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December 2013
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VOL 2 Issue II MetroEastParent.com
All Your Holiday Happenings! Pages 17
Christmas Time at Eckert’s Farms Pages 19
Voice of Generation “I” Talks Volunteerism Page 9
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Parent
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.
PUBLISHER
Go Figure...
Christmas Facts you probably didn’t know...
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.
$27,937
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VOLUME 2, NUMBER II December 2013
ROBERT LUDWIG PUBLISHER@MetroEastParent.com
MANAGING EDITOR Cherie Washow
WEBMASTER/SOCIAL MEDIA TechKnow Solutions
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Linda Jakel ADVERTISING@MetroEastParent.com 618-407-5281
ADVERTISING STAFF
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 $27,937 for 2013. The most expensive gift is the “Swans ‘a swimming,” valued this year at $7000. That’s not including the medical bills you’d incur trying to wrangle said swans.
Sue Hezel, Lisa Hunsche, Charlotte Fraser, Jennifer Brown, Judy Symmonds-Hayden
194,672
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The record number of Christmas lights on a single tree, set in Belgium in 2010.
$11,026,900
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The value of the most expensively decorated Christmas tree, displayed in the Emirates Palace (UAE) in 2010.
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15.8 Billion
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 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.
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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.
e d i s n I December
Vol. 2 Number 2
Features
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Holiday Tech FInd out what new tech items are out this Christmas for kids of all ages. Voice of Generation “I” - Xavier Ludwig Start the new year with Volunteerism with Xavier! Ho, Ho, Holiday Treats Quick easy recipes on Holiday Treats! Bargains Galore at Gliks! Visit with the Ryan family as they model Glik’s clothing line at beautiful Eckert’s Farms
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Holiday Happenings Check out all the great Holiday Events in the Metro East Area!
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Christmas at Eckert’s Farms! It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at Metro East’s favorite farm!
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Santa Sightings! Find out where to see Santa this month! Area Storytelling Times Find out where to take the little ones to join in the magic of the area libraries! How Technology Can Simplify your Holiday Season Find out how your gadgets can help save time and money this holiday season!
Events Calendar
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N.P.O. of the Month: Project Skipper Area Family takes the challenge to warn us about the dangers of thin ice! Watch for Underage Drinking this Holiday Season Gateway Foundation warns us about teenage drinking during the Holiday Season!
Columns 6 8 11 21 19 23 24 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37
Letter from the Publisher - Robert Ludwig Daddy’s Cookbook Tooth Talk with Dr Angie Tenholder PottyTalk - Dr. Stephanie Berk Easy Steps to Stay Healthy… Dr. Colleen Stratton, C.A.C.C.P. Make Egnogg, Not Expectations - Ryan Neace Prudent Parenting State of the Arts - Sue Hezel How to not gain weight this Holiday Season SI Medical Weight Loss Clinic Camp Bow Wow Are Fast Braces Safe? - Dr. Anna Smith Don’t Let your Holiday Season Ruin Your Summer! - Scott Harres Priobiotics: Good Bugs for Overall Health Dr. Colleen Stratton Dermaluxe - Dermassociates Kids in Action - Dr. Joan Brefeld Treat Yourself to a Younger You this Holiday Season - Dr. Ryan Diederich
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letter from the publisher...
Robert Ludwig
Karma has a name and face. It comes in the form of a teenage boy. I love being a parent, but I sometimes hate being a parent of a teenage boy. Half of the time you just want to hug him and wish for those days long gone when he cuddled with you on the couch to watch a movie, the other half of the time you wonder where this child came from and wish to send him back to the depths of Hades from whence he came. I wonder how my Mother raised six teenagers on her own, and I apologize as much as humanly possible if we were anything like the teenagers of our next generation. I know she is silently laughing, loving the poetic justice of it all. But she is gracious in my misery, but usually adds to it by always taking the side of my son in the many challenges we face. For that is what Grandmothers are for, as she tells me with a smirk on her face, to spoil the grandchildren and hand them back when they it that stage of pubescent angst. I used to think that I had an incredible relationship with my son, unlike any I had seen with my friends and their children. We did everything together. He was my Mini-Me and I was something in between Michael Landon of Little House on the Prairie and Adam Sandler in Big Daddy. But then the teen years hit. Somewhere between sports and girls I was placed on the back burner in the grand scheme of things. Somehow I went from Hero to Zero when the first hair appeared on chin. There are moments within the past few years that are reminiscent of days gone by. There are the occasional hugs and “Love you�’s that usually precedes him wanting something, but they are there and we have to take what we can get at this point. And then there are times that he completely surprises me, and there is a shimmer of hope. It is fleeting, but hope, nonetheless. Like when I come home from working most of the night and the house is completely clean, even the dishes. Or when I read his columns, and feel the closeness that we once had and hopefully will have again like I have with my mother after our rough patches. But in the mean time, I am sure we will survive this, as parents and teens have done for thousands of years. It could be worse, I could have had six! How she did it, God only knows. Robert Ludwig, Publisher publisher@metroeastparent.com 618-407-5281
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The Ultimate Video Game Wish List: Consoles, Projectors, and Games, Oh My! StatePoint
Gaming has never been more engaging, more realistic, or had as many options as it does today. And this holiday season, gaming is experiencing a renaissance that is a long cry from the days of the 8-bit Atari. According to a recent report from Framingham, Mass-based research firm from IDC, sales of game consoles are expected to rise as new offerings from Sony and Microsoft make their way to retailers in time for the holiday season. Additionally, highly-anticipated titles are emerging that are so realistic that it’ll make you do a double-take. With all of this excitement around gaming, make sure the gamer in your life doesn’t miss out! Keep an eye out for these exciting holiday gifts:
New Consoles
The next generation of gaming consoles is here. The new XBOX One and PlayStation 4 are hitting shelves just in time for the holidays. Each has exclusive game franchises as well as vastly superior hardware, software and usage policies than their previous versions. It is an expensive investment but no serious gamer will want to be the one playing with an outdated system.
Enhanced Experience
While playing games like “Madden NFL 25” or “Call of Duty Ghosts” are thought to be best on a big-screen TV, there are ways to make the experience even better. One way to achieve that is by using a projector, such as Casio’s SLIM series of projectors. A new projector coupled with a new gaming system can be more fun to
play, as well as more efficient to run. A SLIM projector offers sharp imagery and adjustable brightness. And the Laser & LED Hybrid light source means minimal power consumption for gamers, lasting 20,000 hours, which is 10 times longer than a mercury lamp. For more information, visit www.CasioProjector.com.
Hot Games
Some of the most highly anticipated games are coming out right around the holidays, and there will probably be a wait to get some of the most popular ones. “Call of Duty: Ghosts” looks to be one of the hottest games this season. Now up to the tenth installment in the series, “Call of Duty” has been a major player in the gaming world for years. What a perfect game to up the playing experience, with a Casio SLIM projector you can project up to 300 inches diagonally and have four players playing simultaneously. “NBA 2K14” is also garnering rave reviews, with many new features and superstar LeBron James on the cover. Sports fans everywhere will be playing this game throughout the season. We are in a golden age of gaming. Plan your gift lists for the gamers in your life today.
Choosing the Right Tablet for Kids this Holiday Season
StatePoint
Everyone is using technology to stay connected these days -- especially kids. And the holidays are a great time to think about getting your kids a device to keep them plugged in and learning at the same time, like their very own tablet computer. Parents worry mobile technology can be expensive, breakable and give users access to a world of information -- not all of it kid-friendly. But that doesn’t mean you should exclude the next generation from the tech trend, say experts. “Technology can be intimidating for parents who aren’t familiar with the wide array of choices available,” says Dr. Eric Klopfer, Toy Development Consultant and Learning Expert at VTech, a maker of age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. “But there are good options out there that can provide safe, fun, innovative, yet age appropriate experiences for young kids – if you know where to look.”
Here are some things to consider when looking for new technologies for children this holiday: • Kid-friendly tablet: A conventional tablet is a delicate, breakable instrument. But a kid-friendly tablet is tough, durable and able to withstand being handled by little ones. For example, VTech’s InnoTab3S, is made to fit comfortably in little kid hands, so they’ll be more likely to maintain a good grip.
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• Safe messaging: Whether they are at daycare, a neighbor’s house or across the country visiting grandparents, a tablet can help kids stay connected to their parents. And thanks to breakthroughs in kid-safe family networking, you can ensure your children are communicating only with people approved by you. The VTech Kid Connect app, for example, allows for safe communication with parents and friends through an InnoTab 3S tablet. Preschoolers as young as three years old can emulate their parents and older siblings, allowing them to feel like they are part of the messaging trend by sending text and voice messages to parents’ smartphones, all from a kid-safe, kid-friendly tablet. • Safe browsing: With a kid-safe Web browser, kids won’t be able to access inappropriate content, but can still explore the sites they love through an easy-to-navigate format. • Educational content: You can give your kids full-time access to great educational content with the right downloads. Look for educator-approved fun and games.
More tech tips for parents can be found at www.VTechKids.com. This holiday season, you can help your kids stay on top of tech trends safely and securely.
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. Since my son was in pre-K we
Decorating the Jar Depending on the size of the jar used will determine the size of the decorations used for the Recipe-in-a-jar present. For the purpose of Daddy’s Cookbook we will use quart jars.
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
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.
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-ina-jar!
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.
experience for all. My son and I have also found that personally made presents make a long lasting impression 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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Voice of Generation “I” by Xavier Ludwig
525,600 minutes in the upcoming year. How many of those minutes will you look back and feel like you have done something worth something?
There is something about the holiday season we are currently in. Something magical that embodies the spirit of our faith, no matter what faith you may practice. As the season changes to mark the end of the year, the leaves and the trees change and eventually give in to the cold harsh winter to come, our hearts and spirits seem to be uplifted within the warmth of the spirit of the holidays, or our faith. I have been told that I mention my faith too much within my column, that my witness may offend those who do not share the same convictions as myself. But that is the glory of the holiday season. No matter what faith you may practice, or lack of, you cannot help but to rejoice in the true spirit of the season. You cannot help but be transformed, if just for a few weeks out of the year, to the sense that there is something different in the air. Every year my father and I try and pick a shelter or soup kitchen to volunteer at during the holidays. We collect blankets, coats, and canned goods for those who are without shelter, warmth, or food. Every year I thank God for giving me the opportunity to do so, and thank my parents for giving me what so many go without. I also pray that those who are afflicted be healed, and those who are not help. But for the Grace of God go I. At my school we do service hours in which we volunteer to help those who des-
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perately need it. We do so not because it is required, but because we are compelled to a higher calling. We do so with love in our hearts, and the wisdom that some day it may be us that is in need. We do so, because that is what our faith demands of us, so we do so with a smile on our faces and love in our hearts. We are taught as a child the stories behind Christmas, and it is because of this magic that there is an electricity in the air that lifts our hearts and minds. It is this magic, or some may call it faith, that makes us for one small moment in time try and be better, try and make everything and everyone around us better. The magic is contagious, we cannot help but to spread the warmth that keeps our spirits high on a cold day. But unfortunately this magic is short lived. Like most magic it comes and goes, like the seasons. Once the world warms, we grow colder in hearts and spirit. I do not understand this. I cannot fathom that this is what the true spirit of this holiday season should be. Are those who are helped so much throughout this season not deserving of our help all year long? Should the comfort given this month last for the remaining eleven months? Is the love shown sufficient to last until the next year when we go through the motions once again? 525,600. That is the number of minutes in a year. I had probably known this before in the past, but was reminded of it a few weeks ago when I watched Glee with my father. In honoring their fallen star, the cast sang a song from one of my father’s favorite musicals, Rent. Only until recently had he let me watch it because of some
of the content in it, but the opening song stuck with me, and struck a chord when the cast of Glee sang “Seasons of Love.” 525,600 minutes comprises an entire Season of Love, not just a holiday season, but the entire year. Why can we not commit to extend this holiday season through the upcoming year? I assure you that the shelters will still be full in March or August, there are still children and seniors that will go to bed hungry, that is if they have a bed to sleep in that night. I am sure that there are volunteer groups within your school or church that you can spend just an hour a week helping. What is an hour a week? One less hour on the Xbox, texting, or talking to your friends on the phone. Invite your friends to join you, a date, a family member, a teacher. Instead of hanging out at the movies or Laser Tag, hang out at the local food pantry and help, or youth center. You cannot know how much fun it can be until you try it, or how rewarding it can be to see the smile on the face of those you have helped out. This is a season of magic, a season we have looked forward to since we were old enough to understand it. But I beg you to truly understand the true meaning of the season, and I promise if you do you will never want this season to end. 525,600 minutes in the upcoming year. How many of those minutes will you look back at and feel that they were worth something?
You may email Xavier with any questions to: xavier@metroeastparent.com
This Holiday Season give the most priceless gift of all~ your time!
Sometimes we look at the way the world is and think, "This isn't the way things are supposed to be." By volunteering, you can help make a positive change in the world. Each of us wants to live in a community where families are healthy and strong, where children are given the help they need to succeed in school, where people with disabilities and the elderly are able to live as independently as possible, and where people live in safe, supportive neighborhoods. By volunteering, you help make your community a better place to live, and you become part of the solution.
There are so many things you can do to make an impact in your community. Start today to become the leaders of Habitat tomorrow! Youth United is a program for youth who want to raise money and help build a Habitat home in their communities. Youth ages 5 to 25 can get involved as leaders, planners and press agents, and they can help raise funds, too. Youth ages 16 to 25 can work on the construction site to help build the house.
You’ve got friends, school, work, family, and a bunch of other responsibilities. So why spend your valuable free time volunteering with the Red Cross? When you’re a Red Cross volunteer you’re part of the world’s largest humanitarian organization. You can experience the personal and professional benefits of channeling your energy to help improve the lives of people in your community and around the world. We have multiple volunteer opportunities across the U.S. to engage a new generation of young humanitarians.
DoSomething.org is the country’s largest not-for-profit for young people and social change. We have 2.35 million members (and counting!) who kick butt on causes they care about. Bullying. Animal cruelty. Homelessness. Cancer. The list goes on. DoSomething.org spearheads national campaigns so 13- to 25-yearolds can make an impact - without ever needing money, an adult, or a car. Over 2.4 million people took action through DoSomething.org in 2013. Why? Because apathy sucks.
There are volunteer opportunities just around the corner at your local library. Join with the local library and run a themed event for young kids in your area. You could just offer your time to help clean and sort books or seek book donations from your neighborhood.
It doesn’t matter where you choose to get involved, just get involved. Check with your local school, church, or community center, they are begging for good people to help in the many chores their organization has been tasked to do. If you need more ideas just do a simple Google search in your area for teen volunteers, you would be surprised at what you find. Remember, this holiday season give the most priceless gift of all - your time! MetroEastParent.com Page 10
Contact the children's librarian, trust me, she has a list of things your teen or group can do.
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T o o t h T awith l kDr. Angie Ask DrAngie@yahoo.com
What is TMD?
Patients are often told by their dentist or physician that they have TMJ problems. In fact, some estimates would suggest that as high as 20% of the American population possess one or more of the symptoms of TMJ disorders. This condition can be innocent at first when the jaw joint starts clicking and popping when opening and closing the mouth. Many times, this joint noise is associated with very minor symptoms and can go months and years without causing pain. However, in a percentage of these patients these seemingly innocent clicks and pops of the jaw joint can progress into a debilitating condition that requires treatment that not only involves the TMJ, but the alignment of the entire body as the victims of this condition degenerate as a result of having TMD. In addition, the research is conclusive that many headaches and migraines can be successfully treated by identifying TMD as the source of those headaches. A question that is frequently asked is what exactly is TMD? TMD or Temporomandibular Disorders are a group of maladies which can affect the temporomandibular joints (the jaw joints located immediately in front of your ears), as well as the associated muscles of the jaw, face and neck as well as related trapped nerves and blood vessels. Problems within this complex can produce a myriad of symptoms which, at first glance, might appear to be totally unrelated to the jaw complex. These symptoms can include headaches (over the eye, in the temples, behind the eyes, and at the base of the skull), generalized facial pain as well as more specific pain directly in front of the ears, ear symptoms including ringing, buzzing, congestion, as well as pain. In addition neck and shoulder pain as well as clicking or grating noises of the jaw joint with movement, locking of the jaw or pain in the jaw with function are frequently encountered. Sufferers may not possess all of these symptoms however, it is most certainly possible that they may. Dentists are routinely trained to provide appliances for their patients to protect the teeth at nighttime. A simple protective nightguard (also known by some as a flat plane splint) functions to protect the teeth but is not the treatment of choice for many patients with TMD, obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The wrong appliance choice and treatment plan can actually make the symptoms worse instead of better. Dentists specifically trained to treat the patient with TMD often try to assess the cause of the pain and treat the specific factors contributing to this condition instead of simply protecting the teeth. These causes of TMD may include but are not limited to sleep related breathing disorders, trauma, poor posture, an unbalanced bite as well as alignment issues with the head and neck.
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If you are a sufferer or know someone who is, feel free to contact the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain as a resource for education and information at www.aacfp.org. Accredited members of this organization have received advanced training in non-surgical treatment of TMD and have passed rigorous testing to ensure that they have the knowledge to assist their patients through the healing process. Coordinated treatment of the patient with an integrated healthcare team including dentists, physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists and chiropractors is exceptionally important for those who expect to recover from and cope with this condition. No one healthcare provider can single-handedly successfully treat the multiple symptoms and problems associated with TMD. Finding a team of therapists who can work together and communicate effectively on your behalf is an important aspect of a successful treatment plan. I am recovered TMD patient that has gone from being a traditionally trained dentist, and then to a patient and now to having Fellowship status in the Academy of Craniofacial Pain. This journey is one of the most challenging and rewarding opportunities of both my professional and personal life. Waiting until my TMJ disorder became a painful and debilitating condition was one of the worst decisions that I have ever made. I encourage anybody with the initial signs and symptoms of TMD to seek preventive and/or active treatment from a trained professional before the TMD condition becomes more painful and the treatment options become complicated and expensive.
Please see information on Dr. Angie Tenholder on following page.
We would like to invite you to our family dental office and give you a few more reasons to choose us to care for your dental needs. • We treat all patients... from 1 to 100! • We provide orthodontic services! • We offer custom mouthguards and Sports Dentistry! • We offer evening and weekend hours! • Convenient location with second location in Columbia! Dr. Angie has over 18 years of clinical experience along with additional training in orthodontic and craniofacial development, sleep disordered breathing, neurologic implications of altered facial growth as well as the dental related treatment of headaches and pain. Her PASSION is to ensure that the children/adults that she treats have the best possible opportunity to achieve proper dental and facial development to prevent future complications and to ensure beautiful healthy smiles for life.
Synergy Therapeutics NOW OPEN in Columbia
See “ASK DR. ANGIE” in this publication
Call Now
618/476-XRAY 15 N. JeffersoN • Millstadt
106 Veterans Parkway Columbia, illinois 62236
www.smileologydental.com
618/281-9729 MetroEastParent.com
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Festive Peppermint Twists, Cheery Cereal Tree Treats, Gingerbread House, Jolly Santa’s Treat Cookies and Christmas Candy Swirl Cookies
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Family Features
othing says home for the holidays like the smell of treats baking in the oven and a crowded kitchen filled with loved ones. Whether making decades-old family favorites or starting new holiday baking traditions, you can create homemade holiday goodies in a (ginger) snap. “The holidays are a time when families are in the kitchen at record rates to bake cookies, build gingerbread houses and create a wide variety of sweet treats,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. “The good news is, even if you only have 30 minutes to spare during this hectic time, you can make amazing desserts for gatherings or gifting.” Try these easy treat ideas from Wilton to spread holiday cheer: n Holiday Helpers: Invite family and friends for a cookie decorating day to help prepare gifts for upcoming events. You
provide the Sparkling Sugars and Sprinkles, Peppermint Twisted Sticks and red and green icing ... everyone else provides the creativity. n Miracle on Your Street: Crunched for time with a party to attend? Pick up ready-to-eat cookies and artfully dip them in red and green Candy Melts candy for an elegant upgrade. No one has to know how simple it was to create a customized dessert. n Instant Snowman: Coat peanut butter sandwich cookies in white Candy Melts candy to create instant snowmen. Decorate with hats, scarves and, of course, carrot noses. n It’s a Wrap: Turn your homemade treats into gourmet gifts. Stock up on holiday-themed gift bags and boxes, colorful tissue paper, ribbons and tags to transform made-from-the-heart goodies into extra special gifts. For more holiday ideas and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.
Christmas Candy Swirl Cookies Makes about 2 dozen cookies. 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Red and Green Sparkle Gel Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray Easy Decorate Swirl Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray. In small bowl, combine flour and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture; beat until well blended. Press dough into pan cavities, filling 2/3 full. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown around edges. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn pan over; lightly tap pan to remove cookies. Cool cookies completely. Decorate cooled cookies with Sparkle Gel. Let set, at least 30 minutes.
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Sweet Snowmen Cookies
White, Red, Green, Black and Orange Candy Melts Candy Peanut butter sandwich cookies Holiday Confetti, Holiday and Snowflake Mix Sprinkles Cinnamon Drops Black Sugar Pearls Silver Pearlized Sugar Melt white Candy Melts candy following package instructions. Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. Spoon melted candy over top surface of cookie; chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Turn cookies over, candy side down, on cooling grid. Com pletely cover cookies with melted candy; chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Repeat, if needed, to completely cover cookie. To decorate snowmen, melt Candy Melts candy following package instructions as needed. Using red, green and white candy in candy or disposable decorating bag, pipe hats, ear muff band and scarves, adding colored sugar trim to candy before it sets. For ball cap, cut a Candy Melt candy wafer in half; attach with melted candy. Attach sprinkles for buttons, ear muffs and decorative accents using dots of melted candy. Using melted black candy and decorating bag, pipe facial features. Using melted orange candy and decorating bag, pipe nose.
Festive Peppermint Twists
Dark Cocoa, Light Cocoa, Green or White Candy Melts Candy Peppermint Twisted Sticks Candy Assorted Holiday Sprinkles, including Holiday Nonpareils, Confetti and Jimmies, Red and Green Colored Sugars Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, separately melt Candy Melts candy in microwave following package instructions. Dip peppermint sticks into melted candy; tap stick lightly to smooth surface. Immedi ately add sprinkles. Set on prepared cookie sheet; chill until set, 5 to 10 minutes.
Cheery Cereal Tree Treats
Makes about 12 treats 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 4 cups mini marshmallows Juniper or Leaf Green Icing Color 6 cups crisp rice cereal White Cookie Icing Jumbo Rainbow Nonpareils, Sprinkles or Sugars, as desired Prepare 3D Silicone Tree Mold and silicone spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray. In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marsh
mallows; cook and stir until melted. Tint with icing color. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared mold. When cool to touch, remove from mold. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50 percent power for 30 to 60 seconds to soften.) Heat Cookie Icing following label direc tions. Squeeze snow and garlands on trees; add sprinkles and sugars as desired. Let dry.
Fast and Festive Christmas Cookies
Green, Red, White, Light and Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy Assorted purchased ready-to-eat cookies Holiday Confetti, Nonpareils, Holly Mix, Colored Sugars and Sprinkles In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately following package instructions. Partially or completely dip cookies in melted candy. Place cookies on cooling grid positioned over parchmentlined cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Additional decorating ideas: n Drizzle with melted candy in a contrasting color. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set.
n Attach
sprinkles with dots of melted candy. Chill 3 to 5 minutes or until set. n Pipe melted candy bows and other decorations.
Merry Marshmallow Sticks
White, Red, Green and Dark Cocoa Candy Melts candy Large Marshmallows Holiday Confetti, Nonpareils and Colored Sugars In Disposable Dipping Container or bowl, melt Candy Melts candy separately follow ing package instructions. Dip marshmallows in melted candy and place on cooling grid positioned over parchment-lined cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sugars and sprinkles. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until set. Using candy decorating bag or disposable decorating bag, drizzle melted candy or pipe outlines, if desired; immediately sprinkle with sugars or nonpareils. Attach confetti with dots of melted candy. Chill 2 to 3 minutes or until set. With point of sharp knife, carefully cut through candy on the marshmallow where stick will be inserted. Insert three marshmallows onto each Colored Lollipop Stick, securing with melted candy.
Jolly Santa’s Treat Cookies Makes about 3 dozen cookies 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Red, Green and White Cookie Icing Red and Dark Green Colored Sugars White Sparkling or Pearlized Sugar White Sugar Pearls Preheat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls. On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Dip Cookie Hugger or “Ho-Ho” Word cookie cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool cookies completely. Outline and fill-in cooled cookies with Cookie Icing. For “Ho-Ho” cookies, sprinkle with sugars; let set until icing is completely dry. For snowflake cookie, add white Cookie Icing detail to dried cookie; attach Sugar Pearls with dots of icing.
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GLIK’s Metro East Locations: Granite City 3248 Nameoki Rd. • 618-876-1065 Edwardsville 124 S Buchanan St. • 618-655-0084 Highland 2675 Northtown Way • 618-654-9421 Highland Outlet 2669 Northtown Way • 618-654-6418 Mt. Vernon 6 Times Square Mall • 618-242-1121 Litchfield 14 Litchfield Plaza • 217-324-2633
Clothing within Article Women's North Face Osito jacket $99 Women's fleece lined leggings $6 Women's Flying Monkey jeggings $29.99 Ugg boots starting at $140 Scarves starting at $12 Men's 1897 Denim $39.90 Men's Crevo shoes starting at $34.90 Men's North Face Apex Bionic jacket $149 Men's sweaters starting at $29 Girl's North Face Oso hoodie jacket $99 Girl's 7-16 top from poof $18 Girl's fleece lined leggings $5.50 Boy's 8-20 Under Armor hoodie $44.99 Boy's 4-7 1897 denim $19.99
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Glik's is a family business that was founded in 1897 with roots in the Metro St Louis area. We are proud to call Granite City our home base for all 62 stores. Glik's is known for being fashion first with men's, women's, children, and Footwear apparel. When shopping at Glik's you will find the following brands: Silver Jeans, Billabong, TOMS, North Face, Hurley, Miss Me, Under Armour, and more. In addition to these brands Glik's also travels to the fashion market every month to make sure the latest trends are available to the towns that they serve. We also have taken live our gliks.com which is a great place to shop as well as to see the latest fashion trends.
T
o highlight the Glik’s new Winter line, Metro East Parent took to the road to one of our favorite locations in the Metro East Area: Eckert’s Country Store and Farms. There is something magical in the air during the Holiday Season at Eckert’s Farms, and we wanted to be a part of that. We wish to thank the Ryan family of O’Fallon, and daughter of our Marketing Director Meghan Jakel, for being so gracious to endure hair, make-up, and clothing changes to make this
shoot not only possible but a huge success. We also would like to thank Ms. Rama Seats and her students at Vatterott College of Cosmetology for doing a great job with hair and make-up. But we would most like to thank the wonderful staff at Eckert’s Country Store and Farms and Glik’s Clothing Store for providing the clothing, accessories and location for this shoot. All clothing, accessories, pies, food, toys, etc in this shoot can be purchased at Gliks and Eckert’s Country Store and Farms.
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Nov 15-Jan 1 Winter Wonderland @ 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 area. We don’t pretend to be the biggest, brightest, nor most technically advanced. LWW is a view of the holiday that everyone remembers! See 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. LWW includes a wide variety of illuminated venues and a life-size Nativity Scene. Free Nov 15 – Dec 6, 9am - 7pm 2nd Annual Holiday Tree Silent Auction @ Glen Carbon Library Stop by to view the trees. Silent auction is December 7th from 1-3pm. Auction bidding closes at 2:30pm. Proceeds benefit the library’s adult and children’s reading programs.
Nov 29- Dec 2 Christmas Walk @ Waterloo Visit the quaint specialty shops in the historic area of Waterloo and register for cash drawings. Enjoy live music, visit with Santa and take a free carriage ride. This event includes an evening lighted parade! Nov 29- Dec 2 Holiday Craft Show @ BelleClair Fairgrounds Nov 29-Dec 25 Santa on the Square @ Belleville Stop in and share with Santa what you want for Christmas. Nov 29-Dec 26, 5pm - 8pm Horse Drawn Trolley Rides @ Belleville Take a free ride through downtown aboard our horse-drawn trolley. Enjoy Belleville’s historic Shopping & Entertainment District with extended shopping hours from a unique point of view . December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-23, 26-30, 5:30pm - 8:30pm U.S. Bank Wild Lights @ Saint Louis Zoo Walk through the Zoo’s holiday wonderland of spectacular light displays. Nov 29- Jan 2, 6pm - 7pm Christmas Lights in the Park @ Carlyle City Park Get into the spirit of the season as you view the thousands of Christmas lights strung throughout the City Park.
Nov 22- Jan 4 Way of Lights @ Our Lady of the Snows Focusing on the birth of Jesus, this unique celebration of Christmas features a mile-and-a-half drive with over one million lights electro-art displays and life-size biblical statue which take you on a scriptural Journey to Bethlehem. Nov 27- Jan 3 Gingerbread Walk @ Belleville Stroll down Belleville’s Main Street to view award-winning gingerbread creations displayed in downtown merchant windows. Nov 29- Dec 1 Christmas Candlelight Tours @ 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House Come experience Christmas at the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House. The customs of the 1820s will surround guests as Father Christmas, and his mischievous brother Rupert, entertain children and adults alike. Historically garbed docents will be throughout the house as guests take a selfguided tour through the festively adorned rooms. Admission: $10 Adults $5 Children
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Nov 29- Jan 2, 6pm - 9pm Christmas Wonderland @ Alton 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 be held the first Monday after Thanksgiving. Carriage rides will be available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on a first-come, first served available basis (weather permitting). Dec 1 – 31 5pm - 9pm Woburn Christmas Display 1481 Woburn Rd, Smithboro Dec 1, 8 &13 12pm - 3pm Santa Land 2013 @ Red Bud Dec 1 – Jan 4, 5pm - 9pm Garden Glow @ Missouri Botanical Gardens For the first time ever, hundreds of thousands of lights illuminate some of the Garden’s most iconic locations. Walkways are transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, while traditional candlelight village displays delight crowds of all ages. Dec 1 – Dec 31, 5pm - 9pm Holiday Light Extravaganza @ American Farm Heritage Museum Nightly you can either drive through or walk to see the animated holiday scenes. On Fridays and Saturdays Hill’s Fort
Cabin is open with1800s Christmas and the American Heritage Railroad’s Polar Express is running. Free Admission Dec 1 – Dec 31 Santa vs the Snowman @ Science Center Dec 5- Dec 8, Festival of Trees @ New Baden The New Baden Civic Center is turned into a winter wonderland, as dozens of Christmas trees are beautifully and uniquely decorated by local businesses, organizations, groups, families and individuals. Dec 6, Toys for Tots with Dave Glover @ Way of Lights Donate unopened, unwrapped gifts and see a live broadcast of the Dave Glover Show. For more information call: 618397-6700 Dec 6, 2pm - 10pm Christmas Lights Display @ Greenville Animated holiday scenes, refreshments, Hill’s Fort Cabin open with 1800s Christmas (Friday and Saturday only), American Heritage Railroad’s Polar Express (Friday and Saturday only) Museum Avenue(Interstate 70 at 45 exit) Dec 6, 6pm - 8pm 9th Annual Snowflake Festival @ Village of Godfrey Join us in celebrating the holiday season at Glazebrook Park. Get your picture taken with Santa Claus, meet one of Santa’s reindeer, take a horse drawn carriage ride and enjoy some hot cocoa all courtesy of the Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. Apple butter by Main Street Methodist Church will be available for purchase. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Snowman Carriage Rides Free Hot Cocoa & Treats Live Reindeer Riverbender.com Truck Pictures with Santa Carols Godfrey Fire Protection District Fire Truck Godfrey Street Department Snow Plow Dec 6, 6pm - 11:45pm Party at the Planetarium @ St Louis Science Center Celebrate 1960s Space Age style as we party at the Planetarium one last time during its 50th anniversary year! Preview the revolutionary Velvet planetarium projection system, dance to 1960s tunes spun by a KDHX DJ, enjoy The Movie Dub Club’s take on The Black Hole and do so much more! Dec 6 –Dec 8, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Free Live Outdoor Nativity @ Bethel Pentecostal Church Bring to life the real Reason for the Season by including this FREELIVE NATIVITY into your holiday plans! Sorry there is “NO ROOM” at the Bethlehem Inn, but enjoy a cup of Hot Chocolate as you make your way to the stable to see the Christ child! Real Live Animals children can
pet and feed, beautiful costumes, creative scenes, professional music all help bring the Christmas story to life. Don’t forget your camera to capture the moment at the new photo stations! Warm up afterwards with some Refreshments while kids do a take home Christmas Craft…compliments of your friends at Bethel! Dec 6, 7pm - 8:30pm Angel of Hope Ceremony @ Bellevue Park The Belleville Angel of Hope 12th Annual Candlelight Ceremony to honor children’s memories. Dec 6, 8:30pm - 9pm Christmas Fireworks Display @ Carlyle City Park Dec 7, Holiday House Tour @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 7 – Dec 8, Hometown Christmas @ Downtown Lebanon A special weekend of shopping, complete with music in the streets, give-a-ways in the stores, and a chance to relax while shopping. Come join us. Dec 6- Dec 8, 10am - 9pm Christmas in Kimmswick, MO Enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in Kimmswick. The shops will be all decorated in their Holiday Splendor, Carolers will be strolling the streets, and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides will carry you back to a time gone by. For more information go to http:// www.visitkimmswick.com/christmas_in_ kimmswick
Dec 7, 11am - 1pm Clydesdale Camera Day @ Anheuser-Busch Tour Center Bring your camera for an up-close and personal visit with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. This unique opportunity allows visitors to view and take photos with a Clydesdale. Stay for a free tour and samples in the Hospitality Room. Dec 7, 1pm - 7pm Central West End Window Walk A day long party featuring live entertainment, music, sips, bite specials and discounts from 1 to 7 pm is perfect for the whole family. Vote on your favorite to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate Dec 7, 4pm - 8pm Holiday on the Boulevard @ Belleville Stroll the historic Signal Hill Boulevard and enjoy carolers, holiday food, events & carriage rides. Family Hospice 618277-1800 Dec 7, 5pm - 8pm Christmas House Tour @ Carlyle
Dec 7, 5:30pm - 10:00pm Food Truck and Fireworks @ Our Lady of the Snows Come and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family. 5:30-8:30 PM Food Trucks and Fireworks at 9:30 PM Dec 8, 10am - 7pm Millstadt Weihnachtsfest - German Christmas Festival @ St. James Parish – Millstadt Christmas Festival celebrating Millstadt’s German heritage featuring an arts and crafts fair, German food (bratwurst, potato pancakes, etc. served 11:30 am - ??) and beverages, Holiday Cookie Walk, and musical entertainment provided by the Waterloo German Band, Millstadt Community Choir and Jugendgruppe from St. Louis Cultural Society. St. Nikolaus arrives in a parade at 12:00 Noon. Children are invited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dec 8, 1pm - 4pm Christmas at Willoughby @ Collinsville See a new side of Willoughby Farm: decorated for the holidays! Visitors will sip hot cider or hot chocolate and nibble on holiday sweet treats while visiting with Santa Claus in the farm house. Remember to bringy our camera to snap a photo of Santa with your little one. Join us in the Bank Barn for a holiday sing-a-long while guests make ornaments to take home. $3 per person, children 2-years old and under are free, pay at the door Dec 8, 2pm - 6pm Candlelight House Tour @ Belleville View beautifully decorated Belleville area holiday homes. Tour starts at the Belleville Philharmonic Hall, 116 N. Jackson Street. St. Clair County Historical Society. 618-234-0600 Dec 8, 2pm - 3pm Tree of Life Celebration @ Fischer’s Restaurant- Belleville Attend a service to honor, remember and celebrate lives of lost loved ones at Fischer’s Restaurant. Hospice of Southern Illinois 618-235-1703 Dec 11, Las Mañanitas @ National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows This event celebrates the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe with Mexican decorations, serenades, dancers, flowers, and prayers beginning at 9pmand culminates with holy mass (in Spanish) at midnight. The community gathers after mass for breakfast with Mexican pastries, other foods and hot chocolate. FREE Dec 12- Dec 13, Elves Workshop For Kids @ The Wildey Theatre For ages 5-12. Drop your children off at The Wildey Theatre for some holiday fun and gift making. Children will leave with a hand full of gifts for their loved ones along with some great memories. Parents can enjoy some time alone for their own shopping. The cost is only $10 and pre-registration is required. Sign up at www. cityofedwardsville.com.
Dec 14 – Dec 15, Arrival at Camp River Dubois @ Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Come celebrate the arrival of Lewis and Clark at Camp River Dubois. This annual event commemorates December 12, the day William Clark and the men of the detachment arrived at the confluence of the Riviere a Dubois, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The event will include members of the detachment portraying military life, re-enactors recreating the civilian population and demonstrations. Dec 14, 10am - 11am Animal Tales “Holiday Safari” @ Freeburg Library Join us for another fabulous program by Animal Tales. Participants will select a present from beneath a small Christmas Tree which corresponds to one of the surprise guest animals. All will have an opportunity to get “hands-on” during this special program. For all ages. Dec 14, 11am - 12pm Wreaths Across America @ National Cemetery This National program began some 15 years ago in an effort Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom. All 530 veterans graves in the Alton National Cemetery will be decorated with balsam wreaths for the holiday season. Take part in an emotional ceremony sure to bring both pride and joy to those in attendance. For more information, call (618) 474-2005. Dec 19, 5pm - 8pm Downtown Diva Night @ Downtown Belleville Just in time for those last minute special gifts! You and your girlfriends can have fun and finish up your shopping with discounts and prizes! $5 per person Dec 19, 7pm - 9pm Cahokia Archaeological Society Christmas Potluck @ Cahokia Mounds Come join the Cahokia Archaeological Society for a Holiday Potluck Dec 22, 6:50am - 7:50am Winter Solstice Observance @ Cahokia Mounds 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 Dec 31, 10:30am - 2:30pm Noontime New Year’s Eve @ Magic House 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 Happy New Year! Free with Museum admission.
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Holiday Happenings
Breakfast With Santa (Belleville) Gingerbread House Workshops (Belleville) December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 10am and 4pm
For those who have always longed to build a gingerbread house but were intimidated by the thought, here is your chance to create a beautiful display for the holidays. We provide all of the supplies and the guidance. You provide the creativity! Great for young and old. $14/Gingerbread House.
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 8am until 12pm
Join us for breakfast with Santa on the farm! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa has a special gift for each child. We will capture the moment in a photo of your child with Santa. Reservations are suggested. The meal includes: scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. $15/child; $12/adult.
Holiday Storytimes (Belleville)
Breakfast With Santa at Dinner-time (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.
Join us for breakfast with Santa on the farm at dinner-time! We know some of you just aren’t morning people, so we are now offering Breakfast with Santa in the evening. The event is exactly like our traditional Breakfast with Santa... just at night!
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 9am and 11am
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December 6, 13, 20 • 5pm - 8pm
Santa Sightings Dec 1 8am - 1:30pm Breakfast With Santa @ Highland Masonic Lodge #583 721 Ninth Street, Highland, All you can eat buffet. FREE photo of child with Santa Dec 2, 6pm - 9pm Santa Arrives @ Chakota Therapeutic Riding CenterGermantown Dec 6 – Dec 23 Santa House @ Shiloh Dierbergs Parking Lot. Boys and girls may visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in their home at GreenMount Crossing in Shiloh, Illinois. Cameras are welcomed. Pictures will be taken for a nominal fee. FREE Dec 6, Christmas Tree Lighting @ Collinsville Santa will arrive to light the Christmas tree. Dec 6, 1:30pm - 2:30pm Miracle on Main @ Mascoutah Santa and floats parade, tree lighting, business open house, caroling, illuminated candle contest. www.mascoutah. com Free Dec 6, 6pm - 8pm Christmas Parade @ Carlyle Dec 6, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Miracle on Main/ Santa Parade @ Mascoutah Mascoutah welcomes Santa. Dec 7, Bright Night Lighted Christmas Parade @ Columbia This parade of bright lights is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Turner Hall will be hosting a post parade Christmas Social. Bring the kids to visit with Santa, chili, hot chocolate and other goodies available. Every Saturday & Sunday in December, Christmas @ Eckert’s Farms Head over to Eckert’s this holiday season! From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. join Santa for breakfast at the restaurant. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Garden Center, children can be entertained during Eckert’s Holiday Storytime. After the story, kids will be able to make a gingerbread craft. From 10a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Country Store, build that gingerbread house you’ve longed to build. Eckert’s provides the supplies and guidance while you supply the creativity! Dec 7, 8am - 11am Breakfast with St. Nicholas @ Way of Lights In the morning, we will have Breakfast with St. Nicholas. The event will include a yummy breakfast buffet in the Shrine Restaurant, photos with St. Nicholas who will have a special treat for the children, storytelling and a craft. Contact Mary Agnes Schlather at618-394-6292, Reservations are required. $10 per person Dec 7, 8:30am - 9:30am Festival of Trees Breakfast with Santa @ New Baden Santa will be available to talk with children and for photos. Each child will also receive a Christmas tree passport, which when filled out with tree ornaments, will earn them a goodie bag. Breakfast sessions are 8:30am
and 10am, but space is limited. Reservation forms can be found at www.zion-ucc.net. Admission: $7.50per person Dec 7, 9am - 11am Breakfast with Santa @ Lindenwood University – Belleville Crafts, Photo with Santa, Breakfast with Santa, Create a letter to Santa, and more.... Dec 7, 9am & 11am Breakfast with Santa @ St. Louis Zoo Dec 7, 9am - 10:30am Breakfast with Santa @ VIP Manor Come get your picture taken with Santa! Kids 5th grade or younger will eat free!!! Adults can eat for $2.00. Dec 7, 9am - 1pm Grinchmas on South Grand @ MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse $7 donation to the hospital, participants can get their photo taken with the Grinch. Those who bring a toy donation for the children at Shriners Hospitals for Children can get a photo taken for only $5. http://www. southgrand.org/events.html Dec 7, 10am - 12pm Santa Visit @ Columbia Library Come for a visit with the jolly man himself. Bring your wish list and camera for a chance to get some fun pictures. We will have stories, treats and goodies. Dec 7, 11am - 3pm Breakfast with Santa @ Covered in Chocolate - Carlyle Dec 7, 12pm - 3pm Santa at the Library @ Collinsville Library Stop by and tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Bring your camera to take a family picture. Dec 7, 12pm - 4pm Santa’s Hut@ O’Fallon Free Photos with Santa Dec 7, 1pm - 3pm Holiday Open House @ Glen Carbon Library Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Library to usher in the Holidays. Dec 7, 1pm - 2pm Stories with Santa @ Alton Square Library Come join us for a fun-filled day including stories, Santa, refreshments, and a performance by Animal Tales. This program will be followed by a visit from Santa and cookies in the Kids Space Multipurpose Room. To register for this program call 433-2881. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! Dec 8 & 15, Breakfast with Santa @ Magic House Parents and their little short stacks are sure to “flip” over The Magic House’s Annual Breakfast with Santa. Families can make their morning (or evening) sizzle with a yummy pancake breakfast cooked by a pancake flipper extraordinaire. This isn’t any normal pancake breakfast as kids will catch their pancakes as they are tossed through the air by Chris Cakes Catering’s master chef. The kids can also have a special photo taken with Santa, enjoy playtime in the Museum and even have the opportunity to make a fun holiday craft to take home.
Dec 8, 2pm - 5pm Christmas Sing-Along @ Yanda Log Cabin Come join us for a Christmas sing-along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There will also be hot apple cider, juice and cookies. Call 618-288-7271 for more information Dec 12, 5pm - 8pm Bedtime Stories with Santa @ Morrison-Talbott Library Come to the library to get pictures with Santa starts at 5 p.m. Photos $5.00 each. You are invited to bring your own camera. Also make a Santa face and decorate a stocking. Bedtime stories with Mrs. Claus at 7 p.m. We will end with a Christmas snack. Dec 12, 6pm - 7pm Hugo Kringle, Santa’s Little Brother Visits! Kids’ Program @ Smithton Library Dec 14, Christmas Spectacular @ Four Points by Sheraton Come join us & see Santa Claus. Games, balloon twisting, carolers, face painting, pictures of your little angel & Santa and will be available for sale FREE Dec 14-Dec 22 Santas Village @ Troy Donations of can goods are accepted at Santa’s Village, plus bring your letters to Santa and we will mail them for you!. Have your picture taken with Santa for a fee.... OR feel free to bring your own camera for pictures with Santa, the elves will be happy to help you with your photo’s. Santa’s elves will also be handing out cookies and hot cocoa. This is a free event for the whole family! For more information please contact the Park Office at 667-6887 Dec 14, 1pm - 4pm Santa Claus @ Jack Schmitt Cadillac Bring your camera to get your FREE photo with Santa! There will be crafts & snacks for the kids. Dec 21, Open House @ Glen Carbon Heritage Museum Come and see all the wonderful things that the Heritage Museum has and visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause while you are here Dec 21, 9:30am - 11am Breakfast with Santa @ The Fountains of Troy Breakfast with Santa open to the community, no admission cost, free breakfast, visit with Santa, kids get a free gift Dec 22, 12pm - 4pm Santa at the Tower @ The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower Bring the family to meet the jolly fellow. Free
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!
Potty Talk with Dr. Steph
With school and after-school activities now in full swing, I have been asked how potty training fits into a family’s busy schedule. There is no question that if your potty training child is a younger sibling, both timing and consistency of potty training are critical for success. I was recently asked the following question.
Q.
I have one child who is starting full day kindergarten and another who just turned three years old. From reading your book, I think my 3 yr old is ready to potty train, but I am not sure how to do it with getting my older child ready for school, to school, and back from school. How do I start the potty training process?
A.
Great question! The beginning of school is an overwhelming time for most parents and caregivers. There are new routines for everyone to learn, both children and adults. I recommend looking at your kindergartner’s school schedule and seeing if there is at least a 3-day weekend that is coming up soon. Typically when there is a 3 -day weekend, many weekend activities that your older child might go to are cancelled as well. Then, you can start talking to your three-year old about potty training in the amount of days you have until that break. When you are about a week away from that date, put out a week’s-worth stack of clean diapers and tell your child
that when there are no more diapers left, he/she gets to use the potty. (I would personally say this with a smile, and add an excited “Hooray!” to the end of the sentence, so that it sounds like a happy plan, and not a punishment.) Arrange the stack and timing so that a Friday night is the last diaper. This way on Saturday morning, when there is no school or work, you can begin the potty training process. This will give you all Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to devote to potty training. Your kindergartener can help by clapping for his/her sibling whenever the potty is used. Your 3-yr old, if ready, will not need more than these 3 days to get the initial part of the potty training process. Tuesday morning will be a bit easier if you can layout clothing and pack your kindergartener’s backpack the night before. You can still take your 3-yr old to the potty as soon as he/she is waking up. You can still leave him/her bare-bottomed while you get breakfast ready for everyone else. If you are the one taking your child to school, and the 3-yr old has to come too, try to encourage both children to use the potty right before you leave your home. When you walk your kindergartener into school, suggest to the 3-yr old that you can do a “hunt” for the school potty. Upon finding it, he/she can use it before going back home. This does add time to drop off and pick up, but knowing this, you can plan for that.
Potty-training a child can be an overwhelming and frustrating task for parents and caregivers. It doesn’t have to be. Instead, with the 3 C’s and the 3 Pro’s, it can be a rewarding and positive experience. This book provides a day by day schedule in Chapter 4, that tells you what to do and say to your young child. This second version of How to Potty-Train Your Dragon/Child provides an expanded chapter on night-time potty-training, and some other additions based on consumers’ feedback.
www.facebook.com/ HowToPottyTrainYourDragonChild
Hanukkah, Oh Chanukah By Dr. Stephanie Berk I was having a conversation with my 12 year old son about the upcoming holidays. We are Jewish and Hanukkah is on the same day as Thanksgiving this year. (Since we follow a Lunisolar calendar, our festival can be anytime from late November to late December.) I asked my son, “What do you know about Hanukkah and Christmas?” He replied, “Well, Mom, I know that Hanukkah is not the ‘Jewish Christmas’. For Christian people, Christmas is an important holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. For us, Hanukkah is a festival when we remember that the Maccabees led the Jewish people in battle against King Antiochus. And specifically, that we gratefully remember the miracles that happened. The rebellion against the Seleucid should not have been successful, and the little container of olive oil that lasted 8 nights, should have only lasted one. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of our temple, and of our ability to worship in our own way.” “That is correct.”, I said. When I pressed further, and asked, “What about our traditions? Are those the same as for Christmas?”, I received another important answer that recognizes both the wonderful diversity we have in the U.S., as well as the importance of understanding what other cultures/ religions do. Sam responded with, “I’m not sure what people do for Christmas, other than put up lights and open gifts under a tree. But our traditions are our own. We light one candle per night for 8 nights to remind us of how long the one little bottle of oil miraculously lasted. We say a blessing in Hebrew of gratitude and recognition. We play a game with the dreidel (spinning top), similar to what was played all of those years ago, and we eat food fried in oil with something sweet, like potato latkes (pancakes)
and apple sauce, sufganiyot (jelly filled doughnuts), and chocolate gelt (coins). Oh, and we don’t get gifts like the children who celebrate Christmas do. You and Dad give us one small gift per night, after lighting candles, if you don’t forget to get the gifts.” (Sam is correct. Because the “gift factor” is not central to the festival, we often forget after the first two nights to give the children a gift. We always remember to light the candles,
Ingredients: 3C peeled, shredded potato 1C grated onion 3 eggs, beaten 1C vegetable oil for frying Directions:
talk, sing, and play games with the children, but we do forget about the gifts. Our children do not mind this, usually.) Finally, I asked Sam, “What do you think about the different celebrations that happen in the winter months?” Sam thought about it for a moment, and answered, “Mom, I think that it is really interesting to learn not just what each religion or culture does, but also about what each family does. I bet that just like different Jewish families celebrate differently, each family, regardless of religion or culture has their own way of marking what is important to them. “ (One last note, what about the different spellings of the Jewish wintertime festival? It’s really not important. There are just different ways of spelling the same sounds.)
Potato Latkes 1/4C all-purpose flour 1T salt ½ t black pepper
1) After shredding the potatoes, dry them out as much as possible. Putting them in a strainer, and pressing with a paper towel , until dry, works well. (They will still be a little moist.) 2) In a large bowl, put the potatoes. Then add the onion and egg. Mix well. 3) Add the flour, salt, and pepper. 4) In a large, heavy bottomed skillet or frying pan, heat the oil until hot, over medium-high heat. 5) When hot, place large Tablespoons of potato mixture into the hot oil, and flatten slightly. (You may have to lower the heat to medium.) 6) Brown on one side, then flip. * 7) When browned on both sides, take latke out and put it on a plate lined with paper towels, to absorb the extra oil. 8) Serve warm, with apple sauce. *Be careful. The hot oil splatters and burns. Neve r leave the stove when making these. Do not let children work with the hot oil. MetroEastParent.com
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Make Eggnog, Not Expectations: 3 Tips for Avoiding Holiday Disappointment Ryan Thomas Neace is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Missouri, and a Nationally Certified Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor. He works extensively with teens, adults, and families at his St. Louis, MO private practice, Change, Inc. In addition to teaching psychology and counseling at the collegiate level, Ryan speaks nationally and internationally to schools, churches, and advocacy groups. He is an official blogger for the American Counseling Association and the Huffington Post. Find out more at www.changeincorporated.org.
Whether we’re celebrating Advent, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the arrival of Saint Nick, or good old-fashioned family-togetherness, it’s only natural that we look forward to this time of year with hope and eagerness in our hearts.
3. Monitor what you tell yourself. “I want Christmas to go just like it did last year, but my kids are insisting on changing the order of events. They just don’t value me.”
But sometimes all of that hope and eagerness can begin to look an awful lot like expectations. You know, the kind that inevitably lead to disappointment, frustration, or sadness. They seem especially potent around the holidays.
It is incredibly self-defeating to rehearse negative or irrational thoughts repeatedly in our minds. In other words, we often feel poorly because we think poorly.
Maybe you expect that your sister will be in from out of town, but she ends up having a work obligation. You expect that your in-laws won’t bring up the last fight you had, but sure enough, they’re happy to talk about it in front of everyone. You expect that all of the kids will be present at church or synagogue, but they opt out at the last minute. You expect everyone to engage one another during the family get-together, only to watch them stare at their smart phones the entire time.
But the converse is true as well. This holiday season, if you want to feel better, think better. A more productive way to think about this situation is, “I want Christmas to go like it did last year, but my kids can’t fully know why that’s important for me – I have a hard time explaining it to myself. Even if they knew, it’s not that they don’t value me, but that we have differing priorities.” ***
Sound familiar? They don’t have to.
There you have it!
Here are 3 tips to help you spend more time with eggnog than expectations for the 2013 holidays.
These suggestions will feel odd and clunky at first. When we’re used to doing things a certain way, even one that’s not terribly helpful, making a change can feel like the shoe is on the wrong foot. We may even think we’re kidding ourselves.
1. Expect things from yourself, not others. Expectations aren’t bad. It’s just that you can’t control other people. So, each time you find yourself working your way up to a particular event or relational encounter this holiday season, monitor that your expectations are about what you will do, and how you will respond, not the other way around. Choose to move deliberately away from what you expect of others to what you expect of yourself, no matter the outcome. 2. Save something for yourself. When people disappoint us around the holidays, we often compound the situation by responding poorly. This is usually true because our emotional tanks are on empty. Why wouldn’t they be? We’re often so busy doing things for others that we forget to save a little TLC for ourselves. Parents are notorious for this! This holiday season, try deliberately doing at least two things just for you that aren’t dependent on anything but showing up. Sports outings, date nights, spa days, nights out with friends, etc. That way, even if you have to navigate a few unexpected holiday hurdles, you’ll have some emotional reserve to draw upon to help you respond the way you want.
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But why not commit to give these a run until the end of 2013? If they don’t work, you can always go back to your old ways next year. And you just might celebrate the best holiday season you’ve had in a long time!
PRUDENT PARENTING
by Cherie Washow – Editor@metroeastparent.com
Are you ready for some last minute gift shopping? Or like this prudent parent - are you just thinking about getting started? I tend to procrastinate in everything I do, but this is one time where it often works to my benefit. On-line catalogs and coupons are the easiest ways to save some cash and still get great deals. I subscribe to many “deals of the day” for my favorite stores. e-bay’s deals run year-round and they also run a mystery deal on Wednesdays that is so good it often runs out before the end of the day. I have bought everything including a violin, television, furniture, jewelry and books from this site so you just never know what you will find. Amazon also runs a deal of the day for both their products and Kindle books. Check with your favorite stores too, as Newegg, Guitar Center and Best Buy all also run deals of the day. The other place I find great deals is the on-line deals of the day not connected to a web-site or store, like Groupon. I have been a Groupon subscriber for years and cannot say enough good things about them. They are the best of the best of all the on-line deals I have tried, with second to none customer service and standing behind their vendors. I have had several instances where I could not get a response from the vendor and they gave me a refund with no questions asked. Subscribe at: https://www. groupon.com/app/subscriptions/new_zip . Amazon also recently entered this market in a big way with Amazon Local at: http://local.amazon.com/subscribe . I have not tried them yet, but the regular Amazon site has such good customer service that I am sure they will be up there with
Groupon. Eversave is another that e-mails me daily with their deals of the day. I find them to be sometimes a bit slow on delivery, but they do offer some great deals. Subscribe at: http:// www.eversave.com/all-saves.jsp . The Belleville News Democrat has a daily dealsaver that gives great deals on local restaurants,hotels and I just found a great stylist using one of their coupons. Amy at Day Spa in Shiloh, you rock my world! Subscribe at http://belleville.dealsaver. com/engine/Splash.aspx?contestid=32513 . I have not had the best experiences with Living Social. They have some appealing offers but their deals are “as available” and they don’t stand behind their vendors like Groupon. For those of you have not found “5-Below” in Fairview Heights, add this one to your places to hit for stocking stuffers as everything is $5 and below. Deals and Big Lots have a large selection of inexpensive gifts and food for entertaining. For clothes and larger gifts Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx have name brand offerings at great prices. Platos Closet in Fairview and Wee Peats in Belleville have a large selection of gently used name brand clothes to dress up the whole family for the big day. On a personal note, I want to thank all the readers who have helped make Metro East Parent Magazine a success this year and wish you and yours a Happy Holidays!
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area storytelling times Every other Monday 9:30am & 10:45am Preschool Story Time @ O’Fallon Library Second Monday of the Month Dec 9, 4pm - 5pm Fun and Furry Reading Program @ O’Fallon Public Library Check out our new “Fun and Furry Reading Program”. Our new friends Normand Izzy will be here. So if you like dogs and just need a little more practice reading, checkout our new program. Norm, Izzy, and their owners are from C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, INC. Sign-up to insure a time with the dogs. Dec 9, 6pm - 7pm STARS with Dogs (Sit Together and Read Stories) @ Glen Carbon Library Register here for our long standing young people’s monthly literacy event which combines reading and dogs. Norm and Chouteau visit the Glen Carbon Library with their friends, Sue Ellen and Rod to promote literacy one child, one story, and one tail wag at a time. Every Monday 10am - 10:20am Fun for Ones @ Edwardsville Library 11am - 11:30am Time for Twos @ Edwardsville Library 10am - 10:20am Fun for Ones @ Edwardsville Library 10am - 11am Movers and Shakers Story Time @ Hayner Alton Square Library 10am - 11am Story Time @ Glen Carbon Library 10:30am - 11:30am Pre-School Storytime @ Tri-Township Public Library 10:30am - 11:30am Story Time @ O’Fallon Public Library 10:30am - 11:30am Winter Story Time @ Mascoutah Library 11am - 11:30am Time for Twos @ Edwardsville Library 6pm - 7pm Tales for Tails @ Six Mile Library 6:30pm - 7:30pm Evening Story Time @ Alton Downtown Library 6:30pm - 7:30pm Nightlight Storytime @ Smithton Library Every Other Tuesday 2pm - 3pm After Baby @ Afterwords with Metamorphose Maternity Second Tuesday of the Month Dec 9, 4pm - 5pm Fun and Furry Reading Program @ O’Fallon Public Library Check out our new “Fun and Furry Reading Program”. Our new friends Normand Izzy will be here. So if you like dogs and just need a little more practice reading, checkout our new program. Norm, Izzy, and their owners are from C.H.A.M.P. Assistance Dogs, INC. Sign-up to insure a time with the dogs. Every Tuesday 9:30am - 10:30am Tales for Tots @ Chick-Fil-A at Green Mount Commons 10am - 10:30am Story Time @ Afterwords Books 10am - 11am Story Time @ Collinsville Memorial Library Center 10am - 11am Story Time @ Glen Carbon Library 10am - 11am Story Time @ Daugherty Public Library 10:30am - 11:15am Holiday Storytime @ Fairview Heights Library 10:30am - 11:30am Pre-School Storytime @ Tri-Township Public Library 10:30am - 11:30am Winter Story Time @ Mascoutah Library 11am - 11:30am Time for Twos @ Edwardsville Library 4pm - 5pm Fun with Phyllis @ Fairmont City Library 11am - 11:30am Time for Twos @ Edwardsville Library 7pm - 7:45pm Preschool Story Time @ Edwardsville Library Every Third Wednesday Dec 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm Tween Book Club @ O’Fallon Public Library Every Wednesday 9:30am - 10:30am Babygarten @ O’Fallon Public Library 9:30am - 11am Preschool @ Columbia Library 9:30am - 10:30am Tot Spot @ Daugherty Public Library 10am - 10:30am Mommy and Me Story Time @ Hayner Alton Square Library 10am - 10:45am Preschool Story Time @ Edwardsville Library 10:45am - 11:45am Beyond the Gartens @ O’Fallon Public Library 12pm - 3pm Kids Corner @ Fairmont City Library
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4pm - 5pm Children’s Program @ Staunton Public Library 6:30pm - 7:30pm Story Time @ Glen Carbon Library Every Other Thursday Dec 12, 7pm - 8pm Bedtime Stories @ Morrison-Talbott Library Families can come in and hear fun stories, make fun crafts and sometimes get a snack. Wear your jammies for extra fun! Every Thursday 9am & 10am Little Me Storytime @ Tri-Township Public Library 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House 10am - 11am Mary Kay’s Story Times @ Alton Downtown Library 10am & 1pm Preschool Story Time @ Edwardsville Library 10am - 11am Story Hour @ Smithton Library 10am - 11am Story Time @ Columbia Library 10am - 11am Story Time @ Freeburg Library 10am - 10:30am Tot Time @ Columbia Library 10:30am - 11:30am Storyteller Gail Long @ O’Fallon Public Library 10:30am - 11:15am Story Time @ Bethalto Library 10:45am - 11:15am Tot Time @ Columbia Library 6:30pm - 8pm Illinois Family Read Night @ Tri-Township Public Library Every Friday 9:30am - 10:30am Beyond the Gartens @ O’Fallon Public Library 9:30am - 10am Lapsit @ Bethalto Library Lapsits are geared for our youngest patrons (0-36 months) and their caregivers. Stories, songs and simple crafts fill this 30-minuteprogram at the Little House. 9:30am - 10:30am Tween the Gartens @ O’Fallon Public Library 10am - 11am Story Time @ Freeburg Library 10:30am - 11:15am Story Time @ Bethalto Library 12pm - 3pm Kids Corner @ Fairmont City Library Every Saturday 10am - 11am Story Hour @ Smithton Library 10:30am - 11:30am Saturday Storytime @ Maryville Community Library 11am - 11:30am Story Time @ Afterwords Books 9am & 11am Holiday Storytime @ Eckert’s Garden Center (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 Every Sunday 9am & 11am Holiday Storytime @ Eckert’s Garden Center (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 6:30pm - 7pm P.J. Storytime @ Six Mile Library Dec 14, 11am - 12pm Bow-wow Pow-wow @ Hayner Alton Square Library Join us for a Bow-wow Pow-wow. Certified therapy dogs will be at the Hayner Alton Square Library, and your child can read stories to them or just visit to receive furry hugs and wet kisses. It’s a great way to increase your child’s reading skills, and absolute fun for everyone. Bring your camera! No registration is required for this free program. Dec 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm P.A.W.S. @ Jennie Latzer Kaeser Children’s Library Read to a therapy dog
the state of the ARTS Today’s little artists may be our future inventors
Here’s a review of the seventh lesson from the National Arts Education Association’s citing of the 10 Lessons the Arts Teach from the book “The Arts and the Creation of Mind” by Eisner, E., chapter 4, What the Arts Teach and How it Shows (pp. 70-92).
By:
Sue Hezel
7. The arts teach students to think through and within a material. All art forms employ some means through which images become real. The materials an artist may choose or be assigned to work in requires an understanding of how to use the materials coupled with the freedom to explore other uses. Whether the materials are crayons, clay, paint, glass, metals or textiles, the artist controls the learned and exploratory processes used to create the image to the point they say, “It’s done.” They’ve garnered the image in their mind into a form they can share with others. Voilà, their image has become real because that’s the way they invented it to be.
The Take Away…
Do yourself and your family a big favor and go visit the St. Louis Art Museum! The new wing is fun to see and experience and the entire museum is packed with wonderful world-class collections of art. Take the time to read the posted information about the pieces that really catch your eye. Don’t question why they catch your eye – just linger and observe the work as a whole and then step up close (but stay behind the line) and take a very close look at interesting bits of detail. Think about how the artist conceived of every line and curve, color and shadow with respect to the medium in order to yield what you now see before you. Imagine how they labored over the best way to manage the material to convey what they wanted. Artists are inventors too, in every step of a piece of art. Isn’t the inventor mindset just the thing we need to nurture in order to crank up innovation and productivity in our society? Help your children engage in the arts at home and show appreciation for the effort. Inquiring about how and why the artist created each piece the way they did will lead to an insightful dialogue. Put less emphasis on the outcome. If the finished product isn’t what the child had expected, remind them that the process can always begin again. In fact, it will
probably yield a better result because of the knowledge they gained on the first attempt. It’s really the process of creating art and all the inventions along the way that deserve most of the applause! Sue Hezel is the owner of pen2paper art studio in Columbia, IL. Sue teaches the eduArts method, founded by Mona Brookes over 30 years ago, to children ages 3 to 103 at the studio and offsite. At pen2paper art studio, professional artists teach a variety of art instruction, from photography to clay sculpture, and every kind of drawing or painting class. Classes by the month are available days, after school, evenings and weekends!
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Illustration by Tom McFarland
T
Family Features
he advancements in technology have changed many things in our daily lives including how we celebrate the holidays. From making shopping easier to planning holiday getaways, the endless capabilities of smart phone devices have made the holidays easier and better than ever before, allowing you to save time and money all with the touch of a button. From travel to shopping, here are some of the ways to use technology to enhance your yuletide celebrations and resolve some of the stress-inducing activities of the season.
Holly jolly entertaining with ease
Time spent with loved ones is what the holidays are all about. Here are some ways your smartphone can make these occasions even more joyous: n Festive films and shows: Whether you want to entertain the kids while waiting to board the plane or just want to catch your favorite holiday movie from the convenience of your phone, you can do so with ease with the Netflix app. Included with your Netflix membership, this easy app lets you download and stream thousands of your favorite television shows and movies to enjoy at any time you please. n Merry-making invitations: Send out invitations to your ugly sweater party or caroling bash with unique, perfectly decorated invites with the Evite app. This helpful tool also allows you to manage guest lists and RSVP to other events in a snap. n Good tidings and great tunes: The holidays would not be complete without the sounds and songs of the season filling the air. From kids’ school parties to a holiday feast with family and friends, you can create your own personal holiday playlists to fit every event and mood. This unlimited access to music at your fingertips is a gift in itself.
recipients to create a list of suitable items they would love. It also combines all of these recommended items in a convenient, click-through catalog to make purchasing gifts easier. Make the shopping experience go even more smoothly by ensuring your phone has a strong, reliable signal. The zBoost SOHO cell phone signal booster kit increases signals up to 2500 square feet, making it perfect for your home or office. For more information, visit www.zBoost. com. n Lists you’ll love: When it comes to keeping track of presents, there’s no need for pen and paper. The Christmas Gift List app allows you to create a budget for each recipient and then track gifts as they are purchased. n One cool countdown: Follow the @ ChristmasCount on your Twitter app for jolly updates on your favorite holiday. Besides keeping you aware of how many days you have left to shop, it also includes trivia and giveaways to keep you in the spirit. n See Santa save: Ever wondered if you could get a gift at a better price? The RedLaser app allows you to search for a specific product and find its price at all retailers within the area. It’s “In-store pickup” function allows you to purchase the gift directly from your phone for easy pickup and to ensure availability during those last-minute scrambles.
Holiday shopping simplified
Taking the stress out of travel
So many gifts to purchase and so little time. Try these handy helpers to get all the gifts you need and still have time to stop and enjoy the eggnog: n Guesswork-free gifts: Some apps, such as the Pickie’s Best Gift Giver tool, use the Facebook likes and preferences of your gift
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If your holiday plans require traveling with the family, the proper planning tools are essential. Try these holiday helpers that make traveling a breeze: n Joyful journeys: Need a break from the family? Want to explore the best attractions in grandpa’s hometown? The
Tripomatic app allows you to customize your own travel itinerary by entering the dates and location of your stay. Along with top attractions for your vacation spot, the app also pulls up an easy download of city guides so you can find the best diner, historic monument or shopping venue in town. n Travels by road: If your holiday travels require a car ride, give the RoadNinja app a try. Restaurants, gas stations and other points of interest are posted for each highway exit on your route. Make sure you can access such helpful apps by ensuring you have the proper signal in your car. The zBoost zForce Cell Phone Signal Booster improves signal strength for voice and data to help you enjoy the journey. n Plans and planes: Keep all of your travel plans in one spot with the TripIt itinerary app. By linking to your email account, it sorts and places confirmation emails and other travel documents into the app. n A cheerful stay: Whether you didn’t plan far enough ahead, or your mother’s house is overflowing with relatives, a peaceful hotel room is at hand with the Hotel Tonight app. By specializing in last-minute deals provided by area hotels, you end up with a luxurious room at a lower price.
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*All Brands of Clothing Sizes 0-12 in Hard-To-Tell-From-New-Condition! *Maternity Clothes, Women *Baby Gear, Bumbos, Pack and Plays, High Chairs, Strollers, Swings, etc. Visit us online at www.wee-peatkids.com or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/weepeatkids
HANNAH'S PLAYGROUND
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PARTIES ▪ STORYTELLING ▪ FUNDRAISERS MetroEastParent.com
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How to not gain weight this Holiday Season? Remember it is Holi-days, not Holi-months!
Kim Tiemann, Executive Director • S I Medical Weight Loss • Belleville • 618-234-5677 The holidays are here! A time to eat, drink and be merry! But if you’re on a journey of weight loss, the holidays can be an especially difficult time. So much of holiday tradition revolves around fabulous food and decadent drinks. With all of the homemade cookies ready to sabotage weight loss goals, having a strategy for the holidays is essential to staying on track.
that…holi-days, not holi-months! Don’t think of the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as an open invitation to overindulge just because it is the holiday season. There will be days where a party or gathering will take place and temptation will present itself. But those will be just a few compared to the many days that make up the rest of the holiday season.
First and foremost, remember that the holidays are just
On those days that bring temptation, be prepared. If possible, eating healthy before attending an event can curb the appetite enough to avoid completely annihilating a weight loss plan. But if eating beforehand isn’t possible, plan to start with protein first. Choose lean meats, nuts, cheeses, and of course, veggies. Try to drink plenty of water, either as your beverage of choice or in between other choices. Say no to take-home treats. If hosting an event, have a variety of food that will not thwart weight loss efforts, again keeping in mind that higher protein food choices satisfy longer and do not result in the sugar highs and lows that carbohydrates may create. When the party is over, get rid of any food that could hamper weight loss goals.
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Stress during the holidays is inevitable, and for those people that soothe their stress through food the cravings may seem too much to handle. Again, being prepared is the key. Carrying healthy snacks like nuts, protein bars, cheese sticks, etc., can satisfy the appetite while keeping to a weight loss regimen. Throw some snacks in the car, desk or locker for those times when a proper meal isn’t going to happen. After a busy day, a snack on hand can mean the difference between a drive-thru debacle and staying on track. Finally, the holidays are to be enjoyed! The warmth and spirit of this season is interwoven with memories of past seasons with friends, family and food. Don’t let a current weight loss plan negate the making of additional happy memories. Enjoy!
Eat, Drink, and be Merry!
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ARE FASTBRACES SAFE? Dr. Anna Smith is the owner dentist of the one-and-only Dentistry With TLC. As a general dentist she specializes in nothing and personally performs all types of complex and routine dentistry from her office in Godfrey, Illinois. She is interviewed monthly on Channel 4’s “Great Day St. Louis” and Channel 5’s “Show Me St. Louis” about advancements in dental technology. She was awarded “Top Doctor 2011-2012” of all Fastbraces dentists worldwide, and is one of only four dentists in the United States to achieved “Sapphire Partner” status for helping people treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy instead of a CPAP. Away from the office Dr. Smith enjoys baking, walking her dog Charley, practicing for weekly piano lessons, watching Real Housewives, redecorating her home and scrapbooking. Fastbraces have been tested and proven safe for children and adults for over 20 years. Fastbraces are safe. Fastbraces are not new. However, Fastbraces are relatively new to the St. Louis area. They were invented by an orthodontist in Texas and are very popular in that area of the country. Fastbraces have several unique characteristics that are increasing their popularity over traditional types of braces.
I think a great way to think about this newer technology is to compare it to traveling. If I told you I was going to travel to Chicago in only one hour you would consider it impossible for me to drive that fast. However, by flying I could easily make it to Chicago in an hour. Fastbraces are like the airplane, allowing your teeth to straighten faster because of their amazing technology.
First, Fastbraces are designed to straighten teeth and correct your bite in just 3 months to about a year. They have this unique ability due to their different design. Old technology braces are usually square in shape and typically move the top of the tooth in the first year and the root of the tooth the second year. This usually requires about two years of braces treatment. Fastbraces are triangular in shape and gently allow the top and root of the tooth to move at the same time. Therefore,
Many people assume Fastbraces will be painful because they move your teeth faster. This is not true. University research has shown Fastbraces to be less sensitive than traditional braces. Fastbraces have no more risks than traditional braces. The second unique characteristic of Fastbraces is the cost. Fastbraces cost LESS than slower, traditional and invisible braces. The average cost of traditional braces in this area of the country is about $5,000. Invisible braces tend to cost even more. Fastbraces start at just $3,500. The shorter treatment time of Fastbraces means there are fewer visits to the dentist which decreases your bottom line. Finally, the very best unique characteristic about Fastbraces is their lifetime satisfaction promise. For example, if your dog eats your retainers and your teeth become crooked again you can have Fastbraces again for free. You only pay for the cost of your new retainers and records. No other type of braces offers this type of guarantee. All of these unique advantages have created a buzz about Fastbraces. They are available in both metal and porcelain (clear). I have many patients who drive from all over Illinois, Missouri and even Iowa to have Fastbraces at Dentistry With TLC in Godfrey, Illinois. I have never come across any other type of braces that actually deliver all their promises in such a short amount of time.
Fastbraces can safely do in one year what slower braces require Dr.toSmith has a 99 percent success rate treating patients with oral appliance therapy. She is the only dentist in the two years complete. St. Louis area to achieved “Platinum Partner” status from Somnomed, an oral appliance manufacturer, for her dedication to successfully helping patients use oral appliances. To learn more about oral appliance therapy, read real patient’s experiences, and watch Dr. Smith’s television interviews about sleep apnea, visit www.DentistryWithTLC.com. Call 618-466-9367 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith and discover if an oral appliance is an option for your unique situation. Page 31
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223 N. Main St. Columbia, IL 62236
618.593.3492
by Scott Harres
Don’t Let Your Holiday Season Ruin Your Summer!
At a time when you’re theoretically supposed to be appreciating time with loved ones and enjoying the blissful traditions of all of our winter festivities, unfortunately, for some (and probably most!), this time of year is a time for putting health and wellness on the backburner. Diet and nutrition goes down the tubes. Exercise? Yah right, it’s cold out! Sleep? What’s sleep? Most of us come out on the other side of winter foggy headed and left with a few extra pounds! The ever-present reality of bikini season ominously approaches. I figured now would be a great time for me to weigh in on the subject and give you a few tips and a bit of a blueprint to follow because with a little knowledge and guile you could perhaps even hold steady or improve your wellbeing over these next few months! First off, it’s important to go into the fray with a food game plan. Thanksgiving and Christmas provide ample opportunities for “cheating” and “relapses.” The best advice I can give is to be wary of reintroducing foods you have been avoiding, and if you must, be mindful of portion size. If there are big family dinners on the calendar, start those mornings off right with a healthy breakfast. As always, it’s best to avoid at all costs processed wheat products which trigger the release of the fat storage hormone, insulin: crackers, bread (yes even your beloved “healthy whole grain toast” has a greater effect on your blood sugar and insulin levels than 2 tablespoons of white table sugar!), pancakes, pizza, bagels, etc. Focus on all the colorful vegetables filled with antioxidants on the table. Go for vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats (remember fat is not the enemy
any more!). At your next dinner party, opt for red wine instead of a mixed drink with high-sugar mixers or a high calorie, wheatladen craft beer. Besides avoiding wheat (aka sugary) products, your best bet is to counteract any of your naughty nutritional practices with a little high-intensity exercise. Look, the science is in: long, slow, chronic cardio is out. If you want to waste your time going on long, slow trots in the cold, or bore yourself to death on the elliptical, be my guest. However, please know that the best way to burn fat, gain strength, and stay overuse injury-free is through short bursts of high-intensity exercise. 3-5 times per week, set a clock for 10 minutes and see how many rounds of 10 air squats, 10 burpees, and 10 sit-ups you can achieve. Now THAT’S a workout. It’s quick, simple, and diabolically effective. Change up the movements, reps, and time to keep it fresh. Exercise should not be boring or feel like a chore. Spice it up! Finally, the research shows all humans need 8-10 hours of sleep, MINIMUM, in order to thrive physically and mentally. Yes, perhaps you can survive on 5 hours of sleep for now, however it is a fact that it will catch up with you and you will pay with illness, high stress levels, and lethargy; hardly the trifecta desired at this time of year. This is a stressful time of year and your body, mind, and soul deserve to be treated with kindness. Keep it simple: avoid wheat and sugar, exercise in short, intense bursts, and try to get more sleep and you’ll come crush your holiday duties and come out ahead in the spring!
CONSTANTLY
VARIED DIFFERENT EVERY SESSION
FUNCTIONAL
MOVEMENT HOW WE MOVE IN REAL LIFE
HIGH
INTENSITY INFINITELY SCALABLE TO YOUR FITNESS LEVEL
Teens classes are ongoing and adult intro classes start every four weeks. Next On-Ramp starts January 6. Scott Harres, Owner/Head Coach
scott@barehandscrossfit.com 618.593.3492
BareHandsCrossFit.com
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PROBIOTICS: GOOD BUGS FOR OVERALL HEALTH Dr. Colleen Stratton C.A.C.C.P.
Dr. Stratton is a member of the Illinois Chiropractic Society, and the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Edwardsville Region Breastfeeding Task Force. Dr. Stratton spent 8 years as a birth doula in the St. Louis area providing natural labor support for families.
We have all heard by now that probiotics are good for avoiding a yeast infection or diarrhea after taking a round of antibiotics, but there is more…
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
There are over 500 species of “good” or “beneficial” bacteria normally found in our digestive systems known as flora. When there is an abundance of beneficial flora in your body, it is harder for bad bacteria that can cause illness to proliferate. The good bacteria, in essence, push out the bad bacteria, many times before a person even feels ill. Probiotics are a source of these beneficial bacteria and are found naturally in foods such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut. However, since most people would find it difficult to consume enough of these foods to adequately support the balance of beneficial flora in their gut, they add a probiotic dietary supplement to their daily routine.
COOL RESEARCH ABOUT PROBIOTICS
A recent analysis of twenty-two studies suggest that probiotics can reduce antibiotic associated diarrhea by 60% and may be helpful for people suffering from IBS, diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal upsets.1 Probiotics also restore balance to the genitourinary tract in fighting against yeast infections, as well as diaper rash in infants and toddlers. Another study suggests that Lactobacillus GG (a specific strain of probiotic) may aid in reducing acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding.2 Prophylactic use of probiotics in children may decrease the incidence of eczema3, atopic dermatitis4, and urinary tract infectionS5. Colic6 and lactose intolerance in infants was significantly reduced with the use of probiotics. A
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Georgetown University Medical Center study in 2010 found that children who used a probiotic drink every day for 90 days were 19% less likely to suffer from ear and sinus infections, as well as gastrointestinal infections.7 But the most interesting discovery so far is that probiotics may improve the bioavailability of certain nutrients8,9,10 including: • B vitamins • Calcium • Iron • Zinc • Copper • Magnesium • Phosphorus It is known that up to 80% of your immune system is housed in the mucosa of your digestive tract. Maintaining proper balance of the naturally occurring flora is an essential part of our immune health by not allowing the bad bacteria and viruses to take root in our body and increasing the availability of the vitamins and minerals that kill them.
SO WHAT SHOULD I BUY AND HOW SHOULD I USE IT? With the stress and poor nutrition of ourselves and our children, most people would benefit from a daily probiotic supplement and when feeling under the weather, the probiotic can help you fight those nasty bugs, whether it’s a cold, flu, or other infection. There are many different strains of beneficial probiotics and research is currently being conducted to determine which strains are most beneficial for which conditions. In general, at this time, it is suggested that a reputable probiotic supplement will contain multiple strains of Lactobacillus (acidophilus, GG, and or sporogenes), Bifidobacterium, and some may contain Saccharomyces boulardii (a beneficial yeast). Dosage depends on the age, weight, and overall health of the individual, so it is suggested to ask your physician, naturopath, or chiropractic physician.
DermaLuxe .
DermaLuxe is an exciting new medical practice, under the supervision of Gary J. Vicik, MD, a board certified dermatologist with 40 years of clinical experience. A wide variety of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed by board certified nurse practitioners are offered to improve your appearance. At DermaLuxe we evaluate each patient individually. At the initial cosmetic consultation, we address all the patient’s cosmetic concerns and outline a selection of recommended corrective actions and products. These may include non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, prescription medications, and/or cosmeceuticals. Ultherapy® is a new non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses ultrasound and the body’s own healing process to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin on the face and neck. It is the only FDA-approved nonsurgical procedure to lift skin on the neck and face. Ultherapy® stimulates the deep structure of the skin to address these areas without disrupting the skin’s surface. The Ulthera® system delivers focused ultrasound energy through the skin, generating heat and stimulating new collagen formation. Results are long term and unfold over a period of 2-3 months. Some patients may benefit from more than one treatment. Results vary from patient to patient. Youthful skin contains ample collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, giving volume, support and suppleness. Over time these support structures deplete and facial lines, wrinkles and skin laxity become more apparent. We offer Botox® injections which relaxes certain muscles that create wrinkles about the eyes. The effects from a session of Botox® last for about 3 months. To add volume to the skin, we offer dermal fillers Juvederm® and Radiesse®. Juvederm® is a hyaluronic acid product that replaces the material lost over time. Radiesse® works by providing a scaffold under the skin, forming a structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow. The effects of the dermal fillers last a year or longer, and reevaluation and touch ups are best done at 6 months. IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light phototherapy, is used to lighten, fade, or remove sun damaged skin spots, excess redness, unwanted hair, and spider veins in a non-ablative manner. The IPL system utilizes optical filters to generate specific wavelengths of light for treatment of individual skin concerns to specifically target and minimize the appearance of each problem area. The Dermasweep® MD system is a non-invasive exfoliation and skin resurfacing system that offers superior flexibility, precision, and control for optimal benefits to a wide variety of skin types and conditions. The patented bristle and vacuum technology gently lifts the skin against the treatment tip (selected specifically for your skin type), sweeping away the topmost layer of dead skin cells. The vacuum wand stimulates blood flow, decongests pores, and removes skin debris. The Dermasweep® system also combines this precision exfoliation with the delivery of topical skin specific infusions to further address unique skincare needs such as acne, hyperpigmentation, hydration, and aging.
Call us today at 618-397-6605 to schedule your cosmetic consultation!
DermaLuxe Cosmetic Dermatology 3608 West Main Street Belleville, IL 62226 618-397-6605 www.dermassociatesltd.com MetroEastParent.com
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THE SKIPPER Steps to take if you fall through ice into water... “S” Stay Calm “K” Kick “P” Pull “R” Roll Kathy and Kadin
After a young mother, her son, and his friend all drowned after falling through thin ice on a family pond, family members and friends of the woman vowed to do what they could to ensure a similar tragedy never strike another family. Out of that tragedy was born Project Skipper, a Waterloo-based not for profit corporation whose mission is to raise awareness of the dangers posed by ice-covered bodies of water and to teach self-rescue techniques to help prevent drowning. Skipper is an acronym for Stay calm, Kick, Pull, and Roll. These four simple steps will allow a person to get up and out of the water, onto the ice, and roll off the ice safely. According to a member of the Project Skipper board, the Midwest is one of the most dangerous places for ice-related incidents. Further north, lakes and ponds freeze to a safe thickness, and down south, lakes and ponds seldom freeze at all. The Midwest, with its
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wide winter temperature swings, makes Project Skipper’s ”See Ice, Think Twice” slogan all the more important. Since its incorporation in February, 2011, Project Skipper volunteers have been active in the community spreading its ice-safety message to scout groups, school groups, and parent and civic organizations. Volunteers have manned informational booths at area festivals and fairs. Members of the Project Skipper board participated in the Waterloo Fire Department’s recent cold water rescue training which allowed a volunteer to be “rescued” in a simulated cold-water rescue situation. Project Skipper’s main fundraiser is a Ride for Awareness poker run and silent auction held each year in July. Project Skipper’s ice-safety message is starting to reach beyond the local area. In addition to receiving proclamations from Waterloo’s Mayor Tom Smith, Project Skipper has been recognized by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois House of Representatives. Members of the Project Skipper board recently made a series of presentations at the Illinois School Board Association’s annual convention in Chicago. Next up for Project Skipper is the development of a series of educational materials that teachers all across the region will be able to download from the Skipper website and then present in their classrooms. For now, educators and parents can to www. projectskipper.com to download ice-related lesson plans, activities, and experiments. More information on Project Skipper is available at www. projectskipper.com. Contact Project Skipper by email at infoprojectskipper@yahoo.com, or “like” us on Facebook.
Brefeld Physical Therapy Serv. P.C.
KIDS IN ACTION By Dr. Joan Brefeld, Brefeld Physical Therapy Services
Accidents are bound to happen when you have active children playing, running, climbing. Statistics show that emergency room visits for children that are due to falls are approximately 8,000 per day, according to the Center for Disease Control. Falling on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) is one of the most common types of injuries. It is a protective measure of the body when falling to catch ourselves by putting out our hands. The stress to the arm can cause a wrist fracture. Activities such as playing in the yard or playground, climbing, jumping off steps or out of trees can cause a fall. The peak age for this type of injury is 5-14 years of age. When you go to the emergency room x-rays may be taken to determine the extent of the injury. A simple cast may be applied or a surgery may be required. In any case of immobilization of an arm or leg for several weeks, there will be joint swelling, weakness of the muscles and limited range of motion with some pain. Following the period of immobilization, when healing has occurred, return to activity begins. Physical therapy is very helpful with advancing a child through an exercise program and providing techniques to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the child’s previous activity level, there may be training to return to sufficient strength to resume a sport or recreation activity. Preventive measures can be taken to insure the safety of active children. Supervision during sports and recreational outings, with safety training to the children is important. When a child has reoccurring sprains or strains a referral to physical therapy can be beneficial to assess for muscle weakness. A strengthening program can be set up to reduce the risk of continued strains or more severe injuries. In a situation of children reporting frequent pain with activity, physical therapy can evaluate the pain and help determine strengthening
measures or pain reduction techniques to return the child to pain free movement. In the cases where there is greater concern, after evaluation the physical therapist and pediatrician can discuss further options to best meet the child’s needs. If you feel like your child could benefit from an evaluation or therapy after a fall, the pediatric specialist at Brefeld Physical Therapy is ready to help. The Kids In Action therapists and assistants work with children after injuries to help them return to their previous level of function. Both physical and occupational therapy services are available. Therapy services at Brefeld Physical Therapy do require the prescription of a physician. Evaluations and therapy sessions are covered by most insurance plans. For further information contact Brefeld Physical Therapy at 618-236-7588. Dr. Joan Brefeld, PT, staff physical therapists and occupational therapist will be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.
Helping create a world without limits for kids
Since 1986, Brefeld Therapy Services has provided children (and adults) with comprehensive therapy services to enhance independence. Physical Therapy Evaluation Exercise/Balance Gait Training Treadmill Training (Lite-Gait;Walkable) Ortho, Neuro, Post-Surgery Seating+Mobility Equipment
Brefeld Physical Therapy Services
Occupational Therapy
Speech Language Pathology
Hand Dexterity Activities of Daily Living Feeding Sensory Developmental Training
Receptive and Expressive Communication Consultation and Training Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)
(618) 236-7588
106 Lincoln Place Ct. Belleville, IL 62221 Fax: (618) 236-7589 Hours: Mon thru Fri 8-6; Sat 9-12 We are a provider for most insurance plans. We can screen insurance participation and work with any insurance carriers.
www.brefeldtherapy.com MetroEastParent.com
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Treat yourself to a Younger You this Holiday Season Dr. Diederich is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Association for Hand Surgery , Illinois State Medical Society, and is president elect for the Madison County Medical Society.
Kids Learn to Swim
Don’t wait until summer to enroll your child in swimming lessons! Starting January 13, evening and weekend classes are available for children ages 6 mos. to 15. Contact Kathy at (618) 468-5760 or kconlee@lc.edu to find the class that is right for your child.
It’s what you know.
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As a mother you spend your life running from activity to activity. This high stress lifestyle can take a toll. It is easy for moms to forget to take the time out of their busy schedules and do something nice for themselves. Winter is a great time to do something to make you look and feel the way you want. Would you like your skin to look younger and healthier? Try Obagi! Winter is the best time to start a good skin care regimen and no products compare with the benefit your skin will get from a prescription skin care line, Obagi. Research has shown that Obagi will balance your skin color, improve skin collagen, and revitalize skin texture. Obagi can make your skin look younger and healthier. These products are scientifically and clinically proven to improve your skin cell function at the cellular level. You will notice smoother, softer, clearer, and more evenly toned skin. Rejuvenating and transforming your skin takes time with most patients noticing visible improvement within 4-6 weeks. Starting the Obagi skin regimen in the winter will have you looking radiant in time for spring. Looking for a Christmas gift idea? Botox and skin fillers create a more youthful you. These products can get rid of the fine lines and wrinkles in your face, creating a more refreshed look. Botox is quick and easy and the results can last up to 3 months. Botox helps smooth the skin contour and relax the facial muscles, thus reducing wrinkles! We also offer skin fillers that can also help create a smooth and natural contour to the face by replacing volume lost as you age. With just one treatment, you can achieve natural-looking results that can last up to one year. If you are looking for a bigger change, winter is the perfect time to undergo a cosmetic surgery. As with any surgery, there is a small amount of downtime after a cosmetic procedure; often less time than you would think. What better time to recover than when the kids are in school and you don't have all of the summer activities. If you are considering a change, winter is the perfect time to schedule a consultation.
Substance Abuse in America Did You Know? 1 in 10 American adults and teenagers have a drug and/or alcohol dependence problem? Yet, only 11% of those who need treatment received it at a specialty facility.
Underage Drinking Above Average in Illinois With holiday break around the corner and celebration plans underway, Gateway Foundation cautions parents that underage drinking is a common concern, according to a report issued by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In fact, the proportion of minors who consume alcohol here in Illinois is higher than the national average. Combined 2008 to 2010 data indicates that 28.2% of Illinois residents aged 12 to 20 drank in the past month, which is more than the countrywide average of 26.6% of underage drinkers who consumed alcohol in the past month. Furthermore, 8.52% of minors in Illinois are purchasing alcoholic beverages themselves.
Children who learn the facts and dangers from their parents about illegal drug use and underage drinking are up to 50% less likely to engage in substance abuse than those who do not. When parents talk openly about the dangers of taking drugs and drinking with their children, teens have better self-control and develop more negative perceptions of these risky behaviors. For tips on having productive conversations with teens about the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, visit recovergateway.org/toolkit and check out Gateway Foundation’s “What’s a Parent to Do?” toolkit. If you are concerned about your teen’s alcohol or drug use, call Gateway. 877-505-HOPE (877-505-4673)
About Gateway Foundation Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment is a non-profit organization with treatment centers located throughout Illinois. We are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of the people we treat. Since 1968, we have been an industry leader in providing the answers individuals and their families need related to drug and alcohol treatment. Our substance abuse treatment programs treat both adults and teens and include Outpatient, Residential, Day Treatment and Aftercare. We also provide treatment to those who are challenged with a Co-Occurring/Dual-Diagnosed mental health problem. Gateway's drug and alcohol treatment programs are innovative, effective and cost-efficient. We are an organization that has always been sensitive to the cost of care and will provide affordable treatment that is within your reach. The work we've done has earned us numerous awards in the industry as well as accreditation by The Joint Commission, the leading accrediting organization for hospitals and other healthcare organizations. We also strive to educate individuals, businesses, policy makers and the public about major issues related to substance abuse, alcohol and drug addiction and treatment. We act as advocates in urging adoption of comprehensive drug rehab and alcohol treatment programs. Learn more about the Gateway Foundation Alcohol & Drug Treatment centers located in Chicago, throughout Illinois, and near St. Louis at recovergateway.org.
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Calendar of Events Weekly Activities Every Tuesday 10:15am - 11:15am Ballroom Dancing @ MSCC 5pm - 6pm Family Night @ ChickFil-A Greenmount Commons 5pm - 8pm Family Night @ McAlister’s Deli McAlister’s Deli Shiloh & Fairview Heights Every Wednesday 4:15pm - 5pm Aspiring Artist Classes @ The Magic House
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! Every Thursday 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House 10am - 1:30pm Used Book Sales @ St Josephs Hospital- Breese 6pm - 8pm FREE Movie Night @ Collinsville Memorial Library Every Friday 11am - 1:30pm Free Lunch Friday @ Immanuel UMC Edwardsville 4pm - 8pm Troy VFW Fish fry 4:30pm - 7pm Chicken & Fish Dinner @ Carlyle K of C Hall 4:30pm - 7:30pm Chicken, Fish & Shrimp Fry @ Aviston American Legion 4:30pm - 7:30pm Edwardsville K of C Fish Fry Every Saturday Wild Saturday @ St Louis Science Center 7:30am - 12pm Old Town Market @ Belleville 12:30pm - 3:30pm Creative Kids Art Class @ SWIC 1pm - 2pm Yoga @ Glen Carbon Library 1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St Louis Art Museum
Shows and Concerts Nov 19- Dec 2 SISTER ACT @ The Fabulous Fox SISTER ACT is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “Ridiculously Fun,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in Page 39
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total agreement! A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to Rejoice! Dec 1, 3pm - 5pm Greater Alton Concert Assoc.: The Gothard Sisters @ Lewis & Clark Community College Fierce, fast fiddling and a splash of lively step dancing are only a couple of reasons the Gothard Sisters will make you wish you were Irish. Dec 4, 1:30pm - 3:30pm A Happy Christmas @ Lincoln Theatre Mike Williamson & Company in their new holiday show filled with your favorites Dec 4, 7:30pm - 9pm “The Sounds of Christmas” @ The Hettenhausen Center The Sound of Christmas,” starring Elisabeth Von Trapp and the Carolian Brass, features the beloved music of the von Trapp family (“The Sound of Music”) performed by Maria’s granddaughter and an exceptional brass quintet. Dec 5- Dec 8, The Christmas Carol @ The Fox Theater When Charles Dickens wrote his “ghostly little tale” in 1843, he couldn’t know that A CHRISTMAS CAROL was destined to become one of the most beloved holiday traditions of all time. By telling this fable illustrating the unfairness of the Industrial Revolution and the necessity for brotherhood and unselfishness, Dickens gave the world one of its most enduring Christmas stories.
Dec 5- Dec 8, 7pm - 9pm 35th Annual OTHS Madrigal Dinner Concert “Beggar’s Night” 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! Performed by the OTHS Chamber Ensemble “Beggar’s Night” cost is $10 per person. For ticket information, please visitwww.othschoir.com Dec 6, 4pm - 9pm Madrigal Dinner Theater @ Gateway Center Madrigal Dinner Theater is a spectacular gourmet holiday banquet set in Medieval times. It is hosted by a talented cast including a King &Queen and members of the Royal Court--singers, dancers, tumblers, non-singing comic roles (jesters,) a royal storyteller (the amazing Marilyn Kinsella,) jugglers, serving wenches and stewards (who also do not need to sing and sometimes have the most fun,) and generally a batch of mischievous children--young princes and princesses. The banquet courses are served during the show. It is an incredibly fun event for both the audience and the cast! If you would like information about being part of the Royal Court for this event, please emailinfo@ takeabowshowcase.org or call 618-409-0015 Dec 6, 7pm - 9pm Great Rivers Choral Society @ The Wildey Theatre GRCS program this year is “Celebrating a White Christmas”. Some of the most memorable music of the Holiday Season comes from the era of Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Chorus will also present some traditional carols and end the evening with a rousing Sing-A-Long sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit! Dec 6 – Dec 8, 7:30pm - 9:30pm Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol @ Lindenwood University- Belleville Bring the entire family out to enjoy again the magic and mystery as we celebrate the season with the classic tale, A Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ classic has been a holiday tradition at Lindenwood University for over three decades. Many first-year Fine and Performing Arts students have made their performing debut in the annual production of A Christmas Carol and moved into more intensive roles in the production throughout their matriculation at Lindenwood.
family. Switchback always provides a beautiful touch of holiday magic. Register at 1-800-613-3163. Dec 8, 3pm - 5pm Belleville Philharmonic Youth Orchestra @ Union United Methodist Church Belleville George N. Tuerck Memorial Concert followed by refreshments. Featuring three Concerto Winners: Julia Riew (violin), Bailey Martin-Giacalone(oboe) and Lauren Cerbin (piano). Open to the public; $2 admission fee. Dec 8, 3pm - 5pm Christmas Choral Concert @ McKendree University Dec 8, 4pm - 8pm Bethalto Spirit Choir & Christmas Walk Enjoy street carolers and costumed characters reliving a Victorian Christmas in downtown. Christmas concert performed by Bethalto Spirit Choir and Orchestra at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church (201 SouthMoreland Rd) Dec 8, 4pm - 5pm Handel’s “Messiah” @ Greenville Whitlock Music Center Dec 8, 5pm - 8pm Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker @ The Peabody Opera House The holiday favorite dramatizes the traditional story of Masha meeting her “Prince” and, exclusive to Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, adds a tribute to world peace as well. The “Dove of Peace, ”for which 2 dancers become one bird with a 20 foot wingspan, escorts Masha and Prince to the “Land of Peace and Harmony.” Celebrate the beauty of the holidays and the best of Russian ballet in Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!
Dec 6, 7:30pm - 9:30pm McKendree Christmas Concert @ McKendree University Dec 7, 7:30pm - 8:30pm Masterworks Chorale “Messiah” Part 1 @ St. Paul’s UCC - Belleville Dec 8, 2pm - 4pm A Celtic Christmas at the Chapel @ Lewis & Clark Community College They’re back!! The amazing duo Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, who perform as Switchback, are returning to bring us a wonderful holiday program. Don’t miss another chance to see these award-winning musicians playing selections from their latest holiday album, Celtic requests, and favorites from their original songbook—truly a show for the whole
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SALE
Starts Fri., Nov. 22 at 6pm Ends Sun., Nov. 24 at 4pm
SAVE BIG!!!
ON SKATES & ACCESSORIES
Now Featuring...
$2 Tuesdays· 6-8pm Walk & Roll Saturdays 11am-1pm Session geared for kids 8 & under w/FREE skate lesson. All ages welcome! $6 admission
WE THROW GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!!
Public Skating Times Fri: 7pm-10pm Sat: 11am-1pm (Walk & Roll) Sat: 1pm-5pm Sat: 7pm - 10pm (Family Night)
Free pizza and pitcher of soda with 5 paid admissions.
Sun: 1pm-5pm Tues: 6pm-8pm
$2 admission & $2 skate rental
$6 admission $2 regular skate rental $3 roller blade rental 10 sessions for $40 value cards & gift certificates also available
284 Riggin Rd., Troy, IL
618-667-3218 618-667-3328
www.spincityskating.com Page 41 MetroEastParent.com
Dec 12 – Dec 15 7th Annual Christmas Carol @ Granite City by Granite City High School. For ticket information or additional information emailjohn.manoogian@gcsd9.net
Belleville West High School The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America presents their holiday concert at Belleville West High School Auditorium. 618-233-6769
Dec 12 – Dec 15, 7:30pm - 9:30pm A Christmas Pudding @ Alton Little Theater A holiday confection told in song, stories and poems, A Christmas Pudding celebrates the season with lighthearted whimsy and solemn reflection. This collection of Christmas memoires featuring tales by Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, George Bernard Shaw and more is interwoven with traditional melodies familiar from ages gone by. A Christmas Pudding is a treasury of literary and musical gifts, a true recipe for Christmas celebration.
Dec 13, 7:30pm - 10pm Martina McBride: “The Joy of Christmas” Tour @ The Fabulous Fox
Dec 12, 8pm - 10pm A Christmas Story @ The Wildey Theatre Join The BANK of Edwardsville at the Wildey Theatre for a FREE showing of the holiday classic, A Christmas Story. Nine year old Ralph “Ralphie” Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: “an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time.” While using various schemes to convince his parents to get him this gift, he continually bumps into objections from others saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Dec 13, 20 & 27 Christmas with Dickens @ Lebanon Prior to the annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” at the Looking Glass Playhouse, the merchants of Lebanon are providing a means of food, fun, and adventure. Watch the various websites in Lebanon for further information. Dec 13, 20 & 27, 7pm - 10pm A Christmas Carol @ Looking Glass Playhouse – Lebanon Come see the best known play by Charles Dickens, on the very streets that he walked in 1842. Dec 13, 7pm - 9pm USAF Band of Mid-America Holiday Concert @
Dec 14, 12pm - 2:30pm Falstaff (Verdi) @ The Hettenhausen Center Join a worldwide audience from your “better than front row seat” for the New York Metropolitan Opera’s Emmy awardwinning Live in HD series of highdefinition simulcast transmissions. Presented with subtitles. Dec 14 – Dec 15, Nutcracker @ Wildey Threatre Turning Pointe Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker The performance spotlights dancers of all ages in this time honored classic. This is the inaugural performance of Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet, The Nutcracker, at the Wildey. This community-wide performance features local dancers, as well as professionals from St. Louis’ Big Muddy Dance Company Dec 14 – Dec 15, The Little Dancer @ COCA 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis. A COCA holiday tradition returns with The Little Dancer: Through a New Lens. This stunning ballet magically brings to life Degas’ famous statue, accented by works from internationally known St. Louis photographer Stewart Halperin. Dec 14, 3pm - 4pm Music From Santa’s Workshop @ Hatheway Cultural Center Godfrey Alton Symphony Orchestra presents the second annual “Music From Santa’s Workshop” at Hatheway Cultural Center at Lewis and Clark Community College. This is a delightful 30 minute Holiday concert and sing-along especially for families with little ones. Immediately following the concert, enjoy treats and a visit with Santa and his helpers in the beautiful lobby.
Dec 14, 7pm - 9pm Alton Symphony Orchestra: “Christmas Memories” @ Hatheway Hall Godfrey Join us as the Alton Symphony performs Christmas-time favorites, a sing-a-long and, of course, the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker”. There will be a silent auction of holiday baskets during the intermission. Visit altonsymphony.org for more information. Dec 14- Dec 15, Mannheim Steamrollers Christmas @ Powell Hall Dec 15 – Dec 16, 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 Dec 15, 3pm - 5pm Christmas Wonders @ St. Luke’s Church – Belleville Philharmonic Chorale & Orchestra at St. Luke’s Church.bellevillephilharonic.org 618-233-3062 Dec 15, 3pm - 5pm Metro East Community Chorale Christmas Concert @ Our Lady of the Snows Church Enjoy traditional Christmas favorites, spirituals and carols. Dec 15, 7pm - 8pm Straight No Chaser @ Fox Theater Dec 17 – Dec 30 ELF The Musical @ The Fabulous Fox ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. Dec 18, 6:30pm - 6:30pm Noah’s Ark Puppet Show @ Collinsville Library Dec 18, 7pm - 8:30pm Star of Wonder @ The Pentecostals of Troy This will be the annual Christmas presentation by the Children’s Ministry
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Dec 20 & Dec 21, Holiday Celebration @ Powell Symphony Hall Dec 20, 7pm - 9pm White Christmas @ The Wildey Theatre Join the Friends of the Wildey and Hudson Jewelers for this new holiday tradition. Every audience member will receive a free goodie bag filled with special props to use during the movie. Before the show, a Wildey Christmas Party will help you get in the spirit with holiday inspired drinks and hors d’oeuvres! Enjoy Irving Berlin’s
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classic tale with at heater full of your closest friends. And if you feel inspired, go ahead and join in ... you know the words! Tickets are available for the movie and party together or just the movie alone. Dec 21, 5pm - 7pm Caroling on the Quad @ Waterloo Dec 23, 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm TRANSSIBERIAN ORCHESTRA @ Scottrade Center Dec 28, 6pm - 9pm Las Vegas Show @ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Experience the ULTIMATE ELVIS & REBA MCENTIRE Show! Tribute to Elvis Presley starring Bill Cherry. Tribute to Reba McEntire starring Cheryl Crenshaw. The ExSpence Account Show Band – The Official Band of Graceland & The World’s #1 Touring Orchestra.
featuring the Lincoln house organists. Hear the various styles and many sounds of the Lincoln Theatre pipe organ as our house organists pipe in the new year with their own special styles. We will conclude the evening with a sing along to bring in the new year around 9:30 pm. Tickets are available at the box office and the night of the show.
Dec 1, 10am - 4pm Great Train Expo @ Gateway Center
Dec 31, 8pm - 12am Rock & Roll New Year’s Eve Party @ The Wildey Theatre Welcome 2014 with a Rock & Roll New Year’s Eve Party with the Robert Perry Band with the Original Mojos. Hors d’oeuvres catered by Cleveland Heath and cash bar by Crushed Grapes and the Encore Wine Bar. Champagne Toast at Midnight is included! Doors open and drinks at 7, food and music at 8. Presented by the Friends of the Wilde
Dec 6, 49th Annual Mouse House @ Caseyville Caseyville Community Building. The Annual Mouse House provides and area for children to shop. All gifts are $1 and will be wrapped. Pictures with Santa are $4. There is also shopping for adults and food. FREE
Holiday Shopping
Dec 31, 7pm - 12am A Timeless New Year Show @ Lincoln Theatre Our annual New Years Eve Concert
Dec 1, 10am - 4pm Art & Craft Fall Fair @ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
Dec 5, 4:30pm - 7:30pm Holiday Sip & Shop @ The Pilates Barre Studio The Pilates Barre Studio, 871 S Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville Bring your Holiday shopping list and try on some pearl while sipping some bubbly with the girls.
Dec 6, 6:30pm - 9:30pm Mary Kay Lights and Limo @ Live Well Wellness Center This is going to be a wonderfully fun & relaxing evening. We’ll have so many things to do -- you can’t help but enjoy yourself! Take a break and recharge before all of the holiday festivities wear you out!!Reserve your spot with $10 ticket
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— good for $10 off any order after your makeover! Click here to rsvp! So that everyone can enjoy this glamorous ladies night out, we ask that all guests be at least 13 years old - no children, please! Dec 7, 8:30am - 2:30pm Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar @ Greenville Dec 7 – Dec 8, 9am - 4pm Olde Alton Arts & Crafts Fair @ Alton High School Find all your Christmas goodies at the 25th Annual Olde Alton Arts &Crafts Fair featuring a variety of crafters from Illinois and Missouri. Breakfast and lunch will be served and there is free parking. All proceeds benefit the Alton Band and Orchestra programs at Alton Community School District. Admission is $2 on Saturday, Dec. 7 with children under 12 free. Admission on Sunday is $1 with children under12 free. (Please note: strollers are not recommended.) For more information call 618-474-6996. Dec 7, 1pm - 6pm Art & Author Holiday Market @ Blum House Just
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in time for Holiday giving. Buy local, buy original. Meet local authors and artists. Books, art, jewelry, unique finds and more! Join us at the Blum House for a festive and fun-filled day at the library’s 6th Annual Art & Author Holiday Market. 618-344-1112 Dec 13- Dec 15, Holiday Craft Show @ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Dec 14- Dec 15, 11am - 5pm Grafton Holiday Riverwalk Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Grafton. Stop in the various businesses along Main Street and near the riverfront for special promotions, discounts, refreshments and entertainment. The Jerseyville High School choir will be caroling throughout the town. Visitors will also be able to tour the various B&Bs and guest houses in town, a perfect opportunity to check out the accommodations and purchase a gift certificate as a gift. The festivities will conclude with a Show Choir performance at the Grove Memorial Park Gazebo as we light up the town!
Dec 21- Dec 22, Belleville Flea Market @ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
Classes Every other Monday 5:30pm - 8pm Craft Group Meeting @ Collinsville Memorial Library Attention, DIY mavens: whether you sew, knit, crochet, scrapbook, stamp, embroider, paint, quilt, or bead, bring your crafty creations to share and your works in progress to complete. Everyone is welcome! Join us every other Monday from 5:30-8:00pm. For more information please call 618-3441112. Every Tuesday 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House Every Thursday 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House Dec 2, 4pm - 8pm Affordable Care Act Enrollments @ Six Mile Regional MetroEastParent.com
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Library The Madison County Health Department will be scheduling oneon-one appointments with patrons to enroll them for health care. Dec 2, 5pm - 6:30pm Typing Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 3, 9:30am - 10:30am Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Presentation @ Senior Services Plus Felecia Voelkel from Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance will be at Senior Services Plus on Tuesday, December 3rd from 9:3010:30am. She will be addressing the entire cafe, and will discuss Wills, Advance Directives, and Power of Attorney. An overview of all Land of Lincoln services will be provided. No RSVP is necessary, and this event is open to the public. Dec 3, 2pm - 3pm Word 2010 Basics @ O’Fallon Public Library Dec 3 & Dec 17, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Free French Classes @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 4, 10am - 11am Pre-School Programs @ Jennie Latzer Kaeser Children’s Library Dec 4 & Dec 6, 12pm - 4pm Affordable Care Act Enrollments @ Six Mile Regional Library The Madison County Health Department will be scheduling one-on-one appointments with patrons to enroll them for health care. Dec 4, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Rules of the Road Class @ Cahokia Public Library Great refresher course for seniors or for those taking their test for the first time.
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Dec 4, 4pm - 7pm ACA Healthcare Presentation @ Collinsville Memorial Library The Collinsville Library and the Madison County Health Department will answer questions about the Affordable Care Act and will have in person counselors to assist people with enrolling in the Health
Insurance Marketplace (Get Covered Illinois). This event is FREE and open to the public, but registration is required in order to work with a counselor to enroll. Individuals who are already insured or on Medicare are discouraged from making an appointment to enroll. Dec 4, 5pm - 6:30pm Internet Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 5, 2pm - 3:30pm Microsoft Publisher Basics Class @ O’Fallon Public Library Dec 5, 6:30pm - 7:30pm Basic 1 Computer Class @ Fairmont City Library Dec 6, 3pm - 4:30pm Email Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 6 & 16, 3:30pm - 5:30pm After School Program: The Science of Santa @ Wood River Public Library Dec 7, 9am - 12pm Illlinois Math & Science Academy Winter Wonder FUNshop @ Belle Valley School Enter IMSA’s Winter-land! 3rd-4th graders will wonder about seasonal change and learn the structural design of igloos, while 5th-6th graders will wonder about the melting and freezing of snow, as well as the geometric mystery of snowflakes. $25 per student. Dec 7, 10am, 11:00 am & 2:00pm Gingerbread House Decorating @ Edwardsville Library Dec 7, 10am - 11am Gingerbread House Decorating @ Freeburg Area Library Dec 7, 10:30am - 11:30am Family Workshop @ St Louis Art Museum Each of these child-centered workshops combines a playful visit to the galleries with an art activity. Adults participate and create along with children — no experience necessary. Pre-registration is required.
Dec 7, 12:30pm - 3:30pm Creative Kids Art Class @ SWIC Schmidt Art Center “Printmaking Gift Wrap,” Dec 7, 1:30pm - 3pm Decorate a Gingerbread House @ Fairview Heights Library Decorate a Gingerbread House for the holidays at the library. This class is for kids and adults alike. All supplies and storage box will be provided with the $18.00 per house cost Dec 7, 2pm - 4pm Family Workshop @ SWIC Schmidt Art Center “Make Your Own Pendant Necklace” Dec 7, 3:30pm - 4:30pm Art Explorers Club @ Freeburg Library Third through sixth graders, come after school on the second Tuesday of the month to explore a different art or craft. Limited to 20 participants per session. Signup sheet available first Tuesday of each month. Dec 7, 6pm - 7pm Science School with the SIUE STEM Center @ Edwardsville Children’s Museum Learn about three different principles of science with the SIUE STEM Center. For ages 5 – 8 years, this drop off class will have you thinking scientifically! $8 per child per class for Museum members; $10per child per class for non-members Register Now! Dec 10, 2pm - 3:30pm Google It!! Class @ O’Fallon Public Library Dec 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm After School Craft @ Alton Downtown Library Kids, come join us for After School Craft at Hayner Downtown Library. The craft will be for children ages 5–10 years of age. Please register at 462-0677, ext. 2836. Dec 10, 5pm - 6:30pm Online Genealogy Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library
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Dec 12, 2pm - 3:30pm FaceBook for Beginners Class @ O’Fallon Public Library Dec 12, 5pm - 6:30pm Google Drive & Docs Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 13, 6pm - 8pm Cooking Class: Holiday Foods and Wines @ Eckert’s Country Store We pull out all the stops for this class - great food, amazing wines! Celebrate the best of the season with us and learn how cheeses, foods and wines can pair beautifully. Taste our Chef ’s beef tenderloin and learn a few entertaining tips along the way! Hearty appetizer portions will be served. Dec 14, 9am - 10am Gingerbread Class @ Edwardsville Children’s Museum Celebrate the season by making a gingerbread house! For ages 5 years and up, this drop off class will include candy, icing, and lots of Christmas cheer! $8 per child per class for Museum members; $10 per child per class for nonmembers Register Now!
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Dec 14, 9am - 11am Gingerbread Cookie Walk @ Belleville We invite you to walk part of Illinois’ longest Main Street while sneaking a peek at the beautiful Gingerbread House Contest entries in the storefront windows. Stop and enjoy Christmas carolers, barbershop and jazz. Stroll through quaint shops and great eateries. Go for a free horse drawn trolley ride, visit Santa or finish your Christmas shopping! Pre-registration is recommended to guarantee your cookies. Event is open to the public.
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Dec 14, 9:30am & 1:00pm Cooking Class: Holiday Baking Bites @ Eckert’s Country Store Kids love helping in the kitchen, so why not kick off the holiday season this year by letting them make some tasty holiday treats of their own? Join us in our cooking classroom as we create a variety of goodies including Holly Jolly Bites, Taste of Christmas Pancakes, Santa’s Sweet Treat and Dipped Candy Canes with Hot Cocoa. Students will bring home a sweet holiday treat for someone special. Dec 14, 10:30am & 1:30pm The Gingerbread Lady Returns! @ Bethalto Library Dec 14, 1pm - 2pm Facebook 101 @ Smithton Library Dec 14, 1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St Louis Art Museum
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Dec 17, 1:30pm - 3pm Resumes 101 @ O’Fallon Public Library Dec 17, 5pm - 6pm Excel 101 @ Smithton Library Dec 18, 12pm - 1pm LUNCH AND LEARN Cooking Class: Amazing Appetizers @ Eckert’s Country Store This theme was so popular last year we are doing it again with new recipes! Learn some creative ideas to entertain and impress holiday guests in a jiffy. We’ll show you our shortcuts to getting filling appetizers on the holiday table in no time. Come hungry! Dec 18, 5pm - 6:30pm Basics 1 Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library
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Dec 19, 11:30am - 1pm Lunch & Learn Workshop-Grow Your Business with Email & Social MediaMarketing @ SWIC Dec 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm Basic 2 Computer Class @ Fairmont City Library Dec 20, 10-12pm Answers on Aging @ Fairmont City Library Reliable information for people age 60 and older, adults with disabilities and their caregivers. Services offered without charge. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Assistance with Medicare, including Part D drug coverage. IllinoisBenefits Access enrollment. Information on support services and programs.
Dec 21, 12pm - 2pm Art with Benjamin – Children @ Collinsville Library Hosted by Benjamin Gomez, Local artist. Located in the Children’s Room. Free Program. Complete a project and learn about drawing and painting. Benjamin likes to show you a completed project then he works step by step for you to make one yourself.
Dec 4 6pm - 7pm Monarch Book Club @ Collinsville Memorial Library
The Rest…
Dec 5 3:30pm - 5pm Meet An American Girl @ Tri-Township Public Library
Dec 3 3pm - 6pm Gaming Open @ Fairmont City Library Dec 3 4pm - 5pm Lego Club @ Freeburg Library
Dec 20, 3pm - 4:30pm Basics 2 Computer Class @ Collinsville Memorial Library Dec 20, 3:30pm - 4:30pm Young Adults Program: Holiday Card Workshop @ Wood River Public Library
Dec 4 9pm - 10:30pm B-I-N-G-O @ CHick-fil-a Belleville Dec 5 10am - 1:30pm Used Book Sales @ St Joseph’s Hospital Dec 5 3:30pm - 4:30pm Lego Club @ Roxana Library
Dec 5 6pm - 8pm FREE Movie Night @ Collinsville Memorial Library
Dec 3 7pm - 8pm Adult Book Club @ Smithton Library
Dec 5 6:30pm - 7:30pm Jr. Friends @ The Glen Carbon Library Volunteer @ your library!
Dec 3 7pm - 8pm Book Club @ Bethalto Library
Dec 5 6pm - 8pm FREE Movie Night @ Collinsville Memorial Library
Dec 4 5:30pm - 8pm Family Game Night @ Belleville Public Library
Dec 6 – Dec 8, 8am - 2pm Dog Show @ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds
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Dec 6, 4pm - 8pm Fitness Fun Friday @ The Magic House Bring your family to The Magic House for Fitness Fun Fridays where kids can stretch their muscles and their minds. Visitors don pedometers and find out just how much they move while playing throughout the museum. Each month features a different theme and fitness experience. Children can earn FREE admission by taking a fitness challenge online. And the first 100 families to register online for Fitness Fun Friday each month receive a backpack filled with health-related educational material and fitness equipment, including a pedometer and jump rope, sponsored by Centene. Dec 6, 6pm - 10pm Kid’s Night Out @ SIUe The SIUE Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is planning a Kids Night Out. Children will enjoy a fun-filled evening with the SIUE Student-Athletes. Activities for the kids include: board games, basketball, volleyball, movies, snacks,
tag, kickball and much more! Ages 4 and up are welcome to attend. This event is open to all! For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Kelly Traynorat 6505257 or ktrayno@siue.edu. Dec 7, 8:30am - 12pm Gingerbread 5K Run/Walk @ Belleville This is a 5K Run/Walk that begins at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital at 8:30a.m. The course takes you throughout the streets of beautiful downtown with an awards ceremony following at the Historic Lincoln Theatre. 618-233-1416 Dec 7, 9:30am - 12pm Carlyle Reindeer Romp 5k and Childrens Elf Trot Christmas in Carlyle Reindeer Romp5k and Children’s 1/4 mile elf Trot. Dec 7, 1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St Louis Art Museum Dec 8, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Lego Club @ O’Fallon Public Library
Dec 9, 12pm - 2pm Movie matinee @ Edwardsville Public Library Dec 10, 4pm - 5pm LEGO Club @ TriTownship Public Library Dec 10, 5:30pm - 6:30pm Young Adult Book Club @ Smithton Library Dec 10, 6pm - 7:45pm Teen Poetry Night @ Six Mile Library Dec 10, 6:30pm - 8pm Teen Read @ Belleville Library West Branch Dec 10, 7pm - 9pm STAUNTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 100th BIRTHDAY PARTY The library will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding. Cindy Leonard will give a presentation on the history of the library. After the talk, birthday cupcakes will be served. Attendance prizes will also be awarded. Dec 10, 7pm - 8pm Tween Book Club @ Morrison-Talbott Library
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Dec 11, 11am - 2pm C2 Mobile by Mosaic @ Fairmont City Library C2 Mobile by Mosaic Pregnancy & Health Center will be providing free and confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. During this time, they will be accepting walk-in appointments. For more information about Mosaic Pregnancy & Health Center, please visit revealmosaic.com or call618-451-2002.
Dec 12, 7pm - 8pm Family Programs @ Jennie Latzer Kaeser Children’s Library
Dec 11, 1pm - 2pm Free Blood Pressure Check @ Tri-Township Public Library
Dec 15, 2pm - 4pm Family Movie Matinee @ O’Fallon Public Library
Dec 14 & Dec 28, Wild Saturday @ St Louis Science Center Learn more about local wildlife rescue effortsfrom area animal organizations and interact with live animals! The featured group this Saturday is World Bird Sanctuary with their armadillo, Russell.
Dec 21, 2pm - 3pm Lego Club @ Morrison-Talbott Library Dec 21, 2pm - 3pm Lego Club @ Smithton Library Dec 24 Christmas Eve Dec 25 Christmas
Dec 19, 6pm - 8pm Reminisce Movie Night @ O’Fallon Public Library Join us for the showing of “Heidi” Starring Shirley Temple. Open to all adults. Snacks and drinks provided.
Dec 28, 9:30am - 11:30am Writers’ Group for Family History & Genealogy @ Belleville Main Library The BPL Writers’ Group is a venue for learning and improving your writing through sharing and feedback. The Group can help spark new ideas, bring inspiration, and assist you in overcoming the occasional writer’s block. All skill levels are welcome. Free and Open to the Public For more info please call 618-234-0441
Dec 20, 5:30pm - 9:30pm Free Family Night @ The Magic House
Dec 28, 1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St Louis Art Museum
Dec 12, 3:30pm - 5pm After School Holiday Fun @ Tri-Township Public Library Join us for afterschool activities with books and science or art. Space is limited so registration is required
Dec 21, 1pm - 2pm American Girl Mysteries @ Glen Carbon Library Investigate the mysteries of American Girls Samantha, Molly, and Kit this fall..
Dec 28, 2pm - 3pm Online research resources @ Smithton Library
Dec 12, 4pm - 5pm Chess Club @ O’Fallon Public Library
Dec 21, 1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St Louis Art Museum
Dec 31, New Year’s Eve
Dec 11, 6pm - 7pm E-Readers 101 @ Smithton Library Dec 11, 7pm - 8pm Book Club @ New Baden Library Dec 12, 10am - 11am Lap-sit Programs @ Jennie Latzer Kaeser Children’s Library - Highland
Dec 16, 6pm - 7:30pm Animanga Club @ Tri-Township Public Library
Dec 30, 1pm - 3pm School’s Out Movie Matinee @ Edwardsville Library
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Page 50
It Don’t Mean a Thing
if it ain’t got that Swing by Garrett Peek The saying is that all things popular in music go in a circle. What is in today will be out tomorrow and what was in yesterday will be back in sometime. You can see this progression even in today’s music. The current music has an overwhelming 1980’s feel to it. The music is heavily produced and the appeal of the artists looks to be more visual than musical. In the 80’s that led to the grunge revolt of the 90’s in which the artists were not particularly attractive but the music was pure and the focal point of that era. So I guess we have that up next again on the horizon. The one style that never seems to hit the comeback trail is Jazz. As a musician, this is maddening because not only is jazz a true American music but it also has many qualities that make it unique from other styles of music. I highly encourage students to not only learn how to play jazz but also to incorporate it into their listening. Jazz is almost pure improvisation. Improv and jazz are almost synonyms. This is complete opposite to rock where the songs are meticulously organized and rehearsed. Jazz songs can be planned out, but they can also be made up on the spot. A lot of jazz groups just decide a key signature and a tempo and start playing from there. This is great for students because it forces them to think on their feet. They have to learn to truly work and communicate with their fellow musicians as the song is rolling. Somehow in the last 20 years soloing has become a mess. Guitarists still put solos into songs regularly but nothing like the epic solos of the 1970’s. The epic solo wars of the Eric Clapton era have ended and what is left is a 4-16 measure jam over the main melody. Drummers have been no exception to this either. Drum solos have become a hodgepodge of speed and technical ability that has become redundant in most cases. I’m a drummer and I use drum solos at concerts as a good time to seek the restroom. Soloing in jazz is much more of an art. The players thrive on calland-response solos that not only show technical skill but also help
accentuate the music. It’s not uncommon for jazz songs to have most of the band take a solo at some point. This is because the solos are more entwined with jazz than they are rock. They are designed to help the song, not to let a member of the group flaunt personal ability. This makes jazz an easier sell to drum students in particular. “If it’s too loud, you’re too old.” The older I get, the more I realize that this is not only true but it’s also accepted by older listeners. This can be problematic for rock bands because it limits the amount of people that are willing to make up an audience for a performance. Many people are done with the booming bass and the screaming guitars while they are out on the town for the night. Jazz is a quieter music. Most of the instruments are at a much lower volume and sometimes not even plugged in. This makes jazz accessible to more listeners than rock. I’ve seen people walk into establishments with live bands and hear the volume levels of rock bands and turn right around. I’ve never seen that with a jazz band. People enjoy the lower volume and the atmosphere that it adds. Jazz has been a music kept alive by musicians. We just won’t let it die, and for good reason. I don’t ever foresee a time where jazz will be the monster it was in the 30’s again but I think it can rise from it’s current ashes. All that we need to do is keep spreading the love and knowledge of this amazing style of music and it will find it’s place again. Or maybe we need to make a Jazz Hero video game. Hmmm.....(Patent Pending).
Garrett Peek is the founder of Melodic Rhythms in Belleville and Breese Illinois. Melodic Rhythms is a lesson studio that offers private lessons for all instruments with professional teachers and tutoring for all grade/high school subjects. Go to www.MelodicRhythms.com for more information. Garrett will answer all questions emailed to him at Gpeek@hotmail.com
Melodic Rhythms 110 North High Street Belleville IL 62220
618.233.0659
Music Lessons Instrument Sales, Rentals & Repairs School Tutoring ACT/SAT Prep GED Training
www.MelodicRhythms.com
572 Memorial Drive Breese IL 62230
618.526.7588
A Successful Child...What Will It Cost You? What Will It Cost Your Child? By Dr. Almeda Lahr-Well, Founder, President & Director of Lahr-Well Academy in Edwardsville, Illinois At what cost will your child achieve success? How do you define success? Do you define it in terms of 32+ on his/ her ACT? Or do you define it in terms of a “straight A” average? Or do you define it according to his/her team’s “championship” status? However you define success for your child...you must decide at what cost. It is nothing new to read of educators and child psychologists...as well as other child “experts”...commenting on today’s successful child and the stress this puts on the child, the parents, and inevitably on family “life,” in general. There are more and more statistical studies showing stress-related results of today’s “successful” child...and what parents should and should not do to address this status. I recently had a parent share with me that his child, a straight-A student, and record-breaking athlete, spends an average of 5 hours nightly on homework, in addition to extended hours of athletic training and competition. The parent went on to share that the child is exceptionally fatigued. I don’t think this surprises the parent, at all. But in our conversation, we began talking about what it is that helps a child be successful while maintaining a healthy (balanced) lifestyle. My staff and I believe in an “ivy-league” education for every child...from age 4 on...but at what expense to each child? We show little mercy during the school day...for a child who does not use his/her time efficiently and effectively; but we do not consistently issue extensive hours of homework. If we were to issue such homework, however, I would expect parents to, at least, inquire and advocate for their child/ren. Don’t hesitate to ask individual or team-teachers if there is a more efficient and effective way for your child to study...that would help him/her significantly reduce the number of hours of homework. In addition to monitoring homework, and the necessary time to “do” it well, try to monitor the time required in your child’s extracurricular activities. If he/she is trying to maintain a “straight-A” average while participating in sports and/or music and/or drama, you may have to reevaluate. Once you (and your child) have that evaluation behind you, make an extra effort to explain and convince your child of a necessary number of hours of sleep required to maintain clear and creative thinking.
Now that you both have “mastered” those concepts, remind yourself...and your child...of the critical roles nutrition and H2O play in a balanced regimen. Should you already prepare balanced meals (including school lunches), you may still need to supplement your child’s nutrition. Ninety-five percent of supplements sold (even at health-food stores), are petroleum-based. Read the labels!!! Look for supplements that are real food! Once you “have a handle” on the nutrition, remember to encourage H2O, H2O, H2O! All of these puzzle pieces...in their finest form...will give your child the opportunity at the best-balanced life possible...at a fraction of the “cost.” For questions or comments on education, please write to Dr. Almeda M. Lahr-Well at: alahrwell@metroeastparentmagazine.com
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Students are unique in their learning. At Lahr-Well Academy, we individualize each lesson plan with each student, knowing they are not a carbon copy of another.
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