Suburban Parent: Grapevine

MARCH 2016 | FREE suburbanparent.com

GRAPEVINE | COLLEYVILLE | SOUTHLAKE | KELLER | TROPHY CLUB | ROANOKE ARLINGTON | MANSFIELD | HURST | EULESS | BEDFORD | NORTH RICHLAND HILLS

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DIRECTORY OUR ARTS ISSUE

EXPOSE YOURSELF TO

THE ARTS

ARLINGTON’S CHOICE FOR FAMILY DENTISTRY

Kellie Johnson, Welcoming New Patients!

Dr. Kellie Johnson, DDS has an extensive background in dental medicine and is a member of the following dental organizations: •

Alpha Kappa Alpha

•

American Dental Association

•

National Dental Association

•

Texas Association of Women Dentists

•

Academy of General Dentists

•

Texas Dental Association

DDS

Together with her talented staff, Dr. Johnson builds beautiful smiles for all ages. When visiting her office, you will find state-of-the-art treatment in a relaxed, caring, and comfortable atmosphere.

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Offering many facets of dentistry including: Family, General, Pediatric, Surgical and Cosmetic Dentistry

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Most PPO Insurance, CHIP and Medicaid are accepted

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Payment plans available for extensive dental procedures and non-insured patients

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Accepts most credit cards, care credit and capital one

KELLIE JOHNSON, DDS 3900 Arlington Highlands Blvd.

Suite #245 Arlington, TX 76018

817-466-8383

www.happysmilesdentistry.com

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Mary Ellen Caldwell, RD, LD, CLT editor@suburbanparent.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Patrick Hempfing Christina Katz Ken Swarner

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MARY SHARES WELCOME TO OUR “A L L A B O U T T H E A R T S ” I S S U E !

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hy are we so interested in the Arts? Well, it has become apparent that having interests in the Arts is beneficial for our whole-self; especially for our children. Learning to create during the early development stages helps our kids for future development. Yes, even cutting paper strips to make a paper chain helps with this; that’s why we recommend it in our “We Love This” feature page. Something so simple can build very important motor skills, language skills (talking about the different colors and shapes), and visual learning.

I can remember my son had a thing for golf balls; we had to keep one (or more) in the car so he could hold it in his little hand. Somehow JESUS SAID TO during a car ride, there was not a ball in the car and he was not happy. So HER, “I AM THE I grabbed a receipt and crunched it up into a tight ball and said, “Hey, I RESURRECTION AND made a ball!” This worked and he was happy again. Later, at home, I saw THE LIFE. HE WHO him with some paper from the magazine basket trying to make a ball with BELIEVES IN ME WILL LIVE, EVEN THOUGH his tiny hands. Now grown, he is studying engineering at Texas A&M! HE DIES; AND Fire up both hemispheres of the brain! I read that in order for the WHOEVER LIVES brain to be efficient, the two hemispheres must work together; so AND BELIEVES IN ME stimulating and exercising the right side of the brain with creativity WILL NEVER DIE. matters. Talk to your kids about interesting art, their own and others; — JOHN 11:25-26 dance to different types of music. My niece loved dancing with long ribbons in both hands at a very young age; her mom would play music and she would dance to the rhythms with her ribbons flowing all around her. Play with musical instruments, maybe you have a flute hiding away; get it out! Go to museums and check out the art and then visit the children’s center. Many of our local museums offer amazing hands-on experiences.

And to celebrate Easter, color Easter eggs! Let your kids choose the color coordination. Moms, it’s okay if it’s not perfect (or even attractive); it’s ART!

EDITORIAL editor@suburbanparent.com

PHONE/MAIL 972.887.7779 8344 Sterling Street Irving, Texas 75063

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Belle was born to perform! She has her very own “Pop Star” stage at home where she enjoys acting and singing for anyone who will watch. She takes drama classes and was recently cast in a play as the character “Chanel”. So forget Belle; call her Belle Chanel.

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2015

YOU SHOULD KNOW Sing to Read One way to improve reading fluency is to have your kids read along to songs they love to sing. Try it! Give them a lyric sheet and watch the progress.

Sure, in the beginning the words are mostly memorized, but after repeated reading, they’ll start to recognize the words. Its great fun and any song you both enjoy will work.

Go on, make a playlist, print out the lyrics and start singing.

LET THEM PLAY WITH SCISSORS! Not unattended of course, but yes; most kids are ready to start using scissors at age 2. Learning to use scissors properly early on helps develop the fine motor skills and dexterity they’ll need later for writing.

Plus they love it! Give them a good pair of safety scissors with a blunt point, but sharp enough to cut. Go over scissor safety and start with thick paper (like cardstock). Tip: Put a dot on their thumb and teach them to keep their thumb facing up. And to reiterate, never, ever leave them alone with the scissors. Once they get the cutting down, try making our spring paper chain craft (see We Love This page.)

MINDFUL EATING Eating in front of the TV (or your cell phone/computer) doesn’t just affect how much you eat at that moment; it can also affect how much you eat later.

Studies show that people who eat while distracted (be it watching TV or playing on a computer) end up snacking more, later, than people who are mindful of their meals while they eat. It’s not just about making healthier choices (although that’s true); it’s about slowing down, savoring your food and controlling your intake.

CHILDREN’S ART AT THE DALLAS ZOO Does your young child like animals and art? If so, the Dallas Zoo has a new program to foster their creativity. The Wild about Art program for children 5-8 years will capture your budding artist’s to explore their creative side using a variety of materials and art techniques; all the while being led in an animal-inspired project by a Dallas Zoo instructor! They will also enjoy up-close animal encounters to inspire them. Who doesn’t like a pink and purple striped tiger!

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EMBRACE THE ARTS Ways to “simply” include more of the arts in your child’s life.

• Make story time more dramatic by acting out stories and/or encouraging kids to create their own.

• Keep a dress up box filled with old costumes, clothes, scarves and hats.

• Maintain a well-stocked “art studio” of crayons, paints, paper, scissors, glue, etc.

• Tune to a different radio station or download some new kinds of music.

• Check out community art shows and musical events on weekends, (like “Chalk this Way” in Lewisville, April 9th; we’ll be there too) • Sign up for an art based summer camp session.

QUESTIONS { + PROFESSIONAL ANSWERS }

RIHANNA, MOM OF 2 Q. What does it mean to teach children to appreciate art?

REESE, MOM OF 2 TWEENS Q. Why is a Fine Arts Education important?

A. Teaching children to appreciate art is really

fine arts education and academic development have found that learning the fine arts actually “rewires” a student’s brain in very positive ways that benefit all areas of academics. It is therefore not surprising that school-children exposed to drama, music and dance are more proficient in core subject areas (reading, writing and math), exude higher levels of achievement, and ultimately higher graduation rates. Data shows that greater exposure to fine arts education leads to fewer disciplinary infractions, higher attendance, better teamwork skills, and a more prepared community-member for the modern workplace. Every fine arts student adds a creative voice to our greater communities. These individuals will ensure a self–sustaining arts culture in our communities for years to come.

about teaching them to consider and appreciate others’ ideas. While knowing about art history and influential artists is important, it’s more important for children to understand that all types of art is a way to communicate ideas and feelings. Giving children the power to have their own opinion about the art they view is an important step to raising children who are confident in their own ideas and can consider, but not be intimidated by, people whose views differ from theirs. Making sure your children are exposed to all kinds of art at an early age will enhance your child’s life, and will give them essential tools of expression and thought that are necessary for being happy and productive.

COLOR ME EMPOWERED, Dallas, TX

A. Studies looking into the connection between

TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS + ACADEMICS

ASHLEY, MOM OF ONE BOY. Q. My child will be attending an away camp soon. How do I say goodbye without tears?

A. You’re going to be emotional, so be prepared.

A week or so in advance discuss home sickness and let him know that it’s okay to miss you and home. Remind him that there will be many new friends that are first time campers too. Then immediately get him excited about all the amusing, heroic, enlightening, and eyebrow raising stories he can share with you when he returns! Let your child decorate the “camp” trunk and help you organize everything he will need to bring; don’t forget name labels, ready to send post cards, and bag tags! On drop-off day, smile big, give him big hug, and tell him you love him. Then pat yourself on the back for staying calm, and remember to write letters from home; campers get to receive mail!

STUCK ON YOU

WE ASKED THE SPECIALIST

Q. I know STEM is such an important topic in schools and for after school activities, but how can I teach my child to “think like an engineer” but still be creative and artistic?

STUDIO BELLA ENRICHMENT

solve problems and making sound judgments and decisions are some of the critical thinking and problem solving

A. Creativity is much more than being a painter, writer, or playing an instrument. Creativity is everywhere and in everyone; it’s a matter of developing it. Teaching skills such as how to reason effectively, utilize systems thinking, skills that use creativity. There are many programs available that teach both creativity and STEM concepts.

Activities such as designing vehicles and devices, engineering structures, creating sets and backdrops, and more, all require combining artful and creative thinking. Just remember that solving problems and using strategies are part of a creative process and you can help your child by understanding that creativity is truly everywhere.

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NOW ENROLLING

• • • • • • • • •

OPEN HOUSE April 2, (Saturday), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Does your child miss the public school birthday cut off?

Come see our accelerated Pre-K & Private Kindergarten.

Experience the true Montessori difference, a proven success with development for over 100 years.

www.nrhmontessori.com

TOUR OUR CAMPUS FROM 9:30 -11:30 AM DAILY

WE LOVE THIS { YOU WILL TOO }

CHALK THIS WAY AT THE COLORPALOOZA

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A celebration of Spring! Put your chalk artistic skills on display for everyone to see! Children will get the chance to impress visitors with their own coloring, painting, and clay skills. Out of the minds of kids come some of the most vibrant and eyecatching pieces of work! On display will also be amateur and professional chalk art, and, a chalk art scholarship contest!

GET CRAFTY

Ph ot

Photography by shanewelch.com

o credit: Mark Oristano

nart i w this game!

2 Remember that red and green paper chain garland you made for Christmastime? Give it a makeover for springtime! Make it out of pretty double-sided spring colored scrapbook paper.

You know the drill. Cut strips (with scissors or paper cutter), and then tape the ends together to form loops. Hang on your mantel, staircase or curtain rod and enjoy. We love spring!

PUPPETRY ARTS PRODUCTION

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Hansel and Gretel: You don’t need a prince and princess for your heroes to live happily ever after.

When two children get lost in an enchanted forest, they must use all their powers of imagination to save themselves from the crafty old woman in the candy house and get back to their loving parents.

The music of Engelbert Humperdinck brings an inventive theatricality to the retelling of this classic fairy tale. Another feast for the eyes and ears from Master Puppeteers. Dallas Children’s Theatre, March 4 - April 3

TAG THE ART GAME

4 We love this game because it’s fun and collaborative for any number of people of any age. How many other games can say that? Players work together to create an art piece, but no artistic talent is required. You flip a card to find out what medium to use and roll a die to find out what color to use. It’s all very random. All supplies are included and the players decide when the game (art piece) is done. Fun for artists and non-artists, it can be played alone, in small groups or large gatherings. www.tagtheartgame.com, $39.00

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suburban parent MARCH 2016

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BY C H R I S T I N A K AT Z

Why our future depends on

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CREATIVE THINKERS

f I have observed one thing after a decade of having a school-age child, it’s that arts motivate kids to perform better in school. Sure, my daughter comes from an artsy family already. Her mom is a writer and her dad is a theater director, but she’s not an extension of us; she is uniquely herself, and her exposure to a wide variety of arts helps her discover her own passions, proclivities, and personhood.

The more types of arts my daughter engages in, the happier and more motivated of a student she becomes overall, even in her most challenging academic classes. But don’t take my word for it. Check out the messages broadcasted prolifically by Sir Ken Robinson, author of the book, Finding Your Element, How to Discover Your Talents & Passions and Transform Your Life. One of the most popular TED speakers and a creativity and education expert, Robinson asserts that the job of education is to teach children to become creative thinkers rather than merely good workers.

In addition to Robinson’s theory that a child’s exposure to a steady stream of his or her talents and passions leads to finding future work right in their element, we must remember something else. The greatest challenges faced by

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civilization are going to be solved by our children one day.

Do we want them to behave like well-behaved workers or do we want them to become the creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators they were born to be?

Participation in the arts is just as important to raising well-rounded children as participation in academics and athletics. The arts awaken personal power in children by helping them discover their talents and passions organically. I know this is true because my daughter loves to sing, dance, act, and draw already. Recently she’s also started reading Shakespeaare, watching historical documentaries, playing the piano, and taking hip-hop classes.

I am not bragging. But I am keenly aware that I may have been inadvertently putting imagined limits on just how creative my daughter could become. Now, thanks to her example, I am beginning to think that there isn’t anything she can’t do. And isn’t that exactly what I want her to believe?

Why do parents put limits on kids’ creative impulses when creative activities clearly benefit real-world performance? My daughter has got the rest of her life to discover

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and pursue creative activities that light her up from the inside and inspire her to be the best she can be. My job as her mother between now and the day she ventures out into the world is to make sure she never runs out of opportunities to practice being her multi-faceted self. She can sift and sort through what she likes best and doesn’t prefer for herself. She doesn’t need me for that, except to remind her that how she spends her time and energy in life is her choice.

When I leave this world someday, as of course I will-we all will. I want to depart knowing I exposed my daughter to as much personal enjoyment of life as I could. And the arts will have played a leading role in this endeavor.

I don’t want my daughter’s focus in life to be on survival or drudgery; I want her life to be a celebration of the art of being herself. And, in order to do this, she has to explore and assess her talents and abilities in her own ways.

If you are denying your kids

access to the arts because you • Fine arts (drawing, painting, think creativity is less important or sculpture, and printmaking) less valuable than academics and • Photography, video, and athletics, I hope you are planning multi-media arts to stick around for a few more de• Choir and vocal performing cades to witness for yourself the • Band and orchestra important role creativity will play • Theater arts in the evolution of our future.

• Film (fictional and documentary) If you are, as I was, inad• Yearbook vertently capping the amount • Dance • Creative writing of creative activities your kids • Leadership participate in to levels deemed • Robotics reasonable, I hope you will stop.

Instead of cutting the arts out of our kids’ schedules, we need to allow access to as much arts activity as a child’s schedule

permits. They can set the bar • Animation to a level that feels right from • Architecture and design there. Here are twenty-five types • Opera of activities to expose your kids • Ballet to both in school and outside • Crafts of school. Please don’t be con• Cooking fused about whose job it is to • Decorative arts expose our kids to the arts. Arts • Fashion engagement is a parent’s job first, • Woodcrafts before teachers or instructors get • Jewelry involved. Engage your children • Junk, trash, and found art in the arts and watch the magic • Gardening happen. They will thank you for • Performance art your encouragement today and in the future with their smiles and feelings of contentment. SP

IN SCHOOL

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

Journalist, author and writing coach Christina Katz is not afraid to get schooled by her teenage daughter. In fact, it might be something that happens more often than she would like to admit.

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music s matters 18

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ack and Diane constantly struggle with their family’s demanding schedule. With a family of four, they spend hours coordinating rides to lessons, team practices, and club meetings. Like most families, extra-curricular interests, homework, not to mention fun outings with friends, come together on their family calendar leaving little “down” time.

As they discuss ways to cut down on the numerous commitments, there is one interest they steadfastly refuse to eliminate: Their son’s piano lessons.

In addition to the obvious cultural aspect of music appreciation, research shows there are other advantages too. There have been a number of studies that link music lessons to different facets of learning. One particular study, for instance, found preschoolers demonstrated a 46% boost in their spatial reasoning IQ after eight months of keyboard lessons. (Spatial reasoning abilities are used in higher brain functions such as music, complex math, and engineering functions.)

The effects of music lessons go beyond the immediate. College-bound seniors who participated in a school music program scored 52 points higher on the verbal portion of their SAT’s and 37 points higher in math (89 points combined) than those without arts instruction.

Music awareness is considered a plus on many college applications.

The U.S. Department of Education lists the arts as subjects that college-bound middle and junior high school students should take, stating, “Many colleges view participation in arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children’s intellectual development.”

Think a future in medicine awaits your budding scientist? Then you may want to consider music lessons now! A study of medical school applicants showed that 66% of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted. Only 44% of biochemistry majors were admitted.

Simply exposing children to music can have an impact too. According to research presented at the 102nd Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, music lessons and even simply listening to music can enhance spatial reasoning and performance.

Some parents play music to their children while they are still in the womb. While there is little concrete evidence about the advantages of doing so, there is interesting ongoing research for this practice. It’s been said that, for the unborn child, classical music played at a rhythm of 60 beats per minute, equivalent to that of a resting human heart, provides an environment conducive to creative and intellectual development.

So, if you have never considered music lessons for your child, you may want to revisit the idea! SP

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MOMENTS { BY PATRICK HEMPFING }

T he Eggshausting Hunt

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ad, you can’t stop until you find them all.” Jessie spoke these words during last year’s Easter egg hunt. Why did my wife, Mattie, and I teach Jessie not to quit when the going gets tough?

Before I discuss the egg collection, let me describe how Jessie ended up hiding 43 eggs for me to find. I carried the large box containing her plastic eggs from the garage to the kitchen. Jessie said, “I’ll go through them and pull out my favorite ones.” I responded, “No more than 36,” thinking that would be plenty for the Easter Bunny (me) to hide.

Jessie sifted through the box and pulled out her favorites. The variety of colors, shapes, and sizes in the keeper pile made an impressive collection. Jessie counted them and said, “86.” Before I could repeat, “No more than 36,” my quick thinker said, “I know, I’ll hide half of them and you can hide the other half.”

As an experienced husband (married 30 years) and dad (10 years), I learned long ago to choose my battles wisely. I did a quick math calculation and to me, 43 eggs versus 36 didn’t seem like a big deal. I agreed to the negotiated egg-count terms. “Negotiated” sounds better than “I caved.” A daughter’s fluttering eyelashes are hard to resist, especially when she’s wearing an Easter dress.

Egg hiding sure has changed over Jessie’s young life. In her early years, I hopped around the yard and hid both plastic and painted eggs.

Jessie always enjoyed finding them, except for the one the dog found first and ate. However, before too long, Jessie wanted the egg-hiding role. I never imagined I’d have to fight to keep my job as Easter Bunny; I have excellent qualifications. At 6’5”, I can hop a lot higher than Jessie. Mattie has video footage to prove it. In spite of my superior hopping performance, I’ve shared the egg-hiding job with Jessie for the past few years. I hid the eggs first, then after Jessie found them all, we reversed roles.

However, last

suburban parent MARCH 2016

Easter, Jessie’s 11th, she wanted to go first, so she and Mattie proceeded to the yard with her 43 eggs while I stayed in the house and didn’t look.

Alone in the house, I came up with the brilliant plan to hide my eggs inside, which struck me as a win-win for both Easter Bunnies.

I must also share one hide-and-seek rule we implemented long ago so the egg hunt would finish before Christmas. The hider can’t open things and tuck eggs inside. In other words, the Easter Bunny would never lift the garbage-can lid or open the door to the truck parked in the driveway.

Apparently, Jessie forgot about this standing rule. Luckily, she gave me hints. “You’re getting warm, hot, cold, colder.” It’s good she did, too, because I’d still be looking for a few of them. She hid one egg in a vacant bird’s nest inside the birdhouse. She completely covered one egg with pine straw. Somehow, she planted one egg in the spouting at the edge of the roof. Maybe she can hop higher than me? Jessie propped another egg (the last one I found) on a tree branch ten yards into the pine woods behind our house.

My most difficult find, though, was the tiny, pink egg Jessie tucked in the exhaust pipe of our van, which was, technically, out-of-bounds in the garage. Unfortunately, she pushed the egg in too far and it tumbled down the curve in the pipe. I retrieved a flashlight, but couldn’t see it.

Mattie and Jessie stood in the driveway as I started the car, hoping the egg would come out. I turned the key in the ignition. Mattie said the egg shot out about ten feet. All outside eggs had been found – not easily, but at least a trip to the mechanic wasn’t necessary.

Jessie found the inside eggs with ease. Hey, I followed the rules.

This year, I’ll be sure to review the Easter Bunny hiding rules before Jessie heads outside with her basket of eggs. I need to prevent exhaustion issues … for me and my car.

Until next month, remember to cherish the moments. Happy Easter! SP

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KNOW IT ALL { YOUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR }

MARCH 2016 ONGOING MARC CHAGALL: INTERSECTING TRADITIONS Through April 22. Featuring over 50 original works, Marc Chagall: Intersecting Traditions is a series of hand water colored etchings depicting scenes from the Old Testament. As a modern, Jewish artist, Chagall approached the Old Testament narratives as a set of stories and recurring themes to be broadly interpreted. We are grateful to their son Patrick Haggerty and the Haggerty Family Foundation for the generous support in making this exhibition possible.

Gallery hours: Weekdays, Feb. 5-Apr. 22, 10am-5pm; Weekends, Feb. 6-Apr.16, 12pm-5pm. Spring Break: March 7-10 (By Appointment). Closed for Easter: March 25-28. For information about field trips for students of all ages and to make reservations call 972-721-5087 or email gallery@ udallas.edu. University of Dallas, Beatrice M. Haggerty Gallery, 1845 E. Northgate, Irving, udallas.edu/chagall

NATURE CONNECTS, A LEGO® BRICK ART EXHIBIT Through April 10. The excitement is building! We’re thrilled to announce our newest exhibit, Nature Connects, a remarkable sculpture show created by artist Sean Kenney using LEGO bricks, at the Dallas Zoo. The installation features 16 displays created from 24 sculptures depicting scenes from the natural world, each carefully built with thousands of LEGO pieces by Kenney. See how one small LEGO® brick, when thoughtfully placed with thousands of others, becomes a larger-than-life hummingbird frozen in flight, a peacock displaying his colorful feathers or a Galapagos tortoise

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with a Darwin finch perched on its back.

These sculptures connect guests to nature and have a big impact in awe-inspiring ways. Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, 469-554-7500, www.dallaszoo.com.

RENT Through March 6. Set in the East Village of New York City, RENT tells the unforgettable story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling and learning to survive, fall in love, find their voices and live for today. This rock opera, penned by Jonathan Larson, quickly became one of the most beloved and longest running Broadway musicals of all time, winning multiple Tony® Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Don’t miss this smash-hit musical that has become a pop cultural phenomenon. This show is suitable for mature audiences, parental discretion is advised. Casa Mañana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, 817-3322272, casamanana.org.

DALLAS BLOOMS: THE ARTISTRY IN NATURE Through April 10. The largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms returns with the theme “The Artistry in Nature” featuring renowned sculptor Gary Lee Price’s Great Contributors exhibit on display throughout the garden. The garden explodes with 100 kinds of spring bulbs totaling 500,000 blooms and dazzling layers of landscape at every turn. The Great Contributors exhibit is a part of Gary Lee Price’s renowned art collection.

A fellow of the National Sculpture Society, Price has been recognized worldwide for his bold work lifting and celebrating the human spirit. The life-size bronze sculptures that will be placed throughout the

spring garden include Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Claude Monet, Albert Einstein, William Shakespeare, Mark Twain and the Wright Brothers, many of which are on benches or in garden settings. Dallas Blooms features tulips, daffodils, Dutch Iris and hyacinths, pansies, violas, poppies and thousands of other spring-blooming annuals and perennials. The finale of this spring celebration is the mass flowering of the garden’s collection of 3,000 azaleas that bloom during the end of April.

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, www.dallasarboretum.org.

TUE 1 REGISTRATION STARTS FOR SUPER HERO ART ADVENTURE CAMPS AT IRVING ARTS CENTER Kids learn mad skills, make friends and have a blast at our 13 camps for ages 4-16 jammed with adventures in art, theater, and music. 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving 972-252-2787(ARTS) www.irvingartscenter.com. See ad in this issue.

BUTTERFLIES IN THE GARDEN, A MAYAN EXPERIENCE During the five-week exhibit, from March 1 through April 3, approximately 10,000, beautiful, exotic butterflies of every hue and size will be released in the conservatory. People will have a chance to walk among hundreds of fluttering butterflies from around the world, watch them land on tropical flowers and lush foliage — maybe even on their finger! — and learn about the amazing life cycle of the butterfly. Both the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and BRIT will offer programs and exhibits during the exhibit days to enhance attendees’ learning experience.

“The Mayan Experience” features Central American, North and South American, as well as African and Asian butterflies.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, 817-392-5510, www.fwbg.org.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. MAGIC 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

THU 3 OPEN HOUSE AT COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 7pm. Come find out about our Premier Classical Education with a Distinctly Biblical World view for students in grades PK3 –12. 901 Cheek Sparger Rd, Colleyville 817-281-4333 x 1, www.covenantchristian. net. See ad in this issue.

MATH HOMEWORK HELPGRADES 7-12 6-8pm. Teens in 7th – 12th grades can get math help at the Library. Marsha Davidson, HEBISD math teacher, will be available to assist teens with math assignments on a first come, first served basis. Follows HEBISD calendar. Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford, 817-952-2374.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. KINGS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

FRI 4 H-E-B CHAMBER EXPO 10am-3pm. Enjoy shopping, free food and drinks at the HEB Chamber Expo.

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MARCH 2016 suburban parent

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KNOW IT ALL This trade show allows businesses in Euless, Bedford and Hurst to showcase their products and services all under one roof. Tickets to attend are $10 per person. The Expo is hosted by the HEB Chamber of Commerce and the HEB Economic Development Foundation.

Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst, 817-283-1521, www.heb.org.

HANSEL AND GRETEL Runs March 4 - April 3. See website for specific show times/dates and to purchase tickets. Sensory-friendly performance March 12, 2016 at 4:30pm.

You don’t always need a prince and princess for your heroes to live happily ever after. Two children in search of food for their hungry family get lost in an enchanted forest. They must depend on all their powers of imagination to save them from the crafty, mysterious old woman in the candy house and (in this less “grim” version) lead them back to the loving arms of their parents. The familiar, melodic music of Engelbert Humperdinck brings an inventive theatricality to the retelling of this beloved fairy tale adventure.

Hansel and Gretel brings another feast for the eyes and ears to the stage from Kathy Burks’ Master Puppeteers. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, Dallas, 214-740-0051, dct.org.

NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL Runs Fri.-Sun. This is the largest cultural festival in DFW is also revered as one of the best Irish festivals in the U.S. This year’s theme, “Legends and Legacy,” highlights some of the true legends of Irish music who will also grace the stage at North Texas Irish Festival, including crowd favorites Altan and Solas, among other featured performers from around the world. After all that music and dancing, hungry appetites can be satisfied with Irish stew, Shepherd’s pie, or even fish and chips at one of the many food booths featuring traditional Irish cuisine. Blacksmithing demonstrations, horse displays and more allow attendees to experience Celtic culture.

Urchin Street kid-friendly activities include children’s entertainment, a petting zoo, safety demonstrations and art activities. Storytellers will weave tales of Celtic lore for everyone to enjoy.

Hours are: Fri: 6-11 p.m.; Sat: 10:30am11:30pm; Sun: 11:30am-7:30pm. Fair Park Dallas, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, 214-821-4173, www.ntif.org.

DALLAS STARS VS. DEVILS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars. nhl.com.

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SAT 5 COUNTRY CRITTERS FARM OPENS FOR WEEKEND VISITS Saturdays from 10am-5pm, Sundays from 1-5pm. Weekends run through May 29. 3709 County Road 617, Alvarado, 817-477-3060 ww.countrycrittersfarm.com. See ad in this issue.

KID’S FISH 9am-12pm. Entry is free for all ages!

Prizes will be awarded for the biggest and smallest catches of the day. Come join us! Roanoke Community Park, 201 Park Drive, Roanoke, 817-837-9930.

SATURDAY GAMING 12-2pm. Ages: 10-17. Teens and kids can come play PS3 and Wii in the teen room on Saturday mornings. Board games are also available to play. Registration is not required. Admission: free.

Bedford Public Library, Teen Room, 2424 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, 817952-2374, www.bedfordlibrary.org.

HOW TO BE A NINJA 1:30-2:30pm. Beginner ninja wannabes can pick up tips for stealth martial arts and clever disguises. Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main Street, Colleyville, 817-503-1154.

SUN 6 FREE FEE SUNDAY AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 12-5pm. No studio fees on ceramic painting all day plus 20% off mosaics & glass fusion. We do not take reservations for Free Fee Sunday.

Sunshine Glaze, 405 North Carroll Avenue, Southlake, 817-424-1417, www. sunshineglaze.com.

MON 7 ANNE FRANK SPRING BREAK PROGRAMMING AT DALLAS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM March 7-10. 1:30-2:30pm. Explore the special exhibit, Anne Frank: A History for Today, in a new way with the education staff of the Dallas Holocaust Museum. Each program features readings from The Diary of a Young Girl, followed by a short discussion and learning activity. Recommended for ages 10–18. RSVP required, included in cost of admission to the Museum. Email ablack@dallasholocaustmuseum.org. to register. Admission $8-$10. Dallas Holocaust Museum, 211 N. Record Street, Dallas, 214-741-7500, www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org.

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KNOW IT ALL the best

summer

2016

camps online directory @ suburbanparent.com

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. CLIPPERS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www. mavs.com

TUE 8 POTTERY TECHNIQUE CLASS FOR ADULTS AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 10:30am-12:30pm. Paint your own ceramic garden bird using specialty glazes and techniques. $35 per person.

Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-4241417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

WED 9 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. PISTONS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www. mavs.com.

THU 10 31ST ANNUAL TEXAS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL March 10-13. The theme this year is Stirring the Pot: A Tantalizing Taste of Storytelling Stew. You will hear stories that will bring laughter, wonder, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Visit the website for festival times and acomplete schedule of events. Many events will provide sign language interpreters for the deaf. Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney Street, Denton, 940-380-9320, www.tejasstorytelling.com./index.html.

FRI 11

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per child. Ages 5 & up. Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 North Carroll Avenue, Southlake, 817-424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

DALLAS STARS VS. BLACKHAWKS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

SAT 12 PETER RABBIT TRAIL BEGINS AT COUNTRY CRITTERS FARM Trail runs through Mar 25. 3709 County Road 617, Alvarado, 817-477-3060 ww.countrycrittersfarm.com. See ad in this issue.

NORTH CENTRAL BALLET PRESENTS SLEEPING BEAUTY March 12 at 2 & 7:30pm; March 13 at 2pm. $25/adults; $18/children. Tarrant County College NE, 828 W. Harwood Rd, Hurst. Tickets available at www. northcentralballet.com. See ad in this issue.

ROCKET READERS 12:30-2pm. Children in grades 1st through 5th are invited to come read to the Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs. Reading to our canine friends can increase a child’s reading skill as well as improve their self-confidence. Rocket Readers is held on the second Saturday of every month.

No registration required. Colleyville Public Library, 110 Main Street, Colleyville, 817-503-1154, colleyvillelibrary.com.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. PACERS 1pm. American Airline Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

ME AND MY AMERICAN GIRL DOLL CLASS

DALLAS STARS VS. BLUES

4-6pm. Paint a Rapunzel figurine and make hair barrettes for your doll! $18

8pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

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KNOW IT ALL SUN 13 CARING BUNNY AT NORTH EAST MALL 10am-12pm. On this special day many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary): • Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event. • Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called. • Special activities geared toward the needs of the child during the ‘wait’ period to help the child understand what activities will occur during the visit. North East Mall, 1101 Melbourne Rd., Hurst, 817-284-3427.

MON 14 SPRING BREAK ART CAMP AT SUNSHINE GLAZE March 14-18, 1-3pm Kids ages 5 & up will enjoy creating a new & different art project each day! $28 per child, per class. Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817-424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

See ad in this issue.

SPRING BREAK CAMP

DALLAS STARS VS. KINGS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars. nhl.com.

WED 16 SPRING BREAK AT COUNTRY CRITTERS FARM March 16, 17 & 19, 10am-3pm. Join us for petting zoos and pony rides. No reservations needed. 3709 County Road 617, Alvarado, 817-477-3060 ww.countrycrittersfarm.com. See ad in this issue.

THU 17 DALLAS STARS VS. LIGHTNING 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars. nhl.com.

FRI 18 CONVERSATIONS WITH ANNE March 18 & 19. A 40 minute performance followed by a Q&A session to ask “Anne” questions. Part of the Special Exhibit, Anne Frank: A History of Today and the core exhibit One Day in the Holocaust at the Dallas Holocaust Museum Center for Education and Tolerance. Two performances each day at 2 and 6:30pm. Admission $8 for members; $20 for adults; $16 for students/ seniors/active military. Order tickets at Eventbrite.com. 211 N. Record St, Dallas 214-741-7500 DallasHolocaustMuseum. org. See ad in this issue.

TUE 15

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

March 15-18, 10:30am-noon. Take an art-filled road trip across America during this 4-day event. Snacks will be provided. 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. For details, call 817-989-5030 or email visitors@cartermuseum.org. See ad in this issue.

suburban parent MARCH 2016

March 15-18, Tues.-Thurs. 10am-3pm, Fri noon-4pm. Art activities, interactive family tours, gallery storytimes, teen studios, children’s films and more.

3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth 817-332-8451 www.kimbellart.org. See ad in this issue.

March 14-18, 7am-6:30pm. Don’t want to fight all the skiers on the slopes or the “beach bums” on the coast?

We’ll be here to watch your kids the week of spring break. An afternoon snack is provided. Please bring a sack lunch along each day. You must be preregistered for all days so we can schedule adequate staff for the week. Ages 5-12. $115. Call for details and to reserve your spot! Dottie Lynn Recreation Center, 3200 Norwood Ln., Arlington, 817-277-0582.

FREE FAMILY FUN WEEK AT AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

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FREE SPRING BREAK ART EXTRAVAGANZA AT KIMBELL ART MUSEUM

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Runs March 18-April 3. See website for show dates/times and to purchase tickets. From the Broadway writers of Honk! and Mary Poppins, comes a brand new adaptation on a classic tale.

The time has come for the three little pigs to seek their fortunes. What will happen to them when the Big Bad Wolf gets in their way? Filled with humor, this endearing musical will leave you squealing with glee and howling with

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29

St. John the Apostle Catholic School “Catholic Education in the Classical Tradition” at a Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School Contact Teresa Ramirez, Director of Admissions

laughter! This is a curly tail not to be missed! Casa Manana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, 817-332-2272, casamanana.org.

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE

www.stjs.org 817-284-2228

KNOW IT ALL

50th Anniversary

7421 Glenview Dr • North Richland Hills, TX 76180

St. John the Apostle Child Care Great Beginnings since 1977

> Full and Part-time School 1 year old thru 3 year olds

> Summer Camps available 1 year old thru 8th grade

> Before and After School Care www.stjohnchildcare.org 7341 Glenview Dr • North Richland Hills, TX 76180 817-595-2654

Runs March 18-April 10. See website for specific show dates/times and to purchase tickets. Sensory-friendly performance April 9, 2016 at 1:30pm.

The award-winning author of Because of Winn-Dixie and The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature launches the extraordinary pilgrimage of Edward, a beautiful, much-loved toy rabbit who loves only himself. When he is ripped from the arms of his doting young owner and lost, Edward finds that his breakable heart can learn to love, lose, and love again. This stunning, highly theatrical play became an immediate must-see hit following its premiere and is sure to go down in history as a family classic with your family being among its first audiences. Trust us, you’ll be sorry if you miss this one.

Recommended for ages 7 and up. Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, Dallas, 214-740-0051, dct.org.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. WARRIORS

do

Pediatric

&A

7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www. mavs.com.

e lesc

nt Dentisty

Infants • Children • Teens •

Our unique open concept office provides a cheerful and enthusiastic environment to educate and promote oral health for the children of our community. We are excited to share this journey with you and your family.

Accepting Medicaid, CHIPS and Private Pay Insurance at ALL locations!

Accepting New Patients at all Locations NORTH OFFICE 696 N. Fielder Ste. 102 • Arlington 817-459-1313

SOUTH OFFICE 4220 Little Rd, Arlington 817-478-2300

CENTRAL OFFICE 3101 S. Center St. Arlington 817-466-7057

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suburban parent MARCH 2016

MANSFIELD OFFICE 2300 Matlock Rd. Ste. 28 • Mansfield 817-539-0500

SAT 19 10TH ANNUAL KIDSFEST 2016 11am-2pm. This year’s theme is “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” and will focus on teaching children the benefits of healthy living. The event will be filled with entertainment and high-energy activities for children including a huge egg hunt, face painting, video game trucks, bounce houses and more.

Benefitting Galaxy Counseling Center.

Firewheel Town Center, Garland. See ad in this issue.

ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT COUNTRY CRITTERS FARM 1pm. Come hunt for candy and great prizes. 3709 County Road 617, Alvarado, 817-477-3060 ww.countrycrittersfarm.com. See ad in this issue.

ROANOKE BUNNY HOP & EGG HUNT 8am-12pm. Join us for the annual Roanoke Bunny Hop & Hunt! The races begin at 416 S. Walnut. Free hot dogs, cotton candy and drinks will be

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served!! 8am: 1 Mile Bunny Run *After the Bunny Run, the fun continues with games and bounce houses for the kids!

8:30am: 5K Run 10am: Easter Egg Hunt Proceeds to benefit the Roanoke Park Board Scholarship Fund. **Register by March 4th and receive a free t-shirt!!

5K (includes chip timing & t-shirt): $20 1 Mile Bunny Run: FREE** Late registration March 5th through race day 5K (includes chip timing, NO t-shirt): $30, 416 S. Walnut, Roanoke, 817-837-9930.

TROPHY CLUB EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 9-11am. Independence Park East, 501 Parkview, Trophy Club, Texas.

MANSFIELD BUNNY BRUNCH 9-11:30am. Join us for brunch with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy brunch, face painting, crafts and take your own pictures with the Easter Bunny. Everyone must be registered. Please indicate if you would like first seating from 9-10 a.m. or second seating from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Under 2Y are Free (no registration, considered lap child) / Child $9 / Adult $. Save $1 with your MAC card. Tickets are required for entry. Online registration ends March 17. Tickets purchased online may be picked up the day of event. Mansfield Activities Center, 106 Wisteria, Mansfield, 817-728-3680.

41ST ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT NASH FARM 9am-12pm. Take a trip to the farm this spring for our annual egg hunt. Mr. Bunny will be hiding thousands of eggs at Nash Farm for a hopping good time.

Special prize eggs will be hidden in each age division. Let our face painters turn you into a bunny and enjoy other activities such as a petting zoo, wagon rides, and more! There will be 5 different hunts by age group. Bring your camera for a myriad of great photo opportunities. Egg Hunt Divisions/Times: 7-9 yrs/ 10am, 0-2 yrs /10:30am, 5-6 yrs /11am, 3-4 yrs / 11:30am, All Ages/ 12pm. Free! Nash Farm, 626 Ball Street, Grapevine, 817-410-3185.

SOUTHLAKE EASTER IN THE PARK 9am-12pm. The Easter Bunny is preparing thousands of candy and toy-filled eggs for this year’s annual egg hunt and Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny are making a special trip to Southlake to take pictures with you and your family.

Complimentary fun for the whole family.

Egg hunts by age, bounce houses, crafts, temporary tattoos and other children’s activities. North Park, 200 E. Dove Road, Southlake, 817-748-8019 www.SouthlakeParksandRec.com.

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KNOW IT ALL GIRLS SOAR! AVIATION DAY CAMP

ARLINTGON EGG-CELLENT EASTER PARTY

9am-3pm. Take off with us at our 1st Girls Soar Aviation Day Camp! The C.R. Smith Museum is working with Women Aviation professionals to encourage middle school girls to explore the world of aviation! Meet aviation professionals, tour facilities, perform experiments and activities and learn what it takes to be an aviator! Girls ages 1 2-14 may register for a spot.

Cost: $25 Member/ $ 35 Non-Member.

American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, 4601 Hwy. 360, Fort Worth, 817-9675925, www.crsmithmuseum.org.

10:30am-12pm. A children’s get together full of fun games, activities, and a small egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be hopping by. Parents should bring a camera — it will be a great picture opportunity! Children ages 1-8 are welcome. $6. Hugh Smith Recreation Center, 1815 New York Ave., Arlington, 817-275-1351.

MAIN STREET ANTIQUE JUNK FEST 9am-4pm. A small, but mighty outdoor flea market bringing you vintage, antiques, upcycled, recycled and handmade items. Collected Treasures, 406 W. Main Street, Arlington, 817-275-7444.

COLLEYVILLE BUNNY BRUNCH 10am-12pm. Hop on over to the Colleyville Center for a morning full of spring activities, including brunch, photos with the bunny, a petting zoo and an egg hunt. Tickets go on sale Feb 15. and may be purchased at the Recreation office, 2512 Glade Road, or online at Colleyville.com until March 11.

Hurry and get your tickets today, space is limited. $5 per child, $7 per adult.

Ages 2-12. Colleyville Center, 5301 Riverwalk Drive, Colleyville.

NRH EASTER IN THE PARK 10am-12pm. Over 20,000 treat-filled eggs will cover the playing fields and there will be lots of after-the-hunt activities and fun. Easter in the Park is sponsored by the City of North Richland Hills, Life Church and ISG/Insurance Solutions Group. The Easter egg hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m., so don’t be late for this free event! Green Valley Park, 7701 Smithfield Road, North Richland Hills, 817-427-6600.

12TH ANNUAL SANTA FE DAYS IN THE PARK Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 5:30pm.

Santa Fe Days in the Park is one of North Texas’ premiere cultural events, showcasing the vast works of American Indian artisans from all parts of the United States. On Friday, March 18th, the public is also invited to attend a casual meet and greet at C Square Café in Historic Downtown Carrollton with this year’s featured artists, Sandy Lake Amusement Park, 1800 Sandy Lake road, Carrollton, www.santafedays.com.

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HURST EGGSTRAVAGANZA 1-3pm. Activities Begin at 1 p.m. Egghunt begins at 2 p.m. Kids ages 10 and under. FREE! Activities include: crafts, Hurst Clown Arounds, games, photos with Mr. Bunny and refreshments. No pets please! Hurst Community Park, 601 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, 817788-7320.

MUSIC IN THE AIR 1-4pm Celebrate song with historic instruments and music made from found objects! We’ll also have sweet sounds from Buttermilk Junction Old Time String Band. Cost is regular Village admission plus a $3 fee if you wish to make a box hand banjo to take home.

Log Cabin Village, 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane, Fort Worth, 817-392-5881, www.logcabinvillage.org.

DALLAS STARS VS. ISLANDERS 7pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

SUN 20 DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. TRAIL BLAZERS 3pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www.mavs.com.

TUE 22 OPEN HOUSE AT GRAPEVINE FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 7pm. Join us to learn more about our school for Pre-K – 12th Grade. We develop and graduate authentic Christian leaders. Next open house date 4/19.

High School Campus, 729 E Dallas Rd, 817-442-1605 GrapevineFaith.com. See ad in this issue.

THU 24 ESCAPE: EVENINGS ON OAK STREET CONCERT SERIES 7pm. Escape is a Dallas-based band performing a musical tribute to the arena rock super group, Journey. The

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KNOW IT ALL band consists of veteran musicians who bring a dynamic, high-energy presentation to every show. Our goal is to get people off their chairs to sing along and dance to the music. Journey’s music is very much a positive message and our show is all about having a fun time for everyone attending! Free!

Austin Street Plaza, 221 N. Oak Street, Roanoke, 817-491-2411.

MASTERWORKS CONCERT SERIES: WHITEHOUSE HARMONY BLUEGRASS TUNES 7pm. Mention traditional or mountain music from the past and you may have visions of family groups singing on the front porch of their mountain home or at a church picnic under a spreading oak tree. Whitehouse Harmony is an accomplished Bluegrass band and will provide a well-balanced, entertaining show filled with the purest of harmony vocals, mountain clogging and great instrumentalist. Don’t miss this free performance! Hurst Public Library, 901 Precinct Line Road, Hurst.

FRI 25 DAY OFF CAMP 7am-6:30pm. Spend your day off with the staff at Hugh Smith Recreation Center.

We will a day jam-packed with activities such as gym sports, games, arts and crafts, movies, and much more. Campers should bring a sack lunch. Your afternoon snack will be provided. Ages 5-12. $35.

Hugh Smith Recreation Center, 1815 New York Ave., Arlington, 817-275-1351.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 5:30-8:30pm. Parents, enjoy your night out while the kids create with us! Pizza will be served! $30 per child with a $5 discount for siblings! Ages 5 & up.

Reservations required. Sunshine Glaze, 405 North Carroll Ave., Southlake, 817424-1417, www.sunshineglaze.com.

TEXAS BALLET THEATER PRESENTS: CINDERELLA March 25-27. Ben Stevenson brings this classic tale to life with both humor and drama. From the comic antics of the ugly stepsisters, to the elegant ball where Cinderella meets Prince Charming and loses her glass slipper; this timeless tale of elegance, romance and transformation is a lavish story audiences can rejoice in over and over again.

Visit website for exact show times and to purchase tickets. Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, 877-828-9200 texasballettheater.org/ performance/Cinderella.

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suburban parent MARCH 2016

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TUE 29 DALLAS STARS VS. PREDATORS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com.

WED 30 20TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE AND CHIC LUNCHEON AND AUCTIONS! 10:30am-1pm. Get Involved! Tickets $70. Sponsorships available too! As the second-largest domestic violence and sexual assault agency in Dallas County, Brighter Tomorrows’ mission is to empower victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing emergency safe shelter and support services, and to reduce violence in our communities. The chic array of live and silent auction items, chocolates to tantalize you, a delicious luncheon and the opportunity to hear from Ms. Moore will raise awareness while highlighting your organization. Live and Silent Auction Donations: We are currently seeking merchandise/gift certificate donations to be used in our live and silent auctions – an integral part of the event and sure to give quality exposure to your business. All donations will be displayed with advertising material provided by the donating company or organization. We request all items and donor information sheets be received

by Friday, March 18, 2016. Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy, Grand Prairie, Destiny Clemons Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator Brighter Tomorrows, Inc., 972-254-4003 ext. 103, www.brightertomorrows.net.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS. KNICKS 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, www. mavs.com.

THU 31 LADIES NIGHT AT SUNSHINE GLAZE 6-9pm. Ladies enjoy free studio fees on ceramic painting plus 20% off mosaics, canvas painting, & glass fusion from 6-9pm. BYOB. Reservations recommended for groups of 5 or more.

Sunshine Glaze, 405 North Carroll Avenue, Southlake, 817-424-1417, www. sunshineglaze.com.

DALLAS STARS VS. COYOTES 7:30pm. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, stars.nhl.com

We e k ly Art Camp

Fridays m 10-11:30a Ages 3-5

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35

KNOW IT ALL SAVE THE DATE...

APR 1-3 & APR 8-10 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Team up with Thomas for a day of family fun at The Ready, Set, Go Tour 2016. Enjoy a train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and much more.

Museum of the American Railroad & the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main St, Grapevine. For tickets, call 866-468-7630 or visit HistoricTrains. org. See ad in this issue.

APR 9 ARLINGTON BASS CLASSIC Presented by Arlington Parks and Recreation. 100% Payout with up to $23,500 in potential prizes. $60/2-Man Team. Lake Arlington Richard Simpson Park. Register at arlingtonbassclassic. com. See ad in this issue.

JUN 7-10 TEXAS BOYS CHOIR VOCAL CAMP

APR 2

9am-12pm. For boys aged 7-11 with unchanged voices. Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Campus. $75. Register by May 1 for 10% discount. For more info, call 817-766-2390 or visit www.ArtsAcademics.org. See ad in this issue.

THE 7TH ANNUAL DFW FAMILY EXPO

JUN 13-17

10am-5pm. Discover the best camps, classes, products, entertainment and more for N. Texas Families. Enjoy bounce houses, indoor trampoline park, face painting, massage stations, petting zoo and more. Admission $5.

All ticket proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N. Stemmons Fwy at Wycliff.

214-605-0006, dfwFamilyExpo.org. See ad in this issue.

OPEN HOUSE AT NORTH RICHLAND HILLS MONTESSORI 10am-2pm. 8725 North Tarrant Pkwy, North Richland Hills 817-281-9992. nrhmontessori.com. See ad in this issue.

APR 4 2016 VOICES FOR CHILDREN JUDGE SCOTT MOORE AWARDS DINNER 6pm reception; 7pm dinner. Celebrating the successes of children whose voices have been heard in court. 2016 Award Recipient is Judge Nancy Berger. 2016 Community Heart Award Recipient is The Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment led by Cook Children’s.

Sponsorships available. Individual tickets $100. Fort Worth Convention Center. www.SpeakUpforaChild.org.

See ad in this issue.

2016 SUMMER CHESS CAMP AT UT DALLAS Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7-14.

Morning (9am-noon) and afternoon (1-4pm) plus extended playing classes available. Other camps Jun 20-24, Jul 18-22 & Jul 25-29. Register at www. utdallas.edu/chess. See ad in this issue.

JUN 13-17 & JUN 20-24 CREATIVE ARTS CAMP 9am-4pm. For children in grades 1-6.

Texas School of the Arts Campus. $225.

Register by May 1 for 10% discount. For more info, call 817-766-2390 or visit www.

ArtsAcademics.org. See ad in this issue.

VISUAL ARTS CAMP 9am-4pm. For grades 7-12. Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts Campus. $300.

Register by May 1 for 10% discount. For more info, call 817-766-2390 or visit www.

ArtsAcademics.org. See ad in this issue.

JUN 14-17 ALL STAR TCU BASEBALL CAMP, SESSION 1

APR 7-10

Other sessions for ages 6-14 run Jun 20-23, Jun 27-30, Jul 11-14 and Jul 18-21.

Summer Prospect Showcase Camp for High School ages is Aug 13-14. Sign up at www.tcubaseballcamps.com. See ad in this issue.

JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS CONSIGNMENT SALES EVENT

JUL 11-14

Shop deals or sell your items at this leading children’s and maternity consignment event. Admission $3. Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main, Grapevine. For more info, visit jbfsale. com. Get in free with ad in this issue.

SUMMER CAMP AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL GRAPEVINE For ages 18mos – 4yrs. 1002 N. Park Blvd., Grapevine 817-488-8526 www.fpcgv.org/preschool. See ad in this issue.

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.

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MARCH 2016 suburban parent

37

STORY TIMES

MARINA ALMAYEVA SCHOOL OF

CLASSICAL BALLET Famous Russian Vaganova Method Real Classical Ballet Training!

• • • • • • • •

Classes for students age 3 -19 Ballet Pointe Variation Character Dance Lyrical/Jazz Stretching/Conditioning Piano Lessons with Experienced Instructor with Master’s Degree

Preparation for prestigious international ballet competitions!

Annual productions of The Nutcracker!

LAKE ARLINGTON BRANCH 4000 West Green Oaks Blvd.

817-478-3762 Wed - Toddler Time 10:15am, ages 18mos-3yrs; Bouncing Babies 11:15am, ages 0-18mos. Thur Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-5.

NORTHEAST BRANCH 1905 Brown Blvd. • 817-277-5573 Mon - Toddler Time 10:15am, ages 18mos3yrs. Tue - Bouncing Babies 11:15am, ages 0-18mos; Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-5.

WOODLAND WEST BRANCH 2837 West Park Row Dr. 817-277-5265 Tue - Toddler Time 10:15am, ages 18mos-3yrs; Bouncing Babies 11:15am, ages 0-18mos. Wed - Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-5.

SOUTHEAST BRANCH 900 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd.

817-459-6395 Wed - Preschool Storytime 10:30am, ages 3-5. Fri - Toddler Time 10:15am, ages 18mos-3yrs; Bouncing Babies 11:15am, ages 0-18mos. 2nd Sat Only - Family Story Time 10:30am, all ages.

102 E. GRAPEVINE HWY • HURST TX 76054 • 817-788-0818 WWW.MA-BALLETSCHOOL.COM

SOUTHWEST BRANCH 3311 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd.

817-459-6386 Tues - Preschool Storytime 10:30am, ages 3-5. Thur - Bouncing Babies 11:15am, ages 0-18mos; Toddler Time 10:15am, ages 18mos-3yrs.

EAST BRANCH 1624 New York Ave. • 817-275-3321 Mon - Wee Reads - Bilingual 10:30am, ages 3-4.

BEDFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 2424 Forest Ridge Dr. 817-952-2350 Tue - Story Spot Time 10:15 & 11am, ages 3-5. Thur - Babygarden StoryTime 10:10am (prewalkers) & 10:50am (walkers), Registration is required; Twozees StoryTime 11:45am, ages 2-3. 4th Fri - Fun Family Time 3:45pm, all ages.

COLLEYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY 110 Main St. • 817-503-1150 Mon - Especially for 3’s StoryTime 10:15am, age 3; Preschool StoryTIme 10:15am, age 4-5; Art-Venture Kids Time 4pm, grades 3-5; Snacks and Stories 4pm, ages K-2.

Tue - Toddler Tales 10:15am, ages 18-36mos; Preschool StoryTime 10:15am, ages 4-5; Build-o-Mania Time 4:30-5:30pm, age 3+; Chess Club Time 4:30-5:30pm, ages 8-15.

Wed - Toddler Tales 10:15am, ages 18-36mos; Shake, Rattle & Read 10:15 am, ages 3-5; Thur - Tiny Treasures Lapsit StoryTime 10:15am, ages 0-12mos; Sprouts Lapsit StoryTime 11am, ages 13-17mos; Story Playhouse Time 4pm, grades 2-5. Fri - Bounce Time 10:15-11:30am, ages 3 and under. Note: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED for all atcolleyvillelibrary.com.

EULESS PUBLIC LIBRARY 201 N. Ector Dr. • 817-685-1493 Tue - Baby Bounce 10:30am, non-walker babies; StoryPalooza 11am, ages 3 and up.

Wed - StoryPalooza 11am. Thur - Toddler Time 10:30am, ages 12-30mos; StoryPalooza 6:30pm, ages 3 and up.

GRAPEVINE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1201 Municipal Way • 817-410-3405 Tue - Music & Movement 10:30-11:00am, all ages; Brain Builder 1-5pm, all ages. Wed - Storytime 10:15-10:40am, all ages; Music & Movement 10:45-11:15am, all ages; Art Challenge 1-5pm, all ages. Thur - Storytime 10:15-10:40am, ages 2-5; Music & Movement 10:45-11:15am, all ages; Sensation Stations 1-2:30pm, ages 0-3; STEManiacs 3:305:30pm, ages 5 and up; Family Night time 7-7:30pm, all ages. Fri - Baby’s Day Out 10am – 2:30pm, birth to 24 mos.

HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY 901 Precinct Line Rd. • 817-788-7300 Mon & Thur - Toddler Time 10am (ages 1-3); Tue - Story Time 10:45am (ages 3-6). Wed & Sat - Babygarten 10:30am ages 0-18 mos.

KELLER PUBLIC LIBRARY 640 Johnson Rd. • 817-743-4840 Mon - Spanish Storytime 11am, all ages; Family Storytime 6pm, all ages. Tue & Wed - Preschool Storytime 10:15am, ages 3-6; Baby Time 11am, ages up to 18mos; Toddler Storytime 11:30am, ages 18-36mos. Sat Preschool Storytime 12:15pm, ages 3-6mos; Baby Time 1pm, ages up to 18mos; Toddler Storytime 1:30pm, ages 18-36mos.

MANSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY 104 S. Wisteria • 817-473-4391 Tue - Story Time for Tots 10:30am, ages 0-3.

Wed - Listeners’ Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-6. Thur - Bilingual Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-6. Fri - Baby Story Time 10:30am, 0-18 mos.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS PUBLIC LIBRARY 9015 Grand Ave. • 817-427-6800 Tue - Toddler Story Time 10am, ages 18-36mos.; Sunset Story Time 7pm, ages 3-6. Wed - Story Time 10:15am & 11:15am, ages 3-6.

ROANOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY 308 S. Walnut • 817-491-2691 Mon - Storytime at McDonald’s (101 E Hwy 114) 10:45am, all ages. Tue - Bedtime Storytime 7pm, all ages. Thur - Teens Scribblers 6-8pm, ages 11-18. Fri - Storytime with Katy Kitten 10:30am, all ages.

SOUTHLAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY 1400 Main St., 817-748-8243 Tue - Lap Sit Story Time 10am, 6 wks-1yr; Toddler Time 10:45am, ages 2-3; Preschool 11:30am, ages 4-5. Wed - Mother Goose Story Time 10am, ages 1-2; Toddler Time 10:45am, ages 2-3; Preschool Story Time 11:30am, ages 4-5.

All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes.

Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.

38

suburban parent MARCH 2016

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Accredited by Advance Ed

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MARCH 2016 suburban parent

39

the best

summer

2016

camps

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART........................................ 9 817-738-1933 • www.cartermuseum.org CAMP SUMMIT......................................................................................................37 972-484-8900 • www.campsummittx.org CUB CREEK SCIENCE CAMP...........................................................................41 www.mosciencecamp.com DALLAS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM CENTER................................................28 214-741-7500 • www.dallasholcaustmuseum.org FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL GRAPEVINE.................................43 817-488-8526 • www.facebook.com/fpcgv FULL CIRCLE RIDING ACADEMY..................................................................26 817-223-6036 • www.fullcircleridingacademy.com IRVING ARTS CENTER........................................................................................31 972-252-2878 • www.irvingartscenter.com KIMBELL ART MUSEUM....................................................................................27 817-332-8451 • www.kimbellart.org PRIMROSE SCHOOLS........................................................................................47 Bedford 817-545-5485 Heritage 817-741-5044 Keller 817-337-0717 NE Green Oaks 817-543-2626 Walnut Creek 817-477-0880 www.primrose.com RIVER LEGACY LIVING SCIENCE CENTER.................................................41 817-860-6752 • www.riverlegacy.org SAFESPLASH SWIM SCHOOL........................................................................26 Arlington 817-680-2922 • Keller 817-876-0136 • www.safesplash.com ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE CHILD CARE.......................................................30 817-595-2654 • www.stjohnchildcare.org SUNSHINE GLAZE...............................................................................................35 817-424-1417 • www.sunshineglaze.com TCU BASEBALL CAMPS.....................................................................................41 www.tcubaseballcamps.com TEXAS CENTER FOR ARTS & ACADEMICS...............................................22 817-766-2390 • www.artsacademics.org TEXAS PREMIER YOUTH SPORTS................................................................32 469-834-8450 • www.texaspremieryouthsports.com UTD CHESS CAMP..............................................................................................34 972-883-4899 • www.utdallas.edu/chess

See complete 2016 Camp Directory online at suburbanparent.com

40

suburban parent MARCH 2016

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Session 1 - June 14-17 Session 2 - June 20-23 Session 3 - June 27-30 Session 4 - July 11-14 Session 5 - July 18-21 Summer Prospect Showcase Camp August 13-14, 2016 - HS ages only

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MARCH 2016 suburban parent

41

10 ways to

Motivate Your Child One of my favorite movie franchises is the Rocky series. The scene that I like more than any other is in Rocky II. Rocky has an important rematch coming up against Apollo Creed and hasn’t trained well for it because his wife is unsupportive. His trainer Mickey tries one thing after another to get him to train hard but gets more and more frustrated with Rocky’s lack of focus. When his wife, Adrian, goes into a coma following complications during the birth of their child Rocky’s training stops completely. The pivotal moment comes when she wakes up. She tells him, “There’s one thing I want you to do for me. Win.” She repeats herself, “Win.” Her support and encouragement were all he needed to motivate him. As a parent, you are your child’s biggest fan and cheerleader. They look up to you and they look to you for direction. It is your duty to motivate your kid in life and help them when they need it. Whether it is school, sports, or hobbies, motivate them to be the best that they can be. Here are 10 ways to motivate your child.

SET GOALS. Have them make a list of short-term goals and

DISCOVER PASSION. Encourage your children to dis-

1 one long-term goal. Make sure the goals are reachable but

6 cover what they are passionate about. It may take a few tries

require effort to obtain.

along the way. Support them on their journey towards passion and urge them to keep going until they find out what it is.

CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS. When your child

2 accomplishes their goals, let them know that you are proud of them. Celebrate these things together. In some cases, reward your child for their hard work.

REMAIN POSITIVE. Maintain a positive and optimistic

7 outlook for your children. If they see fear or doubt in your eyes then they will likely lose self-confidence. Having a positive approach will lighten their entire outlook to a situation.

MAKE THINGS COMPETITIVE. Encourage healthy

3 competition. Cheer on your child to beat another runner in a race or to take home the trophy from the Spelling Bee. Make competition about positivity and strength in regards to your child and never about negativity and weakness towards the competitor.

ENCOURAGE THEM. Let your child know that you

PEER PRESSURE. Occasionally, a little peer pressure is

8 not a bad thing. It can push your kids to do better in school or in a sport because they want to keep up with their friends.

However, watch for when the stress of peer pressure starts to become too much.

MAKE A PLAN. In order to reach goals, you need a plan.

4 believe in them. Tell them how great they are going to do.

9 Help your children create a strategy for reaching their goals.

Dismiss any self-doubt or fears they may have.

Make a step-by-step plan to reach them.

TAKE INTEREST. Learn about your child’s interests.

EXCITE THEM. Excite your children about their goals

5 Talk to your child about them and listen. It will show your 10 and ambitions. Show that you are excited for them too. children that you care and that they free to talk to you about their interests.

The positive energy and adrenaline will push them to continue their hard work and be happy with their efforts.

— Reprinted with permission

This is where dads in any stage of fatherhood can find helpful resources to aid in their parenting.

Fathers can also sign up to start or attend one of our All Pro Dads chapters. www.allprodad.com.

42

suburban parent MARCH 2016

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MARCH 2016 suburban parent

43

FUN STUFF { LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING }

WHY DID VAN GOGH BECOME A PAINTER?

WHAT DID MICHELANGELO SAY TO THE CEILING?

HOW DOES SALVADOR DALI START HIS MORNINGS?

I GOT YOU COVERED.

WITH A BOWL OF “SURREAL”.

Source: www.jokes4us.com/peoplejokes/painterjokes.html

BECAUSE HE DIDN’T HAVE AN EAR FOR MUSIC.

Let’s celebrate with a craft!

YOU NEED

“AT THE AGE OF SIX I WANTED TO BE A COOK. AT SEVEN I WANTED TO BE NAPOLEON. AND MY AMBITION HAS BEEN GROWING STEADILY EVER SINCE.” ― SALVADOR DALÍ

- Paper Plate - Black Paint - Sharpie - Red Marker - 2 Pieces of Stock Paper - Wiggly Eyes - 3 Black Pipe Cleaners - Craft Glue - Hot Glue Gun

LET’S GET STARTED...

1

Flip a paper plate over and paint the edging of the paper plate with black craft paint. We sponged the edges around the white so that it would look like fur, you know since he is a cat and all.

Use a sharpie and draw a hat onto a piece of stock paper.

Then draw the stripes and fill the red in with a marker, sharpie or paint.

Whatever you have on hand will be fine. We used a red sharpie.

Use craft glue and attach the hat and wiggly eyes (these are optional too, you can draw them

2 3

on). Go ahead and draw on his nose and mouth.

At this point we attached the whiskers. We used hot glue to do this because I find that pipe cleaners don’t hold well with craft glue.

Now you can use the left over stock paper and make some ears and attach them with craft glue.

The last step is optional. You can use more stock paper and draw a tie or just leave it off all together. We always like to add that extra touch so we chose to give him a tie.

4

5 6

Excerpt from http://thisgirlslifeblog.com/2015/02/cat-in-the-hat-paper-plate-craft.html

LOL WITH JAMES ESTES!

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM

Can you

hear me

?

My girlfriend and I had something important to discuss at my house one day. So I called up to the second floor (in the same low tone I would be speaking with) where my 4 year old was sleeping, and asked,”Can you hear me?” In about 3 seconds I heard her say “no, I promise!”

So I replied, “Okay, thank you”, and she replied, “Carry on.” Needless to say, we held our mouths and laughed as quietly as we could!

— EMMA, MOM OF 2

SUBMIT YOUR FUNNY STORY: editor@suburbanparent.com, subject “Funny”

44

suburban parent MARCH 2016

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BACKTALK { BY KEN SWARNER }

NUMBERS IMPAIRED

N

o one in my family comes to me when they have a math problem to solve. They’ll ask their friends, neighbors,

grandfathers, even a gerbil before they’ll seek my advice. Heck, I think my son asked the cat to explain Phi the other night.

I’m that bad with numbers. When my children need help on their math homework and I am the

excuse I could think of to save face. My excuses:

only adult standing in the room, they’ll say things like:

1. “Ow! I think a bug flew in my eye!”

“Where’s mom?” and “I suppose I’ll just take a zero on

2. “This isn’t the math we did WHEN I was a

this assignment.”

kid. Is this new math?”

I’ve never been good with math concepts. Admittingly, that may have something to do with the fact that I didn’t pay attention in math

After awhile, of course, my children figured it out.

class as a kid. That, and my parents still refuse to admit they dropped

“Dad,” my son said softly one day as I stared blankly at 3X(5Y)=2X.

me on my head when I was young.

I won’t go so far to say that I choose journalism because I am math impaired – namely because statistics (math) was a requirement for my journaism degree…and yeah, I failed it. Thank goodness I did all right everywhere else.

“If there was a short bus running between the downstairs and upstairs – you’d be on it.”

Creep.

It’s hard to admit, but I’m no longer the superman in my children’s lives. Where I could once handle every question and situation that came

The funny part is that my parents could have sucked at math and I

their way, I am now lucky to get it right half of the time. As my teenagers

would have never known it because the relationship back then between

and I get older, I’ve noticed that more and more they can do certain

parents and schoolwork was nearly nonexistent. Not so anymore. These

things better than I can. And that’s a little tough to get used to.

days, parents are on the front lines when it comes to school homework.

I think it’s been a little disappointing for them as well. That transition

We are expected to sign assignment planners, keep track of our time

from child to young adult is full of many mysteries including “how did my

reading with our kids, and be that go-to source for homework help.

dad, who knew everything, suddenly get so stupid?”

Math has been no exception.

I guess that’s just life. I am confident enough to know its okay I’m not

Don’t get me wrong, I was fine up to the point my children passed

as good as they are at everything…and, hopefully, the feeling is mutual

the fifth grade. I can do division, multiplication, and “manipulate” those

with my kids. I am, however, a little tired of having to constantly fish out

colored blocks (whatever that was about). But, starting in sixth grade, the

my college diploma to prove to them that I actually graduated.

kids entered the beginning of algebra and I was soon lost. I made up every

46

3. “Who wants ice cream?”

suburban parent MARCH 2016

<sigh> SP

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