Kid Connect Feb/March 2017 by Shawn Cox

Kid connect

FREE

February/March 2017 get connected.

Counting Down to Spring!

In this issue, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about: Board Games Advocat ing for Your Special Needs Child Good Reads & More!

February/March 2017

509 - 667-1538

CLASSES FOR AGES: 2 - 13 PRESCHOOL RECREATIONAL TEAM PLAY GYM PARTIES PNO

REGISTER TODAY AT SPORTGYMNASTICS.COM SPORTGYMNASTICS@GMAIL.COM 10 S COLUMBIA ST SUITE 100, WENATCHEE, WA 98801 ★Accepting most insurance including state  ★Sí, hablamos español!  ★Welcoming patients ages 1 to 20

First Visit FREE! (up to 24 months old)

509.662.3621

smilebugg.com

Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy Dr. Cara, Dr. Britt and The Smile Team give your child skilled care focusing on prevention and education. Your child will have a solid foundation for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

Celebrating 20 Years of Caring for Smiles in Central Washington

www.ncwkidconnect.com

You’re Invited to

Rhea Lana's

The Nation’s Premier Children’s Consignment Event VenueTM

Come Experience the Rhea Lana’s Difference!

Wenatchee.rheaLana.com wenatchee.rheaLana.com

Wenatchee April 9-13 Mission Village, 212 5th Street, Wenatchee, WA.

wenatchee.rhealana.com

heidigales@rhealana.com / 253-797-3892 Want to Shop early?

Use this ad as your pass to shop our Private Pre-Sale Event on Saturday, April 8 at 6PM.

Consign your children’s items and earn 70-80%. Items are GUARANTEED! Check Sales LIVE! Consignor Checks Are Ready On Pick Up Day!

Shop name brand, quality children’s and maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, furniture and more!

February/March 2017

photo taken by CLR Photography

Nikki’s Note Mind Blown Moment

I had a random conversation this week with a friend. Scratch that.... I’m not sure if I can call her a friend. I mean, I would call her my friend, but I’m not totally sure the feeling is mutual... HA! Is there a word that describes that kind of relationship? Anyway, I had a passing conversation with her and it was during this conversation that I learned so much about myself and it was like a light bulb went off in my head! Not just turned on, actually, but more like exploded! WOWZAS! She was describing how she bases her decisions on how she is feeling. She made the comment of how it’s hard for her to meal plan a month in advance because she likes to make the decision of what to eat on the same day she is going to eat it--you know, based on what she feels like eating.

I am an emotional planner. It’s probably also why when I find a project to do, I 100% immerse myself into it. Because I enjoy it and I feel like doing it. And no wonder why my laundry piles up until no one can shove another sock into one of the 6 hampers we have... because I definitely don’t feel like doing laundry. HA! Not sure why this is relevant to you at all or why I’m sharing, but that has been my Ah-ha! moment of the week. What am I going to do now that I know this about myself? I have no idea, but the awareness is a great place to start, right? Perhaps I need to pick up the “Birth Order” book that I started a few years ago and never got very far into. My guess is that my fellow emotional planner friends are also not first born’s and it will probably give me some further insight. We’ll see if I feel like reading it once I can find it....

ki ox k i N C

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Kid Connect PO BOX 347 Cashmere, WA 98815

Owner: Nikki Cox

(509) 834-8977 nikki@ncwkidconnect.com

Advertising: Nikki Cox (509) 834-8977 ads@ncwkidconnect.com

East Wenatchee Fred Meyer Gold’s Gym Library Upper Eastside Coffee Wenatchee Academic Toolbox Apple Valley Gymnastics Caffe Mela Gold’s Gym Library Performing Arts Center Safeway Smitty’s SPORT Gymnastics Wok About Grill Cashmere Aplets and Cotlets Brian’s Pizza Library Martin’s Marketplace Leavenworth Wok About Library Safeway

Where to Find a Copy of Kid Connect For more options, visit: www.ncwkidconnect.com

Mind. Blown. As I was standing there talking to her, it was like I was listening to myself talk. She was definitely describing me! No wonder I struggled with keeping up on my meal plans. No wonder even crockpot cooking is hard for me. No wonder I dread Sunday nights when my husband wants to go over our schedule for the week and plan what we’re doing. No wonder why I can’t book a vacation a year in advance.

Volume 5 Issue 5 February/March 2017 www.ncwkidconnect.com

it pays to follow us!

W h at ’ s In side?

Support Our Sponsors! Shop Local, and tell them Kid Connect sent you!

02 S.P.O.R.T. Gymnastics 02 Dr. Cara’s Children’s Dentistry

03 Rhea Lana’s 27 MOPS 30 Kid Connect 31 Fruit Tones Studio 33 Cascade Medical 35 John L Scott:

Nicole Schmauder

37 Faith Lutheran Preschool 39 Columbia Grove Covenant Church

39 Touch-A-Truck 41 My Girlfriend’s Closet 43 Get Connected Famly Expo 45 KOHO Radio 47 Screenagers 51 Columbia Valley Community Health

51 Wenatchee Valley Mall 52 Wenatchee Pediatric Dentistry

07 10 14 18 20 24 25 28 50

5 Reason Why Board Games are a Must The Art of Advocating for Your Special Needs Child Meet the Family: The Burns

How to Survive & Thrive on a Single Income

Building Your At-Home Library

Spring Sports/Camps

Calendar Begins Weekly Events Take 5 Devotional: What is Balance?

Cover Cutie This handsome little lumberjack is Benson Burns, son to Jeremy and Mallory Burns of Cashmere. You can read more about him and his family in our Meet the Famly section on page 14. Photo Credit:

Andrea Lopez from Andrea Lopez Photography

February/March 2017

www.ncwkidconnect.com

“Aren’t Board games boring?” asks my daughter’s friend while over for a playdate. Wait. What? Did she just say board games are boring. !?!?! I must have heard her wrong, because in our house, getting to play board games is like winning the lottery!

My husband and I have a cribbage board on the dining room table that may as well just be permanently attached. We eat dinner together every night as a family. My husband and I also play cribbage every night at the dinner table. I know, some people would say that’s not okay and not teaching our kids good manners (no toys at the table, have meaningful conversations, engage with your kids during dinner), but to that I say, “Hey, it works great for our family, but not every family is the same.” ...continued on next page

Reasons Why

Board Games Are A Must

by Nikki Cox

February/March 2017

The Cox Family Favorites There are so many games to choose from! But here are some of our favorites that the whole family can play.

Toddlers (12months+)

Roll and Play Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Matching Game

Preschoolers (3+)

(Any of the Toddler games!) + Honey Bee Tree (or Kerplunk) Spot it Go Oink (Go Ape, Go Fish, or any version of this) Pie Face Yeti in My Spaghetti

Children 5+

(any of the 3+ games!) + Apples to Apples Jr. LIFE (regular and junior version) Monopoly Jr. Guess Who Sequence for Kids Left Center Right Skip Bo Sorry 5 Second Rule Jr. Jenga Tell-A-Tale Dr. Eureka

Kids 8+

(any of the games in 5+!) + Tapple 10 Scene It 10 Days in…. (Europe, America, Africa, Asia, U.S.A) Speak Out Stratego Loaded Questions

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Here’s what dinnertime looks like in our house: One of the kids is setting the table. Two of the kids are in the bathroom shoving each other to get to the sink first to wash their hands. My husband is in the office turning on Pandora to play throughout the house (because who wants to eat in a quiet room with three kids slurping their milk, smacking their food and breathing heavy? Not me. Trust me, dinner is always better with the music on. Besides, it can lead to some pretty fun dance parties in the middle of dinner when an extremely loved song comes on…). I am in the kitchen getting kids dished up and glasses filled with milk. We sit down to eat and my husband and I start playing cribbage. Our kids decide who they are going to root for and we continue to talk with a little friendly banter. As we play, our kids cheer for us, they watch us count our cards, they count with us. They make predictions on what’s going to happen and anticipate if they were right or not. In between hands (usually while I am shuffling, because apparently, I like to shuffle the socks of those cards and take forever), we have conversations about the kids’ days, what they did, what they are looking forward to the next day, etc. All the while, the one not shuffling the cards is refilling milks and dishing the kids up with seconds…. Or cleaning up a spill, encouraging a kiddo to try another bite, or have a random ‘dance it out’ moment, because no one in our family can sit still for very long. When the game is over, those who were rooting for said winner cheer and clap and do a happy dance while the others boo and show their poor-sportsmanship in a very friendly and fun manner. Then we clean up from dinner and begin bath time/cleanup-toys time. It’s my favorite part of the day. Every day. I love playing board games and have made them a part of my everyday life. And I love that my husband plays along with me even when he’s on the longest losing streak of his life, and I love that my kids have learned this love of board games through watching us play. As a family, we try to stick to a family night every Friday. Usually this is an alternating family night between movie night and game night. I’m pretty sure if you asked my kids which one they prefer, they’d choose board games over movie nights most all the time (especially if you offer to make popcorn!) But why would you want to choose game night over movie night? Doesn’t movie night sound a lot more relaxing than a game night? I admit, sometimes playing board games with littles is stressful. It can be easier to choose the movie so we can all just cuddle up together and eat our popcorn, watching a

light hearted family fun movie. Games can be intense, lead to tears upon losing, have rules that are too complicating, become just another thing you must clean up when you’re done… etc. So why would you ever want to choose the game night over movie night? Here are 5 great reasons why we think board games as a family are a MUST!

Family Bonding

While watching a movie is fun, board games offer more bonding time with family members because they involve conversation and you get to learn more about each other. You also get an insight into our smart your kiddos really are. Sometimes, and maybe it’s only my kids, they like to keep their smartness just for school and pretend to play dumb at home. But when you get a chance to see their critical thinking skills it’s pretty amazing. I also love games like Apples to Apples or Loaded Questions, because it reveals more about what people like and how they think.

Manners

While, it’s always a work in progress, board games give kiddos (and adults) a lot of practice with being patient. Waiting for your turn to come around, sitting and engaging with others during their turns (instead of running in circles around the table) can be tough and it’s really a lot to ask for littles. But with practice comes progress! Winning and losing gracefully is also a skill that needs some practice, and board games are happy to help with this one! Other manners, including following the rules, listening to instructions, helping to set up the game and clean up afterwards…. These small steps help our children become well-mannered civilians.

Decision Making

As I mentioned earlier, it’s so much fun to watch our littles use critical thinking and super-smart thinking strategies. In our family’s favorite game, Apples to Apples Jr., you must think a lot. And not only do you have to think, but you must put yourself in someone else’s shoes and try to think like them. So not only are you having to decide, but you are also practicing the very act of thinking of others. It’s a fabulous concept! In other games, LIFE, for example, there can sometimes be two paths to take and you must decide which way to go. These thinking strategies will only set them up for success in the classroom to carry that strategy over to schoolwork and life situations. It forces them to think ahead to what might happen if they take either road, then make a decision based on their fore-thinking predictions and probabilities.

Math and Reading Skills

Obviously, there can be a lot of math and reading in games, when adding up dice, reading cards, etc. And when adults are patient enough to allow some extra time for kiddos to try the math on their own, it builds confidence and allows them to build up their skill set. Other math concepts can be hidden (or notso-hidden) in board games as well. These can include number, shape and color recognition, finding patterning, sequencing, probabilities, etc. All these learned skills will give them lots of practice and may even set them up for STEM careers down the road. In short, playing games is FUN! Why would not want to have fun with your kiddos!?! So grab a game and get to it!

Basic Fine Motor Skills

For our younger kiddos, this may be easily overlooked. But there are so many opportunities to learn fine motor skills in board games! Simple things like holding multiple cards in your hand, rolling the dice, shuffling (which will come later), putting the little peg people in the LIFE cards. Or even having a steady hand during games like Kerplunk, Operation, Jenga, etc.). Or maybe it’s learning how to squeeze a pair of tweezers in the game Sneaky Snacky Squirrel. Or maybe for the elementary kiddos it’s how to pour the ‘molecules’ from test tube to test tube without missing the hole in the game, Dr. Eureka. There are so many learning opportunities that you can give your kiddos without even realizing it! These skills will be super helpful when they learn things later like tying their shoes, pouring their own drinks, holding a pencil, etc.

February/March 2017

The Art of Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs by Judy Miller

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Parents are natural advocates for their children. We love our children, and we want the best for them. As a mother of four children, three with special needs, I know how important it is to advocate for my children. There is no one who will be more committed to making sure my children have access to the support, treatment, and education they are guaranteed more than me. My youngest daughter was my second child to be diagnosed with special needs (each of my kids have different special needs). I was at first overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and intimidated by how to best advocate for what she would need in school, when I did not yet know myself. I chose to dive in. Great hope impelled me.

First steps: accept your child’s diagnosis and become the expert about it. Gather information about your child’s special needs diagnosis, recommended remedial techniques, and treatment. Learn all you can about your child’s special needs. Break the information into terms that you can understand. This will help others appreciate your child’s special needs when you share the information with them. I needed to fully comprehend my daughter’s diagnosis and the recommended care and treatments (therapies). I felt I would be a far more effective advocate for my child if my knowledge about my child’s special need bordered on encyclopedic. I fast-tracked my education. I purchased books, highlighted passages, and wrote in the margins where I required further clarification, discovered something I desired to learn more about, or wanted to share with others. I went online to reputable websites and printed out articles. And similar to my expanding collection of books about my daughter’s special needs, I highlighted passages and made notes in the margins. I created an impressive section of resources in my personal library about each of my kids’ special needs. During each visit I asked my child’s therapists about treatment and outcomes, recommendations of what to read, what I might expect, and clarification of my questions. I did the same with my daughter’s teachers and therapists when she attended developmental preschool.I took notes, notebooks full of notes. I was driven by my love for her as well as trying to assure she was physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe.

Become über-organized. I purchased two 3-inch, 3-ring binders and index pages with pockets. One binder contained written records-sections for my child’s initial diagnosis and follow-up reports; therapy goals and therapy progress reports; copies of bills; medical paperwork; IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)-the original and future updates; and teacher emails, notes, and cards, etc. The other binder was my personal “education primer.” It held 3-holed college lined paper full of my journal entries; questions and the answers to them; definitions of terms-technical and layman; and highlighted recommended resources; and the printed articles about the diagnosis my child had been given. I made sure every paper that went into both binders was dated.

Advocacy Supplies List In order to be an effective advocate for your child you need supplies to help you organize the information and resources you acquire. You want to be able to access the information quickly. Here is a list of supplies that will help you get started: • Two 3-inch, 3-ring notebooks (one for your child’s file; one for information about your child’s disability and educational information) • Index pages • Contact log sheet (I kept this in the front of my binder) • Small tape recorder, or record with an app on your smart phone. Sometimes it is challenging to write when you are listening. • Stapler and staples, to keep multiple report/update pages together • Calendar (I printed mine out blank calendars off the Internet and 3-hole punched them) • Loose leaf 3-hole paper, or 8x11 notebooks with perforated pages that can be separated from the notebook easily and added to your binders. I used this paper for journaling as well. • 3-hole punch for medical, therapeutic, and school paperwork • Highlighters • Different colored pens, if you choose to color code as I did • Package of sticky notes (again, multiple colors) February/March 2017 11

Learn about your child’s rights.

Be prepared.

Legally, children with special needs are entitled to an “appropriate” education. Your child should have access to “specially designed instruction” (20 U.S.C. §1401) to meet their unique needs. Learn what this means for your child.

Build healthy relationships with your child’s teamtherapists, doctors, and school. This encompasses preparation and planning for meetings with your child’s doctors, therapist, and teachers and aides. Be polite, firm, and persistent.

Become competent about the “rules of the game.” Research and understand your state’s and the federal education laws and regulations. These federal laws apply to children with special needs:

Create a meeting agenda with your objectives: items such as addressing issues or test scores, clarifying treatment or goals, identifying problems, proposing solutions, or to firm up agreements. Focus on solutions. Share this ahead of time with the team members you are meeting with. This allows them to be prepared as well.

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) http://idea.ed.gov/explore • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) http:// www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ada.htm • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 https://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/sec504. htm Do a search in your library or online to learn about cases similar to your child’s to answer your questions. Be informed about the procedures you must follow in your school to protect your child’s rights and yours. Print the legal rights, regulations and procedures out. Add these to the binder that has your child’s diagnosis information.

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Take care of yourself. Parenting a child with special needs is challenging, sometimes downright exhausting. We moms typically give and give, until there is little to nothing left to give. And then we find we cannot be the parents we wish to be for our kids. Give yourself permission to put yourself first for a minimum of an hour each day. Have someone you trust watch your child if she or he is at home while you embrace “me” time. Take a walk; sit in silence, garden, or do yoga. Do something that will replenish your mama stores and bring you back to balance.

A Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) Shares Her Viewpoint I asked Carol Foulke M.S., a retired Speech/Language Pathologist with over 30 years of experience in a public school setting, who served elementary through high school students the following: • From your perspective, what makes a parent an effective advocate for their child? • What is most often overlooked? • What gets in the way of parents’ effectiveness? Here is Carol’s response:

to know can do is s t n e r a tp know hings tha . That way they t t n a t r po nd what tion sk for, a e most im ing special educa a h t o t f o le b e “On gard reasona e laws re s, what is t h ig r the stat ir e ithin th what is w ated on . are educ t c y e e h p t x e t e for to ha f know t t the ton f e a s t n s a l c o o arents g, it sch or bullyin r is the p it of s can let o g t t n in c e n a r e f a t p a e If thre rk. A hug he benef without framewo am for t l e a t g your SpEd law a le s e a h tion with ether ithin t a g w ic o n t g u in g k m in r k m wo co wor ol staff ries. Be in AND scho d not as adversa , an the child d. ive and of recor oth posit (b teacher s t /dosage n e v ant e edication ic m if n in ig s s e t g ou are chan know ab ges. if there ., .g Let them e , e vior chan m a o h h e b t a s s ) se negative h crisis, n help as r in healt staff ca e t b a m h e t m o s a family hese are there is lthough t if A . w c o t tudent’s n e k , l g orcin on the s schoo iv t e c /d h a g t p in t t im e a L ar tail, but jor much de s are sep y can have a ma t o n o e t r a o p t in if the et atters’, eed to g home. ool. No n ‘family m h c ption at s u r t a is d e c is n e a r m e perfor that th ents’ one know y of par a let some w e ant for h t get in t they w a n h a c w t n a o h hen t lely big issue nbiased w must focus so u y e e b h o t t t I think a ol ha ult ness is t the scho ery diffic er that effective etimes v b LL of A m m o e f s o m is e s ; it ut r l right a n t at io t a their child our little ones! B c edu e presen d b n a y h a e it r m w a ., tc dealing the welf habits, e account or work o p , s r take into io . v a nts. Beha vice vers its stude chool, or s t at their a t o tn anding th m e D ... home, bu s t ding that ate or paren nderstan to walk f u e ile lin h der st e w in t f ea ability un re me is a d s l d a e u It can b e q n l ay NOT e ucationa rences m child’s ed e f if d d n sa difficultie guidelines. g and al r e d he trainin h staff e t t c e and f p s R and re CATE wit TOGETHE l have. COMMUNI K R O W . ... e line l personn Bottom he schoo t e c n ie r expe nice!” and play

February/March 2017

Meet the Burns Family

The Burns family is a pretty good looking, family, wouldn’t you say? Meet Jeremy, Mallory and Benson Burns. They live in Cashmere. Jeremy is a native of Cashmere, while Mallory grew up in Quincy. They met on Founder’s day in 2009 and were married two years later, on Founder’s day of 2011. Jeremy is a Hydro Mechanic Apprentice for the Chelan County PUD. He’s also been a volunteer Firefighter/EMT for 11 years with the City of Cashmere. He loves spending time with his family, rock climbing, skiing, camping, and bascially anything to do with the outdoors. Mallory has been a Dental Assistant at Dr. Ottosen and Dr. Nygard’s Endodontic office in Wenatchee for the last 8 years and loves it. She enjoys the dental fiels and all the different

www.ncwkidconnect.com

patienst she gets to interact with daily. She says it feel great to help a patient overcome their fear and leave their appointment feeling better than when they came in. She also loves crafting, going to concerts, Seahawks games, baking, spending time with her friends and she loves connecting with other moms in small groups. They bought their home in Cashmere in 2014 and Asher, their first ‘baby’ (a Goldendoodle), became part of the family that same year. He is a big part of the family and they treat him just like their child--he’s definitely spoiled and he knows it! Benson, their son, was born in November of 2015. He’s been walking for a few months now

and rarely stops running! He loves to climb everything, vacuum, close doors, “read” books, and throw tennis balls to his furry brother! His abuela (Grandma), Angie, is retired and has watched him since he was three months old. They have a special bond and their own routine every day. She’s teaching him Spanish and only talks to him in Spanish. Jeremy speaks to him only in English, and Mallory does a bit of both (can we say, ‘Spanglish”). He’s a lucky boy to get to grow up to be fluent in both languages! Though only have been married for five years, Jeremy and Mallory have been through a lot together and know what it means when people say “Marriage is hard work”. Love is definitely something you have to fight for and lean on the

Lord for. God has been at the forefront of their marriage and their faith in Him and His plans for their lives is what has gotten them through some tough times. Becoming parents has been the highlight of their lives and spending time with Benson and doing the simple things together is where they find the most joy. “Slowing down the hustle and bustle of daily life and seeing things through the Benson’s eyes has given me so much perspective,” adds Mallory. “I love his big personality so much! He’s our greatest accomplishment and our greatest adventure! We can’t wait to see where the next 30 years will take our family!

*read the Burns’ family interview on the next page

Photos taken by: Andrea Lopez from Andrea 2017 Lopez Photography February/March 15

The Burns’ Interview: When I was little, I dreamed about being: Mom: A Dental Hygienist Dad: A Dentist When I was little, I dreamed about being: Mom: A mermaid Dad: A soldier or a bull rider

Something that might surprise you about me is: Mom: I don’t eat red meat Dad: I love cats but only allowed to have a dog! What I love about our family is: Mom: How silly we are and find laughter in as much as possible Dad: They’re all mine!

Now that we have kids….: Mom: Being a mom beats a mermaid any day! Dad: I’ll always be cool in someone’s eyes...until the teen years I guess!

Would you rather camp in an RV or stay in a tent? Mom: RV..duh! Dad: RV...toilet...enough said! What would you do with the money if you won the lottery? Mom: Pay off our house, send my parents on vacation, pay it forward to random strangers and open my own business. Dad: Pay off debt and help my extended family. Ofcourse buy a new truck!

Our favorite family activity is: Mom: Dance parties Dad: Playtime in the back yard Mom (Mallory) is the best at: Mom: Running late! Dad: Comforting her boys and making sure everything is taken care of

What’s your secret for balancing it all? Mom: There’s a secret?! Please tell me! My mom is our saving grace!! Dad: My wife! When the kids are all grown, we are going to: Mom: Get matching tattoos :) Dad: Not stress about what to cook for dinner

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska? Why? Mom: Hawaii, I’ve never been before and warm sandy beaches are calling my name! Dad: Alaska, my dream is to hunt with Sarah Palin Do prefer nights out or an evening in? Mom: Nights out Dad: Nights in

My kid’s surprise me because they: Mom: He’s so funny!! He has the best laugh and so many facial expressions!! Dad: He surprises me with how much he can eat!

Dad (Jeremy) is the best at: Mom: Providing for our family Dad: Keeping us on time

Before I had kids, I never thought I’d: Mom: Get up early! Dad: Drink this much coffee

Where do you most want to travel, but have never been? Mom: Bora Bora Dad: Europe

If I was stranded on an island with one book and one meal, they would be: Mom: My mothers devotional, Sushi Dad: Report from engine company 82, a hamburger

What has been your biggest challenge/obstacle to overcome? Mom: The loss of our first baby, a miscarriage at 10 weeks Dad: Feeling helpless when we lost our first baby.

What’s left on your bucket list? Mom: Hot air balloon ride, Christmas in New York...too many to list Dad: Climb Mt Rainer

What is your biggest success up until now? Mom: Benson Dad: Being one of five people hired out of over 300 applicants

What does your perfect day look like? Mom: Anything fun with my family Dad: Watching football and no honey do list lol What one thing would you change if you had to do it over? Mom: My college years Dad: putting more effort into high school What is the best advice you have received regarding parenting? Mom: Trust your instincts, do what’s best for YOUR baby

Favorite family hang-out in the Valley: Mom: Lisa Bees! Dad: Downtown Leavenworth Our go-to place to eat in the Valley: Mom: Larry’s Chicken, Iwa, Wok About Dad: Red Robin, Casa Grande

Dad: Not to push my child into who I want him to be. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? Mom: hmm..the 90’s were awesome Dad: 1800’s How would your friends describe you? Mom: loyal, funny, I have OCD Dad: Positive, hard working

Our favorite thing about living here is: Mom: Friendly people, four seasons, a supportive extended family Dad: The amazing community that always pulls together for each other in times of need

My favorite thing about Jeremy is: Mom: He’s such a hard worker, I love watching him embrace

What is your favorite memory? Mom: The first time I met my son Dad: The birth of our son What apps do you use the most? Mom: Facebook, Starbucks, Cartwheel, Snapchat Dad: Weatherbug, iSpy, Amazon, Home Depot

fatherhood and it comes so naturally to him, I admire how easy going he is, he keeps me grounded. My favorite thing about Mallory is: Dad: How giving and selfless she is..always putting the needs of others first. Also she’s always in my corner supporting me.

February/March 2017

by Christa Melnyk Hines

Life is expensive. Life with kids is even more expensive. So how do some parents who rely on one income not only survive, but still find ways to create a happy, wellrounded life for their families? Evaluate your biggest expenses. According to Leah Ingram, a money saving expert and author of Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, housing, transportation and education are the largest expenses facing today’s families. If you can reduce spending in one of those areas, you’ll live more comfortably on less, she advises. “For most Americans owning a home is the American dream. But for so many people, especially families with children, renting in a good school district makes more sense than buying a home in a lower-quality school district,” Ingram says. Thinking about leaving your job to stay home with your children? First, create a spreadsheet that compares the

www.ncwkidconnect.com

costs of commuting and childcare versus how much you’ll save on those two expenses once you’re down to one income. “Sometimes it actually makes more sense for both parents to continue to keep working,” she points out. According to Pew Research, 31 percent of families live on a single income. Although many families make the choice, others are forced into the position. “The economy is still hard and job loss is still happening,” says Beth Beseau, whose children are ages 8 and 5. “We’ve had to be flexible and willing to make adjustments in our lifestyle.” Control your inclinations. Beseau, who is the primary breadwinner in her family, says her greatest challenge is controlling the urge to impulse buy.

“When you’re making a purchase, you have to ask yourself if it’s a want or a need. If you can do without it, then don’t buy it,” she advises. Slim down your food budget. Decide how often you can afford to dine out at restaurants as a family. Instead of hitting the drive-thru for coffee every morning, make your own at home. And brown bag your lunches for work and school.

Additional resources • Visit Emily and Jason Cowden at ourhobbyhome.com • Stock your freezer using the cookbook Fix, Freeze and Feast by Kati Neville and Lindsay Tkacsik. • Plan meals on shoe-string budget. Visit 5DollarDinners.com. • Learn more from Leah Ingram at www.leahingram.com.

Planning your family’s meals ahead of time can help you save money by curbing the need to pick up unhealthy fast food on the fly. Try planning your weekly meals around whatever specials your favorite grocer is offering that week. Or, head to a bulk store like Costco or Sam’s. Take an afternoon to prepare meals that you can stick in the freezer and pull out on nights when you don’t have time to cook. Emily Cowden and her husband Jason have five children, ages 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2. Cowden left her job as a registered dietitian to stay home with her children and home school. As a busy mom who is also committed to eating healthy on a frugal budget, she often skips time-consuming coupon-cutting and instead looks for sales at stores like Aldi and Sprouts that offer healthy organic foods. She found that eliminating processed snacks and cereals was especially helpful. “This cuts out a lot of unnecessary foods and unnecessary spending, leaving room for more nutrientdense fruits, vegetables and proteins,” she says. Get creative. Many moms also turn to direct sales opportunities, like Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and Thirty-One, as ways to pad their income. “Just be sure that stocking up (on product) doesn’t sack all of your earnings,” Ingram advises. “Also you have to have the right personality to do direct sales. Not everyone is outgoing and direct sales is not a path to easy money. These women work very hard, even if it’s at night and in people’s living rooms.”

The Cowdens sell essential oils and other products through Young Living to help support their goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Rather than carrying an inventory, the couple works to educate others about the benefits of using essential oils properly. The extra income helps cover extracurricular activities for their children, meals with friends and vacations. “This winter we’re actually planning a trip to Europe for just my husband and me,” Cowden says. Beseau says she sells items that she no longer needs, uses or wants. “The pocket cash has come in very handy,” she says. Other moms turn their skills into entrepreneurial ventures that they can run from home like freelance writing, photography or baking. Seek free or cheap family entertainment. Ironically, happy memories are usually borne of what seem like mundane family activities. Go on bike rides together, visit area parks, get out the watercolors and have a paint party, play board games, make homemade pizzas together or check out movies or video games at the library. Also stay tuned for coupons and deals at area attractions for reduced price or free admissions. Still struggling? “Make a list. Put your values and priorities in order. Budget around that,” Cowden says. “If you find all of your income going towards things that don’t bring you joy, it’s time reevaluate and get creative.”

February/March 2017

Building Your At-Home Library Do’s & Don’ts of Scholastic Ordering & Recommended Reads by Nikki Cox

March 2 is “Read Across America Day”. A perfect time to talks about books, eh? There are so many avenues of how to buy books. I love browsing through a good bookstore. New or used, it doesn’t matter to me. The library has an endless number of books available. If you know someone who sells Usborne or Barefoot books, those are amazing as well. And, of course, Amazon is huge and if you have a kindle, the number of free books you can find is incredible! So. Many. Books to love! However, one of my favorite places to purchase new books has always been, and will always be, Scholastic. We’ve all seen those Scholastic flyers come home. We probably all brought them home ourselves as kids. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming to flip through the multiple flyers that your teachers send home. But if you are looking to build your at-home library, this is a fantastic way to do so—especially for your youngest readers. If you go on scholastic’s website, you can flip through all the brochures there, or you can search by grade or age. Another great way to search for books is by the reading level. If you do not know your child’s reading level, your teacher will—don’t be afraid to ask! The books are affordable! And best of all, you help your child’s classroom earn points that can turn around and be spent on books to add to the classroom library. Every month, teachers get extra incentives for orders, which can include bonus points, free

www.ncwkidconnect.com

books, free money to go towards books, etc. In general, September is a great month to order your books, because if the class total is more than $300, the classroom gets a bonus of 10,000 points PLUS $30 to spend right then on books for the classroom PLUS 10 free books AND coupons for each student for a free book on the next book order! So ask your child’s teacher if there is a great deal for the classroom that month or if maybe you should wait until the next month. January is also a great month to order!

Books accompanied by an accessory—some books will have a stuffed animal, a necklace, a rock, a car, etc. Often you are just paying for the accessory and can find the same book in the next order for much cheaper on its own. And the quality of the extra item is never great.

Need some help knowing what books are good and what not to order? Here are a few of my own do’s and don’ts of ordering scholastic:

DO BUY

DON’T BUY

Books in Hardcover—these books will eventually come out in paperback and will be about a third of the cost! Unless you are a hardcover fanatic, you really don’t need to spend the extra money. Just use this opportunity to teach your kiddos how to use books gently and only let them use board books until they’ve mastered turning the page without ripping and no longer put books in their mouths. (I do, love hardbacks, they just aren’t cost-effective for me. Confession: I have every Elephant & Piggie book by Mo Willems in hard back…. They are just too great of books and I want to keep them forever and ever!)

Non-books—like games, puzzles, toys, chore charts, etc. The quality is universally poor and you are much better off with building your book library, not your junk library.

Books that have won an industry award—for example, the books labels “Caldecott Winner”. Scholastic is often the least expensive place to buy these books new. Go ahead, compare with Amazon if you don’t believe me. Books in a series that has been around a while— Scholastic is a great way to get these books in big groups for low prices. By around a while, I mean series’ like Curious George, The Berenstain Bears, Little Critter, etc. Be wary of series’ that you haven’t read yet. It’s probably best to try one book in the series first (at a library, maybe?) to be sure you like the style of the author and the characters themselves. ...continued on next page

February/March 2017

Book collections described as “Favorite Authors Library”—also can be found as “An Amazing Collection of AwardWinning Picture Books.” This is a great way to build your library and will often include books from well-known authors such as Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, Robert Munsch, Don Freeman, etc. Buying these books is often a steal of a deal! $1 Books—Whether I’ve ever heard of them or not, I usually always stock up on the dollar books! Where else can you find a new book for ONE dollar? And if you hate the book, donate it to your child’s classroom library… there’s bound to be a kiddo who will love it!

Looking for new books for your kiddo to try? If you go online to scholastic.com, each month they put out a book talk video that features three books at each level. They are usually a good bet and you get to know a little more about them before purchasing. Also, hopefully when your teacher sends home flyers, she also adds a little note with her favorite/ recommended reads. And, if not, I have listed a few of my favorites for you, or feel free to email me with any questions—I feel like I have read them all…! I like to think of myself as a self-proclaimed Scholastic Professional. HA!

Recommended Reads Preschool-Kinder

1st/2nd Grade

3rd/4th Grade

Mo Willems (Author) -Elephant & Piggie -Pigeon Books -Knuffle Bunny

Amelia Bedelia (Series)

I Survived (Series)

National Geographic (Series)

Who Was/What Was (Series)

Megic Treehouse (Series)

Who Would Win (Series)

National Geographic (Series)

Junie B. Jones (Series)

Geronimo Stilton (Series)

Fly Guy (Series)

Dork Diaries (Series)

Rainbow Fairies (Series)

Diary of Wimpy Kid (Series)

Ivy & Bean (Series)

Whatever After (Series)

Owl Diaries (Series)

Minecraft (Series)

LEGO (Series)

Harry Potter (Series)

Pete The Cat (series) The Berenstain Bears (Series) Llama Llama (Series) How do Dinosaurs (Series) Dr. Suess (Author) Little Critter (Series) If You Give... (Series) 22

www.ncwkidconnect.com

SUBSCRIBE TO:

Largest in t he resource r Valley fo ily Kid & Fam ! activities

6Issues for Just $12 OR GET

12 ISSUES (2 YEARS!) FOR JUST

$20

every issue DELIVERED to YOUR door! Sign me up for:

YES! I would like to subscribe to Kid Connect! ______________________________________ First & Last Name

6 issues (1 year) for $12 -OR12 issues (2 years) for $20

______________________________________ Street Address or P.O.BOX

Please Mail Form And Payment To:

______________________________________ City State Zip Code

NCW Kid Connect POBOX 347 Cashmere, WA 98815

______________________________________ Phone Number

Make Checks Payable To:

______________________________________ E-mail Address

NCW Kid Connect By submitting this form I agree to receive Kid Connect Magazine every other month by mail at this delivery address for 12 or 24 months, as indicated above. Delivery will commence with the first issue cycle after submitting this form.

February/March 2017

Spring Sports/Camps

Youth Volleyball League

For grades 3-6. Dates are from April 10-May 25. Practices will be tentatively from 5:30pm-7:00pm on TBD days (2 days per week) at Eastmont High School. For both boys and girls. Cost is $60 and includes a jersey and a trophy. Registrations ends March 24th with a $5 fee after this deadline. To register, visit eastmontparks.com, or register in person at Eastmont Parks and Rec, 244 N Georgia Ave.

Art Techniques Through History

Fridays, February 3-24, 5:30pm7:00pm (session 1-register by January 20) Fridays, March 3-24, 5:30pm-7:00pm (session 2-register by Feb. 17) For ages 8-14 years. Cost is $65, $5 after deadline Come have fun learning about famous artists, while creating a beautiful piece of art that you can take home to share with your family! Each session will cover two different artists and the art movements that they are afilliated with. Van Gogh, Pcasso and Matisse are a few artists already studied. Small class size allows ample time for individual attention to help further studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skills. Different drawing and painting techniques will be studied each session and all art supplies

are provided. Come ready to have fun creating art! To register, visit eastmontparks.com or come by in person: 255 N Georgia Ave in East Wenatchee

Spring Break Strikers Baseball Camp

April 3-6, 10am-Noon at Eastmont Community Park 4Plex For ages 6-12 years. Cost is $55 and includes a t-shirt is registered by March 24th. Join the Strikers Baseball Team and Coaches during Spring Break and improve your skills and build new ones! This camp will be focusing on FUN and looking specifically at pitching, fielding and hitting to get you ready for the upcoming season. To register, visit eastmontparks.com or come by in person: 255 N Georgia Ave in East Wenatchee

Spring Break Basketball Camp

April 3-6, 1:00pm-4:00pm at Eastmont High School Gym For ages 8-18 years. Cost is $55 and includes a t-shirt if registered by March 24th. Improve your dribbling, passing, shooting, offense and defense skills during this 4 day camp. This is a great camp for beginning and experienced players alike. To register,

Cyrus, Jonas and Salem Winterstein

www.ncwkidconnect.com

visit eastmontparks.com or come by in person: 255 N Georgia Ave in East Wenatchee

Swim Lessons at the YMCA

Registration opens January 25th for swimming lessons Lessons run from February 20-March 30. To register, visit wenymca.org or visit your Wenatchee YMCA in person at 217 Orondo Ave, or give them a call at 662-2109.

Spring Break Soccer Goalkeeping/Finishing Programs

Ages 3-5: 9:00am-9:45am Ages 6-9: Mini Soccer Program-GK and Finishing camp 10:00am-11:30am Ages 10-14: GK and Finishing Camp: 12:00pm-2:00pm TO sign up and/or for more information, contact Neil Oyston at neiloyston14@gmail.com or Message Wenatchee FC on Facebook (facebook.com/wenatcheeFCYouth

Spring Soccer Sign-Ups

Cashmere Youth Soccer is coming soon! Regular registration ends February 6th, late registration ends February 19th. Late registration is $95. To register, visit cashmereyouthsoccer. com Questions? Email cashmeresoccer@gmail.com

Blake 7, Ayla 10, Tyler 12

DYourayGuidebyto FUN Day C alendar in the Wenatchee Valley Note from Nikki: We are ultimately a calendar of events for kid and family activities.

However, you will notice that on occasion, I will throw an adult only event in as well. Sometimes (or rather, a LOT of times!), parents need a date night, moms need a girls night out, or there may be a fundraiser benefiting youth that I feel us adults should support. While it is not an inclusive calendar with ALL events happening in the Valley for adults (there are other great publications for that!), there will be a few every so often. Also, don’t miss the weekly events in a separate box on page 28! We have them placed there so that they don’t jam up the entire calendar, hiding other new events. We hope this makes your planning a little easier as you can go through and highlight, for yourself, the events you want to attend this Winter. Happy Planning!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 Rumors

Presented by Music Theatre of Wenatchee 7:30pm at Riverside Playhouse Rumors is a hilarious show created by Neil Simon and directed by John Mausser. In short, the play is about getting “the story” straight on the how and why the Mayor of New York shoots himself (only a flesh wound). The confusion and miscommunications mount and the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For more information, visit mtow.org To purchase tickets (soon!), visit numericapac.org, call 663-ARTS or purchase at the box office, 123 N Wenatchee Ave. All performances of “Rumor” include January 19-21, 26-28 and February 2-4, all at 7:30 with an additional showing on January 28th at 2:00pm.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 Timbrrr! Winter Musics Festival A Friday/Saturday event in Leavenworth! A favorite tradition continues! Weekend passes are just $60 and single day tickets are $35. In addition to music from The

= Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

Thermals, Lucy Dacus, The Dip and other incredible performers, there will be a Hot Toddy Bar, Leisure Games, Downtown Tobogganing, and so much more. We hope to see you all there! You can find tickets at timbrr. strangertickets.com

Autumn, 4, with her snowman built in her yard!

Jada and Easton Wood

Community Connection Snowshoe Hike

3:00pm-5:00pm at Mission Ridge This snowshoe hike is free to anyone ages 8+ with special needs. Sponsored by community Connection, which provides opportunities twice a month for individuals with developmental disabilities. Contact the Wenatchee Parks and Rec Services at 888-3283 for an informational brochure or more information.

Winter Ice Gala

6:00pm-8:00pm at Town Toyota Center A formal dinner and professional ice show benefiting the Arena Youth Enrichment Fund. $125 per person; six people per table. There is limited seating, please act soon! For more information, visit towntoyotacenter. com For tickets, call Nikki at 509-667-7847. For any questions, contact Jennifer at marketing@ towntoyotacenter.com or 509-8887333

Carter Cooper, handsome as ever!

February/March 2017

Cousins, Lexi, Olivia, KaeLee, and Hannah

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Open Gym

7:00pm-9:00pm at Apple Valley Gym, 230 South Columbia, Suite 3 Specifically for children ages 5-15 years. Cost is $12 for the first child and $8 for siblings. For more information, visit applevalleygym. com or call 663-2988

Wenatchee’s Got Multicultural Talent

7:30pm at Numerica Performing Arts Center More information to come! You won’t want to miss it. Our Valley’s talent is pretty incredible! For more information or for tickets, visit numericapac.org, call 663-ARTS or stop by the box office. Tickets are $10 each for general admission.

www.ncwkidconnect.com

Violet and Grace Neely, enjoying the best kind of breakfast

Rumors

Presented by Music Theatre of Wenatchee 7:30pm at Riverside Playhouse Rumors is a hilarious show created by Neil Simon and directed by John Mausser. In short, the play is about getting “the story” straight on the how and why the Mayor of New York shoots himself (only a flesh wound). The confusion and miscommunications mount and the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For more information, visit mtow.org To purchase tickets (soon!), visit numericapac.org, call 663-ARTS or purchase at the box office, 123 N Wenatchee Ave. All performances of “Rumor” include January 19-21, 2628 and February 2-4, all at 7:30 with an additional showing on January 28th at 2:00pm.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! It’s the year of the Rooster!

Sibshop

9:00am-11:00am What are Sibshops? Sibshops are an opportunity for typically developing siblings to meet with other sibs who get the highs and lows of being a

sibling to a family member with special needs, disabilities, or ongoing health issues. Giggle inducing games, getting to know new friends, and having a special time just for them is what it’s all about. Who Should Attend: Kids ages 6-16 years old who are siblings of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or ongoing healthcare needs. Why the big age range? Because the little kids love meeting older sibs and look up to them for leadership, and older sibs get to play really fun games, have a break that’s just for theml, and create friendships with each other. Snacks provided! Pre-Registration by phone or email required. 509-630-2370 erin@chelandouglasp2p. com

Guided Snowshoe Hikes for Families

10:00am-Noon at Squilchuck State Park This is your chance to sample winter’s fastest growing outdoor activity: snowshoeing! These hiking trips will familiarize beginners with snowshoeing basics, while exploring established family-friendly trails. Trip leaders will introduce you to the fun of snowshoeing, and answer your questions along the way. Snowshoes are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis, so register early! This program is offered through Wenatchee Parks and Rec. Cost is $8.50/adults and $6/child 13 and = Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

under. For more infomation, and/or to register, visit wenatcheewa.gov or call the parks and rec department at 888-3284.

A Different Kind of Story Time: The Frog Prince Continued…

11:00am-Noon at Wenatchee Valley Museum, 127 South Mission St. “A Different Kind of Story Time” returns! This time local director, coach and performer Cynthia Brown reads “The Frog Prince Continued,” by Jon Scieszka. Once the princess kisses the frog, he becomes the prince and they live happily ever after. But what if they didn’t? What if life with a former frog is annoying? What if being a prince is not as fun as being a frog? The journey to return to life as a frog is an adventure itself. The prince finds himself second guessing his thoughts about life and the princess. The dramatic reading will be followed by a craft. For more information, call 888-6240

Wenatchee Rotary Building Communities Dinner Auction

Rumors

Presented by Music Theatre of Wenatchee 2:00pm OR 7:30pm at Riverside Playhouse Rumors is a hilarious show created by Neil Simon and directed by John Mausser. In short, the play is about getting “the story” straight on the how and why the Mayor of New York shoots himself (only a flesh wound). The confusion and miscommunications mount and the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For more information, visit mtow.org To purchase tickets (soon!), visit numericapac.org, call 663-ARTS or purchase at the box office, 123 N Wenatchee Ave. All performances of “Rumor” include January 19-21, 2628 and February 2-4, all at 7:30 with an additional showing on January 28th at 2:00pm.

5:30pm-9:30pm at Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 Wenatchee Ave. An evening of food, fun and fellowship, plus the chance to bid on some great items for a good cause. Proceeds assist local project supporting education, parks, neighborhood improvement and homeless housing. Cost is $50. For more information, visit wenatcheerotary.org or call 662-4411.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

MOPS is for moms with kids ages 0-6 or expecting. During the season of early mothering, MOPS gives you the support and resources you need to be a great mom.

Wenatchee MOPS

9am-11am 2nd & 4th Tuesdays every month at Wenatchee Free Methodist Church, 1601 Fifth St. Begins September 13th Contact Jamie at 679-8248 or jkgarness@gmail.c om facebook.c om/wenatchee.m ops

East Wenatchee MOPS

9am-11am 2nd & 4th Wednesdays every month at Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Eastmont Rd. Begins September 14th Contact Carina at 679-8248 or Carina_gifford@msn.c om facebook.c om/east.m ops

February/March 2017

Weekly Events by Day

EVERY MONDAY

Indoor Playground

9:00am-Noon at Pybus in the Events Room. A variety of fun, indoor play equipment and toys to entertain children. Cost is $1 for residents, $1.25 for non-residents.

Indoor Park

Bilingual Storytime

6:00pm at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. A Family Story Time in English and Spanish

BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)

6:45pm at Saddlerock Pres. Church BSF is a free, non-denominational, international bible study for women. This year’s study is on the Book of John. Begins September 12 and runs through May. Children’s program as well for first graders through high school! To learn more about BSF, go to bsfinternational.org

9:30am-11:00am @ Apple Valley Gymnastics, 230 S Columbia in Wenatchee. For ages 5 and under. $7 per child, $3 for siblings. A great place for play groups to meet and for kids to run off some energy! Parents play/supervise their own child(ren).

EVERY TUESDAY

Preschool Storytime

Indoor Playground

10:30am-11:00am at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. A half hour of stories, songs and rhymes.

Mother-Baby Support Group

1:00pm-2:30pm at Wenatchee Public Library, 310 Douglas St. Confluence Health-Central Washington Hospital is happy to offer weekly meetings for mothers. We welcome any mom to come and find support for all the ups and downs that come with having a new baby! Snack are provided. Group is facilitated by the Mother-Baby Unit Lactation Staff. Please bring only infants under one year of age with you. More info, contact Carrie Bews at carrie.bews@confluencehealth. org or call 509-662-1511. You can also look up and join the Facebook group, ‘Wenatchee Mother-Baby Support group’ to connect with moms outside of the group.

After School Program

2:30pm-4:30pm at the Wenatchee YMCA. Have your kids enjoy a healthy snack, get homework help, and get physical activity! $13 for nonmembers, $8 for members, punch cards available. For more info, visit wenymca.org or call 662-2109

www.ncwkidconnect.com

9:00am-Noon at Pybus in the Events Room. A variety of fun, indoor play equipment and toys to entertain children. Cost is $1 for residents, $1.25 for non-residents.

Play Gym

10:00am-11:30pm at SPORT Gymnastics. Unstructured play time for you and your child. It includes gymnastics equipment, balls, hoops, mats, tunnels and more! Cost is $6 per child or $10 per family.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11:00am at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. A half hour of stories, songs and rhymes.

Ready to Read Storytime

Leavenworth Preschool Storytime

1:30pm at Leavenworth Library, 700 Highway 2. For children 3+

After School Program

ATLAS (At the Library After School)

3:30pm-4:30pm at Wenatchee Public Library. Fun Literacy-based activities for school aged kids (K-5th) every week. Pick up a bookmark with each month’s activities from the children’s desk or call the library today’s activity!

Pajama Story Time

7:00pm at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. Wear your pajamas to this all age storytime!

EVERY WEDNESDAY Indoor Playground

9:00am-Noon at Pybus in the Events Room. A variety of fun, indoor play equipment and toys to entertain children. Cost is $1 for residents, $1.25 for non-residents.

Play Gym

10:30am at East Wenatchee Library, 271 9th St. NE Preschool storytime for kids and families. Enjoy stories, early literacy skills, songs, poems and action rhymes.

10:00am-11:30pm at SPORT Gymnastics. Unstructured play time for you and your child. It includes gymnastics equipment, balls, hoops, mats, tunnels and more! Cost is $6 per child or $10 per family.

Leavenworth Baby Storytime

Story Time

11:30am at Leavenworth Library, 700 Highway 2. For children 0-3 years old

10:00am at Entiat Library, 14138 Kinzel For all babies, toddlers and preschool aged kiddos. Join us for fun, books, games, songs and crafts!

Storytime and Craft

10:00am at Cashmere Library, 300 Woodring. For kids of all ages

Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11:00am at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. A half hour of stories, songs and rhymes.

After School Program

2:30pm-4:30pm at the Wenatchee YMCA . Have your kids enjoy a healthy snack, get homework help, and get physical activity! $13 for nonmembers, $8 for members, punch cards available. For more info, visit wenymca.org or call 662-2109

Storytime and Craft

10:00am at Cashmere Library Stories for K-4th grade

Bilingual Storytime

4:00pm at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. A Family Story Time in English and Spanish

Beginners/Open Paddle Group

5:30pm at Linden Tree Park in Wenatchee. Meet at the dock. For more info, email ymd13@yahoo.com

EVERY THURSDAY Indoor Playground

9:00am-Noon at Pybus in the Events Room. A variety of fun, indoor play equipment and toys to entertain children. Cost is $1 for residents, $1.25 for non-residents.

BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)

9:00am-11:00am at Wenatchee Free Methodist Church. BSF is a free, non-denominational, international bible study for women. This year’s study is on the Book of John. Begins September 12 and runs through May. Childcare is provided for infants and toddlers. To learn more about BSF, go to bsfinternational.org

Play Gym

Live Music

After School Program

EVERY SATURDAY

10:00am-11:30pm at SPORT Gymnastics. Unstructured play time for you and your child. It includes gymnastics equipment, balls, hoops, mats, tunnels and more! Cost is $6 per child or $10 per family.

Dance Enthusiasts

7pm-8:30pm at Pybus Market. Free to join in! This is a local dance enthusiast group. There will be a beginner dance lesson at the top of the hour followed by carefree social dancing. Dance styles will be 1940s swing with a bit of salsa, blues, waltz or tango thrown in. For more information, call 888-390 or visit facebook.com/2leftfeetdancing

EVERY FRIDAY

7:00pm-9:00pm at Pybus Market Grab a date (your spouse, perhaps?), or some girlfriends and enjoy a night out with some great music! Visit pybuspublicmarket.org for details, including the weekly line-up.

IndoorFarmer’s Market

9:00am-2:00pm at Pybus Market Whether you are looking for fresh ingredients, a grab-and-go meal, or a gift for someone special – we’ve got you covered. And we do our best to keep our market accessible to all by accepting a variety of Payment Options.

Indoor Park

8:30am-10:00am @ Apple Valley Gymnastics, 230 S Columbia in Wenatchee. For ages 5 and under. $7 per child, $3 for siblings. A great place for play groups to meet and for kids to run off some energy! Parents play and supervise their own child(ren).

Play Gym

10:00am-11:30pm at SPORT Gymnastics. Unstructured play time for you and your child. It includes gymnastics equipment, balls, hoops, mats, tunnels and more! Cost is $6 per child or $10 per family.

10:00am-11:00pm OR 11:15am12:15am at SPORT Gymnastics Unstructured play time for you and your child. It includes gymnastics equipment, balls, hoops, mats, tunnels and more! Cost is $6 per child or $10 per family.

Baby/Toddler Story Time

10:00am at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. Short stories and songs followed by free play with toys and music

10:00am at Wenatchee Library, 310 Douglas St. Short stories, songs anf free play with toys and music

After School Program

February/March 2017

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

MONDAY, JANUARY 30

BUBBLE WRAP APPRECIATION DAY

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

Nothing like some free entertainment when we get a package in the mail…. You know, for a whole 30 seconds!

3rd Annual Cribbage Tournament

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 Today is Backwards day!

2:00pm-5:00pm at Jones of Washington Tasting Room in Pybus Market This will be a one on one tournament with a double elimination format that follows the standard rules of cribbage. Games will start at 2:00pm and the championship match roughly starting around 4:40pm. Entry fee is free with the winner and the runnerup receiving prize packages from Jones of Washington...how cool is that?! If you are interested please send us your contact information (name, phone number & email) to rhett@jonesproduce.com or give us a call at 509.787.3537. Don’t worry guys, there is no important football on this Sunday as it is the break before the Super Bowl. And remember if you are feeling a little out of practice, we have 5 cribbage boards, which are available any day of the week, so just ask at the tasting room and we will get you hooked up!

Impress your friends and family with your knowledge AND your style!

Open Gym Play Time

night! At 6:15, we offer something for the whole family! Safe, fun, inspiring programming for kids birth-high school. A marriage class led by Tim and Debra Bartlett, a parenting class led by a panel of seasonal parents and a Preparing for adolescence class, led by the family Pastor, Chris McCormick, perfect for parents with pre-teen kids. For more information and to pre-register, visit sagehillschurch.com/events or call 662-1502, ext. 127.

9:30am-10:15am at Saddlerock Presbyterian Church Gym, 1400 S Miller St. in Wenatchee Every Tuesday starting today, going through February. Enjoy structured and unstructured active play time, parent-directed learning and centers, circle time with songs and stories. Free for parents and children, ages 1-4 years. For more information, call Laura Lebow at 663-1187

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Family Night

5:30pm at Sage Hills Church, 1601 5th Street. In Wenatchee. Our current family session is every Wednesday night through February 22nd. Come enjoy a hot meal with other families served from 5:30pm-6:15pm ($10 per family) and stay for a fun filled

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 GROUNDHOGS DAY

Did the Groundhog see his shadow? Yes = 6 more weeks of Winter No = Spring will be here early!

Is YOUR Business Connected?

www.ncwkidconnect.com 30

www.ncwkidconnect.com

= Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

Rumors

Wenatchee Jazz Workshop presents Jazznights--Pro Night

7:30pm at the Performing Arts Center The Jazz Workshop Professionals are returning for their 9th year! Their CD’s will also be available for sale in the lobby along with the “Wenatchee Live” album recorded at the PAC in 2011. Then be sure to come back for the Student Night tomorrow to hear what the students have been up to all week! Tickets are $24. To purchase tickets or find out more information, visit numericapac.org, visit the box office or call 663-ARTS

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 National Wear Red Day

This day was started in 2002 to bring awareness to women’s heart health. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. So men, women, children…. Let’s see a sea of red today!

First Friday!

Music Together. Fruit Tones Studio Try a c l a f re e ss

Try af clas ree s

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Presented by Cashmere High School Drama 7:00pm at Cashmere Middle School Auditorium. Tickets for this award winning musical are only $10 ($7 for students and seniors) and can be purchased at the High School office. Additional Performance dates are January 27, 28, February 2, and 4, Join the musical fun! fun! all at 7:00pm. Please call 782-2914 Join the musical for more information or questions. Discover the joy of Discover the joy of making Please join us! making Music Together® with you family. Music Together with your family.

Wenatchee WILD Hockey Home Wenatchee - Leavenworth Wenatchee · Leavenworth Game FruitTonesStudio.com 7:05pm at Town Toyota Center WILD vs. Surrey Eagles. For tickets, visit wenatcheewildhockey.com or the Town Toyota Box Office.

FruitTonesStudio.com (509) 663-2276 (509)663-2276

Jazznights--Student Night

7:30pm at the Performing Arts Center Over 150 jazz students from Wenatchee and Eastmont schools, along with visiting pros, will perform, showing us what they have accomplished after a week of workshop sessions. Tickets are $10 and available at numericapac.org, at the PAC box office or by calling 663-ARTS.

Gannon West, watching football

Rumors

Brandon and Holly, the best kind of friends

February/March 2017

evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For more information, visit mtow.org To purchase tickets (soon!), visit numericapac.org, call 663-ARTS or purchase at the box office, 123 N Wenatchee Ave. All performances of “Rumor” include January 19-21, 26-28 and February 2-4, all at 7:30 with an additional showing on January 28th at 2:00pm.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 THANK A MAILMAN DAY

What a great excuse to stop and say thank you to your postman with a card, and maybe some goodies!

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop

9:00am-Noon at Home Depot in Wenatchee. Craft: Valentines Photo Box Cost: Free! Join our hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a Valentine-themed photo box, perfect for keeping photos of loved ones front and center. Once the box is built, your child can decorate it with paint and The Home Depot stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.

Guided Snowshoe Hikes for Families

www.ncwkidconnect.com

come, first-serve basis, so register early! This program is offered through Wenatchee Parks and Rec. Cost is $8.50/adults and $6/child 13 and under. For more information, and/or to register, visit wenatcheewa/gov or call the parks and rec department at 888-3284.

Annual Chili Cook-Off

Noon-1:00pm at Pybus Market KOKO Radio holds it’s annual chili cook-off contest! This is the public’s chance to taste and vote on the region’s tastiest chili from some of the top restaurants and chefs in north central Washington. Participating chef’s will be listed two weeks before the event. Admission and sampling is free to the general public. For more information, visit pybuspublicmarket. org

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Wenatchee WILD Hockey Home Game 7:05pm at Town Toyota Center WILD vs. Surrey Eagles. Wenatchee Humane Society will be at this game! For tickets, visit wenatcheewildhockey.com or the Town Toyota Box Office.

Rumors

wound). The confusion and miscommunications mount and the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For more information, visit mtow.org To purchase tickets (soon!), visit numericapac.org, call 663-ARTS or purchase at the box office, 123 N Wenatchee Ave. All performances of “Rumor” include January 19-21, 26-28 and February 2-4, all at 7:30 with an additional showing on January 28th at 2:00pm.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! Enjoy the game!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 *More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Open Gym Play Time

Valentine’s Day Card Making

5:30pm-7:00pm at Eastmont Parks & Recreation Meeting Room, 255. N Georgia Ave in East Wenatchee. Come join us in making Valentine’s Day cards for your friends and family. All supplies are included and you can make as many cards as you want. We will have demonstrations and examples of different cards that you can make or be creative and design your own. For ages 6-18 years. Cost is $5. Please register by January 27th = Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

online at eastmontparks.com or in person.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Pybus University:Three Simple Steps to Help Respond to a Person in Need Who May Be Suicidalâ&#x20AC;?

5:00pm-6:30pm at The Hunters Wife Health Bar, 112 N Wenatchee Ave In this class, you will learn how to transform your classic favorites into their healthy versions by using simple plant-based, organic, whole food ingredients. We will be exploring the chocolate smoothie, hot chocolate, fudge/ganache, brownies, chocolate sauces, chocolate candies, chocolate dipped fruits and more. Simple ingredients and simple techniques that you can create in your home kitchen! Cost is $30 and reservations are required. Stop by or call 888-3557 to reserve your spot.

7:00pm at Pybus Market This training is designed to teach you how to recognize the warning signs, clues and suicidal communications of people in trouble, and how to respond, in order to prevent a tragedy. QPR gatekeeper training takes just one hour and is taught in a format that is clear and concise. The information you gain at this training could provide you the information needed to potentially save someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

Chocolate! With Chef Arrow

Artrageous

7:30pm at Performing Arts Center Imagine an artist creating a masterpiece before your eyes in mere moments. With a palette that also mixes captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting audience interaction Artrageous takes you on

a unique visual journey packed with wild inspiration, creativity and fun. The Artrageous troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pay tribute to a variety of art forms, pop icons and musical genres culminating in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings. The result? A one of a kind crossover experience. The signature of the Artrageous Troupe is interaction and engagement, so be prepared to be a part of the show! Tickets range from $19-$35 and can be purchased online at numericapac. org, at the box office, or by calling 663-ARTS.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Monthly Movie on the Big Screen: The Book of Life

6:30pm at Performing Arts Center Manolo, a young man who is torn

February/March 2017

between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears. The Book of Life is rated PG and runs 95 minutes. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased online at numericapac.org, at the box office or by calling 663-ARTS.

At the Fork

7:00pm at Snowy Owl Theater, 7409 Icicle Road in Leavenworth Timely and refreshingly unbiased look to how farm animals are raised for our consumption. Cost is $10 general admission, $12 at the door and $7 for students. For more information visit icicle.org or call 548-6347.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 BNCW Home Show

2:00pm-7:00pm at Town Toyota Center Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 12 and under are free. The Home show also runs Saturday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

Rails and Ales

5:30pm-8:30pm on Orondo Street in front of badger Mountain Brewing Already one of the Wenatchee Valley’s legendary events, Rails and Ales Presented by Numerica Credit Union is back for it’s third year! It’s an event you’ve got to see to believe! To watch a video of last year’s event, visit missionridge.com/events/railsand-ales-1 This event trucks in snow and builds a course in the street. Watch these amazing athletes zoom down the hill showing off all their tricks. Fun for the whole family!

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

www.ncwkidconnect.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 BNCW Home Show

10:00am-7:00pm at Town Toyota Center Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 12 and under are free. The Home show also runs Friday from 2pm-7pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

Matters of the Heart

10:00am-Noon at Wenatchee Valley Museum For ages 9+. Cost is $10-$25. A team of 10 medical professionals led by Confluence Health CEO Dr. Peter Rutherford will work with students (ages nine and above) to conduct an exploration of cow hearts in a dissection lab setting. Medical professionals include Dr. David Jaecks, Dr. Bob Wilson, Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen, Dr. Jonathan Bolles, Dr. Rachel Lundgren, Dr. Cate Straub, PT cardiology specialist Joel Rhyner, RN Secrett Simmons, and EMT-P Mike Brown. Activity includes a take-home heart valentine. Cost: $25, $15 for families that qualify for reduced lunch prices and $10 for those who qualify for free lunch. For more information, please call 888-6240.

NCW Summer Camp Fair

10:00am-2:00pm at Pybus Market Make the most of Summer and join us to learn more about summer camp programs available in North Central Washington. Over 20 organizations will be on hand to provide information about a variety of summer programs, answer questions, and more. For additional information, contact Mike Caemmerer at 5486347.

Story Time

11:00am at Wenatchee Valley Museum WVMCC presents “A Different Kind of Story Time,” with local actors reading favorite children’s books in their own voice and style. This time around, we will be hearing Stephanie Wilson read ‘Love, Splat’ by Rob Scotton. All ages are welcome! For more information call 888-6240.

Polar Plunge

12:00pm-12:15pm at Walla Walla Point Park This is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to support local Special Olympic athletes by jumping into the frigid waters of the Columbia River. Participate as an individual or a team in the costume contests and more! Contact the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department at 888-3282 to find out how to get involved.’

Parent’s Night Out

6:00pm-10:00pm at SPORT Gymnastics For ages 4-10 years. Cost is $20 for the first kid, $15 for each additional sibling. Includes Pizza, Arts & crafts (we’re creating valentines!), games, gymnastics and so much fun! Please Pre-Register by going to sportgymnastics.com or calling 6671538

A “Cool” Winter’s Night: Jazz at the PAC 6:30pm at Performing Arts Center The Wenatchee Apollo Club and Big Band join forces to present an evening of vocal and instrumental jazz. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day surprise, and it’s right downtown in Wenatchee: Jazz at the Numerica PAC! Invited guests Leslie McEwen, Rio Sandidge, Nancy Zahn, and Denise Anderson join the Apollo Club and the Big Band in presenting some of the great jazz charts from the 1940s and beyond. Special appearance by Octapella. All net proceeds support scholarships for high school graduates. Tickets range from $15$20 and can be purchased online at numericapac.org, at the box office or by calling 663-ARTS.

Open Gym

Sweetheart Musical Soiree

Presented by: Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra 7:00pm at Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center Celebrate the holiday with friends at the Symphony’s Valentinethemed musical soirée featuring Symphony soloists and ensembles in an intimate setting. In addition to chamber music, this special evening includes wine, premium appetizers and desserts in a lovely decorated setting. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at numericapac. org, at the box office or by calling 663-ARTS.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Be sure to let those you love know how much they mean to you!

Open Gym Play Time

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

BNCW home Show

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

10:00am-4:00pm at Town Toyota Center Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and kids 12 and under are free. The Home show also runs Friday from 2pm-7pm and Saturday from 10am-7pm.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Community Connection Valentines Dance

7:00pm-9:00pm at Columbia Grove Covenant Church This dance is for those with special needs and is free to attend! Sponsored by Community Connection, which provides recreational opportunities twice a month for individuals with developmental disabilities. Contact Wenatchee Parks and Rec Services Department at 888-3283 for an informational brochure or more information.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 3D Printing Class

4:00pm-5:30pm at Cashmere Public Library, 300 Woodring St. Learn graphic design and have fun! A short introduction and lesson will be followed by a full hour for students to design one 3D object! Later this object will be (literally!) printed out for you to pick up. Sign up at the Cashmere Library!

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day

Mom Hiker Avid reader Eastern MBA graduate And your local Realtor

Nicole Schmauder 509-679-8243 Download the NEW John L. Scott GPS Home Search App 3.0 to see all listings, all companies.*

JLSApp.com/nicoles

John L. Scott Wenatchee is independently owned and operated.

*All listings may not be displayed in a specific marketplace as some Brokers or property owners may opt out.

The Britez--Club Zumba

7:00pm at Wenatchee Convention Center The Brutez are coming back to Wenatchee! Come join us for a night filled with exercise, dancing, and fun! We will be having the biggest Club Zumba party at the Wenatchee Convention Center and we want you to join us! Everyone is welcome and only $15 per person. Call or come visit either Gold’s gym for more details!

Wenatchee WILD Hockey Home Game

7:05pm at Town Toyota Center WILD vs. Langley Rivermen. For tickets, visit wenatcheewildhockey.com or the Town Toyota Box Office.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

What can you do today? Follow Kid Connect on Pinterest to find lots of great ideas!

February/March 2017

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Stargazing the February Night Sky

Easton Wood, enjoying the best of 59ner Diner

10:30am-1:30pm at Barn Beach Reserve, 347 Division St. in Leavenworth. Explore the night sky with planetarium expert Dirk Horton from the comfort of your seat within the planetarium. Dirk shares his vast knowledge of the stars, planets and galaxies to help you better understand our universe as the constellations and pathways of planets change with the seasons. Cost is $10 for non-members, $7 for members and $5 for children under 12. For more information, contact the Wenatchee River Institute at 548-0181, ext. 4

Kid’s Club

11:00am-1:00pm at Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee Activities, games, entertainment and more! Every third Saturday of the month. Free event! For more information, visit the customer service booth at the mall.

A Night of Disney

Gia (3) and Gracie (8). Sister time!

Next Step Dance Studio Spring Recital 1:00pm OR 6:00pm at Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale to the public on February 1st. Can purchase tickets at numericapac.org or at the PAC Box office or by calling 663-ARTS. This is a show fun for the whole family!

Have a Heart Auction

Evan Cooper, Cool as a cucumber

www.ncwkidconnect.com

5:00pm-10:00pm at St. Joseph’s Church, 625 S Elliot Ave in Wenatchee Join us for St. Joseph School’s 37th Annual Have-A-Heart Auction as we celebrate “A WINTER WONDERLAND”. Doors open at 5:00pm with the silent auction, dinner is at 6:30pm, prepared by Smokeblossom Catering, and the live auction starts at 7:30pm. Beer, wine and a signature drink will be available for purchase. Guests must be 21 yrs or older. Tickets are $40 per person or buy a table of ten for $350. Last year’s auction raised approximately $100,000, with all proceeds benefiting St. Joseph School. Please call the school at #509-663-2644 to purchase your tickets.

WildGame Feed

5:30pm-11:00pm at Red Lion Hotel, 1225 N Wenatchee Ave. This is a one of a kind dinner. Our members and friends donate the main course of all the different species of fish and wildlife. We do seek assistance of a local chef to add a special touch to our meal. If you have never tried it, this is a must! This is our yearly fundraising event with games of chance, live and silent auctions and raffles. The “Wild Game Feed” is attended by adults and kids with a fun time had by all. If you would like to help out with the upcoming banquet, or have a question about the banquet / game feed, feel free to give us a call. Game included on this year’s menu include Pheasant, Cougar, Moose, King Salmon and Elk. Tickets and more details are available at our website, http://www.wsassoc. org. Ticket are also available at Hooks On Toys and Sportsman’s Warehouse. Tickets are limited for this event, so buy them before they are gone!

Wenatchee WILD Hockey Home Game 7:05pm at Town Toyota Center WILD vs. Langley Rivermen. For tickets, visit wenatcheewildhockey. com or the Town Toyota Box Office.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 HAPPY PRESIDENT’S DAY! Open Gym

1:00pm-3;00pm at SPORT Gymnastics, 10 S Columbia St. in Wenatchee For ages 4-11 years. Cost is $9 per child, or $8 per sibling. No school today! Drop the kids off for some gymnastics fun!

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29. = Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Open Gym Play Time

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen Show

12:00pm-7:00pm at Town Toyota Center Something for everyone, all ages welcome! Check out the Interactive Exhibit, Walk on the Wild Side. Enjoy Fly tying theater, NW Big Game display, hunting and fishing seminars, daily giveaways, and activities just for kids, including Free fishing, fly casting clinic, hourly door prizes, archery range, fly tying workshop, Kids’ Korner and much more! Sunday offers $1 off Kids admission! Seniors get in for $4 on Friday! Sportsmen show is a Friday-Sunday event! Adults are $8, Children 6-12 are $4, under 6 are free.

Pybus University: Intro to Knitting

7:00pm-8:00pm at Pybus Market Marianne Corning and the knitters from the NCW Knitters Guild are back and ready to help you learn to knit or improve your knitting skills. Learn to cast on and cast off, to knit and to purl. Please bring size 7, 8, or 9 needles to class. All other materials will be provided. Class size limited to 25. For more information and/or to register, go to pybuspublicmarket. org

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen Show

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

Learn With Us!

10:00am-6:00pm at Town Toyota Center. Something for everyone, all ages welcome! Check out the

Pre-K AM & PM Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30am-11:30am & 12:30pm-3:30pm

CASA Annual Rock N Rowl for Kids Bowl-a-thon

2:00pm at Eastmont Lanes, 704 Grant Rd. in East Wenatchee The Chelan Douglas CASA is holding their annual fundraising Bowl-athon to be able to continue to serve abused and/or neglected children in the Valley. CASA is looking for more levels of competition between service clubs, office departments, families and other groups. Form a team of 5 players, collect donations and then bowl with your team for an hour to celebrate your success. Raffle prizes are handed out during the bowling hour. Any team who raises at least $50 will receive a free t-shirt. For more information, contact CASA at 662-7350.

Story Time

11:00am at Wenatchee Valley Museum WVMCC presents “A Different Kind of Story Time,” with local actors reading favorite children’s books in their own

(509) 883-3316 *171 Eastmont Ave * FaithLutheranpreschooleWen.com

Preschool AM & PM Tuesday/Thursday 9:00am-11:30am & 12:30pm-3:30pm

Interactive Exhibit, Walk on the Wild Side. Enjoy Fly tying theater, NW Big Game display, hunting and fishing seminars, daily giveaways, and activities just for kids, including Free fishing, fly casting clinic, hourly door prizes, archery range, fly tying workshop, Kids’ Korner and much more! Sunday offers $1 off Kids admission! Sportsmen show is a Friday-Sunday event! Adults are $8, Children 6-12 are $4, under 6 are free.

beg 8 1 20

16 7201 t 888-33 r n fo Laura a o i t call tra Regis isit, please

If you would like to schedu

t ch 1s r a M in s

le a v

February/March 2017

voice and style. This time around, we will be hearing Dave williams read ‘Interrupting Chicken’ by David Ezra Stein. All ages are welcome! For more information call 888-6240.

Auction for the Animals

5:00pm at Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N Wenatchee Ave The Humane Society’s biggest and most fun night of the year. It will be a huge celebration of 50 years of saving animals. Tickets are $50 and are available at goo.gl/x0PXD6

Open Gym

Fairy Tales: presented by Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra

7:00pm at Numerica Performing Arts Center Pieces by Maurice Ravel and Igor Stravinsky that were inspired by children’s stories will be showcased. Wenatchee-native and professional harpist Ellen Heinicke Foster will join us, performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s beautiful Concierto de Aranjuez. Ravel’s warm Mother Goose Suite and Stravinsky’s popular 1919 Firebird Suite will spotlight the orchestra. Tickets range from $18-$37 and can

be purchased online at numericapac. org, at the box office or by calling 663-ARTS.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

for kids, including Free fishing, fly casting clinic, hourly door prizes, archery range, fly tying workshop, Kids’ Korner and much more! Sunday offers $1 off Kids admission! Sportsmen show is a Friday-Sunday event! Adults are $8, Children 6-12 are $4, under 6 are free.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Natural Birthing Workshop

Cooking with Confluence

9:00am-2:30pm at Wenatchee Midwife Service & Childbirth Center, 310 S. Mission St. Join us for a one-day natural birthing workshop. Topics include: labor and birth physiology and psychology, techniques for coping and flowing with labor, positive positions for pushing, encouragement and support for the birth partner, variations/ interventions and how to deal. Come and meet other like-minded expectant couples and be encouraged during this sweet journey through pregnancy and birth. Cost is $125 Tickets are available at mindfulnests.com Call 663-2770 with any questions.

Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen Show

10:00am-6:00pm at Town Toyota Center Something for everyone, all ages welcome! Check out the Interactive Exhibit, Walk on the Wild Side. Enjoy Fly tying theater, NW Big Game display, hunting and fishing seminars, daily giveaways, and activities just

4:00pm-6:00pm at Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center, 327 East Penny Road (in Olds Station). Cost is $15/person/class . This week: Healthy Heart “Beets” Learn basic cooking skills, recipes, information, and ideas to help manage diabetes, weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and overall health. Classes are taught by a Registered Dietitian. Please register before the classes start so we can have the correct amount of supplies. For more information and to register please contact: Sharon Sokolowski at 664-4868 x: 2327 or email Sharon. sokolowski@confluencehealth.org Additional Classes take place March 27, April 24, and May 22.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

Jaelynn, Maraya & Julian enjoying a day out with Grandma.

Makenzie, Aaron and Bizzy. Beach bums seeking sunshine on the Washington coast

www.ncwkidconnect.com

= Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

Discover how great your life can be se r vi ng

Please Join Us!

Sundays 10:00am 19 McElmurry Lane East Wenatchee (509) 884-4001

Go d a nd

ou r

Va l le

y w i th

communi t y of people who care.

c o l u m b i a g r o v e.o r g

February/March 2017

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Rocky Reach Dam Opens

9am at Rocky Reach, 6151 State Highway 97a The official opening for the 2017 season--look a salmon in the eye in our fish viewing area, have a great lunch or enjoy some ice cream from Mama D’s café, or watch a movie in our theater! Travel through time at the Museum of the Columbia or let your little ones use their imaginations to become the pirate of their own ship on our play structure in the park.

Open Gym Play Time

Gnomes of Cashmere Story Reading & Craft

4:00pm-4:30pm at Cashmere Library, 300 Woodring We’ll be reading a few of our favorite gnome stories and provide a fun craft project for the kids! Have you noticed little yellow footprints around Cashmere?They lead you to the Gnomes of Cashmere! If you look carefully...In Cashmere, you will see numerous doors measuring just over 6 inches tall. Behind them live The Gnomes of Cashmere. Some doors are down low. Some doors are up high. Some are inside. Some are outside. All of them are owned by a jolly group of gnomes whom no human has yet to see. So enjoy the doors, keep a look out for the gnomes, Take a tour and Discover the Gnomes of Cashmere, free maps available at the Chamber office located at 103 Cottage Ave. in Cashmere, WA. To learn more visit: www. gnomesofcashmere.com.

www.ncwkidconnect.com

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

103 Cottage Ave. in Cashmere, WA. To learn more visit: www. gnomesofcashmere.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

Ash Wednesday

Many Christian Americans mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. Lent marks a 40 day ‘countdown’ to Easter Sunday. For some Christians, Lent is a time to think about one’s life choices and mortality, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are also those who choose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God.

Eastmont Schools Kindergarten Registration Begins

Please register early to ensure your child’s spot at one of our schools. We are excited to meet our new students! For more information, call your child’s potential elementary school or the Eastmont District office at 884-6852

Gnomes of Cashmere Bilingual Story Reading & Craft

10:00am-10:30pm at Cashmere Library, 300 Woodring We’ll be reading a few of our favorite gnome stories and provide a fun craft project for the kids! Have you noticed little yellow footprints around Cashmere?They lead you to the Gnomes of Cashmere! If you look carefully...In Cashmere, you will see numerous doors measuring just over 6 inches tall. Behind them live The Gnomes of Cashmere. Some doors are down low. Some doors are up high. Some are inside. Some are outside. All of them are owned by a jolly group of gnomes whom no human has yet to see. So enjoy the doors, keep a look out for the gnomes, Take a tour and Discover the Gnomes of Cashmere, free maps available at the Chamber office located at

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 Read Across America Day

This observance began in 1998 and coincides with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, a popular children’s book author. Many people in the United States, particularly students, parents and teachers, join forces annually on this day to promote reading, particularly for children and young adults. Many participate in this day by bringing people together to take part in reading books and celebrate all that books offer. Some even make reading pledges, organize book fairs, or read aloud to groups of people. I bet if you go to a story time at the library today (or this week!), they will be reading a Dr. Seuss book!

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 First Friday!

Did you know that admission is FREE all day at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center on the first Friday of every month? Hours are also extended to 8pm with light refreshments offered after 5pm. Check out the Museum and all they have to offer. And even better, the 38th annual Regional High School Art Show opens today. This popular exhibit highlights the best work of art students from throughout North Central Washington. The show is juried, with top winners in several categories advancing to competition in Olympia.

= Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

February/March 2017

Winthrop Balloon Festival

Alyssa reading from inside her toy basket.

March 3-5, 7:00am-9:00am in Winthrop, 202 Riverside Ave. This is an incredible visual weekend of multicolored hot air balloons lifting off and soaring above the snow-capped peaks of the Methow Valley. March 3-5 starting at 7am, the balloons will inflate and then launch from the Winthrop Inn. Saturday night, March 4, is an added nighttime balloon glow held right in the middle of downtown Winthrop. This night-time lighting of the hot air balloons should not be missed! For more information, visit winthropwashington.com/event/ winthrop-balloon-festival

Spring Variety Show

7:00pm at Performing Arts Center This is the 9th Annual Mobile Meals of Wenatchee Spring Variety Show benefit concert. Featuring: Music by Bonga Marimba Band, Apollo Club & Children’s Choir, All Strings Considered, Fabulous Feet Dance Studio, Columbia River Community Flute Choir, DBB Bongo Brothers, Eastmont Jr. High Jazz Band, and An Daire Academy Irish Dancers. Plus an Apple Blossom Preview of Young Frankenstein. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at numericapac. org, at the box office or by calling 663-ARTS. Dominic wants his two front teeth!

Special Olympics

Opening Ceremony is tonight at Town Toyota Center. The Winter Games will greet over 1,000 athletes who are scheduled to compete in alpine skiing, basketball, cross country skiing, figure and speed skating and snowboarding. The full schedule of events is still to come. Be sure to check it out and get updates at specialolympicswashington. org The Winter Games take place throughout the entire weekend.

*More events for this day in our weekly Events by Day section on page 28 & 29. Grant and Luke with their first snowman of the year!

www.ncwkidconnect.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 Winthrop Balloon Festival

Home Depot Kid’s Workshop

9:00am-Noon at Home Depot Craft is TBD. Please check workshops. homedepot.com for details on craft and to register after February 4th. This is a free kid’s clinic and kids get to keep their craft, their apron and receive a free pin!

Washington UPA Spring Championship

9:00am at Osborn Performance Systems LLC, 219 S Wenatchee Ave Full Power powerlifting event for men & women. $5 fee for spectators at the door.

4th Annual Lego Building Competition

9:30am-4:30pm at Pybus Market Do you you like to build? Do you enjoy creating things with Legos? If you do, come join us at the 4th annual Lego competition at Pybus Market on Saturday, March 4th from 9:30 am4:00 pm (9:00am registration) to build your own Lego creation and compete in special Lego building events. There will be both casual building times and competitive Lego events throughout the day. Bring your own legos, as there is a very limited supply of “free” legos to borrow. There is no cost to participate. All entries must be built at Pybus Market in order to be eligible to win the prizes awarded = Great Date Night or Mom’s Night Out

presents:

GET C O N N ECT E D!

00pm :00pm e High rtsplex

------______

tiv

Photo Booth Reptile man and reptile zoo! (12pm show, zoo all day) Face Painting Music Philip & Henry: The amazing magicians! (11am show) Games Activities Saturday PacificFree Science Giveaways! FunCenter for the whole family! Inflatables Agility Lowes Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s build & grow workshop! Bring Course Gymnastics canned food for Meet Your Favorite Superhero! High School local Fun food banks@ Wenatchee

Photo Booth

Ha ev nds en on t!

iti

and be entered to win some great prizes!

S Sh tag ow e s

March 18

Co sta ur cle se

Meet Your Favorite Princesses!

LB Cl ow ow th n e

FREE

Family EXPO

Free Giveaways

ts ts es 3-17 s 2-17 re FREE

Every kid gets a FREE BOOK!

Fifth Annual Third Annual Second Annual

ay 7 29th

$5/adult, $3/kids, underInflateables, 2 : Free!Games, Activities! And SO much more!

10:00am-3:00pm

ee & t Ele Pi ph gi ant to reserve a booth, please email nikki@ncwkidconnect.com or call Nikki at (509) g 834-8977** e

m Ga Gi

ve Free aw ay

Bo ot Ph

ra ct e t

Enjoy!

Pa Fac in e tin g

es fla ta bl In ien

ev Fun er fo yo r ne !

an d m mu or ch e!

nect.com

Conne