room and make that “home base” for the first few days. This area should have the kitten’s food, water, bed and litter box. Once your kitten feels comfortable and confident, allow her to begin exploring. Making introductions. When you introduce your kitten to existing pets, it is important to do so with care and caution. Introductions through a closed door will help each one become familiar with the other by smell. Then follow-up with a relaxed face-to-face meeting. Treats and playtime are great ways to encourage healthy interactions and pleasant associations. Keep litter boxes and food and water bowls separate in the beginning to maintain household harmony and alleviate competition.
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Make litter box training a breeze. Instinct will usually guide your kitten to develop good litter box habits, but you can help the process by establishing a private location for the box and cleaning it regularly. Many kittens prefer a smaller box with low walls, and then you can help them work up to a larger box in time. Place the litter box in a quiet, out of the way location away from your kitten’s food and water, and when your kitten starts interacting with the litter in the box, then calmly praise her to reinforce the behavior.
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