Savvy Kids - April 2014

april 2014 • www.savvykidsofarkansas.com

Earth Day

Projects

Autism Awareness

Misconceptions, warnings and the latest news

CARRYING THE BURDEN

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

2014 Summer Camp Guide

Why kids should camp

Second Nature Little Rock siblings’ love for the outdoors has led to a passion for conservation

april 2014 savvy kids

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Good Quality Water

Doesn’t Happen By Accident For decades, the quality of your drinking water has been second to none for health, safety, and customer satisfaction. With over 400 tests performed daily, water users in Central Arkansas already receive the most exceptional quality of water available, and we make it our priority to ensure that they always will.

We strive to maintain the quality of this vital resource with watershed protection activities, which result in lower water treatment and energy costs; added value for the customers we serve; and improved ecosystem functions important for clean water. Visit our lakes, Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona, to see why we are so passionate about water quality.

Scan this QR code to learn more about what we can do for your business:

2 | savvy k i ds April 2014

april 2014 savvy kids

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Celebrating Celebrating

Urban Farm to table

then and now URBAN FARM TO TABLE

THEN AND NOW

contents APRIL 2014

ON THE COVER:

Shelby and Garrett Tripcony, photographed at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

by Brian Chilson

12

Second Nature

Little Rock brother and sister share a love for the outdoors and a passion for conservation st

41 Annual Territorial Fair • Free Saturday, May 10 • 10 am - 4 pm Meet today’s beekeepers, cheese makers, chicken and backyard gardeners along with their pioneer counterparts at the Historic Arkansas Museum. Dance around the Maypole, walk on stilts, listen to the roaming fiddler and create handmade Mother’s Day cards.

Meet today’s beekeepers, cheese makers, urban chicken keepers and backyard gardeners along with their pioneer counterparts at the Historic Arkansas Museum. Dance around the Maypole, walk on stilts, listen to the roaming fiddler and create handmade Mother’s Day cards.

18

Autism Awareness

Treatments, programs and misconceptions about the disorder

24

CARRYING THE BURDEN

How domestic violence impacts children

42

2014 Summer Camp Guide

DEPARTMENTS

Plus...

Earth Day activities, Easter fun, clean eating and more

4 | savvy k i ds April 2014

8 Odds and Ends 10 Little hero 36 Calendar of Events 52 Savvy ARTS 54 Savvy project 56 Pop topics 58 of the month 62 kids eat free

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Editor’s Letter

Nature Lovers

publisher

Monika Rued monika@arktimes.com

editor

Photo by Brian Chilson

Many times, in this very space, I have written about how much I enjoy meeting young people, especially those with a cause. Often, they have an enthusiasm for their interests and passions that many adults, including myself, take for granted.

Recently, I had the great privilege of meeting brother and sister, Shelby and Garrett Tripcony, who are featured on our cover. These siblings spoke so eloquently about their love for nature and concern for the environment. One story they shared has stayed with me. They mentioned enjoying walking in Two Rivers Park and seeing all kinds of birds, but feeling disappointed that other walkers and cyclists were passing right by all of nature’s best resources.

Several of the educators that I spoke to for this issue said that children and adults alike are experiencing a nature deficit. This is exactly what Shelby and Garrett were describing.

In this issue, to help us all turn that deficit into a surplus, we have included several ideas for getting outside and enjoying nature, whether it’s planting a butterfly garden, visiting a farmer’s market or getting involved with a local nature organization.

The weather this time of year certainly lends itself to enjoying the outdoors. And, as one of the educators I interviewed said, we tend to care about what we enjoy. So, get the kids outside and involved in a nature activity. They will likely inspire you to do the same.

Erica Sweeney ericasweeney@arktimes.com

digital media producer Bryan Moats

editorial art director Patrick Jones

account executive Rose Gladner rose@arktimes.com

Wendy Hickingbotham wendy@arktimes.com Lesa Thomas lesathomas@arktimes.com

production manager Weldon Wilson

advertising coordinators

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

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographer Brian Chilson

controller

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable Kelly Lyles

it director

Robert Curfman

billing/collections Linda Phillips

circulation director Jack Higgins

Erica Sweeney, Editor ericasweeney@arktimes.com

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We

inned It!

Chalkboard paint adds a twist to wooden Easter eggs. From www.lisamoorefield.com.

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ODDS & ENDS

Laman Opens Larger Argenta Branch

The William F. Laman Public Library will soon have a larger presence in North Little Rock’s Argenta neighborhood. On April 5, the library opens a larger branch in the former Main Street Post Office building.

About three times larger than its former Argenta location, a few doors down in a former fire station, the new branch is 15,000 square feet and features a children’s floor, auditorium, gallery, public computers, reading rooms, railroad research room and, of course, books, magazines and other media.

On Saturday, April 5, the Argenta Branch Library will open to the public at 10 a.m. with an array of carnival-like festivities to celebrate, said Dan Noble, Laman’s public relations manager. The Tail Waggin’ Tutors and Arkansaw Toothpick Theater are just a couple of the family-friendly attractions planned for opening day.

Laman Library purchased the building from the United States Postal Service in 2012 for $775,000. The library spent about $2.8 million to renovate the space.

While the building underwent an extensive renovation, Noble said some of the original features remain, such as the marble flooring, windows, crown molding and a gate and vault near the entryway. The first exhibit scheduled for the branch’s gallery will be a collection of photos showing history of the building, dating from the early 1930s.

The second-floor children’s area is a bright, open space overlooking the main floor with reading nooks, computers, books and more. Noble said the branch will host story times and other programs. A basement-level auditorium is available for larger children’s events.

Noble said the Argenta Branch Library will serve as a neighborhood anchor and a great community meeting place. In the next 10 years, the number of residents living in the area is expected to triple, he said.

The children’s area at the Brooke Hadder will be the branch’s manager. The Argenta Branch Library is located Argenta Branch Library at 420 Main St. in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary.org for details.

Photo by Brian Chilson

Tea & Tiaras Rescheduled

The 4th Annual Tea & Tiaras, a Mother-Daughter Tea, benefitting the Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 26 at Chenal Country Club.

Tea & Tiaras features crafts, brunch and a raffle. Every princess who attends receives a tiara and princess sash, and can participate in a runway walk. Proceeds benefit children and families needing financial assistance as they seek medical treatment for vascular anomalies.

The event was originally scheduled for Feb. 8, but was canceled because of winter weather. Keta Young will be honored as the 2014 Tea Party Princess for “her courage and inspiration to others,” an event press release states. Dr. Milton Waner, founder of the organization, will be honored for his work helping children with vascular anomalies. A Royal Court, featuring Miss Arkansas Collegiate 2014 Raygan Sylvester and Miss Arkansas High School Aryn Johnson, will be on hand to take photos with guests. Alyson Courtney, anchor of KATV Channel 7 News Daybreak, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation, commonly known as Waner Kids, is dedicated to providing information, training and funding for the treatment of vascular lesions, such as hemangiomas, vascular birthmarks, arteriovenous malformations and other vascular anomalies. The organization provides financial assistance to children and families affected, acts as a resource for families and supports research for treatment.

Registration for Tea & Tiaras begins at 10:30 a.m. and festivities start at 11 a.m. Tickets are $25 for children and $40 for adults. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.wanerkids.org.

8 | savvy k i ds April 2014

It’s not just a “family” problem anymore.

Domestic Violence against women and children used to only be whispered among family members…….not any more.

With the generous help of so many in our community, Women & Children First in Little Rock, is bringing this very serious problem out of the dark and into the light.

Woman & Children First is the largest domestic violence shelter in Arkansas and the central facility for the other 33 shelters in the state. This shelter does not have a million dollar budget, or anything fancy, just a 109 year old building that is full of very caring, wonderful people that help these women & children who come to us with such need and stories you can hardly believe.

Through our advocacy programs, we get these women back on their feet, give them their pride back and show them that they can live in this world without violence.

• In Fiscal Year 2012, over 550 women and children sought refuge at the shelter representing 10,000 shelter days.

• The Advocacy Program provided crisis intervention, case management, emotional support, 1,716 support group hours and more than 3,000 individual support hours.

• The Domestic Violence Hotline answered 1,579 crisis calls.

• The Court Advocacy Program provides accompaniment in court for emotional support.

• More than 2,000 women were assisted with legal and support issues.

• Transitional Housing provided more than 250 case management hours and supportive services to families seeking permanent housing free of violence after leaving the shelter.

Help us help them smile again.

For more information contact: Angela McGraw, Executive Director amcgraw@wcfarkansas.org www.wcfarkansas.org 501-376-3219 • Toll Free 1-800-332-4443 P.O. Box 1954 • Little Rock, AR 72203 april 2014 savvy kids

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LITTLE HERO

little hero

Big Heart Stealing hearts and creating smiles, one pageant at a time

Story and Photo by Callie France Sterling

Delaney Robertson is a 15-year-old teen from Little Rock that enjoys lifting the spirits of individuals with special needs.

“Every minute is rewarding,” said Robertson, who is a volunteer for the Angels Pageant System, a pageant for individuals with special needs.

“These kids don’t get to feel like they’re incredibly special very often, but when the entire audience starts clapping for them, they get an awesome look on their face. To be beside them while they feel like that is very rewarding.”

Robertson has a history of competing in pageants and won two titles when she was younger. Because of her passion for pageants and love for community service, the Angels Pageant System seemed like the perfect way for her to give back. She often dresses up in her vintage pageant attire and crowns the winner of the Central Arkansas Angels Pageant.

Robertson has been volunteering with the pageant for three years.

Organically, the program, called Arkansas Angels Pageant System, was exclusive to the state. Since Robertson has been involved, it has expanded into 20 states and is now called the Angels Pageant System.

When Robertson got involved, there were about 80 participants. This year there are more than 200 in central Arkansas alone.

The pageant was created in 2010 by the mother of a young girl, Andrea Thorn, who had cerebral palsy. Thorn wanted to participate in pageants, just like her identical twin sister, so their mother created the pageant for individuals with special needs. Thorn passed away when she was 15.

Today, Robertson and the other pageant volunteers have created the “Pay it Forward” campaign in Thorn’s honor to raise awareness about the pageants.

“Anyone from age zero to 99 is able to participate,” Robertson said. “The oldest participant I have met was a little over 70 years old.”

In addition to volunteering with the pageant, Robertson volunteers at Camp Aldersgate and iCAN! Dance.

Robertson helps out with activities and games at Camp Aldersgate’s camps, including weekends during the school year and the weeklong summer camps.

She said she enjoys making sure the campers have a good time.

“They get a week that is just about them, and they get to be around kids in society that have the same problems they do,” Robertson said. “They are all the same in one another’s eyes. They get to do things at Camp Aldersgate that ‘quote (unquote)’ normal kids get to do. A lot of times in their life, their disease can define them, but they don’t even have to mention that they have 10 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Delaney Robertson

anything different about them when they’re at camp.”

Robertson enjoys giving back to others but has also gained a lot from her volunteerism.

“It lifts me up a lot too,” she said. “I can be in a bad mood and I come back home from camp, and I am not the same person when I come home.”

Robertson also devotes two days a week to iCAN! Dance, a statewide dance program dedicated to children with special needs.

“My dance buddy is Madison, and she has cerebral palsy,” she said. “Madison is one of my favorite people in the entire world. Being her dance buddy is very rewarding and we have fun.”

Robertson would like to continue helping others in the future by becoming an occupational therapist when she gets older.

“I job shadowed an occupational therapist last spring and I loved it; I didn’t want to leave. It would be great to just help others as a job each day,” she said.

Robertson’s mother, Aimee Robertson, is very proud of her daughter’s passion for volunteering.

“I love to see that helping others is what makes my daughter happy,” she said.

“There is nothing that makes me more proud as a mom. This is what life is all about. She is smart and beautiful, but best of all, she has a heart of gold.”

The 2014 Central Arkansas Angels Pageant is June 14 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. For more details about the pageant system, visit www.angelspageantsystem.com, call 501-412-3994 or e-mail arkansasangelspageant@gmail.com.

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Second Nature Little Rock siblings have taken their love of the outdoors to the next level by participating in conservation activities

By Erica Sweeney

Photos by Brian Chilson

“It’s neat to learn about our world, where we live, and find out as much as you can about it and how wonderful, intricate and unique God designed it to be. You think ‘wow, that is amazing.’”

This is 12-year-old Shelby Tripcony’s response when asked why she loves nature so much. She and her younger brother, Garrett, spend much of their free time observing the outdoors. Though they have their own specific interests (hers is birds; his is snakes), they agree on one thing: “We need to have people to observe and conserve,” Shelby explains.

The siblings’ love for nature goes beyond the occasional playground session to full-on conservationism, hopefully inspiring other young people to follow in their footsteps.

Shelby, a homeschooled sixth-grader, is an avid bird watcher and hopes to one day become an ornithologist, park ranger or wildlife rescuer.

She has logged nearly 180 birds through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Wings Over Arkansas program. She also enjoys writing about, sketching and photographing birds. Three of her photographs are part of the Arkansas Audubon Society’s 2014 calendar.

“My life is birding,” she said.

Shelby first became enthralled with nature when her family moved to a home on a lake in west Little Rock.

When she was in third grade, a speaker at her weekly Science Enrichment Education for Kids (SEEK) program for homeschoolers at the Arkansas 4-H Center inspired her to take up birding.

She said she began in her back yard, keeping a Garrett Tripcony list of the common birds 12 | savvy k i ds April 2014

in her area. Once she had seen everything, she wanted to explore elsewhere.

Her mom, Erin Tripcony, contacted the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas, Arkansas Audubon Society, and signed up for email alerts of bird sightings through the University of Arkansas. She also helped connect Shelby with the Wings Over Arkansas Program.

Wings Over Arkansas recognizes local bird watchers’ contributions to the Arkansas outdoors, said Hollie Sanders, AGFC education specialist. The program is open to individuals of all ages and has six achievement levels. Once birders submit information about the birds they’ve seen to the AGFC, they receive a decorative pin and certificate.

Shelby Tripcony is at the Belted Kingfisher (or third) level.

Sanders said Wings Over Arkansas is an important program because it helps scientists track species not commonly seen in the state. She said reaching Shelby’s achievement level is an impressive feat at any age.

Enthusiasm Turned Conservationism While Shelby says her favorite bird changes daily, she counts seeing the Painted Bunting, which she calls her “curse bird,” a term commonly used by birders, among her accomplishments. She said she spent “forever” trying to see it, and then once she did, she saw it everywhere.

When birding, you “have to be quick” and note a bird’s color, shape and other characteristics. Shelby keeps track of it all in a notebook and uses a guidebook to help with identification. Taking photos makes identifying birds that much easier, she said.

The Snowy Owl is likely the rarest bird that Shelby and Garrett have seen.

They were lucky enough to spot it when it flew through Little Rock in December, one of only a handful of times that it has been seen in the state since the 1950s. The pair was even interviewed on KATV (Channel 7) about the rare sighting, and one of Shelby’s photos was used in the news story.

While Garrett Tripcony, a fourth-grader at Arkansas Baptist School, appreciates bird watching, herps – reptiles, particularly snakes, and amphibians – are more his thing.

He said snakes get a bad rap: “Snakes are just snakes. A lot are really friendly.”

Garrett, who turns 10 this month, explains that most snakes only bite when provoked, which is also the case for most other animals. He loves

talking about snakes (his favorite snakes are the speckled kingsnake and Gaboon Viper).

He said seeing snakes feels like an accomplishment, “like in a video game, when you get to the next level.” When he grows up, he wants to be a herpetologist or video game designer.

Garrett is also a Cub Scout, and his dad, Shane Tripcony, is an assistant den leader. The den is dedicated to the “leave no trace” mantra, and participates in cleanup and other conservation activities. Garrett and his dad have been involved with the Arkansas Herpetological Society.

Rescuing animals is another of Shelby and Garrett’s conservation efforts.

They have rescued raccoons, squirrels and stray dogs. They once tried to save the eggs of a pregnant turtle that was hit by a car, but before they could, crows had eaten the eggs, Shelby explains.

“When humans mess up, nature takes over,” she said.

Another time, Garrett rescued a snake that had been caught in some wire.

He kept it in a box, while nursing it back to health. Before he could re-release it into the wild, the snake escaped into the family’s house, and was never found.

The Tripconys also have a couple of pets: a pet bearded dragon named, Monkey, and Chihuahua-schnauzer mix, named Buddy. Garrett had a pet snake but it recently passed away and he isn’t sure if he’s getting another one.

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Fostering a Lifelong Passion Despite growing up in Arkansas, Erin and Shane Tripcony admit to not being the biggest nature lovers – that is until their children came along. They have been inspired by their children’s passion for the outdoors and have done what they can to foster the appreciation.

Shane said it’s important to encourage young people in any interest because creates positive memories. “When you develop a love early on, it will become a lifelong passion,” he said.

“You have to be ready to listen to your kids,” and encourage the passion and foster the interest, Erin Tripcony said.

“It’s great for them to have something to get so excited about, and it’s exciting when you know what you’re seeing. People spend way too much time indoors. It’s good to be outdoors and good for the environment.”

The family enjoys birding, camping and hiking together. Both parents say their children know more about snakes and birds than they probably ever will.

“The more they learn, the more they know what to look for, and it becomes more interesting,” Shane Tripcony said. “It gives them all sorts of experiences.”

Shelby Tripcony said she hopes to pass along he love of nature to others.

She attended the Arkansas Audubon Society’s Halberg Ecology Camp last year, and was one of 24 invited back to the senior session this summer.

She said it concerns her that she doesn’t know many young people involved with birding or other nature activities.

It’s important for young people to find something that interests them and start exploring, Shelby and Garrett say. And, when young people develop a love for nature, it ensures that it will be protected for generations to come, Shelby explains.

When asked why young people should care about nature, Garrett says simply, “You’ve Shelby Tripcony got to like something.”

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The Great Outdoors Ways for children to get involved with nature activities and conservation In a world of increasing technology, today’s youth are experiencing a “nature deficit,” said Hollie Sanders, education specialist at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Sanders said parents should encourage their children to get outside, even if it’s only in their own backyards, because experiencing nature has a wealth of mental and physical benefits. She said parents should also be careful to avoid passing along fears of the outdoors to their kids.

Liz Fulton, executive director of the Arkansas Audubon Society’s Halberg Ecology Camp and a retired science teacher, said appreciating the outdoors helps “ground” kids and creates memories.

“It gives them a feeling for the things around them and emphasizes the interconnectedness of everything,” she said. “When we don’t have a feel for nature and things around of us, we don’t take care of our environment.”

“We are a part of this land, not just users of it,” Sanders said. “We want children grow up as good stewards of that.”

Throughout the state, there are several ways for young people to get involved with nature programs and activities. Here are a few ideas for getting involved.

Arkansas Audubon Society and Its Chapters The Arkansas Audubon Society and its local chapters hold a variety of programs for young people to encourage an interest in nature and conservationism, including the Halberg Ecology Camp, essay contests and school visits.

Families can attend meetings local chapter meetings to find ways to get their children involved with nature activities. Visit www.arbirds.org or www. wp.ascabird.org for more information.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Through the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in downtown Little Rock and other nature centers in the state, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers many programs for youngsters, including bird walks, fishing workshops, archery events, geocaching and more. Visit www. centralarkansasnaturecenter.com for a schedule.

For more information about the AGFC’s educational programs, including publications for youth, the Wings Over Arkansas Program for young birders and boating, hunting and fishing guides, visit www.agfc.com.

Little Rock Zoo This year, the Little Rock Zoo’s Education Department added several new programs to help children and adults develop an appreciation for nature and conservationism, including “Raising a Wild Child,” a workshop for adults on nature-related activities for kids. Others include birding workshops, breakfast with the animals and the upcoming Animal Ambassadors show at the zoo’s Amphitheater.

For more details, visit www.littlerockzoo.com/eventcalendar.

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At t Market Local farmers markets have lots to offer families

Learning about locally grown healthy foods. Meeting up with friends and neighbors. Being part of a community. These are all reasons for families to visit neighborhood farmers markets.

Taking children to the farmers market “gives them a great sense of community,” said Diana Long, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau’s director of River Market Operations.

“There’s a lot for kids to learn and soak up. They can see where food is coming from and meet the people growing it.”

Always full of the most seasonal fruits and vegetables, farmers markets in central Arkansas now feature so much more. Here’s a rundown of some of the local farmers markets.

Argenta Farmers Market 520 Main St., North Little Rock Open on Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon, from late March until October.

This market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with meats, cheeses and more.

Bernice Garden Farmers Market 1401 S. Main, Little Rock Open on Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., from April 6 to October.

2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock Open year round on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon in fall/winter and 7 a.m.-noon, spring/ summer.

This neighborhood market offers baked goods, meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies and lots more.

Little Rock Farmers Market River Market Pavilion 400 President Clinton Ave. Open Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. April 29 to Oct. 25.

This year marks the market’s 40th anniversary. With the new Tuesday hours, organizers are hoping to create a festive atmosphere to draw people to the area after work.

Jacksonville Farmers Market 9 Municipal Drive, Jacksonville Open Tuesdays, 4-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon, May 3 to Oct. 25 The market has local, farm-fresh produce, along with handmade arts and crafts.

SoMa’s Sunday market sets up in this sculpture garden. Visitors will find local produce, meats, crafts and food trucks.

Westover Hills Farmers Market Westover Hills Presbyterian Church 6400 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock Open on Thursdays, from May to October, 4-7 p.m.

Hillcrest Farmers Market In front of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church

This Heights market offers local produce and more. It’s also a gathering spot for food trucks.

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| 15

“Help us…please!”

If butterflies could talk, that is the cry we would hear from them throughout the year. Butterflies in Arkansas and the rest of the United States are at risk, but you can help them survive by planting a butterfly garden.

Anyone can help butterflies by providing the right ingredients for their survival. People of all ages enjoy watching and studying butterflies. In Arkansas, more than 130 species of butterflies live in or visit the state each year, and many people call themselves “Butterfly Watchers.”

What do butterflies need?

To survive, each species of butterfly needs a host plant for its caterpillars to eat and nectar plants for the adults.

When a female butterfly is ready to lay her eggs, she searches for the right plant that her caterpillars will need when they hatch…and butterfly caterpillars eat a lot! In fact, all they do is eat and grow by shedding their exoskeleton several times. Once the caterpillar is finished growing, it forms into a chrysalis.

While in the chrysalis, its body changes in a stage called metamorphosis. When the changes are finished, the chrysalis splits open and a new butterfly emerges.

Once the butterfly’s wings are dried, can you guess what it wants? Food! And the food it wants is nectar. Each species of butterfly prefers certain flower nectar over other types. For example, the Monarch butterfly uses the Milkweed for both a host plant and a nectar plant, but it will also use Coneflower, Boneset, Joe Pye Weed, Blazing Star, Goldenrod and Bergamot for nectar plants.

Butterflies also need water, places to warm themselves in the sun and places to shelter when the weather turns wet or cold.

Be sure your visiting butterflies have access to water by placing clay saucers throughout the butterfly garden – just be sure to add water all summer long.

Many butterfly gardeners place large rocks in their flowerbeds where butterflies sit to warm up their bodies. For fun, you can add a Butterfly House to your garden so that butterflies can shelter inside during a spring or summer rain.

Swallowtail caterpillar on Flat-Leafed Parsley, May 2013 Gulf Coast Fritillary on Zinnias, September 2013

Swallowtail on Jasmine, June 2013 Butterfly Plants at Mt. Magazine State Park, May 2013

Where should you plant a butterfly garden?

Sheryl E. Whited is a retired reading specialist and National Board Certified teacher from Texas, who has been enjoying life in Arkansas for the past three years. Becoming a Master Gardener in 2012 checked off one item on Sheryl’s Bucket List, but she has always been an avid gardener and amateur entomologist.

Photos courtesy of Sheryl E. Whited

To get started, choose a spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sun. The area should be well-drained so that water does not sit in puddles.

It is best to research butterfly host and nectar plants before going shopping at your local plant nursery. The smartest choices are native plants that have always grow well in Arkansas, such as pipe vine, passion vine, bee balm, wild violets and butterfly weed. Research proves that native plants support much more wildlife than plants brought in from other parts of the world. A great feature of our native plants is that they do not usually require a lot of extra care other good soil, water, some compost and mulch.

Definitely include herbs in your butterfly garden since several butterflies lay their eggs on dill, parsley and fennel. Remember that butterflies are attracted to bright colors, so plant a rainbow by choosing red, yellow, orange, pink, purple and blue flowering plants. Avoid using pesticides in the butterfly garden because they will kill the caterpillars and butterflies.

Native Passion Vine, host for Gulf Coast Fritillary, August 2013

Did You Know?

The Diana Fritillary is the official state butterfly of Arkansas.

The Diana is a beautiful dimorphous butterfly, which means that the male and female do not look the same. The male is smaller with orange on the outer edge of his wings, while the female is larger, with blue on the edge of her hind-wings. Unlike most butterflies, the Diana lays her eggs on the ground around the native wild violets that grow all over the state. When the eggs hatch, the tiny caterpillars burrow into the ground where they spend the winter. Once spring and warmer temperatures arrive, the caterpillars emerge and then feast on the violet leaves and flowers.

Sadly, many people in Arkansas consider the wild violet to be a weed, so they spray it with herbicide killing the plants and any caterpillars on the plants. Since this is the only food the Diana caterpillar eats, it is very important to leave some violets for them to eat.

16 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Female Diana Fritillary

Photos courtesy of Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Male Diana Fritillary

Help Your Child Connect with the Natural World.

Children need to interact with nature. Play in natural settings helps children stay physically fit and keeps their minds engaged.

Simple activities such as planting a seed, watching insects, collecting leaves or running barefoot in the grass can create a love for nature.

Children are the future caretakers of our natural world. Help them get to know nature today and they will learn to care for it tomorrow.

For ideas on teaching your child to love nature, download Play, Explore, Learn Outdoors from our website.

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

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316

april 2014 savvy kids

| 17

Special needs

Understanding Parents and experts discuss the many misconceptions about autism spectrum disorders.

By Jennifer Barnett Reed

By now, Cecil Ennett is used to the questions people ask about his 5-yearold son, Cameron, who has autism: Why is he so bad? Why doesn’t he listen?

Is he like Rainman? And the worst: Is he retarded?

Cameron is one of more than 3,000 Arkansas children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, and while that number has more than tripled in the past 15 years, many people still don’t really understand what autism is — and what it isn’t.

“I try to explain what it is and why it is — that typically they’re much smarter than we give them credit for, but their thought process is completely different,” Ennett said. “If our thought process is going at 40 miles per hour, theirs is going at 110.”

One of the most common misconceptions about autism is that all children with autism are the same. In fact, autism includes a group of developmental brain disorders — including “classic” autism and Asperger’s syndrome — now usually referred to as autism spectrum disorders. People who are on the autism spectrum can have a wide range of symptoms, abilities and disabilities.

“The phrase ‘If you’ve see one child with autism, you’ve seen one child with autism’ is absolutely true,” said Mary Garlington, an occupational therapist and supervisor of the autism classroom at the Pediatrics Plus developmental preschool in Conway.

Another common misconception is that autism is a mental illness or a behavioral 18 | savvy k i ds April 2014

disorder — all about flapping hands or head-banging.

“Autism itself is a neurological disorder,” Garlington said. “Usually the behavior comes out of something — it’s a self-regulatory behavior the child has learned due to the autism.”

People with autism process information differently, she said, and that makes it very difficult for them to relate to other people.

“They’re so in their own head, trying to Cameron Ennett take in this whole huge world that doesn’t have any meaning to them,” she said.

Children with autism spectrum disorders vary widely in terms of their intellectual abilities, she said, but they all share a common problem with the wiring in their brains — some areas are under-connected and others are over-connected.

Children on the autism spectrum sometimes get labeled as “bad” or oppositional, said Jayne Bellando, an associate professor and pediatric psychologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. About 30 percent of children on the spectrum are also diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, but for many of the others, their behavior is simply an outgrowth of their autism.

“For some of these youngsters, because they have language delays they’re going to have a meltdown because they can’t say what they need or want,” Bellando said. “Or if they have problems moving from one activity to another, they’re going to have a meltdown.”

People often assume that individuals with autism can’t communicate, said Julia Washburn, executive director of Helping Hand, which provides therapy and other services to children with autism and other developmental disorders.

“They can and they do, in many different ways,” she said — verbally, nonverbally, through sign language and visual systems, such as the Picture Exchange System.

Despite the biases and misunderstandings he sometimes confronts, Ennett said he doesn’t shy away from taking his family shopping or out to eat.

“As a parent, I have to learn to deal with it, which is why we work at taking him out,” Ennett said. “My goal is for him to be a productive member of society. He can’t do that if we always keep him at home because we’re afraid of what he might encounter or what people might say.”

Jennifer Barnett Reed is a freelance writer and Little Rock native. She and her husband have two children, Jack and Georgia.

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Special needs

Arkansas Autism Partnership Medicaid helps families access costly but effective therapies

By Jennifer Barnett Reed In 2011, the Arkansas legislature passed a law requiring most group health insurance plans to cover a range of treatments and therapies for children with autism — including applied behavioral analysis (ABA), a very intensive type of therapy that is very effective but also expensive enough that only the wealthiest of families could afford to pay for it on their own.

The following year, Arkansas Medicaid began the Arkansas Autism Partnership, a special program that covers the cost of up to 30 hours a week of ABA and other proven treatments for up to 100 children with autism between the ages of 3 and 5.

“There’s strong research that shows this is effective,” said Jayne Bellando, an associate professor and pediatric psychologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. “The hope is that we’ll be able to show such good outcomes that insurance companies and Medicaid will start paying for ABA for more kids. The kids who make tremendous gains are getting 25 to 40 hours a week. No family can pay for that.”

Children who get services through the Medicaid autism program can choose from a list of nonprofit agencies around the state that provide ABA and other types of therapy. Each child has an individualized plan, and therapists work with the child in the child’s home. Parents are also required to participate and

What to Look For Early signs a child may have autism

Children don’t typically get a formal diagnosis of autism before their second birthdays. But symptoms of the disorder may start showing up long before that milestone. Since early intervention is crucial, talk to your pediatrician if any of these characteristics seem to fit your child.

• Losing ground on any skills, such as developmental milestones • Losing speech skills, not developing speech, or speaking only to repeat words and phrases they heard or read • Avoiding eye contact or shared facial gazing • Not aware of surroundings; doesn’t respond to environmental cues or noises • Not engaging socially with other people • Not showing an object of interest to others or sharing experiences with parents or others • Not looking to parents for reassurance when they feel uncertain For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early” website at www.cdc.gov/ ncbddd/actearly/index.html.

20 | savvy k i ds April 2014

learn the techniques themselves.

“We target skills and behaviors that help a child function within their home and community,” said Jennifer Nash, a board certified behavioral analyst who works with children in the Autism Partnership at Helping Hand in North Little Rock. “Usually the first thing I start on is making sure the child has a functional way to communicate their wants and needs. … The results vary from family to family, but I have seen some phenomenal gains from intensive in-home ABA therapy.”

Cecil Ennett’s son, Cameron, now 5, was one of the first children enrolled in the Autism Partnership. He gets at least three hours of therapy seven days a week. The progress he’s made has been “little short of miraculous,” Ennett said — from a 3-year-old who barely spoke and wouldn’t make eye contact to a fully verbal 5-year-old who interacts with other children and will start kindergarten in a mainstream classroom this fall.

The Autism Partnership is currently funded for just 100 children, and there’s a long waiting list. Ennett said he hopes the program will be expanded to cover every child with autism.

“The biggest issue for my wife and me is this therapy is not available for most families,” he said. “How many kids are we losing?”

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| 21

Special needs

New Treatments, New Hope Three new therapies now qualify as evidence based

By Jennifer Barnett Reed The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders recently added three types of autism therapies to a list of therapies that qualify as “evidence based” — meaning there is solid research backing up their effectiveness.

In a report published in January, the center named video modeling, social scripting and cognitive behavior therapy to the list, bringing the total number of evidence-based therapies to 27.

Video modeling helps children with autism learn social skills. The children watch videos that show appropriate behaviors and then practice those behaviors in real-life situations.

Social scripting uses scripted responses for different types of social situations to help children with autism learn to initiate social interactions more frequently and successfully.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the assumption that a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are intertwined. It uses a child’s cognitive strengths to help him or her develop social and emotional understanding and improve behavior, relationships and overall functioning.

Researchers are also increasingly focusing on connections between autism and gastrointestinal disorders. Many families have reported that their children with autism improved after they started on special diets, such as gluten-free and dairy-free.

Those approaches aren’t yet backed up by research, but Mary Garlington, an occupational therapist and supervisor of the autism classroom at the Pediatrics Plus Developmental Preschool in Conway, said she’s heard “wonderful results” from families who’ve tried them, but they aren’t easy.

“You have to be extremely devoted — it’s all or nothing,” she said. “You can’t halfway do a gluten-free diet.”

She said she understands why parents are eager to try anything that might help, even without research to back it up. Her one piece of advice is to try one thing at a time.

“Most parents in my experience have just gone after every single thing,” she said. “Then it’s really hard when the child does start making progress to figure out which one worked.”

Donation Helps ACH Continue Autism Research

The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute received a $905,000 donation from the Jane Botsford Johnson Foundation earlier this year to fund autism research.

The grant allows S. Jill James, director of the Autism Metabolic Genomics Laboratory at ACHRI, to continue two related studies aimed at understanding the underlying biochemical abnormalities in children with autism and providing improved treatment options for these children.

“The ultimate goal of these two basic research projects – one focused on maternal risk factors during pregnancy and the other centered on biochemical abnormalities in the brain of individuals with autism – is to inform targeted intervention and prevention strategies,” James said. “We are so grateful to the Jane Botsford Johnson Foundation for helping us continue this pioneering research to better understand the underlying metabolic and epigenetic abnormalities that increase the risk of developing autism.”

The Jane Botsford Johnson Foundation, based in New York City, is a private foundation primarily dedicated to funding autism research.

The $905,000 gift, made in January, supports Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Century of Possibility Centennial Campaign to raise $160 million for pediatric care, research, education and prevention programs. The campaign has already raised nearly $150 million and concludes in December 2014.

Autism, a group of complex disorders of brain development, is a growing issue nationally and in Arkansas. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that one in every 88 American children are on the autism spectrum. Studies have shown that autism is five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated one in 54 boys is diagnosed in the United States.

“Autism continues to be a major issue for pediatricians,” said Richard Jacobs, president of the ACHRI and interim chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at UAMS and the Horace C. Cabe Professor of Pediatrics.

“Continued research is needed to pursue the different causes of autism spectrum disorders, identify specific defects or potential causes that will direct prevention strategies and treatment options. Vigorous study of potential treatments is a high priority to prove what can benefit specific children with autism based upon the cause. ACHRI researchers are involved in all aspects of this research. This tremendous support will allow the continued research by Dr. James and collaborators at ACHRI.” 22 | savvy k i ds April 2014

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| 23

How domestic violence affects children

By Erica Sweeney

For the more than 20 years of their marriage, Mary’s husband was abusive – physically, emotionally and verbally. She said police in her Arkansas Delta town did little to help the situation, and many of her family members didn’t believe she was being abused. She tried leaving multiple times over the years, but always returned.

Earlier this year, something unthinkable happened, and she left again. This time Mary swears it’s for good.

While at work one evening, Mary (not her real name; it has been changed to protect her privacy and that of her children) got a call that her 10-year-old daughter was being raped by a family member of her husband’s. Her younger sons, ages 5 and 6, had witnessed the attack.

Mary, 40, already had been working on a plan to soon leave her husband but wanted to work one more week to earn another paycheck. The attack on her daughter was the final straw. She said the Arkansas Department of Human Services became involved and told her she would lose her children if she didn’t immediately leave the abusive environment.

With her three children, Mary moved into a shelter for abused women outside her hometown. Leaving was emotional, she said. “It took a lot.” Now, she’s focusing on providing a better life for herself and her children.

Stories like Mary’s are becoming all too common in Arkansas. Last year, nearly 2,500 individuals, mostly women, sought the help of domestic violence shelters in the state, according to the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence. That’s about a 24 percent increase over the previous year.

While uncertain why the number has jumped, Angela McGraw, executive director of Women and Children First, the state’s largest domestic violence shelter, said she hoped it’s because the community has become more aware of domestic violence and the work of shelters, rather than because of an increase in violence.

“The shelter provides safety to victims of domestic violence,” she explains. The shelter’s location is undisclosed to protect the safety of the residents.

Women and Children First has 45 beds available, and McGraw said they are usually full or exceeding capacity. In mid-March, 10 women and 20 children were living at the shelter. It is also one of the few in the state open to men, who are also increasingly seeking shelter for domestic violence, she said.

Defining Domestic Violence Domestic violence encompasses emotional, physical and mental abuse, and refers to any “forcible act by a family member in the home,” McGraw said, and it often has lasting effects on the whole family.

Domestic violence often accompanies other problems in the home, such as substance abuse or mental health issues, said Karen Farst, a child abuse pediatrician with the team for Children at Risk at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

In Arkansas, health-care providers and other mandated abuse reporters are not required to report the presence of domestic violence in the home, Farst said. The 24 | savvy k i ds April 2014

child must be harmed physically or suffering from a mental injury for it to be considered child abuse.

That’s not the case in other states, where living with domestic violence is considered a form of child abuse, she said.

However, raising a child in an abusive environment is often considered a form of neglect, McGraw said. She explains that, like in Mary’s case, many “women do not find the strength to leave [the home] until their children are threatened to be taken away.”

A common misconception about domestic violence is that children are only affected when they are harmed or witness the abuse, McGraw and Farst say. But, even if a child never sees the abuse, it can have many long-term emotional and psychological effects.

“Children are likely hearing [the abuse] or seeing the after-effects,” Farst said.

“They may not see mom or dad get struck, but they can tell afterwards. Kids are a lot smarter than some give them credit. One of the biggest obstacles for caregivers to understand is that, while kids may not be physically injured, they may be pretty badly damaged emotionally.”

Lingering Effects Children who are exposed to domestic violence experience an array of emotional and sometimes physical effects, including stress, anxiety and depression.

“When kids are stressed, we see a change in normal baseline behavior,” Farst said. For example, quiet kids become more aggressive and outgoing children start to withdraw.

“Caregivers may think it’s just a phase, but that’s how kids manifest stress.”

Exposure to violence or suffering abuse leads to “adverse childhood experiences,” Farst explains. Studies have shown that individuals who suffer multiple adverse childhood experiences are at an increased risk for poor physical health later in life.

This includes early heart attack and obesity.

Children may also experience physical health problems from being in an abusive environment, even if they are not physically harmed by the abuser. Farst explains that it’s because these children often have increased cortisol levels.

Cortisol is the hormone released in times of stress. For most people, it’s only released occasionally, but for children in high-stress, abusive environments, cortisol is released frequently. Increased cortisol can keep the immune system from functioning properly and lead to future obesity.

“The physical ailments are very real, just because things are not being regulated like they are supposed to in the body,” Farst said.

Through working with families at the shelter, McGraw said children sometimes seek out a specific role in the family and many have difficulty dealing with conflict.

Commonly, children take on the role of caregiver and demonstrate aggression in dealing with conflict.

“There are so many different ways that they deal with it,” she said. “The impact on children is enormous. Many have learned that violence is a way of conflict resolution.”

Bonding and attachment issues are another way domestic violence affects children. When mom or dad experience abuse, they tend to be on guard and can be reactive to their children’s behavior, keeping everything in “crisis mode,” Farst said.

“Some may not have great attachment with their kids because they are so distracted with the chaos in in their lives,” she said. “It can interfere with healthy nurturing. If kids don’t get some of that good nurturing, it affects their bonding and attachment and ability to form good relationships.”

Seeking Shelter and Getting Help Since moving to a shelter, Mary, who was also abused as a child, said she has trouble sleeping and is suffering from depression.

She and her three children are receiving counseling, both as a family and separately. Her daughter has been receiving inpatient treatment at a mental health facility.

Depending on a child’s age, short-term, trauma-focused therapy can help kids deal with symptoms, Farst said. Parent-child interaction therapy, which teaches parents to develop a nurturing relationship, is another effective treatment.

One of the biggest struggles for families affected by domestic violence is finding the resources to help. Farst said this is one area of society that needs more support.

“Even when they make the tough choice to make a change, if services aren’t there, it’s tough to follow through,” she said.

At Women and Children First, residents have access to many resources to help them start a new life. Job readiness, support groups, transitional housing and help with legal aid, orders of protection, school enrollment, Medicaid applications and other benefits are some of what’s provided.

“We start with a long-term goal of breaking the cycle,” McGraw said. “When we pull the family out of a violent situation, we see behavior changing, and a new behavior is learned.”

Forty-five days is the maximum stay at the shelter, but many get an extension, so stays average about 60 days. Once individuals move into transitional housing, shelter staff members provide continuous follow-up.

Nationally, victims return to their abusers an average of seven or eight times.

McGraw said she’s often asked why victims continue going back. While she admits it’s frustrating, it’s part of the process.

In 2013, nearly 700 individuals passed through Women and Children First.

McGraw is a survivor of domestic violence and has lived in shelters and been homeless, so she knows how hard it can be to leave a familiar, though abusive, environment. She went back to her abuser twice before leaving for good.

Leaving can be scary because of financial reasons or threats made to take away children.

“They have a choice, but do they have a choice?” she said. “The fear of leaving is a legitimate fear.”

Mary said being around others who’ve also experienced domestic violence is comforting, and she tries to be a positive influence on other residents. She is doing everything she can to create a better life for her family. She’s applying for jobs, looking for housing and has even reconnected with her father.

Because McGraw knows firsthand the struggles of the individuals she’s dedicated to helping, she said it feels “empowering to watch them be empowered and break the cycle.”

McGraw’s advice for individuals trying to escape an abusive environment is to “break the cycle before your children learn that behavior,” she said.

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Summer Adventures 2014

Join us in June!

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7700 Ohio St.•225-6629 AnthonySchool.org

april 2014 savvy kids

| 25

Keeping the Fun in Youth Sports For one game out of every season, the Arkansas United Football Club stirs things up by holding a Superclassico

By Dwain Hebda

26 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Studies have shown that of the 20 million or so kids who sign up for youth sports in this country, 70 percent will quit for good before age 13, according to the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. The reasons most often cited for leaving sports are all different ways of saying the same thing: It’s just no fun anymore.

Arkansas United’s makeup makes events like Superclassico key to a healthy overall league. Mathieson estimates roughly two-thirds of the league’s 1,500 participating athletes play at the recreational level, more than 100 in the under-5 age category alone. Thus, even as the league grows into Conway and the farther reaches of West Little Rock, there’s still a whole lot more players in it for a good time than will graduate to the league’s more intensive Academy division or the highly competitive traveling Classic division.

“At the recreational level, the focus is really about having fun,” she said. “We’ve implemented different things to help parents not lose sight of that because the more fun kids have the longer they will continue to play. This event kind of brings people back to reality a little bit.”

For more information about Arkansas United soccer, visit www.arkansasunited. com or call 501-603-9880. To see photos from past Superclassico events, visit the league Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasUnited.

Dwain Hebda is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife Darlene are the parents of four grown children. The emptied-nesters enjoy their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.

At last summer’s Superclassico Ultimo, 8-year-old teams FC Super Mario Brothers took on Donkey Kong United in their fourth annual game.

Photos courtesy of Matt Dishongh

Sitting in the stands watching his 4-year-old son and his soccer teammates, Matt Dishongh remembers noticing a player on the opposing team wandering about the field, as such tykes are wont to do. All at once, the coach’s voice boomed across the pitch.

“Are you here to play soccer?” the coach hollered. “Or are you here to goof off!”

“I wanted so bad to yell back at him, ‘He’s four years old! He’s here to goof off!’” said Dishongh, a 44-year-old Little Rock native who works in corporate communications. “Youth sports have become more about the parents’ ego and the coach’s ego and it gets worse every year.

“I don’t know what happened. When did adults start watching a little kids’ soccer game like it’s ESPN?” Now, four years after that game, Dishongh has eight seasons under his belt as a coach in the Arkansas United Soccer Club. He can’t really tell you his record over that time, because it doesn’t matter much to him; instead, he points to an accomplishment, Superclassico, that’s far more important.

“This is really about putting the fun back in youth sports, and soccer seems to have some advantages over other sports in being more conducive to ultra-fun practices and games,” he said.

Superclassico, one game out of the season played in costume for the under-5 through under-8 divisions, was one of those strange, wonderful wild-hare ideas that grew out of Dishongh’s – and as he happily discovered, several other coaches’ – desire to keep the fun factor as high as possible.

At first, it was just a matter of coaches bringing silliness into practice – made-up awards or other treats to positively reinforce kids’ efforts. As his first season drew to a close, Dishongh noticed his Super Mario Brothers team would close the year against the Donkey Kong team in a goofy, twist-of-fate “rivalry made in heaven,” he said. The coaches handed out vuvuzelas to the crowd, played music and generally had more fun than any other game that season.

In the fall season, the two teams played right before Halloween and it seemed a no-brainer to Dishongh and Kong coach Mark Leggett to have the kids play the game in costume. Coaches stood behind the goals handing out trick-or-treat candy, parents beamed and laughed and the media even showed up, to Dishongh’s surprise. Superclassico was born.

“It was just such a big hit,” Dishongh said. “The kids had so much fun we asked the league why don’t we do this in the (younger) age group. And they said yes because they wanted the same thing we did, which was make sure fun came first.”

From the Halloween edition, the league expanded Superclassico to the spring season with tropical shorts and other beach-themed frivolity. This year, the league sponsored an inaugural St. Patrick’s Day installment on March 15. Amber Mathieson, league athletic director, said she is pleased with the response the event has generated.

“This has been really popular with our rec commissioners,” she said. “Our parents have also really gotten involved with it. We even have people who don’t even have kids playing come out and watch. Everybody just has a really, really good time with it.”

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Cleaner Eating Carrot Cake Cupcakes for a spring treat!

By Amanda Rice Healthy eating has been my passion since 2008 when I moved to Little Rock from Pine Bluff to work as a massage therapist. As most do, I started my new healthy lifestyle in a very extreme way.

Initially, we have great intentions of maintaining the diet that we put ourselves on. But naturally and humanly, we fail. Once we fail and eat badly, most give up completely. I am guilty of this like everyone. Diets are extremely hard to maintain. That’s why I decided to quit torturing myself and my family with extreme dieting and create a “cleaner” eating lifestyle.

The best part about cleaner eating is still getting to enjoy the foods you and your family love, without feeling like you’re missing out on anything.

Cleaner eating does not mean fat-free or sugar-free foods, with nutrition labels full of big, scary, mysterious words. I’m here to tell you, just as you have probably heard before, those foods are poison to your body. However, there are great substitutes that don’t cost much (if any) more than fat- and sugarfree items that many people buy.

Recently, I read an article that stated families will spend $25 or more on one fast food meal, but won’t spend $9 on a healthy jar of virgin coconut oil or $6 on a bag of almonds. Before I adopted this lifestyle, I was guilty of that very thing. When I looked at how much I was spending on foods that were not good for me and compared it to what I could spend it on, it was life changing.

Yes, some of the ingredients in my “cleaner” eating recipes may be more costly, but they are healthy, whole foods that will change your health and life in a good way. Here’s a great “cleaner” version of a family favorite, Carrot Cake Cupcakes.

Clean“er” Carrot Cake Cupcakes with “Caramel” Frosting (Makes 12 cupcakes)

Ingredients 1 cup of finely grated carrots 2 cups of oat flour (old fashion rolled oats ground into flour) 1 tbsp. of cinnamon 3 tbsp. of agave nectar or honey 1 tsp. of baking powder 2 tbsp. of virgin coconut oil (melted) or sunflower oil (vegetable oil would work here too, but isn’t considered a “cleaner” ingredient) 1 egg 1 cup of milk of choice (I use skim or almond milk) 2 tsp. of vanilla ¼ tsp. of salt

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with 12 cupcake wrappers.

2. Make oat flour by simply blending or processing 2 cups of old fashioned oats into a flour consistency. Among all of its benefits, oat flour is also gluten free.

3. Finely chop or grate the carrots. Using a food processor is a big time 28 | savvy k i ds April 2014

saver. You want them to keep some body so you see and taste them in the cake.

4. Throw oat flour, grated carrots and the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix until well blended.

5. Pour the batter to fill the cupcake wrappers ¾ full. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes. Cupcakes bake quicker than cakes and all ovens are different.

“Caramel” Frosting This is definitely not a traditional frosting, but it’s great and much healthier than frosting made with real sugar, butter, confectioners’ sugar or cream cheese. Its main base is dates!

Ingredients 1 pkg. of dates (found on the aisle with raisins) 2 tbsp. of agave or honey 1 tsp. of vanilla 1 tbsp. of virgin coconut oil 1 tbsp. of almond butter or nut butter of choice (I make my own nut butter by simply throwing nuts in my food processor, turning it on and walking away. In 3-5 minutes, you have the healthiest form of any nut butter you can consume).

Directions First, soak the dates in warm water for about an hour to soften them before processing. Once soaked, remove them and add, with all other ingredients, to the food processor and let the machine do its job! Process until smooth.

This frosting will blow your mind and pairs wonderfully with this carrot cake! These cupcakes without the frosting also make a fantastic breakfast or snack! My 18-month-old daughter devours them daily!

Dates are a much healthier substitute to this frosting. The entire bag of dates, which makes enough frosting for 12 cupcakes, is 660 calories, 6 grams of protein and 24 grams of fiber. Oh and zero fat. Dates contain a natural sugar that forms as they are dehydrated. Each cupcake is 160 calories, 6 grams of fat (healthy fats from coconut oil), almost 5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and it supplies 35% of your Vitamin A need for the day. Wow! Bet you didn’t think you’d ever see healthy nutritional facts for a cupcake that tastes this delicious! I hope this becomes a main dessert choice in your Easter meal. You know the Easter Bunny loves carrot cake right?

Amanda Rice writes the blog www.alwayscleansing. blogspot.com, which features new recipes weekly. She has been with her husband Aaron for 11 years, is a stay-athome mother to 18-month-old Sophie, full-time student studying finance at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the marketing director for author Tracy J Nicholas.

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Celebrate Easter Dress up in your Easter best and get your baskets ready. There are several ways to celebrate this springtime holiday in central Arkansas. Billed as traditional Easter egg hunts, many of these community events include lots of other activities, and, of course, an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Here’s a rundown of some of the most festive events around.

April 12: The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Support Our Sistahs and Housing Activities Council is sponsoring its Fourth Annual Easter Egg Hunt, with crafts, inflatables and food at the UALR residence hall grounds and Commons Building. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free and open to the community. Email dlmull@ualr.edu or call 501-681-8210 for more information.

April 12: The Clinton Presidential Center is hosting an Easter Festival, from

April 14: The Jacksonville Community Center is hosting an Underwater Easter Egg Hunt for children, ages 3-12. Kids can take the plunge and win toys, Splash Zone passes and more. This is a fundraiser for the Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club. Admission is $5. For registration information, call 501-982-4171 or 501-982-4316, or visit www.cityofjacksonville.net.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Presidential Park. Rain date is April 13, 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org or call 501-374-4242.

April 12: The City of Jacksonville’s annual Easter Egg Hunt features 2,000 eggs per age group. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance. Everyone must arrive at Excell Park (Ray Road and Southeastern Avenue) by 10 a.m. The Easter Egg Hunts start at 10:15 a.m. at Field 2 for children who are walking to age 3; 10:30 a.m. at Field 3 for ages 6-7; 10:45 a.m. at Field 2 for ages 4-5; and 11 a.m. at Field 3 for ages 8-10. In case of rain, meet at the Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club at 10 a.m. After the Easter Egg Hunt, there is a Family Fun Day event at Excell Park for all ages. Food and admission is free. For more information call 501-982-4171 or visit www.cityofjacksonville.net/parks.

30 | savvy k i ds April 2014

April 19: The Burns Park Annual Easter Egg Hunt features prizes, games, photos with the Easter Bunny and, of course, an egg hunt. The festivities are at the park’s Pavilion #10. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Four egg hunt times are divided by age: 9 a.m., children with special needs; 9:30 a.m., ages 1-3 (with parents); 10 a.m., ages 4-6 (no parents); and, 10:30 a.m., ages 7-9 (no parents). Call 501-753-7307 for more information.

April 19: The Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Allsopp Park (3700 Cedar Hill Road, Little Rock) for children in second grade and younger. Pre-hunt activities begin at 10:30 a.m., and the Easter egg hunt begins at 11 a.m. In case of rain, the festivities will move to the church’s Great Hall (4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock). Call 501-664-3600 or visit www.phumc.com for details.

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD april 2014 savvy kids

| 31

MATT AMARO

I

n 1942, the city of North Little Rock began working toward passing a tax to support local libraries. The tax was placed on the ballot in 1945 and passed.

Myrtle Deason was hired to operate the library and worked for a full year with the Board of Trustees before the library opened in 1947.

The original library was housed in a turn-of-the-century building at 211 Maple St. It was two stories, with books on the first level and living quarters on the second. A library for the African-American community was established near the Missouri Pacific railroad grounds at 808 E. 13th St. In 1959, a group of determined citizens and the library director, Elsie Wisenberger, sparked a drive for a Civic Improvement Bond issue that would include a new library building. On Dec. 30, 1962, the Maple Street Library and 13th Street Library moved into the new facility and formally dedicated it as the William F. Laman Public Library of North Little Rock. It was named in honor of Mayor William F. “Casey” Laman who held office from 1958

Library director Jeffrey Baskin

in big ways has given other libraries a prime example to model.

In February 2002, work began to expand and renovate the library.

When the expansion was formally dedicated on April 22, 2003, it was nearly doubled in size, from about 25,000 square feet to almost 50,000

approximately 10,000 adult and children books and DVDs, and six computer stations with public internet access. The library shared the historic building with the North Little Rock History Commission.

In 2011, as the United States Postal Service announced the clo-

Americans. Many are architecturally distinctive, prominently located, and cherished as civic icons in communities across the country.”

The William F. Laman Public Library System believes in the Historic Argenta District. Its history and effort to preserve, restore and revitalize Main Street and historic buildings and homes is important to the downtown area of North Little Rock. It brings community back to the city, boosting economic growth and creating sustainable and safe neighborhoods for its residents and visitors.

Community integration has always been Baskin’s core motive behind directing the library into its future. His vision to move the library’s Argenta Branch into the Post Office has finally come true.

With a loan from the City of North little Rock, the William F. Laman Public Library System purchased the former Post Office building for $775,000 on Sept. 30, 2012.

Baskin says, “We are very excited for this opportunity to improve and expand our services to the people of Central Arkansas.”

Community integration has always been Baskin’s core motive behind directing the library into its future. His vision to move the library’s Argenta Branch into the Post Office has finally come true.

to 1972 and then again from 1979 to 1980. Helen Elrod was the first director. Wilma Ankrum followed as director, and then in 1970 the library expanded under the direction of Patricia O’Bannon. Nancy Pack served as director from 1981 to 1987.

Since that time, Jeffrey L. Baskin has served as library director. His dedication to revitalizing the library

square feet. This expansion added a second floor, included new space for books and public programs, and created two large public reading rooms.

In May 2006, the library opened its first branch on Main Street in downtown North Little Rock. The Argenta Branch moved into what was once the City Hall and downtown fire station. The 2,550-squarefoot branch held a collection of

sure of 3,700 post offices nationwide due to massive deficits, Baskin saw opportunity. The old Argenta Post Office in downtown North Little Rock officially closed June 15, 2012, leaving this historic building vacant and without purpose. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “Local post office buildings have traditionally played an essential role in the lives of millions of

Renovations began March 5, 2013 at a cost of $2.8 million, with the plan to convert and renovate the old Post Office for use as the Argenta Branch Library.

The renovated building features 15,300 square feet of public space, including a large children’s department, computer lab, exhibit hall/gallery, 140-seat auditorium, meeting room, vending area with seating and

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FROM THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS COMMISSION, C.B.M. CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. AND WILLIAM F. LAMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM 32 | savvy k i ds April 2014

NORTH LITTLE ROCK HISTORY COMMISSION (2)

more than 12,000 books for children, teen and adult readers.

“The new library will be a great asset to everyone in the community.

It is one more piece to the puzzle that makes Argenta a place we want to live and raise a family. The remodeling of the Post Office was a great way to use a beautiful historic building and provide a style inside that will make everyone feel welcome. I’m looking forward to it opening and providing a centrally located space for the whole city to enjoy,” said Terry Hartwick, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. The grand opening of the new Argenta Branch is Saturday, April 5 with all-day activities and fun, but it won’t stop there. Branch manager Brooke Hadder says, “The Argenta Branch Library will be a great community space with regular programming to both satisfy community interest and address community needs.”

The full programming schedule includes weekly children’s story times, as well as a twice monthly baby lapsit called “Twinkle, Twinkle,” developed to address the early literacy needs of infants. Tail Waggin’ Tutors will be a regular presence in the library with sessions on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Additionally, adults will enjoy Good Gardens on the second Saturday of each month, with hands-on gardening techniques and guest lecturers from the field.

Furthermore, the library’s LINC Center will feature 18 public access computers and offer a weekly Jobseekers Clinic, in which library staff will offer one-on-one assistance to those building a resumé, applying for a job or needing help setting up an email account.

“And that’s just the beginning,” Hadder says. “Everyday we’re brainstorming new programs to engage the community here in Argenta.”

First library in North Little Rock opens in 1947 at 211 Maple St. Post office construction begins Dec. 21, 1931 in downtown North Little Rock.

HISTORY OF THE POST OFFICE 1931 Construction of $125,000 red-brick two-story Post Office began Dec. 21. Designed by architect Charles L. Thompson, an example of 1930s Georgian Revival style.

1932 Post Office opens Dec. 17.

1933 Ross Lawhon appointed first NLR postmaster June 27.

1937 Lawhon resigned. Jonathon A. Horton appointed acting postmaster Jan. 1.

Arkansas District of Civilian Conservation Corps locates on the second floor in the ’30s.

1938 Horton appointed postmaster in March.

1939 R.M.S. Butner appointed acting postmaster after Horton’s death, May 30.

1940 Butner appointed postmaster July 1 and served until December 1946.

Major repairs made to the Post Office during the summer, including plumbing and fixtures improvements, painting, sidewalk and curb work, and installation of Venetian blinds.

1942 U.S. Coast Guard recruiting office locates in the building during the 1940s.

1944 Department of Labor office operated in the building during the 1940s.

1947 Otis W. Neely appointed postmaster Jan. 1 and served until his death, April 26, 1959.

1956 Internal Revenue Service had a field office on second floor for almost 20 years until 1976.

1959 David P. Wood appointed acting postmaster in November.

1960 Clyde Byars installed as acting postmaster, Feb. 20.

1961 Gene Burks named acting postmaster in March.

1962 Downtown merchants protest plan to move Main Post Office to Pershing Avenue in Military Heights.

1963 Arnold B. Sikes appointed postmaster, April 26.

1964 U.S. Treasury Department opens an office.

1965 Main Post Office moves to Pershing Avenue in July.

1968 Renovations totaling $252,000 were made, including adding air-conditioning to the building.

1983 Post Office building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1988 Saturday window service eliminated in February.

1993 Jack H. Williams accountants had offices in the building until 2002.

1996 Americans with Disabilities Act ramp built in April in the front of the building. Broken windows and masonry are repaired.

2007 Window service hours cut back and office weekday hours changed to close at 1 p.m.

2012 Post Office closes June 15. The William F. Laman Public Library, with a loan from the City of North Little Rock, purchases building for $775,000 on Sept. 30.

2013 Renovations to the building begin March 5.

2014 Laman Library Argenta Branch opens April 5.

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FROM THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS COMMISSION, C.B.M. CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. AND WILLIAM F. LAMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM april 2014 savvy kids

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“Argenta is the front door to our city and the curb appeal just went way up with the new Argenta branch of the Laman Library. What an outstanding institution and addition to our city. Congratulations to our library commission and employer on their new building, where fostering education, community service and the arts happens every day.”

— Joe Smith, mayor of North Little Rock

Argenta Branch 420 Main St. at the Old Post Office North Little Rock 501-687-1061 lamanlibrary.org

Main Branch 2801 Orange St. North Little Rock 501-758-1720

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Library LINC Center

Meeting room

10 a.m. | Grand Opening Ceremony

Music Provided by Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers.

11 a.m. | The Arkansaw Toothpick Theater Presents: “The Front Porch Jubilee”

Family-friendly, Vaudeville-style musical variety stage show with musicians, performers and magic! Providing wholesome entertainment before everyone’s bedtime.

12:30 p.m. | Tail Waggin’ Tutors BRIAN CHILSON (4)

This program provides a relaxed and “dog friendly” atmosphere, which allows children to practice their reading skills. It helps build self-esteem as children get to sit with and read to dogs.

Children’s area

Library lobby and gallery space

One event coming soon is the Summer Reading Program, which will feature performers and crafts for children and author discussions for adults, as well as great prizes! Summer Reading kicks off June 1.

The library will host the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (AST) in its production and presentation of William Shakespeare’s comedy, “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” on June 19, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. The outdoor production will take place from the old postal loading dock, making “taking in the theatre” a more casual and accessible feat.

“We are really excited about working with the new location this sum-

mer,” says Rebekah Scallet of AST. The library’s continued participation in Argenta Art Walk, the third Friday of each month, will resume in May. Visitors will be invited into the historic lobby to watch live demonstrations from local artists and view the library’s current exhibit in the gallery. The gallery opens with a photography exhibit that showcases historical images of old Main Street in Argenta, and the construction and building of the Post Office.

Lastly Hadder states, “We view this library as a blank canvas and we are excited for the people of Central Arkansas to fill it with programs, activities, and memories.”

2 p.m. | Gallery Talk

Sandra Taylor Smith, director of North Little Rock History Commission, and Otto Seay, a postal employee from 1958-1990, discuss the history of the downtown North Little Rock Post Office.

All Day | Arts & Crafts Activities Held in the Children’s Department Free Giveaways!

“The renovation of the Historic U.S. Post Office to the Argenta Laman Library is by far the most important commercial project in the Argenta Arts and Innovation District in decades. The Innovative programming Laman Library is well known for will activate Main Street in ways not seen since the pre-Urban Renewal days of the 1970s. Urban libraries have become a cornerstone for residential and commercial development across the country. I am very confident Laman will be a model for what a community library can mean to the economic revival of cities and towns all over the USA.” — John Gaudin, New Argenta Fund

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT FROM THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, NORTH LITTLE ROCK ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS COMMISSION, C.B.M. CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. AND WILLIAM F. LAMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM 34 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Blow Your Worries Away

me time

Hair styling trend is an affordable, and relaxing, indulgence

By Callie France Sterling

Parenting often leaves little time for pampering yourself, but there is a trendy solution for relaxation, beautification and indulgence.

Blowout hair styling has been on the rise recently and is satisfying, yet affordable. It’s more than drying your hair with a blow-dryer; it is a more specific technique. Offered at most local salons, blowout styling can add volume, bounce and curls. Some may even notice that after a blowout their hair seems to have more shine and feel more lightweight.

Meliah Mabry, a stylist at Golden Door Salon in Little Rock, says they do blowout techniques quite frequently.

“A blowout technique will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much hair the individual has,” Mabry said. “The technique is becoming really popular again. It was very popular in the past. You always heard of women going to the beauty salon back in the day.”

A busy lifestyle can often lead to little time for parents to devote to getting ready and making themselves look and feel great. Blowout hair styling is a solution for many parents, mostly moms, as a way to relax and pamper themselves from time to time.

“I think it is becoming more popular because women just don’t have as much time to devote to doing their hair,” Mabry said. “This is a great way for them to feel relaxed and a little portion of the week that is just about them.”

It is typical for a salon client to enter a salon with unwashed hair before a blowout styling. During the blowout technique, the stylist washes, conditions with a deep conditioner, blow dries and uniquely styles the client’s hair.

“Typically it is done with just a brush, but we can do anything the client asks,” Mabry said. “We can add curls or straighten their hair as part of the styling process.”

Salon Deval in Little Rock also has seen a rise in blowout styling.

“For our version of the blowout technique, we shampoo, blow dry and style the client’s hair,” said Salon Deval stylist Lindsey Swain. “It takes us about 30 to 45 minutes, so it is a fairly quick process.”

Parents lead very busy lifestyles and should let themselves indulge and treat themselves more often. When a person looks great, they feel great and vice versa.

Most local salons offer the blowout technique and it will take approximately only an hour out of a busy schedule.

Additionally, the blowout technique is completely customizable so you can try new styles each time you go, until you find the perfect style for you. The style can also last a few days if it remains dry.

Call a local salon to schedule your blowout treatment and start pampering yourself while enjoying a beautiful new hairstyle. As a parent, you deserve some me time, and this is a popular indulgence enjoyed by many.

Callie France Sterling is a 23-year-old graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. She has a degree in Journalism with an emphasis in print as well as broadcast. She loves photography, scrapbooking, writing and going on adventures with her husband and their two dogs. april 2014 savvy kids

| 35

Calendar

april2014

Calendar of Events FURRY TAILS WITH A TWIST April 1: The William F. Laman Public Library is hosting this children’s play by Jennifer Hickok DeFratis, presented by the University of Central Arkansas’s traveling troupe of players, the Cadron Company. Two actors set out to perform classic fairy tales, but the script gets jumbled and what results is a wacky, lighthearted mixture of beloved children’s stories with twists and turns at every corner. 10 a.m.

Free. For details, call 501-758-1720 or visit www.lamanlibrary.org.

PRESIDENTIAL PETS April 1-27: The Clinton Presidential Center is hosting a temporary exhibit, called “Presidential Pets,” through April 27. This exhibit pays tribute to the pets that called the White House home, and includes items from presidents George W. Bush, Clinton, Ford, Nixon, Johnson and George H.W. Bush. For more information, visit www.clintonfoundation. org/presidential-pets.

Tech City Exhibit at MOD April 1-30: The Museum of Discovery’s Tech City features 12 exhibits comprised of 20 activity stations that teaches visitors what it takes to build a city. The exhibits present challenges that can be readily solved using an engineering approach. With hands-on activities, multimedia computers and a video, the exhibit appeals to a wide variety of learning styles. Exhibits are designed to include activities for both younger and older museum visitors. The exhibit runs through May 11. General Admission: $10 adults; $8 ages 1-12; free under 1; members free. For more information, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Learning to Look, Looking to See Children’s Program April 2: Garvan Woodland Gardens’ first Wednesday Children’s program teaches children to be careful observers and recognize any part of the environment as being part of a larger whole. Held at the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Education Center, 10-11 a.m. Free with admission. Visit www.garvangardens.org for details.

OUR LITTLE WILD ONES April 3: Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s Our Little Wild Ones is for children, ages 3-7.

The program features story time, crafts and hands-on nature fun. Free. 10-11 a.m. Call 501-868-5806 for details.

april

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 36 | savvy k i ds April 2014

CREATURE FEATURE April 3: This program at Pinnacle Mountain State Park features an animal feeding time. It’s fun for all ages to learn about the creatures of Arkansas. Free. 11-11:30 a.m. Call 501-8685806 for details.

EMPOWER ME DAY CAMP FOR GIRLS April 5: The Junior Auxiliary of Conway is sponsoring a day camp for girls in grades 5-7 at Conway’s First Baptist Church (1719 Robinson Ave.), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Topics include health and wellness, internet safety, inner beauty and anti-bullying. Brighton Barnard, Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen, is the camp’s special guest. Free. Register online at www. jaconway.org.

DROP-IN FAMILY PROGRAM – NATURALLY DYED EGGS April 5: This class teaches children about the plants that contain dyes that can be used to decorate Easter eggs. Held at the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Education Center at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 plus garden admission. Visit www. garvangardens.org for details.

LAMAN LIBRARY’S ARGENTA BRANCH GRAND OPENING April 5: The William F. Laman Public Library is opening its brand new branch, 420 Main St., in the Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock, with a carnival. There will be entertainment and other attractions for the whole family. 10 a.m. Read more about the new branch on page 8. Visit www.lamanlibrary. org for details.

FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS FEST April 5: The Family Health & Wellness Fest at the Promenade at Chenal features yoga, zumba and other exercise demos, along with the Wildwood Run/WILD 5K. Experts from St. Vincent’s will be on hand to answer questions and there will be food samples and other activities. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.chenalshopping.com.

BREAKFAST WITH GREAT APES April 5: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about Great Apes. The Zoo highlights several animals during the breakfast series and provides guests with a special upclose-and-personal look at some of its most interesting creatures! Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! Starts at 8 a.m. Admission: Members, $16.95 adults and $12.95 children; Non-Members, $21.95 adult and $16.95 children. For more information or to make reservations, contact 501-661-7218.

OLD-FASHIONED SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP April 5: The Plantation Agriculture Museum

is exploring the cold process of lye soap making and invites families to come out and make their own homemade gifts. Visitors will each receive a pamphlet of soap recipes, several bars of soap and memories to take home.

Wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Space is limited and reservations are required. $25. Call 501-961-1409.

STAR PARTY April 5: Join amateur astronomers at the Pinnacle Mountain State Park visitor center for an evening with the stars and other celestial phenomena. As twilight settles in, the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will provide telescopes for viewing objects in the night sky.

If cloudy skies prevent observation, an indoor program on astronomy will be presented at 8 p.m. For more information, call 501-8685806.

3RD ANNUAL WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION April 5: This is a day-long celebration to honor, remember and welcome home Vietnam Veterans at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. The event provides Vietnam Veterans an official welcome home with an opportunity to share their experiences and war stories in a safe and friendly environment. It’s also an opportunity for the public to express their gratitude. The day consists of a parade, honor and remembrance ceremony, and dinner on the grounds. For more information, call 501-241-1943.

FEATHERED FLYERS WEEKEND April 5-6: It’s all for the birds at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, with programs all weekend featuring our feathered friends, including hummingbirds, raptors, waterfowl, backyard birds and more. Call 501-868-5806 for details.

WILD BREAKFAST April 6: Children and teens, ages 8 and up, are invited to this WILDKids Cook event at Wildwood Park for the Arts. Faith Anaya from Kids Cook Arkansas will share some creative recipes giving kids hands-on experience in the kitchen. $50, which includes all the supplies and ingredients. Space is limited. 2-4 p.m.

Call 501-821-7275 ext. 259 or email angela@ wildwoodpark.org with questions.

AUDITIONS FOR SUMMER THEATRE ACADEMY April 6: The Arkansas Arts Center is holding auditions for the Summer Theatre Academy at 5 p.m. The academy is a three-week, audition-only theater training program for students, ages 10-18, where they learn performance techniques from theater professionals. Students should bring a headshot and come ready to dance. The next audition will be held on May 4 at 5 p.m. For more information, call 501-372-4000.

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! FAMILY NIGHT April 8: The William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock’s Family Night features stories, games and dancing! It’s fun for the whole family! 6-7 p.m. Free. For details, call 501-758-1720 or visit www.lamanlibrary.org.

FAMILIES & KIDS: SEEING STARS April 10: Make a map to the night sky. We will discover why the color red is important, enjoy the view from the Little Rock Zoo and tell a few stories. Bring a chair or blanket and a flashlight. This is primarily for beginners.

Ages 6 and up. Admission: Zoo Members, $10.63 and Non-Members, $12.50. For more information, call 501-661-7218 or visit www. littlerockzoo.com.

GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY April 11: Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest service event in the world and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. The Clinton Center, in partnership with City Year Little Rock, will host a GYSD 2014 service-learning conference. More than 200 area high school students will participate in service-learning activities at the Center, as well as engage in an off-site service project. Last school year’s special guest, Chelsea Clinton, led students in a hands-on service project at the Arkansas Rice Depot. This year’s special guest and service project will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.clintonfoundation.org.

THE FASHION EVENT 2014 April 11: The Fashion Event 2014, benefitting Easter Seals Arkansas, will be at the Marriott Hotel. General admission is $50. Reserved seating is $100. A table of 10 is $1,000. For more information contact Sarah Pollack at 501-227-3706 or spollack@eastersealsar. com.

ACCESS PLANT SALES April 11-12: Kick off spring with Access Gardens Plant Sales, Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Drive in Little Rock. Call 501-217-8600 for details.

HEIFER HOUR ANIMALS HELPING PEOPLE April 12: Held the second Saturday of each month, Heifer Hour features crafts, games, children’s books and outdoor activities designed to teach kids about caring for the earth and other people. This month, lean how animals help people, read “The Chicken and the Worm” and explore how they work together to help people around the world.

Activities are geared for children in grades K-5, and all materials are provided by Heifer Village.

11 a.m.-noon. Free. For more information, call 501-907-2697 or visit www.heifer.org.

Boot Scootin’ 5K Dash April 12: The 8th annual Boot Scootin’ 5K Dash is a family friendly 5K run/walk hosted

by Beyond Boundaries, an equine assisted therapy center located in Ward. The event begins and ends at the facility, 2195 Peyton St., Ward at 8 a.m. with a pre-run warm-up provided by Jazzercise of Sherwood. Beyond Boundaries is a nonprofit therapy center that utilizes horses as therapy tools to increase

specific motor, sensory, speech and behavior/ social responses. Registration available online at www.beyondboundariesar.com.

4-H Youth and Family 5K April 12: The annual 4-H Youth & Family 5K Trail Run/Walk is a great family activity and there are lots of door prizes. Held at the Arkansas 4-H Center. Call 501-821-1444 or visit www.arkansas4hcenter.org for details.

‘Lil Wild Ones – Plants for Wildlife April 12: The title of this monthly program at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is “Plants for Wildlife: Make a Butterfly Bomb.” Kids can learn why butterflies love flowers and make a mud bomb filled with native wildflower seeds to start their own butterfly garden. 2 p.m. Free.

Call 501-907-0636.

BOOSTERS AND BIG RIGS FAMILY EVENT April 12: The Junior League of Little Rock is sponsoring this free family event, with lunch, immunizations and health, dental and vision screenings. There will also be lots of hands-on fun for kids, like zumba, games and the chance to explore ambulances, fire trucks, tractors and more.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Jack Stephens Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus.

EASTER FESTIVAL April 12: The Clinton Presidential Center’s festival is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Presidential Park. Rain date is April 13, 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit www. clintonpresidentialcenter.org or call 501374-4242.

EASTER EGG HUNT April 12: The City of Jacksonville’s annual Easter Egg Hunt features 2,000 eggs per age group. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Excell Park. The Easter Egg Hunts start at 10:15 a.m. at Field 2 for children who are walking to age 3; 10:30 a.m. at Field 3 for ages 6-7; 10:45 a.m. at Field 2 for ages 4-5; and 11 a.m. at Field 3 for ages 8-10. In case of rain, meet at the Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club at 10 a.m. After the Easter Egg Hunt, there is a Family Fun Day event at Excell Park for all ages. Food and admission is free. For more information call 501-982-4171 or visit www.cityofjacksonville.net/parks.

FOURTH ANNUAL SUPPORT OUR SISTAHS EASTER EGG HUNT April 12: The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Support Our Sistahs and Housing Activities Council is sponsoring its annual Easter Egg Hunt, with crafts, inflatables and food at the UALR residence hall grounds and Commons Building. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free and open to the community. Email dlmull@ualr.edu or call 501-681-8210 for more information.

UNDERWATER EASTER EGG HUNT April 14: The Jacksonville Community Center fundraiser for the Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club is for children, ages 3-12. Kids can take the plunge and win toys, Splash

Zone passes and more. Admission is $5. For registration information, call 501-982-4171 or 501-982-4316, or visit www.cityofjacksonville.net.

ages 1-3 (with parents); 10 a.m., ages 4-6 (no parents); and, 10:30 a.m., ages 7-9 (no parents). Call 501-753-7307 for more information.

Little Beginnings Toddler Program April 16: This month’s program at the Old State House Museum is about Earth Day. The Little Beginnings Toddler Program is for children ages 2-4 accompanied by a parent. Each month the class highlights a different topic and offers hands-on activities, music making, movement and storytelling. Free, no day care or school groups please. 10:30 a.m. Call 501-324-9685 for more information.

EASTER EGG HUNT April 19: The Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Allsopp Park (3700 Cedar Hill Road, Little Rock) for children in second grade and younger. Pre-hunt activities begin at 10:30 a.m., and the Easter egg hunt begins at 11 a.m. In case of rain, the festivities will move to the church’s Great Hall (4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock). Call 501-664-3600 or visit www.phumc.com for details.

ACCESS FRIDAY PLANT SALE April 18: Access Gardens Friday Plant Sales are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Drive in Little Rock. Call 501-217-8600 for details.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION April 20: Pinnacle Mountain State Park is hosting an Earth Day celebration dedicated to going green. Programs will focus on recycling, reusing and repurposing. Call 501-868-5806 for details.

CLINTON MCDONALD ‘IRON SHARPENS IRON’ FOOTBALL CAMP April 18-19: Clinton McDonald, from the Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks, will return to his hometown, Jacksonville, to celebrate with a homecoming rally, local fashion show, banquet and the Second Annual Clinton McDonald “Iron Sharpens Iron” (ISI) Football Camp. The camp will be at Jan Crow Stadium in Jacksonville.

Camp for ages 7-13 is Friday and ages 14-18 is Saturday. The camp focuses on football fundamentals and life skills, such as sportsmanship, teamwork, respect and the value of family and education. Proceeds will be split between the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club and Jacksonville High School Athletic & Band Boosters. Visit www. arkansasironsharpenironyouthfc.com for more details.

LITTLE ROCK FARMER’S MARKET OPENS April 22: The 40th Annual Little Rock Farmer’s Market opens in the River Market Pavilion downtown. The market is open on Saturdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m. through the last Saturday in October. For more information, visit www. rivermarket.info.

ARKANSAS EARTH DAY FESTIVAL April 19: The Arkansas Earth Day Foundation hosts the 2014 Earth Day Festival, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Have fun and discover how Heifer International is working to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth.

Admission: Free. For more information, call Heifer Village at 501-907-2697.

NATIONAL ASTRONOMY DAY April 19: Discover astronomy with members of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Activities include solar viewing in the afternoon, special indoor programs and viewing through telescopes from 9-10 p.m.

Clouds permitting, the evening’s telescopic sights include several planets, the moon and other celestial objects. This is a great family-friendly activity for all ages to experience. Free. For more information, call 501-868-5806.

BURNS PARK ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT April 19: Prizes, games, photos with the Easter Bunny and, of course, an egg hunt.

The festivities are at the park’s Pavilion #10. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Four egg hunt times are divided by age: 9 a.m., children with special needs; 9:30 a.m.,

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – MICHAEL JACKSON, THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR April 22-23: This Cirque du Soleil show will be at Verizon Arena for two shows.

Tickets are $52.50-$152.50. Tickets are available at the arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

ARKANSAS LITERARY FESTIVAL April 24-27: The Central Arkansas Library System’s annual event features lots of family friendly activities. This year’s festivities include a treasure hunt, Lego exhibit and more.

All events are free and held at the Main Library downtown or at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center. Visit www. arkansasliteraryfestival.org for a full schedule.

ACCESS FRIDAY PLANT SALE April 25: Access Gardens Friday Plant Sales are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Drive in Little Rock. Call 501-217-8600 for details.

DROP-IN FAMILY PROGRAM – NATURALLY DYED EGGS April 25: This class teaches children about the plants that contain dyes that can be used to decorate Easter eggs. Held at the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Education Center at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 plus garden admission.

Visit www.garvangardens.org for details.

12th ANNUAL CABOT STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL April 25-26: The Cabot Strawberry Festival features carnival rides, pageant, food, entertainment, vendor booths and lots of strawberries. Held at the Cabot Community Center. Carnival and booths are Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Jr. Auxiliary of Cabot. Visit www. juniorauxiliaryofcabot.com/strawberryfest. html for details.

PAWS ON THE RUNWAY May 1: The Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE) will hold one of its most visible and popular events— Paws on the Runway—at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, from 6-9 p.m. The 7th annual Paws on the Runway will feature some of the most adorable furry friends and the finest fashion that Little Rock has to offer. Alyse Eady of KTHV-TV will serve as emcee. Guests will enjoy food, beverages, auctions, and a fashion show featuring both canine and human models, and get to meet a few of CARE’s adoptable animals because rescue is the new black—it looks great on everyone and never goes out of style! While tickets are limited, tables may be purchased for $1,000, runway seating is available for $100 per ticket, and standing-room only tickets are available for $50. Call (501) 603-2273 or visit www.careforanimals. org for details.

Calendar continued on page 38.

april 2014 savvy kids

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Celebrating 35 Years at UALR

Calendar

april2014

Calendar of Events Continued from page 37.

July 14-25, 2014 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 12:30 TO 5:30 P.M. LOCATION: BOOKER ARTS MAGNET SCHOOL SEE US ONLINE AT UALR.EDU/SLUFY EMAIL OR CALL FOR A BROCHURE TODAY! CONTACT US AT 501-569-3410 GIFTEDCENTER@UALR.EDU UALR.EDU/

‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’ AT THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE April 25-27: This classic tale of love, courage and the triumph of good over evil is sure to leave audiences of all ages feeling happily ever after. “Sleeping Beauty,” written by Alan Keith Smith, illustration by David Hohn, and based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, will be at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on weekends through May 11. Tickets are $10 for members and $12.50 for non-members. Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information, 501-372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com.

THEA ARTS FESTIVAL April 26: The Thea Foundation’s festival returns for the third year to bring the community together for a day of artists, music, food and family friendly hands-on activities. The festival is held along Main Street in Argenta. Emily Wood is this year’s featured artist. Free. Visit www. theaartsfestival.org for more details.

Walk, Run, or Wheel 5K/2K for Special Needs April 26: The course starts at Helping Hand in North Little Rock, and runs down Northshore Business Park and ends back at Helping Hand. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the 2K family fun run starts immediately after, about 9 a.m. $10-25. Proceeds benefit Helping Hand. For more information, call 501-791-3331 or visit www.helpinghandcc.com.

2014 CENTRAL ARKANSAS HEART WALK April 26: The walk includes a 5K and one mile options. Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. in Burns Park, and the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 501-707-6588 or email CentralArkansasHeartWalk@heart.org.

DROP-IN FAMILY PROGRAM – NATURALLY DYED EGGS April 26: This class teaches children about the plants that contain dyes that can be used to decorate Easter eggs. Held at the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Education Center at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 plus garden admission. Visit www.garvangardens.org for details.

Enrolling for Fall 2014 Over 25 years in Christian Education

Ages 3 years thru 5th Grade • Advanced Curriculum • Low Student to Teacher Ratio • Before & After School Care • Tutoring Services • Computer Lab • Foreign Language • Athletics Program Accredited by: • Art and Music Programs For more information or to schedule a personal tour Accredited by:please call 501-225-0068 or visit agapeacademyonline.org Accredited by: 701 Napa Valley Dr. • Little Accredited Rock 72211by:

We use smart boards in EVERY classroom.

38 | savvy k i ds April 2014

FUN FARE WITH DELTA TRUST April 26: Delta Trust invites you and your family to a fun, carnival themed event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of The Village at Hendrix to celebrate the opening of their newest branch in Conway. The day will be filled with games, face painting, yummy fair food – funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, fresh lemonade and sno-cones – and tons of giveaways!

Popular radio DJs, Jeff and Lisa, from B98.5 will also be there to help celebrate the new branch. Email mvibhakar@delta-trust.com or call 501-907-0333 for more information.

TEA & TIARAS April 26: The 4th Annual Tea & Tiaras, a Mother-Daughter Tea, benefitting the Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation begins at 10:30 a.m. at Chenal Country Club. The event features crafts, brunch and a raffle. Every princess who attends receives a tiara and princess sash, and can participate in a runway walk. The event was originally scheduled for Feb. 8, but was canceled because of winter weather. Tickets are $25 for children and $40 for adults. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.wanerkids.org.

SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PIECE April 26: Local poetry troupe Foreign Tongues is headlining this event at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The event features youth poets from central Arkansas and the 2013 Southern Fried Poetry Slam Team Champion G. Yamazawa. Free, but tickets are required. Call 501-683-3593 to reserve a spot or visit www.mosaictemplarscenter.com.

JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL April 27: Sample traditional Jewish foods, such as old-fashioned corned beef sandwiches, lox, bagels and cream cheese, kosher hot dogs, rugelach and lots more. The festival also features cultural and religious booths, an exciting kid’s area with plenty of activities and live musical entertainment. The event begins with a Jewish Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., and the rest of the festivities are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. War Memorial Stadium. For more information, call 501-663-3571.

SPRING CANOE FLOAT April 27: Take off from the Little Maumelle boat launch at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and experience the beauty of spring on this guided 4.5 mile paddling adventure. Prior experience is not required, but participants should be comfortable around water. $35 per canoe.

Advanced payment and registration is required. Call 501-868-5806 for details.

DRIVES FOR DISABILITES April 28: The 2nd Annual Drives for Disabilities golf tournament benefits the children and adults of Easter Seals Arkansas. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tee time at 12:45 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Team of 4 cost $800. There will be a hole in one and closest to the hole contest. For more information, call 501-227-3709 or email bturner@eastersealsar.com.

Artistry in the Rock April 21-25, 2014 A celebration and showcase of LRSD student talent in the performing & visual arts.

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Monday, April 21 Scholarship Fundraiser with I.J. Routen and MUSED at The Afterthought. $10 with show times at 7:30pm & 9:30pm

Talent Schedule Metroplex Event Center Wed. , April 23 10am-12:30pm Thurs., April 24 10am-12:30pm Fri., April 25 10am-12:30pm Gallery Schedule April 23-25 10am-2pm Friday, April 25 5:30 pm Jazz R US Reception & Silent Auction Fundraiser Free Jazz Reception for adults at the Metroplex Event Center featuring performance by Dr. Danny Fletcher and Jazz R US. Refreshments and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. The silent auction will feature faculty and student artwork with proceeds

benefitting the Dr. Morris Holmes Artistry Scholarship Fund.

Congratulations to the 2014 Artistry in the Rock logo competition winner Daniel Hannible, a senior at Metropolitan Career-Tech Center !

For more information, see lrsd.org.

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C

The Case For

MP How summer camp benefits children

By Erica Sweeney

Camp is a summertime ritual for children all over the country. While kids are busy having fun at camp, parents recognize that attending camp provides a wealth of benefits, an important learning experience and the chance to create lifelong memories.

Nationally, more than 11 million children and adults attend camp each year, according to the American Camp Association, a community of camp professionals and camp accreditation organization. Camps come in many forms (day or extended-stay) and focus on all sorts of subjects to pique the interest of any youngster.

No matter what type of camp parents choose for their children, it gives kids the chance to be themselves in a new environment, said Shannon Caldwell, camping coordinator at the Arkansas 4-H Center, which offers a variety of day and extended-stay camps.

Caldwell said attending any camp also teaches valuable life skills, like responsibility, self-reliance, adaptation and socialization. The camp environment gives children the chance to get out of their regular school environment, which can help them discover themselves.

“Kids are allowed to be themselves at camp,” she said. “They get to do things they normally don’t get to do and be around other kids they haven’t been around before. They’re getting benefits that they don’t realize they’re getting.

Camp has a more relaxed structure than school, so kids are allowed to be more creative and have a little more freedom.”

Caldwell said making new friends is always what the kids she works with say they enjoy most about camp. She said this is particularly important for children who may not have many friends or may have trouble socializing at school. Caldwell was a camper herself beginning at age 9, and has been with the 4-H Center since 1998.

Near and Far Overnight camps give kids the chance to be truly self-reliant and learn what it’s like to be way from home for an extended period. Some traditional aspects of camp, like campfires or looking for constellations, are not usually part of a day camp experience.

“Camp offers a lot of benefit, but the overnight part adds another dimen-

sion,” Caldwell said.

However, not all children are ready for an extended stay away from home, so day camp is a great place to start. Day camps provide a chance to explore new things in a shorter amount of time. All camps allow for intense learning from those most in the know.

“Camp will let your child explore things they might be interested in,” Caldwell said. She explains that camps can offer opportunities that parents sometimes cannot. Though parents can take their children places, she said camps are staffed with professionals who can truly immerse a child into a subject matter.

According to the American Camp Association, there are many benefits to both short- and long-session camps, both extended-stay and day camps. The association recommends short sessions (one to three weeks) for first-time or young campers, as a way to get a feel for the experience with minimal homesickness. Short sessions also tend to be less expensive.

Longer sessions, defined as four to 12 weeks, create an opportunity for campers to develop a sense of belonging, learn new and specialized skills, make lifelong friends and contribute to the camp culture.

Easing Anxiety Caldwell said the prospect of attending either extended-stay or day camp can sometimes create anxiety for parents and children. But, she says, there’s no way to know how a child will feel about the experience until they try it.

Parents should familiarize themselves with any camp that their child attends. Caldwell recommends that parents talk to camp organizers and take a tour of the facility. If a child is anxious about going to camp, she said parents should discuss those fears.

Overnight camps can add another layer to anxiety for parents and children.

Caldwell said in her experience, parents and children sometimes both experience homesickness. But, she said parents should allow themselves to feel a little discomfort for the sake of their child’s independence.

“It’s the process of building up to going off to college,” she said. “Allowing a child to go away to camp and experience that self-reliance is how the child realizes that they can do things on their own.”

What Parents Think About Camp

Two studies by the American Camp Association, a community of camp professionals which also accredits camps, reveal some of the reasons parents choose to send their children to camp.

In the 2005 report, titled “Directions: Youth Outcomes of the Camp Experience,” parents’ top three reasons for sending their children to camp were 1. Camp helps build self-confidence and self-esteem 2. Camp is a safe environment 3. Camp is a place to build social skills and make friends Parents also reported that the camp experience helped their child: • Feel good about themselves 40 | savvy k i ds April 2014

• Gain more self-confidence or self-esteem • Increase independence and show more leadership skills • Increase their friendship skills and feel more socially comfortable • Gain in their adventurousness and willingness to try new things In 2007, the ACA teamed up with Philliber Research Associates to survey more than 5,000 parents, children and camp staff. Parents reported positive outcomes in identity development, social skills, and physical and critical thinking skills.

Of the parents surveyed…

70% said their child gained self-confidence at camp 69% said their child remains in contact with friends made at camp 63% said their child continues participating in activities learned at camp Campers also reported positive experiences: 96% said camp helped them make new friends 94% said camp helped them get to know others different from themselves 92% said camp made them feel good about themselves 74% said, at camp, they got to do things they were afraid to do at first

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2014 Savvy Kids

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Summer vacation is just around the corner, and it’s never too early to start planning summer fun for your children. Our Summer Camp Guide is arranged by subject and lists camps for all ages and budgets. There’s an array of summer activities offered this year to fight any child’s burden, so start planning.

ARTS AETN Youth Academy Production Camp Participants will be immersed in the creative and exciting world of filmmaking at the Arkansas Educational Television Network. This camp covers the filmmaking process from concept to finished film. Topics and activities include story development, scriptwriting, pre-production, production and post-production.

Skills such as directing, videography and editing with iMovie will be taught. Students will collaborate in groups to write, shoot and edit short films for their final projects. Space is limited to 12 participants.

Ages: 12-16 Dates and times: June 16-20; Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $149 Sign up: Contact Karen Walker, kwalker@aetn.org or 800-6622386. Sign up by May 30.

Arkansas Symphony Summer Strings Camp Activities include chamber music ensembles, music theory and listening classes and sectionals, led

by Arkansas Symphony Orchestra 42 | savvy k i ds April 2014

members. Private lessons are also available. Camp is held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive.

Ages: Call for details.

Dates and times: June 23 – 27; 1:30-5 p.m.

Cost: $125 before June 7; $150 afterwards.

Sign up: Contact Barbara Burroughs at bburroughs@arkansassymphony. org for information. A registration form is available at www.arkansassymphony.org.

Art Safari at Little Rock Zoo Explore your creative side with animals as your guide. See what’s hiding in nature through games, crafts and more. Maximum 15 students.

Ages: 8-9 Dates and times: June 23-25 (register by June 16) and July 14-16 (register by July 7); 9 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $100, nonmembers; $85, members.

Sign up: Call 501-666-2406 or visit www.littlerockzoo.com (click on the Learn tab).

Ballet Arkansas Dance Camp Students will learn the fundamentals of dance from professionals in

the field.

Ages: 5-8 Dates and times: June 23-27 Cost: Call for details Sign up: Call (501) 223-5150 or visit www.balletarkansas.org.

Ballet Arkansas Summer Intensive Students will learn the fundamentals of dance from professionals in the field.

Ages: 9-18+ Dates and times: June 16-27 Cost: Call for details Sign up: Call (501) 223-5150 or visit www.balletarkansas.org.

Junior Arts Academy This annual Arkansas Arts Center summer program has provided visual and theatrical arts instruction for more 20 years. Inspired by the exhibition, “Earthly Delights: Modern and Contemporary Highlights from the Collection,” students are offered fun and creative classes that explore connections to the earth through the arts.

Ages: 6-9 Dates and times: June 9-20; 9 a.m.5 p.m. each day.

Cost: $396 for members; $495 for nonmembers.

Sign up: Register at www.arkansasartscenter.org/JAA by May 26.

Lights! Camera! Arkansas!: Old State House Museum Summer Fun Youth Enrichment Program Students will explore the history of movie making in Arkansas as they create their own silent film.

Topics include the origin of moving pictures, making sound for movies, writing, producing, directing and starring in a silent film.

Ages/grades: Rising grades 4-10 Dates and times: July 14-18, 8 a.m.-noon Cost: $75 (cash or check only) Sign up: Register by June 27. Call 501-324-8643 or email daniel@ arkansasheritage.org.

Matisse – Spirited Art Summer Camp Kids will create their own masterpieces, at these four-day camps.

Each day, campers will create a new painting, and learn about color mixing and art history. Camp fees include all art supplies and snack.

Campers attending all four days receive a T-shirt.

Ages: 5-8 Dates and times: June 9-12 (ages

5-6); June 16-19 (ages 7-8); July 21-24 (ages 5-8). All sessions are 10 a.m. to noon.

Cost: $105 Sign up: Register online at www. myspiritedart.com, click on “Little Rock Calendar.”

Mosaic Music Camp Lorenzo Smith, a renowned local musician and music educator, is offering this music camp drawing on his years of music performance and experience. Students will learn a variety of music-related topics, including how to properly tune instruments, stage presence and music fundamentals. Smith will also offer advanced instruction for woodwind, percussion, string and bass students. Held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

Grades: 6-12 Dates and times: July 15-Aug. 8 Cost: Free Sign up: Registration begins in midJune. Call 501-683-3592 or visit www.mosaictemplarscenter.com.

Mosaic Summer Camp This summer camp at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center highlights a visual artist from the museum’s fifth anniversary and Creativity Arkansas collections. Each day will feature a different kind of visual artwork – sculpture, watercolor, oil-based and printing. Children should attend every day of their session. Artwork will be taken home at the end of the week. Snacks are provided.

Ages: Sessions for ages 5-7 and 8-10 Dates and times: June 24-27, 1011:30 a.m. (ages 5-7); July 8-11, 10-11:30 a.m. (ages 8-10).

Cost: Free Sign up: Pre-registration is required.

Call 501-683-3592 or visit www. mosaictemplarscenter.com.

Movie Martial Arts Camp Learn about fight scenes and movies at Unity Martial Arts, and then shoot your own masterpiece, which will be screened at the end. Maximum of 20 students.

Grades: 2-7 Dates and times: June 9-13; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $250 Sign up: Call 501-664-0604 or email info@unitymartialarts.com.

Musical Theater Camp It’s Cool in the Furnace At this First United Methodist Church camp, learn music and choreography, build stage sets and back drops, and work on costumes for the musical, “It’s Cool in the Furnace,” telling the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The musical will be performed at the Philander Smith College Auditorium at the end of the camp.

Grades: 3-7 Dates and times: June 23-27; Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Cost: $80; includes all materials for the musical and a mid-afternoon snack.

Sign up: Register online at www. fumclr.org or email John Churchwell at jlchurchwell@fumclr.org.

O’Keefe – Spirited Art Summer Camp At this three-day camp, girls will create two paintings each day. They will also learn about color mixing, blending, brush techniques and art history. Fees include art supplies and snacks. Campers attending all three days receive a T-shirt.

Ages: Girls, age 7-12 Dates and times: July 14-16, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $155 Sign up: Register online at www. myspiritedart.com, click on “Little Rock Calendar.”

Santa’s Workshop – Spirited Art Summer Camp Kids will create new holiday paintings each day, while learning the color wheel, color mixing and brush techniques. Fees include art supplies and snacks. Campers attending all four days receive a T-shirt.

Ages: 5-12 Dates and times: July 28-31, 10 a.m. to noon.

Cost: $105 Sign up: Register online at www. myspiritedart.com, click on “Little Rock Calendar.”

Summer Theatre Academy The Arkansas Arts Center’s Summer Theatre Academy is a three-week, audition-only theater training program. Students learn theater performing techniques under the direction of skilled theater professionals from across the United States.

Ages: 10-18 Dates and times: Session 1, June 23-July 11; Session 2, July 21-Aug. 8.

Sign up: Students must audition in order to be accepted into the academy. Auditions are March 9 at 5 p.m., April 6 at 5 p.m. and May 4 at 5 p.m. Students wishing to audition should bring a headshot and come ready to dance! Visit www.arkansasartscenter.org for details.

Van Gogh – Spirited Art Summer Camp At this three-day camp, youngsters will create two new paintings each day. They will also learn about color mixing, blending, brush techniques and art history. Fees include art supplies and snacks. Campers attending all three days receive a T-shirt.

Ages: 7-12 Dates and times: June 23-25, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cost: $155 Sign up: Register online at www. myspiritedart.com, click on “Little Rock Calendar.”

Visual and Performing Arts Camp The theme of this camp, held at the 4-H Center, is “Speak Out for Military Kids, Telling Stories through the Arts.” Sponsored by the Dept. of Defense and the Arkansas National Guard.

Ages: 13-18; Army Guard and Reserve youth, priority given to kids of deployed parents Dates and times: June 16-20 Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Contact Maureen Rose at mrose@uaex.edu or 501-671-2066.

Register by May 19.

Wild Artist at Little Rock Zoo Draw, paint and sketch your way through the zoo. Animals and nature will be your subjects as you let your inner artist come alive! Campers will need a digital camera. Maximum 15 students.

Ages: 10-12 Dates and times: June 30-July 2 (register by June 23) and July 21-23 (register by July 14); 9 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $100, nonmembers; $85, members.

Sign up: Call 501-666-2406 or visit www.littlerockzoo.com (click on the Learn tab).

Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts Wildwood Park for the Arts’ new music festival and summer programming includes all orchestra, chamber ensembles, Suzuki Violin and creative music. Classes in music theory, visual, culinary and theater arts, as well as naturalist training will also be offered.

Students of all levels, from aspiring young professionals to beginners, will work with and learn from artists of the highest caliber.

Ages: 6-18 Dates and times: Orchestra: Wild Players (elementary/intermediate) and Orchestra: Generation Z (intermediate/advanced) are June 16July 5. Chamber Music: Orchestral Instruments & Piano and Wild Music: Suzuki each have three sessions – Session 1, June 9-21; Session 2, June 23-July 5; Session 3, July 7-18. All programs are 8:30a.m.5:30 p.m.

Cost: $1,000 for Chamber Music and Wild Music two-week sessions; $1,500 for Orchestra three-week session. Tuition due by May 15.

Some scholarships are available.

Sign up: Visit www.wama.wildwoodpark.org or email angela@ wildwoodpark.org.

EDUCATIONAL Agri-Adventure Day Camp At this three-day adventure camp at the Plantation Agriculture Museum, kids will leap into the exciting life on the Delta. Activities include gardening, canning, games and “green” crafts.

Ages: 8-12 Dates and times: June 25-27; 9 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $30; fee covers snacks and day camp supplies.

Sign up: Space is limited and reservations are required. Deadline is June 18. Call 501-961-1409 or email plantationagrimuseum@ arkansas.com to register.

Alternative Break at Heifer Ranch This five-night program combines experimental learning programs, such as team building and service activities. The service allows participants to give back while experienc-

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43 ing something for the first time, like milking a goat or harvesting vegetables.

Grades: 6 and up; groups only.

Dates and times: Available any time with a reservation.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 1-855-343-4337 (option 2) to register.

AETN Youth Academy Around the World Camp Participants will travel around the world in five days at the Arkansas Educational Television Network. This weeklong camp blends technology learning, fun and educational activities.

Students will dive in and explore various cultures and places via technology, hands-on activities, special guests and more. Campers will expand their computer skills and gain real world skills as they work with peers. Destinations include Japan, Italy, France, Madagascar and Brazil.

Ages: 7-11 Dates and times: July 21-25; Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $149 Sign up: Contact Karen Walker, kwalker@aetn.org or 800-6622386. Sign up by May 30.

Arkansas Teen College Arkansas’s premier summer enrichment program at Pulaski Technical College for middle school and high school students.

Ages: 11-18 Dates and times: June 16-27; 8 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m.

Cost: $50 non-refundable deposit; $100 per week half-day session Sign up: Email cnesmith@pulaskitech.edu for more information and registration.

Camp “XL” Leadership Skills Camp “XL” offers a variety enrichment programs, including communication, teamwork, honesty, creating a vision and the exciting Leaders are Readers program. The camp also offers Kidz Chef, which includes Baking & Pastry and Culinary Arts daily to ignite a child’s passion to cook. Curricula combine daily mediation with physical fitness.

Grades: K-8 Dates and times: June 9-Aug. 15; 44 | savvy k i ds April 2014

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Costs: $50 camp registration; weekly cost varies. State voucher accepted.

Sign up: For more information, call Raina Porchay at 501-565-0003.

College Boot Camp This camp, held at Little Rock Christian Academy, helps rising seniors prepare their college applications for submission in early fall. Camp activities include essay writing, professional editing, mock interviews, resume crafting and editing, application processing and completion, panel discussions with college admissions representatives and scholarship searches.

Grades: Rising high school seniors Dates and times: Session 1 – June 24-26; Session 2 – July 8-10; Session 3 – July 22-24; Session 4 – July 29-31. All sessions are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday.

Cost: $295 per session.

Sign up: Visit www.littlerockchristian.com/summerprograms or call 501-975-3441 or 817-269-7730.

Experience the Rock This First United Methodist Church camp includes field trips and activities designed to help experience our city as a tourist, a person living on the margins, the differently-abled, a child and as a millionaire. This is a fun way to learn about the community in which we live, grow and serve.

Grades: 5-6 Dates and times: June 16-20; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $20 Sign up: Register online at www. fumclr.org or email Pam Snider at psnider@fumclr.org.

First Skills at First United Methodist Church Learn manners, skills and etiquette that help us blossom and thrive personally, at home, in our schools, churches and communities. We’ll learn and practice basic life skills intended to boost self-esteem and confidence.

Grades: K-4 Dates and times: June 23-27; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $20 Sign up: Register online at www.

fumclr.org or email Pam Snider at psnider@fumclr.org.

Global Challenge at Heifer Ranch This two to three night challenge pairs the Global Gateway experience with globally-themed team-building exercises that develop communication skills within your group while exploring Heifer’s guiding principles.

Grades: 6 and up; groups only.

Dates and times: Available any time with a reservation Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 1-855-343-4337 (option 2) to register.

Global Gateway at Heifer Ranch This one to two night overnight experience creates an existence in which nothing - shelter, food, water or cooking fuel - can be taken for granted. Participants prepare a meal with limited resources and spend a night in the Global Village.

Grades: 6 and up; groups only.

Dates and times: Available any time with a reservation.

Cost: Call for pricing.

Sign up: Call 1-855-343-4337 (option 2) to register.

Pioneer Camp At the Historic Arkansas Museum’s camp, kids can have fun exploring what life was like in Arkansas more than 150 years ago. Learn about blacksmithing, explore the log house on the museum’s farmstead, cook on an open hearth, do craft projects, learn pioneer dances, play on stilts and more. At the end, campers host a frolic for their families showing off their new pioneer dance steps and the crafts they’ve made.

Grades: Rising grades 3-6 Dates and times: June 16-20 (rising grades 3-4); June 23-27 (rising grades 5-6); 8 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $85; $65 (museum members) Sign up: For more information, contact Joleen Linson at 501-324-9351 or Joleen@arkansasheritage.org.

Summer Adventures at The Anthony School A variety of camps featuring science, math, foreign languages, art, sports and fun.

Grades: PreK3-8 Dates and times: June 2014 (specific dates TBA)

Cost: Call for prices Sign up: Call (501) 225-6629 or visit www.anthonyschool.org.

Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY) SLUFY is an educational program that offers unique learning experiences for high-ability students to explore and expand their talents and abilities. SLUFY presents students with a unique, enriched opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences under the guidance of enthusiastic teachers. Students also get to meet other talented students, forging friendships that last long beyond the summer program.

Grades: K-8, during the 2013-2014 school year; other requirements listed at ualr.edu/slufy.

Dates and times: Monday-Friday, July 14-25, 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Cost: $300 Sign up: Applications accepted after March 8. Applications are available online at ualr.edu/slufy or call 501569-3410.

Vacation Sensation This camp, held at the Child Development Center of First United Methodist Church, is in its 28th year.

It encourages creativity and exploration with activities and weekly field trips.

Ages: 4-12 Dates and time: Camp begins June 9 Sign up: Registration begins April 1.

Email arrena@childdevelopmentcenterlr.com or call 501-372-2327.

NATURE & OUTDOORS Arkansas Outdoor School With 15 separate camps over eight weeks, there is something to interest any camper. Held at the 4-H Center, kids will learn, explore and have fun with lots of hands-on activities.

Ages: 7-12 (unless otherwise noted) Dates and times: June 16-20, Mystery Camp and Outdoor Adventure Camp; June 23-27, Natural State of Science and Teen Camp (ages 13-15); July 7-11, Sports Camp and Science in Action; July 14-18, Outdoor Adventure Camp and Creativity Camp; July 21-25, Busy Builders and Construct Camp; July

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

families function best when they are

together.

The BridgeWay reconnects people with their families by helping them overcome emotional and addictive problems. We offer extensive in-patient and out-patient programs for all ages. Help someone reclaim their life.

Contact The BridgeWay for a no-cost assessment.

"RIDGE7AY 2OAD s .ORTH ,ITTLE 2OCK !2 s s s "2)$'%7!9 4HE"RIDGE7AY COM s -OST )NSURANCE !CCEPTED

vaCation BiBle sChool June 9-13, 2014 Family night, June 11th 9:00 a.m. to noon 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

What kid doesn’t want to be a special agent and use hightech gadgets and tools to discover the truth? While at Agency D3, kids can put their investigative skills to work as they collect and log evidence about the life of Jesus. As special agents, they will examine eyewitness reports, physical proof, and biblical accounts to uncover and defend the truth about who Jesus really is.

RegisteR online today!

First Baptist ChurCh LittLe Rock 62 Pleasant Valley Drive | Little Rock | 501-227- 0010

www.firstlittlerock.com april 2014 savvy kids

| 45

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 28-Aug. 1, Duct Tape Camp and Sports Camp; Aug. 4-8, Creativity Camp and Sports Camp; Aug. 11-15, Greatest Hits (favorites from all the camps). Times: full camp, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; early camp, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; core camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; afternoon camp, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Cost: $180-$336 Sign up: Contact Mike Simmons at 501-821-6884 or msimmons@ uaex.edu.

Camp Aldersgate Arkansas’s only nonprofit uniquely dedicated to serving kids with special needs and medical conditions in a residential overnight camping environment.

Ages: Varies by camp session; call for details.

Dates and times: Sessions are June 8-Aug. 1 Cost: Varies by camp session; call for details.

Sign up: Call 501-225-1444, or visit www.campaldersgate.net or www. facebook.com/campaldersgateAR. Camp Ozark This residential camp features one, two and three week sessions. Activities include crafts, sports, outdoor fun and lots more.

Ages: 7-17 Dates and times: One, two and three week sessions throughout the summer, starting June 1 and ending Aug. 9 Cost: $1,595-4,290, depending on the session.

Sign up: Visit www.campozark.com.

Camp Solgohachia at Ozark Conference Center This 20-year-old Christian summer camp offers one-week sessions for overnight and day camp. Located just off I-40 near Morrilton on Jenkins Mountain at Ozark Conference Center, an hour north of Little Rock.

Grades: Overnight camp, completed grades 3-8; day camp, completed grades 2-7.

Dates and times: Overnight camp sessions, June 16-20 and July 1418; day camp session, July 7-11.

Cost: Overnight, $360; day camp, $100 (includes lunch).

Sign up: Register at www.camp46 | savvy k i ds April 2014

solgohachia.com or by calling 501354-3959.

Camp Subiaco Go-karts, fishing, camping, hiking, zip lines and lots more. This is a boys-only residential activity-based camp.

Ages: 9-13 Dates and times: June 15-22 or June 22-28.

Cost: $100 nonrefundable deposit; $475 by May 15; $525 after May 15.

Sign up: Visit www.campsubiaco.org or call 479-934-1003.

Camp Winnamocka Summer Adventure Camp Children will spend a week or weeks in Fort Jackson, participating in treasure hunts, jungle cruises, ropes, dances, campfires and more at this old-fashioned camp. This is an overnight camp.

Ages: 7-15 Dates and times: Weeklong sessions, beginning the week of June 2 and ending the week of July 27.

Cost: $925-$975 per session.

Sign up: Register online at www. winnamocka.com/registration.html or call 870-246-4599.

Discover Fishing Camp Spend a day on the water at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, and learn new skills, have fun and connect with friends, family and nature. Learn habitat and fish identification skills, understand fish management techniques, visit a fish hatchery and get exposed to conservation career options.

Campers will also learn all aspects of angling, practice knot tying and casting techniques, and participate in a fishing trip.

Grades: Completed 5-8 Dates and times: June 17-20; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: Free Sign up: Space is limited and registration is required. Call Hollie Sanders at 501-907-0636 or email hrlisk@agfc.state.ar.us.

Ferncliff Summer Day Camp This day camp program is a week full of awesome activities in a natural setting where campers can play outside, make friends and grow their faith. Each day includes swim time, and lunch/snacks are provided. Attend one week, multiple

weeks or all seven! Transportation is available.

Grades: Entering grades 1-6 Dates and times: Monday-Friday, June 9-July 25; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $190-$250 Sign up: To register, visit www.ferncliff.org or call 501-821-3063.

Ferncliff Summer Overnight Camp Located just 10 miles west of Little Rock, Ferncliff has over 75 years of experience in providing overnight camping programs in an atmosphere of caring and acceptance. Campers are free to be themselves while experiencing new and exciting activities under the direction of Christian role models, while making friends, having fun and learning about their faith.

Grades: Entering grades 1-12 Dates and times: Monday-Friday, June 9-July 25 Cost: $225-$525 Sign up: To register, visit www.ferncliff.org or call 501-821-3063.

Halberg Ecology Camp (Junior Camp) At the Arkansas Audubon Society’s overnight camp, held at Camp Clearfork in the Ouachita National Forest, youngsters study mammals, snakes, birds, insects, geology, botany and aquatic biology. Students must be interested in science and have a teacher recommendation.

Ages: 11-12 Dates and times: Session 1 is June 8-13; Session 2 is June 15-20.

Cost: $300 per week; partial and full scholarships may be available.

Sign up: Visit www.arbirds.org or email efulton114@sbcglobal.net.

Midland Farm Summer Camp Campers will enjoy horseback riding, barn activities, arts and crafts, games, swimming, fishing and learning about horses.

Ages: 6-15 Dates and times: Sessions are June 16-20, June 23-27, July 7-11, July 21-25 and Aug. 4-8. The camp is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Before and after care is available.

Cost: $255 per camp; discount for siblings and friends is available.

Sign up: Email mpgods@sbcglobal. net or call 501-590-0784. Visit www.midland-farm.com.

Nature Explorers Day Camp Four days of hikes, visiting live animals, nature programs and more at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Maximum 10 campers.

Ages: 7-10 Dates and times: June 10-13; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $100 Sign up: Call 501-868-5806 or email pinnaclemountain@arkansas. com to register. Advance registration is required.

Wilderness Explorers Day Camp Explore nature at Pinnacle Mountain State Park with canoeing, kayaking, hiking and learning survival skills.

Ages: 11-13 Dates and times: June 17-20; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $100 Sign up: Call 501-868-5806 or email pinnaclemountain@arkansas. com to register. Advance registration is required.

SCIENCE 4-H Military Techno-Robotics Camp This camp, held at the 4-H Center, focuses on engineering, robotics and technology.

Ages: 10 to 12; military youth, 4-H members then other youth.

Dates and times: Aug. 4-6 Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Contact Maureen Rose at mrose@uaex.edu or 501-671-2066.

Register by July 7.

Amusement Park Engineer Extraordinaire at Museum of Discovery Build a putt-putt course and make a medieval shooting gallery with catapults and balloon rocket jousting. Become a theme park engineer extraordinaire and construct a theme park complete with a tower of fear, water runs and, of course, a roller coaster!

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and times: July 7-11; 8 a.m.5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Archeology Adventure at Museum of Discovery Adventure awaits as you dig into

the past to uncover ancient Mayan civilizations. Explore mummification, tools used in excavation and unearth lost treasures with metal detectors.

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and times: July 14-18; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Colorful Critters at Little Rock Zoo Discover the colors of the animals and patterns in nature during this 3-day adventure. Enjoy stories, crafts, zoo fun, and more! Maximum 15 students.

Ages: 5-7 Dates and times: June 1-16 (register by June 9) and July 7-9 (register

by June 30); 9 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $100, nonmembers; $85, members.

Sign up: Call 501-666-2406 or visit www.littlerockzoo.com (click on the Learn tab).

Color Splashes and Mechanical Mayhem!

Learn the art and science of tinkering at this Mid-America Science Museum camp. Get your gears in motion, create gizmos and gadgets and use surprising science to make artistic creations.

Ages: 7-13 Dates and times: July 14-18; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $175, members; $200, nonmembers.

Sign up: Call 501-767-3461 or visit www.midamericamuseum.org.

DIY Camp at Museum of Discovery Build it, take it apart, hack it, rewire it, solder it, sew it, glue it, can it, cure it, churn it, make it. We’ll show you how to Do It Yourself.

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and times: July 21-25; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp This is a two-week, academic, residential camp held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that promotes science, technology, en-

gineering and mathematics (STEM) education, introduces students to college life and stimulates their interest potential careers in science and engineering. Students currently in grades 5-7 who have an interest in science and mathematics, at least a B average in those courses and a passing score on the state’s standardized science and mathematics tests are eligible to apply. Students and parents must complete the application process, which includes a 250-word essay. The camp features activities, experiments, projects and field experiences.

Grades: Rising 6-8 Dates and times: July 6-18 Cost: Free Sign up: The deadline for application materials is May 3. Call 501-5698203 for more information or visit www.theharrisfoundation.org.

Kitchen Chemistry at Museum of Discovery Go on an ooey gooey adventure in the kitchen lab. Roll up your sleeves to explore edible, artistic and explosive chemistry.

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and times: June 16-20; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Lights, Camera, ACTION! at Museum of Discovery Discover the magic of movies by exploring the science and technology of motion pictures. Create your very own modern classics. Step behind the camera, in front of the camera and take a seat in the editing room to see what takes place before a cinema hit makes it to the big screen.

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and times: June 23-27; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Mysteries at the Museum From the mysteries of nature to a crime scene in the classroom, at this Mid-America Science Museum camp, you’ll learn the scientific processes used to solve them all.

Ages: 7-13 Dates and times: July 21-25; 8:30

a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $175, members; $200, nonmembers Sign up: Call 501-767-3461 or visit www.midamericamuseum.org.

Opposites Attract!

At this Mid-America Science Museum camp, explore opposites like earth and sky, fire and ice. Discover the awesomeness of opposites.

Ages: 7-13 Dates and times: July 28-Aug. 1; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $175, members; $200, nonmembers Sign up: Call 501-767-3461 or visit www.midamericamuseum.org.

Power Trip!

Discover the power of electricity at this Mid-America Science Museum camp. In the air, in your hair, electricity can be anywhere. Harness that electricity and create circuits on paper, build a bot and more.

Ages: 7-13 Dates and times: July 7-12; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $175, members; $200, nonmembers Sign up: Call 501-767-3461 or visit www.midamericamuseum.org.

Science Sampler Week at Museum of Discovery Try a little bit of everything this week! We’ll focus on something different each day.

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and Times: July 28-Aug. 1, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

Wiggle Worms Wednesday Camp at Museum of Discovery On Wednesdays throughout June and July, little ones can go on a series of adventures, including World Safari, Kitchen Chemistry, Lights Colors Shadows, Space Camp, Adventures in Archaeology, Tinkering Academy and Superhero Science.

Ages: 4-6 Dates and Times: Wednesdays, June 11-25 and July 9-30; 9 a.m.noon.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

World Safari at Museum of Discovery Embark on an adventure across the planet to meet the animals that inhabit it and learn what role they play in their ecosystems. This is the perfect camp for animal lovers.

Ages: Two age groups, 6-8 and 9-13 Dates and times: June 9-13; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Call for pricing Sign up: Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

SPORTS & FITNESS Adventure Quest 1 & 2 At this Unity Martial Arts camp, kids will construct padded weapons, solve puzzles and problems, and learn to battle safely with a variety of padded weapons as they become a group of tiny bandits ready to impact an empire. Their choices will shape the story.

Grades: 1-6 Dates and times: June 23-27 and July 7-11; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $250 per session Sign up: Call 501-664-0604 or email info@unitymartialarts.com.

Arkansas Football High School Overnight Camp Held in Fayetteville, this camp allows students to work directly with coaching staff and lower division coaches to improve overall football skills, specific to a position. The camp also includes seven-on-seven games, and weight and instruction training. Shoulder pads and helmet are required.

Grades: Entering grades 9-12 Dates and times: June 15-17 Cost: $325, overnight; $275, commuter.

Sign up: Visit www.razorbacksfootballcamps.com.

Arkansas Football Junior High Day Camp Held in Fayetteville, this is a nonpadded, skills, technique and fundamentals camp with seven-on-seven games by age group.

Grades: Entering grades 5-8 Dates and times: June 11 Cost: $100 Sign up: Visit www.razorbacksfootballcamps.com.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 Arkansas Football Specialist Camp Held in Fayetteville, this day camp features nationally recognized kicking coach Jamie Kohl and his staff.

The camp is for kickers, punters and long snappers.

Grades: Entering grades 6-12 Dates and times: June 14 Cost: $100 Sign up: Visit www.razorbacksfootballcamps.com.

Arkansas Football Youth Half-Day Camp Held in Fayetteville, this half-day camp features age-appropriate drills run by current football student athletes and coaching staff. There will also be an autograph session with current players.

Grades: Entering grades 1-4 Dates and times: June 7 Cost: $50 Sign up: Visit www.razorbacksfootballcamps.com.

Arkansas Golf Center Junior Camp Each day, learn a different facet of the game of golf and win prizes.

Open to all experience levels: beginning juniors, experienced juniors and those who’ve played individual tournament rounds of golf. Everyone can enhance their skills at Arkansas Golf Center in Conway.

Dates and times: June 9-12; 9 a.m. to noon.

Cost: $150 Sign up: Register at www.arkansasgolfcenter.com; call 501-327-0171 for details.

Crossfit Teen Camp This Wellness Revolution camp helps teens learn the tools they need to get fit and healthy.

Ages: 13-18 Dates and times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, June 30-July 30; 9-11 a.m.

Cost: $200 Sign up: Call 501-821-6934 or visit www.wellnessar.com.

Grasshopper and Tiger Camp This Unity Martial Arts camp features activities, games, crafts and transition for those graduating to the next class this year.

48 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Grades: K-2 Dates and times: June 16-20; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $210 Sign up: Call 501-664-0604 or email info@unitymartialarts.com.

The Hero Wars 1 & 2 This Unity Martial Arts camp is Model U.N. meets Skyrim. To navigate their way through an epic role-playing game, participants earn extra development points with crafts, research, physical accomplishments, and by assisting other campers.

Grades: Teens Dates and times: June 23-27 and July 7-11; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $180 per session Sign up: Call 501-664-0604 or email info@unitymartialarts.com.

Iron Kids & Lil’ Joey Camps at Little Rock Athletic Club The Little Rock Athletic Club offers a variety of camps all summer long.

Camps focus on athletics, nature, arts and more. Lunch and snacks are included in camp admission.

Complimentary extended care from 7:30-8:30 a.m. is also available.

Ages: Iron Kids Camps, ages 6-12; Lil’ Joey Camps, ages 3-5 Dates and times: Beach Fun, May 27-30; Parks & Trails, June 2-6; Reptiles & Amphibians, June 9-13; Animal Planet, June 16-20; Going Green, June 23-27; Summer Holidays, June 30-July 3; Around The World, July 7-11; Under The Big Top, July 14-18; Disco Dayz, July 21-25; Arkansas Adventures, July 28-August 1; Super Summer Olympics, August 4-8. Camps are 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cost: Weekly rate, $140-$195; daily rate, $34-$45. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required for each week of camp. Preference is given to weekly registrants.

Sign up: Visit www.lrac.com or call 501-225-3601.

Junior Learn to Sail Camp The Grande Maumelle Sailing Club (GMSC) offers summer sailing classes for both members and the public. The camp strives to promote the sport of sailing in central Arkansas, teach water and boating safety and good sportsmanship.

Ages: At least 7 years old Dates and times: June 9-13 or

June 16-20; beginner camp is 9 a.m.-noon; intermediate camp is 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $120 for GMSC members; $160 for nonmembers.

Sign up: Register by May 15.

Classes are limited. Registration forms available at www.gmsc.org or email marcellameyer@att.net.

Kids Crossfit Camp These weeklong Wellness Revolution camps are divided into three age categories. Kids will learn the tools they need to get fit and healthy.

Ages: 4-12 Dates and times: June 9-13, ages 4-6; June 16-20, ages 7-9; June 23-27, ages 10-12.

Cost: $50 per child per week; multiple child discounts are available.

Sign up: Call 501-821-6934 or visit www.wellnessar.com.

The Little Gym Summer Day Camp Day camps feature a variety of activities, including gymnastics, dance and more. Campers can attend one or several days throughout the summer.

Ages: 3-8 Dates and times: Monday-Thursday, June 16-Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to noon each day.

Cost: $25 a day for members; $30 a day for nonmembers.

Sign up: Call 501-225-5437 or visit www.thelittlegym.com/littlerockar/ for more information.

Musical Demo Camp At this Unity Martial Arts camp, match your favorite music to many demonstration styles with solo and group demos.

Grades: 2-7 Dates and times: July 14-18; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $210 Sign up: Call 501-664-0604 or email info@unitymartialarts.com.

Ranking Camp Intensive curriculum and philosophy sessions at Unity Martial Arts. This is great for students of any rank to advance their skills.

Grades: 2-7 Dates and times: July 28-Aug. 1; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $210 Sign up: Call 501-664-0604 or

email info@unitymartialarts.com.

Steve Shields Basketball Camp This basketball camp will be held at the Jack Stephens Center on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. There will be three sessions, featuring a mini camp for grades K-3 and regular camp for grades 4-12.

Grades: Mini Camp (grades K-3); Regular Camp (grades 4-12) Dates and times: Session I – June 23-26; Session II – June 30-July 3; Session III – July 17-20. Mini Camp is 9-11:30 a.m. and Regular Camp is 12:30-5:30 p.m. for each session.

Cost: $110 for grades K-3 ($95 if paid in full by June 1); $200 for grades 4-12 ($185 if paid in full by June 1). $50 nonrefundable deposit.

Sign up: Call 501-569-8927 or email steveshieldsbasketball@ gmail.com.

Summer Day Camp Huff ‘n Puff Fitness, Dance and Gymnastics Center’s daily camp features gymnastics, indoor/outdoor play, dance, swimming pool outings, games, arts and crafts. Open to boys and girls. Campers may attend five, three or one day a week.

Ages: 4-12 Dates and times: June 2-Aug. 15; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (dates are subject to change).

Cost: $110 for five days a week; rate varies for other camps. Registration fee is $15 per child, $20 per family.

Sign up: Visit www.JaxGymatHnP. com. No registration fee, if registered by May 3.

X

WHEN CORBIN CAME TO US, HE COULDN’T UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE STORY. NOW, HE READS THEM TO HIS PARENTS. Student and clients join us for all kinds of reasons, whether they need evaluations, therapy or a different educational setting. ACCESS uses innovative, multi-sensory teaching methods. We offer everything from speech and reading to feeding techniques and educational technology.

Our services build a foundation for reading skills and future academic success so your child can hit milestones with his peers.

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CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL CENTER’S 9th ANNUAL

Easter Family Festival &

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April 12, 2014 10 a.m - 2 p.m.

Clinton Presidential Park 1200 President Clinton Ave. Rain Date - April 13, 2014 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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For more information, please visit clintonpresidentialcenter.org or call (501) 374-4242.

april 2014 savvy kids

| 49

Eats & Treats

The Main New Little Rock restaurant is dedicated to a classic comfort food Story and Photos by Daniel Walker What exactly is comfort food? Perhaps there’s no clear-cut definition, but generally speaking, it’s food that just makes you feel good inside – something that gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling when you eat it. Grilled cheese certainly qualifies as comfort food. It’s likely one of the most beloved sandwiches in existence. It’s relatively simple to make, it’s hot and gooey, it’s rich and buttery – what’s not to love? Recently, one Little Rock restaurant has set out to capitalize on everyone’s favorite comfort food, becoming this city’s first “grilled cheese” restaurant. The Main Cheese recently opened in West Little Rock, and the reception has (not unexpectedly) been positive.

The Main Cheese has wisely opted to appeal to grilled cheese lovers of all ages. Of course, the kids are not overlooked here and the restaurant is equipped to handle families of all sizes. But the kids’ options are not extensive, and perhaps they don’t expect most kids will need to venture outside the classic and traditional grilled cheese to be satisfied.

Kids’ options include the signature “Main Cheese” sandwich composed of grilled sourdough with a combination of three cheeses: Muenster, fontina and cheddar served with a side of fries or house-made chips. We preferred the chips over the fries, as they are served with their creamy and tangy “TMC sauce,” which we thought was a nice touch. There’s also the ubiquitous chicken strips, which are not bad, but will probably get less attention than the grilled cheese. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option for your little ones, any kids’ meal can be paired with a side of fresh fruit instead of the fries or chips.

One of the nice options offered at the Main Cheese – something that works well for those particularly picky eaters – is the “make your own” feature. Here’s an opportunity for your kids to get exactly what they want, so there’s little reason to worry your little darlings won’t find something they like here. Kids can choose from a number of meats to throw on their sandwich including roasted chicken breast, slow roasted pork, shaved ham, roast beef or applewood bacon.

Then they can opt to include a number of veggies if they so choose – things like avocado, spinach, onions or sun-dried tomatoes.

Dessert options are simple but fun. Most diners will want to try the signature “Main Cheese Donut” at some point. The concept is a little strange, perhaps – a donut grilled cheese – but the flavors are not bad, and most will likely enjoy it. They take a plain glazed donut, slice it in half and slap a few slices of cheese in between. Then it’s thrown briefly on the flat top until the outside of the donut crisps up slightly and the cheese within begins to melt. It’s a dish that sits somewhere between sweet and savory, and it’s definitely one of the more interesting things you’ll find on a dessert menu.

50 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Main Cheese Donut

The Main Cheese is poised to do very well in West Little Rock. It’s comfortable and casual enough to draw in families from the area, but also classy enough to make it a nice business lunch option for adults. It’s clean and bright inside, and the service has been very warm each time we’ve taken our family for dinner. If you’re a grilled cheese fan (and who isn’t?), check out The Main Cheese and see for yourself what everyone in Little Rock is bursting to try.

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.

The Main Cheese

14524 Cantrell Road, Little Rock • 501-367-8082 april 2014 savvy kids | 51 www.themaincheese.com Main Cheese Sandwich

College Boot Camp

A 2-1/2 day program designed to help rising seniors ready their college applications • Admissions/Scholarship Essays and Resumés Written & Edited • Interview Skills/Practice/Feedback • Q&A with College Reps • College Applications Completed!

Four Sessions Available June 24-26 • July 8-10 July 22-24 • July 29-31

Heights united Methodist Churc Pulaski h

AnnuAl EAstEr Egg Hunt!

Brochures and Registration forms at www.LittleRockChristian.com/ summerprograms

Space Is Limited, Enroll Today!

Call Carla at (501) 975-3441 or Email Carla.Kenyon@LittleRockChristian.com

Held at Little Rock Christian Academy • 19010 Cantrell Road

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saturday, April 19 – Allsopp Park, 3700 Cedar Hill rd, little rock*

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4823 Woodlawn · Hillcrest · (501) 664-3600

2801 Kavanaugh Little Rock, AR 501.663.4131

*In case of rain, location will be at Pulaski Heights uMC – great Hall (lee st. Entrance)

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| 51

savvy arts

Puppets, Treasure and More

Jerusalem Jackson Greer

From award-winning children’s authors to arts and crafts, the 2014 Arkansas Literary Festival has activities for the whole family.

By Erica Sweeney

What do award-winning authors and illustrators, Legos, treasure hunts, robotics and 3-D printing have in common? They are all themes of sessions for children and teens at the 2014 Arkansas Literary Festival.

The Arkansas Literary Festival is a program of the Central Arkansas Library System. This year’s event includes more than 80 presenters, as well as special presentations, workshops and other programs for people of all ages.

While the entire festival is April 24-27, most of the youth events are Saturday, April 26, at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center and CALS’ Main Library in downtown Little Rock.

Below is an overview of children and teen’s events at the festival, arranged by location. All events are free and open to the public. For more information and a detailed schedule of all that the festival has to offer, visit www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org.

Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center All day – Arkansas Arts Center Art Mobile. “The Art of Story” features selected artwork from the Arkansas Arts Center that creates narratives through interpreted history.

10 a.m. – “The Engine That Thought It Could.” In case you missed this production at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre at the end of last year, here’s your chance to see it. Based on the classic tale, in this adaptation, the Little Engine learns that, when faced with adversity, hard work pays off.

11 a.m. – Treasure Hunt. Listen to six children’s authors discuss their books and get clues to win prizes. The authors (and their books) are Lou Berger, Dream Dog; Gerry Gaston, Quest for the Pirate’s Treasure; Darcy Pattison, Abayomi, The Brazilian Puma; Philip and Vanessa Rouse, Crazy Town Upside Down; and Jennifer Sattler, Pig Kahuna Pirates. Pirate-themed refreshments will be served.

1 p.m. – Conversing with Kadir. Hear Kadir Nelson, award-winning children’s author and illustrator, talk about his books, his art and more.

2 p.m. – Activity Hour. Activities include a petting zoo, a story walk on the library’s trails, planting seeds in the greenhouse, pirate-themed crafts and snacks.

3 p.m. – Puppet Show. Interact with the Wolfe at the Door Puppets and 52 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Kadir Nelson

learn about the treasures of reading.

Main Library –Third Floor , Youth Services All Day – Legos Exhibit. This Lego display, provided by the Arkansas Lego Users Group (ARKLUG), spans more than 75 square feet. Kids can also construct their own creations.

10 a.m. – Bard’s Birthday Party with Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.

Kids, ages 6-12, will celebrate William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday with games, activities and refreshments.

2 p.m. – Monochromatic Build. Kids can work with thousands of Legos of a single color. This activity helps foster group creativity.

4 p.m. – Sense Memory with Jerusalem Jackson Greer. This is a great session for budding writers. Author Jerusalem Jackson Greer will lead an exploration of using sense memory to enhance an author’s work. The session includes samples of cookies and ice cream from Sweet Love Bakes.

Main Library – Level 4 Teen Center All Day – 3-D Printing. This ongoing demonstration lets visitors learn about the capabilities of 3-D printing. Two printers will be on hand for the demonstration.

11 a.m. – Memory Project Mapping the Road to Change: Insights on Perception Prejudice, and Acceptance. Student editors from Little Rock Central High School share recurring themes on race and other “isms” found in family interviews on civil rights. The students will demonstrate using a “reading circle” to compare and contrast viewpoints and interpret meaning in oral history.

1 p.m. – Comic Conventions. Learn about the upcoming CALS-Con and River City Comic Expo.

3 p.m. – Intro to Robotic Building. This session is an introduction to small-scale robotics and control mechanisms.

Main Library – Fifth Floor , Lee Room 4 p.m. – Poetry Competition. Finalists from each CALS library branch will compete for the grand prize.

s e i b a B s u o i c e r P

This Spring meet cubs Liem, Eko, Olan and Asmara With only an estimated 500 Malayan tigers left in the wild, the Little Rock Zoo is proud to introduce four beautiful Malayan tiger cubs born right here in Arkansas.

They look precious – and they are!

L I T T L E

www.littlerockzoo.com

#1 Zoo Drive | Little Rock, Arkansas | 501.666.2406

RO C K

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wheeze in, breeze out!

Welcome to Velocity Care, your neighborhood walk-in urgent care clinic for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. With our board-certified, emergency medicine physicians, you couldn’t ask for better care. So walk in, see a doctor now and start feeling better right away.

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501-221-1160 april 2014 savvy kids

| 53

savvy project

Kid-Friendly

Moss Terrarium

By Crissy Page

A terrarium is a collection of small plants growing in a controlled environment, often a small, clear, sealed container. Because a terrarium is a closed environment, it’s a great way to illustrate for children how an ecosystem works. Your child can observe many interesting natural processes through the thin glass walls of his or her terrarium, including photosynthesis, respiration and the water cycle.

Of course, half the fun in making a moss terrarium is having the opportunity to take a nature walk with your child. You’ll love this opportunity to explore the great outdoors, and it will give you an opportunity to reiterate to your child the importance of preserving nature’s beauty. It’s always fun to let your children put their fingers in the dirt, get a little messy and best of all—explore our beautiful, natural world.

What You Need Glass container Small pebbles Activated charcoal Potting soil Moss or other small plants Bamboo skewer Optional larger rocks for decoration

Directions 1. Choose an open or closed top glass container. Recycle a jar from home; old pickle or sauce jars work great. Be sure the jar is clean and dry.

2. Create a false drainage system for the plant roots by first adding a 1-inch layer of small pebbles.

3. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal. You can purchase this at a pet store. The charcoal will help keep the water fresh and help prevent mold and bacteria build-up.

4. Add a layer of soil. You can use potting soil, but we used soil from our yard. After researching terrariums, it seems that using garden soil is not recommended.

5. Place your plants in the terrarium. Use a bamboo skewer to make small holes, and place different types of moss in the jar, starting with larger/ taller plants near the back. We used a few nice rocks for decoration.

Crissy Page is the founder and blogger of “Dear Crissy” and “Parent Pretty.”

Visit her parenting blog at www.parentpretty.com. This tutorial and photos have been reprinted with her permission.

54 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Easter Egg Hunt Jacksonville’s largest

Saturday, April 12 Ages: Walking to 10 2,000 eggs per Age Group

Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser Underwater Easter Egg Hunt Monday, April 14 6 – 8:30pm Ages 3 –12

Special Appearance By The easter Bunny Must arrive by 10am. in case of rain, all ages will meet at the Jacksonville Boys & Girls club.

Admission: Free • For more info call 501-982-4171.

After The easter egg Hunt Stay For Family Fun Day! An April park of the Month event All Ages Welcome • Free Food & Admission Bring your Friends, Family & Fun

Win toys, Splash Zone passes & more!

Admission: $5 To register call 501-982-4171 or 501-982-4316

5 MunicipAl Drive coMMuniTy cenTer pool JAckSonville

excell pArk *2012 Winner for the Arkansas recreation rAy rD. & SouTHeASTern Ave. parks Association (ArpA) program of the year.

JAckSonville DATeS, TiMeS & locATionS SuBJecT To cHAnGe.

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800-482-9618 1500 N Shackleford | www.littlerockvolvo.com april 2014 savvy kids

| 55

Pop Topics

Nobody Told Me This Stuff:

The Nuts and Bolts

By Robert Bell

Usually in this space, I hold forth about the joys and frustrations of being a dad raising up a young’un. But seeing as how my wife and I recently added a second new human being to our family, I thought I’d opt for a more utilitarian route this month with a few bits of nuts-and-bolts advice for newly minted fathers. That was the manner in which I started this column back in ’12, so it seems appropriate to revisit the theme.

Some of these are new realizations I’ve had, others have re-emerged from the fog of those early days of our last go around. Either way, I hope these are useful, or at least good for a laugh or nod of familiarity from those who’ve been there before. Oh, and I should note that while I stand behind this advice 100 percent, I only follow it about 74 percent of the time, maybe 78 percent on a good day.

Anyways, here goes: • If you’re holding your little bundle and you’ve got a good thing going on, i.e., she’s quiet and content, do not mess with it. Believe me, I understand that you want to sit down because you’re exhausted and it’s 3 a.m. But seriously, just don’t mess with it. If you’re rocking back and forth, keep on rocking back and forth. If you’re sitting still, keep on sitting still. If you’re standing up, keep on standing up. If your head is bent at an unnatural angle and it’s causing white-hot bolts of pain to jolt down your neck, whatever you do, don’t move. In fact, don’t even think about moving, because they can tell when you’re thinking about moving and that’ll bring the whole thing crashing down.

• That said — Don’t get hung up on doing things one particular way. What works today might not tomorrow, or even in 15 minutes. Your 100-percent-guaranteed, 15-point strategy to raise the perfect healthy child? I hate to break it to you, but it’s probably not going to work out exactly like you planned. Which is perfectly OK. In fact, it’s better than OK, it’s the way it should be. Wouldn’t it be a little bit weird if everything went exactly according to your obsessively plotted designs? Yes, it would. Anyways, you’re gonna need to be flexible and willing to try new approaches to get through this thing, so just keep that in mind.

• Burping. My goodness, I simply cannot overstate the importance of burping your kid after she’s done eating. Try different techniques. The up-onthe-shoulder method is pretty reliable, but also try sitting her on your lap and leaning her head forward, supported by your hand. Get those irksome bubbles out of her stomach and she’ll feel so much better. Seriously, in the early weeks, gas causes a significant amount of overall baby unhappiness.

Also, get some simethicone drops and gripe water.

56 | savvy k i ds April 2014

•G et a good aspirator. It doesn’t matter what season it is really, but this is especially true in the winter months. You’d be amazed at the volume of, uh, material, that’ll get vacuumed outta there, thus allowing your little’n to breath clear and easy. Those old-fashioned bulb aspirators are fine for when they’re really little, but for six months or older and, I’d recommend a battery powered model. Yes, I am being serious. Scoff if you like, but this is a real thing and it is awesomely effective.

•K eep things calm. Yes, of course there are going to be many, many moments of “Holy-crap-I-think-I’mgonna-lose-my-mind” bugging out. These moments will occur for any number of reasons, ranging from the ridiculous to the serious. Just remember that nothing will be solved by you freaking out.

OK, I hope these might help out some of you new or soon-to-be dads. Also: that last bit of advice is probably the most important. Keep calm; it’s all going to work out just fine.

Forging The FuTure oF FiTness r, ealthier H a g n Buildi ger, Smarte Stron neration Ge

Abundant Life School “Education with a Difference”

Crossfit Teen Camp for teens ages 13-18

June 30 through July 30 • 9-11am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday • $200 per teen

Kids Crossfit Camps

June 9-13, ages 4-6 • June 16-20, ages 7-9 • June 23-27, ages 10-12 All classes 8:30-11:30am • $50 per child for the week (multiple child discounts available) Space is limited. Register Today! • (501) 821-6934 13401 Chenal Parkway • www.wellnessar.com

The Pediatric Clinic, P.A. of North Little Rock

“We love the convenience of having all 3 of our kids at the same school, under the care of teachers who love them and truly want them to succeed. At Abundant Life they are provided with a high quality, biblically based education.”

– Joe & Holly Dunn

4K-12th Grade

Preparing for college by educating spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially

Over 50 Years of

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accepting New Patients Birth Through adolescence Most insurance accepted Lourie Battles, MD • Robert Choate, MD • Kim Clinton, MD anthony Elias, MD • Matthew Hadley, aPRN, PhD • Kim Hurlbut, MD Stephen Fiedorek, MD • Eric Fraser, MD • Gary Fowler, aPRN Bishawn Morris, MD • Joanne Wilson, aPRN Tina Jones, MD • Nicole Turner, aPRN 3401 Springhill Drive, Ste. 245 North Little Rock · 501.758.1530 CliniC Hours: Monday-Friday 8 aM-6 pM Walk-in siCk CliniC: saturday 8 aM 203 B Plaza Boulevard Cabot · 501.843.0068 CLiNiC HouRS: MoNDay-FRiDay 8 aM-5 PM

• Small Class Sizes • Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math Programs • Full/Half Day 4K and 5K • K-12 Technology Opportunities • Concurrent College/High School Courses • Before/After School Care 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• Expanded High School Curriculum with Online Courses • Arkansas Activities Association Member • Basketball, Cheer, Baseball, Softball, Track, and Golf

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John 10:10 Call For A Tour (501) 835-3120 9200 Highway 107 · Sherwood abundantlifeschool.org

Early Registration Discount April 15 april 2014 savvy kids

| 57

of the month

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

Here Comes the Easter Cat Junkyard

By Deborah Underwood; Illustrated by Claudia Rueda When Cat tries to replace the Easter Bunny, he soon learns that the job is much harder than he expected and does not allow time for naps.

Find out what happens when an exhausted Easter Bunny shows up with a treat for Cat. Recommended for ages 3-5.

Written and Illustrated by Mike Austin Munching Machines enter a huge junkyard and consume all of the waste, then smooth the ground, plant trees and flowers, create a lake and playground, and much more. This story features rhyming text and will inspire upcylcing projects.

Recommended for ages 6-8.

App of the Month

Gro Garden Abby Monkey: Spring Math - Math Games

By Gro Play $2.99

This app helps kids understand organic gardening, sustainable farming and environmental issues in a fun way. The game focuses on Connie the Compost and her microorganism friends, who live under the trees and love food scraps.

Feed Connie and her friends, and the soil becomes more nutritious and crops grow faster. Kids can harvest crops and earn badges. Available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android devices.

58 | savvy k i ds April 2014

By 22learn, LLC $1.99

Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with this Easter and spring-themed app. Brush up on math skills with four games: Memory Match, Catch Me, Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Bingo. Each game has three difficulty levels, and the app praises kids’ efforts. Available for iPad.

STUDIO1 P H O T O G R A P H Y

501.650.1806

contact@studio-1-photo.com

PCSSD

join us facebook.com/savvykids

Experience the power of public education.

pcssd.org

Pulaski County Special School District

Achievement in Action

New and exciting learning opportunities like Ms. Keesee’s outdoor classroom at Crystal Hill Elementary School are taking shape across our district, offering an education that goes beyond the books.

501.234.2000

april 2014 savvy kids

| 59

Events 1

2

Robinson High School Hosts Regional Archery Tournament

3

Photos by Patrick Jones

4

5

6

Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock hosted the Arkansas National Archery in the Schools (ANASP) Region Six Archery Tournament on Feb. 15. More than 530 students in grades 4-12 from across the region, which includes 11 counties, competed for the chance to participate in the state tournament, held last month in Hot Springs. Robinson High School is part of the Pulaski County Special School District.

1. Brianna Hobbs 2. Jasmine Hobbs 3. Fate Berry 4. Hunter Reynolds 5. Kelly Cherry 6. Una Groover 7. Halle Richmond, Michaela Moore, Lisa Williams and Andrea Rouse

7

PHOTO OF THE MONTH Olivia Grace Kittell, 4, of Little Rock

Photo submitted by JoJo Kittell Submit your photos to the Savvy Kids “Photo of the Month.” Email snapshots (no professional photography) of your youngsters to ericasweeney@arktimes.com. Include the child’s name, age and hometown. Each month we’ll choose one to publish, so be sure to check out the next issue to see if your photo was selected.

60 | savvy k i ds April 2014

Services for children from 6 weeks through preschool, and assists in kindergarten transition.

All therapies are offered in developmentally appropriate environments or as outpatient services.

Speech/Language • Occupational • Physical • Developmental Supplemental therapies for school-aged children are also available on site.

Our therapists and teachers are highly trained, and many certified, in TEACCH, ABA, and Therapeutic Listening; all highly effective methods of instruction for individuals with ASD. Transportation is available.

To discuss eligibility for any of our services, please contact us at 501-847-9711 or drop in for a visit at 908 N. Reynolds Road, Bryant, AR.

Your Child’s CareSpaces Specialists!

Inspiring Therapies www.fccare.org

AND

facebook.com/fccare | #friendshipcommunity

april 2014 savvy kids

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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!

Golden Corral Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605

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.

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

Shorty Small’s Up to two kids’ meals free per paying adult.

Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3344

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

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

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

Marco’s Pizza North Little Rock: 5007 JFK Blvd., 753-8100, order online at marcos.com Free small one-topping pizza per child, dine in only, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Maximum of two free pizzas with purchase of at least one medium pizza, six-inch sub or small salad.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased, 4 p.m. to close.

Maumelle: 115 Audubon Drive, (501) 803-3500

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 62 | savvy k i ds April 2014

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

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 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

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.

april 2014 savvy kids

| 63

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1-800-880-3322 www.pinnaclepointehospital.com 11501 Financial Centre Parkway Little Rock, AR 72211 64 | savvy k i ds April 2014