Tidewater Parent December 2011

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the rundown PUBLISHER

DIANE TYLER GLDQH W\OHU#SLORWRQOLQH FRP EDITOR

JENNIFER O’DONNELL 222-3902, MHQQ\ RGRQQHOO# SLORWRQOLQH FRP MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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the features 20

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in the loop 10 HEALTH

12 KID CULTURE

BY HARVEY KAGAN

BY SHARON ZOUMBARIS

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

14 GROOVY GEAR

11 FAMILY TIME

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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DESIGNER

LISA MERKLIN OLVD PHUNOLQ#SLORWRQOLQH FRP STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

HARRY GERWIEN ALISON JOHNSON, RICK EPSTEIN, SHARON ZOUMBARIS, SUSAN SMIGIEISKI ACKER, PATRICK EVANSHYLTON, KRISTEN KIRK AMERICA WILSON 222-3944, DPHULFD ZLOVRQ# SLORWRQOLQH FRP KATHERINE BYRD 222-3945, NDWKHULQH E\UG# SLORWRQOLQH FRP JAMES WRIGHT 222-3994, MDPHV ZULJKW# SLORWRQOLQH FRP BUSINESS MANAGER

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TIDEWATER PARENT 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 222-3905 fax (757) 222-5390

MyTidewaterMoms.com Copyright 2011 Tidewater Parent. All Rights Reserved.

ISSN 1081-23340

BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK

BY KATHY SENA AND JENNIFER O’DONNELL

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departments & columns 26 LET’S COOK

31 THE FINAL WORD

BY PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON

BY RICK EPSTEIN

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32 FLICKS

BY SUSAN SMIGIELSKI ACKER

BY JANE LOUISE BOURSAW

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on the cover Nathaniel is ready for the season to begin. Photo taken at The Founders Inn, Virginia Beach. PHOTO: HARRY GERWIEN

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DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 21 NUMBER 12

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Editor’s note

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quick news you need to know

Beware Those Batteries Gifts for Teacher (or You!) Seasonal Reads To Enjoy The Holiday Newsletter Cupcakes (and More!)

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in the loop childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health

If your child swallows a button battery, seek medical help immediately

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Though they may look like shiny candy to children, the small batteries that power hundreds of electronic devices including key fobs, hearing aids, calculators, toys and even greeting cards can be as deadly as poison when swallowed.

If they lodge in the throat, saliva triggers an electrical charge and chemical breakdown that can burn the esophagus in as little as two hours.

The number of cases involving ingestion of button batteries has risen rapidly. The National Poison Center documented about 3,500 button battery ingestions each year and the cumulative deaths at 18.

The majority of fatalities and major injuries occur in children under 4 years of age who have ingested a battery with a diameter greater than 3/4 of an inch. Based on the age of the patient, a battery that has reached the stomach may be allowed to pass, but in some cases button batteries have been known to become trapped in the intestinal wall, where they burn through the tissue.

You should always store and dis-

You should always store and dispose of batteries where children cannot reach them.

pose of batteries where children cannot reach them.

Here are some tips to follow if you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery: Â&#x201E; Get your child to an emergency room immediately where an Xray can determine if the battery is lodged in the throat. Â&#x201E; If available, bring the battery packaging or a matching battery to the emergency room. Â&#x201E; Do NOT induce vomiting or

DR. HARVEY KAGAN, CHKDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS _ ' ( & ( 0 % ( 5 _ ZZZ 0\7LGHZDWHU0RPV FRP

allow your child to eat or drink anything.

Button batteries can also cause permanent injury when they are placed in the nose and the ears. If your child has pain or discharge or you believe he or she has a battery lodged in either the nose or ears, seek medical assistance immediately. You can also make a collect call to national battery ingestion hotline at (202-625-3333).

Part-time Work Has Consequences for Teens Many parents look forward to the day when their teen can find part-time work after school, and finally pay a little of their own expenses. But a recent study of 11th and 12th graders in Wisconsin and California suggests that after school work negatively impacts a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grades and behaviors.

According to the study, students who work more than 20 hours a week during the school year are more likely to smoke, drink and use drugs. They also tend to have lower academic expectations than those who work just a few hours a week, or not at all. The take away: limit your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working hours during the school year; or, keep your teen working through summer, and not during the school year.

Looks like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just mom who has to find a work/life balance.

family time

BY KATHY SENA

Holiday newsletter tips and tricks

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(Âś9( $// 5(&(,9(' 7+(0 ² WKRVH KROLGD\ QHZVOHWWHUV WKDW EUDJ DERXW KRZ 6KDQH WKH SUHVFKRROHU LV UHDGLQJ DW WKH VHFRQG JUDGH OHYHO %LOO\ JRW VWUDLJKW $V DJDLQ $VKOLH JRW LQWR +DUYDUG DQG 6DP PDGH WKH ODZ UHYLHZ Yawn. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re worried youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming off as pompous in your holiday newsletter, fear not. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to settle for scribbling â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Holidaysâ&#x20AC;? on your cards. Your family and friends really do want to hear about your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if you make your newsletter entertaining, says Elaine Floyd, author of Creating Family Newsletters: 123 Ideas for Sharing Memorable Moments With Family and Friends (EFG Inc.).

Try these tips for making this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newsletter a real keeper: Â&#x201E; Be a pack rat. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to remember every event of the past year. Instead, grab a file folder. Toss in the program from the ballet recital, the playbill from your trip to New York â&#x20AC;&#x201D; anything that will offer inspiration later when you sit down to write. Go through your family calendar and your photo album and take notes about special events. (You might want to use some of those photos in your newsletter, too, using the color copier at your local copy shop. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to ask for a bulk discount on those color-copying costs, which can add up.) Â&#x201E; Keep a vacation journal. Another way to snag those memories for later retrieval is to ask your kids to keep a diary of your trip, vacation or family reunion.

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to create your newsletter, all the details â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as seen through the eyes of your children â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will come

back to you, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be ready to write.

Another option: Include a photocopy of a particularly fun or meaningful journal page that highlights a memorable family outing. Â&#x201E; Include the right amount of detail. To avoid putting readers to sleep, ask a friend to read your first draft and highlight the most interesting information. Save the long version for your family scrapbook and shorten the final letter. Â&#x201E; Use lists. Try creating a list of the top 10 best (or worst!) events of the past year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or list things youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to in the year to come. Â&#x201E; Share a favorite recipe. Include a picture of you and the kids making your famous apple-pecan pie or oversized oatmeal cookies, and add the recipe as part of your newsletter. Instead if including it in the text of the letter, box it and write it in standard recipe style so your readers can cut it out for their own recipe boxes.

Or get really fancy and include the recipe separately on colorful holiday card stock. Cut the paper to recipe-card size. Â&#x201E; Handle bad news sensitively. Be honest, but try to concentrate on the positive or hopeful aspects of the situation. Very bad news should probably be hand-written rather than included in your photocopied letter. Â&#x201E; Avoid â&#x20AC;&#x153;brag lists.â&#x20AC;? One way to handle discussing childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grades, sports awards and other accomplishments is to have the children write about themselves. Â&#x201E; Think beyond work and school. What sport does your family love? What about hobbies? What trouble has the dog gotten into lately? Adding fun details about your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everyday life will make your

newsletter sound less like a status report. Â&#x201E; Use exclamation points sparingly!!! Let your writing and content share your enthusiasm and save the exclamation point for a punch line or surprise ending. Â&#x201E; Watch for overuse of jargon. If you find yourself wanting to use overly common expressions or to put phrases in quotes (things like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Supermomâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Helperâ&#x20AC;?) look for another way to say it. Â&#x201E; Personalize it. On the front of your newsletter, try creating a family holiday scene using cut-out photos of each family member. Draw empty â&#x20AC;&#x153;caption bubblesâ&#x20AC;? (like those used for comic strips) above each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head. Then color copy your page.

Now go back and add captions for each individual newsletter. Â&#x201E; Leave room for a hand-written note.

Writing just an extra sentence or two, near your signature, is a nice touch. Â&#x201E; Add a little extra holiday cheer. Try using ribbon or string to close the newsletter. Use rubber stamps or stickers to add a message or to decorate the envelope or the margins of your letter. (Kids love to help with this part.) Or punch out shapes on the corners of the pages. Use glitter glue on the front page or the envelope for extra sparkle.

- Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist and her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday-letter writer. Visit her blog at www.badballet.com.

Just Cupcakes (and Parties!)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to see a local business thriving and growing, especially when cupcakes are involved. A little more than a year ago we profiled Carla Hesseltine, owner of Just Cupcakes, a local cupcakery in Hampton Roads. Since our initial interview, Carla has expanded her business and is now entering the world of birthday party hosting - and why not? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cupcakes and birthdays just go together?

Beginning in January, Just Cupcakes will host party goers at its Town Center location in Virginia Beach. The party room can accommodate groups of 4 or more, and each child will receive 4 cupcakes to decorate and take home, along with other party goodies. The birthday boy or girl will take home additional goodies, such as decorating tools, sprinkles and piping bags, so the party can continue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also offering decorating classes for children, teens and adult,â&#x20AC;? says Hesseltine.

For more information, contact Just Cupcakes, Town Center, at 671-2020.

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in the loop kid culture December is a month of celebration for children and these classic, older titles are wonderful choices for introducing the concepts of giving, sharing and family to young readers during Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Messy Besseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holidays

By Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack Illustrations by Dana Curtis Regan &KLOGUHQ¶V 3UHVV ,Q WKLV FODVVLF DQG WLPHOHVV VWRU\ IURP WKH VHULHV DERXW %HVVH\ VKH DVNV KHU PRWKHU WR KHOS KHU EDNH FRRNLHV IRU KHU IULHQGV ZKR FHOHEUDWH RWKHU 'HFHPEHU KROLGD\V LQFOXG LQJ +DQXNNDK DQG .ZDQ]DD 7KH 0F.LVV DFN¶V DQ DZDUG ZLQQLQJ KXVEDQG DQG ZLIH ZULWLQJ WHDP FUHDWHG D VWRU\ ILOOHG ZLWK DGGL WLRQDO YRFDEXODU\ ZRUGV DQG PRUH FKDOOHQJ LQJ VHQWHQFHV WKDW RWKHU %HVVH\ ERRNV 7KH 0F.LVVDFN¶V DUH DXWKRUV RI WKH HQWLUH %HVVH\ VHULHV 5HJDQ¶V LOOXVWUDWLRQV DUH VLPSOH DQG FRORUIXO DQG VKRZ KHDOWK\ KDSS\ IDPLO\ LQ WHUDFWLRQ LQ WKLV SRSXODU 5RRNLH 5HDGHU VH ULHV 7KH ERRN DOVR VKDUHV D UHFLSH IRU GHFR UDWHG VXJDU FRRNLHV )RU DJHV WR \HDUV ROG

Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia

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Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins

By Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman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

Kwanzaa Karamu: Cooking and Crafts for a Kwanzaa Feast

By April A. Brady, illustrations by Barbara Knudson.

Photographs by Robert L. and Diane Wolfe &DUROUKRGD %RRNV 7KLV ERRN DERXW .ZDQ]DD ILUVW UHOHDVHG RYHU \HDUV DJR VWLOO SURYLGHV DQ RXWVWDQGLQJ LQWURGXFWLRQ WR WKH RULJLQV DQG SUDFWLFHV RI .ZDQ]DD ZKLOH LW DOVR RIIHUV D ZHDOWK RI WUD GLWLRQDO UHFLSHV ,QVWUXFWLRQV IRU FUDIWV DQG GHFRUDWLRQV DUH SHSSHUHG E\ WKH DXWKRU¶V SHU VRQDO PHPRULHV DQG LQWHUHVWLQJ DQHFGRWHV 7KH ULFK SKRWRJUDSK\ DQG WKH GHWDLOHG LOOXV WUDWLRQV PDNH WKLV ERRN D ZHOFRPH DGGLWLRQ WR IDPLO\ OLEUDULHV HVSHFLDOO\ IDPLOLHV QHZ WR FHOHEUDWLQJ WKH KROLGD\ )RU DJHV DQG XS \RXQJHU IRU UHDGLQJ DORXG ² 6KDURQ =RXPEDULV

2012 Norfolk Historical Calendar A Great Holiday Gift!

Only

10

$

Available at all Norfolk Public Library locations, the calendar features 13 images from NPL’s Sargeant Memorial Local History & Genealogy Collection and intriguing historical facts. All proceeds benefit the Norfolk Public Library Foundation’s Sargeant Memorial Local History & Genealogy Collection Endowment.

For more information, please call Peggy McPhillips at 757-664-7310. Calendars can also be purchased with a credit card by going to www.npl.lib.va.us, then click on “Order Norfolk Historical Calendar” Sponsored by Norfolk Public Library Foundation in partnership with The Norfolk Historical Society, Dominion Capital Partners, Norfolk Southern Corporation, and the Law Firm of Decker, Cardon, The Law Firm of Decker, Cardon, Thomas, Weintraub & Neskis, PC.

Where the heart of education is the education of the heart

GREENBRIER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

OPEN HOUSE

Monday, January 23rd, 7 - 8:30 pm Enrolling 2 ½-year-olds through 12th grade students You are invited to meet the administration and staff, tour our facilities, visit classrooms and learn how

Greenbrier Christian Academy can provide a Christ-centered and biblically-based education for your student.

311 Kempsville Road • Chesapeake, VA 23320 757.547.9595 • www.gcagators.org

Call or schedule an introductory class online The Little Gym of Virginia Beach Landstown Commons Shopping Ctr 3312 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (757) 368-6600 The Little Gym of Chesapeake Hanbury Village Shopping Ctr 237 Hanbury Road East Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 546-1001

Now E nroll For Ou ing r

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F ANYONE needs a bright pick-me-up during this crazy time of year, it’s a teacher. Think about all that they juggle: a dozen or two

Who? Who? “You! You!” is the answer when the teacher asks, “Who is wise and all-seeing?” (like these cute owls). Add a pound of coffee to this mug, and your favorite teacher will be all set when a holiday-induced lack of energy hits. $3.99 at Marshalls, Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake.

of kids full of energy during the day, plus all of

in the loop groovy gear

BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK PHOTOS BY HARRY GERWIEN

the demands of home at night. A punch of color - and sweetness - is just what they need to keep going. Deliver both with one of these gifts.

Takes the cake

Top-corn

Cute and practical, this little bag features the ingredients for a sweet, easy-to-make treat. $6.99 at Marshalls, Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake.

Your teacher gets double the pleasure with Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn’s Funfetti flavor: Every bite provides satisfaction and a smile. How can she not grin when this deliciousness comes in pink, green, blue and yellow? $3.95 at Farm Fresh, throughout Hampton Roads; or the flagship store at 205 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach; or www.jodyspopcorn.com.

FAIR Education 2012

Camp&

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March 24, 2012 Greenbrier Mall 10:00 - 3:00

www.mytidewatermoms.com or 222-3905 for details!

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Try these tips for holiday family photo fun

BY KATHY SENA

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YIKES! MY HAIR LOOKED LIKE THAT? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admit it: Taking pictures of your kids is great fun, especially at the holidays.

But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for you to get in the picture, too. Years from now, your children â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and grandchildren â&#x20AC;&#x201D; will treasure the photos that show your personality, your love for your family â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and all those wacky hair styles from decades past. Here are some tips for keeping yourself in the action during those holiday family-photo shoots. Â&#x201E; Let the kids help. My 15-year-old son has become quite a whiz at using my point-andshoot camera, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to see things from his perspective. Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite shots: Mom and Dad doing the tango across the kitchen floor. Mom making Christmas

cookies. Mom and Dad hanging ornaments on the tree. And a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mushyâ&#x20AC;? (his word) portrait of his parents looking lovey-dovey on Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. If you have young kids, be sure to try some shots when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seated or otherwise at the same eye level as your child, to avoid having every photo taken from a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;looking-up-your-noseâ&#x20AC;? point of view. (My son is now six inches taller than me, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have the opposite challenge this year.) Â&#x201E; Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for volunteers. Ask! While your husband or a friend might remember to snap a shot of you opening a special gift, it probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occur to anyone to grab the camera when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re busy wrapping presents, frosting cookies or making dreidels with the kids. So just hand over the camera

once in a while.

And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shy. My husband, at my request, took a picture of me napping with Matthew when Matt was a baby, and I treasure that photo more each year. But without my asking, my hubby wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have thought of that as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;photo moment.â&#x20AC;? Â&#x201E; Use the timer on your camera. Try shooting a series of casual holiday portraits of yourself or of you and your family by setting the timer on your camera and getting in the picture. As we all know from experience, sometimes these work best when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get too formal. Also, try photographing yourself and the kids simply enjoying the holiday break from school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; lounging on the floor, horsing around with the dog or playing a game of Monopoly. (You can use a tri-pod or just carefully position the camera on a coffee table, sturdy chair, etc.) The timer works well for those posed-in-front-ofthe-Christmas-tree shots, too. Just be sure to plan, ahead of time, where the timer-button-pusher will sit or stand after pressing the button â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to avoid those â&#x20AC;&#x153;just-got-herein-time!â&#x20AC;? looks. Â&#x201E; Let your personality shine. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you love to have candid photos of your mother baking cookies with you, playing in the snow or Christmas caroling? Your kids will treasure those shots, too. You and your family will be glad you captured the memories.

AND WHEN YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THE SHUTTERBUG...

Of course â&#x20AC;&#x201D; letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admit it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; much of the time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still be the one taking those family photos. And in her gem of a book,

Bearnson offers the non-technical photography ideas youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been looking for. The suggestions here can be used right away, with any camera. Just thumbing through the book got my creative juices flowing. Here are some tips to get you started: Â&#x201E; Get great group shots: To add symmetry to your shot, try having your group pop up over a fence or peek out from behind a big tree. Or give everyone something similar (and fun) to wear, such as sports gear, pajamas or Santa hats. Another nice look: Have your subjects wear the same fabric and color, such a blue denim with white shirts. Â&#x201E; Look up. Shooting upward in the outdoors often means you can place your child against a clear winter sky â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a beautiful, bright-blue backdrop unhampered by clutter on the ground. Be sure to position your subject to minimize squinty eyes and dark shadows. And try putting your camera on the ground below your child and pressing the shutter. (Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bend over the camera, though, or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get in the shot.) øSurround your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face. Jumping into a ball pit full of colorful balls, enjoying a bubble bath, making a snow fort...

In a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, there are many opportunities for total immersion. When you see your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face popping up through a pile of balls, snow or bubbles, grab your camera and get in close. Use a zoom if you have one. And remember, water and snow have reflective properties that brighten photos. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist and the family photographer. Visit her blog at www.badballet.com.

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feature

AGES 6-8 A

40 more awesome gifts for kids

< A Book for Black-Eyed Susan << T Ten-year-old Cora loses her mothe er, and her father must give her n newborn sister to Aunt Alma to r raise.

Together, Cora and her fatther must continue their journey a along the Oregon Trail in this histtorical-fiction picture book that d depicts a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trials and love. : :ULWWHQ E\ -XG\ <RXQJ LOOXVWUDW H HG E\ 'RULV (WWOLQJHU 6OHHSLQJ %HDU 3 3UHVV ZZZ VOHHSLQJ E EHDUSUHVV FRP

The yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best books, music, apps, software, video games and more

M ... Jane Me J Jane loves to be outside with anim mals while sitting in her favorite t tree reading Tarzan books. Simp told, author Patrick McDonply n cleverly presents a glimpse of nell tthe young girl who would become D Jane Goodall. :ULWWHQ E\ 3DWULFN Dr. 0 0F'RQQHOO /LWWOH %URZQ %RRNV IRU < <RXQJ 5HDGHUV ZZZ O OE NLGV FRP

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last month Toys, Games, DVDs and Story CDs In Part 2 of our 2011 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coverage, we bring you more of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products. Our expert judges and child testers have selected the most engaging books, magazines, apps, software, video games, websites and more - all to help you find the right gifts for kids and adolescents this holiday season and throughout the year.

the rest of the best Find all the gifts your kids will love among the NAPPA Gold and Honors winners featured at www.NAPPAawards.com, where you can also shop for these products online!

Books & Magazines

BY HELEN FOSTER JAMES, ED.D., AND RUBIN PFEFFER

INFANTS - AGE 2 Baby Einstein First Book of Puppies You and your child will play slide-and-find peekaboo with adorable illustrations and real photographs of puppies in this sturdy board book. 3URGXFHG E\ 7KH %DE\ (LQVWHLQ &RPSDQ\ //& ZZZ GLVQH\ERRNV FRP DQG ZZZ EDE\HLQVWHLQ FRP Count 1 to 10 A simple concept of counting from 1 to 10, with each consecutive number popping up with the turn of the page. $ SRS XS ERRN E\ .HHV 0RHUEHHN $EUDPV %RRNV IRU <RXQJ 5HDGHUV ZZZ DEUDPV\RXQJUHDGHUV FRP The Splendid Spotted Snake Brilliantly imagined and durably produced, this snake book truly is splendid. This is a clever story of a newborn snake whose

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spots change colors as it grows and grows right before the readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes. :ULWWHQ E\ %HWW\ $QQ 6FKZDUW] DQG $OH[DQGHU :LOHQVN\ :RUNPDQ 3XEOLVKLQJ ZZZ ZRUN PDQ FRP Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illustrations of this classic rhyme will ease little ones to sleep while the adults in their life are charmed by every inch of this stunning book. :ULWWHQ DQG LOOXVWUDWHG E\ -HUU\ 3LQNQH\ /LWWOH %URZQ %RRNV IRU <RXQJ 5HDGHUV ZZZ OE NLGV FRP

AGES 3-5 Bailey Harry Bliss has an uncanny way of creating a story that will appeal to the youngest child and still delight children of all ages. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bailey, the most enthusiastic student at Champlain Elementary, going through the school day eager to please and achieve. :ULWWHQ E\ +DUU\ %OLVV 6FKRODVWLF 3UHVV ZZZ VFKRODVWLF FRP

Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond Jo and young readers learn about the wild creatures at a pond in this fun twist on the popular farmer song. :ULWWHQ E\ 0DU\ 4XDWWOH EDXP LOOXVWUDWHG E\ /DXUD - %U\ DQW 'DZQ 3XEOLFDWLRQV SDSHUEDFN ZZZ 'DZQ3XE FRP Look! A Book! A Zany Seek-andFind Adventure This is a blast. Everything is here cowboys, pirates, submarines, robots animals, ice cream, everything. Readers can search on their own or follow prompts to discover the beautifully rendered worlds. :ULWWHQ E\ %RE 6WDDNH /LWWOH %URZQ %RRNV IRU <RXQJ 5HDGHUV ZZZ OE NLGV FRP Press Here Press here, shake, brush and make this simple book come alive as it moves dots through their journey.

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O Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Of D Daughters A exquisite celebration of women An and men whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made significant contributions and breakthroughs to our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social and cultural greatness. Stirring illustrations accompany concise, moving text to make this an inspiration for all children. :ULWWHQ E\ %DUDFN 2EDPD LOOXVWUDWHG E\ /RUHQ /RQJ 5DQGRP +RXVH &KLOGUHQÂśV %RRNV ZZZ UDQGRPKRXVH FRP NLGV

AGES 9-12 Never Forgotten A moving, unforgettable story told in rich narrative verse and provocative illustration. This is a heartrending ode to the families of West Africa whose loved ones were torn away by slave traders, who then delivered the stolen to the harsh fate of slavery in North America. :ULWWHQ E\ 3DWULFLD & 0F.LVVDFN LOOXVWUDWHG E\ /HR 'LDQH 'LOORQ 5DQGRP +RXVH &KLOGUHQÂśV %RRNV ZZZ UDQGRPKRXVH FRP NLGV

Wo Wonderstruck Tw stories, 50 years Two ap apart, are told in this â&#x20AC;&#x153;N â&#x20AC;&#x153;Novel with Words and Pic Pictures.â&#x20AC;?

Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is told in words and Ro Roseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in pictures. The st style is reminiscent of th authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caldecott the A Award-winning book, T Invention of Hugo The C Cabret. :ULWWHQ E\ %UL D DQ 6HO]QLFN 6FKRODV W WLF 3UHVV Z ZZZ VFKRODVWLF FRP

Magazines

ChickaDEE Boys and girls in early elementary school - get ready for some fun!

This hands-on magazine is packed with comics, puzzles, animals, crafts and jokes. Publisher Owl Kids also offers award-winning magazines for other ages. 2ZONLGV DQ LVVXH IRU D RQH \HDU VXEVFULSWLRQ LVVXHV ZZZ 2ZO .LGV FRP DJHV

Discovery Girls A wide range of topics, from serious to fun, are presented in this visually appealing magazine. Read about fashion, puzzles, book reviews, practical help for difficult situations, and more. 'LVFRYHU\ *LUOV ,QF DQ LVVXH IRU D RQH \HDU VXEVFULSWLRQ LVVXHV

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Highlights Puzzlemania You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong with any of the outstanding Highlights for Children magazines. Find one that best meets the interests and age of your child, such as this publication filled with fun puzzles. HLJKOLJKWV IRU &KLO GUHQ DQ LVVXH DQ LVVXH SOXV SRVWDJH IRU VXEVFULSWLRQV ZZZ KLJKOLJKWV FRP DJHV DQG XS

AGES 12 AND UP A

<< One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street The children on Orange Street make surprising discoveries about themselves and their street while treasuring a vacant lotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orange tree that has bonded the neighbors for decades. :ULWWHQ E\ -RDQQH 5RFNOLQ $EUDPV ZZZ DEUDPVERRNV FRP

The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy Klutz delivers again - this time with the whole galaxy in your hands. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a book that is a kit with remarkably clever tools - a telescope, flashlight, sundial, and more equipping young astronomers to explore the galaxy. :ULWWHQ E\ 3DW 0XUSK\ DQG WKH 6FLHQWLVWV RI .OXW] /DEV 6FKRODVWLF 3UHVV ZZZ NOXW] FRP Paper Covers Rock An absorbing novel set at a boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; boarding school. A student is killed in a tragic accident and the reader and surviving characters are left in a precarious position somewhere between partial and whole truth. :ULWWHQ E\ -HQ Q\ +XEEDUG 5DQGRP +RXVH &KLO GUHQÂśV %RRNV ZZZ UDQGRPKRXVH FRP NLGV

<< The Secret of Rover Grab your hats - weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re off for an intriguing mystery thriller with spies, chases, kidnapping, and stowaways. Even the president of the United States becomes involved. This page-turner will have readers intrigued. :ULWWHQ E\ 5D FKHO :LOGDYVN\ $EUDPV %RRNV IRU <RXQJ 5HDGHUV ZZZ DEUDPVERRNV FRP

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Music

Th The Golden State Ca California-based â&#x20AC;&#x153;kindieâ&#x20AC;? rock gr group the Hipwaders pay homage to their home state on this catchy al album.

Part Beach Boys, part Elvi Costello, The Golden State is vis al about having fun and residing all in that carefree California state of m mind.

Dreams flourish on this albu through songs like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bubble bum M Machineâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summer Day.â&#x20AC;? So, co come on in. The waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warm! 7KH + +LSZDGHUV &' ZZZ KLS KLSZDGHUV QHW DJHV DQG XS

BY MICHAEL BERICK AND TOR HYAMS

LULLABIES Acoustic Dreamland >> This hip and fabulous set of nighttime music features originals and well-chosen cover tunes that are good anytime of day - and for any age as well. 3XWXPD\R .LGV &' ZZZ SXWXPD\RNLGV FRP LQIDQWV WR DJH Ella Jenkins - A Life of Song The â&#x20AC;&#x153;First Lady of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Musicâ&#x20AC;? is back with a healthy dose of classic African American folk songs.

This inspirational collection, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got the Whole World in His Handsâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Summertime,â&#x20AC;? infuses deep, soulful joy in the listener. The featured child singers and authentic American folk instrumentation make this album a must-have, never-give-away classic. 6PLWKVRQLDQ )RONZD\V 5HFRUGLQJV &' ZZZ IRONZD\V VL HGX LQIDQWV DQG XS

Gr Grow It At Home Th sage-like Peter Alsop shares The hi his enlightening music, which incl cludes tunes about dragons, St. Pa Patrick, recycling, nutrition, beets an feet. 0RRVH 6FKRRO 3URGXF and WLR WLRQV &' ZZZ SHWHUDO VR VRS FRP DJHV In A Big Warehouse by Imaginatio tion Movers Ki Kids will be movinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and groovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to these highly energetic tunes dr drawn from the popular Playhouse Di Disney Channel groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV series. : :DOW 'LVQH\ 5HFRUGV &' ZZZ ZDOWGLVQH\UHFRUGV FRP DJHV

AGES 1-3

Singinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Groovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Music for Little People has delivered classic childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music for years. This time, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a twist itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groovy. Think â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itsy Bitsy Spiderâ&#x20AC;? as a gospel tune. Picture â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miss Mary Mackâ&#x20AC;? as groovy funk/blues and â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wheels on the Busâ&#x20AC;? as an old-school country jig. This is one eclectic mix of songs that every toddler will love. And the varied acoustic instrumental foundation will hold your attention on the long car ride home. 0XVLF IRU /LWWOH 3HRSOH &' ZZZ PXVLFIRUOLWWOHSHR SOH FRP DJHV

AGES 4 AND UP Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important by Trout Fishing In America A comical tale about a cat named Chicken Joe whose barnyard pals have a fun surprise for him. 7KH 6H FUHW 0RXQWDLQ 6WRU\ERRN DQG &' ZZZ WKHVHFUHWPRXQ WDLQ FRP DJHV Tom Chapin - Give PEAS A Chance Tom Chapin keeps the folk music tradition alive through his myriad of recordings over the years.

Having worked with such luminaries as the legendary Pete Seeger, Chapinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Give Peas A Chance is steeped in the traditional folk genre, while addressing modern issues like being green, healthy food and sustainability. 6XQGDQFH 0XVLF &' ZZZ WRP FKDSLQ FRP DJHV DQG XS

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<<

Hullabaloo - Road Trip A San Diego-based duo delivers an engaging set of traveling tunes that will stop kids from asking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are we there yet?â&#x20AC;? +XOODEDORR 0XVLF &' ZZZ KXOODEDOOREDQG FRP LQIDQWV WR DJH .

Love Me For Who I Am - Songs Celebrating Children of All Abilities Brady Rymerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s album celebrates individuality and carefree abandon. Even the title track exclaims, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to fix me. Love me for who I am ... ,â&#x20AC;? and we do!

In â&#x20AC;&#x153;Picky Eater,â&#x20AC;? being selective is applauded. Also celebrated on the album are those who â&#x20AC;&#x153;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to wear shoesâ&#x20AC;? and others with â&#x20AC;&#x153;So Many Ideas.â&#x20AC;? Rymer captures the joy of youth through his Roy Orbison meets Tom Petty rock stylings. %XPEOLQ %HH 5HFRUGV &' ZZZ EUDG\U\PHU FRP DJHV DQG XS

<< LeapPad This is an amazing iPad-style kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touchscreen computer. Comes with fun apps including a virtual art studio, digital camera, and more.

New apps are $10 each and all are the same high quality. Includes impressive online and parent features, including emails that track kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; educational progress. /HDS )URJ (QWHUSULVHV ,QF ZZZ OHDSIURJ FRP OHDSSDG DJHV

My Name Is Handel George Handelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and work (particularly his â&#x20AC;&#x153;Water Musicâ&#x20AC;?) come alive in this informative and interactive disc. Performed by Yadu, Bonnie Ward Simon, Stephen Simon and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, 0DHVWUR &ODVVLFV &' ZZZ PDHVWURFODVVLFV FRP DJHV DQG XS These Are My Friends - an album for kids and their parents Alastair Moockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful knack of filling catchy ditties with humorous lyrics will bring a smile to your face.

0RRFNVKDNH 0XVLF &' ZZZ PRRFNPXVLF FRP DJHV Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights: What A Zoo! From funk and blues to country and pop, with even a little hip-hop thrown in, this album has a style for everyone. The eclectic stylistic mix is sure to keep a child entertained. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original, catchy and suitable for the age group. The band is high caliber, with kid-hop rapper 23 Skidoo featured on a song, and the raw energy of the songs jumps off the speakers.

From the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Blue Whaleâ&#x20AC;? to â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Butterfly,â&#x20AC;? the album takes you on a journey from a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective. &LW\ .LG 0XVLF &' ZZZ FLW\NLGPXVLF FRP DJHV DQG XS

AGES 9 AND UP Mannheim Steamroller - Christmasville by Chip David For more than 20 years, Mannheim Steamroller has brought us Christmas joy through music. Just when you thought they had covered it all, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christmasvilleâ&#x20AC;? comes along with 13 new recordings that feature yuletide ditties in carrying styles, from classical to big band and, of course, the touching ballad here and there.

Though kid-oriented, the albumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-quality production can be enjoyed by the whole family. $PHULFDQ *UDPDSKRQH &' ZZZ PDQQKHLPVWHDPUROOHU FRP DJHV DQG XS

AGES 10 AND UP MLB 11: The Show State of the art for baseball videogames! The controls are great. Lighter modes like home-run derby make the game fun for younger fans and those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t baseball junkies, but if you want deep baseball stats, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there. True baseball fans will love this game. 6RQ\ &RPSXWHU (Q WHUWDLQPHQW $PHULFD ZZZ XV SOD\VWDWLRQ FRP DJHV DQG XS

Nappaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judges!

BOOKS

Apps, Software, Video Games, Websites and More

BY ALLEN RAUSCH

AGES 2-6 Fooz Kids Surf safely! This kid-safe Web browser comes with a ton of great games, videos and Web destinations for kids, and includes safe email and video chat functions.

Best of all, easy-to-use parental controls give complete control over whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available for your kids. )XKX IUHH ZZZ IRR]NLGV FRP DJHV Pat the Bunny An extraordinary digital update version of Dorothy Kunhardtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic touch and feel childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book.

The illustrations are now interactive with lovely background music, excellent reading of the text and vocal feedback when the child does something interesting. 5DQ GRP +RXVH ZZZ UDQGRP KRXVH FRP NLGV DSSV DJHV

Toca Hair Salon A delightful â&#x20AC;&#x153;e-toyâ&#x20AC;? app that lets kids cut hair, style it, color it, and experiment with all sorts of wild hairstyles for people and animals.

No matter what though, a touch insures that the hair will always grow back. Simple and easy to understand, but provides plenty of stimulating imaginative play. 7R FDERFD ZZZ WRFDERFD FRP DJHV

AGES 4 AND UP Disney.com/Create An online art studio with an amazingly powerful set of art tools for kids. They can make pictures, mini movies, cards, stories, and more. Design original creations or use pre-made Disney art images. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a wonderful community of people who discuss each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and help each other become better artists. 'LV QH\ ,QWHUDFWLYH 0HGLD *URXS free; ZZZ GLVQH\ FRP FUHDWH DJHV

Helen Foster James, Ed.D., is a veteran teacher and former coordinator of library media services for the San Diego County Office of Education.

She is also a book reviewer and author of the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books E is for Enchantment: A New Mexico Alphabet and S is for Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores: A Camping Alphabet. She has also received the International Reading Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrate Literacy Award.

Rubin Pfeffer has held top executive positions at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich; Pearson, Inc.; and Simon & Schuster Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Books. He founded Beach Lane Books and, as a partner with the East West Literary Agency, founded that agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boston base.

Music - Tor Hyams has composed scores for film and television and produced top recording artists and live music festivals for children. He wrote and produced A World of Happiness, a NAPPA-winning childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CD and co-authored a

book by the same name. He launched the first KindieFest Family Music Conference, in 2009, and his family music label, Happiness Records.

Michael Berick is the calendar editor at L.A. Parent, where he also reviews childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CDs. He has written about childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music for the Los Angeles Times and Entertainment Weekly, and about music, in general, for more than 20 years.

APPS, SOFTWARE,WEBSITES & VIDEO GAMES Allen Rausch has worked for such renowned game developers as Acclaim Entertainment, Toys R Us, Interplay Entertainment, UbiSoft, Riot Games, and Nexon America.

The PC Editor for GameSpy. com for seven years, he has also been a contributing author for games published by White Wolf and Wizards of the Coast, a noted columnist-reviewer, and an editorialist for publications such as PC Gamer, GameSpot and Gamasutra.

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popcorn, please A tasty twist on the classic campfire treat

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BY PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON

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What you need to do: Kids can coat a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside. Kids can measure and put the popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Kids can measure and put the butter in a large saucepan; an adult can melt the butter over low heat. Kids can measure out the marshmallows, and an adult can add them to the saucepan and cook until melted, stirring constantly. An adult can pour the marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and, working quickly, stir gently with a wooden spoon until the popcorn is coated.

Kids can measure out the cereal and then 1 cup of the chocolate chips, and adults can add to the mixture and stir to incorporate.

An adult can transfer the popcorn mixture to the prepared pan and, with buttered hands, press the mixture evenly into the pan. Allow the popcorn to sit in the pan and cool slightly. Kids can measure out the remaining chocolate chips and an adult can melt them according to package instructions and drizzle the chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Allow the dish to cool completely, about 20 to 25 minutes, then an adult can cut into squares.

Serves 24.

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My child wants to give Christmas presents to all of her teachers this year, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on a budget. I need ideas for inexpensive teacher gifts.

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Next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s question My daughter joined a dance team that was supposed to be low-key, but now the instructor has become very demanding of our time, and wants to enter more competitions. Should we approach the instructor? If so, how?

If you have a parenting question of your own, or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to answer a question already asked, send your questions or responses to Jennifer Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell, editor, at jenny.odonnell@pilotonline.com.

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Quality Education with a Christian Emphasis Affordable Rates â&#x20AC;˘ Degreed & Qualified Staff

We Offer:

â&#x20AC;˘ Preschool for ages 2½ - 4 (8:30 am - 12:30 pm) â&#x20AC;˘ 5 yr old Kindergarten (Full Day) â&#x20AC;˘ Elementary Grades (8:30 am - 2:30 pm) â&#x20AC;˘ Summer Camp â&#x20AC;˘ Hot Meals â&#x20AC;˘ Before & After School Programs (6 am dropoff, 6 pm pickup)

Curriculum:

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Open Courtâ&#x20AC;? Reading â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saxonâ&#x20AC;? Phonics & Math â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Abekaâ&#x20AC;? Science & Social Studies â&#x20AC;˘ Friday â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chapelâ&#x20AC;?

(757) 596-5808

765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA (Oyster Point, Next to Casey Honda ) visit us at www.RLCNN.org/school@rlcnn.org ZZZ 0\7LGHZDWHU0RPV FRP _ ' ( & ( 0 % ( 5 _

let’s craft

Gumdrop Christmas Tree

BY SHERRI BRYANT

What you’ll need to do:

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Experience an authentic parent-school partnership to develop a well-rounded student within a dynamic learning environment. Join us during these celebratory and informative events.

Join Us Virtual Groundbreaking Center for the Arts 7336 Granby Street

December 16, 9:15 a.m.

Join Us

Holiday Fun for Early Readers December 1, 7:00 p.m.

Kindergarten Preview Day December 7, 9:00 a.m.

Students of Color & College Admissions: A Presentation for Parents December 8, 7:00 p.m.

Join us to celebrate Norfolk Collegiate School’s Center for the Arts, an elegant space where traditional arts thrive alongside digital design and communications.

January 10, 5:30 p.m.; January 11, 8:00 a.m.

For more information and to pre-register call (757) 480-2348 or visit NorfolkCollegiate.org/Celebration

For more information and to pre-register call (757) 480-2348 or visit NorfolkCollegiate.org/Discover

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Financial Aid Workshops

Internet Communication Safety for Middle School Students January 17, 8:15 a.m.

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BY RICK EPSTEIN

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BY JANE LOUISE BOURSAW

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Stratford Preschool Give the gift that will last a life time!

Professional Piano & Violin Lessons • Ages 6 - 60 • Beginner to Intermediate Skill Levels For more information, please call Bonnie at 471-1742 17 years experience

Spanish, French, German & Music Classes are a part of the curriculum!

Computer, Art & Dance Classes Available Now Enrolling ages 3-6

For 2012 - 2013 Monday - Friday 9 - 2:30 / September - May

Low Impact! Stay Active! Feel Good!

FUN & FITNESS AT ITS BEST!

757.394.2860

elevateyourgame2@yahoo.com

Located in Community United Methodist Church 1072 Old Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 In the ❤ of Kempsville Classes for 3 mos. - 5 years Come & Play 8am-9:30am Classes M-F, 9:30am-1pm Stay & Play 1pm-4pm

State licensed Private Preschool

495-6531

4300 Shore Drive. Virginia Beach, VA 460-0659 www.stratfordpreschool.com

Great Neck Preschool & Kindergarten Located in Virginia Beach Christian Church 2225 Rose Hall Dr., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 In the ❤ of Great Neck Classes for 2-5 Years Come & Play 8am-9:30am Classes M-F, 9:30am-1pm Stay & Play 1pm-3pm

So Many Activities Activities…

So Little Time!

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family @home

How to make the holidays happy days You can feel the cheer this year - even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in charge of everything

BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK

And after dinner... â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, I really appreciate the help cleaning up.â&#x20AC;?

2. Mix the formal and informal KH KROLGD\V XVHG WR EH VXFK D PDJLFDO WLPH ZKHQ \RX ZHUH D FKLOG 7KHQ \RX EH Dee Dee says she know some people, inFDPH DQ DGXOW DQG LQVWHDG RI WKLQNLQJ RI LW DV ÂłPDJLFDO ´ LW EHFDPH ÂłPDQLDFDO ´ cluding her beloved mother, wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be caught dead using paper or plastic plates.

7DNH D GHHS EUHDWK DQG D IHZ PLQXWHV WR UHDG WKHVH WLSV DQG \RX MXVW PLJKW JR However, after a trip to Party City and a perusal of the new-and-improved options, she EDFN WR \RXU ROG PXFK EHWWHU ZD\ RI WKLQNLQJ WKLV 'HFHPEHU decided that simplicity was better given how many people would be coming for dinner. what they could do to help. Without hesiâ&#x20AC;&#x153;I still used my fine table linens, and 1. Say yes - to help One year over the holidays, Dee Dee tation, I learned to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; right away in- wine and water glasses, but I found really pretty clear, heavy, plastic plates, and Becker had a large family dinner. Really stead of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;?

Dee Dee remembers the offers and her plastic utensils that looked silver. Everylarge, as in 23 people. thing looked nice and, after dinner, almost â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was looking forward to seeing every- responses: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, I would love it if you could bring everything went into the trash instead of one, and I knew it would be a lot of fun. I having to wash dishes,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fastest also knew it would cross that line to stress- a, b, or c.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, that would be great if you could and easiest clean up ever.â&#x20AC;? ful if I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t figure out a way to keep it 3. Buy the same gift for everyone simple along the way,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once the pick up an extra bag of ice on the way over.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, another bottle of wine would be Dee Dee is a fan of entertaining but not invites had been extended, many of my shopping. She simplifies by buying all gift family members immediately asked me great!â&#x20AC;?

T

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cards. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still showing that you know the person because you pick the store, but you have an easier time making a purchase than if you agonized for hours over the exact gift.

You could also try my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach: Think of a theme and execute it with everyone. My momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite: Pajamas and a book. This year, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll steal this idea and give food-related gifts to nearly everyone.

4. Save your energy for this time of year Laura Laing sees herself as being pretty different from the rest of America: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decorate for Halloween or do anything for Independence Day,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I gave up on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve parties years ago.â&#x20AC;?

The result: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A full year of enthusiasm and creativity goes into my December holiday prepara-

WE CAN HELP

tions,” Laura continues. “By that time, things have really built up!”

5. Careful with the cookies Laura simplifies everything, including the number and type of cookies she decides to bake.

“I make only four kinds: cow cookies (sugar cookies shaped like cows and iced with chocolate spots and little icing wreaths around their necks), peanut butter blossoms (peanut butter cookies with kisses), peanut butter balls and peppermint patties,” she says. “Except for the peanut butter blossoms, these are multistep cookies. That means I can make part of the recipe one day and finish them up on another day. I try to have these done no later than mid-December.”

6. Schedule, schedule, schedule If you’re reading this after the first weekend in December, you can be sure that Laura has a Christmas tree.

“We always get it on the same day,” the strategic thinker explains. “I get the tree on that first Friday night and decorate it the next day. The week before, I spend my evening TV time stringing popcorn and cranberries.

It’s the only homemade decoration that I do.”

The first weekend might not be the best for you, but you can sit down with your calendar and decide what you’ll do when and map it out now. If you’re reading this the third week of December, think about 2012. We’ll be impressed if you buy a calendar and map out your plan for next year.

7. Take a day off If you’re like most employees nowadays, you’re a workaholic. You haven’t used up that vacation time, and you’re at risk of losing it. Take them now - and you’ll be so much happier when your holiday vacation time rolls around.

Laura takes one day off and uses it to shop for a family she “adopts” for the holidays. Her partner contacts a nonprofit in advance and finds out what

type of presents or supplies might help, and Laura heads out to get everything.

8. Space out the gift giving Ask your family to exchange ideas or draw names in early November and then, if you’ll see each other before Hanukkah or Christmas, deliver your gift. For Laura, that means having her shopping done for her partner’s family no later than Thanksgiving, when they’ll travel to see them.

“The key for me is to have enough time to really think about these gifts,” she says. “The more thinking and research I do, the easier it is to buy the gift.”

Stephanie Sanker starts even earlier - usually in September.

“I do it so that it doesn’t hit me all at once in December,” she says. “For example, I pick up a $15 gift card to Starbucks or Regal Cinema every week or two weeks so that I am prepared for teacher gifts, etc. I also pick up Aeropostle gift cards so I can either give them to my girls or use them to purchase clothes when they go on sale in December. “ 9. Eliminate gift giving for the adults Five years ago, Karen Boyes’ family stopped buying gifts for the adults in the extended family at birthdays and Christmas. Instead, they all put $100 per person into a “family” bank account each birthday and Christmas.

“This is our family experience fund,” she says. “Last year we went to an island for 10 days. It is a wonderful memory that we will never forget.”

10. Decorate outside first Karen, who lives in a usually warm climate, depended on the nice weather - and was then let down. She never got her outside decorations up when the weather unexpectedly turned stormy for a while.

“So this year,” she says, “I am starting early.”

If your child’s special education services are not helping them to be successful...

If you were not happy with your child’s report card...

If you want your child’s special education services to meet his or her specific needs...

Advocating 4 Kids provides advocacy services and supports that help children receiving special education services thrive. Let us help take the frustration out of your child’s special educational needs today.

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Fresh Popcorn & Balloons PLUS FUN, FUN, FUN!

Come enjoy the Norfolk Waterfront!

Large selection of fun, educational toys including:

Puppets • Floor Puzzles • Wooden Trains Wooden Tow Trucks • Art Supplies Plush Stuffed Animals • Princess Soft Toys and Games in a Box.

Visit Us Daily for

PLAYTIME at the Waterside

Come into the store and register with the WATERSIDE STROLLERS CLUB! We are exclusive Melissa & Doug retailers.

Choose an educational game to play with or go to

www.meetup.com/The-Waterside-Strollers-Club

Popcorn & Balloon Palace 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk

We want to help bring back a great family fun place and a vibrant Norfolk Landmark!

Visit our website at www.rembertmarketingandpromotionsinc.com

(In the Food Court)

757-233-2854

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HOLIDAY THEMED DINNER

TEDDY BEAR TEA

Fridays & Saturdays in December (thru December 17), 5pm-9pm

THE FOUNDERS CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

December 3, 10, 17, 18, 2pm-4pm

Taste the flavors of the season as Swan Terrace’s award-winning chefs prepare a themed holiday prix fixe menu. Reservations recommended I Adults $34.00 Children $17.00

The magic of the season comes to life as children sip Christmas tea with a new best friend and listen to a story. Each child receives a commemorative Teddy Bear to keep!

Reservations required I All children and adults $32.00

December 25, 11am-4pm

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

EVENING WITH SANTA

December 31

Children, all dressed in their holiday pajamas, will snuggle up in blankets to hear Santa Claus read The Night Before Christmas.

Children enjoy milk & cookies and a visit with Santa.

Reservations required I All children $18.00

Early seating, 5pm-6:30pm A four-course menu and champagne/sparkling wine toast – Adults $65.95 Late seating, 8pm-9:30pm A five-course menu, dancing, live entertainment and champagne/sparkling wine toast – Adults $89.95

Saturdays & Sundays in December (thru December 18 & December 24) 8am-10am

What better way to celebrate the season than to share a meal with the jolly elf in the red suit? Balloon artist, face painting, featuring Singing Santa, appearances by characters such as Rudolph & Frosty. Photos with Santa available for a nominal fee.

Reservations required I Adults $28 Children $21

PHOTOS WITH SANTA

December 4, 11, 18, 11am-2pm

Children have a photo opportunity with Santa, for a nominal fee.

December 22 & 23, 6pm

SWAN TERRACE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER December 24, Early seating 5pm, Late seating 7:30pm

Executive Chef Scott Simpson prepares his delicious holiday buffet accompanied by live, seasonal music. Reservations required Adults $39.95 Children $19.95

Let our culinary experts do the cooking for you with our traditional holiday buffet in Swan Terrace and Virginia Ballroom. Reservations required Adults $39.95 Children $19.95

SWAN TERRACE NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

*Special event pricing is per person and does not include taxes and gratuities. Other discounts do not apply. 10% active duty & retired military with proper identification; 10% senior discount given to adults 55 and over. Children 4 & under dine free when accompanied by an adult, except if pricing is designated “All Children.” All children’s pricing applies to ages 5-12.

5641 Indian River Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Reservations call 757.424.5511 • FoundersInn.com

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HURRAH FOR THE HOLIDAYS

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

A lively musical review in the style of Radio City Music Hall. Featuring holiday favorites from yesterday and today, precision kick line dancers, a celebration of all faiths and a 100% chance of snow! DECEMBER 9 – 11

The funny and heartwarming story of an unlikely group of kids who learn the true meaning of Christmas. A 20 year holiday tradition in Hampton Roads, this one night only event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend; a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights. DECEMBER 10

DOUBLE YOUR HOLIDAY CHEER:

IS PROUD TO HOST THESE OFFICIAL NORFOLK “HOLIDAYS IN THE CITY” EVENTS.

Purchase tickets to Hurrah for the Holidays, enjoy Best Christmas Pageant Ever tickets at 50% OFF!

TCC Roper Performing Arts Center Tickets: Call 757-627-5437 or click hurrahplayers.com

(not valid with any other coupon or discount)

Cover Kid Search 2012 Enter your child in our Cover Kids Search 2012 and she/ he could appear on one of the covers of Tidewater Parent or in one of our auxiliary products!

A complete list of details available at www.mytidewatermoms.com

LAST CHANCE!

December 15, 2011

Grand Furniture

Store,

Chesapeake, VA (across from Green brier Mall)

Santa will be on-site from 4:30 – 8:00, so bring your camer a!

Children’s Specialty Group, PLLC MORE THAN 100 BOARD-CERTIFIED, BOARD-ELIGIBLE PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS CARING FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. SPECIALIZING IN: • Adolescent Medicine • Allergy and Immunology • Anesthesiology • Cardiology • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry • Dermatology • Developmental Pediatrics • Emergency Medicine • Endocrinology

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All major insurance carriers accepted.

Norfolk: 601 Children’s Lane Norfolk: 171 Kemspville Road Virginia Beach: 2021 Concert Drive Chesapeake: 500 Discovery Drive Newport News: 11783 Rock Landing Drive Find a doctor 668-7500 • www.csgdocs.com

Physician Partners of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters

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Holiday Gingerbread House Workshop Fun for the Whole Family Dec 10, 16 & 17 Call Now To Register!

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• Holiday Break Mini-Camps Dec 27, 28 & 29 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm • KinderCooks Ages 3 & Up • Jr Chefs Ages 5 & Up • Sr Chefs Ages 11 & Up

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When kids grow up and want more space, younger guys can feel left out.

Living Separate Lives J

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I had hopes that the brothers would be best friends forever and have each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backs at all times, but that is just wishful thinking at this time.

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KIDS EAT FREE

All Day Every Day (restrictions apply)

Children 12 and under enjoy a free entree from our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu with an adult purchase of an entree, burger or sandwich from our regular priced menu.

This offer may not be combined wIth any other offers, discounts, coupons or promotions. Chesapeake location only.

PRIVATE PARTY ROOM s

1401 Greenbrier Parkway South #2260 Chesapeake, VA â&#x20AC;˘ 757-361-6854 www.thegreeneturtle.com HOURS: Sun-Thru 11am - midnight Fri-Sat 11am - 2am

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Hampton Roads’ first arts and crafts studio and sewing lounge with an

island touch

Chesapeake Montessori Pediatric Dentistry

Mark S. Levin, DDS John I. Barney, DDS Michael F. Hasty, DDS, MS Scott H. Rosenblum, DDS, MPH

Hulu Lessons

• Authentic Polynesian dance lesson • Baby Hula, Keiki Hula, and Hula for Teens & Adults • Group and Private Lessons

Sewing

• Sewing lounge • Sewing classes for kids, teens, and adults • Mom and Me sewing • Hawaiian Quilting

Other Classes

• Etiquette Lessons • Beginner Crochet Lessons for Kids • Foreign Language Academy for Kids • Art Classes and Workshops • Boy and Girl Scout Workshops

Party Time • Sewing Parties for ages 6 and up • Hula parties, performances & special events • Tea and Etiquette parties (available starting Fall 2011)

757.369.0996

www.ohanaartsstudio.com

Orthodontics

John I. Barney, DDS

• Infant Toddler Room • Children’s House ages 3-6 • Elementary grades 1-6 •American Montessori Society Full Affiliate

VIRGINIA BEACH

1055 Kempsville Rd 757-474-1200 1368 North Great Neck Rd 757-496-8300 4169 Virginia Beach Blvd 757-486-2525

GRASSFIELD SCHOOL 2013 Scenic Parkway Chesapeake • 757-547-7673

CHESAPEAKE

905 N. Battlefield Blvd, Suite 106 757-548-3030

GREAT BRIDGE SCHOOL 516 Albemarle Drive Chesapeake • 757-410-9474

www.chesapeakemontessorischool.com

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

AWARD!

1000 500

$

$

DOLLAR GRAND

224 South Military Highway ~ Norfolk, VA 23502

466-9392

Serving our community for over 50 years

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• Teaching children ages 3, 4, and Kindergarten • School hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 noon • Extended care available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. _ ' ( & ( 0 % ( 5 _ ZZZ 0\7LGHZDWHU0RPV FRP

RUNNER-UP

PRIZES! AWARDS! HONORABLE MENTIONS AND FULL PRESS COVERGE!

December 2011 A Region of Lights ENJOY A DRIVE THROUGH of lights throughout Hampton Roads.

The following events continue until Jan. 1, 2012. For the holiday light display, plan on cash only admission.

Dominion Garden of Lights 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. The garden is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights bringing the seasons to life. $10 (Sunday-Thursday), $15(FridaySaturday), NBG Members $2 discount Cash only at the door. Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd. (N) 441-5830 or www.nbgs.org Celebration in Lights 5:30 p.m.- 10 p.m.. Drive through two miles of holiday light displays. $10.00 per car, $50.00 per bus. Newport News Park, Fort Eustis Blvd. (NN) 926-1400 or www.nngov.com Holiday Lights at the Beach 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday- Thursday and until 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It’s the only time of the year that cars get to drive right on the boardwalk - for over 30 blocks. Enjoy make the trek through this holiday wonderland. On the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 2nd Street to 34th Street (VB) 425-3111 or www.beachstreetusa.com The Polar Express 3D Movie Discount Various times. See one of the season’s most popular holiday films, The Polar Express 3D, on the Aquarium’s 3D IMAX(r) Theater six-story high screen.

This full length feature film will be offered at the same price of other 3D films: $9 for adults and $8 for children

ages 3-11. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-3474 or www. virginiaaquarium.com Happy Feet 2 IMAX Various times.

Your favorite penguins are back with an all new foot stomping adventure.

Virginia Air and Space Center, 700 Settlers Landing (H) 727-0900 or www. vasc.org Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star Various times and continues until Dec. 31. Experience the journey of the Magi around you in the Virginia Living Museum’s state-of-theart digital planetarium theater. $4 in addition to museum admission. Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd.

(NN) 599-1900 or www.thevlm.org Laser Holidays various times. Get into the holiday spirit with music and dazzling laser effects. Classic holiday favorites will be featured. Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd.

(NN) 599-1900 or www.thevlm.org Downtown Hampton on Ice 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and continues until March 4, 2012. Take to the Ice on the Peninsula’s only, covered, outdoor ice skating rink. Virginia Air and Space Center, 700 Settlers Landing Rd. (H) 727-0900 or www.vasc.org

December 1

Center, Monticello Avenue (N) 627-6000 or www.shopmacarthur.com

Parent Resource Night for IEP 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Does your child have an Individualized Education Program (IEP)? Do you think your student needs an IEP? Dr. Brenda Reid from the Virginia Beach City Public School’s Parent Support and Information Center will discuss new regulations that may affect your child. Kempsville Recreation Center, 800 Monmouth Lane (VB) 474-8510

December 2

The Enchanted Palace 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and continues until Dec. 24.

Experience this free, multi-sensory exhibit features falling snow, interactive elements, breathtaking footage of arctic animals and landscapes, fun facts and a beautiful Ice Princess, and is complete with a visit to Santa Claus. MacArthur

December 3

A Christmas Carol 8 p.m. and continues at various times until Dec. 24. With a new set and the addition of carols throughout the play, audience members will delight in this classic tale featuring Scrooge.

Wells Theatre, 108 E Tazewell St. (N) 627-6988

Holidays Around the World Family Days -10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy a day with the family exploring the museum, making arts and crafts, going on special tours and more as you discover other cultures and

holiday celebrations. Mariner’s Museum, 100 Museum Dr. (NN) 596-2222 or www.MarinersMuseum. org Shiverfest 4 p.m.-8 p.m. See the park transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday goodies, festive music, interactive displays and holiday crafts for the kids. Santa will even stop by on an antique fire truck. Free. Mount Trashmore Park, Edwin Drive (VB) 385-2990 orprspecialevents@VBgov.com.

Scuba Santa 11 a.m. See Santa scuba with the fish. Continues every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 18. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-3474 or www. virginiaaquarium.com

December 4 Battle of Great Bridge 10 a.m.4 p.m. Commemoration and re-enactment of the Southern Bunker Hill. Enjoy demonstrations of colonial life, encampments, historical exhibits, colonial character portrayals, merchants and children’s activities. Free. Great Bridge Bridge, 116 Callison Dr. (C) 382-6411 Free Admission Weekend noon5 p.m. - Enjoy the latest exhibits, gallery games and Hands On For Kids gallery. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Dr. (NN) 596-8175 or www.pfac-va.org

December 5 Polar Express 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. and continues Monday-Thursday until Dec. 22. Warm up with a tasty cookie and a warm cup of hot chocolate while you listen to a reading of the Polar Express, then take a tram ride through the Dominion Garden of Lights Holiday display. $10 ($8 for NBG Members). Must pre-register.

Call 441-5830 ext. 338. Norfolk Botanical Gardens, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd. (N) 441-5830 or www. nbgs.org

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ZooTales 11 a.m. and continues every Tuesday. Enjoy story time at the zoo and meet an animal or two. Activity included with Zoo admission: $7 adults, $5 children 2-11, $6 seniors 62 and over, free to zoo members. Virginia Zoo, 3500 Granby St. (N) 441-2374, ext.

229

Afternoon Art Explosion 4 p.m.- 5 p.m. and continues Wednesdays until Dec. 28.

Express your creativity and learn more about art. Real artists will be joining the fun to share their talents. For preschool and school age.

Lafayette Branch Library, 1610 Cromwell Dr. (N) 441-2842

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Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Virginia Living Museum 3 p.m. and continues Tuesdays and Saturdays. Enjoy a guided by a member of our knowledgeable curatorial staff. The Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. (NN) 599-1900 or www. thevlm.org

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• Arrive with age-appropriate activities • Are over 18-years of age • Have extensive child care experience with all ages of children • Have successfully completed an intensive background-screening process • Are personally interviewed and selected • Are trained in CPR and First Aid

December 6

Tickle My Ears: Modern & Contemporary Galleries 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. This unique storytelling program for pre-kindergarten children meets for stories and songs to help them appreciate art. Reservations are not necessary for individuals, but please call 333-6239 for group reservations. Chrysler Museum of Art, 245 W Olney Rd. (N) 664-6200 or www.chrysler.org

December 9 Hurrah for the Holidays 7 p.m. and continues Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

A lively musical revue in the

style of Radio City Music Hall. TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, 340 Granby St. (N) 627-5437 or www. hurrahplayers.com

December 10 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 7 p.m. This heartwarming play tells the story of a tough group of youngsters who learn the true meaning of Christmas. It is one night only event is presented with Happy Hanukkah, My Friend - a short program celebrating the Festival of Lights.

Children $15 - $20 Adults $20 - $25.

TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, 340 Granby St. (N) 627-5437 or www. hurrahplayers.com

December 12 Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery 7 p.m. and continues until February 2012. A new traveling exhibit coming to Virgil I. Grissom Library celebrates that event and tells the story of how astronomy has evolved over the 400 years since then. Grissom Library, DeShazor Dr. (NN) 385-0385

December 13 December 15 December 17 December 19

Bookstore, 12170 Jefferson Ave. (NN) 249-2488

Spa Day 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.,Learn new techniques from a makeup and skin care specialist, practice relaxation techniques and make your own spa products to take home, or share as a holiday gift. Teens. Great Neck Area Library, 1251 Bayne Dr. (VB) 385-2606

December 22

December 14 Story and a Walk 10 a.m. Enjoy a story and a nature walk with a Park Ranger. Continues every second Wednesday of the month. Newport News Park, 13560 Jefferson Ave. (NN) 888-3333 or www.nnparks.com

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas 4 p.m.-5:45 p.m. For children ages 5 to 8. Children will hear a story, sing songs and make a fancy craft. Please come bedecked in your most festive holiday attire and get ready to have a holly jolly time. Call to register. Hampton Public Library, 4207 Victoria Blvd. (H) 727-1157

Holiday Greeting Cards 1 30 p.m.- 4 p.m. For ages 10 and up. Create your own original greeting cards! Learn to layer and mix paint with found objects to make wonderful cards for family and friends. Bring a snack.

Limit: 12 students. $35 member / $45 non-member. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Dr. (NN) 596-8175 or www.pfac-va.org

December 16 December 18 Stroller Tours 1 p.m. Stroll and roll into our galleries on the third Friday of the month for a guided tour of the Museum and engaging adult conversation. Adults and their young children (under the age of 18 months) are welcome. Free. Chrysler Museum of Art, 245 W Olney Rd. (N) 664-6200 or www.chrysler.org

Winter Fun 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. ’Tis the season! Come enjoy stories, activities, carols, crafts, and holiday cheer. Sponsored by Central Library’s Teen Advisory Group.

Family/all ages. Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. (VB) 385-0150

Pawsitive Reading with Therapy Dogs 5:45 p.m.- 6:45 p.m. Practice your reading skills by sharing stories with therapy dogs. Bring your own book or choose one from our selection. Call to register. Grades K-5. Kempsville Area Library, 832 Kemspville Rd. (VB) 385-2627

December 20 Holiday Movie Night Polar Express 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Enjoy a holiday movie with the whole family. Larchmont Branch Library, 6525 Hampton Blvd.

(N) 441-5335

December 21 Hanukkah begins

Wednesday Weekly Story Time 10:30 a.m. Enjoy stories, a craft and cookies. Barnes and Noble

Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Enjoy this movie.

Please bring a blanket and a pillow.

Snacks will be provided. All ages Call to register. Hampton Public Library, 4207 Victoria Blvd. (H) 727-1157

December 23 Puss in Boots in IMAX Time varies.

Your favorite sword fighting pussy cat returns to the screen in this animated tale of the events leading up to Puss in Boot’s meeting with Shrek and his friends. Riverside IMAX, Virginia Air and Space Center, 700 Settlers Landing, (H) 727-0900 or www.vasc.org

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December 24 Christmas Eve

December 25 Merry Christmas!

December 26 Colonial Christmas 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and continues until Dec. 31. Songs and sounds of holidays past will be presented with period musical entertainment on December 26-31. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center, Route 17, (Y) 800-HISTORY or www.historyisfun.org

December 27 Paint Days 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday. Paint your own picture in the Kids Gallery. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Dr. (NN) 596-8175 or www.pfac-va.org

December 28 Read Library Books on your New E-Reader 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Discover how to use your new Nook, Kindle, iPad, iPod Touch, smartphone or other gadget to download books from the library’s collection.

Please bring your reader and laptop.

Registration begins Dec. 1. Princess Anne Area Library, 1444 Nimmo Parkway, 385-2610

December 29 Teen Advisory Board 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Make a difference in your community by joining the Horace C. Downing Teen Advisory Board. We’ll have book talks, field trips and motivational speakers.

Horace C. Downing Branch Library, 555 E. Liberty St. (N) 441-1968

December 30 For Those in Uniform Who Have Served 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Located in the entry of the Wisconsin Wardroom, this changing

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exhibit pays tribute to the armed forces, with the initial focus on Senator John W. Warner, who was instrumental in bringing the battleship Wisconsin to Norfolk.

The exhibit includes memorabilia and photos from his Navy career. Nauticus, 1 Waterside Dr. (N) 664-1001

December 31 Countdown to 2012 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Children and adults get ready for games, activities, and sparkling beverages (non-alcoholic) in the Aquarium’s Promenade Room. Free with Aquarium admission. . Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd. (VB) 385-3474 or www. virginiaaquarium.com

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