Savvy Kids September 2012

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contents August 2012

12

Savvy Kids Awards

36

Game On

Plan a family game night with your crew!

Readers voted and the winners are announced! See who earned top honors in the Savvy Kids Awards contest this year.

8 Savvy Family 10 Little Hero,Big Heart 34 Bullying 40 Texting:Make Mine Unlimited 42 Razorback Gift Guide 46 Pick UpTheTab 52 Taking Supplements 54 Beyond the Face is a Heart 56 25 Ways to Make this the Best School Year Ever

0 Childhood Cancer 6 66 Special Needs Calendar of Events

8 PopTopics 6 70 Book of the Month App of the Month Arkansas Sounds

4 7 75 78 94

Kids Eat Free Savvy Recipe Calendar of Events Savvy Project

4 | savvy kids September 2012

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

W

e are really excited about this issue! The results of our Savvy Kids Awards are announced starting on page 12. You, our readers, voted on our website and mailed in ballots over the past two months.

After tallying all the votes (and there were many, just ask our Digital Media Producer, Bryan Moats, who took on the task of downloading the vote totals!), we were able to see what local businesses are the top dogs, so to speak. Look to see if the businesses you voted for were awarded a “Savvy.” If you haven’t ever visited the winner’s business, consider giving them a try. After all, hundreds of voters can’t be wrong!

With school back in full swing, everyone’s schedules are filling up fast.

We want families to consider taking a little time out of their busy week to start a “family game night.” On page 36, read about the many lessons children can learn from a friendly game of Chutes and Ladders or Monopoly. Plus, all the giggles and grins you will share together will brighten everyone’s day.

Photo by Christy Hollingshead

If you haven’t visited our website (savvykidsofarkansas.com) in a while, you should. We have worked really hard to make our website more interactive for our readers. Stay up-to-date on events, browse “Kids Eat Free” restaurants, enter contests and read some great articles on our blog. Be sure to leave us feedback so we can continue to improve our site for you!

While you’re on our site, be sure to submit your kids’ upcoming events. Whether there is a birthday party in the near future, a team gathering, or school fundraiser, we want to hear about it! Fill out the event form on our site and your kids’ event could be featured in the next issue of Savvy Kids!

Follow our Pins on Pinterest

Follow us on Twitter

Become A Facebook Fan

Publisher hbaker@arktimes.com P.S., Are you a pinner? Follow our Pins on Pinterest, pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.

savvykidsofarkansas.com

publisher Heather Baker, heatherbaker@arktimes.com editor Emily Griffin, emily@arktimes.com digital media editor Meredith Martin-Moats digital media producer Bryan Moats editorial art director Patrick Jones graphic designer Erica Schaffer account executives Erin Holland erin@arktimes.com Michelle Miller michelle@arktimescom Tamara Adkins tamara@arktimes.com advertising sales assistant Kelly Lyles, kellylyles@arktimes.com production manager Weldon Wilson advertising coordinators Roland Gladden, roland@arktimes.com Kelly Carr, kellys@arktimes.com Tracy Whitaker, tracy@arktimes.com graphic artists Kai Caddy, Rafael Mendez, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain, Sandy Sarlo photographers Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones, Nick Hillemann, Ali Hibbard controller Weldon Wilson accounts payable Angie Fambrough it director Robert Curfman billing/collections Linda Phillips circulation director Anitra Hickman ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE CARE; HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARE AND SAFE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. ALL LETTERS AND PICTURES SENT TO SAVVYKIDS™ WILL BE TREATED AS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SAVVYKIDS'™ UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO EDIT OR TO COMMENT EDITORIALLY. 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985.

ALL CONTENTS ©2012 SAVVY KIDS™

On the Web Kick family game night up a notch with a visit to Hasbro. com. There you’ll discover the latest games, read through family game night tips, find recipes and more! You can even print tournament play brackets, enhanced play cards, and winner certificates!

6 | savvy kids September 2012

At twinparents.com, get “your daily reminder that double is doable.” Find articles on parenting multiples, read product reviews, get offers and freebies, and join in discussions with other parents. They also have gift items for twin parents and children.

Are you ready to call the Hogs? At arkansasrazorbacks. com, view this season’s schedule, order tickets and more! You can also keep up with Razorback news, order Razorback apparel and meet the players. The site also has a link to watch games online.

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SAVVY FAMILY

Patrick and Beth McAlpine

Photos by Brian Chilson

Dad: Patrick McAlpine, Attorney Mom: Beth McAlpine, Stay at home mom, volunteer, wrangler of children Children: Walter age 8; Andrew age 4; Tyler age 9 months Current Projects: Jefferson Elementary School PTA - New Student Activities, St. James UMC - Adult Handbell Choir, 1st and 2nd grade Church Choir Director, Junior League of Little Rock, Sustaining Member, CARTI Auxiliary member and Festival After Dark Committee member, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas Chocolate Fantasy Ball Committee - Chocolatier Chair (we solicit all of the chocolate donations), Walt Fiegel Foundation Board Member and Scholarship Committee Member Parenting Style: Active, high energy and detail oriented. Our kids are very active and love to play together, although that does involve some arguing.

Even the baby wants to be a part of what his brothers are doing. We try to keep a balance between structured and unstructured activities, which keeps us all sane. We also have dinner together most evenings, which gives us a chance to talk about the day.

Life lesson learned from parenthood: Every day is a new day and a chance to get things right. We have also learned not to take anything, 8 | savvy kids September 2012

especially family, for granted.

Keeping it organized: We use a lot of technology - iPhones, iPads, shared online calendars and sticky notes. We also divide and conquer chores, errands, and kids activities.

Advice for keeping it together: Communicate and compromise. Be specific about what is important to you and work with your family to make it happen, which may involve some compromise along the way Favorites: Book: The Help Music: Whatever the kids are listening to Place to shop for you: Tulips Place to shop for kids: Dillards Family Activity: Swimming and hanging out at Little Rock Racquet Club Restaurant: Senor Tequila and Purple Cow Guilty pleasure: Shipley Do-Nuts on a lazy Saturday morning Place to go for date night: Cafe Prego Vacation destination: Any beach Won’t leave home without: Snacks for the kids and ice water for the parents

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september 2012 savvy kids

|9

HERO

little hero

Big Heart

The story of how one young lady is using creativity to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

By Emily Griffin

She is a tumbler. She enjoys gymnastics, cheer and dance, and loves to paint, learn explore, take photographs and write. In fact, there aren’t many things 11-year-old Kennedy Stanek can’t do when she sets her mind to it.

In January of this year, Kennedy decided she wanted to do something to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a non-profit organization she has worked to help in the past. Through her creative vision she created “Kids Help St. Jude.”

“Kids Help St. Jude is a forum for raising money for St. Jude, giving kids the chance to make a difference by using their art, and spreading the word about how important St. Jude is,” Kennedy explained. “Anyone can donate art, no matter what age or skill level, and 100% of the money we receive goes to St. Jude.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, according to their website, www.stjude.org, “is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today’s most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly.”

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.

Kennedy first learned about the hospital’s work when she was a young child. Her mother explained she has never been a patient there, but has always felt the need to help St. Jude. “I knew I had to help,” Kennedy recalled. “I was always told I was a natural when it came to art, so I used my hobby to help!” She has also donated money from yard sales and lemonade stands.

Kennedy said, “I put myself in the patients’ and their families’ shoes. I couldn’t imagine how hard and terrible it must be, and I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t be cured. Even though I want to, I know I can’t raise all the money they need, but I can raise some!” So the tween’s goal is to raise as much money and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as possible.

“Kids Help St. Jude” is online based and can be found at www.kidshelpstjude.weebly.com. There, visitors can browse artwork donated by Kennedy and other kids, and purchase pieces for just $10. One week out of the month, Kennedy offers a 50% off discount, because every little bit helps.

Kennedy Stanek has created an online fundraiser in which she sells artwork to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Currently, Kennedy has raised $105 through the online purchases and donations. “Our goal is to raise $600 and after that $1000. I set the bar pretty high, but if people buy and donate art, I know we can accomplish it,” she said.

Right now Kennedy is home schooled and lives in Conway. She plans to continue raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and one day hopes to become a doctor and use her medical knowledge to volunteer at St. Jude.

What could other kids do to help Kids Help St. Jude? They could donate art or buy art! “Kids Help St. Jude is great for kids of all ages,” Kennedy explained. “They can also raise money themselves by doing things like lemonade stands, car washes, yard sales, etc. I did a yard sale once for St. Jude and raised $65 in two days! That is enough to pay for a sickle cell treatment for a patient at St. Jude, so a little money goes a long way.” To learn more about Kids Help St. Jude, visit www.kidshelpstjude.weebly.com. To learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, visit www.stjude.org.

10 | savvy kids September 2012

FREE

FITNESS CLASSES Fitness Class Schedule (free and open to the public ­ no center membership required)

North Little Rock Community Center (2700 Willow Street ­ 791­8541) Mon

Tues 2:30‐3:30 p.m.

Weightlifting

Wed

Thurs 2:30‐3:30 p.m.

Weightlifting

Fri

Sat

Sherman Park Recreation Center (624 Beech Street ­ 340­5373) Mon 4:00‐4:45 p.m.

Hip Hop (kids)

Tues

Wed 4:00‐4:45 p.m.

Hip Hop (kids)

Thurs

Fri

Sat 10:00‐10:45 a.m.

Zumba

5:30‐6:15 p.m.

Hip Hop (adults)

6:00‐6:45 p.m.

Aerobics

5:30‐6:15 p.m.

Hip Hop (adults)

6:00‐6:45 p.m.

Aerobics

11:00‐11:45 a.m.

Cardio

Glenview Recreation Center (4800 East 19th Street ­ 945­2921)

Mon 6:00‐6:45 p.m.

Dance

Tues 5:00‐5:45 p.m.

Aerobics

Wed 6:00‐6:45 p.m.

Dance

Thurs 5:00‐5:45 p.m.

Aerobics

Fri

Sat 9:00‐9:45 a.m.

Cardio

6:00‐6:45 p.m.

Zumba

6:00‐6:45 p.m.

Zumba

10:00‐10:45 a.m.

Zumba

11:00‐11:45 a.m.

Aerobics

North Heights Recreation Center (4801 Allen Street ­ 791­8576) Mon 5:00‐5:45 p.m.

Hip Hop Dance

Tues 5:00‐5:45 p.m.

Zumba

Made possible by a grant from:

Wed 5:00‐5:45 p.m.

Hip Hop Dance

Thurs 5:00‐5:45 p.m.

Zumba

Fri

Sat

Sponsored by:

CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK

North Little Rock’s initiative for healthy eating and active living. www.NLRFit2Live.org september 2012 savvy kids

| 11

By Emily Griffin For months Savvy Kids readers had the opportunity to cast their votes for the third annual Savvy Kids Awards. Through online votes and ballots received through snail mail, hundreds of votes were cast. The votes were counted and results are in! Find the winners and runners-up of the third annual Savvy Kids Awards right here. You, our loyal readers, voted for the businesses you felt were the best in their fields—from pediatric clinics to ice cream.

We know, these “Best of the Best” type sections pop up in publications all over, but we at Savvy Kids hope our readers find this section to be a valuable resource.

Looking for a daycare center, tutoring service, or furniture store? Check out our list of winners and runners-up to find the best businesses out there. After all, hundreds of folks can’t be wrong!

On the following pages you will find a little information about the winners. And, congratulations to all of the Savvy Kids Awards winners!

12 | savvy kids September 2012

Education

Few things are as important as a well-rounded education. In this section you will find the school voted best in central Arkansas as well as the best educational enhancement classes and tutoring services. See if you agree! effective teaching method is a lot of fun for children, which is probably why they were voted at the top of this category. ACCESS (10618 Breckenridge Dr., Little Rock) offers full-time education, therapy, training and activities for children and youths with learning disabilities.

Runners-Up: Pathfinder, Helping Hands

The Little Gym

Best Tutoring Center Winner: Huntington Learning Center For more than 30 years, Huntington Learning Center, 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, has built its tutoring methods on scientifically based instructional methods. They start with an Academic Evaluation to learn more about a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and put together a learning plan based on the evaluation results.

Every Huntington tutor is either state- or Huntington-certified and trained extensively in the most effective teaching methods and will have your child on the path to academic success.

Runners-Up: Learning RX, Sylvan Best Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Winner: The Little Gym At The Little Gym, (1121 S. Bowman Rd., Little Rock) the environment is fun, but the purpose is serious. For more than 35 years, their trained instructors have nurtured happy, confident kids through a range of programs including parent/child classes, gymnastics, karate, dance and sports skills development, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents’ Survival Nights and Awesome Birthday Bashes. The

focus on getting children moving, expanding their minds and teaching life skills. While your child will see The Little Gym as a place to play, you will see noticeable improvements in your child’s abilities and self-confidence.

Runners-Up: Huff ‘N Puff, Dancers Corner

Best Field Trip Winner: Little Rock Zoo Kids would tell you next to recess, field trips are one of the best things about school. We weren’t surprised to see that, once again, the Little Rock Zoo was voted Best Field Trip.

Walking through the zoo looking at the animals with your friends is awesome and listening to keeper chats as you go is even better! End the trip with lunch at Café Africa and a quick ride on the train or carousel. Of course, you don’t have to be a part of a field trip to visit the zoo. Visit today, 1 Jonesboro Dr., Little Rock.

Runners-Up: Heifer Village, Museum of Discovery Best Martial Arts Winner: Impact Martial Arts Impact Martial Arts will help your or your child build leadership skills, Access Preschools

Best Music Lesson Winner: Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner is a teaching studio which offers a large selection of printed music, instruments and musical gifts.

They offer lessons on virtually all musical instruments emphasizing a strong foundation in music fundamentals to students ages five and up. Want to learn to play music but aren’t sure which instrument is right for you? Stop by Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner (11121 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock) and let the knowledgeable staff introduce you to any instrument in the store.

Runners-Up: Little Rock Jams, Saline County Arts Project Best Special Needs Preschool Winner: ACCESS ACCESS Preschool uses art, music, movement and literature daily for multisensory teaching. Their september 2012 savvy kids

| 13

Education

cont

Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner

self-esteem, fitness levels, and selfdiscipline. With two locations, 1819 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, and 9808 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, their certified black belters will instruct you in Taekwondo, self-defense, life skills training and weapons courses. Be sure to visit their website for free visits coupons.

Runners-Up: Unity Martial Arts, ATA

Best Private School Winner: Pulaski Academy Since 1971, Pulaski Academy (12701 Hinson Rd., Little Rock) has instructed students with a commitment to learning. The school offers instruction for students from preschool through 12th grade with a wealth of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities.

Pulaski Academy has also created a very popular summer program, Summer at the Academy, which students look forward to every year.

Runners-Up: Little Rock Christian, Anthony School, Arkansas Baptist Best Public School Winner: Don Roberts Elementary Don R. Roberts Elementary (16601 LaMarche Dr., Little Rock) is one of the newest schools in the Little Rock School District and offers instruction in grades Pre-K through 5th. The school’s mission is to establish a distinguished tradition of excellence in a diverse environment by nurturing, inspiring and challenging each student to value learning, respect, and to always do the right thing.

Runners-Up: Fulbright, Cabot Public Schools Best Art Lessons Winner: Arkansas Art Center The Museum School at the Arkansas Arts Center offers a variety of art

classes for children, teens and adults of every skill level. Classes are offered on a quarterly basis with day, evening and weekend classes available. Registration is underway for the fall quarter, which begins Sept. 8. Even if you aren’t ready for an art class, you can visit the Arkansas Arts Center (501 E. 9th St., Little Rock) to view their permanent and special exhibits.

Runners-Up: Saline County Arts Project, Spirited Art Best Special Needs Elementary Winner: Access Academy Serving children in Kindergarten through age 21, ACCESS Academy provides students with a comprehensive education and life skills training. ACCESS (10618 Breckenridge Dr., Little Rock) offers full-time education, therapy, training and activities for children and youths with learning disabilities.

Runners-Up: Pathfinder Academy, All Children’s Academy

Little Rock Zoo 14 | savvy kids September 2012

they always say:

look, don’t touch

Design Zone

See how math is used to create music tracks,video games, roller coasters and more!

Now through Dec. 2

getting your hands on science is the best part Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Whether you’re touching a tornado or pedaling to produce power, there are no limits to discovering new things at the Museum of Discovery. Poke, prod, touch and get a little carried away. It’s all in good fun when you’re learning new things. Get your hands on science at the Museum of Discovery, Arkansas’s premier math, science and technology

Donald W. Reynolds Science Center

500 President Clinton Ave

center.

BEST MUSEUM BEST HANDS-ON PLAY PLACE Many Thanks, Savvy Kids Readers!

. Little Rock, AR 72201 . www.museumofdiscovery.org . 501.396.7050

september 2012 savvy kids

| 15

Entertainment

“I’m bored.” Those two little words can make any parent cringe! When it comes to family fun there are plenty of things to do in central Arkansas. On the Savvy Kids Awards ballot we broke down the entertainment categories and covered all the bases.

With all new exhibits (and some exciting temporary exhibits), it’s no wonder Savvy Kids readers voted the Museum of Discovery as the Best Hands-On Play Place.

The exhibits are designed for kids (and kids at heart) to pick up and explore to help them learn. The Tinkering Studio is unique in that children can walk in and build a one-of-a-kind project. They also have scientists on hand to guide and answer questions. Visit the Museum of Discovery today (500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock), you won’t be disappointed.

Runners-Up: The Wonder Place, Mid-America Science Museum

Museum of Discovery

Best Kids’ Festival Winner: Toad Suck Daze Every year, central Arkansas residents look forward to Toad Suck Daze, an annual festival held at Toad Suck park in Conway.

Throughout the festival’s legendary history, Toad Suck Daze has funded over $1.2 Million in scholarships and endowments.

These scholarships–by way of the University of Central Arkansas, Central Baptist College, Hendrix College, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton and Faulkner County Community Foundation, help assist the young people of Faulkner County to further their education. By attending the festival, watching the live entertainment, eating the delicious food and more, you are helping to fund the scholarships for so many local students.

Runners-Up: Riverfest, Greek Food Festival, Arkansas State Fair Best Museum Winner: Museum of Discovery 16 | savvy kids September 2012

The Museum of Discovery (500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock) is the oldest museum in the capital city. In 2011, the museum closed for nine months in order to add a new entrance and undergo a total renovation.

This project, funded by a grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, also provided funding for new, interactive science exhibits, completing the museum’s transformation from a collecting museum to a science center. Today, guests can enjoy the new permanent exhibits like Amazing you, Discovery Hall, Earth Journeys, Room to Grow, and the Tinkering Studio along with temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Runners-Up: Mid-America Science Museum, Clinton Presidential Center Best Place to Play Winner: The Wonder Place The Wonder Place (10301 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock) is

designed for children ages eight and under and includes tons of hands-on attractions. Amazing Airways, Water Table, Tree house and Playhouse, puppet area, art studio, market and café, sand table, light table, doll house and more keep kids busy as they learn how things work.

Runners-Up: Little Rock Climbing Center, Playtime Pizza Best Hands-On Play Place Winner: Museum of Discovery

Best Water Park Winner: Wild River Country Wild River Country (6820 Crystal Hill Rd., North Little Rock) is full of exciting water slides, a huge wave pool, and some shallow water attractions for young kids. The park has a picnic area, so pack a lunch and spend the day! Some of the popular attractions in the water park are the Cyclone, Vertigo, Pipline, the Vortex and the Lazy River.

Runners-Up: Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, Splash Zone Toad Suck Daze

A r k A ns A s A r t s Ce n t e r Chil dr e n’s t he At r e s e e i t o n s tag e !

Madeline and the Gypsies s e p t e m b e r 2 1 – o c t o b e r 7, 2 0 1 2

tickets: $12

BLUE CROSSWORD Performance times (Test your art smarts)

ACROSS 1 Arabian Nights hero Baba 4 Wonderland’s Cheshire 5 Ark., Ala. and Atl. symphony orchestras (abbr.)

8 REP Artistic Director Robert 12 Baby Bear to Papa Bear 13 Dames at _______ 14 Do what Brutus did to Caesar 16 Amazing Technicolor Dream ______ 17 ____ Pinafore 19 Stage design result 22 Lion King lyricist Rice 25 Hamlet portrayer Laurence 26 Questioning utterance 28 ___ Boheme 29 AAC Director Plummer 31 Muppet sow’s French pronoun 32 NYC musical On ____ ______ 34 “… lady who lived in __ _____” 35 Babes in ____ Land 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 10 11 15 16 18 20

DOWN Play divisions A note to follow sol The Seven Year _____ What Oberon made of Bottom Martha in “… Virginia Woolf” Cat ___ __ Hot Tin Roof Wartime entertainment group Cause of princess sleep deprivation State Fair star Boone Scrooge interjections The players “I gotta be ___” Tim McGraw’s “Not __ ________ Too Soon”

fri 7 Pm | sat 3 Pm | sun 2 Pm 1

2

3

4

Book By Ludwig BemeLmans 5

6

7 9 8 10 11 adapted By Barry kornhauser

12

13

music By michaeL koerner 15

14

16

iLLustration By david hohn 17

18

19 20

21 22

25

26 29 32

23

24

seas ticket on sn on sal ow e!

27

28

30

31

33

34

35

21 _________ Call (resounding audience approval) 22 Oil can man of Oz 23 Shakespeare’s Henry ___, Part I 24 “O sole ____ …”

27 Response to a comedy 28 Camelot composers Lerner & _ _e_ _ 30 … Over the Cuckoo’s _____ 31 REP Artistic Associate Brad 33 Poetic form of although

Best Art Lessons

Media sponsor

presented by

9th & Commerce

little rock

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w w w.ark ar t s.com

Parent Involvment is Linked to Student Performance.

If you want your child to get better grades and test scores, then getting more involved in your child’s education can make a big difference. Studies indicate that parent involvement is key to student performance. Children of less involved parents typically have less positive academic outcomes. So be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences (October 22) and school open houses. You might also consider volunteering at your child’s school.

LRSD Open Houses

Thursday, September 6 Elementary Schools Thursday, September 13 Middle Schools Tuesday, September 18 High Schools

entary School Fulbright Elem Runner-Up Best P ublic S c Rober ts Ele hool Winne menta ry Sch r: ool

NEW

Giveaw ! ays & Celebr ity Gu ests Little Rock School District PERFORMANCE WORKPLAN

Creating Excellence for Tomorrow

OW

NCE FOR TOMORR

CREATING EXCELLE

www.lrsd.org september 2012 savvy kids

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Food

Whether you consider yourself an expert on fine dining or a macaroni and cheese connoisseur, when it comes to what you eat, everyone’s an expert—we know what we like. Savvy Kids readers are no exception. Want to know where the best place for kids to eat is? Who makes the best birthday cake? Read on to learn more!

Best Restaurant Winner: Big Orange Big Orange (17809 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock) opened less than a year ago and already the restaurant has become a favorite among central Arkansas residents. With bold burgers, inspired salads, and layered shakes, Big Orange is sure to be a favorite for many years to come.

Runners-Up: Yaya’s Euro Bistro, Copeland’s Best Place for Kids to Eat Winner: The Purple Cow The Purple Cow (8026 Cantrell Rd., and 11602 Chenal Pkwy. in Little Rock, and 1490 Higdon Ferry Rd., in

Hot Springs) is a great place for kids to eat, hands down. The friendly staff, colorful neon lights, yummy treats and tasty meal options are just a few of the things that keep families coming time and time again. The large kid’s menu is sure to please even the pickiest eater; of course, they have delicious options for the adults, too!

Runners-Up: Larry’s Pizza, All Aboard Restaurant and Grill Best French Fries Winner: Big Orange Big Orange (17809 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock) has a large menu that’s sure to please. Big Orange’s menu Big Orange

says they use Kennebec potatoes with a nutty and consistently smooth texture. Their potato chips and fries are hand-cut and fried to order. The house fries are served up with BOB Sauce, a tasty alternative to plain ketchup.

Runners-Up: David’s Burgers, Five Guys Burgers and Fries Best Milkshake Winner: The Purple Cow The Purple Cow (8026 Cantrell Rd., and 11602 Chenal Pkwy. in Little Rock, and 1490 Higdon Ferry Rd., in Hot Springs) may be famous for those purple milkshakes, but they’re all great! There are over 15 flavors to choose from including Chocolate/Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Mint Chocolate Chip, Pineapple, and more! You can also have extra treats like M&M’s, Oreo, and Bananas added for an extra special shake. Shakes can also be made with soy milk.

Runners-Up: Maggie Moo’s, Big Orange Best Frozen Yogurt Winner: Orange Leaf With decadent yogurt flavors and tasty, healthy toppings, it’s no wonder so many readers enjoy Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt (5309 Hwy. 5 North, Bryant, and 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock). Simply pick your flavor, add your toppings, and enjoy! From fresh fruit covered yogurt treats to a chocolate covered concoction, there is something to please every palate.

Runners-Up: Loganberry, Red Mango Best Macaroni and Cheese Winner: Panera Bread Made with tangy Vermont white cheddar cheese, sauce over shell pasta, the Mac & Cheese at Panera Bread (2812 Lakewood Village Dr., North Little Rock and 11525

18 | savvy kids September 2012

Cantrell Rd., Little Rock) is a savory treat for even the pickiest eater.

Served with a hunk of freshly baked bread, what Panara is famous for, and a side item, kids can’t resist!

Runners-Up: Copeland’s, Dixie Café Best Pizza Winner: US Pizza pizza, salads, and sandwiches.

Use old-fashioned stone hearth ovens bought in 1972, which the restaurant claims is one of the reasons their unique pizzas are worth the wait. From Salad Supreme to the spicy Trey’s Chloroplast Blast pizza, you won’t find their menu creations anywhere else.

Runners-Up: Shotgun Dan’s, Larry’s Pizza Best Burger Winner: Big Orange Savvy Kids readers obviously love Big Orange (17809 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock). For those who love a good burger, you have to try these. Made with naturally raised USDA Certified 100% Black Angus Beef, their patties are hormone free, antibiotic-free and pasture raised. Big Orange also serves up a tasty turkey burger and a mean vegetarian patty.

Runners-Up: David’s burgers, Five Guys Burgers and Fries Best Cake/Cupcake Winner: Cupcakes on Kavanaugh Cupcakes on Kavanaugh (5625 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock) has given the cupcake a gourmet twist!

With flavors like Ghirardelli Square, Kavanaugh Carrot, Razorback Red Velvet, Kahlua and Cream to Classic Vanilla/Chocolate and Cookies and Cream, everyone is sure to find a mouth-watering treat baked fresh daily! Nine to 12 flavors are available daily and are perfect for any occasion. Specialized cupcakes

BEST DANCE/GYMNASTICS/CHEER

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september 2012 savvy kids

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Food

cont and mini cupcakes are available as well.

Runners-Up: Blue Cake Company, Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe Best Birthday Cake Winner: Blue Cake Company The Blue Cake Company (14710 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock) specializes in fun, whimsical, and contemporary special occasion cakes and other desserts. They make everything from scratch in-house without preservatives. You can order online. Choose from one of their express designs or have a customcreation made for your next event.

Stop by and satisfy your sweet tooth with one of their tasty desserts including Triple Chocolate, and Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, or a slice of Key Lime pie.

Runners-Up: Cakes by

Sam, Knight’s Bakery Best Cheese Dip Winner: Mexico Chiquito Since 1935 Mexico Chiquito has served central Arkansas, and their cheese dip has been an awardwinning favorite for decades. The recipe is a heavily guarded secret, but check out their ad on page 75 and get a discount on the famous cheese dip on your next visit.

Runners-Up: El Porton, Senior Tequila Best Smoothie Winner: Tropical Smoothie Cafe If you like a good smoothie, you’ll love the smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe (tropicalsmoothie. com). Made with fruit so fresh it could still be on the tree, their smoothies are made with

fresh, natural, premium-quality ingredients. The cafe also serves gourmet wraps, sandwiches and salads.

Runners-Up: Planet Smoothie, Red Mango

US Pizza

Medical

A healthy family is a happy family. From prenatal care to oral hygiene, families voice their opinions on which doctors are the best in their fields.

All For Kids

Best Pediatric Clinic Winner: All for Kids All for Kids (904 Autumn Rd., Little Rock) is committed to the medical, emotional, and spiritual well being of young patients. Simply put, they really care about kids and keeping them healthy. All for Kids has six physicians providing general pediatric medical services from birth through age 21 including well child preventative check ups, newborn care, chronic disease management, radiology services, lab services, Attention Deficit Disorder treatment and more.

Runners-Up: Arkansas Pediatric Clinic, The Pediatric Clinic Best OB-GYN Winner: Cornerstone Clinic for Women No matter what your age or stage

20 | savvy kids September 2012

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| 21

Medical

cont

in life, Cornerstone Clinic for Women (1 Lile Ct., Little Rock) can offer patients experience and compassion. They are concerned with all aspects of women’s health and well-being, whether you are expecting your first child or are busy keeping up with grandchildren. They provide a full range of gynecologic and obstetric care including childbirth and annual women’s health checkups and screenings.

Runners-Up: Amy Weidower, Ashley Deed Best Dentist Winner: Kitchens Pediatric Dentistry Kitchens Pediatric Dentistry (14114 Taylor Loop Rd., Little Rock) is a family-oriented practice, built on love for children and the desire to make them comfortable with dentistry.

Kids will love their facility which has been designed as a wilderness for children. The experienced doctors and staff will deliver an unrivaled level of expert personal care to each and every child.

Runners-Up: Ashley Gray, Ted Jolley Best Orthodontist Winner: Wardlaw Orthodontics Dr. David Wardlaw has been creating beautiful smiles for children

22 | savvy kids September 2012

and adults for over 20 Arkansas Children’s Hospital years and says working with children is one of the best things about his career. “Providing kids with a beautiful smile that makes them feel great about themselves is very rewarding.” The casual, fun environment that Dr. Wardlaw and his team of professionals have created at Wardlaw Orthodontics (8315 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock) will make your visit a pleasant one!

Runners-Up: Michael Ashcraft Therapy, sensory integration, vision Orthodontics, Phelan therapy, handwriting, balance, Orthodontics coordination and attending, just to name a few. Contact ACCESS today to learn how they can help your child.

Best Pediatric Therapy Runners-Up: Pediatrics Service Winner: ACCESS Group, Inc. Plus Therapy, KidSource ACCESS (10618 Breckenridge Dr., Therapy Little Rock) offers the most stateof-the-art pediatric therapy and Best Hospital academic therapy in the state. The Winner: Arkansas highly skilled team specializes in a Children’s Hospital variety of areas including receptive As a parent, you never want to and expressive therapy, pragmatics, need Arkansas Children’s Hospital childhood apraxia of speech, brain(1 Children’s Way, Little Rock), based learning, reading, therapeutic but you thank your lucky stars it feeding, technology, aided language is there if and when you need it. stimulation, visual learning Arkansas Children’s Hospital is strategies, Neuro-Developmental a private, nonprofit institution, and is the only pediatric medical center in the state, Wardlaw Orthodontics and one of the largest in the nation. With 370 staffed beds, ACH is a tertiary care, regional referral center treating children from birth to age 21, who come from every county in Arkansas, and from many states around the country. Their doctors, nurses, and staff are well trained and are constantly making breakthroughs in the medical field.

Have a medial question or concern? Visit www.

archildrens.org to learn more.

Runners-Up: Baptist Medical Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Best Behavioral Health Facility Winner: Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral HealthCare System Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral HealthCare has provided mental health services to families in Arkansas and surrounding states since 1991. They specialize in programs for children ages 5-17 with individualized treatment for each child. Their mission is to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment and believe that early intervention is key to a child’s success. They offer care that includes inpatient services (acute and residential), outpatient services, communitybased services, day treatment school, and professional and community education. They are located at 11501 Financial Centre Pkwy. in Little Rock.

To learn more, visit www. pinnaclepointehospital.com.

Runners-Up: Rivendell Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas, The BridgeWay

Best HandsOn Play Plac e

ay Best Place to Pl

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AR State Fairgrounds www.DuckDuckGooseSale.com september 2012 savvy kids

| 23

Shopping

Times are tough for many growing families these days and parents know there are always something new their family needs. New clothes, new shoes, new car, and more! Getting a great deal on all these things and more is the goal of every Savvy shopper. Readers gave their two cents, so to speak, on these family necessities.

The Promenade at Chenal

Best Local Book Store Winner: River Market Books and Gifts Located in the 1906 Cox Building (120 River Market Ave., Little Rock), a renovated historic warehouse, River Market Books and Gifts is managed by the Friends of Central Arkansas Libraries and features used books at 60% off retail, new books, and unique gifts. In addition, you’ll find jewelry, a wide variety of greeting cards, stationary, children’s items and more.

Runners-Up: Barnes and Noble, Wordsworth Books and Company Best Furniture Store Winner: Kids Furniture Central Arkansas’ largest source for kids furniture is Kids Furniture, 12111 W. Markham Rd., Little Rock. Find furniture and accessories you need to help your child grow from infant to teen and all ages in between. From cribs and bedding to dressers and lamps, you can find just what you need.

Runners-Up: Hank’s Fine 24 | savvy kids September 2012

Furniture, Pickles and Ice Cream Best Party Supply Store Winner: Party City Whether you’re throwing a kids birthday party, graduation party, Halloween party, wedding or baby shower, Party City ( 11218 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, and 4822 North Hills Blvd., North Little Rock) has every thing you’ll need.

Party City has a huge selection of tableware, invitations, decorations, and balloons in tons of character themes including Disney Princesses, Avengers, Angry Birds, Justin Bieber, and more! Halloween costumes and decorations are also available.

Runner-Up: Vanness, Inc. Best Grocery Store Winner: Kroger Creating healthy meals for your family is easy when you shop at Kroger (Kroger.com). Kroger carries fresh produce, and great deals weekly on the products you use every day.

Plus, sign up for the Kroger Plus card and download coupons, earn points

to use towards discounts at Kroger Fuel Stations and more!

Runners-Up: Knight’s, Edwards Food Giant Best Automotive Dealership Winner: Parker Auto Group For nearly half a century, the Parker Auto Group has served the central Arkansas community. Today, you can find three dealerships across the metro area: Parker Audi (1624 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock), Parker Cadillac (1700 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock) and Parker Lexus (1 Shackleford West Blvd., Little Rock).

Customers will work with friendly, knowledgeable sales staff, making the car buying process and pleasant one. The certified technicians will keep your vehicles in tip-top shape for years to come. To learn more or to view inventory, visit www. parkerauto.com.

Runners-Up: Bale, Gwatney Best Place to Shop

Winner: The Promenade at Chenal If you haven’t visited The Promenade at Chenal lately, you should! The Promenade at Chenal (17711 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock) is an open-air lifestyle center located in the Chenal Valley Neighborhood of west Little Rock. Beautifully designed, it is home to a variety of upscale national, regional and local merchants like Nike, Apple, J. Crew, and Justice.

Visitors can also watch a movie at the Chenal 9 Imax Theater, or dine in one of the Promenade’s great restaurants: Big Orange, Bravo!

Cucina Italiana, Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro, and more! For a complete directory

Box Turtle

Fashion Flash: Spots Are IN

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september 2012 savvy kids

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Shopping

cont

Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event

listing, visit www.chenalshopping. com.

Runners-Up: Pleasant Ridge Town Center, Park Plaza Mall Best Toy Store Winner: Heights Toy Center The Heights Toy Center, 5918 R St., Little Rock, is one of the oldest family-owned toy stores in the nation. It is a store where you will find a huge collection of high quality, interactive toys to awaken the untamed mind of your child.

With brands like Melissa and Doug, Breyer, Thomas and Friends, and much more, the professionals at Heights Toy Center can point you in the direction of age-appropriate toys your little ones are sure to love!

Shoppers will also find ride-on toys, puzzles, outdoor toys, personalized items, books and more.

Runners-Up: Learning Express, The Knowledge Tree Best Shopping Center Winner: The Promenade at Chenal Being named Best Place to Shop, it’s no surprise The Promenade at Chenal (17711 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock) was voted Best Shopping Center also. The Promenade is an open-air lifestyle center located in the Chenal Valley Neighborhood 26 | savvy kids September 2012

of west Little Rock. Beautifully designed, it is home to a variety of upscale national, regional and local merchants like Nike, Apple, J. Crew, and Justice. Visitors can also watch a movie at the Chenal 9 Imax Theater, or dine in one of the Promenade’s great restaurants: Big Orange, Bravo!

Cucina Italiana, Ya Ya’s Euro Bistro, and more! For a complete directory listing, visit www.chenalshopping. com.

Runners-Up: Pleasant Ridge Town Center, Market Place Shopping Center Best Local Clothing Store for Kids Winner: The Toggery The Toggery, founded in 1948, is Little Rocks oldest and most-honored children’s boutique. The business has been built on great merchandise and exceptional customer service and has created relationships that have spanned many generations.

Customers will find a huge selection of school uniforms and clothing, shoes, toys, gifts and more. The Toggery has two locations: 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, and 5919 R St. in Little Rock.

Runners-Up: Caroline’s Children’s Consignment Boutique, W.E.L. Dressed Best Local Clothing Store for Parents

Winner: Box Turtle Box Turtle, 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, is an artist driven boutique carrying a wide array of items from women’s clothing, accessories and handmade jewelry to house wares, toys and unique gifts.

Box Turtle specializes in finding independent designers and artists from all over the world with an emphasis on local artists. They are known for carrying a wide array of items that “give back”, meaning they either donate a portion of proceeds to various charities or provide fair wages in developing communities around the world. They also carry a number of ecoconscious, recycled and/or organic items. Stop in today to find something unique!

Runners-Up: The Painted Butterfly, Vesta’s Best Shoe Store Winner: Warren’s Shoes Warren’s Shoes is a retail store focused on ladies’ fashion shoes and handbags. Find lines like Sam Edelman, UGG, Nicole, FRYE, Diba, BCBG, Jessica Simpson, BORN, Steve Madden, Nine West, Michael Kors, Big Buddha, and many more. With locations throughout the state, you can find Warren’s Shoes in Little Rock at 11525 Cantrell Rd., Runners-Up: Shoe Choo, Shoe Connection Best Consignment

Winner: Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Event Rhea Lana’s, Inc. is an upscale children’s consignment event held twice a year across Arkansas including Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Searcy. Parent’s flock to the sales to safe money on all sorts of items including clothing, toys, furniture, and more! Parents can also make money by consigning their own gently used, name-brand items.

Runners-Up: Duck Duck Goose Children’s Consignment Event, Caroline’s Children’s Consignment Boutique Best Garden Center Winner: Good Earth Garden Center For over 37 years, The Good Earth Garden Center has served the central Arkansas community. What began as primarily a retail store and growing facility has developed into a full service garden center, complete with landscape design/build services, irrigation installation and repair, lawn and landscape maintenance, and a wonderful gift shop. They even offer great fresh produce at the Arkansas Garden Center, located right next door! Visit them today at 15601 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock.

Runners-Up: Hocott’s Garden Center, Horticare Companies Good Earth Garden Center

ComeExperienceWhy Copeland’s Was Voted

Best Restaurant

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d C Mac an

Shackleford Crossing • Shackleford & I-430

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501-312-1616

501.410.3002 /lizzyyatesphotography

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Y k o n u a h T Savvy KidS ReadeRS foR voting uS one of youR favorites!

Knight’s sUPER FOODs

BEST BIRTHDAY CAKE BEST GROCERY STORE

a Full-Service bakery

Cakes, Cupcakes, Cookies, Cookie Cakes,Donuts, muffins, & more

501-843-8101 • Open Daily 7 am - 7 pm • 906 S. pine Street • CabOt september 2012 savvy kids

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Other Services

Families use a number of other services not listed above. Looking for after-school care? Need a family portrait taken? Want to relax at the spa? This section has it all covered!

Ooh La La Salon

Best After-School Care Winner: ACCESS Group, Inc. After-school care is something many families require, and what better place to send your kids than a multiaward winning establishment? In addition to their state-of-the-art facility, well trained instructors, and therapies, ACCESS (10618 Breckenridge Dr., Little Rock) offers specialized tutoring available to assist students with math, spelling, reading, comprehension, written expression, study skills and organizational skills.

Runners-Up: Little Rock Athletic Club, Boys and Girls Club

Best Photographer Winner: Jennifer McHam Photography Jennifer McHam is a local children’s photographer. Her unique style is captivating and the images she captures will melt your heart.

Using natural light, Jennifer McHam will take your kids to a great location to snap amazing photos your family will treasure forever. Check out her website at jennifermchamphotography.com to view samples of her work, and to learn more about booking your photoshoot.

Runners-Up: Lizzy Yates, Kristin Hollensworth

Best Hair Salon Winner: Ooh La La Salon Ooh La La is a small salon, but that doesn’t matter. The girls at Ooh La La Salon will give any five-star salon a run for their money! Located at 14710 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, the salon is open Monday-Saturday by appointment for your convenience.

Services include cuts, event styling, color, perms, waxing, and more!

They also offer RX intense hair treatment, Keratin Complex and Keratin Blow-Out treatments. Call them today at 501-868-4111 to schedule your appointment.

Runners-Up: Salon 2000, Salon Scarlet

Best Daycare Winner: Second Presbyterian Preschool Sponsored by the Second Presbyterian Church, the Second Presbyterian Preschool is designed to promote, support, and maintain an education program for preschool children. It is compatible with the ages and developmental stages of the student enrolled, and is carried out in an atmosphere of Christian nurture. The preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and is located at 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock. To learn more, call 501-227-6034.

28 | savvy kids September 2012

Runners-Up: The Children’s Center, Access

the Seeking Sitters sitters have been screened and trained to give the best childcare around.

Best Kids’ Savings Account Winner: First Security Bank Teaching kids about money management is a big job, and when you can teach them proper money management by visiting the professionals, the job isn’t quite so tough. The professionals at First Security Bank offer a Kids Club Savings account program, which Savvy Kids readers voted as the best. The club teaches kids the importance of saving money.

There is no service fee, no minimum balance and can be opened with as little as $5. They also offer special features for kids throughout the year. The accounts are available for kids 17 and under. To learn more, visit www.fsbank.com.

Runners-Up: First Arkansas Bank and Trust, Arvest Bank

Best Radio Personality Winner: Jeff Matthews and Lisa Fischer, B98.5 FM If you’re like me, waking up is really hard to do! But when I turn on the radio and head to work, I instantly turn my frown upside-down, so to speak, when I hear Jeff Matthews and Lisa Fischer during the Morning Rush on B98.5 FM. The Morning Rush kicks off every morning at 5:30 a.m. and listeners will hear all sorts of things, from recipes, community news, money saving tips, traffic reports and Jeff and Lisa hamming it up! Listeners will also hear the “best mix of the 80’s, 90’s and now!”

Runners-Up: Tommy Smith and David Bazzel, 103.7 FM The Buzz; Heather Brown and DC McGhee, Alice 107.7 FM

Best Sitting Service Winner: Seeking Sitters Every parent knows finding a reliable babysitter can be challenging. But the team at Seeking Sitters (www.seekingsitterslittlerock. com) has done the looking for you!

Serving the Little Rock metro area,

Best Insurance Company Winner: Blue Cross Blue Shield When it comes to insurance for your family, you want the best. Blue Cross Blue Shield has been an upstanding insurance provider for years and can provide your family with the

Jennifer McHam Photography

S r a t S k c o r Future ns Music Lesso s • Drums Guitar • Bas o Voice • Pian ay Parties d th ir B r ta S Rock

BReckenRiDGe VillaGe 501.312.1800 www.littlerockjams.com

Best Party Location

Thanks For VoTing Us

Parker audi

1624 N. Shackleford Rd. (888) 433-1510

Best Music Lesson

Best

e v i t o m o t Au ! p i h s r e l a e D

Parker lexus

1 Shackleford West Blvd.

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Best Automotive Dealership

Parker CadillaC

1700 North Shackleford Rd. (501) 224-2400

www.parkerauto.com september 2012 savvy kids

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Other services

cont 1977, the group, with fewer than 30 worshippers began meeting in a home in Little Rock. Today, Fellowship has campuses across central Arkansas: Little Rock, Cabot, Benton. They have ministry programs for students, children, men, women, young adults, older adults, missions, marriage, outreach and more. To learn more about Fellowship, visit www. fellowshiponline.com.

Runners-Up: Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church

The Morning Rush with Jeff Matthews and Lisa Fischer

insurance coverage you need.

Blue Cross Blue Shield makes the insurance process easy, too. Their website, www.arkansasbluecross. com, will give you the opportunity to sign up for a free information packet, find a doctor, answer your Medicare questions or put you in touch with a BCBS representative.

You can also browse plans to find your prefect fit.

Runners-Up: Allstate, State Farm Best Spa Winner: Indulgences by Body Bronze At Indulgences by Body Bronze (14524 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock) you will notice a stylish, relaxing facility like no other. Guests can enjoy the latest in modern spa techniques, yet maintain the profound origins of ancient Grecian spa culture. Find health, wellness, anti-aging and relaxation here. From salon services and spa services to events and top of the line products, each client will find something they love.

Runners-Up: Renaissance Medical Spa, Rejuvenation Clinic and Day Spa Best Party Location 30 | savvy kids September 2012

Winner: Little Rock Jams Kids can rock on state, literally, during their next birthday! Parties at Little Rock Jams (10301 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock) are like no other and have proven to become unforgettable events for families. Whether your kids want to rock out on stage to Guitar Hero, or hold a concert of their own with their “band members” the light show, pro sound system and fog machine, compete with tattoos and funky hairdos will have your kids preparing to play Madison Square Garden!

Runners-Up: The Little Gym, War Memorial Stadium Best Special Needs Day Care Winner: ACCESS Group, Inc. If you’ve browsed this list of winners, you will have noticed that ACCESS has won a lot of awards— and with good reason. Located at 10618 Breckenridge Dr. in Little Rock, ACCESS offers full-time education, therapy, training and activities for children and youths with learning disabilities. ACCESS is a 501c3 nonprofit center founded

in 1994 by two speech-language pathologists and a special educator.

To learn how ACCESS can help you, visit www.accessgroupinc.org.

Runners-Up: Pathfinder, Inc., The Allen School Best Weight Loss Facility Winner: The Diet Center, Heights The Diet Center has been providing solutions to weight loss challenges for nearly 40 years. In fact, they have helped over 15 million dieters lose weight and keep it off. Located at 5901 R. St. in Little Rock, The Diet Center professionals can help you set up weight loss goals, choose a weight loss program that fits your lifestyle and help get you on the road to living healthier.

Runners-Up: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Weight Watchers Best Church Children’s Programs Winner: Fellowship Bible Church In the late 60’s a group of students at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville were inspired with a vision for a new kind of church. In

Best Non-Profit Organization Winner: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas While Ronald McDonald House Charities cannot make medicine taste better or take away painful treatments, they can help lessen the burden and ensure more than 4.5 million families a year have the stability and resources they need to keep their child healthy and happy.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas provides families a home away from home while their child receives medical treatment at a local hospital, particularly Arkansas Children’s Hospital. For more than 30 years, RMHCA have helped families, and they make it easy for you to help as well. Read on page 46 to see how you can become involved.

Runners-Up: Heifer International, Arkansas Rice Depot

Parker Auto Group

Best Party Location

Arkansas’s Largest Supplier of Printed Music Thanks FOr VOTing Us We Couldn’t Do It Without You.

Best Music Lesson

Now Enrolling For Fall Classes And “Let’s Play!”

A New Program For Children Ages 4-6 Call For More Information Today!

Providing instruction in: Banjo Cello Clarinet Guitar Drums Flute

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Come Take A Musical Journey!

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(501) 217-0275 • Market Place Shopping Center 11121 N Rodney Parham Rd • Little Rock lewis.anthonymusic@gmail.com www.carolynskeyboardcorner.com september 2012 savvy kids

| 31

Celebrating 25 Years Serving Arkansas

Check us out at www.afkpeds.org

Thanks for voting us the best Pediatric Clinic!

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By Duane Runyan, Ph.D., MBA

“You don’t have a family because they all killed themselves because they don’t want to be near you.”

– 7th grade bully, 2012

There is an epidemic in the United States. The impact from this public health crisis includes poor academic achievement, mental health problems, medical illnesses, substance abuse, violence, and even death. It affects millions of children annually in the United States. There does not seem to be an end in sight and there is no known cure. This epidemic is bullying.

This article will examine bullying and provide tips on reducing the effect on your child and our community.

Karen Klein’s Story

It might have been a day like any other. Karen Klein, a 68 year old widow, woke up and went about her duties as a bus monitor one day earlier this year. She had been a bus monitor for the past 3 years in the same district 34 | savvy kids September 2012

she had been a bus driver in the previous 20 years. This year was different, though. There was a group of 7th grade boys who had been verbally taunting her during the school year and had even knocked her hearing aid out when making fun of her. But this day was going to be different – someone was video recording the bullying behavior and posted the video on a social networking website for all to see. Today, Ms. Klein was going to find herself at the epicenter of the bullying debate. As four 7th graders insulted her over a 10-minute period, their comments regarding her appearance, threatened to stab her, touched her, and made the insult about her family (above in green type). That insult may have been particularly painful for Ms. Klein since her oldest son committed suicide 10 years ago. In any event, that day ended up being a very different day because her bullies were revealed for more people than the ones on that bus.

Bullying Defined

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior, often repeated at a target individual or group, using force to intentionally hurt others. Bullying can be verbal, including teasing, insults, and harassment, and intimidation. Additionally, it can be physical, including shoving, hitting, pulling hair, or throwing things.

Gossiping and excluding someone can also be considered as a form of bulling, particularly in the context of the Internet such as cyber-bullying.

The goal of bullying is to demonstrate power and control over the targeted victim as well as create social isolation. In general, boys tend to focus more on physical aggression while girls tend to rely on exclusion and mockery.

Bullying occurs in virtually all settings – work, school, day cares, home, and other places. This article will limit bullying to school-age children, which tend to happen most where children congregate.

Bullying typically causes a victim to feel afraid, upset, ashamed, embarrassed, and anxious.

While bullying may be a one-time incident between the bully and victim, in general it is something that happens over time. It tends to start out “in the shadows.” As the bully continues to exhibit aggression towards the identified target, the bully becomes bolder. This is particularly notable if there is a group of bullies or if bystanders do not intervene.

How common is bullying?

Bullying is very common. Data provided in 2010 indicate about 1 in 7 students in grade kindergarten through the 12th grade is either a bully or been a victim of bullying. That is believed to be a low estimate. Regardless, more than 160,000 children will miss school every day due to bullying. Just looking at high schools, there are approximately 282,000 students reportedly attacked each month in the United States.

Most bullying is observed by others. According to researchers, the bystanders tend to be passive and rarely intervene. This may be related to bystanders not wanting to become targets of the bully.

Bullying as a Public Health Crisis?

Bullying typically causes a victim to feel afraid, upset, ashamed, embarrassed, and anxious. The victims tend to feel that there is something wrong with them. There is a strong relationship between bullying and mental health issues. For example, children bullied may show sadness, withdrawal from others, lose interest in favorite activities, or sleeping/eating problems. Not surprisingly, they do not want to attend school and their grades often deteriorate. Bullying victims are at least twice as more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. They also are more likely to become a bully themselves.

Revenge bullying is one of the strongest motivators for school violence.

Who becomes a bully?

Permissive parenting may be an indication for the development of bullying.

That is, parents not holding children accountable for their actions.

Additionally, authoritarian parenting where there is excessive physical punishment also may increase the likelihood of bullying. Parents modeling aggression – even if not directed primarily towards their children – may also have a role. Other modeling of aggression, such as video games and violent-themed movies, tend to glorify aggression as a good problem-solving strategy may also be part of the development of a bully.

There is no basic pattern of a child or children and bullying. Bullies come from all walks of life. The only common denominator for bullies is use of aggression to demonstrate power and control over the victim.

Who tends to be targeted?

There is no clear well-defined pattern.

Anything that sets the victim apart from the bully or bullies may be sufficient justification. This may include the street the child lives on, the color of their skin, their religion, the brand of their shoes, or their athletic prowess.

Unfortunately, there are some children who behave in ways that inadvertently contribute to bullying. These include children with inadequate social skills or learning difficulties. For example, children with developmental disabilities are more at-risk. Bullying tends to happen when the children are unsupervised – at least initially.

How can I help reduce the potential for bullying in my child’s school?

1. Become involved with your child’s school by knowing their anti-bullying policy. Getting involved with Parent-Teacher Organizations is a great place to start.

2. If your child is a victim, get informed and get involved. There are a variety of excellent books that address bullying. A starting point is to build resilience and confidence in your child. Tell your child what bullying is and that it is not okay. If they are being bullied, then have them inform the teacher quickly. This usually works best with the parent present. Have your child tell the school official what has happened, who is doing it, and how often it has happened. Ensure a parent-school official dialogue to ensure the matter is addressed.

3. If your child is a bully. If your child uses physical aggression as a means to control others, hold your child accountable. It can sometimes be easy to excuse the behavior, but that may teach your child that aggression is okay.

Remember that with girls bullying can look different since they are more likely to use exclusion and mockery.

4. If it is cyber-bullying, print out any available content and provide a copy to school officials.

The reality is that bullying isn’t going away. By staying informed and active, our families and our communities can work together to reduce the impact of bullying with our schools and in our community.

Duane Runyan, Ph.D., MBA, is the CEO/Managing Director of Rivendell Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas. To learn more, call 1-800-264-5640. september 2012 savvy kids

| 35

F A A MI N A LY L P

n O e m Ga BY EMILY GRIFFIN

ga

t h me nig

I can remember playing board games with my little brother when we were kids. We dueled each other at Mouse Trap, Guess Who, and Battleship (my favorite). We packed our travel versions of Connect Four to compete in the car on long trips. Even today, when we all get together my family plays Monopoly (and these days my brother and I team up to beat my husband who usually wins).

I know we weren’t the only kids who grew up playing iconic board games like these. Looking back, playing board games with my family was something I relish from my childhood and something I want to share with my children.

There are so many benefits to creating a “family game night” with your family.

It’s a great way to spend quality time together, and costs very little. Turn off the electronic devices (cell phones included) and roll the dice together!

Games offer a fresh experience every time you play, providing new ways to have fun and laugh together. According to the Hasbro company’s website, www.hasbro.com, some games, such as Cranium, Operation and Pictureka! are developed with giggles in mind and would be a great choice on nights when 36 | savvy kids September 2012

everyone needs a good laugh.

Game play is a great learning experience for children. Important life skills, like patience, teamwork, perseverance, following rules and more can be learned.

Games such as Cranium Family Edition and Pictionary encourage a sense of connectedness. For younger children, games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders teach kids about taking turns, counting and colors. Games like Clue allow kids to practice reasoning skills, Monopoly helps to teach money management, and Yahtzee teaches simple addition and multiplication.

Tips For Family Game Night

Here are a few tips for planning your family game night, offered by the Hasbro company.

Schedule it!: When you schedule your gamily game night, it will be a night to remember—literally! Pick a night that works for everyone, mark it on the calendar and start counting down the days!

Create a tradition: Create the tradition of a family game night by serving

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facebook comments Does your family have a “Family Game Night” on a regular basis?

What types of board games/card games does your family enjoy playing together?

Erin Jones We like Chutes and Ladders, and Candyland.

Paige Taylor Pennock TIC, Hand and Foot, Phase 10, Wahoo, etc.

Kimberlee Schmidt a family favorite dinner before the game, or a delicious snack (see page 75). Allow a special bedtime extension or turn your favorite music on to listen to in the background. By creating a tradition unique to your family, you will be creating more excitement for everyone.

Keep a Family Scoreboard: It doesn’t matter who wins or loses, right? Keeping a family scoreboard week to week will add some excitement to the night. In life, we all have moments when we will win and moments when we will lose.

Family game night is a good time to practice winning and losing gracefully. Besides, everyone wins when families have fun together.

Invite Special Guests: Call the neighbors, and continue your family game night tradition when grandparents visit.

Mixing things up with special guests will always add a level of excitement! Just be sure you play a game that allows everyone to be included.

Other Tips

Here are a few more tips for making your family game night unforgettable.

Involve everyone in the planning: Give every person involved in your family game night something to plan. Let the kids pick the game, mom pick the snack and dad picks the music. Next family game night, switch things up.

Pick Age-Appropriate Games: Be sure to pick games that are age-appropriate for all family members so that everyone can participate.

Reminders: To keep the date with the family, set up reminders on a handheld device or on the family computer to make sure that game night happens. For the kids, put a note in their lunchbox as a family game night reminder.

Make it Special: Snap a photo of special moments at each family game night and place the printed photos around the house, add them to a scrapbook or email to relatives.

38 | savvy kids September 2012

We usually make a buffet of junk food and hook up our old Nintendo game system and play video games ;) then end the night with a family movie and a huge pallet of blankets in front of the TV to sleep on! :)

Nittara Sanmuen LaulandGage We have a large and COMPETITIVE family at that!!! Our favorite is the game of LIFE... We love competing for the money and fun:)

Chris and Rachael Alexander Thirty One, Uno, Connect Four, and Yahtzee!!

Chrissy Louden Edge My kids love Sorry, UNO, & Life

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Texting:

make mine unlimited : ) A lot of things are different for our kids than they were for us. We didn’t have home theaters, decent video games, or twenty-four-seven episodes of iCarly and the Regular Show. But what has changed everything are cell phones and the privacy they offer our children. Before my son started middle school I had made up my mind that I would not cave to the pressure.

by Lela Davidson

a status symbol and to call me on the [many] days I forgot it was my turn at carpool. I didn’t realize he was texting at all until I started. When my texts racked up I worried about the potential overage costs so I logged into my account. While I was slightly under my plan limit of two hundred texts, my son was up to eight hundred twenty—two weeks into the billing cycle. I immediately called my provider to request unlimited texting.

“You’ll change your tune,” a friend told me. “What if he misses the bus?”

Cut to Christmas and my son tearing open a cell phone while his little sister calculates the number of months she has to wait for hers under the “big-brother-broke-them-in” algorithm. I wasn’t convinced he needed a phone, but he wanted one and it was Christmas. I was weak. Or maybe noble, triumphing over my jealousy. Having a personal phone—not to mention a modest texting allowance—in the 6th grade? The luxury.

Back in the olden days we didn’t even have cordless phones. Telephones were all attached to a wall, either in your home or in public. You carried a quarter for a payphone and everyone could see you cry when your mom forgot to pick you up from soccer practice. If you missed the bus you didn’t call anyone; you walked home. When you got sick at school you had to use the office phone with its rotary dial and plastic cubes across the bottom. To have a private conversation at home you stretched the phone cord down the hall, pinching it in your bedroom door, then prayed your mom wouldn’t unplug it while you were asking your BFF if she wanted to “go with” the new boy (who was named Curt or Tyler or Rob). Those deliriously fortunate enough to have a phone in their rooms knew their parents were listening in from the kitchen.

Today’s kids don’t have to worry about parents overhearing conversations, partly because phones are rarely used for speaking to one another anymore.

The important information—what band is cool, whose house they’re sleeping over at, and which color Converse to wear tomorrow—is all relayed via text. It goes without saying that back in the olden days we didn’t have our own secret language that our parents couldn’t figure out. We had to be clever and make plans while they weren’t listening or watching.

Now kids speak in an ever-evolving code of letters and symbols, incessantly tapping at tiny keyboards and screens their parents never had. It’s a miracle our olden days thumbs didn’t fall off like the vestigial tail from lack of use.

Popular as texting has become, I still figured my son only used the phone as 40 | savvy kids September 2012

I sensed a golden opportunity. His excess was just what I needed to institute the partial pay policy I should have started when we gave him the phone. I confronted him with his excess.

“But, Mom, it’s not like you can just end a conversation.”

Proof that my son is not yet a man.

I told him that instead of making him pay for the overage, he was going to chip in ten dollars a month toward his phone bill.

“But then I’ll have less money.”

I didn’t laugh. I did however take my platinum opportunity to ask for his phone, and read his texts.

If I were a terrible person I would transcribe them here, because they would make you laugh and reminisce over everything that was good and true and hasn’t changed about the summer before 7th grade.

But I won’t.

Because I am a good mother and because I’m beyond grateful for what I read there, in his private conversations with friends, both boys and girls.

For now, for today—though he doesn’t realize it—my baby is as innocent as the day I brought him home wrapped in flannel and smelling like spit-up.

If only there were an unlimited plan for that.

Lela Davidson is the author of Blacklisted from the PTA, a collection of irreverent essays about motherhood and the modern family.

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RAZORBACK GIFT GUIDE

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to call the Hogs! You can find tons of great Razorback gear across central Arkansas. On these pages, we’ve picked a few of our favorites from local retailers. Woo Pig Sooie!

Add a little flair to your porch with a Razorback door mat, available at June’s Hallmark, 100 Dakota Dr., Cabot.

Red and white Lily and Laura bracelets will make the perfect finishing touch for any Razorback fan. Available at Box Turtle, 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock.

These sunglasses have a subtle Razorback touch—the perfect shades for game day.

Find them at June’s Hallmark, 100 Dakota Dr., Cabot.

Photos of your loved ones will look lovely in this wooden, hand-painted picture frame, available at June’s Hallmark, 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock.

The insulated Tervis Tumblers are a must-have for any Razorback fan! At June’s Hallmark, 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, find a number of sizes and styles.

Get in game-day spirit by wearing this jersey dress, available at Box Turtle, 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock.

This vintage inspired ring is a must-have for any Razorback fan, and is available at Box Turtle, 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock.

Even the tiniest Razorback fans can show their pride with an adorable outfit from Southern Baby, 2733 Lakewood Village Dr., North Little Rock.

These leather boots are the perfect finishing touch to any Razorback fan’s wardrobe. Available at The Painted Butterfly, 5311 Hwy. 5 North, Bryant.

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RAZORBACK GIFT GUIDE These earrings have the perfect punch of red and white to show your Razorback pride! Find them at Box Turtle, 2616 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock.

Find many great accessories at Apricot Girls Boutique and Party Studio, 9871 Brockington Rd., Sherwood, like the trendy red and silver jewelry seen here.

Curl up on the couch on game day in this Razorback robe, available at June’s Hallmark, 100 Dakota Dr., Cabot.

This red and white chevron print tote is a great accessory any time of the year!

Available at June’s Hallmark, 11525 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock.

Warm up with a jersey Razorback scarf, also available in gray and white stripe. Find this and more at The Painted Butterfly, 5311 Hwy. 5 North, Bryant.

This handy Razorback wallet is stylish, durable and can hold all of your necessities. Find it at June’s Hallmark, 100 Dakota Dr., Cabot.

Tailgating just got a little sweeter with these Razorback decorated cookies, created by Ann Potter Baking, 601-218-4093, annpotterbaking.blogspot.com.

These embroidered “Woo Pig Sooie” diaper covers, along with many other styles and colors, are available at Southern Baby, 2733 Lakewood Village Dr., North Little Rock.

Make a statement with this Razorback inspired cowboy hat, available at The Painted Butterfly, 5311 Hwy. 5 North, Bryant.

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Pick Up The

Tab

Your school can help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas

By Emily Griffin

“What does this say, mommy,” my then four-year-old son asked me pointing to his McDonald’s Happy Meal. Without hesitation, I read to him the text that was colorfully and creatively put together on the side of the paper sack.

It was the story of a little boy named Scottie who was sick and had to “fly to a hospital far away” and the Ronald McDonald House gave his family a place to stay while he got better. Reading the five-sentence story wasn’t enough to satisfy my son’s curiosity. He wanted to know what Scottie was ailing from, what hospital he went to and what Ronald McDonald’s House looks like.

I viewed that moment as the perfect opportunity to discuss a subject most parents hope they never have to experience.

What is RMHCA? Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas (RMHCA) is a locally funded and operated non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and their families by creating and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well being of children.

According to their website, “We tailor our programs to address the most urgent needs of our community to keep our kids healthy and happy. These needs include how families can stay near and support a hospitalized child, how to afford staying together in another city while a child is undergoing treatment and how a child can receive basic dental care in an underserved community. We not only help families address these problems, we provide solutions through the Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.”

Of course, trying to explain this to a preschooler is like trying fit a square peg into a round hole, so to speak. He understood that sometimes kids get sick and have to stay in the hospital and that the RMHCA is a place where the 46 | savvy kids September 2012

His next question was, “how can I help?” Having worked with RMHCA in the past for Savvy Kids, I knew just what to tell him: collect pop tabs.

How can pop tabs help?

RMHCA has held the annual Pop Tab Pandemonium contest for quite some time, and it’s a simple way people can support the organization. Schools, clubs, companies, individuals, etc., can collect the aluminum tabs from the tops of beverage, soup and vegetable cans between now and April 18. On that day, registered entrants can bring their tabs in to be weighed.

The pop tab program raises valuable funds and awareness for RMHCA. Money for the pop tabs is raised by recycling. This program helps pay for families and children to stay at the House while the child is receiving medical

Photo by Jay White

For 30 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas has been creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well being of children through their core programs, the Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

moms and dads of the sick kids in the hospital can stay while their child is getting treatment.

treatment at the hospital. Your support helps ensure that these families will continue to have a place to rest, relax and recover together.

2012-2013 Contest Photo by Jay White

Sign-ups are now being accepted for 2012-2013 contests. There are two types of contests. One for Elementary and Middle Schools and the other will be for families, churches, high schools, colleges, groups or anyone that would like to participate.

For the school contest, students, faculty and staff can collect pop tabs all throughout the year and compete against other schools for the title of 2013 Pop Tab Pandemonium School Edition Champion! The contest will end on Thursday, April 18. You must register to receive drop-off locations and times. The winning school, which will be determined by the highest average pounds of tabs per student, will receive a school assembly with Ronald, a trophy and prize drawings. Registration forms should be turned in by April 5. Registration forms are available online or by contacting Emily Piechocki at 501-978-3119 or emily@ rmhclittlerock.org. The official weigh-in will be held at the Clinton Library in Little Rock.

I’m proud to say that my son and his classmates at Magness Creek Elementary School in Cabot won the contest earlier this year and he can’t wait to help collect the tabs again.

RMHC Facts The Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas is a home away from home for families whose children are being treated at Little Rock health care facilities. Families come in search of a hope, a treatment, a cure, and sometimes a miracle.

At the Ronald McDonald House, families in medical crisis are able to come together and share their experiences, fears and ultimately, their love and hope with each other. We have welcomed over 20,000 families into our House since we first opened our doors in 1980.

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile provides free dental care and educational services to Arkansas’ underserved children in their own neighborhood. Through a relationship between Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Delta Dental of Arkansas, this 40 foot, state of the art, dental clinic on wheels visits schools and other youth-serving agencies bringing hope and relief to children who would otherwise not be able to obtain dental care.

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WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SCHEDULE A DENTAL CHECKUP?

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september 2012 savvy kids

| 49

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WHEN CORBIN CAME TO US, HE COULDN’T UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE STORY. NOW, HE READS THEM TO HIS PARENTS.

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september 2012 savvy kids

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SPECIAL NEEDS

Taking Supplements

By Diana Frieberg and Kathi Frieberg, Gideon Math & Reading Centers

Supplements have become an integral part of our lives. We supplement our diet with shakes, bars, and vitamins. We take compounds to make us stronger and faster, improve memory, and lessen the effects of aging. And we supplement our workdays with activities, clubs, and hobbies. Our children even supplement their lives with miniature versions of the same; dance, gymnastics, music, and sports.

We also spend our time and money supplementing our education with conferences, certifications, and continuing education courses. Many industries require their professionals to complete instruction annually to improve skills, increase competitiveness, and stay current. We constantly work to improve ourselves, so wouldn’t we want to provide our children the same opportunity for advancement?

The concept of supplemental education, also referred to as mastery learning, has been around for more than 50 years and is invaluable to students of all academic abilities. Students being threatened with retention, students who get by but aren’t reaching their full potential, students who reside at the head of the class but strive to excel beyond grade level - they can all benefit from mastery learning.

The philosophy behind supplemental education is simple: use sequential and cumulative instruction to reinforce learning and practice daily until mastered. For mastery to be achieved, each student must fully absorb and “own” each new concept before progressing to the next level. This is often thought of as old fashioned, especially in math. And though most current school curricula don’t support “drill and kill” and children generally don’t like it, it is one method that has consistently proven effective through the years. The objective is to fill gaps in the students’ foundation and allow them to learn new concepts at their own pace without the pressure of grades and a curriculum-driven schedule. Just a few minutes of daily practice produces measurable results that can overflow into other subjects and other areas of life.

Our educational system is not always a fair system; we may be labeled when we are kids. Yet, in many cases we are required to get supplemental education when we are adults. Parents continue to agonize over the “fear of being labeled” when seeking outside educational help for their children. They don’t discuss mediocre grades or the fear of a potential learning disorder. They often search for answers in secret, not 52 | savvy kids September 2012

Catch Up. Keep Up

realizing how many others are in the same situation or how much help is available in the private sector.

A recent National Institute of Health study showed that 67% of young students who were at risk for reading difficulties became average or aboveaverage readers after receiving help in the early grades. (www.ldonline.com) Should you be concerned about your child’s math or reading skills? If you notice any of the following signs, you might want to seek outside help.

• Not recognizing letter sounds in Kindergarten • Trouble with sounding out words in 1st Grade • Guessing at words while reading or skipping them entirely • Homework is taking way too long to complete • Struggling with reading comprehension • Continuing to count on fingers or other counting crutches • Not learning math facts By the end of the 2013-2014 school year, the Common Core will be fully implemented across Arkansas. Now, more than ever, students may need additional support to make the grades as they transition to a new, more rigorous set of standards. “While most parents think their children are receiving a quality education, the majority of American students are falling behind their international counterparts.” (www.commoncorearkansas.org) The US is currently ranked 25th out of 30 when compared in math to other students around the world. We are ranked 17th globally when it comes to high school graduation. In the mobile society we have evolved into, our students need to be internationally competitive upon graduation.

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september 2012 savvy kids

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SPECIAL NEEDS

BEYOND THE FACE IS A

By Emily Griffin

September is craniofacial acceptance month. The Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA) has a number of events planned throughout the month, including one event here in central Arkansas (see page 66 for details). In honor of this, we have partnered with the CCA to help you understand more about craniofacial disorders.

Each year approximately 100,000 children are born in the United States with some form of facial difference, according to a statistic offered by the CCA. In many cases, reconstructive surgeons can correct these differences early. In other cases, however, reconstruction is not so easy or even possible.

What is a craniofacial disorder?

A craniofacial disorder refers to an abnormality of the face and/or the head.

Craniofacial differences can result from abnormal growth patterns of the face or skull, which involves soft tissue and bones. A craniofacial condition may include disfigurement brought about by birth defect, disease or trauma.

There are many types of craniofacial disorders, but the most common are Apert syndrome, Cleft Lip and Palate, Craniosynostosis, Crouzon syndrome, Hemifacial Microsomia, Pfeiffer syndrome, and Treacher Collins syndrome.

Apert syndrome Apert syndrome is a condition involving abnormal growth of the skull and the face due to early fusion of certain sutures of the skull. Children with Apert’s have bulging eyes that are usually wide-set and tilted down at the sides. They usually have problems with teeth alignment due to the underdevelopment of the upper jaw. Some have cleft palate. Among other anomalies, children with Apert syndrome have webbed fingers and toes.

Cleft Lip & Palate Cleft Lip and/or Palate is a separation of the parts or segments of the lip or roof of the mouth, which are usually joined together during the early weeks in the development of an unborn child. A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip and often includes the bones of the maxilla and/or the upper gum. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth and can vary in severity. A

About the CCA Children’s Craniofacial Association is a national, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with facial differences and their families. Nationally and internationally, CCA addresses the medical, financial, psychosocial, emotional, and educational concerns relating to craniofacial conditions. CCA’s mission is to empower and give hope to individuals and families affected by facial differences.

54 | savvy kids September 2012

cleft palate occurs when the two sides of the palate do not fuse as the unborn baby develops.

Crouzon syndrome Crouzon syndrome is a condition in which sutures in the head are prematurely fused resulting in abnormal growth of the skull and face. Children with Crouzon’s have bulging eyes due to abnormal growth of the mid-face. They may have a receding upper jaw and protruding lower jaw. They may have problems with teeth due to abnormal jaw growth.

Hemifacial Microsomia Hemifacial Microsomia/Goldenhar Syndrome is a condition in which the lower half of one side of the face does not grow normally. The most obvious sign of this condition is a partially formed ear or total absence of an ear. In goldenhar syndrome benign growths of the eye (epibulbar dermoids) are present. Children with Goldenhar syndrome may also have neck problems, which are most commonly caused by a fusion or bony bridges between the bones of the neck.

Pfeiffer syndrome Pfeiffer syndrome is a condition in which certain sutures are fused prematurely. There is a high forehead, and the top of the head may appear pointed. The middle face appears flattened, the nose is small and has a flattened appearance, eyes are widely spaced, and the upper jaw is underdeveloped, which causes the lower jaw to appear prominent. The thumbs and big toes have a broad appearance and teeth are often crowed.

Treacher Collins syndrome Treacher Collins is a condition in which the cheek-bones and jawbones are underdeveloped. Children with this condition have very small or partially absent cheek bones and notches in or stretching of the lower eyelids. The ears are frequently abnormal and part of the outer ear is usually absent. Hearing loss is also associated with this syndrome.

For more information on craniofacial disorders, visit ccakids.org.

Their national spokesperson, entertainer, CHER, has been actively involved with the organization after starring in the movie Mask in which she played the mother of a child with a craniofacial condition.

CCA envisions a world where all people are accepted for who they are, not how they look.

For more information on craniofacial disorders or to donate to the CCA, visit ccakids.org.

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september 2012 savvy kids

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25 SPECIAL NEEDS

WAYS TO MAKE THIS THE

BEST

SCHOOL YEAR EVER Parents have the power

By Terri Mauro 56 | savvy kids September 2012

Parents of children with special needs have a bigger influence than most on how their students make it through the school year.

Be part of the solution with 25 ways to make this the best school year ever -- by organizing, by advocating, by participating, by any means necessary.

#1: Accentuate the Positive Keeping your school spirits up may not be easy when you’re battling teachers and struggling over homework and dreading report cards, but positive thinking and a positive outlook will put your child on the road to success more quickly than a negative, can’t-do attitude.

#2: Dress for Less Stress Adapt the strategy of “change the environment” to your child’s most immediate environment: the clothes he or she wears. Often, adjusting an outfit can make problem behaviors less obvious or troublesome, and it’s way easier and more effective than endless nagging.

#3: Do a Therapy Check-Up After-school therapy can do a lot to help your child function happily and successfully in the classroom -- or add so much stress, frustration, and failure that all-around behavior plummets. The start of school is a good time to check and make sure all that driving around you’re doing is really getting your child somewhere.

#4: Worry More Constructively.

When your child has special needs that impact on education, worrying about school may be unavoidable -- but it’s not the most effective way to tackle problems, and it may make your child feel stressed and worried to watch you stress and worry. Make sure your worry’s good for something, or give it a rest.

#5: Start a Reading Routine Yes, even if your child struggles through required reading for all those classes, you should still set up a time to read together every single night -- there’s no getting better without practice. Throw in a fun bookmark for motivation.

#6: Learn the Lingo When you’re standing up for your child’s rights, particularly against people who may throw out lots of fancy terms to let you know they know more than you, it’s important to have a good command of the bureaucratic language -- so study up on those IEP acronyms with a cheat sheet and a special-ed alphabet soup quiz.

#7: Keep an Eye Out for Trouble Spots Your child doesn’t just sit in the classroom all day -- there are other, lessstructured moments that can act like potholes on the road to success. Stay informed on what your child goes through at recess, lunch, gym, in the restroom and on the bus, and know how intervene.

#8: Relieve Your Child’s School Anxiety School can be terribly tough for kids with special needs, and they need an outlet for all that upset and worry and anxiety and confusion and hurt and outrage: You. Be the best sounding board you can be.

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

#9: Make the Most of Teacher Conferences They’re particularly important when there’s a specific problem, but meetings with your child’s teacher are always useful for keeping up with progress and nipping problems in the bud; learn how, and how often, to have them.

#10: Be an Informed Homework Helper You’ll be a lot more successful and a lot less frustrated if you know what you’re doing before you sit down to help your child. Consider these eight questions your assignment for today.

#11: Don’t Skip Back-to-School Night It’s your once-a-year opportunity to hobnob with teachers and staff, roam the building freely, hear the official line on your child’s education, and predict possible problems before they start -- why would you ever stay home?

#12: Keep a Contact Log Getting what your child needs from school personnel is so much easier when you can quote the date you were promised something, who promised it to you, and when it was promised to arrive. Instead of leaving that stuff to your overworked memory, write it down in a contact log and be the master of facts.

#13: Pick a Pencil that Helps Your Child Write Right For some kids, finding the right writing implement can make a significant improvement in the quality of their written work and their classroom behavior, so don’t just toss some random box of #2s into your cart and hope for the best -- see if your child might benefit from a more specialized approach.

#14: Help Your Child Sit Still “Sit still” is a demand adults can’t help making, and too many kids with special needs can’t help breaking. If your child’s teacher regularly complains about your child’s lack of desk-sitting decorum, come to the rescue with ideas for managing movement and increasing comfort.

#15: Teach Your Child to Use an Outline If you’re wondering how to help your child write without writing everything yourself, just think back to that old I-II-III A-B-C outline you probably used when you were a student; it still works, and it gives kids who need structure and organization just what they need to hang their own words on.

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september 2012 savvy kids

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SPECIAL NEEDS

#16: Join Your School’s Parent Association Yes, the meetings are boring, the discussions are endless, the things some people get worked up about are mind-boggling, but go anyway -- participation matters, and the voices of parents of children with special needs need to be heard.

#17: Get an Extra Set of Textbooks for Home Whether your child needs constant reinforcement, tutoring help, access during illnesses, or relief from the backbreaking weight, having an extra set of textbooks at home is handy and helpful; here’s how to get the school to fork them over.

#18: Find a Binder that Works for Your Child For organizing schoolwork, for keeping important items close at hand, for improving productivity and reducing anxiety -- your child’s 3-ring binder is one of the most important school tools you can shop for, and finding the right one can make a big difference in day-to-day success.

#19: Monitor Your Child’s Backpack Besides being too heavy to healthily lift, backpacks can hide all sorts of things you need to know about, from forbidden items to stolen goods to rotting gym clothes; stay in the know by performing inspections morning and night.

#20: Don’t Forget the Flash Cards They may be old-fashioned and low-tech, but flash cards are still the best tools for using repetition, repetition, repetition to increase memory, understanding and recall -- and you can tailor them to your child’s specific needs.

#21: Streamline Your Morning Routine If your child’s in trouble for being late, forgetting homework, dressing

58 | savvy kids September 2012

inappropriately, and you know a good deal of the problem is the morning madness at your house, try some easy fixes for making the pre-school hours a “whatever works” success.

#22: Get the Right Student Planner for Your Child Planners are important -- your child can’t do the homework if he doesn’t bring the assignment home -- so take the time to find one that really works for your child, and make sure it actually gets used.

#23: Get to Know Your Child’s School Having a good working knowledge of the administration and faculty and staff and layout and social-life of that building your child spends so very much time in is crucial to your ability to be an effective advocate -- take our pop quiz to test your school information quotient, then resolve to raise that score.

#24: Assemble a Teacher Information Packet You always mean to, but too often you put it off to the last minute and just dash something together; take some time now to find the right resources and write the right note that will give your child’s teacher the best chance at handling your child in an informed and sensitive way.

#25: Keep a School Year Calendar.

No more scurrying when you realize that you’ve missed your chance at teacher conferences, or your child’s IEP is way overdue for review -gather those dates and mark them now, and enjoy the fleeting feeling of being in control. © 2012 Terri Mauro (http://specialchildren.about.com/). Used with permission of About Inc. which can be found online at www.about.com. All rights reserved.

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| 59

SPECIAL NEEDS

Childhood Cancer Every bodily cell is tightly regulated with respect to growth, interaction with other cells, and even its life span. Cancer occurs when a type of cell has lost these normal control mechanisms and grows in a way that the body can no longer regulate.

Different kinds of cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes, depending on the type of cell involved and the degree of uncontrolled cell growth.

About Cancer All kinds of cancer, including childhood cancer, have a common disease process — cells grow out of control, develop abnormal sizes and shapes, ignore their typical boundaries inside the body, destroy their neighbor cells, and ultimately can spread (or metastasize) to other organs and tissues.

As cancer cells grow, they demand more and more of the body’s nutrition.

Cancer takes a child’s strength, destroys organs and bones, and weakens the body’s defenses against other illnesses.

Cancer affects only about 14 of every 100,000 children in the United States each year. Among all age groups, the most common childhood cancers are leukemia, lymphoma, and brain cancer. As kids enter the teen years, there is an increase in the incidence of osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

60 | savvy kids September 2012

The sites of cancer are different for each type, as are treatment and cure rates.

Typically, factors that trigger cancer in kids usually differ from those that cause cancer in adults, such as smoking or exposure to environmental toxins. Rarely, there may be an increased risk of childhood cancer in kids who have a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome. Those who have had chemotherapy or radiation treatment for a prior cancer episode may also have an increased risk of cancer.

In most cases, however, childhood cancers arise from noninherited mutations (or changes) in the genes of growing cells. Because these errors occur randomly and unpredictably, there’s no effective way to prevent them.

Sometimes, a doctor might spot early symptoms of cancer at regular checkups.

However, some of these symptoms (such as fever, swollen glands, frequent infections, anemia, or bruises) are also associated with other infections or conditions that are much more common than cancer. Because of this, both doctors and parents might suspect other childhood illnesses when cancer symptoms first appear.

Once cancer has been diagnosed, it’s important for parents to seek help from a medical center that specializes in pediatric oncology (treatment of childhood cancer).

Cancer Treatment The treatment of cancer in children can include chemotherapy (the use of medical drugs to kill cancer cells), radiation (the use of radiant energy to kill cancer cells), and surgery (to remove cancerous cells or tumors). The type of treatment needed depends on the type and severity of cancer and the child’s age.

Surgery For children with leukemia or lymphoma, surgery generally plays a minor role.

This is because leukemia and lymphoma involve the circulatory system and lymphatics, two systems that are located all throughout the body, making it difficult to treat by operating on one specific area.

In children with solid tumors that haven’t spread to other parts of the body, however, surgery can often effectively remove cancer when used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is medication which is used as a tool to eliminate cancer cells in the body. Kids with cancer can be given the chemotherapy medications intravenously (through a vein) or orally (by mouth). Some forms of chemotherapy can be given intrathecally, or into the spinal fluid. The drugs enter the bloodstream and work to kill cancer in all parts of the body.

The duration of chemotherapy treatment and type and number of different of drugs used depends on the type of cancer and the child’s response to the drugs. Every child’s treatment differs, so a child may receive daily, weekly, or monthly chemotherapy treatments. The doctor may also recommend cycles of treatment, which allow the body to rest and recover between periods of chemo.

All of the medications used as chemotherapy also carry the risk of both shortterm and long-term problems. Short-term side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, anemia, abnormal bleeding, and increased risk of infection due to destruction of the bone marrow, as well as kidney damage and menstrual irregularities. Some drugs carry a risk of bladder inflammation and bleeding into the urine, hearing loss, and liver damage. Others may cause heart and skin problems. Longer-term effects can include infertility, growth problems, organ damage, or increased risk of other cancers.

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Your doctor will use precautions as well as other medications to counteract as many of the side effects as possible.

Bone Marrow Transplants Kids with certain types of cancer may receive bone marrow transplants. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue inside certain bones of the body that produces blood cells. If a child has a type of cancer that affects the function of blood cells, a bone marrow transplant (along with chemotherapy to kill the defective cells) may allow new, healthy cells to grow. Bone marrow transplant is also sometimes used to treat cancer that does not involve blood cells because it lets doctors use higher doses of chemo than would otherwise be tolerated.

Radiation Radiation is one of the most common treatments for cancer. A child who receives radiation therapy is treated with a stream of high-energy particles or waves that destroy or damage cancer cells. Many types of childhood cancer are treated with radiation along with chemotherapy or surgery.

Radiation has many potential side effects (such as increased risk of future malignancy and infertility), which you should discuss with the doctor.

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www.ascentchs.com september 2012 savvy kids

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SPECIAL NEEDS The primary goal when treating kids with cancer is to cure them; this takes priority over all other aspects of care. However, many medications and therapies can make kids more comfortable while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Coping With Cancer When possible, older kids should be involved with their own cancer treatment. Facts about the specific type of cancer and its effects should be explained in language suitable for the child’s age. However, when cancer affects younger children — toddlers and those under age 4 — simply telling them that they are “sick” and need “medicine” to get better is often enough explanation. For all age groups, the goal is to prevent fear and misunderstanding.

Many kids might feel guilty, as if the cancer is somehow their fault.

Psychologists, social workers, and other members of the cancer treatment

team can be a great help in reassuring and helping them with their feelings.

The cancer treatment team can guide patients and families through the pain, uncertainty, and disruptions caused by cancer. If necessary, team can also contact or visit the child’s school to explain the diagnosis to teachers and classmates. Replacing fear and misunderstanding with compassion and information is a goal in helping kids with cancer cope with the illness.

The diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers takes time, and there are both short-term and long-term side effects. But thanks to medical advances, more and more kids with cancer are finishing successful treatment, leaving hospitals, and growing up just like everybody else. Today, up to 70% of all children with cancer can be cured. © 1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Childhood Cancer Statistics By the American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas

• Each day in the U.S., approximately 46 children are diagnosed with cancer.

• In the early 1950s, less than 10 percent of childhood cancer patients could be cured. Today, some forms of childhood cancer have cure rates over 80%.

• In 80% of cases, a child’s cancer diagnosis is delayed until the disease is very advanced and has spread to other parts of the body. As a stark comparison, this only occurs in 20% of adult cancer cases.

• Cancer is the leading cause of death in Americans under age 20.

• The average length of treatment for children, from initial diagnosis to cure or remission, is three years.

• Among the 12 major types, Leukemias (cancer in the blood) and brain tumors account for more than half of all cases.

• The median age at diagnosis is six years old.

About ACCO Arkansas In 1970, a small group of parents formed the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. The national organization is now called the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO). In a statement from the organization’s website, acco.org/arkansas/Home.aspx, “We believe that no family should have to go through this difficult time alone. American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas (ACCOAR) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.” Their mission is to promote public awareness of childhood cancer and provide emotional, educational, social, and practical assistance to children with cancer and their families. They offer support and services to all Arkansas families and their children, up to age 21, who have a cancer diagnosis, without regard to economics, race, religion, choice of physician, or healthcare facility.

You can help the ACCO Arkansas help children and families battling cancer by attending the 7th Annual Gallery of Hope art auction on Sept. 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. For more information, read the event listing on page 66.

62 | savvy kids September 2012

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SPECIAL NEEDS

Beyond Boundries More than just horseback riding.

By Emily Griffin client and their family needs,” the website, www. beyondboundariesar.com, states.

Founded in 2003, Beyond Boundaries offers services to persons with a broad range of special needs including Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Autism, traumatic head injury, Attention Deficit Disorder, neurological dysfunction, orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, mental retardation, learning disabilities, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, language and processing deficits, and emotional/behavior difficulties, just to name a few.

Photos by Ali Hibbard

To see a child’s face light up is a wonderful thing. Working with Savvy Kids I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of central Arkansas’ children—it’s by far the best part of my job. Recently I had the opportunity to visit Beyond Boundaries and I will never forget the joy on the faces of the children that day.

Beyond Boundaries is a non-profit therapy center that utilizes horses as a therapy tool to increase specific motor, sensory, speech, and behavior/social responses. It is a place where individuals with disabilities and their families can create strong animal and human bonds and experience overwhelming therapy success. “We are more than a unique therapy environment. Our staff and volunteers are focused on community education, building self confidence and supplying necessary tools for independence that are specific to each

At Beyond Boundaries treatment is conducted by licensed and credentialed physical, occupational and speech therapists who have strong backgrounds in hippotherapy principals, posture, movement, neuromotor function and sensory processing.

Their therapists are nationally registered in hippotherapy through the American Hippotherapy Association and The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. During sessions specific motor, sensory, communication and social goals are addressed through activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging.

As I stood in the arena, I watched at therapists gently helped children feed and brush the horses. Children in wheelchairs were helped onto the horses and supported by the staff members. I watched as a non-verbal teen girl smiled and gleefully clapped her hands as she, the horse, and her therapists circled the area.

The girl’s mother leaned over to me and said, “she smiles the most on the days she gets to ride.” And my heart melted.

For more information on Beyond Boundaries, visit www.beyondboundariesar.com.

The Mane Event There are many ways you can help Beyond Boundaries provide treatment to children with special needs. One way is by attending the annual Beyond Boundaries Mane Event.

The Mane Event will take place at the River Market Pavilion in Little Rock on October 6, starting at 7 p.m.

Guests will enjoy food and drinks, live entertainment, and a silent and live auction. KSSN’s Bob Robbins will serve as this year’s emcee. Sterling Saul and Beebe native Luke Williams will be providing entertainment.

Corporate and individual sponsorships are available. Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets contact Nikki Chumley at nchumley@allied-therapy.com.

64 | savvy kids September 2012

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SPECIAL NEEDS CALENDAR

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

September 7th Annual Golf Ball Drop Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m.

Centennial Valley Country Club, Conway Independent Living Services will host the 7th Annual Golf Ball Drop on Thursday, Sept. 6. at Centennial Valley Country Club’s driving range in Conway. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with food and fun for the whole family. Donated golf balls will be dropped from a hot air balloon at 6:30 p.m. with the grand prize of $2,012 awarded to the donor whose ball lands closest to the hole. Festivities will include hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Centennial Bank. An inflatable bounce house, face painting, shaved ice, and a silent auction featuring special items from the UCA basketball and football team are all part of the family fun and entertainment.

Admission is free. Funds raised by the Golf Ball Drop will help ILS make improvements to its transportation fleet. Golf balls are available for purchase through donations online at www.indliving. org, in person at 615 East Robins, Conway, or mailed to P. O. Box 1070, Conway, AR 72033.

Fine Arts for Exceptional Hearts Sept. 11, 6 p.m.

Arkansas National Guard Armory, 103 Commerce Park, Cabot The Lonoke Exceptional Development Center is hosting Fine Arts for Exceptional Hearts. The event will include dinner, theater performance and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit LEDC, which serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. To purchase tickets or to receive more information, contact Gina Quattlebaum, 501-628-5580 or gquattlebaum@ lonokexs.com.

Miracle League Baseball Season Begins Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m.

2500 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock Registration is underway for the upcoming Miracle League baseball season, and games begin on Sept.

15. Miracle League is a baseball league for children ages 4 and up with a diagnosis. The field is designed with wheelchairs, crutches, and visual imparements in mind.

The Miracle League is also look66 | savvy kids September 2012

ing for individuals to volunteer to be a “Buddy.” Buddies assist the players during game play.

For more information, visit www.miracleleaguear.com.

7th Annual Gallery of Hope Sept. 7, 6-8:30 p.m.

Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, Little Rock The public is invited to the 7th Annual Gallery of Hope art auction presented by Applied Technology Group USA and hosted

by Herren and Susan Hickingbotham. The event, a fundraiser for American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas, will feature a variety of fine art and jewelry by local artists and unique art pieces created by cancer patients and survivors from Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Ticket prices include entry to the live and silent auction, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music.

American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote awareness of childhood cancer and assist families struggling with the daily challenge of caring for a child with cancer. Tickets may be purchased online at www.acco.org/arkansas or by phone at (501) 420-4219.

18th Annual March of Dimes Arkansas Bikes for Babies Sept. 15, 7 a.m.

Toad Suck Park, Conway The 18th Annual March of Dimes Arkansas Bikers for Babies, a motorcycle ride that will begin at Toad Suck Park in Conway, and finish up at the Clinton Center in Little Rock, will take place on September 15. Registration will be held at Toad Suck Park, and from there the bighearted bikers will ride to the Clinton Center in Little Rock where the March of Dimes “after party” will be held. For more information, visit www. marchofdimes.com.

CCA Family Picnic Sept. 22, 5-7 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Little Rock As part of Craniofacial Acceptance Month, the Children’s Craniofacial Association will host a picnic for families and children affected by a craniofacial difference. For more information on this event, contact Audri Kocsis at 501912-1895. To learn more about the CCA, visit ccakids.org.

1st Annual LR KIDSfest Sept. 23, noon-8 p.m.

War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock The 1st Annual LR KIDSfest will benefit Pediatric Hydrocephalus in Funding a Cure for Hydrocephalus. Pediatric Hydrocephalus affects one out of every 500 children, making it as prevalent as Downs Syndrome and Juvenile Diabetes; however, many people have never heard of this incurable neurological disorder. This celebration of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month will include food, live entertainment, games, interactive stage presentations, gaming zones, and more for KIDS of all ages! Bring the Entire Family for a day of outdoor fun to Celebrate & Promote Pediatric Hydrocephalus in ‘Funding A Cure’. For more information, visit www.lrkidsfest.org.

Helping Hand Blood Drive Sept. 28, Noon-5 p.m.

4901 Northshore Dr., North Little Rock

Help save lives at the Helping Hand Blood Drive at 4901 Northshore Dr., North Little Rock. Open to the entire community, donating blood takes less time than your lunch break and makes you a hero! Snacks and Drinks provided.

Call to sign up if time is an issue otherwise walk-ins are welcome! For more information contact Susie, 791-3331 or visit www.helpinghandcc.com.

Recurring Events: First Baptist Church 105 South Spring St., Searcy We have a special place for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Every Sunday morning, we have a special Sunday School class devoted to those with “special needs.” They meet on the First Floor of the Howle Building from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. For more information call 501-268-3561 or e-mail fbcsearcy@sbcglobal.net.

Park Hill Baptist Church 201 E. C Ave., North Little Rock Manipulatives, sensory integration, motivators, visual supports and schedules, etc. Are these words foreign to you?

Do you understand how they can make Sunday School more enjoyable and meaningful to a child with special needs? We, at Park Hill, have been led to reach these children in ways beyond traditional teaching methods, and minister to families through meeting the needs of their children. Sunday School classes meet from 9:30-10:40 a.m. Extended care for parents during worship service is from 10:55-noon For more information call Susan Bumpas at 501753-3414, or via email at sbumpas@ parkhillbaptist.org.

Disc Golf I CAN! Arts Center in Little Rock Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. August 18-September 8 Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org

ACTS Jr. Theatre Classes available in Conway and Little Rock Mondays from 4:00-5:00 p.m. for ages 7-17 Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org RUFL Football Fellowship Bible Church, Little Rock Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for ages 5-18 Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org I Can! Dance Classes offered in Conway, Sherwood, Little Rock and Hot Springs Various days and times of the week for ages 4-17 Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org Showstoppers Cheerleading Classes offered in Conway and Little Rock Saturdays throughout the fall (times TBD) for ages 4-18 Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org My Art Faulkner County Library in Conway Wednesdays from 4:00-4:45 p.m. (3-7 year olds) and 5:00-5:45p.m. (8 and up) I Can! Center, Little Rock Tuesdays 5:45-6:30 p.m. and 5:45-7:30 p.m.

Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org I Can! Make Music I Can! Center, Little Rock Tuesdays 5:45-6:30 p.m. and 5:45-7:30 p.m.

Conway dates and times TBD Register online at www.communityconnectionsar.org

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POP TOPICS

Nobody told me this stuff:

Some Assembly Required

By Robert Bell Illustration by Bryan Moats

There will be cussing. Not in this column, of course. This is a family publication. No, I’m referring to those times, either in pre-baby preparation or postbaby Christmas and birthdays, when one must confront the awfulness of assembling some toy or piece of furniture.

For instance, take this pack-n-play/bassinet thingy that my wife and I got. It was a weeknight, maybe 10 p.m. My wife was way pregnant. I was trying to get this thing together so we’d have somewhere to put our sleeping child. And it was maddening. It was making me insane. I mean, I realize that it’s only a 68 | savvy kids September 2012

simple device designed to temporarily store a sleeping baby, but this thing was just unreasonably difficult to deal with.

First, the bars wouldn’t lock. Then suddenly they locked but wouldn’t unlock.

Then the fabric thing with the snaps wouldn’t snap onto the other thing and I couldn’t get the part with the Velcro strips to line up. Or, one of them did, but the other one was obviously in the wrong place. There was a long piece of fabric that was – and to this day remains – a mystery. What’s with that thing?

Finally, when I thought I had it put together correctly, I gave a sigh of relief

and leaned back on it. And it collapsed. And there was cussing.

My mind was overcome with the dull roar of pure, animalistic rage, the sort of fundamental frustration that all primates share at a base level.

Join us in the Childrens’ Department for the

William F. Laman Public Library System

A big part of why these things are so frustrating is that all the while, as you struggle to assemble a relatively uncomplicated, mass-produced metal and plastic structure, your woman is staring at you with the same look an exhausted zookeeper might give to a chimp that’s trying vainly to fish a French fry out of a Coke bottle. That is to say, a look of mostly disdain tempered with a touch of bemused pity.

This doesn’t help you feel any less enraged.

As they say, this stuff ain’t rocket surgery, and yet, what the #&!% is going on with this %$!@*^# thing!?! And the piece of mystery fabric!?!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why didn’t you just read the instruction manual, Einstein?” Here’s why: The instructions were printed on the bottom of the thing, making it rather difficult to consult while also wrestling with the blasted contraption.

Finally I got it put together such that it didn’t seem likely to immediately cave in with our precious newborn child inside of it. I was sweating and out of breath, dirty and covered in scrapes and bruises. My poor wife was lying on the bed with a cold compress on her head.

I went downstairs, poured myself three fingers of scotch with a splash of water and sat down at my typewriter* to draft a letter to the design team at Baby Products Inc. It began thusly:

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“Spooky” Date: Saturday, October 13 Start Time: 10:30 AM End Time: 11:30 AM 2801 Orange Street, North Little Rock 501-758-1720 www.lamanlibrary.org

“Dear sir or sirs, I hate you.

I hate you.

I hate you.

I hope that you step barefoot onto a Lego. I hope that your portfolio underperforms compared to the market average. I hope that you drop an expensive cut of steak onto the dirt as you’re carrying it back from the grill. I hope that your favorite sports team makes it to the finals and then proceeds to melt down spectacularly, and that in the final, hopeless seconds of the game, the camera lingers on the tear-streaked face of your favorite player.

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But most of all, I hope you understand how much frustration you’ve caused to millions upon millions upon millions of fathers who are only trying to put together their #&!$*@^ pack-n-play/bassinet thingies without losing their ever-loving minds.

Sincerely, Every father in the United States” I was licking the stamp to put on the envelope when my wife came down and asked what was going on with all the furious typing. I showed her the letter.

Her eyes darted quickly from side to side as she mouthed the words of my poison-pen dispatch. She got to the end, sighed, and gave me the exhausted zookeeper look. I hung my head, trashed the letter and followed her back to the bedroom and the sleep of the exasperated primate. *I don’t really precisely have an actual “typewriter.” It just sounded better than “laptop.”

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| 69

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Countdown to Kindergarten Witten by Alison McGhee Illustrated by Harry Bliss

Mitch and Amy both think being twins is fun, but that doesn’t stop them from squabbling. Amy is good at reading. Mitch is a math whiz. Amy likes to play pretend. Mitch would rather skateboard. They never want to watch the same television show. And they always try to get the better of each other.

Then the school bully starts picking on Mitch — and on Amy, too. Now the twins have something rotten in common: Alan Hibbler. This twosome must set aside their squabbles and band together to defeat a bully!

The adventures of a nine-year-old twin brother and sister who, despite constant bickering, support each other loyally at home and at school.

Recommended Age Range: 9 - 11 Years

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MindSnacks features six exciting games designed to build essential Spanish vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and conversation skills. Make your way through 50 levels of language content (free version does not include all 50 levels), playing games and completing fun challenges as you go. Every level features up to 25 Spanish words and phrases to learn, each including pictures and matching audio clips from a native Spanish speaker. The app also includes a unique learning algorithm that uses proven methods of memorization training to make sure you don’t forget the material you learn as you progress through the app. Great for people just starting out with Spanish as well as beginner and intermediate learners!

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Arkansas Sounds

By Erica Sweeney

The first ever Arkansas Sounds music festival will focus on the state’s music and musicians, both past and present, with performances and workshops for all ages.

children understand where they live and get a sense of how important Arkansas music is to the music of the U.S. and the world.”

Arkansas Sounds, launched by the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, a department of the Central Arkansas Library System, is Sept. 28-29. Events will be held at the Riverfest Amphitheater, Rivermarket District and the Main Library, says Kathryn Heller, Butler Center programming and outreach coordinator.

On Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Main Library, there will be two concerts featuring young musicians and a workshop for kids and their families. At 10:30 a.m., the Lela Bloom music and books interactive experience for kids and families will be at the library’s Youth Services.

“Music is fun, exciting and engaging,” says David Stricklin, head of the Butler Center. “It’s also an excellent tool for teaching young people about Arkansas’s rich musical history. Learning about the state’s music helps 70 | savvy kids September 2012

At 2 p.m., 16-year-old singer/songwriter Celina Bree will perform at the library’s Level 4 Teen Center. Bree, an Arkansas native, won the highest award for songwriting at the Country Music Association’s Country Music Festival’s Rising Star Youth Competition and was the

youngest charter member of the Little Rock Disney’s Localmotion program.

The Shamrock Strings of Little Rock, a group of violinists ages 9-16, will perform at 3 p.m. at the library’s Youth Services. Members of the group include Ankita Das, Abby Harkins, Ian Hennelly, Ian Kerr, Sarah Lape, Weston Minor, Will Mouw, Jalin Parry and Andrew Russell.

The group is directed by John Jarboe.

All events are free.

For more information about these and other Arkansas Sounds events, visit www. arkansassounds.com.

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september 2012 savvy kids

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SAVVY ARTS

On StaGe YouthTheater of Central Arkansas

By Erica Sweeney

The Youth Theatre of Central Arkansas gives kids from elementary to high school the opportunity to learn on a real stage.

The program provides a “wellrounded experience,” covering all aspects of theater: acting, movement, voice, character, costume design, set design, makeup, lighting and more, says program director Ruthann Curry Browne. Students are required to “do a little bit of everything,” but they can branch off and focus on their interests and abilities, she says.

The Youth Theatre, which is based at the University Central Arkansas and supported by the UCA Theatre Department and the UCA Theatre Foundation, began in 1990 as a summer program to give young people an “idea of what goes on in all aspects of theater,” says coordinator Liz Parker.

“It’s an opportunity for students to learn in a professional atmosphere of a working theater,” Parker says.

72 | savvy kids September 2012

“It’s an experience they won’t get anywhere else.”

Over the years, shorter workshops during the school year have been added to help students work on their skills and prepare for the longer, five-week summer program, which includes a performance at the end, Parker says. About 30 students participated in this summer’s program, she says.

Workshops during the school year are usually day-long and held on Saturdays. One of last year’s workshops was titled, “Shakespeare in Pajamas,” where students arrived early in the morning in their pajamas, and spent the whole day learning about the playwright, Browne says.

Specific subjects and dates have not yet been set for this year’s fall workshops, but Browne hopes to hold one in October and one in November.

Browne, who is the program’s

primary instructor, with assistance from UCA theater students, says participants are “beaming” by the end of a workshop.

“I’m constantly amazed at their abilities and instincts,” Browne says. “It’s not just rehearsing. They’re on stage learning all the ingredients that go into a production. It’s a real education.”

Parker says all personality types can benefit from learning about theater.

It can help outgoing children hone their skills and draw shy ones out of their shells, she says.

“Some kids who don’t fit into other areas, like sports, feel safe here in the theater,” says Browne.

Learning about theater also enhances creativity and critical thinking, Browne says. Theater can even help learning in other areas of academia. Exploring a character’s motives may provide a lesson in psychology and staging a historical play can teach kids about a different

era, says Parker, who was part of the original committee that established the theater.

“It makes them communicate better,” says Browne. “They are more confident in their own skin. It gives them a chance to tap into their creative side and see what makes them tick. It teaches them what the world is made of beyond technology. The arts are a way to maintain a grasp on what it means to be human.”

The Youth Theatre is open to anyone and there are no auditions, Browne says. Students are divided into two groups: the junior group is grades 3-6 and the senior group is grades 7-12.

Costs are about $275 for the summer program, and shorter workshops are $50 to $200, depending on the subject, Parker says. Scholarships may be available, Browne says.

For more information, visit www.uca. edu/theatre/youththeatre.php or call (501) 450-5092.

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| 73

KIDS EAT FREE

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).

If you would like to add your Kids Eat Free information to this list, contact us at 501-375-2985.

EVERY DAY

TUESDAY

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

• Conway: 1250 Old Morrilton Hwy, 764-0600 • Hot Springs: 3321 Central Avenue, 321-2400 • Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Dr, Jacksonville, 241-2224 • North Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village Dr, 753-1182

BEEF O BRADY’S 4 p.m.-close.

• Maumelle:115 Audubon Dr., 803-3500

JJ’s Grill Free kid’s meal with the purchase of adult meal for kids 12 and under (all day).

Conway: 1010 Main Street

THE BALL DENNY’SHOPE RESTAURANT

March 10: The10Hope Ball is an annual gala event hosted by 4-7 p.m.

Ages and under. the 20th Century to raise funding for the continued • Little Rock: 4300Club S University, 562-5651 operation of the 20th Century Club’s Lodge. The 2012 Ball, themed “Garden of Hope”, will be held in the GOLDEN CORRAL Ages 3 and under eat freeCenter, at buffet.

Discounted prices The Statehouse Convention Wally Allen Ballroom. for kids on Tuesday. elegant evening will include both live and silent auctions, Little Rock:dinner, 5001 Warden a• North delicious seated cocktails,Road, and 771-4605 dancing until midnight. For more information call 501-907-1760 or visit LARRY’S PIZZA www.hopeawayfromhome.org.

Ages 4 and under.

• Bryant: 4500 Hwy. 5 North, 847-5003 • Conway: 1068 Markham, 329-3131 • Little Rock: 12th & Center St., 372-6004; 12911

Cantrell Rd., 224-8804 San Francisco Bread Co. One FREE Kid’s Meal with the purchase of Adult Meal, after 5 p.m.

• Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., 525-7322 ZAXBY’S 5 p.m.-close, dine-in only.

• Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Rd., 241-0546 • Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Dr., 851-9777 • Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Rd., 833-9777

MONDAY

American Pie Pizza Kids eat free after 4 p.m.

• Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Rd., 225-1900 • Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., 758-8800 • North Little Rock: 4830 N. Hills Blvd., 753-0081 CHICK-FIL-A First and third Monday of each month.

• North Little Rock: 3929 McCain Blvd, 945-1818 NYPD Pizza Free Kids entree, for children ages 10 and under, with the purchase of adult entree. Dine-in only, 4-6 p.m.

• Little Rock: 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., 868-3911 SHORTY SMALL’S Up to two kids meals free per paying adult.

• Conway: 1475 Hogan Ln, 764-0604 • Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, 224-3344 • North Little Rock: 4317 Warden Rd, 753-8111 TA MOLLY’S 5-9 p.m.

• Bryant: 206 W. Commerce St., 653-2600 74 | savvy kids September 2012

Arkansas Burger Company One free kid’s meal per adult meal.

Dine-in only, 5:30-9 p.m.

• Little Rock: 7410 Cantrell Road, 663-0600

MOOYAH BURGER One free kid's meal with the purchase of adult meal.

• Little Rock: 14810 Cantrell Rd., 868-1091 NYPD Pizza Free Kids entree, for children ages 10 and under, with the purchase of adult entree. Dine-in only, 4-6 p.m.

• Little Rock: 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., 868-3911 DENNY’S RESTAURANT 4-7 p.m. Ages 10 and under.

• Little Rock: 310 S. Shackleford Rd., 224-8264

• Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy., 228-5553; 10300 Rodney Parham, 225-2001 • Maumelle: 11617 Maumelle Blvd., 753-9898 • North Little Rock: 2811 Lakewood Village Dr., 812-5002 LARRY’S PIZZA 4-8 p.m. With purchase of one adult meal, up to two kids get a small one topping pizza, drink, and $1 in tokens.

• Cabot: 2798 South Second Street, 843-7992 JIM’S Razorback Pizza Kids 12 and under receive a FREE six inch pizza with the purchase of an adult entree (Dine-in only).

• Little Rock: 16101 Cantrell Rd. • Maumelle: 20608 Hwy 365 North • Hot Springs: 4330 Central Ave. Western Sizzlin Up to 2 children eat Free with the purchase of an adult meal.

• Benton: 1916 Congo Rd., 778-9656

THURSDAY

JIM’S Razorback Pizza Kids 12 and under receive a FREE six inch pizza with the purchase of an adult entree (Dine-in only).

• Little Rock: 16101 Cantrell Rd. • Maumelle: 20608 Hwy 365 North • Hot Springs: 4330 Central Ave.

CAPTAIN D’s • Benton: 1419 Military Rd, 778-7909 • Hot Springs: 1906 Central St., 321-4288 • Jacksonville: 1109 West Main St., 982-3330 • Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Rd., 568-6244 • North Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., 758-5144

LONESTAR STEAKHOUSE 4 p.m.-close.

• Little Rock:10901 Rodney Parham, 227-8898

Mexico Chiquito One FREE kid's meal per adult entree for kids 12 and under (Dine-in only).

• Conway: 1135 Skyline Dr., 205-1985 • Jacksonville: 1524 W. Main St., 982-0533 • Little Rock: 13924 Cantrell, 217-0700; 102 S. Rodney Parham, 224-8600; 4511 Camp Robinson, 771-1604; 11406 W. Markham, 217-0647

PIZZA HUT 5-8 p.m.. Dine in only.

• Little Rock: 11410 W. Markham St., 228-7000 Stromboli’s One FREE Kid’s Meal (12 or under) per adult meal purchased at regular price. Kids may choose from the Kid’s Menu or Pizza By-the-Slice with up to two toppings.

Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

• Conway: 605 Salem Rd., 327-3700 THE VILLA ITALIAN RESTAURANT • Little Rock: 1211 West Markham, 219-2244 TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE Kids 12 years of age or younger eat free with purchase of a Paradise Combo (dine-in only).

• Conway: 705 Club Lane, 764-4800 and 790 Elsinger Blvd, 764-1500 • Jacksonville: 140 John Harden Dr, 241-2233 • Little Rock: 11900 Kanis Rd., 221-6773; 12911 Cantrell Rd., 224-1113 • North Little Rock: 12007 Maumelle Blvd, 851-9555

WEDNESDAY

FAMOUS DAVE’S 4 p.m.-close.

• Little Rock: 225 North Shackleford Road, 221-3283 FIREHOUSE SUBS • Bryant: 3108 Horizon St., 653-3700

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 4 p.m.-close. One free kids meal with paid adult meal.

• Bryant: 7409 Alcoa Rd., 778-3111 • Conway: 625 Salem Rd., 336-6500 • Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy., 223-3378 • North Little Rock: 4834 North Hills Blvd., 812-5577

SATURDAY

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT • Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Dr., 235-2000 LUBY’S CAFETERIA • Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, 219-1567

SUNDAY

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

• Little Rock: 310 S. Shackleford Rd., 224-8264 CORKY’S Kid's meals 1/2 off.

4 p.m.-close.

• Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Dr., 954-7427

SAVVY RECIPE

! e e r f t kids ea s y a d s r thu ions cat

At Dine-In Lo

Best cheese Dip

Popcorn Buffet

By Emily Griffin Make family game night complete with a tasty snack everyone can enjoy!

Consider creating a “popcorn buffet” with your family. Make a big bag of popcorn (or two bags, depending on the number of players) and pour it into a large bowl. Next, set out some sweet and/or savory additions to mix in with the popcorn. We used candy coated chocolate, cranberries, almonds, gummy worms, pretzels and candy corn. Once your buffet is set up, each player can grab a bowl and create their popcorn mixture to snack on during game play!

text o to M e x To G

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13924 Cantrell Rd.

Off

Large or Extra Large

1524 W. Main St.

Little Rock • 501-217-0700

Jacksonville • 501-982-0533

Mex-To-Go • 501-217-0647

Conway • 501-205-1985

11406 W. Markham St.

4511 Camp Robinson Rd.

Looking for other great game night snacks? Visit our Pinterest page: Pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.

2 cheese dip $

1135 Skyline Dr.

North Little Rock • 501-771-1604

mexicochiquito.net september 2012 savvy kids

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LITTLE BITES

littlebites Loganberry Frozen Yogurt

“In the wintertime, the dreamy dark chocolate, white chocolate mousse, red velvet cake, rocky road…are more popular.”

Loganberry offers over 50 toppings with a variety of fresh fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds, granola, cookies and crackers. More decadent chocolate bar toppings such as Reeses, Snickers, Kit Kat, Rolos, Butterfinger and Heath bars are popular as are some fun toppings like sour gummy treats, Skittles, Hot Tamales, marshmallows, cookie dough, brownie bites, and lots more. They offer many higher cost items because it’s most important for the customer to be satisfied. “It’s not the cheapest product,” Susan said, “It gives us a lot of pleasure to offer such a wide selection of premium toppings, we are in this to be the best.” In the winter, Loganberry sets up a gourmet hot chocolate bar. Fresh heavy cream and whole milk is frothed with shaved premium chocolates and topped with freshly made whipped cream to create the ultimate hot chocolate.

Ron and Susan own NYPD Pizza right next door and customers are given a coupon for 10 percent off at Loganberry.

Want to have a birthday party at Loganberry? Call Susan at 868-8194.

Customers are in for a treat when they visit Loganberry, locally family owned and managed frozen yogurt cafe in West Little Rock. You might as well tell the kids it’s ice cream because it’s as tasty – if not tastier – than any ice cream you will find anywhere.

Owners Ron Logan and Susan Biemans pride themselves on offering a delicious treat alternative that is good for you.

“What you have here is something that is rich in calcium and protein and is actually healthy for your kids,” Susan said.

The yogurt comes from locally owned and operated Honey Hill Farms in Russellville and all yogurts are cured with certified yogurt cultures including probiotic. Not all that is sold out there as ‘frozen yogurt’ is cultured and probiotic. All Loganberry yogurt is also kosher, most gluten free and some sugar free. Many gluten free and sugar free toppings are available on the bar as well. Among the yogurt choices are low fat, non-fat nondairy (sorbets). Loganberry is a proud part of the local market and does it’s part to help sustain it, Susan explained, and at the same time to offer the highest quality, freshest products to their customers.

Susan and Ron use local vendors not only for the yogurt, but also as many seasonal fresh toppings as they can find 76 | savvy kids September 2012

nearby. The self-serving stations feature 12 yogurt flavors at a time, which can be twirled, layered or imaginatively swirled in a sweetened waffle cone or a cup.

About 35 flavors are rotated throughout the year. “We feature more sorbets

and lighter, fruitier flavors during warm weather months and creamier and richer flavors in the cold months. Presently, our Watermelon and Pink Lemonade Sorbets are very popular as a refreshing treat in the hot weather,” Susan said.

ON THE MENU

So, what did we order?

Paula

Dreamy Dark Chocolate (non-fat) and Expresso (low fat) covered with chocolate jimmies (sprinkles). Despite it’s deliciousness, “I still feel like it’s a good, healthy nice treat.”

Bill

Tahitian vanilla topped with strawberries and whipped cream, his standard order.

“It’s super delicious.”

Watermelon Sorbet Dreamy Dark Chocolate (non-fat) Birthday Cake Blueberry Tart Rocky Road

Anthony Elisabeth

Cookies & Cream swirled with Birthday Cake, topped with mini Reeses and rainbow sprinkles in a waffle cone.

“I can really tell the difference between this and other places.”

Strawberry, Blueberry Tart and sugar-free Tahitian vanilla topped with fresh locally-grown strawberries and strawberry popping bobas, (little juice-filled balls).

“It’s like strawberry juice inside of it and when you bite into it, it just explodes.”

Loganberry Frozen Yogurt 501.868.8194 Corner Of Cantrell Blvd. And Chenonceau (Next To NYPD Pizza)

EAT

HERE!

All Aboard Restaurant and Grill is a FUN family restaurant that serves fresh food in a unique way – via the All Aboard train! Whether it is the veggie burger, home-cut fries or strawberry salad, each meal is made to order with the freshest ingredients. Where possible, we use locally and organically grown ingredients.

Then we get your food to you fresh – whisked along a complex rail system right to your table.

Lil’ Engineers Lunch Club punch cards now available! Our Lil’ Engineers who purchase 3 meals, will receive their fourth meal FREE! Reading counts too.

Read a book and receive a punch toward a free lunch!

Cantrell Rd., Little Rock. 501-975-7401 www.all-aboardrestaurant.com

Colton’s Steak House & Grill is a full-service restaurant with a fun, casual atmosphere where guests can snack on all the peanuts you can eat. We serve choice handcut steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood, as well as salads and burgers. Meals are served with hot homemade yeast rolls and lunch specials are available during the week. We offer a kids menu for children 12 and under. Entrees include a choice of side, roll and a drink. Free Kids Meal: Limit one child 12 or under per adult entree purchased.

Select kids entrees from the kids menu only. For a limited time at Cabot location only. Must present coupon to redeem offer. Expires September 30, 2012.

195 Northport Dr. Cabot. 501-843-1905 www.ColtonsSteakHouse.com

Dempsey Bakery Looking for fresh lunchbox ideas for your kids with food allergies? Visit Dempsey Bakery today! Dempsey Bakery offers up to 100% Gluten, Wheat, Soy and Nut-Free foods. They have many Egg and Dairy-free items too. Find breads, pizza, cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, and more, made fresh daily and will make your child’s school lunch box exciting again. You will also find a wide variety of soups and sandwiches available for lunch. Plus, their entire staff is ready to answer your questions about their products or about the benefits of eating Gluten-Free.

323 Cross St., Little Rock. (501) 375-2257 dempseybakery.com Open Tuesday-Friday from 10am-6pm and 9am-3pm Saturday.

Loganberry Frozen Yogurt Kids craving Ice Cream? Satisfy their desire with a healthy alternative at Loganberry Frozen Yogurt. Made fresh in Russellville, AR, in a boutique dairy farm, Loganberry Yogurt is cultured, probiotic yogurt with real fruit purees and natural ingredients. Fresh berries and fruit, nuts, and granola are some of the 50+ toppings at Loganberry Frozen Yogurt topping bar. 12 delicious, low fat, low sugar flavors range from Triple Dark Chocolate to Pink Lemonade sorbet. Treat your family to a healthy dessert they can have fun serving themselves.

6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Little Rock. 501-868-8194 www.facebook.com/LoganberryFrozenYogurt

Each month, Savvy Kids will feature some of central Arkansas’ tasty, family-friendly restaurants, including special offers for Savvy Kids readers. If your restaurant would like to be included, call us at 501-375-2985.

MOOYAH Burgers • Fries • Shakes KIDS EAT FREE every Tuesday at MOOYAH! Get any Little Moo Meal FREE with purchase of a burger every Tuesday from 6pm to 10pm. “Kids” must be 10 years of age or younger. Food items are a Little Moo, a Hot Dog or Grilled Cheese. Burger must be MOOYAH Burger, Turkey Burger or Veggie Burger. Additional charge for shakes will apply. Little Rock: 14810

Cantrell Road • Pinnacle Creek Shopping Center (Behind Buffalo Wild Wings & Walgreens) (501) 868-1091, 11am-10pm, 7 days a week. Hot Springs: 3954 Central Avenue • Dogwood Landing (Behind Starbucks) (501) 520-5000, 11am10pm, 7 days a week. www.mooyah.com

NYPD Pizzeria Kids love pizza and NYPD Pizzeria loves kids. Coupon offer: Every Tuesday is “Two for Tuesday” at NYPD Pizza offering a free 14” cheese pizza when any other 14” pizza is purchased when you dine in. Crayons and coloring sheets are distributed and one of the many large TV screens offers something kids like to watch while parents enjoy the game or a movie. Renown for their homemade crust, pizzas are topped with hi quality, premium fresh toppings. Dairy free and gluten free options are available as well as a children’s menu.

6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Little Rock. 501-868-3911 www.facebook.com/NYPDPizzaLittleRock

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal. Our food and smoothies are made to order with fresh ingredients. Our smoothies are made from superior simple ingredients including real fruit and natural sugar. Our toasted wraps, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, and gourmet salads are made fresh with high quality meats and cheeses; and topped with fresh produce and flavorful sauces. Combine that with a fun atmosphere and friendly hospitality and you see why people return again and again!

Sign up for Club Tropical absolutely free for special offers, freebies & more! Follow us on Twitter @tscarkansas for even more great rewards.

Order online at order.TropicalSmoothie.com Little Rock • North Little Rock • Maumelle • Conway • Jacksonville

US Pizza We pride ourselves in offering our guests the very best pizza, salads and sandwiches, and we value your patronage. Our oldfashioned stone hearth ovens are one of the reasons our pizzas are worth the wait. From our Salad Supreme to our spicy Trey’s Chloroplast Blast pizza, you won’t find our award winning original creations anywhere else.

Little Rock: Heights, Hillcrest, Fair Park, Rodney Parham; North Little Rock: Pike, Fair Park, JFK Maumelle • Sherwood • Conway • Bryant • Fayetteville www.uspizzaco.net

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SEPTEMBER 2012 SAVVY CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER ODYSSEY’S SHIPWRECK! PIRATES & TREASURES September 1 thru 4: Mid-America Science Museum is proud to host this exciting special Exhibition in the spring & summer of 2012. This exhibit encompasses 8,000 sq. ft. and features more than 500 authentic artifacts recovered by Odyssey from various shipwrecks in the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel & Mediterranean Sea. It takes visitors through the thrilling quest to discover the ocean’s greatest shipwreck stories & treasures. It fuses history, science & technology into an exciting educational experience through the use of interactive elements & real life treasure displays from some of the most extraordinary shipwrecks in the world! A fascinating behind-thescenes look at the research & technology used to be involved in hands-on activities relating to shipwreck exploration. With the opportunity to participate in the pioneering exploration of shipwrecks, while learning about the cutting-edge technology, archaeology & fascinating stories of ships lost at sea over the centuries. To come on board with the Odyssey crew & explore the exciting world of deep-ocean exploration, science, technology & history as your journey through thousands of years of maritime travel. For more information and hours of operation call 501-767-3461 or visit www.midamericamuseum.org.

ASTRONOMY, IT’S A BLAST September 1 thru 17: It is part of the Road Trip series, traveling through the Arkansas Discovery Network. The Network is an innovative collaboration of seven museums and educational centers in Arkansas. The network focuses on making hands-on, interactive museum experience more accessible to approximately 500,000 school children and their families. Event will take place at the Museum of Discovery during regular business hours and general admission will apply. For more information call 501-396-7050.

Registration for the 4th Annual Girl Talk Teen Conference September 1-21: Registration for the 4th Annual Girls Talk Teen Conference is now underway. The conference, for all young ladies ages 13-17 is free of charge and will take place on Oct. 6 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Pulaski Technical College, 3000 W. Scenic Drive., North Little Rock. To register groups, organizations, churches or young ladies in multiples of or more please e-mail the names of each young lady, organization and contact person to GIRLTALK@ABHprojects.com. Presented 78 | savvy kids September 2012

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by ABH Projects Inc., a 501c3 status organization. If you are interested in being a 2012 GIRL TALK Green, Purple or Program Sponsor, contact Mrs. Hill at 501.960.2366 or Akissi@ABHProjects.com for a sponsorship packet or more information. To learn more, visit www.abhprojects.com/ Girl-Talk.html.

in-crisis, survivors of domestic violence, and many others. We hope to raise even more in this year’s campaign.” For more information contact Denver Day at 501-376-4567 or via e-mail ddday@ heartaruw.org.

BIKE MS: ROCK’N HOT RIDE 2012 September 8 and 9: Bike MS: Rock’n Hot Ride 2012 Presented by Sam’s Club is a fundraising event for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This is a 150 mile bicycle ride from the Clinton Library in Little Rock to the Transportation Depot in Hot Springs. The ride will begin on the lawn of the Library on Saturday, September 8 at 8 a.m. We will ride to Hot Springs to the Transportation Depot. From there we will walk to the Exchange Street Parking Deck for a FREE celebration dinner. We will begin on Sunday, September 9 at 7:30 a.m. at the Transportation Depot and head back to the Clinton Library around 5 p.m. Registration is $30. Each participant is required to raise a $250 minimum pledge. For more information visit www.bikemsarkansas.org or call 501-663-8104.

DANCING WITH ‘OUR’ STARS September 13: The 2012 Red Carpet for Research Gala will debut “ Dancing with ‘Our’ Stars to entertain the crowd.

This event will benefit Neurofibromatosis (NF) Research and the Arkansas Chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation. In addition to the dancing, the evening will feature dinner, drinks, a silent auction, and complimentary photos on the red carpet. Six local celebrities and business owners including Michele Towne, Editor of “Inviting Arkansas,” and Gary Taylor, owner of Go! Running—paired with Dance Instructors from Arthur Murray Studio. This event will take place at the Chenal Country Club starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission: $100 per person. For more information call Lesley Oslica at 501759-2710 or via e-mail loslica@gmail.com or visit www.ctfarkansas.org.

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF September 12: The public is invited to United Way’s 2012 Campaign Kick-Off to enjoy free hot dogs, chili, ice cream, and bottled water from Golden Corral, Canteen Food and Vending Services, Coleman Dairy, Central Arkansas Water, Sam’s Club, and Target inside DickeyStephens Park starting at 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Visit fun and informational booths about the 34 health and human service agencies that United Way supports while enjoying music from Phil G. and Lori Marie. Guests will have the opportunity to get their photo taken with Arkansas Traveler’s Shelly the Horse. A variety of door prizes will be announced at the end of the event. “A successful United Way campaign is very important to the quality of life in Central Arkansas.” Says United Way President John Nazzaro. “Local health and human service agencies, such as the Ronald McDonald House, American Red Cross, Camp Aldersgate, Our House, and the Arkansas Foodbank Network, rely on United Way funds to carry out their missions. Last year, United Way raised over $4.2 million dollars to help people with disabilities, low income seniors, disadvantaged youth, families-

FARM FRESH WISHES September 13: The Central Arkansas Wish Council is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Farm Fresh Wishes event, benefiting Make-A-Wish Mid-South. This unique event will feature seven of Little Rock’s most talented chefs paired with local famers, who will provide attendees with a delightful evening full of farm-fresh meals, an open bar and beautiful views of the city. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to witness a surprise wish come true for one local child with a lifethreatening medical condition. This event will take place at The Clinton Presidential Library from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Ev Kent at 501-376-9474 or ekent@ midsouth.wish.org.

WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL September 14: Specially selected wines and artful edibles created by the area’s finest chefs and restaurants will be served at Wildwood Park for the Arts.

Admission: $75 per ticket. You can purchase a combined ticket for $200 that combines the Wine & Food Festival with the Wine Reserve Dinner Seat (that will take place Sept. 28). For more information call 501-821-7275 or visit www. wildwoodpark.org.

QUARTER MANIA September 15: Quarter Mania will take place at the Cabot Junior High North School Cafeteria (38 Spirit Drive, Cabot).

This is an auction style event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and it starts at 6 p.m. SHARP! How to play: Everyone bids on quality vendor items with one to four quarters, depending on the retail value of the item.

Once all bids are placed, a randomly chosen number is called. The person with that number wins that item. You won’t want to miss this quarter mania! It’s your chance to get products from your favorite home businesses for as little as 25 cents! Proceeds go to benefit the efforts of HOPE’S Closet. Anyone that brings a food donation item will receive 1 FREE raffle ticket. Items will be offered from local businesses such as Premiere, Thirty One, Pampered Chef, Scentsy Candles, Knitty Bitty, Beauti Control, Pink Zebra, Mary Kay, Jamberry Nails, Miche, Velata, and many more (vendors are subject to change)! Items will range from $10 to over $100 in retail value. Auction paddles are just $3 each. You may purchase additional paddles for just $2 each. Bring 2 guests and get the 2nd paddle FREE. For more information contact Ashley Bates at 501-626-5544 or via e-mail newmomy2004@hotmail.com.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE SALES EVENT September 20 thru 22: Arkansas’ original, and largest, children’s clothing consignment. Duck Duck Goose has a great reputation for having an incredible selection of quality items. Shoppers are amazed at the organization and quantity.

Our volunteer staff inspects each item for quality and organizes them by size on racks, making your shopping experience incredibly easy and fun. We open to the public for three days and the early birds truly do get the worms, so come early for the best selection. Become a volunteer, volunteers donate four to eight hours earning an early shopping pass to pick from the “cream of the crop: and being the first to see and buy the very best in quality and prices. Event time: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry. For more information visit, www.duckduckgoosesale.com.

2012 SALT BOWL AND TAILGATE PARTY September 21: The largest High School tailgate party in Arkansas will once again take place at War Memorial Stadium. Ven-

2ND ANNUAL GREAT 5K PUMPKIN RUN September 29: Come give your support to the abused and neglected children at Open Arms Shelter. Run the 5K that begins at the historic Lonoke Train Depot (102 W. Front St.), winding its way by the City Park and through beautiful small-town neighborhoods.

Known for its flat as a pancake course, the chipped 5K Pumpkin Run is made for setting a personal record. Runners return back to the Depot to baked goods, drinks, and recovery snacks. Cheer on the winners at the awards ceremony led by Matt Mosler of KARK and the live band New Horizon. Bring your family to the 1 Mile Family Trot where every child is a winner and gets a mini pumpkin and medal. Shop around for pumpkins and enjoy all the fall festivities. Can’t be there or don’t want to race…be a Spirit Runner and get a t-shirt in support of the shelter. Registration starts at 7 a.m., Pumpkin Run at 8 a.m., and 1 Mile Family Trot at 9:30 a.m. For more information visit www.great5kpumpkinrun.com or www.openarmsshelter.org.

dors can join in on the fun by purchasing one of the spots available for rent. Benton vs Bryant Game time: 7 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit www.wmstadium.com.

2012 HARVESTFEST September 22: FREE FAMILY FUN! Live music, fashion show, Antique Car show, pancake breakfast, shopping, kids’ activities, cheese dip contest, Run 4 Shelter Hillcrest 5k Race, and Bird Walk in Allsop Park. This event will take place at Kavanaugh Boulevard between Walnut & Monroe Historic Hillcrest in Little Rock.

A portion of HarvestFest proceeds are donated to the Center for Children & Families and the Allen School. For more information visit www.harvestfest.us.

BREAKFAST WITH CHEETAHS September 22: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat during our breakfast with animals series. The Zoo highlights several animals during our breakfast series and provides guests with a special up-close-and-personal look at some of our most interesting creatures! Maximum capacity is 40 guests per breakfast, unless noted. Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! Breakfast with Animals starts at 8 a.m. sharp! Please be on time. Admission: Member Adult $16.95, Member Child $12.95, Non-Member Adult $21.95, and Non-Member Child $16.95. Reservation require a Visa, Master Card, or Discover Card. Changes or cancellations are accepted through the Friday before the event by 2 p.m. For

more information or to make reservations, contact 501-661-7218.

HEALTHY, WEALTHY, AND WHOLE HEALTH EXPO September 22: Diva Society, Inc. a non-profit organization empowering young-girls and women to transform their lives from the inside out. Our mission is in serving our communities through outreach, community service and mentorship. In efforts to expand our service to our community, on Saturday, Diva Society, Inc. will host, “Healthy, Wealthy, and Whole Health Expo” at the Clear Channel Metroplex in Little Rock.

FREE to the public. There will be health screenings, informative seminars, wholesome entertainment, and healthy living food samples for the entire family. It is our hope that this event will bring awareness to the importance and benefits of a healthy lifestyle. For more information visit www.healthywealthyandwhole. eventbrite.com.

12th SKATE FOR A CURE September 23: The Diamond Edge Figure Skating Club is sponsoring the 12th Skate for a Cure, sponsored by Baptist Health from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Arkansas Skatium. Admission is $10 with $8 going directly to the Susan J. Komen Foundation. You will have the opportunity to participate in a public skating session and you will be treated to an exhibition of talented local skaters with the finale featuring Nina Jiang from Dallas. For more information contact Todd Wages at 501-442-3546.

2012 CRUISIN’ IN THE ROCK September 24: Come out to see awesome rides at the River Market Pavilions from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Awards will include Best Cruiser, Best Truck, and Best Motorcyle. There will be great music, door prizes, and family fun! For more information visit www.cruisinlittlerock.com.

PRETTY LIGHTS 2012 ILLUMINATION TOUR September 26: Smith has completely switched up my process of producing and composing. Fans can enjoy the true album, prolific, conceptual, consistant, yet extremely diverse, and a real substantial piece of music. Event time: 7 p.m. Event place: Riverfest Amphitheater. For admission price visit www.littlerock.com. For more information about the music visit www.prettylightsmusic.com where all Pretty Lights Music can be downloaded for FREE. 19TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE TOWN September 27: The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Taste of the Town will take place at the Dickey-Stephens Park, giving the business community an opportunity to sample the “Tastes” that our region has to offer.

Taste of the Town has become one of the area’s leading business networking events with over 1,000 attendees and more than 30 local restaurants, caterers, and drink distributors participating. Event time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission: $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For

SAVVY CALENDAR

more information contact Ashley Hight at 501-372-5959 or visit www.nlrtasteofthetown.com.

18TH ANNUAL JUDGES CUP September 28: This golf tournament proceeds will benefit Pulaski County’s CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). For more information about registration, registration fees, tee times, and sponsorship visit www.pulaskicountycasa.com.

WINE RESERVE DINNER September 28: This event will take place at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Seating is limited and the cost per seat is $150 unless you purchased a combination ticket from the Wine & Food Festival (Sept. 14) at the going price of $200 that covers both events. The Wine Reserve Dinner complements the culinary sampling of the Wine & Food Festival. This dinner features five delicious courses prepared by the Governor’s chefs and paired with unique wines chosen by renowned sommelier, Jonathan Looney. For more information call 501-821-7275 or visit www.wildwoodpark.org.

7TH ANNUAL BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 September 29: The Big Dam Bridge Foundation was established in 2007 as a non-profit, 501©(3) organization.

The purpose of the Foundation is the promote development around and public use of the Big Dam Bridge, the nation’s longest specially built bicycle and pedestrian bridge. The Foundation works in cooperation with Pulaski County and the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock to accomplish its mission. The 7th Annual Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour offers distances of 14-100 miles on this scenic tour of Little Rock/North Little Rock/ Conway/Mayflower, Arkansas. Proceeds benefit the Big Dam Bridge Foundation.

For more information call 501-376-4781 or via e-mail lrcvb@littlerock.com.

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Miracle Chasers Kids’ Triathlon

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Rachael Kimble

The Committee for the Future, an organization of young professionals who support Arkansas Children’s Hospital, recently hosted the 2nd Annual Miracle Chasers Kids’ Triathlon on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. The triathlon included a run, bike ride and swim for children between the ages of 6-15. Participants received a T-shirt, goody bag and a medal. A post-race party was also held with fun activities for the entire family. All proceeds from the event benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

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Collin Miller & Savannah Kate Hart 2. Cooper White 3. Kylie Behnki, Atson Sambilay, Isabella Shelton, Ella Caroline Arnold & Mia Jones 4. Garrett Price 5. Ronald McDonald & McKensi Tucker 6. Denver Kelly 7. Evelyn Watkins, Katie Hutcheson, Alaya Smith, Jenae Jennings & Grace Turner 8. Mia Jones 9. Swimming!

10. Izzy Gifford 11. Nolan Ward, Patrick Rollefson, Jeff Jennings, Bryan Pendergraft & Orman Watson 12. Crossing The Finish Line

lovin’ the game & playing just like a little girl.

Smith Caldwell 414 N. Main St, Benton 501-315-7700 • smithcaldwell.com

C r a t e r o f D i a m o n d s St a t e Pa r k

f r i e n d r eq ues t acce p t e d Reconnect at one of Arkansas’s 52 state parks.

SCAN FOR INFO

888-AT-PARKS • ArkansasStateParks.com september 2012 savvy kids

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Back-to-School Bash at The Promenade at Chenal

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SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Emily Griffin

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Families had a great time at the recent Back-to-School Bash held at The Promenade at Chenal during the tax-free shopping weekend.

Guests could not only find great deals on back-to-school items, but also watch a live demonstration by the Museum of Discovery Mad Scientist, free Photo Booth, games, giveaways and more! Shoppers could even help The Promenade at Chenal and the Salvation Army “Pack-A-Backpack� in which they filled backpacks with school supplies for children in need.

Suri Orthodontics was also on hand distributing oral hygiene goody bags.

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Win Connor Walter Robinson, Renetta Campbell & Ricky Conway Kyleigh Balentine Ella & Lily Holsted Jacey & Presley Totty Jordan Clark & Maggie Moo Happy & Joy Tju

Lamanpalooza Photos by Brian Chilson

The William F. Laman Library recently held Lamanpalooza, an annual end-ofsummer celebration. Guests enjoyed live music performances by Marshall Mitchell, and The Rockets. There were also crafts and games, carnival food, and more! Admission was free, but to be entered into the giveaways, guests were required to have a valid Laman library card. Prizes included an iPad2, bicycles, tricycles, gift cards, Xbox360 Kinect, and an HDTV!

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Join Us

L ITTLE R OCK C HRISTIAN A CADEMY

for an

this Fall

Open House

Lower School Open House (Three Year Olds-5th) Tuesday, September 25th at 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, October 9th at 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, October 30th at 9:00 a.m.

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

Middle School Open House (5th-8th grade) Tuesday, October 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, October 18th at 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, November 1st at 9:00 a.m.

to Reserve your spot call 501.868.9822 or register on-line at littlero c k c hristian.c om

join us facebook.com/savvykids september 2012 savvy kids

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AEDD Preschool Graduation

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Tracy Whitaker

Preschool students of the Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled (AEDD) Sammie Gail Sanders Children’s Learning Center recently celebrated the close of their preschool careers with all the pomp and circumstance of a true graduation ceremony. Students donned caps and gowns, and performed on stage for their parents. Performances included singing and motions to “Hip Hop Humpty Dumpty” and “I Believe I Can Fly.” Parents also enjoyed a slide show of images taken during the school year. Graduates were given a diploma and a graduation gift from the school: New backpacks and school supplies for kindergarten. For more information about AEDD, call 501-907-5716.

Campbell Beazley turns two!

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Campbell Beazley celebrated her 2nd birthday with her friends during a safari-themed party at the Little Rock Zoo. The kids had a blast exploring the zoo and learning about the animals that live there. They also rode the Over the Jumps carousel and the train. A zoo keeper even brought a rabbit for the kids to pet. Cupcakes were created by Cupcakes on the Ridge and each party guest was given a goodie bag with a safari hat and binoculars, the book “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear?”, and other small toys.

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Campbell Beazley Birthday cupcakes Tiger at the zoo Aiden Beazley Birthday presents Caitlin Scherrey & Austin Simmons 7. Opening presents 8. Riding the train 9. Carter Vestal 10. Monkey at the zoo 86 | savvy kids september 2012

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EvEry ChilD DEsErvEs Our BEst.

Let Us Help You Find High Quality Child Care Throughout The Year.

Better Beginnings is Arkansas’ quality rating system for child care, early education and school-age programs that have gone above and beyond the state licensing requirements.

Visit ARBetterBeginnings.com to Get Started.

The Better Beginnings website makes it easy for parents to: • find Better Beginnings participating child care providers in their area • learn what to look for in a child care environment Get off to a good start by equipping yourself with the knowledge and information to choose a Better Beginning for your child!

Department of human services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316 Don’t Let After School Be an After Thought.

Choosing an after-school program for your child is an important decision.

Analyses of after-school programs show that students participating in high quality after-school programs went to school more, behaved better, received better grades and did better on tests compared to non-participating students. Visit our website for a complete list of licensed programs near your home or work. september 2012 savvy kids

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Landon Prince turns three!

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Anna Ingle, Zoë Photographic Group

Landon Prince celebrated his 3rd birthday with friends and family during an ice cream themed party at his home. Party goers beat the heat on the inflatable water slide and enjoyed an elaborate ice cream buffet and ice cream themed cupcakes. The event was designed by Annie Keese of Zoë Photographic Group (zoephotographicgroup.com).

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Landon Prince Cake by Tootsweets Cupcakery Inflatable Waterslide Ice Cream Cupcakes by Tootsweets Cupcakery Corban Hydration Station Ice Cream Buffet

Aden Palmer turns seven!

Photos Submitted

Aden Palmer celebrated his 7th birthday with his friends and family during an Arkansas Travelers game at Dickey Stephens Park in North Little Rock. Aden’s birthday wish was to be able to help the animals at the Humane Society of Pulaski County. In fact, Aden told his friends that he “has plenty of toys and those animals need help!” In lieu of presents, party guests brought pet items to be donated.

Each party guest was treated with a hot dog during the game and a souvenir baseball to take home.

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Aden Palmer Blake Horn EJ McCoy, Aden Palmer & Dylan Hunt Bianca Bathstone Aden Palmer & Party Guests

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BEST MUSIC LESSON

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best cake & cupcake september 2012 savvy kids

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Claire Crawford turns two!

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Kimberly Bynum

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Claire Crawford celebrated her 2nd birthday with her friends during an “Oh TWOdooles” Minnie Mouse themed party. The kids had fun playing with balloons, bubbles, dancing to music and playing on the playground. To complete the “hot dog” day, everyone ate hot dogs for dinner along with several homemade Minnie Mouse shaped snacks.

Claire’s Minnie Mouse birthday cake was created by Sunshine Crawford and Linda Barnhart.

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Colby Tolison turns 13!

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Cake by Sunshine Crawford and Linda Barnhart Claire Crawford Claire Crawford & Lindsey Scott Camden Beardon & Max Carpenter Claire Crawford & Rhett Rogers Lizzie Cathey Opening presents Blowing out the candles Claire Crawford & Max Carpenter

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Colby Tolison celebrated his 13th birthday party with his friends at the Cabot Community Center during a Luau themed party. JT’s Music was on hand to DJ the party. Colby and his friends danced, played basketball and other games like limbo, and more! The birthday cake was created by Cakes by Sam in Jacksonville, Kona Ice provided shaved ice, and Haru restaurant in Cabot provided sushi.

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Colby Tolison Cake by Cakes by Sam Julia Wallace, Clarissa Rook, Lacy Lantrip & Macy Bratton Colby & party guests Colby with Ashton Gwatney, Anna Sinclair, Savannah Miller & Caroline Latture Nicole Johnson Masen Castillo Megan Bufforel Carson Walker & Jared Wadley

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B A E R C ’ B A K E E R C ’ B K A E !

E R C W ’ K !

E W !

GRAND OPENING W Friday, September 21

Come Check Out The New Store – Bigger, Brighter And Better Than Ever Before

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BEST PARTY SUPPLY STORE

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Camp AcheAway SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Brian Chilson

During the week of July 22-27 children from Arkansas and Louisiana diagnosed with various forms of juvenile arthritis experienced Camp AcheAway, a week-long residential camp located at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock. Through the support of sponsors and donors, the Arthritis Foundation is able to provide scholarships for children to attend.

Although the camp is geared toward kids with special health care needs, the activities offered are just like any other camp. It is fun for kids of all abilities! Campfires and singing, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, swimming, nature hikes, accessible challenge ropes course, adapted archery, and SCUBA diving! The best part about camp is that parents report increased independence, self-esteem, and social interactions following a week at camp. As one camper stated, “I love that I can come to camp and meet other kids just like me�.

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OB/GYN phYsiciaNs Laura Kruger, M.D. Erin Large, M.D. Nirvanna Manning, M.D. amy phillips, M.D. Kimberly Reynolds, M.D. Dora Mah smith, M.D.

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SAVVY PROJECT

Fantastic Plastic

By Kelly Ferguson-Sublett

In early August, the Museum of Discovery hosted the first TinkerFest, featuring interactive “tinkering” exhibits for all ages. The following project was brought to TinkerFest from The Exploratorium in San Francisco, and is a great way to create while learning about plastics and polymers. This activity is an example of a chemical reaction, encouraged by the fusing of molecules.

What you will need:

An inexpensive or old iron Wax paper Recycled lighter-weight plastics: Shopping bags Candy wrappers Cheap (plastic) party tablecloths Scissors A project/pattern/idea Optional:

Beads Buttons Hair clips Sewing materials/machine Elastic To make plastic fabric:

Plug in the iron and turn it to a medium setting. No steam.

Start by picking out the plastics you like. Cut them into workable pieces.

Then, lay them out, overlapping, in a large block on top of a sheet of wax paper on the ironing board, kind of like a patchwork quilt. Be creative. This will be a sheet of actual fabric when you are finished. You can cut it, sew it, glue it, etc.

Next, cover the plastic with another sheet of wax paper, being careful not to shift your design around.

Then, begin ironing slowly. Don’t hold the iron in one spot too long, as some plastics may melt too much instead of simply together.

Take a small break now and again to check your progress, making sure the pieces are melting nicely together. Be sure the wax paper is between the iron and the plastic at all times!

When you are finished, you will have a large sheet of plastic fabric. You can then be as creative as you like. Make gift bags for friends, fun articles of clothing, clutch purses or pencil cases, hair accessories, etc.

The Museum of Discovery, located in downtown Little Rock, often has opportunities for interactive learning and experimenting.

Each Tuesday at 10 a.m., Wiggle Worms is offered for pre-k children (ages 6 and under). Science is introduced to the young explorer with story time and an activity.

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BEST SMOOTHIE

Visit Your Nearest Tropical Smoothie Café in Central Arkansas!

Conway • Jacksonville • Little Rock • North Little Rock • Maumelle Text ‘TROPICAL6’ to ‘30364’ to join our Text Club!

Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Text HELP for help.

@tsarkansas

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Y kidS ReadeRS FoR voTing uS v v a S u The B k Yo eST! n a Th

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Pinnacle POinTe BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEm

2011

Pinnacle Pointe helps families learn to live calmer, happier, and more productive lives by providing high quality behavioral health treatment programs in the following settings:

Governor’s Quality Award

Acute Inpatient Residential Inpatient Outpatient • School-Based

President’s Award for Outstanding Juvenile Programs

Let good things happen for your family.

Contact us for a free and confidential assessment by calling 1-800-880-3322.

2009

96 | savvy kids September 2012

offer the same quality care for all ages.

When your family needs help, please contact a facility near you.

2011 & 2008 ATRS Facility of the Year

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The Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

APA Residential Facility of the Year for Outstanding Service

Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral HealthCare System

www.pinnaclepointehospital.com 1-800-880-3322 11501 Financial Centre Parkway Little Rock, AR 72211