April 2015

Peekaboo

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Rituals of Life

Summer Camp Guide Preview

Sweet Southern Advice

Northwest Arkansas’ Family Magazine

April 2015

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Peekaboo Publications, PO Box 1036, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712 Peekaboo Northwest Arkansas accepts writing contributions.

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Peekaboo nwa W h at ’ s I n s i d e | a p r i l | 2 0 1 5 16

Meet Callie Anne by: Jamie Cook

22

Bentonville Film Festival

24

The Dalai Mama with Kristin Hvidza

28

Willow Creek Women’s Hospital NICU Comes to Bentonville by: Kim Enderle

30

Rituals of Life with Eva Lebens

34

V for Victory by: Valerie Wright

40

7 Tips for When Baby Cries in the Car by: The Birth Center of NWA

44

April Calendar of Events

48

Meet Kylee by: Kristi Tidwell

54

Mindfullness - What’s All the Hype? by: Kristen Speer, LPC

56

Dad’s View with Ben Lacy

58

The Art Experience by: Rachael Martin

62

Sweet Southern Advice by: Sherry Lloyd

66

Dark Night Marathon by: Jamie Smith

68

Children’s Advocacy Center

70

AAO Basketball

o n t h e c ov e r

74

Summer Camp Guide Preview

80

Maddie’s Fridge by: Samaritian Community Center

Jasmine, 8, and Jianna, 5.

Daughters of Joey and Jenny Huerta of Bentonville.

10 APRIL 2015

Cover Photo by: Everafter Portraiture NcK Talent Academy www.thenck.com

from the editor

photo credit: Created For You Photography

T

his month’s letter from the editor is an actual “letter” I have wanted to write, personally, for a long time. It’s to one mom in particular, but, honestly, it could apply to every mother.

The story goes like this...a few months ago, I watched as a mom struggled with her son who was acting out in public. More than that though, she was struggling with the other parents’ reactions to her son’s behavior--plenty of awkward stares, even the occasional whisper and eye roll. I wanted to talk to her, to give her a hug. After all, I’ve definitely been there. But, before I could, she rushed to her car, buckled her child who did not want to be buckled, and then pulled out of the parking lot in a hurry. I knew the rush was to hide the tears that were forming in her eyes. I was left feeling saddened.

I was unable to share that she wasn’t alone-that she didn’t need to worry. Since I couldn’t tell her this directly, I decided to write my thoughts down instead. I hope she reads this letter and finds comfort in its message.

Dear Mom at _________ (insert favorite children’s activity center here), whose little boy is screaming and pounding on the glass door to get out and refuses to follow the rules...for when you shudder in embarrassment because he is the only one who won’t listen to the teacher when it seems like everyone else’s child does...

I have been there. I am still there sometimes. I know how you feel.

I heard you ask the teacher why your child behaves “that way,” and asks if she has seen other kids behave “like this.”

I walked over and told you that your son “is adorable” and “such a sweetheart.” You looked at me like I was crazy. You told me he was much more difficult than your other children. You said your other children weren’t as hard to handle as he was, and that you didn’t know what to do with him. But, I wanted to say, he isn’t like your other children, because he is his own person.

Each child is different--with all their good and their not-so-good. I don’t know him, but I understand him.

I know he fought you as you tried to take his socks off (to abide by class rules). His defiance was not because he was behaving badly on purpose, but because he felt so strongly about keeping them on. They were more than just socks to him--they were a chance to make a

decision for himself that you didn’t allow. Those socks mean so much more than just fabric on his tiny feet. He is a kid who loves and appreciates the little things more than others, and it’s difficult for him to express himself right now.

Yes, it is hard now, especially when others around you pass judgment and make faces, but it will get easier. I promise.

You see, I watched him run to you and hold you tight while all the other kids, distracted by the activities, stayed as far away from their moms as they could.

Those “better behaved” kids were too busy to think about their parents, but he needed you, and wanted you in those moments because his emotions are stronger, they run higher than most, and he wears them on his sleeve. This not only means the hugs are tighter and last longer, but also the meltdowns are tougher.

He is sad when he gets tagged out in a game of catch not because he’s spoiled or whiny, but because he wants to win, and he wants to do his best. He wants to feel big, make you proud, and never let you down. He isn’t doing any of the things that upset you because he’s purposefully trying to hurt you or make you mad. He is just being his very own self and reacting the only way he knows how...and all of that is okay.

A child that challenges you is a blessing. That child makes you push yourself as a parent far beyond what you could ever imagine. The relationship and the responsibility will definitely test your patience, but it will also make you come out on the other end a much stronger, more considerate, and more compassionate person–something we need a lot more of in the world.

Having an “easy” child is well, easy. Anyone can handle that child. It takes a special person to be the mommy to a child who goes against the grain. Do not grow weary and lose heart.

Ignore the looks and the remarks from the parents around you. They are just happy their kids aren’t the ones acting out at the moment... because we know that all kids will act out from time to time!

It is my hope for you that you are truly able to see past the stress of the now and know for every ounce of love you put in, you will get it back tenfold. The potential to learn and grow through the experience of raising a child who challenges you is worth its weight in gold.

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Meet Callie Anne

W

hen you decide to start a family, you have no idea what is coming. It’s a complete leap of faith, as anyone with kids will tell you. Once we decided we wanted a little one, my husband, David, and I immediately started dreaming of and planning for what our baby would be like, and how our new life would look. Little did we know, not a single thing we had planned would come true. The life we are living today would be almost unrecognizable to those newlyweds from 2012, but, at the same time, we had no idea how incredibly blessed we would be.

Twenty-four weeks into our picture-perfect pregnancy, our world was turned upside down after a routine ultrasound. No one knew exactly what was wrong, only that something was most definitely very, very wrong with our baby. We were sent home to wait for the next appointment, knowing nothing more than the fact that our dreams, and the plans we had made, would most likely never see the light of day. After the level II ultrasound, we were sent home, once again, with no answers. However, this time, it was with the news that our baby girl most likely had one of three conditions...two of which were fatal. The days that followed were full of emotions that, when I reflect back, literally cause a numbing pain in my heart. Oh, how I wish I could go back to that scared mother-to-be and tell her that everything would be okay! Everything really would be exactly the way it was meant to be.

16 APRIL 2015

by: Jamie Cook

However, I believe those days were part of this journey, and without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

After rallying thousands of prayer warriors, we finally received the news that our baby girl didn’t have any of the conditions the geneticists were looking for, including those that would have been fatal. However, they still knew something was definitely wrong, but they couldn’t tell us anything other than she would have significant bone deformities. At that point, we couldn’t have cared less what she would look like. We were just so thankful she was expected to live. On that day, we decided no matter what happened, we could handle it. God was giving us this gift, and after staring into the eye of the very worst-case scenario, there was nothing on earth we couldn’t handle.

We had planned a c-section, since one of the few things we knew was her head was large and oddlyshaped, and we weren’t sure what that would mean for delivery. I relive the moment she was born over and over. The first words I said to the doctor were, “What does she look like?” I was so worried that she would look so drastically different...that she wouldn’t be accepted by others or possibly even by me. I’m ashamed to admit that today, but it speaks to the growth that has happened in me. There was part of me that thought maybe the dozens of ultrasounds were wrong. Maybe, just maybe, it had all been a mistake and she would be born with no problems at all. That was not the case, and she was rushed past the family in

the waiting room and straight to the NICU. It was a couple of long NICU days before we started hearing the words “Apert Syndrome”. Even the specialists caring for her weren’t sure what her diagnosis would be. Apert Syndrome occurs in about 1 out of every 160,000 to 200,000 births in the United States, and our Callie Anne is one of four children we know of in Arkansas who have it. We very quickly learned that it is a genetic condition caused by a random mutation at conception. There is no way we could have known it would happen, and we definitely could not have prevented it.

Apert Syndrome causes many problems, including fusion of the fingers and toes, a retruded midface, and premature fusion of the sutures of the skull.

The fusion in the skull doesn’t allow the brain to grow properly, and must be surgically corrected multiple times as the child grows. Callie Anne also has a cleft palate and respiratory problems due her tiny airway.

Oh, how I wish I could go back to that scared mother-to-be and tell her that everything would be okay! Everything really would be exactly the way it was meant to be.

The first year of her life was an absolute whirlwind, as we learned of all the surgeries she would need and began searching for the perfect medical team.

Just making appointments and juggling all the medical components was a full-time job, so I took a year off from my career as a teacher. In that first year, Callie Anne had four surgeries. The first was to have a g-tube placed for feeding, since her cleft palate was keeping her from eating and growing.

Soon after that, she began her major surgeries in Dallas.

It took two surgeries, and a total of six weeks in four full casts, but she now has 10 fingers and 10 toes! She also had the first of several cranial vault remodeling surgeries to enlarge her skull so her brain could grow. Since then, she has also had two sets of tubes placed in her ears and her second cranial vault remodel.

Each surgery changes her appearance drastically. At first, it was unbelievably hard to imagine her looking different than the way she was born, but, as each surgery has happened, we’ve fallen in love with her over and over again. In her lifetime, Callie Anne will most likely have around two dozen major surgeries to correct issues caused by her syndrome. While this was a shocking and terrifying statistic a year ago, today we just look at it as something that has to happen. Each surgery has given her the opportunity to grow, learn, and to do things she couldn’t do before. We certainly wish we could take the pain from her, but we know now that it isn’t the end of the world, and she will get through each one as it comes.

Through all of this, my husband and I have become much different people than those scared parents-to-be.

You could never have convinced me three years ago that my life would be what it is today. We’ve seen some dark, dark days (and will see more, I’m sure), but each one has led us to a place that is so much better than we ever could have imagined. Being the parent of a child with a rare syndrome can be painstakingly lonely, but, through the magic of the Internet, we’ve found a support group that has helped us through it all. I’ve been blogging (www. sweetcallieanne.org) about our journey for the past two years, and I am humbled when the mom of a new baby with Apert Syndrome reaches out to me and says my words helped her through some of those dark days. I’ve also been blessed to join two other moms in starting a new non-profit called apertOWL (apertOWL.org). As

Turn the page ...

Meet Callie Anne

we grow, we seek to offer resources and support to families, loved ones, and teachers of children with Apert Syndrome.

Perhaps for me the most rewarding part of this journey has been the passion that’s been ignited for spreading awareness about craniofacial syndromes and educating both children and parents. The message I love to teach is no matter what we look like, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness.

I never could have imagined that something as scary as having a child with Apert Syndrome could have led to so many positive things. It didn’t start out this way, though. The first year was full of tears and heartache. There was never a time I took my baby girl out in public that we didn’t experience hurtful stares or comments from both children and adults.

Instead of being excited to show off my baby at the mall or the park, I was always hesitant and, often, just chose to stay home instead of face the hurtful stares.

I wish I could say that I realized my passion early on, but the truth is that it took a while. The resentment grew and grew, until I had to make the decision to take what we were given and use it. At this point, it’s just me who is feeling the judgment, but soon it will be Callie Anne dealing with it. I made the decision to do anything and everything I can to change the way people see her. That’s when I was introduced to the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It tells the story of a boy with a craniofacial syndrome similar to Callie Anne’s who is beginning middle school. I followed the lead of another “Apert mom,” who uses the book as a starting point to visit schools and talk about differences and making the conscious decision to choose to be kind. I believe it’s a life-changing book for children and could be the difference between a painful school experience for Callie Anne or one of acceptance and kindness.

In my talks with students about the book and choosing kindness, I like to give specific, practical advice for appropriate ways to handle physical differences. My mission is to get these conversations started around dinner tables and in carpools. Children have to be taught appropriate reactions or else they will let their curiosity get the best of them and not make the conscious choice to be kind. The most hurtful reaction when you see someone who is different than you is, of course, to laugh or make fun of them. Most people don’t realize it is just as hurtful to look away or ignore them. By looking away quickly when you see someone who is different, you send the message that they make you uncomfortable. I teach children that it’s okay to look. Curiosity is natural and expected. The key is in what you do after you look. Simply making eye contact and giving a smile after that initial curious glance is a perfectly welcomed reaction. The very worst thing parents can do when their child makes an unkind comment about someone who is different is to whisk the child away or scold them. This teaches them that the person is someone to be afraid of, or that their curiosity is shameful. My hope is that parents can learn to seize that teachable moment. Parents should take the time to explain that while the person may look different, he or she is the same on the inside. We absolutely must change how we teach our children to react to others, and the first step is to talk about it.

My sweet Callie Anne looks different than other twoyear-olds. That is a fact. She also happens to be the most determined, headstrong, curious, feisty, and hilarious child I’ve ever met! She lights up the room when she walks in and brings out the best in people.

Those are the things she should and will be known for!

We can’t wait to see how she will change this world!

To contact Jamie: mysweetcallieanne@gmail.com

her latest culturally, ethically and artistically relevant event.

Famed actress Geena Davis will, along with Trevor Drinkwater, ARC Entertainment, Walmart, CocaCola and AMC Theatres, be responsible for the collision of Hollywood and Northwest Arkansas next month. The first-ever Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) kicks off on May 5th, and promises to be a one-of-akind inaugural event, designed to champion women and diversity in film. The festival, which will run through May 9th in Bentonville, Arkansas, will be the first and only film competition in the world to offer guaranteed theatrical, television, digital and retail home entertainment distribution for its winners.

G

rowing up in Northwest Arkansas, the idea of movie stars, glitz and glamour seemed very far removed from the rolling green hills, sociable neighbors, and quiet sunsets I am used to. The perfectly coiffed, aloof celebrities of Hollywood and their jet-setting lifestyle seemed almost alien. Of course, this is the very reason why I love NWA. That being said, sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be at the absolute center of true big-city culture.

Well, move on over, Hollywood, New York, and LA... Bentonville is about to find out.

With the advent of the Crystal Bridges Art Museum, the Walton Arts Center’s incredible yearly programs of special events, and the Razorbacks as rising stars in the public eye, NWA is no stranger to the local limelight. Now, it seems, one of Hollywood’s brightest stars has noticed, and seen our area as the perfect venue to launch

Last month, Geena Davis and ARC Entertainment’s Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) released the first series of special events that will bring Nick Cannon, Robert De Niro, Bruce Dern, Joey Lauren Adams, Soledad O’Brien and Rosie O’Donnell to the inaugural edition of the festival.

As stated, BFF is hosted by ARC Entertainment, Walmart, Coca-Cola and AMC Theatres, and chaired

by Academy Award® winner Geena Davis, whose research institute, The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, has sponsored the largest amount of research ever done on gender depictions in entertainment media, covering a 20+ year span. Davis has pioneered the use of rigorous research, combined with direct advocacy and education to leading entertainment industry creators and decision makers, causing a sea of change in the quality and quantity of female characters on screen.

“I have been an advocate for women for most of my adult life,” said Geena Davis. “The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media is dedicated

to improving the representation in gender and diversity of talent, filmmakers, and business leaders by growing awareness through research, education and advocacy. The Bentonville Film Festival is a critical component of how we can directly impact the quantity and quality of females and minorities on screen and behind-the scenes.”

The depiction of minorities and women on-screen is definitely a hot topic of conversation at the moment, with critics and consumers taking a stand on everything from the Disney Channel to Game of Thrones. Just open your Facebook, and you’ll see your feed stuffed with articles and opinions lauding Frozen’s depiction of sisterly love and decrying Hollywood’s decreasing number of roles for both talented minority and female actors. This festival is a timely event for our national conversation.

In a special event series titled “Geena and Friends,” Geena Davis and her friends will re-imagine some of the greatest dialogue in the history of cinema. Davis’s A League of Their Own co-star Rosie O’Donnell will be among the special guests engaging in this lively and fun series. O’Donnell will also take part in BFF’s “In Control of Her Own Destiny” panel discussion featuring female celebrities who manage their own successful film production companies.

Multiple Academy Award®-winning screen icon Robert De Niro will headline an intimate discussion series to compliment a BFF screening of Remembering the Artist – the acclaimed documentary about De Niro’s father, Robert De Niro Sr., directed by Perri Pletz, who will also be in attendance and participate in the discussion series.

BFF has instituted a new feature film screenplay competition dubbed the ‘Dernsie” – named and supported by Bruce Dern, who will be in attendance to present the winner with $1,500, a custom award and a potential18-month option of the script with Kickstart Productions.

Meanwhile, Joey Lauren Adams (of Big Daddy, Dazed and Confused, and The Breakup) will headline a special “Arkansas in the Biz” panel, focusing on Arkansas natives who work in entertainment and media. The panel will be moderated by Arkansas Film Commissioner Christopher Crane.

To cap everything off, producer/director/writer/ actor/performer Nick Cannon (host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”) and award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, and producer Soledad O’Brien will co-host the festival’s closing night awards show, presented by Kraft Foods Group. O’Brien will also present her new documentary The War Comes Home at BFF.

“While it hasn’t been long since we launched the festival, the reception we’ve received has been overwhelming,” said Geena Davis. “I’m inspired by the level of commitment pledged by a wide variety of major sponsors and by so many of my colleagues in the industry. Their participation is a real testament to the cause and it means a great deal to everyone involved in elevating the presence of women and minorities in the film industry.”

75 films will be screened at BFF, ranging from studio premieres to independent features and documentaries.

In addition to the film screenings, the Bentonville Film Festival will also include family film night events that will be free to the public and held in exciting, nontraditional venues.

Following the debut of BFF, the Bentonville Film Foundation, as part of the Bentonville Film Festival initiative, will launch a year-round event calendar to promote women and minority filmmakers, artists, directors, and producers at colleges and universities around the country, all in partnership with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

BFF Advisory Board members include a number of notable actors and filmmakers, such as Angela Bassett, Nick Cannon, Viola Davis, Bruce Dern, Emilio Estevez, Samuel L. Jackson, Randy Jackson, Eva Longoria, Julianne Moore, Paula Patton, Natalie Portman, Shonda Rhimes, M. Night Shyamalan, and Shailene Woodley.

Walmart is the proud founding sponsor of the Bentonville Film Festival and its investment ensures it is unlike any other nationwide. As the largest seller of DVD and Blu-Ray movies, Walmart is always looking for new and compelling content to offer the 140 million customers who shop their stores U.S. each week. That’s why, for the first time, the winners of three categories - Jury Selection, Audience Award and Best Family Film – are guaranteed distribution in Walmart stores and online through its instant video demand service VUDU. Walmart chose to support the Bentonville Film Festival in large part due to its focus on women and minority filmmakers. Empowering women and supporting diversity are two key company initiatives which Walmart has long supported, simply because it’s the right thing to do, and it creates a better business.

The festival is also a great opportunity for the retailer to showcase Northwest Arkansas, one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

For more information on the festival visit

www.bentonvillefilmfestival.com www.peekaboonwa.com

23

TheDalai Mama

Deep thoughts (well not that deep) on life as a mom, wife, and transplant in NWA by: Kristin Hvizda

The Mommy Wars: Rediscovering the Sisterhood of Motherhood

C

overage of the measles outbreak has dominated the media over the past few months. The relentless exposure has propelled the vaccine debate into everyone’s Facebook feed, the nightly news, and the forefront of fearful parents’ minds all over the nation. Hateful rants, peppered with name-calling and public shaming have become commonplace, on both sides of the debate. Mothers are attacking each other for different versions of their idea of protecting their children. Although the outbreak has subsided, and those affected by the disease seem to have recovered without complication, the social damage will be long-lasting. It’s easy to see that we, as mothers, have allowed this issue to divide us. We have absorbed the vaccine debate into the tangible battlefield that is referred to as “The Mommy Wars.”

“The Mommy Wars” have morphed over the past twenty years from the familiar battle between stayat-home moms and working moms, to basically any and all parenting decisions. Facebook and the nearanonymity of social media make this even easier.

Moms demonize each other over breastfeeding choices, vaccination status, parenting style, diet choices, bed-sharing, etc. There is essentially someone waiting in the wings at any point, ready and willing to tear you down for any choice you make as a parent.

Being a mom is hard enough without the judgment, guilt, and shaming from other moms, or, worse, the overly-opinionated childless population. (I’m perfectly capable of judging, ‘guilting’, and shaming myself, thank you very much!) I wonder how our culture of mothering became so judgmental. Why do we judge whether someone is a “good” mother based solely on their vaccination schedule or whether or not they work outside the home? Why are we allowing name-calling, ridiculing, and ostracizing to be part of

the dialogue? Whatever happened to the “sisterhood of motherhood?”

When I was pregnant with my first child, I had never felt so loved, supported, and respected by complete strangers. It seemed like everyone wanted to ‘chat me up’ about the new life growing inside me. Some people literally felt compelled to reach out and stroke my ever-growing belly. It was an amazing experience to have such unconditional appreciation during this stage of my life. When I spoke with other expectant mothers (many of whom were also pregnant with their first child) we shared many of the same fears.

Although some were choosing epidural or natural, breast or bottle, cloth or disposable, shots or no shots, it was all so surreal, and somehow it didn’t carry any weight of judgment with it. We knew that once we were in labor or deep in the throes of trying to live out our imaginings of motherhood, it could all change. On the cusp of becoming a mother, we weren’t so rigid in our beliefs or hopes. We were willing to compromise and see where our journey took us. We realized that we couldn’t plan for everything--that we would most likely be met with challenges, and that we weren’t going to pressure ourselves trying to uphold an ideal.

We were willing to accept what was to come, and kept our eye on the prize of having our baby in our arms.

After the birth of my first child, I was again overwhelmed by the instant connection I had with other mothers, especially new mothers. It felt like we were all in it together.. That feeling “the sisterhood of motherhood” was palpable. Yet, as time progressed, the feeling began to fade. Something about actually becoming a mother fills you with the most incredible fear you’ve ever experienced. And that fear changes you.

It has the power to make you judgmental, inflexible,

“

“

“The Mommy Wars” have morphed over the past twenty years to basically any and all parenting decisions.... I’m perfectly capable of judging, ‘guilting’, and sha ming myself, thank you very much!

and arrogant. You know the old saying that, once you have a child, it feels like your heart is walking around outside your body? More accurately, it’s that your heart is capable of being completely broken at any given time. Your inclination, of course, is to do anything and everything to make sure that doesn’t happen--to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. We are forced to determine what it is we think will protect our children, and hold on for dear life…because if we loosen our grip, even if only to reposition our hands, we might lose it all.

I’m convinced that these “Mommy Wars” are the result of that terrifying fear that accompanies parenting. They are a defense mechanism used to switch the focus from our fear and feelings of inadequacy to “them”, “those mothers”, and what they are doing “wrong.” We deem “our way” as the superior way, and it brings us comfort to think that we have it all figured out; that we’ve discovered the loophole, the way to control our fate. We cling to our belief in an effort to pacify ourselves and make us feel a sense of control, in the completely out-ofcontrol experience of being a parent. Yet, when we cling to a belief so tightly that it has no room to breathe, no space is left for differences of opinion.

We lose sight of our “sameness” and undercut mothers that don’t share our vision.

You might want to sit down, because I’m about to tell you the dirtiest little secret of parenting.

Wait for it…

None of us know what the heck we’re doing.

There I said it, and you know what? It feels pretty darn good. Admitting that we don’t have all the answers and that, as mothers, we are all just doing the best we can makes us feel better because it’s true

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TheDalai Mama

and the truth feels good. Although there a million books, blogs, practitioners, and parents that claim to know how to properly raise healthy, happy children, they are all just making educated guesses. In actuality, we just do the best we can with the information we have at the time. We pray and hope with all our heart that our kid turns out okay, that we didn’t screw them up too much, and that they live a long and happy life.

Instead of letting our fear divide us, perhaps we can allow the uncertainty of parenting to connect us.

Maybe we can take comfort in the fact that none of us have all the answers and acknowledge that “her” way is not “right” or “wrong,” just different. If we look closely, can’t we see the same fears and hopes in each other?

Trust me, I get it... Being empathetic to others in spite of our differences is hard, especially when we feel that another parent’s choices could potentially endanger

26 APRIL 2015

The Mommy Wars: Rediscovering the Sisterhood of Motherhood our own child (as could be construed with the vaccine debate). But even so, even then, I challenge us to face those differences with love and compassion, rather than with criticism or subtly veiled self-validation.

Ultimately, we don’t know another’s story. We don’t know the reasons for their choices or the road that led them to their decision. Sure, it’s easier not to care.

It’s easier to keep your head down and focus on your own family, your own challenges. But, when we unite, when we choose to see what we have in common, we open ourselves up to the possibility of greater understanding-- and hopefully the realization that we are all in this together. Then, perhaps only then, can we truly embrace the “sisterhood of motherhood”.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”

- Rumi

Namaste

Willow Creek Women’s Hospital NICU Comes to Bentonville

Same dedicated care of delicate babies, coming Fall 2015 to Benton County “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in a baby carriage.”

Unfortunately, sometimes the transition from a couple to a family isn’t as easy as the saying would lead you to believe. For whatever reason, sometimes a baby is born with complications or arrives before their tiny bodies can survive on their own. Because of this, their transition into the world is more difficult than it is for others, which is when a little extra care is needed, most often with the help of a stay in a NICU. According to kidshealth.org, a NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, is “designed to provide an atmosphere that limits stress to the infant and meets basic needs of warmth, nutrition, and protection to insure proper growth and development.”

I can no longer count the number of times I have walked into Willow Creek Women’s Hospital to visit, stepped onto the elevator, and then pushed the button that would take me to their NICU. Every time I scrub up to visit a friend’s baby, or even at one time my own sweet niece, I can’t help but get emotional as I think about the group of doctors, nurses, and therapists who are devoted to ensuring these tiny babies have the very best chance at life.

The first role of a new parent is to protect and help their precious little ones, but sometimes they need a little extra help which is what this group of experts in Willow Creek’s Level III NICU do best.

Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, known for its quality in dedicated women’s healthcare, offers a Level III

28 APRIL 2015

by: Kim Enderle Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the only one of its kind in Northwest Arkansas. A Level III NICU is a facility that is capable of caring for the smallest and sickest of newborn babies. Level III NICUs have a wide variety of staff on site that is available 24 hours a day (preemies.about.com). The NICU at Willow Creek was created to care and nurture these tiny babies, and offer them and their families the best in technological advances. The NICU is prepared to deal with the issues that arise when an infant is born prematurely, is in need of special monitoring, or simply requires a little extra care after birth. Now, with construction set to begin on a new NICU at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville, Northwest Health System is happy to announce this valuable service is growing to serve even more families.

“With the growth of our medical community, Willow Creek is expanding its expertise in the NICU into Benton County,” said Sharif Omar, CEO Northwest Health System. “Willow Creek Women’s Hospital has provided experience, knowledge, and tremendous support to women and babies for over a decade based in Washington County,” he explained. “This expansion will afford residents of Benton County convenient access to that level of service and clinical expertise of our team of neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners.”

The Willow Creek NICU at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville will be operated by the same medical experts the community has come to trust at Willow Creek. Willow Creek is, after all, the only dedicated women’s hospital in all of Northwest Arkansas and one of the busiest birthing centers in the state.

In fact, Willow Creek Women’s Hospital and Northwest

Medical Center--Bentonville take great pride in fulfilling the community’s expectations for the best in quality care. Combined, these two hospitals alone deliver 10% of all babies born in Arkansas annually, which is an incredible percentage considering the population of the state.

“Delivering babies is what we get up and do each and every day. We are now in a position to expand to meet the growing healthcare demands and needs of women and newborns to Benton County,” said Omar.

Area residents aren’t the only ones eager for the new NICU to open, the doctors who deliver at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville are too.

“We are very excited to have a NICU at Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville. This will allow us to provide comprehensive care for patients and their babies. As a full service hospital, we have always had the ability to take care of mothers that require specialized care. With the addition of the NICU, we will be able to provide a higher level of care for their babies as well,” said Amy Sarver, MD–Women’s Health Associates.

Now, mothers delivering at Northwest Medical Center--Bentonville will enjoy the benefit of local, easily accessible, onsite coverage, and care. Their babies, who may need to stay in the NICU after birth, can get that excellent care from the same neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners that have cared for many new mothers and babies in NWA for so many years.

to families and babies after they graduate from our NICU for two years as their development is carefully followed by a team of clinicians,” Gore continued.

Willow Creek Women’s Hospital Set To Begin Makeover The expansion of the Willow Creek NICU services into the Benton County market isn’t the only exciting announcement being made this month by Northwest.

Willow Creek Women’s Hospital is getting a design makeover to equal its already spectacular services.

When most think of hospitals, the word “spa” is typically not the first term that comes to mind. For Willow Creek that will change by the year’s end.

The transformation to a serene, spalike environment will include soft lighting, calming colors, and a fluid blending of everything new from flooring to furniture to wall décor to window treatments to bedding.

And all that atmosphere will be punctuated with “exceptional customer service” according to Gore.

“We’ve built our reputation by providing thoughtful care and a nurturing environment by including the quiet that is needed in a NICU using a sound sensitive monitoring system,” Gore said. “We feel our patients choose us because they feel so at home in our care and now we’ll offer the comfort of a spa with the safety of a hospital.”

“Northwest Arkansas is a very special place. Our patients are a very educated group from all over the world. They understand the importance of advanced neonatal services and we are very excited to be able to offer NICU care in Bentonville,” said Lawrence Schmitz, MD–-Lifespring Women’s Health.

Each private room will be appointed soft lighting and soothing décor to put mom and baby at ease. The renovations will include new flooring throughout the entire hospital, new wall decor, new and updated furniture throughout with private rooms, wireless internet, and flat screen TVs--all adding up to an overall more relaxing, spa-like environment for patients.

The miracle of new life is magical, but with so many unknowns the experience can be just as stressful as it is exciting. In fact, care of some babies begins very early with the healthcare of mothers who are at risk during pregnancy.

The thoughtful touches will turn each room into a serene environment where relaxation and peace of mind will be at the forefront to compliment the outstanding, cutting-edge medical technology and staff.

“Both hospitals are also covered by the only maternal fetal medicine specialist whose expertise in the care of high risk moms is a tremendous resource for obstetricians who feel their patient can benefit from a visit,” says Carol Gore, Chief Nursing Officer, Willow Creek Women’s Hospital. This specialist, Dr. Bernard J. Canzoneri, has an office on the campus of Willow Creek Women’s Hospital.

Northwest Health System has proven, time and time again, its unwavering commitment to the families of NWA. With these new plans in place, they prove they’re not just willing to settle for great...they want to go above and beyond the expectations of those they serve and be the best healthcare system possible.

“Our NICU Graduate Care Program is the only one of it’ kind in Northwest Arkansas, offering support

With so much progress in motion, families can expect even better care from Northwest Health System for their loved ones...especially their brand new loved ones.

s

s

Daily Chefs

Rituals of Life: s by : Eva Lebens

Nice eve - nice-eve.com

Eva interviews people from NWA about their family routines and rituals. Jennifer Buske shares her story with you this month. Jennifer works with her brother, who founded The Baby Guy Gear Guide LLC. She is married to Kyle and they have four children, Everlynn and Vivian (4), Grayson (3) and Veda (7 months) I never used to live by routines, and then, one day, we had twin girls.

They look exactly the same and they have identical personalities. Both Everlynn and Vivian are very sweet and love doing the same things.

They share a passion for cooking -well, as far as that’s applicable to four-year-olds. Let’s just say that they’re eager to be hands on in the kitchen. The problem is, they both have strong personalities, and having two leaders in one kitchen just doesn’t work. There was fighting over food, there was crying, and it drove us crazy.

Kitchen helpers

About a year ago, we had to do something about it and came up with the idea of the ‘Helper in the Kitchen’.

Every other day one of the girls is the helper. (Grayson is not included. He is happy when he’s handed a plate of food. Could be because he’s too young... could be because he’s a man, after all.)

The girls can’t read, so we just add their initials to the calendar, which they can recognize. In the beginning they would burst into tears when it wasn’t their day, but, after a while it settled down.

Their favorite dish to prepare is salad--I guess because they can stir everything together and they like to eat it as well.

Routines and structure

Structure is important to me. You need it with four young children. Recently

30 APRIL 2015

Rootines - rootines.com

we started adding other visual events to the calendar, and it works! The children function so much better when they know what’s coming. I work from home, and I’ve noticed that my work helps in organizing my day. I’m at my best with a heavy workload and a long things-to-do list. It keeps me happy, motivated, and I’m sure I would get lazy without it. Luckily, my mom lives in town and can assist us if needed.

Garden to kitchen

Something that makes me happy is going outside, especially over the weekend. In summertime we cook with fresh ingredients from our garden - as long as stock lasts. It’s not the rabbits and deer that eat the produce before it’s fully grown, it’s my own children!

I do suddenly remember that I used to plant seeds when I was young. I’m still finding out how to grow everything, but the process is fun and we all learn from it. One of the benefits of being outside is that each of us finds something to do; there’s no fighting, no furniture to break and no stress. Being outside really makes us all happy.

V

For

Victory

by Valerie Wright

I

n May of 2011, I was happy--a wife, a mother, and a school nurse for a high school with over 2,800 students in McKinney, TX. I was the health care provider, role model, motivator, and educator for our school, promoting healthy living and cancer prevention. I also lived a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and getting my annual gynecologist exams and mammograms. I took all the correct precautions.

During a trip to Miami, Florida, I was taking a shower after swimming in the ocean. I still had sand on my feet, so I bent over to wash them. As I stood up, I ran my soapy hands up my legs, abdomen and under my hanging breasts.

Suddenly, and I felt a large, unmistakeable lump deep under my right breast.

My breath caught in my throat, and I felt the room spin out of control.

Rushing out of the bathroom, I asked my husband to see if he felt something.

He did, bringing all my fears to light. I immediately was overcome with emotion. I went straight to the phone to call my gynecologist in Dallas for an appointment when I returned home. I couldn’t stop crying. Why was I overreacting? After all, I was a health care professional, and I have had many, many friends with breast lumps, which are their “normal.” But me? I have never had lumps or bumps before. This was not normal for me, and I needed answers.

I saw my gynecologist the Monday following my return from Miami. He thought the lump was simply fibrocystic changes, but still ordered a diagnostic mammogram and sonogram for the next day. As I sat waiting to speak to the radiologist after my mammogram and sonogram, I couldn’t help thinking that I was overreacting. I kept convincing myself it was something else. I never thought I actually had cancer. I wanted to hear I had a cyst or something... that they would drain it and I would go home, happily ever after. Then the radiologist came in and cheerfully said, “It all looks good! Normal fibrocystic dense breast tissue. We will see you next year!” What?! This lump was absolutely NOT normal for me, so I started asking questions. “Why did I get this lump? Will it go away? I’ve never had lumps before. Feel my left breast!” The doctor said, “I hear you. Get back on the table.” She then did a physical exam on both breasts and repeated the sonogram. She then said, “I still don’t see anything that concerns me, but I do feel the mass. I hear what you’re saying--that

this is not normal for you. Our screening exams don’t always count for 100%, so let’s do a needle biopsy.” My brain was reeling. “Wait,” I thought, “Needles? Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.” I agreed to do the biopsy, however, just to show that I didn’t have cancer and give us all peace of mind.

Friday, the 13th of May, 2011, was biopsy day. Friday the 13th... a perfect day for a biopsy. After the biopsy was completed, I asked the radiologist how long it would take to get my results. The radiologist said, “Usually five working days, but I’ll call you Monday,” insinuating everything was okay. I felt fairly confident when I left that all would turn out well.

Since I didn’t get a phone call on Monday, I figured no news was good news. When there was still no word by Wednesday afternoon, I decided to call the breast center to see what was up. They said that there was a report, but it still needed to be reviewed by a doctor. As soon as I hung up the phone, however, the radiologist who did my biopsy called me back. I remember five words from that phone call, “Cancer cells. Call breast surgeon.” How could this happen? My life changed in an instant. I had cancer.

Things moved quickly. I saw my breast surgeon the next day. She needed more information before we could make a decision on how to proceed, so she immediately

got me in for all my scans--bone scan, CT scan, and breast MRI. Waiting for the results to come back was excruciating. Since they couldn’t see my cancer on the mammogram and sonogram, then surely the cancer must be very small, or so I thought.

Turn the page ...

showed that the whole mass I felt was ALL cancer, and cancer was already in four of my lymph nodes.

I think this phone call was more devastating than my original “You have cancer” phone call. Because I’m a nurse, I understood what it meant to have cancer in your lymph nodes, since they’re the highway to the rest of your body!

My breast surgeon suggested I start with chemo to stop the cancer from spreading, and then do surgery.

I met with my oncologist immediately, and we came

[

This cancer ride is an emotional one. I learned that I had to grieve and mourn each obstacle and accept it, before I could move on. I felt like I was sitting at the base of a brick wall, and once I could move on, I would crawl over the wall, ready for the next onslaught.

up with a game plan. My anxiety was relieved, knowing we had the plan and that my cancer was treatable. Never did I think I was NOT going to beat this. The thought NEVER entered my mind. I surrounded myself with positive people and asked my family and friends to keep that attitude as well.

I had six rounds of chemo every three weeks, which I tolerated pretty well. I lost my hair a couple of weeks after my first chemo. My dearest friend gave me a shirt with a bald Mona Lisa on it that said “Bald Chicks Are Hot.” I was ecstatic. That gift began many sleepless nights spent wanting to share my message with others and trying to figure out how. I embraced my baldness, only wearing hats or scarves. I never did buy a wig. In October of 2011, I had a bilateral mastectomy, followed by five weeks of daily radiation, finishing on Friday the 13th in January of 2012!

I had my reconstruction surgery, which went well, but then my radiated breast did not heal properly. My “reconstructed nipple” fell off on my radiated side.

Now, that was a BAD day! This led to several surgeries to try to promote healing, but I ultimately had to have the implant removed to allow my body to heal. Having the implant removed was emotionally devastating, but I felt so much better, physically, having the implant out.

Four months later, I had a free-flap of skin taken

36 APRIL 2015

from my tummy and moved to my right chest to replace the radiated skin, a surgery called a DIEP reconstruction.

It gave me an instant tummy tuck. Bonus!

Frankly, I would trade it all if I could have my original cancer-free breasts again, but, if you are going to look at the silver lining, a tummy tuck is kinda nice. This was a BIG surgery and recovery for me. I was thrilled with the results, taking me from torturous scarring to an actual “breast mound” again. But the honeymoon phase quickly passed, when all I saw were the scars. I had several more surgeries to make my new flap breast the same size as the left reconstructed breast, which still had the original silicone implant. I have had twelve surgeries and am finished. Now, I try to accept the fact that I will never be “perfect”. It is a daily challenge.

This cancer ride is an emotional one. I learned that I had to grieve and mourn each obstacle and accept it, before I could move on. I felt like I was sitting at the base of a brick wall, and once I could move on, I would crawl over the wall, ready for the next onslaught.

Almost four years later, I still have moments like this. Cancer survivors talk about their “new normal.”

It’s true. We are forever changed, physically and emotionally. Many of our friends and family don’t

really understand that, which is why I wanted to do more to help others.

Because of my “openness” of my treatment and my nursing history, I wanted to help others with things I learned along the way during my own treatment. I created the Facebook page and website “Bald Chicks Are Hot” showing that cancer and its treatment shouldn’t stop you from living! I provide my “Tricks of the Trade” about chemo, surgery, and radiation. I also share how to deal with a new cancer diagnosis for the patient, as well as for family and friends. There are pictures of fellow “hot” bald chicks--and dudes, too!-creating a community in this fight against cancer! But there was more I needed to do.

After much prayer and work, the “V For Victory” Foundation, Inc. was launched in November, 2014.

Our mission is to encourage, empower, and mentor all people affected by the psychological and physical effects of cancer and its treatment. Our goal is to lessen the burden of postoperative drain care by providing surgical patients with a “Victory Pouch,” so they can focus on healing. A “Victory Pouch” holds the drain bulbs in a bag worn around the neck or around the waist. I used a similar bag after my 8th surgery and thought it was genius! “Why,” I thought, “doesn’t every patient have access to something like this?” So, we designed our own bag and want to provide them at no cost to the patient!

After my move to Fayetteville in 2013, aside from my non-profit work, I got involved with the Susan G. Komen Ozark Affiliate, volunteering in the chemo room at HOG, and I’m now helping start The Buddy Project. The Buddy Project is a group of survivor mentors helping other survivors increase their physical activity to promote health and well-being. We are just getting going, but it’s going to be a great support for all! Recently, I have been thankful for my cancer experience because I have met so many wonderful people in my new NWA home. Cancer unites us. If we can support one another, then we all win!

On a final note, I can’t stress enough about “knowing your normal.” Imagine if I had walked out of my mammogram/sonogram that day when they said it was normal. I probably wouldn’t be sharing this message today, had I waited another year. I knew my body and understood when there was a change.

I challenge you to “know your normal,” and keep up with all your screening exams, whether you are a woman or a man. And listen to your gut! I did and it saved my life!

www.vforvictoryfoundation.org www.facebook.com/v4victoryfoundation www.baldchicksarehot.org www.facebook.com/baldchicksarehot

for when your 7 Tips baby cries in the car The Birth Center of Northwest Arkansas

D

oes your new baby act like their infant seat is a medieval torture device? Though it may not be possible to transform your baby into one who blissfully naps every time the car hits the road, there are some easy steps you can take to see if your little one will settle down. This will result in less stress on everyone involved.

1

Be Prepared. Be ready to pack up your baby and hit the road the moment the time is right.

Leave the diaper bag packed by the door and have the car seat ready, so that as soon as you feed your baby and she’s drowsy or asleep, in she goes, and out you go.

2

Don’t Stop the Car! Once your baby is asleep, Do Not Stop The Car. If possible, choose a route with fewer stoplights. For longer trips, make sure the car is gassed up ahead of time (and bladders are emptied) so once you’re on the road and (hopefully) your baby falls asleep, you won’t need to stop for quite a while.

3

Dress Appropriately.

Infant car seats are like insulated snow suits covered by a beach cooler: padding, foam and a plastic seat retain warmth, and a crying baby can generate a lot of heat. Dress your baby accordingly-warm coats and hats aren’t necessary in the car seat and a hot baby is an unhappy baby. Secure your baby in the straps then tuck a blanket over her chest and lap if needed. When it’s cold outside, tuck her hat next to her hip in the seat--it will be pre-warmed and you’ll know where it is when it’s time to get out of the car.

4

Fresh Air! Open the windows just a bit for some fresh air and whooshing white noise, both of which may be helpful to a

40 APRIL 2015

distressed baby. If you think glare from the sun is a problem, look for plastic static cling window shades for the back--they’re a safer option than the kind that attach with suction cups.

5

Play Music and Sing Along.

Choose music that you enjoy and sing along loudly to try to catch her attention. As your baby calms, you can lower the volume and let the music take over rather than your voice. Babies don’t even mind if you’re off tune or make up the words.

6

Keep Trying! Don’t let a carhating baby keep you isolated at home. If you have somewhere to go, you should go, even if you know it’s likely your baby will cry in the car. Stay calm and get where you’re going, then take your baby out of the seat for soothing. Stopping to comfort every few minutes may just prolong the agony if your baby typically starts crying again as soon as you put them back in the seat.

7

Try a Rear-Facing Convertible Seat. Some parents find that switching from the infant seat to a rear-facing convertible dramatically improved their car-hating baby situation.

In the convertible seat, the baby is higher, gets more circulating air, and may feel less closed in.

Even if this experiment doesn’t work magic, you’ll still need the convertible seat when she outgrows the infant seat in coming months.

The Birth Center of Northwest Arkansas is a standalone birthing center located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas.

Our team of Certified Nurse Midwives is here to help you and your family throughout pre-conception, pregnancy, delivery, post-partum, and early newborn care. Find out more at www.bcnwa. com/peekaboo or call (497) 372-4560.

Birth Center of Northwest Arkansas 5302 Village Parkway Rogers, AR 72758 www.bcnwa.com/peekaboo

CALENDAR

.

2015

april

Weekly Activities: monday:

Special Events: Friday

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3

Kids Yoga with Jennifer Creel (ages 2-8 with parent) 10:30am - Fayetteville Public Library TerraFit YogiKids introduces children to fitness and movement through 30 minute fun yoga flows. Each class has an engaging nature theme and a short relaxation to help youngsters learn to quiet their minds and enjoy a lifetime of health and wellness. Please brings your own mats!

Little Gigggles Every Monday 10:30AM Enrichment Monday Class Free with admission: Ages 2+ Monthly themes and weekly subjects explored in an interactive, play-based learning environment.

Saturday

tuesday:

Friday

Little Giggles Every Tuesday 10:30AM and 3:45PM: “Little Artist” art class with Crafty Cottage $8 for the class, discounted entry into Little Giggles if you stay to play, $5.50 (+tax)A fun 45 minutes with 2-3 art projects completed, taught by Miss Gigi

Vintage Market Days April 10-12 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd, Bentonville Vintage Market Days is an upscale open air market featuring vintage and vintage inspired collections for all ages. 85-100 of the best Vintage vendors gather with their unique items. Vintage Market Days is a weekend of shopping, food & music in a charming atmosphere. Benefitting Saving Grace.

wednesday: Preschool Art Class » Patterns Crystal Bridges 1-2:15pm Wednesdays, April 1,8,15 (For ages 3 to 5 with an adult.) Parents or caregivers participate with their preschoolers in gallery conversations and art-making activities each week to exploreVan Gogh to Rothko. Session includes three consecutive Wednesday classes. All materials are provided. $30 (24 for members), register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335.

thursday: Storytime Fun - Siloam Springs Public Library 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Preschool Program – Storytime with Ms. Laura

friday: Little Giggles Fridays (new!!!)

Music with Ms. Megan!!

10:30am Free with admission!!!

Singing, dance party and instrumental exploration!

saturday: Storytime at Barnes and Noble, Rogers and Fayetteville 11:00 AM

Library storytimes: Bentonville Public Library: bentonvillelibrary.org Fayetteville Public Library: faylib.org Springdale Public Library: springdalelibrary.org Rogers Public Library: rogerspubliclibrary.org

44 APRIL 2015

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Cat In the Hat at the Rogers Public Library 9am AETN brings Cat in the Hat to Rogers Public Library. Bring your children for a photo with the Cat in Hat and join the fun for numerous activities.

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10

Family Workshop » Surrealist Puppets 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Crystal Bridges - Durand & Estes Studios Make your own Surrealist-inspired puppets in this family workshop.

Repurpose wool sweaters into unique puppets using shapes and colors inspired by Surrealist works in the exhibition Van Gogh to Rothko. All materials are provided. $10 per family (Free for Members), register online or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335. Register

Saturday

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5th Annual Family History Conference Har-Ber Meadows Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Springdale 8a.m.-5pm. This is a wonderful FREE community effort to help anyone working on their family history. Over 30 classes will be offered for all levels.

Period costumes will be seen, a CD with handouts and old-fashioned cookies will be offered for your enjoyment. www.familyhistoryconferencenwa.org or email: dletsch.fhc@gmail.com Annual Easter Egg Hunt 10am Join us for an egg-citing Saturday filled with tons of prizes, games and thousands of Easter eggs filled with candy! There will be sections for different age groups so that everyone gets plenty of goodies. Plus, the Easter Bunny will be in attendance for photo opportunities! http://rodeooftheozarks.org Let’s Take a Hike: Hobbs State Park Every 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Mother Nature visits the Park to excite the imaginations of all the children around her. Story time will be followed by “Hands-on” nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome, however most stories will target children 3-6 years of age. Meet mother Nature in the lobby of the Hobbs State Park- Conservation Area visitors center.

Bird Walk with Joe Neal 9:00 am Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks The walk will be 90 minutes, afterwards stick around to learn more about birds, their nests and their songs. Each family will make a bundle of bird friendly materials to take home.

Young Meteorologist Weather Festival 10:00am to 2:00pm Fayetteville Public Library Walker Community Room Multiple booths will be set up around the Walker Community Room for participants to visit which include storm spotters, The National Weather Service, Plan!t Now and NOAA. KNWA’s weatherman Dan Skoff wiill speak at 10:30 am. Participants will also be entered to win door prizes.

Spot presented by Theate Terra

Sunday

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12

Spot - Walton Arts Center Theater Terra presents this charming stage adaption of Eric Hill’s beloved children’s book, “Spot.” Together with that lovable dog, preschoolers and their parents will embark on an entertaining and educational adventure. Can everybody recognize the sounds of the animals to help Spot bring them home? For everyone ages 2 and up

Friday | 17 Kids Yoga with Jennifer Creel (ages 2-8 with parent) 10:30am - Fayetteville Public Library TerraFit YogiKids introduces children to fitness and movement through 30 minute fun yoga flows. Each class has an engaging nature theme and a short relaxation to help youngsters learn to quiet their minds and enjoy a lifetime of health and wellness. Please brings your own mats!

Rogers Heritage HS Club FCCLA Heritage High School Rogers Heritage HS Club FCCLA needs your support in raising money to send students to national competition this summer in Washington DC. Please join us on Thursday, April 17th for a Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction...$2 per person to enter but unlimited food and biding. Auction winners will be announced at 7.

Saturday |

18

ART WITH ASHLEY Rogers Historical Museum 10 a.m. to noon, at Education Annex For teens ages twelve to eighteen, $10 fee, limited class size Learn a new art technique each month. Call the museum to register.

String Art Springfest!

Local Music and Activities take over Dickson Street. http://fayettevillespringfest.com/ Fayetteville Springfest began in 1983 by merchants on Dickson Street as a way to celebrate the history, culture, and flavor of Fayetteville.

The festival quickly became a late-April staple each year featuring a pancake breakfast, lots of live music, kid-friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors and the annual “bed races” where teams of participants put together their own racing beds and wheel them up Dickson Street.

Moon Jar Making April 18, 2:00 pm Children’s Auditorium & Craft Area - Springdale Public Library Visit the Library to create your very own moon jar, and learn how to save and spend your money responsibly.

Sunday

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El Dia de los Ninos Crystal Bridges - 12 pm to 5pm Dia Del Nino – Children’s Day – is recognized worldwide. Join us to celebrate the creativity and cultures of children in our community through music, dance, art, and fun for all ages! Plus: complimentary

admission to the current exhibition: Van Gogh to Rothko: Masterworks from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Free, no registration required.

Friday

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41st Annual Dogwood Festival Friday 24 - 26th.

Siloam Springs, Arkansas Downtown Held the weekend of the last Sunday in April each year, the Dogwood Festival brings an estimated 30,000 into the two major downtown parks.

The award-winning festival has exhibitors from all over the United States. Handmade, assembled, and resale items are all included in the more than 200 booths trying to draw shoppers in to buy something special.

NWA Inaugural Veterans Ball 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rogers Activity Center - 315 W. Olive Street, Rogers Come join us for a night of fun & celebration! There will be live music, a raffle, refreshments, and finger foods. All proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Dress code: Semi-formal To RSVP please contact Jan Throgmorton by April 13th, 2015 Free for Military & Spouse General Public: $25 for 1 person $40 per couple

Saturday

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Rogers Heritage HS Club FCCLA Rogers Heritage High School needs your support in raising money to send students to national competition this summer in Washington DC. Community yard sale from 8am-5pm. No fee to get in...will offer concessions, bake goods, various good and services booths and FREE activities for kids!

Fayetteville Fishing Fair for Kids presented by Everett Chevrolet 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Lake Fayetteville The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Crappie Masters presents the first annual Fayetteville Fishing Fair for Kids. It is an opportunity for kids to have their first experience fishing, with the help of the adults in our community as well as our generous business sponsors. This tournament will include free food and drinks for the participants, free demonstrations, as well as an opportunity for our sponsors to be present at our booth expo. Proceeds from this event provide free fishing for children* in our community, and educational opportunities for all involved.

Thursday

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NWACC Foundation Plant A Seed Soiree 6:00 - 9:00 Embassy Suites / Pinnacle Ballroom 6:00 pm reception 6:45pm dinner Business attire Proceeds benefit student scholarships

Meet Kylee by: Kristi Tidwell

M

y 30th birthday fell on August 7, 2010. To celebrate the ‘big 3-0,’ my family and I had plans to enjoy a low-key week with a special surprise over the weekend. Therefore, the following day, August 8th, started very normally for all of us. That afternoon, I put our four year old son, Evan, down for a nap while my daughter, Kylee, went to the neighbor’s house to play like she often did during the summer.

I went upstairs to do some crafting. It was a nice afternoon. I was soon interrupted by someone banging on the door. I rushed downstairs, worried they’d wake up Evan, and opened the door to the neighbor frantically telling me that their dog, Cujo, “got Kylee.” Cujo was their huge 128 pound Akita.

Our 7-year-old, in contrast, only weighed 75 pounds.

Not knowing the severity, I asked our neighbor if I needed to bring hydrogen peroxide. Her look of horror stopped me in my tracks. With a tone I’ll never forget, she said, “You need to take her to the hospital.”

We took off towards their house and I began screaming out to Kylee that I was coming, that I would be right there. The calm of the afternoon had been replaced with an unforgettable fear and adrenaline. Upon entering the backyard, I saw my neighbor holding a towel around Kylee’s head as they sat on the ground.

They had already called an ambulance.

I immediately knew there was nothing--NOTHING--I could do to help her.

Kylee was in shock and did not know how to respond to what had just happened to her.

48 APRIL 2015

In her confused state, she stood up, trying to grasp reality. Her eyes were wild and she was bewildered.

I firmly guided my daughter into my lap and calmly explained that she would be fine and that we were going to pray. As I held my daughter’s scalp together, I did the only thing I knew to do in a situation like this: I prayed out loud to God for help. While we were waiting for the ambulance, I looked over at Cujo, who was now on the other side of the fence that divided the backyard. His paws were bloody.

Just a few minutes earlier, my daughter and her friend had knelt down to pet the dog and tried to get him to sit.

Kylee was by his face. Her friend was very comfortable playing with this dog and knew what tricks he could perform. The adult present, therefore, felt comfortable enough to go inside to get a treat for the tricks. That was the moment Cujo turned on Kylee. Because her head was next to his, she suffered severe lacerations throughout her scalp. She had instinctively covered her face, which was mostly missed. The neighbor boy tried to stop the massive dog, but simply couldn’t. He had to run inside to get an adult. Kylee was then alone while the dog continued to attack her. Although it was just moments that the dog had access to her, it was enough time to do serious damage. An adult quickly came and pulled Cujo off her, but he lunged one more time, barely missing her eye. The neighbor boy was slightly scratched up in his efforts to help, and he had nightmares throughout that week.

The EMTs arrived 8 minutes after the 9-1-1 call, and their efforts were nothing less than miraculous.

As they prepared Kylee for transport, my neighbor went back to my house to get me shoes and clothes.

I was barefoot, and we both knew I would be there overnight. But what would I do about Evan? He was still napping. Another neighbor arrived on the scene and assured me with a hug, “I’ve got Evan.”

Though bewildered by this turn of events, Kylee was remarkably brave. Once in the ambulance and en route to the hospital, I unsuccessfully tried calling my husband, Brad, at work. After a few desperate attempts, I remembered we had recently synced our phone contacts.

Earlier that week, I had noticed one of his coworker’s phone numbers in my contact list. It struck me so oddly at the time that I would have that information, but God had prepared a way for me to reach Brad by giving me that knowledge beforehand.

I called the coworker, and he immediately answered his phone. Brad happened to be standing near him and soon he was following the ambulance to the hospital. The pain medicine kicked in quickly, and by the time we were in the ER, Kylee was nearly asleep.

After another prayer with the surgeon and nurses, Kylee was taken to surgery. Our neighbors met us in the waiting room. Another neighbor brought us dinner and kept Evan overnight. I immediately began getting calls and texts of prayers and encouragement.

Despite these distractions and shows of support, the surgery seemed to drag on. We did not know what to expect. It was very overwhelming. We did not know whether she would suffer permanent damage, how she would emotionally handle the attack, or even if her head would be shaved. To comfort Kylee, I had told her in the ambulance I would get the same haircut she would get. Offhand, I wondered if I would be shaving my head soon.

92 staples and countless stitches later, Kylee was out of surgery.

It was heartbreaking to see her.

Kylee is a beautiful girl, both

Turn the page ...

MeetKylee inside and out. Seeing her so disfigured was painful.

Despite that, we were amazed at God’s protection. The wonderful Dr. Baker explained that this was the worst dog attack he had ever seen, but it had happened in the best place possible. The dog missed all major organs, nerves, and vessels. Her skull protected her brain, and, although I could see her skull beforehand, everything closed well during surgery. Her eye was missed, but she did have stitches and beside her In her confused below eyebrow. Her ears and state, she stood neck were not hurt.

Remarkably, her hair up, trying to was only cut in one or grasp reality. two places!

Her eyes were wild and she was bewildered.

I firmly guided my daughter into my lap and calmly explained that she would be fine and that we were going to pray.

When Kylee awoke later, I asked her if she had any questions or if she wanted to tell me anything. She looked up at me with her swollen, tender face and asked, “How long am I going to be here?” and then, “Am I going to miss church?” She was upset to hear that she would. At that, I suggested we have the hospital’s chaplain come. Comforted by this alternative, she was then content to rest. I was touched at the heart and strength of my daughter. However, she did not, and would not for weeks, want to talk about the attack. Any efforts to bring closure or explanation would cause upset and tears.

The next day, our Missouri families arrived at the hospital. We rotated between watching Evan at home and spending time with Kylee at the hospital. It was a lot to juggle and a bit of a struggle. Everyone wanted to be near her. A girl from Kylee’s soccer team happened to be in the hospital, directly across the hall.

When they were able, they went to each others’ rooms and shared their DVDs and coloring books. It was beautiful to see these little girls in their hospital gowns bringing comfort to each other in the midst of their pain. Kylee received so many visitors and gifts that it

50 APRIL 2015

was hard to find room to sit down. When the chaplain came, he prayed for her and the family. Though she was comforted, Kylee was upset that he did not preach to her like our pastor! After he left, she said, “I want a sermon!” She knew that she had missed her church class and fully expected us to compensate.

Dealing with the aftermath of the attack was understandably difficult. Kylee avoided the mirror and wanted the bathroom light turned off before she went in. She could not bear her reflection. My sweetnatured child was also an entirely different person when the pain medicine started wearing off. I kept a constant watch on the clock for her doses. Kylee was in the hospital for almost four days. When Evan understood she was not coming home immediately, he said, “I want to go get my sister now!” He was so troubled by her absence. Even so, as overwhelming as being in the hospital was, leaving had its own set of difficulties.

Once home, I had the task of dealing with Kylee’s severely matted hair. Her long, thick hair had been bunched up and wrapped wet, making it a painful disaster. Kylee did not want to cut it, so I was determined to work through the tangles. It took 20 hours of detangling for more than two weeks but we did it--at a cost. It was awful for all of us. I had to give her pain medicine just to work on it.

Kylee started second grade 8 days after the incident.

We had to bandage her head just to go to school. We dressed it up with hats and bows the best we could, but it was awkward...and kids still made fun of her. Not all,

but enough to make her struggle more. Most kids were curious, and asked questions, which Kylee hated, because she could not stand to talk about what happened. I ended up attending her class to talk with them. She would get sleepy from the pain medication, which made learning hard. She seemed to be in a minor fog. Kylee missed the beginning of soccer, though she was able to play shortly after. During this time, I had to take her back to the surgeon to remove the staples and stitches.

Dr. Baker and his team were, again, phenomenal.

Unfortunately, Kylee had to be put under anesthesia for the removal process...with a needle. Once again, Kylee was subjected to more than a seven-year-old should be, but once again, she was so brave.

Due to the nature of the scalp’s healing process, I have had to scrape the scabs off my daughter’s scalp routinely so they can heal. It has been a dreadful, but necessary evil. She now has scars throughout her scalp where hair has not regrown. Therefore, she appears to have many bald spots. After a year and a half, we are hopeful that the last wound will close soon. It is tricky to fix her hair, but at least she has hair to fix! She gets discouraged when she wants to try a new style but it shows too many scars.

We will be seeing a plastic surgeon soon about scar removal.

Our church, Grace Point Church in Bentonville, The Garden Club of Rogers, my husband’s coworkers, our neighborhood, friends and family, and even strangers helped keep us together when we felt like we were falling apart. Experiencing such a crisis caused us to grow deeply. We still love our neighbors and the kids still play together. The dog was put down immediately. Kylee had an undefeated soccer season. I eventually got to go skydiving for my surprise!

Of course, I became very apprehensive after this incident. I am learning that trying to control everything will not prevent tragedies. It’s not easy, but it’s an important lesson. I am also trying to relax around dogs, although I now have a strong wariness.

Kylee has endured tears, fears, pain, embarrassment, and has come out on top. She even asked for a dog for Christmas! “Mom, not all dogs are bad!” she pled. At that, we almost considered it! But it’s too soon. Kylee told me shortly after the incident that she believed Satan was trying to get her through the dog, but that God protected her. That’s my girl. My girl that God holds in the palm of His hand.

by Kristen I. Speer, LPC

Mindt’sfutlnheesHsy— pe About?

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H

ow often have you read an article and minutes later have no idea what you’ve just read? Or have you ever sat down to eat a meal and before you know it, it’s gone and you have little recollection of what you’ve eaten?

We often go through life with little thought about what we’re doing, the experience itself, and do not feel the pleasure or other emotions associated with it. These are everyday examples of mindlessness, which is the opposite of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the intentional awareness of the present experience without judgment.

Although mindfulness has recently made its way into popular media, it’s been around for thousands of years. Often associated with Buddhist principles and meditation, it actually predates Buddhism some 2500 years when Hindus practiced it.

According to Davis and Hayes (2001), practicing mindfulness is an effective way of improving emotional stability. A regular practice can decrease repetitive thoughts of negative emotions which leads to decreased depression and anxiety. Experiences can be judged and interpreted in less negatively emotional ways. Some interpersonal benefits of mindfulness have also been proven. Because of a greater awareness of the feelings brought to the relationship, conflict can be processed with

54 APRIL 2015

less anger and anxiety. These skills will result in greater satisfaction in social situations. As you might expect, there are personal benefits to practicing mindfulness as well. An improved immune system, faster information processing speed, and a greater ability to maintain attention and focus have been observed.

Negative beliefs about oneself can be decreased as well, which results in better self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.

If mindfulness sounds compelling to you, you might wonder how and where to start? As with most things, continuous practice of mindfulness will yield the best results. It takes practice and patience, but here is a great place to start: The A-B-C method of mindfulness.

A B C

means awareness—What is happening right now in this moment? represents “being” in your experience— What do I feel, smell, taste, hear?

means “seeing” things and responding intentionally and wisely. There is decreased personal judgment and greater acceptance of each and every experience.

There are yoga practices that can provide guided meditation, as well as a number of online resources and phone apps that can help you establish a practice that works for you.

*Davis and Hayes (2011). What Are the Benefits of Mindfulness? A Practice Review ofPsychotherapy-Related Research, American Psychological Association, Vol. 48, No. 2, 198-208.

Dad’s View with Ben Lacy

Sn w Day T

here has been a thought bouncing around my crazed cranium for a few months, “What is the best holiday?”

I started with a pro/con review of each holiday to determine which date was most worthy of the gold medal for “most awesome” (My vote: 4th of July. The reason? You give fools like me mountains of cheap explosives and a license to blow things up. Oh yeah!).

It’s tough to choose just one, as most holidays have their goods and bads and ups and downs and plusses and minuses.

Christmas morning: Magic. Christmas shopping: Hellish.

New Year’s Eve: Joyful. New Year’s Morning: Painful.

Queen:

The Day AFTER the Last Day of School. Odd, as I would have bet that she would push her chips in on the First Day of School, but alas, I did not think it through. The Day AFTER the Last Day of School is a major sleep-in day, and the Mrs. does enjoy her sleep.

Nobody, except Daddy-o and the rooster have to get up on this day. Nice.

Thing #1

Kid #1 was a no-brainer; she’s a Christmas junky.

December 25th receives her vote.

This led me to go beyond holidays and consider, “What is the overall Best Day of the Year”? Think about it for a minute. Interesting, right? There are some strong contenders.

Thing #2

Before we begin, yes, the most incredible, wonderful, super-awesome (and surprising) day of every year is my anniversary, followed very closely by the birthday of my beautiful, blushing bride. Actually, they are very close, as our anniversary is one day before her birthday (and yes, she is looking over my shoulder as I write this).

The third kid is always the wild card. He voted for “any day that Krispy Kreme is open.” That pretty much covers all the other days.

Anyway, I decided to have an open forum to discuss this topic with all immediate family members, and in surveying the hooligans in my house, there was no consensus.

56 APRIL 2015

Also a slam dunk. This “baller” voted for his birthday because “he gets stuff.” Chalk one up for June 26th.

Thing #3

My vote for Best Day of the Year: Snow Day

Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and Easter, the “Snow Day” date isn’t set in stone and, unfortunately, like February 29th, it isn’t guaranteed to show up every year... but man, does it rock! Snow Day combines the excitement of Christmas morning, the snack food snarf-fest of Halloween and Valentine’s, the

beverage options of New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day (hey, nobody’s driving), the family closeness of Thanksgiving, and the “whoo-hoo-we-got-a-day-offness” of Labor Day and Memorial Day. I rest my case.

It is the Best Day of the Year.

Big surprise. I’m writing this on a snow day and the good vibe may end soon, especially if we run out of powdered sugar donuts, because the youngest will lay siege to the house if our supply is exhausted.

But seriously, the reason I love this day is because THERE IS NOTHING TO DO! Correction, there is nothing we HAVE to do! No practices, no lessons, no homework, no grocery store runs, no games, no competitions, no commuting, no travel, no nothing.

It’s just us; the five amigos, fully rested, hanging out on the couch in our pjs, dominating a bag of Oreos, and watching a Bourne movie marathon (don’t judge). As the wife says, “It’s heaven!”

I know, I know, we make our own schedules and the ongoing onslaught of offspring options is on us. We signed up, we signed on, we signed in; now we’re dealing with it. But after a fall schedule of 66 basketball practices, 28 basketball games, 74 dance sessions, 3 dance competitions, countless business trips, dinner meetings, family get-togethers, and general holiday hoopla, well, we are just gonna sit here on our keisters and enjoy each other. It is a very rare occurrence to all be together, just us, and we’re going to soak it up.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…

Often, usually too often, the older generation tells me, “Enjoy this time of your life, because you will look back on it fondly.” My usual response is, “Yes sir, I can’t wait to look BACK on it, as that means I actually made it THROUGH it!” But, as is often so, they are right. I’m going to miss this.

Someday, sooner than I think and much sooner than I want, “Snow Day” will disappear. Oh yes, I’m quite sure the Almighty will still see to it that the great white blanket is cast upon NWA on occasion, but it won’t be like this. We won’t be on the couch in the 5-wide formation, nobody will want to snuggle, there won’t be any snowmen built, nobody will want to go sledding, no cookies will be made, no board games will be played, we won’t wait in anticipation for word that school is closed tomorrow, and we’ll be sipping Ensure instead of red wine. The Best Day of the Year will be gone. So for now, I’m going to cherish it.

Learning begins with play.

Little Giggles is an indoor playground providing a safe environment fostering educative, creative play for young children.

Loved by children and enjoyable fo parents, too! r Camp Hours 9:30am - 12:00 June 1st - 3rd June 8th - 10th July 20th - 22nd July 27th - 29th August 3rd - 5th

Now Registering for Summer Camps

Camp Details: 2 - 5 yr olds (must be potty trained) Limited space available. Must reserve space before first day of camp.

Themes include Frozen, Superheros, Pirates & Princesses!

Guest appearances, music class, crafty cottage craft, themed games, open play, snacks, and much more! * 50% non refundable deposit is required, and balance due on the first day of camp.

Monday - Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday Open Play Hours vary Please call ahead to see what our open play times are!

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The Art Experience by: RachAel Martin

R

od Stewart’s song, “Young Turks,” played constantly on the radio. As the early signs of summer appeared, this song played more frequently... blaring at the public pool, as background music at the grocery store, and played from the car radio.

The song lyric, “Patty gave birth to a 10-pound baby boy,” resonated as a prophecy in my ten-year old mind.

It was 1982 and my mother, Patty, was pregnant with my fourth sibling, and we were all hoping for a little boy to join our troupe of four girls. This was before routine ultrasounds, and we wouldn’t know if the baby was a boy or girl until the birth. All we had was the hope that Rod Stewart’s pronouncement would prove to be correct. On June 30, 1982, after a long day spent with my aunt, we received the call: a baby boy, not ten pounds, but a healthy eight, delivered via cesarean section. He was named Russell Oliver, after my grandfather, and would be called little Russ. Our hearts were full with the arrival of a little baby boy to our family.

My newborn brother cried a lot. If my mother put him down, he cried, if my sisters or I held him, he was pacified for only a short time before he cried-not ‘normal’ newborn cries, but loud, pained cries. It seemed he would only stop crying when my mother held him, and even then he still fussed. My mother sewed a homemade baby carrier (also before the days of the ubiquitous slings and baby carriers) so that she could do her household tasks, as this little boy would not tolerate anything other than his mother’s arms.

As a child, I simply thought that this was how babies were meant to be--they want to be held. None of us were prepared for the day on which he returned from

58 APRIL 2015

his well-child visit with grim news. Russell received the diagnosis of a congenital heart defect. There was a deformity in his mitral valve that did not allow his heart to perform efficiently, causing a back-flow of blood to the atrium. His growth was stunted, and his heart enlarged from having to work so much harder than it should. He would have to undergo open heart surgery to replace the defective valve with a mechanical prosthetic valve. Before the surgery could be scheduled, his health began to deteriorate quickly and he was hospitalized shortly after the diagnosis. It was the first of many hospitalizations and surgeries he would have to endure for the next four years. He was 9 months old.

Growing up with a critically ill family member changed our family in many ways. My sisters and I learned to be much more self-sufficient, as my parents had to spend much of their time caring for my brother.

I learned the names of all the local hospitals, as well as the pediatric hospital in Chicago. I learned about the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the amazing services they provide families, allowing them to stay near their hospitalized children, completely free of charge. I was familiar with the names of many blood thinners, asthma medications, and heart anatomy. I learned how to stop the bleeding of a split lip with a popscicle, which was the only way for us to quickly stop the bleeding of Russ’s small cuts, as blood thinners didn’t allow his blood to clot normally. I learned how

to gently hold my brother as to not disturb the stitches spanning the length of his tiny chest, back, and rib cage after each surgery.

My brother did not experience the changes as we did.

He grew up with a very different type of normal than any of his healthy peers. Ongoing medical treatments were all he had ever known. Russell was small, very small, off-the-charts small. Strangers treated him as a toddler even when he was four, and were quite surprised when he responded with his seemingly advanced-for-his-age vocabulary and insightful questions. He was often more serious and adult-like than other kids. While he was very bold and vivacious at home, Russell was quiet, withdrawn and shy around other children and adults and reluctant to join in play with other children. He was more comfortable with doctors and nurses than neighborhood kids and adults. He embarrassed easily. A simple bump on the lip would cause excessive bleeding due to the blood thinners. His overworked heart at times caused him to have trouble keeping food down, and he could not help but vomit in public, frequently. These instances left him feeling humiliated and sad.

He could take medications in pill form when he was two. He didn’t think twice about taking play breaks for nebulizer breathing treatments, and could assemble the apparatus on his own. He never flinched or cried during weekly blood draws, but celebrated the BandAids. He didn’t question tiring easily and needing extra rest time to regain his energy. He giggled as his sisters pressed an ear to his chest to hear the mechanical clicking of his artificial valve. He was our little Tin Man. It was all he knew, so it was normal. But, at the same time, it was obvious that he felt different from other children, experienced separation anxiety and did not feel confident outside the loving spheres of home and hospitals, as these were the places he felt “normal.”

There are many children in our community experiencing a “normal” life of medical interventions, just as my brother did. These children bravely cope with juvenile diabetes, cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart conditions, and array of other genetic conditions, diseases, or traumatic injuries. Though very brave, these children deal with feelings of fear, loss of confidence, separation anxiety, and body image issues.

These issues often remain, even after the medical crisis has passed. Their medical teams do a wonderful job of providing compassionate, caring medical care, but there is often a gap in treating the emotional issues the child grapples with.

As the Executive Director of The Art Experience, Inc., I am proud to introduce our community to Art Works, an art therapy support group for children coping with chronic medical conditions. Our mission is to provide healing and growth through the expressive arts and play. We have recently launched the Art Works program, an art therapy support group for children coping with chronic medical conditions. This program

is provided free of charge due to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma.

By working with the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the therapists at The Art Experience, Inc, I am honoring my brother’s life and his bravery by helping other children improve their lives, their outlook, and their sense of self. My brother Russell was among the very small minority of children with his condition who did not survive. He died in surgery on May 16th, 1987, just shy of his fifth birthday. I feel tremendous solace and privilege in connecting families with Art Works to help children and families by providing a positive therapeutic intervention to manage the stresses associated with living with chronic medical interventions.

Children often find it difficult to find the words to express and process their emotions. Art therapy is an effective means of providing non-verbal, art-based means of expressing difficult emotions. Led by Elise Lunsford, credentialed art therapist and licensed counselor, the therapy facilitates projects that are effective in increasing confidence, reducing stress, normalizing body image, and alleviating separation anxiety. It also provides children with a safe, positive atmosphere to build relationships with other children coping with similar situations. The group is open to children ages seven to twelve and is free of charge.

The group meets every Saturday from 1-2:30PM. If you know a child who could benefit from the Art Works group contact The Art Experience at theartexperienceinc@gmail.com, or visit http:// theartexperienceinc.org/services

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Sweet Southern Advice by: Sherry Lloyd

Just Say “No” To Parent Bullying ARE YOU A PARENTING COWARD? I know this is a strange question, and it might even seem a little harsh, but hear me out, and I will give you just a minute to think it over. Hopefully, this little story might help explain what I mean.

I was doing some run-of-the-mill errands at Walmart yesterday and, as I was pushing through the store with my grocery list in hand, I could hear a child acting out in the buggy behind me on the cereal aisle. The conversation went something like this…

Listen up young parents!

You are not doing your child any favors by giving in to their demands and allowing them to control your emotions and parenting decisions.

Child: (Whining) “I want Captain Crunch… no, wait, I want Fruit Loops… no, I want Cookie Crunch…”

Mom: (Frustrated) “Sit down in the basket, we already have cereal!”

Right after that admonition, I heard a scream from the child, and a box of cereal whizzed over my head, bouncing in and out of my basket. When I turned around, a look of absolute horror on my face, the child was throwing a fit and laying back on top of the groceries as if he was having some sort of cereal seizure. What happened next was, in my opinion, a violation of “Parenting 101.” The mom looked at me, feeling embarrassed--of course, who hasn’t been there?--and then walked over to the box of cereal on the floor, picked it up, ripped open the top, shoved it into the child’s hand and said, upset but resigned, “Happy?”

62 APRIL 2015

Well, yeah! Of course he’s happy now. He just bullied his mom into giving him what he wanted and instead of taking control of the situation, she gave in, acting like a coward to her child’s demands. This action empowered her child to control the situation. This type of parenting decision, which happens pretty often, is a travesty. Parents don’t understand that this kind of behavior teaches their children terrible life lessons about anger, bullying, and the way the world will reward their behavior.

www.sweetsouthernadvice.com Have you ever witnessed this, or even been a partner in this type of parenting crime? Of course, the busybody in me wanted to go over to her and say, “Can I give you a little ‘Sweet Southern Advice?’” Instead, I just smiled, feeling a bit sorry for her and continued my shopping. Unfortunately, this family was on the same shopping path as me in the store, so I got to re-live this bullying behavior for several more aisles all the way to the checkout line.

Yes, that’s right, they got into line behind me at the checkout. Honestly, I almost couldn’t wait to see how this shopping nightmare was going to end for the mom. The child was still eating out of the same cereal box, and then, due to his thirst from sucking down processed sugar for 30 minutes, he then began to beg for a soda to wash it all down. The mom replied to his whiny request, “Well, since you were good boy, I guess you can have something to drink.”

WHAT? What show was she watching?

Listen up, young parents! You are not doing your child any favors by giving in to their demands and allowing them to control your emotions and parenting decisions. You are doing just the opposite. Creating a

perception that in life you get what you want when you throw a tantrum or make someone feel guilty is setting up a dynamic that will destroy their ability to face life’s realities.

Here is the reality, courtesy of Mick Jagger: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want!” If you allow this behavior when they are small, you are going to face it on a much larger scale at the different stages of their life. This same scene will happen at the mall over a pair of jeans, boots or a prom dress; at the cell phone store; at the car dealership, and then some day it will happen in their marriage and then, if that marriage lasts, ultimately it will carry over to their own children. You see that this type of bad parenting breeds more bad parents, and then they will bless their well-intentioned parents with even more spoiled and unruly grand kids.

I can no longer be silent about this societal trend.

Since I decided to not give her a little Sweet Southern Advice that day… let me share some with you.

[ story continued next page ]

Take control of the shopping experience before you ever get out of the car. Set the expectations of the trip by going over the shopping rules and the consequences for everyone if the rules are violated.

Most importantly, if the rules are violated, you have to follow through, even if it is uncomfortable for you and the folks around you. Call me tough, but it worked for me.

Molding our children into happy, healthy productive adults is our number one job.

were on me. Sure. Instead, when I told him no and asked him to put the water gun back, he threw the gun at me and began to scream.

Here is what happened next. Pay attention.

I was between three other baskets. I apologized to the cashier and the others around me and I asked the people behind me to back up their carts and let me out of the line. Immediately, Jake stopped crying.

Amazing. I then proceeded to the customer service desk and explained that my son was having a temper tantrum and I needed to leave the store, would she please take my groceries and return them to the shelves.

She looked shocked and a little irritated, but I didn’t care. She wasn’t responsible for raising Jake. That was my job, and I only have one shot of doing it successfully.

I then grabbed his butt out of the basket, grabbed Hannah’s hand and we headed to the car. There was silence. When I got everyone strapped into their car seats, I looked at Jake and said, “See, when you break Mommy’s shopping rule, you come out with nothing and everyone is sad.”

Here is an example from my parenting past: I have raised two children; a boy and a girl. We had explicit rules about begging for things while shopping.

When our son Jake was about 3 years old and our daughter Hannah was around 7, we were at Walmart getting groceries on a Saturday. I reminded the kids before we got out of the car that Mommy had a list of things to get, and that we weren’t going to get anything extra because we had a birthday party to go to that afternoon and there would be fun things at the party.

When we got into the checkout line, Jake immediately asked for a water gun that he saw on the checkout line isle. I said no, and he decided to ignore our rule of “no begging” and began to throw a fit.

Was it embarrassing? Yes. Did it make me angry? You bet. Would it have been easier to just grab the silly $2 water gun and ease out of the situation when all eyes

To seal the lesson for the day, Jake didn’t get to go to the birthday party, and, as the icing on the cake, only Hannah got the privilege.

The moral of this story? Parenting is sometimes uncomfortable. There is not a recipe for how to handle everything that is going to come your way. That is why you have to write your own cookbook, and make sure you don’t leave out any ingredients. You have to take control of your children’s actions and not be bullied by their efforts to control your decisions. Molding our children into happy, healthy productive adults is our number one job. Oh, and by the way, Jake never acted out in the grocery store--or any other store again. Ever.

No parent is perfect. But we better darn well do our best to achieve perfection, because we only get one shot. Share this with someone you know who struggles Go Ask herin anything!

One They thingwill is for sure…I withahead! this problem their family. love you won’t hesitate to give you a little Sweet Southern for it, later.

About the author and Sweet Southern Advice Sherry Lloyd lives in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas in a rural area near Beaver Lake.

She was born and raised in this sweet southern state and has been married almost 30 years. Sherry has successfully raised two children, a few dogs and loves her chickens. She continues to meddle in her young adult children’s lives to help mold them into happy, healthy, productive adults, and enjoys sharing life’s experiences with others.

Go ahead! Ask her anything! One thing is for sure…she won’t hesitate to give you a little Sweet Southern Advice.

Subscribe to her blog at www.sweetsouthernadvice.com

NEED SOME ADVICE? WANT TO SEE YOUR QUESTION IN THE NEXT ISSUE? visit www.sweetsouthernadvice.com/ ask-for-advice/

www.peekaboonwa.com

65

Dark Knight Marathon makes fencing more possible for kids

By Jamie Smith

W

hen Gus Bacigalupi-Feder was a young child of age 2, he loved playing with sticks.

“Everything became a sword,” his father, Dan Feder, said.

He was involved with several other sports when the family learned about the NWA Fencing Center through a demonstration booth at Bentonville’s First Friday program.

“We knew it was something he would enjoy,” Feder said.

Gus joined the Musketeer program, which is for children age 6 to 9. He started out as a beginner and is now, at age 9, ranked 28th in Y-10 in the country.

Gus is one of more than 60 students at the center, most who will benefit from funds raised at the Dark Knight Marathon, an annual fundraiser sponsored by the NWA Fencing Foundation. The NWAFF is the nonprofit side of the NWA Fencing Center. The money raised through the foundation makes it possible for students of all socio-economic backgrounds to participate in fencing.

The Dark Knight Marathon is an event where the members earn sponsorships and they compete in a unique round-robin or “ladder” fashion. As many as six bouts happen simultaneously. The event starts at 6 p.m. April 25 at the Center (1100 SE 14th St. Suite 16 in Bentonville). The Marathon ends when the players become too tired to continue -- often after midnight.

Participants usually seek a flat-sponsorship or a pertouch (point) sponsorship. The public is invited to

66 APRIL 2015

attend for free and enjoy the fencing while learning about the many benefits of the sport. The public will have the opportunity to experience fencing first hand with a preliminary portion to the marathon that starts at 5 p.m. that same day. Participation in the preliminary event has a small fee but watching is free.

NWAFF has served more than 1,000 children ages 6 to 18 since it opened in 2010. This includes children while they are residing at the NWA Children’s Shelter, children participating in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and children qualified for school free lunch programs.

The center also serves young adults, usually about the age of 23 to 35 (although many college students also participate). Students from the center have been involved with Olympic qualification and other national and international competitions.

‘Honor, respect, and learning’ Both the NWAFF and NWAFC work to create an environment that is about honor, respect and learning, executive director Laura Kirk said. The center offers a study room where students can do their homework and study after school before lessons. The foundation has a minimum grade-point average required of all students.

“It can be used as a path to college,” Kirk said of fencing. “There are better chances to get fencing scholarships than (other sports). We’re trying to create life-changing opportunities for young people.”

The fencing program helps build self-esteem, selfdiscipline, and improves focus and concentration— all attributes that translate into other aspects of the student’s life, Kirk said.

Feder agreed that fencing has made a positive difference in his son’s life, including teaching him about work ethic. When Gus lost a bout he thought he would win, he analyzed his performance and realized where he needed to work harder to achieve.

“This translates to his school work. If he doesn’t do well on a test then he figures out where he needs to work harder,” Feder said.

Feder said he also appreciates the low injury threshold in fencing compared to other youth sports. The coaches and staff work together with the students to make sure that the students are safe and are using protective equipment properly.

Quality family time is another major bonus, Feder said. Frequent competitions can mean road trips to cities a few hours (or more) away. Not all competitions are required, however.

“It’s a nice family time for travel,” he said.

Feder also speaks well of the center’s staff, including Olympic coach Adrian Colcisca. Colcisca is originally from Romania, coached the Romanian National Team in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, and has trained some of the top fencers abroad and in the United State.

“He teaches the kids respect,” Feder said. “We are amazingly blessed to have someone of his caliber here.”

Colcisca said that he “believes in this program” and he believes fencing helps give a good sense of life-both the good and the bad. “It’s the real world realized,” he said.

He shared memories of his childhood including how his parents were a strong, loving and positive influence in his life as was his fencing coach. It’s those same strong values of respect and perseverance that he’s passing on to the many students who come through the door at NWAFC. For more information about the NWA Fencing Foundation and Center, visit NWAFF.org and NWAFC.org.

W

hen I first saw this picture lying on the table in our mental health waiting room, I thought, “Oh, how cute, a child was drawing while waiting for their counseling appointment.”

On closer observation, I realized, “Oh no, how sad.”

The clouds are black with black rain coming down on the child; the grass is very pointed and sharp. Underground are snakes and the large squirrel hole reveals this child has experienced a severe wound. Her mouth has harsh lines, maybe saying she doesn’t have the freedom to speak.

Not just a “cute” picture, but a sad story. Maybe her picture will change --- at least we are here to care and to hope!

- As told by a staff member at the Children’s Advocacy Center.

About the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County: On January 10, 2000 the Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County (CAC) opened in Little Flock, Arkansas, to provide a new way for the Benton County community to respond to alleged child abuse. Before the center opened, children had to repeat their story of abuse to several individuals before their offender was brought to justice. Retelling their story of being abused, especially for a child, can be a form of revictimization, and is often traumatic for the victim. The Center offers a child-friendly environment for children to feel at ease, and because of coordinated efforts with local law enforcement and additional personnel onsite; it is our goal that a child will only have to share their story once.

We provide: A child-friendly and non-threatening environment

Trained forensic interviewers (bilingual services available)

Specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and an on-site medical exam room

Child advocates to assess family needs and provide follow-up, support, and referral services

On-site counselors available to meet with the child and non-offending family members

All services provided at no charge to the family

Statistics show that: • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse by the time they are 18.

• Statistics indicate less than 30 percent of parents ever talk with their kids about sexual abuse and, even when they do, they rarely discuss it with kids under the age of 9.

• Since the CAC opened in 2000, we have seen over 6,000 children. Since that time, prosecution of child abuse cases has increased over 2,000 percent.

• In 2014 the CAC opened 729 cases; conducted 699 forensic interviews; performed 173 forensic medical exams, provided 2,446 counseling sessions to children and their families and facilitated 45 training and education events to 1,745 people. Of those trained, 639 were school-aged children and 1,106 were adults.

The mission of the CAC of Benton County is to empower children to find their voice, and our vision is to eliminate child abuse. Let’s work together to give children back their childhood, in hopes that the next picture these children draw will reflect the power of finding their voice!

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County is located at 2113 Little Flock Drive in Little Flock, AR. Please contact 479-621-0385 or visit www.cacbentonco.com for more information about our services, online resources for parents, and to learn how you can get involved.

nce a kind sports experie e Looking for a one of th an th r look no furthe for your child ... then this summer at the mps AAO Basketball Ca eville. orts Center in Fayett Sp r ke ta hi W P. O AA AAO is a non-profit organization dedicated to the belief that sports can transform lives. AAO Director Brad Friess, who founded AAO in 1990, says, “Young people can either be inspired and strengthened by their sports experience, or completely discouraged and demoralized. The key is to place them in the right environment with the right coaches teaching the right things.” That’s why AAO works so hard to create the perfect sports atmosphere, where kids can be stretched and still have fun. Their basketball camps are fastpaced, energetic, challenging, positive and fun. Most of that comes from their staff of current coaches and former college players.

AAO believes coaches play a unique role in our society and are one of the most powerful influences for good in the culture of our youth. “Our coaches have a genuine passion for the game of basketball, and truly care about young people,” says Friess. “Their enthusiasm is real. They love what they do and are excited to share their knowledge with players who are eager to learn.”

We find that camp has a lasting impact on all kids, but even more on kids from single parent families. One mom shared that the personal one-on-one role model attention and mentoring made a huge impact on her son as he was transitioning to his teen years. Since

70 APRIL 2015

his father was absent due to incarceration, it helped her son build confidence and teach him responsibility.

“When she dropped him off at camp,” the director says, “he was a boy, and when she picked him up, he was a gentleman.”

AAO is much more than sports. AAO Athletes benefit from leadership skill building and character development that will help them succeed as adults in life and in the workforce. AAO’s Athlete Development Series seminars cover topics such as sports nutrition, work ethic and the promotion of lifelong healthy habits.

AAO will soon be expanding their Performance Center, thanks to a grant from the Walmart Foundation, where players can refine their skills with sport-specific training and overall performance training while learning injury prevention techniques.

The team at AAO is committed to providing their programming to all children in Northwest Arkansas who have the capacity and the commitment to work hard. Program fees are extremely affordable, but there are scholarships available to families who may need financial assistance. Because AAO is a non-profit

eir Information on thfound be n ca s m ra prog rg at www.aaoteam.o

w AAO: Find, like and Follo Instagram: @AAOSPORTS Twitter: @AAOTeam Facebook: Outreach ArkansasAthletes

organization, they do rely on sponsors and private donors to make scholarships possible. Please contact their Development Team if you are able to support their scholarship programs. (kristi@aaoteam.org or gretchen@aaoteam.org) Director Brad, a former Razorback basketball player, has always had a passion for sports. Luke 2:52 is one of AAO’s core scriptures that inspires their organizational vision statement: “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Brad discovered his calling years ago when he was still an athlete at the University of Arkansas, and was hired as

a summer counselor for Kanakuk Kamps in Missouri.

Brad remembers fondly: “I saw how sports was a universal language and could be a means to help kids develop the important qualities in life that transcend sports. I knew that first summer that I wanted to work with kids and make a difference in their lives through sports!”

AAO is serious about their basketball, but they don’t take themselves too seriously – FUN is a key factor in their programs as well. If you want to learn how to play the game of basketball better in a great environment by some quality coaches, then check out their summer Skills Camp.

2015 Camp Guide Preview

join the fun

School of Rock -2890 West Walnut, Rogers, 479-936-8838 bentonvillerogers.schoolofrock.com

Here are a few of our favorite camps for kids this year! The full guide can be found in the May issue of Peekaboo and online at www.peekaboonwa.com

Want to see your camp listed?

Email editor@peekaboonwa.com to be a part of this amazing resource for parents across Northwest Arkansas!

Little Giggles Summer Camps 3301 South Walton Boulevard Bentonville . 479-268-4949 www.littlegigglesplay.com Select weeks in June, July and August Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays 9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon 2 - 5 yr olds (must be potty trained) Limited space available. Must reserve space before first day of camp. Themes include Frozen, Superheroes, and Pirates & Princesses.

These super fun camps will include a variety of guest appearances, music classes, cottage crafts, themed games, plenty of open play, yummy snacks, and much, much more!

SCHOOL OF ROCK offers rock music camps for musicians of all skill levels who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Students ages 7-18 can develop their musicianship and learn new skills in a creative and fun environment.

Our camps emphasize live performance through workshops, clinics, and group rehearsals, where students learn about playing together in a band and develop stage presence. Our camps are a great introduction to School of Rock, or a perfect complement to our year-round program.

Contact us or check out our website to find out about camp schedules and special discounts!

campinvention.org Camp Invention celebrates its 25th season in 2015 — spreading an innovative spirit to 1st - 6th graders for a quarter of a century! They inspire girls and boys to think BIG and imagine how they can change the world for the better one day! This one-of-a-kind weeklong experience connects science, technology, engineering and math through fun hands-on activities. The program allows students to learn about creative problem solving (and so much more!) in teams grouped by age.

Stephanie’s Musique 3218 N. Thompson Street, Springdale stephaniesmusique.net (479) 756-0740 Private guitar, vocal and piano lessons, kinderbach classes, ‘my first piano’ adventure camps, and much more!

Rogers Activity Center --

Summer Day Camp and Summer Sports Camps 315 West Olive Street -www.rogersarkansas.com/recreation

Choose the weeks you want. Camps run from 6:30am to 6:30pm -- 1st through 7th grade. Field trips, fun activities, breakfast, lunch and snack! Also offering Summer Sports Camps to enhance your child’s skills in their favorite sport.

Ozark Natual Science Center www.onsc.us 479-789-2754

Summer Camps 2015 at Ozark Natural Science Center are all about learning and fun -- in the woods, under the stars, at the creek, around a campfire.

Camps include: Naturalist Camp nature, crafts, games, astronomy, cookouts, and more. Fledgling Naturalist Camp- packed with activities led by ONSC naturalists that focus on introducing campers to the outdoor world of the Ozarks! Family Camp - a family getaway exploring the Ozark hiking tails. And many more!

Trike Theatre,

106 NW 2nd St, Bentonville, www.triketheatre.org

Trike’s 2015 Summer Camps : Register now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Fine arts camps, production camps, and young actors camps!

2015 Camp Guide Preview

s

Imagine Studio

Imagine Studios 5212 Village Parkway, Suite 11, Rogers 479-619-6085 imagine-art-studio.com Green Thumb Art Fun In this “garden art” camp, kids will create projects perfect for the sunshine and rain. From flower pots to mosaic stepping stones, you’ll create an artistic space for any gardener to enjoy!

Ages: 4-up: June 15-18 or July 27-30 / 12:003:00 PM 8:30-11:30 AM

The Little Gym

2603 W. Pleasant Grove, Suite 118, Rogers, AR 479-636-5566

Little Gym’s expert instructors fill each three-hour camp day with fitness and fun.

Obstacle courses challenge them. Arts and crafts engage them. And group activities, snack time and special events give them time to interact and build their social skills – all in a non-competitive, nurturing environment.

The Sweet Spot Art inspired by sweets, and treats! We will create all kinds of art, including ceramic cupcakes, ice cream paintings and even create using candy.

Ages: 4-up / July 27-30 / 12:003:00 PM Design Divas Artists will learn the basics to illustrate and design fashion, create personalized accessories and have a blast with other fashion-forward kids .

Ages: 6-up / July 6-9 / 8:30-11:30 AM Wild at Art We will draw, paint, and sculpt all kinds of animal for a collection of wild art.

Ages: 5-up / August 3-6 / 8:30-11:30 AM Claytime This camp is designed for kids who want to explore clay hand-building to make a variety of projects. Students will also be given basic wheel instructions ad paint pre-fired bisque.

5 and up / June 8-11 or July 6-9 8:30-11:30 AM 12:00-3:00 PM 3-D Art/Sculpture Join us as we make 3D artwork created by shaping or combining materials.

7 and up / June 29-July 2 / 12:00-3:00 PM Paint-n-Play Discover more than one way to create a painting! Campers will discover new ways to paint using watercolor, tempera, puff paint, ink and more.

Ages: 4-up/ June 22-25 / 12:00-3:00 PM

AAO P. Whitaker Sports Center Fayetteville

aaoteam.org If you are an aspiring player with a passion for basketball and a burning desire to improve, then this is the place you want to be.

2015 AAO BASKETBALL SKILLSCAMPS AAO SKILLS CAMP June 8-12 (Mon-Fri) 9:00am -11:30am Grades: 5-8 $150 per player

Most amazing and original summer camp ever! Make new friends!

Martial Arts Action! Pizza Party! Bullying Prevention!

Board Breaking Tricks!

Games!

June 20-24th 7:30am to 3pm

AAO JUNIOR SKILLS CAMP June 15-17 (Mon-Wed) 9:00am-11:00am Grades: 1-4 $100 per player

ATA Martial Arts Fayetteville – 479.443.5425 Bentonville – 479.273.1212

Horsemanship and more...

Crystal Bridges Summer Camps www.CrystalBridges.org

Register now for Crystal Bridges summer camps for kids 6 to 12! Explore the museum galleries and grounds, enjoy art-making and theatre activities, make friends, and have fun! All materials and healthy, nut-free snacks are included in camp fee of $150 ($120 for Members), Register online or at Guest Services.

NWA Suzuki School of Music

Suzuki Method Private and Group Instruction for Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Guitar, & Piano www.nwasuzukistrings.com 810 NW 3rd St., Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 259-1321 Summer Programs 2015 For Beginners: Beginning Guitar – Chords, Rock, & Blues – (Ages 6-12) Jun 8-11, (Ages 13-18) Jun 22-25 Classical Kids Music Appreciation (Ages 5-9) – Jun 8-11 Pre-Twinkle Violin Group (Ages 3-7) – Jun 9-25, Jul 13-Aug 5 Beginning Note Reading (Ages 6-12) – Jun 15-18 For Intermediate & Advanced: The Funnest Fiddling Camp Ever (Ages 7-18) – Jun 15-18 Chamber Music Intensive (Ages 12-18) – Jul 13-23 Mr. Finch’s Cello Camp (Ages 7-18) – Aug 3-6 Back-to-School Boot Camp (Ages 7-18) – Aug 10-13

Bentonville Parks & Recreation 479-464-PARK (7275) parks@bentonvillear.com Camp Bentonville is back and ready for a great 2015!

From Camp Memorial to Camp Downtown Bentonville, showcasing tennis camps, soccer camps, Abrakadoodle camps and more, you are sure to find a camp that guarantees your child will have a fun-filled summer!

P Camp Triple Farms

Learning to Lead Join us as we learn: Safe horsemanship skills Communication skills Tack care Leather working and tooling Working with rope and knot tying

Summer sessions available Call for details

479-426-5170

thepattonfarm@gmail.com www.facebook.com/tripleplessons

2015 Camp Guide Preview Fast Lane Entertainment Summer Camps!

(479) 659-0999 www.fastlanebowl.com

Triple P Farms Horsemanship and More Camp!

Learn safe horsemanship skills, communication skills, tack care, leather working and tooling, working with rope, knot-tying and more!

June 22nd - 26th and July 20th-24th 8am - 12pm (or 1pm with lunch option) For kids ages 5-11, with activities including bowling, crafts, educational games, and much more!

Triple P Farms www.facebook.com/tripleplessons (479) 426-5170 Brick by Brick 1450 E. Zion Road, Suite 6, Fayetteville (479) 582-LEGO (5346) www.razorbricks.com

Fayetteville Tennis Summer Camp Fayetteville Tennis Summer Camp - sessions starting throughout the summer.

Adult and Junior Classes going on now! $10 per hour for all ages. Private lessons available for every player and skill level. Classes at Wilson Park. www.fayettevilletennis.com www.facebook.com/fayettevilletennis

Join us to explore STEAM through Lego!

Camp themes include: Mine Craft, Star Wars, Super Heroes, Bricks and Brushes, Movie Making, Jewelry Making, Emmet’s City Adventure and MORE! Half-day and full day options available.

DHS Licensed, ages 5-12 yrs

Get $25 off 1 Week of Camp when you say PEEKABOO! Larson’s Language Center Summer Camp and Summer Club! (Ages 3-13) 479-633-9900 www.larsonslanguagecenter.com 1730 W. Poplar St. Rogers Learn Spanish while playing -- Foreign language, crafts, cooking, games and more!

Help the Samaritan Community Center bring Maddi’s Fridge to elementary school libraries across Northwest Arkansas, to empower a generation to aid in the fight against childhood hunger.

that will activate them to encourage their friends to hope and dream beyond their circumstances?

It takes a community committed to bringing awareness in a way that children are able to relate and respond. We were thrilled to stumble across Maddi’s Fridge, a truly amazing resource that we want to use as leverage to empower a generation to aid in the fight against childhood hunger. Our goal is to have two copies of this book in every elementary school library in Benton, Washington, Carroll, and Madison Counties (164 books total). Each book will include an acknowledgment page highlighting the book’s donor.

We will kick off the distribution of books to the school libraries with a special Skype visit with Lois Brandt, the author of Maddi’s Fridge!

T

here is a silent crisis in Northwest Arkansas.

It’s not in a far off country--that would make it easier to ignore. It’s not hidden in only certain cities, but rather running rampant in every single school, classroom, and hallway. Every day, over 25,000 cases of childhood hunger can be found in our community. We can honor these stories by listening and empowering a generation to take action.

These stories are similar to one found in the children’s book, Maddi’s Fridge. Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, play in the same park, and go to the same school. But, while Sofia’s fridge at home is full, Maddi’s fridge is empty, with just a small container of milk she insists on saving for her little brother. Sofia promises Maddi she won’t tell but is determined to help her best friend. She sneaks food for Maddi in her bag and discovers that, while fish and eggs are good for kids, they aren’t very good for backpacks. Despite Sofia’s very best efforts, Maddi’s fridge is still empty, and she isn’t quite sure what to do. We hear these stories every day at Samaritan Community Center-families without enough food, children unable to concentrate in class, empty tummies demanding their attention, and friends not sure how to help.

While the Samaritan Community Center’s Snackpacks for Kids program has learned over the years what foods are good for kids AND backpacks, we also know some of the greatest allies for the children we serve are their friends and school community. Much like Sofia, these are young kids, and childhood hunger is a HUGE problem for them. How do we equip them to join us in the fight? How do we instill compassion

We would love for you to join us in bringing this impactful story to children across Northwest Arkansas. You can donate online at www.purecharity. com/scc-books. A simple $10 donation will purchase one book, while $20 will supply one school library, and $250 will empower an entire school district! You can even select your gift to go toward a specific school.

We have already let a few local teachers take a peek at the book, and they are so excited to share it with their students! Can you imagine the next generation fired up to tackle hunger?

ABOUT SAMARITAN COMMUNITY CENTER Samaritan Community Center has served Northwest Arkansas since 1989. Their mission as a grace-driven organization is to serve the hurting and hungry through a compassionate community of staff and volunteers. They encourage client families to access multiple services to meet immediate physical needs (food, clothing, and health care) and to work with their licensed social workers and counselors to make positive changes toward financial independence and healthier lives for themselves.

One out of every four Northwest Arkansas children face the physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges related to hunger and food insecurity. SCC serves these at-risk children through our Snackpacks for Kids program which provides weekly nutritional support to over 8,000 children ranging from preschool to high school. This program allows at-risk children to benefit from improved nutrition, increased selfesteem, and a positive educational experience.

For more information, visit www.samcc.org, www.facebook.com/ samaritancommunitycenter or call 479.636.4198.

At a Glance ARTS and MUSIC

At a Glance

Crystal Bridges (Pg. 88) (479) 418-5700 crystalbridges.org Imagine Studios (Pg. 17) (479) 619-6085 9 imagine-studios.com NWA Suzuki School of Music (Pg. 26) (479) 259-1321 nwasuzukistrings.com School of Rock (Pg. 25) bentonvillerogers@schoolofrock.com Stephanie’s Musique (Pg. 78) (479) 756-0740 Trike Theatre (Pg. 41) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org

BANKS

First Security (Pg. 32) www.fsbank.com; www.onlyinark.com

CHILDCARE/NANNY SERVICES

ABC Happy Kids (Pg. 41) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Better Beginnings (Pg. 46) (800) 445-3316 arbetterbeginnings.com The Kid’s Studio (Pg. 37) (479) 268-6675 www.thekidsstudio.com Mary’s Little Lambs (Pg. 65) (479) 273-1011 Peace Kids Learning Center & Preschool (Pg. 77) (479) 621-5683 WeeCare Christian Preschool (Pg. 70) (479) 442-5312

CLEANING

A Cleaner Approach (Pg. 75) (479) 657-3615

CLOTHING & CONSIGNMENT

2nd Look Consignment (Pg. 20) (479) 770-1266 Rhea Lana’s (Pg. 8) (479) 799-7335 nwa.rhealana.com

CHURCHES

Unitarian Universalist (Pg. 67) www.uubcar.com

DANCE/CHEER/TUMBLE/STRETCH The Little Gym (Pg. 31) (479) 636-5566 tlgrogersar.com

DENTIST

Smile Shoppe Pediatric Dentistry (Pg. 60) (479) 631-6377

DERMATOLOGY

NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Ctr (Pg.31) (479) 268-3555 advancedskinmd.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Larson’s Language Center (Pg.45) (479) 633-9900 The New School (Pg. 73) thenewschool.org Schoolof Rock (Pg. 25) bentonvillerogers@schoolofrock.com Shiloh Christian School (Pg. 21) (479) 756-1140 Walnut Farm Montessori (Pg. 87) (479) 271-9424 walnutfarmmontessori.com

FAMILY FUN / ENTERTAINMENT

Brick by Brick (Pg. 65) (479) 582-5346 razorbricks.com Fast Lane Entertainment (Pg. 38) (479) 659-0999 www.fastlanebowl.com Fayetteville Tennis (Pg. 15) (302) 222-7410 Little Giggles (Pg. 57) (479) 268-4949 Ozark Natural Science Center (Pg. 79) www.onsc.us Rogers Activity Center (Pg. 43) (479) 631-0336 ext. 438 Starlight Skatium (Pg. 63) (479) 444-STAR Triple P Farms (Pg. 77) (479) 426-5170

FOOD / DRINK

TCBY (Pg. 3) (479) 636-8229 (TCBY)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Northwest Primary Care (Pg. 13) nw-physicians.com Tate HealthCare (Pg. 67, 85) (479) 271-6511 www.tatehealthcare.com It Works Wrap (Pg.59) kristalwhite.myitworks.com

JEWELRY AND GIFTS

David Adams (Pg. 69) davidadams.com

LEARNING CENTER

ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 41) (479) 621-6126 www.abchappykids.com Bright Haven (Pg. 81) (479) 717-2344 Larson’s Language Center (Pg.45) (479) 633-9900

MARTIAL ARTS

ATA (Pg. 47) Bentonville: (479) 273-1212 / Fay: (479) 443-5425

OPTOMETRIST

Pediatric Vision Development Center (Pg. 69) nwavisiontherapy.com (479) 795-1411

PEDIATRICIAN

Best Start Pediatric Clinic (Pg. 49) (479) 575-9359 Bentonville Pediatric Clinic (Pg. 4) (479) 273-5437 The Children’s Clinic at Springdale (Pg. 9) (479) 751-2522 MANA NWA Pediatric Clinic (Pg. 52) (479) 443-3471

PHOTOGRAPHER

EverAfter Photography (Pg. 81)

PLASTIC SURGEON

Laser Partners (Pg. 71) laserpartnersnwa.com NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 www.nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com

PRESCHOOL/ PRE-K

ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 41) (479) 621-6126 www.abchappykids.com The Kid’s Studio (Pg. 37) (479) 268-6675 www.thekidsstudio.com Mary’s Little Lambs (Pg. 65) (479) 273-1011 The New School (Pg. 73) thenewschool.org Walnut Farm Montessori (Pg. 87) (479) 271-9424 walnutfarmmontessori.com

SPORTS

TALENT

AAO Basketball (Pg. 25) aaoteam.org Fayetteville Tennis (Pg. 15) (302) 222-7410 N.C.K. Talent Academy (Pg. 53) (479) 445-6000 thenck.com

THERAPY

ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 41) (479) 621-6126 www.abchappykids.com Dr. Thomas Terry Lawson (Pg. 55) (479) 444-1400 www.terrylawson.com Sweet Emotions Counseling (Pg. 51) (479) 770-4673 se-counseling.com Tate HealthCare (Pg. 67, 85) (479) 271-6511

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Birth Center NWA (Pg. 39) (479) 372-4560 bcnwa.com Life Spring Women’s Health (Pg. 27) (479) 271-0005 lifespringhealthcare.com Northwest Primary Care of Springdale (Pg. 9) (479) 927-2100 Northwest Women’s Health Associates (Pg. 7) (479) 503-2525 Parkhill Clinic for Women (Pg. 35) (479) 521-4433 Siloam Springs Women’s Center (Pg. 72) (479) 524-9312 siloamwomenscenter.com Willow Creek Hospital (Pg.5) (479) 757-3000

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Experience. Discover. Grow.

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Walnut Farm Montessori School Building a Foundation for Growth

Montessori Toddler Program 18 months-3 years old Walnut Farm offers flexible 2, 3, and 5 day toddler programs available in half day and full day options.​

• Well prepared, peaceful environments that support learning and development • Dedicated, nurturing, trained teachers • Developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters cognitive development, speech and language development, fine and gross motor skill enhancement • Nutritious meals prepared onsite daily for full day students • Before and after school programs offered Walnut Farm Montessori School is the first and only school accredited by the American Montessori Society in the State of Arkansas and the first school to offer a natural playscape environment for exercise and exploration. Our school provides an authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months to 12 years.

Enrolling Now Contact us today to schedule your tour of our enriching toddler program 479-271-9424 • info@walnutfarm.org

www.walnutfarmmontessori.com