Dallas Parent, January 2017 by Suburban Parent

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JANUARY 2017 | FREE suburbanparent.com

inform | educate | inspire

PARK CITIES | PRESTON HOLLOW | LAKEWOOD | AND MORE

the everything education issue

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SHAPE OF BEHAVIOR

LEARNING TO WAIT THE TEST OF TIME

Happy New Year

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A PRIVATE SCHOOL?

GO AHEAD... BE “THAT MOM” SEE OUR WE LOVE THIS PAGE

NEW FEATURE!

WHAT’S ON OUR BOOKSHELF

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

maryshares

New year,

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

new promises, new friends, new readers, and new advertisers and a new look!

e strive each year to bring inspiration, information and education to our readers. Using this platform has increased our relationships with our readers, writers, advertisers, local health professionals, community leaders… and the list goes on! So with our “first of the new year” issue, we are happy to introduce a new look for our publications. We hope you like this modern, clean look. We kept the same great content and your favorite departments, plus added a new editorial to inspire reading. The benefits of reading a book (in your hands) are grand; for instance, greater mental stimulation, stress reduction, increased knowledge, better vocabulary and memory, increased focus and concentration, even better writing skills. And reading to your kids, including older kids, is a great relationship builder. Did you know that 83% of kids ages 6–17 say being read to is something they either loved or liked a lot. (Scholastic’s “Kids & Family Reading ReportTM”). So consider a routine of reading to your kids and older kids too. Pick a book and plop down in their bed and start reading. We included an article on private schools; knowing that many of our readers have choices in educating their children and may be considering a new school, we are giving you a simple guide to help with the process of choosing a school. Starting this 2017th year, we, as a community of people, are brimming with new ideas, new inspirations, new commitments, and for many a renewed faith. It’s important to recognize that faith builds on the past but should never long to stay there. God doesn’t want you to hold onto the past, but rather, He wants you to move forward in your future. Even if your life at this point is a real mess, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is not so much how you started but rather how you finish the race. “…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” Phil 3:13 I pray you will have a wonderful new year and a wonderful life, all filled with faith and hope and charity. Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Resolve to live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transform your life today, tomorrow, and forever. Now that would be a New Year’s resolution of worth!

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Mary Ellen Caldwell, RD, LD, CLT editor@suburbanparent.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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COPY EDITOR Francie Morin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

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MEET OUR COVER KID... VIVIEN, 6 YEARS OLD Vivien is in first grade and she LOVES school – especially science and art. Her most favorite thing about school though is recess and lunch. When not in school, she likes playing dress up, going to the movies and travelling with her family. She especially likes spending time with her Grandma. They’re besties.

business spotlight 4

Shape of Behavior ........ p. 3 & 15

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972.887.7779 8344 Sterling Street Irving, Texas 75063

Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

- A DV E R TO R I A L -

Trinity University Faculty Rank Among the Best in the Nation Research, availability to students, and emphasis on collaborative learning lead to stellar ranking

nly some schools can achieve what others seek to accomplish. Trinity University is taking its commitment to teaching and scholarship to the next level. Consistently recognized as a top school for undergraduate teaching, Trinity University is now among the best in the nation in combining scholarly research with classroom instruction. In the inaugural Wall Street Journal/ Times Higher Education College Ranking, Trinity University was a standout. The University ranked No. 6 in the nation and No. 1 in Texas in the “Top Faculties” category. This category looked at faculty research productivity and student evaluations of faculty accessibility more specifically by assessing the number of research papers per faculty member and asking students to rate how accessible their professors were to them and to what

extent the school provided them with opportunities for collaborative learning. “Since I arrived at Trinity, I have been impressed by the faculty. Their commitment to our students drives their teaching. Their commitment to knowledge drives their research,” said Trinity President Danny Anderson. “Our faculty link teaching and research in deep, meaningful ways. As a result, Trinity students become active, original thinkers.” In addition to ranking in the “Top Faculties” category, Trinity ranked No. 72, out of more than 1,000 overall and No. 3 in Texas. This WSJ ranking considered student outcomes, resources, student engagement, and learning environment. As a reflection of its commitment to learning, Trinity University released its first-ever publication featuring the scholarly and creative works of faculty

and staff at Trinity. IMPACT magazine hit coffee tables and went online in October 2016. At Trinity University, we create connections—in research laboratories and fine arts studios, through student involvement and residential life, and through the strength of our Tiger network. Our Pathways curriculum blends the liberal arts and sciences with business and pre-professional programs, enriching our writing, speaking, and problem-solving skills. We answer questions and question answers. We push boundaries and have fun along the way. Located in San Antonio, Texas, we equip 2,400 students through experiential learning, undergraduate research, and international engagement, arming them to be global stewards for change. We are confident. We are curious. We are catalysts. And we are Tigers at heart.

Join an elite network. Become a Tiger. www.trinity.edu

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shouldknow

slow down

dirty laundry

Sit down, slow down, enjoy your food and… lose weight? Yes. Studies show that people who eat quickly up until they feel full are three times more likely to be overweight. It can take your brain 20 minutes after your first bite to realize you’re full, so check the clock when you start eating and stretch those meals out. Go back for seconds only if you’re still (really) hungry after 20 minutes.

laughter...

There’s nothing better than a good laugh. Not only does it affect your mental state (mood), it also affects your physical health. How? It relaxes your whole body (for up to 45 minutes post laugh), boosts your immune system (by decreasing stress hormones), triggers the release of endorphins (those natural feelgood chemicals), and increases blood flow (which can protect you from cardiovascular problems). On top of that, shared laughter helps strengthen relationship bonds. So… know any good jokes?

If you’re like us, you do laundry a lot, daily even. Make sure you wash your hands after loading those dirty clothes (and undergarments) in the machine. Think about it. You’re washing them for a reason and you don’t want to get any of that “dirt” in your mouth (ew!) when you take your well-deserved post laundry coffee break.

SAVE BIG BUCKS Don’t let holiday bills get you down. Start saving now for next Christmas. If you put just $20 in an envelope each week, by the end of the year, you’ll have over a $1000. If cash in an envelope is too tempting to dig into, set up an automatic reoccurring transfer to your savings account.

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The shelf life of beauty You want to put on a fresh face every morning so it’s important to know that even beauty products have a shelf life. Mascara should be replaced at least every three months. Foundation lasts between six months to a year while blush and face powder, lip sticks and pencil products can last up to two years. Of course, get rid of anything you don’t use anymore. And, don’t forget to clean your brushes and tools..

questions

q&a Bradley, dad of 2 boys Q. My child is overweight. Is this hereditary?

A. Good question! Research actually tells us that obesity is more linked to health habits, and less from heredity. What your child may “inherit” is food choices and volume. An overweight child usually becomes an overweight adult if action is not taken to change eating habits. For youngsters (7-12) the goal should be to slow/stop weight gain by monitoring and reducing portion sizes, allowing your child to grow into their ideal weight. We call this “grow without gaining”. Nicole Laird, MD | Pecan Tree Pediatrics

Jules, mom of 4 kids Q. I am struggling with breakfast for my family. Seems we all eat cereal at least 5 times a week. I’ve always heard that eggs were not so good to have. Please help!

A. Great news, eggs really are incredible! Yep! The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans found that there is not a risk of too much cholesterol from eggs for healthy adults and kids. Although eggs are high in cholesterol, the effect on blood cholesterol is minimal when compared to the effect from trans fats and saturated fats. Have the eggs with side of avocado and nix the bacon, sausages and ham. If you are healthy, consume up to 300 mg of cholesterol a day; if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease, limit total daily cholesterol intake to 200 mg a day. Mary Ellen, RDN | Your Favorite Dietitian

Jake’s Mom Q. My child is starting pre-school soon. I’m not sure where he should be with language skills. He’s not very talkative. He does point a lot and raise his eyebrows.

A. Preschoolers (age 3-5) often have a lot to say. They love imaginative play and are usually understood by peers and adults. As a general rule, 3 yr old children should be understood about 75%-100% of the time by unfamiliar listeners (Bowen 1998). They should be able to follow simple instructions, answer and ask simple questions, understand and use descriptive language and have a large repertoire of nouns and verbs. If you are concerned about your child’s speech and language contact a Speech-Language Pathologist for an evaluation. Meredith Sorokwasz M.A., CCC-SLP | Let’s Talk Speech Owner / Speech-Language Pathologist

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CINDY, MOM OF 3

ASKS...

How do we survive Flu season with grade school kids? A. Prevention is key! The flu shot is still the best protection against the flu, and the CDC recommends that all healthy children receive the vaccine. Make sure your kids know to wash their hands often and to cough into their elbow or cover their mouths when sneezing. If your children already have the flu, keep them hydrated, comfortable, and well-rested while you ride it out. Pick any clear fluid (water, juices, broth or electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte) and watch out for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, cracked lips, cold or dry skin, and low energy. The body’s lowered immunity can also lead to secondary bacterial infections, so alert your pediatrician if your child develops difficulty breathing or any other unusual symptoms.

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JANUARY 2017

welovethis

WINTER SKIN

RECOVERY Soothe itchy skin and Calm atopic dermatitis and eczema. These one-of-a-kind products, recommended by dermatologists worldwide, and are proven to soothe inflammation, itching and redness while softening, protecting and purifying the skin. Find them at: aveneusa. com $9 – $32

1 Grow your own

How many times have you tried to grow an avocado tree plant using toothpicks and a cup? Well, this Avocado Tree Starter Kit may help you achieve success! - Grow your own avocado tree! We found it at: uncommongoods.com, Set of 3 / $20.00

what could be better than a warm breakfast waiting for you when you wake up? Cook steel-cut oats overnight in the slow cooker. Then all you have to do in the morning is serve it. Add fruit, a bit of yogurt, a smidgen of brown sugar, cinnamon or whatever you want to make it more yummy.

2 Monogram marshmallows We found this idea in Jodi Levine’s book, Candy Aisle Crafts. Simply press cookie cutters through flat marshmallows and gently push out the shape. Float in hot chocolate and enjoy. We didn’t think marshmallows could actually get any better! A great after-school snack. Go ahead… be “that mom.”

4 Here’s a clue

3 Breakfast is ready

Cold mornings call for warm breakfasts. And

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The Clue Master is a fun logic game that develops the skill of deductive reasoning, a key ability in math, science, computer programming, and many other fields. In this game, you may deduce information based on what must be true even though you can’t see it directly. The more you play, the more deductive tricks and strategies you’ll learn as you reason logically from the clues you’re given! We found it at: thinkfun.com, $12.99

Serving the needs of learning different students for 30 years.

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JANUARY 2017

tamarasearsphotography.com

bookshelf

get schooled Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Plus, the more you read, the more things you will know.

Dear Daycare Parent

A book to get you prepared for Daycare. Written in a fun, easy-to-understand manner; and provides you with all the information you need to have a great childcare experience. Over 101 tips and real-life examples! Jackie Rioux and Jo-Ann Parylak Ages: For Parents

U Chic: College Girls’ Real Advice for Your First Year (& Beyond)

That’s Not Hay in My Hair

The Power of many! Fifty-three U Chic contributors have created a guidebook every college bound woman will want to have. An incredible resource that is informative and inspirational. Learn what to expect when preparing for college, and how to get the most out of freshman orientation, and much, much more!

Growing up is tough enough, but to learn that you’re going to have to leave the life you love and all of your friends for something completely opposite of what you know is, well, you’ll find out! This is a middle-grade fiction novel from a teenage author who knows these experiences first hand. A fictionalized true story of teen author.

Christie Garton Ages: College Bound

Juliette Turner Ages: 8-12

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Mayday A captivating journey of love and self-discovery. MAYDAY bridges the gap between fiction and nonfiction, capturing the trials of today’s adolescents with problems that are far from average. Readers will be awed with the power of human resilience. A must read. Karen Harrington Ages: Middle School

ages 11-13

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JANUARY 2017

Reading, Writing and STEM School Choices Are you thinking about Private School for your child?

et’s begin with a look at your reasons for choosing a private school. You may choose a Private School based on their classroom management, or looking for better student discipline, better learning environment (smaller class sizes), improved student safety, or you may want a private school that would give your child individual attention. Maybe a faith based environment. No matter what the reasons are, the matter of choosing a private school is not so simple. This simple guide will hopefully give you greater insight as to what to expect. You can successfully work through selecting the best school for your child if you do your homework early. Prioritizing your needs and selecting a few schools that meet those needs; followed by learning as much as you can about these schools is a good place to start.

82% 18

Keep in mind that the most important thing that you can do is to be proactive, asking questions and visiting schools.

Important Things to Do

Make a list of your priorities regarding your child’s and your family’s needs, and have a list of possible schools that might be a good fit. Then take some time to evaluate each of these schools.

Do a Little Research

Almost every school has a website. Read how the school describes itself. Does it have a mission statement, does it have an educational philosophy, and are the test scores available? In addition to specific test data and demographics, they might also include comments from parents. After doing this research write down any questions you may have.

Visit the School

There is no substitute for personally visiting the school. Remember to call the school and schedule the visit in advance. Ask if a parent volunteer or the principal can give you a tour of the school. Ask questions! How long has the average teacher taught at this school? How long has the average teacher been teaching? Are parents involved in school activities and decision-making? If so, how? Is there a STEM program? Art program? Sports programs?

Extracurricular Requirements

These are what you will use to decide from two or more schools that meet the most or your family’s needs. • Consider music and art programs if this is important to you. • What types of sports programs are offered?

PRIVATE SCHOOLS STATISTICS REFLECT 82% OF PRIVATE SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS HAVE A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION. WHILE THE BASIC SUBJECTS TAUGHT ARE LIKELY TO BE SIMILAR TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, RELIGIOUS THEMES AND LESSONS MAY BE INTRODUCED AND ADDITIONAL MATERIAL REGARDING RELIGION CAN PLAY A LARGE PART OF THE CURRICULUM.

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EVERYTHING

EDUCATION

Keep in mind that traditions are important in most private schools, however implementing new teaching approaches is critical for the best possible education. In a strong educational environment, both are possible and usually highly desired.

Additional Questions if considering Public School

What “extras” (art, music, science, language, phys. ed.) are included in the curriculum and how many hours per week are they offered at each grade level? Does the school do additional fundraising through the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)? If so, how much do they raise and where does the money go? How active is the PTA (the more active, the better.) Are there paraprofessionals (teaching assistants) in the classroom? Often you hear neighborhood gossip. It may be true, or have an element of truth. Visit the school, talk to the principal and the teachers. Also, talk to individual parents of children attending the school. Basing a decision solely on test scores may not be the best decision. In many cases, especially in public schools, a small percentage of students can dilute test scores for an entire school. Test scores can make the academic environment at the school appear to be average (or worse); when in fact it’s excellent.

Enrollment

After you have made your choice, you must find out the procedure to enroll. Check with the school to find out what paperwork is required and note the deadlines. Get this information as early as possible so you can be sure to secure a spot for your child.

technology, engineering, and mathematics. This type of education has an interdisciplinary approach to learning where academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons. Students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and global enterprise. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us and technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives.

HOLY TRINITY ACADEMY.......................................................... 24 972-490-7060 • holytrinityacademy.com

ST. MONICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL......................................... 21 214-351-5688 ext.5175 • st.monicaschool.org

Magnet Schools These are free public

STEM Programs STEM stands for science,

GRACE ACADEMY OF DALLAS...............................................27 214-696-5648 • graceacademy.com

PRESTON ROYAL PRESCHOOL.............................................. 21 214-987-3446 • prestonroyalpreschool.com

members.

schools with no boundary restrictions. They can be highly competitive and highly selective. Many Magnet schools specialize in a particular area, such as science or the arts. They’re renowned for their special programs and high academic standards.

ALCUIN SCHOOL............................................................................... 17 972-239-1745 • alcuinschools.org

OAK HILL ACADEMY...................................................................... 15 214-353-8804 • oakhillacademy.org

THE WINSTON SCHOOL..............................................................13 214-691-6950 TRINITY UNIVERSITY..................................................................8, 9 trinity.edu

tutor

Traditions

after school

• What clubs would your child like to be involved in?

charter schools are an institutional hybrid. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are free. Parents must usually submit a separate application to enroll a child in a charter school. These schools offer specialized programs and smaller classes and are governed by a board of directors, usually consisting of parents and community

schools

Charter Schools Although a public school,

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER......................................13 800-CAN-LEARN • huntingtonhelps.com

TEXAS PREMIER YOUTH SPORTS........................................ 15 469-834-8450 • texaspremieryouthsports.com YMCA`........................................................................................................ 17 ymcadallas.org

See complete Directory online @ suburbanparent.com

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JANUARY 2017

the marshmallow test and the benefits of learning to wait

ow many of you want your children to be healthy and successful in all they do? I see those hands. We all want good things for our children. Over forty years ago the now famous Stanford “marshmallow test” was given to young children aged four through six. In this study the children were placed in a room with an adult who told them they had a choice: They could have one marshmallow right away or they could choose to wait fifteen minutes and receive two. The adult then left the room and monitored the child’s behavior. The choice was a simple one. One treat now or two later. Some children just popped the first marshmallow in their mouth and were done. Others tried mightily to wait, but succumbed to temptation, and others were able to wait the full fifteen minutes and gain the double prize. The surprising results of this study came years later when follow up studies showed the children who had mustered the self-control to wait for the allotted time outperformed the other children in many areas. They had better grades in school and higher SAT scores. They were reported to be happier and had higher rates of freedom from substance abuse. They had better social skills and generally were more successful in life than the children who couldn’t wait. The overall conclusion is that children who learn to wait for gratification are learning an important life skill: self-control and ability to focus on a goal. These are

important keys to successful performance in both school and in future adult life. How can we encourage a young child to wait? Some of the clues came from the original Stanford study where the children who were successful in waiting used various strategies. Some of them chose to engage in another activity such as talking to themselves, singing or moving about the room. Some children moved the tempting marshmallow further away from them to minimize temptation. Some played with toys to pass the time. Very young children can practice waiting. Here are some tips to help you incorporate waiting skills in your everyday lives. • Use visuals to help children mark the passage of time. Use digital clocks, wall charts, calendars and the like. Allow children to mark off the days or make the tally mark. Marking the passage of time helps children get a clearer sense of the future and how long the increments of time will be. • Teach children to use language when they’re frustrated. Teach them it’s okay to verbalize anger, disappointment and other negative feelings in appropriate ways. When they don’t get the things they want right away, they can release emotional pressure in a healthy way. • Games that require impulse control such as red light, green light or Simon Says are great ways to learn listening skills plus the tricky fact that circumstances change. Children who learn to manage behavior when expectations are not met will benefit from such practice.

BY JAN PIERCE, M.ED.

• Engage your children in problem solving activities. Teach them there are many ways to solve a problem. Ask, “What else can we do? Or suggest “Let’s read this book while we wait for…” • Help your children make a plan and follow through to conclusion. It may be a complicated project built with Legos or a craft project of some kind. It may be a cleaning project such as a bedroom or garage. Help them make the plan and then tick off each item as it’s completed to experience the satisfaction of doing a job well. • Use allowances or pay mini-wages for tasks and then help your children to manage their money. Teach saving, giving and generosity. Show the benefit of setting a goal and working steadily toward it. Saving for a nicer toy rather than buying a cheap one is a tangible way to teach patience. One of the benefits of requiring a bit of waiting when your children want something happens inside them. They’ll learn they have the power to wait. They can do it. They can learn to wait when you’re talking to another adult. They can wait for their food in a restaurant. They can be in charge of their impulses and not satisfy them immediately every time. Such knowledge builds character and confidence. You can help your children learn self-control and patience. With your help they can learn to set long-term goals and work toward them. They can gain the willpower to ignore impulses that scream “I need it now” and learn to wait. SP

Jan Pierce, M.Ed. is a freelance writer and author of Homegrown Readers: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read. Find her at www.janpierce.net.

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MAKE ST. MONICA YOUR HOME Learn • Grow • Succeed

OPEN HOUSE

4140 Walnut Hill Lane 214-351-5688 ext 5175

K-8 • January 13 • 8:30am PK4 & DK • January 11 • 8:30am

PK4 through 8th Grade www.st.monicaschool.org

214-361-KIDS (5437)

8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 225, Dallas, Texas 75231

www.starKIDSdentist.com

Barrie Barber Choate DDS, MSD, PA

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JANUARY 2017

timeout community calendar | january 2017

1 | SUNDAY

Fort Worth Cattle Drive

11:30am & 4pm. (subject to weather and the longhorns’ dispositions) the world’s only daily cattle drive clip-clops its way over the brick-paved streets of the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Starting at the Livestock Exchange Building, the trail boss and his cowhands on horseback lead a couple dozen Texas longhorns almost single file down Exchange Avenue and back to their holding pens behind the Exchange Building. Fort Worth Stockyards, 121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth

Fireworks, Food & Fun

5pm-7pm. Your donation to benefit the homeless children and families served by Vogel Alcove grants entry to Day 1 Dallas for Fireworks, Food & Fun, which will feature live music, great food and drinks and the best fireworks show in town. Fair Park, 1121 1st Avenue, Dallas www. day1dallas.com

Penguin Days at the Zoo

9am-4pm. Daily. Visit the African penguins and all of the other animals at the Dallas Zoo for just $7 per person

during the months of Jan & Feb. Our gift to you! The Dallas Zoo, 650 R. L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas 469-554-7500 www.dallaszoo.com

2 | MONDAY Winter Creativity Camp

9am-4pm through Jan 6. $210. Come experience a week of exploring a wide variety of art mediums. Our lessons teach the fundamentals of art while encouraging problem solving through the exploration of ideas. Before and after care is available for an additional fee. SPARK!, 1409 S. Lamar St. Suite 004 , Dallas 214-4217727 www.sparkdallas.org

Have an ICE day Winter Camp

9:30am-3:30pm. K-4th Grade. Each day, we’ll explore ice, snow and everything cold! $130/110 for Texas Discovery Gardens members (Pre/Post care available) Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas 214428-7476 ext. 230 www. texsdiscoverygardens.org

Crafty Mondays

10:30am-12pm. Every Monday. Enjoy nature-themed

crafts with your children every Monday. Included with admission. Texas Discovery Gardens-Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas 214-428-7476 www. texasdiscoverygardens.org

3 | TUESDAY Toddler Storytime

10:30am-11:15am. Ages 18 months-3yrs. Practice the skills you need to be ready to read. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas 214-6707128 www.dallaslibrary.org

First Tuesday at the DMA

11am-2pm. Ages 5 & Under. Enjoy themed art-making activities, story readings, performances and gallery activities. Held on the first Tuesday of the month in the Center for Creative Connections. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas 214-922-1200 www. dma.org

Discovery Wall Experience: Penguins

11am-12pm. Visit the Children’s Center during Winter Break for fun and educational activities!

20 Dece b er 2 Lane • m 1 y e a r o2 ld

January 21 Jadon • 7 years old

r y 18 J a n u ay e a r s o ld 8 • e K y li

UPLOAD YOUR BIRTHDAY KIDS PICTURE @ suburbanparent.com Submit by 10th of the month PRIOR to their birthday.

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Sponsored by Atmos Energy. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary2.org

Perot Tech Truck @ The Library!

1pm-4pm. Join us as children will engage in hands-on makerbased science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) experiences that will foster creativity and confidence. Polk-Wisdom Branch Library, 7151 Library Ln, Dallas 214-670-1947 www.dallaslibrary.org

Craft Time!

2pm-3pm. Visit the Children’s Center during Winter Break for fun and educational activities! Make a craft that you can take home. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-670-1400 www.dallaslibrary2.org

Video Gaming Program

4:30pm. All ages. Calling all gamers (and even non-gamers!): This program includes a wide variety of game selections and systems for fun play and mini-tournaments. Prairie Creek Branch Library, 9606 Lake June Rd, Dallas 214-671-0410 www. dallaslibrary.org

4 | WEDNESDAY Toddler Storytime

10:30am-11am. 18 months-3 yrs. Practice the skills you need to be ready to read. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn! Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Preschool STEAM: Engineering through Art! 10:30am-11:30am. From 3-D Paper Mache art sculptures to math art, we will practice creative exploration and problem solving through designing and creating objects and observing results. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

Home School Think Tank

10:30am-11:30am. Homeschoolers will meet in the auditorium or study room to share curriculum and ideas. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Blvd, Dallas 214-670-6445 www. dallaslibrary.org

Legomania!

11am-12pm. Visit the Children’s Center during Winter Break for fun and educational activities! Participate in building challenges using Legos! Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

Movie Mania!

2pm-4pm. Visit the Children’s Center during Winter Break for fun and educational activities! Watch an animated movie on our big screen. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-6701400 www.dallaslibrary.org

5 | THURSDAY Toddler Story Time

10am-10:30am. 2 year-olds. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214559-9400 www.hptx.org

JumpstART Stories & Art – Winnie the Pooh Day

10am-10:30am. Ages 2 & Up. Explore new stories and fun art projects during this creative story time that combines art and children’s literature. Read stories about the beloved bear from the Hundred Acre Wood and celebrate the birthday of author A.A. Milne. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. Mac Arthur Blvd., Irving 972-252-2787 www. irvingartscenter.com

Bilingual/Spanish Storytime (Horas de Cuentos)

10:30am-11am. 6 & Under. Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish to get ready to read! ¡Cuentos, canciones y rímas en español para niños que quieren leer! Para edades de 6 años y menor. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Stories and More!

11am-12:30pm. 5 & Under. Join our butterflies for story time! Make crafts, read a book, meet some special friends and enjoy snacks! $8/child 3-11; $6/members $3/ child 1-3; $2/members Adults pay regular admission. At door: $2/child surcharge. Texas Discovery Gardens-Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas 214-428-7476 www. texasdiscoverygardens.org

Bandan Koro (African Drum & Dance) Performance

11am-12pm. Visit the Children’s Center during Winter Break for fun and educational activities! These performance/workshops feature songs, rhythms & dances from West Africa. Observe vibrant traditional music and dance demonstrations from various ethnic groups of West Africa while learning about their culture & traditions! Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

6 | FRIDAY Preschool Story Time

10am-10:30am. 3 & 4 year olds. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214559-9400 www.hptx.org

Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11am. 3-6 yrs. Get ready for kindergarten with books, movement, rhymes and music. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

Books and Crafts

10:30am-11:15am. A hands-on story time featuring book and crafts following a theme. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Stay and Play

1:30pm-2:30pm. We have puzzles, jumbo blocks and other educational toys that will engage children and help them learn in a fun and exciting way! Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas 214-670-6445 www.dallaslibrary.org

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

8pm-10pm. The world’s only year round rodeo every Friday and Saturday night in the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum. The show features bull riding, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing, bronc riding and break away roping. Plus calf and mutton scrambles with prizes for the kids! Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo, 121 E. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth 817-625-1025 www. stockyardsrodeo.com

7 | SATURDAY Target First Saturdays

10am-5pm. Ages 3-12. Bring out your children’s artistic talents and broaden their understanding and appreciation of the world and enjoy free admission and fun family programming. Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St, Dallas 214-242-5100 www. nashersculpturecenter.org

Crafts with Kerri

1pm-2pm. Join Kerri every Saturday afternoon in the Children’s Center and make a craft that you can take home Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

Stay and Play

1:30pm-2:30pm Bring the kids to Stay & Play! We have puzzles, jumbo blocks and other educational toys that will engage children and help them learn in a fun and exciting way! Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas 214-670-6445 www.dallaslibrary.org

Winter Wonderland Sleepover

6:30pm-8:00am. Ages 6-14. $40 adult chaperones; $50 children. Register in advance. Wear your festive pajamas, grab your sleeping bag, and get ready to “snore and explore” during the museum’s winter wonderland sleepover, complete with exciting animals, science experiments, a screening of the holiday film Elf, a Fire and Ice demo, a dance party plus a winter wonderland-themed photo to take home. Perot Museum of Nature and Science at Victory Park, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas 214-428-5555 www. perotmuseum.org

8 | SUNDAY Open House at Alcuin School

12-2pm. Come learn about our Montessori and International Baccalaureate Education for toddlers through high school. 6144 Churchill Way, Dallas 972239-1745 www.alcuinschool.org. See ad in this issue.

Penguin Days at the Zoo

9am-4pm. Daily. Visit the African penguins and all of the other animals at the Dallas Zoo for

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JANUARY 2017

timeout just $7 per person during the months of Jan & Feb. Our gift to you! The Dallas Zoo, 650 R. L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas 469554-7500 www.dallaszoo.com

Lego Castle Builder Exhibit

12pm-6pm. Daily through 1/22/17. $8 per person; $6.50 seniors; Free under 2. Builders of all ages are invited to explore, build and play in the traveling exhibition. Sci-Tech Discovery Center, 8000 N. Dallas Parkway, Frisco 972-546-3040 www. mindstretchingfun.org

9 | MONDAY Baby Basics Storytime

10:30am-11:15am. Ages 0-18mos. For babies and their caregivers, learn simple rhymes, songs and books to stimulate infants. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

Crafty Mondays

10:30am-12pm. Every Monday.Â Enjoy nature-themed crafts with your children included with admission. Texas Discovery Gardens - Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas 214-428-7476 www. texasdiscoverygardens.org

10 | TUESDAY Toddler Storytime

10:30am-11:15am. Ages 18 mos-3yrs. Practice the skills you need to be ready to read. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas 214-6707128 www.dallaslibrary.org

Home School Program

10:30am-11:30am. This fall the Lakewood Library will provide programs created for homeschooling families. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth St, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Teen Lounge

5:30pm-6:30pm. Teen Lounge is an interactive teen program that will seek to allow teens to engage with one another.

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The program will consist of monthly meetings when the teens come in and participate in different activities such as Game Night, Discussion Night, and Art Night etc. Snacks will be provided. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas 214-6706445 www.dallaslibrary.org

11 | WEDNESDAY Open House at St. Monica Catholic School

8:30am. For grades PK4 and DK. 4140 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas 214-351-5688 x5175, www.st.monicaschool.org. See ad in this issue.

Toddler Storytime

Home School Think Tank

10:30am-11:30am. Homeschoolers will meet in the auditorium or study room to share curriculum and ideas. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Blvd, Dallas 214-670-6445 www. dallaslibrary.org

12 | THURSDAY Toddler Story Time

10am-10:30am. Ages: 2 yrs. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214-559-9400 www.hptx.org

Read, Romp, Rhyme: All Ages Storytime

10:30am-11am. Join us for interactive stories, songs, and activities to build early literacy skills and inspire a love of reading. City of Dallas-Audelia Road Branch Library, 10045 Audelia Road, Dallas 214-670-1350 www. audelialibraryfriends.org

Bilingual/ Spanish Storytime (Horas de Cuentos) 10:30am-11am. 6 & Under. Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish to get ready to read!

¡Cuentos, canciones y rímas en español para niños que quieren leer! Para edades de 6 años y menor. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

13 | FRIDAY Open House at St. Monica Catholic School

8:30am. For grades K-8. 4140 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas 214-351-5688 x5175, www. st.monicaschool.org. See ad in this issue.

Preschool Storytime

10 am - 10:30am Fridays at 10AM for 3 and 4 year-olds Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214-559-9400 www.hptx.org

Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11am. 3-6 yrs. Get ready for kindergarten with books, movement, rhymes and music. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-6701400 www.dallaslibrary.org

Books and Crafts

10:30am-11:15am. A hands-on story time featuring book and crafts following a theme. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-6701376 www.dallaslibrary.org

25th Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition

11am-12:30pm. Fourth-and fifth-grade students in Dallas will deliver original speeches between three to five minutes answering the question: “If Dr. King were alive today, what would he say about Muhammad Ali’s contribution to society?” The Majestic Theatre, Downtown 1925 Elm St., Dallas 214-999-4178 www.gardere. com/about/community/mlkoratory-competition

Stay and Play

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

8pm-10pm. The world’s only year round rodeo every Friday and Saturday night in the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum. The show features bull riding, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing, bronc riding and break away roping. Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo, 121 E. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth 817-625-1025 www. stockyardsrodeo.com

14 | SATURDAY Crafts with Kerri

1pm-2pm. Join Kerri every Saturday afternoon in the Children’s Center and make a craft that you can take home Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www.dallaslibrary.org

Lego Castle Builder Exhibit

12pm- 6pm. Daily through 1/22/17 $8 per person; $6.50 seniors; Free under 2. Builders of all ages are invited to explore, build and play in the traveling exhibition. Builders of all ages and skill levels can construct castles, learn about real-world castles and their building secrets, and plan their ideal castle’s defenses. Sci-Tech Discovery Center, 8000 N. Dallas Parkway, Frisco 972-546-3040 www. mindstretchingfun.org

2nd Saturday Game-Days

2pm-4pm. Join in the fun at our new board gaming program! Each month features a new game to learn, plus lots of familiar games. Open to Adults and Teens. Mesquite Main Library, 300 West Grubb Drive, Mesquite www. cityofmesquite.com

15 | SUNDAY Daily Butterfly Release

12pm-12:30pm. Join us Daily at Noon for a talk and butterfly release as we let newlyemerged butterflies out into the butterfly house conservatory. Texas Discovery Gardens-Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,

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timeout Dallas 214-428-74766 www. texasdiscoverygardens.org

Penguin Days at the Zoo

9am-4pm. Daily. Visit the African penguins and all of the other animals at the Dallas Zoo for just $7 per person during the months of Jan & Feb. Our gift to you! The Dallas Zoo, 650 R. L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas 469-554-7500 www. dallaszoo.com

16 | MONDAY Baby Basics Storytime

10:30am-11:15am. For babies and their caregivers, learn simple rhymes, songs and books to stimulate infants. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214670-1400 www.dallaslibrary.org

Crafty Mondays

10:30am-12pm. Every Monday. Enjoy nature-themed crafts with your children included with admission. Texas Discovery Gardens - Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas 214-428-7476 www. texasdiscoverygardens.org

17 | TUESDAY Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11am. Ages 3-5. There is a mix of songs, rhymes, finger plays, and books. Mesquite Main and North Branch Library, Mesquite www.cityofmesquite.com

Open House at Grace Academy of Dallas

6:30pm. Please call for reservations. 11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas 214-696-5648 graceacademy.com. See ad in this issue.

Toddler Storytime

Home School Program

10:30am-11:30am. Meet other home school families to share ideas. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth St, Dallas 214-6701376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Evening Storytime

7pm-7:30pm. All ages. Mesquite Main Library, 300 W Grubb Drive, Mesquite 972-216-6220 www. cityofmesquite.com

18 | WEDNESDAY Open House at Grace Academy of Dallas

9am. Please call for reservations. 11306 Inwood Rd, Dallas 214-6965648 graceacademy.com. See ad in this issue.

Toddler Storytime

10:30am-11am. Ages 18 months-3 yrs. Practice the skills you need to be ready to read. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn! Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-6701376 www.dallaslibrary.org

The Young and the Restless Storytime

10:30am-11am. Ages 1-2 yrs. There will be age appropriate songs, finger-plays, books and time for parents to interact with each other. Program length: approx. 30 minutes. Mesquite Main Library, 300 West Grubb Drive, Mesquite www.cityofmesquite.com

Home School Think Tank

10:30am-11:30am. Homeschoolers will meet in the auditorium or study room to share curriculum and ideas. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Blvd, Dallas 214-670-6445 www. dallaslibrary.org

Bilingual/ Spanish Storytime (Horas de Cuentos)

20 | FRIDAY Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs

9am-5pm. Daily through Feb 19. Encounter a 46-foot T-Rex and nine new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s nature trails at the 11th annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit. The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, McKinney 972-5625566 www.heardmuseum.org

Preschool Story Time

10am-10:30am. Ages 3-4. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214559-9400 www.hptx.org

Preschool Storytime

19 | THURSDAY

10:30am-11am. Ages 3-6. Get ready for kindergarten with books, movement, rhymes and music. Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-670-1400 www.dallaslibrary.org

SPARK Dallas Public Hours

Books and Crafts

10am-4pm. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Explore our 6,000-ft. Climb, Crawl, Slide Sculpture. Children must be accompanied by an adult. SPARK!, 1409 S. Lamar Street Suite 004, Dallas 214-4217727 www.sparkdallas.org

10:30am-11:15am. A hands-on storytime featuring book and crafts following a theme. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Bilingual / Spanish Storytime

10:30am. 0-6 yrs. Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish to get ready to read! White Rock Hills Branch Library, 9150 Ferguson Rd., Dallas www.dallaslibrary.org

Toddler Story Time

10am-10:30am. 2 yr olds. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214559-9400 www.hptx.org

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Stay and Play

Stockyards Championship Rodeo 8pm-10pm. The world’s only year round rodeo every Friday and

Saturday night in the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum. The 2hr Stockyards Championship Rodeo provides an authentic Western Cowboy Experience. The show features bull riding, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing, bronc riding and break away roping. Plus calf and mutton scrambles with prizes for the kids! Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo, 121 E. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth 817-625-1025 www.stockyardsrodeo.com

21 | SATURDAY Trinity in Focus

8:30am-2pm. You are invited to attend our open house program welcoming all prospective students and family members. Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, visit.trinity. edu. See ad in this issue.

Dallas Children’s Theater Activities

10:30am-11:30am. Bring your drama princess or prince to the Children’s Park for acting games and fun with Dallas Children’s Theater. Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway, Dallas 214-716-4500 www. klydewarrenpark.org

Crafts with Kerri

1pm-2pm. Join Kerri every Saturday afternoon in the Children’s Center and make a craft that you can take home Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214670-1400 www.dallaslibrary.org

Storyline

24 hours. Call 214-446-2222 to hear different stories each week! Sponsored by the Community Partners of Dallas and the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch Library, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.org

Storyland Exhibit Opens

Step into the pages of beloved children’s books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Designed for children from birth to 8 years old. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth 817-255-9300 www. fortworthmuseum.org.

22 | SUNDAY Penguin Days at the Zoo

9am-4pm. Daily. Visit the African penguins and all of the other

animals at the Dallas Zoo for just $7 per person during the months of Jan & Feb. Our gift to you! The Dallas Zoo, 650 R. L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas 469554-7500 www.dallaszoo.com

Fort Worth Cattle Drive

23 | MONDAY Crafty Mondays

10:30am-12pm. Nature themed crafts included with admission. Texas Discovery Gardens-Fair Park, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas 214-428-7476 www. texasdiscoverygardens.org

Baby Basics Storytime

24 | TUESDAY Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11am. Ages 3-5. There is a mix of songs, rhymes, finger plays, and books. Mesquite Main and North Branch Library, Mesquite www. cityofmesquite.com

Toddler Storytime

10:30am-11:15am. ge18 months3yrs. Practice the skills you need to be ready to read. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas 214-6707128 www.dallaslibrary.org

Home School Program

10:30am-11:30am. This fall the Lakewood Library will provide programs created for homeschooling families. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth St, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

OPEN HOUSE

TUESDAY | JANUARY 17 | 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY | JANUARY 18 | 9:00 a.m.

Evening Storytime

7pm-7:30pm. Storytime for all ages. Mesquite Main Library, 300 W Grubb Drive, Mesquite 972-216-6220 www. cityofmesquite.com

25 | WEDNESDAY Toddler Storytime

The Young and the Restless Storytime

10:30am-11am. Ages 1-2 yrs. There will be age appropriate songs, finger-plays, books and time for parents to interact with each other. Mesquite Main Library, 300 West Grubb Drive, Mesquite www. cityofmesquite.com

Home School Think Tank

10:30am-11:30am. Homeschoolers will meet in the auditorium or study room to share curriculum and ideas. If kids come with the parents, we can have a separate activity for them like coloring pages, story time, Play & Learn toys or a simple STEM project. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Blvd, Dallas 214-670-6445 www. dallaslibrary.org

26 | THURSDAY Bilingual / Spanish Storytime

10:30am. 0-6 yrs. Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish to get ready to read! White Rock Hills Branch Library, 9150 Ferguson Rd., Dallas www. dallaslibrary.org

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timeout Toddler Story Time

10am-10:30am. 2 yr olds. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214559-9400 www.hptx.org

Bilingual/ Spanish Storytime (Horas de Cuentos)

Fort Worth Cattle Drive

27 | FRIDAY Open House at Preston Royal Preschool

9:30-11am. Enjoy a tour, info about our programs and meeting current parents. Please RSVP to kittyammann@gmail.com. 5600 Royal Ln, Dallas, 214-987-3446 www.prestonroyalpreschool.com See ad in this issue.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing – Tours 8:30am-5:30pm. Daily. Free. Reservations not required. Visitors can see where billions of dollars are printed from an enclosed walkway, which is suspended above the production floor! Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 9000 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth 817-231-4000 www. moneyfactory.gov

Preschool Story Time

10:00am-10:30am. 3 & 4 yearolds. Highland Park Library, 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park 214559-9400 www.hptx.org

Books and Crafts

10:30am-11:15am. A hands-on story time featuring book and crafts following a theme. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Toddler Storytime

10:30am-11:30am, Ages 3-5. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas www. dallaslibrary.org

Stay and Play

11:30am-12:30pm, Ages 3-5. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Boulevard, Dallas www. dallaslibrary.org

Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11am. Get ready for kindergarten with books, movement, rhymes and music. Suggested ages: 3-6 years old Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St, Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

Stockyards Championship Rodeo

8pm-10pm. The world’s only year round rodeo every Friday and Saturday night in the historic Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum. The two hour Stockyards Championship Rodeo maintains a strong commitment to visitors looking for an authentic Western Cowboy Experience. The show features bull riding, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing, bronc riding and break away roping. Plus calf and mutton scrambles with prizes for the kids! Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo, 121 E. Exchange Ave, Fort Worth 817-625-1025 www. stockyardsrodeo.com

28 | SATURDAY The Secret Life of Pigeons

1pm-2pm. Join the Trinity River Audubon Center at the Muse Family Performance Pavilion and learn some uncommon facts about your friendly neighborhood pigeon Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway, Dallas 214-716-4500 www. klydewarrenpark.org

Crafts with Kerri

1pm-2pm. Join Kerri every Saturday afternoon in the

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Children’s Center and make a craft that you can take home Dallas Central Library, 1515 Young St., Dallas 214-670-1400 www. dallaslibrary.org

29 | SUNDAY Open House Admissions Preview at The Winston School 2-4pm. Come tour our school, meet current students and parents, learn about our curriculum, and chat with Admissions staff about what Winston has to offer your child. 5707 Royal Ln, Dallas 214-6916950 info@winstonschool.org. See ad in this issue.

30 | MONDAY Baby Basics Storytime

Crafty Mondays

Storyline

24 hours. Call 214-446-2222 to hear different stories each week!

31 | TUESDAY J. Vincent Scarpace Exhibit

8am-5pm. The life’s work of J. Vincent Scarpace, Artist – Experimenting, just past reason, daily … “Browse through a wide selection of my original fish art, abstract fish paintings, contemporary fish drawings, sea turtles, jellyfish and more. Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave, Mesquite www. cityofmesquite.com

Penguin Days at the Zoo

9am-4pm. Daily. Visit the African penguins and all of the other animals at the Dallas Zoo for just

$7 per person during the months of Jan & Feb. Our gift to you! The Dallas Zoo, 650 R. L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas 469-554-7500 www. dallaszoo.com

Preschool Storytime

10:30am-11am. Ages 3-5. There is a mix of songs, rhymes, finger plays, and books. Mesquite Main and North Branch Library, Mesquite www.cityofmesquite.com

Toddler Storytime

Home School Program

10:30am-11:30am. This fall the Lakewood Library will provide programs created for homeschooling families. Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth St, Dallas 214-670-1376 www.dallaslibrary.org

Tween Book Club

6pm-7pm. Make new friends and discuss new books! Come ready to share your thoughts and bring suggestions for the following month’s book. Dallas West Branch Library, 2332 Singleton Blvd, Dallas 214-670-6445 www. dallaslibrary.org

Evening Storytime

7pm-7:30pm. All ages. Mesquite Main Library, 300 W Grubb Drive, Mesquite 972-216-6220 www. cityofmesquite.com

SAVE THE DATE FEB 28 Deadline to enter 2017 DART Student Art Contest

Showcase your art on DART with this year’s theme: The adventure starts here. Your art could win a spot on DART buses and trains, plus $1000 or other prizes. www.DART. org/artcontest. See ad in this issue.

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.

funstuff

check it

It’s not too late to make a list and check it twice!

GOTTA

LOVE ‘EM We were riding horses in the country when my husband mentioned we should be careful to check for ticks before we got in the car. A little freaked out at the thought of my kids having ticks on them, I started worrying aloud that I wasn’t quite sure what to do if we found one; when my 6 year old daughter - a fan of Animal Planet - interrupted me. Rolling her eyes at my ignorance, she said, “I know exactly what to do. First you gotta find yourself a monkey! — Mom to Courtney and Branson

What happened to the plant in math class? It grew square roots

Forego New Year’s resolutions this year and go with a list instead. A list is more measurable and it’s fun to cross things off when you finish them. Here are some ideas for your list... 3 Backup your computer - Clean out your closet - Call an old friend 3 Run a 5K - Visit a museum 3 Read a book - Learn to dance - Pay off a credit card

3 You kidding me?

words of wisdom

thomas edison If parents pass enthusiasm along to their children, they will leave them an estate of incalculable value.

Why did the sun not go to college? Because it already had a million degrees!

wholesomeending

eat veggies There are some foods that just need to be eaten, and broccoli is one of them. Fight Cancer with Food!

Seriously, this cruciferous vegetable, which also includes, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, collard greens, rutabaga and turnips, are considered nutrition powerhouses and they supply loads of nutrients for little calories.

Not a fan? You may want to

reconsider. Did you know that broccoli can destroy cancer cells? Well, we have sulforaphane to thank for that. Researchers found that this compound can inhibit the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), which spurs the progression of cancer cells. Broccoli also contains folate which has been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer. Bye-Bye cancer cells.

Men’s Health Hey Men! The primary concern for you is maintaining lean body tissue and muscle tone. This requires a workout routine of both strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Research shows that eating protein and carbs are beneficial for muscle recovery when consumed after intense exercise. Hello PB&J!

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Pears... To be enjoyed raw, stewed, baked, roasted sautéed, poached and even grilled! Often compared nutritionally to apples, pears hold their own, At just 100 calories, a medium pair has 5.5 grams of fiber, 10% of the Daily Value of vitamin C and 5% of the Daily Value of potassium. The potassium helps keep blood pressure in check and pears’ high fiber content may promote healthy blood cholesterol levels; and note that Quercetin, a flavonol present in the skin, may help prevent certain cancers and lower the risk of heart disease. Pears can be ripened at room temperature and then stored in cool fridge to maintain freshness. (tip: store away from onions)

tip Bananas are a great weight-loss food. Peel from the bottom, not the stem. It’s best.