Parent
February 2013
FREE
metro east
VOL 1 Issue 4 / MetroEastParent.com
YMCA: A Mission...Not a Gym Page 23 She Blinded Me With Science... Girl Power and STEM Page 33
FRESHMAN REGISTRATION Tuesday, February 5, 2013 & Thursday, February 7, 2013 SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
Althoff Catholic High School
5401 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226 (618) 235-1100 • www.althoff.net
MetroEastParent.com
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Coming in April
t n e r a P t s a e o r t me
s t n e s e p r
Over 100 Sports, Band, Academic, Residential, Special Needs, and everything else for the kids to do this summer! Page 3
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Place and Time TBD
Inside February On the Cover: Photography done by Studio 314
Parent February 20
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metro eastFREE VOL 1 Issue
4 / MetroEastParen t.com
YMCA: A Miss ion.
..Not a Gym Page 23 She Blinded Me Girl Power and With Science... STEM Page 33
Vol. 1 Number 4
Features
Departments
11 Metro East Parent School Showcase
6 News You Can Use 8 Letter from the Publisher 9 Voice of Generation “I”
There are hidden secrets throughout the Metro East Area, Lahr-Well Academy is n longer one of them.
16 Going Old School with Cloth Diapers
Extra, Extra...
Save Money and Mother Nature by going back to the basics with Cloth Diapers.
17 How Important is Consistency Anyway?
Author Dr. Stephanie B. Berk, How to Potty Train Your Dragon Child, explains the dos and don’ts of potty training.
23 YMCA: A Mission...Not a Gym
The great people of the YMCA help today’s youth and family adjust to a new world in a Christian-based mission that serve thousands in the Metro East Area.
Importance of Black History 27 The Month & Every Parent’s Role
This month help us celebrate and instruct Black History Month. Reaching Back. Moving Forward.
31 The State of the Arts
Sue Hezel tackles the ongoing concern of the Arts being removed from our area schools.
33 She Blinded Me with Science... Learn the importance of Science. Technology, Engineering, and Math in young girls lives.
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11 Tooth Talk with Dr Angie 14 Column by Dr. Lahr-Well 19 How to keep your kids safe on the computer and vise versa. 20 Books We Love: Valentine’s Day 29 Ask the Trainer 30 Daddy’s Cookbook- Big Game Style
Coming this April, Metro East Parent Magazine will host a Kids Camp and Summer Fun Fair! Over 100 area camps will be represented. Watch out on ur Facebook page and website for time and place of this event in the coming weeks!
Events Calendar MetroEastParent.com
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Parent metro east
VOLUME I, NUMBER IV February 2013 PUBLISHER
ROBERT LUDWIG PUBLISHER@MetroEastParent.com
MANAGING EDITOR Cherie Washow
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGN Robert Ludwig
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Steve Grappe ADVERTISING@MetroEastParent.com 618-407-5281
ADVERTISING STAFF
Julie Fiorelli, Scott Boekhout, Rommel Sanchez, Robert Guion, Sue Hezel, Marlon Boykin
INTERNS
Alexander Jones, Quinn Lawrence
METRO EAST PARENT 618-407-5281 MetroEastParent.com 2913 Old Caseyville Rd Swansea, IL 62226
TO SUBMIT EVENTS TO OUR CALENDAR CALENDAR@MetroEastParent.com
METRO EAST PARENT MAGAZINE IS A PUBLICATION OF THE CREED MEDIA GROUP. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OR AN INDICATION OF SUPPORT BY ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MAGAZINE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.
YOU CAN USE
Top Free Apps for Mom Family Organizer You’ll never miss a your flight, an after-school pick up or forget your grocery list for that quick stop at the store after work. It’s also an easy way to keep your nanny or extended family members who help with child care up-to-date on schedules and lists!
Baby Connect
Manages your child’s schedule and records information, like the last time the baby was fed or how long he slept. Easily communicate with your day-care center, caregiver or spouse about all your baby’s needs and activities.
Moms Made Easy This application is the ultimate tool to keep track of all of your children’s details. You can organize individual information for each child including basic information as well as details about friends, their activities, camp and sports. There is also a spot to hold family emergency information and a household information section. This is the ultimate tool to help keep track of all of those hard to remember but incredibly important family details.
This grocery shopping application sets up lists for multiple stores, organizes your shopping route by aisle and enables you to print lists and coupons via WiFi. Grocery shopping has never been so easy. This application is also available for Android phones.
A great site for Dads! From fitness, recipes, to breaking down the expectations of fatherhood from pregnancy to teens. This site is a must for any father-to-be or father of three.
The National Center for Fathering has a great site for dads in all situations, be it at-home, adoptive, etc. Check it out for tips, information, articles, events, fathers in the news, and more!
Everything and anything about dads. You can spend weeks in this site and never get bored otr go through all of the great articles, videos and great info this site has to offer.
Get rid of the store bought Valentine’s Day Cards! I hope you are not one of the parents that send their kids to school with the Hobbit or Princess Valentine’s Day Cards! BORING! Don’t be that parent, but more importantly, don’t make your kid be that kid. You might as well let your kid dye their hair blue and wear reindeer ears in March. OOPS, that would be me. This Valentine’s
Day make some cool cards and candy bags to give to your kid’s class.
Now for the kids: Instead of cards, make bookmarks for your classmates, or Heart and Lollipop Flowers, or a Secret Message Valentine for that boy you have a crush on (don’t tell your dad I put that one in there).
Websites We Love
Grocery iQ
Keyda’s Korner
There are plenty of websites that have very cool ideas for these and many other crafts. Believe me, your classmates will love you.
Here are some websites you can go on to get ideas! MarthaStewart.com Spoonful.com ValentinesDay.com
Parent e n i l metroeastparent.com On metro east
Check out more News You Can Use on our website MetroEastParent.com
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Go Figure... African-American History Facts you probably didn’t know... 300+
The number of slaves rescued by Harriet Tubman in the Underground Railroad
1773
In 1773, slave poet Phillis Wheatley wrote “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral,” the first published book by an African American
1777
The year that the first state, Vermont, outlawed slavery.
1821
Thomas L. Jennings was the first African-American to receive a patent in 1821. It was for a dry-cleaning process in 1821. He used the money earned from the patent to purchase relatives out of slavery and support abolitionist causes.
1859
During this year, the last ship to bring slaves to the United States, the Clothilde, arrived in Mobile Bay, Alabama.
1863
On July 18, the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Volunteers -- the all-black unit of the Union army portrayed in the 1989 Tri-Star Pictures film Glory -- charged Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina. Sergeant William H. Carney becomes the first African-American to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery under fire.
42 Million
The number of people who identified as black, either alone or in combination with one or more other races, in the 2010 Census made up 13.6 percent of the total U.S. population. The black population grew by 15.4 percent from 2000 to 2010.
2.4 million
Number of black military veterans in the United States in 2010
275,000
The number of Africans in the Americas in 1600.
7.8 million
The number of Africans in the Americas at the time of the Civil War, 1861.
1926
The first Black History Month was founded by Carter G. Woodson to highlight the often overlooked role that African Americans played in history.
1963
Martin Luther King, Jr. gives his famous speech “I Have a Dream” at Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
1986
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is declared a national Holiday in the United States.
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MetroEastParent.com
letter from the publisher...
Robert Ludwig When I was just a few years younger than my son is now I went through some major life changes. My family moved from an all white town in Southern Illinois to a “city� just five miles away. In the mid-70s to an eleven year old it might as well have been another country, and the inhabitants of this new country was unlike any I had ever known in my short sheltered life.
My mother had gotten a divorce and was now responsible for raising six children on her own. She worked tirelessly in three jobs, making sure that we always had food to eat and a warm place to sleep. I do not think that we have ever truly realized the sacrifices she made for all of us, nor ever truly thanked her. But that is another story in another issue. Two of the aforementioned inhabitants I encountered were Nate Clay and Captain Roland Miller. Both took on the role of surrogate father to me in the absence of my own, and taught me what is was like to become a man by being the strong male role model that my life had lacked. Both had families of their own, but readily accepted me into theirs. Both men will always hold a dear place in my heart, and through their guidance and love I am the father and man I am today. I mention both Nate and Captain Miller this month for one reason. Both men were African American. Times are different now than they were then. Southern Illinois was still the South, even more so in the county I grew up in. So the thought of a puny white kid spending his time in the households and neighborhoods of African-Americans was unheard of then. Rumors were started, whispers were heard, and threats were made. Again, times were different then. The relationships between my family and myself were tumultuous to say the very least, and I found solace and shelter in the most unlikely place. Nate and Captain Miller took it upon themselves to not only teach me about my responsibilities as a man but what it was like to be a minority - a new concept I learned first-hand by being the only white kid in an African-American neighborhood. This month is Black History Month. We celebrate as a nation the people that have brought so much to what makes this country great, and have often gone unnoticed or unmentioned in our annals of history. We celebrate as a nation in whole, indivisible, and rejoice in how far we have come to the acceptance of the fact that we can elect a man like Barack Obama to the greatest position our country has to offer, not just once but twice. But we as a country are still divided. Even though we seemed to have worked miracles in the last few decades by electing President Obama, the elections brought out feelings about race in this country that I personally thought we were at least on the path of healing from. Nate and Captain Miller taught me many things, and for them this magazine is dedicated to. But the one thing that they taught me, the most important in life, is what a great man once stated one hot summer day a few years before I was born. That a man is judged not by the color of his skin but the content of his character, and that together, black and white, we can build a country for our children to revel and excel in beyond any of our wildest dreams.
MetroEastParent.com
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Voice of Generation “I” by Xavier Ludwig
Xavier is an eighth grader at a private school in Southern Illinois who has a passion for writing and photography. His generation, those of Generation “I”, are those who have been raised in the digital age of Internet, I-phones, and I-pads.
By Xavier Ludwig xavier@metroeastparent.com Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. When someone my age is asked about what a hero is Spiderman, Ironman, or the Hulk usually comes to mind. There are some that are more down to earth and think that policemen and firemen constitute a true hero, and they do. To me, a hero is someone that sacrifices just little part of themselves to do good for others. My parents could be considered heroes, for they sacrifice so much to make my life better than the one they had. But when I think of the word hero, in its true definition, only one name comes to mind: Justen Barrow. In 2009, when my father and I first moved back to his hometown in Illinois from Tennessee I thought the whole world had turned upside down. I moved from a major city to a small town of only 400 people, most of which were related to me I found out later. But the one friend, the one person that made Irvington feel like home was Justen Barrow. He was a few years older, but went out of his way to greet me and to make sure that I knew everyone in school and to ensure everyone that the new kid was under his protection and guidance. Justen was different than anyone I had ever known, or ever will. He was born different. To look at him initially would bring sorrow or pity, but Justen would never allow that. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for others. Justen brightened up any room that he
walked into with his infectious laugh and go-get-em attitude. He made you thank God for placing someone like Justen in your life, and also question God for taking him away from us. At the too young of the of age 16, Justen passed last year January 6, 2012. His last year was spent in and out of the hospital fighting complications from a rare form of cancer and leukemia. But through all of that, he remained Justen: a diehard sports fan, an incredible upbeat friend, and a hero to all that knew him. A group was formed in Irvington while Justen was battling his illness, Justen’s Army. There were fundraisers to help with his medical expenses, and classes to make people aware of the how they can not only help Justen, but the millions of kids around the world that suffered the same disease that eventually took Justen from us. One of the most important things that I learned is that any one of us have the possibility to be a hero like Justen, we have the capability of saving or enhancing dozens of lives by saying seven little words to our parents. “I want to be an organ donor.” I know this is something that kids our age should not have to think about. No one likes to think about what could happen, but just know that it could. And what better legacy to have then to help save others like Justen. We are too young to make a decision like this ourselves, but we can inform our parents now that if anything does happen to us we would like the chance to help others. It is as simple as saying to them, “I want to be an organ donor.” February 14 is Valentine’s Day, but it is also Organ Donor Day. We can give the cards to our classmates, we can give a bracelet to our girlfriend, we can make breakfast for our mom, but we can also give the gift of life to at least eight other
people by saying to our parents, “I want to be an organ donor.” I often question why God takes a true angel from our lives, like he did with Justen. But I also think that everything He does is for a purpose. Maybe, just maybe, it took God taking Justen from us so that I could write this column to go out to thousands of schoolchildren around the Metro East area. If just a small percentage of those who read this column says those seven easy words, and actually have a conversation with their parents thousands of lives could be saved and Justen’s Army marches on. “I want to be an organ donor.” Below are websites that you and your parents can visit to learn more about becoming an organ donor. LifeGoesOn.com: Illinois’ organ donor registry OrganDonor.gov: the National organ donor registry
QT&o oA th Talk
AskDrAngie@yahoo.com
with Dr. Angie
“Train a child up in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Many of us have heard these words and never thought of them in the context of dentistry. The words often used to describe behavioral development are even more appropriate when applied to dental and facial development. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and I would like to share some important aspects of the health of your child’s smile.
Children Learn What They Live
Children need good role models and friendly dental experiences. Children learn what they live and when they have a caring dental office, involved parents and other “dentally positive” adult role models who emphasize the importance of good oral health and proper home care, they learn to value their own healthy smile and to treat it with care.
“They’re JUST baby teeth…”
A myth that exists concerning a child’s first set of teeth is that baby teeth are just going to fall out so getting proper dental care isn’t necessary. These baby teeth are crucial for chewing for proper digestion and nutrition, and for maintaining space for permanent teeth. Lack of space for the permanent teeth can require the need for extensive orthodontic involvement that could be prevented/ minimized with good oral care. Many cavities are not noticed until the bacteria have reached the inside of the tooth where the nerve (pulp tissue) lives. Infections in these primary (baby) teeth can result in pain and disease that can be prevented with routine dental care and preventive measures. These little teeth can give a sense of personal pride in the child’s appearance that can affect their emotional and psychological development.
These problems come in 3’s
Many children today have disease, growth and development issues stemming from their everyday environment. Kids tend to be less physically active and more involved with electronic entertainment and sugary snacks. To simplify, there are three things that will cause dental disease: Bacteria, Force and Acid. Force due to accidents is usually obvious and happens instantly. The acid in a person’s diet or body can damage teeth as well. The most common culprit of dental disease, however, is the sugared beverage. The sugar in many beverages (including milk) feed the oral bacteria causing decay. These infections, known as cavities, can result in abscesses and tremendous pain. Baby teeth are susceptible to cavities due to the thin enamel sheltering the softer portions of the tooth. When these outer surfaces deteriorate, the tooth will break and the pain and infection require an emergency visit to the dentist which is often traumatic for the child and expensive for the parent. Dental experiences should be positive and nurturing, not scary and intimidating. Insuring that your child has preventive dental care will keep them smiling about going to the dentist for a lifetime.
The Head Bone Is Connected to the Neck Bone
Proper posture and a good airway are especially important in the craniofacial development of a child. An epidemic in today’s world in the area of proper development is the postural position where the head is extended in front of the body and neck with the shoulders rolled in. This can happen due to chronic airway obstruction from enlarged tonsils and adenoids as well as the popular head-forward position that many kids take while watching TV or playing video games. Often not considered in the context of your child’s facial development, it plays a major role with the way they look and function as an adult. Repetitive improper positioning of developing body parts, especially in the head and neck, can result in jaw joint problems (TMJ or TMD), headaches, crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, attention deficit disorder, etc. Awareness of these potentially damaging habits can help you “train up your child in the way they should go”. Dr. Angela Tenholder, DMD, FAACP askdr.angie@yahoo.com Dr. Angie is a 1994 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. Her office is in Millstadt, Illinois and she is opening an office in Columbia, Illinois early 2013. You can find more information about her and her practice at www.smileologydental.com. MetroEastParent.com
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MetroEastParent School Showcase:
Lahr-Well Academy 903 North Second St. • Edwardsville • 618-288-8024 www.lahrwellacademy.org
By Robert Ludwig publisher@metroeastparent.com
innovative concept that has been modeled throughout the country.
n our community there are certain gems that go unnoticed, hidden secrets that once discovered you want to scream on the mountaintop about it. The Lahr-Well Academy is just that.
The 15 current Lahr-Well Academy students range from six years old to seventeen, each with an educational program that caters to the specific needs and progress of that individual student. Each takes classes with each other, no matter the age of the student, and progresses at their own pace.
I
As a former educator, and someone that visits many schools in my line of work, I have never came across a school quite as unique as Lahr-Well Academy. Dr. Almeda Lahr-Well started the academy thirty years ago with a new and
“We believe that a student should not be dictated their education by age, but by level of academic progress,” stated Dr.
Lahr-Well. “We have seven year olds take classes with the older students because that is where she belongs academically.” That was quite apparent in seven year old Paris who shyly told me that she was only on her fourth foreign language. Or six year old Emily who read her letter to a student in Mexico that she wrote last semester, in perfect Spanish. She is currently taking German and will move on to French next year. “We currently have four foreign languages that area taught at Lahr-Well
All Photography by Studio 314 Academy,” said Dr. Lahr-Well. “French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Each student, no matter what age, will take all four languages. Currently we are looking into introducing both Chinese and Japanese.” Meet Bryan, 12 years old, already taking junior level in high school mathematics and science with his older classmates, and was eager to discuss Donte and Machievelli, both he had learned in literature and philosophy. “Our students read 180 peices of literature from poetry to classics, “ stated Dr. Lahr Well. “We pick works that the students can relate to, but also introduce literary works that they may not get anywhere else.” Students at Lahr-Well Academy advance to the next phase in each class when they have tested out of the last. A student may be in Phase 2 in science but Phase 3 in literature.
“It all depends on the level of that particular student at that time. We believe that each student is unique in his or her education and to lump them together because of age is not beneficial to that student and serves as a disadvantage for those students that may be more advanced than the other children their age.” “At Lahr-Well Academy, each student is given an IEP (Individual Educational Program) to determine exactly where they fall academically in each subject. This way we place the child with peers their own level.” Another incredible fact about the LahrWell Academy that I found astonishing was each student from age nine years old on takes the practice ACT each year. “Studies show that students typically increase their college entrance exams by two points each year,” stated Dr. Lahr-Well. “If a student takes the practice ACT every year from age nine to eighteen (the age of a typical senior in high school) then that is ten times that student has taken the test,
an average increase of 20 points from the first time they took the test.” Taking the test every year helps the child two-fold. First, by the time the student takes the actual ACT test, the fear and anxiety that is typical among those who take the test is alleviated. Also, the student is familar with the test and the type of questions that are usually asked, Dr. Lahr-Well explained. Students at Lahr-Well Academy are typically two to three grade levels above their age. Six year old Emily, who would only be in kindergarten this year due to her birthday, is already reading from a 2nd grade literature book, and doing 3rd grade math. Oh yeah, and she is on her third foreign language. Her classmate, six year old Clarence, is already doing 4th grade mathematics. Some secrets are just too good to keep to ourselves, so I now give you Lahr-Well Academy in Edwardsville. MetroEastParent.com
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Communication is Key to a Healthy Student By Dr. Romana Lahr-Well, Founder, President & Director of Lahr-Well Academy in Edwardsville, Illinois Great controversies continue to range from whether or not the U. S. educational “shortfall” statistics are correct to whether or not U.S. students are “overloaded” in their school days. How can you, as a parent, know what to believe...and what to do to help? Letter grades issued in individual subjects, of course, vary with individual teachers as well as with individual schools. So, a letter grade does not always tell you how your child is testing compared to other children in the United States or other children in other countries. In order to give yourself another, informed opinion, you can go to online testing resources. Many of these tests are free, and some cost as little as $20.00. There are tests...from kindergarten to grade 12...in reading, English, math, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and world history...just to name a few. At a time when professionals are emphasizing to parents that they need to “communicate” with their children, how do you know what to say? You could greet your child daily with “How was school today? What did you do? What exciting things did you learn? Do you have any homework?” Allow your child an opportunity to “really” talk with you. You should then ask to see your child’s work, if he or she has brought any graded work home, and then check your child’s homework assignments for the next day. Give your child an opportunity to be honest with you about whether or not there are homework assignments; however, if you see day after day of no work assignment, feel free to write a courteous note to your child’s teacher asking if your child has been turning in all required work. Should the teacher not respond, contact the school office and ask how you should communicate with your child’s teacher. You won’t want to wait until the first low grade has been issued on the report card; you will want to try to intervene before that happens. Make certain your child has at least an hour to “unwind” from the school day. Choose a daily, designated time when your child should be doing homework...preferably late afternoon or early evening. You want to make certain your child is not too tired to focus, and that he or she has enough time to complete the work well. Provide a quiet, well-lit place for your child to do his/her daily homework; and, or course, offer your assistance when needed.. It is critical that you keep your fingers on your child’s educational “pulse” in order to avoid weeks, months or years of “catch-up” work. Additionally, there are always tutoring resources available should you not be able to help your child in special subjects...or if you have time constraints. You also need to keep close watch on helping your child balance the time challenges of homework with extra-curricular activities; but you will have to read more about that later. Do you have a question about education: grades K through 12? Please write to Dr. Lahr-Well at DrLahrWell@MetroEastParent.com MetroEastParent.com
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David Robinson is serving as the interim principal at Holy Cross Lutheran School in Collinsville. He has been part of the metro community for the past eight years, however, on the Missouri side where he was the principal at a Lutheran school in the city of St Louis. For the past 17 years, David has served in ministry as a Director of Christian Education, classroom teacher, and school principal/administrator in 6 states throughout the Midwest. His wife, Diana, is also in education as an early childhood teacher at a charter school in St. Louis. His children, Callie and Preston, have had mom and dad as both teacher and their principal (and they say it’s the BEST!). David has served as a member of various boards and committees including School Night to Join Scouting, Chairman for the Greater St. Louis Area Council – Thunderbird District, Lutheran Association for Special Education, President-elect for Missouri District Administrators, Lutheran Elementary School Association Marketing Team, and has served on various state and national school accreditation teams. David is a native Arkansan and remains loyal to his Razorbacks.
Stand by Me...
S
o, a boy goes on a little adventure, and before he realizes it, he and his dog have wandered from the path that is familiar. He’s lost. After hours of being in the woods and search parties scouring the area, an individual finds the boy crouched down in a creek bed with his dog by his side. His dog never left him. He gave him warmth and comfort in a time of loneliness and fear. LOYALTY. Year after year, the hometown football team fails to produce a winning record. A man who has seen better teams in decades past continues to purchase his season tickets to cheer on his team, win or lose. Again, this year, the team fails to perform up to par. He wears his spirit wear proudly. LOYALTY.
The company takes some pretty hard hits through the challenging economic times in recent years. The layoffs and reduction in hours has many employees scrambling to find something more stable. Through good and bad, new manager and shifts in operational responsibilities, a secretary stays with the company that she has been with for over 20 years. She could take a job elsewhere with her skillset. Instead, she steps up and takes on even more work than before. She extends her workday just to cover the bases so the job still gets done. She stays. Her heart is with this company and her fellow workers. LOYALTY. Page 15
MetroEastParent.com
Closer to some of us, our hometown favorite baseball player takes his awesome talent, philanthropic support, and valued presence in a Cardinal uniform and moves west to a place where a dollar sign could not be matched under the Arch. I’m not going to go there myself, but many would question: Where’s the LOYALTY? Now in the news, a 7-time winner of the famed yellow jersey in the Tour de France, a fall from an elevated position because of poor choices and years of deceit. Can you still be LOYAL? By the time this is being read, this news will be old; and the question of our LOYALTY will once again be shaken.
As a father of two, I have another LOYALTY to share with my children. First and foremost, my LOYALTY to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is to be worn in every aspect of my life. This I take very seriously and speak with confidence that they would say that I DO live this commitment. In the midst of a very difficult time in my life, my children saw a trust, confidence, and faith in people fade a great deal. However, I assured them (as well as my wife and other close friends) that these things were only being strengthened with my Lord. Another relationship that continued to grow, not more LOYAL, but more assured, was that in my relationship with my wife. My LOYALTY (confidence, faith, and trust together) were never in question. My wife just helped me to see
that the partnership that we share together was pretty special. Through thick and thin, she has stood with me in the tests of time. Things can get really thick in life. From a book I’m reading, Leaning into a Hail of Bullets, the temptations of this life are growing every day. Cheating on taxes, the one-step away from an affair smile at a coworker, taking that one little drug to enhance our performance, and the list could go on. Turning away from the LOYALTY that we have or had for something is easy for some. For me and my wife, our leaning on one another and our faith in God gives us our strength, trust, confidence and faith to be guarded from that “hail of bullets” that intrude upon the LOYALTY we have in our marriage vow. So why LOYALTY this month, you may say. It’s February. The celebration of Valentines’ Day brings to mind ways to show our love for one another. Think about sharing with your loved ones this month more than just a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, or a piece of jewelry. Share something that has such greater value than these things. The thing that won’t die in a vase, won’t add inches to your waistline, or add bling to your finger. Commit yourself to LOYALTY for life. A LOYALTY that carries with it something far more precious and can be carried on in how your children choose to live in their relationships in life as well.
Save Money and the Mother Nature by Going Back to the Basics By Tara Hilmes, Co-Owner of Wee-Peats Kid’s Resale Shop in Fairview Heights, and Mother of two
T
imes are tough and saving money has become a major goal of many families - especially a growing family. When baby makes three, it can cause financial stress. Not only can the cost of outfitting your house with the latest baby gear be stressful, but even more stressful are the ongoing costs of formula, daycare, and diapers. One way new families are saving money is by choosing cloth diapers over disposable. Do you remember your mom telling you how you were raised in cloth diapers and how easy everything is for new mothers these days? Well, in exchange for that convenience many moms are paying a hefty price. On average it costs more than $3,000 to diaper a baby with disposable diapers from birth to potty training. So in this economy, some new mothers are thinking maybe mom did know best, and are choosing to use cloth diapers. In comparison, cloth diapers cost an average of only $600 from birth to potty training. That’s a savings of $2,400. Cloth diapers not only offer a huge cost savings, but they offer a greener alternative to disposable diapers. According to statistics from the Environmental
Protection Agency, in 1960, there was almost no diaper waste. But by 1970, the EPA reports approximately 350,000 tons of diaper waste and by 2005, 3.6 million tons of diaper waste annually. In another EPA report, disposable diapers are documented as the third largest waste item in today’s landfills – a significant number given they are only used by a small percentage of the population. A two-year supply of disposable diapers comes at the cost of 20 trees. With environmental issues at a peak, it’s no wonder that today’s new parents are looking for greener, and cheaper options. “When I decided to use cloth diapers six years ago, my friends thought I was crazy,” says a local cloth diaper mom. “Most people I talked to were turned off by the ‘eeww’ factor, but with today’s version of cloth diapers, there is no ‘eeww’. You put the dirty diaper in a diaper pail, than dump it in your washing machine. They come out good as new.” While many parents can still opt for old-fashioned fold and pin diapers, many are turning to more modern options, like all-in-one diapers, which include snaps or Velcro and allow for absorbency customization, and are adjust-
able to grow with your baby. And, while disposable diapers come in one color, reusable diapers come in a plethora of colors and print choices, ensuring that today’s baby is sporting style from top to bottom. With so many options to choose from, modern cloth diapering can be overwhelming to unfamiliar parents. A local children’s resale store is helping parents navigate the cloth diapering waters. Wee-Peats in Swansea holds a Cloth Diapering class each month to explain the types, benefits, cost savings, and how-to’s of cloth diapering. Wee-Peats also makes cloth diapering even less expensive by selling gently used cloth diapers at a fraction of the cost of new. Whether it is the environmental benefits of cloth, the style choices, or the enormous cost savings, consider diapering your baby with modern cloth diapers. For more information about cloth diapering, call Wee-Peats and sign up for their free cloth diapering class, 618-234-4689.
Check us out online at MetroEastParent.com
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How Important is Consistency Anyway
S
o you have made up your mind to potty-train your 2-3 year old during a weekend. You have your books, DVD’s, songs, schedule, potty seat, and everything else you think you could possibly need. The first day is long, but good. The second day is a little better. Your child is starting to get it. But then comes Monday. Mondays are often a day of transition, both back to work for the adult, and a change of caregiver for the child. What happens now with potty training? With a different caregiver or environment, will a child continue to progress, or will the child end up back in diapers?
told to only use the potty, then no one is going to give them a diaper. But how does this “agreement” happen, and what is the outcome when it doesn’t happen?
First, the outcome when there is inconsistency is simple: It takes a lot longer to potty train a child. Further, extra issues of control are seen when the child recognizes that he/ she can play one caregiver against another. One of the most important contributors to a child’s success in potty training, when he/ she is ready to potty train, is consistency of both training, and caregivers’ attitude.
isn’t an issue of who knows best. The book “knows” best. If the child meets the potty training readiness requirements, one of the caregivers can start the process. As long as each of the caregivers has a copy of the book, and agrees to try to follow the plan, there will be enough consistency for success. Often times the trickiest caregiver is the daycare. They usually have a lot of children, and can’t cater to each one individually. It helps to talk with the teachers and provide a schedule of what you want them to do for your child, understanding that your child is not the only one there.
This is a huge worry for many parents in today’s society. Now, more than ever before, mothers, fathers and daycare providers each take a shift in the potty-training process. This is where the need for consistency, for everyone to agree to try to follow the same plan, is so crucial. Children who are potty training need to know that if they are being
So how do you achieve consistency? The question is simple, and the answer is deceptively simple too. All of the caregivers must agree to follow the same plan. This is where a book that lays out both a guide to readiness, and a detailed schedule comes in handy. When you have a book to point to, regardless of whether it is mine, there
When the difficult caregiver is the other parent, it typically reflects not the issue of potty training, but of personal, adult issues. Having a book and a plan to refer to may help alleviate some of the power struggles associated with this situation. Being consistent is very important to the potty training process, regardless of who is doing the training.
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. About Stephanie – Stephanie is a mother of 4 young boys, with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University, a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from University of Connecticut, a post doctoral fellowship at Yale, and is currently a post-doctoral fellow at Washington University in St Louis. She has taught university classes on child and adolescent development, cognitive psychology, and the linguistics of American Sign Language and Deaf culture. When not doing research or teaching at Washington University, she gives classes on potty training based on her book, How to Potty Train Your Dragon/Child. Page 17
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www.facebook.com/HowToPottyTrainYourDragonChild
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by Dr. Stephanie B. Berk
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Protecting your kids from harm on the computer... and vise versa! By Kara Pritchard President of The Computer Store in O’Fallon
T
he Internet can be a scary place for parents. Your kids can find any information, good and bad, with only a few clicks of a keyboard or mouse. Our media and educational resources are adding to this treasure trove of information every second as scammers, criminals, and predators are simultaneously developing new ways to reach us -- and worse, our kids. Many argue that the loss of personal privacy is the biggest downfall of being connected to the Internet. It’s a new way of life for many of us and a new normal for our kids. For the first time our family vacation photos are a welcome share, Grandma got to see the new baby even though she’s 2000 miles away, and pen-pal messages don’t get left on the desk because you ran out of stamps. As exciting as this is, unleashing our kids on this superhighway without any restriction is every bit as scary as handing your unlicensed kid the keys to your car on a 16-lane interstate. Naturally, the best way to prevent your kids from getting into trouble on the Internet is to never leave them unattended. Keep computers in public places and facing the center of the room (or walkway/door) where your kids can’t easily hide what they’re doing if you walk by. Teach them to not use any identifying information including their age, address, Page 19 MetroEastParent.com MetroEastParent.com
school, or even their year of graduation. Think about all the security questions for your financial accounts. Your first car? First pet? First teacher? If your kids start talking about those things now, the information will be archived for future scammers trying to get into their own finance accounts as young adults. Be aware of your kids finding free music and movies on the Internet. If they aren’t paying for it,
most likely the content they’re downloading is not only illegal, but is opening your computer to virus and spyware infections. Youtube, Amazon, iTunes, and related services aren’t the culprit. It’s peer-sharing programs such as Limewire, Bearshare, Ares, Frostwire, torrents (and programs with similar names) that affect you. Check your installed programs and remove any of these if installed.
Alternative ideas to help secure your family:
1. Use Internet Protection software, such as AVG’s Family Safety suite, http://www.avg.com/us-en/avg-family-safety
2. Don’t allow your kids to use the same computer you pay your bills on or access your bank accounts. 3. For purely entertainment purposes, try devices that don’t run a typical full operating system (like Microsoft Windows). Try versions of Linux on your PCs or tablet devices that run Android. 4. Instead of using your ISP’s DNS server settings, set their computers and devices (or your router) to use a filtered DNS service, such as OpenDNS Family Shield to automatically block registered sites (including adult sites) from opening. DNS is required to translate website names to their server’s IP addresses. Known bad sites are redirected as unsafe or to a website of your choice. http://www.opendns.com/home-solutions/parental-controls/ 5. Disable wireless routers and require your kids to use hard wire connections. If they are restricted from the Internet, you can take away their network cables disabling the Internet without removing the computer needed to do homework.
Books We Love
presented by
Fairview Heights Public Library
We Go Together! A Curious Selection of Affectionate Verse Despite its greeting-card size, Brown’s collection of 18 love and friendship poems is anything but stock. In “FBF,” two friends share memories about their “greenish phase” (“We... concocted strange juices/ with lettuce and kale./ We trained an iguana/ to get us the mail”), while later poems discuss gratitude (“My mind was in a panic,/ but you remained calm,/ ready to do battle/ with the splinter in my palm”) and laughter (“I cackle/ and you chortle./ Together we chorkle”). Brown’s bean-nosed, long-legged monsters, and eccentrically attired dogs, cats, and humans are as unusual and memorable as ever, as he pairs a heaping spoonful of nonsense with unexpected yet genuine observations about the joy of companionship. Ages 4–8 Valentine Be Mine by Jacqueline Farmer. Valentine’s Day is about more than just creating paper hearts and eating too much candy—at least, it used to be. Farmer presents a historical overview of the holiday, including the origins of its name (from three saints, all named Valentine and all martyred on February 14) and practice (including ties to the Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia), the evolution of the holiday’s traditions, and its symbolism. Halsey and Addy’s mixed-media collages are suggestive of handmade valentines, with a blend of classic imagery (Cupid, flowers, doves) and vintage and modern photographs of couples and families, all assembled on painted canvas backdrops. Romantic quotations from the likes of Picasso, Plato, and Tennyson appear on banners and hearts; craft ideas, jokes, and mentions of global celebrations of Valentine’s Day lend additional substance to this wide-ranging look at the holiday. Ages 6–9. Tweet Hearts by Susan Reagan Two butter-colored birds with curvy shapes that mimic commas tweet their love for one another in this board book that counts down from 10 to one. In Reagan’s sleek, perky graphics, the hearts transform into hot-air balloons and kites (“Six light hearts/ float up to the sky./ Five playful hearts/ ride on by”), appear along a line of musical notation, and slide down a teeter totter on skinny legs (“Seven silly hearts, love to play”). A single heart-shaped pop-up concludes this affectionate, understated ode. Up to age 4. Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer by Jane O’Connor When there are no mysteries to solve, Nancy and best friend Bree turn their sleuthing skills to the business of love. It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and young girls’ hearts turn to love. The little girls play matchmaker after Nancy’s guitar teacher, Andy, and best baby sitter in the universe Annie each break up with their respective love interests. Who could be better matched than their two favorite high schoolers? What with Nancy’s trademark grown-up words, interesting facts about hearts from their teacher, Mr. Dudeny, and Annie’s fondness for French vocabulary, this love story has a little more substance than most chapter books for new readers. Readers will enjoy seeing Bree and Nancy set Annie and Andy up for their “surprise” date and will secretly be relieved when Annie figures things out for herself. Platonic love might not be as exciting to the young girls as romantic love, but it is nice (and more realistic) to see old friends like Annie and Andy enjoy each other’s company as friends. Gentle, black-and-white line drawings combine with easy-to-read font and familiar characters to make this the logical series for fans of Fancy Nancy to fall in love with. Ooh la la! What will these two friends think of next? (Fiction. Ages 5-8)
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Get A Great Education With Your Degree McKendree University is committed to providing students with a high quality, affordable private undergraduate and graduate education. Distinguished by great teaching, a vibrant community, successful academic outcomes, and a 98% job placement rate after graduation, McKendree is ranked among the top “Best Regional Universities” by U.S. News & World Report and is the only institution in Illinois to be named to “America’s 100 Best College Buys.”
1 . 8 0 0 . B E A R C AT • M c Ke n d re e . e d u M
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10 Signs of a Social Media Addiction Social Media stepped up to the plate and altered our lives in more than one way over the last decade. We find ourselves contacting friends we haven’t seen or thought about in years, locating social events about town with the help of a few clicks on our computer or cell phone, and making public information about ourselves that would have been uncommon in the pre-wired world. On a positive note, social media helps us in more ways than facilitating social bonds, as it helps the American consumer save money. Utilizing social media sites cuts out the middle man in a business transaction weather you are purchasing a car or looking for a babysitter, and our social media companions can share information about the most affordable places to buy products of all sorts. But as with any positive aspect of life, an addiction could be right around the corner. How do you know if you’re addicted to social media?
1. 2. 3. 4.
You think that the Twitter bird should replace the bald eagle as the national bird.
5.
You’re unaware of the bank robbery at your local bank because you failed to watch the evening news or read news websites, as you we’re enjoying the birth of a Facebook friend’s daughter in Hawaii.
6. 7.
Your definition of environmental consciousness and activism means enjoying posted pictures of trees in the local park.
8. 9.
You’re worried that your aunt will cut your Facebook friends out of her will. You compose your fifth Facebook post of the day between your 58th and 59th lap in the health club at 5:30 a.m. You complain that your neighbor, who teaches creative writing in the local M.F.A. program, doesn’t include how to write the ultimate My Space poem in his classes.
You’re arrested in a mall for stealing a cell phone, and in recorded statement to police, you state that you lost your phone and stole another one because you were awaiting a response to a date request from a cute girl, also a Facebook friend. You failed to vote in the city’s latest referendum because you couldn’t vote with a tweet. You struck it rich because you sold 2 million copies of your e-book “How to Strike it Rich Using Social Media and also Quit Your Day Job in Less Than Four Weeks,” primarily using Facebook, Twitter, and My Space.
10. You’re glad you no longer have to talk with your goofy neighbors because you spend all night on social media sites. W E B UY G OLD J EWELRY & W ATCH R EPAIR
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THE YMCA
A MISSION...NOT A GYM. This statement might sound odd to you, but it lies at the core of our YMCA heart. The essence of that statement describes how we are different from any other fitness facility around. It’s true that we have a fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines and weight equipment. Likewise, we offer fitness classes ranging from Yoga to Zumba and offer aqua aerobics and personal training. For the YMCA, however, these fitness opportunities provide one piece of our commitment to strengthening individual’s spirits, minds and bodies. It’s one of the tools that we use to make our mission become reality...
Our Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Page 23
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Under the umbrella of the Y, there’s more happening than what you see within our walls. Hundreds of children are developing conďŹ dence and learning our 4 core values: honesty, respect, caring and responsibility through swimming programs, youth sports and summer camps. Each week, kids are learning, growing and thriving through our after school care and tutoring centers. Seniors are taking part in programs speciďŹ cally designed to meet their needs. Family nights are offered to bring the family together and strengthen homes. Volunteers are coordinated to serve community projects such as developing and managing tutoring centers, building community gardens and assisting in neighborhood cleanup and home remodeling projects.
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Our cause is to strengthen communities. In 2012, the YMCA strengthened the community by sending 771 students to school with new backpacks and school supplies through our Backpack Attack program. We ensured 100s of families could partake in a Thanksgiving meal by raising 461 boxes of canned goods through our Thanksgiving food drive. We provided local food pantries with over 1500 pounds of vegetables through our local community gardens. We helped make Christmas special through our Angel Tree program which provided 529 kids with Christmas presents. We also distributed over $900,000 in financial assistance to local youth and families through programs and memberships that connected them to our cause. We live our cause through the lives we transform inside our YMCA doors every day. We believe in “doing life together”. We see this in the groups of men playing racquetball and then going out to lunch together afterwards. We see it again in the group of ladies who attend aqua aerobics class and then meet for bible study together. We care about your health, but we also believe that connecting with friends and family is required to leading a healthy life. To us, healthy living encompasses your physical health, as well as your family cohesiveness and spiritual connectedness.
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The YMCA has been described as a movement. We are a group of people committed to making a difference in our community. We don’t measure our successes in business terms. It’s not about pounds lost or games won or how fast the next lap is swam. We measure our success by the impact we have in transforming lives through our mission and cause. A success is a single parent keeping his or her job because of our after school care program. A success is a child making new friends because he’s on a soccer team. A success is a senior discoverings new friends through our Active Older Adult potluck socials. A success is a mom strengthening herself spiritually through one of our YMCA Spiritual/Fitness Journeys like STRONG. A success is a father discovering the power of serving others by volunteering as a coach for one of our youth sports. We see these successes happen everyday within our buildings and communities. If you are already a Y member and someone asks what gym you go to, tell them you belong to more than a gym, you are a part of the Y movement. Tell them about the great stuff that we’re doing. If you have never been to the Y, or you are interested in learning more about our mission and cause, please visit: ymcaswil.org. Or better yet, visit one of our branches and get connected today. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with the Y, contact: Amy @ aturck@ymcaswil.org If you are interested in giving to the Y’s cause, contact: Kelly @ kmillington@ymcaswil.org MetroEastParent.com
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The Importance of Black History Month & Every Parent’s Role
B L AC K H I S TORY M ON T H 2 0 1 3 REACHING BACK MOVING FORWARD
B
lack History Month is important for everyone. After all, this is not just Black History, it’s American history! While it may be disheartening and difficult to be reminded of the atrocities, hardships, and ideology of our past, it is necessary in order for our country to continue to live up to its creed and be the model of freedom throughout the world. Like all pivotal moments etched in history and placed in our calendar (Women, Hispanic, Asian Pacific American and Native American History months, etc…) they all grant us an opportunity to reflect and correct. The reality is, remembering the struggles of a group of people should never be ignored. It is because of them that we are afforded the opportunities we have today. During Black History Month we
should focus on the character, morals, and values that great inventors, historians, civil right activist and leaders displayed during one of the darkest times in our history. We should take note of how their decisions have made a difference in the lives of everyone, so we too can be agents of change. We should learn about people of all cultures, races, and genders year round. We become better when we attempt to eradicate our own ignorance, by being open to other’s experience and history. It is through their contributions of hard work, dedication and vision that we can all experience the luxury of ‘self-absorbency’. It is important for all children to know that in order to be great, whether black, white, Asian or Hispanic, we must give our all to a purpose and cause. To facilitate the learning process, parents should find an age-appropriate book on an African-American, and sit and read with your child. Discuss why the person being recognized is a great American. How did they make a difference in the lives of others? How has that person affected you and your child’s life? Parents can also create an age-appropriate project that you can do to help others. Become action-ori-
ented and devise a realistic plan that is service-oriented. Make a difference by being “other-centered” instead of “self-centered”. We should be taught that sitting about and not contributing to the world is unacceptable for any human, regardless of race. Our children should be raised with the desire to always do better, to consider other’s world views, to never be complacent and strive to recognize that our differences should be embraced and not erased! When the historian, Carter G. Woodson started, “Negro History Week” in 1926, he had no idea that by 1976 every US President would designate the month of February as an annual celebration of the achievements made by black Americans. So in standing with tradition, engage your family in conversation and expose your children to our rich African American legacy. If you are looking for specifics in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, you can begin by visiting the Old Courthouse to learn about Dred Scott, the Katherine Dunham Museum in East St. Louis, Griot Museum of Black History and Culture, Museum of Westward Expansion, The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing, First Baptist Church of St. Louis, The Vaughn Cultural Center or by watching a play at the Black Repertory Theater. Happy Black History Month!
Desiree Tyus is a wife and mother to three. When time permits she enjoys traveling, learning languages, event planning and reading. She received her education at University of Pennsylvania and The Johns Hopkins University. As a child advocate, she was recently elected onto the Illinois PTA State Board of Directors as Secretary, and serves on Girl Scouts Troop #594, as well as works as the Director of Growing Scholars Educational Center located in Fairview Heights, IL. You can reach her at dtyus@growingscholarscenter.com or at www.growingscholarscenter.com
Anetrise Jones is a wife and mother to two. She is passionate about education and making sure that kids are put first. She received her education at Webster University and the University of Arkansas. Anetrise is the owner of Growing Scholars Educational Center, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a member of the Jack and Jill organization. For more information you can reach her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/growingscholars
Check Out the Calendar of Events to See Area Happenings Celebrating Black History Month
ask the trainer... New to the Metro East Parent guest columinsts is William Miller of Dynamic Fitness Management. William will answer any and all questions emailed to him at wmiller@dfmfit.com and place some of the more pertinant answers in his column every month. Metro East Parent would like to thank William and welcome him to our family.
My son is 11 and has had pains in the back and knees. He works out a few hours a day doing light cardio and weights. Is he just going through growing pains? - Susan M. O’Fallon, IL
Hi Susan, The first thing you need to do is take him to see a physician. Be sure there is no underlying medical condition causing the pains he is experiencing. Once the Doctor clears him for exercise the next concern I would address is the length of his workouts. Unless he is training for a specific event or sport a few hours a day may be overdoing it. Sports practices might last that long but there is a significant portion of that time dedicated to skills training. If general health and wellness are the goal of his workouts then he should be able to achieve that by training considerably less than a few hours a day. This is also a good time to stress the importance of resting to a healthy lifestyle. The body needs to be allowed to recover from the stressors of physical activity in order to get the most benefit and avoid injuries. If we have eliminated those concerns the next step would be to look at the bio-mechanics of the movements he is doing in the gym. There is a huge variety of movements that could result in knee and back pain if not done properly. One of the most common problems we see in the gym is with squats so I will use that as an example. If the head slumps forward or the back is arched during a squat then there is a good chance that this may cause back problems after very few repetitions, even if no weight is being used. Likewise if the heels leave the ground or if the knees collapse inward during a squat you could cause knee pains relatively quickly. These are just a few of the many examples of how a squat can go wrong. When you consider the vast range of exercises done in a gym you can begin to understand how many possible causes for knee and back pain there truly could be. There is a good possibility that his pain is the result of something other than simply growing. If the doctor does not find a medical concern then I would definitely recommend you find a professional trainer or coach to help him with his technique in everything from running to the exercises he does with weights. The risks of working out with poor technique could lead to serious issues later in life, especially since he is only 11. It is great that your son is so into working out. Some lessons in technique early on could help ensure a long, safe and healthy life for him.
I am extremely overweight at about 42 bmi. I have tried every diet in the world and nothing has worked long term. What do you recommend as far as diet? - Renee G. Edwardsville, IL
Dear Renee, To say the amount of fad diets and meal plans available today is overwhelming would be an understatement. I have been asked to look at diets for people that have ranged from unbelievable to downright preposterous. Some say only fruit and vegetables while others say limit fruit and vegetables. Some say no meat of any kind while others say mostly meats of every kind. There are even some that say not to eat real food at all and only drink the shakes they are selling for $300 a month. I understand how frustrating it can be to try to find one that is safe and effective for the long haul. Your efforts should be focused on finding a way to eat healthy for the rest of your life. My advice is to simplify the rules that guide your eating habits as much as possible. With regard to what foods to eat the best thing you can do for yourself is to only eat real food. Avoid processed foods to the best of your ability. Fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh meats, fresh seafood and nuts and seeds should be what you seek. Also try to avoid sugars at all costs. If you do eat grains make sure they are whole grain products and try to keep these limited as well. Try to eat moderate servings 4 or more times a day, evenly spaced throughout the day. People not only have a hard time losing weight from not eating enough but eating too much so eat until you are full but not stuffed. Preparing your meals in advance will help with this tremendously. These are just a couple very basic rules to help you but the very best thing you can do to avoid the fad diet confusion is to educate yourself on the basics of nutrition. Learn about the macronutrients: Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats. Having a basic understanding of the function of these structures will be of huge assistance when choosing what to eat. This is the first crucial step toward freeing yourself from the need to use a poorly structured fad diet instead of just living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating right and exercising.
About William I was born and raised in the Metro East. After graduating from Belleville East I joined the Marine Corps. Upon returning I attended SWIC and then KU where my academic focus was on Psychology. Since college I have dedicated my career to learning everything I could about becoming the best personal trainer I can be. I currently work for DFM as the Director of Personal Training in the Fairview Heights Club Fitness location. William Miller NFPT, CrossfitL1, USAW L1
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Daddy’s Cookbook for that Big GameBash! Ok, so you are all set for family and friends to come watch your new big screen to watch the Big Game!
Passionately Engaging Students Delivering Excellence Equipping Youth to Lead
Don’t disappoint them with these great quick ideas! CHEESY SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP Ingredients: 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained, finely chopped 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Directions: Heat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients; spoon into 9-inch quiche dish or pie plate. Bake 20 min. or until heated through. Serve with crackers and assorted cut-up fresh vegetables or crostini. Makes about 3 cups.
BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAPS Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken fingers (white meat) 1/2 C. wing sauce 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. Louisana Hot sauce 1 pkg. soft taco tortillas 1 pkg. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 tomato, diced shredded lettuce ranch or bleu cheese dressing
618-656-0043 www.melhs.org Serving Christian families from across the Metro-East area since 1977.
Open Houses
Sundays—Jan. 27 & Feb. 10 1-3 pm each day 6305 Center Grove Road
Edwardsville, IL
Don’t think you can afford it? You might be surprised as tuition assistance is available.
Directions: Place chicken tenders in a deep fryer or fry daddy and cook until crisp. While frying chicken, mix together wing sauce, garlic powder and hot sauce. Take chicken fingers and cut in half. Place fingers in sauce to coat and then put them in the middle of a tortilla (2-3 half pieces). Cover with lettuce, tomato, cheese and your choice of dressing. Fold in ends then roll into a wrap.
Don’t forget the kids... Vanilla Victory Hands Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 pkg. (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows - OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 6 cups Kellogg’s® Rice Krispies® cereal Canned frosting or decorating gel Food coloring Assorted candies Directions: 1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. 2. Stir in vanilla. Add KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated. 3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly
press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using cookie cutters coated with cooking spray cut into foam finger shapes. Decorate with frosting and/or candies. Insert ice cream sticks. Best if served the same day. Microwave Directions: In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.
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the sta By:
Sue Hezel
D
on’t you wish you could bottle your child’s creativity? Since we can’t do that the next best thing we can do as parents is to nourish their interest by providing direction and instruction for growth. But how do we know what they need? Are they getting enough access to art in their school programs? Some public schools and most private schools provide art instruction, but more recently, state budget cuts and emphasis on the core curriculum have limited what schools can provide in the way of visual arts instruction. When art programs are reduced or eliminated from school curriculums it sends a clear message to parents that visual arts aren’t really that important to children. This, of course, is not true. Plenty of research has been done showing the importance of visual arts for children. My favorite summation is the National Arts Education Association 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) I think there’s a lot of merit to a parent in considering these points and since you probably won’t see these coming home on a flier from school anytime soon I’d like to
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share them with you as a start to the State of the Arts monthly column in Metro Parent Magazine. So here we go… here’s the first lesson and what it means to your child’s developing mind. 1. The arts teach children to make good judgments about qualitative relationships. Unlike much of the curriculum in which correct answers and rules prevail, in the arts, it is judgment rather than rules that prevail. Wow, think about that – art lacks the right or wrong, black or white boundaries that most school disciplines inherently have. Art prompts creativity simply because there are no rules! And, ‘no rules’ is precisely why art is so much fun and so engaging. If you’ve ever had to make a child stop on their artwork, well, the response you get is usually way different from asking them to stop doing math! Art becomes an area where a child can always excel on their own terms because his/her own terms are all that matters – how refreshing and empowering! Art invites the child to experiment and to use his own judgment from his own perspective. No other subject in school welcomes the creative process that a child’s brain accesses when given the opportunity
to use art to convey… anything! It pushes the child to use his/her fine motor skills, to imagine, to try new things and importantly to reconsider what they already know. Another unique facet of the arts is that you can be on both sides of it – creator or viewer - and find appreciation from both angles. Why did you use those colors? How did you know how to draw that? What do you think when you see this? How does it make you feel? What does it remind you of? The skill we need for that is judgment. As parents, we want our children to develop important life skills. The unique nature of visual arts teaches some rather important ones. The use and purpose of visual arts to convey meaning, deliver a message, share a view, or invoke feelings serve to invite judgment. Few other disciplines have room for judgment. When I consider the dictionary listing for judgment, the significance really sinks in – it’s the ability to access, discern, compare, form an opinion, appraise, estimate, view, conclude, diagnose. Electrodes would literally light up all over the child’s brain as it searches through what it knows and what it questions in order to
tate of the ARTS convey simple to complex images. These thought processes apply not only to the subject matter but also to the elements used - the surface choice, the medium, the colors, etc. for a simple two-dimensional representation. Art is an interpretation, a perspective, a stamp in time. Qualitative relationships are everywhere in a simple piece of art. By thinking through the creative process given the tools to work with and considering the subject matter one can make a multitude of choices based on judgment.
The Take Away…
Assess your child’s art program and if you or your child feels they aren’t getting enough quality art instruction then it may be time to consider seeking it outside the classroom. There are a number of art education facilities in the Metro East area. As a parent, it’s up to you to check out how the class works and if it is a good fit for your child. Just because class times align with an opening in your schedule doesn’t mean it’s really the best fit.
Consider age appropriateness and whether the classes are designed to develop skills through education or if they are craft or project oriented. Some studios will let you try a class free and most don’t require a long-term commitment. The benefits are huge!
Sue Hezel is the owner of pen2paper art studio in Columbia, IL. The eduArts method, founded by Mona Brookes, is taught by Sue to children ages 3 to 103 at the studio and offsite. At pen2paper art studio, a dozen professional artists teach a variety of art instruction, from photography to clay sculpture, and every kind of drawing or painting class.
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She Blinded me with Science... and
By Cherie Washow cherie@metroeastparent.com
STEM... do you know
what it stands for?
It’s an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - you know - those subjects your brother took in school. Ever wonder why there are not more girls taking those classes? As the mother of a self-professed geek-girl, I never gave it much thought. Science kits and microscopes are more prevalent in her closet than my son’s. I started this article with the intent of showing statistically an improvement in the numbers of girls and women in science. However, the facts do not support that premise. This seems to be one of the last areas that require stereotype blasting. Less than 20% of high school students taking the AP classes for any of the STEM subjects are girls. Less than 30% of the PHD holders are women and just 30% of the STEM professors are women. The
National Science Foundation estimates that 80% of the jobs available during the next decade will require math and science skills. Considering females hold the majority ratio in the world, this does not add up. President Obama recognized this problem and created the “Race to the Top” competition which focused not only on encouraging states to develop comprehensive strategies to improve achievement and provide rigorous curricula in STEM subjects, but also to broaden the participation of women and girls. To achieve this, states applying for these funds received competitive preference if they demonstrated efforts to address any barriers to STEM careers for women, girls, and other underrepresented groups. The Girl Scouts developed their own program to raise interest in STEM subjects based on the principle that girls interest will be held if they know how their work can help others. Five new badges were added to develop interest in STEM subjects. Girls from the youngest Daisy Scouts through the Ambassadors
are encouraged to explore STEM through the “It’s Your Planet - Love It!” Journey Series. We as parents can make a difference daily by encouraging our children to be citizens of the Earth who enjoy the diversity life has to offer. Get your children interested and aware while they are young to inspire a life long learner. As Marie Curie herself once said: “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.”
Further information is available at these web sites: http://www.esa.doc.gov/Reports/ women-stem-gender-gap-innovation http://www.girlscouts.org/research/ publications/stem/generation_stem_ what_girls_say.asp
Technology, Engineering, Math! From a well-known actress and math genius—a groundbreaking guide to mathematics for middle school girls, their parents, and educators As the math education crisis in this country continues to make headlines, research continues to prove that it is in middle school when math scores begin to drop—especially for girls—in large part due to the relentless social conditioning that tells girls they “can’t do” math, and that math is “uncool.” Young girls today need strong female role models to embrace the idea that it’s okay to be smart—in fact, it’s sexy to be smart! It’s Danica McKellar’s mission to be this role model, and demonstrate on a large scale that math doesn’t suck. In this fun and accessible guide, McKellar—dubbed a “math superstar” by
The New York Times—gives girls and their parents the tools they need to master the math concepts that confuse middleschoolers most, including fractions, percentages, pre-algebra, and more. The book features hip, real-world examples, step-bystep instruction, and engaging stories of Danica’s own childhood struggles in math (and stardom). In addition, borrowing from the style of today’s teen magazines, it even includes a Math Horoscope section, Math Personality Quizzes, and Real-Life Testimonials—ultimately revealing why math is easier and cooler than readers think.
Metro East Parent Magazine Calendar of Events!
Have an event you would like to see in Metro East Parent Calendar? Email us at calendar@metroeastparent.com with the details and we will be happy to place it in there for you! Also, there are more events online at our new interactive website MetroEastParent.com!
Concerts... Flight of the Butterflies @ St. Louis Science Center All Month
The monarch butterfly is a true marvel of nature. Weighing less than a penny, it makes one of the longest migrations on Earth across a continent to a place it has never known in the mountain peaks of Mexico. Follow the monarchs’ perilous journey and soar a mile high alongside one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world.
Guess How Much I Love You and I Love My Little Storybook @ COCA Feb 1 - 3
An eager little bunny lies on the grass, opens his book and within moments the story comes alive in fascinating details. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia adapts the award winning classic from the author Sam McBratney and illustrator Anita Jeram. This heart-warming story for young children has been called an anthem about the love between a parent and a child. It’s a gentle story, perfect for ages 3 and up, and features Mermaid Theatre’s impressive visuals and signature style.
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St. Louis Symphony Orchestral Program: Sibelius 5 @ Powell Symphony Hall Feb 2-3
Maestro Hannu Lintu conducts Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony; Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3; and pianist Markus Groh makes his St. Louis Symphony debut
Specticast: Ludwig Minkus’ Don Quixote @ Wildey Theatre Feb 3, 3pm - 5pm Leading Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky has created this Dutch National Ballet production exclusively for the company. “Don Quixote” is a dazzling display of high spirits, virtuosity and Spanish temperament. The flamboyant leaps, dizzying pirouettes and crisp pointe work give the performers every opportunity to show off their technical prowess. But at the same time, the comic story based on Cervantes’ masterpiece makes strong demands on the dancers’ acting abilities.
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Live Tour @ Chaifetz Arena Feb 9-10
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb’s “The Best LIVE Tour Ever!” will be at the Chaifetz Arena Feb. 9-10. Tickets are still available for purchase at
the Chaifetz Arena website. Show times are: 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 96:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 7 p.m. Friday, Feb.10 (Sold out) School‘s out for summer and anything is possible as Phineas and Ferb create their biggest invention yet -- Disney’s Phineas and Ferb.
Rush Studio of Dance presents Synaptic Paths @ Wildey Theatre Feb 10, 7:30pm - 9pm
Join Rush Studio of Dance as they perform “Synaptic Paths”, a contemporary dance performance featuring both youth and adult dancers with a focus on Autism Awareness as the theme.
Spectrum Brass @ Wildey Theatre Feb 10
Imagine a performance where a brass quintet commands the stage with power and grace, a concert pianist displays dazzling virtuosity, and a soprano sweetly sings a heartfelt song. The Spectrum Brass Quintet delivers it all in one mind-blowing package. With a first half suited for a symphony hall and a second half perfect for a night on the town who could ask for anything more? Don’t miss this one of a kind performance, only at The Wildey Theatre.
Imago Theatre: ZooZoo @ The Hett, McKendree University Feb 16
This madcap menagerie combines mime, dance, comedy, music and special effects in its latest hit production. Highly original and entertaining family fun, ZooZoo is a perfect first theater experience for children three and older. For more information, please call or visitwww.thehett.com. Admission: Call or visit website for ticket information.
Met at the Hett: Rigoletto @ McKendree University Feb 17, 12pm - 2:30pm
Be part of a worldwide audience from a “better than front row seat” for the New York’s Metropolitan Opera Emmy award-winning “Live in HD” series of high-definition simulcast transmissions to over a million viewers in 35 countries.
St. Louis Symphony Family Concert: Magical Movements @ Powell Hall St. Louis Feb 17, 3pm - 5pm
In this performance specifically geared to young audiences, the St. Louis Symphony presents
Magical Movements: A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Performers from Danceworks Chicago will join the symphony as the orchestra comes together section by section. Part of the St. Louis Symphony’s Family Concert series. 3 p.m. at Powell Hall. More information: www.stlsymphony. org
The Gruffalo @ COCA Feb 23-24
Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark woods in this magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the “terrifying” Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Recommended for ages 3 and up. Shows are Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m.and 3:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $16-$20 and are available online or at the COCA box office. More information: www.cocastl.org or call 314-725-6555.
Shows and Festivals... Country Treasures Craft Show @ Belle Clair Expo Feb 1 - 2
Handcrafted furniture, garden decor, florals, jewelry, wearable art, gourmet foods, candles and more. Visit Our Website Admission: $3 Admission Charged.
Delta Dental Winter Zoo @ Saint Louis Zoo, Feb 3 & 10, 11am – 4 pm
Winter at the St. Louis Zoo means it’s time to celebrate our waddling friends, the penguins. The Delta Dental Winter Zoo is a fun, free celebration that includes penguin-related games and activities, fun with the Radio Disney Road Crew, a live, interactive show featuring Delta Dental’s Land of Smiles, and Penguin Parade.
Heart Healthy Fair @ Eckerts Country Store & Farms Feb 2 – 3
February is Heart Health Awareness Month, so Eckert’s and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital invite you and your family to the second annual Heart Healthy Fair. Activities
include educational and fitness information and presentations, free cooking demonstrations for adults and children, fun fitness activities for kids, wine tastings and special offers and discounts.
Maple Sugar Festival @ Rockwoods Reservation Feb 2, 10am - 3pm
It’s maple sugar time! You’ve been waiting all winter and it’s finally here! Venture outdoors to Rockwoods Reservation and experience conservation success and forest resources at its finest - and sweetest! It’s a day your whole family will enjoy. 636-458-2236 for information. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Greater St. Louis Dental Society “Dinosaur Doings” @ St Louis Science Center Feb 2, 10:30 - 11:30am
The Greater St. Louis Dental Society will be celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month by hosting our annual “Dinosaur Doings” Visit with Sam the Smilosaurus, Tooth Fairy, Magical Dragon, Dr. Ted E. Bear and Delta Dental Panda Bear.-For the kids, there will be a FREE TOOTHBRUSH EXCHANGE at Dinosaur Doings— Bring us your OLD toothbrush and receive a NEW LIGHT-UP
toothbrush! -Delta Dental of Missouri’s “Land of Smiles” show –Face Painting -Fun Games.
Holistic Fair@ Holistic Journey Feb 2, 11am - 4pm
106 E. Main St, Belleville First Saturday of every month, our Holistic Fair features our service providers here to answer any questions and provide mini-services.
Largest Yard Sale @ Belle Clair Expo Feb 8-9
Bargains, treasures, and “finds” , new, used and slightly used merchandise. Everything you can imagine or want for you or your home. Admission: Friday Early Bird $5 Admission, Saturday is Free.
St. Louis Woodworking Show @ Gateway Center Feb 8 – 10 River City Grand Parade (Soulard Mardi Gras Parade)@ Soulard District Feb 9
The parade features floats, marching bands, colorful masks and outlandish costumes. The parade begins at Busch Stadium and ends at Anheuser Busch.
area storytelling times O’Fallon Public Library – 120 Civic Plaza 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM ................. Every Thursday.................................Storyteller Gail Long 9:30 AM & 10:45 AM.................. Every other Monday.........................Preschool Storytime 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ....................... 3rd Monday of Month......................Fun and Furry Reading — Program — 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM.................... Every other Wednesday...................Babygarten 10:45 AM -11:45 AM................... Every other Wed. and Friday...........Beyond the Gartens 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM.................... Every other Friday............................Tween the Gartens
Eckert’s Country Restaurant 951 S. Green Mount Rd, Belleville
Your children will sure to be entertained during our holiday story hour. The kids will be enjoy hearing the story of the gingerbread man. After the story is over, each child can make a gingerbread craft. Fun for kids of all ages. FREE. Story will be told at 9 am and 11 am in the Garden Center. For more information call Eckert’s at (618) 233-0513
Belleville Library Presents
DIAL-A-STORY Dial 234-0555 and a child can listen to stories over the phone!
There is a new story every week! MetroEastParent.com
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Annual Lincoln Birthday Celebration@ Vandalia Statehouse Historic Site Feb 9 – 10 315 W. Gallatin, Vandalia, IL 62471 (618)283-1161
Beginning on Saturday, February 9, 2013, the Vandalia Historical Society will present the Lincoln Victory Ball at the Vandalia Moose Lodge. The ball is a Civil War Era Ball. Salt Creek Band with a caller will provide the period music. The ball is also open to North and South re-enactors & the general public. Period attire is encouraged, but not required, but those attending in period attire will be admitted at no charge whereas those not will be charged a $5 admission fee .Refreshments will be served attend the Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration at the Vandalia Statehouse, the building where Lincoln began his political career and was legally enrolled as an attorney, on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 2:00p.m The observance
features a keynote speaker talking about some aspect of Lincoln’s life. In recent years, the speaker has been Kevin Kaegy of Greenville, IL. Mr. Kaegy usually has memorabilia from his vast Lincoln collection.
Chocolate Rendezvous @ Lebanon Downtown Feb 9-10
For all chocolate lovers! Purchase a ticket and sample scrumptious chocolate treats at participating stores and restaurants along the brick street. Great treats for you and yours for an early Valentine’s Day. Visit Our Website Admission: $7 Admission Charged.
Belleville Flea Market @ Belle-Clair Expo Center Feb 16 – 17
There are over 600 tables and 300400 vendors selling antiques, collectibles and merchandise old and new. Indoor/Outdoor year-round! Visit Our Website Admission: Free Admission.
Have an event you would like to see in Metro East Parent Calendar? Email us at calendar@metroeastparent.com
Classes... New Classes at Starlight Visual and Performing Arts Studio and Gallery, 903 Main St., Highland, IL, 62249 Call 618-654-3915 or 618-339-8884 for more info. Every Thursday starting Feb 7 Dabblers 10 am - 10:45 am
A little of this and a little of that for ages 4-6 years old. Four Week Course at $60.
Every Saturday starting Feb 2 Dabblers 9:00 am - 9:45 am
A little of this and a little of that for ages 4-6 years old. Four Week Course at $60
Drawing 12:45 am - 1:45 am
Pencil, color pencil, charcoal, marker, oil pastel, ages 7 and up, a class for all ages $75.
Painting Class 11:15 pm - 12:15 pm
Ages 7-13, exploring watercolor and acrylic $75
Adult Painting Class 2 pm - 3:30 pm Exploring watercolor and acrylic $90
Oven Fired Clay: Hand Building Class 10:00 am – 11:00pm
Pinch, coil and slab for ages 7-13- $75
Every Tuesday 10:15am - 11:15a Ballroom Dancing @ MSCC
1003 N. Main ST, Edwardsville 618-656-0300. Pull out those dancing shoes and get ready to move! Every Tuesday,
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beginning on. Tuesday, September 4th, Betty and Gene Fedder will be teaching Ballroom Dance at MSCC. Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to have a partner to participate. The classes are from 10:15 to11:15am. The instruction is for basic ballroom only.
Every Saturday 1pm - 2pm Yoga @ Glen Carbon Library
Designed to enhance vitality and a sense of wellbeing, this Yoga workout will help participants gain improved flexibility, balance, strength and posture. The Yoga class will borrow from the instructor’s experience with Yoga and may incorporate basic poses from various Yoga styles. Please bring your own Yoga mat if desired. Classes are limited to 15. Registration is required and is available online. Url:http://www. glencarbonlibrary.org
MOMMY 911: Beware of Toxins @ Fairview Heights Library Feb 2-3 Contact Library for times: 618489-2070
Bowl Painting with Pottery Hollow @ Glen Carbon Library Feb 2, 1 - 2pm
Bowl Painting with Pottery Hollow Instructed by: Pottery Hollow Personalize your bowl with your choice of paint color and design. Non-Refundable supply fee is $8 ($14 for non-Glen Carbon patrons) Registration limited and is required. Register online at glencarbonlibrary.org or by phone at 618-288-1212.
Cupcake Frenzy Advanced Kids Cooking Class @ Eckert’s Country Store Belleville Feb 9, 11am - 1pm
Join us for a tour around the store to taste and discuss how many pounds of produce we need for our recipes. Each child will then be assigned to a shopping team with a list! Once they’ve used their Eckert bucks to buy ingredients, it’s off to the classroom to cook! This is a great class for kids who are learning about money, weights and measures.
Recycled Beaded Earring Workshop @ Glen Carbon Library Feb 13, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Recycled Beaded Earring Workshop Instructed by: Magi Henderson from the Glen Carbon Library Bring in old beaded jewelry to up cycle, or use our provided beads to create a set of hooked earrings. Earring supplies are provided. Registration is limited and required. Register online atglencarbonlibrary.org or by phone at 618-2881212.
Babysitting 101 @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville Feb 16, 9am - 1pm
This class, taught by an instructor from St. Louis Children’s Hospital is a great introduction to the basics of babysitting. Topics include: the business of babysitting, safety/ first aid, child development, fun and games. A workbook and light snack are provided. $30 per child. Event takes place from 9am - 1pm. Call 314-454-KIDS to register.
Dog Behavior; How to Train a Dog @ Glen Carbon Library Feb 18, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Dog Behavior; How to Train a Dog Instructor: Carmen Mendoza This workshop will be a PowerPoint presentation with handouts including an overview of things to consider before adopting a dog, where to adopt a dog, caring for a dog, why dogs need to learn house rules, prevention of unwanted behaviors and the meaning behind those behaviors, types of training and dog safety. Registration is required. Register online atglencarbonlibrary.org or by phone at 618-288-1212.
Sensational Soups @ Eckert’s Country Store Feb 20, 12 - 1pm
Taste four winter-warming soups! We’ll prepare Chicken Corn Chowder and a crowd-pleasing Vegetarian Chili. We’ll also sample “heat and eat” soups that make lunch or dinner a snap. Toss together our simple greens salad recipe and you’ll have a complete meal in minutes.
Made from the Heart @ Eckert’s Country Store Belleville Feb 23, 9:30 - 11am
Spread some love and warm the heart of someone special with a few Valentines themed recipes like Yummy French Toast, Love Potion Smoothie and more.
Cook in Our Kitchen Hands On! @ Eckert’s Country Store Belleville Feb 24, 1- 3pm
Come prepared to make your own meal in the classroom. We’ll get your hands on a variety of kitchen tools as you make chicken in parchment paper, roasted vegetables with orzo, a fresh greens salad and mini-fruit tarts. Preparing these tasty recipes will provide a fun way to learn a few of our kitchen secrets first-hand. (Aprons and cooking supplies will be provided for use during the class.)
Cooking Basics - New!! @ Eckert’s Country Store Belleville Feb 28, 6 - 8pm
Calling all new cooks! From college students to newlyweds, this class will appeal to anyone who wants to learn basic kitchen techniques. Learn how to sear, roast and stir fry. We’ll send you home with 10 recipes so that dinner will be easy and fun to prepare at home.
And the rest... Feb 1 9:30am - 4:30pm Wildlife Rescue Exhibition @ St Louis Science Center Omnimax 5pm - 10pm Full Day Camp & Parent Night Out [Winter Fun]
Growing Scholars Educational Center 6322 Old Collinsville Road Fairview Heights, IL 62208 Spend the night out and know that your children are safe and having fun at the Growing Scholars Educational Center!
5:30pm - 9pm Centene Fitness First @ The Magic House Children can earn free admission
and take the first step toward a healthy lifestyle on the first Friday evening of every month. Families can stretch their muscles and their minds as they take the 1,000 step circuit through the museum touring hundreds of fun, educational exhibits and looking for “Fit Facts” filled with useful health and nutrition information. Each month will feature a different fitness theme as well as special guests and activities to get families energized about getting fit. All ages. 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free with museum admission.
6pm - 10pm Friday Fun Night @ Vetta Sports - Powerhaus
Kids will have a blast playing soccer, dodgeball, jumping on inflatables, playing games and being entertained by a DJ. Friday Fun Night features sports, bouncers and games for kids who love to be active. For kids in second through eighth grades. Admission is $10 per child. More information: www. vettasports.com or call 618-9394287.
6pm - 8pm Ladies Night Out - A Trip to Italy@ Eckert’s Country Store Belleville
Join Jill Eckert Tantillo for a night of Italian Fun! Jill will share delicious recipes using a variety of pastas and a few Italian wines. We’ll also taste some Italian cheeses. Join us for this fun celebration of the flavors of Italy.
Feb 2 Groundhog Day Monster Jam@ Edward Jones Dome, St Louis
Family friendly show feature monster truck stunts
My Little Honey Brunch @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville
Express love and appreciation this Valentine’s Season by bringing your family to our Valentine’s Brunch. This event is similar to our Breakfast with Santa event that all of our guests have come to know and love. Enjoy brunch made with love in our restaurant, ice a heart shaped cookie, lovely face painting, cupid photos, chocolate fountain and a craft $12.99/child and $8.99/ adult. Reservations are required. Please call 618.233.0513 x 3 to
reserve your spot today.
10am - 2pm EAGLE WEEKENDS
Tree House Wildlife Center Visit the Treehouse Wildlife Center on Saturdays in January and February to view live bald eagles being rehabilitated at the center. While you’re there, visit some of the other wildlife that call the center home - hawks, owls, falcons and more. For more information call 618-466-2990 or visit www. treehousewildlifecenter.com Free
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.
1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St Louis Art Museum
Stop in on wintery Sundays in January: We’ll be highlighting the works of modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian with art projects that have fun with form, color, and design. You can also take a kid-friendly tour through the Museum’s galleries to learn about Surrealism and abstract art.
6:30pm - 8pm Valentine Cake Pop & Dessert Shooters Cooking Workshop @ Glen Carbon Library
Instructed by: Culinary Student Kathy Seibel This workshop is a cooking demonstration with recipes and handouts. Learn how to make a Valentine Cake Pop dessert. Learn how to make Valentine Dessert Shooters. Registration is Required. Register online at glencarbonlibrary.org or by phone at 618-288-1212.
Feb 3 My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details
10am - 4pm Beggin’ Barkus Pet Parade/PetSmart Wiener MetroEastParent.com
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dio program about spirituality, On Being, the author and her guests explore meaning, faith and ethics amid the political, economic, cultural and technological shifts of 21stcentury life. Over the past year, she has been exploring the topic of civility. FREE!
Feb 6
Whether or not your furry friend dresses up, join the thousands of pets as they take over the streets of Soulard to celebrate the 19th annual Beggin’ Pet Parade and “Tail” gating Party on Sunday, February 3rd.Registration is $10 with all of the proceeds benefiting the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local shelter featuring dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, waiting to find their forever homes. This event has developed into one of the most unique sporting events in the area
1pm - 3pm Visual Arts Open Studio @ COCA
Children can participate in various kinds of hands-on art projects, including collage, book art, watercolor and paper mache under the guidance of COCA’s visual arts instructors. Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult. 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $8 per child. For ages3 and up. More information: www.cocastl.orgor call 314-725-6555.
Feb 5 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House Cool Creations February, Miniature Masterpieces Tuesdays or Thursdays 9:30 to 10:15 am Children ages 3-5 and their special grownup discover the magic of art through special 4-week multisensory art classes in the museum’s
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new Art Studio. Cost: $60 for non-members $40 for members
3:30pm - 6:30pm Homework Help@ Collinsville Memorial Library 5pm - 5:30pm Museum Mystery Tours@ Missouri History Museum
Missouri History Museum Forest Park 5700 Lindell Blvd. St Louis, MO 63112 Museum Mystery Tours These 20-minute staff-led tours are a fun way to get to know our collections. Meet under the Spirit of St. Louis – Free.
7:30pm - 9pm Conservation Conversation: Science Behind Climate Change @ St. Louis Zoo
Lecture by Donald Wuebbles, University of Illinois; David Lobell, Stanford University; and Adrián Cerezo, Saint Louis Zoo.. Located in The Living World at Saint Louis Zoo Admission is free.
7:30pm - 8:30pm Krista Tippett: Distinguished Speaker Series@ McKendree
Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts Location: 400 North Alton Street, Lebanon, Illinois 62254 Billing: 701 College Road, Lebanon, Illinois 62254 Box Office: (618) 537-6863. On her weekly National Public Ra-
6pm - 10pm Friday Fun Night @ Vetta Sports - Powerhaus See Feb 1 for details: . 6:30pm - 8:30pm Daddy Daughter Dance @ Mid-County Family YMCA
Where do hip kids and their cool parents go for culture? To CAM Play Dates on the first Wednesday of each month. Visitors have fun creating artwork together and meeting other families with an interest in contemporary art. This free program features hands-on activities, art projects, gallery activities, storytelling and more. Complimentary pastries and coffee are provided. 10 to 11 a.m. Ages 2 to 5. Free and up to the public.
1900 Urban Dr. St Louis, MO 63144 (314) 962-9450 Dads bring your daughters, ages 2-12, out for the date of the year. Dance the night away to tunes played by a professional DJ. Enjoy a limo ride, a catered buffet dinner, dessert and fun! A professional photographer will be on hand catching moments you’ll want to keep forever. This cooperative with Brentwood Parks & Recreation and Mid-County YMCA is held at the YMCA gymnasium. Please pre-register by February 6th. $50 per couple; Additional person-$15 Phone: (314)963-8689
5:30pm - 8pm Family Game Night @ Belleville Public Library
6:30pm - 9:30pm Parents Night Out @ Collinsville Area Recreation District
10am - 11am Wednesday Morning Play Dates @ the Contemporary Art Museum
Dog Derby@ Soulard Neighborhood At the corner of Allen and Menard
Feb 8
Family Game Night will be held in the meeting room of the Main Library on the first Wednesday of every month from 5:30 PM – 7:45 PM. All ages are welcome. Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult.. Call Michele at 234-0441 for more details. Attendance is free.
Feb 7 Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day Sister Cities February Stammtisch @ Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante, Columbia. Conversation and good times, open to the public.
9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details 9:30am - 11am Totally Tots Playtime @ CARD
Collinsville Area Recreation District, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234.
6pm - 8pm Collinsville Memorial Library Center Thursday Night at the Movies
Ages 3-12 Drop the kids off at the CARD Activity Center so you can enjoy an evening with your sweetheart. We’ll have dinner, games, and arts and crafts to keep the children busy while Mom and Dad are enjoying an evening to themselves.
Feb 9 Daddy-Daughter Dinner @ Eckert’s Restaurant- Belleville This Valentine’s Day-themed event provides a great opportunity for dads and their daughters, to spend some very memorable quality time together. The event includes dinner, dessert, keepsake photo and limo ride. Space is limited, please call 618.233.0513 x 3 to reserve your spot today.
My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details The HeART Studio @ The Magic House
Celebrate your love of art with a special Valentine’s Day-themed weekend in the Museum’s Art
Studio. Make an intricate Valentine for someone you love, explore the colors of red and pink with a variety of different art supplies and create a masterpiece that comes straight from the heart. Cost: Free with Museum Admission
Wild Saturday @ St. Louis Science Center
On selected Saturdays, learn more about local wildlife rescue efforts from area animal organizations and interact with live animals! The featured group this Saturday is World Bird Sanctuary with their armadillo, Russell.
9:30am - 11am What’s in Store Scavenger Hunt @ Eckert’s Country Store Belleville Let’s go on a scavenger hunt to see what is in our store in winter. We will juice an orange and sample some produce before we head to classroom to prepare a few tasty recipes using fresh ingredients we find on our journey.
10am - 2pm EAGLE WEEKENDS See Feb 2 for details 10am - 3pm Youth Basketball Free Movie @ the Wildey Theatre
The Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department would like to congratulate all youth basketball players on a great 2012-2013 season! To show our appreciation, the Parks Department is partnering with theWildey Theatre to offer all youth players a FREE MOVIE!
1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St. Louis Art Museum See Feb 2 for details 6pm - 8:30pm Daddy Daughter Valentine Dance @ Wildey Theatre Find your dancing shoes Dad, the sweetheart in your life is ready for a special evening! Dads once you asked your date(s), join us at the Wildey Theatre’s Marquee Room for dinner, dancing, crafts, and an unforgettable time. *To register please call the parks department at 692-7538
7pm - 9pm Trivia Night @ Belleville Public Library
The Friends of the Belleville Public Library is hosting their annual Trivia Night on Saturday, February 9, 2013, at Althoff Catholic High Heritage Hall. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Children’s Summer Reading Program.
Feb 10 My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details The HeART Studio @ the Magic House See Feb 9 for details 9:30am - 11am Breakfast with Ms. Frizzle™ @ The Magic House
Rise and shine! On Sunday, February 10 at 9:30 am, The Magic House is hosting a Breakfast with Ms. Frizzle™ that is sure to make your morning sizzle. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a whirlwind of activities as you get your picture taken with Ms. Frizzle, make a fun craft to take home, have The Magic House all to yourselves and be one of the first to breeze through The Magic School Bus Kicks Up a Storm exhibit. “Weather” you prefer your eggs scrambled or sunnyside up, this is one event that you will want to put on your radar! Tickets are sure to go lightning fast, so make your reservation today! Cost: $20 per person $15 per member Reservations are required
Feb 11 Bunko Night @ Eckert’s Country Restaurant Belleville
An old-fashion game for all ages. Play Bunko at Eckert’s Country Restaurant on the second and fourth Monday of each month. $5 per person includes game, prizes, beverages, and snacks. Open to the public. No reservation required. For more information call Eckert’s Country Restaurant at (618) 2330513 x 3.
6:30pm - 7:30pm Valentine Cake Pop & Dessert Shooters Cooking Workshop @ Glen
Carbon Library
Instructed by: Culinary Student Kathy Seibel This workshop is a cooking demonstration with recipes and handouts. Learn how to make a Valentine Cake Pop dessert. Learn how to make Valentine Dessert Shooters. Registration is Required. Register online at glencarbonlibrary.org or by phone at 618-288-1212.
Feb 12 Lincoln’s Birthday 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details 10am - 11:30am Pint Size Valentine Party@ Crestwood Community Center
Anyone between the ages 2-6 dress in red and join us for a Valentine’s Day Celebration on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 10:00-11:30am! The special day will be filled with great games, crafts, snacks and free play. A parent/guardian is required to attend; there is a maximum of two children per adult. Don’t miss out of this fun-filled day!
10am - 11am Story time @ Collinsville Memorial Library Center
Come and listen to some stories with Miss Alison and make a craft. Suitable for pre-school age children.
3:30pm - 6:30pm Homework Help@ Collinsville Memorial Library 6:30pm - 8pm Teen Read @ West Branch Belleville Public Library
Our Teen Read gatherings currently focus on speculative fiction. SpecFic includes alternate histories and universes, low and high fantasy, super powers, science fiction, and classic monster stories. Suggest your favorite books for our recommended reading list. You do not have to have a library card or belong to the library in order to participate in the gatherings.
Feb 13 11am - 2pm The Empty Bowl Food Pantry Fundraiser
Collinsville K of C Hall Route 157 Lunch Benefit for Collinsville Food Pantry.
Have an event you’d like to see in Metro East Parent Magazine Calendar of Events? Email us at calendar @metroeastparent.com with the details and we will be happy to place it in there for you! MetroEastParent.com
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Feb 14 Valentine’s Day National Organ Donor Day 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details 4pm - 5pm Chess Club @ O’Fallon, Public Library
Like to PLay Chess? Join our chess club. We meet the 2nd Thursday afternoon from 4-5 pm. For ages 9 and up.
6pm - 8pm Collinsville Memorial Library Center Thursday Night at the Movies See Feb 7 for details
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Feb 15 PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS @ Scottradew Center
The Professional Bull Riders announced that the world’s best bull riders and bulls will return to the Scottrade Center on Feb. 15-17 for the St. Louis Invitational presented by Cooper Tires. Fans will witness thrilling 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks throughout the adrenaline-soaked performance as the PBR’s insanely brave cowboys risk it all against monstrous animal athletes that can weigh as much as2,000 pounds. Bull riding begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, Feb. 16, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17.
5:30pm - 6:30pm Free Family Night @ The Magic House
Some of the best things in life are free! The Magic House holds Emerson Free Family Nights every third Friday of the month from 5:30 pm to 9pm. These special nights enable a family (no more than two adults and four of their own children) to enjoy more than 100 hands on exhibits in the museum at no charge through the generosity of Emerson. Reservations are not required
6pm - 10pm Friday Fun Night @ Vetta Sports - Powerhaus See Feb 1 for details Feb 16 Murder Mystery Dinner-
Clueless @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville
Welcome to the world of big business, old mansions and family politics! You’re invited To the Birthday celebration of the oldest, (and richest), man in town. Some would kill for the opportunity to meet Barnabas Barnaby Baggs - hopefully none of his enemies tries to kill him tonight. Perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day . $40.00/Person includes appetizer, meal, drink (iced tea, soft drink or coffee), entertainment and tax.
My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details
PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS See Feb 15 for details 10am - 2pm EAGLE WEEKENDS See Feb 2 for details 10:30am - 11:30am Great Green Adventures: Art in the Garden @ Missouri Botanical Garden
Join us as we search for sculptures, mosaics and other art pieces in the Garden. For children ages 6 to 12 with an adult. Great Green Adventures are held the third Saturday of every month from 10:30 to11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Meet at the Children’s Garden Ticket Fort. $3 per child
1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St. Louis Art Museum See Feb 2 for details 6pm - 9pm Valentine Trivia Night @ Columbus Hall, Fairview Heights
Valentine Trivia Night Date Doors open at 6 PM and the game begins at 7 PM Proceeds to benefit Hospice of Southern Illinois
Feb 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details Winter Lecture Series @ Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
“The People of the River’s Mouth: In Search of the Missouri Indians, “by Michael Dickey. Free.
Feb 18 Presidents Day Feb 19 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details
10am - 11am Story time – CHILDREN @ Collinsville Memorial Library Center
Come and listen to some stories with Miss Alison and make a craft. Suitable for pre-school age children.
3:30pm - 6:30pm Homework Help@ Collinsville Memorial Library 4:15pm - 5:15pm Cultural Adventure Club @ O’Fallon Public Library
You are invited to SEE THE WORLD on every third Tuesday at 4:15! We will learn about other cultures and traditions through games, guest speakers, crafts, and an occasional snack. For 2nd grade and up.
6pm - 9:30pm Family Med School Labs @Young Hall SLU
Experience a unique evening with your family exploring human anatomy and contemporary health issues. Activities include 3-D demonstrations of human organs and hands on anatomical dissections in a special state-ofthe-art laboratory. Physicians and educators from the SLU community will facilitate these educational programs for you and your children, 5th grade and older. Have an unforgettable evening learning about the human body, diseases, and ways to stay healthy!
Feb 20 Love Your Pet Day 6:30pm - 7:30pm International Fiction Book Club @ Collinsville Memorial Library Meet us at the Blum House on the 3rd Wednesday of the month! Everyone welcome.
Feb 21 Friends Book Sale @ Fairview Heights Library
10017 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 Book Sales The Friends of the Library operate two comprehensive book sales every year. One in the Spring and one in the Fall. As well, a sale table is set up in the library for ongoing sales of materials.
9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details 5pm - 8pm Diva Night @ Downtown Belleville
Diva Night - Start at Hospice of Southern Illinois. End at Papa Vito’s 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
6pm - 8pm Collinsville Memorial Library Center Thursday Night at the Movies See Feb 7 for details 7pm - 8:30pm Apples to Zucchini @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville
Parents learn how to provide healthy meals and snacks with the help of a registered dietitian from St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Topics include family mealtime, portion sizes made easy, stocking your pantry, milk versus juice versus soda, and creative snack ideas. $5 per adult. Event takes place from 7pm - 8:30pm. Call 314-454KIDS to register.
Feb 22 Friends Book Sale See Feb 21 for details 6pm - 10pm Friday Fun Night @ Vetta Sports - Powerhaus See Feb 1 for details Feb 23 Friends Book Sale See Feb 21 for details My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details
Polar Plunge @ Carlyle Lake, Main Beach, Carlyle, IL 62231 (618) 654-6680
Participants raise at least $75 in donations in exchange for jumping into icy waters in the middle of winter. This Plunge is one of 17 being held around the state. All proceeds collected by plungers benefit Special Olympics Illinois athletes. Incentive prizes and Statewide grand prizes will be given. Post Plunge party after, with food and attendance prize drawings. Admission: $75 in donations to plunge.
Wild Saturday @ St Louis Science Center See Feb 9 for details 10am - 2pm EAGLE WEEKENDS See Feb 2 for details 12pm - 5pm Battle of the Banks - Bowl For Kids’ Sake @ St. Clair Bowl, Belleville
Banks from all over Southwestern Illinois join in the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser. The banks form teams of 5 and collect pledges to participate in the BATTLE OF THE BANKS. Banks are awarded prizes for the most funds raised. For more info contact Jessica at jessicas@peaknet.net. Each bowler is responsible for collecting pledges to participate. The average bowler raises a min. of $100 and as a participant receives an event T-shirt.
1pm - 4pm Family Day @ St. Louis Art Museum See Feb 2 for details 1pm - 4pm Teen Film Festival @ Wildey Theatre The Edwardsville Public Library
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and the Wildey Theater are partnering to present a Teen Film Fest. Dress for the red carpet and view short films submitted by local teens. The audience will judge the films and awards will be given out for various categories.
Feb 24 My Little Honey Brunch (Belleville) @ Eckert’s Restaurant Belleville See Feb 2 for details 5:30pm - 8:30pm Night at the Aquarium @ World Aquarium Feb 25 Bunko Night @ Eckert’s Country Restaurant See Feb 11 for details 10am - 12pm Paleo Preschool @ Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab and Dig Site.
Introducing Paleo Preschool, the perfect program for your young paleontologist! Each session will include a unique, private program with the dinosaurs. Paleo Preschool is designed for children ages 3-5years old and takes place in the Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab and Dig Site.
Feb 26 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details 10am - 11am Story time – CHILDREN @ Collinsville Memorial Library Center See Feb 19 for details 3:30pm - 6:30pm Homework Help@ Collinsville Memorial Library Feb 27 6pm - 8pm Ladies Night @ Jack Schmitt Cadillac in O’Fallon
Join us for an evening just for the ladies! View the latest trends in fashion, makeup, salon styles & more! RSVP:877889-8237 FREE Full Details: http://www.stlouismetrocadillac.com/Ladies-Night
Feb 28 9:30am - 10:15am Kids Art Programs @ The Magic House See Feb 5th for Details 6pm - 8pm Collinsville Memorial Library Center Thursday Night at the Movies See Feb 7 for details
Have an event you’d like to see in Metro East Parent Magazine Calendar of Events? Email us at calendar@metroeastparent.com with the details and we will be happy to place it in there for you! Page 43
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3rd Daddy Daughter Dance “A Night With Your First Lady”
$40 per Couple
$15 for each Additional Daughter
February 24, 2013 5:00pm - 7:00pm
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K4—12th Grade An Ivy-League Education… at a fraction of the cost Student Enrollment : 15 Lahr-Well Academy maximizes your child’s educational future by empowering your child for success!
How is Lahr-Well Academy different from the rest? Students taught in combined “levels” - not grades...Our students test 2-4 years beyond chronological age in math, reading and English
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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February 17th is Random Act of Kindness Day and I know what this group of college kids will be doing (busting their behinds to raise funds for their favorite non-‐profit organization), but what will be YOUR random act of kindness?! Well, if your looking for a cause, consider helping the Globemed Chapter at Rhodes College.
Where can you donate now that you’ve been swayed to our cause?! I would like to say thank Scan here:
Check out our donation page: http://www.razoo.com/st ory/Globemedatrhodes
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OK, so maybe you’re wondering what is “Globemed”?: GlobeMed is a national nonprofit organization that pairs each university-based GlobeMed chapter with a unique organization already improving the health of its community. Students and grassroots leaders collaborate on projects that further the goals of the partner organization. So a bunch of rag tag college kids are throwing money at some problems? Hah. NO! We are anything but that. GlobeMed seeks to create a sustainable change that will last beyond our time. We fund projects that will better these communities in the short AND long-‐term. No quick fixes here! These are life-threatening issues that we want to eradicate. BUT, Where does the money go?! In Nicaragua, only 60% of the population has access to safe drinking water, and access is even worse in the targeted rural areas. Unclean water can harbor deadly bacteria. To support our partner’s, A Ministry of Sharing Health and Hope, initiatives targeting this issue, GlobeMed at Rhodes College raises funds for new water filters as part of a water filtration project bringing clean water to rural families in Nicaragua. Together, GlobeMed at Rhodes and AMOS have developed protocols on supervision, construction, and monitoring of filters, improved quality control, and developed lab testing for water filters. Want more info?: http://globemed.org/impact/rhodescollege/
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you, in advance, on behalf of the entire chapter and all of the parents and children that depend on donations from generous philanthropists like you.
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