Savvy Kids - September 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013 • www.savvykidsofarkansas.com

Chalk It Uep To Anoth r

Trophy Year See ALL THE WINNERS INSIDE!

When is

Tutoring Necessary?

Barre Workouts for Mom

Plus... Animal Assistance

Makes For Fetching Therapy September 2013 savvy k i ds | 1

Join Us For Our 7th Annual

“Mane Event” Saturday, October 5th • 7:00 p.m. • at the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock

Dinner & Drinks Live Music by The Luke Williams Band Live & siLent Auctions featuring Theater Tickets, Football Weekends, Fine Art, Unique Clothing and More!

Tickets are $45 or $75 per couple.

Package tickets available in tables of 10 for a discounted rate.

Contact Tiffany Mattzela for more information (720) 201-2197 or bboundaries@allied-therapy.com

ALLIED THERAPY & CONSULTING SERVICES, P.A. PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL & SPEECH THERAPY

1500 Wilson Loop Rd • Ward, AR 72176 501.941.5630 • www.allied-therapy.com • 501.834.0437 201 Country Club Rd • Sherwood, AR 72120

2 | savvy k i ds September 2013

beyondboundariesar.com

BACK TO SCHOOL Day Habilitation ServiceS For cHilDren WitH Developmental DiSabilitieS • Physical, Speech, And Occupational Therapies • Nursing Staff And Mental Health Professionals On Site • State Approved Preschool Curriculum

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

Best Special Needs Daycare Best Special Needs Preschool Best Special Needs Elementary

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

September 2013 savvy k i ds

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contents SEPTEMBER 2013

14

Chalk It Up to Another Trophy Year

ON THE COVER:

Lilly Gladden, photographed by Brian Chilson. Artwork by Bryan Moats.

Savvy Kids would like to thank the Arkansas Arts Center for allowing us to take over their sidewalks.

See this year’s Savvy Award winners

22

When is Tutoring Necessary?

26

Barre Workouts for Mom

Plus...

Animal-assisted therapy, Meetup groups for moms, new puppy success, tips for assessing injuries and more DEPARTMENTS 8 Odds and Ends 10 Little Hero,Big Heart 12 POTTS’PICKS 40 Book of the Month App of the Month 42 Savvy arts 44 Calendar of Events 46 Pop Topics 48 Kids Eat Free 54 Savvy Science

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September 2013 savvy k i ds

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Editor’s Letter

Adventures of an Editor

publisher

Alan Leveritt alan@arktimes.com

editor

Photo by Brian Chilson

I wouldn’t really consider myself to be an adventurous person. I’m more of a worrier type, but I like to try new things and occasionally get out of my comfort zone. In putting together our September issue, I actually got to go on a few mini adventures.

We really stepped out and tried something new with our cover this month, and I ended up involving as many people as possible, namely the entire Savvy Kids production team. I’m always amazed by people with artistic ability because I can barely draw a stick figure. So seeing Bryan Moats, our digital media producer, draw the Savvy Awards logo freehandedly, in chalk no less, was quite amazing. You can see a slideshow of the work in progress on page 8.

I also got to do a little burning and shaking with the ladies at Zenspin Studio and Pure Barre Little Rock, when I took barre workout classes for the first time. I was kind of afraid at first, but hands-on research always makes for more interesting writing and I ended up enjoying it. This is the first of hopefully many stories dedicated solely to women, who are the vast majority of our readership. (Let us know what you think!) We know you love our usual content, revolving around parenting, activities and programs for kids, but we also know that you need to occasionally take time for yourself. A barre workout is an effective way to do that – it’s great for mind, body and spirit. Your muscles may be a little sore after the first try, but it’s totally worth it.

It’s fun to be adventurous sometimes, and I enjoyed it. As a new season approaches and the weather starts to cool off, I challenge you all to try something new and go on a few adventures of your own.

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

P.S.

Follow us on Twitter

Become A Facebook Fan

Our Facebook page is awesome, so be sure to “like” it and stay up-to-date with what’s going on!

savvykidsofarkansas.com

We

inned It!

Caramel and chocolate give a little boost to this classic treat. Get the recipe at www. snackpicks.com.

6 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Erica Sweeney ericasweeney@arktimes.com

digital media producer Bryan Moats

editorial art director Patrick Jones

account executive

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

production manager Weldon Wilson

advertising coordinators

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

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographers

Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones

controller

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable Kelly Lyles

it director

Robert Curfman

billing/collections Linda Phillips

circulation director Jack Higgins

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

It’s football season! We’ve pinned some tasty snacks and treats to kick off your game day festivities.

Follow us on Pinterest to find these pins and more at www.pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.com.

Everyone loves burgers and fries, so these little These chocolate cupcakes will be a hit at bites are sure to be a hit. Get the recipe at www. any game time party. Get the recipe at www. cookingrecipecentral.com/burger-potato-bites/. trendhunter.com.

This football-inspired lunch will please all your little quarterbacks and cheerleaders. Get the recipe at www.kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com.

How To Access Us For a no charge assessment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, simply call us at: 501-316-1255 or 800-264-5640 or visit us on the web at: www.rivendellofarkansas.com.

We offer a mobile assessment that is available in most areas by appointment.

Topic:

Managing Behavior Utilizing 123 Magic Friday, September 20, 11:30-1pm

Directions to Rivendell: 100 Rivendell Drive | Benton, AR 72019 From Little Rock, take I-30 West toward S, LC SW K ESprings/Texarkana AUHot With A

• Take exit 121 (Alcoa Road)

• 1 Hour Continuing Education Unit (CEU) • Complimentary Lunch • Door Prize Drawings

MY

• Turn right onto Alcoa Road, at the stoplight turn right onto

Highway 5. Rivendell Drive is the first street on the left.

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

Space is limited. To register: sara.mcclain@uhsinc.com or 501-316-2138

• Take exit 121 (Alcoa Road)

Rivendell Gymnasium

• Turn left onto Alcoa Road (follow directions above)

100 Rivendell Drive • Benton

1-800-264-5640

rivendellofarkansas.com

Changing lives through compassionate healing for over 27 years!

September 2013 savvy k i ds

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ODDS & ENDS

The Making of a Cover To celebrate the Savvy Awards, this month the Savvy Kids team decided to go all out and get a little extra creative in putting together our cover. Our digital media producer, Bryan Moats amazingly drew the Savvy Awards logo freehandedly in chalk on the sidewalks of the Arkansas Arts Center. Moats is the original creator of the logo.

Then, our awesome photographer, Brian Chilson, snapped some great shots of Moats’ work for the cover. The cover also features Lilly Gladden, the 10-yearold daughter of one of our advertising coordinators, Roland Gladden. During the cover shoot, our art director, Patrick Jones, captured the work in progress, and below you can see a slideshow of his photos of how it all came together.

Savvy Kids would like to sincerely thank all those who participated in this month’s awesome cover. It takes a village.

Pave the Way The Thea Foundation is hosting its eighth annual Thea Paves the Way event on Sept. 14 to kick off the new school year.

Held on the front lawn of the Clinton Presidential Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the day will feature chalk art by area students from kindergarten to college, as well as music and other activities. Students and teachers will also receive free admission to the Clinton Center on this day, so students are asked to bring a student ID or check in with their teachers when they arrive.

“The event is important because it stresses the effect of the arts in building teamwork, creativity and altogether well-roundedness for students, families and individuals,” says Elain Akin, Thea’s communications director.

Teachers who register their students will have the chance to win one of two $250 gift certificates to art supplies distributor, Dick Blick Art Materials.

Thea Paves the Way is open to the public, not just to those creating chalk art. In previous years, the event has attracted more than 500 participants.

Space is limited, so those wishing to participate are encouraged to make reservations online at www. theafoundation.org by Sept. 12. For more details or questions about the event, email nick@theafoundation.org.

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September 2013 savvy k i ds

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LITTLE HERO

little hero Photo by BrIan Chilson

Big Heart

Suzanna Gibbs shares her love of art with younger kids

By Erica Sweeney

As a lifelong art lover, 17-year-old Suzanna Gibbs has found her niche at the Thea Foundation.

Though performance is Gibbs’ art of choice, her work with Thea gives her the chance to be hands-on in visual art, which she says is “really cool.”

“Being on stage is something I love,” she says. “I want to open a window and encourage kids to be creative.”

She first began taking dance classes at age 3, and is now involved in drama and choir, and is captain of the pom squad at Little Rock Christian Academy, where she is a senior. She also dances competitively at Dance Dynamics and has performed at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. So, when she first heard about the Thea Foundation at age 14, Gibbs knew she wanted to get involved.

“I realized other kids are not as fortunate to be involved with art,” she says.

“I love getting more kids in Arkansas involved with the arts,” especially since many schools are cutting arts programs.

Over the summer, Gibbs helped out with Thea’s summer arts camps as a teacher’s assistant. She says she enjoyed working with the elementary-age children and helping them “feel accomplished” through art and expressing their creativity.

In fact, getting kids involved with the arts was Gibbs’ platform when she was crowned Miss Pulaski Outstanding Teen 2013. This role has taken her to many schools to talk to kids about the arts.

10 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Gibbs has also performed at Thea during the monthly Argenta Art Walk.

And, later this month, she will help out during Thea Paves the Way, a sidewalk chalk art event. She says last year’s event was fun because many high school students attended and created “masterpieces.”

“Seeing them working to make something so cool is really neat to watch,” she says.

Though her favorite school subject is English – she loves dystopian novels, like the Hunger Games series and those written by Margaret Atwood – and her father wants her to become a lawyer, she’s not sure what the future holds.

Next year, she says she’s planning to head off to college and explore different avenues before deciding on a major or career path.

Gibbs says being active in the community “makes a person feel good about themselves.” She urges other teens to find something they are passionate about and stick to it.

Overall, Gibbs says she’s learned that anyone is capable of creating art and that it’s a self-esteem booster for kids. She says the arts have always been part of her life, and she knows they always will be.

The Thea Foundation is dedicated to advocating the importance of the arts in the development of youth, through partnerships with local schools, events, programs for children, scholarship opportunities and more. For more information about the foundation, to get involved or donate, visit www.theafoundation.org.

BEST PEDIATRIC THERAPY

EMPOWERING KIDS TO CONQUER THEIR WORLD.

At Pediatrics Plus, we’re interested in more than just knowing the struggles of the children and families we serve. We want to know their dreams and aspirations.

Being able to understand what they’d like to accomplish throughout their lifetime provides us the knowledge we need to set up a more relevant treatment plan, and also allows us to set up a plan that builds the foundation necessary to reach those goals long after they leave our care. And, we do it all using a family-first care coordination approach to our services. By keeping the attention of the team on a common goal, we are able to provide a level of empowerment that gives each child the boost they need to help them conquer their world.

Conway

Little Rock

North Little Rock

pediatricsplus.com Russellville

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Potts’ Picks

Celebrating Older Generations

By Jasper Potts

As you may know, national Grandparents Day falls in September. In light of this holiday, I asked my great-grandmother on my mom’s side, Gene March, 88, and her sister, my great-great aunt, Joyce Pearce, 93, for information on what their life has been like, and I was not disappointed! I received droves of information on what life was like in the 1920s and 1930s.

My Aunt Joyce, as we call her, was born in 1920, and spent most of her childhood in Comanche, Okla. Her father worked in the oil fields and had to move often. She wrote that it was sometimes hard to find and apartment or house for the family, and her mother was often told that no children were allowed. She stayed with her sister, Gene (who is 5 years younger) at her Granny Hale’s house, which had no running water, no bathroom, no telephone and only a cistern to hold water. The only modern convenience they had was electricity. Aunt Joyce graduated in 1938 from Comanche High. Amazingly enough, my great-great aunt worked at the pentagon in Washington, D.C. during some of World War II! She was 37 when she married. She met her husband, Elijah Pearce (my family called him Uncle Lige) in Ardmore, Okla., and spent her first three years of marriage in Japan! Uncle Lige retired from the Air Force in 1964, when he was 40. Then they moved to Springdale, Ark., and bought their first house, which Aunt Joyce still lives in, with her niece (my grandmother), Melody Southerland. She says, “I have had a long and interesting life, but often think of the good old days.”

My great-grandmother, “Mama Gene,” as we call her, remembered a few details of her childhood. One was that a short stack of two pancakes cost a dime, whereas they now cost $2.50 or so. Gas was about 25 cents a gallon, though, as she remembers. The price for the Saturday movie she went to was 10 cents. For that price, she got to see a comedy, serial (mostly cowboys) and the movie. She said “then we were even glad to see the coming attractions.” In summer, if they were in Ardmore or Wilson, Okla., they’d go to Sulphur, Okla. with “all the cousins and aunts and uncles.” They would swim and picnic in the two big pools they had. “Sometimes one of them did not smell very good. Guess that’s where the name Sulphur came from,” she said.

These stories are very interesting to me. A few things I noticed were that Aunt Joyce’s letter was written in cursive, and that Mama Gene’s segment was sent via email. While Mama Gene embraces 12 | savvy k i ds September 2013

the technology of the moment, Aunt Joyce clings to her old tradition gladly.

I admire both concepts, and find myself mimicking them. While we have smart phones, computers and TVs at my house, I have a typewriter sitting on my desk, symbolizing that I find the past intriguing and the present useful.

Who wouldn’t want to know how people survived without iPads? (We really need iPads.) Occasionally, it’s a good idea to take some time to wonder what it was like in the past. I like to, because stories older people have can be very interesting. It is good to get to know people, I think, because you find some interesting people when you ask around.

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

Thanks for voting us the best Pediatric Clinic!

We appreciate you.

best pediatric clinic

www.afkpeds.org 904 Autumn Road, Suite 100 • Little Rock • 501.224.5437 • Drs. Paulus, Byrum, Salman, Martin, Westbrook, and Skelley.

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

K

itchens Pediatric Dentistry

14114 Taylor loop road, liTTle rock

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST

501.868.3331 — kitchenspediatricdentistry.com September 2013 savvy k i ds

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WINNERS

The results are in! For several weeks, our Savvy readers cast their ballots and voted for their favorites in education, activities, shopping, food and more. We are pleased to present the 2013 Savvy Award winners and runners up.

Thanks to all who voted!

ACTIVITIES Best Museum Best Place to Play Best Party Location Best Water Park/Pool Best Field Trip Best Sports Facility Best Dance/Gymnastics/Cheer Best Kids’ Festival Best Place Where a Parent Can Act Like a Kid Best Church Children’s Programs Best Library

Best Park Best Camp 14 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Winner: Museum of Discovery Winner: The Wonder Place Winner: The Little Gym Winner: Wild River Country Winner: Little Rock Zoo Winner: Dickey-Stephens Park Winner: The Little Gym Winner: Riverfest Winner: Playtime Pizza Winner: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Winner: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center Winner: Burns Park Winner: The Little Gym

Runners Up: Mid-America Science Museum; Runners Up: Jump Zone; Runners Up: The Wonder Place; Runners Up: Magic Springs and Crystal Falls; Runners Up: Heifer Village; Runners Up: Burns Park; Runners Up: Dancer’s Corner; Runners Up: Toad Suck Daze; Runners Up: Museum of Discovery; Runners Up: New Life Church;

Arkansas Arts Center; Peabody Park; Jump Zone War Memorial Splash Pad Arkansas 4-H Center The Little Gym; River City Gymnastics Cheese Dip Festival The Wonder Place Church at Rock Creek

Historic Arkansas Museum The Little Gym

Runners Up: William F. Laman Public Library; Runners Up: Pinnacle Mountain State Park; Runners Up: Arkansas 4-H Camps;

Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library Murray Park; Mills Park Camp Aldersgate

D-1

EDUCATION Best Private School Best Public School

Best Preschool Best After-School Care Best Daycare Best Art Lessons Best Music Lessons Best Tutoring Service

Winner: Pulaski Academy Winner: Don R. Roberts Elementary (Little Rock School District) Winner: Helping Hand Winner: ACCESS Schools Winner: Lil’ Heroes Winner: Wee Little Arts Winner: Little Rock Jams Winner: ACCESS Schools

Runners Up: ACCESS Schools; Runners Up: Chenal Elementary School; (Pulaski County Special School District) Runners Up: Miss Selma’s; Runners Up: Childcare Network; Runners Up: Childcare Network; Runners Up: Blackbird Academy of Arts; Runners Up: Carolyn’s Keyboard Corner; Runners Up: Huntington Learning Center;

Best Local Place to Shop Best Toy Store Best Shopping Center Best Local Clothing Store for Kids Best Local Clothing Store for Parents Best Local Shoe Store Best Consignment/Resale Best Bookstore Best Furniture Store Best Party Supplies Best Grocery Store Best Garden Center

Winner: Promenade at Chenal Winner: Toys ‘R’ Us Winner: Promenade at Chenal Winner: The Toggery Winner: E. Leigh’s Winner: Warren’s Shoes Winner: Rhea Lana Winner: Barnes & Noble Winner: Ashley Furniture Winner: Party City Winner: Kroger Winner: Good Earth Garden Center

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Best French Fries Best Macaroni and Cheese Best Pizza Best Cheese Dip Best Smoothie Best Ice Cream Best Frozen Yogurt Best Bakery Best Cupcake Best Birthday Cake

Winner: Purple Cow Runners Up: All Aboard Restaurant and Grill; Winner: McDonald’s Runners Up: Big Orange; Winner: Panera Bread Runners Up: Dixie Café; Winner: Larry’s Pizza Runners Up: ZaZa Fine Salad & Wood-Oven Pizza Co.; Winner: Mexico Chiquito Runners Up: El Porton Mexican Restaurant; Winner: Tropical Smoothie Cafe Runners Up: Red Mango; Winner: Purple Cow Runners Up: Shake’s Frozen Custard; Winner: TCBY Runners Up: Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt; Winner: Community Bakery Runners Up: Brown Sugar Bakeshop; Winner: Cupcakes on Kavanaugh/Cupcakes on the Ridge Runners Up: Gigi’s Cupcakes; Winner: Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets Runners Up: TracyCakes;

Best Pediatric Clinic Best Obstetrician Best Dentist Best Orthodontist Best Hospital Best Pediatric Therapy Best Behavioral/Mental Health Therapy Best Special Needs Preschool Best Special Needs Elementary School Best Special Needs Daycare

Winner: All for Kids Pediatric Clinic Winner: Cornerstone Clinic for Women Winner: Bevans Pediatric Dentistry Winner: Bevans Pediatric Dentistry Winner: Baptist Health Medical Center Winner: Helping Hand Winner: Chenal Family Therapy Winner: Helping Hand Winner: ACCESS Winner: Helping Hand

Little Rock Christian Academy Bryant Public Schools ACCESS Schools DREAM (Sherwood); Helping Hand Arkansas Arts Center Preston Palmer Studios Sylvan Learning Center

Miss Selma’s

SHOPPING Runners Up: Pleasant Ridge Town Center; Runners Up: Duck Duck Goose; Runners Up: Pleasant Ridge Town Center; Runners Up: Duck Duck Goose; Runners Up: Box Turtle; Runners Up: DSW; Runners Up: Duck Duck Goose; Runners Up: WordsWorth Books & Co.; Runners Up: Hank’s Fine Furniture; Runners Up: Hobby Lobby; Runners Up: Kroger Marketplace; Runners Up: Lowe’s;

Park Plaza Mall Learning Express McCain Mall Old Navy Ember Shoe Connection; Shoe Carnival Caroline’s Children’s Consignment Boutique Books-A-Million FFO Home Vanness Whole Foods; Edwards Food Giant Home Depot

FOOD Larry’s Pizza Chick-fil-A; David’s Burgers Cracker Barrel Restaurant and Old Country Store U.S. Pizza; Pizza Café Local Lime Planet Smoothie Loblolly Creamery Red Mango Dempsey Bakery Brown Sugar Bakeshop Blue Cake Company

HEALTH Runners Up: Arkansas Pediatric Clinic; Little Rock Children’s Clinic Runners Up: Central Clinic for Women; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Women’s Clinic Runners Up: Kitchens Pediatric Dentistry; Jolly Family Dentistry Runners Up: Vondran Orthodontics; Phelan Orthodontics Runners Up: Arkansas Children’s Hospital; St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center Runners Up: Pediatrics Plus; ACCESS Runners Up: Rivendell Behavioral Health Services; Methodist Family Health Runners Up: ACCESS; Pathfinder Runners Up: Pathfinder; Eastside Elementary (Cabot Public Schools) Runners Up: ACCESS; Pathfinder

OTHER SERVICES Best Photographer Winner: Jennifer McHam Photography Best Hair Salon Winner: Maximum Image Best Spa Winner: Indulgences Salon & Spa Best Car Dealership Winner: Landers Toyota Best Bank Winner: Arvest Bank Best Sitting Service Winner: SeekingSitters Best Realtor Winner: Crye-Leike Best Non-Profit Winner: Helping Hand Best Gym Winner: Little Rock Athletic Club Best Farmer’s Market Winner: Little Rock River Market

Runners Up: Lance Johnston Photographers; Runners Up: Mod Hair Studio; Runners Up: Ava Bella Day Spa; Runners Up: Bale Honda; Runners Up: Bank of the Ozarks; Runners Up: Care.com Runners Up: Keller Williams Realty; Runners Up: ACCESS; Runners Up: 10 Fitness; Runners Up: Certified Arkansas Farmers’ Market (Argenta);

Courtney Yarberry Photography Salon DeVal Rejuvenation Clinic & Day Spa Superior Nissan Metropolitan National Bank RE/MAX Mamie’s Poppy Plates The Little Gym Conway Farmers’ Market September 2013 savvy k i ds

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Photo by Brian Chilson

Building Brighter Futures

Many ACCESS students and outpatient clients participate in ACCESS Therapy, which covers speech, physical and occupational therapy, pragmatics (social skills) groups and academic therapy, which is specialized tutoring for students who struggle with reading, reading comprehension and written expression.

Recently, ACCESS has established two programs offering vocational training for young adults with developmental disabilities. ACCESS Life provides experiences of self-discovery, aimed at better understanding vocational interests, preferences and abilities, as well as instruction in employability skills, computer training, independent living and social skills. In partnership with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, ACCESS launched UAMS Project SEARCH®, a year-long, on-the-job internship program for young adults with developmental disabilities.

ACCESS was founded in 1994 to serve individuals with mild to moderate language and learning disabilities. At the time, few options existed for speech, physical and occupational therapy services and customized, individualized special education services for children and youths. ACCESS was the first center in Arkansas to develop a full education program solely for school-aged children and youths with language and learning disabilities, Green says.

“ACCESS is a vital resource not only to Arkansans but also to families seeking services from surrounding states and across the country,” Green says.

“There is no place exactly like ACCESS. We continue to refine curriculum and training programs to build brighter futures in Arkansas and beyond.”

For more information about ACCESS, call (501) 217-8600 or visit www.

AccessGroupInc.org.

ACCESS is a 2013 Savvy Award Winner, taking the Best After-School Care, Best Tutoring Service and Best Special Needs Elementary School awards. ACCESS was also voted runner up in the Best Private School, Best Preschool, Best Pediatric Theraphy, Best Special Needs Preschool, Best Special Needs Daycare and Best Nonprofit categories.

Caring for Little Teeth

For more information about Bevans Pediatric Dentistry, visit www.drbpd. com or call (501) 224-4799 for Little Rock, (501) 315-7800 for Bryant or (501) 624-4421 for Hot Springs.

Bevans Pediatric Dentistry is a 2013 Savvy Award Winner, taking the Best Dentist and Best Orthodontist awards.

ACCESS is a one-stop resource for families of individuals with developmental, language and learning disabilities.

The nonprofit, located in Little Rock, offers evaluation services, education, therapy, training and activities for individuals, from birth to age 35, who have language and learning disabilities. ACCESS serves about 200 individuals each week, says Becca Green, ACCESS director of marketing and communications.

ACCESS serves individuals with variety of mild to moderate disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and other disabilities. The ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center provides comprehensive evaluations for a variety of presenting problems, including ruleouts and diagnoses for suspected autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities and other disabilities.

ACCESS Preschool integrates typically developing students and their peers with developmental delays, ages birth to 5, and focuses on a multi-sensory, literacy-based program to engage visual, auditory and tactile learners. ACCESS Academy, for students ages 5 to 21 with language and learning disabilities, provides a customized, individualized curriculum focused on oral and written expression, literature and reading instruction, math, science, social skills, leisure, technology, physical fitness, fine arts and character education.

For more than 40 years, Bevans Pediatric Dentistry has been providing dental services to children in central Arkansas.

Bevans is a group practice with three locations in Little Rock, Bryant and Hot Springs, and three pedodontists, one orthodontist and four general dentists. Dentistry is provided to children, from infants to age 18, and comprehensive orthodontics are provided to all ages.

Recently, orthodontist Brenton Glassell joined the Bevans team and offers Invisalign, clear brackets, lingual braces (brackets on the backside of the teeth) and adult orthodontics.

“For years Dr. Bevans and his staff have been committed to the children of Arkansas,” says David Bevans, director of public relations.

“We place the utmost importance on educating children and parents the importance of oral hygiene. We believe that a healthy smile is key in the development of a child, not only for overall health aspects, but it also gives confidence to a child and the ability to hold their heads up and smile at the world they face.”

Bevans provides oral hygiene education, regular and emergency examinations, preventive care, dental rehabilitation, restorative dentistry, airway evaluation, orthodontics and more.

Dr. James Bevans founded the clinic in 1968 after completing a pediatric dental residency and realizing that children’s dental care was seriously overlooked in Arkansas. He returned to Arkansas after dental school, and was also the first dentist to bring nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to Arkansas. Bevans was also one of the first pediatric dentists to accept ArKids, so that dental care would be available to all.

Over the years, the Bevans team has cared for thousands of children, and some patients are third and fourth generation in the practice.

16 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Dr. James Bevans

Dr. Brenton Glassell

Enrolling now For Fall & KindErgartEn transition ClassEs

Helping Hand developmental Preschool & outpatient therapy services

Best Pediatric theraPy Best sPecial Needs Preschool Best sPecial Needs daycare Best Preschool Best NoN-Profit

Thank you for your voTes and supporT!

2nd Annual

RunneR up: Best daycare

Eat, Drink, Bid & Be A Hero!

Thursday, September 12 • 5:30-8pm Next Level Events

Purchase Tickets Online Or Call For More Information

Fundraiser Buy tickets

MissionPossibleEvent.Org • 501-791-3331 Business casual attire.

All proceeds benefit Helping Hand.

A Few Auction items Available:

- trip For 2 to the esPy Awards - ViP trip to churchill Downs - Movie Poster signed By All 6 James Bond Actors - Guitar signed By 15 country Music Legends - And Many More items & trips

501-791-3331

www.HelpingHandcc.com • North Little Rock (Off Maumelle Blvd) Helping Hand Learning Center Is A 501 ©(3) Non-Profit

September 2013 savvy k i ds

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Helping Hand is also a certified provider in the new Autism Medicaid Waiver program for children age 18 months to 5 years, who are diagnosed with autism. It provides intensive, evidence-based intervention for these children. Services are provided in the home or community setting, with parents taking an active role in treatment team to qualify and remain in the program.

“We have seen such amazing results with the children participating in this program and are so excited that Helping Hand is a part of this partnership,” Washburn says.

For more information on Helping Hand’s programs and services, call (501) 791-3331 or visit www.helpinghandcc.com.

Helping Hand is a 2013 Savvy Award Winner, taking the Best Preschool, Best Pediatric Therapy, Best Special Needs Preschool, Best Special Needs Daycare and Best Nonprofit awards. Helping Hand was also voted runner up in the Best Daycare category.

Serious Fun at the Little Gym

Smith, a former competitive gymnast and gymnastics coach, only took over as owners a little more than a year ago. They both previously worked at the gym and love what they do.

“We get to play all day,” Mansur says.

For more information on all that the Little Gym has to offer, call (501) 2255347 or visit www.thelittlegym.com/LittleRockAR/.

The Little Gym is a 2013 Savvy Award Winner, taking the Best Party Location, Best Dance/Gymnastics/Cheer and Best Camp awards. The Little Gym was also voted runner up in the Best Place to Play, Best Sports Facility and Best Gym categories.

When it comes to serious fun, the Little Gym has all the bases covered.

Located in west Little Rock, the Little Gym offers noncompetitive gymnastics, birthday parties, camps and lots of playtime for youngsters, says co-owners Leah Smith and Erin Mansur.

Children’s programs start as early as 4 months with parent-child classes for babies and toddlers. Kids, ages 3 to 12, can take noncompetitive gymnastics, dance, sports skills and more. The Little Gym offers 34 classes during the school year, Mansur says.

The Little Gym’s programs follow a three-dimensional learning plan: Get Moving, Brain Boost and Citizen Kid. The goal is to get kids moving and improve strength, flexibility and coordination, while boosting confidence.

Programs also teach valuable life skills, like interacting with others, trying new things, initiating play, listening and more, Smith says.

Camps are another major part of the fun at the Little Gym. This summer several 10-week day camps were offered. Each followed a theme and included physical activities, games, arts and crafts and special events. Mansur says holidaybreak camps and spring break camps may be in the works this school year.

Birthday parties are held on the weekends at the Little Gym. Smith says parties are “hassle free” for parents, because they are instructor-led, with activities tailored to the birthday child’s interests, and everything is provided except for the cake.

To give parents an often much-needed break, the Little Gym also hosts Parents’ Survival Nights on Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m., with games and crafts for kids age 3-10.

Mansur, who has a background in health and physical education, says there’s room for the Little Gym to grow, and hopes to expand into North Little Rock or Conway. Though the Little Gym has been around for 12 years, she and 18 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Photo by Brian Chilson

Helping Hand offers an array of educational and therapeutic programs for children, all supporting its mission that “every child deserves a helping hand.”

Located in North Little Rock, Helping Hand specializes in serving children with special needs, including developmental delays, autism and Down syndrome, as well as typically developing children in its preschool, which is for ages 6 weeks to kindergarten. Outpatient therapy is also provided to individuals up to age 21.

The Kindergarten Transition class provides a little extra help to children who are not quite ready for school. This program includes another year of intensive therapies and one-on-one education before starting kindergarten, says Julia Washburn, Helping Hand’s executive director.

“Most of these children go on to kindergarten with minimal services and flourish in a regular classroom,” she says.

Helping Hand serves more than 225 children and their families each year, Washburn says.

Helping Hand originally opened as Total Pediatric Therapy in west Little Rock in 1990, providing occupational, physical and speech language therapies to children in area schools, daycares and in its outpatient clinic. After many requests for a preschool in the area, it opened at its current location in 1999 and added developmental preschool services. The name was changed to better reflect all of the center’s services and support its vision: “every child deserves a helping hand,” Washburn says.

“Helping Hand wanted to bring an awareness to all children’s needs as well as offer support for parents and families raising a child with developmental delays or special needs so they don’t feel alone in their journey,” she says.

“We want to offer families in our community the newest in resources and information as well as provide the latest treatment options.”

Photos by Susie Dohner Taylor

A Helping Hand for All Kids

When Corbin Came to us, he Couldn’t understand a simple story. noW, he reads them to his parents.

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September 2013 savvy k i ds

| 19

Eats & Treats

PURPLE FAVES The Purple Cow continues to delight after two decades Story and Photos by Daniel Walker Does hearing Bill Haley’s spunky classic “Rock Around the Clock” cause visions of frosty purple milkshakes? Does listening to Marvin Berry belt out a dreamy rendition of “Earth Angel” make you want to grab a hot, greasy double cheeseburger rather than grab your sweetheart for a slow dance? If so, chances are you’re already familiar with some of the many joys to be had at the Arkansas staple, The Purple Cow—a restaurant that’s been welcoming families for over 20 years. It’s difficult to visit The Purple Cow and not find a plethora of smiles served alongside the dozens of scoops of ice cream flying out of their kitchens.

It’s easy for some to simply dismiss The Purple Cow as a spot that’s “just for kids.” Sure, they offer a menu that nearly any little tyke will find enticing, but diners of any age can find some unexpectedly good eats. Both parents and children never need leave this place unhappy.

There’s a reason The Purple Cow is consistently viewed as one of the best family-friendly joints in town. The wait staff is always adept at handling any kid-centric emergencies—spilled drinks, picky eaters, crying babies. The interior is bright and colorful, and the young ones go batty for just about anything they can shove in their face that’s colored purple.

You can stick with the basics—cheeseburger, chili dog, grilled cheese, onion rings or French fries—and you’re sure to get solid fare at a price that’s easy on just about any family’s budget. But if you’d like to add a little interest to your family dinner, Purple Cow’s got you covered there too. I’ve always enjoyed the bleu cheese burger with bacon. The burger comes with the traditional array of condiments—lettuce, tomato, onion—all on a soft, white roll. The beef is 100% freshly ground and surprisingly flavorful. They slather the burger with a healthy spread of bleu cheese dressing, enough to toss aside any ideas of subtlety. It’s rich and tangy, but not overwhelming, and makes a good burger even better. You might also want to sample the “Five Alarm Burger.” Its name may intimidate just a bit, but it’s not as painful as it may sound. The burger is topped with a cool, creamy Pepper Jack cheese for starters, and multiple layers of spice come into play with the addition of jalapeños, salsa and a smoky chipotle mayo. The habenero salsa poses the greatest risk to your tongue’s level of comfort, but just keep a milkshake close by and you’ll be just fine.

Most meals come with a standard side of bagged potato chips.

You may sub other favorites such as fries or onion rings, but I’d recommend going with their freshly cut, housemade chips. They’re sliced thick and come out golden brown, crispy and salty.

They’re the best of the sides offered and pair swimmingly with a bit of ranch dressing.

No trip to The Purple Cow would be complete without dessert. Their “Purple Vanilla” shake has been winning diners over since they first opened. It’s colorful and creamy, and a bit more interesting than your average vanilla. Of course, they proudly promote the fact that they’re using Yarnell’s ice cream exclusively. Yarnell’s makes the purple concoction especially for the restaurant. There was a brief time, not too long ago, where The Purple Cow had to go with another vendor for their ice cream needs. But their new supplier simply could not get the lovely purple hue of this signature ice cream right—it would often come out too blue or gray. Today, customers are happy that Yarnell’s is back on the menu. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream, I’d recommend their homemade banana pudding. It’s a thick, creamy mixture with notes of vanilla, slices of ripe banana and bits of crumbly cookie. Topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream, it makes for a treat that can rival any of the many frozen items scattered across the dessert menu.

The Purple Cow fills a special place in the hearts of many Arkansans—understandable when one considers the quality of food, reasonable prices and fun, casual atmosphere. And it’s no question that diners will continue to enjoy the place for years to come.

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

The proof is in the pudding!

The Purple Cow is a 2013 Savvy Award Winner, taking the Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant and Best Ice Cream categories, further proving they are the cream of the crop.

20 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Now Enrolling for the 2013-2014 Season!

BEST PARTY LOCATION BEST DANCE/GYMNASTICS/CHEER BEST CAMP

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The Little Gym helps children reach their greatest potential. From 4 months through 12 years, classes promote development and build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Parent/Child Classes • Pre-K & Grade School Gymnastics • Dance • Karate • Sports Skills Awesome Birthday Bash Parents’ Survival Night • Camps

1121 S. Bowman | Little Rock 501.225.5437 | tlglr.com

FOR VOTING US BEST BANK Arvest Bank is proud to be voted Best Bank for the 2013 Savvy Kids Readers' Choice awards. We are excited to meet the needs of our customers, and we thank you for letting us serve central Arkansas. If you haven't experienced Arvest yet, we invite you to switch to the Best Bank by visiting our local branch.

September 2013 savvy k i ds

| 21

When Is Tutoring Necessary?

A little extra help can boost confidence and improve grades

By Lisa Lakey Kristen McCready of Little Rock knew that her daughter, McKenzie, was brilliant. While some chronic ear infections had put her behind in language skills early on, with some after school help and speech therapy, she was getting by. Until second grade.

“By the end of the second nine weeks we knew she was in trouble,” McCready says. “Homework time was a nightmare. She cried, I cried. It was awful.

We knew McKenzie was intelligent and creative, but she was also a handful and became bored very quickly.”

After hearing a radio ad for Learning Rx, the concerned mother decided to make the call. McKenzie was tested and diagnosed as orthographically dyslexic with a reading disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but her IQ was nearly at genius level.

“They looked at the fact that she was brilliant, but barely getting through second grade and designed a specific program to help her learn in a different way,” McCready says.

Scarlett Jones, director of Learning Rx, says it’s common for children to need some help or a different approach from time to time, regardless of their IQ. “The reality is no matter what a person’s so-called intelligence level is, we all struggle at some point,” she says. “Even the smartest kids in class struggle.”

Getting Assessed Although falling grades are a red flag, according to Bryan Redditt, co-owner of Huntington Learning Center, there are subtle signs parents should look for that indicate their child is having trouble in school.

“A child losing interest in school is a sign,” he says. “A child who makes negative statements about him or herself, such as ‘I’m not good at math anyway’ is a definite sign. Overall, parents need to be alert for changes in actions and behaviors, and often, they may be linked to something going on at school that can be traced back to how a child is doing in his or her classes.”

When a child shows signs of needing help, it’s important to find someone that fits the specific needs of the child. Every child should be properly assessed to find the reason behind the struggle.

“Reteaching the same information isn’t going to solve the problem of why the child didn’t grasp it in the first place,” Jones says. “If identifiable circumstances have interfered with the delivery of information to your child, hiring a

tutor to redeliver that information is a great solution. But if that information was delivered well and the child still struggles, you don’t need a tutor. You need a brain trainer.”

Brain training, which takes place in fast-paced and intense sessions, works on strengthening cognitive skills that the child needs to learn and process better. Jones says that if a child has a string of substitute teachers in school or has switched schools and is having problems, standard tutoring might be needed for a child to catch up to peers.

Realistic Expectations Whatever the child’s needs, it is important for parents to have realistic expectations for tutors.

“A common mistake made by parents is that they ask tutors to focus on the homework a child has right in front of him, material that’s due tomorrow,” Redditt says. “A good tutor goes deeper and searches out the gaps in a child’s history of learning and knowledge and then goes about repairing them correctly. It’s the difference between fixing a chronic crack in your wall and fixing the problem in your foundation that’s causing it. Good tutors go for the foundation. Once that’s fixed, children often acquire the ability to succeed on their own.”

Parents must also be patient with both the tutor and their child. Redditt says that bad study habits and deficits in knowledge don’t occur overnight and can’t be fixed overnight. Seeing improvement will take time, consistency and effort from the tutor, student and parent. But it will happen.

“Assisting a child in mastering a skill or subject that previously bewildered and baffled them is truly something to behold,” Redditt says. “And the child’s confidence? Through the rough.”

That’s what truly makes a difference. That’s what makes it worth any cost or extra time spent shuffling a child to and from a facility. Increasing a child’s confidence is everything.

“It took a solid commitment on our part as parents but it was a fit,” McCready says. “By the end of second grade McKenzie was making better grades and looking forward to homework. She even signed up for extra credit activities. Her confidence was back and she was happy.”

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

Need a Tutor?

Here are a few options in central Arkansas.

Access Schools

LearningRx

Huntington Learning Center

Sylvan Learning Center

10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock (501) 217-8600 www.accessgroupinc.org

11525 Cantrell Road, #603, Little Rock (501) 223-2299 www.huntingtonhelps.com

22 | savvy k i ds September 2013

11825 Hinson Road, Suite 102, Little Rock (501) 223-9500 www.learningrx.com

11220 N Rodney Parham Road, #4, Little Rock (501) 791-9200 www.sylvanlearning.com

Do you want your child to get better grades?

September Town Hall Meetings

If you want your child to get better grades and test scores and have less behavior problems, then getting more involved in your child’s education can make a big difference.

Studies indicate that parent involvement is key to student performance. Going to your child’s Open House is a great first step. Attending free Parent Academy for Success workshops can equip you with the tools you need to ensure success for your child.

Open House

Thursday, September 5 Elementary Schools Tuesday, September 17 High Schools Thursday, September 19 Middle Schools

The Little Rock School District Board of Directors and the Superintendent are seeking input about the direction The New Little Rock School District is taking, the reforms underway, and the future of the school district.

Monday, September 9 6:45 p.m.

Stephens Community Center 3720 West 18th St. Monday, September 23 6:30 p.m.

Dunbar Community Center 1001 West 16th St. For a complete list of town hall meetings go to www.lrsd.org.

Parent Academy for Success II Saturday, October 5 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Henderson Middle School 401 John Barrow Rd.

Breakfast will be served and childcare is available for children 3-11. Door prizes available in every workshop.

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| 23

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September 2013 savvy k i ds

| 25

me time

Barre

Ballet-inspired workout is a hit with local moms

By Erica Sweeney

Elizabeth Finch leads a BarreAmped class at Zenspin Studio.

Photo by Brian Chilson

A little burning and a little shaking is a normal occurrence during a barre workout, instructors are quick to inform newcomers. In fact, the quivering of muscles is actually a sign of a good workout, and can lead to the lean, sculpted look of a ballerina.

Barre (pronounced “bar”) exercises combine ballet, pilates and yoga for a full-body workout, focusing on hips, legs, arms and core muscles, says Elizabeth Finch, an instructor at Zenspin Studio, which opened in October in Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood.

Classes are typically an hour long, choreographed and instructor led, featuring music and props, like balls, light hand weights, straps and mats. The characteristic low-impact movements are performed holding onto the barre (a solid rod attached to the wall) or on the floor using a mat, and involve small, pulsing movements and even raising up on tip-toes after a little practice.

Participants can wear socks or go barefoot.

Most barre methods, like BarreAmped practiced at Zenspin, are designed for women and focus on abs, glutes, core and thighs, common “trouble areas” for women, says Zenspin owner Camden Hyneman.

During the workout, muscles are worked to exhaustion, which is where the burning and shaking comes in, says Lindsey Newton, co-owner of Pure Barre, which opened in March at the Pleasant Ridge Town Center in west Little Rock.

“Barre is totally different than anything else,” she says. “It’s an intense fullbody workout. You’re going to sweat but feel so accomplished.”

Muscle soreness is a common after-effect, even for those who’ve been attending classes for a while. Finch attributes this to the variety of movements incorporated into each class and how different instructors lead the class.

Moms Embrace the Barre A year ago, finding a barre class in these parts was difficult. All the rage among Hollywood celebrities, barre workouts are becoming increasingly popular with moms in central Arkansas and studios continue popping up.

Little Rock stay-at-home moms Kenna James and Paige Bratcher have been attending classes twice a week at Pure Barre since it opened and say they are “hooked.” The pair always work out together and have tried pilates and working out with a personal trainer, but they say they like the “slimming, not bulking effect” of barre, and the resulting lean, sculpted muscles, like a ballerina.

“All moms need booty and tummy toning,” Bratcher says.

All ages, sizes and fitness levels can benefit and see results from barre workouts, Finch says. Even pregnant women and people with prior injuries can enjoy barre. Finch says participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, and instructors provide modifications for those who need it and ensure everyone has correct form.

Enthusiasts say the benefits of barre are numerous: weight loss, lost inches, 26 | savvy k i ds September 2013

increased strength, decreased pain and better overall health. “It’s more than just getting skinny,” Newton says.

Amy Maddox, a stay-at-home mom with 10 kids ranging in age from a year-and-a-half to 16, says barre classes have helped her lower back pain and increased her core strength in just a few months. She and her 16-year-old daughter started attending Zenspin in March as an activity to do together.

Maddox says before taking barre she had never done any type of exercise.

She says getting fit has led her to practice healthier eating habits, which she has passed along to her family.

“When you come to barre, you don’t want to pop a cookie in your mouth,” she says. “Everything else falls into place. It’s hard some days, but it’s worth it when you leave.”

Besides the physical benefits of barre, moms say classes provide an often much-needed respite. It’s an “all-encompassing hour” to relax, exercise and have a little “me” time, James says.

“Classes are a fun and efficient way for moms to take time for themselves,” says Finch, the mother of 5-year-old and 6-year-old daughters.

Hyneman and Newton say the majority of their clients are moms, and their studios offer classes throughout the day to accommodate the schedules of all moms: early morning, mid morning, lunchtime and evening. No matter the time of day, classes create a social and nurturing atmosphere that encourages everyone to stick to it.

“We make it fun so it’s maintainable,” Hyneman says.

Take a Class

If you’re looking to give barre a try, here are a few spots in central Arkansas where you can get started.

IM=X Pilates Studio IM=X incorporates barre into some of its pilates classes, and also offers spin and more. The first class is a free one-on-one consultation.

8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 130, Little Rock (501) 221-0469 www.imxpilateslittlerock.com Pure Barre Little Rock Pure Barre method classes are offered throughout the day, seven days a week.

Newbies can take their first class for free.

11525 Cantrell Road, Suite 306, Little Rock (501) 246-3258 www.purebarre.com

Studio One Dance Studio One offers barre classes for adults on Saturday mornings, as well as zumba and more.

6929 JFK Blvd., #33, North Little Rock (501) 833-6000 www.studio1dancenlr.org Zenspin Studio Zenspin offers BarreAmped method classes, along with spin, yoga and more, at a variety of times every day of the week.

Newcomers receive seven free classes in seven days.

5612 R St., Little Rock (501) 296-9108 www.zenspinstudio.com

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September 2013 savvy k i ds

| 27

Playdates The Meetup Way

By Lisa Lakey Support from other moms is a must in this crazy world known as motherhood. But for many, navigating the social scene is a bit like taking a road trip without a map or GPS, leaving you wondering, “Where do I go from here?”

Meet Meetup.

Meetup is a social network that allows you to search for groups by city and interest. These aren’t just online groups; Meetup is meant for face-to-face interaction. With nearly 135,000 groups worldwide hosting over 400,000 meetups each month, this just may be the antidote to an obsession with online socialization. And it just may be what a lost mama needs for finding a date. A playdate, that is.

“Being a mom is a tough job,” says Hailey Lada, mom to three young girls and president of Maumelle Mommy and Me, a Meetup social group for moms and their young children. “I can’t imagine doing it without such a great support group of friends for both myself and my children.”

Maumelle Mommy and Me currently has 92 members and hosts two to five meetups each week. While the group has been around for 20 years, Meetup has become a relatively new tool for them.

“We started using Meetup.com almost four years ago and we love it,” Lada says. “Our leadership team adds events to the calendar. From there, our moms can RSVP and leave comments on events.”

Events range anywhere from library storytime to holiday parties. But for this group of moms, it’s about more than just having fun with the kids while sneaking in some mommy-talk.

“We feel it’s very important to show our children how to give back,” Lada says. “We participate with Relay for Life, March for Babies, Go Red Luncheon, CARTI and many other local organizations.”

The site also allows groups to form “discussions” which for mom groups can range from potty training tips and tricks to which local venues are family 28 | savvy k i ds September 2013

friendly. Lada says that these features aren’t just great for moms who are new to the area to make friends, but to get information about the city.

There are several groups around Central Arkansas that welcome moms with open arms and juice boxes. Within a 50-mile radius of Little Rock, Meetup.com lists 11 mother and child groups. Membership fees for groups are $10-$25 per year, which covers website fees and typically a holiday party or other group events.

If you don’t see a Meetup in your area, be brave and start your own. Chances are, other moms are looking for a group too. The site will even send out notifications to other Meetup members in your area to help get the word out. Organizer fees run $12-$19 monthly depending on which payment plan you choose.

Whatever route you take, just remember that every mom has been down that same road. That’s what these groups are all about. Navigating motherhood is hard enough, so find some mom friends and enjoy the ride.

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

Maumelle Mommy and Me outing.

Se Habla Español!

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Special needs

By Lisa Lakey Although it might have seemed a bit unorthodox, Karri Adams of Jacksonville was open to any idea that might help her son, Justin. He had been having issues with coordination and balance and needed extra help working on his fine motor development. So when the school therapist mentioned something called hippotherapy that involved horses, Adams was on board.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect with hippotherapy,” Adams says, “but I said it couldn’t hurt. I would try anything if I thought it would help my son. I knew Justin liked animals so why not horses?”

Hippotherapy isn’t to be confused with therapeutic riding, a common practice at many riding centers.

“Hippotherapy is therapy utilizing the horse as an actual therapy tool,” says Tiffany Mattzela of Beyond Boundaries, an equine-assisted therapy center in Ward.

From the Greek word “hippos” meaning “horse,” hippotherapy is actual physical, occupational or speech therapy sessions on the back of a horse. Because the horse is the only animal with pelvic movements that mimic that of a human’s, the experience provides sensory input for the patient like no other form of therapy.

Hippotherapy sessions are anything but typical. Therapists design a treatment plan based on each child’s individual strengths, limitations and needs.

To outsiders, treatments may even seem odd. For instance, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see a speech therapy patient riding a horse backwards.

“The therapist will ask them questions and play games with them,” Mattzela says. “What putting them on backwards does is it actually opens up their diaphragm and increases annunciation. So when they hear themselves speaking more clearly, they know what it sounds like and that is something we can work on.”

Hippotherapy is used for children and adults with a wide array of disabilities from cerebral palsy to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mattzela says that since every patient and their disabilities differ, everyone benefits in a different way.

“We might have a kid that’s on the [autism] spectrum that gets on and is fighting tooth and nail, really having a bad day,” she says. “We are able to put that child on a horse and it takes half a lap around the arena and they’re quiet.

They are able to relax and soak in that sensory input.”

The beauty of hippotherapy is really in the horse’s walk. The gait allows the patient to not just work on, but with the horse. According to Stacy Alberson, an occupational therapist and director of Hippos and Fish Pediatric Therapy

Learn More 30 | savvy k i ds September 2013

Beyond Boundaries 2195 Peyton St., Ward (501) 941-1522 www.beyondboundariesar.com

Photo by Pamela Taylor

Hippotherapy:Not Your Typical Therapy Session Hippotherapy at Beyond Boundaries.

Services, the multidimensional movement of the horse is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. Riding the horse provides a base of support, which requires the rider to use their body to maintain balance.

“The effects of equine movement on postural control, sensory systems and motor planning can be used to facilitate coordination and timing, respiratory control, sensory integration skills and attention skills,” Alberson says.

Alberson says that all children can benefit from hippotherapy, but each child must be individually assessed by a professional as to whether or not this is the best option. The presence of many physical limitations may need to be taken into account.

“Active seizures, indwelling catheters, allergies that are not controlled, extreme aggressive behavioral outbursts, severe head and neck muscle control issues, respiratory concerns in an upright position, brittle bones or severe loss of bone density or the individual weight and muscle weakness may be more than what the therapy team can treat safely on the horse,” she says.

While most insurance plans will cover hippotherapy as they do any other therapy treatment, a referral may be required. Beyond Boundaries works closely with Allied Therapy, a pediatric specialty group that provides developmental, occupational, physical and speech therapy. Alberson does hippotherapy with her own patients at Hearts and Hooves, a therapeutic riding center in Sherwood.

And while it may be the gentle giants, as they seem to the smallest patients, that keep the children coming to and looking forward to therapy sessions, it’s the results that keep the parents coming back and holding onto hope.

“When Justin started this therapy we had training wheels on his bike and he was just really unsure on stairs,” Adams says. “Now he rides without training wheels. He has a lot of confidence when playing with kids on the playground and he can climb the equipment without hesitation.”

Hippotherapy may not be a traditional form of therapy and it may be not as well-known as others, but for many patients and their families, it is just what is needed to be able to place one foot (and hoof) in front of the other to keep going and not give up.

“I would highly recommend hippotherapy to anyone. We love it,” Adams says. “When Justin has had a bad day at school and we go to therapy, the day seems to melt away once he gets on that horse.”

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

Hippos & Fish Pediatric Therapy 119 W. H Ave., North Little Rock (501) 772-3224 www.hipposandfish.com

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Special needs

Comfort in Cold Noses

Animal-assisted therapy offers a wealth of benefits

By Erica Sweeney

32 | savvy k i ds September 2013

animal-assisted therapy, Pipkin says.

No social skills are needed when interacting with animals, and animals never judge, Pipkin says. Even children who may not need therapy but are having a tough time at school or home can find comfort in an animal. No matter what’s going on in the outside world, pets provide acceptance, decrease isolation and help boost self-esteem, Breen says. Interacting with animals can also teach kids to think beyond themselves, and about turn-taking, responsibility and goal-setting.

“Pets promote play and give kids permission to have fun in a natural way,” Breen says.

“Kids see animals as confidants. Animals can provide sense of safety and unconventional love. They can sense if you’re down and love you even more.”

Dogs in the T.A.I.L.S. program provide comfort to patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Photos by Kelley Cooper

The soft fur, cold nose and wagging tail of a dog are a welcome and comforting sight for any animal lover, especially on a stress-filled day. But for children experiencing a tough time, whether a death in the family, a hospital stay, health concern or bullying at school, dogs and other pets can provide a valuable therapeutic touch.

Animals can help children open up about their feelings in a way that adults sometimes can’t, says Janet Breen, an outpatient therapist at Methodist Family Health’s Kaleidoscope Grief Center in Little Rock. At the center, certified therapy dogs are used in group grief counseling to help families in bereavement focus on the present and regulate their emotions. Often, when someone has trouble talking about their feelings or interacting with others, they will interact with a dog, she says.

“Animals can be a buffer to stress,” Breen says. “They can help break the ice and help people relax.”

Health-care providers, therapeutic agencies and other organizations in central Arkansas use animal-assisted therapy in a variety of ways, including mental, behavioral or occupational therapy, all with the ultimate goal of providing comfort to a child.

At Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the T.A.I.L.S. (Therapeutic Animal Intervention Lifts Spirits) program allows patients to interact with trained therapy dogs. The goal is to normalize a child’s stay at the hospital, says Esther Pipkin, T.A.I.L.S coordinator and child life specialist at ACH. Pipkin says many of the children have pets at home, so seeing dogs around the hospital is a comforting and familiar sight in a very unfamiliar environment.

The dogs also help reduce the patient’s pain and anxiety.

“Sometimes an animal can reach kids better than we can,” she says.

Dogs at ACH make bedside visits and are available in playrooms and clinics at certain times to provide kids with a sense of warmth, which helps them feel more in control. Children also collect trading cards with the dog’s photo and information, says Pipkin, who started T.A.I.L.S. in 2001.

Organizations require that dogs and their handlers, who are usually volunteers, be trained and certified before they are allowed to interact with any patients.

Breen says studies have shown that the presence of animals can help decrease heart rates and blood pressure, enhance overall emotional well-being and provide an outlet for nervous energy, common among individuals seeking therapy or other types of treatment. Anyone of any ability or disability can benefit from

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10 Ways to Set Yourself Up For

New Puppy Success

By Christina Katz Nothing makes a house feel like a home and bonds a family together better than a scampering little bundle of fur, grrs and face-licks. But let’s keep things real, folks. That sweet, helpless man’s best friend is also an animal with instincts, which need to be channeled, pronto, before your little cutie pie morphs—seemingly overnight—into a weapon of mass home destruction.

So, if you want to keep your home intact tomorrow, do not dally today.

Gaze into those puddly, I-will-never-leave-your-side eyes, and promise your little home-wrecker that you will do whatever it takes to keep him and your home puppy-safe.

1. Get a puppy-training crate. Because puppies have endless energy and you don’t, your dog is going to need safe haven. So don’t wait. Get the right size dog crate so your pup can stand up easily with a little room to grow. Until your pup is done teething, an old towel is all he needs for a bed.

Best part: you can put your puppy in his crate, leave the room or the house, and know you have temporarily dismantled your little puppy bomb, for a short time, anyway.

2. Straight to the vet. Any animal you bring into your home needs a clean bill of health and several rounds of inoculations to keep it and your family safe. Use the crate to safely transport your pup to the vet. Resist the urge to let your puppy be loose or on your lap in the car. Puppies are usually unfazed by quick trips to the vet for multiple shots in the shoulder and they often sleep longer after they receive their vaccinations.

3. Gate him off. If you let your dog run loose throughout your home, you are asking for trouble. Designate puppysafe areas indoors, which can be cordoned off, and do not have electrical cords or loose items that could become shock or choking hazards. Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms work best for a young pup.

Think puppy-proof instead of baby-proof.

4. Schedule your alarms.

Eventually your pup will be able to make it all the way through the night without any potty breaks. Until then, set an alarm for the amount of time you know he can hold it. Otherwise, you are teaching him how to wake you whenever he wants.

When the alarm goes off, scoot that 34 | savvy k i ds September 2013

pup straight outside, give the command to go and praise the results. Then, in the future, every time your pup comes out of his crate, he’ll remember where he’s supposed to go.

5. Meet your best friend’s best friend. Every dog trainer has a magic treat that can get a puppy to do anything she wants. Believe it or not, for most trainers, this treat is freeze-dried liver. You may as well buy a large tub of the beige, chalky stuff for the first six months of your pup’s life. Wield your dried liver wisely and judiciously for good behavior and you will quickly train your savage beast.

6. Buy best quality. If you eat quality food, offer the same to your pup. It may cost a little more, but think of higher-priced, higher-quality food as an investment. Just like an apple a day keeps the doctor away, a couple scoops of high-quality food keep the vet away. Two feedings a day, at daylight and dusk, work well for most families. Your new puppy will also need constant access to fresh, clean water except when he’s asleep in his crate.

7. Go natural. Dogs prefer natural bones and chew things that come from digestible, dehydrated animal parts. Bonus: real bones and animal parts are unlikely to be confused by your pup with everyday household items like slippers, shoes and stuffed animals. Be especially leery of rawhide chews, no matter how rampant in pet stores, because they do not digest easily. And don’t forget to get bitter before you become bitter, by purchasing Bitter Apple spray to apply to furniture legs, upholstery or any chewable surfaces within your pup’s reach during teething time.

8. Be ready for anything. Things will likely not always turn out the way you would like. And by “things,” I am referring, of course, to pee and poop. If you are prepared for an accident before it happens, you will be less likely to freak if and when it does. So, be prepared for the worst and when the unthinkable happens, try not to over-react. Keep clean-up supplies and enzyme spray at the ready to remove the pee-hither scent from the scene of the crime.

9. Keep cool. You would never hit or scold your child harshly for making a mistake during potty training, right? So when your little guy has a whoopsie, redirect without scolding. Never use physical punishment or yell.

Just calmly take your puppy outside to finish the job and then calmly put him in his crate. Clean up the mess without grumbling and spray the spot with enzyme neutralizer to eliminate the likelihood of a repeat.

10. Get ready to play. Make sure your pup gets enough time outside and plenty of exercise even if it’s winter, and you will benefit from less wear and tear on your home and stuff. A few times a day, let him run loose outside with supervision or take him out on a leash and plan to run a bit yourself.

Plenty of fresh air and exercise is good for the whole family and puppies that get enough exercise sleep better, too. And if it’s too cold outside, just get down on the floor and play. When you wear your little guy out before bedtime, you’ll all sleep better.

Enjoy your puppy! He won’t stay little for long. In return, he will provide love and companionship for the whole family.

Author and journalist Christina Katz knows that sweet puppies turn into even sweeter dogs. Her latest book is The Writer’s Workout from Writer’s Digest Books.

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| 35

The ER Dilemma: Is that injury worth a trip?

By Lisa Lakey Each year, emergency room doctors treat more than 13 million children for injury related visits. The most common ailments fall under three categories: head injuries, lacerations and orthopedic injuries.

While no parent wants an ER visit, it’s often hard to know when an injury warrants urgent care. But fear not. Dr. John Soud, of Velocity Urgent Care Center in Little Rock and a board certified emergency medicine physician, clears up some of the confusion and offers some tips for treating the minor injuries at home.

Head Injuries Falls tend to be the most common reason for an emergency room visit, behind a head injury, especially among emerging walkers. Bicycle injuries are high on the list too, so strap on those helmets no matter how much your child protests.

Although scary, Soud assures us that most head injuries are non-life threatening. But there are warning signs that a bump on the head could be more.

“The first thing you look for any time there’s a head injury is a loss of consciousness,” he says. “That will usually indicate a little more significant injury.”

In addition to loss of consciousness, he says to watch out for vomiting, restlessness and irritability with any head injury.

“Even if none of those symptoms occur, but your child just doesn’t seem right,” Soud says, “that can be a better indicator than anything else. Trust your instincts.”

If your child seems otherwise OK, keep him or her at home so that you can observe any changes in behavior. You can also ice the area to reduce swelling.

Soud reassures parents that a “goose egg” isn’t anything to be worried about.

Lacerations Many lacerations look far worse than they are because the sight of blood can send any parent into a frenzy. Soud says any gaping wounds will more than likely need stitches. If the cut is in a cosmetically sensitive area, such as 36 | savvy k i ds September 2013

eyebrows or lips, it is best to be seen by a medical professional because scarring can be minimized with quicker treatment. Still unsure?

“Look at the cut and say ‘are those edges close enough together to heal on their own?’” Soud says. “Once your child calms down and the bleeding has stopped, take your fingers and if you can pinch the wound and the edges touch together more than likely it will be fine with a butterfly bandage or regular Band-Aid.” He says to treat it at home, keep the wound clean with a mixture of half peroxide and half water applied with a cotton ball twice a day, and take it easy on the antibiotic ointment. Use only a thin layer if you must to prevent sticking to the bandage, but studies have shown it does little to prevent infections and can prevent healing by keeping the wound moist.

Orthopedic Injuries Wrist injuries are the most common orthopedic injury in children, Soud says. If the skin is broken or you can see a bump sticking out from the site, an ER trip may be necessary. Swelling and bruising can be a bit deceiving though.

“If there is swelling and bruising beyond what you think is normal for a simple twist of the ankle or a fall on the wrist then I would get seen,” Soud says.

“Anytime there is significant swelling and bruising usually there’s a fracture of some sort.”

If it is something that can be treated at home, Soud says to remember RICE. Rest the area of injury by getting your weight off of it and not using it for a bit. Ice the area. Use Compression like an ace bandage. Elevate it above heart level. If your child can take anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, it can help to reduce pain and swelling.

With any injury, if it doesn’t see improvement in a few days or seems to get worse, always consult with your pediatrician.

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

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Savvy Arts

Bringing Stories to Life A preview of the 2013-14 Children’s Theatre season

By Jade Fitch • Illustrations by David Hohn* For 34 years, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre has brought stories to life on the stage. From characters dressed in full costume, to creative stage designs, the stories magically transform into artistic entertainment for all ages.

Each season brings new and entertaining shows for children and their families, and the upcoming 2013-14 season is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

This season features six main stage plays, which “represent a well-rounded lineup of productions diverse in style, subject matter and genre; there is a particular eye to contemporary titles and themes,” says theatre artistic director Bradley Anderson.

The 2013–14 season opens on Sept. 20 with “Pinkalicious,” a story about a little girl who loves pink cupcakes, and runs through Oct. 6. From Oct. 25 to Nov. 10, audiences can enjoy “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” a story written by Keith Smith, the theatre’s resident playwright, based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. “The Engine That Thought It Could” takes the stage from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15, with special holiday shows at 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

In the new year, audiences can enjoy a comical production of “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type,” a story based on Doreen Cronin’s book, from Jan. 24 to Feb. 9. From March 7-23, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” will be showing with special spring break matinees on March 18-21 at 2:00 p.m. The season closes with “Sleeping Beauty” on April 25 to May 11.

The Children’s Theatre also “transports the magic from the main stage to communities throughout Arkansas in three touring productions each year,” Anderson says. This year’s Children’s Theatre on Tour productions include “The Velveteen Rabbit,” Nov. 12 to Dec. 20; “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Feb. 13 to March 21; and, “The Engine That Thought It Could,” April 1 to May 9.

“By bringing performances to schools, libraries, festivals and more, the Children’s Theatre is able to fulfill its mission of offering quality arts experiences to communities throughout the entire state,” Anderson says.

In 1979, the Children’s Theatre “began as a professional organization to produce, both on the main stage and on tour, the finest theatre in the region,” says Anderson, who started the theatre, along with the Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees. The goal has always been “producing a powerful, fun and exciting series of plays for young people and their families,” he says. Since the beginning, Anderson says the Children’s Theatre has “grown tremendously in size and scope, but stays true to its original mission: to respect the hearts and minds of children and offer shows that challenge and excite them.”

It takes a number of people working together to make each play a success.

From actors and costume designers, to set designers, lots of people work together to bring each story to life on stage. According to Anderson, “a core of professional actors from across the country, as well as students who have been training in the summer theatre programs” are the actors in each play. Also, all costumes and sets are designed and constructed in house.

The Children’s Theater is located at 501 East Ninth St. in downtown Little Rock. Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The tickets are $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members and $12.50 for nonmembers; season ticket packages are also available. For more information, call (501) 372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com.

Jade Fitch is a freelance writer and editor. She earned her master of arts in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

42 | savvy k i ds September 2013

*Except for “Pinkalicious,” which is is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Worldwide (TRW), 570 Seventh Avenue, Suite, 2100, New York, NY 10018. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com

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September 2013 savvy k i ds

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Calendar

september2013

Calendar of Events LABOR DAY LAKE CRUISE September 1: A park interpreter will lead this relaxing trip to Lake Maumelle, with Pinnacle Mountain looming on the horizon and views of beautiful landscapes, historic structures and the lake’s resident wildlife.

Advance payment and registration is required.

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

Meeting place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. For more information, call (501) 868-5806.

REMBRANDT, VAN DYCK, GAINSBOROUGH: THE TREASURES OF KENWOOD HOSE, LONDON September 1-8: This Arkansas Arts Center exhibition features 48 works representing the greatest artists of their periods, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Thomas Gainsborough, Anthony van Dyck, Frans Hals, Joshua Reynolds, J.M.W. Turner and more. Most of these paintings have never traveled to the States before, and many of them have rarely been seen outside Kenwood House. For more information, call (501) 372-4000.

HOW PEOPLE MAKE THINGS EXHIBIT September 1-22: Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Factory Tours, this exhibit at the Museum of Discovery tells the story of how objects in our world are made and features hands-on activities, role playing opportunities and live demonstrations. Admission is $10 adults, $8 ages 1-12, and free for kids under 1 and members. Visit www.museumofdiscovery.org for details.

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF PATENT MODELS September 1-29: These wonderful and fascinating original antiques range from stunning, intricately crafted miniature weaving looms, motors and bridges to common household items such as washing machines, vehicles, mechanical toys, caskets, swing sets and the checker. This exhibit will intrigue and delight viewers of all ages, from gadget and invention buffs to everyday folks.

Location: Historic Arkansas Museum. For more information, call (501) 324-9351 or visit www.historicarkansas.org.

September

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MASM DINOSAURS September 1 and 2: Visit the last two days of the Mid-America Science Museum’s special exhibit about dinosaurs. For more information, call (501) 767-3461 or visit www. midamericamuseum.org.

WIGGLE WORMS – STICKY SALT September 3: Wiggle Worms is a weekly program on Tuesdays at the Museum of Discovery, which introduces science to young explorers age 6 and under through a fun experiment. This week’s theme is Sticky Salt.

Event time: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Admission: $10 adults; $8 ages 1-12; free for kids under 1 and members. Visit www.museumofdiscovery.org for details.

8TH ANNUAL GOLF BALL DROP September 5: Independent Living Services is hosting its 8th Annual Golf Ball Drop. Attendees will have the chance to win $2,013. Proceeds will help the organization expand its transportation fleet, improve existing programs and develop new programs to help individuals with intellectual disabilities live as independently as possible. Event time: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Location: Centennial Valley Country Club. Visit www.indliving.org for details.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday THE PROMENADE EXPRESS TRAIN RIDES The Promenade at Chenal is offering Express Train Rides on the weekends. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Rides are $3 for kids under 13, $2 for teens and $1 for adults. Visit www. chenalshopping.com for more details.

BIG MAUMELLE CANOE FLOAT September 7: Paddle your way through Pinnacle’s majestic lowland river while viewing cypress trees and a variety of wildlife.

Advance payment is required. Admission: $35 per person. Meeting place: Big Maumelle Boat Launch. For more information, call (501) 868-5806.

WISH GRANTING 101 September 7: A Wish Granting training session will be held in Memphis, Tenn. for anyone interested in becoming a Wish Granting Volunteer through Make-A-Wish. Event time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up, call (901) 692-9511 or email mseidel@midsouth.wish. org. Registration is required.

PAWS ON THE PAVEMENT 2013 September 7: This annual 5K and Fun Walk benefits Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE). Location: Murray Park. Register online at www. careforanimals.org.

GED PREP CLASSES September 7, 14, 21 and 28: Sickle Cell Support Services is proud to announce FREE GED prep classes for individuals who live in the Granite Mountain, Wrightsville, Sweet Home, College Station, Higgins Switch, Hensley and Woodson areas. Call (501) 9183000 for details.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays STORYTIME AT LAMAN LIBRARY This event features stories and crafts for kids ages 3-5. Event time: 10 a.m. Location: William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary.org for details.

WIGGLE WORMS – DEFYING GRAVITY September 10: Wiggle Worms is a weekly program on Tuesdays at the Museum of Discovery, which introduces science to young explorers age 6 and under through a fun experiment. This week’s theme is Defying Gravity. Event time: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Admission: $10 adults; $8 ages 1-12; free for kids under 1 and members. Visit www.museumofdiscovery. org for details.

HEART OF ARKANSAS UNITED WAY September 11: The public is invited to a free lunch at United Way’s 2013 Campaign Kick-Off at Dickey-Stephens Park, along with music from Phil G and Lori Marie. A variety of door prizes will be announced at the end of the event. Admission is FREE. Wednesdays BABYTIME AT LAMAN LIBRARY Beginning Sept. 11: This lapsit program features action rhymes, songs and stories for ages 6 months to 2 years. Event time: 10 a.m. Location: William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary.org for details.

Wednesdays PUZZLEMANIA AT LAMAN LIBRARY Beginning Sept. 11: Children of all ages can enjoy puzzles. Event time: 4 to 6 p.m. Location: William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary. org for details.

CREATION STATION AT LAMAN LIBRARY September 12: Children of all ages can enjoy a special craft. Event time: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Location: William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary. org for details.

8TH ANNUAL THEA PAVES THE WAY September 14: Kick off the 2013-’14 school year with this family event, which aims to engage students, teachers, families, community groups and others in collaborative art. Teachers who register their students have a chance to win a $250 gift certificate for art supplies. Also, students and teachers will receive free admission to the Clinton Library on this day. Location: William J. Clinton Presidential Center front lawn. Event time: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Space is limited.

Participants are encouraged to register online

by Sept. 12 at www.theafoundation.org.

AETN FAMILY DAY September 14: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is the theme for this year’s community AETN Family Day, featuring educational activities, costume contests and special appearances by PBS KIDS characters Martha of “Martha Speaks,” Daniel Tiger of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” Clifford the Big Red Dog and more. Event time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 350 S. Donaghey, Conway. Free.

Visit www.aetn.org for details.

VETERINARY BREAKFAST September 14: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and an introduction to the world of zoo veterinarians. This very special breakfast will include: Meeting the Little Rock Zoo Vet staff, a tour of the Little Rock Zoo hospital facility, an introduction to animal capture equipment, anesthetic equipment, laboratory equipment, microscopic viewing of animal blood, an introduction to radiology equipment and interesting x-rays. Seating is limited to 20 guests. Guests must be 12 years old or older.

Reservations required. Event time: 8 a.m.

Admission: Members, Adult $16.95, Child $12.95; Non-Members, Adult $21.95, Child $16.95. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 661-7218.

ARTS EXTRAVACANSA September 14: This is a kick-off event for the first annual Arkansas-based festival presenting art in all forms…visual, musical, theatrical, performance. Arts Extravacansa previews next year’s ACANSA Arts Festival (Sept. 19-27, 2014) with an exciting sampling of performance, Southern food and drink, silent auction and drawings. Admission: $100.

Meeting place: William J. Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, call (501) 663-2287.

ANNUAL BOY SCOUT RETREAT September 14 and 15: The staff at Pinnacle Mountain State Park will host their second annual Boy Scout Retreat. Scouts will need to provide their own tents and food.

Contact the park for registration details at (501) 868-5806.

WIGGLE WORMS – SOLID, LIQUID, GAS September 17: Wiggle Worms is a weekly program on Tuesdays at the Museum of Discovery, which introduces science to young explorers age 6 and under through a fun experiment. This week’s theme is Solid, Liquid, Gas. Event time: 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Admission: $10 adults; $8 ages 1-12; free for kids under 1 and members. Visit www. museumofdiscovery.org for details.

ZOO BREW September 19: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a frothy celebration like no other at Zoo Brew! Sample dozens of beers, listen to the tunes of one of the greatest cover bands around and enjoy tasty food vendors. Event Place: The zoo’s Café Africa and the Civitan Pavilion, rain or shine. Tickets include a souvenir pilsner glass (while supplies last); $20 per person. Please bring ID. Must be 21 or older to attend. Call (501) 661-7208 for more information or to purchase tickets.

LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK September 19: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is hosting a Light the Night Walk, a nationwide evening fundraising walk to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer.

Attendees walk along a one-mile route carrying illuminated balloons: white for patients and survivors, red for supporters and gold for team walking in memory of a loved one. Admission: Encouraged to raise $100. Location: Rivermarket Amphitheater.

Event time: Registration, 5:30 p.m.; walk begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information about time and place, call (501) 227-6416 or e-mail kim.dupas@lls.org.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE SALES EVENT September 19-21: Arkansas’ original, and largest, children’s clothing consignment.

Duck Duck Goose has a great reputation for having an incredible selection of quality items. 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.

PINKALICIOUS September 20 – October 6: The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre opens its 2013-’14 season with “Pinkalicious,” about a little girl who loves pink cupcakes. Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Call (501) 372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com for details or to purchase tickets.

THE TEDDY BEAR PICNIC September 21: Bring your teddy bear to the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock to hear stories, play games and enter the bear cave. Free and open to kids of all ages. Location: The library’s lecture hall.

Event time: 2 p.m. Visit www.lamanlibrary. org for details.

BREAKFAST WITH ELEPHANTS September 21: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about Elephants.

Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! Event time: 8 a.m. Admission: Members, Adult $16.95, Child $12.95; NonMembers, Adult $21.95, Child $16.95. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 661-7218.

GREAT ARKANSAS CLEANUP September 21: Celebrate the beauty of the Natural State by joining volunteers all over Arkansas in cleaning up our green spaces.

Place your mark at Pinnacle Mountain State Park by helping to beautify the first and only park in Arkansas located next to a major metropolitan area. Contact the volunteer coordinator at the park for more information at (501) 868-5806.

HARVESTFEST 2013 September 21: Presented by the Hillcrest Merchants Association, Harvestfest is a one day event each fall in the historic Little Rock neighborhood of Hillcrest. It offers activities including: 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. Location: Kavanaugh Boulevard between Walnut and Monroe. A portion of proceeds are donated to the Center for Children & Families and the Allen School. For more information and event schedule, visit www.harvestfest.us.

WIGGLE WORMS – KITCHEN CHEMISTRY WITH ARGENTA MARKET September 24: Wiggle Worms is a weekly program on Tuesdays at the Museum of Discovery, which introduces science to young explorers age 6 and under through a fun experiment. This week’s theme is Kitchen Chemistry with Argenta Market. Event time: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Admission: $10 adults; $8 ages 1-12; free for kids under 1 and members. Visit www.museumofdiscovery.org for details.

SCIENCE AFTER DARK SEPTEMBEER September 25: Learn the science of brewery as adults take over the Museum of Discovery. Event time: 6 to 8 p.m. Visit www. museumofdiscovery.org for details.

WICKED September 25-30: “WICKED” returns to Robinson Center Music Hall. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One-born with emerald green skin-is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time,” says the USA Today. Call Celebrity Attractions for pricing and tickets at (501) 244-8800.

CREATION STATION AT LAMAN LIBRARY September 26: Children of all ages can enjoy a special craft. Event time: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Location: William F. Laman Public Library

in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary. org for details.

20TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE TOWN September 26: The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s 20th 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, with more than 30 local restaurants, caterers and drink distributors participating. Proceeds support the Chamber’s educational programs, such as Arkansas Scholars, Leadership Renaissance, Vital Link and fund local scholarships in the community.

Event time: 5 to 7 p.m. Admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For more information, call (501) 372-5959 or visit www. nlrtasteofthetown.com.

2013 SALT BOWL AND TAILGATE PARTY September 27: The largest high school tailgate party in Arkansas will take place at War Memorial Stadium. Vendors 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 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.wmstadium. com.

ARKANSAS SOUNDS MUSIC FESTIVAL September 28: Hosted by the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, this event features workshops and concerts for children and teens. The Kinders will perform at 10:30 a.m. on the third floor of the Main Library downtown for kids age 6 and under. At the Level 4 Teen Center, there will be a Hip Hop Songwriting and Production Workshop led

by Big Piph and Ferocious for ages 7-12 at 1 p.m. and ages 13-19 at 2 p.m. All activities are free. For details, visit www.arkansassounds.org.

BREAKFAST WITH OTTERS September 28: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about Otters.

Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! Event time: 8 a.m. Admission: Members, Adult $16.95, Child $12.95; NonMembers, Adult $21.95, Child $16.95. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 661-7218.

NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY CELEBRATION September 28: Special displays and activities highlight wildlife and fish conservation for all age groups during this celebration.

Event time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event place: Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. Admission: FREE. For more information, call (501) 907-0636.

SAFETY WEEKEND September 28 and 29: Pinnacle Mountain State Park will be hosting a series of programs designed to help keep you and your family safe! This weekend event will feature programs on a variety of topics including hiking safety, fire safety, what to do if you get lost and much more. Contact the park for more details at (501) 868-5806.

RONALD MCDONALD GOLF CLASSIC September 29 and 30: The 20th Annual Ronald McDonald Golf Classic boasts an incredible four person scramble tournament with two flights at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the prestigious and award winning course at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock.

There will be amazing prizes, delicious food, and great player gifts. In addition, teams will receive tickets to the pre-tournament party, called A Red Shoe Affair-There’s No Place Like Our Home Away From Home to be held at the Pleasant Valley Country Club from 5 to 9 p.m. The party has silent and live auctions, a southern indoor picnic flare and live music.

For more information, call (501) 978-3119 or email emily@rmhclittlerock.org.

2ND ANNUAL MISSION: POSSIBLE FUNDRAISER September 12: The mission for this fundraiser for Helping Hand is eat, drink and bid. Several auction items are available including a Vegas exotic supercar driving experience, a guitar signed by 15 country legends, a trip for two to the ESPY Awards 2014, VIP Churchill Downs Trip for two, round of golf for two at Del Monte in Monterey, Calif. (airfare included), movie poster signed by the Harry Potter cast, a signed Justin Bieber photo, framed movie poster signed by all six James Bonds and more! Location: Next Level Events. Event time: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $50. For details, visit www.helpinghandcc.com.

BIG DAM BRIDGE 100 September 28: The race starts at La Harpe and the finish line is at Main and 5th Streets in North Little Rock. Distances offered: 16, 30, 50, 68, and 100 miles. For more information, call (870) 246-6686 or email dltevents@yahoo.com.

5TH ANNUAL FAMILY FUN FEST September 28: Family Fun Fest includes live music and entertainment, a kids & teen zone with inflatables, hands-on activities, exciting games, rock climbing wall, creative crafts and more. We will also have over 100 vendor booths. Location: Dickey-Stephens Park. Event time: 3p.m. Admission:$5 per person. For more information, call (501) 372-5959 or email Ashley@ nlrchamber.org.

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POP TOPICS

Nobody told me this stuff:

Memories of a Social Life

By Robert Bell

As of right now, I’m about 91.4 percent sure that at one time I did have friends. I think. My wife, too — I’m almost nearly positive she once had friends as well. It even seems plausible that at some point in the past, there were several of these people who we knew and enjoyed spending time with who were not related to us by blood or by marriage, and that we would get together with them to go out to eat at a restaurant or gather at a house for something called a “party,” where we would talk about things that interested us and we would laugh and eat food and drink beverages that might contain alcohol. I think that some of these get-togethers would go on until midnight or later, if you can believe that.

See, the thing is, neither of us can remember exactly for sure who these folks are or were. Names and faces — whole chunks of our lives, really — have become blurred to the point of obscurity by time’s ever-quickening march and the relentless churn of childrearing and career obligations.

I’ll wonder aloud sometimes: “I think there was a guy called... Jesse? Jay? Something... Pretty sure he was one of my groomsmen. Maybe he got a job at the bank and got married to... Emilizabethany? Laurennifer? If she existed, she definitely had a name. Or maybe that was Jason (or was it Nathan?) and he moved out to the Bay Area to study tree rings?”

Not only does this make me feel like an enormous jerk, but it drives home the fact that I’ve more or less become a lethargic, borderline-schlubby presence clad in seven-year-old khakis who doesn’t ever see anyone or do any adult things that are also fun.

And I know that it doesn’t have to be this way. Or I’m reasonably sure it might not have to be this way.

I have a theory that there are other parents —younger parents, with more energy, I imagine — who manage to have young children while also maintaining social lives. I can picture them now: a happy family unit with a 3-year-old and a 9-month-old, buzzing around town in a sporty little import crossover/ SUV, on their way to attend a barbecue with a bunch of their college buddies, who are also svelte and cheery and who have very young children yet also hang out with their friends all the time. Now, I don’t ever see these people of course, because I’m never at any of these types of events, but I feel like they must exist. Right?

Oh, and movies — that’s the other thing I’m pretty sure I used to see but can’t seem to pin down any specifics on. I remember “Star Wars” and “Terminator 2” pretty well, but I’m pretty shaky when it comes to anything more recent than “Anchorman.” I think they did a remake of “Batman” recently.

Does that sound right?

46 | savvy k i ds September 2013

I’m hoping to emerge from this fog here in a few years, when our children are older and have stopped their vampire-like draining of all our excess energy and mental stamina. But you know, if it doesn’t, I suppose I could learn to be happy inside the fog.

I mean by then I’m sure I’ll have no recollection whatsoever of how it used to be.

Wait, what was I talking about?

Mount Nebo State Park

Come face-to-face with nature.

ate rld in an Arkansas st Explore the natural wo u yo uce rod int reters will park. Our park interp joy En . ds un so sights and to a variety of new ture in a place where na of the wonder experience. learning is a hands-on Pa rk s. co m A rk an sa sS ta te

September 2013 savvy k i ds

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

EVERY DAY

Kids Eat FREE!

CiCi’s Pizza Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

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

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

Conway: 1010 Main St., (501) 336-1000 Larry’s Pizza Ages 4 and under.

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

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

Dine in only.

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

MONDAY

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

Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Road, (501) 225-1900 Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 758-8800 N. Little Rock: 4830 North Hills Blvd., (501) 753-0081 Chick-Fil-A First Monday of each month N. Little Rock: 4320 McCain Blvd., (501) 945-1818 Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria Kids’ Night for 12 and under. 8” pepperoni or cheese pizzas are $1.99.

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

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 The Promenade at Chenal Get a free kid’s meal with a paid adult at the following restaurants located at The Promenade at Chenal: A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, The Tavern Sports Grill, Big Orange, Local Lime and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. 11 48 | savvy k i ds September 2013

a.m. to 7 p.m., lunch and dinner kids menu entrees only.

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

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

Shorty Small’s Up to two kids’ meals free per paying adult.

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

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

TUESDAY

Arkansas Burger Company One free kid’s meal per adult meal purchase. Dine in only, 5-9 p.m.

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

Maumelle: 115 Audubon Drive, (501) 803-3500 Denny’s Restaurant Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 Golden Corral Discounted prices for kids 12 and under, and ages 3 and under always eat free.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 Lonestar Steakhouse All day Little Rock: 10901 Rodney Parham, (501) 227-8898 Mooyah Burgers One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

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

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

WEDNESDAY

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

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 Zaxby’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased.

Bryant: 2207 N. Reynolds Road, (501) 847-3800 (ages 10 and under) Cabot: 2215 W. Main St., (501) 941-2601

(ages 12 and under) Conway: 3800 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-5000 (ages 12 and under)

THURSDAY

Captain D’s Benton: 1419 Military Road, (501) 778-7909 Hot Springs: 1906 Central St., (501) 321-4288 Jacksonville: 1109 W. Main St., (501) 982-3330 Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Road, (501) 568-6244 N. Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., (501) 758-5144 Mexico Chiquito One free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 12 and under. Dine in only.

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

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

SATURDAY

Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Restaurant Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 Denny’s Restaurant Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

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

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

SUNDAY

Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Restaurant Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 Corky’s Kid’s meals are half off, 4 p.m. to close Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Drive, (501) 954-7427

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

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SAVVY EVENTS

Everything Clay Art Extravaganza!

Photos by Brian Chilson

In July, kids ages 6 to 9 got the chance to play with clay at the Arkansas Arts Center’s Everything Clay Art Extravaganza. During the week-long morning camp, youngsters learned about different ways to make pots, plates and more. Everyone enjoyed getting their hands dirty!

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Learning to make pottery Caroline Wygal and Ava Martin Maysa Hartter Avery Robertson Will Thomas and Cooper Neal Fun with clay!

Max Mcgaha Zoya Khan Fun with clay!

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Back-to-School Bash!

Photos by Patrick Jones

The Promenade at Chenal hosted its Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 3, with games, giveaways and more. A few lucky youngsters received free movie tickets to the Chenal 9 IMAX, and mom and dad enjoyed some tax-free shopping. There was also a Goodwill donation drop-off, where families could donate gently used school clothing and gear.

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Kajuan Richardson Spin the Wheel!

Eliyah and Brian Dailey Beyah Jimenaz Kami Reeves Kailee Walker Games at the Bash!

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SAVVY EVENTS

Lamanpalooza!

Photos by Patrick Jones

On Aug. 2, the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock held its annual Lamanpalooza to celebrate the end of its summer reading program and the upcoming school year. The community-wide event featured lots of family-friendly activities, like games, music, face painting and more.

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Will Hockaday Marcus Hayes Jacob Gray Aaron and Nathan Lam Dunking booth!

Joel Fernandez The Sand People Adelle and Sela Perez Journel Spencer

10 Not-So-Proud Moments in Parenting

By Heidi SmitH Luedtke 6.

You gush “the neighbor kids are such a bad influence!” when your kid cusses like a rap star at playgroup. Silently, you vow to clean up your language if you aren’t struck dead on the spot.

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When he asks about avian anatomy, you tell your son the “nugget” comes from the chicken’s backside. He repeats your explanation to the school lunch lady using the phrase “chicken butts.” She doesn’t find it so funny.

but yes to brownies for breakfast. With milk.

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You instituted topless spaghetti dinners to avoid marinara stains that just won’t come out. The kids tell your mother-in-law they eat dinner naked.

Your preschooler enthusiastically commends you for “making a poopie” in a crowded public restroom. Strangers clap as you exit the stall.

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You let your son take the heat when he throws his dad’s souvenir homerun baseball into the swimming pool. It doesn’t matter who threw the first pitch, right?!

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You insist your kids share toys, treats and TV time but hoard fancy chocolates and diet Coke out of sight. Mom needs some guilty pleasures all her own.

1. Your 2-year-old performs her rendition of “Sexy and I Know It” for all the adults at the church picnic. Inquiring minds want to know where she learned it.

2. You say no to sugared cereals

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When the tooth fairy goes missing in action, you tell the kids she’s on strike because they don’t floss twice a day.

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Your daughter tells her first-grade class that her dad wears panties. Apparently the distinction between boxers, briefs and women’s underwear is unclear to 6-year-olds.

52 | savvy k i dsSEPTEMBER September2013 2013 savvy kids

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two. Despite frequent failings, her kids think she’s supermom.

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Savvy science

CHICKEN IN A CUP: Project Courtesy of Museum of Discovery

Create a pet chicken with this introduction to the science of sound.

What you need: A plastic drinking cup Yarn or cotton string (nylon string will not work well) 1 paper clip Paper towel A nail Scissors Water

Directions: 1. Cut a piece of yarn about 20 inches long.

2. Punch a hole in the center of the bottom of the cup with the nail.

3. Tie one end of the yarn to the middle of the paper clip.

4. Push the other end of the yarn through the hole in the cup and pull 54 | savvy k i ds September 2013

it through.

5. Get a piece of paper towel about the size of a dollar bill, then fold it once and get it damp in the water.

6. To make a clucking sound, hold the cup firmly in one hand, and wrap the damp paper towel around the string near the cup. While you squeeze the string, pull down in short jerks so that the paper towel tightly slides along the string.

How Does It work?

This is an example of how a sounding board works. The vibrations from the string would not make a sound without the cup. The cup spreads the vibrations and makes them louder. Pianos use a wooded sounding board to amplify sound.

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