Countyparents april 2011

MARCH 2010 • FREE 19 FAMILY MOVIE REVIEWS PAGE

APRIL 2011 • FREE

Taking Your Child to

s e c n a m r o f Per Live

ons A Primer on Preparati

Learning Good Habits

CALENDAR OF EVENTS PARTY PLANNER Fun on the Way PAGE

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Prescription Drug Abuse PAGE

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Mentoring At-Risk Students PAGE

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MAY 2011

Let’s Party

Time for a Party Maryland’s Premier Ice Skating & Hockey Facility

Check out our upcoming Party Planner for ideas that will make your party planning easier. From food and favors to entertainment and away-from-home options, we've got you covered. Skip the anxiety and have fun!

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If you have a party-related business, then you should be in the County Parents Magazine Party Planner! Reserve your print ad by calling us. You can also log on to CountyParents.com to add your business to our Party Planner.

For more information call 410-893-1511, or email countyparents@aboutdelta.com

CONTENTS A PRIL 2011

FEATURE 7

Taking Children to Live Performances D ENISE M ORRISON Y EARIAN

DEPARTMENTS 5

Noodles Show ‘n Tell: Portable Picks – Fun on the Way

PAGE

7

10

Healthy Family

12

Family Fun Guide

Growing Prescription Drug Abuse by Teens

Party Planner: Easter Extravaganza B Y D ENISE Y EARIAN

PAGE

12

14

Calendar of Events

17

Kids’ Media Reel Life with Jane B Y J ANE B OURSAW

Growing Up Online B Y C AROLYN J ABS

Reading Corner B Y BY H ARFORD C OUNTY P UBLIC L IBRARY

20 PAGE

10

Making the Grade Mentoring Helps At-Risk Students Succeed

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Contact Us: Mail: Delta Graphics & Communications P.O. Box 1666 Bel Air, MD 21014 Phone: 410-893-1511 Fax: 410-893-2727 Email: delta@aboutdelta.com Web site: www.CountyParents.com Advertising: Peter Fernandez, ext. 107, peterf@aboutdelta.com Editorial: Joan Fernandez, ext. 105, joanf@aboutdelta.com Contributing Writers Jane Louise Boursaw, Carolyn Jabs Denise Morrison Yearian Calendar/Resource listings: Visit www.CountyParents.com to submit events via an online form in the Calendar section, fax 410-893-2727 or mail to Delta Graphics, Inc., P.O. Box 1666, Bel Air, MD 21014

Spring into Action With the weather now clearing, it is time to spring into action. This month’s calendar provides a mix of fun family events from a kite festival and Easter egg hunts to the March of Dimes March for Babies Walk and Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue.

In fact, Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue provides a perfect opportunity to start coaching your child for attending live performance. Our feature this month focuses on exactly this topic. Denise Yearian offers practical advice for how to plan and practice such outings to foster success. For example, explore seating options and try to secure backstage passes so your children can meet the characters up close. She also suggests starting out with something familiar.

If you’re traveling for spring break, we’ve also included some “Portable Picks” courtesy of Parents’ Choice Foundation. These are easy-to-tote games, kits and DVDs that can entertain the kids during the trip. You can also check out our Family Movie Reviews for current releases.

And, if your family is using Wi-Fi during your travels, as most everyone does nowadays, be sure to read our Growing Up Online Column. In it, you’ll learn how both you and your kids can utilize these services more securely.

County Parents is published monthly by Delta Graphics & Communications. Copyright © 2011 Delta Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved. County Parents is distributed free of charge in family-friendly locations as well as direct mailed.

Submissions and Letters to the Editor are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or to comment editorially on all material submitted. Unsolicited material cannot under any circumstances obligate this publication to claims for charges. Enclose a SASE for any material to be returned.

County Parents reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services herein. Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy of published material, Delta Graphics, Inc., its principals, employees, or any of the authors presenting information within the County ParentsTM magazine and web site cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein.

The contents of the magazine and web site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

410-838-5967 www.adventluth.com

2230 ROCK SPRING ROAD • FOREST HILL, MARYLAND 21050 4

www.COUNTYPARENTS.com

SHOW & TELL

Portable Picks:

Fun on the Way W

ho said traveling with the kids can't be fun? We know that listening to kids' music and movies while on a lengthy car trip is about as enjoyable as having your teeth drilled.

But believe it or not, there are lots of musicians who make great music for kids that's just as fun for parents. A long car ride can also serve as a "to-go" family game session. The games listed below are great for some friendly sibling rivalry or to play with mom and dad. So whatever your route, wherever you go, these toys, games

(410) 879-3566

and activities, audio books, and music will help make the trip delightful, not dreadful.

For more ideas, visit www.parentschoice.org, and click on Family Adventures in the top menu bar.

and make it a stationary sprinkler.

Ages: 2 - 5 yrs.

Manufacturer: Macmillan Audio Price: $9.99 (CD)

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? Book + CD Set A unique sprinkler combining beach ball action with wild water play. Inflate the ball; hook it up to a hose, water sprays out of four different spray heads. Kick it around the yard or fill up a water pouch in the bottom

The Wheels on the Bus Sing Along Travel Kit Scholastic Storybook Treasures has produced a ready-made kit filled with music, DVDs, an activity book... even a box of crayons! Bright, uncluttered animation has read-along captions and pleasant music

(410) 838-1114

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performed by talented singers.

Animated stories on the DVD include The Wheels on the Bus, as well as There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly, Dem Bones, and Giraffes Can't Dance, among many popular others. It all adds up to almost 2 ½ hours of viewing. The enclosed activity booklet is nicely designed with sturdy pages, and has over thirty pages of easy, age-appropriate and fun activities. Everything comes packaged in a sturdy box with a plastic handle and Velcro closure.

Ages: 3 - 8 yrs.

Manufacturer: Foundry Communications, New Video Price: $24.95 (DVD)

The Scrambled States of America This appealing activity book contains more than 50 games, from Chinese Checkers to mazes and logic puzzles. Durable foam and magnetic pieces tuck away neatly into the heavy-duty carrying case so they won't litter the floor.

Ages: 4 - 9 yrs.

Manufacturer: Macmillan Audio Price: $9.99 (CD)

Car Valet Play games, create art, or just keep gear within easy reach with a portable, adjustable mobile play center and organizer packed with art supplies. Comes complete with 8 crayons, 6 fine tip markers and a 40-page pad of 9 x 12 inch white drawing paper.

Ages: 3 - 8 yrs.

Manufacturer: ALEX Price: $25

The Amazing Game Board Book This appealing activity book contains more than 50 games, from Chinese Checkers to mazes and logic puzzles. Durable foam and magnetic pieces tuck away neatly into the heavy-duty carrying case so they won't litter the floor.

Ages: 6 & Up Author: Shereen Gertel Rutman, innovativeKids Price: $19.99

©2010 Parents’ Choice. Parents’ Choice is the nation’s oldest nonprofit consumer group dedicated to reviewing children’s toys, books, video, software, audio, magazines, television and websites. The Parents’ Choice Award seal is recognized throughout the country as the premier mark of children’s media that educate, entertain, and instill positive social values. Learn more about Parents’ Choice at www.parents-choice.org

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FEATURE

Taking Children to Live Performances Live theater, dance and musical performances have taken center stage with children locally and around the country. Today there is an abundance of shows for families with preschoolers through preteens. To make the most of these live productions, experts suggest parents start early and plan ahead.

BY

T

here’s no magic age to begin taking children to live performances,” says children’s musical performer Patricia Halverson. “What’s key is to get them acclimated to shows catered toward children early on and build from there.”

That’s what Diane Gordon did.

“By age 3 I felt my kids could stay focused and understand what was going on without becoming over stimulated,” says the mother of John, now age 15 and Kelly, 13. “We started with programs geared specifically for children. But we checked out high school musicals too.”

Angela Kamin wasted no time in getting her kids acclimated to the stage either.

D ENISE Y EARIAN

“Even before my oldest was 2, we regularly attended local children’s music and theater programs, as well as Sesame Street Live and puppet shows at our library,” says the mother of Selma, now 5; Elizabeth, age 3; and Samuel, 8 months. “By the time we went to Broadway, Selma was 3 and I knew what kinds of programs she liked and how long she would stay focused.”

START WITH THE FAMILIAR Experts agree it’s a good idea to start with programs based on familiar stories or characters.

“Fairy tales or popular children’s literature are good options. So are

performances based on a particular interest,” says Pam Lieberman, spokesperson for a local children’s theater organization.

“Prior to the show parents can read the related book, watch the movie and listen to songs and then initiate dialogue.”

Kamin does this.

“Before we went to see Mary Poppins we watched the movie and listened to the music repeatedly,” she says. “And when we saw the Broadway production of Wicked, Selma was familiar with the characters because we have Wizard of Oz puppets. So even though the storyline

w w w . C O U N T Y P A R E N T S . c o m | APRIL 2011

continues—

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FEATURE Taking Children to Live Performances from previous page

was unfamiliar the show kept her interest.”

Program length is a key consideration when choosing a performance.

“If it isn’t clearly stated, call and ask how long the program lasts, if there is an intermission and what age it is specifically designed for,” says Halverson. “Productions tailored for children are typically an hour or less. If they are longer it’s usually broken into two segments of 45 minutes each or less with an intermission in between.”

Audience participation is an important element too, particularly for music programs, as this engages kids and holds their attention. Next consider seats.

EXPLORE SEATING AND BACKSTAGE “Call and ask if the auditorium has general or assigned seating and also when the doors open,” says Lisa Belczyk program educator for a local performing organization. “If it is general seating, bring along a few quiet activities and arrive at least fifteen minutes early so you have a better seating choice. If you think you’ll

8

“There’s a huge difference between seeing a bunny on stage and face to face” Pam Lieberman, spokesperson for a local children’s theater organization need to exit to the bathroom during the performance sit by the isle.”

That’s been Gordon’s goal.

“Most of the shows we’ve attended have had general seating so when the kids were younger I’d arrive early and get as close to the front as I could so they weren’t distracted by other things,” she says. “My other choice was first row balcony seats because of the viewing.”

Also inquire about backstage passes so kids can see the sets and props, meet the performers and get autographs. But upclose and personal interactions may be

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frightening for some youngsters.

“There’s a huge difference between seeing a bunny on stage and face to face,” Lieberman suggests. “Before meeting the artists, parents should find out if the characters are going to be in costume and then consider how their child will react to this kind of encounter.”

“One of the best experiences we had was the high school production of Cinderella when John was 6 and Kelly was 4,” says Gordon. “Afterwards the students from the play came out and signed programs. The funny thing was when they went up to the stepmother they were afraid to give her the program to sign because they thought she was wicked.

Then she talked nice to them and hugged them and they saw it was acting.”

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE, ASK QUESTIONS AND DISCUSS IMPRESSIONS “It’s a great way to see things from your child’s perspective—what he understood or questions he might have,” says Lieberman. “You might think he liked something but find out otherwise after you’ve talked it over. It may also serve as a springboard for things you haven’t addressed before, particularly with message-based performances on topics such as bullying, friendship challenges and divorce.”

“Occasionally we stop for dinner or ice cream on the way home, but it has always been discussed, either in the car or when we got home,” says Gordon. “We critique the performances and talk about how we would do things differently too. In doing so, it has taught my kids to be critical viewers and made the experience more valuable to them.”

Once Gordon realized her children had a passion for performance, she gave them theater lessons. Now they are giving back to the community.

“My kids have been involved in various local productions, and this past year Kelly made it into the junior high production of Seussical the Musical; John was on the stage crew for that too,” says Gordon.

“After the show Kelly went out into the lobby and kids came up and hugged her. It was neat because this time she was on the other end of the experience.”

FEATURE

MAKING

THE

MOST

n Pick a performance. Start with shows that have familiar storylines or characters and will appeal to your child’s age and interests. Check local and regional listings, talk with family and friends and read reviews in the paper or online.

OF

LIVE PERFORMANCES

n Primer on preparations.

Explain the plot and characters to your child so he knows what to expect. If the performance parallels a book or movie or has familiar music, experience that before attending. Also discuss theatre etiquette. Explain that he will have to walk, rather than run, to and from his seat and use indoor voices. Depending upon the performance, he may need to hold questions until intermission or whisper if he has something important to say.

n Determine details. Call and ask

for details regarding the performance.

Is it family oriented? Age-appropriate? Are there frightening scenes? Is there spectacle—colorful costumes and sets, slapstick comedy, and special effects? This will keep your child engaged, as will shows that involve audience participation. To enhance the experience ask if it is possible for your child to meet the performers backstage.

n Day-of details. Make sure your child is well-fed and rested before leaving home. Plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early. Find your seats then take your child to the restroom.

Bring along a small bag of quiet

WITH

CHILDREN

items he can play with while you wait for the performance to begin. n Grand finale. After the show ask questions and share impressions regarding the performance. What was his favorite part or character?

Was there a character he didn’t like?

Why? What did he think of the sets, costumes and special effects? Does he remember the instruments or concepts taught during musical performances? At home have your child draw a picture of his favorite scene or character. If you did not rent the parallel movie or read the book, do so now. Was the storyline presented differently in this format? If he enjoys pretend play, have him act out his favorite part.

n Lowdown on logistics. Find

out about program length and if there is a break for intermission. Can your child stay focused that long?

What is the theatre’s policy about leaving during the performance?

Choose seats that will keep your child’s attention directed on stage.

Sitting front and center or in the balcony may be best. If you think you may have to slip out during the performance, opt for seats near the isle for a quick exit. Consider bringing a booster seat so your child gets a good view.

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HEALTHY FAMILY

Experts See Increasing Numbers of Teens Abusing

Prescriptions Drugs A call to pediatricians, parents to watch for telltale signs

Illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine and heroin have always been a parent’s nightmare. But perfectly legal and easily accessible prescription medications are now the recreational drugs of choice for many teenagers, prompting physicians at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center to urge pediatricians to screen specifically for their abuse during routine visits.

A

sk teens explicitly about prescription drug use with concrete questions like ‘Have you ever taken a pain pill or other medication not prescribed for you?’” Hopkins Children’s Melissa Long, M.D., told fellow pediatricians during a recent presentation at the hospital.

In 2009, some 2.6 million teenagers reported using a controlled substance recreationally for the first time, according to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). And a 2010 study by the Drug 10

Abuse Monitoring Network found that the number of emergency room visits related to abuse of prescription pain pills doubled between 2004 and 2008, signaling just how dangerous these medications can be.

Increased prescription drug abuse is likely related to the growing legitimate use of these drugs, Hopkins experts say, as more physicians today prescribe controlled substances than 10 years ago. A 2010 study in Pediatrics showed that the number of controlled medication prescriptions to teenagers nearly doubled between 1994 and 2007, from 6.4 percent to 11.2 percent

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of all teen visits to the ER and outpatient clinics. This number does not include medications prescribed to family members that the teens may have access to, experts say.

Can I have a subtile here, please?

Nearly 70 percent of teens and adults who abuse prescription drugs said they got them from relatives and friends, according to SAMHSA research, a finding that underscores the importance of safeguarding medications at home and closely monitoring their quantities.

“It’s important for pediatricians to ask parents what they have in their medicine cabinets at home and alert them that any

HEALTHY FAMILY

Nearly 70 percent of teens and adults who abuse prescription drugs said they got them from relatives and friends controlled substances not stored and disposed of properly may inadvertently lead to misuse of these medications,” Long says.

Experts believe that another factor fueling the widespread abuse is teen perceptions of controlled medications as the “safer drugs.”

“Cocaine and heroin might sound scary and dangerous and might seem like big stuff, but a pain pill that mom takes and that was prescribed by her doctor doesn’t carry the same dangerous connotations,” Long says.

This “safe” misconception is compounded by direct-to-consumer advertising seen in magazine ads and TV commercials, which further legitimize the use of these medications, Long says. The truth, experts say, is that prescription drugs could be just as dangerous when used

inappropriately as hard-core street drugs.

General signs of drug abuse that pediatricians and parents should watch out for include constricted pupils, slurred speech, severe mood swings, personality changes, irritability, excessive energy, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Symptoms specific to painkillers include depression, somnolence, confusion, constipation, slow breathing and low blood pressure. Signs suggestive of tranquilizer/sedative abuse include drowsiness, slurred speech, unsteady gait, confusion, involuntary rapid eye movement. Stimulants usually lead to weight loss, irritability, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances, inability to sleep and nervousness.

The most frequently abused medications include pain relievers, such as Vicodin (street name vitamin V), Oxycontin (known as O.C. or Oxy) and Percocet

(called Perc), tranquilizers, such as Xanax and Valium, and stimulants that include ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall.

Related Information: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (www. www.samhsa.gov)

Johns Hopkins Children's Center Founded in 1912 as the children's hospital of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the Johns Hopkins Children's Center offers one of the most comprehensive pediatric medical programs in the country, with more than 92,000 patient visits and nearly 9,000 admissions each year. Hopkins Children’s is consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation.

Hopkins Children’s is Maryland's largest children’s hospital and the only state-designated Trauma Service and Burn Unit for pediatric patients. It has recognized Centers of Excellence in dozens of pediatric subspecialties, including allergy, cardiology, cystic fibrosis, gastroenterology, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, pulmonary, and transplant. Hopkins Children's will celebrate its 100th anniversary and move to a new home in 2012. For more information, please visit www.hopkinschildrens.org

w w w . C O U N T Y P A R E N T S . c o m | APRIL 2011

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PARTY PLANNER

Easter Extravaganza It’s Easter! Before the month slips away, crack open your calendar, peel away some time, and invite a few friends over for a celebration! Here are a few ideas to get your party started.

BY D ENISE M ORRISON Y EARIAN CHICKY INVITES Items needed: Yellow and orange cardstock; paper fasteners; wiggly eyes; glue; scissors; pencil; black marker.

Draw and cut out a large oval from yellow cardstock to create the chick’s body.

Trace and cut out your hands from yellow cardstock to create wings. Attach wings to the back side of the oval using paper fasteners so the wings can move. Cut a small orange triangle for the beak. Glue wiggly eyes and beak to chick’s body. Cut two narrow orange rectangles and glue to the base of the body for legs. Use marker to write the following invitation message, along with date and time details: “Hope you peeps can come for my “eggtra” special Easter celebration.”

PEEK-A-BOO BUNNY Items needed: Toilet paper roll; construction paper; scissors; tape; glue; small wiggly eyes; black marker; white napkin.

Measure and cut one 6- by 4 ½-inch white rectangle to fit around the toilet paper. Secure with tape. Measure and cut a 6- by 2 ½-inch green rectangle. To create blades of grass, fringe along one 6-inch side by cutting straight, narrow strips that are about 1-inch down. Glue the uncut, long edge of paper to the base of the toilet paper so the fringed side is facing up. On the white portion of the toilet paper roll, glue two wiggly eyes. Cut a small, pink triangle from construction paper. Glue inverted triangle to create nose. Use 12

marker to create whiskers and a mouth.

(Note bunny should look like he’s peeking above the grass.) Open napkin and refold into a long rectangle. Place center of napkin just inside the top of the toilet paper roll and separate napkin ends to create two bunny ears.

EARTHY EGG HEADS Items needed: Egg shells; permanent markers; dirt or potting soil; grass seed; toilet paper roll cut into three cylinders; stickers.

Crack a raw egg around the upper section of the shell. Peel the opening and remove the egg. Rinse the shell and let it dry. Have guests carefully draw a face on the front of the egg and fill it half full with dirt. Sprinkle grass seed on top and cover with a little more dirt. To make a base for the egg head, give each guest a small section of the toilet paper roll to decorate with markers and/or stickers. Place the egg on the base. When guests leave, instruct them to sprinkle a little water over the dirt everyday. Within a week or so, “hair” will begin to grow.

YUMMY BUNNY TORTILLAS Items needed: Small flour tortillas; peanut butter; marshmallow fluff; strawberry jelly; pretzel sticks; small jelly beans; scissors; Popsicle sticks.

Place small tortilla on a plate to create base for the bunny face. Cut a second tortilla in half to create to bunny ears.

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Spread peanut butter and fluff with a Popsicle stick. Create two small eyes with jelly and add a jelly bean nose. Cut pretzel sticks in half to create whiskers.

Other food suggestions include quiche, fried rice, carrot and raisin salad and carrot cake cupcakes.

HOPPIN’ GOOD GAMES Egg Scramble: Select one person to be the Bunny. Other players are Eggs, who secretly choose a color for themselves.

Create a home base for the Eggs, along with a route or course they must run.

Have the Bunny stand 10 feet away and

PARTY PLANNER

begin calling out colors. When he calls a player’s color, that Egg must run the designated route and return to home base before the Bunny catches him. Play continues until an Egg is caught. He then becomes the Bunny. Eggs change their colors with each round.

Hop, Skip and Jump Relay: Players divide into two teams and take turns moving to an end point and back by hopping on one foot five times, skipping five times and jumping five times, before they return and tag their teammate, who does the same thing. w w w . C O U N T Y P A R E N T S . c o m | APRIL 2011

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Calendar of Events

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March of Dimes March for Babies Rts. 23 & 24 Forest Hill

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B&O Railroad Museum Baltimore

Ride the Rails with the B&O Easter Bunny

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8 FRIDAY

There’s An Alligator Under My Bed, A Nightmare In My Closet And Something In My Attic This original musical production is designed with vivid and imaginative costumes and scenery, where the Alligator under your bed, the Nightmare in your closet and the Thing in your attic become your best friend.

(Recommended for Ages 3-9), 7pm., Amoss Center, 443-412-2211,Bel Air. $

9 SATURDAY

The Early Years Expo Harford County hosts a wealth of opportunities for families with young children. The Early Years Expo will feature a wide variety of resources: activities, products, services, games for kids too. 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, Abingdon Elementary, Sponsored by Harford County Department of Community Services, 410-6383166. FREE

Invasinators

Look for us at these events!

Visit www.CountyParents.com to search the calendar of events by month and by type of event.

Please call ahead to confirm dates and times on all calendar listings.

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Location: Anita Leight Estuary Center Become a part of the volunteer team of invasive plant removers and native plant restorers. Learn why non-native invasive plants are a threat to our ecosystem, how to identify problem plants, and removal and restoration strategies. Ages 14 – Adult, 11 am - 1:pm. Anita Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon, 410-612-1688. FREE

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Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue Amoss Center, Bel Air

Calendar of Events 10 SUNDAY Float 'N Fish

Bring your kids out to float on the Bush River and learn some fishing basics. All equipment will be supplied. (Over 16 must have license if they plan to fish.) Ages: 7 – Adult, 1:30 - 3 pm, Anita Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. $

13 WEDNESDAY

Adoptive/Foster Mom's Night Out Connect and find support with other moms who share the bond of adoption or fostering.

Open to prospective adoption and foster moms, too. Sponsored by Grafted Families, 410-91G-RAFT. 7 - 9pm.,Open Door CafĂŠ,524 Baltimore Pike,Bel Air. FREE.

15 FRIDAY

A Night Out @ the Library Features with a fireside chat by Cornelia Nixon, author of the novel Jarrettsville. A book signing will follow the book discussion. 79pm, Jarrettsville HCPL branch. $.

16 SATURDAY

Earth Day 2011 - Aberdeen Over a dozen recycled games, prizes, environmental exhibitors and vendors. Moon bounce, kids games, live music and food. 11 am - 4 pm, Festival Park, Park & Franklin St, Aberdeen, FREE

Bel Air Kite Festival

Healthy Kids Day Fair

Avid kite enthusiasts, new kite fliers and curious spectators of all ages are invited. Food & beverages will be available for purchase.

Free kites at the festival while supplies last. 10 am - 4 pm, Rockfield Manor, 501 Churchville Rd., Bel Air, FREE

Come enjoy free games, food, activities, and demonstrations at this event that promotes healthy learning and practices for the entire family. 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM Walter and Betty Ward Family Y, 101 Walter Ward Blvd., Abingdon. FREE

PANY TER COM HA THEA A M O R ER MAYE

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My Lady's Manor Steeplechase Races & Champagne Reception Join us for one of Maryland's best timber races to benefit Ladew Topiary Gardens. Live music, vendors, food and a champagne reception for the winners. Gates open at 10 am. Hunt relays 10:30 am. First race 1:30 pm.

Rain or shine. 10 am - 5:30 pm, : Pocock Rd & MD 146, Monkton Contact Ladew Gardens 410-557-9570 for admission information. $.

Tickets: 443-412-2211 w w w . C O U N T Y P A R E N T S . c o m | APRIL 2011

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Calendar of Events 17 SUNDAY

22-23 FRIDAY/SAT.

Meet A Critter

Check out one of our live critters up close while discovering what makes that animal special. 1pm, Anita Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon, 410-612-1688. FREE

Ukrainian Easter Eggs Location: Want to have a unique decoration this year? Come learn how to create beautiful Ukrainian decorated eggs just in time for Easter! Ages: 14 – Adult, Noon - 3:00pm, Anita Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. $

March of Dimes March for Babies The walk is a 2.5 mile route beginning and ending in Forest Hill. The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. 8:00am – 1:00pm, Intersection of Routes 23 & 24 near Klein's ShopRite, Forest Hill, 410-803-0620.

Ride the Rails with the B&O Easter Bunny Hop on board the train and take a round-trip ride with the B&O’s Easter Bunny for a special treat. Scheduled train ride times for these two days are at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street. $

23 SATURDAY Easter Egg Hunt

Please bring your own basket for gathering eggs. 6 years old and under only. Grounds open at noon, Hunt begins at 1 pm. Rockfield Manor, 501 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, 410-638-4565. $

Havre De Grace Easter Egg Hunt & Games (12 & Under) Noon Location: Bring your family to enjoy a spectacular Easter Egg Hunt. Don't be late. Race starts promptly at noon. Sponsored by HdG Recreation Committee. Ages 12 and under. Noon, Tydings Park, Commerce St, Havre de Grace, : 410-939-6724. FREE

29 FRIDAY

The Finton Formula Fun Visiting Scientist Series Join us for exciting hands-on chemistry and environmental science fun, guided by guest scientists from the local community Ages 10 - 13 or 5th to 8th grade. 4:30 - 6 pm, Anita Leight Estuary Center. $

Bixby’s Rainforest Rescue Travel through the tropical rainforest as your tour guide, Bixby, takes you on magical journey to save the rainforest. Experience the excitement of a unique blend of magic, puppetry, audience participation, sing-a-long, and

a menagerie of live exotic animals, all while Bixby brings awareness about conservation and preservation of the rainforest. 7:00-8:30 pm, Amoss Center, Bel Air, 443-412-2211. $

APRIL 29 - MAY 1 & MAY 6 – 8 Day Out With Thomas™

Thomas the Tank Engine! Take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a day full of live entertainment, activities, and family fun!

Visit www.ticketweb.com/dowt to purchase tickets to this popular children’s event.

Advance purchase recommended. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street, 410752-2462. $

Swing Into Spring!

A Very Special Island for Your Very Special Treasure Immediate openings available for all ages in our adapted classrooms, as well as our NEW Traditional Preschool Room for 2-3 year olds!

• Hours: 7am – 6pm • Family social events • Serving Children 6 weeks to • Referrals for specialized 21 years services • After school care available • Day care vouchers accepted • Therapeutic environment for children with special • Outpatient Physical & needs Occupational Therapy

Columbia 410-992-0992

MD, VA & DC’s Play Equipment Headquarters

Indoor Showroom

playgroundsuperstores.com/family

1-800-22 SWING

Severna Park 410-544-5222

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2105 Laurel Bush Rd., Suite 104 Bel Air, MD 21015 • 410-569-1141 www.treasureislanddaycare.net Mary Gerlich, PT, DPT, Director • Jennifer Crockett, OTR/L, Co-Director

BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

Media

Growing Up Online

Learning Good Habits If you go to a restaurant, you don’t leave your checkbook, address book or mail on the table for everyone to see. Yet if you—or your child—takes advantage of a free WIFI hotspot in that same restaurant, you may be making it all too easy for others to see that same information.

GET A PASSWORD FOR THE NETWORK

B Y C AROLYN J ABS

T

he risks of using unsecured wireless networks were recently emphasized in a warning from the FTC. (The security update as well as other valuable safety information is available at Onguardonline.gov.) What the FTC statement didn’t mention is that WIFI security issues have gotten worse because of free programs that are readily available online These tools make it easy for strangers to hijack an online session so they have access to anything that’s on your computer or your Internet-enabled cellphone. Even unsophisticated hackers can capture passwords, personal information, family photos and contact information. And they can use that information to impersonate you, scam people in your contact list or access

whenever you hit a hotspot, especially during spring break and summer vacation. Libraries, restaurants and other community meeting places often promote the fact that they have free wireless access. Should you take advantage of their generosity? And, if you do, how can you protect yourself? Here are a few tips.

passwords and other protected information.

If you have a wireless network at home, you’ve probably already taken security steps like installing a firewall and using a password. You don’t allow your neighbors to wander into your house to raid the fridge or take a shower, so you don’t want to give them access to your wireless network either. (If you have doubts about whether your home network is properly protected, go to about.com and search for “wireless network security.”)

Things get more complicated when you—or your kids—go mobile and log onto a network away from home.

Laptops, notebooks and WIFI enabled cellphones make it easy to jump online

A secure network requires a password.

Asking for it may be inconvenient, but not getting it is like turning down the key for a hotel room. If your stuff gets stolen, you have no one to blame but yourself. Getting a password will also protect you against “evil twins”, fake websites which mimic the access point for a legitimate network so hackers can intercept passwords, credit card information and anything else you type into your browser.

LOOK FOR THE LOCK If you decide to use an unsecured network, don’t enter a password, send e-mail, check your calendar or update social networking sites--unless you’re using a secure website. These sites can

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continues—

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Media

BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

Learning Good WiFi Habits from previous page

be identified by the “s” that appears after http in the address or by a small padlock in the corner of the screen. Anything you type onto a secure site is instantly encrypted so, even if someone intercepts it, they won’t get anything more than gobbledegook. Because of the popularity of WIFI, more websites are using encryption. Gmail makes it available and Facebook is considering it. Remember that a secure website protects only the information sent to and from pages that display the lock, so check every page within a website to be sure it is secure.

LIMIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Even with secure websites, many experts recommend that you do your shopping and banking from the privacy of home.

While it may be tempting to check your balance in the hotel lobby, be wary about entering credit card numbers or passwords for financial institutions in a public place. Also, never use a public computer for such transactions. It’s all too easy for criminals to install keyloggers that will record everything you type.

BE SMART ABOUT YOUR OWN PASSWORDS

Use multiple passwords and change them periodically. That way, even if one password is compromised, the hacker won’t

have access to all your online business.

Also, don’t store passwords in a file on your portable device. Instead, create passwords you’ll actually remember by combining numbers with initials from phrases or names that mean something to you. A sports fan might use the initials and numbers from favorite players. A music lover could string together the first letters of the words a song lyric. Avoid using recognizable names or words because they can easily be identified by password cracking software.

the best way to keep information safe.

Also be sure the auto-connect feature of your device is disabled so it doesn’t seek out and connect to WIFI signals without your permission.

Being able to have Internet access wherever you go is convenient—unless you have to clean up problems caused by identity and information theft. Establishing good WiFi habits for yourself and then teaching them to your kids is another way to be sure your family is as safe and secure online as they are in the real world.

CHOOSE YOUR SPOT When using a public WIFI hotspot, sit in a corner and position your screen so others cannot see what you type. Don’t leave your laptop or cellphone unattended even for a moment.

LOG OUT When you finish with a WiFi session, log out. Shutting down the network is

In honor of National Poetry month:

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of Night

by Joyce Sidman A poet and printmaker offer intriguing looks at creatures that habitat the dark night woods, from snails to the great horned owl featured on the book’s cover.

Compelling art and lyrical poetry are combined with natural history concepts in this Newbery Honor Medal book.

Courtesy of Harford County Public Library

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BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

Media

Reel life with Jane Movie and DVD reviews for you and your family B Y J ANE L OUISE B OURSAW Cute bunnies, a determined surfer, African cats, and romantic birds are just a few of the characters heading to theaters and DVDs this month. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new for April.

HOP Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.

In theaters: 4/01.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: http://www.iwantcandy.com Think all those holiday mascots are geeked about their job? Not so. A young bunny (voiced by Russell Brand) is about to be crowned the new Easter Bunny, but he’s not so sure he wants the job. He’s content to hang out, play his drums, and kick back with some tunes. So he heads off to Hollywood to find fame and fortune and, hopefully, land a gig playing in a band. But those plans go awry when he’s hit by a car driven by Fred (James Marsden), who agrees to take him in.

Blending live action with computer animation, this movie looks really cute and also stars Kaley Cuoco, David Hasselhoff and Chelsea Handler. It’s directed by Tim Hill, who also helmed 2007’s ‘Alvin and the ‘Chipmunks.’

Look for bits of crude humor here and there, like the bunny pooping jelly beans and rebelling at having to sleep among his poo.

gives me goosebumps! It’s a great story and also signals the return of AnnaSophia Robb to theaters after a short hiatus. She plays Bethany Hamilton, the real-life teenage surfer who made headlines after losing her arm in a shark attack. Bethany is ready to throw in the towel, but decides to surf again after receiving tons of mail from kids all over the country. Directed by Sean McNamara (‘Raise Your Voice’), this movie also stars Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as her parents, and Carrie Underwood as her youth group leader.

BORN TO BE WILD Rating: G In theaters: 4/08.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: http://www.imax.com/ borntobewild This 3D documentary follows the story of orphaned orangutans and elephants and the people who rescue and raise them, then

return them back to the wild. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film is not only inspiring, but also takes us into some gorgeous places across the globe. We journey into lush rainforests of Borneo with worldrenowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick.

ATLAS SHRUGGED, PART 1 Rating: PG-13 for some sexuality.

In theaters: 4/15.

OK for kids: 12+.

Reels: 3 out of 5 Website: http://www.atlasshruggedpart1.com Based on Ayn Rand’s 1956 novel, this film stars Taylor Schilling as Dagny Taggart, a woman who runs the largest railroad company in America with integrity, despite a few labor issues. She’s drawn to industrialist Henry Rearden (Grant Bowler); his superstrong metal alloy might help to rebuild Taggart’s company. It’s a story about thinkers, industrialists, scientists, artists and other innovators during an intriguing time in history. I’m excited to see how director Paul Johansson brings the book to the screen.

RIO Rating: PG for mild off color humor.

In theaters: 4/15.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: http://www.rio-themovie.com I love the tagline for this movie: “One out of every 8 Americans is afraid of flying. Most of them don’t have feathers.” That sums up

SOUL SURFER Rating: PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material.

In theaters: 4/08.

OK for kids: 12+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com Just watching the trailer for ‘Soul Surfer’

continues on page 22—

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM Even the Force can’t save it.

Coulda been a contender

Something to talk about.

You want the truth? Great flick!

Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

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MAKING THE GRADE

Employees Aim to Help At-Risk Students Succeed During National Mentoring Month Five staff members from the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) started the new year by volunteering to serve as mentors in support of a new educational outreach effort sponsored by the National Defense Education Program, Edgewood High School’s (EHS) RAM Hour Academic Club.

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E

ager to start working with their mentees, ECBC mentors rolled up their sleeves and recently held the inaugural RAM Hour Academic Club mentoring session at Edgewood High School.

They were assigned to freshmen in the school’s RAM Academy, a program

MAKING THE GRADE

“With America's dropout rates representing an unprecedented challenge, the gap between the number of mentors and the number of young people who need a mentor continues to grow” Mary Doak, ECBC Community and Educational Outreach Program Manager community and become a role model to an Edgewood High School student.

“I read a few books on how to become a good mentor and role model before making this commitment,” Dorsey said. “While focusing to help my mentee in math and science, I also hope to provide him with tools that will guide him through life.”

Meeting Educational Needs Davis commented that most students recognize the importance of participating in the RAM Hour Academic Club mentorship program and that she hoped that they receive the care they are looking for.

However, student parents collectively embrace this new initiative and have increasingly requested mentorship support for their children.

Striving to meet the local community’s — and more specifically Edgewood’s — educational needs, ECBC Community and

Photo credit: Jennifer Carroll, U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center

designed to provide its at-risk students extra-curricular guidance and reward their academic successes with exciting cohort activities. If no one was watching and pushing the 72 EHS freshmen currently enrolled in the program, they would likely slip and not graduate according to EHS Mathematics Teacher and RAM Academy Coordinator Kristin Davis.

“When you guys [from ECBC] approached us, we were so excited to hear that scientists and engineers from your organization were interested in mentoring our students,” Davis said. “You are the perfect resource for this program.”

ECBC mentors will meet with students in weekly one-on-one sessions with the goal of helping to boost academic achievements and provide guidance in preparation for their graduation. In their new role as a mentor and friend, they are determined to assist their struggling mentees to build confidence, understand and follow through with their homework assignments, and pave their way to success.

One of the Center’s volunteers, Research Microbiologist Russell Dorsey, Ph.D. experienced the valuable support of a mentor in college himself. When he asked what he could do to thank her, she responded that he would never be able to pay her back, but that he could pass it on one day. Recognizing the powerful role of a mentor, Dorsey decided to serve his local

ECBC Research Biologist Darrel Menking (left) meets his new mentee EHS freshman Tony Cole (right) for the first time at the inaugural RAM Hour Academic Club mentoring session.

Educational Outreach Program Manager Mary Doak has reached out to another neighboring school and answered the call by offering mentorship support to its RAM Academy students.

“With America's dropout rates representing an unprecedented challenge, the gap between the number of mentors and the number of young people who need a mentor continues to grow,” Doak said. “I am glad that we were able to successfully establish a new mentorship initiative at Edgewood High School and will continue to encourage our employees to help make a difference in local students’ lives.”

The academic performance of EHS student Raquan Witherspoon, who is being mentored by ECBC Computer Scientist Jarell Johnson, has significantly picked up in the week after his first mentoring session. According to his math teacher Davis, he has completed all class assignments and scored 100 percent on a recent math quiz that included adding, subtracting and multiple fractions.

“It is really exciting to see such quick progress,” she said. “This is his first good grade all year.”

In celebration of National Mentoring Month and Thank Your Mentor Day on Jan. 25, ECBC recognized its workforce members that dedicatedly serve as mentors in their community. ECBC employees that currently support the RAM Hour Academic Club initiative include Research Microbiologist Russell Dorsey, Ph.D., Microbiologist Laurie Fazekas-Carey, Research Biologist Darrel Menking, Computer Scientist Jarell Johnson and Chemist Julius Owens.

(Article courtesy of the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center)

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BOOKS, MOVIES & WEB FOR KIDS

Reel life with Jane from page 19

this cute family movie about Blu (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg), a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota who meets the fiercely independent Jewel (Anne Hathaway) and takes off to Rio de Janeiro to be with the bird of his dreams. Of course, it’s not love at first sight – Blu can’t even fly, for crying out loud. But the two birds are thrown together in an adventure about friendship, love, courage, and being open to life's many wonders. Colorful backdrops, vivid characters, a heartwarming story, and cool Latin and contemporary music make this a winner.

AFRICAN CATS Rating: G. In theaters: 4/22.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: http://disney.go.com/ disneynature/africancats

DisneyNature continues its trend of releasing lovely Earth Day movies with ‘African Cats,’ a real-life tale of love, humor and determination. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother's strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mom to five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. It’s directed

by Alastair Fothergill, who also helmed DisneyNature’s ‘Earth’ and ‘Deep Blue.’

finds teen Red Riding Hood (voiced by Hayden Panettiere) training in a distant land with a covert group called the Sister Hoods.

Red and the Wolf (Patrick Warburton) are called upon by Nick Flippers (David Ogden Stiers), head of the Happily Ever After Agency, to investigate the disappearance of Hansel (Bill Hader) and Grendel (Amy

Poehler). Other voices include Glenn Close (Granny), Martin Short (Kirk the Woodsman), Joan Cusack (Verushka the Witch) and Brad Garrett (Giant). I loved the first ‘Hoodwinked’ and this one looks to deliver the laughs, as well.

PROM Rating: PG for mild language and a brief fight.

In theaters: 4/29.

OK for kids: 9+.

Reels: 3 out of 5 Website: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/prom Several stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches in this Disney film about the precarious passage from high school to independence. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it's a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her “perfect” prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De'Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation surrounding one

HOODWINKED TOO! HOOD VS. EVIL Rating: PG for some mild rude humor, language and action.

In theaters: 4/29.

OK for kids: 7+.

Reels: 3.5 out of 5 Website: http://www.hoodwinkedtoomovie.com This sequel to the popular 2005 movie 22

www.COUNTYPARENTS.com

Media of high school's most seminal events. It’s a sweet, funny story about teens with a PG rating.

New on DVD CHUGGINGTON: CHUGGERS TO THE RESCUE Rating: Not rated. On DVD 4/5.

OK for kids: 3+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: On Amazon

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER Rating: PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images. On DVD/Blu-ray 4/8 OK for kids: 13+.

Reels: 5 out of 5 Website: On Amazon GO, DIEGO, GO!: DIEGO SAVES THE WORLD Rating: Not rated. On DVD 4/12.

OK for kids: 3+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: On Amazon HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 1 Rating: PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images On DVD/Blu-ray 4/15.

OK for kids: 13+.

Reels: 5 out of 5 Website: On Amazon SUMMER ELEVEN Rating: PG for mild thematic elements and brief language. On DVD 4/26.

OK for kids: 9+.

Reels: 4 out of 5 Website: On Amazon

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