Family and Kids Chatt Valley Oct 16

OCTOBER 2016

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Jessica Fowler Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

always changing. always free.

Synovus’ Annual Fall Festival Returns Oct 8. See pg.5

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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

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s Tips The zika virus is an illness that is spread to humans, in most cases, by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes can also carry other diseases, like dengue, and they bite aggressively both during the day and at night. The zika virus only recently arrived in the Western hemisphere. Since it first appeared in Brazil in 2015, it has spread through Latin America and the Caribbean, infecting thousands of people. In late July, the CDC confirmed the first cases of local transmission of the zika virus in the US, in an area near Miami, Florida.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a zika infection include sore joints, fever, a rash, and red eyes. Although it is rare, some people infected by the zika virus can develop GuillianBarre syndrome (GBS). This is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes to temporary paralysis. Some people who are infected by the zika virus don’t have any symptoms and so they don’t know they have been infected.

What are the risks?

For most people, a zika infection will be a mild illness.

However, a pregnant woman infected with the zika virus can pass the infection to her unborn baby. In Brazil, doctors have confirmed a suspected connection between unborn babies being infected by the zika virus and a birth defect called microcephaly. Microcephaly is a rare condition in which an infant’s head is much smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and the same sex. It is a neurological condition that results from abnormal brain development before birth or the brain not growing as it should after birth. Babies with this condition often experience developmental delays.

virus facts Although most people who develop GBS syndrome fully recover, a few may experience permanent damage. The good news is that the body develops immunity to the zika virus after being infected, so someone is unlikely to be infected more than once.

How can it be prevented?

Pregnant women should avoid travelling to areas affected by the zika virus. This may include some parts of the southern US, since cases of locally transmitted zika infections have now been reported in Florida.

When planning a trip, check the travel advisories issued by the CDC. These advisories identify the areas where the zika virus is actively being transmitted from mosquitoes to humans.

If it is necessary to visit an area affected by the zika virus, wear insect repellent registered with the EPA and cover up your arms and legs with long sleeves and pants. EPA registered insect repellants are safe even for pregnant women and young children. Always apply the insect repellent according to the directions on the packaging. There have been cases documented of the zika virus being spread through sex, so use protection after visiting an area infested by mosquitoes that carry the zika virus.

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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 12

HOO knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 7

HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 23

HOO’S learning.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 & 27

hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 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.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance....................................9 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....27 Christmas Made in the South........ 31 Clement Arts/ Studio Elevare........22 Elite Dance............................................. 7 Jack-O-Lantern Lane.........................11 Painting with a Twist....................... 18 Performance Dance Centre............. 14 Prodigy Dance Centre.......................32 The Columbus Museum..................... 5

Childcare/ education TELL THEM

Calvary Christian...............................29 East West After School Program..... 2 First Presbyterian Day.....................29 SENT YOU! Grace Christian School....................29 Growing Room....................................28 Kumon...................................................30 Lakewood Child Development ......28 Mathnasium........................................30 Night Owl Kids Care..........................22 St. Luke Schools.................................29 Sylvan Learning Center...................30 Westminster Christian.....................29

healthcare Care-Well Pediatrics......................... 12 Columbus Counseling...................... 12 Columbus Spine & Performance...22 Comprehensive Women’s Care......24 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 21 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...24 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 21

Home/ Handy Mary Varner, Realtor........................... 7 Turfscapes Lawncare........................22 Warehouse World Mini Storage.....22

Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements....................................24 Jessica Fowler Photography..........22 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................ 18 Once Upon A Child - Resale............11

food & beverage Chick-fil-A............................................ 18 Chill Yogurt Cafe.................................. 8 Little Caesars......................................... 8 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................24

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

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Proudly serving the families of Columbus. #1 Bradley Park Ct, Columbus 706.315.7075 Mary@MaryVarner.com l

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HOO knew?

Pumpkin Facts Farmers grow more than 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins in the United States each year.

l l l l

l l l l l l Pumpkins are actually a fruit. They belong to the Cucurbitacae family, as are melons and cucumbers.

The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It was made with 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.

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The world’s largest pumpkin weighed in at a whopping 2,009 pounds!

Can you believe that pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites?

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The top 4 pumpkin growing states are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and California, but Illinois produces most of the processed pumpkins in the United States.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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2.

99

$

PLUS TAX

Large Classic Round Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza with the purchase of any Supreme, Meat Treat or Deep Dish Pizza.

Not valid with any other offers.

Must present coupon to redeem by 12/31/16.

Present this coupon at participating locations: Columbus, Ft. Benning, Phenix City, Auburn, Valley

HOO’s HUNGRY spooky-ooky

witches brew This super easy punch recipe is delicious yearround, but the foaming and garnish makes it the perfect drink to serve at your Halloween party!

DIRECTIONS Pour the ginger ale and pineapple juice into a pitcher or punch bowl and stir together.

Then add a couple drops of green food coloring and stir again, to make your witches brew the perfect shade of green.

Let your sherbet thaw a little and wait to spoon the sherbet in, until right before serving, and slowly mix and it will start foaming.

Garnish with fresh limes, gummy worms and ENJOY!

Ingredients • 1 quart lime sherbet • 1- 2 liter ginger ale, chilled • 1 cup pineapple juice • green food coloring (optional) • sliced limes • gummy worms

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s Tips

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WEEKDAY MORNING ROUTINE

Getting everyone ready in the morning and out the door on time is a challenge for many families. Here are some tips to help save time and reduce stress on those busy weekday mornings.

Create a specific place for your kids to place their belongings when they get home in the afternoon. This makes finding shoes, book bags, and gym bags much easier in the morning.

Also, have an inbox for all forms, and let your kids know that you will only sign forms in the evening; There will be no signing of permission slips in the morning, when everyone is rushing to get out the door.

Post a check list for your kids that includes all the tasks in their morning routine. After awhile, the routine will hopefully become second nature and they won’t need reminders from you.

an after school activity. To prevent last minute fashion battles, ask your child to help you select the outfits for the week.

Next to the inbox for permission slips and important forms, post a calendar where everyone in the family writes down their appointments and practice schedules. Also, put up a whiteboard or a chalkboard where you can keep a to-do list.

This central communication center helps ensure there are no missed appointments or unexpected schedule conflicts.

Get up before your kids do and get yourself ready first. It is much more stressful to try to dress and prepare for your day after the kids are awake and demanding your attention.

During the weekend, pick out the clothes for each day of the week. A closet organizer with multiple shelves, one for each day of the week, works well. Check your child’s schedule to see if there is a day that week when specific clothing is needed. For example, if your child has gym class one day or

’

Talking!

More

Take each hand and bring the thumb and fingers together, making a bird beak shape. Then bring their hands together, to teach your little one to sign that they would like “more.”

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

PUMPKIN P A T C H E S

Backyard Orchards pumpkin patch & maze 6585 Hwy 431 N, Eufaula, AL 334-695-7623; backyardorchards.com See website for hours & admissions Pumpkin patch, corn maze, play area, obstacle course, wagon ride, bonfires and more. dream field farms 6376 Hwy 82, Union Springs, AL 334-534-6976; dreamfieldfarms.com See website for hours $12 per person over age two Pumpkin patch, hayride, corn maze, preschool area, cow train, fishing, hay mountains, racing pigs, inflatables, petting zoo, farm games and more.

Jack-O-lantern lane 910 Country Rd 79 South, Eufaula, AL 334-864-0713; jackolanternlane.com Fri. 12-5pm, Sat. 9am-6pm & Sun. 12-6pm $8 per person over age two Pumpkin patch, wagon ride, picnic area, cornmeal grinding, homemade ice cream, inflatables, country store, petting zoo, gem mining, face painting and more.

Lane Southern Orchard & Corn Maze 50 Lane Rd, FT Valley, GA; 478-825-3362 lanesouthernorchards.com Oct 1-31; Wed-Sun Noon-6pm $5-$14 per person over age 3 6 acre corn maze, selfie scavenger hunt, hay rides, rubber ducky races, and more. paradise pumpkin patch 910 Country Rd 79 South, Eufaula, AL 334-695-2258; paradisepumpkinpatch.com Saturdays 9am-6pm; Sundays 11am-6pm $12.50 per person over age two Pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn box, playground, rubber duck race, hay bale maze, cow train, mini zip line, inflatables and more.

The rock Ranch 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA rockranch.com Sat. Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Nov 5; 10am-8pm Sun. Oct 9, 16, 23, 30; 1-7pm $13 per person over age two Themed entertainment, train rides, hay rides, petting zoo, zip lines, pony rides, pumpkin cannon, “Tiny Town,� and more.

Provided in partnership with muscogeemoms.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

WE BUY & SELL GENTLY USED KIDS CLOTHING & MORE

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

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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1546-A 10th Avenue cor. 16th Street, Cols. GA 31901 Tel. No.: (706) 322-5526 • www.carewellpediatrics.com

Se Habla Espanol | Longest Clinic Hours (8am - 6pm; No Lunch Breaks) Your most competent, caring & friendly Child Care Specialists

Lirio E. Palmos, M.D., F.A.A.P. Shilpa Vernekar, M.D., F.A.A.P. Priscila T. Neil, PA-C

Now Accepting Amerigroup, Alabama Medicaid, Tricare, Georgia Medicaid and All Private Insurance.

HOO’s CRAFTY

football season noise makers With fall comes football season, and what better way is there to cheer for your favorite team, than making a little noise?!

Directions Cover each paint stirrer with duct tape, front and back.

Add a handful of dried beans, or bells, to each empty bottle. Use the funnel to add some confetti. Then, put the lid back on the bottle. Cut a strip of duct tape and wrap it around the lid.

Wrap a strip of duct tape around the center of the water bottle, enclosing the paint stick in the tape as well. Use two strips to ensure the handle is secure.

That’s it! Now go to the game and shake, shake, shake!

supplies empty water bottles paint stirrer colored duct tape scissors funnel confetti, beans, bells

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’S at the Movies

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MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE Rated PG | Ok for kids 8+

Rafe has an epic imagination - and a slight problem with authority. Both collide when he transfers to an oppressive, rule-crazy middle school. Drowning in do’s and don’ts, Rafe and his scheming best friend Leo hatch a plan to break every rule in the school’s Code of Conduct. It’s Ferris Bueller meets Home Alone as their battle with Principal Dwight explodes into chaos both real and imagined. Meanwhile, Rafe struggles to hide his misbehavior from Jeanne, the straight-A, overachieving girl of his dreams, and at home, his mother’s boyfriend - a moochy, jack-of-no-trades named Bear - threatens to become his stepfather. Directed by Steve Carr, this movie stars Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Rob Riggle and Thomas Barbusca.

BOO: A MADEA HALLOWEEN PG-13 | Ok for kids 14+

Tyler Perry once again writes, produces, directs, and stars in his latest project with the popular character Madea. In Boo! A Madea Halloween, Madea winds up in the middle of mayhem when she spends a hilarious, haunted Halloween fending off killers, paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls, and zombies while keeping a watchful eye on a group of misbehaving teens. In addition to Madea, Perry also plays the roles of “Joe” and “Brian.” Also stars Bella Thorne, Cassie Davis and Andre Hall.

max steel Rated PG | Ok for kids 9+

16-year old Max McGrath has just moved to a new town and is desperately trying to fit in when he discovers his body can generate the universe’s most powerful energy. Unbeknownst to Max, a slightly rebellious and hilarious, extraterrestrial named Steel has been keeping an eye on him, hungry for his super-human energy. When they finally meet, they discover that together they form Max Steel, a superhero with powerful strength beyond anything in our world. These two unlikely friends soon find themselves hunted by sinister forces who want to control Max’s powers, as well as an unstoppable enemy from another galaxy. Directed

by Stewart Hendler, this movie stars Ben Winchell, Maria Bello, Ana Villafane, Josh Brener and Andy Garcia.

the great gilly hopkins PG | Ok for kids 10+

Wisecracking, gum-chewing 12-year-old Gilly is well known in the foster system. Totally unmanageable, she has stayed with more families than she can remember. When Gilly is sent to live with the Trotters, the weirdest family yet, she isn’t planning to stick around. But cheerful, affectionate Maime Trotter isn’t giving up. Gilly knows she has to escape, but her plan doesn’t go as intended, and she starts to think maybe she was wrong about Trotter. Adapted from a multi-award-winning novel published in more than 20 territories

by Katherine Paterson (The Bridge To Terabithia), The Great Gilly Hopkins is the hilarious and big-hearted story about a headstrong girl who wants to find a place to call home.

inferno PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+

Oscar winner Ron Howard returns to direct the latest installment in author Dan Brown’s (Da Vinci Code) billion-dollar Robert Langdon series. Inferno finds the famous symbologist (again played by Tom Hanks) on a trail of clues tied to the great Dante himself. When Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), a doctor he hopes will help him recover his memories.

Together, they race across Europe and against the clock to foil a deadly global plot.

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Do You Love to DANCE?

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

REGISTER FOR FALL!

• Ranked #1 Reader's Choice BEST DANCE STUDIO

by Ledger-Enquirer for 3 years in a row • 2015 Winner for Performing Arts in Georgia • Only Dance Studio in the Valley area CERTIFIED for Acrobatic Arts Professional Tumbling Curriculum

Top Training facility for Dance and Acrobatics in the Valley Area!

Recreational and Competitive Dance Companies Audition Inquiries please contact Artistic Director Carrie Paris

BOYS ONLY DANCE PROGRAM!

GREAT for Rhythm, Coordination & Self-Esteem!

Taught by PDC Faculty Andrew Winston Professional Dancer in Disney Channel's High School Musical 1 & 2 movies!

Mommy & Me - 18-24 months PreJazz - 3-4 yr olds PreDance - Tap/Ballet 2 1/2-3 yr olds, 3-4yr olds, 4-5yr olds AcroDance - Tumbling beginning at 3 years old

NEW! PreSchool Dance Program

JOIN OUR RECREATIONAL THROUGH ADVANCED LEVEL PROGRAM!

Classes for all levels and ages beginning 5 yrs old - Adult & pre-professional levels in p Jazz, Tap, Ballet ,Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acro, Boys only Classes, Conditioning, Turns & Leaps, and Adult Fitness!

“THE NUTCRACKER” DEC. 10TH 7PM

Columbus State University Hall Tickets on sale Nov. 1 at PDC Advance: $18 adults, $13 kids Day of Show: $20 adults, $20 kids

"TEA WITH CLARA AND FRIENDS" – DEC. 10TH 3PM

Meet and Greet with Clara and her friends, and much more! Photo session included.

Tickets $20. On sale Nov. 1 at PDC.

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Captain D’s

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

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

Get 2 free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in only

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

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

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

MOE’s Southwest Grill

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

Sweet Frog Yogurt

Steak & Shake

6-8pm. Buy one yogurt mix, get one 50% off

Free kid’s meal with every $8 purchase

Zaxby’s

Stevi B’s Pizza

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

Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Tuesday

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

HOO’s CUTE

Atlanta Bread Company

Texas Roadhouse Willy T’s

CONTEST

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.

Denny’s

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

Visit Ruby Tuesday

11-5pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase

Monday-Friday Steak & Shake

Happy Hour, 1/2 price shakes or drinks from 2-5pm

our website to enter: every

day

5-10pm: 2 kids under 13oeat free ww w. h ok n with o wadult s t hentrée e v a l l e y. c o mCorral Golden TGI Friday’s Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase 3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée Hartz Chicken Buffet Willy T’s Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult 4-9pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase 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,Ezra, GA unless are subject to change without notice.

Eva, 6 months Nova, 7 months 3 yearsnoted. Specials PleaseColumbus verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kids’ special not listed here, contact Columbus Columbus Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

OCTOBER 16

provided in partnership with:

1 Home Depot Kids Workshop.

7-9 “Charlie & The Chocolate

14-16 “Charlie & The Chocolate

1 Hope for Autism Walk and

7-9 “Sister Act,” (PG), 7:30pm,

15 Hot Air Balloon Rally. The

9am-Noon. Ages 5-6. Columbus 706-322-9240. Phenix City 334297-2045 Family Day. 9am-Noon. $0-$45.

North Highland Church, 7300 Whittlesey Blvd, eventbrite.com

1 LEGO Star Wars Rogue One

Build Event. 4pm. Free. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880

1 “Sister Act,” (PG), 7:30pm,

Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

4-8 Columbus Kids Market -

Fall Consignment Sale. Central Baptist, columbuskidsmarket.com

6 “Sister Act,” (PG), 7:30pm, Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org 7 MOMSnext meeting. 9:1511:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706-323-4374

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

Factory” (G), Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm, Springer Opera House; springeroperathouse.org

Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

8 Official Georgia Day of the

Factory” (G), Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; 706-6476374 or therockranch.com

Cowboy. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; 706-647-6374, therockranch.com

15 S’MORES Concert for Kids.

8 Annual Harvest Hoedown.

15 Tabletop Gaming Meetup.

8 Lowes Build & Grow Clinic.

15-16 “Charlie & The Choco-

8 Synovus Fall Festival & Cos-

18 MOMSnext meeting. 9:1511:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way; 706-3234374

8 Fall Fest. Noon-5pm. Colum-

21-23 Day Out with Thomas.

10am-3pm. $16. Georgia Veterans St Park, Cordele; SamShortline.com

Arts, crafts, food & entertainment.

Warm Springs; 800-334-1927 10-11am. Free. 1st-5th grades.

6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706-320-9292

tume Contest. 11am-3pm. Free.

Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com bus Park Crossing; columbusparkcrossing.com

12 La Leche League monthly meeting. 10am. Free. Columbus Public Library; lllofga.org/ columbus 14 Toddler Time. 10:30pm. $10.

Launch Trampoline Park, Columbus; launchcolumbus.com

12:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-2563640 or csoga.org/smores 7pm. Free. Barnes & Noble, 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880

late Factory” (G), Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org

22 Great Outdoor Adventure.

The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; (706) 6476374 or therockranch.com

R EVENTS 17

22 S’MORES Concert for Kids.

12:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-2563640 or csoga.org/smores

22 Family Fall Festival. 4-6pm.

Free. The River Church, 10516 Mehaffey Rd, Midland; theriverofcolumbus.com

22-23 Fort Benning’s Oktoberfest. Free. Uchee Creek Army Campground, Fort Mitchell, benningmwr.com

25 YOGC Fall Concert & Art Auction. 7:30-9pm. RiverCenter; yogc.org 26-31 Greater Columbus Fair. $3-$7. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org

27 Spooky Stories in the Garden.

6:45-7:30pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org

28 Toddler Time. 10:30pm. $10.

Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com

28 Friday Family Flicks. 3pm.

Goosebumps (PG). South Columbus Public Library; cvlga. org/events

28-30 Christmas Made in the

South, craft fair. Columbus Trade Center. Fri. 10-8pm, Sat. 10-6pm, Sun. 11-5pm. $7 for 12 and over.

29-30 Day Out with Thomas.

10am-3pm. $16. Georgia Veterans St Park, Cordele; SamShoprtline.com

29 Young Eagles Day at Flight-

ways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am.

Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles.com/flightplan/flight.asp

29 Fall Festival and Plant Sale.

9am-5pm. Free. Columbus Botanical Garden; columbusbotanicalgarden.com

29 Broadway Paw-rade. 9:30-

11:30am. $10. 1100 Broadway, Columbus; facebook.com/ events/465951876946173

friday

Make & Take Craft. 4pm. Free.

Phenix City-Russell Co Library; phenixcitylibrary.com

saturday

Market Days on Broadway.

9am-noon. Broadway, Columbus; 706-596-0111 or uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

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

29 Uptown’s Spooktacular

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

29 Trunk or Treat. 5-7pm. My

Family Story Time at Phenix City Public Library. 11am. 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City; 334-2971139

31 Trick-or-Treat around the Library. 4pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more, visit MuscogeeMoms.com.

Halloween Festival & Costume Contest. Woodruff Park; uptowncolumbusga.com Church. Free. Inflatables, food, music and treats. 7201 Flat Rock Rd, Columbus.

Weekly Events Tuesday

MOPS meeting, 9am-noon. First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Ave; columbusfpc.org/mops

wednesday

Moms Group. 6-8pm. Philadelphia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smiths Station

Thursday

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble.

10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706653-7880

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

cleaning with bleach could cause illness One of the most popular disinfectants used in household cleaning is bleach. From cleaning wipes to straight out of the bottle, bleach is used to clean surfaces, remove mold and brighten clothes.

A new study from the Netherlands says the cleaning agent may increase children’s risk for flu, tonsillitis and other infections. The study did not prove cause and effect, but suggested that bleach and other similar cleaning products may be contributors to these types of illnesses.

The study was led by Lidia Casas, of the Center for Environment and Health at KU Leuven in Leuven, the Netherlands. Her team looked at more than 9,000 children, aged 6 to 12, in the Netherlands, Finland and Spain.

Those whose parents used bleach to clean their homes at least once a week had higher rates of respiratory and other types of infections.

Specifically, Casas and colleagues found that these children had a 20 percent higher risk of having the flu at least once in the previous year, a 35 percent higher risk of recurrent tonsillitis and an 18 percent higher risk for any recurrent infection.

According to the study’s authors, airborne components of bleach and similar products may irritate the lining of children’s lungs, triggering inflammation and making it easier for infections to take hold. Or, bleach may somehow suppress the immune system, making infections more likely, the team said.

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), which represents makers of bleach and bleach products, responded quickly to the study. “Since there

The

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

was no data presented on the children’s actual exposure to bleach -- nor any diagnoses of actual diseases -- the authors are merely speculating,” the ACI said in a statement. The group also said that disinfecting household surfaces with bleach can protect people from bacterial infection.

Responses to the study from medical specialists have been mixed. “While this study observes higher respiratory effects of bleach on children, it is not a cause-and-effect study, and other factors or household cleaners may be involved,” said Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“There is evidence that high concentrations of bleach can cause asthmatic reactions when ventilation is not adequate, but the leap to increased incidence of infections is less clear,” he said.

Dr. Jacqueline Moline, vice president of population health at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Great Neck, N.Y., noted, “These results are in line with other studies that show the impact of cleaning products on the health of young children.”

Moline also said that parents might want to consider using a different product for household cleaning. “The take-home message from this study is that one should be prudent in the use of harsh household cleaners with bleach or other chemicals, especially in homes with young children, and seek out less toxic or harsh products to clean the home.”

The poison control hotline phone number- 1-800222-1222 – should also be posted in the home and programmed into parents’ and caregivers’ cell phones, Kang said.

A Page In A Book

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

The Power of One Word

Words have power, some more than others. While ‘chair’, ‘green’ and ‘pencil’ are words that generate a narrow range of imagery, there are words that bring special images and feelings for everyone who hears them. Single words like ‘Mom’, ‘home’ and ‘love’ are powerful and mean something unique to each person. The following books are powered by a solo word title. And even though just a single word sets the stage, these titles make the one word speak volumes!

STAY!

By Alex Latimer (Peachtree Publishing)

Ben believes his dog, Buster, is the best in the world. But in truth, Buster is a real handful. Wild at heart, hard to control, and powered with excess energy, he’s almost more than a family can handle.

So when Ben’s parents plan their vacation, they realize it will be best for all concerned to leave Buster with Grampa.

This decision spurs Ben to begin writing down some helpful tips that will aid Grampa in the care and keeping of a dog like Buster. Delightfully illustrated by Latimer (and Ben) the epistolary style of this laugh-out-loud picture book will keep it in top rotation for young readers!

SWAP!

By Steve Light (Candlewick Press)

A grizzled sailor and his young companion with a peg leg are forlorn and shore-bound with an old ship that needs a massive overhaul to become seaworthy. The two sailors begin to trade for the things they need to bring the ship back into shape. Readers will begin to discern hints in the highly detailed illustrations that explain how each swap serves each trader’s needs. This early introduction to economics may spur some creative bargaining from kids who demand repeat reading of this book.

WHOOPS!

By Suzi Moore, Illustrated by Russell Ayto (Candlewick Press)

The problem is simple. A cat, a dog and a mouse are not able to make their trademark sounds. In search of their “meow,” “woof,” and “squeak,” the three are advised by the owl to seek out a spell from the old lady in the tumbledown house. But the old lady’s skills are a little rusty and the right spell might be harder to cast than anyone expects. As unintended consequences generate a fair number of “Whoops!,” the final result of the “spell to make them well” truly defines the title word.

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Small Worlds25 of Wonder!

For a child, their first encounters with the small creatures in their much larger world are captivating. Maybe it’s because bugs, like our children, are small and wonderful.

The fascination expands when kids take a closer look at the tiny marvels that are typically only glimpsed in their daily habitats.

The following child-size resources bring the insect kingdom into focus for the youngest observers.

Original Butterfly Garden

(Insect Lore)

One of the most amazing transformations in the insect kingdom can be introduced to children through the Original Butterfly Garden.

Painted Lady caterpillars are delivered in a clear cup where they can be observed as they eat the included nutrients and prepare to form their chrysalis. Within 1-2 weeks, the Painted Lady butterflies emerge and are ready to be nurtured with nectar until they are strong enough to be released. The Original Butterfly Garden encompasses a uniquely magical experience with one of nature’s most beautiful life cycles in a setting that easily engages kids.

Ladybug Land

(Insect Lore)

Encounters with ladybugs are not uncommon for kids, but most children (and adults) don’t get to observe the humble beginnings of these helpful insects. Ladybug Land offers a venue where kids can closely watch these gentle beetles evolve from larvae, through pupa to the colorful winged wonders that brighten our world. Supporting life learning and conservation, this little land of ladybugs opens the door to a life-long appreciation of these tiny garden helpers.

Fascinations AntWorks

(Fascinations)

Fascinations Antworks features a translucent gel suspended between clear acrylic windows (with an illuminated base) offering an up-close view of ants as they create a landscape of tunnels. The habitat does not come with ants (which must be ordered separately) but the instructions for preparing the Antworks for the new inhabitants are easy to follow. From teams working on tunnels to ants creating their own graveyards for comrades that expire along the way, this window into the world of ants is both educational and entertaining.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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water myths

DRINK MORE

WATER!

Drinking enough water each day to keep your body well hydrated and healthy is important. However, there are many misleading myths about water and its health benefits that are sometimes hard to separate fact from fiction.

HOO’s FIT You need to drink eight ounces of water colorless or a pale yellow color. When eight times a day to stay properly hydrated. you exercise, you need to hydrate This is a myth, as there is no scientific support for this rule, often referred to as the ‘8 by 8 rule.’ The Institute of Medicine recommends about 13 cups (3 liters) of water a day for men and about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water a day for women. However, what the ‘8 by 8 rule’ does not take into account is that much of this water is contained in the food we eat and the other beverages we drink. In addition, the amount of water someone needs can vary greatly, since it depends upon factors like weight, environment, and activity level.

well before, during, and after your workout. Also, pregnant women and nursing moms need to take in extra water. If you need help determining if you are taking in enough water, consult your doctor or a nutritionist.

Drink more water to lose weight

Although there is no evidence drinking water is directly responsible for weight loss, there is some evidence.

Water can assist you in moderating how many calories you take in. When you feel hungry, try drinking some water first before eating. You may actually be thirsty instead of hungry.

Drinking when you are thirsty should Also, replace sodas and other sugary be sufficient to keep you hydrated. beverages with water. Freeze some The color of your pee lets you know if lemon slices to add to your cup of you are drinking enough. It should be water to make it more interesting.

We make the drive better.

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HOO’s HEALTHY

The influenza virus, also known as ‘the flu’, is a very contagious respiratory illness. The numbers of flu cases increase in the fall and winter, especially between the months of October and February.

Influenza can be a severe illness, especially for very young infants, the elderly and pregnant women. It is estimated that several thousand people die from the flu every year in the US.

It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot each year to decrease the likelihood of catching the flu. The vaccine does not completely protect someone from catching the flu, but if a vaccinated person does come down with the flu, the symptoms will probably be less severe.

In the past, when taking your child to the pediatrician for a flu vaccine, you may have had a choice between the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also called the ‘nasal spray’ flu vaccine, and the flu shot vaccine containing an inactivated virus. For the 2016- 2017 flu season, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has decided that the nasal spray flu vaccine will not be used. The decision was based upon statistics that show the nasal spray vaccine was not very effective in preventing the flu in the previous year. During last year’s flu season, the nasal spray vaccine only reduced the chances of contracting the flu by 3% and performed poorly in comparison with the flu shot. The nasal spray flu vaccine was used by pediatricians last year for about a third of the kids in the age group of 2 to 8 years.

Some people are allergic to eggs (one of the ingredients of the flu shot), so consult your child’s doctor to see if the flu shot is right for them. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to work and will last for about 12 months. So don’t wait, vaccinate as soon as your doctor’s office has the vaccine available!

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EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

If you would like to feature your school or child care option, call Tammy at 253-212-7270.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

HOO’s learning

Teaching the in the Heart of Columbus

Online Homework Help FactMonster.com/homework Scholastic.com/parents Commoncore.org/parents ParentToolKit.com KhanAcademy.org BJPinchbeck.com HippoCampus.org StudyGeek.org

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Wise Choices forENRICHMENT You & Your Family TUTORING/

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