Savvy Kids - November 2013

NOVEMBER 2013 • WWW.SAVVYKIDSOFARKANSAS.COM

FAMILY TIES

INTERNATIONAL VS. DOMESTIC ADOPTION AND MORE

Prepping for the

ACT, SAT, PSAT

Plus...

OUR HOW TO RESOURCE GUIDE

...and more!

The Season of

GIVING STORIES OF LOCAL YOUNGSTERS DEVOTED TO A CAUSE

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2 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013 ®/TM/© 2013. Tyson Foods, Inc.

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contents NOVEMBER 2013

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ON THE COVER:

Joseph Hammond photographed by Brian Chilson at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Savvy Kids would like to thank the center for allowing us to shoot our cover photos there.

THE SEASON OF GIVING

10 stories of local youngsters dedicated to a cause

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PREPARING FOR THE ACT, SAT, PSAT

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ADOPTION: INTERNATIONAL VS.DOMESTIC AND BLENDING FAMILIES DEPARTMENTS

Plus...

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Our How To Resource Guide

8 ODDS AND ENDS 10 POTTS’ PICKS 50 POP TOPICS 52 EATS AND TREATS 54 SAVVY ARTS 56 KIDS EAT FREE 66 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 70 SAVVY SCIENCE

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Editor’s Letter

No Excuses

publisher

Alan Leveritt alan@arktimes.com

editor

Photo by Brian Chilson

Being the editor of Savvy Kids is a very busy job. It requires lots of planning, coordination and organization. It brings tons of emails, hours of research, the occasional disagreement and sometimes literally running out of words. While I try my best to do it all in the confines of a work day, it’s not always possible, especially as press day nears.

I say all of this not to brag or elicit sympathy, but to explain that my busy job is often my go-to excuse for avoiding things I don’t want to do, like watching a science-fiction movie or going to a restaurant that I don’t like. It’s also my standard excuse, mainly to myself, for why I rarely do volunteer work, but I’ve recently realized that this is a terrible, unacceptable excuse.

For this issue, I had the privilege of meeting lots of young people – 23, if I’ve counted correctly (math is not my strong area) – who are dedicated to giving back to their community through volunteerism, fundraising or raising awareness. All have the regular school responsibilities and are involved in sports and other activities, but they still have time to devote to their cause. Seeing that they always somehow find the time to give back was a humbling experience.

Meeting these youngsters has been truly inspiring. They have shown me that helping others is something that we should all require of ourselves. It’s something that we should never make excuses for, because we can all find at least a little time to get involved in some way. I really hope you enjoy reading their stories, and that they also inspire you.

Erica Sweeney, Editor ericasweeney@arktimes.com Follow our Pins on Pinterest

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We

inned It!

This craft is simple and will get kids thinking about what they’re thankful for. Get directions at www.thehobbeehive.com/2010/11/03/.

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Erica Sweeney ericasweeney@arktimes.com

digital media producer Bryan Moats

editorial art director Patrick Jones

account executive

Rose Gladner rose@arktimes.com Lesa Thomas lesathomas@arktimes.com Ellen Weiner ellenweiner@arktimes.com

production manager Weldon Wilson

advertising coordinators

Roland Gladden, roland@arktimes.com Kelly Schlachter Carr, kellys@arktimes.com

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographers

Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones

controller

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable Kelly Lyles

it director

Robert Curfman

billing/collections Linda Phillips

circulation director Jack Higgins

ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE CARE; HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARE AND SAFE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. ALL LETTERS AND PICTURES SENT TO SAVVYKIDS™ WILL BE TREATED AS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SAVVYKIDS'™ UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO EDIT OR TO COMMENT EDITORIALLY. 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985. ALL CONTENTS ©2013 SAVVY KIDS™

It’s almost Turkey Day and a great time for fall crafts! Check out our Thanksgiving Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.com for these pins and more.

This adorable treat simply involves assembling You’ll want to keep this easy-to-make leaf store-bought candy and cookies. Get the recipe garland up all season. Get directions at at www.cutoutandkeep.net/blog/. abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog.

This snack-filled turkey centerpiece will keep the kids’ table entertained. Get directions at www.decoratingfiles.com/2012/10/.

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ODDS & ENDS

LIVING HISTORY

On Nov. 16, the Old State House Museum is hosting a living history event to give local families a taste of what life in the capital city was like 150 years ago.

The Civil War Family Day: Exploring the Little Rock of 1863 is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 30 living history interpreters on hand to help families explore this period in history.

The day’s events will focus on the fall of 1863 and winter of 1864, just after Little Rock was captured by the Union Army, and the Old State House served as command headquarters for the federal military, says Ian Beard, living history coordinator at the museum.

During that time, there was a large military presence in the city, as residents adjusted to the Union occupation and some remained Confederate sympathizers.

Beard says living history events complement what children learn in school by creating an interactive experience. At the Civil War Family Day, there will be soldiers in costume and kids can learn how to march along with them. Firing demonstrations, period games and examples of everyday life will also be a part of the day.

“Small points of contact with living historians give kids a unique and tailored experience,” he says. “Understanding the past can help us better understand the issues of today.”

Families will also have the chance to participate in an election and the writing of a new state constitution, as well as learn about the medicine of the day and take part in other hands-on activities.

“Families can learn new things along with their children and create memorable family experiences,” Beard says.

The Civil War Family day is free and open to the public. For more information, call (501) 324-9685 or visit www.oldstatehouse.com.

LITTLE ROCK’S NEW WINTER WONDERLAND

Winters in central Arkansas usually don’t involve much snow. While there might be a few flurries and flakes, it’s rarely enough for a snowman or snowball fight.

This year, we’re guaranteed an abundance of snow to play in, as Wild River Country converts itself into a winter wonderland.

Wild Winter Country, open Nov. 22 to March 31, will feature snow tubing and plenty of the white stuff to build a snowman and throw snowballs. There will also be holiday lights and decorations, visits from Santa and s’mores, says Chris Shillcutt, general manager of Wild River Country.

The winter park’s manufactured snow will give kids (and adults, too) the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of winter, without the impassible roads and power outages that usually accompany a snow or ice storm.

Snow machines will be used to create a 2- to 3-foot base, and each day, fresh snow will be piled on. This snow accumulation will keep it from melting (something those familiar with late fall and winter weather in central Arkansas might be wondering about). Shillcutt likens the process to emptying out an ice chest outside, where a pile of ice can take a while to melt, even on a summer day.

The idea for Wild Winter Country came about after park officials were looking for a new revenue source to grow the water park, Shillcutt says. When the plans were announced in September, with a few more weeks of hot weather and the water park still open, calls came pouring in with inquiries about the winter park. He says as the buzz continues, he’s hoping for a successful first year.

Wild Winter Country will also be open to parties, field trips and other groups. Admission is $6 and $18 for 90 minutes of snow tubing (including tax). Shillcutt says a combined rate will likely be available.

For more details about Wild Winter Country, visit www.wildrivercountry.com.

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Potts’ Picks

Being the

BIG sister

By Jasper Potts Being an older sibling isn’t as hard as it seems. Even having almost 11 years between my youngest sibling and me, I survive. My youngest sibling, Wynn, is 6 weeks old, and my little sister, Cicely, is 3. Cicely does a lot of big-sistering to Wynn. It is so sweet to watch (she will kiss him on the forehead and sing to him), and I have a billion pictures of it, knowing it might not last forever.

When Cicely was a baby, I was like she is with Wynn. Did I mention that she grabs his head with both hands and pulls his face when she gives those kisses?

Adults were always yelling, “Be careful! Be careful!” It’s one of those things adults have to do, but it can hurt the older child’s feelings. The bad thing about being a big sister is that people expect you to be “the mature one,” so you feel like you have no margin for error and you have to be a perfect role model all the time. But I like being the eldest because being the strong adult figure is really flattering.

Being the “baby” or the “middle child” would not be too bad. For example, people exaggerate the horror of being a middle child, but I think it can be a good position to be in, because, first, you have someone to look up to, and then, you have someone to look after. Baby brother Wynn is going to have some built-in advantages as the youngest, but will it be harder for him to make his own decisions with so many older influences around? We all need the chance to learn from our own trial and error.

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I like being the person my siblings go to for guidance. The bad thing about the age difference we have is that when Wynn is 7 and Cicely is 10, I will be 18 and in college. Although whenever someone pushes one of them around, they’ll just say, “my sister is 18 and I can tell her to come beat you up!” For some reason, this always scares kids away, even though no respectable sibling is going to come beat somebody up. My parents often joke about what the most challenging age combination will be in our family, and we’ve decided on 3, 6 and 14. I feel bad that I won’t have as many years to get to know what my brother and sister will become before I’m not even in the house anymore. So I don’t plan on being a negligent teenage sister in a “mood” all the time, sitting in her room ignoring everyone.

An awkward thing that people always ask me after a baby is born is, “do you like him?” Well, no, he’s just my blood relation and he’s really cute and I’m going to get to teach him to do a bunch of stuff. Why would I like him? Another is, “do you want to return him?” Oh, sorry, I lost the receipt. Yes, I like him!

Jasper Potts is in the sixth grade. She enjoys writing, of course, and sushi. She is probably doing her homework right now.

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The Season of

GIVING

By Erica Sweeney

10 stories of young people dedicated to a cause

Volunteering, fundraising and helping others not only allow us to serve our communities, but it also makes us feel good and provides a wealth of other benefits. It can also be lots of fun!

Being active in the community is a great way to make friends and learn about important issues. When young people get involved with their communities, whether through volunteering, fundraising or promoting a cause, it helps them appreciate what they have and see a world beyond themselves. Philanthropy teaches responsibility, enhances self-esteem and confidence and promotes a lifelong willingness to help others.

There are many ways for young people to get involved with the community. We met several young people who serve the community in a variety of ways and asked them for one piece of advice for young people thinking about getting involved with a cause. They all agreed that the first step is for kids to find something that interests them. Whether it’s health, animal welfare, children, culture or the elderly, there’s an organization out there.

Parents can help by taking up their own cause and encouraging kids to do the same. Families can volunteer together as a bonding activity. After finding a cause to support, contact a related organization to see how you can help. You’ll be glad you did.

Community Service Learning Program The state of Arkansas values community involvement among youth, so much so that 20 years ago, a law was implemented to reward young people for getting involved.

Act 648 of 1993 allows for students in grades 9-12, who have completed at least 75 hours of community service, to receive one academic credit toward graduation. Through the program, students can gain work experience and learn about future careers while serving the community.

The program is carried out through a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Department of Human Services, Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support. For more information about this program, talk to your school administrators, call the Education Department at (501) 682-6584 or visit www.arkansased.org.

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Making a Difference At 13, Joseph Hammond has three goals in mind: becoming president of the United States, playing basketball professionally and being pastor of his own church. He’s already working toward these goals, by building the impressive resume of a community do-gooder and striving to make a difference.

For the past two years, Hammond, who lives in Benton, has participated in the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s MLK Challenge held each January in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. For the day, young people ages 1218, are placed in teams and participate in volunteer projects at local organizations.

Hammond says King is one of his heroes (along with President Abraham Lincoln and his parents), so he has enjoyed participating in the program’s projects, including helping out at the Dream Center and feeding people at the Salvation Army.

“I love doing community service,” he says. “It teaches you to be grateful. It’s a good feeling and makes me happy and proud of my accomplishments.”

Hammond’s giving spirit started at a young age when his mom, Penny, took him and his older sister to visit nursing homes. She says she has always taught him that giving is better than receiving.

To Hammond, helping others can be meaningful in big or small ways, like holding doors open for people or putting loose change in collection boxes. It all builds character, he says.

“Do what you can, no matter how big or small,” he says. “If you make the day better for someone else, you make it better for yourself. It shows that you respect others and yourself. If no one helps each other, the world won’t grow.”

Because he wants to be president one day, Hammond volunteered as a page for his legislators during the past two Arkansas General Assemblies and is planning to sign up next time. He says being a page is a good place to start in achieving his goal, because he got to see the legislative process firsthand and stayed up-to-date on bills and what’s going on in the community.

As a page, he assisted the legislators from his district – Rep. Ann Clemmer (R-Benton) and Sens. Bill Sample (R-Hot Springs) and Jeremy Hutchinson (R-Benton) – by making copies, passing notes and sending faxes, he says.

Hammond is homeschooled, which his mom says allows for better prioritizing of his interests and activities.

“It allows us to tailor his path,” she says. “He’s always open to try something. We never limit what he wants, but we monitor him and catch when he falls.”

Once a week, Hammond attends Homeschool Academy, where he interacts with other homeschooled students. He also plays on basketball team in a league for homeschoolers and says he works out with a trainer to help realize his goal of playing professional basketball.

Since he was 8, Hammond has been involved with the Arkansas 4-H Center, where he has had many opportunities to volunteer with the community. He also has given several speeches on topics like geocaching, diversity and technology at clubs and meetings.

Hammond is youth leader at his church and says his group participates in many community service projects. For example, his ministry visits nursing home and does praise dancing, which is “worship through dancing,” he says.

Most recently, Hammond has started his own T-shirt design business. To learn about the business, he says he interned at a T-shirt printing shop in Benton and prepared a business plan for his parents. He says he’s starting slow and plans to sell T-shirts at church events, and then maybe start an Etsy store.

One thing he says he’s learned through all of his work in the community is “not to overload yourself.” But, when asked how he has accomplished so much at such a young age, Hammond seems unfazed.

“Thirteen is just a number,” he says.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

Photo by Brian Chilson

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is Arkansas’s only state-funded museum of African-American history and culture. Its mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and celebrate Arkansas’s African-American history, particularly in the areas of business, politics and the arts. In addition to temporary and permanent exhibits, the center hosts a variety of cultural and community events, such as the annual Juneteenth celebration, Holiday Open House featuring the “Say It Ain’t Say’s” sweet potato pie contest and “It’s in the Bag: Lunch ‘n Learn Series.”

The museum is not just for adults. The center offers kid- and family-friendly activities like Mosaic Summer Camp, Boo!seum, Family Fun Saturdays, K.I.D.S. Volunteer Days and the MLK Challenge, which gives youth, ages 12-18, the opportunity to participate in a community service project. The museum recently launched “Did You Know?” a contest for all Arkansas students in grades 6-12. Students are invited to submit a video or audio project to compete for a $100 Wal-Mart gift card and a pizza party at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

For more information about the center and its programs, visit www. mosaictemplarscenter.com or call (501) 683-3593.

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GIVING Continued

Giving Back in Ways Big and Small When she was four years old, Christina Day participated in the annual fashion show that’s part of the CARTI Auxiliary Festival of Trees. She remembers feeling like “the coolest,” because she was dressed just like the American Girl doll she carried in the show.

Day, now a senior at Little Rock Christian Academy, has been involved with the Festival of Trees ever since. She says the fashion show inspired her to continue volunteering with CARTI in other ways throughout the year, both big and small.

At last year’s festival, Day helped put up trees and worked with the silent auction and fashion show. This year, she’s helping out with mailings, stuffing goodie bags and is planning to be involved during the week of the event, which is Nov. 6-9, doing “whatever they need me to do,” she says.

“I love helping do things behind the scenes,” says Day, 17. “It’s rewarding to do small things. I love doing things to make people’s jobs easier and helping people so it’s not as hard on them.”

At a young age, Day learned the importance of giving back to the community. Her mom, Jennifer, has been an active CARTI Auxiliary member for several years and is a former CARTI Foundation board member. Her dad, Glen, who is a member of the PGA Tour, has also encouraged both Day and her older sister, Whitney, to give back, through the charitable events and activities he’s involved with.

Jennifer Day describes her daughter as a hard working and dedicated. Jennifer says she’s always made the effort to involve both of her daughters in the family’s charitable endeavors.

“Growing up they’ve always been willing to give back,” she says. “I hope we’ve been a positive example.”

Michaela Johnson, CARTI volunteer coordinator, says Christina is “quite simply, the kind of volunteer that you never want to lose.”

“Christina and her sister, Whitney, literally grew up attending and helping out with CARTI events,” Johnson says. “It is certainly a testament to her parents that she has already proven to be such an incredibly civic minded individual at such a young age. Christina is a remarkable young woman with an incredible work ethic who treats each task with high priority and is always ready to help out. She just jumps right in, always with a smile and a positive attitude.”

Along with volunteering with CARTI, Day is her school’s student body president and involved with yearbook and other activities. Finding time for all that she’s passionate about can be a challenge.

“I get it all done somehow,” she says. This includes baking 80 or more cupcakes a week for groups at school, like the band or football team, all “with a kind heart” and because she loves to bake.

Next year, Day is heading to the University of Mississippi, where her sister is a student. She is planning to major in hospitality and business, with a future career as an event planner. Even when she goes off to college, Day says she’ll always make time to volunteer.

“I’ve grown up with it and always had a passion for helping,” she says. “Getting involved at a young age makes you appreciate the things you have.”

Photo by Brian Chilson

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CARTI CARTI is an independent, nonprofit network of cancer care facilities with locations throughout Arkansas in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clinton, Conway, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Monticello, Morrilton, Mountain Home and Searcy.

CARTI routinely reaches out to various high schools and church youth groups to recruit students to volunteer in clinics, assist with administrative clerical projects and work on CARTI special events. Last year, students from Catholic High School assisted in cleaning and reorganizing the CARTI warehouse, the Hope Lodge Angels volunteered at Festival of Trees and students from Mount St. Mary Academy helped out by wrapping patient holiday gifts.

The CARTI Auxiliary Festival of Trees, a holiday-themed fundraiser, is Nov. 6-9 at the Statehouse Convention Center Ballroom in downtown Little Rock. The event features the Festival of Fashion, Sugar Plum Ball, Festival after Dark, Breakfast with Santa and Tux ‘n Trees.

For more information about CARTI and its events, visit www. carti.com. To get involved, contact the volunteer coordinator at (501) 660-7616.

Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights 2012

This year, join in the chorus on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights.

More than 60 communities participate in the annual celebration. Pick up a brochure at one of our partner locations or visit Arkansas.com to locate festive activities. “Like� Arkansas State Tourism on Facebook. Share your photos on Instagram and Facebook by using #VisitArkansas.

SCAN FOR MORE INFO.

Han dw Han ashin nah g

Germ Buster!

Wash hands before you eat and when you come in from playing outside or with a pet.

Wash hands often to keep those yucky germs away. Rub your hands together with soap for about 20 seconds, get a soapy lather and then rinse.

Take a bath or shower every day. archildrens.org

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GIVING Continued

Fighting for a Cause Through the American Cancer Society’s Junior Hope Ambassadors, 17-year-old Lilybeth Graham had the rare opportunity to work with the Arkansas General Assembly in passing a bill this spring.

The bill, now Act 1099 of 2013, bans e-cigarettes on public school property, and Graham was one of 20 ambassadors, who chose to take up this cause. She says it was important to her because she has seen the use of e-cigarettes firsthand among her classmates, and there is no legal age to purchase them. The topic was also suggested by the ACS’s advocacy affiliate, Cancer Action Network, says Sherri Jones, ACS senior representative for community engagement.

The ambassadors spent a day at the Capitol learning about the legislative process and asking legislators to sponsor their bill. Graham was successful in getting her own representative, Andy Davis (R-Little Rock) to sponsor the bill. A couple of weeks later, she was asked to speak about the bill’s relevance and importance at the house committee hearing to get it approved for a House floor vote.

Graham says she wasn’t nervous when she spoke, even though she only had about 10 minutes to prepare. She says she didn’t even realize that the bill had passed until everyone clapped, and then she felt relieved.

“It showed the impact that one day at the Capitol can make,” Jones says.

Graham, a senior at Little Rock Central High School, says the experience taught her a lot, especially that it is possible to make a difference. She says making a difference is an ideal job for young people, who are not yet burdened with as many family and work responsibilities as adults.

“Younger people have the most time to do all of these things and can make a difference,” she says.

When she was 15, Graham’s uncle passed away from melanoma, and soon after, her mom, Anne, found a cancerous spot on her leg. Graham says these experiences drew her attention to cancer, so when she heard an announcement at school that the local American Cancer Society chapter needed volunteers, she signed up.

Anne Graham says her daughter has a good heart and “seeks ways to help others.” She says it’s important for young people to give back at an early age because it will follow them into adulthood.

Fundraising has been another part of Graham’s work with ACS. She often bakes cupcakes to sell at school and donates the money to the organization. She also sold cupcakes at the organization’s Relay for Life earlier this year and walked in honor of her uncle.

“I never thought baking cupcakes could raise enough money to help with a [cancer] research project,” she says. “Twenty minutes out of your day can really make a difference.”

Graham is planning to attend the University of Mississippi next year and wants to be an auctioneer. She also has a parttime job, is a member of several clubs at school and volunteers at Arkansas Hospice and at the intensive care unit at Baptist Health Medical Center.

Photo by Brian Chilson

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American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem, through research, education and advocacy.

In Arkansas, the American Cancer Society holds more than 70 Relay for Life events throughout April to June all over the state. Other events include Live In for Life with the Buzz 103.7 in February 2014, Summer in the City – Nashville Gala in June 2014 and more.

The ACS strives to involve youth in the fight against cancer to continue the cause into the next generation. Local programs, like Relay Recess, Relay Field Day, Junior Hope Ambassadors and Crucial Catch, focus on educating youth, teaching them philanthropy and hopefully inspiring them to continue their volunteerism with the ACS as an adult.

For more information about the ACS, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

Helping to Feed the Hungry Caleb and Cameron Smith are dedicated to giving back to the community, and have given up many school breaks and weekends to do so. In all, they have accumulated more than 150 volunteer hours each.

Most of their volunteer work has been at Arkansas Foodbank Network, where the 16-year-old twin brothers have worked in the warehouse and organization’s store, called Agency Mart, sorting, categorizing, boxing and moving donated food items. They say the experience has taught them a lot about responsibility and what it will be like to enter the workforce.

“Volunteering gets you out into the world and allows you to try new things,” says Cameron Smith, the more talkative of the two. “It gets you thinking about your talents and interests” Janette Williams-Smith, Caleb and Cameron’s mom, says she has always encouraged her sons to volunteer to promote a strong work ethic and help them make connections for their future.

“The benefits of volunteering have been enormous,” she says. “It has helped Caleb and Cameron learn new skills, gain experience and valuable job skills, understand their work style preferences, connect with the community, meet new people, expand their network, boost their social skills and increase their self-confidence.”

Volunteering at a young age “makes people more appreciative of what they have,” Williams-Smith says, and gives them “an awareness of what’s going on in the community.”

Polly Deems, Arkansas Foodbank Network volunteer outreach coordinator, says Caleb and Cameron volunteered with their mom or another family member since they are under 18, the required age for volunteers. She says the pair were always eager to help and even show new volunteers the ropes.

“Their hard work plays a big role in helping feed thousands of Arkansans each and every week,” Deems says.

While they volunteered most at Arkansas Foodbank Network, Caleb and Cameron have also worked with other organizations, such as Arkansas Hospice, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics. They also volunteered at Arkansas Repertory Theater and to feed the homeless.

Because of their volunteer work, Caleb and Cameron earned an academic credit toward graduation through the Community Service Learning Program. The credit requires 75 volunteer hours, but the twins collected more than double that amount.

When asked what they enjoy most about volunteering, the brothers say they just like helping people.

“I like to take the time and give back,” Cameron says. “It’s about what we need to do and it’s beneficial to the outside world.”

Caleb and Cameron are 10th graders at Cabot High School, where they are both on the swim team. Cameron also plays trombone in the school band and wants to be a math teacher. Caleb says he is planning on a career as a graphic designer.

Caleb and Cameron were born fighters. Williams-Smith says they weighed just over a pound when they were born and have mild cerebral palsy. She and the twins’ dad, Leroy, have always tried to involve them in many activities to get them out into the world and create opportunities for their sons. They say they couldn’t be prouder of what Caleb and Cameron have accomplished.

Arkansas Foodbank Network The Arkansas Foodbank Network, the largest food bank in Arkansas, is a member of Feeding America and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

Its warehouses in Little Rock, Warren and Caddo Valley serve approximately 300 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other agencies that provide aid directly to hungry Arkansans. Last year, the foodbank distributed more than 16 million pounds of food to agencies that help feed the hungry. Each week, the organization helps feed more than 23,000 Arkansans.

The organization is hosting its Gobbler Run on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28 at 8 a.m., starting at Go! Running in Little Rock, and the KARK “4 the Greater Good” Telethon, benefiting Arkansas Fodobank Network, is scheduled for Dec. 12.

Arkansas Foodbank Network contacts middle schools, high schools, colleges, technical schools, scouting groups, church groups and summer programs to recruit volunteers. Volunteers under 18 must have an adult with them to supervise.

For information, visit www. arkansasfoodbank.org or call the volunteer outreach coordinator at (501) 569-4320.

Photo by Brian Chilson

Cameron (left) and Caleb Smith NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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GIVING Continued

Mentoring the Younger Generation Eleven students at Catholic High School for Boys are spending their free time mentoring the next generation through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas.

The students – seniors John Barksdale, Joseph Barnello, Christopher Emmerling, Casey Hawkins, Jacob Straessle and Matthew Tully; and, juniors Jack Carter, Benji Lumpkin, Christopher Perkins, Connor Roberts and Michael Wilde – participate in the BBBSCA’s school-based program, where they serve as big brothers and mentors to elementary school age kids.

Once a week, for an hour after school, they visit their “littles” at the Billy Mitchell and James H. Penick Boys and Girls Clubs in Little Rock, where they help them with homework, play games and sports, and serve as a positive role model in the children’s lives.

“Giving an hour a week means so much to the kids,” Hawkins says. “You really see the impact you make.”

Anne Regan, director of programs at BBBSCA, says matching up “bigs” and “littles” is a win-win for everyone involved.

“The volunteers enjoy their time spent with the ‘littles’ and the ‘littles’ gain valuable one-on-one time with a mentor,” she says.

Hawkins and the other students take their mentoring role seriously and say it makes them feel good to see their “littles” smile. Carter says their visits to the boys and girls clubs make the “littles” feel special, “like they are worth something,” Roberts adds.

“You don’t realize what kind of impact you can make,” Barnello explains.

Now, when the CHS students visit the boys and girls clubs, the kids “swarm” them, Emmerling says. But, it can take time to form such a relationship, Hawkins explains. When he first started working with BBBSCA, Barnello says it was challenging, especially comforting his “little” after a bad day, but it has been a learning experience.

Through their experience with BBBSCA, the students have learned much about their community. Wilde and Tully say that they have been “fortunate” and “privileged,” so they appreciate the opportunity to give back. Roberts says that the kids just want to have fun, and that’s what brings them together.

“It gives you a different perspective about how other people live,” Perkins says.

It’s important for young people to “get out of their comfort zone and be apart of something bigger than themselves,” says Edward Dodge, a teacher at CHS, who also guides the BBBS program.

Catholic High has been involved with BBBSCA’s school-based program for nine years, Dodge says. The program is open to students age 16 and older. Students sign up, go through an interview process and are matched with a “little” based on interests and personality characteristics.

He says often 50 or more students express an interest in the program but are unable to participate because of other commitments.

Barnello and Tully say volunteering with BBBSCA has made them want to volunteer more and in other ways.

Hawkins agrees.

“We’re the future and it’s important to get involved to be better citizens,” he says.

Photo by Brian Chilson

Back row (l. to r.): Jack Carter, Connor Roberts, Michael Wilde, Christopher Perkins.

Front row (l. to r.): Casey Hawkins, Matthew Tully, Joseph Barnello, Christopher Emmerling. Not pictured: John Barksdale, Jacob Straessle, Benji Lumpkin.

18 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The organization partners with parents/ guardians, volunteers and others in the community who are dedicated to the children’s achievement, including higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships and academic success.

The organization works with local high schools to recruit young volunteers, which begins with an informational meeting for interested candidates so they can understand the program and their commitment. Parents must agree to have their child participate. All volunteers fill out an application and are interviewed to determine what activities they enjoy, and are matched with a child who may share some of those same activities.

BBBSCA is hosting its Bowl For Kids’ Sake on Feb. 21-22, 2014.

For more information about the organization, visit www. bbbsca.org or call (501) 374-6661.

NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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GIVING Continued

Creating Memories for Future Campers “It’s my home away from home,” 17-year-old Katie Mowery says of Camp Aldersgate.

Mowery has been involved with the camp for much of her life. When she was 6, she became a camper, along with her older sister. As a young camper, she says she looked up to the older counselors and volunteers. So, when she was 14, she decided to become a volunteer and help create memories for the next generation camper.

“Camp Aldersgate is the most fun thing you can do with your summer,” she says. “I want to give that experience to other kids.”

The best part, she says, is that volunteers participate in many of the same activities as the campers and are friends to campers. This summer, Mowery says she hopes to become a camp counselor, which is a hired, trained and paid position.

“Without volunteers like Katie, Camp Aldersgate would not be the magical place that it is,” says Amy Frank, the camp’s director of programs. “Not only are our volunteers integral to the mechanics of running Camp Aldersgate, they enrich each of the programs and the lives of our campers.”

During the school year, Mowery also volunteers at weekend respite camps, which provide families with children with disabilities a rest from care giving. This year, she’s planning to participate in the three respite camps, where she stays from Friday to Sunday to help out.

A common misconception about Camp Aldersgate is that it is only open to individuals with disabilities, she says. In fact, the camp is open to kids of all abilities. Mowery says people are often afraid of disabilities, but participating in the camp at such a young age taught her not to see differences in people.

“When I see someone in a wheelchair, I don’t see someone in a wheelchair,” she explains. “I don’t shy away.”

A senior at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, Mowery says she simply loves volunteering and feels good when helping others. Volunteering is also a good distraction from all the stresses that the last year of high school can bring, like college applications and the ACT and SAT. “Volunteering is a couple of hours where you’re not thinking about yourself,” she says. “It releases some energy in a positive way. Volunteering feels like you’re doing something you’re supposed to do.”

She attributes much of her volunteer spirit to her mom, Betsey, who Mowery calls “an amazing and charitable woman, and the reason I do what I do.”

After graduation, Mowery is planning to attend either the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville or Lyon College in Batesville, and major in early childhood education or special education. She takes several AP classes, also volunteers as a tutor once a week, is a choir section leader at her church and works part time.

When asked how she manages it all, she says jokingly, “Free time is for squares.”

Photo by Brian Chilson

20 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Camp Aldersgate Formally dedicated in 1947, Camp Aldersgate is the state’s only nonprofit dedicated to serving children with disabilities, youth and senior adults in a camp environment. Camp Aldersgate’s summer camps serve children with medical, physical and developmental challenges, through traditional summer camp activities, such as campfires, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, swimming and nature hikes. Weekend camps are also available to provide families with children with disabilities a respite from the demands of care giving.

To assist with teen volunteer recruitment, Camp Aldersgate develops relationships with high school guidance counselors at area schools, as well as service-oriented extracurricular programs, both school-based and those through church or community.

This holiday season, Camp Aldersgate has partnered with Petit Jean Meats for a fundraiser. Camp Aldersgate receives a portion of the profits from every smoked ham, smoked turkey or gift box that they sell

by Dec. 6.

For more information about Camp Aldersgate, the Petit Jean Meats fundraiser or to volunteer, visit www.campaldersgate.net or call (501) 225-1444.

Beautiful SmileS, Happy cHildren... tHat iS our goal.

K

itchens Pediatric Dentistry

14114 Taylor loop road, liTTle rock

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST

501.868.3331 — kitchenspediatricdentistry.com

Zoo membership is a gift that gives and gives.

When you give a membership to the Little Rock Zoo, you do two good deeds with one gift. You give family and friends hours and hours of fun. AND you help fund the Zoo’s crucial mission of wildlife conservation and education.

Give one gift that helps both humans and animals!

Get all the great details at www.littlerockzoo.com/membership or at Guest Services at the Zoo’s main entrance. Or call (501) 661-7218 with questions.

www.littlerockzoo.com #1 Zoo Drive | Little Rock, Arkansas | 501.666.2406 Like us on Facebook

NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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GIVING Continued

Advocating for Juvenile Arthritis

Photo by Patrick Jones

Through the Arthritis Foundation, Rebecca Kuo has the opportunity to educate families about the effects of juvenile arthritis, a cause near and dear to this 13-year-old.

When she was 5, Kuo was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, so she knows firsthand how it can affect families. She regularly serves as a panelist during the foundation’s Juvenile Arthritis Day, held every spring, where she answers questions from parents who have children with the condition. She has also participated in interviews on local TV and radio stations about the cause and to promote other foundation events.

Kuo says she knows that her family went through a difficult time when she was diagnosed, so she’s dedicated to being there for families in similar situations.

“I’m always happy to talk,” she says. “It makes me feel good to answer questions for parents. It’s a great experience and I’d do anything for them.”

Emily Pearce, program and services director for the local Arthritis Foundation chapter, says young volunteers, like Kuo, are essential for spreading the foundation’s message.

“Their enthusiasm and dedication help erase the myth that arthritis only impacts older adults,” she says.

Kuo and her family are also dedicated fundraisers for the Arthritis Foundation. They have a Jingle Bell Run/Walk team, which in the past has been called the “Beccaneers.” This year, the team name is changing to the “BeccaNinjas,” Kuo says.

Kuo says her team has done “really cool things to raise money.” For example, last year, she says individuals who donated money were also asked to submit five words, and they received a personalized limerick as a thank-you. The team often raises more than $2,000 each year.

This year’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk is Dec. 7 and Kuo’s fundraising has already begun. At the Hillcrest Harvestfest in late September, team members raised about $200 by doing face painting. And, there is more fundraising in the works.

Kuo says she enjoys the Jingle Bell Run/Walk, because of the support of all those who participate and because runners and walkers dress up in holiday-themed costumes.

“It’s hilarious,” she says. “I love seeing everyone there ready to run for a good cause. The people that come out to cheer you on are amazing. The way people care and rally around this is such an amazing experience.”

Kuo, an eighth-grader at Pulaski Heights Middle School, says her juvenile arthritis is mostly under control, but still sometimes difficult to balance.

She regularly takes medication and has weekly shots, but says she feels like “through all the medicine and care, I’m like every other kid.”

She takes recreational dance four or five days a week, and is a member of the Chotard Institute of Music, which provides college preparation for classical singers. Kuo has also been a member of Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre and plans to audition for next year’s troupe in early 2014.

Kuo encourages everyone to find a cause that they care about and get involved. Volunteering gives young people a sense of working with people and changes their view of the world, she says, a “really transforming experience.”

“Get involved because it’s a great experience,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to do volunteer work and help people. The psychological and emotional benefits are beyond compare.”

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Arthritis Foundation Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. The Arthritis Foundation works to reduce the impact of arthritis, which affects more than 620,000 adults and 2,700 children in the state, through local programs, information and events, and supports national research initiatives.

The foundation leads efforts to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

The Arthritis Foundation also provides resources to Arkansas families affected by juvenile arthritis, through services and events, including the Juvenile Arthritis Day held in the spring, Camp AcheAway and other supports.

The foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is Dec. 7.

Teams raise money for the event and dress in holiday-themed costumes for a festive race.

For more information about the Arthritis Foundation and its events or to get involved, visit www.arthritis.org/arkansas.

Se Habla Español!

Great smiles

UAMS RESEARCH STUDY Looking for healthy males ages 12-17 for a study looking at childhood trauma.

are within

reach.

PARTICIPANTS WILL: • COME TO UAMS ONCE FOR 3-4 HOURS • BE INTERVIEWED AND • UNDERGO AN MRI OF YOUR BRAIN NO MEDICATIONS OR DYES USED.

Compensation for participation and travel provided.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SCHEDULE A DENTAL CHECKUP?

For more information, contact Dr. Sara Jones at Best Dentist Best Orthodontist

501.526.7846

drbpd.com

Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory

With You Every Step of the Way For individuals with lower limb amputations, the journey back to mobility can be a difficult one, but our patients know that they can rely on our certified prosthetists to apply the latest in prosthetic technology to make the road a little smoother. Like a good traveling companion, our certified prosthetists take the time necessary to get to know each client so that together they can determine what his or her prosthetic needs truly are, and then consult with the referring physician before beginning the design and fabrication process.

A big part of our commitment to providing the best in care is ensuring that our proficient staff is always ready to provide the support that patients need no matter whichs road they choose to take.

(501) 664-2624

Statewide Toll-Free: 1-800-342-5541 625 N. University Avenue • Little Rock, AR www.snellpando.com Offices located in Little Rock, Russellville, Fort Smith, Mountain Home, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, North Little Rock, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff and Conway.

Providing the Latest in Technology & the Best in Care for More Than a Century PROSTHETICS / ORTHOTICS / PEDORTHICS / POST-MASTECTOMY NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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GIVING Continued

Keeping History Alive Inspiring the younger generation to appreciate history is 17-year-old Meredith Schellhase’s goal as a volunteer at the Historic Arkansas Museum.

At HAM, she volunteers at the major events, like the Territorial Fair in the spring, Christmas Frolic, Frontier Fourth of July and Boo!seum, helping kids with historical crafts and games, and greeting visitors, while wearing historical costume.

“Our events are family oriented so having young volunteers working with the children makes all the difference,” says Tricia Spione, the museum’s director of volunteers and membership. “They add that something special.”

Schellhase says the kids enjoy the projects, even if they don’t realize they’re learning about history, something she knows she would have loved them as a child.

“I hope to be an inspiration for kids to learn about history,” she says. “I love seeing the love of history growing.”

One of Schellhase’s favorite parts about volunteering at the museum is interacting with living historians and wearing her historical costume, which she hand sewed herself. Though, her 1850s-eara costume isn’t really historically accurate for the 1830s-1840s era museum, she says.

She says she made the dress before volunteering at HAM, but she’s thinking about tweaking it to make it more accurate. This would mean losing the hoop in the skirt, which she loves but says she’s willing to do for “posterity.”

Schellhase’s love of history began when she was a youngster reading the “American Girl” series. She says she loved the characters and clothes from the past.

She started making costumes at 12 after seeing the “Chronicles of Narnia” films. She made a dress like the character Lucy Pevensie’s, and later made another costume from the new “Alice in Wonderland” movie.

Schellhase began volunteering at HAM when she as 15. She and her family had been living in the African country, Niger, where her dad, a pediatric pulmonologist, was working at a mission hospital. When the family moved back to Arkansas, she says she was looking for something to do.

Because she loved history, Schellhase, who was homeschooled at the time, looked up all the local museums and decided HAM was the best fit. She had attended Pioneer Camp there as a child.

Now a senior at Little Rock Christian Academy, Schellhase hasn’t yet decided on a college, but she says she is planning to be a high school teacher because she’s been continuously inspired by teachers and loves working with young people.

Over the summer, she went on a mission trip to Brazil, where she visited schools and talked about American culture.

She says teens should volunteer because it helps them recognize that they love something and they can help others love it. And, it’s fun.

“It’s important to rekindle the passion for the younger generation,” Schellhase says, adding that it’s rewarding to be a part of that at such a young age.

Photo by Brian Chilson

24 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Historic Arkansas Museum The Historic Arkansas Museum invites visitors to step back into Arkansas frontier history. Tour the museum’s historic grounds and visit a pre-Civil War neighborhood, including the oldest home still standing in Little Rock and the site where William Woodruff once printed the Arkansas Gazette. Interact with living history characters and pioneer demonstrators. Inside the Museum Center, explore Arkansas made art and artifacts in four exhibit galleries, see contemporary Arkansas art in the Trinity Gallery, watch kids having fun in the interactive children’s gallery and hop for quilts and other contemporary crafts in the Museum Store.

On Dec. 8, the museum is hosting its 46th Annual Christmas Frolic, from 1 to 4 p.m. From sack races to stilts, from fiddling to frolicking, this favorite seasonal event charms one and all with old-fashioned fun, including live music, crafts, carols, pioneer games and the famous hot cider and ginger cake. And, keep the tradition alive by dancing the Virginia Reel in the Hinderliter Grog Shop, the oldest house in Little Rock. It’s always fun to watch your kids sashay down the line for the first time, or to brush up on your own steps.

For more information, call (501) 324-9351 or visit www. historicarkansas.org.

Fundraising for Animals

Historic Arkansas Museum

Best friends Sophie Bravo, Carly Hugg and Charlotte Powers love animals and enjoy coming up with new ways to raise Humane money for the Humane Society of Pulaski County.

The Historic Arkansas Museum invites visitors to step back into Arkansas frontier history. Tour the museum’s historic Society of Over the summer, the 12-year-olds baked homemade dog treats and set up a table in the Heights neighborhood to grounds and visit a pre-Civil War neighborhood, including the oldest home still standing in Little Rock and the site where sell them and donate the proceeds to the HSPC. William Woodruff once printed the Arkansas Gazette. Interact with living history characters and pioneer demonstrators.Pulaski Inside “We thought it was a cute idea,” Hugg says. “We all love animals and wanted to do something good for them.” the Museum Center, explore Arkansas made art and artifacts in four exhibit galleries, see contemporary Arkansas art in County the They are still undecided on a name for their endeavor, but most often use Charitable Treats, or Paws for a Cause Trinity Gallery, watch kids having fun in the interactive children’s gallery and hop for quilts and other contemporary crafts in the sometimes, they say.

Museum Store.

The Humane Society of Most of the baking is done at Hugg’s house. She says they looked up recipes online and bought dog-shaped cookie Pulaski County is dedicated cutters. Peanut butter and bacon were the best-selling treats, she says. They also sold other flavors, like apple cinnamon, On Dec. 8, the museum is hosting its 46th Annual Christmas Frolic, from 1 to 4 p.m. From sack races to stilts, to from fiddlingcaring for and rescuing, and made “pupcakes,” cupcakes for dogs. The girls used their own dogs as taste-testers for the treats. to frolicking, this favorite seasonal event charms one and all with old-fashioned fun, including live music, crafts, carols, findingpioneer homes for abandoned, While their most recent fundraiser was the homemade dog-treat sale, over the past couple of years, the girls have games and the famous hot cider and ginger cake. And, keep the tradition alive by dancing the Virginia Reel in the abused, Hinderliter Grog and unwanted homeless raised money for the HSPC in other ways. They have sold snow cones and created works of art, which were sold via a Shop, the oldest house in Little Rock. It’s always fun to watch your kids sashay down the line for the first time, oranimals. to brushThe up on HSPC participates silent auction at Bravo’s family Christmas party. your own steps. in initiatives to reduce animals’ Their goal is to raise $1,000 for the HSPC by the end of the year, and by early October, they had raised between $400 suffering and the number of and $500, Bravo says. She says the group chose the Humane Society because they appreciate that the organization homeless animals, through doesn’t “put animals to sleep.” adoption, spaying/neutering “It’s rewarding to know you’re helping in a fun way,” Bravo says. “I love helping others. It makes me happy.” and education. The organization Mimi Hugg, Carly’s mom, says the girls’ “enthusiasm and determination to bake treats and hold sales to raise money works to investigate, prosecute for the Humane Society is truly inspiring.” and prevent animal abuse.

“I am so proud of these girls,” she says. “It is impressive that they are thinking about their community and how they The HCPS is a private, no-kill can help at such a young age.” shelter, which is supported The three girls, who have known each other since they were 4, say that doing fundraisers together is a fun way to give by donations, fundraisers and back to the community. Carly Hugg says the group brainstorms to come up with ideas and each contributes in her own way. grants, as well as volunteers.

“It’s a lesson to anyone that raising money doesn’t have to be boring,” she says.

The HSPC’s fundraising “It’s fun, and good way to bond with your friends,” Powers says. “It’s not something you feel like you have to do, but events and adoption drives are something you want to do. It’s great to see how you’ve helped.” ongoing throughout the year.

This fall, the girls, all seventh-graders, hope to hold more fundraisers to reach their $1,000 goal, but Powers says it’s For more information difficult during the school year because they go to different schools, play sports and participate in extracurricular activiabout the HSPC, visit www. ties. Powers and Bravo go to the Anthony School and Hugg goes to Episcopal Collegiate School. warmhearts.org or call (501) 227-6166. (l. to r.) Charlotte Powers, Carly Hugg, and Sophie Bravo, with Bella.

Photo by Brian Chilson NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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Building a Better Future for Others

Historic Arkansas Museum

During their summer vacation and weekends throughout the school year, siblings Avery, Gentry and Ridge Agar, Habitat along with friends Maggie Emerson and Emily Howard, have devoted their free time to volunteering at the Habitat for The Historic Arkansas Museum invites visitors to step back into Arkansas frontier history. Tour the museum’s historic for Humanity ReStore in Little Rock. grounds and visit a pre-Civil War neighborhood, including the oldest home still standing in Little Rock and the site where The youngsters help out by pricing and stocking merchandise at the ReStore, which sells donated building supplies, Humanity William Woodruff once printed the Arkansas Gazette. Interact with living history characters and pioneer demonstrators.

Inside appliances, home furnishings and fixtures and more, with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. The group also the Museum Center, explore Arkansas made art and artifacts in four exhibit galleries, see contemporary Arkansas art in the of Pulaski helped by sweeping the store and cleaning up, says 10-year-old Emily Howard.

Trinity Gallery, watch kids having fun in the interactive children’s gallery and hop for quilts and other contemporary crafts in the Howard says she enjoyed helping out at the store, particularly because she got to help others, including her mom, County Museum Store.

Brandy Chaudoin, who is the ReStore’s assistant manager.

“It’s good to help out other people,” says Howard, a fifth grader at Landmark Elementary. “It’s a good feeling.”

Every day in our community, On Dec. 8, the museum is hosting its 46th Annual Christmas Frolic, from 1 to 4 p.m. From sack races to stilts, from fiddling Avery Agar, 12, says she loved pricing the store’s merchandise the most because she appreciated the trust that the familiespioneer suffer while to frolicking, this favorite seasonal event charms one and all with old-fashioned fun, including live music, crafts, carols, store’s managers placed in her. in poverty-stricken games and the famous hot cider and ginger cake. And, keep the tradition alive by dancing the Virginia Reel in the living Hinderliter Grog “I think it’s very important to volunteer,” she says. “This is a way I can give back to my community and know that Shop, the oldest house in Little Rock. It’s always fun to watch your kids sashay down the line for the first time, orneighborhoods. to brush up on The mission what I’m doing is helping people to buy things that they may not be able to for home repairs and other things.” of Habitat for Humanity of your own steps.

Agar’s mom, Ginni, is the volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, and has encouraged her Pulaski County is to eliminate children Avery, and 10-year-old Gentry and 8-year-old Ridge to get involved. substandard housing and allow “Young volunteers are very special to our organization,” Ginni Agar says. “It gives them an opportunity to discover low-income families to realize their full potential and serve the community. They have fun with the purpose as they see lives changing, and they know the dream of home ownership. they have been a part of helping with that.”

To achieve this goal, Habitat Howard says it was fun meeting the Agars and 12-year-old Emerson, and volunteering as a group. The camaraderie for Humanity builds and sells was great for Howard and the other kids, Chaudoin says. simple, decent, affordable “They can see what they can do for their community,” Chaudoin says. “It teaches them compassion and to have a homes for low-income families. good heart.”

The organization relies on Plus, she says volunteering helps young people with social and personal skills, promotes a work ethic and keeps them financial and volunteer support from sitting in front of the TV. from businesses, corporations, Avery Agar, a student at Pulaski Heights Middle School, says she appreciates that her volunteer work is helping to churches and individuals. In build houses for people in need through Habitat for Humanity. She says that the ReStore is the perfect place for her.

November and December, three Both she and Howard say they plan to continue their volunteer work in the future. homes are scheduled to be completed, with the ultimate result of changing lives of three local families.

Volunteers are essential in helping Habitat for Humanity carry out its mission. There are many volunteer opportunities for young people to get involved, through construction, deconstruction and at the ReStore.

For more information about the organization and its volunteer opportunities, visit www.habitatpulaski.org or call (501) 376-4434.

Photo by Brian Chilson

(l. to r.) Ridge Agar, Gentry Agar, Emily Howard and Avery Agar.

Not pictured: Maggie Emerson.

26 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Early Childhood Technology is a Priority at The Anthony School

Your giving makes a

difference in the lives of our children and adults.

Anthony’s Early Childhood technology improves literacy, math, communication and critical thinking skills.

Easter Seals Arkansas www.eastersealsar.com

Civil War Family Day: Exploring the

Little Rock

of 1863 Saturday, November 16 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about Arkansas life 150 years ago during the Civil War through sight, sound, and hands-on-activities.

Free and open to the public

Being on the cutting edge of educational technology has become an Anthony School tradition.

With the addition of new iPads, iPad minis and Smartboards for our 3 year-olds and 4 year-olds, there’s no limit to the learning possibilities for our young students. These exciting new tools are engaging, intuitive and enhance themes and concepts taught in the classroom.

We invite you to call 225-6629 to set up a personal tour and see our amazing technology for yourself.

PREK3 Eighth Grade

STRONG

TRADITION.

ACCREDITED BY ANSAA AND ISACS

7700 Ohio St.•225-6629 The Old State House Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

AnthonySchool.org

NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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New Fashion Design Scholarship The Thea Foundation recently announced a Fashion Design Scholarship Competition, as it heads into its 11th annual scholarship season.

Fashion design joins visual arts, performing arts, creative writing, film and poetry slam as a sixth scholarship category.

The first and second place winners of the fashion deign scholarship will receive $4,000 and $2,500, respectively, and judges will select five Honorable Mentions. All seven winners will be given the opportunity to show off their award-winning works at the Clinton Foundation’s Curbside Couture in late April 2014.

The four judges, all successful in the fashion industry, include Korto Momolu of “Project Runway,” Connie Fails of the Clinton Foundation, Ashley Barnett of Savannah College of Art and Design, and a senior director from Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art still to be named.

Applicants must submit a 500-word essay when they register online on or before Feb. 15, 2014. On April 5, applicants’ portfolios of three to five drawn designs will be judged on site along with the final product at the Thea Foundation at 401 Main St., North Little Rock. The final piece must be one of the three to five pieces included in the portfolio, and must be constructed of 75% recycled materials. Designers may create garments, accessories, handbags or complete looks.

Thea Scholarships was founded in 2002, and has grown to award $80,000 annually among 30 students, for a total of $2 million in 11 years. Scholarships are open to students who attend public, private, charter and home schools and those who have completed their GED. Students are not required to provide their GPAs or test scores, or intent to major in the arts.

For more information, visit www.theafoundation.org/scholarships/ or call (501) 379-9512.

Helping Hand

Developmental Preschool & Outpatient Therapy Services

From Developmental Delay to Developmental Hurray!

“Helping Hand and their staff have been a true blessing for our son, who began 2 years ago with his limited vocabulary of 5 words and a very reserved personality. Our family can now see a young boy whose language development and self confidence is that of a parents answered prayers. Thank you!”

- The Brown Family

INFO & JOB POSTINGS

501-791-3331 • ENROLLING NOW FOR FALL www.HelpingHandcc.com • North Little Rock (Off Maumelle Blvd) Helping Hand Learning Center Is A 501 (C)(3) Non-Profit

28 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

GatHer your family and friends and join us to celebrate tHe Holiday season!

Holiday open House Sunday, December 1 2 – 5 PM Join Us For The 2nd Annual Sweet Potato Pie Contest and Bring Your Kids For An Awesome Variety Of Holiday Craft Stations!

H

Celebrate your

SuperStar!

Have your child’s next birthday at War Memorial Stadium!

Play on the field! Party in the locker room!

Packages include cake, ice cream, invitations and MORE!

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ACT, SAT, PSAT Taking the mystique out of pre-college testing

By Bryan Redditt

The academic year is in high gear, and for many high school students, that means it’s time to focus on college-level admission and benchmark tests. The ACT, SAT and PSAT exams are the gold standard by which most colleges and universities measure incoming students’ academic skills. These tests are also linked to financial aid, which builds pressure on students.

Preparation is the key to high scores. Fortunately, prepping for these three exams is much easier than ever before, and there are many resources to help.

Here are some pointers for first-timers and test veterans alike.

DIFFERENT STRATEGIES FOR DIFFERENT STUDENTS. As a parent, you know the learning styles and patterns of each of your kids.

What works for one might not for the other; the same is true for advanced test prep, like the ACT, SAT and PSAT. It may be good strategy for one of your young students to take the test first, and then take a prep course before repeating the exam. For another child, prep is an appropriate first step.

PLAN TO TAKE THE ACT, SAT AND PSAT TESTS MULTIPLE TIMES. Very often, a student’s first ACT, SAT or PSAT exam doesn’t indicate his or her true knowledge; rather, it reflects nervousness or lack of time spent preparing. In fact, most students who take these tests don’t do their best the first time. Multiple tests ensure that you’re familiar with the material. Colleges consider aid or admission requests based on the highest score, so the exams can be taken as many times as budget and schedule allow.

USE THE WEBSITES. The ACT, SAT and PSAT websites are good sources of information for preparing for the exams. Each site, for example, uses a “one question per day” option that students can use to get familiar with sample test material well in advance of testing day.

AVOID COMPARING SCORES WITH PEERS. Naturally, young people want to know how their exam scores compare with those of friends and classmates. It’s a mistake to do so for two reasons: a high30 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

er score may lead to unwarranted confidence and a lower score to diminished confidence. Both of these are a waste of time. ACT, SAT and PSAT testing is designed to reflect academic progress as opposed to intellectual capacity.

SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. This is where a learning center can be of immediate help. ACT/SAT/PSAT is a specialty area of study, with many of the questions concerning material the students have already gone over but may be a few years removed from.

A learning center can help by immediately testing each student, then going over the results to focus on improvement. Providing one-on-one instruction that’s proven to help in a timely and efficient manner is another benefit of this approach.

The ways of preparing for benchmark measurement exams like the ACT, SAT and PSAT have expanded dramatically in the past several years. Students can be prepared to make the highest test scores possible, and with the right groundwork they’ll do just that.

Bryan Redditt is owner of Huntington Learning Center, a comprehensive subject tutoring campus in Little Rock.

TEST WEBSITES ACT: www.act.org SAT: www.sat.collegeboard.org PSAT: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

R E S O U RC E GU IDE OUR RESOURCE GUIDE HAS INFORMATION AND TIPS TO HELP PARENTS PREPARE FOR ANYTHING THAT COMES THEIR WAY. FROM LIFE INSURANCE AND CHILD CARE TO DENTAL CARE, FLU SAFETY AND INJURY PREVENTION, WE HAVE THESE TOPICS COVERED AND MORE.

NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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PURCHASE LIFE INSURANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY Families often assume that a tragedy will never strike their family. No one wants to think about the sudden death of a parent, spouse or child, and while these individuals could never be replaced, parents should be prepared by purchasing life insurance, both for themselves and their children.

Why Is Life Insurance Important?

Having life insurance will ensure that families continue their quality of life in case of a death of a parent or child. Life insurance policies can provide financial support for children, if a parent (either working or stay-at-home) dies.

Policies can be left to a trust for the child to access at a designated age, left to a spouse or guardian or split between the two options. This continued financial support could help children pay for college, put a down payment on a home, pay for a wedding or any other life event.

Life insurance policies on children are an inexpensive way to protect the interest of a child’s life. In the case of a child’s death, policies can be used to pay for funeral and burial costs. Policies also guarantee future insurability of a living child, and a policy’s cash value can be used for a living benefit, like college tuition, a wedding, or paying for a first home.

time there is a major life event, like purchase of a new house, a death, new job or birth of a child. Most agents urge consumers to get the type of policy that they need at the time, because many can be adjusted or converted to another type of policy.

Here are some other questions to ask when meeting with an insurance agent: • Is the premium’s rate locked in? If so, for how long?

• Can I name more than one beneficiary?

• Can more than one person be on the policy? Are joint policies available?

• What happens if I am unable to pay premiums in the future?

• What happens if I get a disability?

• What happens if I live to age 90 and no longer need the policy?

• What happens if I want to surrender the policy?

When Should I Get Life Insurance?

When it comes to purchasing life insurance, the younger an individual is the better, and the policies tend to be less expensive. But, for anyone without life insurance, now is the time to start the conversation.

What Questions Should I Ask? Individuals seeking to purchase life insurance should find an agent that they trust to discuss their options and aspects of the policy. Most insurance agents recommended that policies be re-evaluated every two years or each 32 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

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How to Choose the Best Policy When deciding on a life insurance policy, individuals should consider their budget, how long they need coverage and if they want a policy that builds cash value. An insurance agent can help answer questions and explain the type of policy that works best for you. There are two main types of life insurance policy: term and permanent.

Term life insurance policies are often inexpensive but have limits. Term policies provide coverage with fixed-rate payments for a specific, limited period of time, such as five, 10 or 20 years. When that time period ends, the premium rate is no longer guaranteed. Many of these policies are for shortterm coverage and do not build cash value or offer loans or withdrawals.

Permanent life insurance policies have a fixed premium payment. They are lifelong policies, which assure that a sum is paid out at the end of the policy.

They are also more expensive than term life insurance policies. Permanent life policies usually build cash value and offer withdrawals or loans. There are several types of permanent life insurance policies, some require payment of premiums for life and others allow for payment for a set amount of time.

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

It can also provide for today.

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KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY IN FLU SEASON As the cooler weather arrives, sniffles, coughs and sore throats often follow.

Flu season typically runs from late November to early March, but cases can begin as early as October and linger into spring. Children are often particularly susceptible to the virus because of they are often exposed to classmates with the virus. During flu season, it’s important for families to take a few precautions to ward off the flu.

What Is the Difference Between the Flu and a Cold?

In the early stages of cold and flu, it may be easy to confuse the two because they share some of the same symptoms, but are caused by different viruses.

Colds are usually milder than the flu, with symptoms like sniffles, stuffy or runny nose, or sore throat. Colds don’t last as long as the flu.

The flu is a much more powerful virus that has a quick onset and lasts longer. Symptoms include headaches, high fever, respiratory problems, severe body aches, cough and extreme fatigue. Flu symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

serious infection. Family members should also take antiviral medication to avoid catching the flu and are encouraged to wear masks when around the infected person.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to stay home from school and work until the symptoms subside and then wait another 24 hours before returning.

While at home, individuals with the flu should get plenty of rest, stay well hydrated and well nourished. Over the counter medications, like alternating ibuprofen and Tylenol to alleviate aches and pains, Robitussin-DM or Mucenix for cough, and Benedryl for a runny nose, can be used to alleviate symptoms.

Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, exercising and avoiding secondhand smoke are other ways to help keep the flu at bay.

How to Keep Families Safe From the Flu While flu is not 100% preventable, many family practice physicians encourage patients to get the flu vaccine as an effective way to contain flu outbreaks and protect others. While those that have been vaccinated can still get the flu, it’s usually a shorter, less severe case.

Individuals should get the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, usually in September of each year. The flu vaccine is available for anyone age six months and up. Children age 9 and under getting vaccinated for the first time must get two shots a month apart.

Other ways to prevent flu are washing hands frequently and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Also, parents should encourage these behaviors in their children, especially when interacting with others. Patients should also follow the doctor’s orders when it comes to staying home from school or work to prevent spreading the flu.

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How to Care for the Flu The flu is spread airborne and spreads easily.

Individuals should visit the doctor, who can run tests to determine if the patient has the flu. A doctor’s visit can also rule out the flu if parents are uncertain.

Doctors recommend beginning treatment with antiviral medication within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms to shorten the duration and severity of the flu. This can decrease the chance of the flu progressing into pneumonia or another

Of all the places to get a flu shot, only one has the experience of Baptist Health.

Nearly 1 out of 5 Arkansans could get the flu this year. But with a Baptist Health Family Clinic conveniently located in your neighborhood, you have Arkansas’ most trusted care on your side. While you’re getting your flu shot, schedule an appointment for a check-up. After all, you can never be too healthy entering flu season.

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Visit baptist-health.com/locations To schedule an appointment, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST. NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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CHILDPROOF YOUR HOME TO PREVENT INJURY Even before a baby is born, parents should begin thinking about childproofing their home to create a safe environment and prevent injuries down the road. According to child safety experts, the most common types of injury that occur in the home include choking or suffocation, drowning, burns and poisoning. Careful home evaluation and taking the proper precautions can ensure a safe environment for your little one.

Why Should We Childproof?

Most injuries to babies and toddlers occur inside the home, so childproofing is essential. When starting to childproof, parents should start from a baby’s perspective and actually crawl around on the floor to see what a little one might get into. Look for hazards like sharp corners, uncovered electrical outlets, exposed cords, easy-to-open cabinets and loose objects.

Childproofing can be simple and inexpensive. While there are a variety of gadgets out there, childproofing may be as simple as closing doors or moving items to a safer location. The key to a safe home is understanding the hazards and how to prevent them.

How to Prevent Suffocation?

The best way to prevent suffocation for infants is to create a safe sleeping environment. That means that babies must have their own sleeping area.

While their crib or bassinet can be in the parents’ room, babies should not sleep in the same bed with parents. Babies need firm mattresses that fit snuggly inside the bed frame, with a simple crib sheet. Beds should be free from pillows, toys, stuffed animals and bumper pads. Sleep sacks should be used instead of blankets.

Similarly, hanging crib toys should be removed from the sleeping environment to prevent choking. Also, make sure that small objects are out of a child’s reach.

How to Prevent Drowning?

Parents should always keep an eye on their child while he or she is taking a bath or around any other water. Even if a child can sit up on their own, they may not be able to lift themselves out of water if they fall in.

Keeping the door closed is a simple and effective way to keep kids out of the bathroom unattended. Lid locks will help keep youngsters out of the toilet, which can also be a drowning hazard. If a family has a pool, a four-sided fence with a locked gate is essential to keeping kids safe.

How to Prevent Falls?

All kids learning to walk take a little tumble from time to time. Using slip-proof mats under rugs or in the bathtub are a great way to prevent injury during a fall. Also, keep sharp objects out of reach, affix large appliances to the wall and secure cords out of the way so toddlers don’t trip over them. Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

How to Prevent Burns?

Installing a smoke detector on each floor of the home is essential in home safety. Smoke detectors should be tested once a month, and families should create, and practice, a fire escape plan.

While cooking, be sure to turn pot and pan handles inward and out of a child’s reach. Cooking while holding a small child presents a burn hazard. Keep hot liquids, like cups of coffee or tea, out of a child’s reach.

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How to Prevent Poisoning?

Poisoning can affect anyone from infants to the elderly. Household cleaners should be placed in high cabinets out of the reach of children. Child safety experts say children are often drawn to some cleaning products because the colorful liquids resemble other products they’re familiar with, like sports drinks.

Improperly using medications is another way that youngsters could become poisoned. Parents should ask a doctor or pharmacist about proper dosages and keep all medications, including children’s vitamins, out of reach.

Keep the poison hotline – 1-800-222-1222 – handy in case of an emergency. Also, keep your pediatrician’s number close by or call 911 in case any injury occurs.

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CHOOSE CHILD CARE

High quality child care and early childhood education set the stage for how well our children learn, how they think of themselves and how they interact with their world.

We have a responsibility to make sure all of our children have the very best early learning and child care experiences possible. That sounds straightforward, but the reality is that research shows it’s one of the most difficult decisions families make. Consider this: • Research shows that maximum brain development occurs from birth to age 5 • By age 8, children learn 80 percent of what they will ever learn So it’s important to be an educated consumer.

Children need to be in a learning environment as early as possible. The earlier the learning experiences and quality care a child has, the better the effect on their lifelong health. So how do you know what to look for when assessing your child care choices?

ARE THEY LICENSED? All home-based and center-based child care programs in the state must be inspected, evaluated, licensed and regulated by the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Licensing specialists perform on site reviews of child care centers in addition to licensed homes and registered homes. State law requires criminal background checks on all workers in child care centers or licensed homes.

Parents should first find out if child care locations being considered are licensed and in good standing with DHS. To search for child care in your community, DHS provides an online, ARBetterBeginnings.com, which allows individuals to search all licensed child care programs or facilities in Arkansas by ZIP code.

CREATE A CHECKLIST & PREPARE A VISIT DHS’s online resource also provides an interactive checklist to guide users through tours of facilities. The interactive checklist can be used on a smartphone and saved once completed.

When you begin the search for child care, make sure you go prepared to ask questions and take notes: • Take something with which you can take notes.

• Take a trusted friend or family member with you if you can • Try not to go at a time when you are stressed or distracted • Remember you may not be able to take pictures in areas of the facility where children are present in order to protect their privacy

HAT TO ASK THE DIRECTOR OR W PRIMARY CAREGIVER After you’ve determined that you want to consider the facility, you’ll want 38 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

WHAT TO OBSERVE WHEN VISITING • Do the providers play and talk with the children?

• Do the providers respond quickly to the children’s needs?

• Are children greeted when they arrive?

• Is the facility clean?

• Are materials on shelves accessible to children?

• Is the room organized?

• Is there child-sized furniture?

• Are the restrooms close to my child’s room?

• Are they clean?

HAT TO OBSERVE WHEN VISITING OUTDOOR W PLAY AREAS When kids are playing, they are learning. They are listening and talking, being guided in discover, play and practice. You’ll want to look at the outdoor play area and consider the following: • Is there a safe outdoor play area with sturdy equipment?

• Is the outside play area fenced in?

• Is there enough space for the children to move freely?

• Is there a shady area for the children to play?

Choosing child care is a big decision. With the proper research and tools, you can make the selection process more thorough, while concentrating on the best quality learning environment possible.

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WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF Once you’ve found a few facilities you’d like to visit, ask yourself: • Is the facility close to my work or home?

• Do I feel comfortable there?

• What do other people who have children say about it?

• Does this program accept vouchers for payment?

to schedule take a tour. Questions you might ask on your tour: • Are the teachers trained in CPR and first aid?

• Do all staff get at least 15 hours per year of child care training?

• Is this program part of the Better Beginnings Star accreditation system?

• What training does the program provide for teachers?

• Can parents visit at any time?

• Does someone watch the children at all times, even during naps?

• How will I know what is going on during the day?

• How long do workers typically stay with the same group of children?

Match a Child Care Facility to Your Child’s Unique Needs.

Matching a child care setting to your child’s individual strengths and needs is key to having a successful child care experience. Each child has certain personality characteristics that should be considered when selecting child care. Different types of programs appeal to different personality needs. Visit our website to learn what to look for in a child care environment and information on finding the right child care in your area.

Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316 NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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DETERMINE WHEN YOUR CHILD SHOULD VISIT THE DENTIST Promoting dental health in children is essential for an overall healthly lifestyle. The age that a child should visit the dentist for the first time is a debated issue among the dental community. Most dentists recommend parents understand a few basics about pediatric dental health so that they are educated on what’s best for their child.

What is the Best Age for the First Dentist Visit?

Children should visit the dentist for the first time as soon as they get their first tooth and no later than age 2-3.

The age at which children should first start seeing the dentist is debated.

Pediatricians and pediatric dentists often recommend seeing a dentist when children get their first tooth (around 6 months). Others recommend waiting until around 2-3 years old, as long as the child has no problems or obvious decay. By age 2-3, children are often more willing to cooperate, understand and will be more treatable if problems do exist.

At the latest, children should see a dentist by the time all 20 baby teeth have erupted, around age 2-3. Baby teeth serve a very important role in good oral health. They are important for eating and speaking, and also maintain proper space for permanent teeth to erupt. If a baby tooth is prematurely lost, it could cause the permanent tooth to be out of alignment or prevent it from coming in at all.

What Are Other Signs that a Dentist Visit is Needed?

Parents should evaluate and monitor children for dental growth and potential problems or diseases. Any child that has noticeable dark spots, broken or worn, discolored, missing or painful teeth should see a dentist. If gums are red, swollen or bleeding, an appointment should be made for an evaluation. Dental problems are much easier to treat when caught early. If parents have any concerns about their child’s oral health, it’s best to visit the dentist, regardless of the age.

How to Prepare for the First Visit Parents should begin talking to and teaching children about dental health 40 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

What Does a First Visit Entail?

Usually a child’s first dental visit is a “get to know you” appointment. The child gets familiar with the dentist, staff and surroundings. They are introduced to the things they will experience during routine visits. If the child is willing, comfortable and cooperative, x-rays, cleaning and a dental exam will be completed.

The most important things about a child’s first dental visit are to create a positive dental experience, educate the parent on proper dental care and to allow the dentist an opportunity to evaluate the oral health of the child and offer suggestions regarding oral care.

During the first dental visit, parents should ask if their child’s oral health care is sufficient, discuss how the child’s diet may affect their teeth, ask for any recommendations for improvement and find out what changes to look for as their child grows and develops.

Dentists recommend these resources for parents and kids on oral health: www.colgate.com/kids, www.healthyteeth.org, www.mouthhealthykids.org or www.kidsoralhealth.org.

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How to Choose a Dentist for My Child Most importantly parents should research, get good referrals and pick a dentist that will be good for them and their children.

Some parents choose pediatric dentists for their children because the office atmosphere is designed specifically for children. If children are very apprehensive or uncooperative, pediatric dentists are trained and equipped to treat them. Most pediatric dentists have the ability to sedate children that are in need of dental treatment.

If a child is already familiar with the family dentist and feels comfortable there, parents may to go there. Some general dentists will not see children; however, most will see children providing they are cooperative and comfortable in the office.

and proper oral care as soon as teeth come in. Establish a consistent brushing routine, involve children in their own oral care when they are able, explain how their diet effects the teeth, be a good model for proper oral care and explain why good oral care is important. Dentists recommend electric toothbrushes to all our patients and especially for kids.

If a child is accustomed to brushing at home, he or she will likely be more cooperative at the dentist and enjoy the visit.

Prior to a child’s first dental visit, parents should start discussing the visit days ahead of time, and talk about the appointment in a positive way. Be excited about the experience. Explain all the good things they will do there and discuss why it is important to go. Never mention negative words like “shots,” “needles,” “fear” or “pain.”

It’s your turn to smile.

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Enroll with Delta Dental, the dental insurance experts, and let us put a smile on your face.

DeltaDentalAR.com • 800-814-3451 NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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KNOW WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS BRACES Braces are a common rite of passage for kids and adolescents seeking a perfect smile. While aesthetics are often the main reason for getting braces, there are many dental issues that braces can correct. There are some relatively new advancements in the world of braces that can treat the problem while almost being invisible.

Why Braces Are Needed?

Getting braces for cosmetic reasons can help improve appearance and boost self-esteem, but there are several serious problems and issues that braces are needed to fix. Braces help ensure proper jaw growth and alignment, and create space for proper tooth eruption.

Wearing braces can help prevent wear to teeth that could cause future gum and dental problems, leading to other costly dental treatments. Braces also help improve dental hygiene, which contributes to overall dental health.

How to Know If a Child Needs Braces In the past, it was recommended that children needed all of their permanent teeth before getting braces. But, now orthodontists say that’s no longer the case and recommend seeing a child around age 7, when the teeth have developed enough to spot problems in jaw growth and emerging teeth. Many of these problems are easier to correct if caught early.

Parents should be on the lookout for anything that looks abnormal with their child’s teeth, but some of these problems can be difficult to spot with the untrained eye. Some signs that can alert parents that an orthodontist visit is needed include: • Teeth not emerging properly – early or late loss of baby teeth • Crowded or blocked-out teeth • Space between teeth • Anything that looks asymmetrical, including facial appearance • Jaws that fall too far forward or back • Grinding or clenching teeth • Thumb sucking • Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet or meet abnormally • Children who are self-conscious of their teeth or complain about being teased

42 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

What Are the Options for Braces?

Sometimes expanders may be used as a Phase I treatment prior to a child getting braces. Expanders can increase the space for crowded teeth and correct any early jaw growth problems.

While traditional braces, with brackets made of stainless steel, are still common, many orthodontists are moving toward ceramic brackets, which are much less noticeable because they blend in with tooth enamel. Besides the aesthetics of the brackets, the braces work the same. And, some kids still enjoy adding colorful bands to their tooth-colored braces.

Clear aligners are another method for straightening the teeth. Invisalign is a popular brand of clear aligners and is available for adults and teens, who wear a series of aligners. While traditional and ceramic braces can be worn by children with a combination of baby and permanent teeth, clear aligners are only available for those patients with all permanent teeth present.

What to Expect When Wearing Braces The length of time that a child needs to wear braces can vary based on the severity of dental health issues. However, two years is a common timeframe.

After the braces come off, retainers are necessary to keep teeth in their corrected position.

To have the best result with braces, it is important that patients keep their teeth clean, avoid foods and habits which break he braces, keep their orthodontic appointments (usually scheduled for every six to eight weeks) and follow treatment instructions. Working together with the orthodontic team will ensure that a patient receives a beautiful, healthy smile which will last a lifetime.

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What Does the First Orthodontist Visit Entail?

Many patients are referred to an orthodontist by their family dentist. But, parents seeking orthodontic care for their child on their own should evaluate the orthodontist’s qualifications and training and ensure that the provider is a licensed orthodontic specialist.

Visiting an orthodontist for the first time may be a little scary for little ones. Parents should take care not to pass along their own fears and phobias about visiting the orthodontist to their child.

The first visit includes a dental and facial exam, along with any necessary x-rays. An evaluation will be made of dental crowding which could adversely

affect proper tooth eruption. Also, jaw growth and bite relationship will be evaluated. The orthodontist will develop a treatment plan, including length of treatment, costs and payment options.

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KNOW WHEN TO SEEK URGENT CARE When a child is sick or injured, parents often wonder what to do: make a doctor’s appoint, visit the emergency room or care for them at home. Another option is an urgent care facility, which is the place to go for illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening. Understanding how these facilities work and the kinds of treatment they provide can give parents another option when seeking care for themselves or their children.

What is the Difference between Urgent Care and Emergency Care?

Urgent care facilities treat patients of all ages with episodic injury and illness that is not life-threatening or limb-threatening. These facilities are open seven days a week during nontraditional hours. They also treat walk-ins without long waits (no appointments are needed) and provide an alternative when patients can’t get a timely appointment with their primary doctor. Many types of insurance are accepted, but patients may also self-pay.

Many doctors agree that individuals often go to the emergency room for conditions that are not life-threatening when urgent care facilities could offer treatment. However, for more serious injuries or illnesses, like chest pains or shortness of breath, individuals should visit the emergency room.

If a higher level of care is needed, urgent care doctors will refer patients to the emergency room.

What Does Urgent Care Provide?

When a child is sick or gets hurt, parents seek out the best treatment possible. Doctors say the public is often very good at evaluating the

seriousness of illnesses and injuries, and determining what type of care is needed. But, when parents are unsure, getting a child seen by a doctor provides peace of mind.

Urgent care facilities are staffed with physicians who are board certified in emergency medicine and provide an array of services.

In addition to a full exam, doctors at urgent care provide x-rays, IV fluids and medications, flu shots, lab work and stitches. Other services provided include treating broken bones/fractures, sprains, sinus infections, wounds and minor burns, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, coughs and more. Physicals for schools, sports and pre-employment, and occupational health services, like drug testing, are also provided.

When Should We Seek Urgent Care?

Parents know their children better than anyone, so if something with the child doesn’t seem right, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

A fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and over) in children older than three months is a good reason to seek urgent care. However, doctors recommend visiting the emergency room if the child with a fever is under three months.

This is because their immune systems are not fully developed.

Gastrointestinal problems are other reasons when urgent care is needed, especially if the child has persistent diarrhea or vomiting, or parents suspect dehydration. Some early signs of dehydration in children include lack of urination and crying without tears.

Sports-related injuries and orthopedic issues, as well as cough, congestion, sore throat and earaches are other common reasons to visit an urgent care facility.

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Near or Far Adoptions around the world

By Lisa Lakey

46 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Whether a family chooses to go about their adoption domestically or internationally, there are several things to keep in mind. Each family’s circumstances and needs are as unique as each child.

“However a family chooses to adopt, whether it is international adoption or domestic adoption, each has its own advantages,” Alls says. “Each family must choose which process fits their family the best. I don’t believe there is a ‘better’ or ‘best’ choice when adopting.”

Crunching numbers It comes as no surprise that international adoption comes with at a hefty price. But it may surprise some to find out that domestic adoption can be just as pricey. The fees for adoption include the processing of many documents, home studies, travel costs and orphanage fees in some international cases to name a few. Domestic adoption fees may also include money paid to the birth mother as well as medical expenses.

Adoptions can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on country and several other factors. The average cost tends to fall between $25,000 and $30,000, an amount most adoptive parents don’t have readily available. Once the adoption is finalized, parents are eligible for up to a nearly $13,000 credit through the Federal Adoption Tax Credit.

Additionally, your agency should work with you on finding ways to make adoption affordable, including the possibility of grants and low to no interest loans. Adoptions through DHS/DCFS are the exception to the high cost of adopting. As a public adoption agency, no fees are charged for applications or placements. Most legal fees can be covered through subsidies for eligible children, especially those considered with special needs.

“A child with special needs is defined as a child who is free for adoption and belongs to a group of children for whom the division does not have an

Photo submitted by Jason and Scarlett Hill

Since bringing Ethan home in 1999, Jennifer Bartsch has had the following words framed as a reminder to her adopted son: “Precious child, chosen son, while not of my flesh, you were born not under my heart but in it.”

As any adoptive family knows, being a parent is about so much more than matching DNA. According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, there are an estimated 153 million orphans worldwide. That’s 153 million children waiting for a family.

The decision to adopt is life changing. It may be one that just always seemed inevitable. It may be a decision that came from years of struggle. However parents come to it, once the decision to adopt has been made, they are faced with a period of even more decisions: agencies, lawyers, age and race of child, and the list goes on. One of the first issues at hand is from where to adopt.

Domestic or international?

“Every child deserves a family. Period,” says Kimberly Alls, director of adoption at Dillon International in North Little Rock. “The reasons families choose a particular type of adoption or select a particular program are as varied as the families themselves.”

From the start, Jason and Scarlett Hill knew they would adopt internationally. Always wanting a large family, it wasn’t until they attended a concert of known adoption advocate and Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman that adoption became clear.

“Our biological children, Hannah and Noah, were ages 7 and 3,” Scarlett Hill says. “When we saw this video, we knew that we were to adopt. We felt from the beginning that it was to be an international adoption. So we never really explored going through a domestic adoption process.”

The Hill family have since brought home now 6-year-old Dillon from Vietnam and 7-year-old Autumn from China. While their decision to go abroad never really was a question, other families may feel a greater need to adopt within the United States. For Jennifer and Tom Bartsch, who adopted Ethan as a newborn, they never felt the need to pick just one path toward finding their son.

“It just happened to be local,” Jennifer says.

“But we also were looking internationally. We weren’t limiting ourselves to certain circles. The adoption world is a huge world.”

Parents looking to expand or begin their families don’t have to go through agencies, either.

Many toddlers and older children are in foster care or group homes. According to Marilyn CarterCounts, administrator of adoptions at the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services (DHS/DCFS), there are approximately 650 children currently awaiting adoption in the state.

“Families adopting from the foster care system may feel a calling to provide a permanent home for these children,” she says. “They may be their foster parents and have developed an attachment to the children and the children with them. Also, some may be relatives of the children who first learned about The Hill family them after parental rights have been terminated.”

adequate resource of approved applicants,� Carter-Counts says.

Producing a New Generation of Christian Leaders

Patience is a virtue Wait times can vary no matter what path is chosen. Parents adopting domestically, internationally and through DHS/DCFS can wait from months to years before bringing their child home. Waiting for a child may be one of the most frustrating and discouraging processes to experience. “You get frustrated but you also have to keep in mind, don’t ever give up,� says Bartsch. “Eventually the time will be right and that child will be the perfect one that will complete your home. Don’t ever get discouraged by stumbling blocks along the way.�

Wait time is also a contributing factor as to why newborn and infant adoptions are mostly only available in private domestic adoptions. The Hill family experienced this after being matched with their son Dillon in 2007. “We received our referral in December of a 3-month-old baby boy,� Hill says. “Our agency was wonderful in sending us pictures every month and updates.

We did not get to travel to bring him home until October 2008.�

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Expect the unexpected “Families entering into any type of adoption need to keep an attitude of flexibility and prepare for the possibility of unexpected changes throughout their process,� Alls says. “Because inter-country adoption involves paperwork and procedures in two countries families should be all the more mentally prepared for potential bumps in the road.�

But sometimes a “bump� can be devastating. In addition to the mentally and emotionally exhausting game of waiting, sometimes families can experienced failed adoptions. Bartsch and her husband didn’t give up on their dream of raising a child together when they had to return a 2-year-old boy placed with them. “We had a little boy that was with us for three days and the birth mother came back,� she says. “But in that time I couldn’t have loved him more. I was more determined at that point than ever before.�

While these “bumps� may lengthen the arrival time of a child to their new family, most are because of a complicated process that ensures a child will be with the family forever. “There was a surprise with Dillon’s adoption toward the end,� Hill says of her experience with her first adoption. “We were within weeks of traveling and found out the government [in Vietnam] was requiring DNA testing of child and birth mom. Which is really a great relief to show transparency, making sure children weren’t being taken away or sold from their birth parents.

This added on two months to our adoption.�

Whatever path is ultimately The Bartsch family chosen, it won’t likely be smooth and it will be full of surprises or “bumps� good and bad. Adoptions are filled with every emotion available and require much of the adopting family. But in the end, it will be more than worth every tear and heartache when that one in 153 million finds a forever home.

Ethan Bartsch, now 14, knows what it means to be “born not under my heart but in it.� Asked for a school assignment to write what his greatest gift was. He wrote “being adopted.�

For more information or to schedule a personal tour, please call 501.225.0068 or visit agapeacademyonline.org

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The Mason family

Adding a new dimension with adoption

By Lisa Lakey

When Aamie and David Mason were planning the trip to Ethiopia to bring new daughter, Kimee, home they did everything they could to prepare their family for the change. Aamie had previously worked with domestic adoptions and women in pregnancy crisis situations. The couple had cared for children awaiting adoptions with their two biological daughters, Ashlyn and Laura Kate, so their own adoption seemed a natural fit.

“Even with all the education and scenarios provided by the adoption agency, we were still not fully prepared for the blending of another child into our family,” David Mason says. “We were blending another child from a different race, skin color and language. Since Kimee was four years old already, she came with a fully developed personality and demeanor that impacted the flow of our home.”

He says that bringing his daughter home added a “whole new dimension to our family.”

Scotty Smittle, clinical director for Chenal Family Therapy in Conway, says when you already have children at home, any time you add a new family member, you are likely to have feelings of displacement or replacement.

“I think one way to deal with that is to prep them by going through the steps of what is going to happen, very specifically, so they can be prepared. Also, it’s worthwhile to establish some sort of personal space for the child that is already in 48 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

the home. That way when the child feels like someone is coming in and invading their space, there’s one special place that they can’t invade.”

Smittle says it is also a good step to prepare extended family that will be a part of the adopted child’s life. Getting a feel for how family will respond to the child will help when needed to set clear boundaries. It is also best to know how you plan to handle other people’s prejudices. Something Mason considered when speaking with his family about the adoption.

“We tried to take time to prepare our extended families for the reality of adoption,” Mason says. “The topic discussed most with our families was that of race.

Adopting a dark-skinned child from a little understood culture made all of us question our prejudices and preconceived ideas of what a white, Southern American family should look like and how we should behave.”

One of the most common issues newly adoptive parents face is that of their own relationship with their child. Smittle says parents need to understand they may not feel an immediate bond with the child and that is OK. “The biggest thing is for parents to give themselves a break,” he says. “Because they know it’s going to be hard. They need to prepare for that. They need to not take it personally if they don’t feel that connection right off the bat. Because that’s common. If they’re willing to accept that and not personalize that they can actu-

Photos by Ashley Starr Thompson

Family Ties

ally do more good for themselves and the child.”

With a strong support base of other adoptive families and their families, the Masons have enjoyed three years now since bringing Kimee home. But they know that each day can bring a new set of challenges and they will handle each as it comes.

“We realize that with all our children, there are uncertainties about the future and we will continue to ‘blend’ for the rest of our Kimee Mason lives,” Mason says. “Aamie and I learned to value our time together as husband and wife even more as we prayed together and planned for our family. Adoption is not easy but it is very rewarding for the families and for the child.”

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

Hope for all Children Older adopted children can come with a unique set of needs and challenges. Often, these children have been placed in multiple families and can have development issues such as attachment disorders.

“The problem is you have a child that was not accepted or could not be accepted into their biological family and now they’re being told ‘you can’t be accepted into this family either,’ which tends to start a negative cycle,” says Scotty Smittle, clinical director for Chenal Family Therapy in Conway.

He says parents of these children need an environment in which they can state their feelings without judgment.

“It’s tricky,” he says. “‘Do I put this child back up for adoption and put them into that potentially harmful process or do I keep them here and risk hurting my family?’ It’s extremely difficult. I don’t think there’s one answer to every issue.”

Parents can look to their adoptive agency or their county Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services. With professional help, Smittle says, there is still hope for these children and their adoptive families. They can feel whole again.

But the main issue is preventing the cycle in the first place. The Arkansas Safe Babies Court Team, a partnership through Pulaski County and Zero to Three, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing early development, aims to do just that.

“That’s basically their goal,” Smittle says. “If a child gets removed from a home early on before the age of 3, we work to try to either rehabilitate the parent or find them an adoptive family where their first placement can be their last placement. We’re trying to get away from this whole bouncing around because it obviously doesn’t work. “ For more information on Safe Babies Court Teams, visit ZeroToThree.org.

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Pop Topics

Nobody told me this stuff:

Maybe Your Parents Are Acutally Right By robert bell

By Robert Bell • ILLUSTRATION BY BRYAN MOaTS

My mom has a few expressions she’s fond of repeating whenever the opportunity arises. For instance, any time she forgets something, or goofs up somehow, she’ll make a funny face and say, “Insanity is inherited… You get it from your children.”

Ever the comedian, she likewise never passes up a chance to recount some humorously embarrassing story about me, no matter how tangential the connection to the topic at hand. You could be discussing, oh, I don’t know, let’s say, maybe how Mikhail Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika policies hastened the demise of the Soviet Union through increased transparency, and how totalitarian governments can’t last forever in the face of an informed populace. That would cue my mom to chime in about the time we were at the grocery store when I was five and asked an old man with a prominent birthmark on his head if he was related to Gorbachev. And trust me, she’s got a million of ’em, one or two for any occasion.

To be fair, my dad was also party to this practice, though my mom always seemed to savor it more.

These are but two examples of the ways my parents seemed like alien beings to me. Growing up, there weren’t too many things they did that made sense. Summer school just because I failed Algebra I? Pfft… totally unfair and uncalled for.

Stick it out playing in the junior high band even though all my friends are playing football? No chance. Put my first real paycheck in the bank instead of spending it on who knows what unnecessary contrivance? Yeah right.

Obviously, my assessment of those things changed as I got older, and I’ve now long understand why they always pressed me to do well in school, to follow through with the projects I’d started and to save money for a rainy day.

But now that I have a child of my own, some of the other things they did — the cornball witticisms, the recounting of embarrassing stories — those are starting to make a bit more sense to me now as well.

Because even though those hokey bumper sticker phrases are, well, hokey bumper sticker phrases, they’re no less true because of it. Insanity is inherited, and you do get it from your children. I’m beginning to see how cleaning up after someone else and taking care of them and trying to get them to eat and having them scream in your ear and fight you tooth and nail to keep from putting on some dang shoes or brushing their teeth and on and 50 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

on and on for years and years can drive you totally bonkers. Parents are weirdos because raising children is a borderline traumatic experience. You aren’t gonna come out of the other side of this thing the same cool, reserved dude you were at the beginning of it.

And all those embarrassing stories repeated to friends, relatives and strangers ad nauseum for the rest of your natural life? Well, that’s the price you pay for inflicting several years’ worth of grief on someone who really just loves you more than anything and only wants the best for you even though you just can’t figure them out.

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Eats & Treats

INSPIRING LITTLE LOCAVORES The Root Café has tasty food in a kid-friendly space Story and Photos by Daniel Walker When The Root opened in the summer of 2011, it represented one of the first establishments to fully embrace the local food movement already sweeping the country. Customers soon realized, however, that at The Root, “eating local” was more than simply a charming philosophy; it meant exceptional quality and some seriously tasty food. The Root supports a long list of local farms, dairies, and bakeries—not only because they strive to build their community, but also because these places provide some of the finest produce, cheeses, breads and meats available in Arkansas.

Parents looking to put something a little better on their child’s plate will find that The Root is a perfect place for their family. Owners Jack and Corri Sundell have made it a point to provide a bright, cheery, casual environment that welcomes eaters of all ages, ensuring that children enjoy their experience at the small South Main Street café just as much as their adult counterparts.

What makes The Root such a fantastic place for families? It’s more than just great food. It’s a small restaurant, with a good number of tables outside, on their porch and inside their small garden, ideal for kids who sometimes struggle with their inside voices. To keep children entertained while parents enjoy their meals, the restaurant has several small wicker baskets filled with toys and games. Toy cars, building blocks, crayons and coloring books and even a handful of board games are available for families who really want to take their time and enjoy the afternoon. Outside in the garden, children can frolic among the flowers and color on the rocks and stepping stones with sidewalk chalk.

Then, there’s the food.

Weekend breakfast is one of my family’s favorite times to sit down together and enjoy an unrushed meal. No one does breakfast better than The Root.

Most kids are big fans of pancakes and those offered here are some of the best in Little Rock—three thick, warm buttermilk hot cakes, with real maple syrup and whipped butter. Their biscuit sandwiches should not be missed either—

THE ROOT CAFÉ 1500 S. Main St., Little Rock (501) 414-0423 www.therootcafe.com

52 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

they put other inferior fast food options to shame. Here you’ll find a fresh, homemade biscuit—light and flaky—topped with freshly-ground sausage or smoked ham, a farm-fresh egg and locally-sourced cheddar. And, for a sweet morning treat, The Root’s popular “donut muffin” (with cinnamon and nutmeg and rolled in sugar) is always sure to please. Your family will never want to grab their morning grub from a drive-thru ever again.

Lunch at The Root is equally impressive and provides a number of satisfying kid-friendly menu items. Their “Everyday Dirt” sandwich is a mix of smooth peanut butter, cream cheese and homemade muscadine jelly on toasted Boulevard Bread Co. bread—and believe me, it’s no ordinary PB&J. They do a wonderful grilled cheese sandwich with Wisconsin Swiss or local Honeysuckle Lane yellow cheddar—so good, it’s incredibly hard for parents to keep their hands off (don’t worry, there’s also a larger, adult-sized version available).

Kids are always fans of French fries, and The Root’s are some of the finest in town. Theirs are thick-cut, lightly fried and come out much less greasy, but more flavorful, than what you might find at a fast food joint. And of course, the burgers are sure to be enjoyed by everyone in the family—thick, juicy and ground fresh in house.

The South Main Street neighborhood continues to blossom with time and it’s now one of the most family-friendly sections of Little Rock. When the weather’s favorable, a family could happily spend hours in this part of town enjoying great bakeries and sweets, ice cream, strolls through Bernice Garden, unique shops and some of the finest eats in town at The Root.

Daniel Walker is a resident physician in dermatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a freelance food writer and blogger for the Arkansas Times. He and his wife have two kids, Max and Vivian, and live in Little Rock.

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| 53

Photos Courtesy of Ballet Arkansas

Savvy arts

Raising the Barre for Arkansas’s Young Dancers

By Lisa Lakey It’s not every day that young dancers have the opportunity to work alongside professional dancers and some of the best choreographers in the region. But that’s just one way Ballet Arkansas is raising the barre for Arkansas’s young ballet artists.

“Students who are accepted into the Ballet Arkansas Youth Division have the opportunity to take classes with the professional company,” says Lauren Strother, executive director. “It gives them someone to look up to. They don’t have to go to New York or Dallas; they can see people making this a career right here in Arkansas. It really gives them a perspective on what they would need to make a career out of this.”

Young dancers from schools throughout the state are welcome to audition for the Ballet Arkansas Youth Division. Auditions are held annually in August for those 13 or older as of September 1. The 2013 Division boasts 16 of Arkansas’s top young dancers. Dancers train on Saturdays with the company professionals and Ballet Arkansas choreographers. Strother says it gives the youth an opportunity to get additional training while providing opportunities to perform as ballet artists.

“It provides a performance outlet,” she says. “They’re not just dancing for recitals or competition. It’s art.”

Like this year’s collaboration with the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra. The Ballet Arkansas Youth Division will perform selections from Tchai-

kovsky’s “Swan Lake” alongside the professional company later this month.

Ballet Arkansas, the state’s only professional dance company, aims to “provide world-class dance performance to Arkansans.” Featuring some of the best dancers from across the country, Ballet Arkansas also offers workshops throughout the year such as the Master Class Series to reach out to community dancers and give them the opportunity to take instruction from “worldclass teachers and choreographers in the dance industry,” Strother says.

While they will have to wait for their chance to audition for the Youth Division, even the youngest of dancers are invited to audition for the roles of Clara, party children, angels, bonbons, mice soldiers and other parts in the annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Auditions are held each August and are open to anyone. Tiny dancers can also partake in dance camps that are held each summer for students as young as 5 years old.

“Parents and teachers make a powerful difference in how children think and take in the world around them,” Strother says. “Encouraging exposure to art, music, dance, theater and literature at an early age will aid in the development of a lifelong appreciation of the arts and ultimately will enhance a child’s curiosity, imagination and creativity.”

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

Ballet Arkansas Performances & Events S elections from “Swan Lake,” featuring the Ballet Arkansas Youth Division with the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra – November 22 at the Albert Pike Memorial Temple in Little Rock

The Nutcracker Tea – November 24 at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs The Nutcracker Tea – December 8 at The Capital Hotel in Little Rock “The Nutcracker” – December 13-15, with student matinee performances December 12 & 13, at Robinson Center Music Hall For a full list of performances and events or to order tickets, visit BalletArkansas.org.

54 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

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501.234.2000 NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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kids eat free Below is a listing of locations and days in which kids, 12 and under, can eat free with a paid adult (unless otherwise noted).

EVERY DAY

KIDS EAT FREE!

CICI’S PIZZA Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

Conway: 1250 Old Morrilton Hwy, (501) 764-0600 Hot Springs: 3321 Central Ave., (501) 321-2400 Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Drive, (501) 241-2224 N. Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village, (501) 753-1182 GOLDEN CORRAL Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 JJ’S GRILL Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. All day. Kids 12 and under.

Conway: 1010 Main St., (501) 336-1000 LARRY’S PIZZA Ages 4 and under.

Bryant: 4500 Hwy 5 North, (501) 847-5003 Cabot: 2798 South Second St., (501) 843-7992 Conway: 1068 Markhan, (501) 329-3131 Little Rock: 1122 S. Center St., (501) 372-6004; 12911 Cantrell Road, (501) 224-8804; 801 S. Bowman, (501) 400-8260 N. Little Rock: 5933 JFK Blvd., (501) 812-5353 SAN FRANCISCO BREAD One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, after 5 p.m.

Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., (501) 525-7322 ZAXBY’S One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. 5 p.m. to close.

Dine in only.

Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Road, (501) 241-0546 Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Drive, (501) 851-9777 Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Road, (501) 833-9777

MONDAY

AMERICAN PIE PIZZA Kids eat free after 4 p.m.

Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Road, (501) 225-1900 Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 758-8800 N. Little Rock: 4830 North Hills Blvd., (501) 753-0081 CHICK-FIL-A First Monday of each month N. Little Rock: 4320 McCain Blvd., (501) 945-1818 GUSANO’S CHICAGO-STYLE PIZZERIA Kids’ Night for 12 and under. 8” pepperoni or cheese pizzas are $1.99.

Conway: 2915 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-1100 Little Rock: 313 President Clinton Ave., (501) 374-1441 IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457

THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL Get a free kid’s meal with a paid adult at the following restaurants located at The Promenade at Chenal: A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, The Tavern Sports Grill, Big Orange, Local Lime and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., lunch and dinner kids menu entrees only.

Kids must be 12 and under (limit 1 kids meal per each adult entrée ordered). Drinks not included. Not valid with any other discount or offer. See restaurants for details.

Little Rock: 17711 Chenal Parkway, (501) 821-5552.

SHORTY SMALL’S Up to two kids’ meals free per paying adult.

Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3344 TA MOLLY’S $1.99 kid’s meal with purchase of adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

Bryant: 206 W. Commerce St., (501) 653-2600

TUESDAY

ARKANSAS BURGER COMPANY One free kid’s meal per adult meal purchase. Dine in only, 5-9 p.m.

Little Rock: 7410 Cantrell Road, (501) 663-0600 BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased, 4 p.m. to close.

Maumelle: 115 Audubon Drive, (501) 803-3500 DENNY’S RESTAURANT Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 GOLDEN CORRAL Discounted prices for kids 12 and under, and ages 3 and under always eat free.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 MOOYAH BURGERS One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

Little Rock: 14810 Cantrell Road, (501) 868-1091 PIZZA HUT 5-8 p.m., dine in only Little Rock: 11410 W. Markham St., (501) 228-7000 STROMBOLI’S One free kid’s meal (12 and under) per adult meal purchased at regular price. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Conway: 605 Salem Road, (501) 327-3700

WEDNESDAY

IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457

If you know of other places with a kids eat free or discounted kids meals, let us know! Call (501) 375-2985 or email ericasweeney@arktimes.com.

56 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

ZAXBY’S One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased.

Bryant: 2207 N. Reynolds Road, (501) 847-3800 (ages 10 and under) Cabot: 2215 W. Main St., (501) 941-2601 (ages 12 and under) Conway: 3800 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-5000 (ages 12 and under)

THURSDAY

CAPTAIN D’S Benton: 1419 Military Road, (501) 778-7909 Jacksonville: 1109 W. Main St., (501) 982-3330 Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Road, (501) 568-6244 N. Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., (501) 758-5144 MEXICO CHIQUITO One free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 12 and under. Dine in only.

Conway: 1135 Skyline Drive, (501) 205-1985 Jacksonville: 1524 W. Main St., (501) 982-0533 Little Rock: 13924 Cantrell, (501) 217-0700; 11406 W. Markham, (501) 217-0647 N. Little Rock: 4511 Camp Robinson, (501) 771-1604 MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 4 p.m. to close. One free kid’s meal with paid adult meal.

Bryant: 7409 Alcoa Road, (501) 778-3111 Conway: 625 Salem Road, (501) 336-6500 Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy, (501) 223-3378 N. Little Rock: 4834 North Hills Blvd., (501) 812-5577

SATURDAY

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 DENNY’S RESTAURANT Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 DIXIE CAFÉ $1.99 kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids 12 and under.

Little Rock: 1301 Rebsamen Park Road, (501) 663-9336; 10700 Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3728; 10011 Interstate 30, (501) 568-6444 North Little Rock: 2724 Lakewood Village Pl., (501) 758-4777 Cabot: 302 S. Rockwood, (501) 843-1700 Conway: 1101 Fendley Drive, (501) 327-4777 LUBY’S CAFETERIA Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, (501) 219-1567

SUNDAY

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 CORKY’S Kid’s meals are half off, 4 p.m. to close Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Drive, (501) 954-7427

TesT y ur flu iq

True False

A special supplement from: NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

| 57

Test your flu iq

Dear Arkansans, It’s f lu season again, and every year we see some of the same concerns coming back around: the f lu shot gave me the f lu; the f lu is not very serious; f lu vaccines are dangerous; and there’s no real reason for me to worry about the f lu, just to name a few. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) wants to help set the record straight on these and some other myths about the f lu. We want to help provide you with all the resources you need to protect yourself and your family from the number eight cause of death in the country every year, the seasonal f lu. With that in mind, we have prepared this guide to better health during this year’s f lu season.

Gary Wheeler, MD

Seasonal influenza is a very serious illness, and an average of 23,600 people die every year of complications from the flu. No matter how healthy you are, you can catch the flu, because it is a very contagious respiratory virus. But some people face a much greater risk of the complications that lead to hospitalization and death.

That’s why it is so important for everyone to get a flu shot this year and every year.

If we can reduce the total number of cases of the flu in the community, we can protect those who are at great risk: the elderly, children under five (especially those under two), pregnant women, those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disorders and certain other groups.

...an average of 23,600 people die every year of complications from the flu.

Contents 3 Is the Flu Vaccine Safe?

4 Who is At Risk for the Flu? 6 How Do I Treat My Family if Someone Gets the Flu? 6 Warning Signs 7 The Flu & Pregnancy 7 The Flu & Smoking 8 How Do I Protect Myself From Getting the Flu? 8 The Three C’s

There is almost no medical reason not to get a flu shot—the benefits far outweigh any risks that are possible, and the vaccine is widely available.

Your local ADH county health unit will have a supply for you and your family, and there are many other places that can also provide flu vaccine— big retailers, pharmacies and even grocery stores are now offering flu vaccine.

I hope that you will spend some time improving your Flu IQ, and helping us Fight the Flu this year in Arkansas!

healthy.arkansas.gov

Gary Wheeler, MD Branch Chief, Infectious Disease Arkansas Department of Health

2

A special supplement from the 58 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Arkansas department of health

Follow us!

Test your flu iq

IS The FLU VaccINe SaFe? Over the years, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have safely received seasonal flu vaccines.

Over the last 50 years, f lu vaccines have been shown to be safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hold vaccines to the highest performance and safety standards.

There are two types of flu vaccine: the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine.

TRUE

OR

FALSE

Until recently, the vaccine was only available as a shot. The nasal spray was approved for seasonal influenza viruses in 2003, and tens of millions of doses of the nasal spray have been given in the United States. Nasal spray is recommended for use in healthy people 2 years through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

You cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

There are very few medical reasons not to get the flu vaccine. They include life threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis to a previous dose of flu vaccine, serious allergy to eggs, or Guillain-Barré syndrome. People with a non-life threatening egg allergy may be vaccinated with specialized eggfree vaccines or may need to see a doctor specializing in allergies.

While it may cause mild side effects, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.

Who Should NOT Receive the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?

True:

that places them at higher risk for complications from influenza, including

history of recurrent wheezing; •

those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive

Certain people should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine. This includes:

children or adolescents receiving aspirin therapy;

•

people who have had Guillain-Barré

airways disease; people with medical

syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder of

conditions such as diabetes or kidney

the nervous system, within 6 weeks of

failure; or people with illnesses that

getting a flu vaccine,

•

people younger than 2 years of age;

weaken the immune system, or who

•

pregnant women;

take medications that can weaken the

hens’ eggs. Those persons may be

•

people 50 years of age and older;

immune system;

vaccinated but need to see a doctor

•

people with a medical condition

children younger than 5 years old with a

specializing in allergies.

•

•

people who have a severe allergy to

A special supplement from the NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS | 59 Arkansas department of health

3

Test your flu iq

Who is mosT AT Risk foR flu complicATions?

Those most at risk for complications from the seasonal flu are: •

metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus); •

Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV;

•

People younger than 19 years of age who get long-term aspirin therapy, because of an increased risk for Reye’s Syndrome.

children aged 6 months through 4 years, however, the risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old;

•

people 50 years or older;

•

pregnant women;

•

adults and children aged 2 years and older with chronic lung (including asthma) or heart disease

•

liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or

Those that live with or care for individuals that are at high risk for flu-related complications should be vaccinated and include: •

members and caregivers of infants under the age of 6 months;

adults and children 2 years and older with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases,

•

•

people in nursing homes and other long-term care

household contacts (including children), caregivers of children up to age 4 and adults aged 50 or older; and,

blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS;

health care workers involved in hands-on care to patients and household

•

household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from flu.

facilities; •

people with chronic pulmonary (including asthma, even if mild), cardiovascular (except hypertension), kidney, Show them you really care about them: get your f lu shot

TRUE

OR

FALSE

Only older people need a flu shot.

False:

60 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Everyone over 6 months of age needs vaccine.

Test your flu iq

What is the seasonal flu?

TRUE

OR

FALSE

You can have the flu and not have any symptoms.

TRUE:

Those infected with the flu virus are contagious to others even before they develop symptoms of flu. Up to 25 percent of those infected with flu may not have any symptoms at all.

Seasonal flu is a disease that causes mild to severe illness. Each year in the United States, there are 25-50 million infections, over 200,000 hospitalizations and roughly 23,600 deaths due to flu. Over 90 percent of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in people older than 65.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Fever greater than 100 degrees, coughing, sore throat, chills, headache and body aches, fatigue, respiratory congestion, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.

People experiencing these symptoms should contact their physician.

What is the best way not to get the flu?

A) The best way to stop the spread of flu is to get the flu vaccine each year. The vaccine takes one to two weeks to start working and is the best protection in preventing the flu. The flu vaccine will not give you the flu! It helps protect you against the flu virus.

B) Also, remember to wash your hands and avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

Who should get flu vaccine?

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should get the flu vaccine each year.

A special supplement from the NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS | 61 Arkansas department of health

5

Test your flu iq

hoW do i treat My faMily if soMeone gets the flU? •

TRUE

FALSE

I can give aspirin to my teenager if he has the flu. false:

People with respiratory illness should stay home from work

Kids 18 years of age or younger who have the

or school to avoid spreading infections, including flu, to

flu SHOULD NOT take aspirin but can take

others in the community.

•

OR

acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Cough into your arm and avoid physical contact with others to limit spread of infection.

•

flU & PregnanCy

People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. Drugs may be prescribed for suspected flu that can reduce the severity of illness if taken within 48 hours after symptoms begin.

•

Children 18 years of age or younger who are ill with flu should

!

not take aspirin, but can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Follow your doctor’s advice.

Warning signs seek Urgent Medical attention for Children when a Child has these symptoms:

•

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

•

Bluish skin color

•

Not drinking enough fluids

•

Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry

•

Not waking up or not interacting

•

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

•

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

•

A fever with a rash

•

Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

6

seek Urgent Medical attention for adults when an adUlt has these symptoms:

•

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

•

Sudden dizziness

•

Confusion

•

Severe or persistent vomiting

•

Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing and absence of urination

•

Purple or blue discoloration of the lips

•

Seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)

A special supplement from the 62 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Arkansas department of health

Test your flu iq

TRUE

OR

FALSE

The flu vaccine cannot cause autism. true:

The vaccine is safe and none of the flu vaccine at the Health Department contains mercury.

TRUE

OR

FALSE

A flu shot will decrease the chances of both a pregnant woman and her baby of dying from the flu by over 50% (and it almost always keeps mom and baby from catching the flu). true:

•

•

If you smoke, the risk of getting the flu

Flu vaccine given by shot

The shot has been

is a safe way to protect

recommended for

you and your unborn

pregnant women for

baby from serious illness

many years.

and complications of flu.

•

•

The flu shot can be

When pregnant women

given at any time while

get flu shots, both

you are pregnant.

mothers and their babies

•

increases.

•

Remember to get your flu shot, you are getting it for two.

•

The vaccine will prevent a pregnant woman from getting the flu and will protect the child for a period of time after birth.

Flu & Smoking

i Spy a baby, how about you?

•

The flu shot is safe

get the flu less often.

for women who plan

Flu vaccination may even

to breastfeed and the

help protect your baby

vaccine can be given

from the flu after your

to mothers who are

baby is born.

breastfeeding.

Flu shots are safe for

•

Talk to your doctor about

pregnant women and

flu vaccination during

their unborn babies.

pregnancy.

•

If you smoke, a flu vaccine can reduce the chance of complications.

If you smoke and get the flu, you are more likely to have complications.

A special supplement from the NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS | 63 Arkansas department of health

7

Test your flu iq

How Do I Protect Myself froM GettInG tHe flu?

The main way that f lu viruses are thought to spread is from person to person when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.

Flu viruses may also be spread when a person touches the droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.

take Actions to stay Healthy •

Get the seasonal flu vaccine each year!

•

Stay home if you are sick. You should stay home until

TRUE

without taking fever reducers. While you are sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or

false:

otherwise appear ill.

•

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

•

Wash hands frequently with warm, soapy water to lessen the spread of illness.

•

When hand washing is not possible, use an alcohol-based

FALSE

You should cover a cough with your hand to protect others.

you are feeling better and after fever is gone for 24 hours

•

OR

You should cover your cough with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow.

hand sanitizer.

RemembeR the

thRee C’s

Clean - Wash your hands often Cover - cover your cough and sneeze Contain - stay home if you are sick

Go to www.healthy.arkansas.gov for more information and call your local health unit for days and hours of operations. the flu vaccine will cost $30 or your insurance may be billed.

8

A special supplement from the 64 | SAVVY K I DS NOVEMBER 2013

Arkansas department of health

A pediatric therapy program specializing in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing and feeding disorders.

Specialized, comprehensive treatment One-on-one parent consultation and training Intensive home programming

Call us today at (501) 315-4414 for more information!

17706 I-30 Frontage Rd Ste. 4 • Benton 300 S. Rodney Parham Ste. 12 • Little Rock

STUDIO1

www.kidsourcetherapy.com

P H O T O G R A P H Y

501.650.1806

contact@studio-1-photo.com

Join us for our Lower School Preview Days Fall Dates Wednesday, November 20th Grades 1-3

Thursday, November 21st Grades 4-6

9:00 -11:00 aM Make your reservation onlinE: www.ArkansasBaptistSchoolSystem.com or by calling 227-7070 ext. 355.

Arkansas Baptist NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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Calendar

NOVEMBER2013

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ROBOTS + US EXHIBIT AT MOD November 1-30: Meet the lifelike intelligent machines known as robots, which we have passionately created to maintain and extend our human capabilities as well as amuse us. Families and children of all ages will learn from and enjoy Robots and Us. The exhibit runs through Jan. 26, 2014. Event time: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: $10, adults; $8, kids 12 and under and seniors 60 and older; free for members. For more information, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

ACCESS CRAFT SALE November 1: ACCESS staff is hosting a craft sale to benefit the organization’s Tuition Assistance Fund. Shop for handmade jewelry, knitted hats and scarves, wreaths and more. Event time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock. For more information, visit, AccessGroupInc.org.

BREAKFAST WITH MANED WOLVES November 2: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about maned wolves. The zoo highlights several animals during its breakfast series and provides guests with a special up-closeand-personal look at some of its most interesting creatures! Seating is very limited and reservations are a must! Breakfast with Animals starts at 8 a.m. sharp! Admission: Members: Adult $16.95, Child $12.95; NonMembers: Adult $21.95, Child $16.95. For more information or to make reservations, contact 501-661-7218.

FALL FOLIAGE LAKE CRUISE November 2: Experience the beauty of a tree rainbow along the shores of nearby Lake Maumelle, with Pinnacle Mountain on the horizon. Join a park interpreter for a guided tour of these amazing colors. Don’t forget your camera; you won’t want to miss the amazing foliage of the Ouachita Mountains. Advance

november

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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payment is required. Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12. Meeting Place: Jolly Rogers Marina. For more information and to make reservations, call 501-868-5806.

PIONEER VILLAGE FALL FEST November 2 and 3: Join the fun at Pioneer Village in Searcy, a late 1800s village, to see how our ancestors lived. All village buildings are open for touring with guides in costume to answer questions.

Crafts such a wood working, blacksmithing, leather working will be demonstrated.

There is food, music, camp fire cooking, vendors with handmade items, live farm animals, local honey, sorghum, kettle corn, clogging, Civil War rein-actors, pioneer toys, games for children and much more. Event time: Saturday at 10 a.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. Location: 1200 Higginson, Searcy. Call 501-580-6633 for details.

37TH ANNUAL CARTI AUXILIARY FESTIVAL OF TREES November 6-9: Holiday-themed fundraiser with multiple events and activities. For more information, visit www.carti. com/carti-auxiliary-festival-of-trees/ or call 501-660-7616.

FARM FRESH WISHES November 7: Come on out for a delicious, farm fresh dinner benefiting the children of Make-A-Wish Mid-South. Event place: Arkansas Governor’s Mansion (1800 Center Street, Little Rock). Event time: 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www. midsouth.wish.org.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE SALE IN PINE BLUFF November 7-9: This DDG Children’s Consignment Event is at Pines Mall (former Stage store) in Pine Bluff. DDG presents a family consignment sale featuring lightly used children’s items at Bargain Prices!

Arkansas moms who love bargains will delight in this family, treasure hunter’s dreamland as they find children’s clothing, baby equipment, furniture, toys, and even women’s clothing. Shop and save big bucks at the DDG’s sale. Admission is FREE. Visit www.duckduckgoosesale.com for more information.

TURKEY-LYMPICS AT MOSAIC TEMPLARS CULTURAL CENTER November 9: Compete in a variety of “Turkey-lympic” events at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and get ready for the pumpkin roll. Event time: noon to 2 p.m. Free. Call 501-682-7514 for more information.

RUNWILD 5K November 9: Celebrate the beauty of autumn in the lush Chenal Valley with West Little Rock’s only point-to-point chip timed 5K. Starting at the Promenade in Chenal and winding its way through the lush Chenal Valley to Wildwood’s Swan Lake, the RunWild 5K is a chance to celebrate the changing leaves of fall and the brisk temperatures of the season. At the finish line overlooking the park’s majestic Swan Lake, racers will be invited to join the festivities as the park opens its newest trail system with an official dedication. Racing fee: $10-$25. Starting time: 8 a.m. For more information, call Wildwood Park for the Arts at 501-821-7575.

MAD LAB SATURDAY WORKSHOP November 9: This fall, 4th through 6th graders are invited to unleash their inner mad scientist at the Mid-America Science Museum’s Mad Labs! Play with your food lab is the theme. Put that leftover Halloween candy to good use and explore the science behind junk food. Lab fee: $15 for non-members, $10 for members (plus tax). RSVP by calling 501-767-3461 ext. 15 or visit www. midamericamuseum.org.

LITTLE ROCK FARE WALK FOR FOOD ALLERGY November 9: Little Rock’s first walk for food allergy will raise money and awareness of food allergies, which affect 1 in 13 children and are increasing. Arkansas Children’s Hospital is one of the few sites for food allergy research in the country.

Entertainment and a silent auction will precede the walk. Meeting place: Clinton Presidential Center. Event time: 9 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www. foodallergywalk.org.

CANDLELIGHT GALA November 9: The Historic Arkansas Museum is hosting a Candlelight Gala, celebrating 40 years of the museum’s Trinity Gallery for Arkansas Artists. The dinner and auction benefits the museum’s permanent collection. Event time: 6:30 to 11 p.m. For details or to purchase tickets, visit www. historicarkansas.org.

ASIAN FESTIVAL 2013 November 9: The Asian Festival 2013 features food, entertainment, kids’ games, door prizes, egg roll eating contest and much more! Event time: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: Woodland Heights Baptist Church (4215 Prince St., Conway). For more information call, 501-358-3868 or 501-366-7035.

IMPACT MARTIAL ARTS STUDENT PROMOTIONAL TESTING November 9: Impact Martial Arts’ students will be testing for their new rank!

This is a great way to see if martial arts is for you and your family! Visitors can watch board breaks, sparring, self defense techniques and traditional taekwondo patterns. Event time: 11 a.m. Location: 9808 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock. Call 501-224-1222 for more information.

WETLAND WALK-A-BOUT November 10: The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock hosts a Wetland Walk-a-bout from 2 to 3 p.m. every second Sunday, through November. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Arkansas River Trail and on the William E. “Bill” Clark Presidents Park Wetlands boardwalk. This half-mile guided stroll will offer opportunities to view native plants and wildlife. Discover the benefits or wetlands and explore nature downtown. For more information about this event, call 501-907-0636.

HOLIDAY HOUSE 2013 November 13-16: Come in your jammies for story time, crafts and a picture to remember this fun time with cookies and milk. Don’t miss this event! Kids will love spending time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Tickets: $8. Event time: 9 a.m. until noon.

For more information call 501-375-5557.

A ROYAL NIGHT OUT November 14: Community Connections is holding its major fundraising event, “A Royal Night Out,” at Next Level Events (1400 West Markham Str., Little Rock). “A Royal Night Out” is a festive evening with cocktails/hors d’oeuvres to raise money and awareness about free programs for children with special needs. Event time: 6:30 p.m.

There will be an after party at the end of the main event at 8 p.m. featuring the band Tragikly White. A cash bar will be available during the concert. Admission: $75 for main event or $20 for after party only. For more information, call 501-329-5459.

NATIVE FOODS November 16: American Indians from long ago ate many of the same foods you and I eat today. Join a park interpreter at Toltec Mounds in learning about traditional foods eaten by many American Indians.

After learning about the food American Indians ate, you will be able to try a variety of dishes enjoyed by American Indian cultures of the past and present. Come early before the food runs out! Admission: $3 per person, under 6 free. For more information, call 501-961-9442.

CUB SCOUT MASM PATCH DAY November 16: A special event just for Cub Scouts. Each scout will earn a unique Mid-America Science Museum patch, explore the museum and special activity stations tailored to support a variety of merit badge requirements and learn about other offerings for Cub Scouts. New to Cub Scout Day this year: Dinosaur exhibit, Mastodon Muck Citizen Science Project and Tinkering Studio. RSVP by calling 501767-3461 ext. 15 or e-mailing groups@ midamericamuseum.org.

CIVIL WAR FAMILY DAY AT OLD STATE HOUSE November 16: The Old State House Museum is hosting Civil War Family Day: Exploring the Little Rock of 1863, a living history event giving families a taste of what life in the capital city was like 150 years ago. Event time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Visit www.oldstatehouse.com for details.

ACCESS DAY AT RODNEY PARHAM TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE November 16: Enjoy your favorite Tropical Smoothie Café drinks and eats while benefitting ACCESS, a nonprofit serving individuals with language and learning disabilities.

ACCESS receives 10 percent of all sales generated between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Location: 10221 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock.

MASTERWORKS I CONCERT November 16: The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) kicks off its 2013-14 season under the baton of acclaimed Music Director Paul Haas, with the Masterworks I concert, featuring Barber’s Adagio, followed by Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major (Simon Mulligan, piano) and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major. A Creative Conversation with Maestro Haas will be held one hour prior to the concert. Event time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Walton Arts Center’s Baum Walker Hall, 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville. Visit www. sonamusic.org for ticketing information and complete season lineup.

EAST QUARRY EXPLORATION HIKE November 17: Often overlooked, the East Quarry peak is an interesting area for unique rocks, plants, history and amazing landscape views. Join us for a mildly strenuous 2.5 mile hike. Please bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes. Binoculars and cameras are recommended. Admission: Free. Event Meeting place: Pinnacle Mountain State Park visitor center. For more information, call 501-868-5806.

U.S. CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE WHISTLE-STOP TOUR November 19: The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will travel cross-country, about 4,000 miles, from Washington State’s Colville National Forest to Washington, D.C., and make one stop in Little Rock at the new Bass Pro Shops. Event time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Free. The event is hosted by Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“SHADES OF GREATNESS” CLOSING CEREMONY November 21: Join the Mosaic Tem-

plars Cultural Center for a going away party for the Negro Leagues Baseball exhibit.

Refreshments will be served. Event time: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Visit http://www.mosaictemplarscenter.com/ for details.

Thing 1 and Thing 2, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with—if he ever had his way with the story. For details visit, www.promenadechenalshopping.com.

DAZZLE DAZE November 21-23: This event will take place inside the Conway Expo Center (2505 East Oak). Girl’s Nite Out is Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Enter to win a 2014 Ford Mustang Convertible or other great prizes. $100 donation per ticket, limited to only 500 tickets!

There will be a Pajama Party with Santa Friday at 9:30 a.m., an additional ticket purchase. There a limited number of tickets for the event. Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and listen to stories from Santa, visit with the elves and have a special photo taken. For more information, call 501-5135778 or visit www.conwayregional.org.

CARTI SEARCY AUXILIARY HOLIDAY LUMINARIES November 30 and December. 1: Holiday luminaries will be placed around the White County Courthouse in Searcy to honor or memorialize loved ones. Each luminary sold will benefit the cancer patients of CARTI/Searcy. If you would like to join in this special event, please fill out the form at www.carti.com and enclose $10 per luminary and mail to the address provided.

To volunteer, please call 501-882-5341.

CAROLING IN THE CAVERNS November 23 and 24: Marvel at the beauty of astonishing formations coupled with the sounds of caroling resounding through the caverns as musicians perform your favorite old time Christmas songs. This event takes place in Mountain View. For more information, call 870-269-8068.

THE ENGINE THAT THOUGHT IT COULD November 29 – December 22: Go on an exciting journey in this classic tale of determination when it’s left up to the Little Engine to save the day. The Little Engine learns that hard work pays off even when faced with adversity. The Engine That Thought It Could is written by Alan Keith Smith and is based on the 1906 story by Reverend Charles S. Wing. Illustration by David Hohn. Event place: The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre. Admission: $10 for members, $12.50 for non-members.

Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 4 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Call 501-372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com to purchase tickets.

6TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS November 30 thru December 31: Join the Promenade at Chenal for the 6th Annual Celebration of Lights event.

There will be food, a parade, Santa Claus, and the lighting of the spectacular 26’ musically animated tree and light show. For more information visit www.chenalshopping.com.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE December 1: The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Holiday Open House is a day full of holiday cheer, with 2nd annual “Say It Ain’t Say’s” sweet potato pie contest, and craft stations for kids. Event time: 2 to 5 p.m. Free. Visit www. mosaictemplarscenter.com for more details.

MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER November 24: The ballet will take place at Robinson Center Music Hall. Enjoy a spectacular new “Dove of Peace,” where two dancers become one stunning bird, inspired by the early works of Stanislov Vlasov, original choreographer and director of Moscow Ballet’s inaugural Great Russian Nutcracker. The production also features a Christmas tree that grows to seven stories tall; falling snow and Troika-styled sleigh escorted by Russian folk characters Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden); towering hand-made silk puppets; 200 all new, lavish costumes; and nine hand-painted backdrops, all set to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s complete Nutcracker Suite score. Event time: 3 p.m. Tickets: $29.50-$70. Tickets available at any Ticketmaster location, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www. nutcracker.com.

FALL HAYRIDE AND CAMPFIRE November 30: Jostle, bounce, and laugh your way across the fields and through the woods on a guided hayride, followed by a warm campfire with stories, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Advance payment is required. Admission: $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. For more information, call Pinnacle Mountain State Park at 501-868-5806.

A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL PLAY AT THE PROMENADE November 30: Plays for a Purpose, a performing arts program that strives to give people a chance to explore their interests in the arts, while also giving to charity, will perform “A Seussified Christmas Carol” at the courtyard at the Promenade at Chenal.

Performances are 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The play will be free to the public, but donations are requested for Make-A-Wish MidSouth. “A Seussified Christmas Carol” is a whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred, to Tiny Timmy Lou Hoo, to the narrators that are NOVEMBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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SAVVY EVENTS

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Emilee Ann Turns 1!

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Photos by Patrick Jones

Emilee Anne Bullerwell of Maumelle celebrated her first birthday with friends and family in late September.

Emilee wore a big pink bow and pink polka dot outfit to celebrate! The party featured flowers and balloons designed by Fairy Tale Florals and personalized printing by Miss Em Prints. The kids enjoyed games and a bounce house in Emilee’s back yard, as well as an adorable cupcake cake from the Blue Cake Company.

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1. Emilee Ann Bullerwell 2. Aaron Eckert 3. Caroline Montague 4. Jack Saunders 5. Michael Montague 6. Hudson Seagraves 7. Jacob and Shelby Griffith 8. Sophie Saunders 9. Lilly Seagraves 10. Will and Ben Reddell

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Photo of the Month Alanah Rice, 5, and Haley Hankins, 11, of Maumelle enjoyed picking muscadines for muscadine jelly at JoAnn Norwood’s orchard on Chicot Road in Little Rock during Labor Day weekend.

Send cool snapshots of your youngsters to ericasweeney@arktimes.com. Each month we’ll publish one, so check back to see if your photo was chosen. No professional photographs, please.

Photo submitted by Angela Rice.

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Savvy science

DOES EATING TURKEY MAKE ME SLEEPY? You’ve been looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner all year — turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Mmm-mmm! But after you finish that second helping of turkey with gravy, you start to feel a little sleepy.

As your Uncle George starts to explain why eating turkey makes people so tired, you suddenly feel like curling up in front of the TV and napping until next Thanksgiving. But is gobbling up all that turkey really to blame?

THE USUAL SUSPECT: L-TRYPTOPHAN Not exactly. Here’s why: Turkey meat contains a lot of an amino acid called L-tryptophan (say: el-trip-teh-fan). Amino acids are the “building blocks” for the proteins that make up our muscles and other important parts of our bodies. (L-tryptophan is just one kind of amino acid — there are many different kinds of amino acids in the foods we eat.)

When we eat foods that contain L-tryptophan, this amino acid travels in the blood from the digestive system and later enters the brain. The brain then changes the L-tryptophan into another chemical called serotonin (say: sare-uh-toh-nin). Serotonin calms us down and helps us sleep.

But scientists now know that L-tryptophan can really only make a person tired right away if it is eaten or taken by itself without any amino acids. And the protein in turkey contains plenty of other amino acids!

BLAME IT ON BLOOD FLOW Most scientists think that there’s a different reason why eating a special meal might make you drowsy. Eating a big Thanksgiving dinner causes increased blood flow to the stomach (needed to help digest the meal) and less blood flow to the brain.

AVOIDING DROWSINESS So just how do you avoid that sleepy feeling on Turkey Day? • Eat small, healthy meals (try to limit junk foods) throughout the day before you sit down for your big meal — don’t starve yourself in anticipation of the feast to come.

• Have small portions of foods that are part of your Thanksgiving meal (including whatever veggies are on the table).

• Drink water and take breaks while you are eating to see how full you’ve become.

• Stop eating once you’re full — there will always be leftovers tomorrow.

• Finally, take a walk outside afterward to digest your meal. This will make you feel better than crashing on the couch.

Follow these tips and have a Happy Thanksgiving — gobble, gobble! © 1995-2013. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

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Pointe Your Family in the Right Direction.

When families become stressed by behavioral issues, they need a caring environment. Pinnacle Pointe is the largest child & adolescent behavioral care hospital in Arkansas.

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• Acute Inpatient • Residential Inpatient • Outpatient • School-Based

Pinnacle Pointe is the only Tricarecertified residential program in the state. Contact us for a free, confidential assessment.

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B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H C A R E www.PinnaclePointeHospital.com

Arkansas’ only Tricare-certified residential program.

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1-800-880-3322

11501 Financial Centre Parkway Little Rock, AR 72211