November 2014 Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families

FREE November 2014

Magazine

THANKSGIVING

TRADITIONS WITH A TWIST

IS BREASTFEEDING BESTMagazine FOR YOU? THE MAGIC OF

PLEASE &

THANK YOU

Are you about to spend most of your holiday on a highway?

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table of

CONTENTS November 2014

8 10 12 14 20

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Reading and Godspeed

THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS WITH A TWIST

Thanksgiving is not about turkey and football for some families

THE MAGIC OF ‘PLEASE’ AND ‘THANK YOU’

Teaching kids to use manners at home, school and beyond

12

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Holiday finds for everyone’s wish list Gift Guide Directory

BABY

Determining if Breastfeeding is Best for You

6 ON THE WEB • Win XO Tablet by Vivita • Win the book ‘Have a Happy Family by Friday’

9 FYI

• Parents and the Ebola Question

On the Cover DAKOTA HESS

ELVIRA HESS PHOTOGRAPHY www.elvirahessphotography.com

4

10

volume 30 • number 11

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

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24 CALENDAR 38 YOUR KIDS Highlights Ongoing Exhibits Family Theater

IN OUR KIDS

Fall Fun & Festivities

Next month

Getting in on the Giving

Music Makes Everyone Smile

Give the Gift of

Call us today (210) 366-5048

The best beginning for your child’s music education, Ages 3-8

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TWO FAMILY ART PLAY PROGRAMS Family Performance: Modern Art Dance/Play Sunday, November 23, 2:00 pm Leeper Auditorium SpareWorks.dance company performs performance modern movement based on Artists Take the Stage: Theatre Design from Picasso to Nevelson. Tour the exhibition and play with non-traditional props after the performance.

No reservations required.

Alexandra Exter, Scene design for La Fille d’Hélios (detail), 1927. Gouache and graphite on paper. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of the Tobin Endowment.

Family Art Play: Picture in A Picture Sunday, November 30, 1:00 & 3:00 pm One of the unique features of American Masters from the Collection of Janet and Joe Westheimer is the number of images that show people looking at art. Create a project involving one of your favorite works of art from the McNay’s collection.

Free with museum admission. McNay members reserve space by calling 210.805.1768 by noon on November 25. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

6000 North New Braunfels | PO Box 6069 San Antonio, Texas 78209-0069 mcnayart.org November 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

5

on the

WEB

Your Go-To Online Resource for San Antonio Parents

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In “Have a Happy Family by Friday” psychologist and parenting and relationship expert Dr. Kevin Leman, provides a five-day action plan that seeks to change readers’ homes from stressful to emotionally healthy homes that are of benefit to every family member. The book is valued at $12.

Visit www.ourkidsmagazine.com by Nov. 25, 2014 to sign up to win.

Win NAPPA Silver Winner, XO Tablet by Vivitar ($149.00, www.xotablet.com) This durable tablet makes learning fun and creative. Designed and developed with One Laptop per Child, XO comes preloaded with $200 in free apps, games, e-books and more by nationally recognized educational experts. To enter visit, Facebook.com/NAPPAawards.

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November Giveaways Win Two Fitness Games – Flip2BFit and Bakari

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

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November 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

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Magazine

Magazine

Magazine

Magazine

editor’s

NOTE

Happy Reading and Godspeed

Magazine

PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104

Magazine

Magazine It has been almost seven years since I made the decision to accept the position as editor of Our Kids. This issue is my last as editor.

It has been an enjoyable ride, not free of bumps in the road, but I don’t know of anything in life worth having that is smooth and easy all the time. It was a pleasure to have had the awesome responsibility to oversee the editorial side of an award-winning publication that I consider along with thousandsMagazine of others, to be the best parenting magazine in San Antonio.

I remember my first introduction to the magazine some 20 years ago, when as a young mother I browsed the pages looking for parenting tips and activities in which to enroll my daughter. The magazine became a regular read for me even then.

I hope that during my time as editor you have indeed found the magazine to be “the go-to resource” for your parenting needs and questions. I thank you for your support as readers and some of you for your encouragement through e-mails, snail mail and even phone calls. I will miss you and the magazine.

More About This Issue As always there is much to discover in this month of Our Kids. Check out “Thanksgiving With a Twist” to learn of the very non-traditional ways some San Antonians celebrate this national holiday. Then, if you are like most parents, you have at times struggled with kids and manners. If so, you will enjoy the tips provided in “The Magic of Please and Thank You.” And for the expectant mom, you don’t want to miss “Determining if Breastfeeding is Best for You.” Also, this being November, we offer the usual NAPPA Holiday Gift Guide featuring toys, games, books and more as you begin to shop for that child on your list this holiday season.

Happy reading and Godspeed!

Cynthia Ladson Our Kids Editor 8

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 Toll Free Number, 866-465-6936 Magazine Visit us online at OurKidsMagazine.com

Magazine EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, Ext.102 Calendar: Kelley Ramotowski, Ext. 105 Proofreader: April Lynn Newell ADVERTISING SALES Magazine Account Executives: Pat Ramotowski, Ext. 101 PRODUCTION Graphic Designer: Rudy Riojas, Ext. 104

Magazine

DISTRIBUTION Distribution Manager: Tony Smith, Ext. 106

OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer.

Limit of one free copy per reader. Call 210-305-4181 ext. 106 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

ed he er. to rs, te ct, n, p, ch ly he ng NE or

family F.Y.I.

What Parents Should Know About Ebola Newswise — For many months, the world has witnessed the Ebola virus spread and claim more than 4,400 lives in West African countries. Last month, the first confirmed adult Ebola patient identified in the United States died. The constant news coverage has heightened concern among parents who fear their children will become infected.

Jill Hoffman, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, discusses the facts about Ebola, how parents can help their children prevent further outbreak by teaching them good hygiene.

How is the Ebola virus transmitted from person to person?

Hoffman: “Ebola is spread by infected secretions from a patient – blood, tears and saliva. It has to be directly spread by contact with either a person who is sick or with their secretions, which may be spread to another person. It is important to understand that it is not spread in the air like influenza or tuberculosis, and it is only communicable when a patient has symptoms. Unlike some other infections which you can get from a person prior to them having symptoms, this is only spread by patients who are sick.”

Can a child get Ebola?

Hoffman: “Anybody can get Ebola. Previous outbreaks suggest that children have a lower mortality rate. Adults may be more likely to get infected because they are more likely to be caretakers.”

What advice can you give parents in dealing with their kids?

Hoffman: “Kids are a little problematic because their hygiene isn’t very good and they love to share everything with each other. Teach kids good hand washing with soap

and water, and washing their hands as much as possible. Be aware if you have visitors from West African countries or people who have been in contact with a known or suspected patient with Ebola.”

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Hoffman: “The symptoms of Ebola almost always include fever, malaise, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and in a worst-case scenario spontaneous bleeding from any bodily site. The incubation period is two to 21 days after you have had contact with a symptomatic person. Most people will present symptoms within 10 to 11 days of contact.”

What is the treatment for Ebola?

Hoffman: “There is no anti viral therapy or vaccine for Ebola. But it can be treated successfully with supportive care – IV fluids, blood products, nutrition.”

What should parents do if they suspect their child has Ebola?

Hoffman: “First, they must answer the question ‘since the onset of symptoms, has my child traveled to West Africa or been in contact with someone who has traveled there within the past 21 days?’ If your child has not traveled to West Africa or had contact with someone who traveled there, then your child does not have Ebola. If a person with travel or contact with someone who traveled has fever or symptoms with 21 days they should seek medical attention immediately and tell the health care provider at first contact of travel history.”

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for additional details.

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9

feature

Not Just Talking Turkey Thanksgiving Traditions with a Twist

By Lisa Y. Taylor

While many families sleep in or watch the parades on Thanksgiving Day, Eric Cooper and his family lace up their running shoes and head to The Great Turkey Challenge 5K Run/Walk benefiting the San Antonio Food Bank.

Cooper, president of the Food Bank, and his wife rouse their five children, ages 10 to 20, from slumber. If the weather is nippy, they don jackets, gloves and hats and race alongside more than 2,000 participants.

“The excitement of coming together with the community is something that drives my children out of bed,” Cooper says. “The weather is always a question mark. Some years it’s beautiful, and some years it’s kind of cold. But no matter what the weather is, the feelings are warm.”

Cheering for a favorite football team and feasting on turkey are time-honored American Thanksgiving Day customs. But some local families go beyond the norm and share their own treasured traditions.

The Coopers are just one of many San Antonio families that go beyond the traditional time-honored American Thanksgiving Day customs of cheering for a favorite football team and feasting on turkey.

Running Against Hunger The Great Turkey Challenge starts and finishes at the H-E-B Arsenal headquarters downtown. Funds 10

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

generated by the kid- and dog-friendly event help to provide turkey dinners for families in need.

After passing the finish line and seeing the awards ceremony, Cooper and his family go to Whataburger for a late breakfast. His wife and kids go home to prepare Thanksgiving dinner while he lends a hand at the Food Bank kitchen at Haven for Hope homeless shelter where chefs and volunteers cook an enormous Thanksgiving spread.

“Sometimes one or two of my children will go with me to the shelter. So when we gather around our dinner table and say what we’re thankful for, they will comment on how grateful they are for the many blessings they have,” Cooper says.

Veggie Delight Days before Thanksgiving, Julie Davenport and her teenage daughter begin making their holiday dinner dishes. They prepare cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squash and pecan and apple pies with homemade crusts.

What their family won’t see on the table is a turkey.

“For us, Thanksgiving has always been about getting together with the ones we love and going around the table and saying what we are grateful for,” she says. “It’s about sharing great food and family time. And for us, it’s about doing that without eating an animal. That seems the right way to celebrate.”

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Nearly 90 percent of Americans surveyed by the American Turkey Federation gobble up the big bird on the national holiday. Davenport says her family is not missing out on savoring delicious food. Her two kids and husband love her sweet potato and pecan cornbread, and she tops her mashed potatoes with gravy made by browning vegetable broth, flour and sage.

“The key to having no meat and having flavor is using lots of fresh herbs and what’s in-season,” she says. “We don’t miss the meat because Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes.”

When her son and daughter were young, Davenport would read to them “’Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving” by Dav Pilkey. In the lighthearted rhyming story, children go on a field trip to a turkey farm. When they realize the turkeys will be eaten, they smuggle the birds on their bus. Later, the turkeys enjoy a vegetarian dinner with the kids’ families.

“After reading the book, my kids and I would say that we saved the turkeys on Thanksgiving,” Davenport says.

Three Generations of Serving For 20 years, Sandy McBride has served turkey and all the trimmings for The Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner in downtown San Antonio. For the last few years, her husband, adult daughter and two granddaughters have volunteered along with her at the event held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

“My family is there, and we are giving to others, and the kids love it,” McBride says. “They look forward to the fun of going out and being with other people. Every year, I say that I’m going to quit, but my granddaughters say, ‘No Grandma, don’t quit. We love it.’”

This year, McBride and her family will be among 4,000 volunteers who will give their time and effort to feed 25,000 people at the dinner that marks its 35th anniversary. Her granddaughters, ages 9 and 15, deliver drinks to the guests, serve bread rolls and assist at the serving line by scooping mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

The experience has given the girls a broader perspective about the needs of the San Antonio community, and they especially enjoy speaking to the elderly, McBride says.

“I know volunteering has made them both realize how fortunate they are to have the things they do,” she says. “They look everyone in the eye, and they don’t judge people by how they look. The guests bring their kids who are so grateful, and our grandkids see that. I’m proud of them for being willing to give up part of their Thanksgiving to serve others.”

Lisa Y. Taylor is a San Antonio freelance writer and mother of three daughters.

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11

feature

The Magic of ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ Using Manners at Home, School and Beyond

By Lisa Y. Taylor

When Brigitte West’s teenage son and daughter need their teachers to help them with school assignments, she hopes they are using their manners.

“In the age of texting and e-mails, we have less face-to-face interaction with one another,” she says.

“But I tell my kids that saying ‘please’ is part of good communication with teachers and making sure that they are available to you. Teachers still value that. There is no substitution for good manners.”

Parents and teachers frequently remind kids to use the magic words: “please” and “thank you,” which have the capacity to express respect, gratitude and kindness all at once. Here are some everyday situations in which moms and dads can encourage their children to use these imperative courtesies.

Modeling Kindness Manners have always been a priority in West’s family. In fact, when her children were in elementary school, she had them enrolled in classes with Luci Bell, a certified etiquette consultant with Social Graces of San Antonio.

“Saying ‘thank you’ became a matter of course, instead of something I had to remind them about,” West says. “They would come home from their classes and tell me about manners that I had forgotten. For once, they got to be the teacher instead of the student.”

Though etiquette lessons can encourage politeness, parents are the most effective models of respectful speech, according to Bell, who gives etiquette instruction to kids ages 6 and older. She says parents can set a positive tone and perhaps get better results by saying “please” when asking their children to do tasks such as homework, setting the table and taking out the trash.

“Whatever is modeled at home can probably be expected 12

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

of children when they are elsewhere,” she says. “If parents remember to use the magic words of ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ their children will use them in public.”

The Power of ‘May’ Regardless of their age, kids constantly ask their parents for things – from snacks to driving privileges. Combining “please” with “may” makes the request easier to hear, Bell says.

“When you use ‘may,’ you really are asking for permission,” she says. “Maybe the word is old school, but it’s a nice way to ask someone for something, and it’s correct English.”

Sharing between siblings presents a plethora of opportunities for manners.

“If they share a room, bathroom, books or iPad, they can ask, ‘May I please have a turn after you?’ instead of saying, ‘Give it to me,’ or ‘I had it first,’” Bell explains. “A few words change it from an ugly command to a nice request.”

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Birthday Party Politeness In the excitement of a birthday party, decorum isn’t exactly at the top of kids’ minds, so they may need reminding about what to say to peers and adults.

Waiting in line to play a game, jump in the bounce house or use the swing present a few examples of when girls and boys should ask, “May I please have a turn?”

Bell says.

And before it’s time for kiddos to open presents, moms and dads should admonish them to graciously thank the person who gave the gift.

“Children should make eye contact with the person they are thanking and have a smile on their face to show that they appreciate what’s been given to them, even if it’s not their favorite gift,” she says.

At the end of the party, there should be plenty of “thank yous” to go around, she adds.

“The child attending the party should thank his friend and his friend’s parents for inviting him, but it’s also important for the birthday child to say, ‘Thank you for the present and for coming to my party,’” she says.

Gratitude and Dining Decorum Boosting kids’ confidence in their etiquette abilities enables them to increase their use of manners, according to Shelley Jones, an instructor with Jon D. Williams Cotillions, which teaches social skills and dance education to children in the 4th through 7th grades.

“Confidence is the big, overarching concept in everything we instruct, from how to introduce yourself, to showing respect to the server at your table to how to dine at the table,” she says.

However, the popularity of social media and the high expectations of tweens and teens make it challenging for grown-ups to convey to them the importance of polite words, Jones says.

“With kids doing text messaging and e-mail, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is a dying art among these age groups,” she says. “Kids today expect a lot, so they need to learn to express a sense of appreciation, for example by replacing ‘I need it’ with ‘Would you please hand it to me?’”

At the dining table, respect and character are demonstrated by saying, “please” and “thank you” to the people serving the food, whether it’s mom, dad or a waiter, Jones says.

“Starting these lessons when kids are young helps them to build the foundation of respect,” she says. “It’s like teaching them to ride a bicycle. You hope it’s a lesson that sticks with them.”

Lisa Y. Taylor is a San Antonio freelance writer and mother of three daughters.

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13

Holiday finds for everyone’s wish list Each year, the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) enlists the help of expert judges and families to play with, test and evaluate hundreds of new children’s products. Here are the gems they honored with gold awards this year. All proved high in quality, entertainment and educational value, and – of course – in fun.

Toys

See the entire list of gold, silver and honors winners at NAPPAawards.com or download the app from Cozi – the online family calendar and organizer – and view all the winners on your phone.

Air Storm Firetek Bow Zing, $29.97, www.firetekbow.com.

Ages: 8+.

Bunzi

Chillafish $49.99, Chillafish.com. Ages: 1 to 3.

KOR Geomag Tazoo Paco

Gyrobot

Geomag, $45, geomagworld.com.

Ages: 5+.

Thames and Kosmos, $44.95, thamesandkosmos.com.

Ages: 6+.

The World Of Eric Carle Learning Table and Chair Creative Baby Inc., $49.99, creativebabyinc.com. Ages: 3+.

14

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Get Out Play Kit Waboba, $24.99, waboba.com.

Ages: 5+.

Make Your Own Washi Tape Stickers Scholastic Corporation/Klutz, $16.99, klutz.com. Ages: 8+.

Gravity Maze

ThinkFun, Inc., $29.99, thinkfun.com.

Ages: 8 to Adult.

Paint Your Own Porcelain Party Kit

Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Piggy Bank Razor E100 Glow

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

Razor USA, $169.99, razor.com. Ages: 8+.

Omnicor, Inc./The Wikki Stix Company, $24.95, wikkistix.com.

Ages: 5 to 8.

MindWare, $39.95, mindware.com. Ages: 8+.

YOXObug Flye

Play from Scratch, $24.99, yoxo.com. Ages: 7+.

Games Balance Boat-Endangered Animal Edition

BeginAgain, $35, beginagaintoys.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Doodle Quest

Blue Orange Games, $24.99, blueorangegames.com. Ages: 6+.

MimiQ

Face To Face Card Game for Kids Edition

Harvest Time, $11.99, harvesttimepartners.com. Ages: 7+.

GameBrotherZ, $7.99, gamebrotherz.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Seek-a-Boo

Moustache Smash Spin Master, $15.99, spinmaster.com.

Ages: 7+.

Shark Mania

Spin Master, $19.99, spinmaster.com.

Ages: 6+.

MindWare, $19.99, mindware.com.

Ages: 1 to 3.

Staxis

MindWare, $29.95, mindware.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Spot it! Fire & Ice

Blue Orange Games, $19.99, blueorangegames.com. Ages: 8+.

Sunny Day Pond

Peaceable Kingdom, $15.99, peaceablekingdom.com. Ages: 3+.

Books

A Home for Mr. Emerson

by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham Scholastic Corporation/Scholastic Press, 2014, $18.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 8 to 12.

A Perfectly MessedUp Story

by Patrick McDonnell Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2014, $17, hachettebookgroup.com.

Ages: 3 to 6.

Dash

Alice from Dallas

by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Ard Hoyt Abrams Books, 2014, $16.95, abramsbooks.com. Ages: 4 to 8.

by Kirby Larson Scholastic Corporation/ Scholastic Press, 2014, $16.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 8 to 12.

November 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

15

Books (cont’d.)

Junior Builder: Rescue Vehicles

Silver Dolphin Books, 2014, $16.95, silverdolphinbooks.com.

Ages: 5+.

Here I Am

by Patty Kim Capstone Young Readers, 2014, $14.95, capstoneyoungreaders.com.

Ages: 5 to 10.

Hot Dog, Cold Dog

by Frann Preston-Gannon POW!/powerHouse Books, 2014, $12.95, powkidsbooks.com. Fun for the entire family.

Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier Scholastic Corporation/Graphix, 2014, $10.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 8 to 12.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Reality Shock!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, 2014, $28.95, ripleybooks.com. Ages: 13+.

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma

The End (Almost)

by Diane Fox, illustrated by Christyan Fox, Scholastic Corporation/Scholastic Press, 2014, $16.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 4 to 8.

by Jim Benton Scholastic Corporation/ Scholastic Press, 2014, $16.99, scholastic.com.

Ages: 3 to 5.

What’s New? The Zoo!

by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Marcellus Hall, Scholastic Corporation/Arthur A. Levine Books, 2014, $17.99, scholastic.com. Ages: 4 to 8.

Music Just Say Hi! – Brady Rymer

Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could, 2014, $15, bradyrymer.com.

Ages: 2 to 7.

Absolutely Positively Getting Along – Various Artists

Cool Beans Music, East Coast Recording Company & Robinsong Studio, 2013, $15, absolutelypositivelygettingalong.com.

Ages: 5 to 10.

16

Jam on Rye – Randy Kaplan

Yellow Thing Records & Books, 2014, $14.99, randykaplan.com. Fun for the entire family.

Simply Fantastic: An Introduction to Classical Music

The Secret Mountain, 2014, $16.95, thesecretmountain.com. Ages: 4+.

‘Til The Morning: Lullabies and Songs of Comfort – Through the Woods –

The Okee Dokee Brothers The Okee Dokee Brothers, 2014, $19.95, okeedokee.org.

Fun for the entire family.

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

Edie Carey & Sarah Sample

Edie Carey & Sarah Sample, 2014, $15, ediecarey.com and sarahsample.com.

Fun for the entire family.

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WowWee, $99.99, wowwee.com.

Fun for the entire family.

National Geographic Kids Magazine iPad App

Dr. Panda’s Restaurant 2

National Geographic Society, Free, itunes.apple.com. Ages: 6 to 14.

Fun for the entire family.

TribePlay Limited, $2.99, drpandagames.com. Ages: 3 to 7.

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

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DVDs Dino Dan: Tyrannosaurus Trek

NCircle Entertainment, 2014, $12.99, NCircleEntertainment.com.

Ages: 2 to 4.

The Snowman

NCircle Entertainment, 2014, $9.99, NCircleEntertainment.com.

Fun for the entire family.

Cat in the Hat: Space is the Place!

NCircle Entertainment, 2014, $10.99, NCircleEntertainment.com.

Ages: 2 to 6.

Pocoyo: Season Set Volume 1

NCircle Entertainment, 2014, $22.99, NCircleEntertainment.com.

Ages: 2 to 4.

Octonauts: Calling All Sharks!

NCircle Entertainment, 2014, $12.99, NCircleEntertainment.com.

Ages: 2 to 4.

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November 2014 | OurKidMagazine.com

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baby

Determining if Breastfeeding is Best for You

By Bonny Osterhage

There seems to be a shift in thinking across the United States when it comes to nutrition. Although we are still a country plagued by obesity, it does appear that we are slowly, but surely becoming more cognizant of what we are putting not only in our own bodies, but also in the bodies of our children. Perhaps that increase in awareness is part of the reason for the continued rise in breastfeeding.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a 2013 report card showing that 77 percent of new mothers are choosing breast over bottle. That number marks a 6 percent increase over the past decade.

Furthermore, the study shows that nearly half of the 20

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

number of mothers who breastfeed continue to do so for the entire six-month minimum recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Breast feeding declined a bit in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but I’ve really seen it pick back up in the past five years,” says Tina Castellanos, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with The MILC Group.

She credits the resurgence with the recent call to action from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, which released a report on how breastfeeding impacts the United States, causing health organizations to sit up and take notice. She is also quick to acknowledge the FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

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November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

21

positive impact social media has in terms of disseminating information.

“Young mothers are great at spreading information and forming supportive communities via social media,” Castellanos says. “I think that is also a reason that the breastfeeding movement is growing again.”

Education It is indisputable that the health benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. According to www.womenshealth. gov, breastfeeding lowers the risk of a myriad of diseases and conditions including asthma, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, ear infections, SIDS, and Type 2 diabetes. The benefits extend to mom too, lowering her risk of heart disease, and ovarian and breast cancers.

If the health benefits aren’t enough, there are other compelling reasons to breastfeed. Among them are cost effectiveness and the fact that it’s just more convenient – especially at 3 a.m.

“I joke that I did it out of laziness,” says mother of two Kate Jaceldo, who gave birth to her first child at the age of 19. “No middle of the night bottles to make.”

With so many positive reasons for breastfeeding, you might wonder why anyone would choose NOT to do it.

Lack of education on the topic is one reason, especially within certain minority groups.

“The African American culture has the lowest breastfeeding rates,” says Castellanos.

Again, that’s where social media is having an impact.

Facebook pages including “Mocha Moms” and “Black Women Do Breastfeed” offer African-American women a forum to learn and ask questions from experts and each other.

“I think we are struggling with an entire generation of women whose mothers and grandmothers did not breastfeed,” muses Castellanos. “That results in a lack of community to help new mothers.”

The Kellogg’s corporation is working to address the issue through First Food Forum and Latino Best Start, both initiatives designed to raise the breastfeeding rates within the African American and Latino communities.

On a local level, MILC wrote a breastfeeding tool kit for the Latino Best Start initiative that will be implemented in early Head Start programs on both the south and southeast sides of San Antonio.

Accommodation Even armed with knowledge, there are still many mothers who choose not to breastfeed for other reasons.

Certain medications, chemotherapy treatments, or simply lifestyle can all factor into the decision whether to breastfeed. Working mothers in particular can have a difficult time, especially if there is extensive travel involved or a lack of postnatal support from the employer.

San Antonio College professor, and mother of two, Gretchen Duggan had to wedge a chair behind the door of

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

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the office she shared with 15 other colleagues in order to use her breast pump in private when her daughter was born eight years ago.

“I was allowed to use the Special Ed testing office to pump, but only on my conference period, which limited my ability to plan and prepare for class with my colleagues,” she recalls.

Fortunately, in today’s world, several local businesses including Geekdom and Grande Communications, offer accommodations for breastfeeding mothers that range from private lounges with refrigeration, to more frequent or longer break times. Insurance giant USAA even offers hospital grade breast pumps to its nursing mothers.

“We have 1,200 births across our system annually,” says Dr. Peter Wald of USAA. “It is very important to us that our employees return to work to support our members, so we have been offering these services to our breastfeeding mothers for several years.”

Reaching Out While education and work accommodations might make breastfeeding easier in theory, how about when it’s 3 a.m., your baby is crying, you are crying, your nipples are cracked and bleeding, and nothing is working? It might be time for outside help in the form of a lactation consultant.

According to Castellanos, you’d be surprised at the number of women who are scared to call a lactation consultant for fear of being judged.

“A lactation consultant is just another tool in your tool belt,” Castellanos says, adding that the image of the “Breast Nazi” is a common misconception.

“I don’t have a horse in this race,” she assures. “I don’t go home at night and worry about whether you are breastfeeding. I just want to know your goal and help you achieve it, whether that’s breastfeeding for three months, six months, or working with supplementation,” Castellanos says.

The truth is, like all things relating to a person’s body, the choice of whether to breastfeed is a highly personal one and should not come under scrutiny.

“I wanted to be the type of mother that found it natural and easy, but I wasn’t,” says mother of two Katherine Eversberg, explaining that she was uncomfortable nursing in public, and constantly worried about diet, milk storage and other related issues. “I was driving myself and others, crazy with all of my worrying,” she says.

According to Castellanos, it’s always better to focus on being a happy mom and loving your baby instead of stressing out over breastfeeding. And, it is important to remember that there is no correlation between breastfeeding and being a great parent.

“Choosing not to breastfeed does not make you a bad mother,” adds Castellanos emphatically. “It’s time for women to start supporting one another and stop the judging.”

Bonny Osterhage is a San Antonio freelance writer and mother of two boys.

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November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

May 2014.indd 1

23

4/22/2014 11:45:56 AM

calendar

OF EVENTS /

NOVEMBER

USAF Band of the West Veteran’s Day Concert at the Majestic Nov. 11

USAF Band of the West Veteran’s Day Concert at the Majestic: The United States Air Force Band of the West will feature its Concert Band on Veteran’s Day performing the music of John Philip Sousa, John Williams, Leroy Anderson, Gustav Holst, Carmen Dragon, William Owens, and Major Glenn Miller. There will also be a special guest, Texas Children’s Choir. Free. Ticket holders will be admitted into the Majestic Theatre at 6 p.m. and non-ticket holders at 6:45 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Free parking will be available at the St. Mary’s Street Garage. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-2265700. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-day-concert-tickets-13357439461

Chupachanga 3! Nov. 1 Dia de los Muertos & Ribbon Cutting!: San Anto Cultural Arts holds a free block party for the community and continues an annual tradition – a procession to the “living” Peace and Remembrance Mural on Trinity Street. The event will also feature Dia de los Muertos themed activities including face painting and sugar skull making. Local artists will showcase their artwork throughout the event and local musicians are scheduled throughout the day as well. A ribbon cutting ceremony is also scheduled on-site for the opening of the building expansion at 2120 El Paso Street. The new building will showcase works made by students as well as an art auction. South Chupaderas Street will be closed from El Paso Street to Guadalupe Street to accommodate the Chupachanga block party. Free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Anto Cultural Arts, 2120 El Paso St. 210-226-7466. www.events.getcreativesanantonio.com

What’s Inside 26 28 32 36

Fall Back Family Theater Ongoing Exhibits Looking Ahead Get Listed for FREE

Do you have a family-friendly event? Submit your event online at www.ourkidsmagazine.com or e-mail your calendar items and photographs to ourkidssacalendar@gmail.com. The deadline for the December issue is November 3. Information cannot be accepted by

24

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

1 Saturday

Chupachanga 3! Dia de los Muertos & Ribbon Cutting!: see page 24 Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights: Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights will recognize its 6th anniversary by featuring traditional Indian dance, entertainment, food and crafts. This annual event celebrates Indian culture and traditions. Free. 5 to 10 p.m. Alamo Plaza, 300 Alamo Plaza. 210-207-7234. www.diwalisa.com Esperanza’s Dia de los Muertos Celebration: The event will include live music, calavera readings, a muertos procession with Urban 15, teatro callejero, calavera face painting for children and adults, as well as the 1st annual San Fernando cemetery tour led by Esperanza staff and buena gente. Free.

3 to 9 p.m. Rinconcito de Esperanza, 816 S. Colorado St. 210-228-0201. www.esperanzacenter.org Muertos Fest: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration brings together traditional art and culture with the best in live music entertainment to create a two-day event to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Altar exhibition and contest, original Day of the Dead art, dance drum and puppet procession, living altar, live poetry and music and hands-on workshops will round out this event. Free.

10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Arneson River Theater, 418 Villita. 210-207-8614. www. events.getcreativesanantonio. com 44th Annual Veterans Day Parade: The Greater Randolph Area Veterans Council (GRAVC) will sponsor Universal City’s annual Veterans Parade. The viewing stand is in the Randolph Plaza Shopping Center parking lot, however, spectators can gather along the Pat Booker Road route to enjoy the parade.

Bird Bingo: Jana and Greg Gibbons, master naturalists and avid birders, provide various hands-on activities to identify local bird calls and habitats. Kid-friendly

activity included. No registration required. Free, however donations are accepted. 9 to 11 a.m. Phil Hardberger Park, Salado Classroom, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side).

210-207-3280. www. philhardbergerpark.org Tiny Tot Family Campouts: The San Antonio Zoo will offer an overnight family campout. This campout is for families with children ages 3-5 years old and the theme is “Night Fliers.”

Complete with an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters and an evening zoo tour. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Cost per person is $45 for adult members; $22 for child members; $55 for adult nonmember; and $27 for child nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Kids Fun Day with Trains: Kids Fun Day is the first and third Saturday of every month.

Kids of all ages run the train and become junior engineers.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. New Braunfels Railroad Museum.

830-627-2447. newbraunfelsrailroadmuseum.org

2 Sunday

Día de los Muertos: The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center prsents its annual Día de los Muertos community celebration. This tradition honors the dearly departed. Activities include workshops for all ages, altares de muertos and traditional folklórico dances. Free.

Workshops run from 5 to 7 p.m. and dance performances are scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 723 S. Brazos St. 210271-3151. www.guadalupeculturalarts.org My Princess and Me: You and your kids can party in royal style with a customized professional princess hairstyle and make-up application for the little princesses. The day will include a professional keepsake portrait of you and your princess, cupcake jousting, princess punch, face painting, crowning of the Royal Court, dancing, musical guests and

Our Kids e ee Eat at Fre

Looking for a great place to eat that is fun for the entire family? below is a list of restaurants that offer Kids Eat Free.

Romes Pizza

EVERYDAY Acadiana Cafe

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchased 1289 S.W. Loop 410 www.acadianacafe.com

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase 3 Locations - see website www.romespizza.com

WEDNESDAY Lubys

MONDAY Buffalo Wings & Rings Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 203 North Loop 1604 www.buffalowingsandrings.com

Babes Old Fashion Burgers Mon - Thurs from 4pm - 7pm kids 9 and under eat free with every adult entree purchase 3 Locations - see website www.babeshamburgers.com

Earl Abels Mon - Thurs from 5pm - 8pm kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 1201 Austin Hwy #175 www.earlabelssa.com

TUESDAY

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase.

2611 SE Military Dr #108 www.hurricanewings.com

The Black-eyed Pea Kids eat free after 5pm with every adult entree purchase 7959 Fredericksburg Rd., #103 www.theblackeyedpea.com

Marie Callendars Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 4788 NW Interstate 410 Loop www.mariecallenders.com

Kids eat free after 4 pm with every adult entree purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Romes Pizza

Kids eat free 4pm - 8pm with every adult entree purchase

THURSDAY The Black-eyed Pea

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase.

SATURDAY Lubys

Kids eat free 11-close with adult purchase* All Locations *Excludes 5307 Walzem Road, San Antonio 78218 www.lubys.com

Del Fuego’s Chargril

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase.

2318 North Loop 1604 www.delfuegostx.com

Marie Callendars Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase

SUNDAY ztejas

Kids eat free with every adult entree purchase 15900 La Cantera Pkwy #25100 www.ztejas.com

November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

25

FALL BACK 2014 Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 2. When local daylight time is about to reach 2 a.m., clocks should be turned backward one hour.

Kids Are Welcome at Downtown Tuesday

Take the kids and head to the heart of the city and take part in the Downtown Tuesday initiative designed to attract local citizens downtown for an evening. Parking is free at meters and designated city-owned parking lots and garages. A full list of eligible free parking is available at www.downtowntuesday.com/ parking-maps. The Houston Street Garage at 240 E. Houston is unavailable on Majestic Theatre Performance nights. The St. Mary’s Street Garage is two blocks north at St. Mary’s and Travis streets.

The Houston Street Garage will be unavailable for Downtown Tuesday free parking on Nov. 4, 11, and 25. Full details for Downtown Tuesday can be found at www.downtowntuesday.com.

Santa visits

Direct from the North Pole, Santa Claus will be flying into the San Antonio Zoo for several days in November and December. Take the family and take a picture with the jolly man himself from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21. While waiting, you can enjoy complementary hot cocoa and cookies, learn about eco-friendly holiday decorations and add an ornament to the giving tree.

Don’t forget to take a camera! This event is free with zoo admission. For more information, go to sazoo.org

New “Night Market” To Light Up Main Plaza

Main Plaza Conservancy and Mujeres Mercado announce a new Night Market at Main Plaza every third Saturday through Dec. 20, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Night Market will feature food trucks, fashion, entertainment, handmade wares, beer and wine and the video, “San Antonio The Saga.” The Night Market is being produced to create a destination event while showcasing the plaza’s public space possibilities and historic grandeur. The Main Plaza Conservancy has partnered with Mujeres Mercado.

Mujeres Mercado creates local handmade marketplaces and cultural spaces that support and connect women artisans and merchants. Activities will vary by month with educational and hands-on workshops for all ages. Main Plaza is at 115 N. Main Ave. Visit www.mainplaza.org or www.mujeresmercado.wordpress.com for more information. Interested vendors should call 413-695-0203 or 210-602-3291.

more. $30. 1 to 4 p.m. 210-408-0101. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, 23808 Resort Parkway. www. myprincessandme.com Zootennial Celebration Series: Wild Beginnings and Zoo Explorers offer an educational program series encouraging child and caregiver interactions for children ages 2-5 with stories, songs and animal close-ups. This month’s theme is “Celebrating Furry Forest Friends.” Wild Beginnings is designed for ages 2-3 and runs from 9 to 10 a.m. Zoo Explorers is for ages 4-5 and runs from 11 a.m to noon. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org

26

Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art from 10 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org Free Public Tour – Highlights of the Museum: McNay docents offer a free public tour of the permanent collection on the first Sunday of the month. Meet in the AT&T Lobby. 3 p.m. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www.mcnayart.org First Sundays for Families: Diwali is a Hindu tradition celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Share Sunday with the family at the festival of lights with entertainment and art-making activities including paper lanterns, rangoli

designs, door hangings, or torans and henna designs. Noon to 4 p.m. Free for children ages 12 years and younger.

Great Hall, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org Muertos Fest: see Nov.1

3 Monday

Arbor Day and National Public Lands Day Celebration: Families can participate in a Tree-K Fun Run followed by a morning all about trees, pets and volunteerism during a special combined Arbor Day and National Public Lands Day celebration. Other activities include a volunteer trail cleanup starting at 9 a.m. followed by tree planting demonstrations, a tree climbing demonstration, an onsite saw mill demonstration highlighting the importance of recycling urban timber, informational booths and a variety of other family activities. Animal Care Services will offer pets for adoption and collect donations of pet food. Two hundred trees will be adopted out at no charge. Free. 8 a.m. to noon. Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. 210207-5320. www.sanaturalareas.org Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Cheetah Spots and Zebra Stripes” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-yearolds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

4 Tuesday

210|West Gallery Talk – Constructing the Native Image: Artist Joe Harjo (Muscogee Nation) responds to Edward S. Curtis’ Native American portraits and the issues surrounding non-native depictions of American Indians. Free with museum admission. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. 210-299-4499. www.briscoemuseum.org Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: Admission is free on Tuesdays from 3 to 8 p.m. The Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-357-1900. www.wittemuseum.org SAMA Free Admission: No charge for admission from 4 to 9 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210978-8100. www.samuseum.org

5 Wednesday

Zoo Evening Series: Wild Beginnings and Zoo Explorers combines to offer an evening series for children ages 3-5. This

month’s theme is “Night, Night Zoo!” 6 to 7 p.m. $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers. Register online. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Astronomy in the Park: Join astronomers and other stargazers as you observe the sky through large telescopes in an informational program with the San Antonio Astronomical Association.

Sundown to 10 p.m. every Wednesday.

Free. Lower Bee Tree soccer field parking lot of McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road. 210-710-4786. www. sanantonioastronomy.org SAMA Playdates: Toddlers can enjoy stories, gallery activities, hands-on art, movement and music during this event designed to cultivate, nurture and inspire creativity while developing an appreciation of art and world cultures.

Participants should meet at the front desk. 10 to 11 a.m. Free with museum admission. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. www. samuseum.org

7 Friday

Family Flashlight Night: If you are looking for a fun family activity and a bit of exploration, head out to the Botanical Garden for Family Flashlight Night.

When the sun sets, visitors can see a different side of the garden. Encounter nighttime insects, create a constellation craft and test your directional skills in a light maze. Take your flashlight and a sweater if it’s a cool night. Admission is free for garden members and $5 for nonmembers. 6 to 8:30 p.m. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org Drop-in Tour: The drop-in tours are every Friday and do not require reservations.

A member of the museum’s education department will guide a “Highlights Tour.” Free with museum admission.

10:30 to 11 a.m. Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St. 210-2994499. www.briscoemuseum.org Art Stroll at the McNay: Take your baby in a stroller or carrier and enjoy a themed tour of McNay collection and a related sensory playtime for little ones 18 months and younger. Connect with other parents and caregivers to enjoy a morning at the McNay. Diapers, blankets and yoga pants are welcome. Theme changes weekly. Free for members and $10 for nonmembers. Meet in the museum lobby. 10 a.m. to noon. Register online or call 210-805-1768. McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. mcnayart.ticketleap.com Home School Programs – Owl Prowl: A

special evening tour geared to home-schooled children grades K-4 or ages 6 and older. Students will be separated by age (6-8 and 9-11). Cost is $15/member adult & child; $25/nonmember adult & child, $10 per extra participant. 6:30 pm.

No strollers will be allowed.

San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Tots Nature Playdate at the Zoo: Bring your energetic and inquisitive young explorers to the zoo for fun nature playtime digging, collecting, questioning, climbing, squawking, pretend playing and looking for nature critters. Each session includes a visit from a fun animal ambassador.

Designed for 2- to 3-year olds. Cost per person is $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. 10 to 10:45 a.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-7347184. www.sazoo.org Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a On Nov. 2, parents and their kids can party in royal style from 1 to 4 p.m. at delightful craft every Friday. the My Princess and Me gathering at JW Marriot Hill Country Resort and Spa. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free.

Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl humans and pets at 9 a.m. Lockwood Parkway, Ste. 106. 210-826-6411. www.

Park, 801 North Olive St. (listed as 600 thetwig.indiebound.com Hays St. on Google Maps). 210-534-6638. www.athleteguild.com/running/sanantonio-tx/2014-dare-to-be-powerful-5k

8 Saturday

Kids4Kids: This benefit for Unaccompanied Immigrant Minors is produced by Tova Rubin and Melinda Tucker. The event benefits St. PJ’s Children’s Homes and RAICES. Cost is $50 for adults and $20 for children.

Shows are at 2 and 5 p.m. The Playhouse San Antonio. 800 W. Ashby Place.

210-733-7258. www.theplayhousesa. org/?q=kids4kids

Star Party – Family Program: Star gazing with the San Antonio Astronomical Society. What’s to see in the crisp, clear (hopefully) autumn skies? Reservations are recommended; call 210-207-5320 or email peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov.

Free; donations accepted. 6 to 8 p.m.

Eisenhower Park, 19399 N.W. Military Highway. 210-207-5320. www. sanaturalareas.org

Dare to Be Powerful 5K Run/Walk: Participants are encouraged to dress for this run/walk in their most “powerful” costumes. Superheroes are welcome at this event benefitting The Martinez Street Women’s Center. Pre-registration fees are $30 per person/ $15 for ages 10 and under. Race day registration is $35 per person/ $20 for ages 10 and under.

Teams of five can register anytime for $100 and pets are welcome for an additional $5 donation each. Registration is at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.

There will be a costume contest for

Tiny Tot Family Campouts: The San Antonio Zoo will presents an overnight family campout tonight. This campout is for families with children aged 6-8 years old and the theme is “Night Fliers.”

Complete with an open fire, sleeping outside in a tent, animal encounters and an evening zoo tour. The event begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Cost per person is $45/member adult; $22/ member child or $55/nonmember adult; $27/nonmember child. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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calendar

Family Theater

“The Wizard of Oz” – The iconic story of a young girl’s grand adventures in the great Land of Oz as she finds her way home with some of literature’s most colorful companions. Fun for all ages. $12-$30. Performances are at 8 p.m.

Nov. 1, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 2. The Playhouse, Russell Hill Rogers Theater. 800 W. Ashby Place. 210-733-7258. www. theplayhousesa.org “Sesame Street Live: Make A New Friend” – Join Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby and their Sesame Street friends as they welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies. $24-$290. 3 and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4.

Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St., 210-207-8500. www.sahbgcc.com/default. asp?sanantonio=38 Ballet San Antonio Presents “The Nutcracker” – Created by San Antonio artists for San Antonio audiences, this enduring classic realizes Tchaikovsky’s original vision set to live symphonic music. Tickets run from $33-$115. Performances are scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 6; 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5; and 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Tobin Center For The Performing Arts, H-E-B Performance Hall. 100 Auditorium Circle. 210223-8624. www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2014-11/ nutcracker “Miss Nelson is Missing” – The kids in Room 207 are the wildest, most rambunctious class in the entire elementary school. Their sweet teacher Miss Nelson doesn’t know what to do. The children arrive one day to find Miss Nelson has been replaced by Viola Swamp, the substitute no child ever wants to meet. This hilarious classic follows Miss Swamp as she uses her ideas of tough love to control the unruly class. $10 admission for adults and children under 2 are admitted free. Show times are 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday and Friday, 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday.

Beginners’ Bird Walk: Meet the San Antonio Audubon Society (SAAS) trip leader at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights at 8 a.m. Nonmembers are welcome and binoculars with instructions can be provided. No charge for this event. 246 Viesca, Alamo Heights. 210-308-6788. saaudubon.org Scouting the Zoo: Scouts have the chance to discover animals and the zoo in a fun-filled program that complements badge or pin requirements. Scheduled workshops make it convenient to earn a Scout the Zoo patch while also making new friends from other scout groups. Each month workshops geared toward a different division features a different topic

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Runs through Nov. 8. Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo. 210227-2751. www.magiktheatre.org “Junie B. Jones Jingle Bells Batman Smells” – Junie B. returns to The Magik Theatre by popular demand in this hilarious holiday tale. Between taking part in the holiday pageant and picking a Secret Santa gift for her big rival, Tattletale May, there’s never a dull moment in the life of the world’s funniest first grader. With Santa watching her like a hawk, will Junie B. make the right choice and give May something other than a lump of coal? $10 for adults and free to children under the age of 2. Runs Nov. 21-Dec. 27. Show times are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Runs through Nov. 8.

Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo. 210-227-2751. www.magiktheatre.org “Frogz” – This Cirque Du Soleil production features acrobatics mixed with Mummenschanz-like mime, set in a unique, yet accessible, Frenchinfluenced avant-garde playground. The original production toured internationally for more than two decades. The universal nature of Imago’s world has won audience and critical acclaim in tours across Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States. Frogz is Imago Theatre’s signature work.

The simplicity and the charm of the show catapulted the production to two Broadway runs at the acclaimed New Victory Theatre in 2000 and 2002. $40-$130. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

Charline McCombs Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 226-5700. www.majesticempire.com/

at separate times for girls and boys.

The girls’ workshop is open to Juniors and Cadets and focuses on “Animal Habitats.” It runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

The boys’ workshop is for Tigers and Bears and is titled “Sharing Your World with Wildlife” and runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Cost per workshop is $16 for members, $21 for nonmembers and $13 for parents. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

9 Sunday

Story Time Stampede: Explore the American West through story and art as part of this collaboration between the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the San Antonio Public Library. This event is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on second Saturdays. Briscoe Western Art Museum,

Veteran’s Day Concert: The Helotes Area Community Band presents the patriotic concert “Valor, Courage, Sacrifice” featuring master works by John Phillip Sousa, William Schuman, John Bacchus Dykes, William Paris Chambers, Morton Gould and John Stafford Smith, with

210 W. Market St. 210-299-4118. www. briscoemuseum.org Free Family Art Day: Enjoy creating various art projects and have a snack – all from the country represented that day.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Inspire Community Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Court.

210-829-5592. www.inspirefineart.org

a special musical tribute to veterans. Free. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Helotes Fire Station, 12951 Bandera Road, Helotes. 210695-8877. www.helotes-tx.gov/ events/2015-veterans-day-concert Serving with Honor – Texans in the Military: This program honors Texans who have served in the United States military and their families. Free. 2 to 4 p.m.

Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-4582300. www.texancultures.com Party in the Pasture: Christian Senior Services presents this 11th annual event that brings awareness to the homebound and disabled seniors of Bexar County. The party is casual and family-friendly and will feature barbecue, live country music, silent auctions, kid’s games and entertainment for all ages. $20. Rio Cibolo Ranch, 1101 Ulrich Road in Marion.

210-735-5115. www.christianseniorservices.org/news-events/ events/2014-party-in-the-pasture Sunday Jazz at the Witte: Take the family to enjoy an afternoon with “The Regency Jazz

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Band – Family Reunion” in the Witte’s new riverfront Will Smith Amphitheater. Take blankets and lawn chairs. Museum galleries close at 5 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Sunday Jazz at the Witte is included with museum general admission. 3 to 6 p.m. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210357-1910. www.wittemuseum. org Zootennial Celebration Series: see Nov. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 2

10 Monday

Little Zootennial Buddies: Take your smallest animal lover for a zoo class to meet an animal friend, sing songs, read books about animals and make new friends. Attending all six classes is strongly recommended. Program is for ages 6-15 months. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cost per person is $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Little Sprout Mondays: Program

Family Flashlight Night at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens includes all kinds of evening activities like stargazing, creating constellation crafts and testing one’s directional skills in a light maze. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.

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calendar for ages 3-4 includes storytelling, kids’ crafts and hands-on explorations at the child’s pace. Early registration encouraged. 10 to 11:30 a.m. $7 fee includes one adult and one child. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place.

210-207-3278. www.sabot.org/education/ childrens-education/little-sprouts/

11 Tuesday (Veteran’s Day)

USAF Band of the West Veteran’s Day Concert at the Majestic: see page 24 Leave No Trace-Elementary: Students ages 7-10 learn the seven Leave No Trace principles for protecting the natural world. Kid-friendly craft included. Class size is limited. Registration is required.

Suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210207-3280 or contact: Susan.Campbell@ sanantonio.gov to register. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. 210207-3106. www.sanaturalareas.org

SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 4

12 Wednesday Home School Programs: This session’s focus is “Crocodilian Conservation” and is geared to home-schooled children grades K-4 or ages 6 and older. Students will be separated by age (6-8 and 9-11).

Cost is $15 for adult and child members; $25 for adult and child nonmembers; and$10 for an extra participant. Two sessions, one from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and another from 1 to 2:30 p.m. will be offered. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Zoo Evening Series: see Nov. 5 Astronomy in the Park: see Nov. 5 SAMA Playdates: see Nov. 5

13 Thursday

Run With SAMA: Join the San Antonio Museum of Art and Run Wild Sports at the museum on the second Tuesday of every month for a leisurely run. Runners of all levels are welcome. Enjoy a 5-10 minute talk on fitness. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Free. Runners can enjoy free admission to the museum. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www. samuseum.org

Changing the Land – Middle School: Students ages 10-14 learn about fragmentation and how it can affect wildlife diversity. They explore the impacts of different land-use decisions and consider future land-use changes to accommodate growth in a community. A kid-friendly craft is included. Class size is limited.

Registration is recommended. There is a suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 per family. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210207-3280 or contact: Susan.Campbell@ sanantonio.gov to register. Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Texas 16 South. 210207-3106. www.sanaturalareas.org

Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Nov. 4

Art Crawl: Moms, dads and caregivers can put their babies in slings and take a walk

The Carver Cultural Community Center’s November Youth Matinee is titled “Moving Myths of India”and features Anuradha Naimpally in an interactive performance for youth audiences of all ages. Two performances are scheduled for Nov. 14 – one at 11 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. Performances are set for the Carver’s Jo Long Theatre. through the museum galleries during a guided tour. Talks are geared toward adults while the art selections are chosen to engage the adult and infant. This activity is geared toward caregivers and babies 0-18 months. Tours begin at the front desk and end with playtime and refreshments.

Front-carrying baby carriers are encouraged and strollers are welcome. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Free with museum admission.

San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

14 Friday

Teams of two can take part in The Great Amazing Race on Nov. 16, at the Olmos Basin Park. The race is a 1-mile course with challenge stations that require teamwork to accomplish..

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

Youth Matinee 2 – Moving Myths of India: In this interactive performance, audiences of all ages learn about India with the telling of traditional stories through live music and dance. Anuradha Naimpally explains the origins of the dance and continues with hand gestures, rhythms, customs and language. Audience members participate by clapping out beats, creating scenes through hand symbols, and speaking key words from the stories.

Each unique musical instrument is introduced and demonstrated to show how they create their distinct sound. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jo Long Theatre, Carver Cultural Community Center, 226 N. Hackberry St.210-207-7211. www.thecarver.org Drop-in Tour: see Nov. 7

er nd ve wo 11 or

Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Nov. 7

15 Saturday Farm Day at Mission San Juan: The National Park Service is developing a Spanish Colonial Demonstration Farm at Mission San Juan and Farm Day is an introduction of this farm to the community. Rangers will offer guided tours of the mission compound and the adjacent farm. Other activities include cooking demonstrations, guided birding walks, education about pollinators important to crop production, viewing longhorns up close and watching a charro perform feats with the horse and a lasso. Visitors can also take a guided bike tour of portions of the acequia system, the colonial irrigation system that brought water from the San Antonio River to the farm fields. The bike tours include a visit to the colonial-era Espada Aqueduct, a type of stone bridge built to continue the acequia over a creek. Bikes and helmets supplied by B-Cycle will be available free on a first-come, first-served basis for several tours throughout the day. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Road. 210-534-8875. www.nps.gov/saan.

Movie Night: Enjoy “The Amazing

Spiderman” under the stars. Take chairs and blankets. Snacks are welcomed.

Food trucks will be on site. Free. 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave. 210-207-6968. www.events.getcreativesanantonio.com 6th Annual Fall Train Show: This event will feature large model train layout exhibits, the famous Kids Run Train Layout, Lego Train Layout, and 250 vendor tables with more than 50 vendors. Refreshments and door prizes will be available. A silent auction and free train ride tickets for the Landa Park Miniature Railroad for children up to the age of 10 years old is also available.

Admission is $7 for adults 18 years old and older; $2 for children 5 to 17 years old; and free to children younger than 5. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 210-542-6121. www.nbrrm. org Moondance Concert – One Minute To Midnight: Enjoy the Moondance concert under the oaks and evening stars as One Minute to Midnight performs a mix of jazz, soul and contemporary rock during “From Cole to Soul, from Swing to Sting.” Take lawn chairs, blankets, picnic fare and friendly dogs on leashes for an family-friendly evening full of

live music, dancing and fun at Cibolo Nature Center. $7.50 for members, $10 for nonmembers, $5 for seniors 65 + and free for kids younger than 12 years.

Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830249-4616. www.cibolo.org Harvest Day: Enjoy the cooler weather when you take the family to Harvest Day at the zoo. Games, activities to teach about the pollinating bugs that make the season possible as well as colorful leaves, turkeys and corn field critters. This event is free with zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Bird Walk: Look for birds in their native habitats. An experienced guide leads walk every third Saturday of the month.

Featured birds include hummingbirds, Long-billed Thrashers, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Green Heron and the Common Moorhen. Take binoculars. 9 a.m. For ages 10 and older. Participants should meet at the Carriage House. San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-207-3255. www.sabot.org

16 Sunday

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November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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calendar

Ongoing Exhibits

Holidays in Bloom lets visitors step away from the holiday whirlwind of traffic and malls and enjoy the season in nature. Guests will find numerous spots to capture a memory at the garden, with picturesque backgrounds for family photographs. Exhibit runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 31.

Nature Connects - Art with LEGO Bricks presents 27 sculptures that make up 14 displays created from nearly 500,000 LEGO bricks. Placed throughout the garden, the displays range in size from 6 inches to nearly 8 feet. The largest sculpture is a mother bison, made from 45,143 bricks. Each sculpture has an internal structure built with steel rods and plates that provide support and balance for the large works.

Surrounding the support structure, each sculpture is constructed entirely from LEGO bricks, glued together using only the connections of the bricks, one at a time placed by artist Sean Kenney. Nature Connects is open during regular garden operating hours. The exhibit is free for garden members, and is included in the regular admission price for nonmembers.

Exhibit runs through Jan. 4, 2015.

Scarecrow Trail Exhibit is back. Scattered throughout the paths and garden beds, visitors can explore and enjoy more than 20 different scarecrows. The exhibit is perfect for fun fall photos. Using everyday materials like old milk jugs, gourds, flowerpots, wood, burlap, yarn, moss and other found or recycled items each garden partner’s scarecrow is one of a kind. The exhibit is free for garden members and included in the regular admission price for nonmembers. The exhibit runs through Nov. 16.

Daily admission to the San Antonio Botanical Garden is $10 for adults; $8 for students, seniors and military; $7 for children ages 3-13. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place. 210-2073250. www.sabot.org

Institute of Texan Cultures

Distinguished Artist Veterans is the 5th in a series of annual Distinguished Artist Veteran art shows comprised of new works by disabled American veterans from Texas. More than a dozen men and women who served our country, from the Korean War to present operations, are represented. The arts are a therapeutic tool for many of our returning military personnel. The drawings, paintings, sculptures and jewelry presented here address topics from issues relating to war and to the beauty of life. Exhibit runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 4, 2015.

Texas 4-H Quilts and Student Masterpieces is the Institute’s current student exhibit. With skills that have brought Texans warmth and comfort for generations, 4-H Club students have used quilting to make a difference through charities such as Project Linus and Quilts of Valor. This fall, Texas 4-H students will have an opportunity to shine, as six student-made quilts

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

are exhibited in “Texas 4-H Quilts and Student Masterpieces” at the Institute of Texan Cultures. As an extension of clothing and textiles exploration, 4-H students may choose to add quilt design and construction to their skills. They may submit their quilts for judging in the A&M AgriLife Extension’s 2014 4-H Quilt Challenge Contest and Community Service Project, before the quilts are distributed to the charitable recipients. Through Project Linus, 4-H members can become “Blanketeers” by creating new, handmade, washable blankets to be given as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages zero to 18. Through Quilts of Valor, the students may offer comfort to service members and veterans who have served in combat and been touched. Exhibit runs through Jan. 11, 2015 Texas Art Quilts and Modern Masterpieces present “Modern Masterpieces by Texas Quilters, 1989-2010” and “Texas Art Quilts, 1993-2011,” from the Texas Quilt Museum, showcasing more than 40 contemporary Texas art quilts. With bold interpretations of old favorites, the featured quilters push the boundaries of Texas quilt making. Themes of the two exhibits include science, fantasy, political causes, natural beauty, gardens, fishing and heavenly stars. Employing color and pattern in painterly fashion, the artists in this exhibition demonstrate that contemporary quilt art in the Lone Star state represents a vital aspect of Texas’ visual culture. This exhibit runs through Jan. 11, 2015.

Admission: $8 for adults (12-64); $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children (3-11); free with membership, UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. Regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Institute of Texan Cultures, UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. 210-458-2300. www.TexanCultures.com

The Witte

“Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body” exhibit is based on the best-selling book “Grossology” and

uses animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell the good, bad and downright ugly about runny noses, body odor and more. Sometimes it’s stinky, sometimes it’s crusty, and sometimes it’s slimy.

Explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk. The exhibit runs through Nov. 3.

H-E-B Body Adventure at the Witte is under way and visitors to the Witte can explore a state-of-theart interactive adventure focused on getting the body up and moving and inspiring a balanced life.

Visitors begin by selecting a buddy as their virtual guide throughout the exhibit.

They will also receive a special POWERpass card to swipe at each activity station in order to create a custom POWERprofile of their adventure. Four floors of fun activities will feature themes relating to Health IQ, Empowerment and Wellness including: South Texas Trailblazer, Pick Up Your Pace, You Are What You Drink, Demonstration Kitchen, Toddler Discovery Garden, Eat the Rainbow and Bare Bones. Each themed area features hands-on activities that are both fun and educational.

Additionally, there are interactive cart demonstrations and student workshops that explore wellness, empowerment, anatomy and physiology. This exhibit runs through May 31, 2015.

Admission: $10 for adults (12-64); $9 for seniors (65+) and active duty military; $7 for children (4-11); and free for children ages 3 and younger and to all museum members. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday and noon-5 p.m.

Sunday. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. 210-3571900. www.wittemuseum.org

November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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calendar Extravaganza Concert: San Antonio is the birthplace of the United States mariachi movement and home to nearly 5,000 mariachi musicians. Learn how the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza started and meet some of the young, awardwinning artists performing in this narrated historical presentation. McNay Art Museum, Chiego Lecture Hall, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org The Great Amazing Race: Sign up for this annual D.I.T. (Do-It-Together) familyfriendly competition modeled after the TV show “The Amazing Race,” where teams of two complete a 1-mile course speckled with challenge stations that require teamwork to succeed. Teams can be friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers. Early registration is $40 and race day registration is $50. Check-in is at 1:15 p.m. and the race begins at 2 p.m.

Olmos Basin Park, 500 Devine Road. 513518-0528. www.greatamazingrace.com 6th Annual Fall Train Show: see Nov. 15 Zootennial Celebration Series: see Nov. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 2

18 Tuesday

Mother Nature’s Storytime – Lovely Leaves: They are big and small and come in all different shapes. Sometimes they change colors and fall on the ground. Kids ages 3-6 and their caregivers can come to the Cibolo Nature Visitor Center to see the unique leaves and maybe pick up a few to take home. $5 per family. 10 to 11 a.m.

Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne. 830-249-4616. www. cibolo.org Leave No Trace – Elementary: Students ages 7-10 learn the seven Leave No Trace principles for protecting the natural world. Kid-friendly craft included. Class size is limited. Registration is required.

Free; donations accepted. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210-207-3280 or contact: Susan.

Campbell@sanantonio.gov to register. Phil Hardberger Park, Salado Classroom, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3280. www.philhardbergerpark.org Free Family Night: Adults and children are admitted free the third Tuesday of the month. The H-E-B Free Family Night coincides with the city’s free parking after 5 p.m. initiative. 6 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. 210-212-4453. www.sakids.org Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Nov. 4 SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 4

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

November’s Mother Nature’s Storytime is set for Nov. 18 and features “Lovely Leaves” as the theme of the day. Storytime is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne.

19 Wednesday

Zoo Evening Series: see Nov. 5 Astronomy in the Park: see Nov. 5 SAMA Playdates: see Nov. 5

20 Thursday

Homeschool Student Workshop – Stories from India: Designed for homeschool students and their parents, this guided experience of the museum’s encyclopedic collection with a tour and hands-on activity is both fun and educational. Attendees can extend learning through art at home with materials provided by the museum.

Registration required. Free with admission. 9:30 a.m. to noon. San Antonio Museum of Art, Great Hall, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. www.samuseum.org Changing the Land – Middle School: Students ages 10-14 learn about fragmentation and how it can affect wildlife diversity.

They explore the impacts of different landuse decisions and consider future land-use changes to accommodate growth in a community. Kid-friendly craft included. Class size is limited. Registration is required. Free; donations accepted. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 210-207-3280 or contact: Susan.Campbell@ sanantonio.gov to register. Phil Hardberger Park, Salado Classroom, 13203 Blanco Road (East Side). 210-207-3280. www.philhardbergerpark.org

21 Friday

Revisiting the Voelcker Dairy Farm: The land that is now Hardberger Park was once a dairy farm. The Southwest Dairy Farmers bring their mobile dairy classroom to the old farm to demonstrate how milk gets from the farm to your table.

Free, however, donations are accepted. To reach the farm travel on Blanco just north of Phil Hardberger Park East and turn on

Longfield Road (by Blanco BBQ). Turn left at stop sign onto Old Blanco Road.

Old Blanco Road dead-ends at Voelcker Lane. Turn right onto Voelcker Lane and continue until it ends at the Salado Creek Greenway Trailhead parking lot. Enter the homestead through the gate by the white house. 10 a.m. to noon. Old Voelcker Homestead in Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Road. 210-207-3280. www. philhardbergerpark.org Home School Programs-Nocturnal Tour: A special evening tour geared to homeschooled children grades K-4 or ages 6 and older. Students will be separated by age (6-8 and 9-11). Cost is $15 for adult and child members; $25 for adult and child nonmembers; and $10 for extra participants. 6:30 p.m. Strollers are not allowed. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Thank You Zoo” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year- olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations.

10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org Drop-in Tour: see Nov. 7 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Nov. 7

22 Saturday

28th Annual Light the Way: “A Cardinal Christmas” includes music and dance performances by students from the University of Incarnate Word and the Brainpower Connections schools as well as appearances by several special guests. Also, the official switch will be flipped to illuminate the campus with nearly a million lights.

A reception on Dubuis Lawn will follow a candle-lit procession through campus

to enjoy the twinkling lights. Take new, unwrapped toys for the Elf Louise Project.

Free. 7:30 p.m. Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, 4301 Broadway. www.uiw.edu/ lighttheway Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan: Plan to enjoy a performance by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. This popular group was founded in Tecalitlán, Jalisco, Mexico by Gaspar Vargas in 1898. They have recorded albums, starred in more than 200 movies, and performed all over the world.

Now in its’ 5th incarnation, the group members dress in the traditional charro suits customary in the 19th century and sometimes perform dances accompanied by ballet folklórico performers. $35-$115.

7:30 p.m. Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St., 210-207-8500. www.sahbgcc. com/default.asp?sanantonio=38 San Antonio Clay Arts Festival: A day of art activities for children, music, food trucks, gallery tours and potters’ demonstrations. Also, there will be holiday shopping featuring one-of-a-kind pieces from more than 30 Texas potters. Free with admission. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, West Courtyard, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8183. www. samuseum.org Judson School District Thanksgiving Community Feast: Volunteer to help feed more than 2,000 members of the Judson School District community a Thanksgiving meal. Those in need can enjoy a free meal and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Judson High School Cafeteria, 9142 Farm Road 78 in Converse. www.judsonisd.org/ district/community/BusinessPartnerships/ JISDThanksgivingCommunityFeast.cfm 37th Annual AH Annual Holiday Parade: Sponsored by the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce, this annual parade begins at 6900 Broadway and ends at 5100 Broadway (Stewart Center).

5 to 6:30 p.m. www.alamoheightstx.gov

for adult members; $15 for child members; $24 for adult nonmembers; and $19 for child nonmembers. 6:30 to 8 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org

23 Sunday

Family Performance – Modern Art Dance/ Play: Spare Works Dance company performs modern movement based on art historical movements Cubism, Constructivism and Surrealism with nontraditional props such as hula hoops, brooms and boxes.

Play with props after the performance. No reservations required. 2 to 3 p.m. McNay Art Museum, Leeper Auditorium, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210-805-1768. www. mcnayart.org

Hits Live features Kiki, Shout, Marina and Twist performing in this brand new production featuring new hit songs such as “Walk Like an Egyptian” along with fan favorites from their live-action TV show and recent albums. The band will perform all of their biggest hits that teach preschoolers about music appreciation and how to express their feelings through movement, song and instrumental music. $30-$49.50. 6:30 p.m. Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. 210-226-2891. www. majesticempire.com/home Free Tuesdays at the Witte Museum: see Nov. 4 SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 4

26 Wednesday

Zootennial Celebration Series: see Nov. 2 SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 2

Zoo Evening Series: see Nov. 5 Astronomy in the Park: see Nov. 5

24 Monday

27 Thursday (Thanksgiving)

Little Zootennial Buddies: Take your smallest animal lover for a zoo class to meet an animal friend, sing animal songs, read books about animals and make new friends. Attending all six classes is strongly recommended. Program for ages 16-23 months. 10 to 10:45 a.m. Cost per person is $7 for members and $15 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

25 Tuesday

The Fresh Beat Band- Greatest Hits Live: The Fresh Beat Band, Nickelodeon’s preschool music group and stars of the hit TV series of the same name, are performing a concert of their most-loved songs. The Fresh Beat Band Greatest

The Great Turkey Challenge: The San Antonio Food Bank’s The Great Turkey Challenge 5K is a chip-timed 5k Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning to help fight hunger in San Antonio. Every $15 generated by the race helps provide a turkey dinner to a family in need this holiday season. Pre-registration is $35 until Nov. 25 and Race Day registration is $40. Kids younger than 12 are free. Check-in is at 7 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m.

H-E-B Arsenal, 646 South Main Avenue.

210-337-3663. www.safoodbank.org/ thegreatturkeychallenge.org/index.html

28 Friday

Dickens on Main: This will be Boerne’s 15th Annual Dickens on Main. Festivities

S.A.fari Kids: Join the wildest club in town and explore animals around the zoo while building new relationships and skills. This month’s focus is “Under the Water!” Children are encouraged to attend monthly to ensure continuous learning. Drop-off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 5-7. $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. 1:30 to 3 p.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org.

Evening Adventure Tour: What really happens at the San Antonio Zoo after hours? Find out on the Zoo’s Evening Adventure Tour. During this program, you’ll find out which animals are “night owls” and which animals are “early nappers.” Participants meet an animal ambassador up close. Admission is $20

Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan performs at the Lila Cockrell Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22. The group was formed in 1898.

November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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include the Holiday Lighting Ceremony, The Stocking Stroll, Bah Humbug-It’s a Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” live ice sculptures, roasting chestnuts, petting zoo, train rides, pictures with Santa and much more. Free. 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Downtown Boerne. 830-248-1617. www. dickensonmain.com South Texas Jazz presents Holiday Swing!: Dr. Brent “Doc” Watkins and his 18-piece swing orchestra, comprised of San Antonio’s finest musicians, will perform such Holiday classics as Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland and selections from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” $30 - $50. 7:30 p.m. Charline McCombs Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St. 226-5700. www.majesticempire. com/home Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony: This spectacular parade along San Antonio’s River Walk features illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants. Rain or Shine. Children 2 years of age or older will need a ticket. General admission starts at $15. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the San Antonio River Walk, Historic La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre and Plaza Juarez. 210-2274262. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/ events/ford-holiday-river-parade-lightingceremony-2014 24th Annual Peace Market: Bringing people together in the tradition of open-air markets in indigenous communities around the world, the Mercado de Paz offers an alternative to holiday retail shopping by giving community direct access to global and local artisans selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Free.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave. www. esperanzacenter.org/peacemarket/2013/ index.html Black Friday Breakfast: The zoo will sponsor a hot breakfast buffet, fun activities, animal presentations and a train ride. $40 for adult members; $15 for child members; $50 for adult nonmembers; $20 child nonmembers. 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210734-7184. www.sazoo.org Drop-in Tour: see Nov. 7 Miss Anastasia’s Twiglet Storytime: see Nov. 7

29 Saturday

Christmas in Comfort: One of the area’s

most popular holiday events, Christmas in Comfort will draw visitors to the Texas Hill Country for holiday shopping and family fun. This event offers more than 125 art and crafts vendors and a full day of holiday activities. Free. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Santa will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the Spectacular Lighted Night Parade begins at 7 p.m. Comfort Historic District. 830-995-3131. www. comfortchamberofcommerce.com/events/ christmasincomfort/ Thanksgiving Weekend Turkey Trail Walk: Mitchell Lake is sponsoring a Turkey Trail Walk and kids nature crafts the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A brisk, family-friendly nature walk to “walk off” some of that holiday meal is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Enjoy nature crafts at your leisure until 4 p.m. Normal entry fees apply. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Road. 210-6281639. www.mitchelllake.audubon.org Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots – Across America: Join the zoo’s chapter of Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and get involved in fun conservation activities each month. Program will include natural history of the animals, issues relating to their conservation, techniques used to study them and ways kids can help with wildlife conservation. This month’s theme is “Across America.”

Drop- off program; parents not required to stay. Ages 8-12. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.. Cost is $12 for members and $18 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www.sazoo.org

dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. 10 a.m.

Today’s feature is “Home.” Dates and films are subject to change so be sure to verify in advance. $4 per person. AMC Rivercenter 9. 849 E. Commerce St. http:// www.autism-society.org/get-involved/ events/sensory-friendly-films Dickens on Main: see Nov. 28 24th Annual Peace Market: see Nov. 28

30 Sunday

Family Art Play – Picture in a Picture: One of the unique features of American Masters from the Collection of Janet and Joe Westheimer is the number of images that show people looking at works of art. Explore the exhibition, then, create a project involving one of your favorite works of art from the McNay’s collection.

Free with museum admission. 1 to 4 p.m.

McNay Art Museum, Valero Learning Centers, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave. 210805-1768. www.mcnayart.org SAMA Free Admission: see Nov. 2

Tiny Tots Classes: One-day class on “Giant Birds” provides an opportunity for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers to experience animals at the zoo through stories, crafts and animal presentations. 10 to 11 a.m. $7 for members and $17 for nonmembers. San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. 210-734-7184. www. sazoo.org Sensory-Friendly Films: Partnering with the Autism Society, AMC Theaters brings Sensory- Friendly Films to families affected by autism in the San Antonio area. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums

Nickelodeon’s Fresh Beat Band will give it’s Greatest Hits Live concert on Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. The concert will be held at the Majestic Theatre and is geared toward preschool aged kids.

looking ahead Be sure to get down to the River Walk to see the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias glowing along the banks the evenings of Dec. 5-7. Meet San Antonio firefighters, take a photo with Santa and enjoy holiday crafts at the SANTA’s Firefighters 4th Annual Toy Drive at the Institute of Texan Cultures on Dec. 6.

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November 2014 | OurKidsMagazine.com

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Our Kids Magazine | November 2014

OUR KIDS

CLASSIFIEDS

To place a classified ad call 210-305-4181

Publisher does not endorse nor recommend the following business and we encourage our readers to look carefully into any business before making personal or financial commitments.

CHARACTERS

PARTY PALS Fun Characters for Parties & Events

(210) 788-1819

Facebook: Party Pals SA

info@partypalssa.com

• Explorer Girl • Rob E Bear • Red Monster • Spidey & MORE!

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TUTORING

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Phonics - Reading - L. Arts Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep.

ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL Exp. 1:1 Pre-school - High school

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“Inspiring students to do and be their best”

Gail Saunders, B.S. Ed. C.I. 25+ Years Exp.(210) 509-7951

210-410-0578 www.bebopsworld.com Hablo Español

PARTY THEMES

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Under the Sea • Rubber Ducky Princess • Curious Cats • Dinosaurs Construction Zone • Explorers

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We bring the fun to your party!

Dance & Movement Party

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CHILDREN’S DANCE CLASSES Ages 2yrs-10yrs • 4 Locations Free Trial Class • Sibling Discounts

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Parties, Festivals, Daycares, Corporate Events and more.

Fun includes: Music, Dancing, Silly Magic, Stage Shows, Simple Balloons, Glitter Tattoos and more.

KINDERDANCE OF ALAMO CITY

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Casino Nights, Carnivals, Festivals, Fundraisers, Company Picnics sales@partiespicnics.com

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Private Party Rental

Book your reservation at www.giantstepsschool.com Child Themed Birthday Parties · 2 party Hostesses · All Set-Up Decorations/Clean-Up Provided · Indoor Moon Bounce · Pinata Area · 1+ Acres of Outdoor Play Areas

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• Day Camps • Overnight Camps • Summer Activities and Programs • Schools and Childcare

Call to reserve your booth 305-4181 Ext. 101 November 2014 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com

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Your Kids In Our Kids (Left to right starting from the top left)

Kolton Otto | Nathan Oliver De Hoyos | Christopher Souza Lincoln Herrberg Kash | Zoey Sanchez | Riley & Reagan De Luna

December Theme is Holiday Fun Visit OurKidsMagazine.com and Submit Your Kids Photos The deadline to submit photos is November 12. By uploading photos to Your Kids in Our Kids, you give us permission to publish your photos in Our Kids Magazine and online on our website.

FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210 LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

THE TEX HILL

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS October 1, 2014–January 6, 2015

San Antonio Academy proudly announces the Tex Hill Scholarship Program which provides tuition, fees, textbooks and uniforms to two fifth grade boys who will attend San Antonio Academy during their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years.

Visit sa-academy.org OR call 210.733.7331 for details.

San Antonio Academy admits students of all race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Member of the National Association of Independent Schools

117 E. French Place San Antonio 78212 210.733.7331

BE HONEST. BE KIND. BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.®

Sept. 27 - Nov. 30, 2014

White Tiger Discovery Program Oct. 24 – Nov. 2 It’s a super-charged educational and entertaining exhibit with live white tigers! See the keepers feed adult white tigers and interact with them! They will conduct “Tiger Talks” to spark the conservation interest in these magnificent animals.

Currently there are only about 60 Royal White Tigers on exhibit in zoo’s throughout the United States, and less than 400 in the world, and none left in the wild.

Dog Daze at the Maize Nov. 7-9 and 21-23 We’re celebrating Man’s Best Friend during these two weekends in November. Gee — they never get to frolic in a corn maze! We feel sorry for them! So, on these weekends, folks who bring their doggies with them to the Maize will be admitted for 1/2 price … and the doggie is FREE! Must be on a leash and have nice manners!

Antique Tractor Pull & Chuckwagon CookOff Nov. 14-15 It’s an annual event presented by the Tri-County Antique Tractor Pullers Association — loads of fun! The Chuckwagon Cookoff benefits Cowboys for College, and the D’Hanis Education Foundation. Come hungry, as the cookies will be serving up chicken fried steak with all the trimmings.

Your MAiZE admission includes: Our 7 acre maze, Farmer Ken’s Kiddie Korral, the hayride, the hay jump, Paw-Paw’s Pig Races and unlimited jumping on our 2 a’maze’ing Corn Poppers!

Plus, for folks of all ages, we have the See our website for special events & attractions Corn Cannon and the Cow Train.

Additional fees apply for these activities.

www.southtexasmaize.com

Group Rates Available Call For Time & Rates

830-741-3968

fun@southtexasmaize.com