Family & Kids Chatt Valley Feb 17

FEBRUARY 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor Page 30

Teaching the Heart of Christ in the Heart of Columbus.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

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HOO’s PARENTING

BEDTIME ROUTINE FOR KIDS For many parents, one of the top power struggles is the nightly bedtime battle with their kids. Issues like being afraid of the dark can sometimes be the root cause of bedtime struggles with younger children.

However, for many school-aged kids, the bedtime battle is simply an effort to assert their independence or perhaps a symptom of being overstimulated. Here are some tips on how to retain your parental authority over the bedtime schedule and ensure your school-aged child gets the sleep he needs to stay healthy.

Establish a bedtime routine in order to keep transition to bedtime as consistent and pleasant as possible. One essential part to your bedtime routine is creating a peaceful, quiet environment well before ‘lights out’ time. Dim the lights 30 minutes before bedtime, and turn off the TV and video games. Don’t allow your child to take electronics into his room with him. If your child is afraid of the dark, you can put a nightlight in his room, but choose one that is dim.

Some parents use a star chart to help their kids complete all steps necessary to get ready for bed. A star chart that includes tasks like ‘Take bath without an argument’ and ‘Brushes teeth’ can help kids remember what is next and feel a sense of accomplishment when goals for the day have been completed. Be sure to attach some sort of daily and weekly award to completed charts. It could be as simple as an extra few minutes for another bedtime story with you or extra video game time on the weekend.

Make bedtime fun by including some special time with you in your child’s routine. Let him know that if he completes all his tasks to get ready for bed without delay, he will have time left before ‘lights out’ to choose a book to read with you and talk with you about his day. However, when it is time for ‘lights out’, be firm or your child may attempt to stay up later by asking for ‘one last story’ or ‘one last drink of water.’

School-aged kids need about 9 to 11 hours of sleep a night, so backwards plan their bedtime based on the time they have to wake up. If your child is hard to wake and is cranky all day, yet won’t fall asleep at night, he probably needs an earlier bedtime.

Medical issues such as snoring and trouble breathing at night can also cause your child to be overly tired and interfere with his sleep routine.

Ask the doctor for help with any medical issues that are keeping your child from sleeping well.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, handy resources and fun features.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www.

HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.

AD DEADLINES

The 1st of the month for the next month’s issue

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 18

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 23

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 & 31

hoo’s Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 27

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13

hoo’s Picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7

hoo Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 5

hoo’s tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9

HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.

Where to Find HOO? Publix: Columbus & Phenix City Chick fil-A: Columbus & Phenix City Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops.

Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.

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www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO knew?

The Amazing Heart The heart has four chambers, the left and right atrium and the left and right ventricles. Did you know the word ‘atrium’ is the Latin word for entrance hall and ‘ventricle’ is the Latin word for little belly? So, there’s a little belly inside our hearts…interesting.

l l l l l l l l l l l

The heart weighs between 7 and 15 ounces (about 200 to 425 grams) which is about the same as a bottle of Heinz Ketchup! Pick up a bottle of ketchup and you’ll be able to feel how much your heart actually weighs.

l l l l l

l l Did you know that when you listen to music your heartbeat changes and it takes on the same beat as what you’re listening to? So when you’re listening to super-fast music your heart beats faster and slower when you listen to calming music. Amazing huh?

Blood entering the heart is darker due to lack of oxygen and when it is pumped back out of the heart, it is much brighter red, because it is full of oxygen.

l l l l

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SHOPPING GUIDE activities Academy Dance.................................. 14 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.....11 iCON Wrestling...................................22 Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair.....32 Performance Dance Centre..............11 Prodigy Dance Centre.......................25 The Columbus Museum................... 12

Childcare/ education Brookstone School.............................28 Calvary Christian...............................30 East West Carlson Gracie Team....... 2 TELL First Presbyterian DayTHEM School.......28 Glenwood School...............................29 Grace Christian School....................29 Growing Room....................................26 SENT YOU! Kumon...................................................29 Lakewood Child Development ......26 Mathnasium........................................29 Night Owl Kids Care.......................... 14 St. Luke Schools.................................30 Sylvan Learning Center...................29 Westminster Christian.....................27

healthcare Columbus Counseling......................22 Columbus Spine & Performance...22 Comprehensive Women’s Care...... 12 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Dr. Alberto Lugo, DMD......................22 Family Counseling of Columbus.... 11 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 25 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...20 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 19

Home/ Handy Mary Varner, Realtor......................... 14 Turfscapes Lawncare........................22 Warehouse World Mini Storage.....22

Shopping/ Retail Columbus Kids Market....................... 9 In This Place With God - Book.......22 Jessica Fowler Photography..........22 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................ 12 Once Upon A Child - Resale........... 18 Yola’s Coffee & Cafe.............................. 7

food & beverage Chick-fil-A............................................20 Chill Yogurt Cafe.................................. 8

TELL THEM SENT YOU!

VENDOR BOOTHS NOW ON SALE! 7th Annual Kids Camp & Summer Fun Fair y March 12 - National Infantry Museum Call2T1a2m-7m270 Powered by: Family & Kids and MuscogeeMoms.com

253-

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HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE road trip This adorable game is perfect for your toddler. Featuring a dozen quirky vehicles, a handful of characters and destinations to pick from, with no time limits, no inapp purchases, and no wifi needed! It is everything you want in a kid’s app.

eat sleep This app is designed to track your baby’s eating, sleeping, and diaper habits so you don’t have to mess with timers, alarms, or typing. All the important stuff can be entered with a one-finger tap. You can also track more than one child at a time.

white noise baby Sooth your baby to dreamland with a little white noise. Sounds on the app range from a car ride to a vacuum cleaner, all looped for seamless ongoing play. Put it in Baby Mode to avoid naptime interruptions. Then turn your smart phone into a high-contrast rattle to soothe baby when you’re out and about.

brain pop Give kids the chance to explore hundreds of subjects on a mobile device. It does have in-app purchases, but you don’t need to buy things to enjoy this award-winning app. You may even be able to use your school’s login to access more content. There is also a Jr. edition for younger kids and an ESOL version.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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’

Talking!

Saying "Thank You" Spanish: Gracias German: Danke sehr Japanese: Domo Arigato French: Merci Italian: Grazie Hawaiian: Mahalo Russian: Spasiba Chinese: Do jeh, daw-dyeh

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. h o o k n o w s t h e v a l l e y. c o m

Ayden, 2 years Columbus

Melody, 6 years Columbus

Keanu, 14 months FT Benning

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Hoo’s Tips BENEFITS OF MAKING YOUR OWN BABY FOOD Commercially prepared baby food is purified by heating it to very high temperatures, which can destroy many of the nutrients in fruits and veggies.

Also, commercially prepared baby food may contain extra salt, sugar, and additives.

The variety of healthy fruit and vegetables included in commercially prepared baby food is rather limited. By being able to select fresh fruits and veggies, preparing them for the family, and then turning some into a homemade baby food puree, your baby is introduced to a wider variety of flavors of nutritious foods. He will also get used to eating what the rest of the family is eating.

Preparing homemade baby food can be more economical than buying commercially prepared baby food. It is easy to prepare batches of baby food and store it in ice cube trays in the freezer, so all you have to do is thaw a serving when you are short on time.

homemade

babyfood HOW TO GET STARTED Although some parents do invest in baby food making systems, all you need at first is a food processor or a potato masher, and ice cube trays for freezing.

• Wash fruits and veggies well and peel them • Steam or microwave fruits and veggies. This will preserve the most nutrients. Add a little water or breast milk and puree until smooth in the food processor. As your baby matures, you can start leaving a little more texture in the food.

• Store fresh homemade baby food in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.

• Warm the food back up at mealtime and let it cool before serving it.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’S at the Movies THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+

In the spirit of irreverent fun that made The LEGO Movie a worldwide hit, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – gets his own big screen adventure. There are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Directed by Chris McKay, this movie stars Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes.

the great wall PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by visual stylist Zhang Yimou (“Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers”), this movie tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou, this is the largest film ever shot entirely in China. “The Great Wall” also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.

rock dog Rated PG | Ok for kids 6+

The Tibetan Mastiffs living on Snow Mountain have one goal: guard a peaceful village of wool-making sheep from the thuggish wolf Linnux (Lewis Black) and his rabid pack. To avoid distractions, Mastiff leader Khampa (J.K. Simmons) forbids all music from the mountain. But when his son Bodi (Luke Wilson) discovers a radio dropped by a passing airplane, it takes just a few guitar licks for his fate to be sealed: Bodi wants to be a rock star. But that means defying his father’s wishes, heading to the city, and locating the legendary musician Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard), who needs to write a new song and fast. If Bodi can put a band together, help Angus with his song, and defeat the wolves; his life will be in tune.

collide PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

After a heist goes terribly wrong, Casey Stein (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself on the run from a ruthless gang headed by mob boss Hagen (Anthony Hopkins). Now Casey has precious cargo that belongs to Hagen, who will stop at nothing to retrieve it. Left with no choice, Casey calls his former employer and drug smuggler Geran (Ben Kingsley) to protect his long-time girlfriend Juliette before Hagen gets his hands on her. Casey embarks on an adrenaline-fueled car chase on the German highways to save the love of his life before it’s too late. Directed by Eran Creevy, this movie also stars Felicity Jones.

the space between us PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

A space shuttle embarks on a mission to colonize Mars, only to discover after takeoff that one of the astronauts is pregnant. Shortly after landing, she dies from complications while giving birth to the first human born on the red planet – never revealing who the father is. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Gardner Elliot – an inquisitive, highly intelligent boy who reaches the age of 16 having only met 14 people.

While searching for clues about his father and the home planet he’s never known, Gardner begins an online friendship with a street-smart girl in Colorado named Tulsa. When he finally gets a chance to go to Earth, he’s eager to find his father and experience all of the wonders of the planet. But all doesn’t go as planned.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

February 11

1o A.M.-Noon | FREE! Guest artist: Melissa McCoy Featured book: Micawher

by John Lithgow Discover connections between art and nature. Enjoy painting your own work art using natural objects Story time: 11 a.m.

We are expecting

Y ou!

Maria V. Gonzaga, MD OB/GYN

1900 10th Ave. Suite 300 Columbus, GA (706) 341-3311 | comprehensivewomenscare.com

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HOO’s HEALTHY

the benefits of music therapy Can music therapy help young children and adolescents suffering from depression? A new study finds that allowing children to create their own music can help them recover from depression and low-self esteem.

In a study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, scientists at Bournemouth University in England and Queen’s University Belfast recruited 251 children between the ages of 8 and 16 years old. All the children were being treated for emotional, developmental or behavioral problems. The study included 128 children that received a typical treatment program, and 123 that received music therapy in addition to typical treatment. The research took place between March 2011 and May 2014.

Children assigned to the experimental group received the Alvin model of “free improvisation,” which encouraged them to create their own music and sound using their voice, instrument, or movement while receiving encouragement. Instruments included guitars, keyboards, drums, and xylophones.

According to the authors, participants treated with the supplementary music therapy had significantly reduced depression and higher self-esteem than those who were treated with typical methods only. Children treated with music therapy also had improved communicative and interactive skills.

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

Early findings indicate that the benefits are sustained in the long term.

“This study is hugely significant in terms of determining effective treatments for children and young people with behavioral problems and mental health needs,” first author Sam Porter said in a press release. “The findings contained in our report should be considered by healthcare providers and commissioners when making decisions about the sort of care for young people that they wish to support.”

It’s not surprising that creating music can help lift depression. Music is feeling. Composers, songwriters and instrumentalists use music to express all kinds of emotions from joy and excitement to grief and loneliness. Love, or the lack of it, is the most written about human experience. Rhythm and movement can give expression to deeply held convictions or emotions. Allowing children to express those emotions with music in a safe environment may help break the loop of insecurities and fears in their head.

“Music therapy has often been used with children and young people with particular mental health needs, but this is the first time its effectiveness has been shown by a definitive randomized controlled trial in a clinical setting,” music therapy partner Ciara Reilly said. “The findings are dramatic and underscore the need for music therapy to be made available as a mainstream treatment option.”

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dining Deals

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With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

MOE’s Southwest Grill

5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entrée (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

sunday

Zaxby’s

Free kid’s meal with every $8 purchase

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Stevi B’s Pizza

Steak & Shake

Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Tuesday Atlanta Bread Company

Texas Roadhouse

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entrée (certain holidays are excluded)

5pm-close: Free kid’s meal with an adult meal

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.

Monday-Friday Steak & Shake Happy Hour, 1/2 price shakes or drinks from 2-5pm

Denny’s

4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée. For kids 10 and under

every day

Ruby Tuesday

Golden Corral

5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

TGI Friday’s

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

wednesDAY Applebee’s Kids’ meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids per adult

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice.

Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

FEBRUARY PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

2 Family Fun Day. 10:30am- 7 Noon. Peachtree Mall

2 Seussical.

7pm. RiverCenter; rivercenter.org

2-3

Columbus Cottonmouths game. 7:30pm. $9$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

2-5

Jack and the Wonder Beans. CSU Riverside Theatre, 901 Front Ave; 706-507-8444 or theatre.columbusstate.edu

4

Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus; 706-3229240. Phenix City; 334-2972045

4 Puppy Tales. 10:30am.

North Columbus Library; cvlga.org 4 Disney Reads Day. 11am.

Barnes & Noble; 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

Columbus Cottonmouths game. 7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com 10am. Columbus Library, 3000 Macon Rd; lllofga.org/columbus.html

8 Family Fun Food Night with

Historic Westville. 6pm. Registration required. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 or cvlga.org

9 I Saw the Sign: ASL Storytime. 4pm. North Columbus Library; cvlga.org

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Columbus Cottonmouths game. 7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

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Second Saturday. 10amNoon. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

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lumbus Library; cvlga.org

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Minecraft Monday. 4pm.

Free. North Columbus Library; cvlga.org

Columbus Cottonmouths game. 7:30pm. $9$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com

8 La Leche League meeting. 18

Tween Art Class. 4pm. ages 8-11. North Columbus Library; cvlga.org

4 Kids’ Yoga. 11:30am. Co-

17-18

MOPS. 9:30-11:30am.

Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way; 706-323-4374 or wynnbrookbaptist.com

Fancy Nancy Tea Party.

10:30am. South Columbus Library; cvlga.org

21 Face 2 Face Teen Support Group. 6pm. Free. Ages 1318. Columbus Counseling Assoc; ccacolumbus.com

22

Columbus Kids Market.

10am-5pm. Central Baptist Church; columbuskidsmarket. com/index.html

23 I Saw the Sign: ASL Storytime. 4pm. North Columbus Library; cvlga.org

23

Columbus Kids Market.

2pm-8pm. Central Baptist; columbuskidsmarket.com

24 Columbus Kids Market.

10am-8pm. Central Baptist; columbuskidsmarket.com/index.html 24

Friday Family Flicks: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” (PG13). 3pm. South Columbus Library; cvlga.org

Y EVENTS 25 Columbus Kids Market.

8am-1pm. Central Baptist; columbuskidsmarket.com 25 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:3011:30am. Free. Ages 8-17.

Columbus Airport; 706-3236565 or youngeagles.com/ flightplan/flight.asp 25 Columbus Cottonmouths game. 7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com 26 Columbus Comic Book Show. 11am-4pm. $4. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; ccssc.org 28 Family Night at Your Li-

brary. 6:30pm. Mildred Terry Library; cvlga.org/attend-it/

WEEKLY EVENTS WEDNESDAY

Creative Crawlers. 10:30am.

A drop-in social hour that encourages children to learn through play and art. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org

MOPS & MOPS NEXT. 6-8pm.

Philadelphia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smith Station; 303-374-4912 or pbcministry.com

THURSDAY

MOPS. 9am-Noon. First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Avenue, Columbus; columbusfpc.org/mops Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880 Family Craft Night. 6:45pm.

Columbus Library; cvlga.org

FRIDAY

MOPS. 9:15-11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist Church, 500 River Knoll Way; 706-323-4374 (1st & 3rd Friday) Toddler Time. 10am-Noon.

Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com Kids Night Out. $10. 6pm practice. 7pm competition.

Ages 5-18. Bows not provided. Archery Connection; 334480-9997 or archeryconnection.net

SATURDAY

Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

10am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

SUNDAY

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon.

Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more info, visit www.Muscogeemoms.com

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org 706-243-2669

Phenix City-Russell County 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City www.phenixcitylibrary.com 334-297-1139

Troup-Harris

706-628-4685 www.thclibrary.net

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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mini-me looks Trendsetter styles.

Cash for clothes.

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 | 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com |

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

HOO’s CRAFTY ADORABLE BFF

JEWELRY ORGANIZER This is a great little “girl’s day” project to do with your girls and their BFFs. And when they are done, they will have a craft they can use and cherish.

DIRECTIONS Remove the back and glass from the frames. Then trace the glass insert on a woven placemat using a marker. Cut out the pieces using scissors.

Cover the inside edges of the frames with glue and add the placemat pieces; let dry completely.

Put the frames together, paint a red heart that’s divided between the two frames; let dry completely. Paint “BEST FRIENDS” in white paint, dividing the letters between the frames; let dry, then give your BFF the other half and add your pins or earrings.

SUPPLIES 2 wide-edge frames 1 woven placemat Markers/ scissors super glue red and white paint paint brushes pins and earrings

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HOO’s Fun

Maze of Love

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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PEDIATRICS at brookstone centre 701.571.9699

Richard Mansfield, D.O. FAAP < Amy Cool, M.D. FAAP < Farzana Malik, MD, FAAP < Trina Williamson, FNP <

2001 Brookstone Centre Pky, Columbus, GA

pediatricsatbrookstonecentre.com

HOOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLUGGED IN WWW.HoOKNOWSTHEVALLEY.COM Visit our website to get plugged in, join our HOOsLetter list, read our online issue, and enter contests.

featured in March-July issues

Camp & Activities Guide 20 1 7

MONEY TOYS MAKE SENSE!

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As our regular partners on daily errands, children also have a front row seat to observe our financial transactions along the way. Kids see us swipe debit cards, listen to us count change and even watch us struggle to remember our PayPal passwords. Introducing commerce and currency through play can take the mystery out of money.

The following toys help kids understand the coin of the realm and start their own smart money habits.

Just Like Home Cash Register (My Cash Register)

Giving kids the opportunity to explore commerce from the other side of the aisle, the Just Like Home Cash Register offers a simplified experience of the retail end of shopping. Children can use the handheld scanner to light up the included grocery items on the movable conveyor belt. The register processes payments using the credit card slot or play money transactions through the pop-open cash drawer.

There’s also a working calculator that reinforces counting and number skills. Sized for the preschool set and available in different colors, the Just Like Home Cash Register adds valuable learning to pretend play.

Magic Penny Magnet (Dowling Magnets)

Beyond counting coins, an appreciation for its form and properties can also be educational and fun. The Magic Penny Magnet Set features a super magnetic base and thirty-two freshly minted British coins (plus a bonus U.S. penny). The powerful attraction of the magnets allows kids (and adults) to explore building structures and shapes with the coins as they connect and bond through force alone. Guided by the included activity book or simply enjoying independent creativity, this set supports an interest in coin that goes beyond its monetary value.

Laugh and Learn Piggy Bank (Fisher-Price)

Piggy banks are often a child’s first intro to the notion of saving money. Fisher-Price expands on the tradition pig with a bank that makes money a full sensory experience. In addition to dropping colorful over-sized coins into the slotted back, the bank offers interactive features as well. Pressing the pig’s nose generates silly songs, music, and entertaining phrases. From basic words and sounds for wee ones, to colors, numbers and Spanish for the older tot. Counting coins is just the beginning with this little piggy!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Momsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Marketplace Feature your business here, starting at only $69. Call 253-212-7270

LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING COMPANY

COMMERCIAL . RESIDENTIAL . LICENSED . INSURED

DWTURFSCAPES@BELLSOUTH.NET

706-587-4666

1/2 OFF

1ST MONTH WITH NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

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(radio for the whole family)

HOO’s HUNGRY CREAMY & BLENDED

VEGGIE SOUP

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a chilly night and is picky eater approved! No big chunks for them to frown at, but still full of great flavor!

DIRECTIONS Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Add frozen veggies and broth. Boil the vegetables until they are tender, 5 to 7 min.

Pour into a blender. Purée until smooth and creamy.

Divide into 4 bowls.

Divide yogurt, dalloping each bowl with 1/2 tbsp, then serve topped with crackers, if desired.

INGREDIENTS • 1 tsp canola oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 4 cups frozen vegetable mix, such as broccoli and cauliflower • 2 garlic cloves • 3 cups vegetable broth • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt • small crackers or croutons

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A Page In A Book

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Recommending the Best Books for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

Pencil in Picture Books

In a picture book world largely populated with bright colors, bold shapes and creative fonts, there are very few titles that choose pencil illustrations to carry the weight of a tale. With few or no words, the following masterpieces wield the power of graphite to drive the story. Young readers are freed from neon distractions to really delve into the imagery, to let their own dialogue and imaginings form the story along the way.

The Whale

By Ethan Murrow and Vita Murros (Templar / Candlewick)

When a local paper revisits an old news event about two kids who claimed to have seen an enormous spotted whale offshore, the hook is set for another couple of kids who want to find proof the behemoth exists. A girl equips her small boat with improvised video devices while a boy loads his dinghy with tools to capture audio of the elusive spotted whale. But after their boats collide, teamwork becomes their only option to salvage their mission and prove the mysterious monster exists. Brilliantly executed pencil illustration reveals a wordless journey that is rich with atmosphere, intrigue and excitement in this whale of a tale!

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

By Chris Van Allsburg (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

First published in 1984, this revolutionary picture book continues to attract new readers. A fictional note introduces the images as material left behind by a writer who never completed the stories. Only a title and caption for each drawing hint at what the story might have been. Adding to the mystery, each illustration features a surreal element at its center. These bizarre elements transform every reader into an original storyteller as their minds reach to fill in the blank spaces, to craft their own stories for the orphaned artwork.

The Only Child

By Guojing (Schwartz & Wade / Random House)

Sneaking out to visit her grandmother, a young child’s wandering evolves from misadventure into a magical tale of wordless wonder.

Accidentally stranded in the woods, the little girl encounters a stag who introduces her to paths through forest and sky, ocean and snow.

Pencil illustrations soften the edges of the lonely landscapes while sharpening the focus on brighter elements in the story. Drawing from her childhood during China’s ‘one child’ policy and her own experience of getting lost, Guojing’s stunning story finds the perfect balance between the beauty of solitude and the comfort of companionship.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Learning can take you everywhere!

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Our children experience a stimulating environment, are treated with dignity and respect, enjoy clean and safe surroundings and participate in daily educational experiences to form a life long foundation for success!

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M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm

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Christ-Centered Education in a Nurturing Environment Pre-K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6th Grade | Small Classes Military Discounts | North Columbus 2303 Double Churches Road 706-323-4441 westminsterchristianschool.org

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BEYOND SPORTS:

OFF THE FIELD AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES TO CHALLENGE YOUR CHILD From soccer to lacrosse, sports are what most parents initially think about when considering extracurricular activities for their children. However, today's schools and communities understand there's a need for diverse afterschool options that challenge kids in a variety of ways.

These extracurricular activities are great ways to broaden your children's horizons and provide them with plenty of fun and education: NATURE: Because we live in such a digitized world, many school systems are now offering nature-based programs that teach important science and biology skills while instilling respect for Mother Nature. Scouts is another fantastic option with nature-based activities.

THEATER: Many kids dream of becoming stars on their favorite TV shows, and theater experience is the first step in exploring that interest. It's not just for high school students. Acting classes, musical theater and play production are all great options enjoyed by students with a wide-range of abilities.

STEM: Help your kids grow important science, technology, engineering and math skills through

STEM classes. Many classes use LEGO Bricks, gears, motors and more to build exciting projects while learning to work together and solve problems.

MUSIC: Music activities exercise the brain in a variety of ways. Inherently creative, music is also very technical. Learning about notes, chords and music theory is mathematical in many ways. Explore choir, instrument classes and band camps to inspire your junior Mozart.

MARTIAL ARTS & DANCE : Classes offer physical exercise that improve balance, motor skills and stamina. But parents enjoy many of the other benefits too, including increased focus, discipline and respect for others.

COOKING: With the expansive popularity of cooking shows, kids have never had more interest in what goes on in the kitchen. Sign up for cooking classes and they'll learn proper cooking technique and whip up some tasty treats in the process. Soon enough, you may be able to hand off one meal a week to your chef-in-training.

ART: With the reality of many schools reducing art programs, explore art education outside of the classroom. Kids love to create and there are a variety of art programs for the next Picasso or Rembrandt.

Drawing programs are wildly popular, but also consider sculpture, pottery and mixed-media classes.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Schedule a Parent Orientation today!

Kumon Math & Reading Center of

COLUMBUS - NORTH

1290 Double Churches Rd., Ste. K

706.257.6963

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©2015 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER!

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Teaching the

in the Heart of Columbus.

Openings available in select grades!

318 11th Street • 706.256.1301 K3-8th Grade • Preschool • Early Learning Center

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CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL K3-12TH NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR!

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Stop by Open House, Thursdays, 9A to 1P; Call Admissions at 706.323.0467, ext. 204; or Visit us Online at CalvaryKnights.com.

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KIDS

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Presents

ual 7th Ann

SUNDAY

March 12 NOON-4PM

National Infantry Museum

Brought to You by

Free Admission

EXPO l GAMES l PRIZES l GUESTS Meet with over 40 vendors to find enriching and entertaining activities for your kids, ages 2-14

Visit Our Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Attraction The National Infantry Museum Explore the museum, try a simulator or a movie on the GIANT SCREEN.

SPECIAL GUESTS

For a list of vendors & more, visit:

DANIEL TIGER

Provided By:

HooKnowsTheValley.com & MuscogeeMoms.com #KidsCampFair

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DARTH Provided By: