May/June 2016 by Windsor Parent

May/June 2016 • FREE

Something The Same Summer Day Camp Directory

How a young girl inspired local author Brittany Wigfield to write her first children’s book

Reserve your spots now for activities in July and August INFORMING AND ENCOURAGING AREA PARENTS SINCE 1997 Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

Contents

On the Cover: Ben, 14, and Charlie, 11 Photo Courtesy of Michelle Tourangeau

See what martial arts/karate training can do for you or your child! Increase focus and self esteem. Reduce stress, improve physical ﬁtness & health, lose weight, and increase energy all while learning how to be safe on today’s streets. Our focus is on the above, not tournament competition.

1450 Tecumseh Rd. E. Windsor

in this issue 4. C 4 Core R Rehab h b

10. Summer Day Camps

The Postpartum Healing Secret No One Talks About

6. The Joy of Music For Young Children Why exposing them now can have benefits later

8. Link to Literacy Tamye Machina’s annual campaign has provided books for kids since 2008

GENERAL MANAGER: Bob Thwaites ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS: Shelley Oswald, John Lachance EDITOR: Bill England CONTRIBUTORS: Steve I’Anson, Dan Schwab, Hailey Trealout, Matt Weingarden, Stephanie Renaud, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit ADMINISTRATION: Mary McLeod HOW TO REACH US: Windsor Parent Magazine, 1116 Lesperance Road, Tecumseh, ON N8N 1X2 GENERAL INQUIRIES: Mary McLeod, 519-735-2080 ext. 111 E-mail : mamcleod@postmedia.com FOR ADVERTISING: West of Walker Road - Shelley Oswald, 519-978-3062 Cell: 519-965-4551 E-mail: dwoswald@sympatico.ca

East of Walker Road - John Lachance, 519-735-2080 ext. 120 E-mail : jlachance@postmedia.com

Call Kara today for details

519-551-2228

www.thepeacefulwarriors.org

Your directory to some of the activities being offered

16. Sharing Something The Same A new children’s book was inspired by a young girl

18. Jodie Podie A local woman’s creations are now available in NYC and West Hollywood

Summer Styles & Formal Wear hThotteesstetraseonnds... Rhinestone Tiaras & Hairbands Bandana Bibs Chopsticks for Kids

Baby Belliesers Milestone Stick

.99 4 1

221 Sandwich St. S. Amherstburg 519-736-0990 www.gumballsandoveralls.ca

FAMILY FUN GUIDE SUBMISSIONS: Family Fun Guide listings are free for low-cost and no-cost events. Please send submissions to Windsor Parent Family Fun Guide at the above address. For e-mail submissions, please put “Family Fun Guide” in the subject line. Send event information 6-8 weeks in advance of event date. Windsor Parent Magazine is published eight times a year by Windsor-Essex Community Publishing, a division of Postmedia Community Publishing Inc. Articles and advertisements in Windsor Parent Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any product which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Windsor Parent can be found in locations around the city and county, like Ontario Early Years Centres, municipal community centres, public libraries and Parenting & Family Literacy Centres. Windsor Parent is also available inside select copies of the Windsor Star. We are where families are!

Relax & Rejuvenate Buy 1 treatment & get 2nd 1/2 price

Anti-age Facial

$69

Organic/All Natural

Reg. $90

Foot & Facial Reflexology

MIND YOUR FEET REFLEXOLOGY

519-966-1680

519-965-7474

Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Commentary

Core Rehab: The Postpartum Healing Secret That No One Talks About By Stephanie Renaud B.A., B.Ed. Meet Jen. A seasoned and passionate athlete all her life, Jen was no stranger to fitness, physical anatomy, self discipline and working out. Peak physical performance was her bag. Playing varsity level basketball had pushed her to be the very best athlete she was able to, and she loved every minute of it. She was an expert. Trainer to other athletes, students and faculty, Jen was passionate about her calling. Then she had children, and a new reality set in. All her years of fitness, practice and study had not prepared her for the physical challenges that motherhood held. Severe back pain, and that postpartum, inconvenience that all mothers are familiar with, incontinence, began to become her reality. And nothing she had learned along the way was helping her to heal it. How was this possible? Her mission began to take shape. Through vigorous research, she uncovered the cause for these troublesome postpartum symptoms and the cure for them. Pelvic Floor Rehab, and Core Breathing Move over Kegels, this is a game changer. Jen discovered that during pregnancy, our core muscles – the “balloon” that is the foundation for those killer six pack abs that we all want back – work radically differently than usual, and become disconnected from one another and our brains.

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

The weight of the baby on our pelvic floor creates something called “intra-abdominal pressure”. Why do you care? Because it’s that pressure that leads to the symptoms of motherhood that we all laugh about, but no one loves; back pain, incontinence, and potential bladder or uterine prolapse. (This is a fancy way of saying that those organs begin to fall through the pelvic floor.) “Just because it’s common, doesn’t mean it’s normal,” says Jen. “These symptoms are neither inevitable nor incurable.” Enter the FitMama way. “Being a FitMama starts with love. We give so much love to others but we don’t talk to ourselves with that same voice,” she explains. “When we have babies we look at our bodies and beat ourselves up. “I am really all about the self talk and the true, unconditional self love. Not when we lose 10 pounds or get fit, but right now. It’s about deciding that this one body is yours for life and you’re gonna love it. “The minute you do that, you treat it well.” Treating your body well postpartum starts with rehabbing your deep inner core. Jen has created a fantastic YouTube tutorial where she explains Core Breathing in detail and teaches you have to do it properly. Check it out my searching “@lovefitmama Core Breath Explained”. She has another video outlining the more technical side and the moves she advises against doing until you are fully rehabbed, search “#NoCrunches” That’s right. No crunches.

Crunches increase that “intra-abdominal pressure” and can cause more damage to your pelvic floor, making matters worse instead of better. Jen has developed multiple programs to rehab your core using exercises that support your pelvic floor, reconnect and retrain those deep inner core muscles and empower women to have a body that is stronger than it ever was before baby. The FitMama Facebook Community, the first part of the mission that Jen created, is a thriving group of women who support one another in walking the path of a healthy lifestyle. Jen shares tons of resources of healthy lifestyle with a baby, ongoing core rehab, Core Breathing, as well as super simple recipes and ideas on how to make eating for vibrant health easy while raising a family. Join the community at Facebook.com/groups/ lovefitmama, or search LoveFitMama online. For Jen, it’s really about self care, self love, and how important it is to take care of yourself as a mother. It’s not about manicures or going out shopping, it’s about taking care of your physical and mental health so that you can be the parent your child needs. Strengthen your roots. Join the community. Step up for your healing and vibrant health. Be a FitMama. To find out more about Jen Oliver and her mission, follow her on Instagram @love_fitmama; Twitter @lovefitmama, Facebook jenoliverfitmama; or at LoveFitMama.com Stephanie Renaud is an Energy Coach for Parents. Please visit StephanieARenaud.wordpress.com for more information

Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

UMEI CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

ROCKETS

ROBOTics

imagine. Invent. Inspire.

SUMMER CAMP

F O R

G R A D E S

LUNCH & SNACKS PROVIDED

LEARN ABOUT ROCKETS AND ROBOTICS THROUGH HANDS ON APPLICATION

4 - 8

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 10, 2016

UMEI.CA • 519.326.7448

OPEN YEAR ROUND 6:30 am to 5:30 pm

࠮ -\SS /HSM ͇,_[LUKLK +H` ࠮ 8\HSPMPLK , * , :[HMM ࠮ /V[ 3\UJOLZ ࠮ -\UKPUN (]HPSHISL

519-250-6759

519-252-8707

18 months to 12 years 1213 South Service Rd (In St. Christopher School)

3 months to 12 years 816 Ellis St. E. (in St. Angela School)

Early music exposure fosters a lifelong love By Steve I’Anson It’s never too early to foster a love of music in your child. Many parents, regardless of vocal abilities, sing to their children from the day they are born. Beyond that, starting classes for you and your child as early as possible is very beneficial. Nancy Dyck has been teaching music for almost 30 years and runs Miss Nancy’s Early Childhood Music from her Leamington home. “Music is part of our development and a way we communicate,” she says. “Just like we wouldn’t tie our children’s legs together to prevent them from walking, we wouldn’t keep music out of the home.

“We provide children crayons to colour and books to learn and the same goes for music.” “It’s really cool to see how a child develops,” Nancy continues. “We sing silly songs, sad songs and happy songs. It’s interesting to see how they interpret the music.” Nancy, who is also the choir director for the Soli Deo Gloria Singers, has worked with multiple children in multiple families. Following her classes, students often move on to study piano, guitar, or other instruments. Nancy runs parent-assisted classes for children aged birth to four-years. After that, lessons are provided for children in JK to Grade 1. These include more motion and movement.

The kids may have the summer off...but do you? Rest assured that Nancy Pattison’s Dance World will provide professional supervision of your precious ones while they have fun and get exercise all summer long! DANCE CAMP DAY CAMP PRE DANCE ADVENTURE For ages 3-5

BIRTHDAY PARTIES (Call for available dates & times)

SUMMER INTENSIVE BIRTHDAY PARTIES (SEMI) PRIVATES (Call for appointment) Ages 7+

10% off

month of Sept. registration if received by July 31st.

JOIN IN ON SOME OF OUR SUMMER FUN! Program Includes • Tap • Jazz • Ballet • HipHop • Tumbling • Arts & Crafts • Singing • and more!

OPEN HOUSE

June 29, 2016 4-8pm Everyone welcome

Over

60 years of Dance Experience 1954-2016

3900 Walker Rd. | For Further Details Call 519-966-2259 5 | www.nancypattison.com 6

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

• It helps children gain a sense of empathy for others “Musically-trained children develop to their full potential because participation in music is inherently rewarding, making children more likely to devote the time and practice necessary to develop strong cognitive and social abilities.” There are a number of children’s music classes available across WindsorEssex County. A quick online search can provide many options to find the right program for you and your child.

“It’s important to foster that bond between parent and child,” she explains. Many songs Nancy shares with her classes are tunes that have been sung for generations. “Music is a part of our life,” says Nancy. “We’re not teaching children assuming they are going to be the next great concert pianist, but rather to foster the love and appreciation for music.”

ERO H R E SUP ENTURE ADV RUNCH B

HORSE CAMP! Ages 4-16yrs

Fresh Air! Farm Fun! Memories! Summer Camp Registration

Saturday, May 28th Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm $50.00 Deposit to hold week!

lazeegranch.ca

519-735-4541 lazeegranch@hotmail.com

Benefits of music education Regarding the benefits of early music education, the Royal Conservatory of Music states: “A wealth of scientific research over the last decade is proving that music education is a powerful tool for attaining children’s full intellectual, social, and creative potential. • It speeds the development of speech and reading skills • It trains children to focus their attention for sustained periods

ADULTS, GATHER UP THE MiNi SUPERHEROES iN YOUR LiFE AND jOiN US ON

SATURDAY, MAY 28

FROM 10:00AM TO 12:00PM COST: $15/ADULT; $5/CHiLD EACH CHiLD MUST BE ACCOMPANiED BY AN ADULT

Adventures with King David, The Green Power Ranger, Spiderman, Batman, Robin and Superman. Mini-superheroes are encouraged to dress in their favourite superhero attire and will receive a complimentary picture with one of the superheros! Register Online at

eventbrite.com/e/superhero-adventure-and-brunch/tickets

2016

Week #1 - July 4-8 - Soccer Week #2 - July 11-15 - Ball Hockey Week #3 - July 18-22 Basketball/Baseball Week #4 - July 25-29 - Music

+ Campers not required to participate in sports - other electives include Cooking, Drama, Chess, Woodworking, Geocaching, Music, Crocheting, etc. Kids’ Kamp (JK to Grade 8) Early Bird $100/week. Kiddie Kamp (18mth to age 3) Early Bird $60/wk half day. Lunch Program available - $20/week/child. On line registration begins May 1, 2016.

Southwood Community Church

2001 Spring Garden, Windsor

519.250.5520

http://children.goscc.org or www.goscc.org Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Link to Literacy puts books in young hands By Matt Weingarden Are you looking for a way to clear out some of those books your children are done reading? The Link to Literacy Children’s Book Drive has been helping families pass on gently used books to children in high needs elementary schools in Windsor and Essex County since 2008. “(It’s) a grassroots literacy initiative I started to address the accessibility of books for kids in need in Windsor-Essex County elementary schools,” explains Tamye Machina, founder of the organization. She collects donations of gently used and new children’s books (suitable for JK to Grade 8) from people in the community and distributes them in the fall to give kids a good start to the new school year.

Parenting and Family Literacy Centres

Child and Family Centres Centres pour enfants et familles FREE drop-in centres where parents, caregivers and their children from birth to 6 years of age can play and learn together in a play-based environment in their local school.

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

École catholique Georges-P.-Vanier 6200 Edgar St., WINDSOR 519-948-9481

École catholique Saint-Edmond (OEYC) 1880 Totten St., WINDSOR 519-945-0924

Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. NOTE: The centres are closed during the school holidays.

Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., as well as two Saturdays NOTE: The centre is occasionally open during the school holidays. Please check the schedule on the franco-sol.ca website.

“I have been an advocate for children’s literacy for many years, volunteering for the annual Postmedia Raise-a-Reader Day campaign as well as at Sandwich West Public School and Sandwich Secondary School,” says Machina. “I am also an active community volunteer. I firmly believe in giving back to the community.” Since she started the book drive eight years ago, she has collected over 44,000 books. “Last year, I collected over 12,000 books which were given to kids at 13 elementary schools,” she added. “Books were also given to the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society, the Rotary Club of LaSalle Centennial’s Little Free Library project, and to the local Ontario Early Years Centres.” She also receives donations of new books from some Canadian publishing companies and established partnerships with some thrift stores and charitable organizations in the area to receive book donations. “Many of these children live in economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, are new immigrants or do not live near a public library,” says Machina. “This book drive gives people in the community a great opportunity to recycle the gently used books their kids are done reading and to help a less fortunate child have the opportunity to have a book to call their own.” The donated books are for the children to take home to keep to promote literacy and a love of reading. It is also a good way for people in the community to recycle their children’s gently used books and put them to good use. “This year, I also started a partnership with the LaSalle Vipers (Jr. B hockey team), who organized a very successful benefit night for my book drive at one of their home games in January,” says Machina “Currently, I am working in conjunction with the Greater Essex County District School Board to deliver the books to the schools.”

Bilingual Day Camp Ages 4-12 years

Monday, July 4th to Friday, September 2th, 2016 • Highly trained experienced staff • Safe and cool environment • Arts and crafts • Physical games • Great way to meet new friends! • High Five qualified

For more information and how you can donate gently used books, please visit Link to Literacy Children’s Book Drive on Facebook; follow on Twitter @LinkToLiteracy; or call Tamye Machina at 519-978-1517

Educational Activities

Unique Experience

Ideal for kids starting or attending French language or French immersion schools!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PRICES $110/child/week Family Discount $110/first child, $100/second child or more

Early drop off available (7:30am-8am) Addtional cost of $2 per child per day Please advise at time of registration.

Registration begins May 15th, 2016 Space is limited!

Hot Lunches available on Fridays! Just $5

7515 FOREST GLADE DRIVE, WINDSOR 519-948-5545 www.placeconcorde.org Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Summer Day Camp Directory A PLACE TO GROW Call 519-250-6759 or 519-252-8707 Summer Fun! June 30–Sept. 2. Two locations: St. Christopher School and St. Angela School. 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We offer hot lunches and snacks daily. Field trips and special guests. Call for more information. CAMP EXPLORE U Call 519-326-7448 or visit UMEI.ca Grades 4-6. Campers will experience art, science, and drama. Campers will get to work on small “service projects” designed to have campers build leadership skills. Other activities include Capture The Flag, science experiments, archery, and more. Campers will also have to opportunity to choose to participate in unique arts focused elective activities during the week.

blet & Samsung Taaway n Bike give k! each wee

ation Registr s Op e n

May 2

Sports & Arts Camp July 11-14 | July 25-28 | Aug. 2-5

Only

25!

For Kids entering Grades 1-6 in the Fall Visit www.tgcw.org or call 519-962-5110 to register

Registration is open for our

2016 SUMMER CAMPS

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

CATHY’S DANCE STUDIO Call Windsor 519-969-7956, LaSalle 519-969-7957 or visit CathysDanceStudio.net Camps: dancers take part in all styles of dance. July 4-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 8-12, Aug. 15-19, Aug. 22-26, Aug. 29 - Sept. 2. Full day $150/wk + HST; $125 + HST for additional weeks, and half day $80/wk +HST Visit our website for more information. CHILDREN’S HOUSE MONTESSORI Visit TCHMontessori.ca Our Summer Discovery Zone Program has engaging and fun themes tailored for preschool and kindergarten children, integrated with the Montessori philosophy. Full/half day programs, a nutritionist-certified menu, fully educated staff, and all-inclusive pricing. Accepting enrollment for infants to school age. Visit our website for registration at one of our three schools. GESSTWOOD DAY CAMP Call 519-776-7119 or e-mail gesstwoodcamp@gmail.com Experience Summer Camp adventures without staying overnight. Spend some time with us this summer exploring, playing, learning and growing in a fun and safe environment. Gesstwood CAMP, the PLACE to be this summer!

Day Film Camp: Ages 9-11 Weeks of July 4th (4-8) and 11th (11-15)

Overnight Film Camp (Location TBA): Ages 11-15 Week of July 18th (18-22)

Day Film Camp: Ages 15-17 Weeks of August 15th (15-19) and 22nd (22-26)

Young Authors: Ages 8-14 Week of July 18th (18-22)

Day Film Camp: Ages 12-14 Week of August 1st (1-5) and 8th (8-12)

Master Class: Ages 18-21 Week of August (29-Sept 1) - four days only

More Summer Day Camp listings on pages 12-13

CAMP YOMEE Enjoy our high-fun and high-quality experience with weekly field trips, Royal Lifesaving Society swim lessons, and movement classes by HNM Dance Company. Optional extended care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration by whole summer, by month or by week, with options for 3, 4, or 5-day weeks. Call 519-973-1772 or visit CampYomee.com

Finding Child Care in Windsor-Essex Just Got Easier!

WindsorEssexOneHSN.ca or call 211

Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Summer Day Camp Directory Sat. May 7• 11-5 FREE Admission that day In partnership with Rogues Gallery Comics & Adventure Bay Family Water Park the Chimczuk Museum is offering a free comic book to each visitor (while quantities last)

401 Riverside Dr. W. 519-253-1812 windsormuseum.ca

LAZEE G RANCH HORSE SUMMER CAMP Horse Camp can be so much fun! Learn to groom, saddle, feed and have a lesson each day. Enjoy farm games, crafts, roping, archery, treasure hunts, sing-a-longs, skits, swimming, movies and hayrides! Over 20 years experience, reliable safe horses and exceptional staff. Detailed information at LazeeGRanch.ca, 519-735-4541 or lazeegranch@hotmail.com MAD SCIENCE Call 519-256-6094 or visit MadScienceOfWindsor.com New! Nine different fun, hands-on, unique interactive Mad Science, SchoolHouse Chess, and Brixology camp programs offered at the Mad Lab! MONTESSORI ACADEMY Call 519-967-9977 or visit MontessoriAcademy.ca July 4 – August 26 Summer program runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours of operation 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Nature walks, art workshop, culinary delight, outdoor sports and games, fun field trips, Mad Science, math and language, music classes. Call for details.

NANCY PATTISON DANCE WORLD Call 519-966-2259 or visit NancyPattison.com Your precious children have the summer off, but you the parents may not. Let us take care of them in a friendly, family, fun loving environment while they enjoy the wonderful art of dance, crafts, and so much more. Like us on Facebook. ROCKETS & ROBOTICS Call 519-326-7448 or visit UMEI.ca Two camps: Grades 7-8 July 25-29 and Grades 4-6 Aug. 1-5. Rockets and Robotics is an opportunity for students to adventure into the world of science and technology. Curricular-based projects will be coordinated and led by certified math and science teachers with years of experience working in these specific areas. Rockets & Robotics is more than just a day camp; it is a chance for your children to put their minds to work imagining, inventing and being inspired by science and technology! Limited space. SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH Visit Children.GoSCC.org or call 519-250-5520 Kids Kamp includes weekly sports features, music, woodworking and lots more! Registration begins May 1. Check out our web page for more information!

OT WE’VE G ASONS E MORET R LLING A D E P TO GE

ORE AT LEARN M

o.ca

dg gearupan

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

STEM CAMP Science. Technology. Engineering. Mathematics. At the University of Windsor. Call 519-913-5283 or visit StempCamp.ca THE GATHERING CHURCH Call 519-962-5110 or visit TGCW.org SURGE camp offers skill options to learn during the week. Each day there will be games, music, skits, skill training, and a time for kids to learn about God. Skill options: soccer, basketball, cooking, art, music, martial arts, woodworking, and more! Dates: July 11-14 | July 25-28 | Aug. 2-5 Cost: $25 per camper. Registration opens May 2. WINDSOR CENTRE FOR FILM Visit FilmCampForKids.com or e-mail info@filmcampforkids.com Ages 9-17 Make a movie this summer! Our downtown Windsor camp offers a hands-on learning environment with mentors and coaches. Classes include screenplay writing, pre-production, film editing, acting, lighting, cinematography, and more. WINDSOR-ESSEX THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION Call 519-726-7682 or visit WETRA.ca For kids that love to ride horses! Children ages 5-15. Call for more information or apply online.

Make birthday memories that last a lifetime!ials!

UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR LANCERS CAMP Call 519-253-3000 ext. 2456 or visit GoLancers.ca Basketball, hockey, track and field, speed and agility, volleyball, soccer, football, multi-sport camp, junior sport camp, Girls in Motion, dance and movement camp, and swim camp. New this year are baseball/fastpitch and Little Lancers camp. Non-sport camps include robotics, web design, and programming camps. The Lancers summer camps provide quality sport instruction under the leadership of the Lancers head coaches, athletes, and staff. Swimming included in many of the camps.

hday Specia Ask us about our Birt

VOLLMER COMPLEX Visit Town.LaSalle.on.ca or call 519-969-7771 ext. 0 Make it a great summer at Vollmer Day-Camp! Campers choose between sports and games, Creative 360, science or specialty camps. Throughout the week campers participate in swim days, skate days and field trip days! Scheduled activities run between 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Early drop-off and late pick-up (7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) available at no additional cost. YMCA OF WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY 519-258-9622 or YMCAWO.ca/day-camp-windsor YMCA Day Camp is the best way to play, build relationships and start to develop a healthy lifestyle like no other day camp in Windsor. We are welcoming of everyone and offer multiple forms of financial assistance.

University of Windsor

www.madscienceofwindsor.com

MAD SCIENCE OFFERS EXCITING: AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS • VACATION & SUMMER PROGRAMS • PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

4600 Rhodes Dr., Windsor

Gesstwood Camp

AVAILABLE FOR 7 WEEKS THIS SUMMER.

2016 Day Camp Program Lancers Camps Sport Specific Week camps for:

Basketball, Track & Field, Speed and Agility, Volleyball, R: NEW THIS YEArs” Soccer, Football, e “Little Lanpc Lancer Hockey Academy, Cam Multi-Sport Camp, Jr. Sport Camp, Girls in Motion. NEW – Lancer Baseball/Fastpitch Camp Non Sport Camps include Robotics, Web Design and Programming Camp, Swim Camp. The Lancers Summer camps provide quality sport instruction under the leadership of the Lancer Head Coaches, athletes and staff. Swimming included in many of the camps.

Call 253-3000 ext 2456 or visit us online @ w w w . g o L a n c e r s . c a

Summer Camp is about exploring, playing, learning and growing in a fun and safe environment. Gesstwood Campers live and play together in a community setting where they will gain self-conﬁdence, leadership skills and challenge themselves in a variety of ways. Campers build friendships that will last a lifetime. Activities include archery, orinteering, creek stomping, swimming, capture the ﬂag, frisbee golf & so much more. Visit our website or call us for more information.

519-256-6094

Pick a Week (or Weeks) from July 11th until Sept. 11th.

SUMMER CAMP is the

PLACE to

Hours: 9am to 4pm - Lunch is provided (Early drop off and late pick available)

Pre-registration is required Limited Space, register early to guarantee your spot. Day Camp is in addition to our regular summer camping program.

1034 Mole Side Rd. Essex

519-776-7119

gesstwoodcamp.com Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Health & Wellness 14

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

Keeping kids safe and healthy in the heat Each year we look forward to the summer, to get outside and have some fun with the kids. Whether the children are out playing sports, going for a picnic or to the beach, it is important to Stay Cool, and prepare for the health risks of being out in the heat. For most people, heat-related illnesses happen when temperatures are high for a number of days (particularly, if the night time temperatures do not drop), or if the humidity is high. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit issues heat warnings to inform residents of extreme heat events with the Stay Cool Windsor-Essex program. Heat warnings are issued to residents when our area experiences extreme temperatures. When heat warnings are issued, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself and loved ones from heat-related health risks. Heat illness can be fatal and is a concern for babies and young children because their bodies are unable to cool themselves. If you’re warm – so is your baby or child.

Infants and young children rely on adults to provide fluids and to help regulate their environment. Fortunately, most heat-related illnesses can be prevented or treated if you are aware of the risks, signs and symptoms. The following information can help you to plan ahead and take action to protect yourself and your family. Heat illness often starts with heat edema, heat rash, and heat cramps. This can progress to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These are the signs and symptoms to look for: Heat Edema • Swelling of the hands and feet Heat Rash (Prickly Heat) • An area of small, itchy spots on the skin (e.g. underarms and groin) Heat Cramps • Painful muscle contractions following exercise in the heat • Most often affects the muscles in the legs (calves and thighs) and stomach

Dehydration • Lethargy (floppy or sleepy baby or child) • Irritability • Dry skin • Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on top of baby’s head is lower than usual) • Less urine output Heat Exhaustion • Cool, moist, pale, flushed, or red skin • Heavy sweating • Headache • Nausea or vomiting • Dizziness • Exhaustion • Irritability • Body temperature may be normal Heat Stroke Hot, red, and dry skin Changes in consciousness Rapid, weak pulse Rapid, shallow breathing Body temperature may be very high Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you are caring for a child, who has a high body • • • • •

temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. In cases of heat exhaustion or while waiting for help for a child with possible heatstroke, KidsHealth.org suggests: • Bring the child indoors or into the shade. • Undress the child and have them lie down; elevate feet slightly. • If the child is alert, place them in a lukewarm bath. If outside, spray the child with mist from a garden hose. • If the child is alert and coherent, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids. • If the child is vomiting, turn them on their left side to prevent choking. Heat-related illnesses are preventable. You can prevent a heat illness by following these tips to stay cool: • Monitor local weather forecasts and warnings regularly – Stay up to date at StayCoolWindsor-Essex.com or by following the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit on Facebook or @TheWECHU on Twitter • Offer your child lots of fluids (or extra feedings for babies) during hot, sunny weather

• Make sure kids wear light-coloured, loose-fitted clothing. • Provide a brimmed hat and sunglasses • Bathe babies or infants in lukewarm water. • Limit outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day • Do not leave children in parked cars • If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly before the hot weather starts. Otherwise, find an air-conditioned spot close by, where you can cool off for a few hours during very hot days (e.g., local pool, library, rec centre, mall). Call 211 for available options • Learn about ways to keep your home cool during the summer (e.g., keep window shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home) • Have a cell phone ready for emergencies. Visit StayCoolWindsor-Essex.com to find more information about protecting yourself and your family during extreme heat. Source: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

When it’s TOO HOT outside

Protect Your Children Follow these steps to help children “Stay Cool” this summer. • Give them something to drink more often. • Give a cool bath or shower. • Limit outdoor activities to the coolest parts of the day. • Never leave your child alone in a vehicle. • Make sure your child wears a hat and lightweight loose-fitting clothing. Visit your doctor or nearest hospital right away if your child has difficulty breathing, sunken and circles under the eyes, increased body temperature, has headaaches, vomiting or diarrhea.

In an emergency call 911.

Call 211 or visit staycoolwindsor-essex.com to find the closest public library, pool, splash pad or community centre near you.

Sharing Something the Same By Hailey Trealout Her name is Amanda, and she is a little girl with a big heart who has been featured as the main character of a story being used to promote acceptance. Brittany Wigfield is a supply teacher with the Greater Essex County District School Board and an instructor at the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association. Wigfield has also recently published her first book of a new series. The series features the concept of acceptance and understanding through its main character, who was inspired by a little girl Wigfield teaches at WETRA. “One day, I was supply teaching at Amanda’s school and while I was on yard duty at recess, I saw her and thought I should go talk to her,” recalls Wigfield. “While I was walking over to her, I saw she got stuck – she uses a pacer or a wheelchair to get around and that day she was stuck in some rocks. I thought I better go help her, but before I made it over to her, I watched as a bunch of her friends came over to help her out.”

After watching the touching scene, Wigfield sat down and started writing. “Seeing that made me think for our friends who we teach riding lessons to, what if they didn’t have good, caring friends to help them out . . . it would be so much harder for them day to day,” says Wigfield. “This book is a great teaching tool that can be very relatable for audiences of all ages and abilities. “Children with disabilities can definitely relate to the main character. Older kids can relate to parts of the book in terms of inclusion and acceptance, and even anyone in the medical field who is interested in knowing more about emotional well-being and how it might feel to be treated differently.” Expenses WETRA has a horse sponsorship program to help pay for the expenses that come with owning a horse. According to WETRA.ca, the cost of maintaining a therapy horse is about $4,000 per year, which includes feed, bedding, foot care, veterinary costs, medications and supplements and replacing special tack.

University of Windsor

519-913-5283

www.stemcamp.ca 16

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

Amanda, seen here with Toby, is the inspiration for the main character in Brittany Wigfield’s new children’s book Something The Same.

A full year sponsor donates $4,000 to help with these costs throughout the year – a goal Wigfield plans to achieve for one of WETRA’s horses through book sales. “WETRA is a place that I care about and I want to give back and do my part,” says Wigfield. The money I am raising from the sales of the books is going to sponsor a horse named Toby. “He is another example of how looking differently doesn’t mean that he can’t do things the same things as everyone else because he has one eye. “He functions a little differently, but he is one of the best horses we have.” To readers of Wigfield’s book, Toby is a horse they may recognize . . . and one of his riders – Amanda.

Half-day or Full-day care for children 18 months - 5 years

519-966-5688 www.littlestarschildcare.ca Little Stars Child Care 3139 Dougall Ave., Windsor

“My main character is based on Amanda,” says Wigfield. “In the story, it sort of starts out incorrectly because in the story, Amanda is not treated very well by her friends. They only see the things she cannot do and so they don’t include her in activities because she can’t keep up.” Through this rough start in the book, Amanda is a resilient little girl who doesn’t let anything get to her. The source of her strength, is a little white horse named Toby. “Amanda knows her horse is someone who is always there for her and is always very kind to her,” said Wigfield. “A lot of riders find a very strong connection with their horses, which is true in real life and in the story.

“So when she goes back to school, she brings a picture of her from her riding lessons and shows the class that there are things she can do just like everybody else.”

Outside the book, Amanda is known as a huge advocate for herself and therapeutic riding, she has taught her class a lot about what she does at therapeutic riding. According to Wigfield, Amanda is really good at helping educate people on therapeutic riding, how people can help her, which was one of the reasons she picked Amanda as the main character of her book.

Wigfield’s goal for the series is to feature children with disabilities as her main characters as she feels it is something that is lacking in children’s literature. “I think it’s important to have characters everyone can really relate to on a personal level,” she explains. “To write about things like this you have to be a part of it and see it in order to fully understand. I never run out of things to write about because I see so many interesting things every day. “ We have riders who have had doctors tell them something won’t be possible, and through riding it has become possible. “It feels like every day is a miracle and that sort of magic is a big part of good stories.” Wigfield has many more projects on the go – including young adult novels. She would like to sponsor a different horse for every book she publishes in the future. For more information on Wigfield’s book Something the Same, please visit BrittanyWigfield.com or e-mail her at info@brittanywigfield.com.

Montessori Academy of Windsor Camps r e m m Su ailable v A g n i Tutor s

AGES INFANTS TO GRADE 8

etail Call for d

Come visit our safe, nurturing, inspiring environment where every child can learn, where every child is happy…

CALL: 519-967-9977

1775 Sprucewood Avenue, LaSalle ON N9J 1X7

www.montessoriacademy.ca HOURS OF OPERATION: 6:00AM-7:00PM

Before and After School Program Available

Dusanka Stulic Director, Principal

Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Town of LaSalle, Department of Culture and Recreation

Choose Your Own

· Screened and regularly monitored homes · Fee assistance is available · Ages 6 weeks to 12 years · Working from your own home with a licensed, supportive agency · Wages guaranteed upon child placement

Adventure

Summer Day Camp JULY 4 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 Participants can choose a stream of either sports and games, creative 360 or science. • Ages 4 – 13 (born in 2012 or earlier) • Activities run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm • FREE before (7:30 am) and after (5:30 pm) care • Minimum of 60 minutes of physical activities each day • Three days of indoor swimming each week • Prices start at $139/week or $31/day

Specialty Day Camps Camping, Young Chefs, Disney, Week on Wheels, Lego, Star Wars, Dance Academy, Little Ballerinas.

For more information, check our website at www.town.lasalle.on.ca or contact the Vollmer Complex at 519-969-7771, ext. 0

Frontside of Sign

Right Direction

Wrong Direction Backside of Sign

Handmade stuffed animal blankets a huge success! By Dan Schwab Just under a year ago, Jodie Retzer started an online store, selling handmade blankets with cute stuffed animal heads and tails for babies and toddlers. Today, her product line is being sold in high-end stores in New York City and West Hollywood. Through her website, she ships them internationally and her handmade creations have been showcased in the magazine Vogue UK’s Playtime Chic section, published in the April, May, and June issues. “We came up with a fantastic product,” says Retzer, who runs the entire operation out of her Lakeshore home.

When talking about her company, she says “we” because she tested the products out on her children first. “Each of them have had a blanket from the time they were newborns. “They will last.” Originally, the entrepreneurial Retzer made all the items herself, but so many orders have come in that she needed to hire a sewing contractor based in London, ON. ‘Handmade in Canada’ “Everything is handmade in Canada. That is very important to me as I want my company name to stand for quality and I want the products to last, not fall apart after the first wash,” she explains.

Reserved Bicycle Lane sign will be visible when riding in the same direction as traffic.

ALWAYS RIDE YOUR BIKE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD NEVER RIDE YOUR BIKE AGAINST TRAFFIC

JULY 16,17 & 22-24, 2016 Hosted By y

At The

St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre 80 Wilson Ave • St. Thomas, ON

Enjoy a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and much more! FOR TICKETS AND INFO VISIT www.ecrm5700.org or call 1.888.222.6608

For general information, call 311 or visit: cyclewindsor.ca / 311@citywindsor.ca

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

© 2016 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. ©2016 Mattel. All Rights Reserved. ® and ™ designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted.

Media Partner:

Each item is made with three layers of quality lush fabrics: two layers of plush minky and an inner batting of 100 per cent cotton batting. Retzer named her company Jodie Podie, based on a nickname her dad gave her as a child. She currently carries three collections. Lush Lovies – a 36”x36” blanket with a stuffed animal head and tail that can fold up in a certain way to look like that animal. “It’s a combination of security blanket and best friend,” Retzer says. Lush Lovies come in three different characters – Connie the Cow, Dottie the Duck and Lara the Lamb, which is the number one selling product. She also offers Lovie Blankets. Each 36”x36” blanket is beautifully embroidered with a lamb, cow or duck character on three layers of fabric and edged with satin ribbon. Both the Lush Lovie and Lovie Blanket can be personalized with a baby/child’s name or birthdate. Lastly, there are the Hooded Lovies, which come in two sizes: a small for six months to two-years and a large for two to five-year-olds.

“This product was designed when the car seat laws changed,” Retzer explains. “Babies and small children are no longer allowed to have bulky snowsuits when sitting in their car seats. The added bulkiness of the snowsuit, once compressed would allow a child to slip out from under their car seat harness. “Our Hooded Lovies allow the child to be securely strapped into their harness/seat belt and goes over the car seat to keep them warm. “The child can then be lifted out of the car seat and the Hooded Lovie becomes a poncho for them to wear.” “I have always been into sewing and I like to make things for my children,” Retzer adds. “I just decided it would be nice to have a blanket for my child to snuggle in. If you introduce it to your child at a young age, it becomes a familiar item to them. “You can snuggle the child in the blanket if you’re holding them or feeding them. As they progress to the point where they can lay on their stomachs, they can play with the head and the tail of the blanket. “The more familiar they become with it, the more it becomes their favourite item to be with.

“Then during the toddler years it’s something they can carry around and sleep with because they’ve been with it since they were a newborn.” When it came to designing the cow, duck and lamb characters, Retzer recalls it was a lot of trial and error. “I’d look at my children’s stuffed animal toys and figured out how they were made and then came up with my own rendition,” she says. It’s a project she’s been working on for over a decade. She put the business idea on the backburner after her son was born in 2004. At the time, she and her husband were living in Tobago. When they moved back to Canada, they welcomed their second child. Retzer made her newborn daughter a blanket and then started designing and sewing more items. “We did a lot of research to find the best fabric,” she says. “We looked into all the safety requirements regarding baby products, so all the fabrics have been tested to make sure they’re up to par and meet the safety protocol.” Retzer’s marketing strategy involved sending out her products to a number of high-end stores so they could actually see and feel the quality of her items. Now, her creations are on the shelves at Carry Maternity in Toronto, New York City’s My Little Sunshine NYC and Bel Bambini in West Hollywood, where many celebrities do their baby shopping. They are also available in stores closer to home – Bump Maternity + Baby in Windsor and Precious Cargo Mom2 in Chatham-Kent. For more information, please visit JodiePodie.com

PIANO LESSONS Competitive piano teacher. Many award winning students. Lessons up to level 10 as well as professional lessons. Any age welcome. Flexible schedule Location near Central Windsor Library

One hour classes For more information call Mr. Bethrak 519-800-7959

Mad Science Cithamps w …now w

9 different themes! Fun and hands-on! Uniquely interactive!

Different camp each week in the Mad Lab www.madscienceofwindsor.com

MAD SCIENCE OFFERS EXCITING: AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS • VACATION & SUMMER PROGRAMS • PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

EARLY DROP-OFF & LATER PICK-UP INCLUDED 4600 Rhodes Dr., Windsor 519-256-6094

Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

JAPANESE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

SUN. MAY 15 • 1-4PM

FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION Tour the collection of Japanese toys; learn about Festival traditions: make origami creations; listen to folk stories; sample traditional Japanese food

401 Riverside Dr. W. 519-253-1812 windsormuseum.ca

Planning your family getaway to the cottage or camping? Read here . . .

Family camping or cottage vacations are a great way to enjoy family time and nature. There are some things to consider to ensure your vacation is not the source of an illness or injury. With a little planning, many illnesses and injuries are preventable. Follow these tips and precautions to help prevent these issues: 1. Pack hand sanitizer. Bring hand sanitizer to ensure you are prepared when water is not available and you need to quickly sanitize your hands. 2. Ensure your food is stored and handled safely: • Pack your foods in waterproof containers in a cooler with icepacks.

Book Your Ad in our July/August issue of Windsor Parent Publication Date: June 28th, 2016 Ad Reservation Deadline: June 14th, 2016

• Ensure you have a place to wash your hands before and during food preparation. • Ensure food contact surfaces and equipment (e.g. utensils, cutting boards, etc.) are properly cleaned before and after use. • Pack a small plastic thermometer in your cooler. This will help you monitor the temperature of your foods. To prevent bacterial growth, keep cold foods below 4°C (40°F). • Ensure raw meat or its juices do not come in contact with readyto-eat foods (i.e. deli meats, cheese, washed fruit, salad, and cooked food).

3. Ensure the water is safe for drinking: • Call ahead to see if you will have access to a supply of hot and cold potable running water. If you are staying at a cottage where the water supply is a small drinking water system, ask the owner how often the water is tested and if there have been any concerns with the water supply.

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR FAMILY.

West of Walker Rd:

Call Shelley Oswald Office: 519-978-3062 Cell: 519-965-4551

DISCOVER THE NEW Y. COMING FALL 2016!

East of Walker Rd:

Call John Lachance Office: 519-735-2080 ext. 120 Cell: 519-981-5857 20

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

ywindsor.ca

7. Stay hydrated. Ensure your family is drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Have a water bottle handy for each family member and teach your children to drink water throughout their day. 8. Protect your family from the sun. Pack sunscreen and lip balm with broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher, a hat, and sunglasses. Try to apply your first layer of sunscreen in the morning and reapply as directed on the bottle. Find some shade during midday hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

4. Don’t allow children to swallow untreated (lake) water. The water may look clean but it contains bacteria. Children can get sick if they swallow contaminated water. 5. Pack mosquito repellent containing DEET and tweezers. Mosquitoes and ticks love campers and cottagers! Pack clothes that will help you and your family cover up from mosquitoes (at dusk and dawn) and from ticks (when walking in longer grass or forest areas). Inspect your children’s skin after a day of playing in nature to ensure there are no ticks attached (in the bath or shower is a great place to do this). Remove any ticks you find promptly. Bring tweezers or a “tick

key” so you are prepared to remove one if need be. You can visit the Health Unit website and search how to remove a tick, for full instructions. 6. Teach children not to touch, feed or get too close to the animals. Cats, dogs, raccoons, and squirrels all carry a risk of rabies. Teach children to admire the animals from a safe distance. Keep food sealed and stored tightly away to avoid luring wild animals to your area. Protect your family pet from wild animals by keeping them on-leash. If your child happens to be scratched or bitten by an animal on your vacation, visit a health care provider at the closest walk-in-clinic or emergency department immediately.

! o G t e S y d a e R

Birth to We offer free skill development programs to core city community children and their families. We aim to celebrate our diverse community Six Parental and strengthen bonds so our children have a healthier community. Support Coalition Checkout some of our free programs: of Mom’s Time Out School Readiness Windsor Drop In Centre Children’s ESL Programs Parenting Programs

9. Plan some safe physical activities. Being outdoors is a great way to get some physical activity. Plan walking, hiking, biking and swimming but be sure to pack your protective gear such as helmets, life jackets, and a good pair of walking shoes. Always supervise children while in the water. If you plan to ride in a boat, canoe, kayak or other water vehicle, be sure to have a properly fitted lifejacket on every member of your family.

10. Inspect your cabin or trailer for safety. When you walk into your cottage, cabin or even trailer, ensure there are working smoke detectors (test them) and carbon monoxide detectors. 11. Pack a small first-aid kit. Travelling with children means you need to be prepared for anything, including a minor “boo-boo”. Be sure to bring along a supply of bandages, something to clean a minor cut with and even some commonly used overthe-counter medications that may come in handy. It’s important that we know this information in order to plan and prevent illness and injury while enjoying our camping and cottage trips, especially with children, as they are more vulnerable. To learn more about how to keep your family healthy, please visit WECHU.org or follow us on Facebook (Windsor-Essex County Health Unit) or Twitter (@ TheWECHU). Source: Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

STUDY SKILLS MATH SAT/ACT PREP WRITING READING HOMEWORK HELP

Sylvan Day Camps & Sylvan Personal Tutoring Programs Day Camps (Full and Half Day) JK to grade 8 $199.00/week NEW! – Kinder Camp JK - grade 1 EF6? ͼ D^O^cWPbΧ4^QW]U ΄ ?McV 6QUR ΄ IaWcW]U Wb 7d]͟ ΄ DRMQ A]! Our camps are designed to spark a child’s mind from STEM concepts to unconventional writing projects to fun math “workouts”, your child will not want to miss out!

Also,

Sylvan Personalized Tutoring Programs Catch up and Keep Up for the coming school year! Get started for $95.00.

And so much more...

For more information or to register call

Ready-Set-Go! Main Office: 519-977-9407 Funded by (CAP) Community Action Program for Children

519-944-8018

Sylvan.Windsor@SylvanLearning.net www.sylvanlearning.com Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

Nutrition

Meal planning made easy For busy parents, dinner time can be stressful and daunting – we want to feed our kids a variety of delicious, wholesome meals during the week, but we’re often pressed for time. On top of that, cooking for family members who have dietary restrictions – such as gluten intolerance – can prove to be an even bigger challenge. The solution? Simplify and plan your meal prep. Try these tips that will not only save time, but also your sanity in the kitchen – especially for those cooking gluten free.

STOCK UP YOUR PANTRY STASH

To help alleviate stress and keep things simple when you are in a time-pinch, ensure you always have your family’s go-to staples on hand. Popular, non-perishable food items such as tomato sauce, olive oil, dried herbs and spices, and frozen veggies (such as spinach or peas) are some key ingredients to help you whip up a healthy dinner the whole family will enjoy.

GET INSPIRED

Spend time each week looking for recipes that inspire you! This is especially helpful for those with dietary restrictions where it is easy (and boring) to recycle the same recipes over and over. Browse blogs, websites and cookbooks for recipes that look delicious – there are some amazing ones out there! From gluten free pasta to vegan chili, find ways to inspire your creativity and to look forward to cooking.

PREP, MIX, AND MATCH

In addition to chopping your veggies and proteins at the beginning of the week – when meal planning, select ingredients that can be easily re-purposed for a variety of popular hot and cold meals throughout the week. For example, mushrooms can be tossed into a chopped salad on Monday, sautéed and paired with fish on Tuesday, and cooked into a pasta sauce on Wednesday.

For an easy take on gluten free cooking that can be prepped in advance, try this recipe from Chef Michael Allemeier:

CHEF MICHAEL’S LINGUINE WITH SHRIMP, ZUCCHINI AND CORN Prep Time: 10-15 min. Cook Time: 15 min. Servings: 4 Ingredients: • 1 pkg. (340 g) Catelli Gluten Free Linguine • 1/3 cup (80 mL) olive oil • 1/2 cup (125 mL) shallots, peeled and sliced • 2 cups (500 mL) zucchini, thinly sliced • 2 cups (500 mL) corn kernels (fresh or frozen) • 3 cups (750 mL) ripe roma tomatoes, diced • One pinch dried chili flakes (optional) • 240 g large shrimp, each one cut into three pieces • 12 large fresh mint leaves (thinly sliced) • Salt and black pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Add 6 litres of water to a pot and 1 tbsp (15 mL) of salt to water. Bring to a boil. 2. In a large pot or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and cook until tender and fragrant, about 3 minutes. 3. Add sliced zucchini and mix well. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until zucchini becomes soft and tender. Season with a touch of salt. 4. Add corn, diced tomatoes and a pinch of chili flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. 5. Add shrimp and turn heat down to low. 6. Add linguine to boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain well and add to sauce. Add sliced mint leaves and toss well. Add salt and pepper to taste; serve immediately. For more gluten free inspiration follow #GlutenFreeFridays and check out Catelli.ca. Source: NewsCanada.com

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

Cutting costs at the grocery store Parents know the cost of raising a family can be considerable. While some of the expenses associated with raising a family, including healthcare premiums, are largely beyond parents’ control, moms and dads can take steps to cut costs and start saving money. Families with more than two children no doubt spend even more on groceries, which may be stretching their budgets very thin. Fortunately, if you’re concerned about your grocery bills, try employing these strategies and start saving. Never shop without first making a list Modern grocery stores are much bigger than they were when you were growing up. While that might be more convenient by ensuring parents can find all their

groceries under one roof, it also can lead to more impulse buys as shoppers stroll aisles and pass display after display. After checking your pantry and refrigerator to determine what you have and what you might need, make a list before heading out for the grocery store. Such lists can help you avoid purchasing items you don’t need. Keep the kids at home Kids have a knack for finding unhealthy snacks and beverages, and parents may cave to the temptation to purchase such items in an attempt to get youngsters to calm down. By keeping kids at home while you grocery shop, you can limit distractions and get out of the store quickly. That reduces the likelihood that you will buy items you don’t need.

Grow your own herbs and vegetables Cooking with herbs is a wonderful way to add flavour to any meal, and vegetables are an essential element of a healthy diet. While store-bought herbs and vegetables may not break the bank, over time the cost savings of growing your own herbs and vegetables can be considerable. And many people find gardening a relaxing and rewarding hobby they can enjoy on their own or with their children. Prepare meals with items that have been abandoned in your pantry Few people, especially parents, wait until their pantries are completely empty to go grocery shopping. If your pantry is full, clean it out and place some of the older, unexpired

items on the counter, resolving to use them for meals during the week. This is a great way to make use of items you already purchased but might have forgotten about while also ensuring your money is not going to waste. Buy in bulk Buying certain items in bulk can save large families considerable amounts of money. For example, buying a 100-count box of garbage bags for $15 that you will use for a few months is more financially savvy than purchasing a 10-count box of garbage bags for $5 every couple of weeks. Avoid buying perishable items in bulk, as you run the risk of not eating the items before they expire, negating any savings you might have realized by buying in bulk. Windsor Parent | May/June 2016

can ﬁx it, yes you can!

READY STEADY BUILD! Friday, June 24: Shows at: 2:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 25: Shows at: 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

www.kidomo.com

Visit devonshiremall.com for more details.

May/June 2016 | Windsor Parent

Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 9pm s Sat: 9:30am - 6pm s Sun: 11am - 5pm s (519) 966-3100