KC Parent Magazine October 2012

26 years of connecting with kansas city families

FREE Oct 2012 KCParent.com

FALL FUN LEAF PEEPING PUMPKIN PATCHES KC FESTIVALS DAY TRIPS plus: sugar’s hidden dangers

CARAMEL APPLES

go-to apps for parents deciphering report cards kcparent.com october 2012

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healthcare you can trust.

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Heather Williams, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP

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CARE for KIDS. Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top hospitals in the country in specialties such as nephrology, neonatology and cancer. For the second year in a row, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics is the only hospital in Kansas City to be ranked in 100% of all specialties measured. It’s a reflection of our world-class pediatric expertise, research and clinical care. And it’s more evidence that Children’s Mercy is working wonders every day.

kcparent.com october 2012

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A PLACE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY • Early Learning for a strong start • Before & After School Y Club to learn, play and belong • Youth Sports & Swimming for exercise and confidence

NO JOINING FEE OPEN dOORS iNCOmE-BASEd PRiCiNg

With Open Doors pricing based on your income, getting a membership rate that fits you is quick and easy.

Just bring your 1040 tax form or Schedule C with you for income verification.

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• School-based Before & After School Y Club to learn, play and belong.

• School-based No School Days for students when school is out of session for seasonal breaks, conference days and inservice days.

For more information or to register for After Y Club and No School Days call 913.345.9622.

kcparent.com october 2012

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LEAF PEEPING, PG. 20

OCT 2012

DEPARTMENTS 10

Women’s Health

13

Blog Bits

14

Healthy Kids

15

Word from Dad

28

Media Mix

29

What’s New

SPECIAL SECTIONS FEATURES

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Fall Fun Find tons of family fun in our Fall Fun Guide

26

Grade Cards Tips for understanding your child’s report card

16

Fall Fun Guide

22

Pumpkin Patch Guide

36

Party Guide

40

Calendar of Events

30

Technology

How modern families cope with all those gadgets

ON THE COVER Sugar’s Hidden Dangers

26 years of connecting with kansas city families

FREE Oct 2012 KCParent.com

12

Fall Festivals

17

Day Trips

17

Leaf Peeping

20

Pumpkin Patches

22

Deciphering Report Cards

26

Apps for Busy Parents

32

Caramel Apples

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FALL FUN LEAF PEEPING PUMPKIN PATCHES KC FESTIVALS DAY TRIPS plus: sugar’s hidden dangers

CARAMEL APPLES

go-to apps for parents deciphering report cards kcparent.com october 2012

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kcparent.com october 2012

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Reserve your tickets today for our fall productions! Two-for-one deal!

First Act: “Tales From Hans Christian Andersen” Second Act: “Into the Woods Jr” Nov 8th & 9th at 7:00 p.m., Nov 10th at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., Youthfront Auditorium in Mission Tickets on sale now at www.culturehouse.com

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editor’s letter OCTOBER 2012

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Visit the blogs at KCParent.com for ideas to fill your family’s fall fun bucket list.

From apple picking to pumpkins to hayrides, you’ll find great insider tips to make the most of fall.

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kcparent.com october 2012

hew! When did October become the new December?

Just looking at my calendar is enough to make my head spin! From fall festivals to pumpkin patches to hayrides and more, October is chock-full of autumn fun. But never fear, we’ve got you covered. Our “Fall Fun” guide, along with the October calendar, will keep you in the know with all the happenings around KC. Hold onto your copy of KC Parent all month long—you won’t want to miss a minute of all October has to offer.

Along with much fall merriment, October typically brings the first of several school parties. As a teacher for 10 years and a room parent for a few, I’ve learned a few things about classroom parties. Number one: Don’t arm the kids in the room with broomsticks for “spider hockey.” It won’t end well—trust me, I speak from experience! I’m sure if you’ve helped at a classroom party, you could add to the list. Wendy Connelly has put together some terrific tips for a successful school party on pg. 34. She’s also included some advice from Kansas City teachers.

My sweet baby, Ally, turns 8 this month. How can that be? Last time I checked, she was still a cranky baby with a full head of dark hair and beautiful blue eyes. While she’s lost the crankiness and the dark hair, she still has those blue eyes. Happy, happy birthday to my blue-eyed beauty! You bring joy into our lives every day.

Great news, Lawrence readers! We’ve just made it easier for you to get your hands on your favorite magazine. KC Parent is now available at all six grocery stores in town.You’ll be able to find us each month at both HyVee and Dillons.

Enjoy October and all it has to offer!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Marisa Frymire Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers William Bartlett (Belton), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Jennifer Duxbury (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Jennifer Higgins (Kearny), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), David LaMartina (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Hallie Sawyer (Overland Park), James Wilcox (Kansas City), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee) Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent Find us on Foursquare: foursquare.com/kcparent Member of:

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Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication.

However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Healthy Smiles, Healthy Child Ask us about our kids camp for ages 4-11!

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T:7.4”

THOUSAnDS Of bAbIES ArE bOrn EvEry DAy. bUT WE’LL mAkE yOU fEEL LIkE yOUrS IS THE OnLy OnE. Saint Luke’s East Hospital makes your experience special with personalized care from our dedicated doctors and nurses. We offer 24-hour physician coverage in our Labor & Delivery Unit—the only one in Lee’s Summit.

Our spacious birthing suites let you spend those first T:4.85”

few days bonding with your newborn without distraction or interruption—the way it should be. Our Level IIIA neonatal intensive care unit offers in-room accommodations for parents, and we have rooms designed for twins.

To speak with a baby care coordinator, call Saint Luke’s Concierge at 816-932-5100. Learn more at SaintLukesHealthSystem.org/eastOB.

kcparent.com october 2012

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women’s health

BRCA:

Who should get tested?

Women with a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer — Women with a close relative that has premenopausal breast or ovarian cancer — Women of Jewish decent with breast cancer diagnosed at age 40 or younger or who have ovarian cancer — Women with breast cancer at age 50 or younger or who have a close relative with ovarian cancer or male breast cancer at any age — Women with a close relative with a known BRCA mutation — Women with breast cancer in both breasts

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WHAT IT IS AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

“S

ave second base,” “save the ta ta’s,” “save the girls” and a pink ribbon are sayings and symbols that are all too familiar. So you might be thinking, “I know, I know…Do self-breast exams, get your mammogram…we got it! We know what to do now!” However, there is something fairly new on the horizon. Have you heard of the BRCA gene? Don’t worry if you haven’t—but you will be seeing more about it in the future.

BRCA stands for breast cancer susceptibility gene.

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are human genes that are in a class of genes called tumor suppressors, which means their primary role is to suppress or eliminate tumors of the breast and ovaries. We all have these genes; they are part of our DNA. The problem is when the genes are mutated, which causes them to fail in doing their job of suppressing tumors of the breast and ovaries.

According to the Mayo Clinic, having this gene mutation is fairly uncommon. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are responsible for about 5 percent of breast cancers and about 10-15 percent of ovarian cancers.

Therefore, BRCA genetic testing will never replace self-breast exams and your yearly mammogram. Unfortunately, if you have a mutation of one of these genes your chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer greatly increase.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women with either BRCA mutation have a 65-74 percent chance of developing breast cancer, a 39-46 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer with the BRCA 1 mutation and a 12-20 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer with the BRCA 2 mutation.

What to do before testing:

Meet with your doctor to determine whether this is an appropriate step for you. Once that decision has been made, your doctor will send you to a genetic counselor. The genetic counselor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of testing.

What if my test is positive?

A positive test result means that you have a mutation in one of the breast

cancer genes. There are several choices to make. Options include: Increased screening: breast exams every six months and mammograms with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) every year.

Using oral contraceptives: This has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer in BRCA mutation carriers; however, your risk of breast cancer may go up.

Take a medication to reduce your risk of cancer called Tamoxifen, which is a type of chemotherapy.

Undergo preventative surgery: mastectomy and total hysterectomy.

What if my test is positive? That is a scary question that two local women have faced. They both chose to undergo preventative surgery. Bridget Vani, local mom from Lake Quivira, says, “You must have a plan before you go into testing.

Why do the testing if you don’t know what you are going to do about it?” Bridget knew her plan, which was to proceed with a total hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy. The surgeries were done in a staged fashion. “It was a tough decision because I didn’t have cancer yet, but my doctor said, ‘What would you do if you were getting on a plane that had a 75 percent chance of crashing? Would you get on?’ His analogy helped confirm my choice….I want to live and be there for my four boys.”

Over the past year, a local teacher from Liberty, Cammy Neth, has had a similar experience. After watching her grandmother pass away too early and her mother experience the trials of cancer, she decided to undergo genetic testing. Her tests came back positive for the mutation and she, like Bridget, decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery and a total hysterectomy. After meeting with her surgeon she says, “Being proactive was my best option. The surgery was difficult, of course, but I think my recovery was easier than if I had had cancer and then had surgery. I knew once surgery was over I would be able to get back to enjoying my life. This would just be a surgery I could recover from and move on.”

For more information regarding Cammy’s surgery and recovery, please visit CammysSurgery.blogspot.com, and watch for more information from Bridget Vani as her foundation, Bee Proactive, grows.

As always, please discuss any health concerns with your physician.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, daughter, mom and sister who encourages you to Bee Proactive!

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Painless Sugar Reduction Having trouble getting the sugar out of your family’s diet? Here are a few ways you can kick the cravings without feeling deprived.

Do it slowly.

Your kids won’t gleefully give up sugar if they’re used to eating sweets. Rather than take the cold-turkey approach, gradually reduce the sweetness in their meals and drinks. Smaller dessert portions, moderately sweetened cereals and diluted sports drinks are all better choices than their high-sugar counterparts.

sugar’s hidden dangers

Allow for treats.

There’s no need to be overzealous about sugar reduction if you’re eating well most of the time.

Cut out the sweets the majority of the time, but allow for a treat once or twice per week. Your kids will learn moderation, and they won’t be tempted to gorge at their friends’ houses.

Replace, don’t eliminate.

Processed sweets have almost no nutritional value, and according to KC doctor and nutritionist Rick Tague, “It’s impossible to convert the calories contained in sugar into useful energy.”

He recommends that you fill those nutritional gaps by swapping candy and cookies with fruit, nuts and other healthful snacks. It’s far easier to replace those foods than to simply go without.

W

ith October here, your kids are probably looking forward to a deluge of tasty treats. And while candy and cookies might be alright in moderation, mounting evidence suggests that high sustained sugar consumption is the numberone culprit behind childhood obesity, type II diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

In fact, recent studies even suggest that the sweet stuff may contribute to the development and growth of cancer cells. No matter how you choose to celebrate this year’s October festivities, you may want to seriously consider cutting back on your family’s year-round sugar intake.

What is it that makes sugar so harmful? Part of the problem is its addictive nature. It’s notoriously hard for both children and adults to cut the sweets, and there’s more to the issue than habit and willpower.

Dr. Eric Stice, a neuroscientist at Oregon Research Institute, has used MRI scanners to study sugar’s effects on the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. It turns out that sweet foods activate the release of dopamine—the same feel-good hormone responsible for the effects of alcohol. This is why it’s so hard to convince your kids— or yourself—to limit consumption to the occasional treat.

More importantly, sugar’s been directly linked to a host of childhood

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metabolic diseases. Dr. Larry McCleary, a former neurosurgeon at Denver Children’s Hospital, says that it’s “the perfect storm of components for production of the biggest threats to health we are experiencing.”

Glucose, one half of the sugar molecule, rapidly raises the blood sugar. This leads to chronically-elevated insulin levels, which in turn can cause obesity, hypertension and even diabetes.

The other half of the sugar molecule is fructose—the same stuff that’s in corn syrup and almost every packaged treat you’ll find on grocery store shelves. Don’t be fooled by “natural” sweets either, as the cane sugar they contain has just as much fructose as high fructose corn syrup. The small amounts found in fruits and veggies are certainly okay, but large doses have been shown to cause insulin resistance and high cholesterol—even in kids.

Even if your children are fit and healthy, regular sugar consumption can also contribute to behavioral problems.

Ever wonder why they’re bouncing off the walls after dessert? Dr. Mary Ann Block, an expert in ADHD, says that large amounts of sugar can cause reactive hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. This results in a rush of adrenaline, which can cause hyperactivity, irritability and poor concentration. Block even says that she’s seen misdiagnoses of attention-deficit disorders in kids who

consumed too much sugar. In some of these cases, “a simple change of diet will correct the problem and no psychiatric drugs or labels are needed.”

So, does this mean you need to strip every ounce of sugar from your kids’ diets?

Kansas City-based dietician Amy Sullivan doesn’t think so. “Sugar gets a bad rap for a good reason,” she says. “But it also has a positive side.” It occurs naturally, tastes good and is found in most foods at parties and celebrations. Complete restriction makes kids feel deprived and left out, and it may lead them to overindulge when you’re not around. It’s not the occasional treat that’s the problem; it’s the constant consumption so common in the Western diet.

Instead, Sullivan recommends that families cut their intakes by avoiding soft drinks, candy and other high-sugar foods outside of special occasions. However, it’s just as important to check labels for maltose, sucrose, cane juice and other not-soobvious forms of sugar. These ingredients are often found where you’d least expect them, even in savory items like breads and sauces.

David LaMartina is a Kansas Citybased freelance writer specializing in health and nutrition.

blog bits

Being Around for Years to Come

E

arlier this year, my brother-in-law was admitted to the hospital with blood clots in his lungs. The doctors stabilized him, ran all sorts of tests and put him on medication to improve his condition.

My brother-in-law’s trip to the hospital served as a wake-up call for me. In many ways, my brother-in-law and I have a lot in common. We are both 40, overweight, don’t eat right and don’t get enough exercise. My brother-in-law does have high blood-pressure, which I fortunately do not—but neither one of us is in great shape or can claim to be “healthy.”

Although I count my blessing that I haven’t had a “scare” like my brother-inlaw, I realize that it is time to start doing something to make sure that I am around for my children for years to come. Despite my lack of time, I need to make getting healthy my priority.

I actually started trying to get healthy recently. I decided to give up caffeine and soda, started trying to work more healthy meals into the family menu and started walking daily. I already feel better and have lost about 10 pounds. It is hard to stay motivated, though, and I have already started slipping back into my old eating routines. Now, my brother-in-law is providing all the motivation I need to get healthy.

I really do want to be around for my children, not just now, but for years to come. I want to be able to spoil my grandchildren, and I want to able to accomplish the goals I have set for my life. None of this will happen if I don’t get healthy and I don’t get into shape. So instead of spending time in front of the television or grabbing that extra slice of pizza, it is time to get up, go for a walk and have a salad instead. I challenge all of my fellow dads out there to join me in my quest to get healthy.You owe it to yourself and to your children.

James Wilcox lives in Kansas City. He and other moms, dads and teens blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today! kcparent.com october 2012

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healthy kids

5 Trick or Treat Tips 1. Have a responsible adult accompany trick-or-treaters. If there’s a group of children going, several chaperones are needed for crowd control and crossing the streets safely.

LOVE YOU

pumpkin!

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he crisp smell of autumn permeates the air, telling you to head to one of the local pumpkin patches because it’s time again to pick that perfect orange orb for carving your family’s masterpiece! The one thing that can ruin your October day is if someone gets hurt, and a child’s playing with knives is a surefire way to program your GPS for an urgent care trip.

“Keep kids involved and safe with pumpkin carving by letting the child design the face,” Dr. Lara Sullivan, a pediatrician at After-Hours Pediatrics urgent care center in Leawood, says. “We always

let each child draw with a Sharpie marker and let the parents do the carving.”

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) suggests, “Any moisture on your tools, hands or table can cause slipping that can lead to injuries.” Many stores carry special pumpkin carving kits that “include small serrated pumpkin saws that work better because they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin tissue,” says ASSH.

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and humor columnist. She can be contacted at NurseMommyLaughs.com.

2. Older trick-or-treaters need a safe plan, too (if they must go). Instruct them to remain together. Review a safe route so parents know their teens’ whereabouts. They also need cell phones to be accessible.

3. Children should wear reflective tape/ clothing or carry flashlights or glow sticks for night visibility.

4. Face paint is better than a face mask. This way the child can effectively see an approaching car, a change in landscape or stairs and curbs.

5. NO cutting through wooded areas, back alleys or fields! Children must remain in highly populated, well-lit areas. Remember: safety in numbers, but kids still shouldn’t go into a stranger’s home or their car. Tell children it’s acceptable to be impolite and leave, if they feel uncomfortable.

That’s a Fact, Jack-o’-Lantern!

Orange veggies are full of beta-carotene, a plant carotenoid that converts to vitamin A in your body. A diet containing this is said to reduce certain types of cancers and improve heart health. Gotta like that!

Pumpkin (1 cup cooked, boiled, drained, without salt): Calories 49 • Protein 2 grams • Carbohydrate 12 grams • Dietary Fiber 3 grams • Calcium 37 mg • Magnesium 22 mg • Niacin 1 mg • Potassium 564 mg • Vitamin C 12 mg • Vitamin A 2650 IU • Vitamin E 3 mg (Source: USDA)

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kcparent.com october 2012

word from dad

30 Hours

“T

rick or treat,” James and Ian mumbled as they stood by the door. Just recently verbal, this was their first Halloween when they said the timehonored phrase instead of having Sandi and me speaking for them. Even so, the boys loved it.

I’ve always loved Halloween and I still treasure my memories. I even did the math. Starting at about age 3 and going through age 12, with only those three hours of early dark, it comes to about 30 hours. We only have about 30 hours of a child’s life to create memories that will last until memory finally fails.

The effort is fun, but the unspoken goal is serious, and we put tremendous time and effort into it. Hours and money spent creating a costume that is worn only for this one day we consider well spent.

Or, we can start simply as we did with James before his first birthday when his costume was a purple lightning bolt on his forehead. None of the adults recognized it, but all the kids exclaimed, “Look, it’s the baby Harry Potter.”

James and Ian went through a variety of costumes: hooded cloaks that made them look like hobbits, Civil War outfits and various homemade costumes that were inexpensive, but took a lot of time to craft. Big kids now, they want super hero

None of the adults recognized it, but all the kids exclaimed, “Look, it’s the baby Harry Potter.”

costumes, one year going as Batman and Robin, then wanting to be Green Lantern and a Star Wars trooper.

Although there is some debate, 13, the first of the teenage years, has been the traditional cutoff for trick-or-treating.

Now James is 12, and this will be his last time. I thought of last year’s outing and how he and Ian both yelled “Trick or treat!” with gusto and enthusiasm. For their lifetime of memories, I think we succeeded.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Leigh’s School of Dance now enrolling for fall!

established in 1970 recreation & competitive levels

135th St. & South Arapaho Dr. www.leighsschoolofdance.com

913.764.4146 kcparent.com october 2012

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LOOSE PARK

FALL FAMILY FUN GUIDE

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kcparent.com october 2012

AUTUMN DAY TRIPS & FANTASTIC FALL FESTIVALS

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KANSAS CITY’S 9 BEST PLACES FOR LEAF PEEPING

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PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE

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ZOMBIE MARSHMALLOW TREATS

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LOUISBURG CIDER MILL

AUTUMN DAY TRIPS & FANTASTIC FALL FESTIVALS

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verything wonderful and iconic about autumn is part of our favorite day

trips, from homemade apple cider to fresh pumpkin pies, scenic views and old-fashioned country parades. These charming day trips offer terrific off-the-beatenpath sites to explore and fall festivals brimming with fun and memories of a simpler time.

Apple Cider, Star Gazing and Big Cats in Louisburg!

What is fall without delicious apple cider? Mouthwatering made-from-scratch cider is enjoyed every autumn at the Louisburg Cider Mill (14730 Hwy. 68, 913.837.5202, LouisburgCiderMill.com) during the annual Louisburg Ciderfest (Sept. 29 & 30; Oct. 6 & 7). The highlight of the day, just like on any autumn day at the cider mill, is watching as apples are freshly pressed into 100 percent pure apple cider — from initial washing to the actual pressing. Our favorite treats are the made-from-scratch-right-beforeyour-eyes cider donuts! The festival offers more classic foods from barbecue to my personal favorite, fried pickles.

Live music, crafts and a pumpkin patch, where kids of all ages can ride the hay wagon, experience a 10-acre corn maze, visit with farm animals, play on the straw castle and enjoy inflatables and activities, are just part of the fun.

Also, visit Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary (3783 K-68 Hwy., 913.837.5515.

Admission charged.). Cedar Cove is a refuge for big cats, including leopards,

cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards and caracals. On Oct. 27 and 28, make plans to attend Cedar Cove’s Haunted House and Cat Walk. See the big cats, brave the haunted house and get treats for all your little ghouls and goblins. Wear costumes.

Then, stay after dark for a view of the celestial sky. Louisburg is just far enough from the bright lights of the city to facilitate a fantastic stargazing opportunity at Powell Observatory (in LewisYoung Park, 913.438.3825. Admission charged.). On Saturday evenings, you can enjoy a spectacular night view through a 30-inch telescope, one of the largest available for public viewing in the United States.

Autumn in the 1850s: Horses, Oxen, Music and Fun at Missouri Town 1855!

A visit to Missouri Town 1855 is always fun, but our favorite time of year to visit is during the Festival of Arts, Crafts and Music (Saturday, Oct. 6, 10:00-5:00 & Sunday, Oct. 7, 11:00-5:00, at Missouri Town 1855, 8010 E. Park Rd., Blue Springs, kcparent.com october 2012

17

WESTON RED BARN FARM

MO, 816.503.4860. $10/vehicle). Hot spiced cider, 1850s music and dance, children’s games, period arts and crafts, horse-drawn buggy rides and fun-filled hayrides make this a special weekend event.

The village truly comes to life. Children love Moses, the gentle ox who loved eating straw straight from our hands.

Highlights include watching the Missouri Town dancers, visiting the blacksmith shop where the men were busily making tools for the farm, attending school in the one-room schoolhouse and visiting the buildings (colonel’s house, schoolhouse, smokehouse, tavern, chicken coop, blacksmith shop, hog shed, church, law office, livery stable).

Before you head home, visit the

Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure (also in Fleming Park, across from Missouri Town), a 110-acre fenced home to bison, elk and white-tailed deer, where visitors watch the majestic animals roam the prairie.

Pumpkins, Fall Foliage and Apples in Weston!

A fun festival is the Weston Applefest (Saturday, Oct. 6, 10:00-6:00 & Sunday, Oct. 7, 11:00-5:00 in Weston, MO, WestonMO.com). Be sure to watch the parade down Main Street at 10:00 Saturday morning. Celebrate time-honored techniques of a Missouri family’s demonstrating the “lost arts” of candle and soap making, wood turning and carving, leather tanning and basket weaving. In addition to enjoying the variety of other

CEDAR COVE HAUNTED HOUSE AND CAT WALK

18

kcparent.com october 2012

arts and craft booths along downtown’s Main Street, you’re also invited to browse the many unique Weston shops during your visit.

While you’re in Weston, take a break from Main Street to visit some of the beautiful attractions in the country. The Weston Red Barn Farm (16300 Wilkerson Dr., 816.386.5437) sits atop a picturesque hill overlooking farmland and forest. The farm is also home to farm animals, including ponies, goats, turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, ducks, geese and sheep.On weekends, enjoy a tractor- or horse-drawn hayride, the corn maze or a pony ride.

Then, take in the view at Weston Bend State Park (16600 Hwy. 45 N., 816.640.5443), a site of the Lewis and Clark expedition, featuring paved, chipped and wood trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and campgrounds and a beautiful scenic overlook with a magnificent view of autumn color over the Missouri River.

Our favorite place for lunch also happens to be home to the world’s largest ball of string… it’s not every day you can claim to see a supersized wonder. In the 1950s, Finley Stephens opened a museum in Weston. One of the many artifacts was a ball of string weighing more than 3,700 pounds and measuring 19 feet in diameter. Stephens asked local postmasters to save string for him and he used it to create the ball. You can now see it at O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub (500 Welt St., 816.640.5235), where they serve delicious authentic Irish fare in an Irish-American pub complete with Irish music.

Pioneers, Quilts and Harvest at Shoal Creek!

Step back in time at the Shoal Creek Harvest Festival (Oct. 13, 10:004:30; admission: $5/person, 5 and under free; 7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.792.2655) The old-fashioned county fair offers baked goods, handcrafts and demonstrations on lost skills in a unique historic setting. With more than 20 historic buildings on 80 acres of rolling hills in northern Kansas City, Shoal Creek brings the 1800s to life. Visit the one-room school where kids are sure to spot the dunce cap in the corner, the cobbler’s shop with shoe making tools in every size, the doctor’s office and the local jail where the town marshal based his peace-keeping in the town. You may purchase souvenirs at the mercantile, watch blacksmith demonstrations and visit homes in the village ranging from upper to working class residences. The mill, however, is my favorite building at Shoal Creek... it is the only working grist mill in the area, and your family will enjoy viewing the water wheel against the rolling hills of the frontier village.

SHOAL CREEK

Discover the Difference... ...between what you always thought about military school education and what we’re really all about.

Since 1889, Missouri Military Academy has offered an education that prepares young men in grades 6-12 for college and beyond. As an all-boy boarding school, we are the place for students who desire a rich, challenging educational environment that develops leadership skills and fosters lifelong friendships with students from around the world.

The MMA experience is one of the best gifts you can offer your son. To discover more, visit our web site or call our Admissions Office at 573.581.1776.

Missouri’s Own Historic Treasure… Arrow Rock!

Arrow Rock (ArrowRock.org) holds the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark. The village is charming with numerous period shops on its main street, known by locals as “the Boardwalk.” Every fall, the town celebrates 19th century craftsmanship with demonstrations by artisans and historic activities and fun during the Heritage Craft Festival in Arrow Rock (Oct. 13 & 14, 10:00-5:00 each day, Arrow Rock, MO, ArrowRockArts.org; admission: $1/ea.) One of the highlights of the festival is the old-time worship service at 8:45 Sunday morning in the historic Christian Church.

Along “the Boardwalk,” you will find a variety of boutiques and shops, including the Mercantile, where you may purchase period wares and gourmet candies. Arrow Rock also boasts the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, J. Huston Tavern, having served travelers on the Santa Fe Trail since 1834.

Tour the George Caleb Bingham home and learn about the Missouri artist who is well known for art depicting Jackson County and statewide events of the 1850s, and visit the local museum and visitor’s center.

If you choose to stay in town, you’ll find many local bed and breakfasts and nearby campsites for travelers.

Structure for Learning. Leadership for Life. www.missourimilitaryacademy.org

Kristina Light looks forward to homemade apple dumplings in Weston and to Louisburg’s cider donuts every year. kcparent.com october 2012

19

KANSAS CITY’S

Don’t just stand there—have fun while leaf peeping!

BEST PLACES FOR

LEAF PEEPING

Overland Park Arboretum: Hiking, picnicking Loose Park: Picnicking, playing ball, bicycling, strolling English Landing Park: Picnicking, bicycling, boating, jogging, walking, disc golf Ernie Miller Nature Center: Bicycling, walking Shawnee Mission Park: Fishing, horseback riding, pedal boating, canoeing, picnicking, walking, dog park Longview Lake Park: Fishing, boating, horseback riding, bicycling, dog park Park University: Picnicking, walking Parkville Nature Sanctuary/White Alloe Creek Conservation Area: Hiking, bird watching, picnicking Powell Gardens: Hiking, picnicking

20

kcparent.com october 2012

T

here’s nothing better than autumn: the crispness in the air, the crunch beneath our feet … and the vibrant fall colors everywhere! The season of pumpkins and apple cider calls forth the nature lover in everyone, drawing us to our favorite spots around Kansas City to see and celebrate this feel-good time of year.

While some enjoy the comfort of local parks for gazing at the striking colors of fall, others opt for the excitement of local pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Whatever you prefer, Kansas City is filled with wonderful places to take in the season!

1. OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM:

(8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS) This 300-acre park is a perfect place to gaze at the colors of autumn. With botanical gardens, nature trails, picnic areas and water gardens to enjoy, your family can make a day of it. And best of all, it’s free!

2. LOOSE PARK:

(51st St. & Wornall, Kansas City, MO) Take in autumn in this 75-acre park, where you’ll find a beautiful pond, an exquisite rose garden, large fields for playing and picnicking and tree-lined walkways surrounding the park. Ride your bike, take a stroll, play ball or simply stretch out on a comfy blanket and enjoy!

3. ENGLISH LANDING PARK:

(Parkville, MO) Hop on your bicycle, walk or jog along this park’s scenic 3-mile walking trail that runs parallel to the Missouri River. English Landing Park is filled with stunning views of fall and activities for everyone, young and old, including a large playground area, boat ramp, picnic shelters, a disc golf course and baseball and soccer fields.

4. ERNIE MILLER NATURE CENTER:

(909 N. Hwy. 7, Olathe, KS) Ride your bicycle or walk along the hiking trails to take in the colors of autumn. The nature center offers both paved and unpaved trails, both ideal for leaf viewing!

POWELL GARDENS

Alloe Creek Conservation Area. Gaze at the autumn colors while picnicking, hiking or bird watching in this mostly forested area.

9. POWELL GARDENS:

5. SHAWNEE MISSION PARK:

the colors and the buildings. MacKay Hall is like a renaissance castle surrounded by fall foliage,” Lee’s Summit resident Shaun Pfannenstiel says.

(79th St. & Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS) This 1,250-acre park is home to a number of wonderful amenities along with a beautiful 120-acre lake, all perfect for leaf peeping. Take in autumn colors while riding in a canoe or pedal boat, fishing, sail-boarding, horseback riding, picnicking or walking the trails.

8. PARKVILLE NATURE SANCTUARY/WHITE ALLOE CREEK CONSERVATION AREA:

6. LONGVIEW LAKE PARK:

(11100 View High Dr., Kansas City, MO) Enjoy autumn on land or in the water!

Take in the season while power boating, water skiing, fishing, relaxing in a pontoon boat or enjoying the trails. Bring along your bicycle, picnic lunch or even your horse for a ride in the horse park!

(Hwy. 9 & 12th St., Parkville, MO) Located just down the road from Park University and English Landing Park, the Parkville Nature Sanctuary is the perfect place to leaf watch. Hike the many trails, view the waterfalls and enjoy the adjoining White

(1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO) Enjoy more than 915 acres of lush, rolling hills and beautiful meadows, a 3.25-mile nature trail with frog-filled ponds and fields of flowers, and breathtaking gardens and fountains, all while taking in the hues of autumn. “I love Powell Gardens!

They have this picturesque little church set in the woods that’s magnificent,” Independence resident Erin Swartz says.

With so many places to choose from, you just have to get out and leaf peep this fall season!

Gina Klein is a writer and photographer whose favorite season is autumn. She resides in Kansas City with her husband and two daughters … and they’re all leaf peepers!

ENGLISH LANDING PARK

7. PARK UNIVERSITY:

(8700 NW River Park Dr., Parkville, MO) Located in historic Parkville, the university sits high on the bluff overlooking the scenic Missouri River. The beautiful campus is surrounded by trees that promise the perfect fall setting. Enjoy a picnic outside one of the historic campus buildings, including the chapel, while taking in the amazing colors of fall. “I love Park University’s campus in the fall: the smells,

Visit KCParent.com for...

...lots of yummy pumpkin treats in KC.

...a list of the best parks to visit in fall.

...fun apple crafts and recipes.

...tips for turning a walk into an adventure.

...day trip ideas 3 hours or less from Kansas City.

...a pumpkin whoopie pie recipe. kcparent.com october 2012

21

PUMPKIN PATCH

GUIDE

map

1 I-435

I-435

K-10

3

I-35

4 69 Hwy

2 I-470

71 Hwy 6

169

25 1 Carolyn’s Country Cousins

17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO 816.781.9196 www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com

2 Paradise Park

1021 NE Colbern Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 816.246.5224 www.Paradise-Park.com

the zombie Maze s and S’more late hoco C t o H yride ery Ha with ev

October 5-25 Every Friday and Saturday Night 6-10 p.m.

Family Friendly during the day.

After the sun goes down the Zombies come out! Beware!

September 14 - October 27 Every Friday and Saturday Night 6-10 p.m.

October 1-31

3 Faulkner’s Pumpkin Farm

10600 Raytown Rd. Kansas City, MO 816.761.1234 www.FaulknersPumpkinFarm.com

4 Johnson Farms & Pumpkin Patch

17701 Holmes, Belton, MO 816.331.1067 www.JohnsonFarms.net

5 Louisburg Cider Mill

14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 www.LouisburgCiderMill.com

6 Shuck’s

TM

291 Hwy & 203rd St. Pleasant Hill, MO 816.335.4014 www.ShucksMaze.com See page 46 for complete Pumpkin Patch descriptions.

22

kcparent.com october 2012

Yes, we have pumpkins this year!

EVERY day is a SPECIAL day at CAROLYN’S Country Cousins!

Just 15 minutes from downtown KC SE of Hwy 210 & Hwy 291 • 17607 NE 52nd St. Liberty, MO 64068 • www.CarolynsCountryCousins.com

60 Acres of U-pick Pumpkins and FUN! Open Sept. 15th to Oct. 31st

Bring in this ad & receive $2 off Single admission. *Cannot be combined with other offers.

family fun

festival benefitting American Cancer Society

Sunday, Oct. 7, festivities from 10 - 5 pm Painting Pumpkins Pink, raffle with prizes, magician, clowns, face painting, festive music!

17701 Holmes Road, Belton MO Mon.-Fri. 12 to 6 PM • Sat-Sun 9am to 9pm www.johnsonfarms.net • 816.331.1067 Daily Piglet Race & Pumpkin Popper Launching KC’S REAL PUMPKIN FARM!

Wagon Rides FARM ANIMALS

We do Birthday Parties!

$1 OFF

U-Pick Fall Vegetables

Admission: FREE for 2 and under; $12 for kids 3-12 years; $10 for teens and adults 13-59; $8 for seniors 60+

Giant Tunnel Crawl Giant Jumping Pillow

included with KIDS $12 ADMISSION

ONE ADMISSION

No photocopies accepted. One coupon per customer per day. No other discounts may be applied. Exp. 10/31/12

Check us out online!

Our farm is “stroller friendly” having pavement throughout to every amenity. kcparent.com october 2012

23

10-ACRE

Pumpkin Patch

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053

CIDER MILL

®

SINCE 1977

& Country Store

OPEN 7-DAYS-A-WEEK: Visit our web site for store hours, to shop, or for more information.

www.louisburgcidermill.com • 913-837-5202 AMAZING 10-ACRE

Witch Corn Maze Open Through October 31

KCParent.com now has a NEW Interactive ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE featuring maps, photos and videos!

Friday & Saturday: 10am to 10pm Sunday: 10am to 6pm Weekdays: Groups by Appointment

291 Hwy and 203rd St Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 816.335.4014

www.shucksmaze.com

GUIDE IT’S HERE...JUST WHAT YOU’VE ASKED FOR!

• Puzzling Clues • Play Area • Hay Bale Maze • Wagon Ride • Teepees • Live Music • Farm Animals & Bonfire on • Straw Fort Selected Evenings

Friday & Saturday: 7pm to 10pm: Bring a flashlight & go through the maze IN THE DARK!

PUMPKIN PATCH

Aerial view from 500 feet.

2012 Corn Maze New Hours! Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, Sun 1-6 (Closed for Flashlite Nights in 2012) Open: Sat, Sept. 29th Sun, Oct. 28th, 2012

$1 off admission Exp 10-31-12

Corn Maze • Pumpkin Patch • Barrel Train • Corn Cannon • Hay Mountain • Hayrides • Concessions • Picnic Area • Hay Jump

24

kcparent.com october 2012

ZOMBIE

MARSHMALLOW POPS

Scare up a good time with these easy marshmallow pops!

Supplies: Marshmallows Lollipop sticks Toothpick Light corn syrup Large confetti sprinkles Baking tray Wax paper Edible writers (black and red) Instructions: 1. Skewer the marshmallows with lollipop sticks.

2. Use a toothpick to dab light corn syrup on the back of confetti sprinkles and adhere to a marshmallow. Rest the marshmallow on a baking tray lined with wax paper to dry.

3. Use the edible writers to draw eyes, mouths and blood, or draw Xs in place of eyes or mouths.

With a dab of bright icing and a sprinkle of color, you can transform drab sugar cookies into glowing planets, plain marshmallows into scary zombies and simple cake pops into blooming flowers.

Meaghan Mountford, creator of the blog The Decorated Cookie and the edible crafts editor of CraftGossip.com, shares her secrets for producing adorable edible art. With the lively inspiration and foolproof directions in Sugarlicious, you can discover how to personalize any sweet treat and turn your home kitchen into a studio for yummy works of art! Amazon.com

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25

what your child’s grade card really says

How to understand your child’s report card and address classroom struggles.

W

Most people think of grades as very objective, but in truth, what an A means to one teacher is not necessarily what an A means to another.

26

kcparent.com october 2012

hen you get your child’s report card, you may wonder whatever happened to traditional ABC grades.

While secondary schools prefer traditional grades, partly because of college entrance requirements, many elementary schools use standards-based grading with number scales to measure the progress of students.

Most big changes in grading came around with the initiation of “No Child Left Behind” legislation as school districts worked to show yearly progress according to state and national standards. But, “educators have been discussing the need for more authentic assessment and alternative grading practices since the early ’80s,” says Dr. Gail Shroyer, professor and department chair of curriculum and instruction at Kansas State University.

“Most people think of grades as very objective,” Shroyer says. “But in truth, what an A means to one teacher is not necessarily what an A means to another. Different teachers may use a different percentage scale to determine an A (anywhere from 88 to 93 percent,

for example). And assignments, projects and tests used to determine a student’s percentile vary widely.”

Olathe Public Schools uses a variety of grading systems, depending on the grade level of the student. In kindergarten and first grade, Olathe measures student achievement using a 1 (requires support) to 4 (proficient) scale. Once a child enters grades 2 through 5, the district uses two grading systems. The first system measures a child’s achievement with an A through D. By grade three, an N is added for “not passing.”

“The second system identifies, in grades 1 through 5, a judgment of effort in learning and work habits,” says Alison Banikowski, Olathe Schools deputy superintendent. A comment codes section provides additional feedback to parents about a student.

“Report cards are only one avenue available to parents to gain access about a student’s learning progress,” Banikowski says. The district also schedules two parent-teacher conferences each school year, and parents of middle and high school students have access to their stu-

dents’ grades through an online system.

Lee’s Summit R-7 school district also uses a standards-based system at the elementary level. The district provided an example of what its third grade progress scale looks like: 3 - Consistently demonstrates expected performance. Independently applies concepts/skills.

2+ - Usually demonstrates expected performance. Usually demonstrates an understanding of concepts.

2 - Frequently demonstrates expected performance. Developing an understanding of concepts. Some assistance needed in developing skills. Some inconsistencies in work and/or applications.

2- - Sometimes demonstrates expected performance. Limited understanding of concepts. Often requires assistance in developing skills. Inconsistencies in work and/or applications.

1 - Seldom demonstrates expected performance. Minimal understanding of concepts. Needs 1-on-1 assistance in developing skills and concepts. Many inconsistencies in work and applications.

Shroyer finds that parents generally embrace the more detailed information standards-based reporting offers. “Parents are more able to help their children when they have more specific information on their progress,” she says.

Dr. Tonya Merrigan, executive director of curriculum and instruction for Blue Valley School District, agrees standardsbased grading provides a more comprehensive look at how a child is progressing. Helping parents understand what scores mean, however, remains a priority as grading systems can vary widely from district to district. “We want parents to know their skills. We want to report where they’re at, at that point, and what they need to do to improve,” she says.

report card troubles?

No parent likes to get blindsided by a report card with poor grades and disciplinary struggles. Ask the teacher about her preferred mode of communication (email, phone, text, etc.) to stay informed about your child’s progress each step of the way and work together to help your child succeed.

“There should really be no surprises on your child’s progress report,” says Carol Thompson, elementary instructional coach for the Independence School District. “Work together as a team...

Parents need to be aware if their child is struggling academically so support can be put in place quickly, before a learning gap grows.”

While you may feel frustrated or angry, stay calm. “If a parent overreacts or jumps to conclusions, they may miss the real problem,” Thompson says. “Sometimes academic problems are the result of other issues (like) peer relationships, teacher relationship, eyesight or hearing concerns.”

Just as you make communication a priority with the teacher, talk with your child about what is going well and what’s

not. Most of all, listen. “Have good conversations with your kids along the way and you can head off a big problem before it gets out of control,” Thompson says.

Work together with your child and the teacher to come up with proactive ways to resolve the issue, whether your child is experiencing academic challenges or other concerns, like lack of classroom participation, failure to turn in homework or social problems.

Designate a specific time each day for homework, as well as an appropriate space in the house for your child to work.

Also, set incremental goals and create a chart to monitor your child’s progress, which helps them feel good as they see themselves advancing.

The process of goal setting and step-by-step achievement will likely reward your child with a sense of pride in her accomplishments, while also nurturing an intrinsic desire to continue learning. Most of all, celebrate each success along the way.

Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines resides in Olathe with her husband, their two freewheeling boys and a supersized, playful pound puppy.

Successful Parent Teacher Conference Tips Conferences are a great time to go over your child’s grade card with the teacher and ask any questions you have. Keep in mind everyone at the conference has the same goal: working together to ensure the best school experience for your child. Here are a few tips to make the most of this important event.

Be Prompt A conference is usually only about 20 minutes. It is important to arrive on time or a few minutes early. In that same vein, don’t stay longer than your allotted time.

Be Prepared Since the conference is so short, it is important to be prepared and stay on task. If you have received your child’s grade card, go over it with your child. Write down any questions or concerns you or your child may have. Think about your child’s areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed.

Take notes during your conference.

Be Positive Try to begin the conference on a positive note. Think of something you have seen come home in your child’s backpack that was a neat activity or mention something special you have seen going on in the classroom. If you begin with a litany of complaints, the conference will be less than productive for everyone.

By Margaret Sarver

Be Open Be prepared to talk about your child as well as listen. After all, no one knows your child better than you! Do your best to be openminded to suggestions from the teacher and don’t get defensive.

The conference doesn’t end when you leave the school. Children worry and wonder about what is said

at conferences.

Alleviate their fears by sharing with them what you and the teacher discussed.

Keep in mind that the teacher is your partner and wants to work with you so that your child has a great school year.

Being prompt, prepared, positive and open will allow you to have a successful parent/teacher conference! kcparent.com october 2012

27

media mix

Fairy Tales for the Fall

Books Filled with Magic and Mythology By McGeath Freeman

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

By William Joyce Best for: Ages 4-8 This book about books is anchored in its story of love, loss, healing and growth.

Adults will see the beauty in this tale from the first page. Children will revel in the illustrations and delight in the adventures.

When Mr. Morris Lessmore loses his collection of books in a terrible storm, which has echoes of Oz, he ends up finding a marvelous magical library. The stories come to life and Morris decides to care for them.

He doctors the books and revives them with a good reading. As Morris grows old, his books never change. One day, a very old and gray Morris decides it is time for him to go. After Morris leaves, a young girl finds the library and a new book which tells the tale of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

As Morris says, “All stories matter,” and lovers of books will love this story.

What’s good: Fantastic and engaging illustrations.

What’s bad: The content will be a little over the heads of younger readers.

Newfangled Fairy Tales: Classic Stories With a Funny Twist

By Bruce Lansky and Timothy Tocher Best for: Ages 7-10 In these two collections of fairy tales you’ll find contemporary takes on classics, such as Red Riding Hood, King Midas, Rapunzel and Goldilocks, as well as 16 others.

Think you know everything there is to know about the old fairy tales? Think again. The Big Bad Wolf is running a dream scam on Little Red for food until his son L.B. messes things up. And did you know that King Midas was a workaholic?

Kids who think they can’t relate to classic fairy tales may want to give these versions a read. The modern twists make them accessible to today’s children and will have them giggling as they turn the page to begin the next fairy tale. Kids may miss the message in each story, but they won’t miss the humor.

What’s good: Modern twists and fun language.

What’s bad: The morals are easily lost on young readers.

Twice Upon a Time: Beauty and the Beast, the Only One Who Didn’t Run Away

By Wendy Mass Best for: Ages 8-12 Wendy Mass continues her “Twice Upon a Time” series with a retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.” Beauty is the odd one out in her family. She is awkward, loves to read and collects treasures dropped by other people. She is not poised or graceful or even all that beautiful—like her older sister is.

Riley likes to play the bagpipes, he’s not very athletic and he surely is not brave.

As a prince, he is sort of a flop—unlike his perfect older brother. Both Beauty’s and Riley’s lives are turned upside down when Beauty embarks on a quest and Riley is turned into a beast. They then have to learn about themselves before they can rescue each other.

What’s good: Fun characters and quick plot pacing.

What’s bad: A little shallow and light on conflict.

And one for older children…

Cold Cereal

By Adam Rex Best for: Ages 12-14 The first book in a saga, Cold Cereal mixes fairy tales, mythology, magic and reality into an adventurous mystery. Adam Rex is one of the most creative writers and illustrators working today, and sometimes it really shows. Young boys will enjoy the utter fantasy of this book that follows Scott Doe, Emily and Erno Utz and a cast of magical characters (including a grumpy leprechaun named Mick) as they fight the evils of the Goodco Cereal Company.

What’s good: Fun adventure and fantastic illustrations.

What’s bad: The content will be a little over the heads of younger readers.

28

kcparent.com october 2012

what’s new

Mom’s Pocket Posh Games to Play with Your Kids is a purse-sized collection of fun puzzles and games to play with your kids. The 4- to 6-year-old version features a 100-puzzle assortment, which includes connect the dots, tic-tac-toe, mazes and spot the difference, while the 7- to 12-year-old copy includes word search, crossword varieties, hidden objects and many other age-appropriate puzzles. Amazon.com

The Kansas Association for the Gifted, Talented and Creative (KGTC) hosts its annual convention Oct. 7-9 at the Overland Park Marriott. This year’s theme, “Brains on Fire: How the Gifted Brain Really Works,” includes both keynote speakers and breakout sessions along with many vendors. Sunday, Oct. 7, is student day, an event for both parents and children. Parents will learn more about their child while he or she is involved with engaging activities. For more information or to register, visit KGTC.org.

mom’s 100

pocket posh

®

mom’s

PuzzleS & Games to Play with Your Kids

ages 7 to 12

100

pocket posh

®

PuzzleS & Games to Play with Your Kids

ages 4 to 6

Who says boy clothes can’t be fun? Check out these stylish t-shirts from Lil’ Rhae. “Our tees are upcycled, unique and made with love,” says Olathe mom and Lil’ Rhae owner, Jai Tracy. Like so many other start-ups, the Lil’ Rhae story begins with just one shirt.

“I made a t-shirt for my oldest son,” explains Tracy. “My friends liked it, so I kept making more.” And eventually a business was born.

Lil’ Rhae tees are $20 to $30 in sizes 2T to 5T. And although they are just for the fellas, Tracy welcomes custom orders for girls, too.

Find Lil’ Rhae tees at the Green Kids booth at Overland Park’s mommyshop, or e-mail lilrhaedesigns@gmail.com.

Chocolate Soup recently opened in The Fountains shopping center (6421 W. 119th St., Overland Park). The store sells several lines that include Jelly the Pug, Hartstrings, Twirls & Twigs, Mollie and Mille and more. For every piece of clothing purchased from the “Hearts for Haiti” line, the company sends an outfit to Haiti. In addition to darling everyday wear, the store also specializes in seasonal items. For fall, pumpkins and leaves and spiders adorn outfits. The store carries sizes infant through 24 months, ages 2-4 and ages 4-7.

Wee

Workshop

Child Development Center “Where Your Child is Special” Ages 2 weeks to 12 years Part-Time Preschool Ages 3-5 9:00 to 11:30 or 9:00 to 3:00

Flag Football • Soccer • Baseball Basketball • Cheerleading Organized Programs For Boys & Girls 2-14

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weeworkshopchildcare.com kcparent.com october 2012

29

TEXTING, TWEETING & FRIENDING...

OH MY!

HOW MODERN FAMILIES MAKE IT WORK

H

uh? What language are we speaking here? The world our kids live in bears little or no resemblance to the one we grew up in. The days of communicating by full sentences and land lines are long gone for teenagers. Rather than fight it—and believe me, I have—we might as well deal with it.

Even though we may not understand it, we need to be a part of our kids’ social media worlds. Rather than throw your hands up, here are some tips to help you navigate through this whole new world.

AGE IS ONLY A NUMBER

We asked KCParent.com readers, at what age should your child get his or her own smartphone?

51%

When deciding when your kids should get phones and open social media accounts, the main factors should be maturity and responsibility. Does your child still show signs of immature behavior and make bad decisions repeatedly? Handing over a smartphone might only make things worse. However, there is nothing wrong with dangling that proverbial carrot. When behavior and maturity, as well as trust, are in the right place, the time has arrived to give your child access to such devices.

SET LIMITS

32%

15%

2% 9-11

30

kcparent.com october 2012

12-15

16+

When they are old enough to pay for it!

Teens today average up to 6-8 hours a day of screen time. That means TV, phones, internet, smartphones, iPads/ Touches, etc. Kids need downtime and time to just be kids. Limit their technology use at night, even asking kids to hand devices over at a certain time. A recent study showed that kids who have cell phones turned on or placed on their night stands have disrupted sleep. And we all know how kids behave when they don’t get good sleep. Getting them outside with some fresh air and regular exercise will help them get good Z’s as well. Check out WebMD.com/Parenting/Raising-Fit-Kids for some good advice.

HAVING HEALTHY & SAFE KIDS REQUIRES MORE THAN MAKING THEM WEAR BIKE HELMETS WHAT AND HOW MUCH THEY DO ONLINE CAN HAVE UNHEALTHY RAMIFICATIONS IF AND EAT VEGETABLES. NOT KEPT IN CHECK.

LET THE RULES BE KNOWN

Call them guidelines, restrictions, codes, whatever you want. Regardless, kids need ‘em. Here are some ideas: • Homework first, before any screen time.

• No texting/TV during meals.

• They aren’t to give out their real names or home address on the net.

• Don’t select the Remember Me box on public computers.

• No downloading apps for iPhone/ iTouch/iPad without parental permission. One way to safeguard against this is to not let them have their own Apple IDs. Sure, it will be a pain, but at least you will have peace of mind.

• Respect the privacy of others. No tagging people in pictures or posting pics without their permission.

LOG IN AND OFTEN

Do random checks of their devices to make sure they are following the rules; don’t just assume they are. Kids will be kids. This also means either setting up your own accounts in Facebook, Instagram,Twitter, etc., and following your

child’s accounts or using their login and password to take a look around. This isn’t spying. This is parenting.

TALK, TALK, TALK THEN TALK SOME MORE

Communicating with your kids is vital in this stage of their lives. They need to understand good communication skills, and this will only happen if you keep them talking. Also, give them your expectations of their online code of conduct: posting only responsible content, no inappropriate pictures, no criticizing others, no bullying, etc. Having an open line of communication about their social media lives is critical to their safety. Go over the privacy settings with them on their accounts and why they are important. Give them your expectations of their online behavior and what the consequences will be if they don’t hold up their end of the bargain.

Did you know:

Only 3 in 10 teens have rules at home about electronic media use.

Teens send about 100 texts a day, with “sleep-texting” as a rising phenomenon.

Teens spend about 53 hours a week interacting with some from of online media.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Investigate what you don’t understand. For example, if your child wants an Instagram account, research it. Find out what it is before you say yes. Don’t bury

your head in the sand when it comes to technology. Kids need their parents to help them make good decisions. And that means getting, and staying, educated.

Having healthy and safe kids requires more than making them wear bike helmets and eat vegetables. What and how much they do online can have unhealthy ramifications if not kept in check. There are some shocking statistics out there that show that parents may not be aware of what their kids are up to and the ramifications of the techno-savvy life they lead.

If all of it gets too complicated or too overwhelming, you still have one lifeline left: the ability to say no. Take control and give your kids what they need, not what they want. After all, we are still the parents.

Hallie Sawyer lives in Overland Park and is a freelance writing mom of a child who is the last middle schooler on Earth to get a cell phone.

kcparent.com october 2012

31

K

eeping track of kids’ sports schedules,

dentist appointments, work meetings and time with family can quickly become daunting.

There is nothing worse than showing up for soccer practice at 6:00 only to discover the practice was at 5:00. Staying or-

CLICK QUICK

Top 5 useful apps for a busy mom:

32

kcparent.com october 2012

FIXES

Redbox: Having the Redbox app on your phone can be a lifesaver. On vacation, we used the app to search for the nearest Redbox to see what movies were available and reserve them. When we arrived at the Redbox, the movies were waiting.

Walgreen’s/CVS: Using the app of your preferred pharmacy, just set up all the needed prescription information and use the app each month to avoid time calling the pharmacy. You can also print pictures directly from your phone to the nearest store.

Facebook: Consistently rated one of the top 25 free apps through the app store, the Facebook app makes it easy to stay in contact with friends and family while waiting in the car rider line or sitting in the doctor’s office.

ganized is key to a mom’s sanity and survival.

MANAGE YOUR HOUSEHOLD Google Calendar is one organizational tool that can be used online or on your phone to help with a busy schedule.

“Jesse and I both put our work schedules into the same online Google

MyFitnessPal: This app contains a scanner to keep track of calories, and you can input exercise daily to keep track of your weight loss goals.

You can also follow other friends to help accountability.

Pinterest: Chock full of any imaginable recipe, organization tips, hair styles, DIY projects and basically anything else you need to know, this app is one that is easy to enjoy.

Warning: Pinterest is addictive.

calendar for the month, and then it makes it easy to see when our schedules cross over and when we will need child care.

We also put the girls’ events on there so we both know what times we need to block out as well,” Melissa Leimkuehler, Kansas City mother of two, says. “It works great! Easy way to see who has what meetings, lessons, work, etc. You can color code it, too.”

Angee Simmons, Kearney mother of two, agrees that Google calendar has been an enormous help to her. “I can create a family calendar and share it with my husband and even Grandma and Grandpa. I can also send out invitations to games, school events, recitals, etc.,” she says. “So if I want to invite the whole family I can and it automatically shares location, time and any other notes I want to add.”

Another tech-savvy organizational tool is Cozi, available online or with an app on your phone. “I started using the Cozi Family Organizer app on my iPhone.

It’s easy to access from anywhere and each family member can be assigned a color, which makes it easy to see who’s

busy and who’s not,” Simmons says. “It also offers other household organization tools like shopping and to-do lists, food and meal planning.”

MEAL PLANNING Tracey Kracht, Liberty mother of two, uses eMeals to help her stay organized with meal planning. “The program emails me on Thursday with recipes and the shopping list for the next week’s meals. It works great,” Kracht says.

FINANCE MANAGEMENT To help manage her household, Kracht also relies on online banking. “Bill pay through my bank is fantastic. Only takes me about three minutes per month to pay all of my bills, and no need for stamps!” Kracht says. “I also like being able to put alerts on purchases on the credit card, so I’m notified if a purchase is over a certain amount.”

Jennifer Higgins is a mother, wife, teacher and freelance writer from Kearney who loves to stay organized online and using apps on her phone.

KC PARENTS SHARE THEIR “CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT” APPS:

PBS | Keyring | Khan Academy

Team Snap | Opus Domini | Penultimate

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kcparent.com october 2012

1

lawrence KC Parent is now available at all six grocery stores in Lawrence. You’ll be able to find us each month at both HyVee and Dillons.

an unforgettable adventure with horses Misty River Equestrian Center Stables offers group as well as private Horsemanship Lessons at four different levels. Lessons are taught from Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), program. (www.cha-ahse.org) Horse shows are held periodically and are low-stress for the student & present accumulated horsemanship skills.

Accredited Kindergarten thru 3rd Grades.

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Preschool Accreditation through K.D.H.E. Parent Friendly Hours - 6:45am to 6:00pm.

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Lessons for students 8 and up for beginners, Western Pleasure & Halter, Trail Riding, Barrels, English Pleasure, Jumping & Dressage. 1/2 hour Pony Pal lessons for students ages 4 - 7.

Phone: 816-220-2332 E-mail: cindystrahm@hotmail.com Misty River Equestrian Center 21400 Eureka Road Independence, MO 64057

Preschool spots still available! kcparent.com october 2012

33

SUCCESSFUL TAKE A CUE FROM THE KINDERGARTEN ROOM AND BREAK KIDS INTO SMALLER GROUPS.

SCHOOL PARTIES

O

ctober, November and December can feel like a hectic holiday hullabaloo, especially in the

classroom. Just as Halloween wanes into Thanksgiving, little elves invade by stealth to make way for the big conglomerate of all holidays—the slightly nebulous “Winter Holiday” of Hanukah, Kwanzaa and Christmas. This overstuffed three-month stretch is daunting for room parents and classroom volunteers, all expected to be nothing short of the life of the school party. To help, KC Parent has your dunce-hat-proof classroom party planning guide, with tips and tricks to a hassle-free party.

34

kcparent.com october 2012

Mindy NeumannStewart, Olathe

Cammy Neth, Liberty

Make sure that a few parents are signed up to clean after the party’s done. Nothing‘s worse than doing a full 25 minutes of car duty & walking back to a trashed room.

Middle school parents: Keep the age of students in mind.

You certainly want to remain school appropriate, but there has to be buyin from the kids.

Leah Heinauer, Blue Valley

KNOW THE RULES & TOOLS

Review the rules of the room with the teacher before taking control of the class.

Is there a special chant to call the kids’ attention? How is misbehavior handled, and who handles it? What are the food requirements? Work within the established classroom culture to keep confusion at bay.

Time fillers are your best bet to keep the kids engaged. Our favorites: • Create a mixed CD of dance music and encourage the kids to bust a move.

• Stock up on several short stories or picture books from the library.

• Have index cards on hand for holiday charades.

DECORATIONS

CREATE A MASTER SCHEDULE

Before you festoon the room in streamers and balloons, designate volunteers for set up and tear down. To tote supplies from the minivan and avoid spills down the halls, bring along a wagon or laundry basket.

RECRUIT DADS & GRANDPARENTS

Take initiative to recruit dads and grandparents as helpers. Many kids need these role models in their lives, and the party’s always more fun when they’re around.

DO THE SHUFFLE

Take a cue from the kindergarten room and break kids into smaller groups. Think “centers time” with crafts, activities and games. This way, volunteers can be more focused on directing kids and less distracted by crowd control chaos.

FILLERS

It’s hard to predict how long crafts and games will last, and there’s nothing like awkward down time—both during transitions and after the gig’s up—to kill a party.

Find the perfect entertainer, arcade, party supplies, inflatable, live animals, face painter and MUCH MORE.

Gabrianna Neuer, Shawnee Mission

VISIT THE NEW KCPARENT.COM TODAY!

Keep volunteers on the same page with a master schedule on display. For an hourlong party, consider the following format: 5 minutes: party pics (let the paparazzi capture a full-class photo) 40 minutes: game/craft/activity centers (10 minutes each with time to rotate groups) 10 minutes: make-your-own snack 5 minutes: dance party or story

DELEGATE & COMMUNICATE

Parents can’t just roam the halls anymore, which means the good old-fashioned clipboard sign-up sheet is now a thing of the past, relegated to last century’s time capsule buried in the school yard. And don’t send out an inbox clogging “reply all” e-mail request. Proper, efficient communication and correspondence is key to motivating already busy parents to pitch in and help in the classroom.

Wendy Connelly is a registered member of the School Party Paparazzi from Overland Park.

THE ALL-NEW

Plan for students with allergies.

LET’S PARTY...IT’S HERE!

Remember the party is only 30 minutes. Often parents plan too much.

Nothing with paint, see above: only 30 minutes. :) Such great intentions but just keep it simple.

KCPARENT.COM!

Things Kansas City teachers wish parents knew when planning the party:

We have everything you already love about our site plus a bunch of new features, including an ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE where parents can search by location with venues displayed on Google Maps plus search for party type AND see photos and video.

kcparent.com october 2012 Party Guide House Ad.indd 1

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KC Parent’s

PARTY GUIDE Need more ideas?

KCParent.com has a list of great books to consult when planning your child’s next birthday party.

KC parents share special birthday traditions from their families.

Kimberly VandegeestWallace The “birthday fairy” sneaks into my kids’ room while they are sleeping. When they wake up, their room is covered in streamers and balloons.

They love it!

36

kcparent.com october 2012

Trina Smith We give gifts that reflect the birthday child’s age.

For example, when my daughter turned 5, we gave her 5 coloring books, 5 pairs of socks, 5 pieces of candy, etc.

Susan Tremont In our house, the birthday child sits in the “birthday chair.” We decorate a chair at the kitchen table with balloons and streamers and homemade signs.

Tanya Klein I take a photo of my son each birthday on the exact time he was born. It’s fun to see how he’s grown and changed!

Shyla Smith We start with a cupcake breakfast. During the day, the birthday kid gets to do/ have whatever they want (within reason!) for the entire day, and they get whatever they want for dinner.

Krissy Thomas When my kids were born, I started a time capsule for each one. We add to it each birthday by placing a photo, a note about what they are currently involved in, along with a copy of the daily paper.

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kcparent.com october 2012

37

stay at home mom vs.

Working Mom Tips for supporting every mom’s choice

D

Just had a baby?

Trying to decide if you should return to work or stay home? Read “Making the Decision: Stay at Home or Stay at Work” at KCParent.com.

eciding to stay at home with your children or to return back to work is always a difficult decision. It’s a personal choice for you and your family, yet there seems to be so much unnecessary outside commentary from the public and complete strangers. While they might just be trying to make pleasant conversation and really mean no harm, some things just rub the wrong way—and others are downright offensive.

Here are some comments that stay-at-home moms (SAHM) and working moms both agreed they could live without.

Never say to a SAHM What do you do with all that free time?

“What do you do if you have free time?” might be a better question to ask a SAHM. There is not one minute of the day unoccupied by some sort of task, chore, errand or objective when at home. Not only are you tending to your home, which is work in itself, but add a newborn or two children under the age of 5 to your responsibilities, and you may find time for a 10-minute shower if you are lucky.

38

kcparent.com october 2012

Why don’t you nap when the baby naps?

While this might seem like a good solution to fix an over-exhausted mom, it’s not so simple. “I could sleep when they sleep, but the minute I lie down, my mind is filled with the million things that I need to get done, like laundry and dishes, the lawn that needs to be mowed and what I’m going to make for supper. And usually the moment I fall asleep, someone awakens early or lets me know they never went to sleep,” says Ashley Olsen, Olathe.

“If I took everyone up on that advice, as attractive as it sounds, nothing would ever get done.”

It must be nice to not have to work.

Let’s just get this straight. Staying at home with your children is a full-time job.

In fact, it’s a 24/7 job. “People think that just because you don’t leave your house, it isn’t considered work. They don’t realize that raising a child is a full-time job.

The fundamentals of a human being are taught by the caregiver, which is a huge responsibility,” says Ohemma Wycoff, Kansas City, MO.

Never say to a working mom I could never have someone else raise my children.

This could be the most offensive statement anyone could ever say to a working mom, implying that just because a mother is not with her children 100 percent of the time, she doesn’t raise them. While a mother might be gone from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday to Friday, she is still there at night, tending to them when they are sick, scheduling appointments and attending extracurricular activities. “It really bothers me when people tell me that they would never let anyone else raise their kids. They say it in such disapproving tones. Their judgment and comments are not welcomed or needed. They have no idea what our family dynamic is,” says Kim Mortenson, Olathe.

We made the financial sacrifice so I could stay home.

This comment insinuates that all

moms who work do so because I could never have they financially someone else have to, which is raise my children! not the case. Some women have put too much hard work and dedication into their professional careers to just walk away from them What do you do half way. Other working moms with all that free love their jobs and time? would be miserable at home (not all mothers were designed to stay at home). Other says Lauren Hanshaw, Overland Park. women have taken pay cuts and given up Families that have both parents working promotions to be able to be more present are proven to be more efficient delegatin their children’s lives. ing household work and have the capability to see what needs to be outsourced When are you ever home? and what needs to just be let go.

“They might as well be telling me that my house must be a mess and that I Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM from Belmiss birthdays because I spend too much ton, who takes naps when her son naps and time at the office and I don’t have my lounges in her PJs all day wondering what priorities in order, which is not the case,” to do with all her free time! Yeah, right!

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october

The NEW KCParent.com calendar now has 10x MORE EVENTS!

CALENDAR

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

40

kcparent.com october 2012

Fright Night at Park University

help

saddle up

must see

watch

enjoy

Give back to the community by donating to the Toy Drive that benefits the Forest Avenue Family Shelter.

Donate toys Oct. 4-6 at Providence Community Church (Lenexa).

913.307.0710

The annual American Royal Kids Korral on Oct. 6, 10:00, at the American Royal Complex brings a royalsized portion of kid-friendly entertainment! Fun for the entire family!

On Oct. 12, The National Circus of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China comes to Johnson County Community College. Experience thrilling acrobats, dazzling costumes and more! $37-$46.

913.469.4445

The Hollywood Casino 400 takes place on Sunday, Oct. 21, at Kansas Speedway. Bring the entire family for a day of fun at the races.

866.460.7223

Slither over to Fright Night on Friday, Oct. 26 at 6:00. The Park University Copley Quad will have crafts, face painting and, of course, trick-or-treating!

Wear your costume. Free!

816.584.6411

AmericanRoyal.com

1 MONDAY

Scarecrows in the Garden Daily thru Oct, 9:00, Powell Gardens. View our annual Build a Scarecrow Contest. 816.697.2600 Fitness Rodeo Thru Oct 3, Emmanuel Baptist Church. Join Marc Wayne for a rodeo of fitness ball exercises to help recondition your strength. $13.

913.961.0670 Chess Time 4:00, Excelsior Springs Library. Join us at the library for a chance to play this centuries-old board game of strategy. 816.630.6721 Family & Friends CPR 6:30, Olathe Medical Center. Covers basic CPR skills for the adult, child and infant. 913.791.4312

2 TUESDAY

Fitness Rodeo Noon, Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Join Marc Wayne for a rodeo of fitness ball exercises to help recondition your strength. $13. 913.961.0670 Going Batty: Sensing Nature 6:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Learn secrets of the only true flying mammal. 816.759.7300

policeman will be here to give us general safety tips and Halloween tips! Pre-reg. 816.221.3360

Show your Girl Scout badge and get a $5 pass today!

816.737.0200

3 WEDNESDAY

Breastfeeding Successfully 6:30, Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Learn techniques, benefits of breastfeeding and much more. HealthyArrivals.org

Keith Leff Magic Show! 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Keith Leff entertains with his special Halloween magic show for all ages. Tickets: 913.715.2575.

Dino Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell Concert 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Join Dino as he sings, plays guitar, dances and shares hilarious stories. 913.327.6645 Parade of Homes Thru Oct 14. The annual parade of homes returns, showcasing 242 new homes. It is free and open to the public. 816.942.8800 Family Story Time 11:00, Mid-Continent Library (Raytown). Story time fun for the entire family.

MyMCPL.org

4 THURSDAY

Toy Drive Thru Oct 6, Providence Community Church. Drop off donations to help the Forest Avenue Family Shelter during the holidays. 913.307.0710

Prepared Childbirth Class 6:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. This evening series of classes covers the labor and birth process. 816.792.7227

Breast Cancer Awareness Kick-Off 4:00, Menorah Medical Center. Bring awareness to early detection and honor courageous women battling the disease. 913.498.7406

NKC Police 7:00, North Kansas City Library. A

Coco Salutes Scouts 4:00, CoCo Key Water Resort.

Ailey II Thru Sat, Folly Theater. Combines the best young modern dancers with outstanding emerging choreographers. 816.474.4444 American Royal World Series of Barbecue Thru Sun, Kemper Arena. Live music, fireworks, delicious barbecue and family fun! AmericanRoyal.com

5 FRIDAY

Harvest Celebration & Antique Tractor Show Thru Sun, 9:00, Powell Gardens. Old-fashioned family fun featuring horseshoes, hayrides and more.

816.697.2600 Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books and Toys. Join us every Monday for stories, crafts and a snack.

Free. 913.962.1428 The Longview Art & World Music Festival Thru Sun, 3:00, Historic Longview. Features more than 90 local, regional and national artists.

LongviewArtMusicFest.com Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic the Gathering 5:00, Plaza Library. Trade cards and put your best deck to the test! 816.701.3481

CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE

YOU CAN HELP THE FOREST AVENUE FAMILY SHELTER THIS SEASON...

DROP OFF TOYS ON OCTOBER 4, 5 & 6 NOON - 3 PM

The Forest Avenue Family Shelter plans a toy drive every Christmas to benefit the community. In their time of need, it is the greatest wish of the women at the shelter to collect 3,000 gifts for children in Kansas City. The toys are for children ages 0-15 years old.

Do not gift wrap the toys.

DROP OFF GIFTS: PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY CHURCH 10113 LENEXA DRIVE LENEXA, KS 66215 913.307.0710

kcparent.com october 2012

41

Gladfest Thru Sun, 5:00, Downtown Gladstone. Join us for a parade, classic car show, carnival, vendors and much more! GladstoneChamber.com/Gladfest.aspx Shawnee Oktoberfest 5:30, Shawnee Civic Centre. Games for kids, a moonwalk, music, dancing and more. Free event. 913.631.5200 Fall Fun Every Fri & Sat thru Oct, 6:00, Paradise Park. Enjoy a tractor-pulled hayride. Sip on hot chocolate and roast marshmallows on a cracking campfire!

816.246.5224

6 SATURDAY

Walk to Cure Diabetes & 5K 8:00, Truman Sports Complex. Join us to raise awareness of diabetes. JDRF.org/KCWalk5k Harvest Fest 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers’ Market. Celebrate fall at Lee’s Summit Farmers’ Market. DowntownLS.org Ciderfest Today & tomorrow, Louisburg Cidermill. Kids’ area, cider donuts, hayrides, vendors, pumpkin rides and more! LouisburgCiderMill.com Apples, Arts and Antiques Festival Today & tomorrow, 9:00, Downtown Lexington. Street vendors, art shows, food, demonstrations and more.

VisitLexingtonMO.com

New in 2013

Oceans of Fun

Largest Expansion Ever!

Massive 6 Slide Complex + Even More Guest Amenities

Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Celebrate the fall season at Missouri Town’s largest outdoor festival. JacksonGov.org Kids’ Workshop 9:00, Home Depot. Free hands-on workshops for kids. This month create a fire truck. HomeDepot.com Howl-o-Fest Weekends Thru Oct 28, Worlds of Fun. Scare-free daytime fun for little ones. Return at night for grown-up fun at Halloween Haunt.

WorldsOfFun.com Wild Western Weekend Today & tomorrow, Faulkner’s. Wear a cowboy hat to receive $1 off admission. Enjoy performance by Rex Purefoy and his trick horse.

816.761.1234 Grand Opening 10:00-4:00, 12140 W 135th (Overland Park). Celebrate the grand opening of the Fieldhouse of Kansas City with face painting, inflatable and a scrimmage with KU players. Free! FieldhouseOfKC.com $1 Playwear Sale Today only. Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO). Playwear items (pink tags) are $1. ChildOrch.com

The lowest price on the 2013 Gold Pass Only $89 99 +tax unlimited visits in 2013 + free season long parking + one visit fall 2012

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Kids Korral 10:00, American Royal Complex. A royal-sized portion of kid-friendly entertainment! AmericanRoyal.com Hoots & Howls 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Each weekend in October is full of zoomazing activities and entertainment! 816.513.5800 Weston’s Applefest Today & tomorrow, 10:00, Main Street. Attend one of the best fall festivals in Missouri! 816.640.2909 Nature Nuts 10:00 & 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Hear stories read about forests and trees and participate in a hands-on nature activity.

816.759.7300 Cornhusk Doll Making Workshop 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum.

Learn their history and make a cornhusk doll to take home. 816.325.7575 Parktoberfest Noon, English Landing Park. An eclectic mix of music, food and fun. Parktoberfest.net Early Explorations 2:00, Nerman Museum. Kids ages 5-7 learn about art and create a hands-on studio project. Different themes. Pre-reg. 913.469.2323

Win a set of 4 tickets to Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy on Friday, Nov. 16 at Yardley Hall! $64 value. Visit KCParent.com and click on Giveaways.

Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Every Saturday through October see the public feeding of the cats. 913.837.5515

7 SUNDAY

Family Fun Festival 10:00, Johnson Farms. Magician, face painting, pink pumpkins and more! Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society. 816.331.1067 Brains on Fire Thru Tue, 11:00, Overland Park Marriott. Learn all about how the gifted brain works! Great for parents and students. KGTC.org Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum. Learn about the Long Family and their estate, Corinthian Hall. Create a paper hall and enjoy a puppet show at 1:00.

816.483.8300 Quilts of the Civil War 2:00, Jesse James Farm. Hear fascinating facts about quilts made during the Civil War. 816.736.8500

8 MONDAY

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000 Early Bird Special Mon-Thu, 9:00, Little Money Bizness. Admission is only $5 before 10:00! 913.631.7000 Play Dates 10:30, Faulkner’s Pumpkin Farm. Head to Faulkner’s each Mon morning in Oct for activities for small children and play groups. 816.761.1234

9 TUESDAY

The Adventures of Flat Stanley Thru Nov 10, Union Station. See The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley performed by Theatre for Young America. TYA.org Nature’s Cleanup Crew 6:00, Burr Oak Woods. Kids ages 7-13 are invited to learn all about vultures, cockroaches and millipedes. 816.228.3766 Story Time 7:00, North KC Library. Hear some fall stories, then practice tracing and scissor skills with a fall activity. 816.221.3360 Pumpkin Vines and Nursery Rhymes 7:00, Blue Springs South Library. Piccadilly brings some impressive fall characters to the library. 816.229.3571

10 WEDNESDAY

Angry Birds 10:00, Ceramic Cafe. If you love “angry birds”, this is the day to come paint. See new collection of angry bird pottery. Free studio time on any angry bird item. CeramicCafeKC.com Hike with a Naturalist 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Dress appropriately for the weather. No strollers allowed on hike. 816.513.8960 EEK - Bats! 10:00 & 1:00, Burr Oak Woods. Ages 3-5 can look at this unique critter and discover its amazing secrets. 816.228.3766 Parade of Homes Thru Oct 14. The annual parade of homes returns, showcasing 242 new homes. It is free and open to the public. 816.942.8800 kcparent.com october 2012

43

11 THURSDAY

Highlights Tour 2:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum.

A 30-minute guided tour that focuses on various aspects of western settlement. Free with museum admission. 816.325.7575

Spooktacular Halloween Events

ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

• HALLOWEEN MAKEUP WORKSHOP 10/11 & 10/25 at 6 PM • IN-STORE HALLOWEEN EVENT 10/20 from 10 AM - 2 PM Pumpkin Decorating • Halloween Crafts • Costume Contest

YOUR

Halloween

Halloween Makeup Workshop 6:00, US Toy. Get ready for Halloween with an in-store makeup workshop! 913.642.82447

12 FRIDAY

Weston Irish Fest Thru Sun, O’Malley’s Irish Pub. Irish music, piping, dancing, storytelling and traditional Irish food and drinks. 816.640.5235 Creepy, Crawly, Cool! 10:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn about creepy crawly things in nature and make a craft. Pre-reg.

816.781.8598

HEADQUARTERS costumes, party supplies, makeup & accessories

2008 W. 103rd Terr.

Leawood, KS 66206 913-642-8247 www.ustoy.com

Family Fun Night 4:00-8:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe). Every Thursday night admission is only $5.

Pizza available. $4-$5. 913.780.2500

YOUR PURCHASE $10 OFF OF $50 OR MORE!*

*For in-store use at U.S. Toy Stores only with free Preferred Customer Card. Reduction taken at register. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Cannot be combined with other offer or 12MS004 discount. Not valid for purchase of gift cards. Other restrictions may apply. EXPIRES 10.31.12

Longview Literary Festival 10:30, MCCLongview. Join us for this fifth annual event featuring readings, panel discussions and writing workshops.

816.456.3156 Halloween Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze and Fire. Reserve your spot for special Halloween theme events today! 913.661.2529 Magic Woods Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Take a walk on the wild side with Mother Nature and her friends. 816.513.8960

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kcparent.com october 2012

call today - 913-735-9773.

Coco Salutes Scouts 4:00, CoCo Key Water Resort.

Show your Boy Scout badge and get a $5 pass today! 816.737.0200 Family Fun Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy unlimited soft play, 100 tokens a large pizza and drinks for $21.99. CoolCrest.com National Circus of the People’s Republic of China 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Contortionists, acrobats and dazzling costumes will amaze you!

913.469.4445

13 SATURDAY

International Lineman’s Rodeo 7:00, National Ag Center and Hall of Fame. Watch the best linemen compete in various events. 913.721.1075 Pajama Party 8:30, Ceramic Cafe. Eat breakfast while enjoying cartoons and games and painting a cereal bowl or donut shaped box. Ages 4-8. $15.

CeramicCafeKC.com Pancakes for Penguins 9:00, Kansas City Zoo. Chris Cakes and Roasterie Coffee serve up to help a great cause—penguins! 816.513.5800 Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman

Museum. Kids ages 8-11 tour the museum and create a hands-on studio project. Different themes.

Pre-reg. 913.469.2323 Big Bad Pumpkin Derby 10:00, Shawnee Mission Park Marina. Race a pumpkin or any fall gourd in this annual event and enjoy free hayrides! 913.856.2493 Harvest Fest 10:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Join us for an old-fashioned country fair with sewing, gardening, quilting and more. 816.792.2655 Lowe’s Build ‘n Grow 10:00, Lowe’s Stores. A free workshop for kids. This month create a ghoul bus.

LowesBuildAndGrow.com Shawnee Indian Mission Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, 10:00, Shawnee Indian Mission. Family friendly fun, crafts and entertainment and fun for all!

913.262.0867 Pumpkin Express Train 12:30, 2:00 & 3:30.

Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Ride the train and pick pumpkins! $9. Tickets on sale one hour before departure. 816.331.0603 Fall Festival 1:00, Northgate Baptist Church. Enjoy activities for all ages, games, crafts, food and more.

Admission and games are free. 785.242.5111 Whimsical Woods 1:00, Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center. Costumed storybook characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

913.764.7759

TRAIN RIDES Kids under three FREE

Regular trains run Sat./Sun. at 2 P.M. all of Sept. and first weekend of Oct.

Pumpkin Express Train

Rides in October weekends of the 13th, 20th & 27th.

Trains depart at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30.

Prices of Regular and Pumpkin Express are $9 for anyone 3 and older.

Santa Train

Departures are 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm., 3pm Sat., Dec. 1 and Sat. Dec. 8, 2012. $14 for anyone 3 and older Reservations begin Nov. 1

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co. 502 Walnut •Belton, Missouri 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time.

Comedy Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. Enjoy a comedy magic show by Devin Henderson. Appropriate for all ages. $7. 816.759.5233 American Girl Fashion Show Today & tomorrow, 3:00 & 7:00, JCCC. Enjoy a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. JLWJC.org Legends of the Harvest Autumn Campfire 4:00, Grinter Place Historic Site. Free event, but regular admission applies for Grinter house tours.

913.299.0373 Family Movie Night 6:00, Cleaver Family YMCA. A fun evening that includes a movie, s’mores, popcorn and hot chocolate. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

816.285.9622 Stargazing Program 7:00, Powell Observatory.

Program includes a talk on astronomy, a tour of the observatory and (if skies are clear) a viewing.

913.837.5303 Fall Classic 7:30, Lee’s Summit High School Performing Arts Center. Plan to attend our annual fall classic symphony performance!

LSSymphony.org/season.php

14 SUNDAY

Howl-o-Fest Weekends Thru Oct 28, Worlds of kcparent.com october 2012

45

Memorial Fountain. A candlelight vigil who have suffered a pregnancy or infant loss. SamsPond.org

Halloween Event | US Toy | Oct. 20

16 TUESDAY

Young People’s Concert Thru Fri, 10:00 & 11:30, Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center. Explore how the orchestra can make stories come alive! 816.994.7200 Creepy Critters 6:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Discover the important role spiders, snakes and bats play in nature. 816.759.7300 Fingerprint Firedog 6:30, Excelsior Springs Library. Kids njoy creating a Dalmatian puppy with spots made from their fingerprints. 816.630.6721

17 WEDNESDAY

Jo Ho Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum.

Families can drop in and hear Jo Ho’s creative stories. 913.715.2552 Fun. Scare-free daytime fun for little ones. Return at night for grown-up fun at Halloween Haunt.

WorldsOfFun.com Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum. Family story time at the museum. Free, no tickets required. Nelson-Atkins.com American Girl Fashion Show 1:00 & 4:00, JCCC. Enjoy a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. JLWJC.org

15 MONDAY

Ghoulish Goodies 6:30, Antioch Library. Make some deliciously gruesome treats for Halloween for just a $1 materials fee. 816.454.1306 Safe Driving for Teens 6:30, Grandview Library.

Learn important facts that will help to ensure your safety as a new driver. 816.763.0550 Remembering Our Babies 6:45, JC Nichols

Halloween Paint Me a Story 6:00, Paint, Glaze and Fire. Special evening Halloween-themed event.

913.661.2529 Beaded Halloween Witch 6:30, Lee’s Summit Library. A two-part hands-on class, each lasting 1 ½ hours. $14 materials fee. 816.524.0567

18 THURSDAY

Be Aware of the Dog 6:30, Excelsior Springs Library. Learn how to be safe around dogs by reading

KC PUMPKIN PATCHES

See pages 22-24 for our complete Pumpkin Patch Guide.

Carolyn’s Country Cousins Patch Bring the family to our 50-acre U-Pick pumpkin patch, 10:00-7:00. Pick your own pumpkin from our selection or take an old-fashioned hayride to the field! Weekends feature Uncle Lester’s pig races, live entertainment and great food. 816.781.9196.

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

Louisburg Cider Mill Country Store Store hours: 8:00-6:00 (Mon.-Sat.), 10:00-6:00 (Sun.). Ciderfest: Sept. 29 & 30 and Oct. 6 & 7, live music, food and craft booths. Special fall family fun! 10-acre witch corn maze, farm animals, children’s play area, huge pumpkin patch & more! 913.837.5202.

LouisburgCiderMill.com

Johnson Farms At Johnson Farms, you’ll be far from the city, but close to home. Take a wagon ride out to the 30-acre pumpkin patch and grab a wheelbarrow to haul in your pumpkins, crawl around in our FREE giant tunnel maze, then visit our farm animals corral. Concessions and a large covered picnic area are available.

816.331.1067

Paradise Park Enjoy a good old-fashioned tractor-pulled hayride while munching on s’mores and sipping hot chocolate. Sit on bundles of straw with family and friends while hearing stories and playing games, celebrating fall fun at Paradise Park. 816.246.5224.

Paradise-Park.com

Faulkner’s Ranch—Pumpkin Season!

Oct. 1-31, 10:00 -6:00 daily. Special events on weekends. FaulknersPumpkinFarm.com has all of the attractions and upcoming events. Clean, quality, interactive fun at Faulkner’s Ranch. 816.761.1234

Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch Two mazes located within one, with different levels of difficulty. Barrel train ride, corn crib— it’s a large sandbox only it’s filled with corn.

Hay mountains, tractor-pulled hayrides, concessions, bonfires and field trips. 816.335.4014.

ShucksMaze.com

NEW Interactive ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE featuring maps, photos and videos available at KCParent.com

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their body language. 816.630.6721 Infant CPR 7:00, Overland Park Ed Center. Learn the basic life support skills for your infant with hands-on manikin practice. HealthyArrivals.org Not-So-Scary Halloween Show 7:00, Blue Springs North Library. Join Dino O’Dell through great tunes and a not-so-scary Halloween tale. Wear your costume! 816.224.8772 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions 7:30, Sprint Center. This will be unlike any gymnastics tour ever produced! SprintCenter.com

19 FRIDAY

Anniversary Sale Today & tomorrow, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO). Save 20 percent on regular-priced resale clothing. ChildOrch.com Family Fun Days Paradise Park. Experience family fun at a great price! Only $15 for unlimited attractions, hot dog, chips and a drink. 816.524.2424 Night of the Living Farm 6:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Lanterns and pumpkins lead costumed trick-or-treaters on our farm. Tickets: $810. 913.897.2360 Lenexa Chili Challenge Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Old Town Lenexa. Enjoy live music, entertainment, fireworks, games and of course, chili!

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47

Otherwise Known as Shelia the Great The Folly Theater l Oct. 30

Vijay Iyer Piano Trio 8:00, Folly Theater. Audiences will roar for this standout artist!

FollyTheater.com

20 SATURDAY

Kansas Lottery 300 Kansas Speedway. See Danica Patrick, Austin Dillon and more! Parking is free. Bring the entire family. 866.460.7223 Holiday Treasures Craft Festival 9:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Beat the crowds this holiday season at our craft festival. CityOfShawnee.org Ability Day 9:00, Southeast Community Center.

Resources and hands-on activities for families and persons with disabilities. 816.513.0632 Musicfest Weekend Today & tomorrow, Faulkner’s.

Enjoy music at the pumpkin farm this weekend.

Sunday Mr Stinky Feet performs! 816.761.1234 Halloween Event 10:00, US Toy. Stop in for pumpkin decorating, Halloween crafts, a costume contest and more! 913.642.8247 Harvest Night 6:00, Recreation Park. Activities include hayrides, s’mores, face painting, pumpkin decorating and more. Raymore.com

Kids’ Night Out 6:00, Bonner Springs YMCA. Parents have a night out while kids have fun! $15-$30.

913.422.9348

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Pick up a self-guided activity and follow the clues for an art-tastic adventure. 816.753.5784

LPCC Spooktacular 6:00, Legacy Park Community Center. The center will have events for the whole family, all for free! 816.969.1500

Spooktacular 6:30, Powell Gardens. Grab your costume and comfortable walking shoes for a familyfriendly night at Powell Gardens. 816.697.2600

Fancy Nancy Haunted Mansion 10:00, Riverside Library. Children ages 3 and up can enjoy a fabulous

Best Caramel Apples in Kansas City Juicy, gooey, sticky, sweet, classic... is there anything quite as decadent as a delicious caramel apple in the fall? It’s an autumn tradition as classic as watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and we’ve rounded up the best of the best hand-dipped, gourmet, coated, candied apples in Kansas City!

Russell Stover may be known for delicious chocolates, but Russell Stover also knows the secret to your caramel apple cravings!

Hand dipping in their shops all across the Metro, they start with a Granny Smith apple and swirl it in melted caramel. Other flavors include Cinnamon Candied Apple or a caramel apple rolled in chopped peanuts and drizzled with dark chocolate! Find a location near you at RussellStover.com.

Sweet Caroline’s (7723 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS, 913.495.9993) is one of the most decadent shops in the Metro. From your first step inside, you’ll savor the sweet scent of goodies, but the fall specialty is the candied apple! With large delicious apples, Sweet Caroline’s serves up many flavors and combinations that are almost too pretty to eat!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (RockyMountainChocolateFactory.com) is famous for its amazing selection of old-

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fashioned caramel apples. Granny Smith apples are hand dipped in caramel then topped with a variety of coatings, including English toffee, Snickers, apple pie, cheesecake coating, M&Ms, pecan bars, rocky road and classic peanuts.

Laura Little’s Candies (2100 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS, 913.722.2226), makes candy the old-fashioned way, starting with the freshest ingredients and cooking them to perfection using traditional copper kettles and wooden paddles. Their homemade caramel apples are offered with and without nuts.

Chip’s Chocolate Factory (on the 2nd floor in Crown Center: 2450 Grand Ave., Suite 239, Kansas City, MO, 816.421.0012), is known for live fudge demonstrations and “Chocology Tours,” is master of everything sweet! It is a Chip’s tradition to welcome fall with a variety of flavors and coatings for delicious, juicy, classic caramel apples.

Comedy Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. Enjoy a comedy magic show by Devin Henderson. Appropriate for all ages. $7. 816.759.5233 Early Explorations 2:00, Nerman Museum. Kids ages 5-7 learn about art and create a hands-on studio project. Different themes. Pre-reg. 913.469.2323 Pumpkins on Parade 4:00, Cave Springs Nature Center. The park’s trails are lined with almost 800 decorated pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns.

CaveSpring.org Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Every Saturday through October see the public feeding of the cats. 913.837.5515

Howl-o-Fest Weekends Thru Oct 28, Worlds of Fun. Scare-free daytime fun for little ones. Return at night for grown-up fun at Halloween Haunt.

WorldsOfFun.com

CONNECTING WITH KANSAS CITY FAMILIES

Art + Family=Fun! 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum.

Free family activities throughout the museum.

Nelson-Atkins.org Jack-o’-Lantern Walk 5:00, Powell Gardens. Take a spooky self-guided tour by the light of jack-o’lanterns and luminaries. $4-$10. 816.697.2600

22 MONDAY

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000 Play Dates 10:30, Faulkner’s Pumpkin Farm. Head to Faulkner’s each Mon morning in Oct for activities for small children and play groups. 816.761.1234

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Pumpkin Express Train 12:30, 2:00 & 3:30, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Ride the train and pick pumpkins! $9. Tickets on sale one hour before departure. 816.331.0603

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Dogtoberfest 10:00, Kemper Outdoor Education Center. A variety of events for you and your fourlegged friends. Free admission with a donation of dog food. 816.229.8980

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Bats and Us! 11:00, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Join a naturalist to learn about the role these creatures play in nature. 816.228.3766

27

Hollywood Casino 400 Kansas Speedway. Bring the entire family for a day of fun at the races.

866.460.7223

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Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, Power & Light District. Enjoy free family fun at Power and Light.

This month enjoy a fall festival!

PowerAndLightDistrict.com

21 SUNDAY

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49

KANSAS CITY’S

BEST POPCORN

Popcorn! This “All American” snack is so popular, we consume 54 quarts per person annually, according to Popcorn.org! Most U.S. popcorn is grown in the Midwest (primarily Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri, with a few growers in Kansas as well). So, let’s celebrate with the best of Kansas City popcorn!

Custard’s Last Stand Custard’s Last Stand is best known for its frozen custard concretes, but the proprietors have been making gourmet popcorn since 1989. They specialize in caramel, cinnamon and cheese. Multiple locations: CustardsLastStand.com.

Topsy’s Popcorn For more than 50 years, Topsy’s has been serving delicious popcorn to Kansas Citians!

The Plaza Christmas Popcorn Tin is a holiday tradition in many homes as families try to decide which is best: cheese, butter, caramel, pecan crisp, popcorn peanut, kettle corn or cinnamon! Topsy’s boasts more than a dozen KC area locations. Visit TopsysPopcorn.com for more information.

Velvet Crème Popcorn Since 1937, the family-owned Velvet Crème Popcorn Company of Shawnee Mission has been serving popcorn that is “smooth like velvet and rich as creme.” Velvet Crème

pops popcorn the old fashioned way, in small batches by hand operated, gas fired poppers. Flavors include traditional buttered, caramel, cheese and cinnamon or the more unique sour cream and onion! You can visit Velvet Crème’s store at 4710 Belinder Rd., in Westwood, KS. Call 913.236.7742 for more information or visit VelvetCremePopcorn.com.

Road Trip: Tour a Popcorn Factory!

Schlaegel’s Homegrown Popcorn: 31030 V Rd., Whiting, KS. Gary and Marian Schlaegel started raising popcorn on their farm nearly 30 years ago, now devoting 10 acres of crop ground to yellow and white popcorn each year. Their popcorn business sells 30 flavors of popcorn! You can take a free tour of the popcorn company, where you’ll learn how popcorn is grown, prepared and sold. Schlaegel’s is approximately 2 hours northwest of Kansas City.

Call to schedule a tour (800.844.7494) or visit PopcornGifts.net.

Richard Scarry’s Busytown 7 p.m., Fri. Nov. 16 | Adults $16 Youth $12 | For ages Pre-K to Grade 2 Bring the family for a sing-along with Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat!

www.jccc.edu/TheSeries | 913-469-4445 | Performing NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING

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kcparent.com october 2012

Arts Series

| Johnson County Community College 7.4x4.85_Scarry.indd

out & about

Kaleidoscope Before You Go For more than 40 years, Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope has strived to provide children an avenue to explore, discover and create. And while renovations and updates have been made through the years, the center’s goal remains very much the same. Sessions are held in 40-minute increments, and tickets are free but only available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check Kaleidoscope’s online calendar to determine which session works best with your schedule. If you have a long wait time until your session begins, check out the Hallmark Visitor’s Center next door (it’s free as well!).

Kaleidoscope 2500 Grand Blvd.

Kansas City, MO 64108 816.274.8300 HallmarkKaleidoscope.com Free admission. Open from 9:40 to 3:50. Groups of 15+ must call in a reservation.

Hot Tips: Children must be accompanied by an adult (and vice versa).

Crown Center offers free parking on weekends (and free 3-hour parking with validation on weekdays).

Kaleidoscope is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

While You’re There After a brief welcome, you’ll be led into Kaleidoscope’s main room where it’s recommended that you grab a complementary bag to store all the treasures you will make during your visit. Craft supplies are available throughout the entire exhibit for tapping into your inner artist. Enjoy a sensory station where buttons make a myriad of fun noises. Color, cut, paint, emboss and even make your own puzzle! Within the outer space room,

glow-in-the-dark activities take flight, including digital light drawing. Even cleanup is fun at Kaleidoscope. Wash your hands in a custom foot-pedaloperated sink tub just outside Kaleidoscope’s “city limits.”

After Your Visit All of the crafting supplies available at Kaleidoscope are remnant materials used in Hallmark’s manufacturing processes. This brings new meaning to the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and provides a great visual for kids to understand the beauty of recycling! If you found yourself running short on time to complete your art projects, don’t worry—simply arrange a repeat visit at another time.

Want to make a day of it? You are in the heart of Crown Center—just a few steps away you can enjoy Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland, the Coterie Theater, Crayola Café and Fritz’s!

Lauren Greenlee’s children are second generation Kaleidoscope enthusiasts who agree with their mom that puzzle-making “takes the cake” for being the most exciting activity. the ultimate guide to family

For over 500 great family-friendly places to visit in KC, pick up a copy of KC Going Places.

fun in KC

fall/winter 2012-13

GET OUT &

PLAY! IN KC 500+ FAMILY OUTINGS

FUN FAMILY DINING TREASURE DISCOVER BURIED & SKATING! SLEDDING, SKIING

KCGOINGPLACES.COM

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PM 9/15/12 2:29

GP Fall Winter

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23 TUESDAY

24 WEDNESDAY

26 FRIDAY

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley 10:00 & 1:00, Union Station. See The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley performed by Theatre for Young America. TYA.org

Candy Scramble 6:00, Merriam Marketplace. Enjoy the biggest Halloween pre-party. Bring your flashlights for the candy scramble! Free. 913.322.5550.

Fairy Tale Forest 5:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Thru Sunday enjoy non-scary Halloween fun for the family. $8. 816.781.8598

Pinocchio Time Thru July 2013, 10:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A special exhibit celebrating the 130th anniversary of Pinocchio. 816.833.9777

25 THURSDAY

Pumpkin Carving 11:00, MCPL (Excelsior Springs).

Get ready for Halloween by carving a pumpkin at the library. Free. 816.630.6721

Fright Night 6:00, Park University Copley Quad.

Enjoy crafts, face painting and, of course, trick-ortreating! Wear your costume. Free. 816.584.6411

Halloween Party 4:00, Ceramic Cafe. Design and paint a pencil cup. Snacks and games. Costumes encouraged. $16. All ages. CeramicCafeKC.com

Pop N Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Join us for activities designed especially for your 9-monthto 3-year-old child. 913.715.2550

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play for little ones on Tue and Fri. Pizza available. $4-$6. 913.631.7000

Enchanted Forest 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

Bring the entire family to the “forest” to see what mischievous fun takes place! 913.477.7100

Family Movie Night 6:30, West Wyandotte Library.

Curl up with family and friends in our auditorium and watch Tim Burton’s Coraline. 913.596.5800

Halloween Makeup Workshop 6:00, US Toy. Get ready for Halloween with an in-store makeup workshop! 913.642.82447

Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books and Toys. Join us every Monday for stories, crafts and a snack.

Free. 913.962.1428

27 SATURDAY

Boo at the Zoo 9:30, Kansas City Zoo. It’s time for trick or treating with the animals at the Kansas City Zoo. Activities, entertainment, games and more.

KansasCityZoo.org Haunted House and Cat Walk Today & tomorrow, Cedar Cove. Brave haunted house and enjoy tricks or treats! 913.837.5515 kcparent.com october 2012

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Mystical Forest 11:00, Macken Park Festival Shelter. Come out and enjoy a hayride, pumpkin patch, face painting and many more spooktacular activities.

Free. NKC.org Fun in the Pumpkin Patch 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Puppets in the pumpkin patch learn that monsters are not real. $5. 816.833.9777 Halloween Fun Fest 11:00, Shawnee Books and Toys. Celebrate Halloween with crafts, treats and a costume contest. 913.962.1428 Spooky Fun Halloween Puppet Shows Noon & 2:00, Crown Center, Level 1. StoneLion Puppet Theatre presents The Boneyard Jamboree.

816.274.8444 Pumpkin Express Train 12:30, 2:00 & 3:30, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Ride the train and pick pumpkins! $9. Tickets on sale one hour before departure. 816.331.0603 Trick or Treat on the Farm & Boo Barn 1:00, National Ag Center and Hall of Fame. The Boo Barn will delight and spook children of all ages. $5.

913.721.1075 Trick or Treat 2:00, Downtown Overland Park. Little goblins and ghouls are invited for entertainment and trick-or-treating. DowntownOP.org Monster Mash 3:00, Paul Henson Family YMCA.

Activities include crafts, games, inflatables and a concert by Mr Stinky Feet. 913.642.6800 Trick or Treat off the Street 4:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Activities may include horse-drawn hay wagon rides, games and candy stations. $3. 913.971.5111

dren ages 5 and under are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends! 913.541.0209

30 TUESDAY

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000

Family Fun Night 5:00, CW Parker Carousel Museum. Carnival games, balloon hats and pinata.

Come in costume! $6. 913.682.1331

Otherwise Known as Shelia the Great 10:00 & 11:30, Folly Theater. A musical based on the popular book. Best for grades 2-6. 816.474.4444

Waterfire 6:00, Brush Creek along the Country Club Plaza. A unique multi-sensory experience of music, fire and water. WaterfireKC.com

Shrek: The Musical Thru Dec 30, Coterie Theatre.

The story of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a journey with a donkey and a princess. $10-$15.

CoterieTheatre.org

Family Ghost Story Night 6:00, Parkville Nature Sanctuary. Enjoy food, ghost stories, live music and haunted hikes along the trails. $3-$6. 816.741.0820

28 SUNDAY

Fall Muster 9:00, Fort Osage. Annual re-enactment relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812. $3-$7. 816.503.4860 Johnson County Art Fest Thru Nov 18, Ernie Miller Nature Center and Nature Park. A unique exhibition exclusively showcasing Johnson County artists.

JCPRD.com

29 MONDAY

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Chil-

Halloween Concert Fest 6:30, Yardley Hall (JCCC).

The Overland Park Orchestra performs in costume.

Children in costume invited to parade across stage.

913.895.6390

31 WEDNESDAY: HALLOWEEN

Trick or Treat Street 4:00, 3rd St & Brookside Plaza (Brookside). Bring your trick-or-treaters to Brookside for a safe evening of tricks and treats!

BrooksideKC.org Scare-It Halloween 4:30, Kansas City Museum.

Four-block area includes inflatables, mini train ride, trick-or-treating and more! Free.

Want to help your kids do better in school?

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Take advantage of our Introductory Offer

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kcparent.com october 2012

We don’t address the symptoms of ADHD. We address the cause.

At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s ADHD at the most fundamental level — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.

Call

Visit

lEaRN MORE

913.627.9400

6406 College Boulevard Overland Park, KS 66211

brainbalanceoverlandpark.com

©2012 Brain Balance Centers

Brain Balance of Overland Park

kcparent.com october 2012

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kcparent.com october 2012

You can’t make a BuRGeR on tHIS GRILL.

So FeeL FRee

to BRInG YouR oWn.

Bring your own grill and a big, hearty appetite for fun. A day at Kansas Speedway starts with one of the best tailgating experiences on the planet. This October, bring out the entire family when the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup returns to Kansas City. See Danica Patrick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and more stars of NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway. Remember, you can bring in a cooler filled with your favorite refreshments, and parking is free.

Tickets to the Hollywood Casino 400 on October 21st start at $64 — and we have more seats for $95 or less than ever before.

BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY.

10.21.12

866.460.RACE (7223) • kansasspeedway.com kcparent.com october 2012

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