Dallas Parent, January 2020

PARK CITIES \ PRESTON HOLLOW \ LAKEWOOD \ AND MORE

January 2020 \ FREE

suburbanparent.com

Educational activities

FOLLOW THE SIMPLE PATH TO MAKING MEMORIES IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY TIME

ARE YOU EATING UP YOUR SAVINGS?

BRING MORE JOY INTO YOUR HOME in 2020

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PRECHOOL

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MARY SHARES

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Mary Ellen Caldwell, RDN editor@suburbanparent.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com

COPY EDITOR Francie Morin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christa Melnyk Hines Family Features

CALENDAR EDITOR Paula Leonard

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Misty Stagnone Photography mistystagnonephotography.com

AD DESIGNERS Alex Canales Linsey Sohee Lee

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Julie Lesser Williams

AD COORDINATOR/ DISTRIBUTION Francie Morin francie@suburbanparent.com

ACCOUNTING Carrie Vincent carrie@suburbanparent.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WHO IS LOOKING FORWARD TO 2020?

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ach “new” year seems to start with some reflection of the past. We reflect on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on them. I say, “Go easy with your resolutions.” 2020 can be your year of self-care. I’m suggesting you make sure there is plenty of laughter in your life, even if it’s watching THE ELLEN SHOW - Clumsy Thumbsy on YouTube! It’s a ‘go-to’ for me and my husband, for hysterical laughter! So choose laughter over the same old resolutions of managing debt, getting a better job, losing weight, ... Although these are all good changes that may make us happier, we might want to ask ourselves, will it bring true joy.

You see, Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is a stage of being. For instance, we might say, “I am so happy I received… or I let go of…” This state of happiness may fade because we may have lost the item we received, or gained the weight back; and soon we will be attracted to the want of something else to make us happy (this is perfectly human). However, Joy is a gift from our hearts.

Joy comes from an encounter rather than an acquisition. Joy may be found within our deepest recesses and independent of outward circumstances. For our family, we hold to the promise from God that “Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.” We were never promised that we would have everything we wanted in this life. But joy is a promise. As we look at those we love and cherish around us we are thankful for the True Joy we get from witnessing our lives together.

Here at Suburban Parent magazines, we wish you more than a happy new year, we wish you a joyful new year, filled with laughter! And we look forward to hearing about your joys!

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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.

Our Cover Kid

Jude, almost 3 years Jude loves life! Every day he asks, “What are we doing tomorrow, Mommy???” His favorite activities are going to The Little Gym, playing soccer and sliding at the park. He has two siblings, Gia (9) and Jax (7), and three dogs, Molly, Chance and CoCo. When he grows up, he wants to be the Boss!

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YOU SHOULD KNOW Show me the money

EATING OUT Is eating out eating up your savings?

Try tracking your eating out expenses for one week. Include your coffee and donuts too. Then multiply that number by 52. When you see the total, you may be motivated to eat in more often. To avoid the lure of fast food, plan meals ahead and eat before you get too hungry. Then, make eating out for special occasions.

HOT COCOA IS GOOD FOR YOU! Hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day doesn’t just taste good and warm your insides; it’s good for you too. Cocoa powder is a good source of fiber and iron. It’s rich in antioxidants. It’s also been shown that consuming hot cocoa regularly protects skin from sun damage, increases blood flow to the skin and improves the surface texture of your skin. For the healthiest hot cocoa, make your own using unsweetened cocoa powder or 85% dark chocolate, low fat milk and natural sweeteners like honey.

FIND YOUR HAPPY This year, find what makes you happy, make a goal to get there, and don’t give up trying – whether it’s getting healthier, finding a better work-life balance, or doing activities you love. As parents, we spend most of our time making sure everyone around us is happy, but experts warn we need to care for ourselves too - first even. Once we find our own happiness, giving to others will only make us happier.

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Stash the Cash If saving money is one of your resolutions this year, think about this: cutting expenses is great, but unless you actually set money aside, you’re not really saving, you’re just spending less. Try to put any money you save on a purchase in a safe place for the future. Getting a discount? Save the difference. Using coupons? Save the difference. Find a cheaper brand? Save the difference. Or, decide to stash every $5 bill that lands in your hands. With a saver’s attitude, little by little, your savings will grow.

YOU GOT THIS GIRL! More than half of all New Year resolutions fail.

But not yours. Not this year. Here are some tips to keep your exercise goal.

Listen to audio books. One study found that exercisers who saved novels just for the gym worked out 51% more than those who didn’t.

Give yourself compliments. Giving gratitude in the morning has been shown to keep you motivated throughout the day.

Change your routine. Working out in different ways is good for your body and for your brain.

Wear good gear. Studies show that what we wear affects how we feel.

Play upbeat music. It’ll elevate your mood.

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QUESTIONS

Q

I like to be proactive. At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

Although the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven, I like to see children by the age of 2 so I can detect and evaluate facial growth problems as early as possible. Before the onset of adolescence, it’s about how the jaws grow, NOT about the teeth! Crowded /crooked teeth are only a symptom of a jaw growth problem! How the jaws grow has more to do with a child’s rest oral posture (how they hold their lower jaw) which is directly related to their breathing habits. Early detection and management of unfavorable jaw growth maximizes the growth and development of your child’s jaws, teeth and whole face preventing the need to address future problems with invasive procedures. “An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure!”

Darin J. Ward, DDS, MSD, FAGD, FRDC(c) Face ForWard Orthodontics

Q

are STEM programs so valuable to Q Why a child’s development?

As our world continues to become more tech and innovation dependent, it is important that students are involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs.

Learning STEM early prepares students for future schooling and possible STEM careers, which are growing at a higher rate than other career types. But STEM is also important in many other daily aspects of our lives, such as driving, cooking and corresponding with friends and family. STEM fosters creativity, encourages teamwork and experimentation, teaches problem solving and knowledge application, all of which are vital for us to not only understand the world in which we live, but help minimize environmental issues. A great STEM program provides hands-on, minds-on learning that is fun and engaging. With STEM, students become empowered to think critically, analyze, explore and protect the world around them!

Sherrie Ripple \ Education Director River Legacy Living Science Center

Besides academics, what should I look for in a preschool for my child?

I always tell parents to trust their gut! You know your child better than anyone else. When touring a school, keep your child in mind and visualize them in the classroom. Do children seem to flow around the room, working independently and in small groups? Do teachers speak quietly and on the child’s level. When you enter the room, do you hear a low hum of activity of busy children? Look for an environment that strives for a balance of freedom within boundaries.

Children should be able to explore their limits, but also understand expectations and stay curious. Too much freedom can create chaos and make children feel scattered, unfocused and insecure. Look for a classroom that embraces the individual and provides a developmentally appropriate atmosphere.

Tracey Reinhart \ Head of School \ Montessori Episcopal School

Q

What is the DART Student Art Contest, and can my child participate?

Annually, Dallas Area Rapid Transit hosts a Student Art Contest.

It is open to all young artists in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Participants have an opportunity to showcase their talent and win cool prizes. Your child’s artwork must be an original work of art and can be expressed in color or black and white. While participants may choose different drawing tools to create their masterpiece, all students must visually illustrate this year’s theme, “Paint the Town____________.

Ride DART.” Participants will fill in the blank. They must also include the DART logo in their submission. The deadline to submit your artwork is Feb. 28. For a complete list of contest rules, including how and where to submit entries, visit DART.org/artcontest.

Jessica D. Lennon \ Transit Education \ DART

Our Experts Sherrie Ripple riverlegacy.org

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Dr. Darin J. Ward faceforwardorthodontics.com

Tracey Reinhart montessoriepiscopal.com

Jessica D. Lennon dart.org

Serving the needs of learning different students for more than 30 years

• Early childhood through high school • Small class sizes • Social emooonal development • Speech and occupaaonal therapy on-site • Life skills training • Hands-on learning • Summer camps Offering a dual-track, mull-sensory instrucconal model for students with academic or social learning challenges of varying levels, Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to unveiling the giis of each student, which might otherwise be hidden in a tradiional classroom.

9407 Midway Road, Dallas 75220 • 214-353-8804

www.oakhillacademy.org

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WE

THIS

Find it all @ www.thegrommet.com

ASK MOTHER ANYTHING With Mother you can turn almost anything at home into a smart device. Attach the “cookies” to whatever you want to track, and ask Mother to keep a watch.

With accelerometers and thermometers in each cookie, the possibilities are almost endless. How you use Mother is entirely up to you. $199.17

CITY RUFFLE SHAWL

A HOBBY IN TIME UGEARS intermediate model kits

Make building fun while engaging hands-on experience. These kits are geared towards older kids and adults looking for a more complex project.

Each model is pieced together from flat, unfinished, laser-cut plywood parts that don’t need tools or glue to be assembled. The finished product has parts that move, too, to put these models in motion. Starting at $29.99

GETCHA SOME KOMBUCHA The Kombucha Brewing Jar is the first-ever fermentation crock designed specifically for kombucha brewing. It comes complete with its own filter and tap valve and allows you to brew and store your own kombucha at home. The rewritable label at the top of the crock makes it easy to identify each batch, while the booklet provides plenty of delicious recipes. $53.10

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Soft, versatile, and flattering any which way you wear it, the City Ruffle Shawl is a must-have layering piece. One size fits all, however, this accessory is no one trick pony—it looks like a completely different garment depending on how you arrange it. As the name suggests, it can be worn as a shawl, but can also be styled as a scarf, a cape, or even a belted jacket. Uniquely cut to drape elegantly without fixing or readjusting, the City Ruffle Shawl can even be tied in front, worn asymmetrically, or off both shoulders! $58.65

TOUCHLESS VACUUM

By EyeVac No dirt line left behind thanks to a touchless vacuum that’s always ready to get to work. Sweep things like dust, crumbs, and pet hair up to the EyeVac. Infrared detectors sense the motion and automatically vacuum it all up. The roomy canister doesn’t need bags—just empty it into the trash when it’s finally full. $99.00

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FREE STUFF? SEE WHAT GOODIES WE LOVE EVERY MONTH AND ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN. @ suburbanparent.com

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BOOK SHELF

Wonderful Read for a Variety of Ages

LIVI AND GRACE In this picture book, Livi and Grace are sisters who couldn’t be more different. Livi is neat and tidy and loves tea parties. Grace is wild and playful and loves being active and busy. As they go through their days being their unique selves, they share the message that differences are to be celebrated and enjoyed.

Yep! With all their differences, they are still best of friends and love one another.

Jennifer Lynch \ For kids One of the Toughest Topics

FAILURE TO LAUNCH From an expert in adolescent psychology comes a groundbreaking, timely, and necessary guide for parents of the 2.2 million young adults in America who are struggling to find their way in the world. Parents, as well, are struggling and this book provides a practical, proven plan for parenting the struggling transitioner with wisdom, compassion, and effectiveness.

Mark McConville, Ph.D. \ For parents

Thoughts about Starting a Business

ENTREPRENEURIAL LEAP This book is an easy-to-use guide that will help you decide, once and for all, if entrepreneurship is right for you – because success as an entrepreneur depends on far more than just a great idea and a generous helping of luck. This writer reveals the six essential traits that every entrepreneur needs in order to succeed, based on real-world startups that have reached incredible heights. Should you take a leap toward entrepreneurship?

Gino Wickman \ For adults

THE CREATIVE COPING TOOLKIT More than Just a Book, it’s a Resource This resource is a beautifully simple, heartwarming approach to tackling some of the toughest issues we face growing up.

It takes us through exercises like how to use language or art to express moods, and more. Helps people of all ages talk about their feelings. Comprised of 10 simple activities. Inside, find: • Effective methods to manage doubt and anxiety. • Resources to nourish the heart and mind. • Investments in growing your mental wealth. • Healthy ways to assess and reflect. And the book fits well in a purse or backpack!

Scilla Andreen \ For families

New Chapter Books That Celebrate Culture

MEET MINDY KIM The plucky protagonist of a new chapter book series. Mindy Kim tackles the everyday experience of millions of Asian-American kids with tenacity and heart! Her first day of school went a bit awry, however Mindy is grateful when her new friend Sally is able to make her initially unpopular dried seaweed snacks seem totally delicious to her new classmates. These books are a great way for young readers to be curious and thoughtful about cultural diversity.

Lyla Lee \ For kids

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Join Us for Our

OPEN HOUSE for Prospective Families Thursday, February 6, 2020 • 9:30-11am RSVP to info@notredameschool.org

Notre Dame School educates students with developmental disabilities and facilitates their integration into society.

As the only school in Dallas exclusively serving this student population, Notre Dame is a unique educational resource with 160 students ages 6 -22.

5470 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 333A Dallas, TX 75209 214-242-9654 info@letstalkdallas.com www.letstalkdallas.com

Now Enrolling - Spring Break Camps - Summer Camps - Tiny Talkers Classes

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new year

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How to tap more in e d u t i t t a new

BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

w

ant to bring more joy into your home this year?

Try shifting your mindset. Not only can adopting a more optimistic attitude create a happier life, you’ll influence how well your kids respond to life’s daily challenges too. “Children watch their parents. They pick up on moods and beliefs. A positive attitude is contagious—as is a negative attitude,” says psychologist Dr. Kristen Hensley.

Positively rewarding. A positive outlook boosts productivity, energy and motivation; helps reduce stress; enhances confidence and self-esteem; benefits health and even improves relationships with others. “A positive attitude can also help us be more flexible in our thinking and make seeing solutions to problems easier,” Hensley says. “Looking for silver linings in life can help build mental resilience and general optimism.”

Practice self-awareness. Try tracking your moods to get a better sense of what you’ll need to do to better care for yourLet our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent JANUARY 2020

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How to tap more in self each day. Jessica Mostaffa, early childhood mental health specialist and therapist who works with mothers suffering from depression, says this tactic helps her clients take a more mindful approach to their day-to-day emotional well-being.

Make a happiness list. Brainstorm a list of activities that help you feel better when you’re feeling depleted. Your list might include taking a warm shower, watching a comedy, gardening or taking a walk with a friend. “When moms start working on increasing time for themselves, it not only decreases depressive symptoms, but they also report having a better, more positive relationship and interactions with their children, partners and others in the home,” Mostaffa says.

Invite your kids to make lists too. When they’re angry or upset, they can turn to their list to help them manage their emotions in a healthy way. For example, shoot hoops, listen to music, draw, read or call a trusted friend.

Reframe negative thoughts. Rather than trying to ignore them, work with cynical thoughts that creep into your head. Mostaffa suggests asking yourself grounding questions like: “What’s the evidence that thought is true?” “What’s the evidence that thought is not true?” “What’s the worst thing that could happen?" “What’s the best thing that could happen?"

“And what’s the most likely thing to happen?”

Watch how you say it. Notice how you describe your obligations to yourself or others. For instance instead of saying: “It’s my responsibility to make sure the kids have their homework done,” you might say: “It’s my privilege to make sure that my children are doing what’s best for themselves.”

“It’s those subtle shifts that have profound effects on our lives,” says Carla McClellan, an ACC-certified life coach.

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Voice your gratitude. Foster positive thinking at meal time by inviting your family to share three things for which they feel grateful and why. Bedtime is a good time to reflect on the day too. “Daily affirmations can be powerful,” Hensley says. “These don’t have to be major things either. A five-yearold might say she’s grateful for the cupcake she got at school for a classmate’s birthday celebration because it made her happy. The purpose is to teach this kind of thinking and help it become a more natural part of everyday life.”

Create a vision board. Imagine what you and your family would like to accomplish in the year ahead. Either make a family vision board or individual ones. Grab a stack of old magazines, scissors, glue and poster board. Cut out inspiring words, quotes and pictures.

Ask each other questions like: “What are our dreams for the coming year?” “What do we want to see happen in our lives?” “What would an ideal vacation look like?”

Children watch their parents. They pick up on moods and beliefs.

A positive attitude is contagious — as is a negative attitude.

— DR. KRISTEN HENSLEY

Set intentions. Alongside your daily to-do list, make a “to-be” list. Every morning set your intention. Ask yourself “who am I willing to be today?” Kind? Loving? Generous?

Enthusiastic? “An intention is a laser focus for our energy.

When we claim who we are willing to be, we can be that,” McClellan says.

www.mistystagnonephotography.com www.facebook.com/mistystagnonephotography

Encourage quiet time. Quiet, unplugged time helps nurture creative thinking, problem-solving and stress reduction. Gear down before bedtime as a family. Read together, draw or watch a show. This time together helps kids decompress and gives them space to express worries, concerns or stories from the day.

Weigh the positive and negative. If your child is troubled by a situation at school or at home, encourage him to write down a positive thought about it on a card. On the opposite side, have him write the negative thought. “Then you can discuss with your child each side, how each makes him or her feel, and what the consequences of each side might be,” Hensley says. “Remind children that it’s OK to have negative thoughts and feelings. We just don’t want them to rule our lives.”

Play together. Experts agree, families who play together tend to be happier and more deeply connected.

Whether you throw the football, compete in a game of cards, dance to funky music in your living room, or make up games on a car ride, play will strengthen your relationship with each other.

Experiment with what works for your family. “All of these types of activities and rituals are very important because they’re modeling a positive attitude, building a healthy way of thinking and interacting with the world, and helping children understand the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviors,” Hensley says.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy and Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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TAKE THE MEMORABLE FAMILY MOMENTS SIMPLE PATH EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IDEAL FOR MAKING MEMORIES TOGETHER

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ducational activities and plans that allow kids to flex their brain muscles in fun and creative ways can be ideal ways to spend family time that makes lasting memories.

While children typically gain invaluable knowledge and experience in the classroom, purposeful activities done outside of that setting can help encourage kids to keep learning and make family moments more enjoyable for everyone involved.

From planning trips that celebrate animals and the great outdoors to rainy day activities at home that inspire creative expression, these ideas can produce some family moments worth remembering.

ORGANIZE A GAME DAY A play day can be just as fun as it is educational. Choose from a variety of games that can allow players to get extra creative. Options like Pictionary or charades tap into different types of creative skills, which can keep everyone engaged while they’re learning to express themselves effectively in new ways.

VISIT A NATIONAL PARK

GO ON A SCAVENGER HUNT From native species of plants, animals and insects to neighborhood landmarks, there are plenty of interesting things that can be found right in your own backyard.

Organize a scavenger hunt and work together in teams of family members to search for each item on the list, and do more research on the things you found once you return home. For a real challenge, expand your hunt to the city limits of your hometown and make a day trip of the adventure.

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Many park ranger programs provide opportunities to interact with the animals that live in the area, as well as information about any endangered animals and how you can help with conservation efforts.

While in the park, you can also enjoy a nature hike, have a picnic lunch and view the different species of plants in the region.

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ENJOY AN ARTS AND CRAFTS DAY Spending time doing an art project is a hands-on way to help introduce kids to new ideas and ways of learning. Engage the entire family by creating crafts with different subjects of interest. This can help create conversations and opportunities to further explore what your children are interested in.

HANG OUT WITH WILDLIFE Learn about different species of animals, how to help protect them and the importance of eco-friendly everyday practices. You can explore the challenges facing endangered species, discover how community programs are spurring positive change for conservation. After learning about animals that need help, you can visit zebrapen.com/aza for fun kids games, coloring pages and other activities that encourage creativity. Many animal sanctuaries and wildlife recovery centers also have endangered species and offer educational information about them.

CAPTURE MOMENTS THAT MATTER CREATE A FAMILY CALENDAR TO PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES TOGETHER Anticipating upcoming adventures is part of the fun. Let kids help you keep track of what’s coming up and build excitement with a personalized calendar. Make it a work of art by asking kids to draw icons or small images that depict upcoming activities.

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ake your family’s learning adventures more memorable by encouraging kids to capture their experiences on paper.

The practice of communicating on paper can help lock in memories, plus it’s a clever way for kids to practice practical skills in an engaging and productive way.

Adjust these ideas as needed to match the ability level of each child so the whole family can participate.

WRITE ABOUT EXPERIENCES IN A JOURNAL OR DIARY For older kids, encourage them to use words to describe their adventures. Ask younger kids to draw a scene or image that captured their attention or excited them the most.

SHARE EXPERIENCES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

TAKE PHOTOS TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY Get creative with your photo-taking by encouraging kids to think about the story they’ll tell through the images. It might be a series of selfies tackling exciting new activities or documenting a sibling’s first experience at the petting zoo.

Another way to capture photographic memories is a photo treasure hunt, where kids have a list of items to search for and photograph during each outing.

Let friends and family in on the fun by sharing your photos, drawings, dioramas and other creations online. Seeing the positive interaction and praise-filled comments from loved ones can help reinforce the value of creative expression to impressionable young minds.

CREATE SCRAPBOOKS TO HELP REMEMBER FAMILY MOMENTS Keep the pace of life from fading those precious memories by assembling scrapbooks to commemorate family adventures.

Make the scrapbook a family affair with everyone contributing their own creations.

FIND MORE IDEAS for capturing and sharing experiences at zebrapen.com.

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Calendar \ January 2020

WEDNESDAY 1

BLUE MAN GROUP January 19

As three bald and blue men explore the world, together you’ll discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. www.attpac.org

MLK PARADE

January 20

The March/Parade will feature approximately 250 entries from various community organizations, church groups, youth groups, nonprofit organizations, band/drill teams, colorful floats, and much more. www.dallasmlkcenter.com

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NHL Winter Classic: Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators 12:30-3:30pm The Dallas Stars will host the 12th NHL Winter Classic® in NHL history at the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Attractions will be open before and after the game at Cotton Bowl Plaza and The State Fair of Texas Midway. Pregame and postgame activities are scheduled from 8am-9pm (only ticketholders will have access to the pre and postgame activities. See website for more information. Tickets start at $55. www.nhl.com/stars/fans/ winter-classic#tickets Day 1 Dallas 3-7pm Day 1 Dallas is the first ever event on New Year’s Day created for families to have fun together! Fireworks, magic acts, face painting and so much more! Historically, this event was held at Fair Park in Dallas, but this year it’s been moved to FRISCO! Now all of the exciting family friendly activities will be held at Dr Pepper Ballpark and the Embassy Suites Convention Center. $5. 7600 John Q Hammons Dr, Frisco www. vogelalcove.org Snowday 10am-8pm Snowday is an immersive experience inspired by the spirit of the holidays.

Guests are invited to navigate their way through an imaginative wonderland of festive photo ops, enchanted rooms, interactive spaces and loads of

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nostalgic moments and even experience possible encounters with Santa or one of his elves! Photo booths will be integrated throughout the exhibit. Open Monday–Wednesday 10am–8pm, Thursday–Saturday 10am–10pm, Sunday noon–8pm.Tickets are $30 for adults, $22 for children, $25 for groups of 10 or more, and kids 3 and under are free.

Through Jan. 5. The Plaza at Preston Center, 8314 Preston Center Plaza Drive, Dallas www.snowdaydallas.com InterSkate - Free Skate 1-10pm Bring the whole family to InterSkate for free general admission on New Year’s Day! Rental fees still apply: $2 quad/$5 inline rental. 1408 Texas 121 Business, Lewisville www.interskate.net

THURSDAY 2 Tech the Halls 10am-5pm Celebrate the joy of engineering this holiday season. Test your engineering skills with augmented reality robot hockey, insulation design using a thermal camera, snowflake races, chats about Arctic dinosaur fossils, and other fun, winter-themed engineering activities. All activities are included with general admission.

Through Jan. 5. Perot Museum, 2201 N Field St., Dallas www. perotmuseum.org Dallas Zoo Lights 5-9pm Each night through Jan.5, after the animals head in for the evening, the Dallas

Zoo will transform into a winter wonderland with over one million twinkling lights illuminating ZooNorth throughout the holiday season. Included with admission. Dallas Zoo, 550 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas www.dallaszoo.com/ exhibits-experiences/zoolights Christmas at the White House 2007 9am-5pm Christmas at the White House 2007: Holiday in the National Parks is an exhibit you won’t want to miss. Visitors will get a glimpse into the magical White House holiday celebration of 2007 that highlighted America’s national parks. Through Jan. 5. George Bush Presidential Center, 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas www.bushcenter.org/exhibits-and-events/exhibits/2019/ holidays.html

FRIDAY 3 The Adventures of Tinkerbelle 7-8:30pm Get ready for some pixie dust headed your way as The Adventures of Tinkerbelle comes to life on stage. The Plano Metropolitan Ballet promises to give patrons a magical experience, with a cast of favorites including Peter Pan, Captain Hook and her scurvy crew, and Tinkerbelle’s beautiful fairy sisters. After the show, the whole cast will be out in the lobby to give autographs and take pictures with everyone. $18. Through Jan. 18. Courtyard Theater, 1509 Avenue H, Plano www. planometballet.org

SATURDAY 4 The Trains at NorthPark 10am-9pm The Trains at NorthPark showcase more than 750 railcars on a 1,600foot elaborate configuration of tracks and scenes. This holiday tradition is located on level two, between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. $7 adults; $4 children ages 2–12 and free for children under 2. Through Jan. 5. NorthPark Center, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas www. thetrainsatnorthpark.com Always…Patsy Cline 7:30-9pm Always…Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in the early sixties.

The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honkytonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Tickets start at $15. Artisan Center Theater, 444 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst www. artisanct.com Free First Saturdays 11am-5pm Look, learn and love your time at the Nasher every first Saturday of the month.

Bring the whole crew to create, discover and make new memories together. Each month features a rotating schedule of things to see and do. Guests can make art, sketch, and learn about current art exhibits.

Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St, Dallas www. nashersculpturecenter.org

SUNDAY 5 Lone Star Christmas and ICE! Featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas 9am-7:30pm Final day to be amazed by ICE!, an indoor winter wonderland with two-story ice slides and larger-than-life ice sculptures of Charlie Brown and friends in this walk-through exhibit carved from more than two million pounds of ice. There’s also ice skating, 12 lanes of

snow tubing, a Gingerbread Decorating Corner, Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends, and scavenger hunts. Ticket prices vary by activity. See website for more information.

1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ christmas-capital-of-texas/icelone-star-christmas Gift of Lights 6-10pm Final evening for the mile-long LED light show, a giant, glittering, dancing show of lights that line the road as you drive through the iconic raceway. After driving the show, patrons can experience the magic of the holidays in Santa’s Village. Enjoy pictures with Santa, ice skating, train rides, concessions and more. 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth www. giftoflightstexas.com

MONDAY 6 Texas Christkindl Market Ice Rink 4-9pm The market may be over but the Ice Rink remains open through Jan12. Check website for more information. $16 includes skate rental. 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington www.txchristkindlmarket.com

TUESDAY 7 The Color Purple 7:30-10pm Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South.

Recommended for ages 12+.

Run time 2 hours 25 minutes with intermission. Tickets start at $20. Through Jan. 12. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas www. attpac.org/on-sale/2020/ the-color-purple Nature’s Art – the Mineral Beauty of China 10am-5pm Collecting rocks and stone carvings has been popular in China for thousands of years. The country’s abundant mineral resources were historically used for industrial purposes only until the mid-

1980’s. Marvel at breathtaking specimens including a metallic masterpiece of stibnite, feetshaped azurite and malachite, a mountainous fluorite covered in snow-like calcite and much more. This special exhibit is included with General Admission. Through Sept. 7. Perot Museum, 2201 N Field St., Dallas www.perotmuseum.org

will have a ball in the fun run.

Race fee starts at $30. Visit website for more information on pricing and registration. Addison Conference and Theatre Centre 15650 Addison Rd, Addison www.runproject.org

Plaza Comunitaria 5-6pm Plaza Comunitaria Norte Dallas provides adult basic education for Spanish speakers.Fretz Park Library, 6990 Belt Line Rd, Dallas www. dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/ events/plaza-comunitaria-213

Teen Fun and Games 3-5pm Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month to play Board Games and/or Card Games. Feel free to join a game with other attendees or even to just bring your own games for you and friends to enjoy. We look forward to having you and having lots of fun! Fretz Park Branch Library, 6990 Belt Line Rd, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/teen-fretzparks-fun-and-games-3

THURSDAY 9

SUNDAY 12

Crafternoon- Chinese New Year 3:30-5pm Prepare for the Year of the Rat with an afternoon of Chinese New Year themed-crafting. We provide supplies, you provide your creativity and imagination! Best for ages 5 and up. Audelia Road Branch Library, 10045 Audelia Road, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/crafternoon-chinese-new-year-edition

The Color Purple 7-9:30pm Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South.

Recommended for ages 12+.

Run time 2 hours 25 minutes with intermission. Tickets start at $20. Through Jan. 12. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas www.attpac.org

WEDNESDAY 8

FRIDAY 10 Texas Christkindl Market Ice Rink 4-9pm The market may be over but the Ice Rink remains open through Jan12. Check website for more information. $16 includes skate rental. 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington www.txchristkindlmarket.com

SATURDAY 11 Hotcake Hustle 8-10:30am Start the new year off right by running the Hotcake Hustle, the first event in the Run Project Series. Enjoy pancakes, great music, a beer garden (for those 21 or older), and free goodies from sponsors. Participants can choose between 5K or 10K while kids

MONDAY 13 Always…Patsy Cline 7:30-9pm Always…Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in the early sixties.

The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Tickets start at $15. Artisan Center Theater, 444 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst www.artisanct.com

TUESDAY 14 Bilingual/Spanish Story Time 10:30-11am Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish to get ready to read! Suggested ages: 6

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TIME OUT Birthdays

years old and under. Lakewood Branch Library, Lakewood Branch Library, 6121 Worth Street, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket. com/events/bilingual-spanish-story-time-hora-de-cuentos-98

WEDNESDAY 15

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Adelynn \ 2 December 27

Dear Martin: Letters to Dr. Martin Luther King 4-5pm Just like Nic Stone’s main character in the novel, Dear Martin, program participants can write letters, poems or short messages to the late Dr. King.

Patrons can express their gratitude or concerns about today’s society and what the civil rights leader envisioned. For ages 6-11.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch Library, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas www.dallaslibrary. librarymarket.com/events/dearmartin-letters-dr-king

THURSDAY 16

Adam \ 7 January 3

Lillian \ 2 January 23

Alana \ 12 January 30

SUBMIT

Upload your Birthday Kids picture @ suburbanparent.com Submit by 10th of the month prior to their birthday.

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I Have a Dream Unity Program 3:30-4:30pm Honor Martin Luther King Jr. with stories, collaborative crafts to decorate the library and a chance to share your MLK Jr. inspired-dream. Best for ages 5 and up! Audelia Road Branch Library,10045 Audelia Road, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket. com/events/martin-luther-king-jr-ihave-dream-unity-program

FRIDAY 17 FW Stock Show 8am-10pm Twenty-three days of fun-filled entertainment. You won’t want miss out on the experience of what makes Fort Worth the most awesome city in Texas.

General grounds admission: $12 adults; $5 children ages 6–16; free for age 5 and younger. Additional tickets required for rodeo competitions. The state-of-the-art Dickies Arena, which is located adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center campus, will host concerts, sporting events and family entertainment, and will be the new home to Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. Through Feb. 8. Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3400 Burnett Tandy Dr, Fort Worth www.fwssr.com

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FW Stock Show Rodeo 7:30-9:30pm Settle in your seats for authentic action as top ranches compete for the “Best of the West” title in seven exciting events. A round of Justin Mutton Bustin’®, always a crowd favorite, is also set each evening. See website for ticket information. Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth www.fwssr.com/events/rodeos

SATURDAY 18 FW Stock Show Parade 11am-12pm Join us downtown to see 2,000+ horses joined by marching bands, floats and dignitaries in the “One and Only, Equine - Powered, All-Western Parade.” Your parade seat ticket is good for general admission to the Stock Show grounds on any day during the 23-day run. Rodeo performances not included.

Reserved seating from $15.

Reserved seats are located along Main St., adjacent to Sundance Plaza www.fwssr.com

SUNDAY 19 Blue Man Group 1:30-3pm At Blue Man Group, you’ll rock, laugh and party. As three bald and blue men explore the world, together you’ll discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Blue Man Group continually offers new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics. Run time 90 minutes with no intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets start at $25.

For tickets and more information, visit the website. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St, Dallas www. attpac.org

MONDAY 20 MLK Parade 10-11am The 38th Annual MLK March/Parade will be held on Monday, January 20, 2020, starting from Holmes Street and MLK Jr. Blvd. The March/Parade will feature approximately 250

entries from various community organizations, church groups, youth groups, nonprofit organizations, band/drill teams, colorful floats, and much more. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2922 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas www.dallasmlkcenter. com/2020-mlk-march-parade PJ Masks Live 1-3pm PJ Masks Live is back with an all new super-heroic, live musical show, featuring the heroic trio from your favorite series.

Leaping, flipping and climbing, this performance is complete with your favorite music and brand new songs you’ve never heard before! Tickets from $25. Tickets sold separately for meet and greets after the show. Includes a photo opportunity with three heroes, a PJ Masks souvenir bag and a free download card for the original cast. See website for more information. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St, Dallas www.attpac.org

TUESDAY 21 Toddler Storytime 10:30-11am Practice the skills you need to be ready to read. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn. Suggested ages: 18 months - 3 years old Preston Royal Branch Library 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas www.dallaslibrary. librarymarket.com/node/106606

WEDNESDAY 22 Baby Basics Storytime 11am-12pm Babies and their caregivers are invited to learn simple rhymes, sing songs, and read books designed to stimulate infants. Suggested ages: 0 - 18 months. Bachman Lake Branch Library, 9480 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas www.dallaslibrary. librarymarket.com/events/baby-basics-storytime-988

THURSDAY 23 Origins – Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind 10am-5pm Come see Origins – Fossils from the Cradle of Humankind at the Perot Museum of Nature

and Science. The 5,000-squarefoot exhibition will explore the discovery of fossils that have never been displayed outside of South Africa. The exhibition will feature interactive experiences, a simulated excavation site, and the intriguing stories of the diverse, multinational scientific teams who excavated both discoveries. This special exhibition requires a surcharge for members and non-members.

Members: $7. Non-members: $21–30. Thru March 22. Perot Museum, 2201 N Field St, Dallas www.origins.perotmuseum.org

FRIDAY 24 Daddy Daughter Dance: Return to Arendelle 7-9pm Dads and princesses everywhere are cordially invited to return to Arendelle for the most anticipated Royal Snow Ball of the year! Please come accompany Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf for a wonderfully enchanting evening of singing and dancing the night away along with a castle full of fun activities. Dinner and dessert provided. See website for full menu. Register online by January 22. Space is limited. Tickets will not be sold at the door. $20 each for Grapevine residents; $25 each for nonresidents. For ages 2 to 18-year-old girls and their adult companion. Compass Church, 4201 Pool Rd, Grapevine www.

GoGrapevine.com/DaddyDaughter Auto Swap Meet Traders Village is celebrating 45 years of fun at Traders Village!

Come experience the Traders Village Auto Swap Meet on Jan. 24-25. Don’t miss this opportunity to come out and browse through the vendors selling a large variety merchandise related to the automobile industry.

Admission to Traders Village is FREE and it’s just $4.00 to park. 2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie www.tradersvillage.com

SATURDAY 25 Dallas Bridal Show 10am-5pm The Dallas Bridal Show is a very well-established

consumer trade show giving brides a one-stop wedding planning experience to plan their complete wedding. It will feature over 300 Wedding Businesses with everything to plan your Perfect Wedding, Fashion Shows, Door Prizes and Giveaways, New Wedding Trends etc.

Tickets start at $6. Dallas Market Hall www.facebook.com/events/ dallas-market-hall/dallas-bridal-show/400101727562052 Schoolhouse Rock Live!

1:30-3pm If you were a kid from the early 70s to mid 80s when this series was first on TV, or in the mid 90s when it ran again; you owe it to yourself to go back in time to the good old days.

Relive how fun learning English, history, science, and math was thanks to Saturday morning television and this pop culture phenomenon. Join nervous school teacher Tom, and all of those crazy cartoon characters, for a turn-up-the-volume blast you won’t soon forget.

Recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets from $17. Through Feb. 23. DCT, 5938 Skillman St., Dallas www.dct.org/plays ArtROCKS! 1-4pm ArtROCKS!, NorthPark Center’s free art program for children, introduces the world’s most famous artists through engaging and creative activities.

Join us as we celebrate Lunar New Year through the exploration of the work of Zhang Xiaogang, a Chinese surrealist artist known for his interpretations of Chinese culture and identity, often through depictions of family portraiture. Children will enjoy art projects, including a special project by the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas. Free. 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas www. northparkcenter.com/events KidFilm Festival The USA Film Festival/Dallas will present the 36th Annual KidFilm Family Festival, the oldest and largest all-ages film festival in the United States, at the Angelika Film Center.

The program will feature an entertaining, educational and diverse line-up of new and

favorite films for audiences of all ages as well as appearances by favorite children’s book authors. All programs are free to the community. Tickets are available on a first-come, firstserved basis beginning one hour before each showtime.

See website for the complete film schedule. Angelika Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas www.filmfreeway. com/KidFilmFestival

WEDNESDAY 29 STEM-n-Stories 3:30-4:30pm This program offers young children (approximately ages 3-8) an opportunity to explore STEM concepts through hands-on activities. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas www.dallaslibrary. librarymarket.com/events/stem-nstories-141

SUNDAY 26

THURSDAY 30

Dallas Teen Film Festival Screening and Award Ceremony 1-4pm Come watch and enjoy the films submitted to the Dallas Teen Film Festival. J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young Street, Dallas www.dallaslibrary. librarymarket.com/events/ dallas-teen-film-festival-screening-and-award-ceremony

Magic Tree House: Showtime with Shakespeare 10:30-12pm Based on the critically-acclaimed book series, this tuneful tale is a hip-hop hit with kids and grown-ups alike. ​ Tickets are $10. Through Jan. 31. Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St, Dallas www.attpac.org

MONDAY 27 Nature’s Art – the Mineral Beauty of China 10am-5pm Collecting rocks and stone carvings has been popular in China for thousands of years. The country’s abundant mineral resources were historically used for industrial purposes only until the mid1980’s. Marvel at breathtaking specimens including a metallic masterpiece of stibnite, feetshaped azurite and malachite, a mountainous fluorite covered in snow-like calcite and much more. This special exhibit is included with General Admission. Through Sept. 7. Perot Museum, 2201 N Field St., Dallas www.perotmuseum.org

TUESDAY 28 Bilingual/Spanish Story Time 10:30-11am Stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish to get ready to read! Suggested ages: 6 years old and under. Lakewood Branch Library,6121 Worth Street, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/ events/bilingual-spanish-storytime-hora-de-cuentos-98

FRIDAY 31 Speechless: Different by Design 11am-5pm Created in collaboration with designers, scholars, and scientists, speechless presents unique opportunities for discovering new perspectives through communications beyond speech and words.

Requires a $16 ticket with discounts for seniors, students, and military. DMA Members and children 11 and under are free. Through Mar. 22. 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas www.dma. org/speechless

SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 1 The BIG Preschool Expo 10am-1pm Discover 35+ Midcities area schools, extracurriculars, and family-friendly businesses all under one roof!

All proceeds benefit I Can Still Shine. Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst www. facebook.com/events/hurst-conference-center/the-big-preschool-epo-2020/210809 8686161199

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FUN STUFF New year, new ways

KIDS VIEW ON NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

SAY WHAT?

We explained New Year’s Resolutions to some area kids, and this is what they decided they would like to work on for 2020.

GIVE THESE TONGUE TWISTERS A TRY! - A skunk sat on a stump and thunk the stump stunk, but the stump thunk the skunk stunk.

- Betty Botter bought a bit of butter but the bit of butter was too bitter, so Betty bought a better bit of butter to make the bitter butter better.

- If a dog chews shoes, whose shoes does he choose?

- I thought a thought. But the thought I thought wasn’t the thought I thought I thought.

- Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair, then Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he?

HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID...

Maybe listen to my parents more. They would love that. — Lindsey, age 12 I should help my mom around the house more.

— Candace, age 10 Be kind. Be good. Be nice. I pretty sure I can do ALL those things. — Adam, age 5 Well, I don’t know how to be any better than I am. I’m just a kid! — Janice, age 5 Give hugs to everyone. — Kyra, age 5

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM I took my 3 year old grandson to see the new Frozen 2 movie. When the characters in the film kept referring to “the spirits,” my grandson leaned over to me and whispered, “They talking about Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Amen?”

— Rhonda, aka Gamma to 2

, what’s a li e n r o Hey C r favorite you ay? holid

New Ears Day!

oes a What d say on ghost ry 1st?

Janua HAPPY BOO YEAR

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WHOLESOME ENDING Rise and Shine

TOO EARLY TO EAT? WHILE IT’S IMPORTANT TO FUEL UP FOR THE DAY, SOME KIDS JUST AREN’T HUNGRY FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. So try moving breakfast to the last thing you do before leaving. That may give them enough time to wake up and feel hunger. Or, offer lighter fare like a smoothie, yogurt with fruit, or toast with nut butter. Even better, ask them ahead of time what they think sounds good for breakfast. Note, it doesn’t have to be breakfast food.

Cut down sugar intake Studies show that kids consume three times the recommended daily limit, which causes serious health problems. The American Heart Association issued its recommendations on added sugar urging parents to make sure children (2 to 18) are eating fewer than six teaspoons per day.

Read the nutrition labels carefully.

BRING ON THE DRIED FRUIT

Keep those dried fruits - you know, the ones that are considered nature’s gifts and were on your party platter. Did you know you could dry your own fruits? If you are not interested in the dehydrating process, consider already dried fruits often. They are loaded with micronutrients, fiber and antioxidants! Raisins, Dates, Prunes, Figs, Apricots and more are already dehydrated. Also, these fruits can be preserved longer than fresh fruit – less throw away. Keep in mind – dried fruit contains up to 3.5 times the fiber, vitamins and minerals of fresh fruit!

Pilfering the pantry

You can make something out of nothing, just by standing in front of your pantry! It's also a great way for kids to get involved with making snacks and even dinners! Hey, most people have canned tuna in the pantry! Get the blender out and add Greek yogurt, a bit of salt and some green veggies, like spinach, cilantro, avocado, green onion and maybe some jalapeno. Blend to make a green sauce. Then mix sauce with drained tuna.

Not a fan of tuna? Use shredded cooked chicken! Serve on a tostada or English muffin.

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