Savvy Kids - December 2013

December 2013 • www.savvykidsofarkansas.com

2013 Guide to College Prepare for the future with savings plans, financial aid and applications

Report on

Literacy Relationships Managing Family

Combating

Materialism

5

ways to Spread

Holiday Cheer Treats, twinkle lights and more!

december 2013 savvy k i ds

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Presidential Pets February 1, 2014 – April 27, 2014

Socks. Buddy. Barney. Bo. The Clinton Center pays tribute to presidential pets that helped make the White House a home.

From snakes to chocolate Labs, these famous pets provide an enjoyable look at presidential history. This multimedia display will include artifacts from these companions-in-chief.

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1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 501.374.4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org

DAy HAbiliTATiON ServiCeS FOr CHilDreN WiTH DevelOPMeNTAl DiSAbiliTieS

■ Physical, Speech, And Occupational Therapies ■ Nursing Staff And Mental Health Professionals On Site ■ State Approved Preschool Curriculum

Pathfinder Preschool 2400 West Main Street • Jacksonville • 501-982-4578 ext. 1400 Pathfinder Preschool 2 1410 West Daisy Bates • Little Rock • 501-375-7811 Pathfinder academy 2611 West Main Street • Jacksonville • 501-982-0528 ext. 1500 Available Transportation To And From School • www.pathfinderinc.org For more information email: pam.satterfield@pathfinderinc.org

Pathfinder is a private, non-profit, community based organization which provides an array of services for the disabled. Services are provided for those citizens, of Arkansas, with developmental disabilities. Our goal is for each participant to become a self-supporting, productive member of society. december 2013 savvy k i ds

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contents 5 waysto spread DECEMBER 2013

ON THE COVER:

The cover photo illustration features Madelyn, 5, and Marlee, 2, Shillcutt. Photography by Brian Chilson. Savvy Kids would like to thank Wild Winter Country for allowing us to shoot our cover photos there.

14 holiday cheer

Snow globes,treats,twinkle lights and more!

Plus...

The Ultimate Last-Minute Gift Guide

24

Family Relationships

26

2013 Annual Guide to College

34

Report on Literacy DEPARTMENTS 8 Odds and Ends 10 Little hero 12 POTTS’ PICKS 22 Eats & treats 40 book of the month 46 Savvy arts 48 Pop topics 50 Calendar of Events 54 kids eat free

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YOUR HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS

PRODUCE

MEATS

BAKERY

DELI

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Visit any of our locations: 1701 Main Street, Little Rock | 501.376.3475 7507 Cantrell Road, Little Rock | 501.614.3477 10320 Stagecoach Road, Little Rock | 501.455.3475 7525 Baseline Road, Little Rock | 501.562.6629 december 2013 savvy k i ds | 5 2203 N. Reynolds Road, Bryant | 501.847.9777

Editor’s Letter

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening... “…/In the lane, snow is glistening / A beautiful sight, / We’re happy tonight, / Walking in a winter wonderland.”

That song has been stuck in my head for the past month.

And, once you’ve seen our cover, I’m sure you’ll understand why. Snow. In Central Arkansas. In early November. Weather buffs can correct me, but I’d bet that hasn’t happened much, at least not in my lifetime.

This year, however, we had access to a real winter wonderland of sorts (aka Wild Winter Country) for our cover photo shoot. Since I’m definitely not a cold-weather fan, this snow had some major advantages to its natural counterpart: no bundling up required or power outages or driving hazards. The best part was enjoying it on a 60-degree day.

Just like I don’t like the cold weather much, I’m also not the biggest fan of the holidays. Call me Scrooge, as many do, but there’s always too much to do and too many places to go.

It takes the fun right out of it, making me feel more like the Grinch, than Buddy the Elf. But there is one thing that I actually love• about the holidays: baking.

While you can technically bake any time during the year, there’s • something magical about holiday baking. Maybe it’s the scent of cinnamon and cloves used in the soft gingerbread cookies that I love to make or the snowman cookie cutters or red and green sprinkles. Who knows, but I love it. That’s why I was so excited to make Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars for the “5 Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer” story. And, not to brag, it’s a recipe I kind of made up. They were gobbled up in minutes at our office.

I guess what’s most important is finding something to enjoy among the holiday hustle and bustle, and then run with it. One holiday-related thing that I actually learned in writing this letter is how many verses there are in “Winter Wonderland.” I only know the one. Who knew there were more?

e For eginnings.

Photo by Brian Chilson

al has been to provide the best

havioral health care while

ole family. New beginnings are pos-

publisher

Alan Leveritt alan@arktimes.com

editor

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

Directions to Rivendell:

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

100 Rivendell Drive | Benton, AR 72019

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographers

Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones From Little Rock, take I-30 West toward Hot Springs/Texarkana controller

Take exit 121 (Alcoa Road)

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable Kelly Lyles

it director

Turn right onto Alcoa Road, at the stoplight turnRobertright Curfmanonto billing/collections Highway 5. Rivendell Drive is the first street circulation on Linda thePhillips left. director Jack Higgins

ere our mission is “changing lives

From Hot Springs, take Hwy 70 East to I-30 East toward Little Rock

onate healing.”

• Take exit 121 (Alcoa Road)

Happy Holidays from Savvy Kids!!

• Follow Turn left onto Alcoa Road (follow directions above) CARE; HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO our Pins Follow us Become A ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE

on Pinterest

Erica Sweeney, Editor ericasweeney@arktimes.com

We

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Making Christmas ornaments is a fun way for kids to get involved with the holidays, and they make great gifts for grandparents and teachers. Find these pins and more, along with directions for these cute crafts, at http://www.pinterest.com/savvykidsmag/.

1-800-264-5640

These adorable snowflake stars are made Make unique designs with these easy-to-make Use fabric scraps to make festive, one-of-asimply from folding colorful paper. From Kate’s string art ornaments. From the Crafty Crow. kind ornaments. From Zakka Life.

Creative Space.

6 | savvy k i ds december 2013

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™

Handmade yarn wreath ornaments are perfect crafts for little ones. From Christopher and Tia.

New beginnings are possible at Rivendell.

Emotional And Behavioral Health Services For Adults Continuum Of Care Offers: - Acute Inpatient Hospitalization - Residential Treatment - Partial Hospitalization - Adult Psychiatric Services - Adult Dual Diagnosis Services Confidential assessments are provided 24 hours a day at no charge. Call today to determine a program that is appropriate for you and your loved ones.

1-800-264-5640100 Rivendell Drive,

Benton www.rivendellofarkansas.com

Most insurance, TriCare, Medicare and Medicaid (AR KIDS A) accepted.

Changing lives through compassionate healing for over 28 years! december 2013 savvy k i ds

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ODDS & ENDS

River Lights in the Rock

See the official lighting of the Main Street, Junction and Clinton Presidential Center bridges is Thursday, Dec. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the First Security Amphitheater.

“River Lights in the Rock” begins with entertainment by the Natural State Brass Band. At 6 p.m., all three bridges will be illuminated, along with a festive light show. Afterwards, the Big Dam Horns will perform.

During the event, the River Market’s Ottenheimer Market Hall will be open with food and beverages available. The event is open to the public.

This event is made possible by a $2 million gift from Entergy Arkansas, as part of its 100th anniversary in Arkansas, as well as support from the Clinton Foundation, the Pulaski County Bridge Authority, Philips Lighting, Koontz Electric, the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock and the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. Total project cost is $2.4 million.

For more information, contact the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau at (501) 376-4781 or visit either www.LittleRock.com or www.HolidaysInLittleRock.com.

Oops…

On page 68 of our November issue, we misspelled the name of Emilee Anne Bullerwell. We sincerely regret this error.

Hi! My kids and I love Savvy Kids.

Thanks for such a great magazine!

Erika Cross

x o b l i Ma

Just saw the October magazine. It’s amazing! Great photos and graphics and informational articles. I don’t have children, but I really enjoyed flipping through this month’s magazine.

Carina Amy Alvarez

Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade

The Annual Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, sponsored by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, is Saturday, Dec. 7.

The parade begins at Second and Broadway at 3 p.m., travels south on Broadway, west onto Capitol Avenue and ends at the State Capitol, with a lighting and fireworks display at dark or about 6 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

This year’s grand marshal is Cody Belew, a Beebe native and former contestant on “The Voice.” Belew will join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudy the Reindeer and many of their friends for this year’s holiday parade, featuring decorated floats, marching bands, dancing troops and more.

School marching bands and nonprofit community organizations have the opportunity to win cash prizes as part of the parade’s float competition.

Band cash prizes are $1,000 and $500 for first and second places, respectively, and $1,000, $750 and $500 for the top three nonprofit entries.

“We encourage everyone to come and participate in this fun family-friendly celebration and experience our community holiday spirit during this memorable event,” said Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Gretchen Hall.

For more information about the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade or Little Rock’s 2013 holiday season, visit www.HolidaysInLittleRock.com.

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little hero Photo by Brian Chilson

Big Heart Middle schooler goes above and beyond for the community

By Erica Sweeney Though his parents have always instilled a sense of service to the community, 13-year-old Alex Galbraith has taken it to the next level.

By early November, the eighth-grader had already completed 13 of the 15 services hours required this semester for his Leadership and Service Learning class at Maumelle Middle School. But even before taking the class, Galbraith has been an active volunteer.

He has taught Sunday school classes and vacation Bible school at his church, First United Methodist in Maumelle. He has also volunteered at the Maumelle Senior Wellness Center and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and played piano for residents at Audubon Pointe, an apartment complex in Maumelle for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Galbraith says he signed up for Leadership and Service Learning this semester because he saw the class as an “opportunity to do more in the community.”

“It’s a great opportunity to make a difference,” he says. “I’m proud of myself.

It feels good to help.”

To complete his service hours, Galbraith has continued volunteering at the Maumelle Senior Wellness Center and doing service projects with his church.

One project involved cleaning out the house of an elderly couple, who had recently moved into an assisted living facility. He says the experience was challenging but fun.

Kristin Herring, Galbraith’s Leadership and Service Learning teacher, says the class is about encouraging students to be leaders and to find ways to serve their community.

“They learn so many things that they can’t learn in a classroom,” she says.

Herring says her class is also a jump-start for students in receiving the 10 | savvy k i ds december 2013

President’s Volunteer Service Award, and Galbraith is an ideal candidate. He plans to go beyond the 15-hour requirement and work toward the award, which requires a minimum of 50 service hours.

“Alex is a leader,” she says. “He always takes the lead and is a great teacher and communicator.”

In addition to the volunteer hours required for the class, students must choose a service project that benefits the school, Herring says.

For his school-related project, Galbraith, a piano and trumpet player in his school band, has devoted his time to teaching and encouraging sixth-grade beginner trumpeters. He says he loves music and teaching others, so he saw an opportunity to help.

Galbraith is a member of his school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America and the National Junior Honor Society. For fun, he says he enjoys reading, especially the Harry Potter and Alex Rider series.

Russ and Aimee Galbraith, Alex’s parents, couldn’t be prouder of their son.

They say volunteering helps all young people become better aware of the world around them and to look beyond themselves.

The Galbraiths say that a sense of service is essential and something that they have always taught Alex, especially that even doing something small can have huge impact.

“The amount of time you spend is not much in the scheme of things,” Russ Galbraith says.

Alex Galbraith loves meeting new people and looking for ways to help the community. He says these opportunities – both big and small – are abundant: “you just have to look.”

ALLIED THERAPY & CONSULTING SERVICES, P.A.

december 2013 savvy k i ds

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

Winter Bliss

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Winter is very high on my list of favorite seasons for a lot of reasons. Of course, there’s Christmas. That one is obvious. Presents and stuff. I’m a normal kid, I like free stuff. Hey, there are other reasons, too!

One of the reasons is snow. Seeing just perfect white everywhere is so pristine and perfect and beautiful. Some see winter as just bleak and colorless, but white is a beautiful Some people theapproval leaves, butorthe trees have their Please color. contact your repmiss with changes: contact your rep with approval orimperfect changes:if you own type of beauty with bare branches.Jennifer You can Please say590-2236 something good about anything considered  Laura Laura 590-9140 590-9140   Ronda Ronda 590-3340 Jennifer 590-2236  590-3340 are an optimist.

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Call me crazy, but I kind of like the cold. Well, I don’t like being cold, but I love that warmth you get when you wrap up in a warm blanket when it’s cold, or when you step from cold into a warm room. Of course, the classic curl-up-by-the-fire-with-hot-cocoa-and-a-good-book is always great, too. So yeah, winter is pretty darn awesome. If you didn’t think so before, maybe you do now.

I understand that thisthis proof is provided so so that I may correct anyany typographical errors.

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Holiday Cheer This holiday season set your sights on spreading holiday cheer to those around you. Savvy Kids has five ideas to help you get your merriment on.

This holiday season set your sights on spreading holiday cheer to those around you. Savvy Kids has five ideas to help you get your merriment on.

14 | savvy k i ds december 2013

1 Tutorial by Sylvia and Simona of artsy ants Snow globes are an adorable and festive way to spread holiday cheer. They are fun to make and are great gifts for teachers, grandparents and friends. We made winter-wonderland, Christmas-tree themed snow globes, but the possibilities are endless. Theme yours however you like with toys, figurines or any other small

Directions: 1. Plan out a scene for the snow globe and make sure that you can close the jar’s lid over it.

2. Glue the trees or other items to the inside of the lid. Wait until the glue has completely dried.

3. Pour water and glycerin into the glass jar at

a ratio of about 1:1. Add glitter.

4. Test it all out by putting the lid on the jar tightly. Make sure the water fills the entire jar and there is enough glitter to your liking.

5. Shake and enjoy!

Tips: • Once you’re happy with the look of your snow globe, glue the lid to the jar. Place glue around the rim of the jar, screw on the lid tightly and wait for the glue to dry.

• Tie ribbons or fabric around the base of the lid for an even more festive look. Or, spray paint the lids in festive colors.

Photo by Brian Chilson

What You Need: Clean glass jars with tight-fitting lids Water-resistant glue Water Glycerin (in the baking section of craft stores) Glitter Mini Christmas trees (or, other small items, like toy cars, figurines or ornaments)

items that fit into jars – the globes can even be tailored to a recipient’s interests.

Note: The mini trees (purchased at a local craft store) that we used unexpectedly turned the water blue. We think it makes the snow globe look even more like a winter wonderland!

For more tutorials and craft ideas, visit www. artsyants.com.

2 To celebrate the merriest of seasons, cities and towns across the state are hosting lighting ceremonies, parades and more. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has put together its annual Trail of Holiday Lights brochure, listing the state’s best holiday merriment. Here’s an excerpt. To download the brochure or see the full listing, visit www.arkansas.com/places-togo/trail-of-lights/.

Beebe The annual Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., beginning at the Beebe Public School campus.

For more information, call (501) 882-8135 or visit BeebeNow.com.

Conway Downtown Conway features a 54-foot tall Christmas tree, and will host a Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m., beginning on South Front Street. For more information, visit ConwayArkansas.org.

Hot Springs Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens spans 17

acres and features more than 4 million lights, along with a 50-foot tall Rose Tree and more. The Anthony Chapel will host free concerts throughout the season. Holiday Lights will be open, until Dec. 31, from 5-9 p.m. For more information, call (501) 262-9300 or visit GarvanGardens.org.

Jacksonville The Holiday Lighting Ceremony is Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall. The 56th annual Christmas Parade will be Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. on Main Street.

For more information, call (501) 982-3146 or visit CityofJacksonville.net.

Little Rock The annual Little Rock Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m., beginning at Second and Broadway and ending with the Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony. Lights will be on nightly Dec. 7-31. On Dec. 19 from 5-8 p.m., at the First Security Amphitheater, is “River Lights in the Rock,” the official lighting of the Main Street, Junction and Clinton Presidential Center bridges. For more information, visit HolidaysinLittleRock.com.

North Little Rock Wild River Country, Arkansas’s largest water park, transforms into Wild Winter Country, through March 31, with real snow and snow tubing, and visits from Santa until Dec. 23. For more information, visit www.

WildRiverCountry.com.

Holiday Lights in Burns Park is open Nov. 30-Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m. Walk through the lights display at “Dashin’ Through the Lights,” Dec. 14 from 5-6 p.m.

For more information, call (501) 753-7307 or visit NLRpr.org.

Saline County Celebrate the holidays with visits from Santa at the courthouse gazebo in Benton from 7-9 p.m. on several nights during the season, with free cocoa and cookies, and more. For more information, call (501) 303-5640 or visit SalineCounty.org.

Sherwood Sherwood Forest lights up nightly from 6-9:30 p.m. on Dec. 2-30. This mile-long trail of lights features reindeer, Santa and more. Call (501) 835-8909. december 2013 savvy k i ds

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3

By Erica Sweeney Hot Cocoa Cookie Bars are a fun alternative to the classic cold-weather drink.

A cross between a cookie and a brownie, these bars are one of your bets when looking for a holiday splurge for the whole family to enjoy. Kids will get a kick out of eating their hot cocoa for a change. Milky, malty chocolate and toasted marshmallows…they are impossible to resist.

What You Need: 3 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 ¼ cups malted milk powder ¾ cup cocoa powder 1 cup (2 sticks) butter 1 cup dark brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs ¾ cup milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cup milk chocolate chips 3-4 cups mini marshmallows

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients and set aside.

3. In a second large bowl, using a hand mixer or standing mixer, beat butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat just until incorporated.

4. Add half of the dry ingredients and beat for about 15 seconds. Scrape down the bowl and add the remaining dry ingredients and beat until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips. Batter will be very thick, almost like cookie dough.

5. Spread batter into a 9 x 13 inch cake pan or glass casserole dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Remove from the oven and cover the top with mini marshmallows. Place under the broiler for just a few seconds to toast the marshmallows. NOTE: The marshmallows will burn VERY quickly, so keep a close eye on the cookie bars during this step. An alternative to using the broiler is to continue baking in the oven until marshmallows are melted, but they will not get as toasty this way.

7. Remove from the broiler and let cool completely. Cut into squares, serve and enjoy.

Photo by Brian Chilson

This is an adaptation of the Malted Milk Sandwich Cookie recipe from “Baked Explorations: Classic American Desserts Reinvented” by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito.

16 | savvy k i ds december 2013

Brew Fresh Holiday Wassail

4

Recipe by Adrienne Woods

Wassail is a hot-mulled holiday drink that is traditionally alcoholic, made with beer or wine. This kid-friendly version uses fruit juices and no added sugar.

With warm spices, like cinnamon and cloves, brewing up wassail at home makes the whole house smell like the holidays. And, a hot cup will put everyone in the coziest of moods.

What You Need: 2 cups apple juice 2 cups cranberry juice 2 cups orange juice ¼ cup pineapple juice 5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick

Directions: Pour all ingredients into a slow cooker and simmer for one to two hours. Serve hot and garnish with an orange wedge, cinnamon stick or fresh cranberries.

NOTE: If you don’t have a slow cooker, put all ingredients in a heavy pot and simmer on the stovetop for about two hours.

Photo by Brian Chilson

Adrienne Woods is the blogger behind, www.FreeTimeFrolics.com, where she shares her creativity and inspiration through recipes, DIY and sewing.

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| 17

5

By Lisa Lakey All children can appreciate the anticipation of receiving a gift on Christmas morning. For many kids, Christmas morning may not be filled with presents and hot cocoa. Their Christmas mornings may only be possible through the generosity of others, including kids their own age.

Help your kids (and yourself!) remember that it truly is better to give than to receive this holiday season by giving back through one of the suggestions below.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital – Festival of Stars At ACH, spending Christmas in the hospital is a reality for many children and their families. Through the Festival of Stars, kids of all ages can help make another child’s holiday a little brighter. Buy new gifts and drop them off at the ACH campus on Friday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Have a child with a knack for sewing or knitting? Needlework items are also welcomed.

For more information and a list of desired donations and needlework items, visit www.ARChildrens.org/Festival.

Salvation Army Angel Trees – This year’s program is serving 4,500 children in Lonoke, Pulaski, Saline and White counties. Angels can be picked up from various locations throughout central Arkansas including both McCain and Park Plaza Malls. All items must be turned in on or before Dec. 15.

Bell Ringer – Kids of all ages with an accompanying adult are welcome to ring a bell at a red kettle. And really, what kid doesn’t want to ring the bell?

Stuff a Stocking – Stockings are passed out to needy children in central Arkansas. Each kit includes stockings, instruction sheets and filling suggestions based upon age and gender.

Distribution Center – Teens age 16 and older can also volunteer to sort, organize and distribute gifts at the distribution center located on East Gregory Street in North Little Rock.

Register for volunteer opportunities at www.SalvationArmyCentralArkansas.org.

Little Rock Compassion Center Teach your children that the needy are in their own backyards by volunteering to serve a meal at the center, located at 4210 Asher Ave. in Little Rock. While they expect to serve more than 1,000 people on Christmas Day, volunteers are also needed daily throughout the year to serve breakfast, lunch or dinner.

For more information or to sign up to serve, call the LRCC at (501) 296-9114.

Arkansas Foodbank Kids accompanied by an adult can serve directly in the Foodbank’s warehouse located at 4301 W. 65th St. in Little Rock. Volunteers sort and box donated food and stock shelves in the Foodbank store, Agency Mart.

The Foodbank supports agencies that feed hungry Arkansans in 33 counties. These agencies also need volunteers to serve meals, stock pantries and distribute boxes of food.

Younger children can help the Foodbank too by hosting a food drive with family and friends. For all volunteer opportunities, contact Polly Deems at Pdeems@ArkansasFoodbank.org or (501) 569-4320.

18 | savvy k i ds december 2013

Stuff the Sleigh The holidays are especially hard for children without permanent families. Stuff the Sleigh aims to give them an experience every child deserves by having a present to open on Christmas morning. Dec. 2-6, Stuff the Sleigh will broadcast live at various area Wal-Marts on THV-TV 11. Shop for a toy and have your child help stuff the sleigh at one of the drop-off locations during this time.

For a list of locations and times and a wish list from Arkansas foster children, visit StuffTheSleigh.org.

More Ideas • I nvite someone who would otherwise be alone for the holidays over for a meal.

• Have children make or select small gifts for the people who serve them in other ways (teachers, tutors, babysitters, etc.).

• Have children sort through toys and clothes and take them to a homeless or women’s shelter.

• For the animal lover, gather old blankets from family and friends to donate to your local Humane Society or animal shelter.

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

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Christmas Overindulging our kids during the holidays

By Lisa Lakey As a parent, it can be hard to rein ourselves in on shopping for the kids when the stores begin playing holiday music and you have a warm peppermint mocha in your hand. The kids aren’t much help either, when their wish list is as long as the line at the local department store. Is it possible to go too far?

Can overindulging our kids actually be lessening the value and experience of the holidays?

According to Wendy Ward, a child psychologist at the Dennis Developmental Center on the Arkansas Children’s Hospital campus, the answer is yes.

“When children receive a large number of items, they often lose the perspective of the worth of those items and each one likely reduces in how special it feels to receive it,” Ward says.

While there isn’t a magic number for the amount of gifts a child receives, she suggests parents keep a budget and not buy everything on their child’s list. Children can easily confuse the amount of gifts they receive with how important they are, she says.

“I think parents should spend much more time giving verbal praise and specific feedback about what their child is doing well,” Ward says. “Try to carve out some alone time with each child so that everyone feels special and support children during challenging times with confidence in their abilities to grow to meet that new challenge. This will help ground children in positive self-esteem.”

Feeling lost on how to battle materialism during the holidays? Ward offers some of her own tried and true tips for families on every budget.

Share your resources “Giving to a charity each year prior to the holidays is a good way to focus on giving to others less fortunate,” Ward says. “My family gives to families in need of unused clothes, toys and household items, but also takes a percentage of allowance to purchase new toys, food or other needs for families less fortunate during the holidays. It is a good reminder that there are families really struggling this year that need our help.”

Give your time “We also volunteer our time with organizations that need help,” she says. “The children help pick which organizations we will support which is a key piece.”

Practice all year long “We also are careful to do all of these things not just at the holidays but throughout the year,” Ward says. “It keeps us grateful for what we have and careful to acknowledge and support those who are not as fortunate.”

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

Moms Weigh In Savvy Moms share a few ways they ensure an attitude of gratitude during the holidays.

“I try to read the Christmas story repeatedly and point out ways to serve and give to others, like the Salvation Army bell ringers, and they each fill up their own Christmas shoe boxes [for Operation Christmas Child] with items they pick out. And, limiting the amount of commercials helps too.”

- Brandi Storey, a Benton mother of three “Make and create things at home. When you cook or create something yourself, you see the value of what you have created and no longer are focused on flashy, premade things.”

- Marla Nargundkar, a Little Rock mother of one “We emphasize the importance of donating our toys to children that do not have many, and my daughter has gotten to where she looks forward to picking out the things that will go. We also pick a child at Christmas to buy presents for and she gets to pick the gifts. We try to make sure she knows how fortunate she is daily so she will be thankful for the small things she gets.”

- Lindsey Hendrick, a Benton mother of two “We volunteer at a local food bank, ‘Healing Waters,’ every Sunday. Our children help as well. We talk to them about why we give back to others. It’s important for our children to see others with nothing so they realize they are blessed and happy with what they have.”

- Jessica Thompson, a Little Rock mother of three 20 | savvy k i ds december 2013

december 2013 savvy k i ds

| 21

Eats & treats

Santa

Treats For

Think beyond cookies and milk Story and Photos by Daniel Walker Can you imagine spending an entire night squeezing yourself down millions of chimneys, lugging around a heavy sack of toys? Surely, Old Saint Nick has got his work cut out for him. But year after year, that jolly old elf makes his rounds, bouncing house-to-house delivering joy to little girls and boys all over the world, never even muttering a single complaint.

What can your family do to repay dear old Santa? I’m sure a nibble to eat doesn’t hurt and probably helps to make Santa’s season a little brighter. But I imagine the dear man has grown a bit weary of the traditional milk and cookies. This standard offering, I’m sure, is rarely refused, but maybe this year your family can mix things up a bit. Well, here’s a few treats to offer that are sure to land you on the “nice” side of Santa’s list.

First, for those of you interested in whipping up a few simple, kid-friendly Christmas treats at home, here’s a couple of our favorites.

White Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

White chocolate covered marshmallows are straightforward enough for the youngest children in your family to help create. Start with a bag of jumbo marshmallows. Skewer these on the ends of any kind of stick for grasping. We like to use wooden kebob sticks (which we usually cut in half), but you might also use plastic stir sticks. Melt a bowlful of white chocolate chips in the microwave (takes about 2 minutes). After the marshmallows are safely atop your sticks, swirl them around in the chocolate, coating them completely. You can then roll the coated marshmallows in anything you like—we use colored sugar crystals, coconut, crushed candy cane or M&Ms. Allow chocolate to harden by placing in fridge for a few minutes and enjoy.

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies

Another fun Christmas creation we enjoy in our home is peanut butter reindeer cookies, another edible craft easy enough for most children to make.

Take a package of Nutter Butter cookies, and grab some pretzels, mini M&Ms, and a small tube of icing with a decorative tip. The icing acts as a glue to help the reindeer features stay in place: a few brown candies for the eyes, a red one for the nose and a twisted pretzel for the antlers. Tack everything down with

white icing and allow to set quickly by placing in the fridge for an hour of so.

Your kids will gobble these down quicker than a reindeer runs along a rooftop.

Cupcakes and More

If you’re already overwhelmed by the planning, excitement, visiting and cooking that surrounds the holidays, perhaps you’d rather just pick up a few treats for Santa instead from any one of our great local bakeries. Little Rock’s first gourmet cupcakery, Cupcakes on Kavanaugh, does some mighty fine decorative work with their holiday specials. You’ll find flavors such as gingerbread or peppermint, and each cupcake dressed up so pretty, you almost feel guilty eating them. Sweet Love Bakes on Cantrell Road will be offering their very popular sugar cookies and cake pops decorated like gingerbread men, Christmas trees and snowmen. Brown Sugar Bakeshop in downtown Little Rock will be baking up their “egg nog” cupcakes—a very popular item they can hardly keep on the shelves. Additionally, they’ll be doing old-fashioned gingerbread and peppermint cookies.

With all these great options, you’re going to make it very difficult for old Kris Kringle to squeeze into that red suit of his. But Christmas comes but once a year, everyone deserves a special treat, especially Santa. Just be sure to leave enough for your own family to enjoy—‘tis the season to enjoy the sweeter things in life.

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.

22 | savvy k i ds december 2013

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’Tis the season to be jolly…

OR IS IT? There’s never been Are you putting on a happy façade for the in-laws?

Do you feel the need to hide the fight you and your a better time spouse just had? Worried your negative feelings toward will affector your kids? to goyourtosister college way Byan Charlieeasier Simpson to apply for The holidays are an exciting and happy time of the year for many families.

However, this time of year adds a great deal of stress and can test our limits financial aid for dealing with family conflict. Often, children must endure family conflicts because adults are not managing negative situations well. Research indicates that children who are exposed to poor conflict management by parents tend to develop emotional problems and relationship difficulties in the future.

Here are some tips to help you survive the holidays, manage family conflicts and ensure that your worries don’t negatively affect your children.

This is a simple way to follow through with a boundary and keep things positive.

Be consistent If you and your significant other planned to alternate holidays with families, then the plan must be implemented consistently. If the plan changes, make sure you are both in agreement and revise the plan for the future. Not being on the same page as a couple can cause a lot of holiday stress that could impact the children.

Set boundaries The Arkansas Department of Higher Education reviews and approves We all have family members who sometimes make us or our spouse feel Make plans together as a family unwelcome or uncomfortable. Maybe your mother-in-law is very vocal about When we are single, we typically call22 our immediate academic programs for the state’s 11 public universities and publicfamily members to

her opinions on your parenting style. Perhaps your father criticizes your find out where dinners will be held and where we will be on the big holidays husband’s career choice. You may have even faced a tough situation with your such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. When we are married, it’s important to two-year colleges. In addition, the agency is responsible for distributing spouse – say infidelity – that the two of you have dealt with but nevertheless remember you are part of a new immediate family that may have a different gets brought up at inappropriate times. set of plans and needs. Communicate with your partner first before commitapproximately $150 million annually from state revenues and lottery funds Before any get-together, each spouse should make a point to discuss with ting your family to other events. their immediate family what is unacceptable. Although you love your family, make sure they understand that disrespecting your spouse is unacceptable.

Start new traditions Let your partner know that he or she is a priority to you. Make sure everyone Find ways to build your family bond by creating a new holiday tradiis informed and boundaries are clear and understandable. tion together,visit whether it’s decorating the tree on ato certain day or putting a For complete information about our programs, www.adhe.edu basket together for a family in need. It can be hard navigating the holiday season with extended families that all have expectations. But you should feel Manage conflict in arules positive way review program and regulations.

The eligibility requirements and comfortable letting them know that this year you would like to have a more If boundaries are set and crossed, it’s time to follow through. This can intimate Christmas with just your spouse and children. How they react to that sometimes berules complicated but necessary tothe showprograms children that unacceptable governing administered

by ADHE are subject to decision is not within your power. You control your actions and your response behaviors are not permitted, even with adults. The decision may require leavto others’ actions. ing the situation or providing a warning that the behavior must stop. You may legislative and regulatory amendments. Please e-mail the Financial Aid Don’t allow the holidays to stress you and ruin a joyful time. Holiday think this is harsh but it’s either follow through with the boundary or allow stressors are a good opportunity to demonstrate to children how to manage it to happen. Don’t confront negativity with more negativity. Just respect conflicts and reduce stress in life. All holidays will not be perfect. Set realistic boundaries and ask others to do the same. The fabulous part about this step is expectations for the family in order to protect your children and understand children will learn how to manage the conflict in a positive way. Reacting in a that you cannot control the uncontrollable. If you find yourself interacting positive way is the challenge to managing holiday stress. Here’s an example: with family members in negative ways in front of your children, ask yourself, You have told your family that you do not allow coarse language to be spoken “What am I teaching my children?” in front of your kids, but your uncle is debating politics with your cousin and Have a safe and happy holiday and good luck! their language is becoming a little R-rated to say the least. Here is what you can say: “We made the agreement that there would be no cursing in front of the • Application period is from January 1 to June 1 forCharlie upcoming year and Family Therapist for the Arkansas Simpson academic is a Licensed Marriage kids. I would like for you all to take this conversation outside and you all can Relationship Counseling Center.

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There’s There’s never never beenbeen a better a better time time to go toto gocollege to college or or an easier an easier wayway to apply to apply for for financial financial aid aid

The Arkansas The Arkansas Department Department of Higher of Higher Education Education reviews reviews and approves and approves academic academic programs programs for theforstate’s the state’s 11 public 11 public universities universities and 22 and public 22 public two-year two-year colleges. colleges.

In addition, In addition, the agency the agency is responsible is responsible for distributing for distributing approximately approximately $150 $150 millionmillion annually annually from state from state revenues revenues and lottery and lottery fundsfunds

For complete For complete information information aboutabout our programs, our programs, visit www.adhe.edu visit www.adhe.edu to to review review program program rules rules and regulations. and regulations.

The eligibility The eligibility requirements requirements and and rules rules governing governing the programs the programs administered administered

by ADHE

by ADHE are subject are subject to to legislative legislative and regulatory and regulatory amendments. amendments.

Please Please e-maile-mail the Financial the Financial Aid Aid

• Application • Application period period is fromisJanuary from January 1 to June 1 to1June for upcoming 1 for upcoming academic academic year year • Must• complete Must complete FAFSA FAFSA as wellasaswell YOUniversal as YOUniversal scholarship scholarship application application • Download • Download free YOUniversal free YOUniversal app forapp anyfor smart any phone smart phone

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| 25

Guide to College 2013 savvy Kids

By Erica Sweeney

A Penny Saved…

College savings plans help mitigate education costs

Most everyone knows that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. This old joke is also the analogy that Dale Ellis uses when explaining the importance of college-savings plans.

Ellis, the director of Arkansas College Savings Plans at the Arkansas State Treasury, says starting early (“in the delivery room” is his common recommendation) and saving a little at a time are the best ways for families to pay for college.

“The longer families have to prepare, the less of a financial impact it will be,” he says. “Most are not in the position to save too much.”

The state offers 529 college savings plans, which allow for tax-deferred earnings, tax-free qualified withdrawals and high contribution limits. Ellis says these plans offer a long-term solution for families, as the cost of a college education continues to rise.

According to the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center, the national average for in-state tuition and fees at four-year public institutions increased from $8,646 in 2012-13 to $8,893 in 2013-14. In Arkansas, the average cost in 2013-14 was nearly $7,300.

Ellis says the only thing more expensive than paying for college is not going at all: “going to college is the ticket to economic independence.”

The state’s 529 plans, named after a section of the Internal Revenue Service tax code, allow families to save as much as they can through periodic deposits, payroll deductions or contributions by friends and families. The money can be used for tuition, fees and room and board at any accredited institution, from beauty school to medical school, not just a traditional four-year degree, Ellis explains.

Arkansas has several options for families looking to start a college savings plan.

GIFT Plan

The Arkansas GIFT Plan, which began in 1999, offers many tax benefits, affordable contribution levels and professional investment management. Individuals can deduct up to $5,000 of contributions on their state tax returns.

For more details about the GIFT Plan, including online sign-up, visit www.thegiftplan.com.

26 | savvy k i ds december 2013

Arkansas iShares 529 Plan

The Arkansas iShares 529 Plan, which launched in 2009, is offered through a nationwide network of financial advisers. A financial adviser, who must be part of the network, manages the funds, and savers may create a tailored portfolio.

Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program

The Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program provides matching grants of up to $500 per year to Arkansas students, based on a household’s income, which must be $60,000 or less. Applications for Aspiring Scholars are accepted between Jan. 1 and April 30 of each year.

For more information about the state’s 529 plans, visit www.Arkansas529.org.

The College Application Process

Paying for College

Starting early, usually during a student’s junior year of high school, is essential in the college application process. Parents should be supportive every step of the way, says Dean Kahler, vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

To get started, Kahler recommends that families set aside a time each week to meet and discuss the stages of the college search and application process. During the meeting, students should provide regular updates and parents should offer suggestions for the next step.

Kahler, along with Fred Baker, the director of admission at Hendrix College, offer some tips for successfully navigating the college application process.

When it comes to paying for college, there are many options and opportunities out there to ensure that all students have the chance to continue their education, no matter their family’s finances.

“Families may be surprised that [college] can be more affordable than they think,” says Shane Broadway, director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

Navigating the financial aid process can seem daunting to many families, especially in Arkansas, where there are many first-generation college students, he says.

“My hope is that it is not so daunting that they back away from going to college.”

Enjoy the Experience The senior year of high school and college search can be a busy, stressful time, but Baker urges families to savor every moment. Visiting schools and working together can be a great bonding experience for families, he says.

Back-Up Plans Kahler says getting admission applications to top schools in early will give families time to work on scholarships and financial aid. But, he says, it’s always a good idea to have a back-up plan.

If students are focusing their attentions mostly on private schools, local state schools could be a back-up plan because they may provide the same opportunities at a lower cost, he says.

This would allow for saving for studying abroad or other opportunities.

Importance of Essays Essays are often required for college admission or scholarship applications, as a way to get the full picture of a student, beyond a GPA or ACT score.

“We don’t like to label someone based on the numbers,” Kahler explains. “There’s much more to a student than those numbers. Essays are designed to see how diverse and holistic the student is.”

He says UALR does not require essays for admission, but they are required for some scholarships.

Baker says writing is a strong component of the college experience, and essays are a great way for students to introduce themselves to college admission officials. Hendrix requires essays for admission.

“The essay is a great way for the personality or flavor of student to seep through,” he says.

While parents should be available to guide students through the essay process, they should not do the writing for them. Baker and Kahler offer these tips for college admission or scholarship application essays: • Ask someone, like a parent or teacher, to look over a draft • Write multiple drafts and revise frequently • Remember the basics, like spelling, grammar and structure • Proofread • Follow length and other requirements Common Mistakes Baker says some common mistakes that families make when it comes to college applications include: • Not understanding landscape of college admission policy, which he admits can be overwhelming and confusing because each school may have different policies • Letting dates and deadlines slip by • Ruling out colleges families think may be too expensive. It’s probable that a school costs more on paper, but, in fact, can be affordable.

• Not submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Ask for Help At any stage during the college application process, seek help from a high school counselor or college admission official. Building a relationship with the college staff is critical, Baker says.

“We all exist to help students and families through this process,” he says.

Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities

Find Resources To get started, families should first research the types of scholarships and financial aid available, and the ADHE website (www.adhe.edu) is a great place to start.

The site lists all state-sponsored scholarships, as well as eligibility criteria, application information and deadlines. After Jan. 1, Broadway urges families to log on to the site and complete a questionnaire to help users identify scholarships they may be eligible for.

The ADHE website can also answer many of the most common questions that families have about scholarships. But, if an answer cannot be found online, Broadway urges individuals to email questions to the department, rather than call. He says a response often arrives much faster via email.

Scholarships also exist locally, through rotary clubs and other organizations, and via the college or university a student is planning to attend.

High school counselors are a good resource for finding these scholarship opportunities, and can help with federal financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Broadway says.

He discourages families from paying for any service, which provides listings of scholarships.

Start early Submitting applications as soon as possible is important when seeking financial aid for college. Not applying for scholarships early enough is a common mistake many students and parents make, Broadway says. The ADHE begins making scholarship awards in March.

Broadway says it’s better to apply for scholarships, and then ask for scholarships to be placed on hold if a student chooses not to use it or goes to college out of state.

What’s Available The Academic Challenge Scholarship, funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, is available to Arkansans, regardless of academic status, including recent high school graduates, current college students, new enrollees and those re-enrolling. Application deadline is June 1.

Students already receiving the scholarship do not need to reapply. The Governor’s Scholarship, including the Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship, is based on academic achievement, test scores and leadership qualities. Feb. 1 is the application deadline.

For more details about these scholarships and others available, visit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s website at www.adhe.edu.

The deadlines for local and institutional scholarships may vary. The institution or a high school counselor can provide the most current details on what’s available. december 2013 savvy k i ds

| 27

GUIDE GUIDE TO TO COLLEGES COLLEGES AND AND UNIVERSITIES UNIVERSITIES

four four year year School School

citycity

Phone Phone

yearS yearS

Public Public Private Private enrollment enrollment SemSemPerPer female female PerPer male male SemSem term term hrShrS SemSem

tuition tuition SemSem

houSing houSing SemSem

Arkansas Arkansas baptist baptist college college

little little rockrock

501-370-4000 501-370-4000

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year private private

10821082

38% 38%

62% 62%

Semester Semester

12-1712-17 hourshours

$3,900 $3,900

$3,975 $3,975 (double (double occupancy: occupancy: 19 19 meals/week) meals/week)

Arkansas University Arkansas StateState University

Jonesboro Jonesboro

870-972-2100/800-382-3030 (in-state 4-year 870-972-2100/800-382-3030 (in-state only) only)4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

13,877 13,877

61% 61%

39% 39%

Semester Semester

12 hours-full $2,244 (in-state) 12 hours-full time time$2,244 (in-state) undergraduate undergraduate

$3,735.00 $3,735.00

Arkansas University Arkansas Tech Tech University

russellville russellville

479-968-0343/ 1-800-582-6953 479-968-0343/ 1-800-582-6953

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

10,950 10,950

56% 56%

44% 44%

Semester Semester

15 15

$3,459.00 $3,459.00

starting at $2,501 (includes starting at $2,501 (includes meals)meals)

central baptist college central baptist college

conway conway

501-329-6872/1-800-205-6872 501-329-6872/1-800-205-6872

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

832 832

48% 48%

52% 52%

Semester Semester

15 15

$5,925.00 $5,925.00

$3,150.00 $3,150.00

crowley’s college crowley’s ridgeridge college

paragould paragould

870-236-6901 870-236-6901

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

200 200

51% 51%

49% 49%

Semester Semester

or more 12 or12 more

$4,650.00 $4,650.00

$3,050 (includes $3,050 (includes mealmeal plan)plan)

harding University harding University

Searcy Searcy

800-477-4407 800-477-4407

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

7,2007,200

53% 53%

47% 47%

Semester Semester

15 15

$7,845.00 $7,845.00

$3,182.00 $3,182.00

$2,292.00 $2,292.00

$2,818 (including & board) $2,818 (including roomroom & board)

henderson University henderson StateState University

Arkadelphia Arkadelphia

870-230-5028/1-800-228-7333 870-230-5028/1-800-228-7333

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

3,7703,770

56% 56%

44% 44%

Semester Semester

12-1512-15 hourshours

hendrix college hendrix college

conway conway

800-277-9017/ 501-450-1362 800-277-9017/ 501-450-1362

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

1,4031,403

55% 55%

45% 45%

Semester Semester

4 courses/semester$18,758 $18,758 (including $5,310 (including meals) 4 courses/semester (including fees)fees)$5,310 (including meals)

brown University JohnJohn brown University

Siloam Springs Siloam Springs

877-528-4636/ 479-524-7157 877-528-4636/ 479-524-7157

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

2,2152,215

57% 57%

43% 43%

Semester Semester

12-1812-18 hourshours

$10,868.00 $10,868.00

$4,131.00 $4,131.00

college lyonlyon college

batesville batesville

1-800-423-2542/ 870-698-4242 1-800-423-2542/ 870-698-4242

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

600 600

55% 55%

45% 45%

Semester Semester

12 12

$11,685.00 $11,685.00

$3,780.00 $3,780.00

ouachita baptist University ouachita baptist University

Arkadelphia Arkadelphia

1-800-diAl-obU/ 870-245-5110 1-800-diAl-obU/ 870-245-5110

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

1,5321,532

54% 54%

46% 46%

Semester Semester

up toup 18to 18

$11,185 (including $3,320 and board) $11,185 (including fees)fees)$3,320 (room(room and board)

philander college philander SmithSmith college

little little rockrock

501-370-5221 501-370-5221

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

700 700

66% 66%

34% 34%

Semester Semester

12-1612-16 hourshours

$5,902.00 $5,902.00

$4,425.00 $4,425.00

Southern Arkansas University Southern Arkansas University

magnolia magnolia

870-235-4040 870-235-4040

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

3,3303,330

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

15 15

$3,060.00 $3,060.00

$2,511.00 $2,511.00

University of Arkansas at little University of Arkansas at little rockrock

little little rockrock

1-800-482-8892 1-800-482-8892

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

12,958 12,958

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

12 12

$197.32/hr $197.32/hr

$4,236 (including & board) $4,236 (including roomroom & board)

University of Arkansas at monticello University of Arkansas at monticello

monticello monticello

870-460-1026/800-844-1826 870-460-1026/800-844-1826

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

3,9453,945

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

12-1512-15 hourshours

$136.77/credit $136.77/credit hour hour

$1,220-$2,200 $1,220-$2,200

University University of Arkansas of Arkansas pine pine bluff bluff

pine pine bluff bluff

870-575-8000 870-575-8000

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

2,8282,828

56% 56%

44% 44%

Semester Semester

15 15

$2,145.00 $2,145.00

$3,733 $3,733 (20 meals) (20 meals)

University of Arkansas University of Arkansas

fayetteville fayetteville

479-575-5346/1-800-377-8632 479-575-5346/1-800-377-8632

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

24,537 24,537

50% 50%

50% 50%

Semester Semester

15 15

$4,521.00 $3,909 (including $3,909 (including fees)fees) $4,521.00

University of central Arkansas University of central Arkansas

conway conway

501-450-5000 501-450-5000

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

11,107 11,107

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

15 15

$3,798.00 $3,798.00

University of Arkansas at Smith fort Smith University of Arkansas at fort

fort Smith fort Smith

1-479-788-7120/ 1-888-512-lion 1-479-788-7120/ 1-888-512-lion

4-year 4-year

4-year 4-year publicpublic

7,3377,337

58% 58%

42% 42%

Semester Semester

15 15

$182.25/credit hr- $71$3600/Semester $3600/Semester + meal $182.25/credit hr- $71 + meal plan plan feessemester per semester (average) fees per (average)

University the ozarks University of theofozarks

clarksville clarksville

479-979-1227/ 1-800-264-8636 479-979-1227/ 1-800-264-8636

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

600 600

55% 55%

45% 45%

Semester Semester

12-1712-17

$11,875.00 $11,875.00

$3,450.00 $3,450.00

williams baptist college williams baptist college

walnut ridgeridge walnut

1-800-722-4434/ 870-759-4120 1-800-722-4434/ 870-759-4120

4-year 4-year

4-year private 4-year private

650 650

55% 55%

45% 45%

Semester Semester

12-1712-17

$6,450.00 $6,450.00

$3,100.00 $3,100.00

tWotWo year year School School

citycity

Phone Phone

yearS yearS

Public Public Private Private enrollment enrollment SemSemPerPer female female PerPer male male SemSem term term hrShrS SemSem

tuition tuition SemSem

houSing houSing SemSem

Arkansas Arkansas northeastern northeastern college college

blytheville blytheville

870-762-1020 870-762-1020

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

$54/hr $54/hr

n/A n/A

1,9001,900

70% 70%

30% 30%

Semester Semester

12 12

$2,775.00 $2,775.00

Arkansas University Arkansas StateState University

beebe beebe

501-882-3600 501-882-3600

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

4,8884,888

58% 58%

42% 42%

Semester Semester

12 12

$85/hr $85/hr

residence residence hallshalls

Arkansas StateState University at newport Arkansas University at newport

newport newport

1-800-976-1676 1-800-976-1676

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

2,1002,100

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

12 12

$86/hr $86/hr

n/A n/A

870-508-6100 870-508-6100

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

1,4131,413

64% 64%

36% 36%

Semester Semester

12 12

$87/hr $87/hr

n/A n/A

Arkansas StateState University at mountain homehomemountain homehome Arkansas University at mountain mountain Arkansas StateState University Arkansas University

Searcy (a technical Searcy (a technical501-207-6200 501-207-6200 campus ofASU-beebe) campus ofASU-beebe)

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

350 350

45% 45%

55% 55%

Semester Semester

18 18

$83/hr $83/hr

double roomroom $2310, single double $2310, single roomroom $2710$2710 - beebe campus - beebe campus

baptist baptist health health Schools Schools little little rockrock

little little rockrock

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year private private

900 900

85% 85%

15% 15%

Semester Semester

12 12

variesvaries by program by program

no campus no campus housing housing

blackblack riverriver Technical college Technical college

pocahontas pocahontas

501-202-6200/800-345-3046 501-202-6200/800-345-3046 870-248-4000 870-248-4000

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

2,5002,500

63% 63%

37% 37%

Semester Semester

12 12

$77/hr ** ** $77/hr

n/A n/A

cossatot community college of the cossatot community college of thede queen de queen University of Arkansas University of Arkansas

870-584-4471/ 1-800-844-4471 870-584-4471/ 1-800-844-4471

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

1,5001,500

70% 70%

30% 30%

Semester Semester

12 12

$57/hr ** ** $57/hr

n/A n/A

Arkansas community college east east Arkansas community college

870-633-4480 877-797-eAcc 870-633-4480 877-797-eAcc

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

fall Semester 13021302 fall Semester 2012201228% 28%

72% 72%

Semester Semester

12 12

credit $72 $72 per per credit hourhourn/A n/A (in-county) $81credit per credit (in-county) $81 per of county) hour hour (out (out of county)

forrest forrest city city

iTT Technical institute iTT Technical institute

little little rockrock

501-565-5550 501-565-5550

2-year 2-year

2-year, 4-year private 2-year, 4-year private continual continual

n/A n/A

n/A n/A

quarters quarters

12 12

$493/$493/ hr hr

mid-South community college mid-South community college

westwest memphis memphis

870-733-6722/ 866-733-6722 870-733-6722/ 866-733-6722

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

19801980 (fall 2012) (fall 2012)

64% 64%

36% 36%

Semester Semester

1-21 1-21 hourshours

$90/hr (in county), $110/$110/n/A n/A $90/hr (in county), hr (outhrof(out county/in state),state), of county/in $300/hr (out of state) $300/hr (out of state)

national community college national park park community college

hot Springs hot Springs

501-760-4222 501-760-4222

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

3,5593,559

64% 64%

36% 36%

Semester Semester

12 12

$85/hr $1,530 $85/hr $1,530 max max in- in-n/A n/A district; $95/hr $1,710 district; $95/hr $1,710 out-district max max out-district

Arkansas college northnorth Arkansas college

harrison harrison

870-743-3000 or tollatfree at 1-800-679-66222-year 2-year 870-743-3000 or toll free 1-800-679-6622

2-year 2-year publicpublic

2,3152,315

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

12 12

(in county) $1,236n/A n/A $948$948 (in county) $1,236 (out of county) (out of county)

479-636-9222/ 1-800-995-6922 479-636-9222/ 1-800-995-6922

2-year publicpublic 2-year

8,3008,300

57% 57%

43% 43%

Semester Semester

15 15

$1125$1125 ($75 ($75 per credit hr) hr)n/A n/A per credit in district / $1,837 ($122($122 in district / $1,837 per credit hr) outhr)ofout district per credit of district

northnorth westwest Arkansas community college Arkansas community collegebentonville bentonville

2-year 2-year

n/A n/A

college of theofouachitas college the ouachitas

malvern malvern

1-800-337-0266/ 501-337-5000 1-800-337-0266/ 501-337-5000

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

1,4001,400

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

12 12

$1,020 $1,020

n/A n/A

ozarka ozarka college college

melbourne melbourne

870-368-7371 870-368-7371

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

1,5501,550

70% 70%

30% 30%

Semester Semester

12-1512-15 hourshours

$79/hr $79/hr

n/A n/A

phillips community college phillips community college

helena helena

870-338-6474 870-338-6474

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

2,1582,158

67% 67%

33% 33%

Semester Semester

15 15

$62/hr $62/hr

n/A n/A

pulaski Technical college pulaski Technical college

501-812-2200 northnorth little little rockrock 501-812-2200

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

11,619 11,619

64% 64%

36% 36%

Semester Semester

variesvaries

$95/credit $95/credit hr hr

n/A n/A

remington college remington college

little little rockrock

501-312-0007 501-312-0007

2-year 2-year

2-year private 2-year private

370 370

80% 80%

20% 20%

contact campus12 hours 12 hours contact campus contact campus full - full time- timecontact campus student student

n/A n/A

mountain community college rich rich mountain community college

menamena

479-394-7622 479-394-7622

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

1,0001,000

71% 71%

29% 29%

Semester Semester

$930$930

n/A n/A

n/A-non-residential n/A-non-residential

15 15

Shorter college Shorter college

501-374-6305 northnorth little little rockrock 501-374-6305

2-year 2-year

2-year private 2-year private

n/a n/a

75% 75%

25% 25%

Semester Semester

12-1612-16

$1,800.00 $1,800.00

Arkansas community college SouthSouth Arkansas community college

el dorado el dorado

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

1,7741,774

70% 70%

30% 30%

Semester Semester

15 15

$1,110/$1,260/$2,280 n/A n/A $1,110/$1,260/$2,280

870-864-7142 870-864-7142

Southeast Arkansas college Southeast Arkansas college

pine pine bluff bluff

870-850-8605/888-SeArkTc 870-850-8605/888-SeArkTc

2-year 2-year

2-year publicpublic 2-year

2,3002,300

70% 70%

30% 30%

Semester Semester

up toup 18to 18

$80/hr $80/hr

Southern Arkansas University Southern Arkansas University Tech Tech

camden camden

870-574-4500 870-574-4500

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

2,4872,487

54% 54%

46% 46%

Semester Semester

15 15

$108/hr in state $156/hr$1100/semester $1100/semester double $108/hr in state $156/hr double of state [on-campus]; $1300/semesout ofout state [on-campus]; $1300/semester double [off-campus]; $1850/ ter double [off-campus]; $1850/ semester semester singlesingle

870-612-2000 870-612-2000

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

1,5741,574

70% 70%

30% 30%

Semester Semester

12 12

$63/hr in district $75/hrn/A n/A $63/hr in district $75/hr of district out ofout district

University of Arkansas community collegebatesville batesville University of Arkansas community college at batesville at batesville

n/A n/A

University of Arkansas community collegehopehope University of Arkansas community college at hope at hope

870-777-5722 870-777-5722

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

1,5001,500

69% 69%

31% 31%

Semester Semester

12 12

$65.50 per credit $65.50 per credit hour hour n/A n/A

University of Arkansas community collegemorrilton morrilton University of Arkansas community college at morrilton at morrilton

1-800-264-1094 1-800-264-1094

2-year 2-year

2-year 2-year publicpublic

2,3762,376

60% 60%

40% 40%

Semester Semester

12 12

$78/hr** $85/hr in-Staten/A n/A $78/hr** $85/hr in-State

28 | savvy k i ds december 2013 SUpplemenT SUpplemenT To ArkAnSAS To ArkAnSAS TimeS TimeS • the • the college college issue issue 2013 2013 AUGUST AUGUST 22, 2013 22, 2013 • AdverTiSinG • AdverTiSinG 38 38

informATion cUrrenT AS of 2013.2013. **in coUnTy. ***oUT of coUnTy. †in-diSTricT. ††oUT of diSTricT. †††oUT of STATe. informATion cUrrenT ASAUGUST of AUGUST **in coUnTy. ***oUT of coUnTy. †in-diSTricT. ††oUT of diSTricT. †††oUT of STATe.

total total SemSem coStcoSt

aiddeadline aiddeadline PerPer on aid on aid ScholarShiPdeadline ScholarShiPdeadlinerequiredexamS requiredexamS

aPPaPP deadline deadline fee feereligiouS religiouS affiliation affiliationcredit credit exam exam accePted accePtedcomment comment andand WebSite WebSite

$7,875 $7,875 (Tuition (Tuition + room + room and andopenopen board) board)

nA nA

nonenone

AcT/SAT/compASS AcT/SAT/compASS

nonenone

clepclep

Arkansas Arkansas baptist baptist college college . . . it’s. .a. it’s Good a Good thing!thing! www.arkansasbaptist.edu www.arkansasbaptist.edu

$6,746.00 $6,746.00

74% 74%

feb. 1st feb. 1st

AcT/ASSeT/SAT AcT/ASSeT/SAT

1st 1st day day of classes/ of classes/nonenone $15-Undergraduate; $15-Undergraduate; $30-Graduate/masters $30-Graduate/masters Specialist; $40 international Specialist; $40 international Students; $50 doctoral Students; $50 doctoral

Ap/clep Ap/clep

in-state tuitiontuition available to out-of-state students residing in counties in contiguous states. www.astate.edu in-state available to out-of-state students residing in counties in contiguous states. www.astate.edu

Ap/clep Ap/clep

July 1st July 1st

baptist baptist

$5,960 (not including books) $5,960 (not including books)openopen

83% 83%

feb. 28th feb. 28th

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

open/open/ no fee no fee

nonenone

$9,825.00 $9,825.00

90% 90%

dec. dec.

10th 10th first first priority priority

AcT AcT or SAT or SAT

1st day classes 1st of day of classes

baptistbaptist missionary Association missionary AssociationAp/clep Ap/clep of America of America

JuneJune 30th 30th

See our www.atu.edu Seewebsite. our website. www.atu.edu our strength is fostering an excellent education program with awith christian perspective. www.cbc.edu our strength is fostering an excellent education program a christian perspective. www.cbc.edu

$8,500 for boarding students $8,500 for boarding studentsopenopen

80% 80%

Aug. Aug. 24th 24th

AcT/ASSeT AcT/ASSeT

Aug. Aug. 24th 24th

church of christ church of christ

clep/Ap clep/Ap

www.crc.edu www.crc.edu

$11,267.00 $11,267.00

96% 96%

August 1st 1st August

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

open/open/ $50 $50

church of christ church of christ

Ap/clep/ib Ap/clep/ib

one ofone America’s leading character-building colleges with awith distinguished academic program. www.harding.edu of America’s leading character-building colleges a distinguished academic program. www.harding.edu

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

nonenone

nonenone

August 1st 1st August

with fees $5,890 with approx fees approx $5,890

April April 15th 15th priority priority 89% 89%

feb. feb.

1st priority 1st priority

Ap/clep Ap/clep

A world-class education in a highly personalized environment. www.hsu.edu A world-class education in a highly personalized environment. www.hsu.edu

$24,068.00 $24,068.00

marchmarch 1 priority 1 priority

100%100%

nov. nov.

15 early ActionAction for certain 15 early for certainAcT AcT or SAT or SAT scholarships, however scholarscholarships, however scholarshipsships are awarded are awarded through through all all application deadlines application deadlines

Action i - nov.

United methodist earlyearly Action i - nov.

1, 1,United methodist ii - 1feb. 1 earlyearly ActionAction ii - feb.

Ap/clep/ib Ap/clep/ib

All students engage in “your hendrix odyssey” – a unique of active, real-life learning experiences All students engage in “your hendrix odyssey” – a unique arrayarray of active, real-life learning experiences that enrich degree program. www.hendrix.edu that enrich everyevery degree program. www.hendrix.edu

$15,498.00 $15,498.00

marchmarch 1 priority 1 priority

88% 88%

marchmarch 1st priority 1st priority

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

rolling/ $25 $25 rolling/

interdenominational interdenominational

Ap/clep/ib Ap/clep/ib

Strong liberalliberal arts core curriculum.

AlphaAlpha chi honors chapter top 10% nationally. nationally ranked Strong arts core curriculum. chi honors chapter top 10% nationally. nationally ranked “Students in free enterprise” (Sife) team.team. www.jbu.edu “Students in free enterprise” (Sife) www.jbu.edu

$15,577.00 $15,577.00

rolling but priority con- con-99% 99% rolling but priority sideration by feb. sideration by 1st feb. 1st

rolling but priority consideration rolling but priority considerationAcT/SAT AcT/SAT by march 1st 1st by march

rolling/ $25 $25 rolling/

presbyterian presbyterian

A p Aa pn d a inndt eirnntaetrinoantai ol n a more than than 90% 90% of lyon applicants are accepted into medical or dental school (national average: 47%).47%). l more of lyon applicants are accepted into medical or dental school (national average: baccalaureate winner of 14ofArkansas professors of theofyear Awards. football and wrestling will start in theinfall baccalaureate winner 14 Arkansas professors the year Awards. football and wrestling will start theoffall of 20142014 www.lyon.edu www.lyon.edu

$14,505.00 $14,505.00

JuneJune 1st 1st

97% 97%

Jan. 15th priority Jan. 15th priority

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

open/open/ no Application fee feeArkansas baptist StateStateAp/clep no Application Arkansas baptist Ap/clep convention convention

discover the ouachita difference. www.obu.edu discover the ouachita difference. www.obu.edu

$10,459.00 $10,459.00

marchmarch 1st 1st

98% 98%

rolling deadline rolling deadline

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

open/$25 open/$25

United methodist United methodist

clepclep

ThinkThink Justice. www.philander.edu Justice. www.philander.edu

$5,571.00 $5,571.00

marchmarch 1st priority 1st priority 84% 84%

marchmarch 1st 1st

AcT AcT or SAT or SAT

open/no fee fee open/no

nonenone

Ap/clep Ap/clep

Affordable, student-centered education and the college experience. www.saumag.edu Affordable, student-centered education andcomplete the complete college experience. www.saumag.edu

$8,494.95 (est 15 hrs15tuition/ 1 priority $8,494.95 (est hrs tuition/marchmarch 1 priority fees,fees, rm/brd, books) rm/brd, books)

70% 70%

$8,021.55 including campus $8,021.55 including campusrolling rolling roomroom and board and board

83% 83%

dec. dec.

1st priority, feb. 1st or SAT 1st priority, feb.final 1st finalAcT AcT or SAT

freshman admission and andnonenone freshman admission credential deadline is oneis one credential deadline weekweek beforebefore classes begin.begin. classes

Ap/clep/pep/regents college and register on-line today!today! www.ualr.edu.

Ap/clep/pep/regents collegeApplyApply and register on-line www.ualr.edu. exams exams

marchmarch 1st priority 1st priority

AcT/ASSeT/SAT/compASS fee -fee except AcT/ASSeT/SAT/compASSrolling/no rolling/no - exceptnonenone (for placement) for international applicants (for placement) for international applicants

Ap/clep Ap/clep

UAmUAm consists of theofmain university campus in monticello as well colleges of Technology consists the main university campus in monticello asas welltheasUAm the UAm colleges of Technology in in crossett and mcGehee. www.uamont.edu crossett and mcGehee. www.uamont.edu

$6,610.00 $6,610.00

April April 15th 15th priority priority 90% 90%

marchmarch 1st/ April 1st/ April 1st 1st

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

openopen

nonenone

clepclep

UApbUApb is a comprehensive is a comprehensive 18901890 landland Grant,Grant, hbcU hbcU institution institution and the andsecond the second oldestoldest publicpublic university university in in Arkansas with awith diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty that provides Arkansas a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty that provides liberalliberal and professional and professional education. education. www.uapb.edu www.uapb.edu

$8,430.00 $8,430.00

marchmarch 15th 15th

feb. feb.

1st (freshman) April April 1st 1stAcT/SAT 1st (freshman) AcT/SAT (transfers) (transfers)

Aug. Aug. 1 1

nonenone

Ap/clep/ib Ap/clep/ib

See our www.uark.edu Seewebsite. our website. www.uark.edu

68% 68%

$6,573.00 $6,573.00

openopen

77% 77%

feb. 16th feb. 16th

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

nonenone

nonenone

Ap/clep/ib Ap/clep/ib

UcAUcA is a comprehensive university offering students excellence in education. www.uca.edu is a comprehensive university offering students excellence in education. www.uca.edu

variesvaries

JuneJune 15th 15th

70% 70%

variesvaries

AcT/compASS/SAT AcT/compASS/SAT

open/open/ no fee no fee

nonenone

Ap/clep/challenge Ap/clep/challenge

UAfSUAfS - experience. expert. education. www.uafs.edu - experience. expert. education. www.uafs.edu

$15,325 (not including booksbooksfeb. 15 $15,325 (not including feb.priority 15 priority or fees) or fees)

94% 94%

April April 1st priority 1st priority

AcT/SAT/ib AcT/SAT/ib

may 1st maypriority 1st priority

presbyterian presbyterian

Ap/clep Ap/clep

ozarks outdoors is oneis of theofpremier university-affiliated outdoor education and recreation programs ozarks outdoors one the premier university-affiliated outdoor education and recreation programs in theinstate. www.ozarks.edu the state. www.ozarks.edu

$10,025.00 $10,025.00

may 1st may 1st

97% 97%

nonenone

AcT/SAT AcT/SAT

open/no open/no fee fee

Southern baptist Southern baptist

Ap/clep Ap/clep

www.williamsbaptistcollege.com www.williamsbaptistcollege.com

total total SemSem coStcoSt

aiddeadline aiddeadline PerPer on aid on aid ScholarShiPdeadline ScholarShiPdeadlinerequiredexamS requiredexamS

$648$648 plus fees plus fees

openopen

$1,188 $1,188 tuition/fees tuition/fees

priority priority datesdates JuneJune 1/ 1/57% 57% nov 1/mar nov 1/mar 31 31

April April 1st priority 1st priority

AcT/ASSeT/compASS/SAT AcT/ASSeT/compASS/SATopenopen

nonenone

Ap/clep Ap/clep

www.anc.edu www.anc.edu

JuneJune 1st 1st

AcT/ASSeT/compASS AcT/ASSeT/compASS

open/open/ no fee no fee

nonenone

clepclep

bachelor bachelor and graduate and graduate degrees degrees are available are available through through Arkansas Arkansas StateState University-Jonesboro University-Jonesboro on theonbeebe the beebe campus. campus. call 501-882-8809. call 501-882-8809. www.asub.edu www.asub.edu

72% 72%

April April 1st 1st

AcT/ASSeT/compASS/SATopen/open/ no fee AcT/ASSeT/compASS/SAT no fee

nonenone

Ap/clep Ap/clep

A great to start! campus locations: victory in newport; krueger in Jonesboro; A great placeplace to start! campus locations: 76487648 victory drivedrive in newport; 55045504 krueger drivedrive in Jonesboro; and 33500 63 east in marked www.asun.edu and 33500 hwy hwy 63 east in marked Tree.Tree. www.asun.edu

$1,044 plus books and feespriority priority consideration81% 81% $1,044 plus books and fees consideration deadline deadline - June- June 1st 1st

JuneJune 1st 1st

AcT/ASSeT/compASS/SATopen/open/ no fee AcT/ASSeT/compASS/SAT no fee

nonenone

Ap/clep Ap/clep

bachelor and graduate degrees are available in some through ASU-Jonesboro’s degree center bachelor and graduate degrees are available in some areasareas through ASU-Jonesboro’s degree center at ASUmh. nestled the heart of ozark mountains. www.asumh.edu at ASUmh. nestled in theinheart of ozark mountains. www.asumh.edu

nonenone

$1,760 and fees)openopen $1,760 (plus(plus booksbooks and fees)

67% 67%

aPPaPP deadline deadline fee feereligiouS religiouS affiliation affiliationcredit credit exam exam accePted accePtedcomment comment andand WebSite WebSite

variesvaries

openopen

n/A n/A

JuneJune 1st 1st

compASS compASS

no fee open/open/ no fee

variesvaries by program by program

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northark offersoffers transfer and technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates of of northark transfer and technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates proficiency, customized business and industry training, adultadult basicbasic education (Ged) classes and non-credit proficiency, customized business and industry training, education (Ged) classes and non-credit community education courses. in addition, partnerships with area universities provide the opportunity to to community education courses. in addition, partnerships with area universities provide the opportunity achieve a bachelor’s degree in harrison. achieve a bachelor’s degree in harrison.

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UAccm - A Journey with meaning. www.uaccm.edu UAccm - A Journey with meaning. www.uaccm.edu december 2013 savvy k i ds

| 29

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College PlanningTeaches Kids About

MONEY

By John Shrewsbury and Janet Walker

Arkansas’s recent poor showing in a study on money management and financial preparedness has spurred an ongoing campaign to find creative ways to help Arkansas families find the resources they need to be better money managers and better prepared for retirement, unexpected emergencies and college education expenses. Involving kids in planning for their own college experience can be productive in several ways.

Being part of the college planning process can be very educational for children, as it provides them with valuable financial lessons for the future.

Children can earn money, learn about sources of financial aid, research potential colleges and take other steps that may relieve their parents of some of the responsibility of college planning.

Get an Early Start Most children don’t make plans for their higher education until they are well into high school, but the foundation for saving and planning for college can take place much earlier. Many financial experts believe the best time to introduce children to college planning is when they are in the sixth, seventh or eighth grade. During this time, parents should initiate discussions about college and explain the importance of developing good study habits and getting involved in extracurricular activities, to instill the idea that your family supports higher education.

You may also want to encourage your children to begin thinking about the career they want like to pursue, which is likely to influence their choice of college, as well as to establish a savings account that could be earmarked for education expenses. In addition, you can teach basic lessons about compounding, investing and other money management issues.

Put in High Gear in High School By the time they reach high school, many students are mature enough to plan for college at a deeper level, including the following.

Learning about college costs – Students may gain a deeper appreciation of their family’s financial sacrifices when they realize how expensive college is. They can learn about college costs from a number of sources, including the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) and the U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov).

Researching scholarships – There are numerous websites with information about sources of financial aid. For example, www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org contain search engines with data about thousands of scholarships with varying eligibility criteria. In addition, www.fafsa.ed.gov provides an overview of federal student aid programs. Also, local libraries and high school guidance offices may have information about state-sponsored aid programs and scholarships sponsored by local organizations.

Earning money – High school students can set aside a portion of their wages from part-time or summer jobs for higher education expenses. Also, students may be able to obtain jobs that build on career interests as a way of 30 | savvy k i ds december 2013

solidifying their future plans.

Getting organized – College planning encompasses numerous details, including visiting institutions that a student may want to attend, applying for financial aid, obtaining transcripts and letters of recommendation and meeting deadlines. A high school student can take responsibility for making sure that important matters are tended to ahead of time. For example, if a student has a school vacation coming up, he or she could help organize a family trip to visit colleges of interest or spend some time completing college applications.

Getting your budding scholar involved in the process of saving for a college education could ultimately be a pivotal lesson in responsibility that impacts his or her success later in life.

John Shrewsbury and Janet Walker are the principals of GenWealth Financial Advisors. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC (www.

FINRA.org/www.SIPC.org.) Financial Planning offered through GenWealth Financial Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor and is a separate entity from LPL Financial. John and Janet host the “Get Ready for the Future” show at 10 a.m. on Saturdays on 103.7 the Buzz and on KARN, 102.9 FM at noon. Contact them at (501) 653-7355. Information for this article was sourced from S&P Capital IQ.

december 2013 savvy k i ds

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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

‘Tis the Season to

Happy Holidays from your friends at

braces & kids dental Bryan C. Hiller DMD, MS • Wendi Gregory DDS

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december 2013 savvy k i ds

| 33

Early Reading Gives Children a Leg Up in Literacy

By Lisa Lakey

In Arkansas public schools, 37 percent of fourth grade students scored below basic in reading skills. This is a worrisome statistic considering literacy is a major factor in high school dropout rates and unemployment. Overall, children living in poverty were more likely to have lower reading and writing scores.

Reach Out and Read Arkansas, a nonprofit that promotes early literacy and school readiness by giving new books to children in pediatric clinics throughout the state, promotes reading to children early in life to give them a leg up on literacy. On average, children from low-income families begin kindergarten with a listening vocabulary base of 3,000 words, compared to 20,000 for their peers from middle and upper-income families.

The verdict? Children living in lower income households are typically read to less in early childhood and infancy.

Peggy Sissel-Phelan, director of Arkansas Literacy Councils and co-founder of Reach Out and Read Arkansas, says there are numerous reasons parents aren’t reading to their children including economic reasons such as not being able to purchase books. In Arkansas, with 14 percent of adults lacking basic reading and writing skills, their own literacy issues may keep them from reading to their children.

“Many parents don’t read well,” Sissel-Phelan says. “If they don’t read well, they avoid reading aloud and may feel embarrassed or stupid when they read aloud. But the main reason parents of any socio-economic class or culture don’t read to their babies is that they simply don’t know the importance of books to their child’s overall development and future physical, social, emotional and economic well-being.”

The early years of a child’s life are developmentally unlike any other period. According to Dr. Aaron Strong, a physician at Little Rock Pediatric Clinic, children who are read to have higher vocabulary and literacy scores, making programs like Reach Out and Read so important.

“We know that children who are exposed to a large vocabulary early in life will go on to develop a larger vocabulary themselves,” Strong says. “The young brain is like a sponge ready to soak up new material, but this learning still requires frequent exposure and repetition. This is why reading to children daily is an essential part of the early childhood routine. When a child is read to they are experiencing the individual sounds that make up words, associating text with the spoke word, learning inflection and gaining exposure to basic syntax.”

No child is too young to reap the benefits of reading. Many studies now show the benefits of reading to children in the womb. But if you aren’t comfortable reading to your own baby bump or already missed that mark, Strong suggests starting as soon as possible.

“Language development begins long before children begin to talk and possibly even before they are born,” he says. “Building a habit of reading to a child starting in infancy promotes improved language and literacy outcomes later in life. The act of reading to a child also promotes parent-child bonding as well as motor skills such as grasping an object, page turning and pointing.”

Strong says children who struggle with literacy early in school often have trouble attaining reading success. It is important for parents to realize the part they play in their child’s education at any age. And while you will never get the early years back to start over, it is never too late for any child to improve their literacy, aim for success and develop a lifetime love of reading.

“When children are introduced to books early and often we know that this directly correlates with school success and ultimately career success,” he says. “I think that there are a variety of factors that can explain this. The more words a child is exposed to or the more often they are read to the better their outcome for literacy and, therefore, school success.

I also think that parents who are more likely to read to their children frequently and from an early age are more likely to be otherwise invested in the promotion of educational readiness. It is never too late to start reading to a child and working on literacy skills.”

Since 2002, Reach Out and Read Arkansas has distributed more than 300,000 books to children through 36 clinics around the state. The program gives pediatricians the opportunity to discuss the importance of early literacy to parents. For more information on early literacy, visit www.ReachOutAndReadArkansas.org or www.ArkansasLiteracy.org Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

34 | savvy k i ds december 2013

they’re here.....

The perfect present is a discovery away!

Find fun and unique gifts for any age or give the gift of a museum membership

500 President Clinton Ave Little Rock, AR 72201 www.museumofdiscovery.org 501.396.7050 | 35 december 2013 savvy k i ds

7

Ways to Make Reading Routine

By Lisa Lakey

Peggy Sissel-Phelan, director of Arkansas Literacy Councils and co-founder of Reach Out and Read Arkansas, says other than the tried and true bedtime story, there are several ways to add reading into your child’s day.

1. In the car – On road trips or other time spent in the car, read to your child if you are the passenger.

2. On a walk – Pack a book in your bag or stroller, and take a break to read.

3. During bath time – This is a great time for busy toddlers to sit long enough to listen to a story.

4. Grocery shopping – Keep a small book in your purse to read to your baby or small child while waiting in line. Read words on food packaging or have older children read them to you.

5. Potty training – This is a great opportunity to read a book and may keep your toddler sitting still for a bit longer.

6. Wall art – Frame nursery rhymes on the walls of your baby’s room. During playtime and diaper changes, this will remind you to talk and sing with baby.

7. Cooking – Have older children read to you or to younger siblings while you cook dinner.

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

Promoting Reading Proficiency

By Erica Sweeney

The Arkansas Campaign for Grade-Level Reading recently kicked off its “Make Every Day Count” initiative, which urges school districts in the state to examine chronic school absences.

This initiative is one of several that campaign organizers have in the works to ensure that, by 2020, all Arkansas students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

The campaign, a partnership of Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, is striving to make big changes in the state by focusing on four areas to improve reading proficiency, including school readiness, summer learning loss, school attendance, and parental and community involvement.

Rich Huddleston, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families, says too many students in grades K-3 are chronically absent from school, missing 18 days or more per year. While many reasons may contribute to this problem, studies have shown that absences can make it hard for kids to learn to read and put them behind their classmates.

According to the 2011 state Benchmark Exams, about a quarter of all Arkansas students were not reading at grade level by third grade, and the numbers are even higher for students from minority and low-income families, Huddleston says.

Third grade is a critical time in learning and not reading at grade level by this stage can impact future academic success, including the likelihood that a student will attend college and potentially lead to unemployment in adulthood, Huddleston says.

36 | savvy k i ds december 2013

“It marks a turning point between learning to read and reading to learn,” he says.

Parental involvement helps kids do better in school, Huddleston says. Most early brain development occurs within a child’s first three years, so it’s important that children’s minds are stimulated at an early age to promote cognitive development. Parents should take the time to read and talk to their children, which can sometimes be difficult for low-income families.

“The extra challenges that low-income parents have to face impacts the quality of interaction with a child,” he explains. “Parents should be involved as much as they can with their child’s education.”

Huddleston says the campaign is not just directed at parents, but also at policymakers, educators, business owners and the community at large. Changing public policy, including adequate funding for preschool and supports for low-income families, at the state level is essential in carrying out the campaign’s mission.

Fostering a culture that promotes the importance of reading is another of the campaign’s initiatives. Huddleston says this is where the business community and policy makers come in. He urges businesses and others in the community to hold book drives, sponsor similar events and support the campaign’s initiatives.

“Only if we work together, can we make change,” he says.

For more information on the Arkansas Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, visit www.ar-glr.net.

Too Cute For Christmas!

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Providing instruction in:

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| 37

THE

ULTIMATE

Last-Minute

GI F T G U ID E

“Be Brave and Chase Your Dreams,” the commencement address given by President Bill Clinton to daughter Chelsea’s 1997 graduating class, will inspire all, especially youngsters starting out in life. Available exclusively at the Clinton Museum Store, 610 President Clinton Ave., (501) 748-0400.

Photos by Brian Chilson

With all the holiday stress and hurry, it’s easy to leave a name or two off your holiday shopping list. It’s also easy to procrastinate and not begin any shopping until a day or two before the holidays. Either way, we have the ultimate holiday gift guide for all the last-minute shoppers out there.

They’ll stay toasty in this adorable Fuzzy Wear matching kitty coat, with hat and mittens set. Coat and hat and mittens set are sold separately. Available at the Clinton Museum Store, 610 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, (501) 748-0400.

38 | savvy k i ds december 2013

These classic wooden tops, made in Eureka Springs, make great stocking stuffers. Available at the Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, (501) 324-9351.

Show some state pride with Arkansas-shaped earrings and pendant

by Walker Wood Works in Fayetteville.

Necklace and earrings are sold separately.

Available at the Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, (501) 324-9351.

This adorably festive onesie

by Peaches ‘n Cream is perfect for photos with Santa or holiday parties. It even comes with a matching headband. Available at Whippersnappers, 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Suite I, Little Rock, (501) 246-4944.

Made from recycled materials, this messenger bag is a great carryall for sleepovers, trips to the library or road trips. Available at River Market Books & Gifts, 120 River Market Ave, Little Rock, (501) 918-3093.

Get ready for spring and summer with season passes to Magic Springs and Crystal Falls Water and Theme Park in Hot Springs. Purchase online at www.magicsprings. com/tickets or call (501) 624-0100.

Giving a membership to Little Rock Zoo will ensure lots of fun throughout the year. Members receive tons of benefits and discounts.

Purchase online at www. littlerockzoo.com or call (501) 661-7218.

A Kala Brand concert ukulele is a great gift for the budding musician on your shopping list. It’s small size is just right for little hands. Lessons are also available at Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner, 11121 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite 2, Little Rock, (501) 217-0275. december 2013 savvy k i ds

| 39

Book of the month

Courtesy of the Children’s Department at the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock

Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters Forever

By K.G. Campbell When Lester’s mysterious cousin Clara comes to stay with his family, she insists on knitting him ugly sweaters. Lester must figure out how to accept the unwanted gifts without hurting his cousin’s feelings.

By Emma Dodd Love lasts forever between parent and child. This book features stunning illustrations of a polar bear family embellished with foil, a handsome addition to Emma Dodd’s ever-popular baby animal series and the perfect book for parentchild bonding at bedtime.

Just Right for Christmas Poems to Learn by Heart

By Birdie Black & Rosalind Beardshaw This is the perfect book for teaching children about gifting and sharing. The story tells of one person using a gift, then passing on a remnant for others to use. Each person in this chain of events finds a treasure to give to someone else.

40 | savvy k i ds december 2013

By Caroline Kennedy In this diverse collection, a companion to her New York Times #1 bestseller A Family of Poems, Caroline Kennedy has chosen more than 100 poems that speak to all of us: the young and young at heart, readers new to poetry and devoted fans. These poems explore deep emotions, as well as ordinary experiences. Divided into sections about nature, sports, monsters and fairies, friendship and family, this book is full of surprises. Each section is preceded by Kennedy’s thoughtful introduction reflecting her own family’s engagement with and enjoyment of poetry.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season from the office of

A place where children with learning differences and developmental disabilities can grow and develop in an environment tailored to meet their unique needs.

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A School & A Therapy Clinic

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OUTPATIENT THERAPY SERVICES

Occupational · Physical · Speech If your child has been diagnosed with a development disorder: Autism, Asperger syndrome, PDD, Down syndrome, Apraxia or other language disorders, or sensory integration issues, contact us today for more information or to schedule an evaluation for your child.

(501) 663-6965 · 1600 Riverfront Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas We work with a variety of private insurance providers as well as ARKids 1st, Medicaid, TEFRA and TRICARE. december 2013 savvy k i ds

| 41

At first, Maggie’s parents thought she was slacking off. After the Thanksgiving break, she couldn’t concentrate in class, and after school all she wanted to do was sleep.

Her grades began to drop and she rarely felt like socializing anymore. They were upset with her, but figured it was just a phase — especially because her energy finally seemed fine in the spring.

But when the same thing happened the next fall, and Maggie’s mood and her grades plummeted again, they took her to the doctor, who diagnosed her with a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

About Seasonal Affective Disorder A form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, SAD appears and disappears at the same times each year. People with SAD usually have symptoms of depression as winter approaches and daylight hours become shorter. When spring returns and the days become longer again, they experience relief from the symptoms and a return to a normal mood and energy level.

Signs and Symptoms Like other forms of depression, the symptoms of SAD can be mild, severe, or anywhere in between. Milder symptoms minimally interfere with someone’s ability to participate in everyday activities, while more severe symptoms can interfere much more.

The symptoms of SAD are the same as those of depression, but occur during a specific time of year. It’s the seasonal pattern of SAD — the fact that symptoms occur only for a few months each winter (for at least two years in a row) but not during other seasons — that distinguishes it from other forms of depression.

Symptoms of SAD may include: Changes in mood: sadness, irritability, and/or feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness most of the time for at least two weeks; tendency to be more selfcritical and more sensitive than usual to criticism; crying or getting upset more often or more easily Lack of enjoyment: loss of interest in things that are normally enjoyable; feeling like tasks can’t be accomplished as well as before; feelings of dissatisfaction or guilt Low energy: unusual tiredness or unexplained fatigue Changes in sleep: sleeping much more than usual (which can make it difficult for kids with SAD to get up and get ready for school in the morning) Changes in eating: craving simple carbohydrates (i.e., comfort foods and sugary foods); tendency to overeat (which could result in weight gain during the winter months) Difficulty concentrating: more trouble than usual completing assignments on time; lack of usual motivation (which can affect school performance and grades) Less time socializing: spending less time with friends in social or extracurricular activities The problems caused by SAD — such as lower-than-usual grades or less energy for socializing with friends — can affect self-esteem and leave people feeling disappointed, isolated, and lonely, especially if they don’t realize what’s causing the changes in energy, mood and motivation.

Causes of SAD It’s believed that with SAD, depression is somehow triggered by the brain’s response to decreased daylight exposure. How and why this happens isn’t yet fully understood.

Current theories focus on the role of sunlight in the brain’s production of certain key hormones that help regulate sleep-wake cycles, energy, and mood.

Two chemicals that occur naturally in the body are thought to be involved in SAD: Melatonin, which is linked to sleep. It’s produced in greater quantities when it’s dark or when days are shorter. Increased production of melatonin can cause sleepiness and lethargy.

Serotonin, the production of which increases with exposure to sunlight. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, so increasing the availability of serotonin helps to combat depression.

Shorter days and longer hours of darkness in fall and winter can increase melatonin levels and decrease serotonin levels, which may create the biological conditions for 42 | savvy k i ds december 2013

Seasonal Affective Disorder

depression.

Who Gets It? About six in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. Although it can affect kids and young teens, it’s most common in older teens and young adults, usually starting in the early 20s. Like other forms of depression, females are about four times more likely than males to develop SAD, as are people with relatives who have had depression. Individual biology, brain chemistry, family history, environment, and life experiences also might make certain people more prone to SAD and other forms of depression.

The prevalence of SAD varies from region to region, and it’s far more abundant among people who live in higher latitudes. For instance, one study found the rates of SAD were seven times higher among people in New Hampshire than in Florida, suggesting that life farther from the equator is a risk factor for SAD. However, most people don’t experience seasonal depression, even if they live in areas where days are much shorter during winter months. Those who do might be more sensitive to the variations in light, and undergo more dramatic shifts in hormone production depending on their exposure to light.

Treatment Treatment for SAD, which varies depending on the severity of the symptoms, includes: Increased light exposure. Because the symptoms of SAD are triggered by lack of exposure to light and tend to go away on their own when available light increases, treatment for SAD often involves increased exposure to light during winter months. For someone with mild symptoms, it may be enough to spend more time outside during the daylight hours, perhaps by exercising outdoors or taking a daily walk. Full-spectrum (daylight) lightbulbs that fit in regular lamps can help bring a bit more daylight into winter months and might help with mild symptoms.

Light therapy (phototherapy). More troublesome symptoms may be treated with a stronger light that simulates daylight. A special lightbox or panel is placed on a tabletop or desk, and the person sits in front of it briefly every day (45 minutes or so, usually in the morning) with eyes open, glancing — not staring — occasionally at the light (to work, the light has to be absorbed through the retinas). Symptoms tend to improve within a few days or weeks. Generally, light therapy is used until enough sunlight is available outdoors. Mild side effects of phototherapy might include headache or eyestrain.

Lights used for SAD phototherapy must filter out harmful UV rays. Tanning beds or booths should not be used to relieve symptoms of SAD. Their ultraviolet rays can damage skin and cause wrinkles and age spots, and even lead to skin cancer such as melanoma. Phototherapy should be used with caution if someone has another type of depressive disorder, skin that’s sensitive to light, or medical conditions that may make the eyes vulnerable to light damage.

Like any treatment, phototherapy should be used under a doctor’s supervision.

Continued on page 44

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Continued from page 42 Medication (pharmacotherapy). Medications, which might be used in combination with talk therapy and light therapy, may be prescribed for a child or teen with SAD and should be monitored by a doctor. Antidepressant medications help to regulate the balance of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and energy. Tell your doctor about any other medications your child takes, including over-the-counter or herbal medicines, which could interfere with prescription medications.

Talk therapy (psychotherapy). Helping to ease the sense of isolation or loneliness, talk therapy focuses on revising the negative thoughts and feelings associated with depression. It also can help people with SAD understand their condition and learn ways to prevent or minimize future bouts.

What Parents Can Do Talk to your doctor if you suspect your child has SAD. Doctors and mental health professionals make a diagnosis of SAD after a careful evaluation and a checkup to ensure that symptoms aren’t due to a medical condition that needs treatment. Tiredness, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, and low energy can be signs of other medical problems, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or mononucleosis.

When symptoms of SAD first develop, parents might attribute low motivation, energy, and interest to an intentional poor attitude. Learning about SAD can help them understand another possible reason for the changes, easing feelings of blame or impatience with their child or teen.

Parents sometimes are unsure about how to discuss their concerns and observations. The best approach is usually one that’s supportive and not judgmental. Try opening the discussion with something like, “You haven’t seemed yourself lately — you’ve been so sad and grouchy and tired, and you don’t seem to be having much fun or getting enough sleep. So, I’ve made an appointment for you to get a checkup. I want to help you to feel better and get back to doing your best and enjoying yourself again.”

Here are a few things you can do if your child or teen has been diagnosed with SAD: Participate in your child’s treatment. Ask the doctor how you can best help your child.

Help your child understand SAD. Learn about the disorder and provide simple explanations. Remember, concentration might be difficult, so it’s unlikely your child will want to read or study much about SAD — if so, just recap the main points.

Encourage your child to get plenty of exercise and to spend time outdoors. Take a daily walk together.

Find quality time. Spend a little extra time with your child — nothing special, just something low-key that doesn’t require much energy. Bring home a movie you might enjoy or share a snack together. Your company and caring are important and provide personal contact and a sense of connection.

Be patient. Don’t expect symptoms to go away immediately. Remember that low motivation, low energy, and low mood are part of SAD — it’s unlikely that your child will respond cheerfully to your efforts to help.

Help with homework. You may have to temporarily provide hands-on assistance to help your child organize assignments or complete work. Explain that concentration problems are part of SAD and that things will get better again. Kids and teens with SAD may not realize this and worry that they’re incapable of doing the schoolwork. You may also want to talk to the teachers and ask for extensions on assignments until things get better with treatment.

Help your child to eat right. Encourage your child to avoid loading up on simple carbohydrates and sugary snacks. Provide plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Establish a sleep routine. Encourage your child to stick to a regular bedtime every day to reap the mental health benefits of daytime light.

Take it seriously. Don’t put off evaluation if you suspect your child has SAD. If diagnosed, your child should learn about the seasonal pattern of the depression. Talk often about what’s happening, and offer reassurance that things will get better, even though that may seem impossible right now. © 1995-2013. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

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savvy arts

Local teen to star in

“Because of Winn Dixie”

By Lisa Lakey At 14 years old, Julia Nightingale Landfair has a theatrical resume more impressive than some actors twice her age. First appearing at Arkansas Repertory Theatre at a mere 8 years old as young Cosette in “Les Miserables,” Landfair has won not only the hearts of Arkansas audiences, but now a leading role in the world premiere of “Because of Winn Dixie,” the musical.

“Because of Winn Dixie,” a musical theater version of the award-winning children’s book by Kate DiCamillo, follows the story of 10-year-old Opal and her companion, an Irish Wolfhound found at the Winn Dixie supermarket.

The world premiere, set to take place at The Rep on Dec. 4-29, brings a Tony Award-winning team to Little Rock.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Landfair says of working with the team. “I’m still taking all of it in. It’s so surreal.”

The production features music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics and book by Nell Benjamin, direction by John Tartaglia and animal direction by Bill Berloni.

According to Nicole Capri, director of education and the Summer Musical Theater Intensive at The Rep, having a world premiere with such an accredited team is something they don’t take for granted.

“It’s game-changing for a regional theater to have the opportunity to produce a show that will more than likely hit the Broadway boards,” Capri says.

“It’s extremely affirming to our creative and producing staff and our audience that Arkansas Rep does really excellent work.”

It isn’t something Landfair takes for granted either. She attributes this opportunity and her success in theater to Capri, The Rep and the annual Summer Musical Theater Intensive.

46 | savvy k i ds december 2013

“This summer was my fifth year to participate in The Rep’s SMTI program,” she says. “I think that being part of this family is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Nicole Capri has pushed me to my limits at times, but I couldn’t thank her enough. I honestly wouldn’t be anywhere near here if it weren’t for her help and love.”

The SMTI has a history of producing high quality performers, many who have gone on to careers in New York City. Annual auditions in February typically see 400-500 youth competing for 100 spots. When Landfair auditioned, she already knew Capri from her work in “Les Miserables,” which is an encounter Capri can’t forget.

“She came into auditions wearing a red tutu and wheelies sneakers,” Capri says. “She looked like a perfectly decorated cupcake. She and I got on the ground together and worked on the story behind the song ‘Castle on a Cloud.’

The whole room was in tears by the time she was done. She processes like a pro years beyond her age.”

Landfair, Capri and the entire crew at The Rep are looking forward to the premiere of “Because of Winn Dixie” and what it means for the future of the theater and the future of bright young stars like Landfair.

“Since I stepped foot in The Rep, everyone has been so kind and helpful,” Landfair says. “We really are one big family. The people there have watched me grow up and they have influenced my life so much.”

For more information on “Because of Winn Dixie” or to purchase tickets, visit www.TheRep.org or call the box office at (501) 378-0405.

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

Make Screen Time Quality Family Time.

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december 2013 savvy k i ds

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Pop Topics

Nobody told me this stuff:

The Great Unknown By robert bell

Several years ago, a certain U.S. Secretary of Defense made some comments about known knowns (the things you know that you know), known unknowns (the things you know that you don’t know) and unknown unknowns (those things you don’t even know that you don’t know). For a period of several months after becoming a father, I thought that my parenting knowledge was pretty evenly divided among these three categories.

After two years and with another child arriving in about two months, it’s down to a handful of known unknowns (~9-10 percent) and only one single known known, that being that I exist in a state of mostly unknown unknowns (~89-90 percent) and most likely will for the foreseeable future. It’s akin to how, before having a child, I thought I knew that it would be difficult and unlike anything else I’d ever done.

“This is gonna be tough,” I naively thought. “I’ve never done anything like this.”

But I didn’t have a freakin’ clue about how difficult it would actually be, and I couldn’t have really. Thus I was knocked completely for a loop because I’d mistaken an unknown unknown for a known unknown. Who knows how many more of those are lurking around in the near future?

They seem to pop up more and more.

Here’s another example: since June, I’ve been working two jobs. I’m starting a new career in a field completely unrelated to writing and editing. I’m doing that job 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but I’m still writing and editing at night and on weekends. I thought I knew that it would be difficult to do all that and still have time to be a dad and husband, but sweet Lord I had no idea how tiring it would be. It’s a necessary situation, and I’m extremely grateful for the work, but wow I’m tired. I love movies and reading, and I knew I wouldn’t have time to do much of either and thought that I would miss them – a known known. Nope. Aside from a handful of college football games and a few news articles here and there, I haven’t watched any TV or movies or read anything that wasn’t workrelated in months. And I really don’t miss it at all. Another unknown unknown, though not necessarily an unpleasant one.

I’m hoping that a fourth category will eventually emerge: unknown knowns – the things I didn’t know that I knew. Right at the moment I can’t think of an example of what that might be (duh), though I have the vague sense that it would involve me confronting and then near-magically solving a problem through some sort of mysterious channeling. Like even though I won’t know what to do, I’ll somehow just know what to do. Like how Bob Dylan claimed he wrote songs in the ’60s. Right.

Back to that one single known known: I’ve learned enough by this point to know that I don’t even know what I don’t even know.

48 | savvy k i ds december 2013

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Calendar

December2013

Calendar of Events HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE December 1: The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Holiday Open House is a day full of holiday cheer, with the 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.

TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS 2013 December 1: The 14th Annual Taste of the Holidays will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests can sample the finest cuisine from 18 prestigious restaurants in Hot Springs in a festive and friendly atmosphere. A primary fundraising event each year, Taste of the Holidays plays an integral role in supporting the Mid-America Science Museum’s mission to encourage science learning and understanding for all ages in ways not ordinarily found in the workplace, classroom or home. For more information, call (501) 767-3461.

THE ENGINE THAT THOUGHT IT COULD December 1-22: 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. Written by Alan Keith Smith and 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 are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information call (501) 372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com.

PROMENADE’S CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS December 1-31: The lighting of the spectacular 26’ musically animated tree and light show starts at 5 p.m. and continues on every hour until 9 p.m. at the Promenade at Chenal. For more information, visit www. chenalshopping.com.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BROADWAY MUSICAL December 3-5: Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be at Robinson Center Music Hall.

For more information and to purchase tickets,

december

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 31 50 | savvy k i ds december 2013

call Celebrity Attractions at (501) 244-8800.

“SANTA IN THE GARDENS” AT HOLIDAY LIGHTS December 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19: Santa will be making an appearance at Garvan Woodland Gardens every Tuesday and Thursday night before Christmas. The Jolly Old Fellow and his elves will greet children from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Garvan Pavilion. Photos will be a available on site for $5 every night except Dec. 10. Members receive unlimited admission to Holiday Lights. There are no reservations for Santa, so come early and tell the kids to bring their wish lists! Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.

For more information, call (501) 262-9300 or visit www.garvangardens.org.

ACCESS GARDENS AND CERAMICS HOLIDAY SALE December 6: Set your alarm and rise early to get the best of ACCESS Ceramics! Platters, bowls, mugs, coasters and more colorful pieces created by ACCESS students are available at this once-a-year sale. The following ceramic lines are available: Santa Is Coming to Town, Monet’s Lilies, World of Color, and Shoot for the Stars. Also available are potted poinsettias, rosemary, ivy and Christmas cactus. Give your foyer, buffet or mantle a holiday boost with fresh greenery! Proceeds benefit ACCESS programs. These cute pieces and pretty plants FLY off the tables! Event time: 7:30 a.m. until sold out. Location: ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Drive. For details, visit www.accessgroupinc.org.

POETS WITH PASSION POETRY SLAM December 7: The 13th annual Poets with Passion Poetry Slam, sponsored by J.A. Fair High School, hits the stage from 6 to 9 p.m. Five students from each Little Rock School District high school will be performing for two rounds.

The last round will be the top two students from each school. There will be an overall school winner and three monetary prizes ranging from $100-$350, as well as trophies. The monetary awards are funded entirely through donations from the community. Donations can be made by calling Christina Cereghini at (501) 4471735 or via e-mail christina.cereghini@lrsd.org.

GOOD EARTH’S HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE December 7: Join the Good Earth for a Holiday Open House with food, discounts, live music, door prizes and more! Event time: 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (501) 868-4666.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT PETIT JEAN December 7: Come see Petit Jean State Park dressed in its Christmas finery. Enjoy

family oriented arts and crafts activities and seasonal entertainment. Contact the park for more details at (501) 727-5441.

WINTER DISCOVERY LAKE CRUISES December 7: Come prepared to discover Lake Maumelle as it springs to life in the middle of winter! Pinnacle Mountain State Park and its surrounding water bodies host thousands of animals that have migrated south for the winter. A park interpreter will guide the way in a search for critters of all kinds that spend the winter around the lake, hopefully even a few bald eagles. Dress for extremely cold and windy lake weather. Advance payment is required.

Admission: $12 adults, $6 children ages 6-12.

For more information and reservations, call (501) 868-5806.

22ND ANNUAL LITTLE ROCK JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK FOR ARTHRITIS December 7: A holiday themed fun 5K run/walk or a 1 mile fun run/walk, benefitting the Foundation. Costume contest, a fun filled kid’s zone, door prizes and pictures with Santa!

Everyone will have an opportunity to participate regardless of fitness level. Canine friends are also welcome…they get arthritis too. Event place: Clinton Presidential Library. Event time: 11 a.m. For more information, call (501) 664-4591.

FREE SANTA PHOTOS AT THE PROMENADE December 7 and 14: You better be good and you better not pout, Santa and Mrs. Claus are both coming to the Promenade at Chenal!

Bring your family dressed in their cutest Christmas attire and get your FREE photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Promenade. Photos are available from noon until 5 p.m. Visit www. chenalshopping.com for more details.

ANNUAL BIG JINGLE JUBILEE HOLIDAY PARADE December 7: The Annual Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade, sponsored by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, begins at Second and Broadway at 3 p.m. The parade travels south on Broadway, turns west onto Capitol Avenue and ends at the State Capitol, with a lighting and fireworks display at dark or about 6 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. Visit www.holidaysinlittlerock.com for details.

CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD December 7 and 14: Come enjoy treats, hot cocoa, arts and crafts, and join Santa as he presents gifts to the animals at the Little Rock Zoo! Event time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reservations are a must! Admission: members: child $16.95, adult $21.95; non-members: child

$18.95, adult $25.95. For more information, call (501) 661-7218.

TREE TRIMMING AT LAMAN December 7: Children of all ages are cordially invited to participate in our tree trimming celebrations at of the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock. The event will include crafts, cookies and drinks. The event will take place in the auditorium. Free and open to the public. Event time: 2 p.m. For details, visit www.lamanlibrary.org.

JOLLY JAMMIES JAMBOREE December 7: Everyone is invited to come in their Christmas pajamas, play games, shop vendors and get their picture made with Santa Claus at the Jolly Jammies Jamboree, benefitting Holy Sews. The theme is Candyland, with games for kids. The Holy Sews ministry makes handmade burial clothing for micro-preemie infants that pass away during the early second trimester of pregnancy. Event time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Our Lady of Holy Souls Allen Center.

For more details, visit www.holysews.org.

PIONEER VILLAGE – AN OLD FASHION CHRISTMAS December 7: Step back in time to see how pioneer families celebrated the Christmas season. A live Christmas tree in the school just waiting for the community Christmas party; the tree in the log house is decorated with hand made decorations. The whole Village is decorated with the late 1800s spirit of Christmas.

Santa and his sleigh will be there. Pioneer gifts and stocking stuffers will be available in the Garner Depot. Event Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Event Location: Pioneer Village, 1200 Higginson St., Searcy. Call (501) 580-6633 for details.

JUNIOR AUXILIARY’S BREAKFAST WITH SANTA December 7: The Junior Auxiliary of Saline County is hosting its annual countywide Breakfast with Santa. The event is free to the public and features pancakes, crafts and photos with Santa.

Food is collected and donated to the backpack program at the Bryant and Saline County Boys and Girls clubs. Event time: 8 a.m. Location: Bryant Main Fire Station, 312 Roya Lane. For more information, lauren.benson@xerox.com.

46TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FROLIC December 8: Keep your family tradition going, or make a new one, and join hundreds of others who have danced their first Virginia Reel in the Hinderliter Grog Shop, the oldest house in Little Rock. It’s always fun to watch kids sashay down the line for the first time or brush up on your own steps. From sack races to stilts, from fiddling to frolicking, this favorite seasonal event charms one and all with old fashioned fun.

Bring the whole family out and enjoy live music,

crafts, carols, pioneer games and our famous hot cider and ginger cake. Location: Historic Arkansas Museum. Event time: 1 to 4:30 p.m.

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

OLD STATE HOUSE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE December 8: The traditions of joyous family holiday celebrations past can be relived at Holiday Open House. Visitors will find the Old State House colorfully decorated for the season.

Fun, hands-on activities will be available to children; they can create unique holiday cards and more! Delightful carols will be performed by local music groups. Event time: 1-4:30 p.m.

Visitors will also enjoy delicious cookies and punch. Call (501) 324-9685 for more information. Admission is free.

LIONELS AT LAMAN December 12: Join hobbyists and members of the Lionel Collectors Club of America at the Laman Library in North Little Rock to enjoy this hands-on model railroad display that’s fun for all ages. Even time: 10 a.m.; will remain on display until Dec. 31. For more information, call (501) 758-1720.

‘IS YOUR CHILD REALLY FINE?’ SPEAKING EVENT December 12: Speaker, author, parent and child advocate Tracy Nichols will hold a workshop/speaking event for parents and children on the topic of bullying. She will share information from her book “Is Your Child Really Fine?” The event is free, and books will be available for purchase. Event time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Location: Guillermo’s Coffee. For more information and to confirm a seat, email assistant@thenewbully.com.

9TH EVER NOG-OFF December 13: Historic Arkansas Museum’s 9th Ever Nog-Off is a culinary celebration of this favorite holiday drink, and friendly competition for the best eggnog in town.

From a 185-year-old recipe handed down seven generations to concoctions with a modern twist, the only way to determine a winner is for the guests to sample them all. Two awards are given with the prize being bragging rights: the People’s Choice and the Taster’s Choice. Event time: 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (501) 324-9351 or visit www.historicarkansas.org.

FORT SMITH TROLLEY MUSEUM’S ANNUAL POLAR EXPRESS December 13: Children and their families will enjoy a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas story, “The Polar Express,” in the vintage railroad dining car at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. They will then be treated to hot cocoa and cookies. After a visit and photo shoot with Santa, they can take a ride on the trolley.

Children are encouraged (though not required) to wear their pajamas, as the children on the train in the story do. Admission: FREE. For more information, call (479) 783-0205.

ACH FESTIVAL OF STARS December 13: At Arkansas Children’s Hospital, spending the holidays in the hospital is a reality for many kids and their families.

Donate new toys, gift cards and other items through the Festival of Stars, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the ACH campus at the corner of 10th and Children’s Way. Visit www.ARChildrens.org/Festival for details.

THE NUTCRACKER PRESENTED

BY BALLET ARKANSAS December 13-15: Ballet Arkansas presents its annual production of “The Nutcracker” with Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at Robinson Center Music Hall in Downtown Little Rock. Show times for the 13th and 14th are 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the 15th. For more information, call (501) 223-5150 or visit www. balletarkansas.org.

ARKANSAS CHAMBER SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT December 13-15: The Old State House Museum welcomes the Arkansas Chamber Singers performing their annual holiday concert, “Spirit of the Season.” The program will include familiar carols and songs of the season, featuring new works by Arkansas composers performed in the museum’s acoustically rich house chamber. Event times: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Admission is free, but seating may be limited, so reserve your seats at www.ar-chambersingers.org/ holiday.htm.

K.I.D.S. VOLUNTEER DAY December 14: Kids Involved in Dynamic Service offers a chance for children ages 8-13 to have a positive impact on their community through service. The December project is making cards and stockings for children in need of some holiday cheer. Event time: noon to 2 p.m. Location: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

Participants must register prior to the event. For more information, call (501) 683-3592.

LIL’ WILD ONES: NATURE STORIES AND ACTIVITIES December 14: Some bald eagles can be found in Arkansas all year long, but many more pay Arkansas a visit during winter. Learn how to identify a bald eagle in flight, so you can keep your eyes on the sky all winter long. Event location: Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center (602 President Clinton Ave.). Event time: 2 p.m. For more information, call (501) 9070636 ext. 104.

STAR GAZING December 14: This remote archeological park provides a perfect backdrop for viewing the night sky! A park interpreter will guide you through the constellations and tell American Indian stories while you explore the site in a whole new way. Whether you are a novice star gazer or an astrophysicist, come and relax while appreciating the earth’s natural night lights. Admission: $4 adults, $3 kids ages 6-12, kids under 6 get in free. Event place: Toltec Mounds visitor center in Scott. Space is limited so make reservations. For more information, call (501) 961-9442.

HOLIDAY HAYRIDE December 14: Jostle, bounce and laugh your way across the fields and through the woods of Pinnacle Mountain State Park on a guided hayride with a warm campfire, stories, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Advance payment required. Admission: $12 adults, $6 children ages 6-12. For more information, call at (501) 868-5806 CHRISTMAS MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE IN SCOTT December 14: Are you ready to start some new holiday traditions this Christmas?

The Plantation Agriculture Museum will open

its grounds and buildings to the public for our third annual Christmas Museum Open House. All items in the museum gift shop will be 20% off. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere for the holidays while shopping, making crafts, sipping hot apple cider or coffee and nibbling on homemade treats. Admission: $3. For more information, call (501) 961-1409.

HEIFER HOUR December 14: Bring the family for a day of free, fun activities for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade starting at 11 a.m. at the Heifer Village. Admission is free. For more information call (501) 907-2697.

JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK FOR ARTHRITIS HOT SPRINGS December 14: Be part of the largest holiday 5K race series aimed to fight arthritis.

Chosen as one of the Most Incredible Themed Races, Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday inspired costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Run or walk a 5K route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. Meeting place: Garden trails and Garvan Pavilion.

Event time: noon. To register, call (501) 6644591 or e-mail aharris@arthritis.org.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT December 14: The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) presents its Christmas Concert under the baton by Maestro Paul Haas at Walton Arts Center’s Baum Walker Hall (495 W. Dickson St. in Fayetteville).

The concert, sponsored by Bob and Marilyn Bogle, will showcase a mix of your favorite sacred and secular music celebrating the beauty and wonder of Christmas. Featuring vocal soloists, the SoNA Singers and regional choirs. Event time: 7:30 p.m. Visit www. sonamusic.org for ticketing information and complete season lineup.

HEIFER RANCH LIVING GIFT MARKET December 14-15: Searching for the perfect gift this Holiday season? Heifer Ranch in Perryville can help make this special task fun and exciting! Visit after dark and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Show Barn during this unique excursion. Decorate cookies in the European house, enjoy a hot drink by the fire and learn how animals can empower families to change their lives. Give the gift of hope this season and help us in our mission to end world hunger and poverty around the world. Event times: Dec. 14, 5-8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3-6 p.m. Event Location: Heifer Ranch, 55 Heifer Road Perryville. Visit www.heifer.org for details.

LITTLE BEGINNINGS TODDLER PROGRAM December 18: This month’s Little Beginnings Toddler program at the Old State House Museum will be about reindeer. The program is for children ages 2 to 4 accompanied by a parent. Each month the class highlights a different topic and promotes learning through hands-on activities, music making, movement and storytelling. Admission is free; no day care or school groups please. Event time: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Call (501) 324-9685 for more information.

RIVER LIGHTS IN THE ROCK December 19: This event will start at the First Security Amphitheater at 5 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m. Ottenheimer Market Hall will be open for this event, so food and beverages will be available. The flipping of the switches and the illumination of all three bridges – Main Street, Junction and Clinton Presidential Center – with a festive light show (bridges will remain illuminated) will follow opening remarks and entertainment. For more information, visit www.

HolidaysInLittleRock.com.

HOLIDAY FANTASY December 20-22: An Arkansas tradition – enjoy Christmas carols, sing-alongs, Arkansas stars and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at Robinson Center Music Hall. Get cozy with the ASO for a wonderful concert to celebrate the season with all of your favorite holiday music!

Show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.arkansassymphony.org.

IT’S YOUR JOURNEY – TAKE IT! GIRL SCOUTS December 21: The program is open to current and new Girl Scout members. Event time: 10 a.m. Locations: The Center in Bryant and Faulkner County Library in Conway. For details, email kdailey@girlscoutsdiamonds.org.

HEIFER VILLAGE LIVING GIFT MARKET December 7: Searching for the perfect gift this Holiday season? Heifer Village can help make this special task fun and exciting. Visit our activity stations that highlight different regions where Heifer works around the world to learn how animals empower families to feed themselves. Take a photo with some animal ambassadors from Heifer Ranch. It will be a day filled with fun that will show you how your perfect gift can empower families to end hunger and poverty. Event Time: 10 a.m.

Event Location: Heifer Village, 1 World Ave., Little Rock. Visit www.heifer.org.

‘IS YOUR CHILD REALLY FINE?’ SPEAKING EVENT December 15: Speaker, author, parent and child advocate Tracy Nichols will hold a workshop/speaking event for parents and children on the topic of bullying. She will share information from her book “Is Your Child Really Fine?” The event is free, and books will be available for purchase. There will be light refreshments. Event time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Ava Bella Day Spa. For more information and to confirm a seat, email assistant@ thenewbully.com. december 2013 savvy k i ds

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SAVVY EVENTS Central Arkansas Buddy Walk Photos by Patrick Jones

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The Central Arkansas Buddy Walk was held on Oct. 12 in celebration of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The one-mile walk was held at Lake Willastein Park in Maumelle to bring awareness and support to individuals with Down syndrome. The day also featured activities for kids and families.

1. Evan and Harper Feldman 2. Kirsten Stafford 3. Presley Tolliver 4. Laney Kellybrew 5. Madi Martin 6. Griffin Vardaman 7. Reese Bunker 8. Miles Nipper 9. Kaitlyn Runnells 10. Samual Lowrance 11. Amy Thompson 12. Drake Webster 13. Sarah Hyatt 14. Christian and Maliyah Hunt

Halloween Superclassico Photos by Arkansas United

Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz,” Superman, Iron Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Spider-Man, ballerinas, dragons, pirates, princesses, and a host of other all-star characters made an appearance at Arkansas United Soccer Club’s annual Halloween Superclassico on Oct. 26 at Murray Park in Little Rock. More than 400 kids ranging in ages from 4 to 8 dressed in costumes for this special day of soccer emphasizing fun in youth sports.

Arkansas United’s soccer program for 3-year-olds also got in on the fun with a Halloween Superclassico of its own to close out the season on Oct. 28.

52 | savvy k i ds december 2013

10th Annual Asian Festival Photos by Callie France Sterling

The 10th annual Asian Festival was held on Nov. 9 at Woodlawn Baptist church in Conway. The day consisted of performances from Arkansas Taekwondo Association, Hawaiian youth dancers, Mexican heritage dances, children’s games, vendor booths and Asian food. This was the first year that Polynesian food was available to sample.

The concept of the festival was made possible because of Wilma Houston.

SATURDAY, DEC. 7 • 2:00–3:00 PM Se Habla Español!

Tree Trimming Party Make ornaments for our Christmas tree, and take some home as well!

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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.

54 | savvy k i ds december 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

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11501 Financial Centre Parkway | Little Rock, AR 72211