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PA R E N T SKyPac page 2 Kidz
on Stage page 3
make a
GUITAR page 14
SHOWER Planning & Gifts page 16-17
ADOPTION
open your home page 22-23
Theatre, Music, Dance, Visual Arts:
THE ARTS ISSUE! pages 2-8
EE
SKyPAC
Something for Everyone!
It’s finally here! The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) will open its doors March 10 at the gala premiere with a performance by country music star LeAnn Rimes. The performances continue throughout the spring, offering 14 acts in its inaugural season. The introductory season will offer four Broadway shows, a Family Fun, Nashville North, Octane and Legends Series along with some special events. Local families will find a wide range of great shows from Warren County native Sam Bush performing March 30 to Sesame Street Live on April 27. In addition to the SKyPAC programming, Orchestra Kentucky will change venues starting with the March 12 performance of “From Russia With Love,” featuring Cirque de la Symphonie, a company of Russian acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists to the new concert hall at SKYPac. Jeffrey Reed, Music Director of Orchestra Kentucky said, “I am quite excited about being the resident orchestra at SKyPAC. The concert hall promises world-class acoustics and a large, professionally equipped stage, which will enable us to present virtually any piece of music.” Arts education for regional students and staff is already at the forefront, running seamlessly alongside the scheduled programming available. Andee Rudloff, Education Director of SKyPAC, has paved a road from the performing arts center to all the regional schools
where she has been facilitating arts classes with students and presenting professional development sessions with staff members. “We plan to have a program tentatively titled “Reach for the Sky,” Andee said. “It will be an arts morning where all schools in the region will be able to come to us for dance, theater, music and art experiences. This interactive experiential arts workshop concept goes along with the new curriculum currently being developed by the Kentucky Department of Education. It isn’t about sitting at a desk. It’s all a creative thought process.” As the building of SKyPAC progressed Andee was eagerly invited into the schools around the region. She has organized a group of youth advisors who help her plan programs and ideas for the use of space within the new facility. The group has already participated in a talk back session with performers from Wicked and has planned similar sessions with professionals active in the business to give a behind the scenes look at the artistic industry when SKyPAC opens in March. “Area youth will have so many opportunities spring from SKyPAC, “Andee explained. “There will be stagehands, internships, and an outdoor amphitheater
with all sorts of film/dance and music opportunities for amateurs. And, we will have school day performances, matinees plus the flourishing children’s theater program that already exists. SKyPAC will be here for the whole community.” < About the contributor: Andee Rudloff is excited to return to her hometown as the Education Director for the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC). She has served as the community relations manager at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and curator of the Nashville International Airport in Nashville, Tenn., while continuing a career as a professional visual artist. Andee serves on the board of directors for the Kentucky Arts Council and recently facilitated the Recliner to 5k training program at TraxRunning.
Foundation: SKyPAC Sets the Stage for Education SKyPAC and Allen County children have been given a gift by a foundation known for supporting the arts. The Laura Goad Turner Charitable Foundation (LGTCF) hopes to use SKyPAC as an opportunity to sow the seeds for a new generation of artists and scholars. The LGTCF embodies the philanthropy carried on by Dollar General Corporation’s founding Turner Family. Known for its founders’ mission of supporting cultural and civic projects in Dollar General’s birthplace, Allen County, the charity has approved a $1 million contribution to SKyPAC—$250,000 for the building and establishment, plus a $500,000 fund that offers a two-to-one match for each dollar that SKyPAC raises. However, the last $250,000 is what the Foundation and SKyPAC administrators hope will have the most lasting impact: A program that transports Allen County students in grades four through 12 to special SKyPAC shows as well as bringing artists into Allen County classrooms and training teachers to effectively
use fine arts in other subject areas. As LGTCF Chairwoman Katherine Sikora, the granddaughter of the late Callister and Laura Turner, stated, the charity rarely leaves Allen County, but made an important exception for SKyPAC. Sikora said the LGTCF hopes the Allen County program will serve as a model for similar SKyPAC partnerships with surrounding counties. The Turners believed ardently in helping introduce young students to the cultural arts, that many wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. At SKYPAC, they’ll have that opportunity and more. < About the author and photographer: Matt Pedigo is an Allen County-Scottsville High School and WKU graduate. He is the editor of The Citizen-Times in Scottsville. Matt is married to Kathy Pedigo and father of two daughters, Shawnda and Madison.
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PA R E N T
from the editor
in this issue
jan/feb/mar 2012
Each issue of Bowling Green Parent is not only a labor of love for the BGP team, but also for those who graciously donate their time and talents by contributing articles and photography. The magazine is truly a community resource and we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy putting it together!
events
26 Spring Break 24-25 Event Calendar
Destination: Cincinnati
In an effort to better understand what you, our readers, would like to see in the magazine we’ve created a short survey on our website. Please take a few moments to log on to bgparent.com and click the Survey link on the homepage to tell us a little bit about yourself and what you think of the publication. We will be holding drawings for a number of prizes to thank those who participate, so don’t miss out!
Kid, Teen & Family Events
arts
Orchestra KY & The Symphony
We hope to hear from you! Cara Cossey Pitchford, Editor
Upcoming Plays and Productions
BECOME A FAN...Contest with prizes, fun ideas and more!
On the Cover: The January cover was shot by local photographer Joshua McCoy of Joshua McCoy Photography and features Andee Rudloff, Education Director of the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC). Andee is joined on the stage by the winners of the 2011 Funniest Kids in Bowling Green contest, Trevor Miller and Molly Ward, one of the contestants. Trevor is the 11-year-old son of Joe and Tracy Miller and attends Rockfield Elementary. Molly is the 9-year-old daughter of James and Mildred Ward and attends Ward Academy Home School. Funniest Kids in Bowling Green has become Kids on Stage. If your child can sing, dance, play an instrument, tell a joke, do yo-yo tricks, or other talented things be sure to bring them to the Capitol Arts Theatre January 29 between 1-4 pm to audition for the big event.
Lessons for the Little Ones Art from the Heart
Beneficial in Many Ways
health & safety
9 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 13 Flu Season 15 Healthy Post-Holidays 9 Months Make All the Difference
How to Stay Well
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Good Habits to Have
Bowling Green Parent is a quarterly publication for Bowling Green / Warren County and surrounding areas. We generate 10,000 free copies of this issue which can be picked up at over 200 local family-friendly businesses in five counties. For a list of locations: www.bgparent.com/about/distribution To inquire about advertising, call 270-792-7228 or email info@bgparent.com.
education
14 Make a Guitar 21 Craft: Valentine’s Gift
How to craft one from a cigar box Jar of Hearts
Katie Frassinelli, Publisher and Creative Director Carolyn Cossey Pitchford, Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Hill, Director of Sales All material and information, which appears in Bowling Green Parent Magazine, is presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or child care expert if you have any questions concerning you or your Family’s well being. Bowling Green Parent Magazine presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes, errors, or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user’s reliance on information obtained in the magazine. Bowling Green Parent Magazine takes no responsibility as to the accuracy of statements in any of our articles or segments. We rely on independent writers and reader responses to present us with ideas and informational material.
THANKS to our supporters! Without the advertisers in BG Parent, we would not be able to bring this FREE publication to you! Please thank them by visiting their business, and tell them you saw them in BG Parent!
features
16-17 Showers 11 New Year Reframed 22-23 Adoption 27 March of Dimes Planning & Gift Ideas
Resolutions You Can Keep
How To, and a Personal Story
Helping Moms and Babies
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PA R E N T
4 MUSIC! 5 Youth Theatre 6 Visual Arts 7 VSA Arts of KY 8 DANCE!
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Orchestra Kentucky
Opens a New Year and a New Hall
Now that the Christmas season has ended and temperatures continue to plummet, families will look to indoor opportunities for the education and enrichment of their children. Orchestra Kentucky, the region’s professional symphony orchestra, has concerts to keep cabin fever away. March brings two concerts in the orchestra’s new home, the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center: Orchestra Kentucky celebrates the land of the tsars with a Russian Circus. Cirque de la Symphonie, a company of acrobats, jugglers, dancers, and contortionists, will perform suspended over the SKyPAC stage, while the orchestra plays Russian classics below. See the new performing arts center and From Russia with Love on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 17 at 6 p.m., the orchestra
The Symphony at WKU
WKU Tailgating for Young Toppers!
presents Rated K for Kids, a family-friendly tribute to the music of great children’s films. Featured will be music from new classics, like Harry Potter and Toy Story, to timeless movie scores like Willy Wonka, The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins, all in the new SKyPAC. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.OrchestraKentucky.com or call (270) 846-2426 or, toll free, (855) 232-1452. Ticket prices for children under 12 begin at $10 for Rated K for Kids and $20 for From Russia with Love. < About the author: Jeffrey Reed founded Orchestra Kentucky in 2000. Known for his unorthodox method of combining classical and popular music on the same program, Reed has overseen a one-thousand percent increase in subscriptions since Orchestra Kentucky’s inaugural. He, his wife, Dr. Sherryl Reed, and two children, Mary Grace and Harrison, make their home in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Pre-College Strings Program Lessons available for cello, violin, viola, double bass Semester tuition includes weekly private lessons, as well as group classes organized by instrument and skill level Lessons are held on WKU Main Campus in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center (FAC) www.wku.edu/strings Contact by phone: Karen at 270-745-1910 Southern Kentucky Children’s Chorus Ages: 4th -6th grades Spring Class dates: January 24 – May 1, 2012 Location: First Christian Church in downtown Bowling Green (1106 State Street) www.wku.edu/childrensing
Beautiful Sounds on the Hill The mission of The Symphony at WKU is to advance music literacy through performances and educational programs, to provide a symphony orchestra of the highest quality, and to be a focus for musical excellence in the Bowling Green and Warren County community. Since Dr. Bill Scott came to Bowling Green in 2003 as the Baker Professor of Music, his goal has been high quality music education. The number of full-time string faculty at WKU has increased three-fold and there are now strings programs in 17 of the area public schools with over 400 students grades 4-12 receiving instruction in orchestral strings. WKU now offers a very successful Pre-College String Development program providing over 50 local students ages 4-18 with private string instruction and group lessons. The Pre-College students have performed alongside The Symphony on stage at Van Meter Hall and have recitals for Halloween and Christmas. In addition, The Symphony prides itself on being comprised of outstanding local musicians and studentsoffering five Symphony concerts per year and 2-3 Chamber Series events. February 11th is the 2012 Symphony Soiree, “Harmony of the HeART” at Olde Stone featuring music by MatchDaddy, a dynamite new band featuring Steve Wilson, Tim “Doc” Hulsey, Mike Hildreth and Jim DeCesare. Hand painted violins will be part of the auction as well as “Parties of Note”. To learn more about The Symphony visit www.TheSymphonyatWKU.org or call (270)745-7681. < About the author: Since 2009, Jennifer Bryant has been the executive director of The Symphony at WKU. She has worked in nonprofit fundraising and administration for the past fifteen years. Jennifer is a Bowling Green native and University of Louisville graduate. She is married to Jason Bryant and they have two children Lincoln and Kelly Neal.
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PA R E N T
Youth Theatre Spring Performances
Capitol Arts Youth Theater: Fundraising Cabaret Performance, Feb. 10-11 Public Theatre of Kentucky: Our Town, Jan. 26- Feb. 12. Thurs. 7 pm, Fri/Sat 8 pm, Sun. 3 pm. Tickets $13/adults, $10/students & seniors, $8/children 12 & under.
Photo by Fred Siewers
!
Phoenix Theatre: A Little Princess, Feb 23-March 4 Thurs- Sat 7 pm, Sun. 3 pm. Tickets $10/adults, $8/ students & seniors. Fountain Square Players: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jan. 5-7, 8 pm, Jan. 8, 3 pm, Phoenix Theatre. Art Education Task Force: The Hundred Dresses, Mar. 22-23, Van Meter Auditorium.
Warren East High School presents Cinderella, Mar. 9-10.
Greenwood High School presents Willy Wonka, Mar. 30-Apr. 1, Capitol Arts Theater, Fri./Sat. 7:30pm, Sun. 2:30pm. Tickets $10.
South Warren High School presents Crazy for You, Mar. 23-25, SWHS auditorium. Fri./Sat. 7pm, Sun. 2:30pm. Tickets $10.
Bowling Green High School presents Kiss Me, Kate Mar. 2-4, Capitol Arts. Fri./Sat. 7pm, Sun. 3pm. Tickets $10/adults, $5/students.
Warren Central High School presents Show Stopping Show Case, WCHS auditorium, Feb. 24-26.
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A World of Art for
CHILDREN
Visual Art Education Opportunities Every family has their own mini art gallery whether it is the refrigerator door or the hallway wall. From the latest creation done in preschool to the one-of-akind Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day card given every year, there is always room for one more masterpiece. We, as understanding adults, appreciate these attempts by the youngest members to communicate their feelings, their likes and dislikes, their sense of belonging. We are fortunate to have such a vibrant arts community with many diverse learning opportunities. Take your choice from this list and give your child the occasion to express his/her inner artist! Laura Bain-Selbo, a local potter, offers weekly, semiprivate, 90 minute lessons in her home studio. The cost is $20 per child. She also offers mini-sessions at The Pots Place located at 428 East Main Street in downtown Bowling Green. Checkout LBS Ceramics on Facebook or email potsbythepound@yahoo.com for more information. If you have a school-aged child interested in drawing, watercolor, oils or pastels Lana Williams is an art teacher who offers private lessons. Her lessons are $10 an hour. Lana is an Artworks member and can be contacted at (270)784-9305 or Lanalain@aol.com
Teresa Christmas, an award winning local artist, offers private or small group art classes in her home studio for children. Contact her at 270-781-0361. Robin Baldwin at Expressions Visual Arts also teaches school age children acrylic art classes. She can be reached at (270) 843-3875. Angela Kuprion, a world-renowned portrait artist, offers private oil painting classes twice a year for a 6-week session for advanced students. For more information, call Angela at (270) 793-0641. VSA Kentucky offers private and small group art lessons for children with and without disabilities at the ArtsACCESS Gallery and Studio. Explore a variety of subjects in drawing, painting, and mixed media. For more information call 781-0872 or email: vsaky@ bellsouth.net. Make spring break exciting for your child by enrolling him/her in art camp hosted by Lynne Ferguson, Artist in Residence at the Kentucky Library and Museum. Camp will be April 9 -13, 8 am-12 pm. Camp participants will be working in low relief sculpture with board, wood and paper. They will also be working twodimensionally with acrylic paint and metal foil. For more information contact Lynne Ferguson at 270-745-
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2594 or Christy Spurlock at 270-745-6082. Children can blossom and excel through the arts, even children with physical, emotional or learning challenges. Everyone can experience success through the arts! < About the author: Jessica Snodgrass is a local Bowling Green artist who was recently appointed President of Artworks, Inc. Jessica is the Administrative Assistant at The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) and the Artist in Residence at The Gallery at 916.
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PA R E N T
ART
from the
HEART
The exterior of VSA Kentucky is humble; a simple red door facing East Tenth Street in Bowling Green. But when you enter, the walls are alive with displays of art created by some of Kentucky’s greatest unknown artists, those with disabilities. As you wander deeper into the deceptively large building, you might have the opportunity to join a group receiving some kind of artistic instruction. VSA Kentucky, an affiliate of the national VSA founded by Jean Kennedy Smith, provides arts education and inclusion programs for children and adults with disabilities throughout the state and offers an underserved population equal opportunity to explore the arts in a way that is fully accessible. Through participatory involvement with trained professionals and volunteers, people with disabilities learn new creative and social skills that open doors to new opportunities in the arts. Executive Director of VSA Kentucky, Delaire Rowe said, “VSA KY has several different focuses with our programs. The largest, serving several thousand students throughout the Commonwealth each year is the Arts Inclusion Program financed by the Kentucky Department of Education. Schools receive grants to bring VSA KY roster artists into their schools to collaborate on inclusionary arts projects.” Warren
East High School and Bristow Elementary had Arts Inclusion Grants at their schools. Kelli Combs, arts educator and coordinator of the arts inclusion grant for the Warren County schools said, “The VSA grant allowed the students to experience great pride in their artwork. At Bristow Elementary the grant was titled ‘Helping Hands.’ We worked on a portrayal of hands as tools and how they should be used to help others. High school students created self-portraits and worked on social issues. All students ended up with wonderful pieces they were proud of.” Another program, Side by Side, is a community based program allowing the person with disabilities to participate in visual arts classes with a VSA KY teaching artist. The students are paired with professional artists from the community to create a collaborative work of art. The program culminates with a public exhibit in the community. VSA collaborative artist and graphic designer, Teri Bybee said, “My experience in the Side By Side program has been enriching and humbling. When I asked an adult special needs student why he liked taking art classes, he said, ‘Because it makes me happy to paint all the colors.’ I feel blessed to be able to bring not only art instruction to my students, but happiness as well.”<
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About the author: Delaire Rowe lives in Bowling Green with her daughter, mother and pet dog. She is also a practicing artist. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout the state, nationally and internationally for the past 30 years. Delaire earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University and a Master of Fine Arts from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. She has worked as an Artist-in-Residence for the Kentucky Arts Council and taught art courses in the Department of Art at Western Kentucky University.
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Photos by Jeff Smith, Technical Director, Van Meter Hall, WKU | jas4bg.smugmug.com
The Benefits of Dance Many parents look for extracurricular activities for their children – whether it is to meet new friends, keep them from sitting in front of a tv all afternoon or to get exercise. Even if your child doesn’t aspire to go pro in the future, dance can be a great activity for both boys and girls. Dance is a great way to build muscle strength, agility and balance – in fact many athletes (think football) have taken dance lessons! Dance can not only provide a good workout, but early exposure to music, rhythm and movement helps children develop language and math skills. According to Martha Madison of Dance Arts, “The formality of the class teaches organization and goal setting. Dance requires all of the senses to be working at the same time. That is also important to sports – a basketball game is choreographed. A football game is choreographed. There’s a sense of timing. And even sports trainers have learned the importance of muscle development, not just bulking up.” Confidence and poise are additional benefits of dance. By becoming more comfortable with how their bodies move, kids can gain better posture and feel less clumsy – leading to more confidence especially in social situations. This, in turn, can help improve classroom learning with lessening anxiousness, especially when speaking out loud like during presentations and speeches. The arts, whether it is dance, music or visual arts, helps to develop creativity and is an essential part of learning.
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Creativity is known to help problem solving skills and self-expression. “Children now have exposure to so much information. Parents don’t have to seek information – they have to corral it. Children are brighter and smarter than ever before. Now, with advanced prenatal and healthcare children are stronger. Small children (as young as 20 months) are ready because it is natural body movement. It’s gross motor skills development,” Martha explained. Dance lessons can be highly social, and children learn to follow instructions while putting into play teamwork and cooperation. “Dance is a group working for a common goal,” Martha added. Dance Arts offers a ‘Mommy, Daddy and Me’ baby ballet class to encourage refinement of skills at an early age. “I encourage the dads to participate in this class. They are wonderful. With dance if you can get a male figure involved – the energy is remarkable.”<
About the contributor: Martha Madison is a graduate of WKU and the University of South Florida. In 1966 she established Dance Arts and serves as owner, principal teacher and artistic director.
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PA R E N T
Nine Months Makes All the Difference community. • Learn everything you can about FACE and be an advocate for women, kids and families. The Barren River Fetal Alcohol Community Education and Empowerment (FACE) Coalition was established as a response to region-wide community interest in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies. Our mission is to empower our community to be educated on the prevention and treatment of FASD. If you are interested in the coalition or local actions with the Barren River Area Fetal Alcohol Community Education and Empowerment Coalition to raise awareness, please contact Jessica Diame at 901-5000 ext. 1144 or jdiame@lifeskills.com. For more information, check out Kentucky Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center at kyfasd.org or contact Kentucky’s FASD Prevention Enhancement Site at Lmnagle@bluegrass.org.< About the author: Jessica Diame is a substance abuse prevention specialist for the Barren River region through Lifeskills. As a prevention specialist, she work with groups to combat illiegal drug use, underage drinking and tobacco use through community level change. She has one child, Sira, who is 6 years old. When taking breaks from saving the world from self-destruction (aka weekends), she enjoy’s baking, reading, and making pretty things out of paper, but never all at once!!
Photo by Nikki Slicer Wolfe of Wolfe Photography
“I use birth control but I just found out that I’m two months pregnant. I’ve been drinking some and I’m scared to death.” Here is something that most people don’t know. If a woman avoids alcohol for the entire nine months of pregnancy, she has prevented the leading known cause of mental retardation in the United States: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Many women stop drinking as soon as they find out they are pregnant, but alcohol can affect an unborn baby even before a woman knows she’s pregnant. Alcohol is the most damaging substance to a developing baby – it causes more damage to the fetal brain than crack, heroin, tobacco or prescription drugs. Prevention begins before conception. The developing brain is highly vulnerable to the poisonous effects of alcohol at every stage of pregnancy – even the last trimester. Statistically, over 39,000 Kentucky citizens are affected by FASD. Babies with FASD grow into adults with FASD, which means that many families face a lifelong struggle to help their loved ones find supportive education, housing and social networks. Each of these families has their own story to tell. People in our community today are living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, a disability that is 100% preventable. There are a few simple things you can do: • Make sure that all your friends, family, teenagers and colleagues know that there is no safe time, no safe type and no safe amount of alcohol if a woman is pregnant or could become pregnant. • Let your local physicians know that you support them in giving a clear No-Alcohol message to pregnant women in your
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Helping HANDS
When you first learned you were pregnant, you probably ran out and bought a book that told you what to expect. That book gave you a lot of answers and became your trusted guide for the next 9 months. But, what if you had a support person who was knowledgeable about pregnancy and preparing to be a first-time parent; one who recognizes that you will be the first and most valuable teacher in your child’s life? What if this person was also compassionate and encouraging, understanding that parenting is a very demanding job, and that all parents have worries, questions, and stress? After you brought your newborn home, you probably had a lot of questions. You probably also had a lot of unsolicited advice and old wives’ tales from loved ones about feeding, sleeping, and spoiling just to name a few. But, what if you had a person who offered you the most updated research on various areas of enhancing your baby’s growth and development; one who provided you with other helpful parenting information? What if this person acknowledged the fact that you are the one making those very important parenting decisions? Oh, and did I mention it wouldn’t cost anything and would be conveniently offered in your home? These descriptions are just a few examples of exactly what the HANDS program can do for you. Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) is a free and voluntary home visitation program for first time parents. Visits can begin anytime during pregnancy or before baby is 3 months old, then continue until baby turns 2. HANDS is designed to assist first-time parents by giving them the information and tools needed to be successful in their new jobs as Moms and Dads, cheering them on along the way. HANDS Home Visitors also highlight ways to make your home safer for your baby, demonstrate activities, and provide instructions on how to make homemade toys that parents and baby can enjoy together. HANDS is available in every county in Kentucky. If you would like to know more about getting involved, please contact your local health department. The counties served by the Barren River District Health Department include Barren, Hart, and Metcalfe counties, (call 270-651-8321) and Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Simpson, and Warren counties (call 270-781-2490). Or, for more information please visit www.BarrenRiverHealth.org. Families in Allen County are served by the Allen County Health Dept, 270-237-4423 or www.allencountyhealth.org.<
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PA R E N T
The flu is already showing itself in the community. Influenza is a viral process which is respiratory in nature. This means you pick up the infection by just being in the room with someone who has flu. It is also possible to catch this nasty illness by coming in contact with an object touched by an infected individual. You know most of the symptoms: congestion, cough, coryza (runny eyes), body aches, and fever. There are some great antivirals which may be given soon after symptoms are present and the flu is confirmed. These antivirals will make most people feel better quicker and can also help stop the spread of flu to those around you. These antivirals are also recommended as a preventative if you have been exposed to flu and that exposure could be particularly dangerous to your child or yourself. If you do get the dreaded flu, we encourage you to take fluids, use Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen products for the fever and aches, and rest. Children should remain out of school until they have no fever for 24 hours. Flu can be prevented three ways. 1. Get flu shots when appropriate. Children in daycare, asthmatics, and diabetics should always get the vaccine. Unfortunately, children less than six months cannot get the vaccine , but we do recommend contacts including
Beware parents of newborns to get their flu vaccines. FluMist is a nice alternative to the shot for most children over two. With this product a very small amount of vaccine is sprayed into each nostril. Flu vaccine is not 100% effective, particularly in years that there is a mismatch of the viruses that are out in the community and which strains were being protected against in the vaccine. The strains in the vaccines are altered most years. The first year your child, who is less than 8 years old, gets their flu vaccine, they have to get two vaccines one month apart. 2. The use of the above antiviral medications if you have the flu so that you will not spread to other contacts. 3. GOOD HYGIENE! WASH YOUR HANDS! This also includes coughing into your sleeve, using tissues, and use hand sanitzer in those instances where water and soap are not available. If you have further questions, please call your healthcare professional.<
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About the author: Dr. Debra Sowell, a pediatrician at the Graves Gilbert Clinic, is a Bowling Green High School and Western Kentucky University alum who received her medical degree at the University of Kentucky. Debra is excited to announce that her two grown children have brought her news of her first grandchild born in October and another expected in April. She enjoys needlework and watching BGHS, WKU and UK sporting events.
Photo by Logan Jernigan of Josie Calvert, Springfield, TN
FLU SEASON
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Cigar Box Guitar: Part art, part woodworking, part music--building a cigar box guitar (CBG) will be a rewarding and educational experience on many levels. Supplies: • Wooden Cigar Box (preferably with a flat lid and no lip), available on eBay or from BG Pipe & Cigar • 1x2 piece of poplar (neck) (actual size ¾”x1-1/2” x3”) • Copper tube sleeve (slide) (part #22632) • Headless bolt ¼” diameter (bridge) • Washers (small enough to keep the ball at the end of a string from passing thru • Small picture hanger bracket • From a music store: heavy gauge guitar strings, a pick, 3 tuning machines, a “nut” (grooved piece of plastic that holds the strings over the neck at the right distance) • Varnish Tools: • Drill
• Scroll or hack saw
• Rasp
• Sheet of course and fine sandpaper
Craft Your Own Instrument!
away from the first fret mark. Probably the most critical part of this is putting in the “nut.” You need to make sure that the sharp edge lines up directly with the first fret mark and then cut a groove for it to fit in.
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Drill three small holes (1/8”) just big enough for the strings to come up through the tail piece. (Center the first hole and then put a hole 3/8” on either side of that for the high and low string.) While you have the drill out, make a few holes in the lid of your CB to act as sound holes. Be creative about that part! It doesn’t matter how big they are or what pattern you make them in. You are just giving the sound an opening to come out of.
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Start by using the neck template at the bottom of this page to mark the holes for your tuning machines, the nut, and fret positions on the poplar. The line marked “last fret” is where your Cigar Box (CB) will connect to the neck. Measure the lid of your CB and then make a mark on your neck that same distance from the last fret. From there measure 2 1/2 inches beyond that for your guitars “tail piece.” Cut off whatever is left over after that.
Mark the frets with a permanent marker, or use a wood burner to burn them in or the saw to cut them in. In slide guitar playing you only need these marks for reference points. Sand the neck with coarse sand paper, first smoothing away all of the sharp edges, and then use a 600 grit to make it super smooth, taking care not to sand away your fret markers. Now put a stain or clear finish on it.
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1
Cut out a notch on both ends of your CB that is 1 ½ x ¾ for your neck to rest in.
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To get the lid to be able to close over the neck you’ll need to clear away the wood between the last fret mark and the mark you made that shows the length of your lid. This is the hardest part of the process. A good rasp can do it in a half hour but under adult supervision an electric sander can do this in a few minutes.
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Next, drill the holes in the headstock using a 3/8” bit and then, using your rasp or belt sander grind away about half of the wood careful to stay about ½”
When it is dry, glue the small washers on both sides of the little holes on the tail piece and install your tuning machines. Press the ferules into the face of the headstock, with the machines coming up through the back and screw them in place. Glue the nut in the groove you cut and string it up. You got six strings in your pack so take the three lightest ones and go from heaviest down to lightest, left to right. Before you tighten them down too far, put the hanger bolt under the strings where the bridge should be. The position of this should be the same distance from the 12th fret down as the edge of the nut is from the 12th fret. Try to wind the strings where each revolution winds the string
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closer to the headstock so you’ll have as much tension as possible from the tuning machines to the nut. While it is a musical instrument it is also an art project so decorate the box however you like. Paint it or go with a cool decoupage, glue pictures all over it. Now tune it and play it! For a video version of this build, and tunings, visit the BG Parent You Tube Channel (www.youtube.com/ bowlinggreenparent). If you have trouble with your build, email me at robertbubnis@aol.com.<
About the author: Bob Bubnis is the father of three great musicians and one comedian. He works at the National Corvette Museum as editor of their member magazine and is the co-author of the Hallmark book, Angels All Around.”
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Healthy
Post-Holiday Habits
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, and New Years Eve have several things in common, including family togetherness and food. Family togetherness is a wonderful part of the holidays, unfortunately the average person gains seven pounds during this time due to too much food and not enough physical activity. Although we often trivialize the winter weight gain the statistics on obesity in our society are alarming. One third of adults in the U.S. are obese. A staggering 17% of children are obese three times the rate of just one generation ago. Seventy percent of obese children have one cardio vascular disease factor (CVD) and 39% have two or more. These risk factors include high blood pressure, TypeII diabetes and high cholestrol. Other problems such as sleep apnea, asthma, joint problems, gallstones, and gastro-esophogeal reflux disease (heartburn). Despite the frightening health issues the emotional effects for children and adolescents can be the most painful. The discrimination and poor selfesteem can follow them into adulthood. Eating nutritiously while hurrying through our daily schedule can be a challenge. During the holiday season with all the shopping and parties it makes healthy eating seem almost impossible. Here are some suggestions and guidelines to help keep healthy eating habits throughout the holiday season. 1. Drink lots of water Water will help you steer clear of those empty calories that show up this time of year.We think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really hungry when all we need is a glass of water. So drink up before the grazing starts! 2. Snack on fruits and veggies If you are craving sweets try eating dried fruit, a few nuts or some raw vegetables. These high fiber snacks will help keep you full and to stay away from the cookies and candies. 3. Eat a snack before going to the holiday parties Before you go and splurge on the iced sugar cookies and the assortment of cheese balls and smoked sausage take the time to have a healthy snack before you go. 4. Take your vitamins Nine out of ten kids donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the basic daily nutrients from their food. This is a perfect time to supplement their diet with a good multivitamin. 5. Prepare less food There are always leftovers which leads to eating bad for
a week not just for one holiday. A buffett of desserts is not necessary! Make only one or two available. While there is probably no immediate societal solution for these food centered traditions, we can make different lifestyle choices by making family bonding and exercise more important. By making actual family relationship building time instead of sitting around a table and eating, we can get the most out of the time we spend with our loved ones. Exercising is a great thing to do together. Go for a walk in your neighborhood or have a family football game. Bundle up with your kids and have a snowball fight, build a snowman, or go sledding. These are moments neither you or your kids will ever forget. Hand off the shovel and let the kids help clean the driveway. Look for indoor sports such as basketball, soccer, and swimming. These are all good alternatives to sitting in front of the television. Test you and your kids skills by jumping rope and hula hooping. Even a simple game of charades is a great way to everyone moving. Demonstrate to your kids healthy habits today and this will serve them throughout the rest of their lives. The epidemic of obesity is a nationwide problem but the solution starts with you and your family. Have a healthy and active post-holiday season!<
About the author: Lori Hansbrough has been a personal trainer for over 12 years. She was recently voted best trainer of Bowling Green for 2011and has been certified in the new science of Life Coaching for two years. Her personal endeavors have included distance running, bicycle racing, triathlons and figure competions. lorihansbrough.com
Make a mark 1.5â&#x20AC;? from the last fret on our template as the point where your neck will enter your cigar box.
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Shower Planning 101 It’s definitely a “Southern Charm” quality to love to entertain and make every event in life extra special. It’s always a good time when you’re celebrating for any reason; baby shower, birthday party, holiday or just friends getting together. Part of the fun of entertaining is presenting every aspect of your party in an amusing and creative way. I wanted to share a few entertaining tips to add a little something to your next event while keeping it easy on you and your budget. Here are a few simple tips you can apply to any entertaining you may be doing. 1. Stick to the theme, color, pattern, or style of your party. This sets the tone for the party and ties all your hard work together. A great way to incorporate a theme throughout is with fabric as a layering linen or scrapbook papers for favor tags, drink labels, food labels and many other uses. Labeling everything (drinks, food, favors, games, etc) adds to your theme and makes a big impact too. 2. Your serving table (food and drink) can BE your décor. Get creative and think of all the foods within your color scheme and make use of them. By serving them in individual serving sizes it adds more detail. Portion your food into individual glasses, bowls or even votive candle holders as little serving bowls. You can also put most bite sized foods on a lollipop stick (found at Hobby Lobby or online) or skewer and it instantly adds charm to any food. 3. Utilize your dollar store! Find matching glassware, plates, favor boxes and other party supplies that you can use and REuse. You’ll find that your purchases will be used more often than you ever imagined. 4. Tablescaping: With your theme coordinating fabric, place different varying height bowls on your serving table. Drape the fabric over the bowls and place your serving trays/food at varying height to visually draw interest and add height to your table. It’s another easy tip that makes a huge impact.
5. Get creative with what you have. Serving bottles of water, juice or other drinks? Take the labels off and add your own! Print off a label to match or add a strip of fabric that matches your theme. Look around your house to see what you have that goes with your theme. Use it unconventionally to decorate your table. Garnish your drinks with a fun candy, fruit or even rim your glasses with sprinkles! The little details make your guest feel special. It doesn’t take a large budget just a creative mind. I challenge you. We all have some creativity in us! Lastly, enjoy your event! Entertaining does not have to be a formal affair but make it enjoyable. Don’t let the idea of entertaining take away from being a good hostess and enjoying your celebration. Your guest will appreciate the extra thought you put into it. Keep in mind what and who you are you celebrating and CELEBRATE!<
About the Author, Marissa Brown: As a loving wife and mother of two toddlers 14 mos. apart, it takes creativity, an abundance of patience and a whole lot of Jesus to guide everyday into a loving and learning experience. My creativity is an outlet for my busy life. That is where SWANKY SOIREES was born. We help you celebrate all life has to delight in; from baby or wedding showers, birthday parties to any other reason you may find to celebrate. Check us out on Facebook!
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Sweet Shower Surprises Unique Gift Ideas for the Mom-to-Be! Baby showers can be a wonderful way to “shower” a new mom with gifts for the baby to be. Often a mom will have a registry, but in some cases you may have a friend that seems to have everything they need already for the little one, or perhaps it is a second or third (or more!) child and they are all set on baby gear. We have some ideas submitted by our Facebook Fans of unique and appreciated gifts that aren’t the typical registry fare! For the Tech-Savvy “I heard a cool idea at a bloggers convention… the baby’s own web address (i.e. theirname.com) so that you own it for them in the future! These usually only cost about $10 on GoDaddy. – Laura Lee Fleming, Atlanta, GA For the Fashionista “A designer maternity hospital gown so they can feel nice while in the hospital. I just got one that is so pretty from Posh Pushers. They’re made by labor & delivery nurses here in Bowling Green!” – Beth Creek, Scottsville, KY For the Sentimental “I received a small pillow with decoration and my son’s name on it. Now, as a toddler, he loves it and it’s helping him learn how to spell his name.” – Eunice Beshears, Olympia, WA Every mom probably has a ton of great photos of their kid digitally – but why not put them together into a printed calendar
or small book? Shutterfly lets you upload pictures and quickly make a wall calendar, coffee table book and loads of other items. Shutterfly offers gift certificates so your friend can choose and create the item herself. For the Practical “I had a friend who took a full-sized bath towel and sewed straps around the neck. It’s neat because I can tie it around my neck, pick-up baby girl and not get wet. Just pick up the bottom of the towel and voila!” – Jamie Swaim, Shelbyville, KY
For the Time Poor Gift certificates for services like cleaning, car washes and grocery shopping are great ideas. Lettuce Help is a local company that will do your shopping for you! Dinner. Start a food parade with friends, and if you aren’t into cooking, that’s ok! Places like Chickadee’s, Cambridge Market and Jimmy D’s BBQ offer great carry out options. Just for HER Pamper HER with some of these ideas: Prenatal massage, mani/ pedi, facial or other spa treatments. tickets to a show at SKYPAC, gift certificate for an outfit for her. Use your imagination and think out of the box! What will make a mom’s life easier, or something that’s a treat that she won’t buy for herself? I guarantee your gift will be the one she remembers!<
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stop that
STAIN
Baby Food: Rinse the clothing in cold water, then soak the stain for at least 15 minutes in equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. If the stain is gone, launder as usual. If not, soak it again but this time in equal parts water and white vinegar. Anything oily/greasy: Remove any excess then sprinkle with talcum powder (You can also try cornmeal on light colored clothing). Wait 10 minutes then scrape it with a spoon. Treat with a stain remover and launder. Ketchup: Act as quickly as possible because the longer the stain sets, the harder to remove. Scrap any excess off then rinse the back of the stain with cold water. Apply liquid laundry detergent and let set for 1520 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Sponge the stain with white vinegar using a clean white cloth. Rinse with cold water again. Pre-treat with a stain remover then launder on the hottest setting the fabric allows. Chocolate: Use a dull knife or spoon to scrape off any excess bits of chocolate, trying not to spread the chocolate to clean parts of the item. Rinse the back of the stained area with cold water. Rub liquid detergent into the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Soak the clothing in cold water for 15 minutes, rubbing the stain every 3-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Note: before drying, make sure the stain is completely gone. Try a stain remover if oils are still visible, and wash on the hottest setting the garment allows.
YUMMY MOMMY New Year, New YOU You can’t deny that your face changes as you get older. So should your hair! Have you changed your style in the past five years? No? That’s a quicker way of showing your age than saying “I’ll take a Dorothy Hamill.” I’ve always said finding the right cut and color can be a huge boost to your appearance. Nervous about radical change? Think smaller, stick with your current style but update it in little ways. The trick is to work with a stylist who focuses on three key factors: bone structure, hair texture, and maintenance level! Cover these bases and you’re on the road to WOW! Even when you’re meticulous about your appearance, the wrong cut and color can add years. Get a cut that is right for you and not just trendy.’ Avoid the ‘dos of the day – and the stylists who give them. Remember that hair flat against the head rarely looks pretty, unless you’re 16. We all need a little lift around our faces-from layers, styling, or color- to get that extra zing. *What you can do. Take a good look in the mirror. Does your hair color mimic your skin tone? If so you may look washed out especially in the winter. You need a base color that is at least two shades darker than your skin tone, even if you are a blonde. If you crave a lighter look, go for highlights. *If you don’t have a specific cut in mind tell the stylist what you don’t want and then let her make suggestions. Don’t be pressured into trying anything that doesn’t sound right.<
after!
About the author: Tammy York is a hairdresser at Ohana’s with 11 years experience. She is a Redken color specialist, certified in Platinum Seamless Extensions. In her quest to become the best hairstylist she can be, she has traveled to Chicago, New York, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale to further her education and learn the latest in cutting edge styles.
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keep HYDRATED It can be comforting to cozy up in a warm house this winter, but indoor heat can leave our home and skin dehydrated. Here are some tips to keep you hydrated: Keep your air moisturized and smelling nice by putting a large pot of water on the stove, and add a few sprinkles of cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg and an orange peel. Keep it on low and make sure you don’t let the pot boil dry. Dry skin flaking you out this winter? Rebecca Heflin, Clinical Aesthetician at Essential Skin Restoration with Dr. Atalla, has some suggestions that will help. “I recommend an exfoliant scrub on the dry areas two or three times a week.” Rebecca added, “Essential Skin Restoration carries Obagi and Nia products that might give you some relief. Nia 24 Scrub is vitamin rich and is a gentle exfolliant. And then I would recommend using an emollient hydrating cream. For example Obagi has Therapeutic Moisturizer. It is noncomedogenic, with glycerin. It calms, soothes and protects skin that has been dehydrated.” Emily with Natural Health in Franklin said that their ShiKai Borage Dry Skin Therapy products are a popular, natural solution for skin and can be used as a body lotion. She also said that their almond and jojoba oils are great for moisturizing your bath water. They also offer locally made hand creams.<
Tips to Clean YOUR
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Clear the clutter. First you should clean out your closet, getting rid of any items that do not fit, aren’t comfortable, out of style or if you haven’t worn them in over a year.
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Sell items still in style. Round up any items that are still in style, free of any stains or imperfections and take them to a consignment shop like Elite Repeats and Treasure Island. You can spend the money on things you’ll wear!
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Know what looks good. Even though something is in style doesn’t mean it is the right look for you. Many locally owned shops, like My Friend’s Place, have fashion consultants that can help you find your style.
4
Take the staples and accessorize. Add a new scarf or some cool jewelry to a basic white button-up with jeans.
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Out of room? Call a pro! Sometimes you don’t need more space, you just need better organization. Try browsing Container World’s offerings and even seek the advice of their professional closet organizer. You’ll be amazed at how much space you can gain.
How to Make an Easy Beeswax Lotion 1 c. olive oil 1/2 c. coconut oil 1/2 c. beeswax (pastilles for easy melting, if using solid beeswax use 2 oz.) 1/2 t. Vitamin E oil (or about 5 capsules cut open and squeezed out) (optional) 20 drops (approximately) essential oil (optional) Combine olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax pastilles into a pint sized canning jar. Put this jar into a saucepan and fill the saucepan with water until it comes 3/4 of the way up the canning jar, being careful not to get water into the oil mixture. Put on the stove over medium/low heat. Heat and stir occasionally until melted. Let cool to room temperature either by leaving out or quicken the process by putting into the refrigerator. During the cooling process, put a fork into the jar and stir vigorously every 15 minutes or so. Once at room temperature, add in the Vitamin E and essential oil.
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It’s a Brand New Day!
New Years Resolutions Reframed Lose Weight. Stop Smoking. Be more organized. These are three of the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions made each year. However, if you are like many, you’ve stopped making them. Why? Perhaps because by the third week of January you’ve not lost that first pound, you’ve smoked a pack of cigarettes, and haven’t even touched your closet. Hello, failure. The feeling of defeat sets in, and you give up….for another whole year. The problem is, you still desire the changes that will make you happier, healthier and more fulfilled. Welcome, new way of thinking. Hello, New ‘Day’ Resolutions. We’ve all heard the phrase, “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” And one of my favorites… ’How do you eat an elephant?’ One bite at a time, of course! So why not apply that thinking as a way to achieve the goals and desires you have for your life? One step at a time, one bite at a time, one day at a time. Here are 10 steps to keep you on track, keeping in mind the Golden Rule of making long term changes in your life: ‘A little work every day will get you a long way.’ Even if your progress seems minimal….as long as you are making the effort and doing the activities that
will get you closer to your goal….you ARE on the right track, and you will get there!
goal in mind will build a more solid long-term commitment
1. Believe in the Change. It must be YOUR goal, not what someone else wants FOR you!
9. ReCommit Daily to your activity and your Goal. Wake up each day with a focus and determination to make positive progress toward your desired changes
2. Affirm Yourself Every Day. Positive reinforcement (meditations, books, CDs) 3. Break it Down…Take your Big Goal, and break it into small, achievable pieces 4. Follow a Written Plan. Plan it, Write it, Share it 5. Align your Resources & Support. Surround yourself with people and information that will encourage you! 6. Prepare for Obstacles. Temptation, Distraction is all around…Know your weakness and you’ll be ready! 7. Remind yourself daily of your end result desired Pictures, notes, anything that paints a picture of your goal will keep you motivated 8. Act on Purpose. Intentional activity with your
Enjoy your brand New Day!< About the author: Audrey Meany is a 1987 Graduate of WKU, has been married to Joe for 24 years, and is the proud mother of 3 teenagersAnna (19), Sarah(15) and Sam (13). A full-time Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Audrey’s desire is to help fulfull the company’s mission to ‘Enrich Women’s Lives’ while helping them look and feel their best. She is a volunteer with the BG Area Chamber of Commerce, Family Enrichment Center, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and a member of Christian Networking Professionals and BG Networking Women.
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10. Start again, Keep Working and Never Give up!
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A Jar of Hugs & Kisses In today’s world of transients the chance of Grandma and Grandpa being located over the river and through the woods is rare! With modern technology Skype helps to ease the pain of grandparents who don’t get to see those “little darlings” as often as they would like but there is nothing like a big kiss and hug from those grandchildren! This is a Valentine gift you and your child can make for their Nanas and Papaws who live many miles away, that is sure to please them and may ease the pain of not getting the real thing! Recipe and Instructions ½ cup all purpose flour ½ cup salt ½ cup water
red food coloring or tempera
One sheet of baking paper Mix the flour salt and water together in a bowl. Add food coloring or tempera to get the desired shade of red. Using a funnel, transfer this mixture to a squeeze
bottle. You can buy a small bottle or use a clean plastic mustard or ketchup bottle with a small tip. Put the baking paper on a cookie sheet and have your child squeeze out small X’s, O’s and heart shapes. Allow these to dry over night. Bake in a pre-heated oven @ 200 degrees for approximately 45 minutes. If the art work is extremely dense baking time will be longer. Test for hardness before removing from the oven. A jar with a lid can be decorated with ribbon or paint. Add the hearts, O’s and X’s for a completed work of art from the heart! A homemade Valentine card to accompany this special gift will be sure to melt their hearts! **This recipe is enough for two children. You can multiply the ingredients accordingly if you are doing this with more than two children.<
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About the author: Susan Hallawell Raby began drawing and painting at age 5. She graduated with a BA and MA from WKU and has taught in public schools in Kentucky and Tennessee for 36 years. She enjoys painting and drawing, gardening, reading and watching her granddaughter grow up. She is now semi-retired and living in Allen County where she teaches private art classes to children and adults.
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Adoption: It’s in the Love not the Blood You have dreamed of adopting a child but everything you have read makes it seem so complicated. Denise Lambrianou the Adoption Resource Program Coordinator at the Family Enrichment Center emphasized that adoption is not a quick decision for either the parents seeking children or the adoptive child and his/her biological parent. Denise said that all children who are given up for adoption have to go through a legal process that terminates their parent’s rights. This process can be drawn out for months or even years.
Infant adoptions in Kentucky are done through an adoption agency or an adoption attorney. If you live in Kentucky and want to adopt a child, it is important to seek services from a Kentucky licensed adoption agency, public or private. Infant adoptions are also done through foster care. The child is appointed a GAL and the adoptive parents hire an attorney. The state pays up to $1,000 in court fees which is usually the maximum charged by local attorneys. The reimbursement applies to foster adoptions only, not private. Older children and special needs children are placed for adoption through the Kentucky Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP). These children are already in foster care for various reasons. Some children may have physical or emotional disabilities while others have had difficulty being adopted because of their age. Some older children are adopted privately and are never in the foster care system. The state adoption process begins with completing a series of 10 meetings (30 hours total) that will help you understand the needs of the children. Private agencies have different guidelines; some require training, so do not. A home study is completed no matter what type of adoption you pursue. A home study is like an extensive job interview. A police
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record check of the domestic violence and child abuse databases, personal references and other paperwork are required. You will also discuss very personal details about your life with the worker doing the home. Denise said, “My husband and I are adoptive parents of foster children. We weren’t planning to have four boys. But you just fall in love with those children you take into your home. You just can’t give them up.” <
About the author: C. Denise Lambrianou is the Coordinator for the Family Enrichment Center-Adoption Resource Program. The Adoption Resource Program is funded in part by a grant from the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, Department of Protection and Permanency. Denise and her husband Michael have been married for 12 years. 15 beautiful individuals have come into their lives as foster children; 4 of those children made them a family.
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Adoption: Hope for the Homeless Before our phone rang in April 2008, I had an opinion about birthmothers. I thought they were young, irresponsible, and uncaring. Ultimately, I thought of them as selfish. The phone call from our adoption agency about a baby boy to be born two months later not only turned our world upside down, but also began a process of unraveling my preconceptions and stereotypes about adoption. Now I realize that I was the selfish one. My wife and I had adopted a little girl from China eighteen months before. With perfect candor, we admit we chose international adoption (in part) to avoid birthparents. This offer of a domestic adoption gave us pause. We thought about the inconvenience of a relationship, the fears of a disrupted placement, and the impact of this arrangement on us. We agreed to go ahead with it, but our focus remained solidly on ourselves. Our meetings with the young couple who had chosen us were awkward. But when I saw the birth father walk out of the double doors holding “our” son with tears in his eyes, my fears began to be balanced by an
understanding that they loved him as much as we did. Over time, I came to see the perspective of the birth parents more clearly. Rather than being immature and irresponsible, they made a very difficult decision that pained them very much. Instead of being selfish, they exhibited a degree of selflessness I have rarely encountered. Now that three years have passed I see another point of view I must embrace. I also have to work to understand adoption from the point of view of my son. This little boy has a story involving two sets of people who love him. There will always be “what if ” questions – for him and for us. But having that relationship and those experiences with his birth parents will always give us the ability to say with confidence that he was placed with us in love, not abandoned out of apathy. Adoption is a blessed experience. It offers the birth family hope when they are hopeless and choices during a time when they may feel trapped. It gives a family
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with the desire for children the honor of being chosen to receive this most precious gift. And adoption allows a child who might otherwise be limited by circumstance or situation to have opportunities to thrive and grow.<
About the author: Lee Fowlkes is a husband and the father of three bright, active children. In his spare time he works as the Kentucky Coordinator for Bethany Christian Services. He is a self proclaimed coffee snob and loves to bake, which makes him very popular at church potlucks.
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area events & activities Cabaret Fundraiser for Capitol Arts Youth Theatre, Feb. 10-11, 7pm, 270-782-2787, capitolarts.com
Snow Celebration, Main Library, Jan. 17, 6pm, registration required 270-781-4882 x212
Harmony of the Heart, Olde Stone, Feb. 11, Symphony Soiree fundraiser, 270-745-5222, www.thesymphonyatwku.org
Chinese New Year Celebration, Graham Drive Library, Jan. 23, 3:30pm
The Sound of Music, Van Meter Hall, Feb. 13, 7:30pm, Orchestra Kentucky, 270-846-2426 Kidz On Stage, Capitol Arts Center, Feb. 18, 6:30pm, $5 admission, familyenrichmentcenter.com The Little Princess, Public Theatre of Kentucky, Feb. 23-Mar. 4, 270-781-6233, www.ptkbg.org Oklahoma, Van Meter Auditorium, Feb. 24-26, Fri. & Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, 270-745-5845, wku.edu/pcal/in-production US Bank Celebration of the Arts, Kentucky Museum, Feb. 25-Mar. 31 The British Invasion, Van Meter Hall, Mar. 1, 8pm, Orchestra Kentucky, 270-846-2426 FESTIVALS & MAJOR EVENTS KY First Lego League State Robotics Tournament, WKU Diddle Arena, Jan. 14, 8am-4pm, 270-7453048, www.wku.edu/kyfll Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, Bridgestone Arena (Nashville), Jan. 26-29, Tickets $15-$26, www.ringling.com Hospice Chocolate Festival, Sloan Convention Center, Feb. 12, 2-5pm, Tickets $10 adults, $5 kids age 6-12 (age 5 & under free), 270-782-3402
SKYPAC Opening featuring LeAnn Rimes and Orchestra Kentucky, SKYPAC, Mar. 10, 270-904-1880, www.theskypac.com Bowling Green Gallery Hop, Various art locations around town, Mar. 16, 5-8pm, thebowlinggreengalleryhop.com From Russia with Love featuring Cirque de la Symphonie, Orchestra Kentucky at SKYPAC, Mar. 12, 7:30pm, 270-846-2426, orchestrakentucky.com The Visual Art Girl Scout Day, Kentucky Museum, Mar. 17, 9-11am; 12-2:30pm
Spell-A-Bration, Sloan Convention Center, Feb. 17, 6pm, 270-842-4281, www.commed.us
Rated ‘K’ for Kids, Orchestra Kentucky at SKYPAC, Mar. 17, 6pm, 270-846-2426
MUSIC & THE ARTS
Damn Yankees, SKYPAC Broadway Series, Mar. 19, 7:30pm, 270-393-0080, www.theskypac.com
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Phoenix Theatre, Fountain Square Players, Jan. 5-8, Thurs.-Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, Tickets $10-$12, 270-782-3119, fountainsquareplayers.org
Civil War Days for Area Schools, Kentucky Museum, Mar. 22-23, 8am-2pm
Art Extravaganza, Parker Bennett Community Center, Jan. 6-27, 4-5:30pm, free for ages 5-18 (grades K-12), 270-393-3310
Murder on the Niles, Phoenix Theatre, Mar. 29Apr. 1, presented by Fountain Square Players, Thur.-Sat. 8pm, Sun. 3pm, Tickets $10-$12, a mystery by Agatha Christie, 270-782-3119, fountainsquareplayers.com
Our Town, Public Theatre of KY, The Phoenix Theatre, Jan. 26-Feb. 12, Thurs. 7pm, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm, 270-781-6233, www.ptkbg.org Tom Poole Watercolor Workshop, Kentucky Museum, Jan. 28, 10am-3pm (for adults) Kidz on Stage Auditions, Capitol Arts, Jan. 29, 1-4pm, grades K-6, www.familyenrichmentcenter.com Motownmadness, Van Meter Hall, Feb. 3-4, 8pm, 270-846-2426, www.orchestrakentucky.com page
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Spring Awakenings, Capitol Arts Center, Mar. 23-24, 7:30pm, 270-782-2787, www.capitolarts.com
Sam Bush, SKYPAC Nashville North Series, Mar. 30, 7:30pm, 270-393.0080, www.theskypac.com FAMILY FUN It’s a Nano World Science Exhibit, National Corvette Museum January 14-April 15. Family Fun Day (free activities in the Conference Center) Jan. 21, 12-3pm january / february / march 2012
Chili Cook-Off, Foster Grandparent Program of Community Action, Mar. 8 Duck Duck Goose Consignment Sale, Potter Children’s Home Gymnasium, Mar. 20 Private Sale for worker consignors and First-Mom’s Club 11am8pm, Mar. 21-24 Public Sale 10am-8pm, www.dkdkgoose.com/bowlinggreen SPORTS Lifeguard Certification & Re-Certification, Water Safety Instructor Certification Courses, BGPR, Jan.-May, TBA SOKY Soccer Open Registration, Spring open registration Jan. 2-31 at SOKY Soccer on Lovers Lane, 270-846-1010, www.sokysoccer.org Harlem Globetrotters, Diddle Arena, Jan. 10, 7-9pm Special Olympics Cheerleading, Kummer/Little, Now through Mar. 4, Wed. 4-5pm, ages 8 & up, $30 (practice for upcoming cheer competitions) Muscles in Motion, (for special populations), Kummer-Little Recreation Center, Jan. 17-Feb. 23, Tues. & Thurs. 3-4pm, $10 per six week session, 270393-3484 Special Populations Bowling League, Southern Lanes, Jan. 18-Mar. 21, Wed. 2:30-3:30pm, $3 for two games Snowball Cheerleading Competition, Bowling Green High School, Jan. 21 Baseball Registration, Two leagues - East and West, registration Feb., tryouts Mar. Youths age 8-12. East Brad Odil 270-535-1302, West Harold Huntsman 270-535-6983 Super Bowl Bash, Parker Bennett Community Center, Feb. 3, 4-5:30pm, free, ages 5-12, trivia, games, fun and prizes, 270-393-3310. F.O. Moxley, Feb. 3, 4-5:30pm, ages 5-13, free. 270-393-3134 Lone Star Rodeo, WKU Ag Expo Center, Feb. 10-12, Fri. 8pm, Sat. 2pm & 8pm, Sun. 2pm, wku.edu/expo. 270-745-2578 Special Olympics Kentucky Region 1 Basketball Tournament, Kummer/Little, Feb. 11, 9am KAPOS (State Cheerleading), WKU Diddle Arena, Feb. 18, www.kapos.org Special Populations BGAAC Basketball Social, Kummer/Little, Feb. 19, 2-5pm, 270-393-3484 bowling green
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Cupid Classic Cheerleading Competition, Warren East High School presented by Total Cheer, Feb. 25, 9am, $5 admission (ages 4 and under free) Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Southern Lanes presented by Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Feb. 25 T-Ball, Softball Registration, BGPR Office (East Third Street), Feb. 28-29, 3:30-6pm, ages 4-14 Houchens/KHSAA Girls Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament, WKU Diddle Arena, Mar. 7-10 Pasta Party/Expo, Total Fitness Connection, Mar. 30, pre-event for Family Enrichment Center’s Run/Walk for Children Total Fitness Connection’s Run and Walk for Children, to benefit Family Enrichment Center, Mar. 31, familyenrichmentcenter.com/ RunWalkforChildren.asp Educational Offerings F.O. Moxley Afterschool Program, Jan. 3-May 24, K-6th grade, 2:30-6pm Mon.-Fri., $30/month Spirit Basket Workshop, Kentucky Museum, Jan. 3&4 (for adults) A Fun Thyme Cooking, Main Library, Jan. 5, 6pm (for teens & adults), learn healthy cooking techniques and substitutions as well as how to pair spices and herbs with food. Timeless Manners Classes for Children, Riverview at Hobson Grove, Five weeks beginning Jan. 8, 2nd-4th grade, learn basic etiquette, the importance of thankyou notes, table manners and more. Reservations: 270-843-5565. Daisy Stitch Beading Workshop, Main Library, Jan. 10, 4-6pm, (Peyton Stitch Jan. 18) learn how to create beaded jewelry with a few simple techniques (for teens and adults), RSVP 270-781-4882 x215 or amyw@ warrenpl.org
FEC’s Parent Support Group, Family Enrichment Center, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 29, 5:30pm Black History Month Activities, Parker Bennett Community Center, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, 4-5pm, all ages welcome (free), learn about prominent African Americans in history, 270-393-3310. Also F.O. Moxley Community Center will be hosting activities.
Preparing and Caring for Baby, Classes at Medical Center Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Info and registration at 270-796-2495 or themedicalcenter.org A New Baby’s Coming Class (Feb. 16) 6-8pm (A siblings class for kids age 3 and up. Bring doll or Victorian Valentines, Riverview at Hobson Grove, stuffed animal. Includes tour of OB unit, view of nursFeb. 7, 11am, 270-843-5565 ery, refreshments and a video/) Powder Puff Mechanics, National Corvette Museum, Breast is Best (Jan. 19 or Mar. 15) 6-8pm Feb. 11, 10am-2pm, seminars on basic car care geared C-Section Class (Jan. 31 or Mar. 27) 6-8pm towards young girls and women. Girl Scouts can earn Fatherhood 101 (Jan. 31 or Mar. 27) 7pm, Classroom 2 a fun patch. 270-467-8852, corvettemuseum.org Grandparents Class (Feb. 21) 6-8pm Beginning Knitting, Kentucky Museum, Feb. 11, Newborn Care & Safety Class (Jan. 12 or 26, Feb. 9 or 10am-2pm (for adults) 23, Mar. 8 or 22) 6-8pm - Wellness Ctr. 1857 Tucker Way off Cave Mill Rd. in Chandler Park or (Jan. 27, Macy’s Used Book Sale, L&N Depot, Feb. 20-23, Feb. 24 or Mar. 30) 2-4pm - Fairview Center Annex. Fri. 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm Nutrition During Pregnancy (Feb. 21) 6-7pm, Tucker L&N Railroad Luncheon Series, South Prepared Childbirth Classes Union Shaker Village, Mar. 3, 800-811-8379, Option 1: Six Week Series (Meets every Tues. Jan. 10shakermuseum.com Feb. 21 or Mar. 6-Apr. 10 ) 6pm Jr. Naturalist Program, Lost River Cave, Mar. 17, Option 2: One-Night Refresher (Jan. 17, Mar. 13) 6pm 2-4pm, $10 kids age 6-12, examining habitats, 270Option 3: One-Day (Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 24) 9am-1pm 393-0077, lostrivercave.com Ready, Set, Go! (Jan. 5 or Mar. 1) 6-8pm Twins or More! (Feb. 22) 6-8pm, Med. Ctr. Conf. Rm. SCHOOLS SIDS Prevention (Mar. 29) 5:30-6:30pm, Tucker Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 16 City and Free Activities at Warren Co. Public Library County Schools Closed
President’s Day Day, Feb. 20 City and County Schools Closed School Out, Mar. 8-9, City Schools closed (possible snow make-up days) School Out, Mar. 15-16, County Schools closed (possible snow make-up days)
Jr. Naturalist Program, Lost River Cave, Jan. 12, 2-4pm, $10 kids age 6-12, fundamentals of wildlife, botany and geology, 270-393-0077, lostrivercave.com
FEC’s Adoption Resource Program Parent Training, First Christian Church, 6pm Jan. 19, Feb. 16; Mar. 15
Winter Animals, Main Library, Jan. 24, 6pm, registration required 270-781-4882 x212 Preserving Your Family’s Story, Main Library, Jan. 26, 6pm, learn how to keep important family photos and other documents well preserved over time (for teens and adults), reservations 270-781-4882 x215
Graham Drive Afterschool Activities (Elementary) Mon. Book Club; (All Ages) Tue. Mac Lab Graham Troopers (School-Age) Wed. 3:30pm Teen Thursdays (grades 6-12) 5pm Adult Mixed Media Art Workshop, Jan. 10 at 6pm
Kirby Branch Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 9:30am Barnes & Noble Story Time. Ching-Yi Lin, The Kirby Kids (grades K-6) Mon. 3:30pm Symphony at WKU Concertmaster. Kirby Babies (6-18mos.) Wed. 9:30am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed. & Fri. 10:30am Preschool Spanish (age 3-5) Fri. 9:30am Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy Family Storytime (all ages) Sat. 10:30am
of this information, all information is subject to change. Please call ahead to verify dates, times and schedules!
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Smiths Grove Branch Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed. 10:30am Craft Kids (grades K-6) Thur. 3pm
Main Library Toddler Time (18-36mos.) Mon. 10:30am, Tue. 9:30am Preschool Storytime (age 3-5) Wed., Thur., Fri. 10:30am Preschool Spanish (age 3-5) Tue. 11:30am Spanish Explorers (grades K-6) Tue. 4pm Peek-a-Boo Babies (6-18mos.) Fri. 9:30am Ky Youth Drama Society (grades 5-12) Wed. 4pm High Five Kids Club (grades K-5) Thur. 4pm Lego Club (age 5+) First two Tue. each month, 6pm Mixed Media Art Workshop (adults, teens), Jan. 30, 4pm
Unlocking Your Fitness Potential, Main Library, Jan. 12, 6pm, for teens & adults
A Grandparent’s and Caregiver’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders, guest speaker Dr. Liz Sternberg, Fri., Jan. 20 6-7:30pm, Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex.
Educational Offerings
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Spring Break Planning: Cincinnati When planning a spring break getaway, or even a long weekend excursion most of us in south central Kentucky are used to “flying south” much like birds do for the winter – hitting the beaches and paying visits to the “Mouse.” But what my family recently discovered is there is just as much fun, maybe even more, if you go north just a few hours. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area has so much to offer families that you really do need much longer than the long weekend we spent there. You can pick one spot to stay in, then travel out in various directions, just 30 minutes or so each way and find loads of other things to do nearby. Here are some of our favorites! The Stay: Great Wolf Lodge, Mason, OH Located next to Kings Island, the mega hotel offers a huge indoor waterpark which can be enjoyed year round. They have a wave pool, lazy river, tons of water slides for all ages (even a slide the family can enjoy together), splash areas and more. If that’s not enough, Great Wolf also has a MagiQuest – a pay to play live action role playing game, the Cub Club with arts and crafts activities (some free, some with small fees), Northern Lights Arcade, Scoops Kid Spa, Storytime at the Great Clock Tower and more. Great Wolf can be a little pricey, but use of the waterpark is included in your stay so it’s best to maximize the number of people in your room and fully utilize the facilities. Additionally, if you are going to enjoy other attractions for days at a time, though inconvenient you might consider checking into a more budget-friendly property if you aren’t going to be spending your days at their waterpark. Money Saving Tips: Sign-up for their emails prior to planning a trip and you can watch for discount codes and sales. Also nearby is Coco Key indoor waterpark at the Crowne Plaza Cincinnati North with very reasonable rates page
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and similar waterpark facilities. They also offer day passes, $19.99 for a full day (10am-9pm) or $14.99 for the Twilight Pass (4-9pm). The Play: A Zoo, Aquarium and Science Center The Newport Aquarium offers a wide variety of exhibits and hands-on activities. Pet sea life, attend a shark tank talk, walk above gators, feed the lorikeets, sit on some frogs, check out the penguin palooza and pet sharks! We had to literally drag our daughter away from the shark petting – and now she has a tall tale to share with friends. Located at Newport on the Levee parking is only $3 and there’s lots of shopping and dining nearby too. Plan to spend about three hours at the Aquarium. We love zoos, and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens did not disappoint! From exhibits on creepy crawly things to night hunters, cat canyon and human-like gorillas your family will have plenty to explore. Their botanical gardens, 4-D theatre, train and carousel offer a break from the animals, and you could easily spend a full day at the zoo. They offer a variety of ticketing packages, and you can buy online in advance to skip the lines. Imagine being able to visit four different museums in one location! That’s exactly what you will find at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The Museum’s located in the old Union Terminal and our favorite is the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. This section offers loads of ways for kids to burn energy, including cool treehouses for climbing and playing, waterways for splashing and even a section strictly for the little ones. Ranked one of the top 10 children’s museums in the U.S. the kids will have plenty of places to crawl, climb and explore. What’s cool is you have the choice to purchase a ticket to one of the Museums, or you can save and get a ticket to all four at a discount. You’ll need at least two hours for just the children’s museum portion, and if your child has their way, you’ll be there all day!
Helpful Resources • Warren County CVB. 800-791-4FUN (4386), www.ohioslargestplayground.com • Great Wolf Lodge. 513-459-8885, www.greatwolf.com/mason • Cincinnati Zoo. 800-944-4776, www.cincinnatizoo.org, Open 9am-5pm daily. • Cincinnati Museum Center. (513) 287-7000, www.cincymuseum.org. Open Mon.-Sat., 10am5pm, Sun. 11am-6pm. • Newport Aquarium. 859-491-3467, www.newportaquarium.com, Open 10am-6pm (extended summer and holiday hours) This Germany eatery had cool decorations, waitresses in German dress and even a guy playing accordion. What’s even better? Kids eat free with paying adult on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday! Shopping at Outlets! We love outlet malls in our family, and the Premier Outlets in Monroe, Ohio offer tons of favorite brands. Be sure to visit the Warren County CVB website to download a free voucher for a coupon book at the outlet (or just show a AAA card at the outlet to get one). It’s located off I-75 north of Cincinnati about 30 minutes and only 20 minutes from Great Wolf. If you are a true shop-a-holic, there is a Tanger Outlets on I-71, about 45 minutes north of Great Wolf (over an hour north of Cincinnati). One trip to this part of Northern Kentucky / Southern Ohio and you’ll know what they call it “Ohio’s Largest Playground!”<
Other coolness: EnterTRAINment Junction: Indoor model train display, children’s play area where they can bounce, climb and crawl PLUS the A-Maze-N Funhouse. Kings Island: Amusement park with family and thrill rides, plus a Dinosaurs Alive section, only $5 with park admission. The Eats: Hofbrauhaus at Newport january / february / march 2012
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March of Dimes
Help to Have a Year of Healthy Babies I was just 6 months into a normal, healthy pregnancy when my water broke unexpectedly. In the early morning hours, I found myself hooked to monitors while being rushed down I-65 to Vanderbilt Hospital. Like many other families when a medical situation arises, we had no experience with prematurity, or even childbirth for that matter. Contractions had started, but with our baby just 25 weeks into a typical 40-week gestation, it was crucial to stop the natural process that had mysteriously begun. Three days later, I woke up in the perinatal wing of the hospital in horrible pain. Upon examination, I was told I had an infection and our baby was under so much stress that I was going to have to deliver immediately. Charles Ramsey Butler was born weighing just 2 lbs. 2 oz. Ramsey spent a total of 13 weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at both Vanderbilt and at The Medical Center in Bowling Green. Months of oxygen assistance, antibiotics, testing, feeding tubes and monitoring finally ended with him mastering the fine art of breathing, sucking and swallowing! Ramsey came home from the hospital just five days before Christmas with his health being the family’s greatest gift ever. It was a short time later when we learned we had others to thank for Ramsey’s success- the March of Dimes and
all those tiny babies before him whose struggles helped pave the way. The Mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of all babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality by funding research, community services, and advocacy that saves babies’ lives. In Kentucky, 8700 babies are born too soon each year. Advocacy from the March of Dimes helps provide the best educational information possible to expectant mothers. Their campaigns taught me I needed to quit smoking, take prenatal vitamins and follow the recommended schedule for prenatal checkups. Birth weight is another important factor. I know 2 lbs. 2 oz. doesn’t seem like a lot, but it was great for a baby in his developmental stage. I constantly ate fruits and vegetables on top of drinking lots and lots of water to give him proper nourishment. Every day, thousands of babies are fighting for their lives like Ramsey did, and even more medical professionals are helping them survive and searching for solutions. Sadly, more than 380 parents in Kentucky will have to bury their baby before their first birthday this year. You can help the March of Dimes! The Warren
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County March for Babies is Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Phil Moore Park. Create a team today for the March… no team is too small, and every dollar raised helps give all babies a healthy start to life. There is no fee to participate in the walk, or minimum amount to raise. Just log onto www.marchforbabies.org. Another way to help is to volunteer and spread the word about the March of Dimes! Babies are born healthy everyday as a result of the research of the March of Dimes. For more info, visit marchofdimes.com or call the Barren River MOD office at 270-746-5411.<
About the author: In addition to being the mommy of Ramsey (age 1) and wife of Shane, Marissa Butler serves as Public Relations Director at the Bowling Green Area CVB.
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the
book nook
Mark Wayne Adams, a native Kentuckian and children’s author and illustrator, is our guest columnist in Book Nook this issue. In April you’ll find Mark at the Southern Kentucky Book Fest at the Knicely Conference Center. Mark is from Dawson Springs, KY where his mother, Mary Adams, is the head librarian of the Dawson Springs Branch Library and main character in Mark’s first book, Miss Mary’s Missing Book Bag. When I asked Mark if having a librarian mother affected his career, he said, “Yes. Not knowing an illustrator or publisher, I educated myself through library books. The public library is a free education for children who know how to use it. Most days I was on the floor of the 741’s, (the art section) drawing. I earned a degree from Lee Ames, Walt Disney and through books. Disney inspired me most with the fortune his art created. My second favorite section of the library was the E’s, children’s books! This is where I found my niche.” Here are some of the books that Mark is bringing to the book fest. Be sure to stop by and visit. He will also have his book Best Sketchbook, a blank journal and companion to his book King for a Day, the Story of Stories. When you visit his booth, Mark actually draws the first page of the journal for children. He explains
that this inspires them to begin their writing journey.
King for a Day: The Story of Stories When Carter and Russell forget their story for a jamboree, they have only one day to write a new one. Soon a pair of unexpected characters enters to ruin the day and a remarkable adventure ensues, leaving the pair with an unexpected reward. A heartwarming tale that begins at home, this wonderfully illustrated book teaches young readers about friendship, integrity, and self-discovery, encouraging them to create their own stories using the tools within themselves. Also woven within the tale is practical advice for how to write a story, detailing how to write a fictional piece, create a page layout, and design characters. Nicholas, that’s Ridiculous (illustrated by Mark) Nicholas Wallaby was always doing ridiculous things! And his mom was always letting him know. Nicholas, That’s Ridiculous! she’d say - at least thirty times a day. Finally, Nicholas’s mom realizes that Nicholas, isn’t being ridiculous - he’s just being a boy! With this lighthearted story, children can relate to Nicholas and the ridiculous
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things he does. Parents can learn to appreciate and enjoy the humor behind these happenings.There is a book talk inside to engage children in discussion, imagination and perception.
Pop the Bubbles 1 2 3 (illustrated by Mark) Join Chloe and Bryce on their fun-filled adventure learning to count. A day at their FUN class has them bouncing, jumping, popping, tapping and climbing all the way to number 10. You and your child can play along as the numbers come alive!
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