Metro East Parent December 2012

Parent

December 2012

Complimentary

metro east

VOL 1 Issue 2 / MetroEastParent.com

For All The Holiday Happenings Around The Metro East Area Page 35 Is Your Child the Next Top Model? Page 19

Wee-Peats Looking Good, Feeling Better Page 17

FRESHMAN REGISTRATION Tuesday, February 5, 2013 & Thursday, February 7, 2013 SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

Althoff Catholic High School

5401 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226 (618) 235-1100 • www.althoff.net

Inside December Vol. 1 Number 2

Features

11 Straight talk with your Tween

As the parent of a tween, do you find yourself saying things like, “It wasn’t like this when I was that age?” You’re not alone.

14 Tips to tame the wild, wild web

From pop culture trends, politics and sports updates, there is an awful lot of information out there, and trying to stay on top of it all can be overwhelming!

17 Wee Peats: Looking Good, Feeling Better How to shop for designer kids’ clothes without breaking the pocketbook.

19 Is your child the Next Top Model?

Hear from the industry’s top agencies on what they are looking for.

Weekend Getaway: 23 Parents’ New Harmony, IN

Kids are great! Maintaining sanity, even greater!

Learn about a great vacation spot for you and your spouse just a few miles away!

31 Craft your way to a better holiday?

This Christmas have your kids make something special for the loved ones in thier lives.

33

Everything I needed to know in life I learned from Johnny Goose

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37

Departments

6 News You Can Use 8 Letter from the Publisher 9 Voice of Generation “I” 10 Coming Soon

Extra, Extra...

15 Fireproof your home this season 16 How to take the hassle out of holiday travel 21 Six tips to taking the best family portraits 26 Create family fun traditions with Technology 28 Bringing Up Baby 30 Daddy’s Cookbook

Holiday Happenings This Month Page 35

Events Calendar MetroEastParent.com

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Reuse. Recycle.

Restyle.

Save with style on teen & young adult clothing and accessories.

PEACE

LOVE

PLATO’S CLOSET

One coupon per customer per day. Offer not valid with other discounts, coupons or the purchase of a gift card. No cash value. Expires Dec 31, 2012. *Valid at 10900 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, IL, 62208 *618-397-9986* Like us at Facebook.com/PlatosClosetFairviewHeights.com

Parent metro east

VOLUME I, NUMBER II December 2012 PUBLISHER

ROBERT LUDWIG PUBLISHER@MetroEastParent.com

MANAGING EDITOR Cherie Washow

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGN Robert Ludwig

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING@MetroEastParent.com 618-407-5281

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Cherie Washow

METRO EAST PARENT 618-407-5281 MetroEastParent.com 2913 Old Caseyville Rd Swansea, IL 62226

TO SUBMIT EVENTS TO OUR CALENDAR CALENDAR@MetroEastParent.com

METRO EAST PARENT MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION OF THE CREED MEDIA GROUP. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OR AN INDICATION OF SUPPORT BY ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MAGAZINE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

Recalls

ValcoBaby is voluntarily recalling its “Joey” toddler seats for strollers because of a fall hazard.

Dream on Me is voluntarily recalling its highchairs and infant swings because of a strangulation hazard relating to openings in the seat.

NORADSanta.org:

Imagine Nation Books is voluntarily recalling its Double Dazzler Light Show toy because of a burn hazard when the batteries overheat.

Dorel Juvenile Group is voluntarily recalling Eddie Bauer rocking wood bassinets because of an infant suffocation hazard. The bottom locking mechanism can fail to lock properly if a spring is not installed, allowing the bassinet to tip to one side and cause infants to roll to the side of the bassinet.

Dorel received 17 reports of incidents involving infants younger than three months old.

For more Recalls please visit

Visit NorthPole.com and you’ll be greeted with a cute little North Pole village chock full of Christmas time fun. You’ll find games, recipes, and even a mailroom where you can send a letter to Santa.

For 57 years kids all across the globe have tracked Santa on his midnight flight with Rudolph.

Started as a mistaken phone number, this staple of the holiday season has served millions of kids around the world! Website starts on December 1st, make sure to follow Santa and his reindeer!

1. Toys R Us 2. Fat Brain Toys 3. Educational Toys Planet 4. FAO Swartz 5. Amazon 6. DisneyStore.com 7. Leaps and Bounds 8. All Aboard Toys 9. Kazoo Toys 10. Ty’s Toy Box * from toy-stores-review.com

www.SafeKids.org Claus.com Check your Naughty or Nice rating. Choose your very own Elf Buddy. Play games in Elf School.

Print your Honorary Elf Diploma.

Sing along with new original Christmas songs. Rated top Holiday Site!

Story Nory.com offers free audio stories for kids. Their beautifully read tales include A Visit from St. Nicholas, A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Nutcracker, and more.

The stories are captivating for young and old alike and can be streamed or downloaded for anytime listening.

Websites We Love

YOU CAN USE

Britax is voluntarily recalling several car seat models because of a potential choking hazard associated with the HUGS chest pads.

You’re in a store and can’t remember your brother’s shirt size or the name of the toy your niece has asked about for months. Get the answer in just seconds on your smart phone with the giftster app.

Your friend shows you the cool case they found for their iPad and you want the same one. While it’s fresh on your mind, in a few touches, you’ve added the idea to giftster and everyone in your family will know exactly which one you’ll love.

Mobile giftster shares the beautiful design of giftster.com, but in a mobile sort of way.The mobile app automatically updates itself with all the list information from the web. In real time. It just works.

Use the website or the app to invite your friends and family, set up wish lists and remove the guesswork and stress of giving the perfect gift. With the giftster app on your Apple iPhone, iTouch or iPad, simply log in with the same user name and password and your family and their wish lists and events will all be there! If you first created your account from the App, you also have the same account and access to your lists at giftster.com

Parent e n i l metroeastparent.com On metro east

Check out more News You Can Use on our website MetroEastParent.com

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letter from the publisher...

Robert Ludwig

Go Figure...

Christmas Facts you probably didn’t know...

As a father living in these hard economic times, I know there is a fine balance of trying to do what is best for your family; making sure that your child is in the best school clothes, making sure that every meal does not consist of ramen noodles, and most importantly, making sure that your child has a great holiday season without having to take out a second mortgage in order to do so.

The theme of this month’s Metro East Parent is how to survive this holiday season with fun, inexpensive activities for your family.

Daddy’s Cookbook will highlight great gift ideas that my son and I have done for years for friends, family and teachers for just a few dollars per present. Gifts in a jar is fun to make, and adds that personal touch from your child that can be catered to the recipient for the cost it would take to send a Christmas Card.

Creating Traditions includes great craft ideas for your family to spend quality time together this holiday season, as well as how to make personalized crafts for the loved ones that will be treasured for years.

Our Holiday Happenings and Calendar of Events lists all the great events in the Metro East Area that are going on this month. From Breakfast with Santa to the area book readings, each event with allow fun-filled times for you and your children. Most of these events are free.

Our Metro Showcase business also falls in line with our theme this month. Wee Peats is an incredible store with darling clothes for the wee-ones and at an incredible price.

We believe that the holiday season is not about how much you spend, or how much you give or get. The Christmas Spirit is about how much time, real quality time, that you and your family spend with each other, and that the greatest gift you can give to your children and loved ones is you. I cannot remember the presents my Mother of Grandmother gave to me as a boy, but I can tell you in vivid detail about the countless of hours that were spent creating memories and traditions that will last for generations to come.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Metro East Parent!

12 Why are there Twelve Days of Christmas? Traditionally, it took the ‘Three Kings’ this number of days to find the baby Jesus.

Their arrival on the twelfth day was celebrated in the form of the Feast of Epiphany in medieval France, and later in other countries.

1659 There was one group who nearly did what The Grinch failed to accomplish — they stopped Christmas from coming.

The early American Puritans of Massachusetts enacted a law in 1659 that made it illegal to celebrate Christmas since Puritans didn’t believe it to be the true date of their savior’s birth.

The law carried a punishment of five shillings

1841 The first department store to feature a visit with Santa was the J. W. Parkinson’s store in Philadelphia in 1841.

Astonishingly, no other department stores copied this event until 1890 when a store in Boston repeated it.

$24,000 Sure, things like “Lords ‘a leaping” and “maids ‘a milking” might not sound like the most exciting gifts one could receive. But if you knew the price tag, you’d immediately regret the lousy gift cards you got for your loved ones. Every year around the holidays, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song.

The price index for the gifts in the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 for 2011. The most expensive gift is the “Swans ‘a swimming,” valued this year at $6,300. That’s not including the medical bills you’d incur trying to wrangle said swans.

194,672 The record number of Christmas lights on a single tree, set in Belgium in 2010.

$11,026,900 The value of the most expensively decorated Christmas tree, displayed in the Emirates Palace (UAE) in 2010.

15.8 Billion The amount of cards, letters, and packages the U.S. Postal Service delivers between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

1.76 Billion The number of Candy Canes produced in the U.S. each year.

MetroEastParent.com

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Voice of Generation “I”

by Xavier Ludwig Xavier is an eighth grader at a private school in Southern Illinois who has a passion for writing and photography. His generation, those of Generation “I”, are those who have been raised in the digital age of Internet, I-phones, and I-pads.

T

here are times in our lives as teenagers that we may come to a crossroad. We must choose the path of either right or wrong, or decide to take the easy or the more difficult way. No one seems to understand what we are going through. How could they, and still find it possible to breathe? Parents and teachers’ only options are to either talk it through or completely ignore the changes that ultimately affect every teenager, not remembering what they went through so many years ago. We refuse to talk about the things that confuse us, that frighten us, that take over us like a meteor slamming into Earth. We do not want our friends to think any less of us, so confiding in them is definitely out of the question. Ultimately, we are alone, with nowhere else to turn, no one else to listen.

Or so we think so…

Those of you that know my father know that he is not a religious person, but a good person. To him, one does not have to equal the other. But he has given me the option to seek my own truths, find my own path. He has spent countless of dollars to send me to a private religious school, and countless of hours helping me read and study the scripture that I must learn to attend that school. And through these scriptures I have found that my faith is what carries me through the hard times, and has helped me face the challenges that every teenager must face one time or another, and God willing the challenges ahead.

Lucas, I did not know you, but I wish I had. I could have told you that every time that we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge; we look up and are reminded that our capacity may well be limitless. That through Faith and Friendship, no mountain is impassable and no challenge Page 9

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is too heavy of a burden for us to carry. Through our love of God and his love of us we are never alone. The footsteps in the sand are there if we have the courage and the faith to turn around and seek them. And even if we do not have that courage and faith to turn around, they are there anyway, carrying us through the storm.

My father has taught me that life is a storm. One minute you can swim in the sunlight and soak in the sun, and the next be crashing against the rocks with the full force of a hurricane. It is the decisions that we make within that storm that defines us, that will ultimately make us stronger or surrender to the storm and drown.

I am lucky. I have a father and family that support me and love me no matter what decisions I make, and the faith in God that will hopefully help me make that decision. Lucas, I did not know you, but I wish I had before you made the ultimate decision. But there are many of you teenagers that are at that crossroads right now as you read this, and I hope you will listen to me. No matter your faith, or if there is no faith in your life at all, there is no reason at all to take a drastic step to end the one thing that is more precious than anything in the world, God’s greatest gift to all to us –life. Before you make that step down one path or the other, please seek out a friend or a parent or teacher to talk to. Chances are that if they are not going through the same challenge you are, that they have already faced it and came through it. Please remember that you are not alone, and whatever the challenges you face, you never will be.

Lucas, I did not know you, but I wish I had…

Lucas was a fourteen year old who tragically ended his life a few months ago in a town just a few miles away from my home. This is not only for him and his family, but for all those who seek comfort away from the storm.

at the movies...

COMING SOON December

Dec 7 - Dino Time -

There’s nothing Ernie loves more than an excellent adventure, whether he’s zooming around town on his rocket-powered skateboard or stealing an early peek at the coolest new fossil exhibit at the Dinosaur Museum. It’s not always easy under the strict rule of his mom Sue- especially with his sister Julia following him around and trying to get him into trouble every chance she gets-- but he still manages to stir up some fun. One day, however, Ernie’s daredevil nature takes him on a journey with potentially irreversible consequences.

Dec 14 - The Hobbit : An Unexpected Journey The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever...Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities... A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Dec 25 - Les Miserables (2012) Les Miserables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

at home...

Book of the Month

Dec 4 The Dark Knight Rises

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

Dec 4

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

Dec 4 Thunderstruck Dec 11 Ice Age: Continental Drift Dec 18 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Dec 18 Total Recall

by Carol Aebersold, Chanda Bell and Coë Steinwart (illustrator) Reading Age: 3 to 8 years old The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition™ is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children’s book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.

Each Tradition-in-a-Box™ comes with its very own scout elf, a hardbound children’s book and a keepsake box for easy storage. In addition, each shipment is marked for “Special Delivery” from Santa’s workshop.

Available at most local bookstores including Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million, also available at Amazon.com!

gaming...

Dec 4 Guardians of Middle Earth (PS3)

Dec 11 Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Dec 27 Fluidity: Spin Cycle (3DS)

Dec 4 Skyrim ‘Dragonborn’ DLC (Xbox)

Dec 20 Wario Land II (3DS)

Dec 11 Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Dec 27 Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

December Realease Date Not Yet Known Family Party: 30 Great Games Lego City Undercover (WII) Gorky 21

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Straight Talk Family Features

As the parent of a tween, do you find yourself saying things like, “It wasn’t like this when I was that age?” You’re not alone.

The Unilever Tween Confidence Index, a survey that provides a snapshot of confidence levels among tween girls and boys, found that 77 percent of moms say their 8- to 12-year-olds are facing more challenges today than they did when they were that age. What are moms concerned about?

• Being overly exposed to sex and violence (86 percent) • Facing more pressure to grow up faster (75 percent) • Not doing well in school (60 percent) • Being challenged to eat healthy (55 percent) • Not safely using the internet (55 percent) Tweens themselves find plenty to stress over. According to the survey, tweens are most stressed about: • Hearing rumors about themselves or friends (68 percent) • Dealing with hard teachers (68 percent) • Getting good grades (61 percent) • Their first kiss (51 percent) Fortunately for you, a majority of tweens (69 percent) find talking with their parents to be “very helpful” in dealing with the pressures and challenges they face.

“Communication is a critical part of helping tweens make the transition into being confident teens,” said Rosalind Wiseman, internationally recognized educator and author of New York Times Best Seller, “Queen Bees and Wannabes.”

“When you keep the lines of communication open, you can help build their confidence and self-esteem.”

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Wiseman has some tips to help you talk to your tween about what they’re going through: Location, Location, Location – Chances are, puberty and personal hygiene are embarrassing topics for your tween. Lighten the mood by chatting in a comfortable setting for your child, like when you’re walking the dog or taking out the trash.

No Greeting Card Needed – While it may be emotional for you as the parent, try to keep the tone easy and relaxed, because your teen can sense your anxiety and is probably not feeling too comfortable either. Remember this moment when you were their age? It’s typically not the most comfortable conversation.

Be prepared to have the chat and then move on to other topics after you’ve said your piece.

Ease in, Ease Out – Feel free to have

the conversation in mini talks over a period of time. Maybe it’s when you’re together bringing the groceries in from the car, or as you’re making dinner. The more natural, subtle and informal, the better.

Surprise Delivery – The best way to introduce an otherwise-awkward product to your tween? Make it a quiet surprise.

For example, drop a stick of deodorant in their bathroom. Once they’ve had a chance to use it, check-in a few days later asking how it is working for them.

If your tween is extra bashful, leave personal products on their bed in a discrete bag.

Nervousness to Nerves of Steel – The goal is to stay calm, cool and collected to help turn this embarrassing, sometimes difficult, moment into something empowering. Remember how you felt when you were their age, and do your best to relate to what they’re going through.

with Your Tween

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Tips to tame the Wild, Wild Web

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Family Features

here’s no doubt that mobile phones, tablets, computers and the Internet make accessing and sharing information a lot easier. From pop culture trends, politics and sports updates, to breaking news and social networks, there’s an awful lot of information out there, and trying to stay on top of it all can be overwhelming. If everyone in the family is connected to their devices — are they really connected to each other?

Information Overload

If you think your email inbox is overloaded, take a look at some of these numbers: n 30

billion pieces of content are shared on Facebook every month.

n 864,000 n More

hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every day.

than 190 million tweets are sent on Twitter every day.

It’s not just adults trying to consume all that information. The Kaiser Family Foundation says that kids 8 to 18 years old average more than 7 1/2 hours a day using digital media. And they spend a lot of that time using more than one digital medium simultaneously, so

Get Smart Together Now that you’ve learned how to better manage all of the information floating around the wild Web, you can start enjoying the information you actually care about. Kinsey says that you can take advantage of today’s easy accessibility to news and pop culture happenings by using it as an opportunity for you and your family to study up on timely topics.

“This year will be nothing short of exciting with the 2012 presidential race, summer Olympics and other stories and events. Keep your family in the know with msnNOW, where you can find updates on this year’s hottest topics, all in one place. Staying in the know has never been easier.”

they end up packing 10 hours, 45 minutes worth of media content into that 7 1/2 hours.

So how can you get the information you want while also turning down the noise?

Tips for Managing Your Media

“Internet and digital devices aren’t going away,” says Kinsey Schofield, pop culture maven and social media strategist. “They’re only going to become more prominent. The trick is to find ways to manage your time and the information effectively. When you do that, you’ll have less stress and more time for some fun together.”

Set Internet limits — for everyone With so much information and social connections available in an instant, it’s tempting to spend too much time in the digital world. But when you do that, says Kinsey, you miss out on things happening in the real world. n For kids, set time limits on their electronics usage. They can earn time by doing chores, for good behavior, or as rewards for good grades. Keep track of time with stickers, beads or even candy. n Adults should lead by example. Set aside a specified chunk of time to deal with emails, social media check-ins or catching up on the latest celebrity news, for example. Desig­nate meal times as “device-free” zones, and make a point of letting your kids see you setting aside your devices. n As a family, make a list of Internet house rules. Include the types of sites that are acceptable and those that are off limits, time allowed on the Internet, and guidelines for sharing information online.

Monitor mobile usage A lot of time is spent on the phone — and most of it isn’t actually talking.

Continued on page 15 MetroEastParent.com

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Tips to tame the Wild, Wild Web Continued from page 14 n “Just

looking at your data usage each month can be a wake-up call,” says Kinsey. Go through your monthly statement as a family so you can see exactly how much time you are spending connected. This can help you determine reasonable limits on texting, Web browsing, game playing and consuming music.

n Most mobile data plans have parental controls available that will

let you limit when kids can text or call, filter Web browsing, block picture messag­ing and block unknown phone numbers.

This can help you put some limits on when your kids can go online, and keep them safer while doing so.

Make your online time more efficient Keeping on top of the latest news, hottest trends or social chatter is great, but it can take a lot of time. Instead of trying to sort through thousands of sites to get the information you want, try a site that does it for you, such as msnNOW. “With msnNOW,” says Kinsey, “you can get an up-to-the-minute view of what’s happening across the Web, what people are saying about it all, and why it matters.

It’s a quick and edgy way to get plugged into the hottest conversa­ tions happening across Facebook, Twitter, BreakingNews.com and Bing — all in one place.” So whether you want to stay on top of the latest trending topic, keep in touch with friends or share a video, msnNOW keeps you in the know. Learn more at www.msnnow.com.

Manage email more effectively You don’t have to get buried in an avalanche of junk email, nor do you have to answer every email sent to you. n Use

your filters. Email filters can automatically detect spam, send junk to the trash folders, help you keep track of messages

relating to specific tasks or coming from certain people. Learn how to use your filters and you will simplify your inbox (and life) in an instant. n Unsubscribe

frequently. Whenever you type your email address into an online form, you’re agreeing to get messages. “If you don’t read that newsletter, don’t shop at that store, or don’t care about those updates, follow the directions for unsubscribing,” says Kinsey. Do this fairly regularly and you should see your inbox get smaller.

With the right plan, you can tame the wild, wild Web and break free from information overload. And that will go a long way toward getting — and keeping — your family connected to each other.

Fire-proof your home this season (BPT) - ‘Tis the season for at-home entertaining - food, friends, family, fun and yes, even fires. Fire fighters respond to calls of nearly 400,000 home fires each year, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Many fires occur in cold weather months as more people bring warmth into their homes with things like traditional candles or holiday lighting. These fires result in more than 15,000 civilian deaths or injuries annually.

Fire-proof the holiday season with these tips that safeguard your family and your home: Go flameless Reduce your risk of fire by using flameless candles. Though they look and smell like real candles, they don’t pose the same safety risks. Scentsy Wickless Candles provide the light and ambiance of traditional candles without the smoke, soot or an open flame.

With more than 80 fragrances to choose from and 100 styles of warmers available, there’s a fit for every fragrance personality and home decor style.

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Avoid outlet overload Don’t overload electrical outlets and extension cords with holiday lights or other electronics. Plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as electric blankets, irons, toasters or coffee makers, into a receptacle outlet at a time. Consider avoiding outlet overload by choosing battery-powered options when they’re available.

Cook with care Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fire injuries, according to the NFPA. Don’t stray too far from the kitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food.

If you’re boiling, baking, or roasting, be sure to check it regularly and use a timer to remind you when it’s finished. Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

Be prepared Establish a fire-safe home by installing

fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Use a portable fire extinguisher to save lives and property by putting out or containing small fires. Store extinguishers where they can be quickly accessed in areas with great fire risk, such as in the kitchen or near the garage door. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room of the home, except for the kitchen, and should be tested once each month.

Have a plan Establish a fire escape plan with the members of your household, and practice it often. You should always have two ways to exit each room, typically a door and a window. Practicing in a casual environment will help children feel confident in executing your plan in an emergency.

Choose a landmark outside, such as a tree in the neighbor’s yard or the mailbox, as a meeting location for your family.

Following these fire safety tips will help ensure your memories of this fall and winter season are full of friends and family, not flames.

How to Take the Hassle Out of Holiday Travel (BPT) - While everyone else eagerly anticipates the upcoming holidays, you’re feeling like a Grinch because you’re stuck organizing the family’s travel plans. Whether you’re heading over the river, through the woods or completely across the pond, the hassles of holiday travel can make anyone become a Scrooge. But before you utter ‘bah humbug,’ consider some easy planning tips that can help ease the stress of traveling during the holiday season.

1. Gift wisely

The holidays and presents go together like milk and cookies, but lugging around boxes of gifts takes up a lot of space and there is a chance that they may become damaged in transit. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train or automobile, consider shopping online and having the gifts shipped directly to your destination, which doesn’t cost any extra. If the idea of shipping gifts just doesn’t jingle your bell, consider compact gifts - such as gift cards - that take up little travel space and can be kept closely in a purse or carry-on. If you simply must bring boxes of toys, clothes and other goodies, package them securely and wrap them when you arrive at your final destination. Keep in mind that if you’re flying and the security alarm goes off and you have wrapped gifts, you will be asked to open them for inspection.

2. Create a home away from home

While piling up on grandma and grandpa may be an option, sometimes it’s nice to have some space where your own family can settle in and unwind when the festivities aren’t in full swing. Consider choosing a hotel that offers comfortable accommodations that everyone will enjoy.

Extended-stay hotels like Home2 Suites by Hilton are a great option because they offer generous rooms where the entire family can relax and feel merry. Accommodations include kitchens which can help cut down on meal costs, plus you can cook your famous side dish and bring it to the holiday feast. With common areas for mingling, the convenient Spin2Cycle, which combines laundry and gym rooms, pet-friendly accommodations, and freebies like daily continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, the whole family will feel at home.

3. Avoid peak travel days

While Santa might be able to fly around the world in one single evening, you might not enjoy such swiftness when it comes to racking up miles on peak holiday travel days, which can be stressful as well as costly.

If you plan to fly, try to avoid weekends or days immediately prior to or after major holidays. You’ll pay the premium to fly out on Christmas Eve, plus you’re more likely to encounter long terminal lines and delayed

flights. If you plan to drive to your destination, these high-travel days will likely clog the roadways. If there is inclement weather in the forecast, you’ll want to consider traveling around it since it can make driving take double the time or more, plus it can be very dangerous. If you have the time to take off of work, travel at least several days before or after a holiday. Then settle in and enjoy quality time as you get in the holiday spirit.

4. Practice patience

While the hustle and bustle of the season are in full swing, it’s no secret that traveling over the holidays also comes with long periods of waiting.

Whether you’re stuck in traffic, standing in the long lines at the mall, or waiting for that 30-pound turkey to roast, you need to practice patience.

Prepare by bringing along some reading material for yourself and some fun holiday activities for the kids. Books, magazines, small board games, cards, video games, movies or simply singing some holiday carols can help bide time and keep everyone in an optimistic holiday mood.

These simple steps can help make holiday travel a breeze so you can enjoy more time with your family and less time stressed. With a little planning and a touch of holiday optimism, traveling during the holidays can be a joyous and memorable event.

Check us out online at MetroEastParent.com

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Metro East Showcase:

by Robert Ludwig

Wee Peats Wwners Tara Hilmes and Kristen Harris When you are bundling up your bundles of joy this winter do so in style, yet without having to take out a second mortgage on your house.

With consignment stores becoming the popular trend in an economically stagnant marketplace within the Metro East area, Wee Peats, of Belleville, fills the niche of popular name brand clothing at an affordable price without the stigma of shopping second-hand.

“Buying used clothes doesn’t have to feel like second best. You can find great stuff, and save so much money. Buying gently used clothes lets you stretch your dollar farther than you would imagine,” advised Tara Hilmes, co-owner of Wee Peats with her sister Kristen Harris.

“You can take $50 to a popular retail store like Gymboree, and get maybe one outfit. At our store $50 can buy a good part of a seasonal wardrobe, 2 pair of jeans, 2 tops, 2 pair of shoes, and a jacket. We are very selective in what we buy for our store, so no one will know your child is dressed in second hand clothes. We like to say that we are a “New reason to shop resale”” Popular name brands for children are the staple at Wee Peats, as well as maternity clothes for expectant mothers that are sold for at least 75% off the average retail price. “We sell the latest styles in Maternity, newborn through size 12.

We carry all brands, but try to focus on brands like Gap, Gymboree, Abercrombie, Ralph Lauren, etc.,” stated Hilmes. “We are seasonal; we carry Fall/Winter from August to February, and Spring/Summer from March to July.”

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“We knew we could provide an environment that

Moms would want to come back to again and again.”

Open since 2011, Kristen and Tara found that with young children keeping them in the latest fashions was both costly and time consuming. A niche of slightly used name brand clothing for both mom and child was desperately needed in the Metro East area.

“My sister and I are the moms of young kids and we knew what we wanted in a store. We saw the need for a children’s resale store in our area, a place that Mom’s wanted to shop in. A place where they didn’t feel like they were in a “thrift” store, and a place where they could

find the latest styles without spending a lot of money. We knew we could provide an environment that Moms would want to come back to again and again.”

Clothing is not the only items that Wee Peats recycles. They also buy and sell shoes, accessories, as well as baby gear such as strollers, highchairs, pack and plays, swings, as well as used children’s books.

For those who have children outgrow their clothing and toys as fast as they are bought,

All photography done by DayFancy Photography Wee Peats buys all name brands to help their inventory. “We buy items that are in next-to-new condition and less than 5 years old. Sellers can take cash or 20% more if they take store credit,” stated Himes.

On top of the already ridiculously low prices at Wee Peats, a Rewards Card is offered in which a client can accumulate stamps with the purchases they have to add up to more savings later on. You can join the email list or Wee Peat’s Facebook page for additional coupons.

Another cool way to save is by texting the word “weepeats” to 90210 to get alerts about sales and exclusive coupons.

Metro East Parent would like to thank Wee Peats and their incredible and patient staff for their gracious hospitality shown to me and my staff in the photoshoot that basically rearranged the store. After we left, Hurricane MEP had demolished almost everything in sight, but the next day the staff had Wee Peats looking its wonderfully immaculate self.

Continued on page 44

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Is your child the next How to get your child into the fashion business

By Robert Ludwig You have watched all the new reality television shows, “America’s Next Top Model” and “Remodeled”, and thought to yourself that your child could possibly be the next Cindy Crawford or Kate Moss. After all, how hard can it be? Your child is definitely cuter than any girl they have on the show, and all they have to do is stand in front of a camera and smile. Right?

Well, before you start planning the exotic vacations or paying for your child’s college at the age of twelve from all of the money you are going to make from their modeling career there are a few things that you must know first. First, it is a tough industry to get into. As explained by Fairlight Hubbard, co-owner of Eye Model Management of Nashville, Tennessee, “There is a difference between being a model and being a working model.”

Hubbard, a former Ford Model, goes on to explain further, “Many people aspire to model, but there is a smaller percentage of people who actually do model and make money.”

Like any profession, cracking into the modeling world can be hard and tedious and there are no guarantees that your child will make it even after all of the hard work they have put in. “You have to get use to rejection,” adds Kathi Gardner, of Stewart Talent of Chicago. “You can go on twenty or more casting calls before you get a job, or you may not get a job period. There are no guarantees in this business, and kids along with their parents have to realize that before they try and get into this business.”

Throughout the world there are thousands of models who flock to the major market cities like New York and Los Angeles to make it, with very few actually making a living off of modeling. But that is not to discourage you and your child from seeking the dream. Xavier Ludwig, 13, of Centralia was discovered eating at a Chinese restaurant in St. Louis during the production of a major television show and signed a few weeks later to a modeling contract. Others from Southern Illinois have made a career out of modeling and television as well like Logan McNeil of Salem who has traveled the world modeling for the past eight years.

First to know is that there are all different types of modeling, from High Fashion to Catalogue Print, each requiring different looks and personalities. With High Fashion there are specific qualifications that must be met for the industry since the every model must fit the exact piece of clothing, not the other way around. According to Hubbard, “We scout for high fashion models, and the criteria are very strict. We sometimes make exceptions if a model is young and growing, but must believe they will reach the criteria by the time they are 15-16 years of age.”

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Logan McNeil, Salem, represented by West Model Management/ Ford Models

“On occasion we will represent exceptional talent that are younger who show potential and also plus fashion models. These are rare circumstances, but if we believe we can market a talent, we will sign them outside of our normal guidelines,” stated Hubbard. “In addition to this, we look for personality! This is perhaps the most important part of what makes a model who fits all the other criteria truly successful. It is important to be yourself and be confident!”

Stewart Talent represents a myriad of talent, from voice-overs to actors to high fashion models.

Gardner explains, “With print work, we are not too specific on height and weight. When we are doing a print ad that only shows the waist up, it does not matter if the model is 5’6 or 5’9. What matters is the personality of the child and how well they react to the camera.”

As any industry, the modeling industry has changed as well throughout the years. Where the Vanilla All-American look used to be in demand in years past, the more unique ethnically ambiguous look that now represents the country is high in demand. “We are looking for that unique face. The days of the same ole same ole is over, not only does the model have be representative of everybody but also is unique and stands out in a crowd,” says Maria Cooper, Partner and Casting Director of Define Model Management of St. Louis. “That is why looks like Xavier [Ludwig] is great. He represents the melting pot of America.”

But there are still needs for all types of looks, explains Gardner. “There are still clients that want that blonde haired, blue eyed look for their advertisements. It all comes down to what the client sees that will best represent their product.”

So what is the first step to making your child’s dream come true? Do not spend tons of money on photographers; most agencies want to see what your child looks like without the glamour and make-up. Just a few simple Polaroids could get you into the door at most agencies. Each agency has their own criteria as to how they will see their potential models. Do your homework and check out each agency before you sign away your first born and hand them over to the agency. Check the Better Business Bureau, and ask other models that have been in the industry about the reputation of certain agencies. There are too many agencies that are in it to just exploit the models for their money and are not interested in getting the models work.

Go onto various agencies websites and check out how to submit your child for consideration.

Some agencies have casting calls, while others require electronic or snail mail submissions. It is crucial to follow each step carefully and complete or your child’s chance could be filed away or disregarded along with the many who are also seeking representation.

But the one thing to remember is to let your child be a child first and foremost. Doing school plays and musicals, as well as sports, helps the child to come out of their shell and perform in front of an audience, which in turn will translate in front of the camera. It must be the child, and not the parent, who has to have the dream of modeling. Unfortunately, in the modeling world a parent is nothing but a vehicle to get the child from one destination to the other if your child is lucky enough to land a job or two.

Good luck! As a parent of a model I know the frustrations and jubilations that comes with the territory of the industry. But there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your child’s picture on the cover of a magazine and ultimately succeed in something that he loves!

1. How did you get into modeling? Was this always a dream of yours?

Logan: I was approached by talent scouts in St. Louis. It was never a dream of mine and the thought of modeling never entered my mind.

Didn’t even take the scouts seriously at the time but my sister set up a meeting with them where they took photos and my journey began.

2. What are some of the good things about the modeling world? some bad things?

Top Model?

“We look for personality! This is perhaps the most important part of what makes a model who fits all the other criteria truly successful.

It is important to be yourself and be confident!”

– Fairlight Hubbard, Eye Model Management

Xavier Ludwig, 13, Centralia, Eye Model Management 1. How did you get into modeling?

Xavier: My father and I were at a restaurant in St Louis and a scout from a national television show approached us. I had never really thought about modeling, but the guy was pretty convincing. A few days later I was signed to a contract.

Logan McNeil, Salem, represented by West Model Management/Ford

Logan: The positive side of modeling is endless but ultimately varies between each individual. It allows one to travel and live in many different places for periods of time.

It’s an exciting job that offers plenty of variety. With that being said, it’s not an easy life. The traveling gets difficult and never knowing when your next job will come is hard to get used to.

3. Does the industry change on a constant basis about what they are looking for in models?

Logan: The industry is continually changing. Our business is dictated by trends. Agents might know what look it takes to be a model but even then it’s still not guaranteed that you will ever book a job.

4. What is some advice you have for kids that want to get into the industry?

Logan: My advice to kids looking to get into the industry would be to only work with and trust reputable companies. Modeling shouldn’t cost you a significant amount of money to get started. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams but realize that modeling isn’t for everyone.

5. Where are some of the places you have been for modeling? Some major ads?

Logan: I have worked all over the US on different jobs, mostly the larger markets being New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. I have worked all throughout Italy, mostly in Milan; London and Germany. A few of my larger jobs: Abercrombie & Fitch, Armani, and Pepsi

2. What advice do you have for teenagers who want to get into modeling?

Xavier: First and foremost, be a teenager. If you are involved with sports or school band, don’t give that up unless an incredible opportunity arises for you in the modeling world. Most agencies will understand. Don’t forget your friends or where you came from...

3. Is there a lot of travel, and is that hard for someone as young as you?

Xavier: At first when I was starting out there was tons of travel, mostly just throughout the Midwest and South. I’ve been asked to go to Asia and Europe, but my father and I decided that school was more important right now. Those places will come later. St. Louis is such a small market, you have to go outside the area to get the bigger jobs like Chicago, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.

4. What’s the coolest part about being a teen model?

Xavier: The people I get to meet.

They are unlike anyone you will ever meet around Southern Illinois. Most of the famous people, the cool people, I meet are just like us: down to Earth yet fun at the same time. Oh yeah, and the clothes!

5. What is the worst part about being a model?

Xavier: It is not all fun and games,

to the contrary. It is work, just like any other work. Sometimes you are on set in front of the camera for hours, trying to get the right shot. It is grueling, hard work, and everyone around is depending on you to perform.

6. Is this what you want to do as a career?

Xavier: Modeling has definitely opened the door for a lot of great opportunities for me. So far the people I have met and the places I have seen is fantastic and the money is great.

Whether or not I see myself in ten years doing this on an international scale like Logan, I can definitely dream of that.

The market changes so much on a season by season look, I would hope that I am still in demand at that point. Right now, I will take what the industry goves me and have fun while I am doing it. If modeling helps me pay for college and achieve my goals, that is only an added plus!

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(BPT) - As the holidays approach, many families are planning annual portraits for personalized cards and gifts to loved ones. But this can be a complex planning ordeal for even the most organized person. In addition to coordinating schedules and what everyone should wear, it’s just as important to focus on the best photography tips, tools and techniques to make the most of your family portrait.

‘Everyone who has ever taken or posed for a family photo knows it’s a rewarding yet challenging endeavor,’ says Tim Meyer,-owner of Meyer Photography and program chair of the portrait division of photography at Brooks Institute, a leading provider of higher education for film, visual journalism, graphic design and photography. ‘The good news is that with proper planning and digital photography advances families can get higher-quality photos than ever before, whether you’re hiring a professional photographer or doing it yourself.’

While it can still be difficult to capture the entire family with smiles on their faces, Meyer offers six tips for taking the perfect family portrait this holiday: 1. Invest in quality camera equipment. Digital photography has brought the world of photography to the masses, and high-quality digital cameras can be purchased new or used at reasonable prices. For family portraits, make sure the camera has a timer so you can be a part of the picture. You should also consider buying a tripod to steady your camera and make your photo shoot easier.

2. Scope out the best locations and background for the shoot. Think outside the family fireplace to create interesting indoor backdrops for family photos - but avoid mirrors and windows that can create issues by reflecting light. If choosing an outdoor location, make sure it is free from distraction. Like indoor shots, intricate patterns or background commotion can distract from the subject of the photo - in this case, your family.

3. Consider the best time for taking photos with your family. Natural lighting is great for family photos, particularly the golden hour - the first and last hour of sunlight during each day. If this isn’t convenient for your family, choose a time when any children involved in the picture are well rested and more apt to patiently pose for photos. If you’re shooting indoors, ensure there’s adequate lighting, whether natural or from other sources.

4. Take lots of shots, but remember that the best expressions with children are often the first ones. Group photos are challenging, considering the number of people who must smile and look their best at the same time. Chances are you’ll have several photos with eye-blinking subjects and wiggly children. To increase your odds of getting the best family portrait, take as many photos as possible and vary the composition to get different angles and arrangements.

5. Plan ahead if including a furry friend in your family portraits. Many people view their pets as members of the family, so it’s only fitting that you might want to include your beloved pet in a family portrait. If so, choose a time when the pet is naturally calmer, perhaps after a walk or at nap time. Also, bring treats to hold the pet’s attention and reward the pet for a job well done.

6. Leave it to the professionals. If the challenge of taking your own family photographs becomes overwhelming, connect with a professional photographer who can provide additional tips or work within your budget to help you get professional family photos in time for the holidays.

Today’s professionals offer a greater variety of styles and ways of sharing your images than ever before.

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PARENTS

New Harmony, IN There are many wonderful places within the borders of Illinois, but there are those special places just outside our little haven that is worth visiting. Just a little over two hours away, you and your significant other can take a step back in history and visit one of the most unique getaways the Midwest has to offer, New Harmony, Indiana.

Downtown New

Harmony

The Roofless Chu

rch

History of New Harmony

In 1814, Father George Rapp led a group of about 800 German Lutheran immigrants (called the Harmonie Society) from Pennsylvania to 30,000 acres on the Wabash River.

The Harmonists, as they were called, came to prepare for the Second Coming. They built and perfected a cosmopolitan community which they carved from the wilderness of the Indiana Territory. Their business acumen, however, eventually led them to return to Pennsylvania, where they would be closer to both existing and prospective markets.

In 1824, Robert Owen, a Welsh-born industrialist, purchased New Harmony with plans to create a model community where education and social equality would be realized. Robert Owen - The Owen/Maclure Experiment 1825-1827 His utopian dream was never fully achieved, but his efforts produced pioneering contributions to education, geology, trade

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schools, and women’s suffrage. In fact, the genesis of the US Geological Society and the Smithsonian Instititution are here in New Harmony.

Many of the original buildings and sites from old New Harmony remain, and are open for tours through the educational programs affiliated with the University of Southern Indiana.

Much of the preservation and restoration of the town’s Harmonist and Owenite history is due to the untiring efforts and boundless energy of Jane Blaffer Owen (1915-2010). She set about to preserve its history, restore its homes and bring some of the greatest minds and artists to its door. Under her leadership, both the town’s spiritual and egalitarian nature were renewed.

It is again a center for learning and culture.

Today, New Harmony’s small town charm, beauty and serenity belie an underlying current of creativity and exubrance. Our business

community offers a range of unique shops and galleries, restaurants and lodgings, as well as exciting venues for the creation and celebration of the arts, writings and music.

things to see...

Within the wonders of yester-year lies the new, modern Antheneum, which serves as the Visitors Center for New Harmony, houses exhibits on the communal history of New Harmony, a large theater where an orientation film on the town is shown, and the Museum Shop. Many of the galleries, as well as the observation deck overlooking the town and the Wabash River, can be used for receptions, small meetings, and cocktail events.

Log Cabin Village

With a step back in time, you can tour the log-cabin village along with its occupants demonstrating what life was like in the late 18th Century.

New Harmony citizens act as artisons and craftsmen of the era, giving you the full scope of survival in the newly discovered land.

Harmonist Labyrinth

Labyrinths have been used over the centuries as a symbolic form of pilgrimage. The Harmonists built labyrinths in all three of their towns.

where to be...

staurant

Red Geranium Re

Cook’s on Brewery Bed & Breakfast

The Yellow Tavern

Samuel’s Place

places to stay...

The Old Rooming House

New Harmony Inn

To learn more about all these great places, as well as many more within New Harmony, please visit www.NewHarmony.biz MetroEastParent.com

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Gateway Fun Park offers FUN for the whole Family!

“Buy one Get one Free Bumper Cars” Monday – Thursday Only after 4:00 pm 618-345-7116 #8 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234

*Offer may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Offer expires 12/12 Mention Metro-East Publication for this discount

Gateway Fun Park offers FUN for the whole Family!

50 Game Tokens For $10.00 #8 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234

*Offer may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Offer expires 12/12 Mention Metro-East Publication for this discount

Gateway8FunGateway Park offers FUN for the whole Family!

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Check us out on Facebook and www.gatewayfun.com

Monday – Thursday Only after 4:00 pm 618-345-7116

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Metro East Parent Magazine

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Gateway Fun Park offers FUN for the whole Family!

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Includes, 18” 2-Topping Pizza, Pitcher of Soda & 20 Game Tokens Monday – Thursday Only after 4:00 pm 618-345-7116 #8 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234

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MetroEastParent.com

for special discounts!

Gateway Fun Park offers FUN for the whole Family!

50 Game Tokens For $10.00 Monday – Thursday Only after 4:00 pm 618-345-7116 #8 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234

Create Fun Family Traditions with Technology

Family Features When you hear the word “geek,” visions of someone overly intellectual and socially awkward may come to mind. Add the title “dad” to that geek and the picture becomes a middle-aged man wearing black socks with sandals and a pocket protector. But a survey titled “Confessions of a Geek Dad,” conducted

by Answers Research on behalf of Cisco Home Networking Business, shows today’s geeks are cooler, connected and more engaged fathers than you’d think.

According to the survey, 71 percent of geek dads say they spend more time doing activities with their kids than their fathers did with them.

Also, 72 percent say they’re more excited about teaching kids how to use tech tools than the traditional workbench tools their dads taught them. And it looks like this “tech tool school” is always in session in the home, with 93 percent of geek dads saying they assist their kids with their tech toys.

“These statistics help describe a new generation of dads who’ve grown up with an ongoing evolution of new technologies and now use tech to connect with their family,” said

Cat Schwartz, tech expert and blogger. “These dads aren’t just tech-savvy; they know how to translate that knowledge and excitement into fun and memorable traditions with their kids.”

Schwartz says creating new family traditions with tech in the home is easy and fun – regardless of whether you’re a geek dad or not. She offers these tips to get started: • Begin with Opening the Box – When a new device comes into the household, involve the entire family in the set-up process (or at least watch it). This helps everyone understand how to use the product, so they can hopefully fix it if it stops working. It also allows you to discuss guidelines when using the device, and talk about the features and controls that impact your kids.

• Don’t Suffer the Buffer – It’s frustrating when you’re streaming video or music and it stops and starts due to buffering issues.

You can’t achieve maximum performance from tech devices without a strong wireless router. The Linksys E4200V2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 Router offers powerful speed and perfor-

mance, and features an easy three-step set-up, parental controls and 24/7 support.

• Establish Tech Rites of Passage for Kids – In my home, we reward our kids with a phone at age 12 for their safety. We put rules into place as to how minutes will be earned and when they can carry and use it. Also, we sync all of our phones to our wireless network to connect from while at home, so we save minutes on our data plan.

• Special Creative Keepsakes – Harness technology to introduce fun traditions. At least once a year, we take a family photo that we send to loved ones. With today’s digital cameras and imagery editing tools, we can digitally add images of family members unable to be with us. It’s a fun way of bringing everyone together when we’re miles apart.

“One of the best things about technology is that there is a continual stream of new and exciting innovations,” says Schwartz. “This gives parents so many options to create fun tech traditions that are unique to their family every year.”

MetroEastParent.com

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Called to Lead

By Ashley Gagen, Senior at Belleville Althoff Catholic High School

Called to Lead. Called to Serve.

Called to Love. This is the motto that 410 students from Althoff Catholic High School live by every day. However, on Friday November 9th, Principal David Harris called his students to honor. Four U.S. veterans took time out of their day to speak to the students, faculty, and teachers of Althoff Catholic about their experiences while serving our country overseas. Two of the men are veterans of World War II, one is a veteran of the war in Vietnam, and the other is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

Althoff students learn about each of these wars in their history classes.

Many students had questions about the wars. Questions ranging from, “what is your greatest memory from the war?” to “was the food good?” were all answered. Students found Page 27

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it particularly interesting learning about events that they study in their history classes from men who experienced them first-hand. All day students were talking about how the school should do this every year because it was so educational. Some students said that it got them thinking about a future serving our country. Others said that it inspired them

to be more appreciative towards our veterans.

Personally, I found the assembly to be very touching. It was amazing to see how the wars impacted each of these attitudes toward life. It made me think twice about what I have and what I take for granted in my life every day.

Bringing Up Baby Getting FREE products from companies for your child is as easy as visiting these websites

Having a new addition to the family can be daunting, and financially challenging. For those of you who are having your first child, you have no idea of the challenges that await you. Thankfully, there are companies out there that our vying for your future business and willing to sacrifice great coupons and products in order to attain it. For any parent who is expecting, or has a newborn or toddler, the time spent to sign up for baby clubs is well worth it.

In no time, you will receive free products like formula, diapers, and coupons that are age specific to your child. Good luck from Southern Illinois Families…

• Gerber: www.Gerber.com You can sign up for their baby club and start receiving great coupons every month. Also ask at the hospital you deliver your baby in to get the free Gerber New Mom Backpack filled with free samples and coupons…

• Huggies: www.Huggies.com Sign up for their baby club and the coupons will start pouring in, via email and regular mail. If you sign up before your child is born, chances are you will get plenty of sample products before her arrival…

• Enfamil: www.Enfamil.com The Enfamil program sends you free formula samples and up to $60 in formula checks along with other goodies. Coupons will come monthly to be age specific to your child. These savings are huge!

• Pampers: www.Pampers.com Pampers is similar to Huggies and will periodically send great coupons in the mail for toms of money off. If you sign up before the due date, you will also get free samples. After the birth you can put in codes from Pamper packages to redeem points for more added savings.

• Babies R Us: www.rewardsrus.com Sign up for their loyalty card or their Rewards R Us to get great free coupons in the mail.

• Baby to Bee: www.Babytobee.com This program gives you health advice, baby tips, free baby diaper samples & coupons, free subscriptions to top baby magazines.

• Johnsons baby Products: www.baby.com and www.Johnsonsbaby.com Johnson’s Baby. com gives you free baby care guides & special offers from Johnson & Johnson. They also have great coupons for Johnson’s products.

• Save a Lot Food Stores: http://save-a-lot. com/sign-for-baby-club Sign up for coupons snail mail on diapers, formula, and other baby products.

• Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Formula: http://www.membersmarkformula.com/ free_sample.aspx Sam’s Club formula will send you a free sample and coupons afterwards of their formula.

• Also check your local grocery store and su-

permarkets for baby clubs and coupons specific to your new addition…

There are tons of other great baby clubs that I will place in every issue, but a Google search will bring the results you will need also. Remember, there are plenty of clubs and organizations that will help you with your child: from newsletters with advice from parents who have gone through what you are going through, to samples of great products, to great coupons that will come pouring in if you take the time to sign up for all the great promotional baby clubs out there.

MetroEastParent.com

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What to Do After a Winter Storm

Other Great Gift Ideas with Jars There are tons of other great ideas that are quick, easy, and most importantly: inexpensive! Below are some websites that have instructions to make home-made gifts for everyone on your Holiday List including sewing kits, bath salts, and cholcolate infections that will make even the gym teacher love your child.

1. Craft Bits: www.craftbits.com/gifts-in-a-jar This is a fun-filled site that includes dog soap, various cookie and cake recipes, and coffee and tea mixes.

2. AllRecipes.com: From some of the easiest and qucikest recipes to the more daring concoctions, AllRecipe.com name speaks for itself.

There area literally dozens of cool recipes you and your children could spend a fun-filled day in the kitchen.

3. Tip Junkie: http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-gifts/jar-homemade-gifts/: Tip Junkie is chalked full of cool unique ideas for even the hardest to gift to on your list!

• Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.

• Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during winter.

• Follow forecasts and be prepared when venturing outside. Major winter storms are often followed by even colder conditions.

SLUH BELIEVE IT. BECOME IT. Open House

Sunday, November 4th

11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

American Red Cross FOR ADMISSIONS INFORMATION AND TOURS VISIT SLUH.ORG OR CALL 314.531.0330.

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Daddy’s Cookbook

By Robert Ludwig

This month will be a bit different.

Instead of cooking per se, Daddy’s Cookbook will illustrate how to make fast and easy Chirstmas presents for friends, family, and most importantly, teachers in a family fun way that will not kill the pocketbook.

Decorating the Jar Depending on the size of the jar used will determine the size of the decorations used for the Recipe-in-ajar present. For the purpose of Daddy’s Cookbook we will use quart jars.

Since my son was in pre-K we started the yearly tradition of Recipes-in-a jar.

An hour or two in the kitchen can take care of most on your child’s Christmas list. Presented will be our favorite recipes and decorating ideas, but there are literally hundreds more that you can cater to your needs according to who you are making the jars for. A simple internet search will bring up all sorts of variety.

Remember, time in the kitchen is time well spent with your children. It can be not only be packed with entertainment, but a great learning experience for all. My son and I have also found that personally made presents make a long lasting im-

1. Decorative Fabric: (7” circles for wide mouth jars, 6” circles for regular mouth jars) To decorate the top of the Quart Mason Jar use any decorative fabric to cater to your needs. For example, you may find a fabric suited for your child’s teachers depending on a favorite sport’s team, a school themed fabric, or just a vintage style for grandparents.

Have fun, and Happy Holidays!

Cowboy Cookie Mix Original recipe makes 3 dozen cookies 1 1/3 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt Directions Layer the ingredients in a 1 quart jar in the order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next layer.

Include a tag with the following instructions: Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in the entire contents of the jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

2. Rubber Band or Elastic: Use a thick rubber band or a 6” to 7” piece of 1/4 inch elastic to securely fasten the fabric onto the top of the jar.

3. Ribbon: Once the fabric is secured on the top of the jar use a matching colored ribbon to tie around the mouth of the jar in a nice bow. You may place a small card with the recipe, cooking instructions, or have your child write their teacher’s name on the card.

4. Recipe and Instructions: Do not forget the recipe of all ingredients in case of allergies, as well as the instructions of how to prepare your Recipe-in-a-jar!

pression on those we love than something store bought.

Cranberry Hootycreeks Original recipe makes 18 cookies 5/8 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup white sugar 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Layer the ingredients in a 1 quart in the order listed.

Attach a tag with the following instructions: Cranberry Hootycreeks 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until fluffy. Add the entire jar of ingredients, and mix together by hand until well blended. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges start to brown. Cool on baking sheets, or remove to cool on wire racks.

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Christmas Crafts

creating traditions...

When I think of Grandma Evelyn many wonderful times comes to mind: Johnny Goose, her eternal 16th birthday, and of course, Christmas. I do not mean the morning of Christmas and opening the many presents that Santa brought, but the hours of preparation she took to make our holiday special, and the countless hours sitting at her feet while she sat in her favorite chair instructing us on how to make Christmas Crafts for the tree and for our loved ones. Every year on the day after Thanksgiving our whole family got together to put up the Christmas Tree and shared the many ornaments we made from scratch, telling a story with each one that hung on the tree.

Each member had thier own keepsake, thier own ornament they made at Grandma Evelyn’s feet with Johnny Goose looking on from his perch in the old maple tree outside her window. Below are her crafts and ideas that my family now shares with you and your family.

I hope that with these ideas your family will begin your own Christmas traditions for years to come...

Decorating the Treefor the Tree Photo Keepsakes

Among the garland and lights, home-made Christmas ornaments isItems a beautiful alternative from store Needed bought to adorn the tree. The quality • Glass ball ornament family time to creating these family • Digital Photo keepsakes can be educational, fun, and

• Transparency paper

1. Purchase a large glass ornament from a craft supply store 2. Set the ball on its side and trace around the ball onto a piece of computer paper. Measure the diameter of the circle you have drawn. Cut out this circle, cutting just inside the mark. You want your finished circle to be a little smaller than the one you drew.

3. Choose your digital photo. On your computer, create a new word processing document and insert the photo into the document.

4. Resize the photo so it as wide and tall as the diameter of your circle.

If your picture is rectangular, make sure the circular portion you will cut out is the size of the circle’s diameter. Print out a test page.

5. Use the circle you cut out as a stencil. Trace around the circle, with the photo you want to use inside the circle. Draw a notch on the top of the circle that is 1/4 inch wide by 1/2 inch high. This will serve as a stabilizer so the photo does not roll around. Cut out your picture, including the notch on top.

6. Remove the top and hook of the glass ornament. Roll the test photo and slide it into the ornament, with the notch in the opening of the ornament. Use tweezers to uncoil the picture if it doesn’t do so on its own.

7. Resize the photo in the word processing document if the test photo is too big or too small. Make a new test photo and stencil until you have the size you want. Remove the test photo from the glass ball.

8. When you’ve finalized the size you want, print the photo with the color printer onto transparency paper, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Cut the transparency using your circle and notch as a stencil.

Coil and slide the transparency picture into the glass ornament. Replace the top and hook.

Crafting ornaments with beads and Styrofoam balls Items needed • Styrofoam balls • Straight pins • Colorful, decorative beads • Metallic paint • Satin ribbon • Old newspaper • Colorful Felt Fabric Instructions 1. Lay Styrofoam balls on newspaper on an outside work table or floor protected with newspapers.

Spray the balls with metallic paint and let them dry.

Turn each over and spray the unpainted sides until each ball is completely painted. Let them dry. Place them on a tray and take them indoors to decorate.

2. Take a straight pin and slip a few beads on it.

If desired, add a tiny decorative star as well.

3. Hold two overlapping ends of a satin ribbon strip on any part of a Styrofoam ball. Insert the beaded straight pin from Step 2 through both ribbon ends, push it in as far as it will go, and secure it to the ball.

4. Take another straight pin and add a few more beads, and another star if desired, and then push the pin in near the first pin on the Styrofoam ball as far as it will go. Continue beading straight pins and pushing them into the Styrofoam ball until the ball is evenly, and completely, covered with beads on straight pins.

5. To add more color and texture to your ornament, use different colored felt fabric and decorative ribbon around your ornament.

Free Disney Personalized Children’s Books, Calendars, and Coloring Books Nothing brightens up the night time story like a child seeing their own name within the pages, as well as their closest friends and familiar places. Although there area many great books you can buy there are also many free printable books as well. Disney offers free personalized children’s books with your child and his or her friend in an adventure with one of their favorite Disney characters. Just go to http://disney.go.com/disneyjunior/coloring-create/ to pick the book you wish to create.

Choices are: the Princess Collection, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, and Lelo and Stitch.

Disney also has a personalized greeting card maker for your child to make Christmas cards with a favorite Disney character. There are also options to make personalized coloring pages and calendars with all your Dsiney Pals. This would be a great project and present for every Disney fan!

Goofy Grandkids Photo Album [p.s. if our kids call you grandma or grandpa please leave this post! thank you] You know all those silly photos you take constantly with your phone for Facebook and Instagram, now you can share them with the grandparents in this wonderful homemade present the grandparents can laugh for years with!

ITEMS NEEDED: • 12x12 cardstock (2 sheets makes an album for 12 photos) • scrap of patterned paper for cover • glue dots or other adhesive • cardstock to back pictures in • ribbon • goofy grandkids print - download at https://www.box.com/s/259fb000eab8de849b68 • silly instagram (or other) photos 1. Cut 4” x 12” paper strips out of cardstock (six 4”x12” strips makes an album for 12 photos, but you can always do more or less) 2. Score and fold strips every 4” 3. Glue together the last fold on the first paper to the first fold on the second paper and repeat with the third piece onto the second piece. so you have one continuous piece. (continue with each strip) 4. Cut 3 3/4” squares for all of your pages. adhere. we used black cardstock.

5. Print and trim the goofy grandkids print and adhere to the front page.

6. Cut a piece of patterned paper 3 3/4” wide and adhere below the grandkids print.

7. Trim your photos to 3 1/2” squares and adhere to album. (we printed instagram photos onto 4x6 sheets and trimmed them down to 3 1/2” squares) 8. Cut a piece of ribbon about 21 1/2” long. adhere to the front, wrap it around the back and tie closed.

Find other great gift ideas at www.eighteen25.blogspot.com

Everything I needed to know in life I learned from ...

Johnny Goose

All pictures of Johnny Goose were a creation of Miriam Meyers of Irvington, many years ago.

By Robert Ludwig Most families have heirlooms they pass down from generation to generation, something precious to hold dear so they can remember those who came before them. My family had Johnny Goose, and I can honestly say that everything I truly needed to know in life I learned from him.

Johnny Goose was a little over 6 feet tall (at least he looked so to me when I was growing up), and lived in the old huge oak tree outside of my Grandma Evelyn’s house with his sister Jenny and Grandma Grey.

He talked like everyone else, but sometimes spoke words much too big for me to understand and for him to pronounce correctly.

He was always the life of the party, except when we brought friends over to meet him, and then he would never come out of his

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birdhouse to prove that insanity was not running rampant in our family.

Johnny Goose was one of those wild geese, different from all of the rest. He did not follow the rest of his brethren south for the winter in that perfect flying V; instead, he remained up in that big oak tree at Grandma Evelyn’s house, keeping a vigilant eye on us kids when an adult could not. But what Johnny was good for was getting in trouble, or I should say, getting us in trouble.

Somehow, Grandma Evelyn always knew when we had done something wrong. It couldn’t have been the tear on our new school clothes, or the new bruise over my brother’s eye, or the three-car pile-up outside of her house that gave us away. No, we knew

that Johnny had told her our wrong-doings, but somehow he always hid whenever we got scolded. That was Johnny Goose, always starting the mischief but never around when the consequences came.

But the one thing that Johnny Goose undeniably was, he was a friend. A friend that taught generations of kids in my family what it meant to be happy in life, and how to deal with life when it wasn’t all rainbows and lollipops. There were lessons in life that Johnny told us that we must endure if we were to live life to its fullest, and that the road travelled most isn’t always the easiest.

As I see my own son grow up to face trials that we could never have possibly imagined growing up, I remind him of the 6-foot

• Accept that some days you are a pigeon and some days you are a statue.

• Be like the bird in flight ... pausing a while on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, yet sings knowing yet, that she has wings.

• God gives every bird its food, but he does not throw it into the nest.

• Even when a bird walks, one feels it has wings • Sticking feathers up your butt doesn’t make you a goose.

goose that once lived in Grandma Evelyn’s big oak tree and the words of wisdom that only Johnny Goose could have implanted in our lives…

• There are many different types of birds in this world: some big and those that are small, birds that are considered beautiful and those who shine from the inside.

Just remember that it is not the fine feathers that make fine birds, but what’s inside that truly makes a bird beautiful.

• Birds of a feather do not always have to flock together.

• A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

• Use whatever talent you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those who sang the best.

• Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?

• One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses.

• The early bird always gets the worm.

• Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

• What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

• A goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.

• Intelligence without ambition is like a bird without wings.

• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

But the greatest gift that Johnny Goose and Grandma Evelyn gave us was that, with just a little bit of imagination, we can soar the skies like eagles, and go to far-off places and meet wondrous people along the way.

Through imagination we can create unimaginable things and build a future full of wonderment for generations to come. And with imagination we can escape, if just for a little while, away from the harsh world and lay in the folds of the wings of a 6-foot talking goose.

Grandma Evelyn passed a few years ago, at the young age of 91, and the big oak tree has been cut down, but I know that Johnny Goose has flown on to the next family to instruct them of his words of wisdom and to teach them that through imagination anything is possible, especially a 6-foot goose that rides a bicycle backwards and has dinner with the Easter Bunny.

I truly hope that every little child and every family in the world has a Grandma Evelyn and a Johnny Goose to teach them such things. For those who do not, search your hearts, search your imagination, for Johnny Goose may be tapping on your windowsill right now looking for a warm place to spend this winter.

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The Metro East area is the place to be this Holiday Season! From making Christmas crafts, singing along with musical performances, sharing your wish list with Santa or dancing under the twinkling light displays with all the great places and wonderful people in the area to share it with!

Holiday Festivities Nov 29- Dec 1 New Baden Festival of Trees – New Baden The Festival of Trees is a display of beautifully and uniquely decorated Christmas trees, displayed by local businesses, organizations, groups, families and individuals. It includes the tree raffles, where several of the decorated trees will be raffled off, a Christmas village display, a display of over 30 nativity sets, the Sweet Shoppe, offering homemade Christmas goodies, and entertainment daily. The Kid’s Pajama and Movie Party is Friday evening (reservations required), and on Saturday is Breakfast with Santa (reservations required), and the North Pole Shoppes offering merchandise from local vendors and crafters.

Dec 1 Kickoff to Downtown in December - Edwardsville * 9am - 11am Santa at the Wildey Theatre for pictures & a Toys for Tots Toy Drive, * 1pm - 3pm Elves Workshop at the Wildey Theatre for ages 5-12 to make gifts for the holiday season. Cost is $10 per child. Please sign up in advance by call the parks office.

Dec 1, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM WEIHNACHTS FESTIVAL Millstadt - This Christmas Festival celebrates Millstadt’s German heritage and features an arts and crafts fair, a Holiday Cookie Walk, and musical entertainment including German folk music provided by the Waterloo German Band. St. Nicholas arrives in a parade at Noon. Children are invited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will be plenty of German food and refreshments including bratwurst and potato cakes. FREE Dec 1, 12:00- 1:00 PM Kiwanis Holiday Event- Glen Carbon Library Children of all ages are welcome! Holiday crafts, refreshments, and a visit with our favorite “reindogs” (Reading Therapy Dogs Chouteau and Norm) Registration required Dec 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM Elves Workshop at the Wildey Theatre Edwardsville - Elves Workshop at the Wildey Theatre Saturday, Ages 5 – 12 Cost $10 per *Pre-registration is required* Kids need to give holiday presents too!! Drop your children off at The Wildey Theatre for some holiday fun and gift making. Children will leave with a handfull of gifts for their loved ones along with some great memories. Parents can enjoy some time alone for their own shopping.

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Dec 1, 5:00 - 6:00 PM Lighted Christmas Parade - Columbia, IL Bundle up and help us welcome this festive holiday season at Columbia’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade! After the parade, join us for more holiday cheer at the Turner Hall Christmas Social. Santa will visit with the kids, parade winners will be announced and the Tunrner Hall elves will be offering chili, hot dogs, popcorn & hot chocolate - available for purchase. A nonperishable donation for our local food banks will be accepted at the door.

Dec 4, 5:00 - 9:00 PM Family Night at Way of Lights - Way of Lights Tuesday is a fabulous night to visit the Way of Lights to avoid large crowds and enjoy discounts on activities such as camel rides and the laser show! Also, new in 2012, on Family Night Tuesdays, you can experience the lights in a very unique way, aboard a horse-drawn wagon FREE Dec 7, 6:00 - 8:00 PM SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL - Glazebrook Park, Godfrey, IL Visit beautiful Glazebrook Park as it is lit up with lights to celebrate the season. Get your picture taken with Santa Claus, roast chestnuts and marshmallows on an open fire, carriage rides and free hot cocoa and treats. In honor of the giving season, we ask that non-perishables food items are brought for donation to the Crisis Food Center. Free Dec 7, 6:30 - 9:00 PM Christmas in Carrollton - Carrollton, IL Kick off the holiday season in Carrollton’s Downtown Square on December 7 with the Annual Carrollton Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade. The parade begins at 6:30pm, has lighted floats and Santa riding in a sleigh drawn by horses.

Dec 8, 6:00 - 8:00 PM A Night In Bethlehem- First Baptist Church 534 St. Louis St., Edwardsville IL Bring your family to the little town of Bethlehem for the ultimate Christmas experience. In the ancient city of Bethlehem your family will travel back in time to...an unforgettable marketplace...baking bread...making crafts...playing music...visiting a stable...chatting with “Mary and Joseph” as they hold their newborn baby...and much more FREE

Charity Events Dec 1 Mitten Drive - The Magic House, St. Louis, MO Get into the Holiday spirit by helping those less fortunate. Donate a pair of children’s winter gloves or mittens to benefit The Little Bit Foundation and help us warm up the lives (and hands!) of children in need. The Little Bit Foundation works closely with St. Louis Public schools to fulfill the basic needs of underprivileged school children. Please consider donating mittens or gloves and help Play it Forward to children in need. We ask that all mittens and gloves are new and unused.

Dec 1 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM JINGLE BELL RUN - Lewis & Clark Community College Registration at 7 am, Race starts at 8 am. Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s 5k, 1 mile walk, 1/2 mile kid run Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces.

Entry fee

Dec 1 &2, Santa’s House - Granite City

Dec 1-22, Saturdays 1:00 - 4:00 PM Wednesdays 5:30 – 8:30 PM Santa House at City Park City Park, Edwardsville

Dec 1-24, Santa on the Square Downtown Belleville

Dec 2, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Breakfast with Santa The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum

Dec 1, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Breakfast with Santa!

St. Mary’s School Gym 1802 Madison Ave., Edwardsville

Dec 8, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Santa Visits the Library Columbia Library FREE

Every Saturday and Sunday until Dec 16, 9:00 11:00 AM Breakfast with Santa - Saint Louis Zoo

Dec 13-17, 5:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner with Santa Saint Louis Zoo

Dec 1 Plato’s Closet Winter Blowout Sale 25% off of everything in the store at the Fairview Heights location! Great for your Holiday Shopping!

Dec 1, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Holistic Fair Holistic Journey. 106 E. Main St, Belleville Our Holistic Fair features our service providers here to answer any questions and provide mini-services.

Dec 1, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 50% OFF NIKE SALE Lincoln Middle School, Edwardsville 50% OFF NIKE SALE

Dec 2, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Monroe County YMCA Ladies Event - YMCA 9514 Caring Way Columbia Vendors offering great gifts for the holidays.

Dec 1 &2, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM OLDE ALTON ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR - Alton High School, Over 200 crafters display their wares at this event that benefits the instrumental music program in the Alton School District.

Dec 1, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Art on the Square Unique Boutique - 30 Public Square Belleville Local artist, home accessories, variety of holiday gifts Contact Information 800.677.9255

Light Display and Tours Nov 16 - Dec 31 The Shrine’s ‘’Way of Lights’’ Christmas Display The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows - Belleville The Shrine grounds sparkle with light as illuminated displays tell the story of the birth of Jesus. Look beyond the lights to see the array of indoor activities including an Interactive Children’s Village, Puppet Show, Christmas Tree & Wreath Display, Community Choirs, and more!. For a small fee experience the Laser Show or ride a camel. 5- 9 pm Free Admission Nov 16 - Dec 31 Winter Wonderland of Lights Horner Park - Lebanon This annual event is a step back in time. It is a trip to a much simpler time with scenes depicting several of the area’s attractions, wonderful childhood memories, and fantastic ideas. A trip through Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland is truly different from other attractions in the area. We don’t pretend to be the biggest, brightest, nor technically advanced. LWW is a view of the holiday that everyone remembers! Put your car in slow, and take a close look at all the hand painted scenes and wonderful reminders of a much simpler time. Colorful lights and displays of all types are ready for your enjoyment. Lebanon’s Winter Wonderland includes a wide variety of illuminated venues including a life-size Nativity Scene. Free Admission Nov 23- Dec 31 Fantasy of Lights - Foundation Park Centralia Drive-Thru lighted Christmas Display Santa House. 7- 11 pm Free Admission

Holiday Sales

Dec 5 & 6, 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM SIUE Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair - SIUE Morris University Center This annual fair is sponsored by the Morris University Center Print and Design Shop and features handmade crafts by local artisans and original works by many artists around the area. Free Dec 7-9, Country Treasurers Craft Show Belle Clair Fairgrounds

Nov 23 -Dec 31 Christmas Wonderland -Alton, IL Drive through Rock Spring Park to see more than 2.5 million lights adorning trees and lighting displays throughout the park. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the holiday spirit. A special walk-through night (no cars allowed) will take place on November 28.

Plus, you can take a romantic carriage ride through the lights on weekends. The cost is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people. For more information, call 1-800-ALTON-IL or (618) 465-6676 Nov 23- Dec 30 US Bank Wild Lights - St Louis Zoo Walk through the Zoo’s holiday wonderland of spectacular light displays. Event runs November 2325, 30, December 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 26-30, 2012 Admission is $4/Member; $5/Non-member.

Children under 2 are free 5:30- 8:30 Dec 1-31, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Christmas Lights Wonderland - American Farm Heritage Museum Greenville, IL Drive or walk thru to see the Christmas lights and animated displays. Friday & Saturday nights, Santa visits the Red Barn and the American Heritage Railroad operates!

Dec 1, 2:00 - 6:00 PM HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Elsah, IL The house tour is from 2 pm to 5:45 pm. This year, in addition to touring historic homes, the village museum, two churches, bed and breakfasts and riding in a horse drawn carriage; you can tour the classrooms, and purchase raffle tickets at the Old School House.

Dec 1, Collinsville Holiday House Tour Collinsville The Collinsville Main Street Community Association cordially invites you to experience some of Collinsville’s finest festively decorated homes as fellow residents have decked their halls and will open their doors for guests Dec 2, 2:00 - 6:00 PM PRIDE, INC. CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR - Alton & Godfrey, IL Beautiful local homes and gardens in Beautifully homes are aglow in the Alton and Godfrey area and the public is invited to view various decorating styles and Christmas collections.

Dec 2, 12:00 - 4:30 PM JSC Holiday House Tour Edwardsville and Glen Carbon For one afternoon, individuals in the cities of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon graciously open their homes for others to view during the holiday season.

Dec 9, 2:00 - 5:00 PM 18 Annual Holiday Candlelight House Tour - Belleville, IL View beautifully decorates holiday homes in the Belleville Area. 618-234-0600 http://stcchs.org/ Dec 9, 3:00 - 7:00 PM Bethalto Spirit Victorian Christmas Walk - Bethalto, IL Stroll candlelit streets, climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage and experience the camaraderie of life in a small town Christmas village. Take in the sights and sounds of bell choirs and strolling musicians that add to the Victorian flair. Free

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Metro East Parent Magazine Calendar of Events!

Have an event you would like to see in Metro East Parent Calendar? Email us at calendar@metroeastparent.com with the details and we will be happy to place it in there for you! Also, there are more events online at our new interactive website MetroEastParent.com!

Concerts...

December 2

December 1 Madrigal Performance - O’Fallon Township High School, O’Fallon If you aren’t in the holiday mood this amazing show will get you there. A capella holiday vocal performance, jesters, queen and king and much, much more!

Dec 1 & 2, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Celtic Christmas Concert - College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1702 Clawson Street, Alton IL Saturday: 7:30 pm Sunday: 3 pm This Celtic Christmas Concert will rekindle the flame in the hearth with music and song from the infinitely rich treasury of Ireland’s cultural heritage. Imagine a wintry day in the Christmas season, where Irish and Scottish musicians regale locals and travelers alike with their playing.

Caroling from the choir mixes with the instrumental riffs of the traditional musicians, and the warmth from their collaboration literally chases the cold winter away. For more information call 618-465-2315 FREE Dec 1 & 2, 8:00 - 10:30 PM Blue Man Group The Fox Theatre St. Louis, MO Experience the Phenomenon. BLUE MAN GROUP is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment.

Dec 2 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM “A Christmas Carol” Lindenwood University Auditorium Relive the joy of a traditional holiday play production.

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(Celtic Christmas Concert, Blue Man Group see December 1 for details) December 5 7:00 - 10:00 PM Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker - Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St, St. Louis, MO Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is the unique telling of the classic story of Masha (Clara) and her Nutcracker Doll told with true Russian flair. In 2012, Moscow Ballet celebrates its 20th year of touring this performance across North America, and to much critical acclaim!

The whimsical fantasy of Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker is legendary, with the piece firmly enshrined as a Christmas staple for audiences across the country and in Canada. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker Suite, and Moscow Ballet’s company of 40 Vaganova-trained dancers are the perfect combination for a holiday celebration for all.

December 7 7:00 - 9:00 PM U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America Holiday Concert - Belleville West High School Auditorium, Belleville Contact Information 618.233.6769 7:30 - 9:30 PM Raney & Holstein Christmas Concert - St. Paul’s UCC, Belleville The joyful sounds of Christmas come alive at this piano and organ concert. stpauluss.org 618-233-3303

December 8 4:00 & 8:00 PM Mannheim Steamroller Christmas -The Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO Experience the Magic! Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday celebration for over 25 years.

Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history! Tickets: $100.00 to $37.50 December 9 7:00 - 9:00 PM Music for the Holidays SWIC Belleville Campus Theatre 2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville swic.edu/music 7:00 - 9:00 PM The Glory of Christmas St. Matthew United Methodist Church, Belleville This musical drama includes 200 people encompassing choir, orchestra, drama troupe, horse drawn sleigh and parade of the wooden soldiers. Donations accepted. Contact Information: Music Ministry at St. Matthew United Methodist Church 618-397-5994 December 12 7:00 - 10:00 PM Michael Card “The Promise” The Wildey Theatre, 252 North Main Street Edwardsville In a career that spans 25 years, Michael Card

has recorded over 20 albums, authored or co-authored over 14 books, hosted two radio programs, and written for a wide range of magazines.

While he has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel,” he never imagined selling more than 4 million albums or writing over 19 #1 hits. The popularity of his work seemed a stark contrast to his goal in life, to simply, and quietly teach the Bible.

Dec 12 – Jan 6, Wicked - The Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete - and completely satisfying - new musical in a long time” (USA Today). Tickets: $150 to $38 Performances: Tues. – Fri. 8pm, Sat. 2 & 8pm, Sun. 1 & 6:30pm. Thurs, Dec 13 & 27, 1pm, no perf. on Tues. Dec. 25 December 14 7:00 - 9:00 PM Winter Concert Series featuring Great Rivers Choral Society with Celtica Wildey Theatre, 252 North Main St., Edwardsville Get into the holiday spirit as this talent choir performs “A CELTIC CHRISTMAS” along with the band, Celtica. A Celtic Christmas Concert will rekindle the flame in the hearth with music and song from the infinitely rich treasury of Ireland’s cultural heritage. Imagine a wintry day in the Christmas season, where Irish and Scottish musicians regale locals and travelers alike with their

Wicked at Fox Theatre Dec 12 - Jan. 6 playing. Catered hors d’oeuvres provided by the Parks Department are included with purchase of ticket and will be served in the 2nd floor Marquee Room from 6:00pm-7:00pm while supplies last.

December 16 3:00 - 5:00 PM Christmas Wonders - St Luke Catholic Church, 301 N. Church, Belleville Philharmonic Chorale & Orchestra at St. Luke’s Church.

December 23 3:00 - 5:00 PM Metro East Community Chorale Christmas Concert - Our Lady of the Snows Church, Belleville

Traditional Christmas favorites, spirituals and sing-a-long carols. 618-520-2365 FREE 3:00 - 4:00 PM Motor City Brass Quintet Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville Featuring some of Detroit’s most creative and versatile brass musicians, including members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, making the MCBQ an exciting addition to the diverse musical culture of Metropolitan Detroit. The MCBQ’s debut CD, Christmas Vespers, features the premiere complete recording of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison’s Christmas Vespers, as well as new arrangements of familiar Christmas and holidaymusic. This holiday show is a treat for all. For tickets and additional information call 618.307.1750 or go to www.wildeytheatre.com December 30 7:00 - 9:00 PM Love Me, Leave Me & Equal Squeeze - Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville Presented by the Wildey Theatre and Jimmy G Productions, Equal Squeeze a punk pop group and Love Me Leave Me a modern rock group will entertain the crowd. Come and support local youth bands and maybe even see a group that will one day hit it big.

December 31 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM A Timeless New Year Show - Lincoln Theatre, Belleville Ring in the New Year with a gala two-hour theater pipe organ concert from several time periods

area storytelling times O’Fallon Public Library – 120 Civic Plaza 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ................. Every Thursday.................................Storyteller Gail Long 9:30 AM & 10:45 AM.................. Every other Monday.........................Preschool Storytime 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ....................... 3rd Monday of Month......................Fun and Furry Reading — Program — 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM.................... Every other Wednesday...................Babygarten 10:45 AM -11:45 AM................... Every other Wed. and Friday...........Beyond the Gartens 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM.................... Every other Friday............................Tween the Gartens

Eckert’s Country Restaurant 951 S. Green Mount Rd, Belleville

Your children will sure to be entertained during our holiday story hour. The kids will be enjoy hearing the story of the gingerbread man. After the story is over, each child can make a gingerbread craft. Fun for kids of all ages. FREE. Story will be told at 9 am and 11 am in the Garden Center.

For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513

Belleville Library Presents

DIAL-A-STORY Dial 234-0555 and a child can listen to stories over the phone!

There is a new story every week!

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Classes...

10:00 AM & 11:00 AM and 1:00 pm Gingerbread House Decorating - Edwardsville Library

December 1

December 12

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Alzheimer’s Training Eden Village 200 S Station Rd, Glen Carbon Home Instead Senior Care will be providing a FREE, comprehensive Alzheimer’s training for family caregivers! If you have any questions about how to provide quality care for your loved one, please join us! Come and learn more about: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Capturing Life’s Journey Techniques to Manage Behavior Activities to Encourage Engagement

7:30 - 9:00 PM Science Seminar - Saint Louis Zoo The Science Seminar Series is co-sponsored by Academy of Science-St. Louis. Event held in The Living World/North Entrance FREE

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Watershed Nature Center, 1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Program for 3rd and 4th Graders: In this 2-session class, you will be learning about the fish living in the lakes of the Watershed Nature Center and create a fish from clay that will become a glazed piece of pottery —-great for your room or give as a gift for the Holidays. Saturdays, Dec. 1 & 8—10am-12pm. $15 for youth in 3rd and 4th grades. For information contact: 618-6927578 or watershed@cityofedwardsville.com

Dog Show -Belle Clair Fairgrounds

10:30 - 11:30 AM Gingerbread House Decorating - Belleville Public Library Join us in decorating Gingerbread Houses with Kathy Monte Cost is $18.00 per house and payment is due when you preregister in person at the library. Cash only please and there will be no refunds. Recommended ages 4-13 An adult must remain with the child. Don’t wait! Sign up now. Space is limited!

December 2 Every Sunday 1:00 - 2:00 PM Miniature Painting Instruction - Fantasy Books Inc, Fairview Heights Miniature Painting Instruction. $10 Fee for the Session.

3:00 - 5:00 PM Free @ 3 Event at COCA: Pre-Ballet - Center of Creative Arts, 524 Trinity Ave., University City Children ages 3 to 5 will be introduced to ballet concepts and explore creative movement set to ballet music. 3 p.m. Free. Register at the door.

Space is limited. www.cocastl.org December 8 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Alzheimer’s Training Eden Village 200 S Station Rd, Glen Carbon Home Instead Senior Care will be providing a FREE, comprehensive Alzheimer’s training for family caregivers! If you have any questions about how to provide quality care for your loved one, please join us! Come and learn more about: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Capturing Life’s Journey Techniques to Manage Behavior Activities to Encourage Engagement

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And the rest...

December 1 Eat a Red Apple Day

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Clydesdale Camera Day at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery - Anheuser-Busch Tour Center, St. Louis.

Bring your camera for an up-close and personal visit with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. This unique opportunity allows visitors to view, pet and take photos with a Clydesdale in traditional parade dress.Free.

Every Friday 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday this month 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Horse Drawn Trolley Rides - Downtown Belleville Take a free ride through downtown aboard our horse-drawn trolley. FREE 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Taste Of Chocolate - Grafton Winery & Brewhaus, Grafton Taste the chocolates of Grafton! Enjoy a plate of homemade chocolate desserts donated by different businesses and restaurants in Grafton.

December 2 National Fritters Day (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details) 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Family Day at the Creation Station in the Museum of Transportation - 2967 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis Enjoy the Creation Station, a hands-on learning environment dedicated to introducing young children (ages 5 and under) to all modes of transportation while focusing on developing and enriching primary early learning skills.

Sessions are available at 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cost is $2 per child per one-hour session. Regular museum admission applies. More information call 314-965-6212 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Family Movie Matinee O’Fallon Public Library Join us for a showing of Arthur Christmas, rated PG. 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Tree of Life Celebration Belleville A service to honor, remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones. Contact Information: Hospice of Southern Illinois 618-235-1703 December 3 National Roof Over Your Head Day Gingerbread Walk - Downtown Belleville Stroll down Belleville’s Main Street to view award-winning gingerbread creations displayed in downtown merchant windows starting at the Square on East and West Main Streets.

culture? To CAM Play Dates on the first Wednesday of each month. Visitors have fun creating artwork together and meeting other families with an interest in contemporary art. This free program features hands-on activities, art projects, gallery activities, storytelling and more. Complimentary pastries and coffee are provided. Ages 2 to 5. Free 5:30 - 8:00 PM Family Game Night - Belleville Public Library Family Game Night will be held in the meeting room of the Main Library All ages are welcome.

Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.

Train Showcase - Belleville The Gateway Garden Railroad Club will feature a giant layout of large trains bigger than the Lionel’s you remember. On display in the showroom at Oliver C. Joseph, Inc. Contact Information 618-233-8140 http://OliverCJoseph.net December 4 Santa’s List Day Wear Brown Shoes Day

December 6 Mitten Tree Day Saint Nicholas Day 6:30 - 7:30 PM Jr. Friends Of The Glen Carbon Library - Glen Carbon Library Volunteer @ your library! The Junior Friends of the Library meet the first Thursday of the month at 6:30pm.

Every Tuesday 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Ballroom Dancing- MSCC -1003 N. Main St, Edwardsville Pull out those dancing shoes and get ready to move! Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to have a partner to participate. The classes are from 10:15 to 11:15am. The instruction is for basic ballroom only.

December 5 Bathtub Party Day

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Holiday Open House- Glen Carbon Library Join the Friends of the Glen Carbon Library to celebrate the holidays and the culmination of their Holiday Tree Silent Auction fundraiser. Winning bidders for the trees will be announced. Vote for the “Prettiest Tree” and the “Most Unique Tree”.

6:00 - 10:00 PM SIUE Athletics - Kids’ Night Out - SIUE Vadalabene Center Gym Parents, take the night off while your child spends a fun-filled evening with the student athletes of. The nights activities include games, movies, crafts, kickball, volleyball, and basketball! Snacks will be provided. 4 and up $15 per child ($5 for each additional child from the same family)Please RSVP to Lindsey Schmidt at 618-650-3925 or listock@siue.edu December 8 National Brownie Day

9:00 - 10:00 AM Stroller Tours at the Contemporary Art Museum - Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd, St Louis Moms, dads and caregivers are invited to bring the little ones for a private tour of the exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Museum. Start with a complimentary light breakfast, then join other contemporary art-loving adults and infants to learn about different aspects of the exhibition each month. 9 to 10 a.m. Best for infants up to 24 months. Free

(Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details)

10:00 - 11:00 AM Wednesday Morning Play Dates at the Contemporary Art Museum - Contemporary Art Museum, St Louis Where do hip kids and their cool parents go for

Every Friday 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Free Lunch Friday- Immanuel UMC EDW -800 N. Main St, Edwardsville Open to all, in the church fellowship hall.

December 7 Letter Writing Day National Cotton Candy Day Pearl Harbor Rememberance Day

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Centene Fitness First at The Magic House -- The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, 516 S. Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122 Children can earn free admission and take the first step toward a healthy lifestyle on the first Friday evening of every month. Families can stretch their muscles and their minds as they take the 1,000 step circuit through the museum touring hundreds of fun, educational exhibits and looking for “Fit Facts” filled with useful health and nutrition information. All ages. Free with museum admission.

(Watershed Nature Center See December 1 in Classes Section, Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for details) Dec 8-9 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Arrival At Camp River Dubois -- Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, Hartford, IL Witness the arrival of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as reenactors arrive at the mouth of the River Dubois to establish their 1803-04 Winter Encampment. Join the members of the Corps in a military demonstration of 1803 U.S. Army Expedition. Visitors can experience camp life in early Frontier Illinois, and watch demonstrations of period crafts and skills. For more information call 618-251-5811 FREE

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Dec 8-9 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar at Purina Farms Purina Farms Visitors Center, 200 Checkerboard Drive, Gray Summit, MO Get your whole family, including your family dog, into the holiday spirit at Purina Farms.

The Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar. This free event features photos with Santa, games for dogs and kids, live holiday music, adoptable pets, unique holiday gifts and lots more. You’ll also see a Purina Farms favorite – exciting canine demonstrations! If you bring your own dog, he or she must be leashed and up to date on all vaccinations with a visible rabies tag.

For a special treat, text PFARMS to 313131 to receive a free bag of Beggin’ Strips at the event. No reservations are required. Free.

7:00 - 10:00 PM COMMUNITY DANCE Farley’s Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, Elsah, IL The Historic Elsah Foundation is sponsoring an evening of Contra dancing, where couples dance in two facing lines. Live music will be provided by Wayne Schell and friends.

All dances will be taught - no experience or partner necessary. $6 a person or $15 a family For more information, call 618-618-447-1127 8:00 - 10:00 PM Hip Hop Party & Community Service- Edwardsville YMCA - YMCA Meyer 7348 Goshen RD, Edwardsville GET $1.00 OFF ADMISSION IF YOU BRING A CANNED GOOD IN FOR THE GLENED FOOD PANTRY. We will have a DJ, Hip Hop, and a big Party in the Gym. The rock wall will also be open for those who want to climb.

Concessions can be purchased. Admission: $10 Members and Non Members December 9 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Miniature Painting Instruction See December 2 in Classes Section,, Arrival at Camp River Dubois, Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar at Purina Farms, See December 8 for Details) 12:55 - 1:55 PM Lego Club - O’Fallon Public Library, All ages welcome!

Every other Sunday 1:00 - 3:00 PM Sewing Circle at The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House 409 South Buchanan Edwardsville Bring any period sewing or needlecraft project to share and/or work on in a relaxed setting.

Period sewing instruction and help are available to those wanting to advance their skills in the production of period garments. Both ladies and gentlemen are welcome to participate. This is an informal gathering to share skills, ideas, and new information. Free.

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December 10 Every other Saturday 6:30 - 9:00 PM Bunko Night at Eckert’s in Belleville Come play Bunko, an old-fashion game for all ages, at Eckert’s Country Restaurant on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

Price includes the game, prizes, beverages and snacks. Dine in the Country Restaurant prior to playing Bunko and play for free. All ages.

6:30 p.m. $5 per person.

December 11 National Noodle Ring Day (Ballroom Dancing See December 4 for Details) 6:00 - 7:00 PM Teen Book Club - O’Fallon Public Library Join us for Teen Book Club. We will discuss last month’s pick and decide on a new one. All teens are welcome.

6:30 - 8:00 PM Book Club For Adults - Glen Carbon Library Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. Join the book club on the second Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome, and it is not necessary to attend every meeting.

Books are provided at the Help Desk, so stop in for the next selection!

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Teen Read - West Branch Belleville Public Library Our Teen Read gatherings currently focus on speculative fiction. Spec Fic includes alternate histories and universes, low and high fantasy, super powers, science fiction, and classic monster stories. Suggest your favorite books for our recommended reading list. You do not have to have a library card or belong to the library in order to participate in the gatherings. Ask for Cinda.

December 13 National Ice Cream Day 4:00 - 5:00 PM Chess Club - O’Fallon, Public Library Like to PLay Chess? Join our chess club.

For ages 9 and up.

December 14 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Free Lunch Friday See December 7 for Details) December 15 National Lemon Cupcake Day (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details) Wild Saturday - St Louis Science Center Learn more about local wildlife rescue efforts from area animal organizations and interact with live animals! The featured group this Saturday is World Bird Sanctuary with their armadillo, Russell.

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM Great Green Adventures: Preparing for Winter - Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Winter will soon be approaching. Kids can search the Missouri Botanical Garden and discover what the plants and animals do to prepare for winter. For children ages 6-12 with an adult. Walk-ins welcome! Meet at the Children’s Garden ticket fort at the Missouri Botanical Garden. 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:302:30 p.m. Free for Garden members; $3 for children ages 6-12.

1:00 - 3:00 PM Lego Club - Glen Carbon Library Join your friends at the library to create with Legos! (Legos Provided) A digital Lego program will also be available on laptops.

Drop in

December 16 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Miniature Painting Instruction See December 2 in Classes Section, for Details) December 17 12:00 - 2:00 PM Movie Matinee The Edwardsville Library Enjoy a great movie matinee. Bring a brown bag lunch. Popcorn and drinks provided. Call the library for today’s feature title: (618) 692-7556 December 18 Bake Cookies Day (Ballroom Dancing See December 4 for Details) 4:15 - 5:15 PM Cultural Adventure Club O’Fallon Public Library You are invited to SEE THE WORLD on every third Tuesday at 4:15! We will learn about other cultures and traditions through games, guest speakers, crafts, and an occasional snack. For 2nd grade and up.

December 19 Look for an Evergreen Day 10:30 - 11:30 AM Parkinson Support Group Of Glen Carbon - Senior Citizen/Community Center. 157 North Main Street. Glen Carbon This is an uplifting support group whose purpose is to share information, experiences, and friendship with Parkinson patients and/or their caregivers from the Metro East area. New mem-

bers are always welcome. or more information, contact Marilynn Kozyak at 618-288-3508 December 20 Go Caroling Day 5:00 - 10:00 PM Downtown Diva Night Beleville Main Street December 21 First Day of Winter Humbug Day Mayan Calendar -Does it Predict the end??

(Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Free Lunch Friday See December 7 for details) 12:00 - 4:00 PM Edwardsville Fire Department and the American Red Cross Blood Drive - Edwardsville Public Library The Edwardsville Fire Department and the American Red Cross are sponsoring a Blood Drive 5:30 - 6:30 PM Free Family Night at The Magic House - The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, 516 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood.

Some of the best things in life are free! The Magic House holds Emerson Free Family Nights every third Friday of the month from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. These special nights enable a family (no more than two adults and four of their own children) to enjoy more than 100 hands-on exhibits in the museum at no charge through the generosity of Emerson. Reservations are not required. More information: www. magichouse.org

December 22 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details) 1:00 - 3:00 PM Library Labs- Glen Carbon Library Get your Science on @ GCCL! Hands-on Science is a great way to learn how things work.

Join us for a Science Adventure with experiments that you can repeat at home. Registration is required and is available online. www. glencarbonlibrary.org December 23 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Miniature Painting Instruction See December 2 in Classes Section for Details, Sewing Circle at The Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House See Sept 9 for Details) 6:50 - 7:30 AM Winter Solstice Sunrise Observance - Cahokia Mounds, Alton Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge. Arrive by 6:50 am. to hear an explanation of the discovery, form and function of this ancient post circle calendar. Free.

December 25 Absolutely Christmas December 27 Make Cut Out Snowflake Day National Fruitcake Day

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11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Raja’s Birthday -- Saint Louis Zoo Raja the Asian elephant turns 20. Celebration takes place at River’s Edge, weather permitting.

December 28 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Free Lunch Friday See December 7 for Details)

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM Noontime New Year - The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum St. Louis, MO Happy New Year! Ring in the new year a little bit early with a Noontime New Year celebration at The Magic House. New Year’s revelers of all ages (even those with a bedtime!) are invited to join in the festivities as they dance to music by Complete Music, make wish wands and noise makers, march in a noisy parade through the museum and participate in a special countdown to noon! Free with museum admission.

December 29

Reuse. Recycle.

Restyle.

(Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details) December 30 (Horse Drawn Trolley Rides See December 1 for Details, Miniature Painting Instruction See December 2 in Classes Section for Details) December 31 Make Up Your Mind Day New Years Eve 2012 Unlucky Day

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Save with style on teen & young adult clothing and accessories.

PEACE

LOVE

PLATO’S CLOSET

One coupon per customer per day. Offer not valid with other discounts, coupons or the purchase of a gift card. No cash value. Expires Dec 31, 2012. *Valid at 10900 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, IL, 62208 *618-397-9986* Like us at Facebook.com/PlatosClosetFairviewHeights.com

Metro East Showcase: Wee Peats Continued from page 18

Front Row – Jett Wikgren, 2 True Religion Jeans $24.99 ($110) Children’s Place Top $5.99 ($14.99) Cherokee Blazer $6.99 ($19.99) StrideRite Shoe $9.99 ($34.99)

Luke Hilmes, 6

Children’s Place Jeans $7.99 ($19.50) Class Club Tie $3.99 ($15.99) Cherokee Top $4.99 ($14.99) Buster Brown Shoes $9.99 ($29.99)

Olivia Hilmes, 3

Gymboree Outfit (skirt/top) $14.99 ($49.99) Gymboree Boots $12.99 ($39.99) Back Row – Keyda Washow, 7 Crewcuts dress $14.99 ($44.50) Cherokee Leggings $3.99 ($9.50) SmartFit Shoe $5.99 ($15.99)

Karlee Welsch, 4

Justice Top $9.99 (29.00) Cherokee Jeans $6.99 ($19.99) Old Navy Shoe $5.99 ($14.99)

Jayda Wikgren, 6

Paper Doll Dress $9.99 ($34.99) Smart Fit Shoe $6.99 ($15.99) Children’s Place Leggings $3.99 ($9.60) Guess Jacket $24.99 ($69.99)

A special thanks to all our young models! To check out the great pricing at Wee Peats, just look at our young superstars and how much their Mom would have saved! The first price shown is Wee Peats everyday price compared to the retail price following in parenthesis. Check out Wee Peats’ Facebook page and website for great specials: www.facebook.com/weepeatkids or online at www/wee-peatkids.com

Ridiculously Adorable * Unbelievably Practical * Impossibly Affordable We Carry Many Items!

•All brands of clothing, sizes 0-16 in n hard-to-tell-from-new condition!!

•Maternity Clothes •Kid Gear: Ride-on cars, Slides, Play Kitchens, “Melissa & Doug” toys, etc •Baby •Ba a gear: Bumbos, Wagons, P Pack and Plays, High Chairs, S Strollers, Swings, etc Visit us online at www.wee-peatkids.com or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/weepeatkids

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Knowing you can't be there every minute to watch over her...

David Batschelett Farmers Insurance

745 Craig Rd Ste 306 Saint Louis, MO 63141 Office: (314) 222-6306 Fax: (314) 594-0804

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PLACEMENT TEST Saturday, December 1, 2012 8:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.

8th grade students interested in attending Althoff Catholic are encouraged to take the Placement Test.

Several scholarships are awarded based on Placement Test results.

Althoff Catholic

High School 5401 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226 (618) 235-1100 • www.althoff.net MetroEastParent.com

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Excellent education Easily accessible.

You don’t have to look far to find one of the top 50 universities in the nation recognized in Washington Monthly for its “contribution to the public good in three categories: Social Mobility, Research and Service.”

Just 25 minutes from St. Louis, SIUE offers easy access to a broad range of nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, from the arts to engineering to dental medicine. Along with affordable tuition that encourages students to explore their academic passions.

Visit siue.edu to see why the “e” equals excellence.