Playdate - Dec/Jan 2010 by Yakima Herald-Republic

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TOPPENISH 105 Asotin Ave. 865-4005

WAPATO

403 W. 1st St. 877-3722

YAKIMA

702 E. Yakima 452-3993

YAKIMA

2002 S. 1st St. 248-1052

GRANDVIEW

812 W. Wine Country 882-1269

SUNNYSIDE

1537 Lincoln Ave. 837-2002

ELLENSBURG

1206 Canyon Road 925-6922

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SELAH

365 N. Wenas Ave. 698-3400

PROSSER

310 Wine Country Road 786-2540

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â&#x20AC;˘ December | January 2011

Two for One

Ornaments!

...at our first-ever “Play Date!” On Sun., Dec. 12, from 12-5 p.m., Playdate magazine is cosponsoring a “Play Date” with Hands On Art, offering two-for-one “make and take” ornaments. On this day, each painter can receive two flat ornaments for

only $15!

Also, the first 20 people will receive a delicious goody for

FREE!

Come to Hands On Art, make an ornament... and have the chance to meet

Before After

Scott Klepach

from Playdate magazine!

5603 Summitview Ave. • Yakima

(509) 966-4248 48.832726.PLD.L

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

a note from Scott

Photo by Cal Blethen

Eleven years ago, when

CONTRIBUTORS

I was 17, I wrote about the need to reclaim the majesty and wonder of youth, especially at Christmastime. I was a senior in high school then, and in that “in between” stage. I was no longer just a kid, but I was years away from starting my own family, and I was concerned I had lost the magic of the season. No, I wasn’t expecting my dad to dress up as Santa Claus or my mom to pretend I was 5 and buy me Ninja Turtles, but I missed being absorbed in the festivities of the season. I wrote that I was going to make an effort to reclaim those emotions that accompanied those experiences. I found a way to re-immerse myself in those moments when my wife and I had our daughter, Elise, and later our son, Liam. But this time it was different: It was no longer about me, but about them. The magic is back,

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• December | January 2011

but better now, I realize, as I gaze into my daughter’s eyes, beaming with exuberance at each new delight of the holiday season, or when my son’s face lights up as he begins to experience the same joys. As a dad, I have been transformed by the need to love them and share in their magic. I suspect as you read this you know what I’m talking about. Whatever activity you take part in, capture the wonder. We have a few ideas to help you here: some exciting, crafty ideas just in time for the season, two recipes to satisfy someone’s sweet tooth, suggestions for Christmas movies, and a Christmas and holiday calendar brimming with events in addition to our regular calendar. We also have some other perspectives lined up: how to survive the holiday craziness, and another take on Santa Claus and fairy tales. We also have a number of contributors. Amy Berkheimer writes about the birth and Amy Berkheimer loves being a stay-athome mom to Eli. She enjoys scrapbooking, and loves to share her passion with others by co-hosting a “crop” each month in Selah, and teaching classes at Children’s Village.

upbringing of her son, Eli, who has cerebral palsy. Liz Kerns is a new blogger for us, but not new to blogging. Kerns recently moved to Ellensburg and maintains a blog about being a busy mom, and you can read her writing on our website, playdateyakima.com. As always, if you have ideas for future issues or feedback you’d like to share, feel free to e-mail me at sklepach@yakimaherald.com. We’d love to hear from you. We hope you enjoy this issue and all the seasonal activities, and look forward to a safe and fun 2011. I want to thank you for letting us be a part of your family.

Scott, sklepach@yakimaherald.com

Mark Northcott is a native of Yakima and is married to Stephanie, who’s from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He loves to illustrate, design landscapes and hosts a drawing/illustration art studio twice a month.

december | january

2011

Volume 4, Issue 6 December / January 2010 Strategic Product Development Manager Playdate Coordinator Niche Products Interim Ad Services/ Prepress Supervisor Prepress

surviving the holidays

The holidays mean stress for many, but there are ways of keeping things in perspective to enjoy this time of year.

twelve films of christmas 14 With so many titles to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the list to 12 titles you’ll love.

christmas events

There’s so much to do and see as Christmas looms closer! A breakdown of events for you.

snow globe

Robin Salts Beckett Scott Klepach Jr. Heather Caro

George May Francisco Magaña, Lorenz Leppert, Leigh Maxwell, Carlos Mendez Ad Services Marlys Bound, Sarah Button, Linda Cole, Stephanie Jewett, David Olden, Susan Rapp Design and Layout Sarah Button, TJ Mullinax

Advertising Sales Manager Cal Blethen Retail Sales Sandra Aguilar, Kelly Baker, Shannon Cruz, Gabby Hauff, Teri Ilenstine, Jessi McGill, National Retail Sales Janna VanBuskirk Online Sales Carmela Solorzano Shawna Giles Classified Advertising Manager Lisa Kime Outside Classified Sales Jim Rosseau, Karen Schwartz Inside Classified Sales Carol Howard, Terri Meeks, Theresa Rosseau, Joana Valencia Advertising Assistants Debbie Hansen, Lisa Parker, Leslie Lubrano Playdate 114 N. Fourth St. Yakima, WA 98901-2707 509-577-7754 www.playdateyakima.com

Get hands-on for the holidays!

Publisher Sharon Prill

on the cover

M ak e Yo

Own S n o w Gur lo b e

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TJ MULLINAX

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Bob Crider Jeff Garretson Gordon King Rick Oram Wendie Hansen Diane Sims Aviva Beach Ann Craven Terry Johnston 509-577-7731

ight yL s da ade

5 9 35 37 42

a note from Scott dad’s pad calendar story times gotcha!

[in every issue ]

Alec Powell, 7, and Brionna Powell, 4, just moved to Yakima from Florida last summer. This is an exciting time for them to be here, and they’ll actually get to see snow!

Editor News Editor Chief Photographer Operations Director Finance Director Accounting Office Manager Credit Manager Circulation Director Packaging Center Manager Inquiries

December / January 2010 Published every other month by Yakima Herald-Republic. 114 N. Fourth St., Yakima WA 98901-2707 www.playdateyakima.com

Visit us at playdateyakima.com and tell us what you like, and what you think we could do better. Do you want local forums? More craft ideas? Send your ideas, questions, comments or cupcakes to Playdate, P.O. Box 9668, Yakima, WA 98909, or e-mail talkback@playdateyakima.com.

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

Child Care Resource & Referral Find a place where your child feels nurtured and you’re at ease. • • • •

We’ll give you tools to find quality child care Provide other resources to meet your child care needs Find Play & Learn groups in your area Give support to advocate for children

For more information, please call (509) 965-7109 or (877) 965-7109 Phone line hours are Monday Through Friday 9am-3pm

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• December | January 2011

Drum & Guitar

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December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

dad’s pad Who's really naughty and nice?

BY SCOTT KLEPACH JR.

illustration by mark northcott

It’s getting closer to Christmas, and while Santa Claus really has nothing to do

with the Christian holiday, he is ingrained in our culture and celebrated in various ways by both religious and nonreligious folk. It’s around this time of year when I think about the Santa Claus story, and then how it contributes to consumerism and emptying my pockets. But maybe Santa Claus isn’t such a bad idea after all, especially when he sidles up to characters in other fairy tales that, when you get right down to it, display some pretty distasteful ideas.

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• December | January 2011

dad’s pad

I enjoy fairy tales and Disney movies, but I can’t help but wonder if the messages contained in these stories are the best ones to pass on to our children. It’s not so much that I’m disturbed by the violence found in the original fairy tales — I’ll take the original stories over some watered-down version any day. What I’m more concerned with are the stories’ underlying patriarchal messages. I’ve watched Disney’s Snow White a few times now because my daughter loves it, but its depiction of the prince and princess’ flimsy relationship can be pretty disturbing. Where the heck is the prince? He appears at the beginning of the film singing merrily, Snow White goes on to cook and clean for seven (count ‘em — seven!) dwarves, then he reappears at the end of the film … and he’s still singing. Then, finally, the prince carries her away at the end because she is finally ready to serve him, or at least be fully prepped to be his wife. Egads. It’s not just Disney. Take another “for instance”: The miller’s daughter in Rumpelstiltskin. The problem starts with her father, who jeopardizes her life when he makes a false promise to the king that she can weave straw into gold. The king tells her she must perform this task, or else she will be executed (Thanks, Dad!). The mysterious Rumpelstiltskin then comes into the picture to help her out, but only if she gives him things: first a necklace, then a ring, and then the promise of giving him her firstborn child.

But then — lo and behold! — the king gives her an ultimatum. He tells her that if she produces gold, she will not die, but will marry him. How lucky for her. In the end, the reader is left to believe that “good” conquers “evil” when Rumpelstilskin’s plot to keep the child is foiled, but the “good” in this case includes marriage to the king. Is that matrimonial bliss? So maybe Santa Claus — even with his ties to commercialism — isn’t so bad after all. Compared to some of the other men featured in fairy tales, he embodies some wholesome characteristics we can believe in. Sure, his notion of giving can lead others to spend money on things and expect more in return. And yes, perhaps his over-consumption of cookies and sweets will someday land him a place on The Biggest Loser. But he encourages kids to do good things and follow a reasonable moral code. He also provides great working conditions for his elves, so workers’ rights activists shouldn’t have many qualms with him there. And as far as I can tell, he never forced Mrs. Claus into marriage or expected her to be trained to follow a set of rules to be his wife. So this Christmas I propose offering a lump of coal to each prince and naughty male character found in those other fairy tales. And I think Santa deserves another cookie.

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

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• December | January 2011

December | January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ PlaydateYakima.com

it’s the Holidays! By Robin Salts Beckett Photography by George May

I love the holidays.

I love them so much that I sing Christmas carols all year long. I actually look forward to the first holiday commercial on television, and the first bell ringer outside a grocery store. For me, Christmas starts the day after Halloween. Heck, I’m listening to Jingle Bell Rock as I write this. Every year I envision my family’s holiday scenes … you know, the ones in your mind that have the polish of a perfectly laid-out magazine page. In mine, my husband is dressed in pressed LL Bean chinos, my son is a-dor-able in holiday PJs, my house is miraculously decorated in Pottery Barn beige. The latest Starbucks holiday compilation is providing our soundtrack. My dining room table is laden with delicious-looking comfort food, and yet the kitchen is clean. Did I mention a roaring fireplace in the background? Yes, it’s bliss. And, as you know, complete fiction. Except for those LL Bean chinos. And my son is pretty cute. But the reality is that despite any amount of planning that goes into holiday events, kids are cranky and don’t want to wear those PJs, we parents are exhausted from, well, life, grandparents are taking care of their own parents, and making the holiday meal of your dreams is not like Food Network makes it look (especially with just four burners). Quite frankly, when Thanksgiving and Christmas rolls around, and I’ve made my third

PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

trip to the store to get another missing ingredient for whatever I’ve dreamed up, I’m ready to throw in the dish towel. About five years ago, during the first Thanksgiving dinner that I hosted in my own home, my grandpa ate a forkful of something, then announced to my then fiance and me that he was buying us a salt shaker for Christmas. Those are the kind of moments when your mind’s magazine page can tear in half. It must have embittered me a little, since when my grandma and grandpa arrived TWO hours early the next Thanksgiving, I barred entry to my house, putting myself between my grandparents and the front door. It’s petty, I know. But it also makes a great story. And although my grandpa, who died three years ago, was a little more like Scrooge than Santa, I miss him — especially when I put those salt shakers out on the table. One of our staffers remembers a holiday event when his aunt, a woman who is something of a malcontent, arrived at his house. When he and his wife opened the door to greet her with a “How are you?” she responded briskly, “Crappy! Where’s your dog!?”At the time, I’m sure it was a mood-killer. But man, how we’ve laughed over that one. Growing up, my brother and I went nuts looking forward to Christmas Eve and our annual open house — we had a ball with our family and friends who made it a tradition to

join us. Interestingly enough, we also looked forward to our parents’ annual “Christmas Eve Fight.” The genesis of the argument always centered around my mom frantically trying to prepare the house and the appetizers, while my dad frantically tried to escape. She was a little like Charlie Brown in this regard, thinking every year that he’d be at the store, but finding him instead on a 30-foot ladder stringing lights on the spruce outside. This was the perennial bad decision that set things off on a glorious hours-long cold war that only ended when the first guest arrived and tensions melted with the laughs of the evening. I know now that my parents were suffering from the same pressure I feel — the need to make everything picture perfect, and the need to get away from it all for a little bit. Funny how those fights never bothered me — they were a part of tradition too. Nowadays, my husband and I have learned to relax a little bit. We know, in advance, that our holidays will entail quite a bit of running around from family to family. But we’re thankful for that. And we’ve created our own traditions, too, like Christmas morning breakfast, which I hope our young son loves as much as we do. I don’t pay as much attention to those “salt shaker” moments anymore. Probably because I’m too busy looking for those PJs.

12 films of Christmas For the Family…

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965), 25 min-

utes, unrated (for all ages). This short but sweet Christmas classic, featuring all of your favorite “Peanuts” characters, sets the bar for other Christmas movies to match, and it even drives home the true Christmas message, thanks to Linus. “A Christmas Story” (1983),

94 min., rated PG. You can’t turn on TV on Christmas Eve without catching the 24-hour marathon run of this funny film. Through the likable protagonist, Ralphie, viewers can relive the nostalgia of Christmas as a youth. Many quotable lines and images linger because of this movie, including “Fragile! Must be Italian.” “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), 130 min., no rating. With

“White Christmas” (1954),

120 min., no rating. Many memorable Christmas tunes came from this film, which nicely blends flavorful characters, funny scenes and dialogue, and a touching tribute to the fellowship of humankind. “Miracle on 34th St.” (1947), 96 min., no rating. The

miracle stays alive and well with this original, heartwarming production about believing in magic and Santa Claus. “Elf” (2003), 97 min., rated PG.

Will Ferrell left his mark on the Christmas film genre with this movie as the fun-loving, sometimes pesky elf Buddy. Ferrell’s character can toss snowballs at lightning speed, perhaps because he was on a sugar high after downing a plate of spaghetti topped with M&Ms and chocolate syrup.

Jimmy Stewart in the lead role and a powerful story to back him up, it’s no wonder some have argued this film is not just one of the best Christmas films ever made, but one of the best all-around movies of all time.

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964), 47 min.,

unrated. Who can forget Burl Ives’ unique voice as the narrator of this beloved story? Rudolph’s tale is brought to life with this milestone of stop-motion animation, which proved popular with other famous Christmas productions around this time. “Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), 85 min., rated G.

Who knows what Charles Dickens would have thought of this retelling of his famous novel. In any case, Michael Caine plays the perfect Scrooge to offset the Muppet characters, who step in to complete much of the rest of the cast. “Home Alone” (1990), 103

min., rated PG. A different type of Christmas film, brought to audiences by the creative forces of John Hughes and Chris Columbus, which combines family values, slapstick comedy and other stylized antics. Now, if only lead actor Macaulay Culkin could have remained as the 8-year-old Kevin McAllister.

PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

“The Polar Express” (2004), 100 min., rated PG. The

children’s classic book is brought to CG life. Some might not favor the direction the filmmakers took to expand the story for cinematic purposes, but others may delight in the visual feast offered here. The smartest decision was casting Tom Hanks as several characters, including the train conductor and Santa Claus. “The Santa Clause” (1994),

97 min., rated PG. This one still marks the best of Tim Allen’s Christmas movie endeavors. While that might not be saying much by itself, his portrayal of a fill-in Santa Claus pleased moviegoers to make the movie a classic in its own right. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966), 26 min.,

unrated. We’re not docking Jim Carrey’s unforgettable performance in the live-action version of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas tale, but sometimes sticking closely to the original source, as with this animated retelling, proves to be a wiser choice.

12 films of Christmas

For Grownups’ Eyes… “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989), 97 min., rated PG-13.

There’s nothing like Christmas with the Griswold family, and it would be hard to find a funnier, timeless Christmas story to highlight dysfunctional families and holiday stress. “Love, Actually” (2003),

“Die Hard” (1988), 131 min., rated R. You might think we’re stretching for titles here, but this blockbuster film not only rejuvenated the action genre, but also it offers an alternative to the typical Christmas movie, you know, complete with German terrorists, broken glass and quotable dialogue unfit for print. “Trains, Planes, and Automobiles” (1987), 93

135 min., rated R. An all-star British cast leads viewers through an intersecting narrative that is sure to hit home with adult audiences, but be sure the kids are in bed when you view this one.

min., rated R. This comedy, featuring Steve Martin and John Candy, might be a good kick-off to the holiday film season, since the plot takes place around Thanksgiving.

“Bad Santa” (2003), 91

“Home for the Holidays” (1995), 103 min., PG-13. OK,

min., rated R. Yeah, we know; how could we recommend this? You might justify the inclusion of “Love, Actually,” but this title is an antidote to all of those saccharine, mind-numbing Christmas titles. This one is also rated R for a reason, and not all adults will find much merit here, so be warned!

OK, this is another Thanksgiving movie. Don’t blame us; Christmas shopping starts earlier each year, so you might as well enjoy this comedy about dysfunctional families, featuring Holly Hunter and directed by Jodie Foster.

“Scrooged” (1988), 101 min.,

rated PG-13. Bill Murray offers a gem of a performance in this revisionist update of the Scrooge character.

become a fan: facebook.com/playdateyakima

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

Let’s take some time to EmbraceAcceptUnify

Bring Your Voice To The Table Because It Counts! Yakima Valley System of Care empowers youth and families to use their Voices! We create an opportunity of equality among Youth, Families and Providers in these systems: • School Services • Mental Health Services • Foster/Kinship Care • Chemical Dependency • Juvenile Justice • Developmental Disability Services Go to www.YakimaValley SOC.org Questions? Please call the Yakima Valley System of Care staff at 574-2977

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Let your child have a positive dental experience in a fun and child friendly environment.

Ashley S. Tercero, DDS

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• December | January 2011

Holiday Events starting November 25 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11. 7:30 p.m., plus 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 2. Directed by Barbara Robinson. Cost: $15 adults, $12 seniors and students. The Akin Center Theatre, 2610-A W. Nob Hill Blvd. Call 509-248ARTS (2787) for tickets.

Mighty Tieton Crafts Bazaar. Dec. 3-5: Fri., 5-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Crafts, local arts, gifts, a “chandelier festival,” and a tree-lighting ceremony with a visit from Santa Claus. Mighty Tieton Warehouse, 608 Wisconsin Ave., Tieton. Call Karen at 509-494-2009 for info. mightytieton.com. Free admission.

starting November 26

December 4

King Island Christmas. Nov. 26-28, Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11. 7:30 p.m. for all days except Nov. 27 and Dec. 11, when there will be matinee performances only at 2 p.m. Directed by Barbara Lund and produced by Sandi Cok. Based on the children’s book by Jean Rogers. Call 509-966-0951 for tickets. The Warehouse Theatre Company, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima.

Sixth annual Santa’s Breakfast. Dec. 4, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Load up on Santa’s Brunch: pancakes with jolly toppings, Mrs. Claus’ “special” eggs, elf sausage, frosty apple juice and snow-topped hot cocoa. Bring your camera for a picture with Santa. Silent auction, raffles and country store. Sponsored by Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Cost: $7 for 13 and older, $4 for 3-12 years. Holy Family Church Gathering Hall, 5315 Tieton Drive.

Santa at the Valley Mall. Nov. 26-Dec. 24. Mondays-Saturdays, Nov. 26-Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sundays, Nov. 28-Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday & Saturday, Dec. 17-18, 9:30 a.m.9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday, Dec. 20-23, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 24, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Meet Santa and have your photo taken with him. Sponsored by Arthur & Associates. Valley Mall, 2529 Main Street, Union Gap.

starting December 3 Madrigal Feaste. Dec. 3-5, 6 p.m. Have a yuletide Christmas with this annual feast and musical performance put on by YVCC’s music department. Come see jesters, musicians, jokesters and storytellers as you enjoy a scrumptious holiday meal. The Wassail hour begins at 6 p.m. each day, and then the Royal Court (comprised of students and staff members) enters the banquet hall at 7 p.m. Cost: $25 (includes dinner). Call 509574-4936 for tickets. Call Dr. Scott Peterson, 509-574-4836, for more info. Hopf Union Building on YVCC campus (16th Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard in Yakima).

Darigold’s Decorating Cookies with Mrs. Claus. Dec. 4, 9-11:30 a.m. Decorate more than 1,000 cookies with sprinkles, candy, gum drops and frosting at Darigold’s Dairy Fair. Santa Claus will pay a visit. Free, but canned food donations are encouraged. Darigold, 400 Alexander, Sunnyside. Call Tami at 509-837-4321 for info. Holiday Wreath Making. Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn how to make crafty holiday wreaths. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers. Preregistration is required; limited seating. Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive. Call 509-248-7337 for info.

Drop-In Winter Crafts and Events. Yakima Valley Libraries. Winterthemed crafts available for all ages. Schedule and locations:

starting December 4 Summitview Library: Dec. 4, 11, 18 at 11 a.m. Plus: Cuddle Up with a Winter Movie, with a showing of Gingerbread Baby, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. 5709 Summitview Ave., Yakima. 509966-7070.

December 6-10 Selah Library: Dec. 6-10 at 2:30 p.m. 106 S. Second St., Selah. 509-698-7345.

December 16 Terrace Heights Library: Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. Plus: All-day Christmas Fun for Teens, Dec. 22. 4011 Commonwealth Drive, Yakima; 509-457-5319.

December 17 Union Gap Library: Dec. 17, 22 at 10 a.m. 3104 S. First St., Union Gap; 509-4524252.

December 20-22 Yakima Library: Dec. 20, 22 at 9 a.m. Plus: Winter Crafts for Teens, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 509-452-8541.

December 22-23 Moxee Library: Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. and Dec. 23 at noon. 255 W. Seattle, Moxee. 509-575-8854.

Yakima Valley Museum Holiday Event. Dec. 4, noon. Three performances are scheduled in the Neon Garden. The Yakima Youth Symphony kicks things off, followed by the Yakima Children’s Choir at 1 p.m., and the Melody Lane Singers at 2 p.m. 2105 Tieton Drive. Call 509-248-0747 for info.

— featuring more than 50 farm implements, vehicles and floats equipped with lights — was awarded the title of the Northwest’s “premier” lighted parade and featured on A&E’s Ultimate Holiday Town USA program. Downtown Sunnyside. Call 509-837-5939 for info.

Lighted Farm Implement Parade. Dec. 4, 6 p.m. Come see why this lighted parade

Whispers of Christmas. Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. Kids can meet and have pictures taken with Santa. Christmas carols, horse-drawn

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

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A school you can trust for your child’s education A Grace School education offers your child benefits that last a lifetime and beyond. We look forward to partnering with you as you raise your children in the way of the Lord. We provide a safe atmosphere and a quality learning environment for your child.

Holiday Events wagons rides, holiday treats and other entertainment offered. Selah Civic Center, 216 S. First St., Selah. Call 509-698-7300 for info. The Jazz Nutcracker. Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. Central Washington University’s jazz band performs Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s version of the Nutcracker Suite. Cost: $15; kids younger than 12 free with paying adult. Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave. Call 509-453-1888 for info. theseasonsyakima.com.

December 18

• State-approved private education with Certified Teachers • Safe caring environment • Strong parent-teacher relationships • Academic excellence • Low student/teacher ratio • Sports/Music/Drama • Half-day Preschool • Affordable tuition • Character development • Financial assistance • Serving Yakima for 58 years

Call 594-0715 to set up a tour at your convenience.

Grace Lutheran School (Pre-K to 8th)

A great start for mind and heart! 1207 S. 7th Ave., Yakima, Washington www.gracelutheranyakima.org

Toy Train Christmas. Weekends through Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hop on board a Christmas Express to see Santa Claus! Find toy trains running around fully decorated Christmas trees and treat your family to hot cocoa and cookies. Cost: $6 adults, $4 children 12 and younger. Photos with Santa available for an extra fee. Call 509865-1911 for more info. Northern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 S. Asotin Ave., Toppenish.

December 5

perform music. Contact Craig at 509573-5501 for more info.

December 10-11 19th annual Luminaria. Dec. 10-11, 6-9 p.m. Walk the milelong candlelit path at the Yakima Arboretum and see the 80-foot lighted Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree. Head back to the Jewett Center to warm up with apple cider or coffee, fill up on treats and enjoy local music. Free, but donations accepted. Yakima Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive. Call 509-248-7337 for info.

December 11 Santa Claus Trolley 2010. Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Ride a trolley, meet Santa Claus and enjoy treats and activities for kids. Yakima Valley Trolleys, South Third Avenue and West Pine Street. Call 509-452-7963 for info. Yakima Symphony Chorus Winter Concert. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. The YSO presents Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Dr. Scott Peterson. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St. Call 509-853-2787 for info. capitoltheatre.org

Victorian Christmas. Dec. 5, 1-4 p.m. Experience a Victorian Christmas at the Gilbert House. Christmas Tree Candle Lighting will take place at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. Quilt raffle drawing at 3 p.m. 2109 W. Yakima Ave.

December 18

Downtown Yakima Holiday Light Parade. Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. Starts at South Sixth Avenue and heads east down Yakima Avenue, ending at Millennium Plaza on Third Street. After parade, watch the Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus, who will dispense candy canes. The Stone Church Choir will

Downtown Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31, Starts at 6 p.m. Family-friendly, alcoholfree celebration featuring live music, a kids’ tent, food vendors and a midnight fireworks show. Millennium Plaza. Call Committee for Downtown Yakima, 509-225-2485, for more info.

“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Dec. 18, 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Cost: $5 suggested donation per person. Princess Theatre, 1226 Meade Ave., Prosser.

December 31

48.831837.PD.L

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

48.832108.PLD.L

48.822954.04.L

PlaydateYakima.com

â&#x20AC;˘ December | January 2011

snow globes! |

BY SCOTT KLEPACH Jr. Photography by TJ MUllinax

ust in time for the holidays, Hands on Art has snow globes available to be assembled and also will hold two special snow globe classes on Dec. 12 and Dec. 21, both at 1 p.m. Parents and their kids are encouraged to work together to build snow globes step by step. “This is a project for the family to come in and make together,” said Jill Cunningham, owner of Hands on Art. The process keeps the entire family involved with the project.

Each snow globe consists of a 6-inch diameter glass globe and a wooden base. Family members choose which characters and objects will depict a specific scene. After those figures are glued in place, the family selects a song for the music box. Lastly, the water and snowflakes are added before the snow globe is sealed to prevent it from leaking. All in all, Cunningham said, each snow globe will be terrific gift or special keepsake for the family.

“A snow globe is a great holiday gift. It’s oneof-a-kind,” Cunningham said. “It’s great for grandparents who are hard to buy for, and it’s something kids can make.” The snow globes cost $50, which includes the figurines, snow, water, musical movement, and the globe and wooden base. Cunningham said customers can come in to make a globe at any time for that price.

There is no additional fee for attending the Find other neat ideas for crafts you can do snow globe class. at home below and on the next page! Hands on Art will also offer “two for one” holiday ornament classes Sunday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Dec. 23. Each class begins at 1 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. Hands on Art is located at 5603 Summitview Ave. Call 509-966-4842 for cost and other information.

from our facebook fans

become a fan: facebook.com/playdateyakima

Jennifer W.: “We build forts, sometimes we put the portable DVD player in there for a special movie time and of course the popcorn to make it extra fun.”

Crystal C.: “One time we made snowmen and I put colored water in spray bottles. We then painted our snowman a rainbow of colors. messy but worth it — kids loved it!” Shayna B.: “We set up the tent in the living room (beside our wood-burning fireplace) and have a 24-hour camp out! At night we even set up the iPhone to play forest background sounds.”

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

snow globes! |

BY SCOTT KLEPACH Jr. Photography by TJ MUllinax

from our facebook fans

become a fan: facebook.com/playdateyakima

Jennifer W.: “We build forts, sometimes we put the portable DVD player in there for a special movie time and of course the popcorn to make it extra fun.”

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

snow globes! | cont. from p. 23

SNOW ONE WILL KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

re your kids waiting to see if we’ll get a huge snowfall this year? Why not make your own snow, without the risk of frostbite!

It’s simple: just get your hands on some sodium polyacrylate … uh … what? Don’t think you have any on hand? Grab the nearest diaper — a fresh one, please — and you’re almost ready to go. Carefully cut open the diaper and place the inside contents (the

fluffy stuff ) into a bowl. Now, add water and see what happens. You might even be able to fool a friend or family member into believing you are holding real snow. If the pseudo-snow looks too slushy, pour salt into the mix to give it a dry appearance and texture. You can have fun experimenting to see what else you can do with the material. If you’re worried about wasting diapers, you might be surprised how

much fake snow can be produced with just one. Why not construct a wintry scene with the substance and add figures and buildings for your very own Christmas village? Kids might enjoy a fake snow fight without the cold, but watch out for that mess … and above all, don’t eat it!

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

The Care of Home The Education of School

• A State Licensed Facility • Complete Food • Childcare For Ages Program Provided 4 Weeks - 12 Years • Structured Curriculum For • Preschool For Ages 3-5 Children To Learn & Grow • Childcare 6:30am-6:00pm 48.833407.PLD.L

453-8688 453-4462 641 N. Keys Rd. 909 N. 21st Ave. Terrace Heights Yakima 48.832754.PLD.L

TWO MONTHnS

Free tuitio ilies! to new fam ergarten) (Includes Kind

A Journey to Excellence • Christian based for ALL faiths • Kindergarten – half day and full day options • Safe, protected environment • Providing – passion for learning, safety to grow & reasons to serve • Achieving high level academics (accelerated reader & math programs) • Second Semester openings in Kindergarten class

Yakima Adventist Christian School 1200 City Reservoir Rd. PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

Yakima, WA 98908

509-966-1933

48.832757.PLD.L

www.yacsschool.org 25

ready by five New home, more offerings

In September, Ready By

Five moved to its new location at 414 N. Third St. in Yakima. Its new site allows more space for its Kaleidoscope Play & Learn and Creative Families Play & Learn groups within its own facility. The new location provides three rooms for the Play and Learn program, and a new community room has been created especially for parents and other adults to converse or gather for private meetings. The new building also houses a computer lab for computer classes. Thanks to a $379,000 federal Migrant Education Even Start (MEES) grant that Ready By Five received last summer, the lab will also allow for English as a Second Language and computer literacy classes for both children and parents. “It’s a community initiative,” said Elizabeth Mendoza, Ready By Five’s coordinator of community outreach. “There are so many people involved, so many moving parts.” The Lending Library will soon be fully operational and open to the public, and will offer books, toys and games all tied to a specific curriculum.

Scott Klepach Jr.

Ready By Five provides a Kindergarten Transition Program (KTP) to help parents determine if their child is ready for kindergarten and to offer suggestions to get them prepared. “Teachers know what kids need to have, but sometimes the communication isn’t always there,” said Mendoza. She added Ready By Five is available to reach children before they enter the K-12 system. “Every child learns at a different pace,” said Mendoza, adding that the steps a child should have made before entering kindergarten will not be universal. “Some will be beyond this, and some won’t. At least now (parents) have a base, or something to start with.” With the move, Ready By Five can hold events at nearby Miller Park, which will be handy come springtime. By then, the organization’s staff is hopeful that their plans of building a community garden on site — so children can grow flowers and vegetables — will be well under way. For information on all of Ready By Five’s services and programs, call 509-454-2493 or visit readybyfive.org.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups emphasize thematic, structured and interactive play, and are open to everyone. Meets every Monday through Jan. 31 at 9:30-11 a.m., and every Thursday through Jan. 27 (except Dec. 23 and Dec. 30) from 1-2:30 p.m. • The Creative Families Play & Learn groups are also open to everyone, and offer more free play, with various stations set up for reading, science, math, and physical activities. Meets the second and fourth Wednesday each month from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 8 theme: family. Jan. 12 and 26 theme: winter fun. • Parent Workshop: Meets first Tuesday, third Wednesday and fourth Thursday each month. • Parents in Action meets once a month. Contact David at 509853-1105 for more info. • Story hour in partnership with Catholic Family Child & Service, held at the Yakima Valley Museum the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Free. 509-853-2052.

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

Sunday Services throughout December: 8:15 and 11:00am, 9:30 Sunday Breakfast, 9:45-10:45 Sunday School for all ages Contemplative Wednesday Evening Services on December 1st, 8th, 15th at 7pm in our chapel Novembver 28th, 9:30-10:45 “Everybody Advent Event” - Christmas crafts, cookies, and fun for the whole family in our fellowship hall December 12th, 11am “Children’s Christmas Play” - Come, see and hear the Christmas story acted out by our youth Christmas Eve Services - 5pm “Family Focused” service, 7pm and 10:30. Christmas Eve Services with choir, bells & brass. All 3 services will have candlelight

Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) 1604 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA (509)575-6490 www.centralutheranyakima.org

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• December | January 2011

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Paint it. Stain it. Finish it your way!

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Come tour the campus, visit our teachers and see for yourself what a St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic Education can offer your child. 48.831838.PD.L

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202 N. 4th St., Yakima, WA 98901 www.sjmms.org

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302 S. First St. • Yakima 509-452-8247 48.831233.PLD.L

Coming March 12, 2011

Last year more than 2,500 people in the Yakima Valley attended the first-ever Playdate Expo.

Seventy businesses participated in last year’s event at the Yakima Valley Convention Center and the response from both attendees and vendors was overwhelmingly positive! In fact, the event proved so popular that this year we’ve expanded to allow even more participation! However, booth space is limited, so please contact us today to reserve your booth and discuss this exciting opportunity to promote your business.

DON’T MISS OUT...

Contact Leslie Lubrano Today for More Info! Phone: (509)577-7743 llubrano@yakimaherald.com

Standard Booth ........... $250 (includes 8 ft. table)

Non-Profit .................... $200 (includes 8 ft. table) 28

If your target market is parents and families, you need to contact us today about this FUN and AFFORDABLE way to reach new customers.

Participating businesses at the 2011 Playdate Family Expo. We invite you to join them!

It’s a Blast Farmers Insurance Group Catholic Credit Union Country Kids Child Development Center Catholic Family & Child Services St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School Wesley United Methodist Church & Preschool St. Paul Cathedral School The Pampered Chef West Valley Fire Department Ready by Five Yakima Health District Melody Lane Performing Arts Academy

Healing Springs Acupuncture & Herbs Yakima Family YMCA Yakima Valley Libraries Weber Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Femina Beauty Primerica Financial Services Grace Lutheran Church & School American Red Cross - Yakima Valley Chapter Ghormley Meadows Christian Camp Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Usborne Books & More Pepe’s Bakery 48.831845.PD.L

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

may i have this dance?

It’s time to have a ball! Really.

Jim Button and his daughter Sarah at the father-daughter banquet. West Side Baptist Church. PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

The local Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Father-Daughter Ball on Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Clarion Hotel. This year’s theme is A Night in New Orleans. Dads, now’s your chance to take your daughter or daughters out for a glamorous evening of dressing up, eating a nice meal and dancing the night away. Russ Roberts, a Kiwanis Club committee member, said the event is more like a “fun”raiser instead of a fundraiser. He has been to the annual ball for the past two years with his three daughters, and they love it because they get to “doll up.” A silent auction will also be held during the event, with items for girls and dads. The cost is $65 for dad and daughter (ages 4 and older), and $15 extra for each additional daughter. The price covers dinner, dessert

and entertainment that includes a DJ, a dance floor and a smoke machine. Dads can also have a picture taken with their daughters and will receive an 8x10-inch copy in the mail. Three princesses will be awarded randomly per age group, 4-11 years, 12-18 years, and 18 and older. Roberts said 150 people attended last year’s event, and the cap will be at 200. Most daughters are in the 7- to 11-year-old range, he said, but many 4-year-olds were there, and even one 72-year-old woman attended with her 90-year-old dad. The ball runs from 5:30-11 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 1507 N. First St., Yakima. Tickets go on sale in December. For more information, e-mail Steve Emhoff at steve@ emhoffgroup.com, or Karl Capron at kcorp@charter. net, or you can check out the event’s website at dancewithdad.com.

the book of my Eli By Amy Berkheimer

By Amy Berkheimer and son Eli

On Aug. 23, 2005,

“Raising a child with special needs forces you to live a new kind of normal.”

our precious son, Eli Jansen, entered the world. Only he wasn’t breathing, and he didn’t have a heartbeat. My world changed forever that evening, and I gained a new perspective on life. It took 18 minutes of resuscitation to bring Eli back to life, and then he was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. He spent 2-½ weeks in the NICU, then was airlifted to Seattle Children’s Hospital. He was successfully taken off a ventilator, and, when he was 3-½ weeks old, we finally got to bring our son home — along with a feeding pump, formula, tubes and tape, and a suction unit to clear the secretions that he was unable to swallow. The brain damage caused during Eli’s traumatic birth was significant. They call it cerebral palsy.

It took away his ability to use his body in a typical fashion. It took away his ability to eat by mouth. And, the most painful thing for me is, it took away his voice. I don’t get to know what my son is thinking, or where he might be hurting. Eli’s care is a huge guessing game. We’ve learned a lot in five years, but there is still so much going on that we don’t know. He hasn’t gained weight in three years because of digestive issues. It is devastating to hear that your 5-year-old is still in the “failure to thrive” category. Eli has been hospitalized about 12 times. He’s had six ambulance rides and one surgery (at 5 months old) to have his feeding tube placed. He’s actually had so many X-rays I have lost count. And there is no way to tally the doctor visits and therapy appointments. Raising a child with special needs forces you to live a new kind of normal. You have to change your expectations of yourself, your child and others. We thought Eli was deaf until he was 5 months old. Then they placed ear tubes while he was under for his G-tube surgery, and that night his roommate cried and woke him up! We thought he was blind until he was 8 months old, and then we met a wonderful vision teacher who showed us how his vision worked and that he was engaging and seeing his toys. This gave us so much to work with. We started playing music for him and found that Elmo cracks him up. Our son could laugh! We started playing Baby Einstein videos and found that he likes to watch the bright colors on the screen. We placed a clothes bar in our van and hung toys from it to give him visual stimuli and something to reach for in the car. We learned that changing our expectations and adapting his world to meet his needs was what was going to be normal for us. We’ve become very creative at making things work

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

for Eli. We have no choice. We want him to experience life to his fullest! Through it all, I’ve learned a lot about riding an emotional roller coaster. I believe we must embrace all of the emotions that come along with raising a child with special needs. Finding others who share our journey makes us realize we are not alone. I think we must have at least one person whom we trust enough to share our most terrifying thoughts. For some that may be a family member or friend, while others find counseling the best option. (It helped me realize my thoughts and feelings were normal.) I have found the most help online. Websites with message boards where you can pose questions and find answers that have worked for other families are wonderful resources. The “blog world” is full of information about raising a child with special

PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

needs, adaptive equipment and just other people who understand your world. You can learn about new and alternative therapies. You can see equipment in action and decide if it would be a good choice for your child and meet friends who can understand your pain — and your triumphs. Five years later, I finally feel like I know what I want my life’s mission to be: to educate others about how to talk to a family that looks like they have a child with special needs. There is nothing worse than being in a crowd and feeling all alone! If you feel uncomfortable, and just can’t find the right words to say, just ask the child’s name and how old he or she is. The family will appreciate your efforts so much. Just say something. Anything. For me, it’s better to have an awkward conversation than to have none at all.

Recently, Eli and I were waiting for his ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor appointment, and a woman in the waiting room asked, “Is that your baby?” I ignored the sound at first because my son was about to turn 5, so I didn’t think she was talking to me, and I kept filling out my paperwork. She said it again, so looking up I realized she actually was talking to me, and with a smile I said, “Yes.” She asked me how old he was, and she asked me if he had cerebral palsy. I told her that we were getting ready to celebrate his birthday and confirmed that yes, he does have cerebral palsy. And she said, “Well, look at him so full of life and purpose.” It made my day. To be seen. To have my son noticed. To have someone come into our world, if only for a second. It’s my new normal and I’ll welcome you to it!

holiday recipes S GOOF BALL

ga r 1 cup white su suga r n ow ½ cup br aro sy rup K te ) 1 cup whi ient s to a boil. e th ree ingred (Bri ng the abov Ad d : d flavor ni lla or al mon 2 teaspoons va er p) peanut butt 10 oz. (1 big cu real ce K l ia ps Spec Pour over 6 cu paper Drop on wax

CANDY CA

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OKIES ½ cup butter or marga ri ne, so ftened ½ cup shor teni ng 1 cup confectio ners’ suga r 1 egg 1 ½ teaspoons al mond extrac t 1 teaspoon va ni lla 2 ½ cups al l-p ur pose flour 1 teaspoon sa lt ½ teaspoon re d food color ½ cup cr ushed pepper m int ca ndy ½ cup granulat ed suga r Heat oven to 37 5 degrees. T ho roughly m ix bu confectioners’ tter, shor teni ng suga r, egg and , fla vo ri ng s. Blend in D iv ide dough flour and sa lt. in ha lf; blend re d fo od Shape 1 teaspo colori ng into on on dough from e ha lf. each ha lf into smooth, even 4-inch rope. Fo ropes, roll them r back and fort h Place ropes sid on light ly flour e by side; pres ed board. s together light cook ies one at ly and tw ist. C a time. Place th omplete em on an un-g Cur ve top dow reased ba ki ng n to form ha nd sheet. le of ca ne. Ba ke about ni ne m inutes or until set and ve ca ndy and gran ry light brow n. ulated suga r. Im M ix med iately spri m ixtu re; remov nk le cook ies w e from ba ki ng ith ca ndy sheet. M akes ab out four dozen cook ies.

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

yoga By Heather Caro Lookitme, mom!

My 4-year-old son scrambled around on the couch for a moment before finally deciding on an impressive feat: He then reclined and easily extended both legs behind his head. I watched him, genuinely impressed — not only with his ability to place his own toes in his mouth while giggling hysterically, but his skill in (literally) bouncing back from such a position. I shuddered to think of what would happen should I attempt to follow suit. Needless to say it would probably result in a “sick day.” Cocking my head to the side in order to properly observe his acrobatics, I watched as he stood on his head and flipped into a cringe-worthy back bend off the couch — narrowly missing the cat. Giving him a fist-bump for his efforts, I quickly made a mental note to help him fine-tune his elastic aptitude — before investing in another vet bill.

Want to get your kids into yoga? You don't have to go far:

48.831836.pd.L

Yakima Yoga Slip into some sweats, grab a mat and your kids and downward dog-it to a Kid’s Yoga session at Yakima Yoga. This popular class teaches yoga basics and relaxation to kids ages 4-8. Parents are encouraged to participate in this drop-in class. Cost is $13 per family or a 6-class punch card is available for $65. Allow 10 minutes before first session. Yakima Yoga, 25 N. Front St., Suite #4, Yakima, 509-255-0650, yakimayoga.com

Toy Train Christmas NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY MUSEUM 10 Asotin Ave., Toppenish

Saturday: 10 am-4 pm each day Nov. 27 Dec. 4 - 11 - 18 Sunday: 10 am-4 pm each day Dec. 5 - 12 - 19

Includes: Caboose Ride to see Santa, Candy Canes from Santa; Hot Chocolate & Cookies, Operating Model Trains and Decorated Christmas Trees in the Northern Pacific Railway Museum Admission

Adults $6 ea., Children 12 and under $4 ea. LOTS OF DECORATED CHRISTMAS TREES WITH MODEL TRAINS RUNNING UNDER EACH ONE From Yakima or the Tri Cities take I-82 Exit 50 to Toppenish. Turn left at the railroad tracks and go till you see the NP Depot on the right.

865-1911 PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

www.nprymusuem.org

48.833405.PD.L

Photos with Santa available at an extra charge. Cash or check.

Unique Family Experience 33

aquatics

Lions Pool

HipHop Jazz Modern Ballet Tap Pointe Choreography $POWFOJFOU -PDBUJPO t 1SPQFS 5FDIOJRVF (JSMT BOE #PZT #FHJOOJOH UP &YQFSJFODFE BHFT VQ WHERE DANCE IS A FUN AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE! Gain Self Esteem 4FMG &YQSFTTJPO t $POmEFODF Ability to Work with Others Physical Fitness

We may be in cold-weather season, but Lions Pool still has plenty of aquatics offerings through the rest of fall and winter. Pool fees: $3.75 adult, $2 youth, $10 family. Threemonth pass: $89 adult, $46 youth, $190 family. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 509-575-6046. Recreational swimming, 1:30-3 p.m. Saturdays and 7-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 5-6:30 p.m. MondaySaturday. Baby and Me, for tots 6 months-3 years, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Preschool H2O Play, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

D Directed By: Mindie Chervany, Bache Bachelor elor of Fine Arts in Dance & Choreography raaphy w ith 23 years of Teaching Experiencee with

966-0676

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Funky Friday Nights (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s theme), 7-8:30 p.m. Fridays. Cost: $0.50 for kids, $1 adults, $0.75 seniors (62 and older), or $3.25 per family.

Heading for Sledding Season

Kids all crave snow days, but how about one out of town? Yakima Parks and Recreation is offering four sledding field trips at Snoqualmie Pass in December. Kids in grades 5-8 can enjoy snow-tubing adventures, which include machine-groomed lanes, commercial-grade tubes with covers and surface tows to bring you back up to the top of the hill. Transportation is provided; kids meet at Public Works, 2301 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima. Dates: Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 27 and Dec. 29. Cost: $54 nonresident, $45 resident discount. 509-575-6020.

48.832727.PD/L

December | January 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ PlaydateYakima.com

calendar

Looking for a fun place for your kids to play, interact, imagine and learn? The Children’s Activity Museum has a number of themed hands-on exhibits encouraging children to use their imaginations. The Museum is a unique place of discovery, providing a full, rich and memorable play experience for children and their parents. The museum also offers birthday parties, field trips and pre-school.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. Open at 10 a.m.; call for closing. Two kids play for the price of one. Cost: $2.50 up to age 2; ages 3 and older are $5.25 for one hour or $8 unlimited; weekend rates are higher. Clean socks required. Located inside Gymnastics Plus, 2121 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 453-8126. DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS. 6:308 p.m. Support group for children, ages 5-12, whose parents are divorced, separated or reconciling. Adult group meets at the same time. Roosevelt Elementary School, 120 N. 16th Ave., Yakima. Contact Dan, 930-1420, or Jenni, 654-2124. yakimadivorcecare.net

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. Starts at 12:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Bring your own deck. Ron’s Coin & Book, 6 N. Third St., Yakima. 248-1117. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. 7-9:30 p.m. Free drop-in program open to youth ages 7-15, in partnership with Yakima Valley Young Life. Swimming, PlaydateYakima.com

sports, games, and Christian message. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave. 248-1202 or 961-9898.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 MOM & BABY. 10 a.m.-noon. Discussion group for moms with infants under 1 year; bring your baby. Free. Sponsored by Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Community Education. Meets at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church. 10203 Tieton Drive, Yakima; 575-8484.

Children’s Activity Museum of Ellensburg One FREE individual admission $4.25 Value

Children’s Activity Museum of Ellensburg 118 E. 4th Ave. • Ellensburg • (509) 925-6789 Check our website for more details.

childrensactivitymuseum.org

48.826583.PLD.L

Miles William Longmire, 2-1/2 years

ITTY BITTY ART. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Drop-in open studio for children age 5 and younger. Cost: $5. Parents must stay with their children. Red Art & Sunflower Studio, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. 469-2766. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 4-5:30 p.m. Drop-in open studio for children of all ages. Cost: $12 drop-in; or prepay $40 for four weeks. Red Art & Sunflower Studio, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. 469-2766.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1

“I Have a Dream...” MLK Jr.

HAPPY HANUKKAH! December 1-9. “I Have a Dream...” MLK Jr.

MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:30-11:30 a.m. First hour is Mommy & Me, second hour is just for moms; all ages welcome. Free. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015

• December | January 2011

48.833404.PD.L

calendar

Ava Fonfara, 8 months

• Unique Holiday Gifts

Summitview Ave., Yakima. For childcare reservations and more information, e-mail Katie: katejoyt@hotmail.com.

• Make a Snow Globe

• Paint Your Own Pottery

KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24.

• Art Classes

DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

Open 7 days a week – www.hands-on-art.com

DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS. 6:30-8 p.m. See Nov. 24.

5603 Summitview

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3

(509) 966-4248

MOPS – FIRST PRESBYTERIAN. 9-11:15 a.m. Meeting dues: $5. Child care, food, fellowship, speakers. First Presbyterian Church g ymnasium, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima. Julie: 307-4887.

(next to US Bank) 48.833143.PLD.L

Your children are growing fast. College tuition is growing faster.

DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. See Nov. 29.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

Fortunately there’s GET, Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition college savings program.

HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP. 9 a.m. to noon. Free drop-in projects for kids 5-12. The Home Depot, 2115 S. First St., Yakima. 452-3016.

Washington’s 529 Prepaid College Tuition Plan

ACE KIDS CLUB. 10 a.m. to noon. Free drop-in projects for kids ages 3-12. Hometown Ace Hardware, 3700 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 972-4400.

State guarantee Choice of colleges nationwide Tax-free savings and withdrawals Flexible plans

OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. See Nov. 27.

Enroll September 15 – March 31 Newborns may enroll year-round

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. See Nov. 27.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 MOM & BABY. 10 a.m.-noon. See Nov. 29.

Get started today • Visit get.wa.gov or call 1.800.955.2318

48.832968.PD/L

Washington State’s 529 Prepaid College Tuition Program

MOMS IN TOUCH INTERNATIONAL. 10:45 a.m. to noon. East Valley group: Moms, grandmas, aunts and others are welcome to join in praying for children and the East Valley schools and staff. Bring snacks or a lunch for the kids. Baby-sitting is provided for a small fee. Terrace Heights Presbyterian Church, 4303 Maple Court, Yakima. Contact Julie Byers at 453-0741. ITTY BITTY ART. 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Nov. 29. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 VISION AND LETTER OR WORD REVERSALS. 7 p.m. Workshop for parents or teachers who deal with young people who struggle with letter or word reversals, are behind in reading, have trouble with comprehension, or anyone for whom reading is a slow, laborious chore. Washington Vision Therapy Center, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 150, Yakima. Free. Call 654-9256 to RSVP.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:30-11:30 a.m. See Dec. 1. KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29. MOPS – MOUNTAINVIEW CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. 6-7:30 p.m. Meetings are free; child care provided, through grade 5. Food, fellowship, speakers. Mountainview Christian Fellowship, 7105 Alpine Way, Yakima. Contact Tabitha at 972-3723 or Danielle at 833-2228.

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

CHILDREN’S STORY TIMES BORDERS BOOKS. 1700 E. Washington Ave., Union Gap; 248-4018. Story time at 11 a.m. Saturdays. IMAGINATION LIBRARY STORY HOUR. Meets at Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima. Presented by Ready by Five and Catholic Family Child & Service. 853-2052. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month: Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Jan. 26. 10 a.m., English hour; 12 p.m., Spanish hour.

INKLINGS BOOKSHOP.

Chalet Place, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 965-5830. Toddler story time at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. MOXEE LIBRARY. 255 W. Seattle, Moxee; 575-8854. Preschool story time at 11 a.m. Mondays, Nov. 29-Dec. 6. Kito Manga Teen Club at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 30-Jan. 25. SELAH LIBRARY. New location: 106 S. Second St., Selah; 698-7345. Preschool story time with craft Mondays at 10 a.m., Nov. 29-Jan. 31; Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Dec. 1-Jan. 26; Thursdays at 10 a.m., Dec. 2-Jan. 27. Teen Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 30-Jan. 25. Baby lapsit story time at 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 24-Jan. 26.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 LOWER NACHES MOPS. 9-11:30 a.m. Memorial Bible Church, 111 Old Stage Way, Gleed. Contact: Mandy Rowe, 930-6441.

SUMMITVIEW LIBRARY. 5709 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 966-7070. Baby lapsit story time at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 30Dec. 7, and Jan. 4-25. Preschool story time, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 24-Dec. 8, and Jan. 5-26.

TERRACE HEIGHTS LIBRARY. 4011 Commonwealth Drive, Yakima; 457-5319. Preschool story time, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Dec. 2-30, and Jan. 6-27. Teen Monday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m.

YAKIMA LIBRARY. 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 452-8541. Baby lapsit at 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Nov. 30-Dec. 28, and Jan. 4-28. Preschool story time at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Dec. 2-30, and Jan. 6-27. Spanish preschool story time at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 27-Dec. 18, and Jan. 8-29. Yakima Anime/ Manga Club for teens at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 2-Jan. 27. Anime Saturday (film), Jan. 16 at 1 p.m.

Join the world’s most accomplished BJJ team with hundreds of representatives bringing the Gracie Family legacy to thousands of individuals around the globe.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. See Nov. 29.

BUILD AND GROW KIDS CLINIC. 10 a.m. Free building workshop for children and parents. Preregistration suggested. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com.

FUN FRIDAY. 6-9 p.m. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for a supervised open gym and playtime. Cost: $18 first child, $16 siblings; includes pizza dinner. Reservations not necessary. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437.

GYMKIDS SATURDAY PLAYDATE. 10-11:30 a.m. Open gym and playtime for children ages 1-5 years, accompanied by a parent. Zip line, popcorn, other activities. Cost: $10. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437.

PlaydateYakima.com

48.832756.PLD.L

UNION GAP LIBRARY. 3104 S. First St., Union Gap. 4524252. Preschool story time, 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 4-25.

• December | January 2011

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Landon McDonald, 14 months OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. See Nov. 27. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. See Nov. 27.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13

48.827559.PD.L

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50% OFF

GOLD and SILVER JEWELRY and WATCHES

Turn your gold into cash for Christmas Shopping. Jewelry, Watch and Eyeglass Repair and Battery Replacement while you shop!

AMERICAN JEWELERS Valley Mall Next to Sears

48.832982.PLD.L

MOPS – WEST SIDE. 9-11 a.m. Meeting donation: $5. Child care, food, fellowship, speakers. West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Tera: 972-3001. MOM & BABY. 10 a.m.-noon. See Nov. 29. ITTY BITTY ART. 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Nov. 29. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

MOMS CLUB OF YAKIMA. 9:3011 a.m. Daytime activities for stayat-home mothers and their children. Child care opens at 9:15. Meets at Central Lutheran Church, 1603 W. Yakima Ave., $30 annual dues. Nonmembers are allowed to attend two park days/ business meetings before joining. Contact Tara or Debbie at 494-8177. momsclubofyakima@gmail.com. KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 NATIONAL CHOCOLATECOVERED ANYTHING DAY.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 LA LECHE LEAGUE. 6 p.m. Support group for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers; children welcome. Free. Meets at Cascade Women’s Health, 1601 Creekside Loop, Yakima. For nursing help or questions, call Katy, 248-2610, or Denita, 388-6866. MOMSnext. 7 p.m. Open to all mothers with children in grades K-6, and mothers of preschoolers and homeschooled children are also welcome. Free. No childcare. Westside Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Contact Tera at 972-3001 or terapledger@charter.net

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:30-11:30 a.m. See Dec. 1.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 MOPS – NILE VALLEY. 8:45-11:15 a.m. Child care, food, fellowship and speakers. Nile Valley Community Church, 60 Bedrock Lane, Naches; 658-2904. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. See Nov. 29.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. See Nov. 27. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. See Nov. 27.

(509) 496-6850

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5

KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24.

MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:3011:30 a.m. See Dec. 1.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25

KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have a

GREASE. Dream...â&#x20AC;? 7:30 p.m. Part of the Best of MLK Jr. Broadway Family Series. Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. 853-2787. capitoltheatre.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 HAPPY NEW YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 GREASE. 7:30 p.m. Part of the Best of Broadway Family Series. Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. 853-2787. capitoltheatre.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 MOPS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FIRST

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have a PRESBYTERIAN. Dream...â&#x20AC;?

MONDAY, JANUARY 3 MOM & BABY. 10 a.m.-noon. See Nov. 29. MOMS IN TOUCH INTERNATIONAL. 10:45 a.m. to noon. East Valley group: Moms, grandmas, aunts and others are welcome to join in praying for children and the East Valley schools and staff. Bring snacks or a lunch for the kids. Baby-sitting is provided for a small fee. Terrace Heights Presbyterian Church, 4303 Maple Court, Yakima. Contact Julie Byers at 453-0741. ITTY BITTY ART. 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Nov. 29. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 GREASE. 7:30 p.m. Part of the Best of Broadway Family Series. Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. 853-2787. capitoltheatre.org

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DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. See Nov. 29.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP. 9 a.m. to noon. Free drop-in projects for kids 5-12. The Home Depot, 2115 S. First St., Yakima. 452-3016. ACE KIDS CLUB. 10 a.m. to noon. Free drop-in projects for kids ages 3-12. Hometown Ace Hardware, 3700 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 972-4400. BUILD AND GROW KIDS CLINIC. 10 a.m. Free building workshop for children and parents. Preregistration suggested. Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com. OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. See Nov. 27. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. See Nov. 27.

â&#x20AC;˘ December | January 2011

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PlaydateYakima.com

9-11:15 a.m. Meeting dues: $5. Child care, food, MLK Jr. fellowship, speakers. First Presbyterian Church g ymnasium, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima. Julie: 307-4887.

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One-Stop Shopping Destination for Everyone on Your List! • We have over 2,500 kid’s books in the store (board books through young adult titles)

MONDAY, JANUARY 10 MOPS – WEST SIDE. 9-11 a.m. Meeting donation: $5. Child care, food, fellowship, speakers. West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Tera: 972-3001.

• Special orders arrive in the store in two days or less - perfect for last minute shopping

ITTY BITTY ART. 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Nov. 29.

• Wide selection of unique Christmas cards, calendars, stationary, puzzles, board games and more Complim enta Gift-Wra ry Saves Timp e!

DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 LA LECHE LEAGUE. 6 p.m. Support group for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers; children welcome. Free. Meets at Cascade Women’s Health, 1601 Creekside Loop, Yakima. For nursing help or questions, call Katy, 248-2610, or Denita, 388-6866.

48.833141.PD.L

A Place Set Aside for Books & Their Friends 5629 Summitview • Yakima

MOMSnext. 7 p.m. Open to all mothers with children in grades K-6, and mothers of preschoolers and homeschooled children are also welcome. Free. No childcare. Westside Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Contact Tera at 972-3001 or terapledger@charter.net.

965-5830

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:30-11:30 a.m. See Dec. 1.

“Now we ,. . . are the children of promise.” Gal. 4:28

Preschool classes for 3 and 4-year olds Pre-K class for 4 and young 5-year olds Kindergarten for 5-year olds

KIDS CASTLE 2-FOR-1 DAY. See Nov. 24. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29. MOPS – MOUNTAINVIEW CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. 6-7:30 p.m. Meetings are free; child care provided, through grade 5. Food, fellowship, speakers. Mountainview Christian Fellowship, 7105 Alpine Way, Yakima. Call Tabitha at 972-3723 or Danielle at 833-2228.

Grades 1-4 Certified Teacher

560 McGonagle Rd. • Selah, WA 98942

48.831833.PD.L

Providing a quality education integrating Biblical principles in all areas of the students’ lives to develop a Biblical worldview and enable the students to impact their community for Jesus Christ.

509-697-6116 Selah Covenant Church

NATIONAL RUBBER DUCKY DAY. “I Have a Dream...”

MOM & BABY. 10 a.m.-noon. See Nov. 29.

• Great selection of educational toys

For information and registration

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13

DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS. 6:30-8 p.m. Support group for children, ages 5-12, whose parents are divorced, separated or reconciling. Adult group meets at the same time. Roosevelt Elementary School, 120 N. 16th Ave., Yakima. Contact Dan, 509930-1420, or Jenni, 509-654-2124. yakimadivorcecare.net

MLK Jr.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. See Nov. 29. FUN FRIDAY. 6-9 p.m. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for a supervised open gym and playtime. Cost: $18 first child, $16 siblings; includes pizza dinner. Reservations not necessary. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 GYMKIDS SATURDAY PLAYDATE. 10-11:30 a.m. Open gym and playtime for children ages 1-5 years, accompanied by a parent. Zip line, popcorn, other activities. Cost: $10. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 698-5437. OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. See Nov. 27. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. See Nov. 27.

MONDAY, JANUARY 17 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY. “I Have a Dream...” MLK Jr.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 WINNIE THE POOH DAY. “I Have a Dream...” MLK Jr.

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE A READING PROBLEM? 7 p.m. Workshop for parents or teachers who deal with young people who are behind in reading or have trouble with comprehension. Workshop covers vision

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 MOPS – NILE VALLEY. 8:45-11:15 a.m. Child care, food, fellowship and speakers. Nile Valley Community Church, 60 Bedrock Lane, Naches; 658-2904. MOPS – FIRST PRESBYTERIAN. 9-11:15 a.m. Meeting dues: $5. Child care, food, fellowship, speakers. First Presbyterian Church g ymnasium, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima. Julie: 307-4887.

Kane Alejandre-Mayo, 2 years problems and what can be done to resolve them. Washington Vision Therapy Center, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 150, Yakima. Free. Call 654-9256 to RSVP.

LOWER NACHES MOPS. 9-11:30 a.m. Memorial Bible Church, 111 Old Stage Way, Gleed. Contact: Mandy Rowe, 930-6441. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. 10 a.m. to noon. See Nov. 29.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

MOMMY CONNECTION. 9:3011:30 a.m. See Dec. 1.

BUILD AND GROW KIDS CLINIC. 10 a.m. Free building workshop for children and parents. Preregistration suggested. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com.

48.832977.PD.L

OFFICIAL YU-GI-OH! DUELIST KING TOURNAMENT. See Nov. 27. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. See Nov. 27.

MONDAY, JANUARY 24 MOPS – WEST SIDE. 9-11 a.m. Meeting donation: $5. Child care, food, fellowship, speakers. West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Tera: 972-3001. MOM & BABY. 10 a.m.-noon. See Nov. 29.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 MAKING FRIENDS. 5:30-7 p.m. “OOCHEE” the Clown and Friends host a funny performance about making friends, being a good friend, and learning about the fun of reading with friends and family. Free admission and pizza; donations accepted. Wesley United Methodist Church and Preschool, 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima. 966-2370.

ITTY BITTY ART. 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Nov. 29. DROP-IN ART STUDIO. See Nov. 29.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 NEW ISSUE OF PLAYDATE!

39.830009.PD/L

PlaydateYakima.com

• December | January 2011

gotcha!

Send us your best! The deadline to enter our next photo contest is Friday, January 14, 2011. Winners and rules are published at playdateyakima.com.

From left to right: Joslyn Brown, 6; Preston Upson-Brown, 2; Lena Sanchez, 4.

“ The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing.” — Author unknown

Little sister Charlotte Willow Marney, 1½, and big sister Juliette Winter Marney, 3 (she will turn 4 in December).

December | January 2011 • PlaydateYakima.com

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