Chatt Valley April 2020

APRIL 2020

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Timeless Memories by Jessica

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Cover Sponsor See Pg. 23

Snow White on stage at the RiverCenter, June 27 & 28

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s learning

FIELDwork

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COlumbus Botanical Gardens & Blanchard Elementary COllaboration

Muscogee County School District has had a longtime, unique collaboration with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Each fall, schools partner with local area businesses for Partners in Education (PIE). These partners in education work with the schools to improve academic performance, provide career opportunities, enrich life experiences, or develop and enrich faculty. This year, the Columbus Botanical Gardens has partnered with Blanchard Elementary to design an inclusive, unique garden at the school.

The collaboration is called Foundations in Environmental Learning Design, or FIELDwork. Children’s Education Coordinator, Dawn Grantham explains, “We met with fourth grade teacher Peyton Hannan and ten fifth grade students. We told them it was a business venture between the Columbus Botancial Gardens and Blanchard and we’ve been hired, in a sense, to meet their need for an environmental improvement project on their campus.” The students were given a presentation regarding their design space by Executive Director of the Columbus Botanical Gardens, Stefan Bloodworth. He showed students a large aerial view of the Blanchard gardens with surrounding areas. Each time he gave them a smaller view, to demonstrate scale.

Students were then given sketch paper and asked to design their ideas on top of a blueprint of the school’s gardens. Next the students will be given a blueprint of their greenspace to start brainstorming designs. They will meet each week to further design their greenspace.

Students were given three assignments to complete before their next meeting:

Create a Business Name: After all, they are a business contracted to landscape a new greenspace. They oversee timelines, design elements and more. They need a name for themselves.

COllect Data: Students were asked to survey members of the community who know and love Blanchard Elementary. In addition to taking these surveys, the students must keep track of participants to help determine any trends in data.

List Favorite Elements: Students need a functional, well-loved space.

Adding their favorite elements of the outdoors and their favorite outdoor spaces will only help make this greenspace successful.

After the first meeting, students left feeling energized and empowered for the future of Blanchard, and so did Grantham and Bloodworth.

“The purity of their thoughts, they don’t know caps or limitations,” shared Grantham, “It’s too bad ten-year olds can’t be part of more adult collaborations.” Grantham has a special connection to Blanchard Elementary. She just retired as principal. With the students’ visions, she’s seeing the school in a whole new light, “Blanchard has three beautiful courtyards that I just took for granted,” she explained, “I was invited back by Peyton and I became misty-eyed. These courtyards are amazing and how didn’t I see this before?”

Columbus Botanical Gardens has prospective donor funding for the future garden at Blanchard Elementary School. One day these students will have a greenspace designed for everyone’s use.

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The Scoop!

Easter Events GUIDE PAUSED Guide

Easter Bunny Sightings, Egg Hunts & More

FamilyAndKidsGA.com/Easter

Where to Find HOO? Check your local kid-friendly doctors, dentists, attractions, retail shops & restaurants; or see our interactive distro map at: familyandkidsga.com/get-a-copy

TO SUBMIT AD OR EVENT: Tammy Usie, Publisher tammy@familyandkidsga.com 253-212-7270 FamilyAndKidsGA

www.Familyandkidsga.com

THE COMPANY OF THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. PHOTO BY JEREMY DANIEL

MAY 6-7 NATIONAL TOUR

CANCELED

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

You’re invited to...

4 0 0 4 th S t r e e t • C o l u m b u s , G A 3 1 9 0 1

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HOO’s Healthy

7

waB Al kB forI E S EVENT NOW VIRTUAL:

WWW.MARCHFORBABIES.ORG/EVENT/CHATTAHOOCHEEVALLEYGA

THE ANNUAL CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY MARCH FOR BABIES WALK IS ON APRIL 25 (STILL SCHEDULED AS OF OUR MID-MARCH PRESS TIME) AT WOODRUFF PARK IN COLUMBUS. JOIN MORE THAN 450 PEOPLE AT THIS EVENT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR THE ORGANIZATION'S PROGRAMS. REGISTRATION STARTS AT 8:30 AM AND THE WALK/RUN BEGINS AT 9:30 AM. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PARTICIPANTS AND THERE WILL BE A FUN ZONE FOR KIDS. DURING THE EVENT, THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REMEMBER ANGEL BABIES AND SHOW SUPPORT FOR BABIES THAT ARE FIGHTING HEALTH ISSUES OR HAVE OVERCOME THEM.

WHAT IS THE MARCH OF DIMES? The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that provides support for moms and babies at every stage of pregnancy and post-delivery. The money raised by events such as the Chattahoochee Valley March for Babies Walk helps fund the organization's mission to fight for healthy moms and babies. One in ten babies in the US is born too early (prematurely). Babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) can have serious health issues and may not even survive. Every year, 14,756 babies are born prematurely in Georgia and 7, 090 babies are born prematurely in Alabama. Also, the United States has a maternal morbidity rate that is the highest in the developed world.

CURRENT RESEARCH PLATFORMS BY INCLUDE:

PRE-ECLAMPSIA In the US, this serious pregnancy complication is the cause of about 15% of premature births.

Pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to internal organs, such as the liver.

ISSUES WITH THE PLACENTA Conditions such as placental abruption and placenta previa may lead to premature birth.

Placental abruption is the partial or complete tearing away of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. Placenta previa is when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix.

MATERNAL HEALTH ISSUES Conditions such as obesity and diabetes that existed before pregnancy can increase health risks both to mother and baby.

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF MOMS AND BABIES THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollution, may increase the risks of premature birth.

Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death.

Pregnancy complications and health issues that existed pre-pregnancy can lead to premature birth. However, in many cases, the exact cause of premature birth is not known. Donations to the March of Dimes help fund research that seeks to understand the causes of premature births and gathers more data on maternal health issues that are known to increase the risk of premature birth.

The March of Dimes also funds research into the causes of birth defects and funds programs that provide information to expectant moms about possible ways to reduce the risk of birth defects. Each year in Alabama, 1,780 babies are born with a birth defect and 534 babies die before their first birthday. In Georgia, 3,910 babies are born each year with a birth defect and 972 babies die before their first birthday.

One important advancement that resulted from this research is the newborn screening process which is now part of standard care for newborns.

For more information about how you can support moms and babies in the Chattahoochee Valley by participating in the March for Babies, visit marchforbabies.org.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s HUNGRY

EASY FRENCH TOAST BAKE This Easy French Toast Casserole Is The Ultimate Holiday Or Weekend Breakfast!! Courtesy of lilluna.com

DIRECTIONS

Cut loaf into cubes and place evenly in a greased 9x13 pan. In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar and vanilla. Pour evenly over bread. Cover your pan with Saran Wrap and refrigerate overnight. Mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in butter with this mixture until crumbly and place in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate overnight as well.

Take pan and Ziploc out when ready to bake. Sprinkle crumbly mixture evenly over the bread. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on how soft you like it.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 loaf sourdough bread • 8 eggs • 2 cups milk • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sugar • 2 tbsp vanilla • 1/2 cup flour • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup butter cold, cut into pieces

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s learning

Easy Books For

HARD SUBJECTS

By Jeannine Scott, Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

Modern children’s books make even the toughest topics approachable for young children. Whether you’re having trouble finding the right words to start a conversation about an important topic or supporting a young person as they cope with a personal situation, books provide a non-threatening way to ease into deeper discussion. Children’s library staff are happy to help you find materials that are right for you and your little one, but here are some recommendations for common “tough” topics:

Anxiety – Anxious Charlie to the Rescue by Terry Milne Alzheimer’s/Dementia – The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros Autism – A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey Cancer – When A Kid Like Me Fights Cancer by Catherine Stier Death – The Yellow Suitcase by Meera Sriram Divorce – Here and There by Tamara Smith Incarceration – Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson Personal Space – Will Ladybug Hug? by Hilary Leung Racism – A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory

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PYTHON ALL-STAR 10

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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COLUMBUS

HOO’s NEWS

RETURN The Columbus Lions are set to kick off their new indoor football season on April 17 at the Columbus Civic Center (date still scheduled as of our mid-March press time). The Columbus Lions games are a family-friendly outing that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Indoor football is played on a padded floor and is 50 yards long by 85 feet wide. There can be eight players on the field at a time and the football used is the same size and weight as in NFL games. The other rules of the game are similar to outdoor football.

Players to watch during the 2020 season include Mason Espinosa at quarterback, Kamryn Pettway from Auburn at running back and Lonnie Outlaw at wide-receiver.

The Lions often arrange for special guest appearances at the pre-game show.

Haltime and times-outs are filled by family-friendly performances that will keep everyone in your family entertained. After the game, players are available on the field for pictures and autographs.

Kids can join Leo’s Cub Club and get special access to the field at home games during player introductions and have the opportunity to high-five their favorite players as the players walk onto the field. Club members also get a discount when scheduling a birthday party at a Lions game.

In the summer, the Lions provide an opportunity for kids ages 12 and under to play in

an NFL Flag Football league and also offer a summer camp for kids ages 7 to 13 years.

The NFL Flag Football League games are played inside the Columbus Civic Center.

There are five games in the season and some teams will have the opportunity to play an exhibition game at halftime during a Columbus Lions game. The summer camp is scheduled for June 15-17 at the Columbus Civic Center. At the camp, Columbus Lions players work with kids to improve their football skills.

Home game tickets can be purchased by calling 706-322-3336. Visit columbuslions. net to register for the Cub Club, the NFL Flag Football League and the summer camp.

Also check for confirmed game dates.

COME & enjoy the Stories you'll hear

NOWHERE

else!

1002 VICTORY DRIVE • COLUMBUS, GA 31901 WWW.PORTCOLUMBUS.ORG

April 30, 2020.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Are they ready

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

for a

HOO’s parenting

smartphone ?

Many kids assume that once they reach the tween years and enter middle school, they will be given a smartphone. However, parenting experts caution that just because your child is entering middle school, it does not mean he is ready for the responsibility of a smartphone.

What to consider before giving your child his first smartphone The peer pressure can seem overwhelming to your child and you may desire the convenience of being able to contact your child at all times and track his location. However, there are a few risks to consider before providing your child with a smartphone.

a Does your child have the maturity to care for a smartphone and avoid losing or damaging it? You do not want to find yourself constantly hunting down his phone or having to replace an expensive smartphone that was stolen when your child accidentally left it someplace. If your child has difficulty keeping track of his school backpack or his equipment bag for sports practice, imagine your dismay when he misplaces his backpack or his bag and his smartphone is inside it. a

Is your child mature enough to follow good smartphone etiquette? For example, will he realize that sensitive conversations should be conducted face-to-face, not through texting or a video chat app?

a Many kids who desire a smartphone wish to use social media apps to stay in touch with friends. Is your child mature enough to know how to properly report any instances of cyberbullying that may occur? Does he understand that any comments or pictures placed online are there forever, even if he deletes them?

a Does your child already respect limits you put on screen time at home and the parental controls you have in

place on smart TVs and computers, or does he regularly break the rules? If he does break the rules often, a smartphone may not be for him. If you are already having to constantly remind your child to stay off other devices, it is not a good idea to add a smartphone to the list of gadgets to monitor. The fun apps and the internet access available on smartphones make them a strong temptation to break screen time rules.

a Is your child mature enough not to buy more apps or more purchases without permission from you?

An alternative to a smartphone If you feel your child is not ready for the responsibility of a smartphone, but you need to be able to quickly get in touch with him, a smartwatch made for kids may be a good alternative. The parental controls built into smartwatches designed for kids allow parents to enter designated phone numbers into the watch. The watch will only make calls to and receive calls from those designated numbers. Also, children’s smartwatches allow parents to monitor their child’s location.

Keeping your child safe in the smartphone world The parental controls can be a little tedious to install on Android smartphones and iPhones, but after they are implemented, they will allow you to restrict the apps your child can use and protect your family’s privacy. One example is Google’s Family Link app, which works on Android phones and on iPhones running iOS9 or higher.

This free app allows parents to set parental controls on how much time your child spends on apps and monitor internet activity. Keeping your child safe online and helping him learn to regulate how much time he spends on smartphone apps makes installing parental controls worth the work. Google Family Link and other parental control apps can be downloaded from the phone’s App Store.

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EDUCATION/CARE GUIDE Wise Choices for You & Your Family

For a list of private schools, preschools, tutors and home school resources, visit familyandkidsga.com/cat/education To feature your school option, call Tammy 253-212-7270.

Preparing young men to excel.

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Pre-K through 3rd grade | Fall 2020 Limited spots available 10107 Veterans Pkwy, Midland, GA 31820 info@emanuelprep.com emanuelprep.com Call to schedule a private tour 706.327.1978

Learning through physical activity & Sports

Math & Reading Tutoring & Enrichment

Ages

3-11 free academic assessment

Bridging The Gap for Learning and Opportunity

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www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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HOO’s CRAFTY

MOSAIC

EASTER EGGS Get extra crafty with these stylish eggs!

DIRECTIONS

SUPPLIES

Boil at least 8 white eggs. Set half of the white eggs to the side to save. Mix one cup water with 1/4 cup vinegar and food coloring dye. We used shades of blue and green. Once submerged in the dye, the color takes fast, so keep an eye on them. Crack and peel a few white eggs and a few colored eggs. You have to remove the film under the shell too. Try to get some large, medium and small shells when you crack the egg. Separate each color of shell into individual bowls. Using Elmer’s glue and toothpicks, gently place the shells on the egg. Use round cracked shells for the top and break them so they fit the eggs’ roundness.

Wee Blessing

8 EGGS VINEGAR FOOD COLORING ELMER’S GLUE TOOTH PICKS

Courtesy of: sugarandcharm.com

HOO’s STYLISH

Does the shopping for you! Local Mom Created Shop & Style Business

By Maria Phillips, Family and Kids

Each new season I find myself in the same predicament, my child has outgrown his clothes. As a boy mom and a bargain shopper, I find clothes shopping for my four-year-old, Ben, incredibly difficult. I try to avoid gender stereotypical clothes and I never want to pay too much, since they’re only good for a season, and well, the clothes probably won’t survive the season. I usually put a day aside to bargain shop storeto-store, but it’s become a task I truly hate. So, when I discovered local company, WeeBlessing, I decided to try their personal styling service.

The concept is simple. WeeBlessing does the shopping and it arrives at your doorstep. This personal styling service is available for kids and adults. Basically, you log onto their website, fill out a cleverly-crafted questionnaire that asks likes, dislikes, style taste, budgets and BAM, you receive a box full of clothes matching your needs. The cost? For only $8, you receive a box full of personally picked clothes from brands you

know and love. You decide which clothes you’d like to purchase and return the rest. The $8 fee includes shipping and returns, there is no styling fee. The clothes are discounted, between 40-60% off retail, so you don’t need to worry about markups, you’re getting a great price. Sounds great, right? It gets better. The best part about WeeBlessing is the personal touch.

Each outfit from WeeBlessing is handpicked. Your personal stylist takes the time to get to know who they’re styling. Your “blessing” often comes with a handwritten note, and it’s beautifully wrapped for your enjoyment. “At WeeBlessing we pride ourselves in creating an exciting and memorable moment each time you receive your ‘blessing,’” explains owner and Harris County local, Alicia Werle. WeeBlessing takes the stress out of shopping and allows you to enjoy your child’s new, personally picked wardrobe at an affordable price. If you’re interested in trying out their service, visit weeblessing.com.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Tuesdays Kids Eat Free!

From 5-9pm with each adult entrée

Over 10 Kids Meals under $4 each!! (includes drink)

FREE ICE CREAM Because everyone deserves dessert!

All-natural

ingredients

jasonsdeli.com

706-494-8857 • 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Columbus • Hours: 10am-10pm

Diet Restriction Friendly Online Ordering Catering

Dining Deals

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

for Kids

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With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Sapo’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Zaxby’s

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Tuesday

The Chicken Lady’s COOP 5-8pm: Kids chicken plate for $3.25

Denny’s 4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

Hudson’s Free kids’ meal for 12 and under with adult entrée

Jason’s Deli 5-9pm: Free kids’ meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

Ruby Tuesday

Thursday MOE’s Southwest Grill 5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Captain D’s Kids’ meals .99 cents all day

Saturday Denny’s 4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée for kids 10 and under

sunday The Simple Greek Kids 12 & under get free kids bowl with purchase of regular bowl or pita

Every day 219 On The Lake 5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

Bruster’s Ice Cream

TGI Friday’s

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

Wednesday Applebee’s Half off kid’s meal per adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids to adult

Pita Street Food 4-9pm: Kids eat free, per $8 min. adult buy; dine-in

Golden Corral Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

McAlister’s Kids’ meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

Newk’s 4pm-close: free kid’s meal with adult meal (M-W)

O’Charley’s

Your Pie

Free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 10 & under

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted.

Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

Red Robin Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

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?

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Do we need a

Protein

HOO’s Healthy

SUPPLEMENT

By Adrienne Greenwalt of Lean Life Health Coaching in Columbus; Certified Health Coach, RN MSN, and mother of three

IT’S HARD TO WALK THROUGH AN AISLE AT THE GROCERY STORE THESE DAYS WITHOUT SEEING ‘NOW WITH PROTEIN!’ SPLASHED ACROSS PACKAGES OF BREAD, YOGURT, CEREAL, ICE CREAM AND MORE. BUT IS ALL THIS PROTEIN BENEFICIAL OR EVEN NECESSARY? Protein is the major building block of all of our body’s cells and is broken down into amino acids through digestion. There are nine essential amino acids that we cannot make in our bodies and must get from our food. All nine are provided in animal sources of protein such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. Plant-based sources of protein like whole grains, legumes (like lentils, split peas and peanuts), beans, nuts and seeds are all valuable sources of protein, but since each contains only some of the nine essential amino acids, the vegetarian diet needs to be varied enough each day to ensure you get all of them. Since these amino acids are necessary for vital functions of our body, you may be left wondering how much protein you and your children really need, and if you’re getting enough.

The good news is, if your child is consuming enough calories through a balanced diet, then they’re almost certainly getting enough protein. The best way to consume protein is to spread out our intake across the day by including a source of protein in all of our meals. Even in teenage athletes, a healthy, balanced diet usually provides enough protein to meet the body’s needs, and it is almost always better to consume protein as part of a meal made up of whole foods as opposed to a supplement like protein powder. Protein powders, like other vitamins and supplements, are not regulated by the FDA, and the nutritional breakdown and specific ingredients may not be as cited on the container. Always check with your family’s pediatrician before adding a supplement to your child’s diet.

There is a lot of debate around the specific amounts of protein required in the adult diet. The USDA’s recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, with an exception for pregnant and lactating mothers, who require slightly more protein per day (1.1grams per kilogram of current weight). Several popular diets such as Atkins, Keto and the Paleo diet all put a heavy emphasis on increasing protein in order to lose weight and/or build muscle. But if you consume more calories by just adding protein, and not burn off those calories with increased exercise or activity, they will still be stored as fat in the body. However, if you’re replacing the calories you used to get from refined carbohydrates (sugary cereals, chips, white bread, etc.) with whole-food sources of protein (such as unsweetened peanut butter, salmon, lean turkey or chicken, lentils, spinach, broccoli or pistachios) and you’re making other healthy and nutritious choices and getting adequate exercise, you’ll begin to see a myriad of health benefits.

For the average person looking at the confusing protein recommendations and feeling frustrated, I offer you a simple suggestion: focus instead on eating a whole-food diet: heavy on plants, low on highly processed foods containing refined oils and artificial additives, and you’ll be on your way to improving your health. Always check with your healthcare provider before changing your diet or exercise regimen. If you’re looking for education and guidance on improving your overall health, preventing illness or making healthy food choices, visit us at LeanLifeHealthCoaching.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

EVENT CANCELED

SPLISH SPLASH CLOTHES AND CASH we buy and sell gently used kids’ clothes and more!

WE PAY CASH FOR: CLOTHES, SHOES, TOYS, AND BABY EQUIPMENT LIKE BOUNCERS, PLAY YARDS, SWINGS, EXERSAUCERS AND JUMPEROOS

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com facebook.com/onceuponachildcolumbusga

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April Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made or events were cancelled after our mid-March press time.

1-2 NIM Kids Spring Film Fest. 11am &

1pm. Free. National Infantry Museum; 706658-2622.

1-3 Spring Break Adventures. 10am. $5.

Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

7 STEAM Punks: Stories & Science. 3:30pm.

11 The Great Bunny Chase 5K & Kids Fun Run.

7 Kid’s Drawing Club: Pint Sized Picassos &

11 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Library; 706-

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Mini Monets (Ages 5-12). 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

7 PlayLab for Kids. (Ages 8-12). 4:30pm. Co-

lumbus Library; 706-243-2813

7 Harry Potter Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

4 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon.

Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus; 706-322-9240.

Phenix City; 334-297-2045

4 Cookies with the Easter Bunny. 10amnoon. $10. Trade Center; 706-327-4522 4 Pine Mountain Days Festival. 10am-5pm.

Downtown Pine Mountain; pinemountain.org

4 Easter Eggstravaganza. 10am-5pm. $15.

The Rock Ranch, The Rock; 706-647-6374

4 Community Wide Easter Eggstravaganza.

11am-2pm. Mary Mother Mission, Phenix City; 334-298-6371

6Preschool Storytime & Easter Egg Hunt

(Ages 3-5). 11am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

7 Discovery Hub: Present Day. 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

14 Mini Makers (Ages 3-5). 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

14 Blockheads LEGO™ Challenge. 3:30pm.

South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

3 TGIF Spring Break. 10am-5pm. $14.99. The Rock Ranch, The Rock; 706-647-6374 4 NIM Kids Spring Film Fest. 11am & 1pm.

Free. National Infantry Museum; 706-6582622.

brary; 706-748-2855

9 Toddler Storytime & Easter Egg Hunt (1836 mths). 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

parking. FD Roosevelt Park; 706-663-4858

11 Kids Can Code. 4pm. North Columbus Li-

14 Afterschool Games in the Yancey Children’s Garden. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

3 Night Eggstravaganza. 6:30pm. $3 + $5

243-2813

8 Easter Egg Hunt (11 & under). 4pm. North

2 VIP Night for Kids with Special Needs. 6pm.

Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680

1-3pm. $15. Callaway Gardens; 808-478-7576

9 Books Before Bedtime. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

10 TGIF Spring Break Friday. 10am-5pm.

$14.99. The Rock Ranch, The Rock; 706-6476374

10 Finger Paint Free Play (Ages 2-4) Reservations required. 10:15am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

10-19 Spring Fling Carnival. Hours vary.

Free admission. Columbus Civic Center; 706653-4472

11 Project Lifesaver’s Easter Egg Roll. 10am.

Lakebottom Park, 18th Street; 706-225-3297

11 Story Book Character Day. 10am-5pm.

$15. The Rock Ranch, The Rock; 706-647-6374

11 Jr. Beekeeper Workshop. 10am. $35. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

11 Annual Spring Fling/Roosevelt Days Festival. 10am-5pm. Free. Warm Springs; 706655-3322

11

Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament.

10:30am. $10-$20. Ages 8-15. Godwin Creek; 706-324-0583

16 Storywalk: Marc Brown, Arthur. 4pm.

North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

16 UnCHAPERONed: a Book Club for Caregivers of Young Children (Adults): Adult Books.

5pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 17 Columbus Lions Indoor Football, 7pm, Columbus Civic Center; columbuslions.net

17 MOPS and MOMSnext meeting. 9:15-

11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way, Columbus; 706-323-4374

17 Can You Survive IRL: Library Edition. 4pm.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

17 $mart Money for $mart Kids. 4:30pm.

Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

17 Parents Night Out! (Ages 5-12). 6-10pm.

$25. RSVP. Treadstone Climbing Gym; 706507-7625

17-18 Little House on the Prairie, the

Musical. 7:30pm. $8-$40. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

18 MidTown Classic 5K and Kids Fun Run. 8am-Noon. $10-$25. Wynnton UMC; wynntonumc.org

Events www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

18 Strut the Hooch Parade. 9am. Uptown Columbus; 706-315-9117

25 Cain Classic Fitness Festival. 8am-9pm. $20-$50. Hardaway High; 706-610-4477

18 Grand Opening Market Days on Broadway. 9am-noon. Woodruff Riverfront Park; 706-596-0111

25 March of Dimes’ March for Babies.

8:30-10:30am. Woodruff Riverfront Park; 888274-3711

18 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. 9:30am, 11am and 12:30pm. $4-$10. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

25 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565

18 “Dino-Mite” Dinosaur & Rock Festival.

25 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. 9:30am,

10am-5pm. $14.99. The Rock Ranch, The Rock; 706-647-6374

11am & 12:30pm. $4-$10. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

18 Creative Crawlers (0-24 mon). 10:30am.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

25 Barnyard-Palooza Baby Animal Experience. 10am-5pm. $14.99. The Rock Ranch, The Rock; 706-647-6374

21 Discovery Hub: The Future. 10:30am.

Columbus Library; 706-243-2813 21 Christian Robinson’s Art of Fun. 3:30pm.

S. Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

25 CSO: Family Dress Rehearsal. 12:30pm.

RiverCenter; 706-256-3612 25 Girl Power Program. 1pm. Mildred L.

22 Earth Day Celebration. 4pm. Columbus

Terry Library; 706-553-1276

22-24 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

9:30am and 11am. $4-$10. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

706-243-2813

23 Earth Day Celebration. 4:30pm. Mildred

26 LIttle House on the Prairie, the Musical.

24 Finger Paint Friday: 2pm (Ages 3-4) & 2:45pm (Ages 5-6). Reservations required.

North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

28 Mini Makers (Ages 3-5). 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

24 Picture Book Club. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

28 Afterschool Games in the Yancey Children’s Garden. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

Library; 706-243-2813

L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

24 Friday Family Flicks: “The Lion King.”

3:30pm. South Columbus Library; 706-6838805 24 Switch Mix Super Mario Game (Ages

7-12). 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

24-25 Little House on the Prairie,

the Musical. 7:30pm. $8-$40. Family Theatre; 706-431-3752

25 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Columbus Library;

25 Reptile Fest. 2:30-3:30pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550 2:30pm. $8-$40. Family Theatre; 706-4313752

28 Superhero Training Day & Trivia (11 & under). 4pm. North Columbus Library; 706748-2855 28 Family Fun Night. 6:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782 29

Mommy Meet-Up (Adults). 11am.

North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Weekly Events MONDAY

Family Storytime. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805 ASL: Silent Chat. 4pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

TUESDAY

Chess: Unplug From the Computer For Chess’ Sake. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706243-2782

WEDNESDAY

Family Storytime (Ages 0-5). 10:30am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

THURSDAY

Preschool Story Time. 9:30am. Historic Westville; 706-940-0057 Get Your Game On. 3:30pm. South Columbus Library 706-683-8805

FRIDAY

Kids Night Out. 6pm practice. 7pm competition. $10. Ages 5-18. Bows not provided.

Archery Connection; 334-480-9997 Music ‘n Motion. 10am & 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

SATURDAY

Market Days on Broadway. 9am-Noon. 1100 Broadway, Columbus; 706-596-0111 Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon.

Ages 3+. See store for details.

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. Launch Trampoline Park; 706-221-8680 Saturday Storytimes. 11am. Barnes & Noble; 706-653-7880 Nature Nuggets. 10:30-11:30am. $3. Ages 2-7. Oxbow Meadows; 706-507-8550

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

TO SHOWCASE YOUR ACTIVITY IN OUR PRINT AND DIGITAL GUIDE, CALL 253-212-7270 OR TAMMY@FAMILYANDKIDSGA.COM

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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BIG BUGS, BIG FUN Resort& Gardens

®

More than 70 Exhibits of larger-than-life insects!

Pine Mountain, GA | CallawayGardens.com

NEW FOR 2020!

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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EVENT CANCELED

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EVENTS CANCELED

EVENT POSTPONED EVENT CANCELED EVENT POSTPONED EVENT CANCELED

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VALLEY VIEW RANCH

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

SCRUBS

Our sleepaway summer camp offers the unique blend of traditional outdoor camp experiences and one of a kind animal encounters in our AZA accredited Zoo. Campers sleep in real teepees!

Hands-on Adventures in Healthcare

Rising 9th Graders - College Sophomore

Offering twice this year!

June 15-18, 9am - 4pm July 20-23, 9am - 4pm

sessions are a full week or 4 days boys & girls ages 8-14 sessions begin at $250

Enjoy lab demonstrations, facility tours, surgical videos, hands-on activities, and a variety of career experts.

Housing available (separate charge) For registration & payment information: www.hughston.com/2020-summer-camp

Early Registration Deadline: April 15th - $200 Regular Registration Deadline: May 29th- $250

Albany, GA www.chehaw.org

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CANCELED

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ENTER YOUR CUTIE: www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

Zyler, 3 years Phenix City

Marlaysia, 5 years Phenix City

Stone, 4 years Fort Benning

Trending

#iWeigh

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What to watch on Netflix is a brand new series taking you through all the good stuff - as it drops.

Your host Dotty (BBC Radio 1Xtra Breakfast Show), along with film and TV guru Jamie East (Thronecast, Previously, on...), sit down with some of Netflix’s biggest stars and the creators of some of our best shows to talk about their latest projects - and more crucially - what THEY watch when they get a spare second. From brand new shows to deep dives into the catalogue, What to Watch on Netflix is your guide to all things great.

Jameela Jamil, a 26-year old actress who is known as Tahani Al-Jamil on NBC’s The Good Place, started the #iweigh movement after she was sick and tired of seeing women’s worth be measured by how much they weigh. Her mission is to help women see their worth goes far beyond their body and how much they weigh. #Iweigh is going strong with thousands of posts from women all over the world publicly declaring that they are so much more than what they see on a scale.

The Happiness Equation

The Happiness Equation is a book that will change how you think about pretty much everything - your time, your career, your relationships, your family, and, ultimately, of course, your happiness. Author, Neil Pasricha, illustrates how to want nothing and do anything in order to have everything. If that sounds like a contradiction in terms, you simply have yet to unlock the 9 Secrets to Happiness.

Each secret takes a piece out of the core of common sense, turns it on its head to present it in a completely new light, and then provides practical and specific guidelines for how to apply this new outlook to lead a fulfilling life.

Music For Pregnancy Relaxation APP

Music for Pregnancy Relaxation is a hand-picked collection of classical music that will help you increase a healthier and stress-free birth experience! Classical music has been proven to be the music of intelligence. Recent studies have shown that listening to classical music can have lasting effects on one’s brain; it can stimulate brain function in developing infants and improve comprehension of math and other computing skills in adults. It trains the brain to acknowledge all the parts that work together to make the whole.

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HOO’s Healthy Smart Steps to financial literacy A study with Gallup World Poll tested 15,000 adults on financial literacy. The study covered basic concepts such as interest rates, compounding and risk. The results of this study were alarming, 1 in 3 adults are financially illiterate. Not surprisingly, studies show the typical American couple with children carries an average credit card balance of $8,145. Overall, Americans are living off borrowed money and it’s costing them.

This April, Kinetic Credit Union is celebrating Financial Literacy Month and offering their digital financial education program, Smart Steps to the general public. Smart Steps is a simple, narrated, short online course that offers members the opportunity to learn about financial basics. The course guides users to become more financially educated in order to gain better financial control of their future. Even non-members of Kinetic Credit Union can benefit from this course. To start Smart Steps, visit https://www.kineticcu.com/smart-steps.

the Smart Steps course covers: STARTING OUT:

The basics of responsible banking, budgeting, building credit, protecting your credit, and effectively using a savings and checking account.

MONEY BASICS:

These courses include education on building an emergency savings, protecting yourself from overdrafting, how taxes impact your pay, and necessary insurances to keep you protected.

BUYING A HOME:

This is the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Know the costs associated with homeownership, the best options for loans and more.

PAYING FOR COLLEGE:

Paying for education can seem expensive and overwhelming. But don’t worry you’re not in it alone! This program will help you understand the costs associated with financing an education and navigate the application and repayment process.

LOANS & PAYMENTS:

This section of Smart Steps teaches the best options for investing and how to determine the best payment options for your lifestyle.

DID YOU KNOW:

Kinetic is not your typical bank, it’s a not-for-profit credit union. It is member-owned and operated on the principle of people helping people, providing its members quality service and credit at competitive rates. Kinetic Credit Union serves anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Muscogee, Chattahoochee, Harris, or Marion counties in Georgia and Lee, Russell, and Macon counties in Alabama. Learn more about Kinetic at www.kineticcu.com

www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com

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MAY 16 | 2:30 PM Told through movement, music, and narration, an ensemble of dancers creates a magical world where ideas grow and take flight. Based on the New York Times best selling book, this is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, or too difficult.

CANCELED MAY 16 | 2:30 PM MAY 16 | 2:30 PM

900 BROADWAY COLUMBUS, GA | 706-256-3612 | RIVERCENTER.ORG G L O B900 A L SBROADWAY TA R S . | COLUMBUS , GA | |706-256-3612 | RIVERCENTER.ORG @ R I VE R C E N T E R G A | # R I VE R C E N T E R G A CLOSE TO HOME.

@ R I VE R C E N T E R G A | # R I VE R C E N T E R G A

Today is full of possibilities.

For more than 70 years, St. Francis has been at the heart of care for Columbus. Today, we begin the next chapter of care for our community. Embracing new possibilities together. Our combined legacies of compassionate, quality care means we are positioned better than ever before to make our communities healthier. We are St. Francis – Emory Healthcare.

MyStFrancis.com