MOMents Magazine December 2015 by Statesboro Herald

December 2015

ALSO INSIDE

Go Girl: Stacey King Crock Pot Crab Stew Cold-Hardy Flowers

A crafty Christmas

Wren mom-daughter duo makes the holiday season beautiful with paint and beads â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a lot of love

GREVAICTE! moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

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BANK AHEAD

A lot of history has happened since Queensborough was founded in 1902 as First National Bank and Trust in Louisville, Georgia. The 19th century had just ended. It was a bold move to start an independent bank to serve a small farming community. Our promise was “great service and uncomplicated banking.” Over a century later those values still hold. We’ve changed our name but never our promise.

OF OUR TIME

We were ahead of our time then and we are still ahead of our time today. Now you can bank with us from anywhere. As a forward thinking bank, we embrace the technology that allows banking without borders and deposits without driving. It works for our customers and we work for them. But if you want to stop by, we have 24 branches in 15 cities across Georgia.

2 4 G E O R G I A L O C AT I O N S | www.QNBTRUST.com |

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

A LWAY S A

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

in this issue

table of contents

Crooner Andy Williams and I agree — it is definitely the most wonderful time of the year. My husband’s favorite holiday is Halloween. Some people enjoy July Fourth, Thanksgiving, Easter or St. Patrick’s Day the most. But for me, none of those holidays are as jam packed with love, joy and meaningful celebration as Christmas. This season brings with it a feeling unlike anything I experience during the first 11 months of the year. There’s just something about curling up in a warm sweater in front of the fireplace, celebrating the birth of my Savior and the blessing of my family, expressing my love through gifts and service to others — I find myself happy, hopeful and thankful for the new year to come. Our December cover mom is Ashley Wren, an amazingly talented local artist whose creativity flourishes year round, but it’s never more apparent than during the holiLinsay and her husband, Matthew day season. As the face behind The Painted Wren, Ashley channels her self-described “whimsical, funky” style to design personalized Christmas ornaments and canvases starring families, characters and even homes. Ashley’s daughter, Olivia, also pictured on the cover, inherited her mom’s crafty genes — lucky girl! — and is using those talents to create beautiful beaded bracelets, which she sells and then donates the proceeds to CURE Childhood Cancer in honor of her friend, Anna Hays Polk. Turn to page 12 to read more about how this amazing mother-daughter duo is using paint and beads to create a beautiful Christmas. Stacey King, another local woman who is using her talents to benefit others, is featured as this month’s Go Girl. Stacey founded Our Girls Rock Too! in May 2012, a non-profit organization that works to give girls in our community the resources they need to learn to lead successful, empowered and confident lives by “embracing, uplifting, empowering and educating” them. Read more about Stacey and the important work of OGR2 on page 5. Enjoy this issue, and even more, enjoy this season. Until next year!

Go Girl................................................... 5 Downtown Holiday Celebration.............. 6 The Art of Lawncare.............................. 6 Healthy Home........................................ 7 Averitt Center........................................ 9 Outdoor Fun........................................ 10 Bulloch County Schools...................... 11 Feature...........................................12–13 Crock Pot Crab Stew.......................... 14 Date Ideas to Keep You Warm............. 15 Calendar.........................................16–17 Phones and Happiness....................... 18 Parks and Recreation.......................... 20 Endometrial Cancer............................. 20 Are You Sleep Deprived?..................... 21 Defiant Children................................... 22 Roughhousing is Good........................ 23 Ski Resort ‘Drone Zones’................24–25 Grieving During the Holidays................ 26 Farmers Market Recipe....................... 27 Americans and Giving.......................... 28 Books for Kids..................................... 28 Kids Activity Page................................ 29 Games................................................ 30 Coupons............................................. 31

advertising Director

feature story

Jan Melton jmelton@statesboroherald.com

ADVERTISING Manager

Kelly Dailey kdailey@statesboroherald.com

ADVERTISING Team

Ashlee Corbin • Pam Pollard • Stephanie Childs

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR/DESIGN

Linsay Cheney Rudd lrudd@statesboroherald.com

OPERATIONS MANAGER Jim Healy jhealy@statesboroherald.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Scott Bryant sbryant@statesboroherald.com

Ashlee Hooks Corbin acorbin@statesboroherald.com Erinn Cowart www.ninjalawns.com Broni Gainous www.bullochrec.com Hayley Greene www.bulloch.k12.ga.us Deborah Harvey www.averittcenterforthearts.org Julie Lavender lavenders@bulloch.net Michael McBride msm0711@yahoo.com Perla Middleton dnp1515@gmail.com Azure Rountree • Like “From the Kitchen of Azure Rountree” on Facebook

Special thanks to our cover models Ashley Wren and her daughter, Olivia

Thank you, Ashley and Olivia! © Statesboro Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Neither participating advertisers nor the publisher will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors. The publisher reserves the right to edit any submitted material. Statesboro Publishing is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or other material.

gogirl! M

of the month:

Stacey King

By Ashlee Hooks Corbin

was younger. “I found myself being bullied for my clothes and even for being smart. As a result, I found myself in need of the encouragement that my community would one day provide.” Stacey hopes that OGR2 can give girls the self-confidence they need to cancel out the effects of bullying. By setting an example of good self-confidence, receiving a higher education and focusing on mentoring these young girls, she feels that she can reach these girls, ages 7 to 18, in a way that a relative may not, giving them positive reinforcement and building them up to give them the tools necessary to lead a successful, empowered life. “My goal is to be a guide and a mentor for the young ladies in the program and to create an environment of love and lifelong friendships,” she said. “… I want to help open doors for young ladies to discover their talents, accept their beauty, excel in education and value the importance of embracing and uplifting each other to reach the common goal of success.” The official founding of OGR2 was May 7, 2012, with the first conference held on September 22, 2012. After a successful conference, the participating girls and their parents asked for a more consistent program. In 2013, a monthly curriculum was developed that runs from January through December, focusing on embracing, uplifting, empowering and educating girls. “In 2014, I started a campaign called ‘Build A Girl,’ which stems from

Know an outstanding local lady? Nominate her for a chance to be our next Cover Mom or Go Girl!

Nomination forms can be found at statesboromoments.com.

the world-known Build-A-Bear store,” Stacey said. “This program allows the girls to use sticky notes to write positive things about themselves or what they aspire to be, and then we let them post the sticky notes on each other to build their self-esteem and to speak life into them. It’s a real cool program, and it works.” When Stacey first had the idea for OGR2, she asked for advice from her mother, Rosalind, who pointed her in the direction of a higher power, telling her to do what God was calling her to do. Stacey identified a strong group of women from various backgrounds that had a similar vision; that vision started off as just a conference, gathering girls to hear guest speakers who were successful in their own right and participation in some confidence-building exercises. Lisa Campbell, with her experience with non-profits, was one of the biggest mentors to help Stacey start the organization. The program began with no funding outside of Stacey’s savings, but as she told the community of her endeavor, she began receiving both mental and financial support from people like Maurice Hill, Dr. Francys Johnson, Dr. Lella

Bonds, Chick-fil-A, The Clubhouse, U.S. Hair Too, Christie and Fred Page and, of course, her family, including new fiancé Akeem Grant. Since its creation, OGR2 has held four conferences, the latest on Sept. 26 of this year. Previous guest speakers have included worship leaders, heads of other local non-profits and former professional basketball players, along with local lawyers and other well-known community members. Stacey and her team are in talks with male volunteers from Georgia Southern to organize an Our Boys Rock Too! program. She hopes that the OGR2 model will branch out and help girls nationwide. Because of her work with local girls, Stacey was nominated for Northland Cable’s Hometown Hero in 2014 and was the recipient of the Amazing Grace Ministries Community Service Award in 2014 and the Women of Inspiration Leadership Award, also in 2014. While she is grateful to have received these honors, her goal remains to simply reach these girls in a way that can make a difference. “I know that I may not reach every girl, but to reach even one can be life-changing,” Stacey said.

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

any children battle self-esteem issues during their school years. This often results in low self-confidence as adults, leading to poor choices and regrets later in life. However, Stacey King is working to break this cycle through her non-profit organization, Our Girls Rock Too! While Stacey didn’t have confidence issues as a child, positive programs designed for young ladies weren’t available to her. The 30-year-old director of the Physical Education Complex and Military Resource Center at East Georgia State College saw the need for a local program to help girls build their self-esteem and confidence, and in May 2012, she began working with many community members to satisfy that need. Stacey grew up in Portal with her mom, dad, brother and two sisters. She is a 2004 graduate of Portal High School and graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education, following that with a master’s degree in kinesiology in 2009. She attributes this success to the positive, loving community in which she grew up. “Being surrounded in this environment has had a significant impact on my character development,” she said. “I was always told that I was beautiful, smart and could accomplish anything.” Despite that, Stacey did have some obstacles to overcome when she

Downtown Statesboro Has Just the Thing to Get You in the Spirit

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

Special to Moments at the South Georgia Center for Cancer Care. Former Georgia Southern University football standout Adrian Peterson will serve as the master of ceremonies that evening, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free photographs inside Santa’s workshop at the Averitt Center for the Arts. Georgia Country Vocalist of the Year Jared Wade will sing holiday jingles from the balcony of City Hall, and live entertainment will be provided throughout the night on the courthouse lawn. Downtown restaurants and shops will stay open late for your enjoyment, and local vendors offering quality food and handcrafted merchandise will be on the scene as well. All the fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and parking and admission are free to the general public.

t’s that time of year again: The First Friday Holiday Celebration is upon us! On Friday, Dec. 4, invite your friends and loved ones to join you downtown for a festive and memorable evening filled with holiday cheer. This year’s event features a host of fun and exciting activities that are sure to get everyone in the family in the mood for the holidays. The event kicks off with the Run the Boro 5K, with all race proceeds benefiting Statesboro’s Open Hearts Community Mission, followed by the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn, a holiday parade and the famous chili cook-off. For only $1, sample some of the best chili around, and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit local cancer patients through the e+ Foundation

Give the Gift of The ater & Art!

Are you looking for one place to shop for everyone on your list? Do you like to buy local? Look no further than the Averitt Center for the Arts. Classes in music, art, or dance, is a gift that can spark the creative spirit, we have them from youth through adult. If you are looking for an item that will never go out of style, and always fits, give the gift of show tickets!

Adul & h t You

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912.212.2787 | www.averittcenterforthearts.org

Don’t Let Your Garden Go Bare This Winter Try These Cold-Hardy Flowers

ver wonder what you’ll replace your summer and fall flowers with? Lots of people throw in the towel and avoid planting anything during the winter months, but you don’t have to! These cold-hardy bloomers can stand up to the chilliest of days — and nights — while still keeping their brilliant color and structural integrity. Pansies are a personal favorite of mine for winter because they flourish best in mass plantings that can be striking. This annual is very easy to grow from seed or sprout, with very minimal upkeep required. Pansies will work diligently to produce flush upon flush of color all winter long, and the only thing you need to do is pinch off the dead blooms once they are spent. Your choice of colors include purple, white, yellow, gold, orange, violet, red and even deep midnight blue that appears black. With so many choices and so little care, pansies are a sure-fire winner for garden spaces, landscaping and containers. Pairing well alongside pansies are the classic snapdragons, which also are extremely tolerant to the cold, wet winters the South brings. In most warmer regions around the country, these little gems are treated as early spring or late fall annuals. However, when insulated with a layer of mulch, you can expect your snapdragons to last throughout the winter, with very minimal maintenance required. An added bonus:

Erinn Cowart The Art of Lawncare

Snapdragons make excellent cutting flowers, making it easy to bring the outdoors inside with just a few clips of your shears. Plant them in full to partial sun to see the best results. If it’s winter foliage you are craving, then look no further than — Can you guess? — cabbage! Not just for slaws and salads, cabbage is great for visual interest all through the cold months, available in many of varieties, including both red/pink leaves and green/white leaves. Perfect as a backdrop for other annuals or sturdy and strong planted on its own, winter cabbage will stick around through the cold temperatures and give you a great return on your investment. Try different variations of these beautiful annuals around your home this season, and watch as they fill your landscapes with vibrant color. Erinn is part of the professional team at Ninja Lawns who seek to serve the Statesboro community and make a positive difference in the world around them. You can learn more and contact Ninja Lawns online at www.ninjalawns.com.

Perla Middleton

Cinnamon Coffee Cream 2 cups organic, coconut or almond milk ½ to 1 cup organic brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (or 4 cinnamon sticks) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)

wonderful over the holidays without using toxic sprays and scents. This stovetop holiday potpourri is one of my favorite methods and makes amazing homemade gift everyone can appreciate.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk ingredients together. When mixture begins to steam, turn down the heat, continually stir and cook for another minute or two before removing from the heat. If you’ve used ground cinnamon but don’t like grounds in your coffee, you can strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve. Serve immediately by pouring desired amount of cream into a cup of freshly brewed organic coffee. Pour remaining cream into an airtight container, cover and refrigerate for up to 10 days. Consider creating a gift for someone this holiday season by combining a bag of organic coffee with a coffee mug and the recipe for this cinnamon cream. Add organic brown sugar and cinnamon sticks in a bag tied with a ribbon, and place it inside the mug. Speaking of cinnamon and smells, due to my allergies, I don’t have candles, plug-ins or store-bought potpourri in my house — but there are many ways to make a home smell

Healthy Home

Stovetop Holiday Potpourri 4 cups water 1 orange, sliced 1 lemon, sliced 2 tablespoons whole cloves ½ cup cranberries 4 cinnamon sticks 4 bay leaves In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Combine all remaining ingredients and simmer. Add water as needed. Refrigerate mixture in an airtight jar for up to a month. It may be reheated several times. When it starts to look brown and yucky, it is time to make a new batch. Perla Middleton is a founding member of Healthy Home and is committed to helping clients make their homes a healthier place to raise their families. As a ToxicFree coach, she helps take the guesswork out of toxic-free living by stressing the importance of self-education, teaching others to become their own advocates, and inspiring individuals to do their research and learn how to find the best products in the organic, toxic-free and natural arenas. Contact her at dnp1515@gmail.com

Roughly 90 percent of holiday travel takes place by personal vehicle, followed by air, bus and train, says the USDOT. With so many people on the move, the risk for accidents and other incidents increases. To keep the holidays enjoyable and safe, travelers should remember to exercise caution. Schedule a tune-up. Make sure your car is in good working order. Check the air pressure in tires and get an oil change if it is time. Other cars on the road may kick up salt and other debris from the roadways, so be certain to top off windshield washer fluid to maintain adequate visibility. Leave plenty of time. Expect traffic and leave extra time to get to your destination. Hurrying may cause you to increase your speed or make risky maneuvers behind the wheel that can increase your risk of accident and injury. Leave extra time as well for traveling through weather conditions like snow and sleet. Know various routes to the destination. Volume or accidents can result in road detours. Keep a paper map in the car or rely on navigation systems. Leave room for emergency supplies. Stock your vehicle with a change of clothes, blankets, snacks and drinks, jumper cables, a flashlight, and additional safety supplies. Drivers should be prepared in the event of a breakdown. Keep children entertained. A long trip can seem longer with unhappy children in tow. Plan ahead with some activities to keep kids occupied while on the road. Games, books, videos, and music can fill the time. Make frequent stops so kids can get out of the car and stretch. And don’t forget to pack some food and drinks to cut down on time-consuming rest stop visits. Take turns driving. Spending long hours behind the wheel can cause fatigue. Share driving responsibilities with another adult passenger to help avoid drowsy driving conditions. If no one else is available to share the See the service experts for all your winter tire needs. load, pull over and rest from time to time.

Get the tires that get you to the fun.

Secure packages and luggage. Tie down items on roof racks and in rear cargo areas of SUVs and vans so they’re not moving around freely. In the event of an accident, items that are not secured can be dangerous. Pack gifts and other items so that the driver’s line of sight is not impeded. If holiday travel is in your future, remember to make safety a priority. Copyright © 2011 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

here are many things that I love about the holidays — Bing Crosby, candy canes and the smell and taste of cinnamon. If you like cinnamon, too, give these two recipes a try. One has a yummy taste, and the other makes the house smell wonderful!

The nation’s highways and skyways experience an influx of travelers during the holiday season. People are on the move over the last five weeks of the calendar year, traveling near and far to spend the holidays with friends and family members they hold dear. In fact, the United States Department of Transportation says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year.

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Tastes and Smells of the Season

PUT SAFE TRAVEL AT THE TOP OF HOLIDAYS LISTS

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moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

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Get Fired Up about the Holidays

Deborah Harvey more student work to its downtown location. Now in its third year, All Fired Up continues to grow. Each year, more artists and patrons are added. This year, the sale will feature Averitt Center student and faculty work, the GSU art department’s Jewelry Guild artwork and several local potters selling their wares, including professor emeritus Jane Pleak. Purchases from All Fired Up directly support artists and student organizations. The event offers an opportunity for students from GSU and the Averitt Center to learn about the business side of art, including how to price and market their artwork and interact with potential buyers. It is also a chance for students to hear feedback on their work. Students receive

3D mammography.

80 percent of the proceeds from their sales, and 10 percent goes back to the art department’s clubs, including the Jewelry Guild, Print & Paper Society and Club Mud. All Fired Up will fill the Averitt Center’s gallery space beginning with an Averitt member preview sale on Dec. 3 from 6– 8 p.m., followed by public sales on Friday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more gift ideas, stop by the Rosengart Gallery of Fine Arts & Gifts at the Averitt Center. Open six days a week, the gallery carries specialty items you used to only find in Savannah! The store is bursting for the holidays and offers unique items at a

variety of price points. Finally, one of the simplest and best presents of all can be purchased directly from the Averitt Center box office. Theater tickets and art classes make truly extraordinary gifts. The center offers classes for all ages in painting, drawing, ceramics, theater, ballet, tap, jazz, voice and music. Both group and private lessons are available. Has your mom always loved handmade ceramics? This year, give her an eightweek session of ceramics classes so she can try it out for herself. Want to give something a little different this year to your friends at work? Consider scheduling a group Paint-N-Party. And for a gift everyone can appreciate, pick up a beautiful ceramic bowl at All Fired Up and fill it with chocolates and a pair of tickets to an Averitt Center show. For more information about these or any of the Averitt Center’s programs and events, call (912) 212-2787 or go to www.averittcenterforthearts.org.

Sharper images. Greater accuracy. Earlier detection. 3D mammography provides images so definitive and precise, they can reduce repeat screenings by up to 40 percent. They also increase early invasive cancer detection by 40 percent over 2D imaging alone, which may mean an even greater chance of survival. For more information, call 912-764-5656 or visit StatesboroImaging.com.

A department of East Georgia Regional Medical Center Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is required. If the patient does not have a physician/provider, a list will be provided for the patient’s selection. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider and follow-ups are the responsibility of the patient. East Georgia Regional Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

re you shopping for gifts that are special, personal, unique, beautiful, functional, local and affordable this year? Of course you are — we all are! Fortunately, you can find exactly that right here in downtown Statesboro. Between All Fired Up for the Holidays (Dec. 3–5), the Rosengart Gallery of Fine Art & Gifts and the box office, the Averitt Center for the Arts has you covered. A few years ago, the Averitt Center’s visual arts director, Kimberly Riner, wanted to form a biannual sale to fill the void for everyone who missed Club Mud’s ceramics sale at Georgia Southern University, a 20-year tradition. Partnering with Averitt Center director Tim Chapman and gallery director Sheila Stewart-Leach, the idea for All Fired Up was born. Last year, the center added a successful partnership with GSU’s Student Made, bringing

Winter Camping in Georgia

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

ith the winter quickly approaching, a number of my friends have begun packing their camping gear in storage boxes, preparing for a long indoor hybernation. I have repeatedly fought with many of them, imploring those who fear the colder month to reconsider. One of the greatest aspects of Southern life is our short and mild winters, with temperatures rarely dipping into the teens. The face of Georgia, as well as the rest of the Southeast, has much to show during the cooler months, and a hiatus from outdoor activities can mean missing months of fun. A few short steps can prepare anyone for camping outdoor through the cooler months. The first and most important aspect of having a pleasant outdoor experience is the ability to stay dry. A nice night snuggled up in a cozy sleeping bag with temperatures in the 30s can turn into 10 hours of misery if your body is wet. Always pack a raincoat for any outdoor excursion in the fall and winter, and take extra socks and underwear in a dry sack or gallon-sized plastic bag. Above all else, always change into fresh, dry clothes prior to going to sleep, especially in a sleeping bag. Even a small amount of water or sweat on your clothes, especially cotton clothing, can cause your body temperature to drop as the moisture evaporates. Secondly, always have appropriate shelter for an outdoor stay in the

Michael McBride Outdoor Fun

winter. This goes hand in hand with staying dry when it rains. Minimalist shelters, tarps and “bug houses” should be left at home, and appropriate four-season tents should be taken along. These tents are often double-walled, keeping condensation to a minimum. They are also usually made to keep wind involvement to

a minimum, allowing for warmer interiors. A warm, dry shelter goes a long way when it comes to getting a good night’s rest — one of the most important aspects of any outdoor adventure. As in any camping situation, a fire is of utmost importance. In the winter, remember to build a fire for heat, not just for cooking or as a spectacle. Cooking fires made with dense or wet wood or charcoal are great for preparing meals but do not put off a great deal of heat. Instead, for maximum heat output, use dry, light wood to build your fire. To find the best heating wood, search for large branches of dead wood that have fallen from one tree into the branches of another. Because they have not been resting on the forest floor, these air-dried bits have not soaked up

A Georgia cave in February

THE HEN HOUSE Presents

2nd Annual

CONTEST

THE HEN HOUSE

Statesboro Mall • 764-3525

as much moisture and are often dry and brittle. Though they burn quickly, they blaze hot and put out the most heat. Remember that live green wood tends to smolder more than burn, and this does little to warm a large area. Dry leaves and bark also burn hot but produce a great deal of smoke and don’t last very long. (If nothing else, purchase some kiln-dried firewood prior to heading out to your campsite.) Last, but certainly not least, tune your menu to foods that keep your body warm. Hot drinks such as hot chocolate and tea, along with warm soups, are light and easily packed, and they warm the body from within. Spicy foods such as peppers, curries and onions also warm your core temperature as you digest them. Increase the number of carbohydrates you take along as well, as your body burns more calories when it’s cold. Avoid alcohol, because although it makes you feel warm, it actually thins the blood and causes internal cooling. We live in the South. Though I find myself complaining about the cold more than most, I have to remind myself that people are out having a good time in the snow farther north than me. Don’t let the chill keep you inside; just prepare correctly, remember to stay dry, and get out there and have a winter adventure! Michael McBride is an experienced rock climber, caver and outdoor enthusiast. When not working as a veterinary technician, you will most likely find him in the woods!

os phot r u yo lf o n Post E r u of yo elf on h the S k with boo e c g a F shta a h o the lfBor e h S n nThe soh t O f r l #E Sta 27t r st nte embe o C ov N

Bulloch County Schools Preparing students to find success & enhancing community value Serving Bulloch County through 15 public school campuses

www.bulloch.k12.ga.us

School Climate Surveys Open through Feb. 26 should take the questions seriously. The results are used to guide Bulloch County Schools’ climate and counseling initiatives, health curriculum, drug prevention education goals and more. The GaDOE does not make data from the parent and personnel surveys public, but it does post the student survey results. Bulloch County’s 2014–15 Georgia Student Survey results are available at www.bulloch.k12.ga.us/ gaclimatesurveys. Participation in the parent, student and employee surveys is voluntary; however, at least 75 percent of each school’s employees and 75 percent of each school’s students must participate in their respective surveys for the school to receive a School Climate Star Rating on its CCRPI. Parents who do not want their child to participate in the Georgia Student Health Survey II can contact the school and complete an opt-out form, which is also available on the school system website. Schools will notify parents before they administer the survey to students. School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate sets the tone for all the learning and teaching done in the school environment, and it is predictive of students’ ability to learn and develop in healthy ways. There are four components that are used to calculate a school’s School Climate Star Rating. Each is weighted equally at 25 percent: 1) school climate, which includes data from the parent, student and employee surveys; 2) average daily attendance for students, teachers, administrators and staff; 3) student discipline; and 4) a safe and substance-free learning environment. Bulloch County Schools annually reports its schools’ CCRPI scores and School Climate Star Ratings to the public via the media, social media, its website and the district’s annual report, “Focus.” For the most current information, visit www.bulloch.k12.ga.us/ testing.

The Bulloch County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, physical handicap, religion or age in employment practices or in admission to or participation in any education programs or activities.

912.212.8500 • 150 Williams Road, Suite A Statesboro, GA 30458

Though the holiday season is a joyous time of year, it’s also one when many people succumb to cold and flu. Spending so much time indoors in close proximity to others can increase a person’s susceptibility to flu and cold, so it’s no surprise that the holiday season, when many people spend lots of time celebrating indoors with family and friends, marks the unofficial start to cold and flu season. Despite what Mom might have told you about going out into the cold with a wet head or leaving home without wearing a coat, such actions do not increase your risk for cold and flu. But being cooped up indoors, where germs from others who are sick can fester, can increase that risk. Cold weather also can be a factor, but not for the reason you think. According to a 2007 study from researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the influenza virus is more stable and can stay in the air longer when the air is cold and dry. Dr. Peter Palese, a flu researcher who is professor and chairman of the school’s microbiology department, examined guinea pigs infected with the flu virus to determine the connection between the flu and cold weather. Dr. Palese varied the air temperature and humidity in the guinea pigs’ environment and determined that flu transmission was best at 41 F, while the prevalence of transmission declined as the temperature rose. By the time temperatures reached 86 F, the virus was not transmitted at all. Low humidity also helped transmit the virus, and high humidity stopped the spread. Flu viruses spread through the air in water droplets expelled from sick individuals’ noses and mouths. High humidity may cause these droplets to fall to the ground before they can infect someone else. Colds are largely transmitted through surface contact with the virus or direct contact with a sick individual. The cold virus is then contracted on the hands and typically transferred to the nose, eyes or mouth through inadvertent touching of these areas. Spending time indoors in close quarters with other people, which is more common in the winter, can facilitate the spread of colds as well as the flu virus. There are many ways to reduce your risk of contracting a cold or the flu virus this winter. Perhaps no preventive measure is more effective than getting a flu shot. In addition, wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs, and disinfect remote controls, computer keyboards, tablets, mobile phones, and other items that are handled by multiple people on any given day. In addition, spend as much time outdoors as possible so you can escape potentially contaminated indoor air. If you come down with the flu, increase the humidity in your home by running the shower with the door open, using a recreational aquarium or boiling pots of water. Maintain a warm indoor temperature to reduce the likelihood that the flu virus will spread. Other ways to reduce your risk for cold and flu include: • maintaining a healthy diet • getting several minutes of sunlight per day • exercising regularly

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ulloch County Schools encourages all parents with children in its school system to participate in the Georgia Department of Education’s annual Georgia Parent Survey. This survey gives parents an opportunity to provide feedback about the climate and safety of local schools. Parents have until Feb. 26 to complete the online survey at www.bulloch.k12.ga.us. The survey is accessible via any Internet-enabled computer or mobile device. It is available in English and Spanish. Parents can complete one survey for each of the different schools their children attend. Parents that do not have Internet access may contact any school to schedule a time to use a computer on campus to participate in the survey. The Georgia Parent Survey includes 24 questions and takes five to 10 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous and are submitted directly to the GaDOE for analysis. The Georgia Parent Survey is one of three surveys the GaDOE uses to determine the overall School Climate Star Rating for schools. This rating is part of each school’s College and Career Ready Performance Index, or CCRPI, Georgia’s accountability system that rates schools and school districts on a 100-point scale. The other surveys, the Georgia Student Health Survey II and the Georgia School Personnel Survey, gather feedback from students and employees. Each survey’s questions are available for review at www.bulloch. k12.ga.us/gaclimatesurveys or by contacting the school. Like with the Georgia Parent Survey, all responses are anonymous and submitted directly to the GaDOE. The Georgia Student Health Survey II has three versions: one for third–fifth grades, another for eighth grade and a third for ninth–12th grades. These are brief, 15-minute surveys, but students

PREVENT COLDS AND FLU BEFORE THEY START

With paint and beads, the Wrens make it a

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

crafty christmas

or December’s cover mom, the multitalented Ashley Wren, visions of sugar plums began dancing in her head months ago. Sugar plum fairies and nutcrackers and Sigma Chi houses and reindeer and anything imaginable have found their way from Ashley’s head to her creative paintbrush and onto a Christmas ornament or large canvas. Her beautiful creations then wait patiently, wrapped in pretty packages, for their Christmas deliveries. Ashley is the artistic genius behind The Painted Wren, a small business through which she paints and sells textured and non-textured Christmas ornaments and canvases for gifts and keepsakes. Ashley takes special requests or comes up with ideas of her own for personalized, lasting holiday memories. “I’ve always enjoyed being crafty, but I decided to give painting a try last year,” she said. “I started with canvases, learned the art of distressing them, working with Bible verses and multimedia. I began working with texture and love doing abstracts now.” Ashley especially loves creating large family canvases with lots of texture, on which she includes stamped information about each family member. Several of her paintings hang

By Julie Lavender

in local businesses and restaurants. Last October, Ashley decided to put her creativity atop ornaments and began painting families, sports and activity-themed objects and characters from “The Nutcracker” ballet. She designed and sold more than 300 ornaments last year, and already this year, she’s prepared 200. “I’ve added homes to the list of things I paint on an ornament, like fraternity and sorority houses and businesses,” she said. “I would say my style is sort of a whimsical, funky take on your home or family.”

In just two years, Ashley’s business has grown, mostly by word of mouth, coupled with The Painted Wren Facebook page. In fact, the Wren family has only been back in Statesboro for the past three years. Ashley, who grew up in central Texas and went to high school in Columbus, Georgia, met her husband, Will, who grew up in Wrens, Georgia, during their sophomore year at Georgia Southern University. Will graduated with a finance degree and is a sales leader for State Farm Insurance. Ashley graduated in 1999 with

an early childhood education degree from GSU, then earned her master’s and education specialist degrees from Augusta State University. The Wrens have been married 15 ½ years and have two children, Harrison, 11, and Olivia, 9. Both kids are students at Bulloch Academy, where Ashley teaches music part-time to third- through fifth-graders, as well as a high school music elective that encompasses piano, guitar and ukulele. She also works part-time for her church as the children’s choir director. “We’ve moved seven times

To order or find out more about Ashley’s ornaments and canvases and Olivia’s bracelets, email Ashley at ashwren@yahoo.com or find her on Facebook at “The Painted Wren.” ed, “100,000.” Ashley just shrugged her shoulders and said, “The sky’s the limit.” Ashley feels so blessed and thankful for the support shown by the community for Olivia’s CURE bracelets and her own ornaments and loves being back home in Statesboro. With visions of ornaments and bracelets dancing around her garage, den, kitchen — practically anywhere there is space available — it’s bound to be a very joyous and merry Christmas at the Wren home.

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

and are thrilled to be back here. Statesboro has been so welcoming; we’ve reunited with old friends and made lots of new ones. “You never know where life’s going to take you,” Ashley said. “You put your life in God’s hands and see where you go — but I do like to say this is my final stop,” she added, laughing. A member of Statesboro First United Methodist Church, Ashley points out that she has a strong faith and says her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” Ashley is not the only one in the family to have artistic talents, as well as entrepreneurial skills. Her daughter, Olivia, carried along a package of beads to entertain herself on a car trip to see her grandparents last May. Young Olivia created a bracelet on the trip, then announced to her mom, “I could sell these.” Olivia and her mom talked about selling the bracelets for a purpose, a good cause. Olivia decided she wanted to sell the bracelets in honor of her friend, 7-year-old Anna Hays Polk, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. Anna’s mom and Ashley were both Kappa Deltas at GSU, and Anna’s dad and Will Wren were both members of GSU’s Sigma Chi fraternity. “I picked CURE Childhood Cancer because my mom and I researched and found out that only 4 percent of cancer research money goes specifically for children,” explained Olivia, who has already donated $1,500 toward CURE. When asked by her mom, “What was your original goal? 10,000?” Olivia quickly respond-

Celebrate the Holidays with Crock Pot Crab Stew

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

hether it is decorating the tree with loved ones, going to a church service or caroling with friends, at the end of the day, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to enjoy a warm bowl of Crock Pot Crab Stew while making holiday memories together. This creamy and delicious soup adds just the right touch to the Christmas season and will leave everyone feeling merry and bright. Crock Pot Crab Stew 3 12-ounce containers refrigerated crab claw meat 5 10-ounce cans cream of celery soup 3 12-ounce cans evaporated milk 1 quart half-and-half 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed Salt and pepper to taste

Azure Rountree Fun, Delicious and Festive

Eat,

DRINK d be Healthy!

Run fingers through claw meat and pull out any pieces of shell. Combine all ingredients in a 6-quart crock pot and cook on low heat for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Skim froth from top of stew, then serve with crackers. Azure Rountree, a wife and mother of four beautiful kids, has a love of cooking and sharing recipes. She enjoys writing for cookbooks and working as an advocate for autism.

Expires 1/31/2016

Date Ideas to Keep You Warm and Toasty

FamilyShare

ical setting — on a blank wall, and lay out blankets and pillows like you would on the grass. Pop some popcorn and grab your favorite movie treats and pretend it’s August, at least for an hour or two. • Walk in wonderland. It may be absolutely glacial outside, but sometimes that’s the prettiest time to take a walk around the block. Grab your warmest gear and your honey and take a wintry walk in the quiet of the night. Just make sure to hold hands to keep warm. • Indoor beach. Landlocked lovers can still enjoy a warm night out on the beach (of sorts), if you get a little creative. Crank up the heat for just an hour or two and draw a warm bath with sea salts for your “surf.” Put on some Beach Boys to set the mood. Sip your hot chocolate and spiced cider in fancy cocktail glasses and don some sunglasses to complete the beachy picture. Snow and ice may not paint the picture of summertime, but you can certainly take a bit of the summer season inside this winter and enjoy a cozy date.

Romance & Rehabilitation: When Two Loves Collide

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moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

here seems to be a shortage of date ideas in the wintertime. Yes, you’ve got sleigh rides and ice skating, but summertime does appear to be the season of dating; concerts, festivals and outdoor soirees all disappear to make room for movie night after movie night in the winter months. Don’t despair; here are a few creative dates that are perfect for the chillier seasons and are sure to keep you and your beau warm and toasty. • S’more loving, please. Bring the warm and lazy summer nights indoors with a nonscented candle and a twist on the classic s’more. You might not be dressed up in shorts with salty, sandy hair, but you can still spend hours chatting by firelight. How romantic! Make your s’mores a little more grownup by adding in fancy chocolates, cookies instead of graham crackers and fresh fruit like strawberries and raspberries. • Table for two. Trying a new restaurant is a classic date idea, but it does mean you’ll need to go outside in the frigid weather. Instead, heat things up in the kitchen by cooking something spicy. Plan ahead and pick up ingredients for an Indian bhartha, or test your spice level with a riff on the classic Isreali shakshuka. No matter the weather outside, having a spicy hot dinner is sure to warm you up without a plane ticket to the tropics. • Pack up a picnic. Picnics aren’t just for summertime. A thermos full of hot soup and another full of hot chocolate goes quite well with warm bread and cookies and will help keep you both warm. Bring along a warm, fuzzy blanket to snuggle up, and pop the trunk of your car or brush off a picnic bench to have a place to sit and enjoy your lunch. • Sunny screenings. Have your own summer movie night during the snowy season. Project a summertime film — something with baseball games, beach scenes or a trop-

Women’s Ministry Christmas Tea First Baptist Church Statesboro 4–6 pm. $8/person, $64/table for 8 “The Characters of Christmas” GSU choral concert First United Methodist Church 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

Coupon Club with Beatrice Dunbar Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) free • 11 a.m. Winter Choral Concert Statesboro High School • 7 pm.

8 Teen Movie Night Statesboro Regional Library (Upstairs Activity Room) 5–6 p.m. Workshop: Preserving original family recipes Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) • 6 p.m. Langston Chapel Middle School Band Concert Statesboro High School • 7 pm.

6th Grade Band/ Chorus Winter Concert Southeast Bulloch High School 7 p.m. Christmas Flea 2015 Colonial House of Flowers 6–9 p.m. Teen Game Night Statesboro Regional Library (Upstairs Activity Room) 5–7 p.m.

Workshop: Simple Holiday Crafts Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) 6 p.m. Toddler Time Statesboro Regional Library (Children’s Activity Room) 10:30–11 a.m.

Toddler Time Statesboro Regional Library (Children’s Activity Room) 10:30–11 a.m.

All Fired Up Holiday Exhibition and Sale Averitt Center • 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Arm Knitting Workshop Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) • 4:30 p.m.

All Fired Up Holiday Exhibition and Sale Averitt Center • 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” Emma Kelly Theater 7:30 p.m. $21/adults, $10/youth Thursday Movie Matinee: “Meet Me in St. Louis” Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) • 2 p.m. Adult Coloring Class Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) • 6 p.m.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” GSU Fall Commencement Emma Kelly Theater • 7:30 p.m. Hanner Fieldhouse $21/adults, $10/youth 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. The Fundamentals of Paint-N-Party! Digital Photography Averitt Center GSU Nessmith-Lane Conference Center $35 • 5:30–8 p.m. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. “Amahl and the Night Author Talk: Daniel Poremba, “Fitness Starting Now” Visitors” Emma Kelly Theater • 7:30 p.m. Statesboro Regional Library $21/adults, $10/youth (Community Room) • 2 p.m.

Planetarium Public Evening: “Let it Snow” BES Chorus presents First Friday: Holiday GSU Planetarium “A Joyful Celebration” Celebration free • 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and every Brooklet Elementary • 6:30 p.m. downtown • 5:30–7:30 p.m. 7th Grade Band/Chorus 8th Grade Band, Chorus half-hour from 6–9:30 p.m. Winter Concert & Percussion Ensemble 3rd Annual Holiday Follies SEB High School • 7 p.m. SEB High School • 7 p.m. Statesboro High School • 7 p.m.

Annual Lighting of Sweetheart Circle Sweetheart Circle • 5–7 p.m. Portal Community Christmas Nativity Portal turpentine still • 6 p.m.

December

2015

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

Teen Music Night Statesboro Regional Library (Upstairs Activity Room) 5–6 p.m.

Toddler Time Statesboro Regional Library (Children’s Activity Room) 10:30–11 a.m.

from all of us at Magazine ofMoments us at Moments

Magazine

at 6 p.m.

Grades present “How the Penguins Saved Christmas”

• Langston Chapel Elementary School 2nd and 3rd

Around the World” at 6 p.m.

• Portal Elementary School presents “Winter Holidays

present the musical “Flakes!” at 6 p.m.

• Mattie Lively Elementary School 2nd and 3rd Grades

Family Christmas Fun Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) 1–4 p.m. Family Fun Swim Splash in the Boro 10 a.m.–noon

Also happening on December 10:

NOTES:

Annual Songfest (all grades and parents) Sallie Z. Elementary School 9 a.m. Arm Knitting Workshop Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) 4:30 p.m.

Student Art Exhibit and Sale Statesboro High School 6 p.m. “Jingle All the Way” musical Julia P. Bryant Elementary School 6 p.m.

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season

Reading to Rover Statesboro Regional Library (Children’s Department) 5–6 p.m.

Coupon Club with Beatrice Dunbar Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) free • 11 a.m.

from all

2nd and 3rd Grades present “The Littlest Reindeer” Sallie Zetterower Elementary 6 p.m. GSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble in concert GSU Performing Arts Center 4 p.m.

Holiday Cookie Book to Movie Club Swap Statesboro Regional Library (Upstairs Activity Room) • 4–6 p.m. Statesboro Regional Library (Community Room) • 6 p.m. SBCPRD adult basketball team manager meeting Holiday Concert Honey Bowen Building Portal Middle School 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Langston Chapel Middle SHS Band Christmas Chorus Winter Concert Concert Statesboro High School Statesboro High School 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

Swipe in the Dough! W

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

Your Phone May Be Killing Your Happiness

Use Your VISA Credit Card by December 31st and get a low promotional rate on all purchases through September 2016. Purchase Rate: VISA Platinum 4.9% VISA Gold 6.9% VISA Classic 10.9% *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Promtional rate applies to every purchase made from 12/1/2015 through 12/31/2015. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

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e check something about 150 times each day — almost mechanically — that steals little bits of our happiness away each time we do it. It’s responsible for unsatisfactory relationships, bad sleep, a disappointing sex life and the inability to focus when we most want to concentrate. This one thing sits in our pockets, carrying all the information the world has to offer: our cellphones. A study conducted this year found cellphone use was tied to higher stress and anxiety levels as well as depression. You may not need to get rid of your phone, but if happiness is what you are looking for, these tips can help you balance your phone use while combating the negative side effects that can sneak in. • Maximize your sleep quality. Your cellphone emits what is called blue light, which suppresses melatonin, the chemical that makes you sleepy. The Atlantic reported those who used an electronic device (even just a reader like a kindle) up to two hours before bed had significantly less REM sleep — the quality sleep your body really needs. Cut electronics time down, especially as you get closer to bedtime. If you like reading before bed, try reading an old-fashioned paper book rather than your phone. This will cut out your exposure to blue light, which in turn will help you sleep better. It’s much easier to be happy when you aren’t exhausted every day. • Develop a better sex life. Using your cellphone in the evening is a mood killer. It’s hard for your spouse

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to connect intimately with you physically if they can’t connect with you intimately in face-to-face conversation. Make your bedroom a no-phone zone, and take time to have important talks with your sweetheart when you’re not distracted by the buzz of an incoming email. • Cope with life. According to a 2015 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, people who are sad use cellphones similarly to how addicts of substances use their addictions: to escape reality. This same study showed college students with chronic stress and emotional instability had problems with mobile use. Discipline yourself to turn to healthier forms of coping. Sure, scrolling through Facebook or texting your ex isn’t as harmful as taking drugs, but it’s not helping you, either. • Kill loneliness by disconnecting. Ironically, this device that should make us less lonely can actually prevent us from sincerely connecting with people when we are face-toface with them. This leaves us with an unsatisfied, empty feeling. “Phubbing” — what happens when you’re with someone in real life but choose to respond to your phone — puts up a wall between you and those you are with because it subtly indicates to them that they are not a priority. Phones feed our fear of missing out, constantly keeping us in the loop of “better” activities going on. This makes us incapable of fully enjoying the present moment. Make your interpersonal connections more satisfying by putting your phone in your pocket and leaving it there when you’re with someone. Whoever is calling or texting you can wait.

JUST THE THING

Pick the perfect gifts this year — locally! The perfect way to keep e create a custom ce just for you!

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Luxury Nails

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Gift Certificates Available • Ask about our Reward Card! 860 Buckhead Drive Suite A1 • Statesboro, GA 30458 • 912-489-7191 Monday-Saturday: 9 AM - 8 PM • Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

what matters close to your heart!

Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks & Recreation Department Monthly Events American Red Cross Blood Drive Dec. 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Honey Bowen Building Family Fun Swim Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 10 a.m.–noon $3/person Splash in the Boro

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

Adult Basketball Team Manager Meeting Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. Honey Bowen Building Parent & Tot Swim Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–2 p.m. $2/person (free for ages 2 and younger) Splash in the Boro Evening Line Dancing (ages 16+) Mondays/Tuesdays, 5:30–7 p.m. $5/class Honey Bowen Building Lap Swim Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–2 p.m. Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays, 7–8 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.–noon $2/visit or $50/30-visit pass Splash in the Boro

Aqua Fit (Shallow Water Aerobics) Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. $5/visit or $125/30-visit pass Splash in the Boro Deep Aqua Fit (Deep Water Aerobics) Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 7:15–8:15 a.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. $5/visit or $125/30-visit pass Splash in the Boro Bingo with the Lunch Bunch Tuesdays, 11–11:45 a.m. free (must be a member of the Lunch Bunch) Honey Bowen Building Learn to Play Bridge Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. free Honey Bowen Building Ultimate H20 Circuit Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6:15–7 a.m. $5/visit or $125/30-class pass Splash in the Boro Arthritis Therapy Tuesdays/Thursdays, 1–1:45 p.m. $5/visit or $125/30-visit pass Splash in the Boro Aqua Zumba Tuesdays/Thursdays, 7–8 p.m. $5/visit or $125/30-visit pass Splash in the Boro Silverliners Line Dancing Thursdays, 1:30–3 p.m. Beginners’ lesson at 1 p.m. $2/session Honey Bowen Building

For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given Christmas Eve Masses 4 p.m. (Spanish) 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Mass on Christmas Day 10 a.m. St. Matthew Catholic Church 221 John Paul Avenue • Statesboro, GA 30458

Symptoms of Possible Endometrial Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

ndometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the reproductive system in women. Although it can be deadly, this cancer is easier to catch early on if you are paying attention to what your body is saying. If you notice any of these vital symptoms, visit your gynecologist soon. • Pain when urinating. Some women experience this in different ways. Rather than having pain when peeing, you might notice you can’t completely empty your bladder. Both can be signs that something isn’t right. • Strange discharge. Most women have some type of discharge on a regular basis, but if yours changes to slightly bloody or watery, it could be cause for alarm. Visit www.webmd.com/women/ guide/vaginaldischarge-whats-abnormal for more information on what’s abnormal. • Unusual bleeding. This cancer occurs within the endometrium, or lining of the uterus. When you are on your period, this lining gets thicker in order to support an embryo in case you get pregnant. If the egg is not fertilized, it peels off the inside of the uterus. The peeling off of that lining is your period, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. But when your endometrium has cancer, it means the lining grows abnormally and stops responding to regular cell growth instructions that your body usually follows. This means you may have bleeding at times between your periods or after menopause. If you have bleeding that is not part of your regular menstrual cycle, this could be a sign of cancer within your uterus. • Uncomfortable sex. There are

FamilyShare several reasons intercourse may be hurting you. Consult with your doctor to see if this pain could be caused by cancer. • Pelvic pain. Although an unusual symptom, pelvic pain can feel similar to cramps you may experience when you’re on your period. Pelvic pain can regularly occur around the time of your period, as well as halfway through the month when you are ovulating. Unexpected pain outside of those times should be evaluated. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes endometrial cancer, but certain risk factors can heighten your chance of having it, according to Mayo Health Clinic. Some of these factors include: • Starting your period under the age of 12. Each time you have a cycle, your hormone balances change (as your mood can probably tell you). The more periods you have, the more hormonal shifts your body has, which heightens your risk. • Older age. The majority of endometrial cancer cases appear after menopause. • Obesity. Being obese increases your risk of endometrial cancer, possibly because extra bad fat affects how your body balances hormones. • Never being pregnant. Women who have been pregnant at least once have less of a chance of developing endometrial cancer than those who have never been pregnant. • The “cancer gene.” Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC, is a gene mutation passed from parents to children. The risk of cancers is increased in those who have this gene. Although scary, endometrial cancer can be better treated when it is caught early.

Parents Rejoice: New Slippers Protect Your Feet from Rogue LEGOS

f you often find yourself trying to joke around with someone who is in tears, you may not be getting enough sleep. That’s because a lack of sleep hinders the brain’s ability to recognize and process the facial expressions of others, according to a recent study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, from the University of California, Berkeley. When you lose that discernment, you could be putting yourself and those around you at risk. “Recognizing the emotional expressions of someone else changes everything about whether or not you decide to interact with them, and in return, whether they interact with you,” said senior study author and Berkeley neuroscience professor Matthew Walker in a release. The study focused on 18 healthy young adults who were twice asked to examine and identify 70 facial expressions from across the board: friendly, happy, scared and angry, to name a few. The first viewing took place after participants had received a full night’s sleep, while the second happened after they’d been awake for 24 hours. Meanwhile, researchers conducted brain scans and monitored heart rates throughout both viewings. Those scans revealed that sleep-deprived participants could not distinguish between threatening and friendly facial expressions, nor did their heart rates respond appropriately to the two types of expressions. “Consider the implications for students pulling all-nighters, emergency

KSL room medical staff, military fighters in war zones and police officers on graveyard shifts,” said co-author Andrea Goldstein-Piekarski. Perhaps most troubling: Researchers found that the neural link between the brain and the heart — a tool that helps the body sense distress signals — was disconnected in those who didn’t sleep. “Sleep deprivation appears to dislocate the body from the brain,” Walker said. “You can’t follow your heart.” That’s not good news, Walker said, considering two-thirds of Americans don’t get enough sleep. Walker and his team also found that participants were more likely to identify friendly or neutral facial expressions as threatening when they had been deprived of sleep. “Insufficient sleep removes the rose tint to our emotional world, causing an overestimation of threat,” he said. “This may explain why people who report getting too little sleep are less social and more lonely.” On the other side of the spectrum, Walker and his colleagues found that while sleep deprivation robs the brain of the ability to read facial expressions, quality dream sleep can heighten that ability. “The better the quality of dream sleep, the more accurate the brain and body was at differentiating between facial expressions,” Walker said. “Dream sleep appears to reset the magnetic north of our emotional compass.” All the more reason to skip that episode of your favorite Netflix show and turn in at a decent hour.

KSL his one goes out to anyone who has ever experienced the excruciating, blinding, mind-numbing pain of stepping on a tiny

plastic brick. LEGO brand has joined forces with French advertising company Brand Station to design a pair of slippers that put the safety of your feet before all else, according to the Huffington Post. That’s right, you no longer have to wear steel-toed boots when tiptoeing around the battleground of your child’s bedroom floor.

The limited-edition LEGO slippers are made with extra padding at the insoles, keeping your feet safe from any lurking LEGOs that may pose a threat. Composed of bold yellows and reds and branded with a giant LEGO insignia, they’re easy to spot even when you’re fumbling out of bed. But before you hop on Amazon to order, be advised: The company produced just 1,500 pairs and will be randomly distributing the coveted footwear to people who fill out a Christmas wish list on the LEGO France website, according to the French blog Piwee. Unfortunately, that means the odds of getting your hands — or your feet, rather — on this brilliant invention are much lower than the odds of actually stepping on a LEGO today.

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Maintaining a Relationship with Your Defiant Child

efiance can be a shortlived phase that your child is going through, or it can be a permanent facet to the child’s personality. Either way, it is important as a parent to continue to push for a loving and caring relationship. Some cases may be harder than others, but here are some ideas to keep the relationship going.

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

Keep with routine. Everyone likes to know what is expected of them, and children are no exception. Routines build a sense of knowing what to expect, and that can create a calm environment. Plus, if your child is moving through his normal routine with little to no reminders, the interactions are generally more positive. These are also great times to praise your child for completing tasks and following directions. A relationship with a defiant child needs all the positives

it can get, so praise as much as you can. Noting the little aspects is just as important, like, “Thank you for staying calm when sister took the toy you were cleaning up.” Don’t change traditions. As much as the defiant child or teenager will complain about social and often embarrassing (to them) events, they are an important piece of belonging that they do not get from friends. Family members show a sense of camaraderie and tend to be a more consistent influence throughout their life. Even when relationships with the immediate family are feeling a bit rocky, they can usually find an extended family member they can relate to and feel a sense of acceptance. This feeling of attachment can assist in repairing other relationships and help them practice interacting in a social and healthy way. This helps the defiant child learn to live in harmony with others.

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Listen. On the occasion that the defiant child wants to sit down and express concerns in a calm, productive manner, make this a priority. Not only are you showing the child that he is a significant part of your life, but you are rewarding effective communication. Really listen to him without judgment. Children are very observant and tend to notice your nonverbal cues that others miss. Make sure you are modeling good communication and behaviors, because children and teenagers imitate us (even if they don’t want to) and will mirror back how you are acting. Offer kind physical contact. Kind physical contact is going to be different for each child. Some younger kids may want to playfully wrestle with you, while older teenagers may only want a brief side hug. Either way, you should be available for interaction. As humans, we crave physical contact that makes us feel safe and secure. Make eye contact. This is huge, but it is funny how we don’t seem to notice when eye contact is lacking. Eye contact is pinnacle to relationship-building and how we view connections. So getting as much eye contact as possible with your child is important to repairing or maintaining rapport. If your child is willing, you can have a staring contest. To the child, you are playing a game, which can be fun, but you are also getting some great eye contact. It is a simple concept, but it can make all the difference. Coral Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., said that eye contact is connected to our survival as human beings and that we should maintain eye contact for 30 to 60 percent of our interaction time. Laugh. Laughter reduces stress and pain. Any strained relationship usually

has both stress and pain, and humor seems to be the key. When you laugh, you release endorphins that give you an overall sense of well-being. When you are interacting with someone during this same endorphin rush, your perspective of that person tends to shift in a more positive direction. So find something that you can laugh about with your kids pays off in the end by creating a happier relationship. Think positive. Try to appreciate the defiant child’s positive attributes. Children have to be creative in order to get under our skin as much as they do. They tend to be independent thinkers and are not scared of a challenge. They may be frustrating children, but as adults, they will be amazing trailblazers that change the world. The key is getting them the guidance they need to learn to cooperate with others.

Roughhousing Is Good for Kids’ Brains

Deseret News

‘Rowdy, physical play teaches kids to communicate verbally and nonverbally; to take turns; to negotiate rules; and to understand when they can use their full strength and when they need to hold back.’

There’s significant difference between real aggression and physical play, according to University of Nevada Las Vegas researchers who published a paper extolling the value of rowdy play and offering examples to help parents and educators tell

the difference for the journal Children Australia. They wrote that “it may be argued that the omission of aggressive play in early childhood programmes fosters the underdevelopment of social, emotional, physical, cognitive and communicative abilities in young children. This is particularly relevant for preschool-aged boys because they engage in aggressive sociodramatic play more often than girls.” Dr. Anthony T. DeBenedet and

Lawrence J. Cohen collected benefits of physical play to children in the book “The Art of Roughhousing,” with the subtitle “Good old-fashioned horseplay and why every kid needs it.” Their list of reasons included the claim that roughhousing makes kids smart. Therese Borchard explained more on that point in an article for the website PsychCentral. “Roughhousing fertilizes our brain,” she wrote. “This kind of physical play releases a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which really is like fertilizer for our brains. Roughhousing stimulates neuron growth within the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain, responsible for memory, learning, language, and logic.” Among other benefits from the book’s list: It gives kids emotional intelligence and joy, makes them more fit, strengthens their ethics and makes them more likable.

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ll childhood aggression is not equal, but that’s a fact missed by stringent no-touch policies that eradicate free-play activities like a good game of tag or dodgeball. And the strict rules come with a cost, according to experts who say roughhousing is good for kids and the development of both skills and brain power. “Roughhousing is more than good exercise. Psychological research shows that it’s essential to childhood development,” writes Virginia Postrel in a column for Bloomberg News. “Rowdy, physical play teaches kids to communicate verbally and nonverbally; to take turns; to negotiate rules; and to understand when they can use their full strength and when they need to hold back. It may sometimes look likefighting, fighting,but butititisn’t. isn’t.Kids Kidssmile smile like andlaugh, laugh,return returnvoluntarily voluntarilytotothe the and game,take taketurns turnsinindominant dominantroles roles game, andwear weardistinctive distinctive‘play ‘playfaces.’ ” faces.’ ” and

The Most Popular Baby Names in 2016

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

FamilyShare

ometimes you can guess someone’s age by their name. For example, a Cayden isn’t the kind of guy you’d hang out with in a nursing home, and Bertha’s not really a gal you’d meet when you’re out dancing. So, as you’re sitting through the graduation of the class of 2034, trying not to fall asleep, here are the names Baby Centre expects you’ll hear over and over:

10 most popular girl names • Emi • Nora • Astrid • Eden • Marni • Luna • Cleo • Queenie • Cicely • Beryl

10 most popular boy names • Hector • Atticus • Aspen • Otto • Devon • Nelson • Kit • Alberto • Cairo • Colton

Some Ski Resorts Explore Possibility of ‘Drone Zones’

drone hovers about 30 feet above the skier’s head, then quickly swoops down for a tighter angle so its video camera can capture his every move as he carves down a steep powder stash. It’s not a scene from the latest Warren Miller movie. It’s something the founders of a Silicon Valley production company hope to bring to a ski resort near you — allowing customers to get the ultimate selfie in a “drone zone.” Louis Gresham, co-founder of Cape Productions, said the year-anda-half-old company has partnered with eight resorts in the United States and one in Canada. “Video is almost the new currency. Everyone wants pictures of themselves,” he said, citing the popularity of GoPro adventure cameras and phone apps like Vine, Snapchat and

The Associated Press Instagram. “All these companies are trying to give people tools to better broadcast themselves.” At U.S resorts, Cape Productions is expected to charge between $100 and $200 for a photo shoot that includes three runs. Within 48 hours, customers get a one-and-a-half- to two-minute, professionally edited video that incorporates aerial and landscape footage, music and shots from stationary cameras. “We have a lot of creative freedom to get different angles of skiers as they are going down the mountain,” Gresham said. “The sky is the limit for drones.” Cape Productions, which is backed by more than $10 million in venture capital, received full permission from the Federal Aviation Administration in October to fly the drones, which cost about $4,000 each and are about the size of a large crow. Gresham said only one drone

would be in the air at a time on one designated run, and as far as privacy is concerned, it would be unlikely any other skiers or snowboarders would be in the shot. “People think of this ‘drone-pocalypse’ and there will be drones flying everywhere. Not at all,” he said. “We would hate to have drones flying around everywhere.” Initially, the drones are expected to take flight in December at Homewood Mountain Resort and Squaw Valley in northern California, both of which are on private land. But it could take longer to get permission to fly them at other U.S. resorts, many of which operate on public land and would need U.S. Forest Service approval. Steve Hurlbert, a spokesman for Colorado’s Winter Park Resort, which sits entirely on public land, and, like most ski resorts bans the use of drones, said everything is contingent on approval by the Forest Service. It’s

er who gets a drone under the tree is going to show up.” He said it’s better to leave drone operations at ski resorts to professional companies like Cape Productions, which has trained staff, FAA approval and the proper equipment to fly at high altitude and in cold temperatures.

Cape Productions’ drones are equipped with obstacle avoidance software that keeps them from hitting chair lifts, overhead power lines and trees. Operators also would not be allowed to fly them faster than 25 mph. But that’s the small print for customers who are primarily interested in

the final product — and the chance at epic bragging rights. “I have one picture of myself skiing. I would love that,” said Meg Nyberg, a 35-year-old Denver resident who spends her free time Telemark skiing. “On a powder day, I would pay $100 for that.”

‘I have one picture of myself skiing. I would love that. On a powder day, I would pay $100 for that.’ Meg Nyberg, 35-year-old Denver resident

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still too early to know if drones will be featured at the resort. “We’re just trying to figure out how to take advantage of the cool technology,” he said. “Anything we want to implement from a technology standpoint is to enhance the guest experience.” Feedback to the possibility of drones buzzing Winter Park’s slopes has been mixed, Hurlbert said, but there is no denying that the demand for personal footage is there. “All you have to do is stand in a lift line and look around and one in every three helmets has a GoPro attached to it,” he said. “We look at it from the standpoint that if you want to share your experience at Winter Park, that could be a really dynamic way to do that — with a drone.” Dave Byrd, director of risk and regulatory affairs for the National Ski Areas Association, said he gets a handful of calls each week from resorts asking for advice — and he has some concerns about the unrestricted use of drones, especially by hobbyists. “Drones run the gamut of technology,” he said. “What we’re fearful of is the day after Christmas, every teenag-

Tips to Navigate the Holidays When You’re Grieving

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

any of us feel stressed during the holiday season. There’s so much going on — parties to plan and attend, gifts to buy, festive meals to cook and winter weather to deal with. For someone who is grieving, the holidays are more than stressful; they’re painful and can bring anxiety or a sense of dread instead of the spirit of the season. The first time through the holidays since losing a loved one can be extremely difficult. According to Grief. com, we can miss our loved ones more during the holidays than any other time, and it can be the hardest part of grieving. We’re reminded of past holidays or wishes of what the holidays could be instead of what they are. We are often torn between wanting to continue with family traditions and feeling too much sadness and loss to celebrate without our loved one. After the first time through holidays and anniversaries since you’ve lost someone, the experience can be even more varied. For some, the grief will have become more bearable and, while we can miss our loved one more during the holidays, we are able to remember good memories and reminisce rather than feeling unable to move forward. For others, the second or third time (or more) through the holidays can still be painful. Depending on your personal circumstances, any of these scenarios could be completely

FamilyShare normal for your stage of healing. If you or a loved one is struggling with grief at this time of year, here are seven suggestions to help: Grieving is a personal process. If you are feeling pressure because you have seen someone deal with grief over the holidays in a different way, stop. What was OK for them doesn’t have to work for you. Besides, some of us have a very adept public face, and others might not realize how much pain may be hidden underneath. If this means going to all the usual events but not staying as long, that’s fine. If it means kindly declining events and reducing your commitments and celebrations, that’s fine, too. Self-care, self-care, self-care. The holidays are so often about others: buying gifts, making the season fun for someone else, worrying about disappointing someone if we don’t do what we have done in the past and so on. When you’re grieving, it’s OK to adjust your priorities to include caring for your own tender heart. Plan more time for rest and quiet if that’s what you need, or extra time with people who are loving and supportive if that helps you recharge. Refuse to feel guilty because you can’t or don’t feel like trying to “do it all.” Your life has taken a detour, and what was normal for you before isn’t normal now. You’re in the pro-

cess of grieving what was lost and building a new normal, and these things take time. If you spend energy feeling guilty, you are robbing yourself of the energy you need to heal. There’s nothing to feel ashamed of if you need to scale things back, or even avoid holiday events altogether. Let people know you’re grieving and that it’s too painful right now, but that you appreciate being remembered and that you will deeply miss being there. “But I have kids who need me to make the holidays special.” Work to strike a balance between meeting your needs and theirs. According to The Dougy Center, children grieve differently than adults. They need support, attention and love as well. Talk to them about how sad you all are and ask them to help decide how to honor the loved one who is gone. Maybe a family member or friend can help out with some of the traditional family activities so you have support and feel less pressure. Perhaps, as a family, you can look for ways to help and serve other families who are also sad this season. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the meaning of holidays beyond gifts, parties and decorations. Stick to your routine. As much as possible, you’ll want to stick to your normal daily routine. When things feel overwhelming, keeping your schedule as normal as possible can sometimes help — as

long as you’re not taking on too much or using it as a way to avoid grieving. Having structure in your life can help you take things one moment at a time and feel grounded in something familiar. If you don’t feel like celebrating, it’s OK. Not everyone feels this way, but some do. Take comfort in knowing that if this is how you’re feeling, it won’t always feel like this. Talk to family and friends and let them know what limits you’re putting on celebrations for yourself this year. Ask for their support; do what you can, but listen to how you’re feeling. Strive to strike a balance so that you don’t shut everyone out and become isolated, which can increase depression and feelings of hopelessness. But don’t overextend yourself, either. Get support. Find a grief support group and reach out to family, friends or others in your support circle. If you find you are not feeling better, and you’re having trouble getting to work, eating or sleeping, find a therapist. A therapist is someone you can talk to that you don’t need to take care of or protect, someone who can sit with you as you cry and work on coming to grips with your loss. Healing takes time, and there is no one way to grieve. Be true to yourself and your feelings, lean on those around you, and know that you can heal and once again find joy in the holidays.

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Fry bacon or fatback in pan. Remove. Add 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper to taste and cook 30-45 seconds or until vinegar reduces by half. Add garlic and greens and cook about 1-2 minutes. Add the stock and bacon and fatback. Bring to a boil and simmer, 10-15 minutes. Add additional vinegar or hot sauce to taste. Serve with cornbread.

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

FRESH SHOP

Now that winter is upon us the online market will be filled with all sorts of greens. For those interested in eating sustainably and eating with the season, greens are a delicious and nutritious treat for the winter diet. All greens-spinach, collards, mustard, or turnip etc.-can be cooked in the same way, so don’t get hung up on whether you need to find a specific green to cooked in a particular recipe. While greens can be made to steep for hours, they can also be cooked quickly to eat on a week night. To cook more quickly, make sure you remove the tough stem and cut the greens into slim strips. Below are two ways to cook greens adapted from Walker Organics. Per my friend Rosmarie Stallworth, You can also clean and cook fresh greens to “wilt” them, then freeze to cook later. If so, add greens after adding stock.

Are Americans Selfish or Selfless When it Comes to Giving? Deseret News

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

mericans are planning to spend their holiday bonuses on two things this year: family and themselves. The National Retail Federation’s latest consumer survey found that American holiday shoppers plan on spending about $462.95 on family members this year, which is up from the $458.75 they spent last year. And Americans plan on spending a lot on themselves. The survey found that 55.8 percent of shoppers will spend an average of $131.59 on themselves — up from $126.37 in 2014, the NRF reported. All this consumer confidence shows Americans are willing to spend on themselves and their families. But don’t fret just yet about Americans being selfish spenders — holiday donations to charities often rise as shoppers get closer to the holidays, according to USA Today. In fact, about 34 percent of all donations are

made to nonprofit organizations from October to December, with 18 percent of them coming in December, the magazine reported. Events in the winter, like #GivingTuesday, also inspire Americans to donate money to charity during the last few months of the year. As Lane Anderson reported for Deser-

et News National last year, #GivingTuesday has been vital in encouraging people to offer their generosity during the holiday season. This year’s #GivingTuesday campaign has started, and Network For Good, an online charity group, has released some helpful tools and webinars to help donors pick the right

charities to which to give through the campaign. Before donating to a charity, Americans can check programs like the Better Business Bureau, GuideStar or the FTC to verify that their money will go to a good cause. Giving isn’t just for adults, either. Kids.gov, a government-funded information website for U.S. children, offers some tips for youngsters about donating to charities. Children should be sure they’re donating to a legitimate charity and one they hope can make a difference. They are also encouraged to ask their parents for help in making the donation, which can be of any size. “Your donation doesn’t have to be a big one,” according to kids.gov. “Charities will be happy to receive even a few dollars. So if you have a little bit of extra money left over from your allowance, think about donating some of it to charity and making someone’s holidays a little bit happier.”

Clever Books to Teach Kids about Money

he holidays are a popular time to buy books for the children in your family. We all know that kids who excel in reading are better prepared for school — and adulthood. Those who handle money well also have an advantage in life. So, why not get the best of both worlds by giving children books with a message about smart money management? The following is a list of popular children books that tell a great story while also teaching a lesson about handling money wisely: Picture books • For the pre-K crowd, “Bunny Money” by the prolific author and illustrator Rosemary Wells has her popular rabbit characters Ruby and Max spend money for their grandmother’s birthday. In

FamilyShare addition to a fun story, children learn simple math and also learn that if you spend money on one thing, you won’t be able to spend it on something else. • In “The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies” by Stan and Jan Berenstain, children learn how to appreciate what they have and not throw tantrums when they can’t buy everything they want. Now, wouldn’t that be a lesson you’d like your children to learn? • The Cat in Hat is back with “One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money” by Bonnie

Worth. Kids learn the history of money and banking with all the fun of Dr. Suess’s style. • “Alexander, Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday” by Judith Viorst features a charming character trying to grapple with how to spend the money he gets from his grandparents. Read-aloud books • Parents and children will fall in love with the series of autobiographical books by Ralph Moody. Beginning with “Little Britches,” Moody tells the story of moving to a small farm in Colorado at age 8 back in 1906 so his father can live in a healthier climate. His family has no experience farming, so they struggle to make ends meet. Their resourcefulness and hard work helps them scrape by, but barely. There are seven more books in the series that takes Moody into

his early 20s. His stories tell time and time again how even someone who starts with nothing can use determination and creative thinking to get ahead in life. For older teens • When a Washington, D.C., private high school hires a new economics teacher, he finds himself in conflict with the feisty drama teacher. As the couple debates their differences, love blossoms. It’s a rare book that combines economics with romance, but Russell Robert’s “The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance” does a fine job teaching economics through a captivating love story. A lesson on money management might not sound exciting to children, but reading these books teach that lesson in a way that’s relatable and enjoyable.

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CLUES DOWN 1. Used for insect sterilization 2. Arabian coffee cup 3. Culture medium & a food gelling agent 4. Finger millets 5. Tin 6. More guileful 7. Tree gnarl 8. Force into place 9. Drawn 10. Sudden attack 11. Donkeys 12. George Gordon __ 14. Behaving in an artificial way 17. Moundbird 20. Orange-brown antelope 21. Flocks of mallards 23. Hall of Fame (abbr.) 25. Golf score 26. Friends (French) 27. Pickling herbs 29. In a way, dwelt 30. Pierces forcefully

SUDOKU INTERMEDIATE

moon 38. Cheer 39. Abrupt response 41. Leave in disgrace 44. Israeli politician Abba 45. Of an ecological sere 46. Former Kansas Sen. Dole 48. Very fast airplane 49. Blood group 51. This moment 52. Body cavity 54. Patrician 56. Exposing to ridicule 60. Beowulf’s people 61. Gooseberry genus 62. Ali __ & the Forty Thieves 63. A French abbot 64. In a way, nailed 65. His equation predicted antimatter 66. Smaller quantity 67. Danish krone 68. Heartbeat

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Russian rulers (alt. sp.) 6. Swedish krona 9. Apothecaries’ unit 13. MN 55121 14. Longer forearm bone 15. Prosperous state of well-being 16. Largest Czech city (alt. sp.) 17. Moss genus larger than Bryum 18. ____ Marie Presley 19. White native of Cape Province 21. Took the same position 22. About Sun 23. Respectful (abbr.) 24. Southeast 25. Rocket launching platform 28. Stake 29. Innermost parts 31. Bowfin genus 33. Past it’s prime 36. Valleys on

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Want to find the answers to the puzzles? Check the bottom of this page.

intermediate

moments | December 2015 | www.statesboromoments.com

sudoku

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

crossword

CouponTips

In addition, some stores may not limit the number of coupons shoppers can use on a single transaction. Shopping at these stores with more flexible, consumer-friendly coupon policies can add up to significant savings over the course of the holiday shopping season. • Check the restrictions before heading to the store. When planning to use coupons, shoppers should verify the fine print on the coupon before entering the store. Some coupons restrict which items can be purchased in conjunction with the coupon. For example, some stores may prohibit shoppers from using coupons when purchasing brand name or designer products, while others may limit when the coupon can be used. Blackout dates could apply, so shoppers should visit stores when no such restrictions apply. • Do your research before leaving the house. Just because you don’t have a paper coupon from a mailer or newspaper doesn’t mean such cou-

pons are nonexistent. Search popular coupon Web sites for online coupon codes or printable in-store coupons. Merchandise can even be shipped to the store, which is usually free, to save you even more on shipping costs for items purchased online. • Purchase more to save. It may seem counterintuitive, but very often larger purchases qualify shoppers for steep discounts. Consider doing all of your shopping at one retailer and then taking advantage of coupons that deduct a certain percentage of your total purchase. It could be worth it if you spend just a little bit more. • Keep track of your coupons. Coupons are no use to you if you lose them before you begin your holiday shopping. Keep them in a safe location and then remember to bring them with you when shopping for the holidays. Some coupons can be used repeatedly, so do not discard them after use. When used effectively, coupons can save holiday shoppers a substantial amount of money.

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oupons have long been helping consumers save a few dollars on everything from supermarket staples to toys and more. Scouring for coupons and using them effectively has evolved into an art form, with some savvy coupon users paying next to nothing for carts full of merchandise. The average shopper may have little experience at finding coupons, but he or she can still save some money. As the holiday season approaches, it’s likely that coupon usage will once again be widespread. Here are some ways to put coupons to good use. • Shop at stores that allow coupon stacking. Many store policies only allow shoppers one coupon per purchase. But a select few allow shoppers to stack coupons to save more money. In such situations, shoppers may be able to combine dollar-value-off coupons with percentage-off coupons.

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