____ 1 about families April 2009

Your Teen’s Quest for

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE
FITTING IN

Planning Your Child’s

BIRTHDAY PARTY
ON A BUDGET

Teens and Sleep:

TURN OFF
YOUR iPOD…
____ 2 about families April 2009

Volume 13, No. 8

April 2009 Page 31

ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS

About
Families 12 Birthday Party on a Budget 3 Party Directory
bringing
13 Fitting In: Your Teen’s Quest for Social Acceptance 10 Camp Directory
families together
since 1995
14 Teens and Sleep: Turn Off Your iPod 16 Classified Directory
and Go To Bed
17 April Event Planning Guide
HOW TO
REACH US 18 Health News? s the Economy Triggering
Potential Eating Disorders?
Berks Phone 610-670-2300
toll free: 800-673-2454 fax: 610-670-9251
21 Party Page
Lebanon Phone 717-273-8127
toll free: 800-673-2434 fax: 717-273-0420
Web site: www.aboutfamiliespa.com
FEATURES
To reach the editor and
to send a calendar event item: 4 Cycle of Child Abuse
Editor
Mari Conners Page 9
maric@aboutfamiliespa.com 15 Why Day Camp?
To find a copy of our magazine COLUMNS
or to arrange home subscription: 19 What A Half-Million Teens Read Each Month
Publication Coordinator 8 Wesley Wonders:
Judy Fetterolf Books for Babies
judyf@aboutfamiliespa.com

Advertising Sales: 9 Dear Teacher

James Snyder
jims@aboutfamiliespa.com

Marketing Consultants:
Berks Edition
Linda Earnshaw
learnshaw@aboutfamiliespa.com

Lebanon Edition Page 20

Susan Zeller
susanz@aboutfamiliespa.com CULTURE VOICES
About Families is published twelve
15 April It Figures 2 From the Editor’s Desk
times a year by Kapp Advertising Service,
Inc. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in
whole or part without written permission is 22 Creative Crafts 8 Teacher of the Month
prohibited. We welcome correspondence
and editorial submissions but are not
responsible for the return of any unsolicited
materials.
About Families does not necessarily
endorse the products, services or view-
points offered. All material in this publica-
tion is provided for information only and
may not be construed as medical advice or From the Editor’s Desk package prices to help you plan a party that fits ourselves about the signs and symptoms of child

I
instruction. almost feel like breaking out in song. As I
sit here writing this column, I am thinking
We reserve the right to reject any about the weekend weather forecast, sunny
advertisement. and 50s. That my friends, is a most hopeful sign of
things to come…
Planning a Party?
If you are one of our many parent readers who
CIRCULATION is planning a party this year, you will be delighted
with this month’s edition. The editorial on plan-
ning a child’s birthday party on a budget should
VERIFICATION prove most helpful in pointing to ways you can
COUNCIL cut costs without cutting fun. Utilize the party
guide to locate those businesses who specialize in
children’s parties. Many of them offer a variety of
your family’s budget.
Child Abuse Prevention
Have you ever considered how many times
parents are pushed to the point of nearly “losing
it” with their children? Sadly, it happens more
than we know: Good families, next door neigh-
bors, even friends from work or church, whose
behavior with their children turn them into peo-
ple we would no longer recognize. Maybe it has
even happened to you. In order to bring aware-
ness to this problem, and hopefully to stem the
tide, April has been designated as Child Abuse
Prevention Month. We can all help by educating
abuse. You owe it to the abused child to recognize
their silent plea for help. None of us would con-
sider walking away from a child in a burning
building. I urge you, if you know of a child who
needs help or an adult who you suspect might be
abusive – even if it is yourself – reach out, get
help. You can do so anonymously. We can all help
to stop the abuse cycle.
Have something to share?
We are always excited to hear from our read-
ers. So if you have something to share, or com-
ments to make, please email me at: maric@about-
familiespa.com. I’d love to hear from you.
Mari Conners
____ 3 about families April 2009

T
o help make your child’s
birthday party a special
event to be remembered,
check out this directory of party
businesses that cater to children!
Keep this list handy and call upon
these advertisers when you begin to
plan your child’s party. Food, Products/Treats
Smith
Party Entertainment/Entertainers * Candies 717-866-5336
(See ad on page 22)
Bounce U 717-838-0848 Sunset
Noah’s Ark
(See ad on page 21) Outlets 717-272-4906
Animal Workshop 717-865-7999 Tents &
(See ad on page 11)

(See ad on page 21)

Events 717-867-7560 or 1-800-478-1656
(See ad on page 21

* Party Facilities *
Adventure Lazer Factory,
Sports 717-533-7479
(See ad on page 3)
The 717-867-0766 (See ad on page 21)
Club Kid Mt. Gretna
Indoor Playground 717-228-0501 Roller Rink 717-964-3631 or 717-653-6739
(See ad on page 21) (See ad on page 21)
Days Inn Splat
Hershey 717-534-2162
(See ad on page 21)
Studio 717-679-4294 (See ad on page 3)
Twin Grove
Park & Campground 717-865-4602 (See ad on page 21)

COMMUNITY
MUSIC INSTITUTE
a good beginning
never ends OF LEBANON
VALLEY COLLEGE
newborn to 7 years old.
FULL RANGE OF
PRIVATE INSTRUMENTAL
AND VOICE LESSONS New Addition:
Strings, Brass, Guitar, Woodwinds, Evening Kindermusik Village Class
Percussion, Piano, Voice, Youth
and Adult String Ensembles
Tuesday 5:30-6:15
Day, Evening & Saturday Classes
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL MRS. SZYDLOWSKI
717-867-6383 • szydlows@lvc.edu

FREE
MINIATURE GOLF
Buy 1 Game At Regular Price, Get 2nd
Game Free - with this coupon
for the Entire Family! Not Valid with other
coupons or offers.
Offer expires 6/30/09

Check Website 1$ .00

OFF
Med. Bucket Of Balls
At The Driving Range
For Spring Hours 10 am - 5 pm only - with this coupon
Not Valid with other
coupons or offers.
www.AdventureHershey.com
717-533-7479 Offer expires 6/30/09

FROM HERSHEY - ROUTE 743 SOUTH, 4 MILES

____ 4 about families April 2009

by Tammy Ruggles own, in some cases it is true. out, and even then some deny

B
ecky is a mother who loves her
two-year-old son Gabe, but sev-
eral factors have been stressing
her lately – her husband’s affair, their
financial situation, the loss of her moth-
“I knew there were other things I could do besides hit,
but I didn't know how to handle my anger. Hitting Gabe
was wrong. I felt like such a bad mother…”
er to cancer – and this morning she did
something she swore she would never
do: She lost control of her temper and
slapped Gage when he wouldn’t stop
crying. She felt nothing but shame after-
ward, because she had been abused as a
child, knew what it was like to be hit, and
vowed that she would find other ways to
parent. She found herself crying along
with Gabe, wondering how she would
explain the red hand print to her hus-
band Jim when he got home from work
that evening.
Becky’s story is typical of abused chil-
dren. While it is true that not all children
who are abused grow up to hurt their
Childhelp.org states that about one-
third of abuse victims grow into adults
who victimize their own children.
This is called the cycle of abuse
because it is handed down from genera-
tion to generation. Children truly do
learn what they live. If they live in a
home where they witness abusive behav-
ior or domestic violence on a daily basis,
they will practice this in adulthood
because it is a pattern of behavior that
they have learned. They have no other
set of coping skills to use.
Most parents don’t plan to harm their
children. Abuse comes about when a cri-
sis or frustration arises, and the parent
reacts in the only way they know, which
is usually the way they have witnessed or
learned while growing up. These parents
lack the skills for alternative, non-vio-
lent discipline. Some abusive parents
won’t acknowledge or aren’t aware that
they are being abusive until it is pointed
that their behavior has reached a
harmful level or could have a
negative, long-lasting impact on
their children.
This cycle of abuse can be broken,
but it rarely takes place without
some sort of intervention, usually in
the form of parenting classes or fam-
ily counseling; either ordered by
the court or protective agency.
Even then, it takes a willing par-
ent who is involved enough to
want to change how they
interact with their children.
These parents are asked to
set aside their shame, guilt,
and old set of parenting
ideas.
Parenting classes and
family counseling teach
parents non-physical
forms of discipline, such
as time-out, grounding,
and redirection, rewards
and consequences, etc. These
classes also teach parents ways to man-
age anger and crises, and improve their
interpersonal communication skills. have found a better, safer, healthier way
Preventing child abuse is the key to to parent.
stopping the cycle of violence. There are One such outcome belongs to Becky,
many success stories from parents who continued on page 7

Martial Arts classes for...

Vacation!
Bible!
School!
in School and Life. •Principles: The best
rules for human behavior
Your child will not only learn the ABC's of •Stories
self defense, but more importantly, the ABC's •Crafts
of life - Attitude, Behavior and Character. • Games
Mastering these fundamentals will enable •Fun
them to achieve their fullest potential and
fulfill their dreams, goals and desires. Call now!
Classes Now Forming!!

New Student
Starter Program
Includes 2 Free Classes of
Mark Your Calendar
Martial Arts Lessons
Only $14.95
When you are making summer plans, don’t forget…
FREE UNIFORM to the
first 25 students Vacation Bible School!
School established in 1968 –
40 years of martial arts experience
June edition of
For Boys & Girls Of ALL Ages! About Families
The benefits will last FOREVER, this offer won't... Call Right Now! will include a VBS Directory!
Award Winning
Member Of Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School, Inc. For inclusion and more information, call
Quentin Circle, 970 Isabel Drive, Lebanon
717-273-8127 ext. 1130 or 1-800-673-2434
(717) 272-9890
Visit Our Website! www.liks.net
____ 5 about families April 2009

Get Your Entry In Now For The

6 Annual
TH

Four-on-the-Floor

Saturday, April 4, 2009

$
150 -1st Place at the
$
100 -2nd Place Lebanon Valley Mall
$
50 - 3rd Place • Preliminary Crawl Offs At 11:00 AM
In The Form Of • Finals Early Afternoon
Gift Certificates
• Limited to the first 54 entries

Carpet for the

race supplied by
Registration Deadline
ELCO FLOOR is April 1, 2009
COVERINGS Limited Spaces Available

DIAPER DERBY ENTRY FORM

DATE: _________________________
CONTEST RULES:
PARENT/GUARDIAN: ____________________________________________________
1. Contest is limited to babies 12 months of age
and under to the first 54 entries received.
BABY’S NAME: ______________________________ AGE: ___________(AS OF 4/4/09) Proof of child’s age is required. Parents will
be contacted prior to April 4 for details.
PHONE NUMBER (RES.) _______________________ BUS. _______________________
2. All prizes must be accepted as awarded. Cash
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________ or substitutions will not be allowed.
3. Judges’ decision regarding contest winner is
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: _________________________________________ final.
Parents/guardians of contestants authorize the release of his/her baby’s photograph to sponsors of this event for use in adver- 4. Contest is open to all residents of Lebanon
tising purposes relating to the contest. No compensation shall be paid.
The parent/guardian shall release sponsors of this event from all claim actions, liabilities and expenses in connection with per- Valley with the exception of sponsors, their
sonal injury to their child while participating in the Four-On-The-Floor Diaper Derby. employees or members of their immediate
Drop this complete entry at Mall Office - Lebanon Valley Mall, mall use only families.
Rt. 422, Lebanon Called: _____________ 5. All contest entry forms become the property
or mail to: 2231 Lebanon Valley Mall, Lebanon, PA 17042 of Lebanon Valley Mall.
____ 6 about families April 2009

“Be A Regular
Blood Donor
And Help To
Save The Lives
Of Local
Patients.”

1-800-771-0059 www.cpbb.org This message brought to you by the concerned businesses on this page.

Ask
Us
We’re
here to help.

David Wilcox, R.Ph.

Ted Vlassis, R.Ph.
Khanh Bui, R.Ph.
1305 Cumberland St. Lebanon
Hours: M-F 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
717.274.1500

and Auto Sales Sexual Assault Resource & Counseling Center

of Lebanon County

hotline 717-272-5308
Commercial
•FREE Estimates •All Insurance Work
•Fiberglass Repair
•Specializing In All Makes
Accepted
•Ask About Our Full
www.sarcclebanon.com
Staffing 100 E. Cumberland Street
PO Box 840
& Models Guarantee
•Complete Collision Repairs & Restoration Holding hands,
People. Fit. Perfectly.® Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17042 Kevin Albert healing hearts,
717.273.8127
701 E. Cumberland Street
Lebanon 272-9735 1983
since

Reazer’s Recycling
On 22nd Street in Lebanon
Is Buying:
We provide personalized service
for the entire family •Copper •Brass •Aluminum
201 W. Main St.
•Light Iron We Also Offer
Recycling Services
Hummelstown •Junk Cars for Your Business
140 S. 12th St. Phone: 717-583-1820
(We will pick up)
Lebanon
717-675-2280
Hours: T-F 1-7 pm & Sat. 10-4
Call for summer hours Call 273-7474
Lebanon LOW PRICES – NO PRESSURE
235 S. 12th Street
717-274-7594
• Maytag • Amana
• Magic Chef • Crosley
Palmyra Quality Rebuilt Appliances
Myerstown 103 N. College Street
715 E. Lincoln Avenue 717-832-0400 •New & Used Parts •Factory Trained Technicians
717-866-0218 •Servicing Most Major Brands
•All Service Work Guaranteed
FREE DELIVERY & REMOVAL
T
Furniture and Appliances (Lebanon Only) Logan’s Appliance
Open: Sales & Service
Monday through Thursday 9-5;
Friday 9-8; Saturday 9-4 818 Water Street, Lebanon 272-1451
Serving Lebanon Valley Since 1935
www.jub.org M-F 9-5; Sat 9-12

LEBANON
COUNTY
CAREER
SCHOOL
~ The SAGE Corporation ~
Class A & B
150 hr. program is PTDI, ACCSCT & VA approved
Professional Tractor-Trailer CDL Instruction
3rd Party Testing
Customized Programs Available For Companies
18 East Weidman ~ Lebanon, PA 17046
(800) 694-8804 • www.sageschools.com
122 Race Horse Drive
Jonestown 17038 865-2105
Call us for all your fuel oil needs
____ 7 about families
G.W. Transport
51 Old Ebenezer Road, Lebanon
Phone (717) 279-8480
1261 Quentin Rd.
Lebanon
277-0951
Cycle of Child Abuse
continued from page 4
the mother mentioned at the beginning
of the story.
She knew she couldn’t hide the mark
on Gabe’s face, and rather than lie
about it, called her pastor, who encour-
aged her to talk to child protective serv-
ices and ask for help. She told her hus-
band what happened, and he went to
the agency with her, where they both
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
Any person can contact Berks
County Children and Youth
Services at any time to make an
allegation of child abuse or neglect.
An assessment will be made to
assure the child’s safety and deter-
mine if further investigation or serv-
April 2009
Lebanon
This message brought to you by the concerned businesses on this page.
County Children
& Youth Services
is seeking
foster parents.
For information on how you can
make a difference in the life of a
Certified Public Accountants child, please call:
55 West Main Avenue, Myerstown
(717) 866-5734
(717) 274-2801
extension 2304
PREM UM
MEDICAL BILLING
220 South Railroad Street
P.O. Box 312
Palmyra, PA 17078
Phone: 717-838-6462
Fax: 717-838-5659 900 Tuck Street, Lebanon
Jacquelyn Frazier, CPC, Owner
Suzan Gilligan, CPC, Owner 717-273-8595
I’m your
Mon. thru Fri.
Neighborhood State Farm Agent
8 am to 6 pm
Call me for your
Sat. 8 am to 2 pm Robert J. Phillips health insurance needs
Sun. Closed
State Farm Insurance
Companies
Home Offices
61 West Front Street - Suite D, Palmyra Bloomington, Illinois
Like a good 832 Chestnut Street
North Railroad St. to left on Front
(right before railroad tracks) 832-3434 neighbor.
State Farm is
there.®
Lebanon
273-0545 Fax 273-4114
enrolled in parenting classes on their If you know or suspect that a child is
worker based in Kentucky. Her first
book, Peace, was published in 2005.
Log on www.geocities.com/teerug-
gles/tammyruggles.html
The Facts
own. being abused, do something. It is not up
A year later Becky says, “I was so to you to prove it, but your concern
fixed on how I parented. I knew there could save a child’s life, and could help
were other things I could do besides hit, prevent the cycle from continuing.
but I didn’t know how to handle my For more information, log onto child- ■ An incident of child abuse is
anger. Hitting Gabe was wrong. I felt abuse.org, preventchildabuse.org, or reported every 10 seconds.
like such a bad mother. But I know now keepkidshealthy.com
■ Child abuse occurs in all racial,
that all mothers make mistakes. The socioeconomic, financial, reli-
thing is, do we learn from our mistakes, Tammy Ruggles, BSW, MA, is a
or keep repeating them?" freelance writer and retired social gious, and cultural groups.
■ About 40% of all women incar-
ices are needed. CRISIS INTERVENTION mous and the services are confiden- cerated, and 15% of all men
The State of Pennsylvania main- If you are going through a difficult tial. A counselor will listen to your incarcerated, were victims of
tains an office, Childline, to receive situation and you feel a family concerns, assess the situation and child abuse.
and track reports of child abuse and member or yourself are not safe and will then refer you to the appropri-
neglect. Childline can be accessed it has become a crisis, a trained ate service you need at the time, ■ Children who were sexually
24 hours a day, seven days a week. counselor is ready to take your call depending on your situation. abused are more likely to use
Their toll-free telephone number is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents of Lebanon County call alcohol and drugs and engage in
1-800-932-0313. Your conversation may stay anony- 717-274-3363 promiscuity or prostitution.
 Books
____ 8 about families April 2009

Wesley Wonders

by Wesley J. King

for Babies!
W
hat do you think of when you
hear these words: presents,
cake, and balloons? Those
things go with birthday celebrations!
We’re getting ready for Helen’s
fourth birthday and we do not
want anyone to bring presents
for her! That might sound a lit-
tle bit funny, and maybe a little
bit mean, but we have done
something special to celebrate
Helen’s birthday at all her
parties. Helen’s party invi-
tation always says some-
thing like this:
“Instead of bringing
a gift for Helen,
please bring a new
book to give to a
baby in the hospi-
were only a few things they could do
during that time – reading to her, singing
to her and praying for her. They even
took in a recording of me reading the
book “Goodnight Moon”
and singing a lullaby so
Helen could hear my
voice!
When Helen finally
came home we still had to
be careful about keeping
germs away from her fragile,
tiny body. I changed my cloth-
ing and scrubbed up my
hands when I got home
from school. We didn’t
take Helen anywhere.
Visiting nurses came to
our house to check her
weight and talk to

Mrs. Heather tal where Helen Mom.

was born. Helen Now you know more

Daub and her family about Helen’s birthday

will deliver the story. Four of Helen’s
books to the NICU preschool friends and

M
rs. Daub was nominat-
ed by three students
who describe her as
“fun-loving,” “best teacher in the
world,” “likes to give you stuff,”
and “likes to make people feel
good.” Ian Herr sums it up with
“She will always be the best
teacher ever. She always wanted
to be teacher of the month…”
Submitted by: Emily Fake, Ian Herr, and Alyssa Rivera
Mrs. Heather Daub teaches fourth grade at Henry Houck Elementary School in the Lebanon
School Distrct.
If you know an outstanding teacher who deserves recognition, let us
know! Tell us in 50 words or less what makes your favorite teacher spe-
cial, and if your submission is drawn from our pool of entries, your
teacher will receive a wonderful assortment of gifts. Each “Teacher of
the Month” will also receive special acknowledgement for the positive
impact he or she is making in his or her students’ lives.
so that mommies and
daddies can read to their sick children.”
Let me explain why this is important
to us. Helen was born earlier than we
expected. Most babies should grow
inside their mommies until about 40
weeks but Helen was born early at only
28 weeks. At first, she was tiny and very
sick. She stayed in a part of the hospital
called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
for over two months. She had lots of
doctors and nurses taking care of her
and needed special beds to help her with
breathing and keeping warm. Even
though I was her big brother I wasn’t
allowed to visit her there. I cried about
that because I wanted my little sister to
come home so I could love her! I made
pictures to decorate her bed. Mom and
Dad spent lots of time with Helen. For
many days they were not allowed to
hold her until she got stronger. There
three neighborhood
children are coming to the party. Our
grandparents and aunts and uncles are
coming, too. Helen is excited about the
book collection for the babies. She dec-
orated a box labeled “Books for Babies”
using her paint set and stickers. She
understands that her birthday party
presents will be gifts for children that
need to hear the voices of their mom-
mies and daddies. I’m really proud of
Helen because I heard her tell Mommy
that she wants to empty her piggy bank
to use that money to buy more books. If
Helen is only four years old and can do
that, I think I should see what money I
have in my bank to add more books to
her box!
Wesley J. King
Wesley’s Note: This story is based on a
yearly event that happens for a premature
boy born into our family,

Any student can enter their teacher for the monthly award, and the
contest is open to all eligible educators who teach in grades K-5. Simply
fill out the entry coupon below, attach it to your letter, and mail them Grace United Church of Christ
1000 S. 5TH Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042 • 717-272-0831
both to us at:
About Families “Teacher of the Month” www.graceucclebanon.org Rev. Holly MillerShank
P.O. Box 840 • Lebanon, PA 17042 APRIL 5th • PALM SUNDAY SERVICE AT 10:15
Youth Choir will sing, Easter play Capernaum P.D. jointly performed
with St. Stephens UCC at 3PM.
Full Name of Teacher ________________________________________________ APRIL 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th • Holy Week - Reflections at noon
Grade ________ School District: __________________________________ APRIL 9th • Maundy Thursday at Grace UCC - 6PM
APRIL 10th • Good Friday Service at Grace UCC - 7PM
School ___________________________________________________________ APRIL 12th • Easter Sunrise Service with Communion - 6:30AM
Breakfast - 7:30AM • Sunday School - 9:00AM
City ______________________________________________________________ Worship with Communion - 10:15AM
MAY 2nd • “All You Can Eat” Ham & Turkey Dinner - 4PM to 7PM
Your Name _______________________________________________________
Your Phone Number ________________________________________________ THE HOME OF THE GOOD SHIP GRACE PUPPETEERS
Contact Karen Mann 304-2594
____ 9 about families April 2009

Preparing Early for Reading; Programs for the

Dear Teacher

Gifted; Helping Children to Say What They Mean in Writing

Question: My daughter just turned four,
and I was wondering if this is the right age
to start teaching her to read? – Book Lover
Answer: You began preparing your
daughter to learn to read the fist time you
read a story to her. Continuing to prepare
her to read is probably the single most
important thing that you can do for your
child at this age.
Before beginning any type of formal
reading instruction, you must make sure
that your child is very familiar with nursery
rhymes and can recite them and also that
the child knows how to recognize rhyming
words. Part of your preparation should also
include calling your daughter’s attention to
the printed word in such things as stop
signs and grocery items so she gets the idea
that print carries a message.
Predictable pattern books should be the
next step. Children love hearing the repeat-
ed words and phrases in books, such as
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You
See? and The Gingerbread Boy. She can
repeat with you lines from these books.
You can also start to teach your daughter
to recognize the letters of the alphabet and
some of their sounds. There are definitely a
lot of books, alphabet blocks, and musical
videos that will make this more enjoyable.
Remember that most children will not
know all of the letters of the alphabet nor
their sounds when they enter kindergarten.
Some children are more eager to learn
to read than others. There is no particular
age when formal reading instruction should
begin. In fact, some children teach them-
selves to read before they are four while
others are not ready until they are six or
even older. You must limit what you try to
teach your daughter about reading to that
which interests her. You don’t want to turn
her away from books and reading. After
all, she will be taught to read in kinder-
garten and first grade.
❦❦❦
Question: My 12-year-old daughter is
very gifted. She could actually enroll in col-
lege now, but we are totally against this.
Last year, she attended a summer program
for the gifted and was absolutely delighted
by the challenge. She has found the gifted
program at school quite boring this year.
The local community college has a gifted
program; however, she is too young for it.
What type of program should we be look-
ing for to give her the challenge that she
needs next year? - Want Ideas
Answer: We like the idea of supplement-
ing what she is doing in the gifted program
at middle school with one or more online
classes designed especially for gifted chil-
dren by universities. In fact, she could even
earn college credits. There now are many
programs that would allow her to do this.
Some are quite expensive, but they may
offer scholarships. The gifted coordinator
at your daughter’s school is likely to know
the names of several of these programs.
You could also use a search engine or
contact a parent organization for those who
have gifted children to find a school. One
great advantage of working with a parent
group is that you talk to others who are fac-
ing and solving problems like the one you
have. In addition, more and more school
districts now offer advanced classes for gift-
ed children online. These classes are typi-
cally for high school students, but your
daughter might be allowed to take one.
Too often, parents of gifted children
concentrate solely on academics. There is a
big world out there filled with other things
that could fascinate your child. Would she
like to play chess or bridge? What about
doing something in the arts if she has a tal-
ent, skill, or interest in this area? Is there
some area such as computers that she could
delve into and become an expert? Do try to
help your daughter expand her horizons.
❦❦❦
Question: My children are always com-
plaining that they never can say what they
mean in their writing. Is there any way that
they can learn to do this? – Searching for an
Answer
Answer: Fortunately, there is something
simple that may help your children express
their thoughts better when they write.
What they need to do is to really hear what
they have written. For
some, it works to read
their writing out loud
to themselves, paying
attention to whether
words or ideas are
missing, thoughts are
ex-pressed in the
right order, and they
have said what they
want to say. This Dear Teachers columnists
doesn’t work for all Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts
children as they may
not hear any flaws when they read their
own work. However, they certainly will if
someone else reads their writing to them.
If your children are young, they should
try to perfect their message to the reader by
reworking one paragraph or even a sen-
tence at a time. Often, just a few sentences
in a paragraph need to be rearranged,
another sentence added, or more descrip-
tion to make a paragraph meaningful. This
is far easier to do if children can use a com-
puter. They should always reread the
changed copy out loud to make sure they
like their revisions.
Parents should send questions to Dear
Teacher, About Families, PO Box 395, Carmel, IN
46082-0395 or dearteacher@dearteacher.com.
©2008 Compass Syndicate Corporation
Distributed by King Features Syndicate

GREEN
FIELD TRIPS FOR SCHOOLS
We are collecting cartridges at both events
Berks County Green &
Earth Day Growing Fest
WHEN: PA Renaissance
Sunday, April 19, 2009 Faire
A full day of
TIME: interactive
and fun,
NOON-5 PM learning
about our
PLACE: environment
RIVERFRONT PARK, and how to
preserve it!
RIVERFRONT DRIVE,
READING, PA April 30 &
(Next to RACC) May 1, 2009
9 AM - 3 PM
earthdayberks.org parenfaire.com
Help The Environment
Refill Not Landfill

Sinking Spring Plaza • 4748 Penn Ave.

610-927-9202 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
____ 10 about families
DAY CAMPS:
Bounce U – 717-838-0848, 318 Taxiway
Dr., Annville (website: www.bouncu.com).
Camp gives kids a daily balance of play-
Make us your preferred
time and artistic expression, the perfect
tandem for any growing imagination. It’s
part inspiration, part perspiration, and a
financial institution.
Fro whole bunch of fun. In addition to bounc-
ing, laughing, and exploring their inner
hig From online services to artists, kids will enjoy an array of games
and activities, plus lunch and snacks.
Create and Bounce is a one-of-a-kind
high yield investments, camp experience they’ll simply never for-
get. See ad on page 21.
we’re all about Kenbrook Bible Camp – 717-865-4547,
190 Pine Meadow Road, Lebanon,
financial services www.kenbrook.org. Summer just would-
n’t be the same without a great summer
with a camp experience. Ad on page 12.
hometown spirit.
RESIDENTIAL, DAY,
AND/OR
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS:
DDS Summer Stars Day Camp – 717-
274-3493, 1126 Walnut St., Lebanon,
www.ddslebanon.org. Appropriate for
ages 4 and up. Developmental &
Disability Services of Lebanon Valley is
offering day camps for the summer. This
!!!"#$%&'(')*+"(,- is an inclusive program to serve children
of all abilities. Day camps will include a
wide range of activities & day trips. See
ad on page 13.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING® Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center –
717-273-6525, 87 Old Mine Road,
Tobacco Cessation Program Lebanon, www.gretnaglen.org. We offer
both residential & day camps for general
interest, sport and art/music.
$10 Deposit is required but will be refunded at completion of course
Appropriate for ages 4 & up. Our mission
Monday Evenings at 5:30 PM is to share the joy of knowing and fol-
lowing Jesus Christ. Ad on page 16.
Starting March 30TH SPECIALTY CAMPS:
Tuesday Afternoons, 1 PM Car Race Video Game Creation – 1-
8 8 8 - 6 5 2 - 4 3 7 7 ,
Starting April 21 ST
w w w. g a m e b u i l d e rc a m p . c o m ,
Monday Evenings, 5:30 PM Philadelphia, Springside School: 6/29-
7/2.
Starting May 11TH Chess Camp – 888-65-CHESS. Three
9 Week Sessions locations & dates: Wyndcroft School,
at Lebanon Family Health Services
615 Cumberland St., Lebanon
ations
Nicotine Anonymous Support Group 4 Gen
er
Meets Mondays, 11:30 AM – Free
at The VA Medical Center
For more information call:
273-6741 or 273-8893 Bur-Pak Family Foods, Inc.
Let our experience work for you.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING® is a nine-session 98 E. Rosebud Rd. • Myerstown
stop smoking clinic.
717-933-5373 www.bur-pak.com
Professionally trained instructors help smokers Hrs: M-W-TH-F: 7:30-5; T noon-5 pm;
create a supportive environment to Sat 9 am - noon; Closed Sunday
break the smoking addiction. •Custom processing - beef or pork
272154
This program is funded by the PA Dept. of Health •Deer processing
through the Family Health Council of Central PA.
•Retail Sales of quality beef & pork
April 2009
Pottstown, June 15-19; Springside
School, Philadelphia, June 29-July 2;
Harrisburg Academy, Harrisburg, July 6-
10. Chess is a great way to hone strate-
gic thinking skills! Morning, afternoon &
all-day sessions are available. Anyone
(co-ed ages 5-16 yrs.) including begin-
ners are welcome. Group & sibling dis-
counts available. Register at www.chess-
camp.com.
Computer Animation Story Camp – 1-
8 8 8 - 6 5 2 - 4 3 7 7 ,
www.gamebuildercamp.com. In Potts-
town Wyndcroft School: 6/15-6/19 &
Philadelphia, Springside School: 6/29-
7/2.
Gamebuilder Creation Camp – 888-
652-4377.Wyndcroft School, Pottstown,
June 15-19; Springside School,
Philadelphia, June 29-July 2; Harrisburg
Academy, Harrisburg, July 6-July 10. We
combine learning and fun and bring it to
a whole new level. Your child (co-ed ages
5-16 yrs.) will actually design, develop
and create a one-of-a-kind video game.
Who thought learning could be this fun?
Register at
www.gamebuildercamp.com/video.htm.
Splat Studio Kid’s Art Camps - 717-
679-4294, Paramount Sports Complex,
21 Landings Dr., Annville, www.splatstu-
dio.net. Appropriate for ages 5-12.
Spirited people learning artfulness
together. Camps have been designed to
provide children with a broad spectrum
of quality creative opportunities. Kids can
express their individual ideas through the
use of unique materials & techniques.
Open House on Sunday, May 3, 1-3 pm.
Tuition discounts for summer camp at
open house. See website for description
of each camp. See ad on page 3.d on
Young Villagers Workshop – 717-949-
2244, Alexander Schaeffer Farm, Historic
Schaefferson. For children entering
grades 4, 5, 6, & 7. July 27-30, 10 am-3
pm. Hands on experience learning the
crafts of the 1700s; Fraktur, cooking over
an open fire, horses, homemade ice
cream, colonial games and toys, trap-
ping, weaving & spinning wool. See ad
on page 19.
SPORT CAMPS:
BNW Tennis Camps - 484-824-5029.
Tennis Camps for junior players ages 7-
15. Instructed by Brian Wardhammar,
USPTA, BNW Tennis Service, Sinking
Spring. Six weeks to choose from, begin-
ning June 15. Camps held at Green
Valley Counry Club. Call for registration
form.
Martial Arts Summer Camp - 717-272-
9890 www.liks.net, at Lebanon Isshinryu
Karate School Inc., Quentin Circle, 970
Isabel Drive, Lebanon. AAd on page 22.
____ 11 about families April 2009

Milk Chocolate
Wonka Egg Dove Dancing,
$3.99 Retail
Filled With
Solid Milk
Chocolate
Rocking,
Singing, Ear
SweeTarts!
Sunset $1.49 Plastic Filled Eggs
Rabbit
6 Oz.
Sunset Flopping
Nerds, Hubba Bubba, Snickers, Reeses
Easter Rabbit
2/$1 $1.99
$1.09 To $1.29 Each
$4.99
Retail $14.99 Retail

$5.99
Speckled
Malted Milk Mix Or Match
Sunset
Fruit Flavor Eggs Hershey’s Dark
Or Dove Milk
Jelly Beans 2 Oz. Basket
Size Bag Chocolate Great Basket
Stuffers!
11 Oz. Retail 99¢ Retail 49¢ Each Zachary Solid Chocolate
Sunset Sunset
Marshmallow Bunnies Hard
To
2/$1 7/$1 Eggs Retail 69¢ Ea.
Sunset
Chocolate Covered.
Find
Kid’s Favorite
Marshmallow
99¢ 3/$1
$1.79 Retail
Cadbury
Gummy & Marshmallow Ice
Peeps Sunset Cream Sundae W/Syrup, Mini Eggs
Yellow, Purple & Blue Solid Pink & Yellow Chocolate 2-Piece Slice Of Pizza, French Fries Dark Chocolate
15 Ct. Pkg. • Retail $1.29 W/Dipping Candy 7.6 Oz.
Sunset Barnyard Buddies Plastic Eggs Retail 99¢ Each Retail $2.49
$1.99 Retail

2/$1 Sunset 2/$1 69¢ 12 Pk. Sunset 4/$1 Sunset 99¢

Any Occasion 11”

Mylar Balloons Latex Large

*WE TAKE SPECIAL REQUESTS*

18" Mylar
Balloons Character
Balloons
$1.99
With High Float
If We Don't Only
Check The Merchandiser
For Our Weekly Ad
Have It, We Can
Get It For You! ONLY 50¢ $4.99
* Not Responsible For Typographical Errors
• Quantity Rights Reserved 1650 N. 7th Street, Lebanon, PA
(717) 272-4906
• While Supplies Last

We Accept
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.;
Food Stamps Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sun.
____ 12 about families
by Denise Morrison Yearian
B
irthdays are like milestones that
mark another year of growing,
another year of change. But for
many parents, these milestones are more
like millstones when deciding how to
celebrate their child’s birthday. But it
doesn’t have to be. Today there’s a
Unless the party is a sleep-over, it’s best to
keep it to two or three hours at the most.
plethora of do-it-yourself books for the
brave at heart. In fact, the biggest deci-
sion parents have to make is where to
have the party and what the theme will
be. So where do you begin? Your child.
Several weeks before his birthday, ask
your child how he would like to cele-
brate his big day. Tell him what the
options are based on your time, budget,
and preferences. Brainstorm together,
considering his interests and hobbies.
Can the party be centered on one of
these? Chances are you can incorporate
something that lets part of your child’s
personality shine.
After considering your child’s interest
and deciding upon a theme, make a
guest list. The recommended number of
children will depend upon whether the
party will be held inside or outdoors. If
the weather is nice and you’d like to
have the party outside, you could easily
invite 15 guests. However, if the party is
indoors, it’s best keep to no more than
ten children.
Another way to determine how many
children to invite is to consider the birth-
day child’s age. Some experts recom-
mend using a formula where the number
of guests coming is equal to one to one-
and-a-half times the child’s age. For
example, a 4-year old’s party would have
four to six friends; and 8-year-old’s
would have eight to twelve guests.
Whatever number you choose, keep it
manageable. You know your child, your
home, and your party-quotient capacity.
Unless the party is a sleep-over, it’s
best to keep it to two or three hours at
the most (one-and-a-half hours for chil-
dren 4-years and younger). To help you
decide how long the party should be
make a list of activities you're planning
and the approximate length of time each
one will take. Remember that a well-
planned party allows for both quiet
activities and active play. Guests should
be given time to warm up to the setting
upon arrival, release energy during the
party, and calm down before heading
home. Since the children will be arriving
at slightly different times, plan a simple
but flexible activity, such as decorating
goody bags, coloring a picture or making
a beaded necklace. This will keep them
busy and free you to welcome other
arriving guests.
When selecting games, consider the
number of children, their ages, and
whether the games will be held inside or
outdoors. Choose ones that are easy to
explain, fun to play, and will involve all
the children. Cooperative games are best
because they take the spotlight off any
one child and focus on the team as a
whole. Whatever activities you choose,
remain flexible. If the children aren’t
enjoying themselves, stop, and move on
to something else. Most important, plan
more activities than you’ll need. Nothing
spoils a party quicker than too much
time and little to do.
In serving food, it is best to stick to
the basics-sandwiches, pizza, veggie
strips and pretzels. If you want to make
the menu special, spruce up the way it is
presented. For example, sandwiches
could be cut into interesting shapes, or a
pizza could turn into a clown face with
pepperoni eyes, a cherry tomato nose
and a strip of green pepper for the
April 2009
mouth. The cake can be special, too, by
allowing the children to ice and deco-
rate their own cupcake. You don’t have
to go all out on decorations, either. A
few helium balloons and crepe paper
can make any room look festive.
When it comes to party favors, there’s
plenty of room for flexibility. On a tight
budget? Choose one fun, but inexpen-
sive toy related to the theme of the
party, or fill a bag with a blend of fun-to-
eat, but healthy treats. An activity such
as painting t-shirts or planting flowers in
pots is fun. The idea here is to be flexi-
ble, creative, and still stay within your
budget. What is the party theme? Is
there an activity or item you can pur-
chase that will reflect that theme?
If you are giving the party by your-
self, get help on the big day. An extra
pair of hands (or two or three!) is essen-
tial no matter what age the children are.
As you prepare a guest list, ask a few
close friends or relatives to come and
help. If there are no willing volunteers,
hire a teen. Chances are, he or she needs
the money and would enjoy the event.
Above all, remember that because
your child’s birthday comes only once a
year, it deserves recognition. The kind
of celebration you have will depend
upon your time, budget, and prefer-
ences. Whatever you choose, make it
special. Birthdays are, after all, like
milestones. They celebrate another year
of growth, another year of change.
Denise Yearian is the former editor of
two parenting magazines and the mother
of three children, who frequently writes for
About Families and other parenting publi-
cations.
 Developmental & Disability Services
of Lebanon Valley
1126 Walnut St., Lebanon, PA 17042
Ph.: (717) 274-3493 Fax: (717) 274-1304
www.ddslebanon.org
____ 14 about families
Teens and Sleep:
Turn Off Your iPod…
by Martha Wegner
J
ust when I thought I was nearing
the end of my parenting chal-
lenges, along came my daughter’s
adolescence; a whole new challenge unto
itself filled with questions about sex,
drugs, curfew, college entrance, and,
well, the list goes on. But who could
have anticipated this challenge: sleep.
We’ve trained these kids for sleep since
they were babies! But something hap-
Students whose report cards showed mainly As and
Bs were the same youngsters who usually went to
bed earlier on both school nights and weekends.
pened to my daughter’s ability to enter
peaceful slumber as she entered her
teenage years. Every night was a battle
to get her to go to bed. She had to listen
to her iPod. She needed to solve the lat-
est problem with her friend via text mes-
saging. When we told her “lights out,”
she whined and procrastinated. The
mornings? Don’t even get me started on
the mornings, because I sure couldn’t get
my daughter started in the morning.
World War III could not have gotten
Every child has the right…
pub•lic school (pub'lik skool)
n Community institu-
tion for the instruc-
tion of children;
where quality edu-
cation and dedicat-
ed educators help
students to achieve,
advance, excel, and
succeed.
Together: Making Public Schools Great for Every Child
Games, Arts and Crafts, Fire Trucks
and a Free Book “If You Were a Penguin”
from the Lebanon Library System
Brought to you by the Lebanon Valley Association
Allison started in the morning. I won-
dered just how many times can a person
hit the snooze button? And every morn-
ing she was late as she grabbed her toast
and ran to the bus stop. I pleaded with
her (over and over), “Why don’t you go
to bed earlier so that you can wake up
earlier and so that you are not nodding
off in class?”
It turns out that Allison is not alone.
According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP)’s book, Guide to Your
Child’s Sleep: birth through adolescence
(Villard, 1999), although most teenagers
need between 9 and 10 hours a sleep a
night, they get on average closer to 7
hours. Many teenagers experience what
the AAP calls “delayed sleep phase syn-
drome”: “Biological changes during
puberty bring about shifts in the sleep
phase [the number of hours in a 24-hour
period devoted to sleeping] that encour-
age teenagers to stay up late and conse-
Saturday, April 4, 2009
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Lebanon Valley Mall
for the Education of Young Children
April 2009
quently oversleep. Further complicat-
ing the matter, teenagers don’t like to
be told what to do, and many parents,
respecting their children’s urge
toward independence, tend to hold
back advice for fear of being accused
of nagging.” Because of this delayed
sleep phase, adolescents sleep less
than they need to on weeknights, and
then try to make up for it on week-
ends.
How did this happen?
AAP places the blame for this
common sleep phase shift on two cul-
prits: first, the hormonal surges of
puberty that reset the adolescent
body clock in such a way that young-
sters may not only feel sleepy pro-
gressively later, but may also be
inclined to wake later. Second,
teenagers are much more likely to
take part in social activities in the
evening, some as structured as athlet-
ic or play practice, some unstruc-
tured, but stimulating nonetheless,
such as time spent on the internet
chatting and texting back and forth to
friends. Many teenagers hold down a
part time job in addition to their stud- Why does it matter?
ies and social life.
Other than the fact that I was yelling
at my daughter at the end of the day and
at the start of every morning, and this
put us all in a very bad mood, what does
it matter? Hold on to your hat, the find-
ings are astounding.
AAP cites a number of studies which
found that school grades were a reliable
indicator of the hours spent sleeping.
Students whose report cards showed
mainly As and Bs were the same young-
sters who usually went to bed earlier on
both school nights and weekends. These
high achievers averaged about 35 more
minutes of sleep nightly than those who
got mostly Ds and Fs. In addition,
Share your teenagers who got the most sleep, and
who went to bed at about the same time
heart and
on school nights and weekends, were
more alert all day long. Also, those who
slept less and had erratic bedtimes were
your home. not only drowsy during the day; they
were also more likely to be depressed.
Finally, several studies have also shown
that teenagers who don’t sleep enough
Become a Professional have a higher rate of car crashes.
Foster Parent and… What Can We Do?
Patrick Friman, author of Good
make a difference in a Night, Sweet Dreams, I Love You: now
get into bed and go to sleep! (Boys Town
child’s life. Press, 2005) tells us that our responsibil-
ity for setting and enforcing rules does
Call CSG Chariots to find out more. not end, just because our kids have hit
their teens: “You should set and enforce
800-835-8821
bedtimes for your children, even when
those children are in middle school or
well into high school...Why? The biggest
2330 Vartan Way, Suite 204 reason is that middle school-aged and
Harrisburg, PA 17110 high school-aged children do not often
place rest high on their list of priorities.
continued on page 23
Why Day Camp?
____ 15 about families
by Marla Coleman
C
hildren learn life skills that
become habits of the heart.
One mother wrote that when
the family was on a ski trip, her son got
to the top of a steep hill and started to
Day camp is a terrific first experience. Reminiscent of less
complicated days, when people connected with nature…
panic. The mom said, “What would you
do if you were at camp?” and he pro-
ceeded to engage himself in positive
self-talk that was part of the camp cul-
ture: “It may take time, it may be hard;
but stick with it, and you’ll be fine!” He
skied down with a huge sense of accom-
plishment and perseverance.
It’s tough to be a kid these days. It’s
tough to be a parent. In a society where
the nature of the family, the work place,
and the community have changed dra-
matically, we can no longer assume that
the natural process of growing up will
provide children with the experiences
and the resources they need to become
successful, contributing adults. In sharp
contrast to the traditions of growing up
in the 50s and 60s, today we live in the
first moment when humans receive
Childbirth Chatter
P
ercent of mothers who had a
birth plan they discussed with
their practitioner: More than 70
■ Percent who say their delivery went
the way they dreamed it would: 16
■ Percent increase in births involving
midwives since 1990: 100
■ Typical cost savings from delivering
at a midwife-run birthing center
over a hospital: $1,500
■ Percent increase in twin births since
the 1980s: 60
■ Percent of pregnant women who
experience morning sickness: 50
■ Percent increase in a woman’s aero-
bic capacity during pregnancy: 5-10
■ Pounds supermodel and actress
Elizabeth Hurley gained during
pregnancy, then promptly lost: More
than 50
■ Months after giving birth to her first
child that England’s Paula Radcliffe
won the New York Marathon: 10
more of their information second-hand
than first! We are in a climate where it is
harder to know what we need to sur-
vive, so drawing on experiences that
give children healthy alternatives and
opportunities to instill capabilities – the
hallmarks of thriving – is the greatest
gift you can give a young child.
■ Does it really matter if my child does-
n’t go to day camp, especially since
she will go to overnight camp in a few
years? She is only four years old —
why does she need day camp?
Camp provides one of the very few
links with a world larger than the con-
sumer culture we inhabit — and day
camp is one important choice in a
quiver of options. The camp experience
helps children and youth develop an
appreciation of their place and their
responsibility in a much larger universe.
A preschooler — or even an older child
who might be reluctant to go to
overnight camp — can join a communi-
■ Cost of a BabyPlus Prenatal
Education System, recorded rhyth-
mic sounds to give baby an “intellec-
tual, developmental, creative and
emotional advantage” from birth:
$149.95
■ Number of articles mentioning Brad
Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s son Shiloh,
Hollywood’s “most influential
baby,” in his first year: More than
2,000
■ Percent of 3-month-olds who regu-
larly watch television, videos or
DVDs: 40
■ Cost of a Chelsea sleigh crib by Bratt
Décor, children’s furniture purveyor
to the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker
and Courtney Cox: $1,452
Sources: Baby Talk, Harvard Reviews of
Health News, Insight on the News,
123facts.com, Welcomebabyhome.com,
Chicago Athlete, iVillage.co.uk, Associated
Press, Geniusbabies.com, Yahoo.com,
Reader’s Digest, Brattdecor.com
April 2009
ty that is created especially for her to
practice growing up. Why wait until
age ten when the benefits of feeling
connected and being able to con-
tribute and navigate at an earlier
age can be reaped? Under the
supervision of inspiring guides
and passionate coaches, chil-
dren can feel successful and
make new friends while
having the time of their
lives; they can experience
belonging and contribu-
tion; they can have a sense
of consistency and pre-
dictability in times of tur-
bulence and change.
Day camp can
begin as early as
age three,
and is
geared
to chil-
dren who get to experience camp and skills and behaviors that become habits
still return home each evening! They of the heart. While many then move on
have the best of both worlds — the to overnight camp, others will be con-
camp community which is built exclu- tent to continue the day camp experi-
sively for kids and their own home ence: after all, there is a camp for every-
which provides the security they need at one — and that might well be day
a tender age. camp!
One day camp parent said, “While To learn more about camp and child
my children and I are constantly bom- development, please visit the American
barded by the news which is focused on Camp Association’s family-dedicated
what is wrong with the world, camp is a Web site www.CampParents.org, or call
living example of what is right.” the toll-free number 1-800-428-2267.
Day camp is a terrific first experi- Marla Coleman is the parent liaison at
ence. Reminiscent of less complicated Camp Echo in Burlingham, New York. The
days, when people connected with immediate past president of the American
nature, thrived on inter-generational Camp Association, she is a co-owner of
relationships, and made new discover- Coleman Family Camps, which includes
ies, everything is designed and scaled to Camp Echo and Coleman Country Day
ensure that children feel included, cared Camp.
Originally printed in CAMP Magazine,
about, and capable. Beginning camp at reprinted by permission of the American Camp
an early age provides important advan-
Association © 2005 American Camping
tages. Association, Inc.
Camp is the best demonstration of
moral and spiritual order — democracy
is the core purpose. Children learn life
Do You Want To Make Your
Family Stronger?
The Community Health Council of Lebanon County
is sponsoring
GUIDING GOOD CHOICES
a series of FREE workshops designed to improve
communication within the family.
2009 Parenting Workshop Schedule
Lebanon Family Health Services
6:30 - 8:30 pm Beginning April 22, 2009 Call 273-6741 to register
WORKSHOPS ARE FREE.
Food & Fun • Door Prizes • FREE Child Care
To find out more, call:
228-2150 www.communityhealthcouncil.com
 ____ 16 about families April 2009

Business
Opportunities
WILDTREE:
A young direct sales company with a full line
of all natural preservative-free, delicious, easy-
to-prepare foods. Home tasting parties are fun
87 Old Mine Rd.
and easy. Now is the perfect time to give us a
test drive! Risk free. If you love to eat,
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 273-6525
www.colettescookin.mywildtree.com

Childcare
CHILDCARE
in my Palmyra home, Monday-Friday, 7 am-5
pm. Meals and snacks provided. Twelve
months through five years. For more
information 717-648-1014. • Day Camps • Service Projects
BIRDSBORO LICENSED CHILDCARE
Monday-Friday 6:30 am-4:25 pm. I also have • Children’s Camps • Overnight Retreats
evenings and weekends available; evenings
classified
until 9:30 pm. I’m licensed with the State as a
safe childcare provier. Looking to fill part time
• Youth Camps • Challenge Course
positions at the moment and I will also be
• Corporate Team Building
Improve their children’s lives

interviewing for full time starting in August. Call

610-404-7646.

BRENDA'S DAY CARE

Childcare in my West Reading home, near Gretna Glen has over 200 acres of scenic hills and
hospital. Reasonable rates! Experienced
provider! Fun and learning, safe enviroment. woodlands, ideal for personal reflection, community
Full or part-time. Call Brenda, 610-375-3227. building and spiritual growth experiences
CHILDCARE for people of all ages
Inn my Mount Penn area home. Safe, loving
environment. Call Tammy, 484-663-0648.

EXETER MOTHER
Of two providing full-time, part-time, before
Contact us for a summer camp brochure or
and after school childcare. School bus trans-
portation available for Jacksonwald
retreat information!
www.gretnaglen.org
Elementary. Reasonable. 610-689-9078.
NORTHEAST CHILDCARE
1116 Perry Street, Reading has openings,
child-ren 18 months to 12 years. Toddlers do
not need to be potty trained. Will walk to 13th
and Union, and 12th and Marion Schools. Low
...sharing the joy of knowing and following Jesus Christ!
rates. 610-374-8442. www.northeastchild-
care.com

ANYTIME CHILDCARE:
Available every shift, Union Canal bus stops at

Classified Line Ads

house. 8 years experience, lots of fun and

10.00 up to 20 words;
learning activities. CCIS contracted.
Reasonable rates. Call for details. 717-450- $
4862.
50¢ each additional word.
CHILDCARE Select Category Below… Must be prepaid.
State certified family daycare home in
Fredericksburg has opening for one preschool
child. Twenty five years experience. Quality Baby Items Children’s Clothing For Sale Toys
care and reasonable rates. Call:Barb at 717-
865-5319. Business Opportunities Education/Instruction Health/Fitness Wanted
Camp Events/Recreation Household Items Yard Sale
CHILDCARE $2/HR Childcare Employment Miscellaneous
Monday-Friday, 6am-6pm, Large yard away
read by parents seeking ways to…

from street, Fort Indiantown Gap Area, Call

Jody, 717-865-5791 Print Line Ad in form below, printing one word per box. No abbreviations.
1 2 3 4
CHILDCARE OPENING(S).
Christian mother of three has first shift open-
ing(s) for childcare in her Cleona home. Meals 5 6 7 8
and snacks included. Fun, warm, loving
atmosphere. Contact Amy 717-272-5750.
9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16
Miscellaneous 17 18 19 20
SELLING OR REMODELING
Your home? Need help with repairs? Affordable
rates! Call 717-866-4025 or 484-529-0452. 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

Wanted
FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED
Strong families are needed for sibling groups Name Phone
and older children. Excellent training, support
and reimbursement provided. Call Families Address
United Network at 1-800-722-0136 or email
cstevison@families4kids
FOR FOSTER CHILDREN
City State Zip
Want a kitchen play set (would be delighted
with Step 2 LifeStyle Dream), a play work- Clip out, include your check and mail to:
bench sturdy quality with tools. Please call About Families Classified Ad, PO Box 840, Lebanon, PA 17042
only if yours is in good condition and priced
cheap please! 717-360-0285
____ 17 about families
ongoing
Reading Royals Ice Hockey – 610-898-7825
(www.royalshockey.com), Sovereign Center, 7th
& Penn Sts., Reading. 4/3 vs. Trenton Devils; 4/4
vs. Dayton Bombers @ 7:05 pm.
Hershey Bears Ice Hockey – 717-534-3380,
Giant Center, 550 West Hersheypark Dr.,
Hershey, 3/11 vs. Phila. Phantoms @ 7 pm; 4/12
vs. Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins @ 6 pm.
MOMS Club of Sinking Spring – 610-927-9491
(Kate, membership VP). Monthly meetings and
weekly playgroups for local at-home parents and
their young children. Call for more info.
Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death
Support Group – 610-401-5773, Immanuel
Church of Christ (UCC), Shillington, first Monday
of every month, 6-7 pm.
Parents Without Partners – 610-373-2215,
Met-Ed on Rt. 61, first Wednesday of every
month, 7 pm.
Annville Moms and Tots – 469-0975 (Tina),
Annville Church of the Brethren, East Maple &
Zeigler Sts., Annville, Wednesdays 9:15-10:45
am. A place for moms and their children to
socialize and make new friends.
Parents Time Out Parenting Support &
Information Group – 610-683-7790 voice mail
#3, meets first Thursday of every month.
Sponsor: Friend Inc. Community Services.
MOMS Club of Southern Berks County – 484-
955-9671 (Mary) or southernberksmomsclub@
gmail.com for location, 10 am, second Tuesday
of each month. All moms welcome!
Foster Parent Orientation – 717-560-1775,
Northlink Family Services, 24A East Roseville
Rd., Lancaster, third Thursday of every month,
5:30-6:30 pm.
Allentown Art Museum – 610-432-4333, Payne
Hurd Gallery, 31 North Fifth St., Allentown,
www.allentownartmuseum.org. “Slow Clay: The
Ceramic Art of Willi Singleton through 4/12.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition” –
www.fi.edu/Narnia or 215-448-1254, The
Franklin, Philadelphia, through 4/19/09. Offers
the perfect mix of education and entertainment.
DiscoverE – Explore, Experience, Enjoy – Hide
& Seekers – 610-796-3699, Nolde Forest
Environmental Education Center, 2910 New
Holland Rd., Reading, 10-11 am. For children
ages 4-5, must be accompanied by adult. First
Wed. & Thurs. of each month through May.
Birth Circle Lancaster County - James Street
Mennonite Church, Lancaster. For women to
share thoughts, feelings, wisdom, fears, joys, etc.
the second Tuesday of every month, 7-9 pm.
Cherry Blossom Festival - 610-375-4085, 800-
443-6610, or 610-373-4131, Take a ride on the
Schuylkill - celebrate spring! Two weeks of
april
events for the entire family in Reading and West
Reading. Call for details.
_______________________________________
2 pre-school aged grandchildren. Bring your
The Power of Parenting
www.wilsonctc.org, John Rosemond speaker,
Talk -
Wilson High School Auditorium, 2601 Grandview
Blvd., West Lawn at 7 pm (doors open at
6:15).Log on for registration information
3 12
Smucker’s Stats on Ice “On the Edge” – 201-
760-0200 ext. 104, The Giant Center in Hershey,
7:30 pm.
4 14
Hot Buffet Meal, Square Dance & Country
Music – 610-378-1327, Hamburg Field House,
Hamburg (Exit #30 off I-78), dinner buffet: 7-8
pm; Square Dance and music by “The
Majestics:” 8-11 pm.
Identifying Plants of Nolde Forest - 610-796-
3699 (email NoldeForestSP@state.pa.us), Nolde
Forest Environmental Education Center,
McConnell Hall (adjacent to Park Office Rd. park-
ing lot), 2910 New Holland Rd., Reading, 9-11.
Victorian Fashion Ball - 610-921-7715, Albright
College, Scholl LifeSport Center, 13th & Bern
Sts., Reading. The evening of living history
through fashion, dance and social graces will
begin at 6 pm. Guests may come dressed in peri-
od attire or black tie/formal wear. Log on at
www.albright.edu/centerforthearts/VictorianFash
ionBall/index.html
Becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister – 610-988-
4357, The Reading Hospital Conference Center,
5th Avenue Lobby entrance, 10-11:30 am.
Egg & Art Show 2009 - 610-777-4552, La Salle
Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, 11 am-6
pm. Also on 4/5, 11 am-4 pm.
5 A Visit With Henry David Thoreau - 717-692-
Easter Musical “Thank You For The Cross” -
717-866-5704, New Beginnings Grace Brethren
Church, Rt. 422, Myerstown (east of Rts. 422 &
501 intersection), 6 pm.
Egg & Art Show 2009 - 610-777-4552, La Salle
Academy, 440 Holland St., Shillington, 11 am-4
pm.
6
Foster Care Meeting – Concern Professional
Services, Greater Berks Office, 1 West Main St.,
Fleetwood, 6-8 pm.
7 19
Exeter Community Library – 610-406-9431,
4569 Prestwick Dr., Reading. Family Night Event
on 4/7 at 6:30 pm. Storytime, chance to take a
picture with a penguin character, hands-on activ-
ities, crafts for kids and parents, door prizes and
more. Every child that attends will also receive a
free paper back copy of the book, If You Were a
Penguin, to take home. Free, registration required
as space is limited!!!!
Breastfeeding Education – 610-988-HELP,
Health Education Center, Reading Hospital, 6:30
pm-8:30 pm, also on 4/19.
Infertility Support Group – 610-988-HELP,
Women’s Clinic, Ltd., The Reading Hospital and
Medical Center Doctors Office Building, Suite
245, 7 pm.
9 pm-8:30 pm.
Postpartum Depression Support Group – 610-
988-4357, Reading Hospital, Doctors Office
Building, Suite 125, 7 pm-8 pm.
10
Train Ride with Easter Bunny – 410-752-2490,
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 902 West
Pratt St., Baltimore, MD, 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm,
also 4/11.
Easter Bunny Train - 717-687-7522, Strasburg
Railroad, Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, Lancaster Co.
Also on 4/11 & 4/`12.
11
Train Ride with Easter Bunny – 410-752-2490,
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, 902 West
Pratt St., Baltimore, MD, 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm.
Identifying Plants of Nolde Forest - 610-796-
3699 (email NoldeForestSP@state.pa.us), Nolde
Forest Environmental Education Center,
McConnell Hall (adjacent to Park Office Rd. park-
ing lot), 2910 New Holland Rd., Reading, 9-11.
Grands Are Grand! - 717-291-3941, North
Museum of Natural History & Science, 400
College Ave., Lancaster (www.northmuseum.org)
10:30 am. Program for grandparents and their
favorite bear and touch real pelts, skulls claws!
Using the book, Blueberries for Sal, we’ll learn
about big, big bears.
Easter Bunny Train - 717-687-7522, Strasburg
Railroad, Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, Lancaster Co.
Also on 4/`12.
Easter Bunny Train - 717-687-7522, Strasburg
Railroad, Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, Lancaster Co..
Adoption Meeting – Concern Professional
Services, Wyomissing Office, 1120-B Hobart
Ave., Wyomissing, 6-7 pm.
Journey Through Pregnancy - The First Seven
Months– 610-988-HELP, Health Education
Center, Reading Hospital, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm.
16
OV PTO Preschool Story Hour – 610-987-4100,
Oley Valley Elementary School lobby, 10 am, sto-
ries, games, rhymes, crafts and snack.
17
A Visit With Henry David Thoreau - 717-692-
3699, Gamut Classic Theatre, 3rd Floor,
Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. Also 4/18 & 4/19.
April 2009
18
Springtime Scavenger Hunt – 717-865-5523,
Matthews Library, 1 pm. Register ahead of time in
either 3-7 age group or the 8-13 age group. Kids
will be challenged to find all kinds of pictures,
illustrations, and much, much more, all related to
books and reading. We’ll end it all with prizes and
refreshments.
3699, Gamut Classic Theatre, 3rd Floor,
Strawberry Square, Harrisburg. Also 4/19.
Nolde Volunteer Workdays - 610-796-3699
(email noldeforestsp@state.pa.us)., Nolde Forest
Environmental Education Center, 2910 New
Holland Rd., Reading. Option of working 9 am-
noon, 1 pm-3 pm, or all day. Dress for the weath-
er and wear suitable footgear, no sandals or
open-toed shoes. Also May 16.
Pancake Breakfast – 717-866-4939, Grace
UCC Church, 22 Church St., Richland, to benefit
the Richland Library, 6 am-11 am.
Earth Day Celebration – 610-916-2928 (email
katstoica@yahoo.com), Riverfront Park,
Riverfront Dr., Reading, noon-5 pm. Outdoor,
family-oriented event features educational, busi-
ness exhibits, music, food and children’s activi-
ties.
A Visit With Henry David Thoreau - 717-692-
3699, Gamut Classic Theatre, 3rd Floor,
Strawberry Square, Harrisburg.
Girls with Gears: A Women’s Cycling Event -
www.carolforheart.org, Limerick Community
Park, registration opens at 7 am. This event offers
something for everyone and is open to everyone.
Food, fun, door prizes and raffle to give away 3
Trek Bikes!
Breastfeeding Education – 610-988-HELP,
Health Education Center, Reading Hospital, 6:30
20
Foster Care Meeting – Concern Professional
Services, Wyomissing Office, 1120-B Hobart
Ave., Wyomissing, 6-7 pm.
21
Two-Part Seminar for Women - 717-866-5704,
New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church, Rt. 422,
Myerstown (east of Rts. 422 & 501 intersection),
7 pm-9 pm, part 2 on 4/23.
Journey Through Pregnancy: Preparing for
Delivery and Baby – 610-988-HELP, Health
Education Center, Reading Hospital, 6:30 pm-
8:30 pm.
22
Journey Through Pregnancy - Cesarean Birth
Night– 610-988-4357, Thunn/Janssen
Auditorium, Reading Hospital, 7 pm-8:30 pm.
23
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work®
Day - www.daughtersandsonstowork.org.
Two-Part Seminar for Women - 717-866-5704,
New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church, Rt. 422,
Myerstown (east of Rts. 422 & 501 intersection),
7 pm-9 pm, part 1 on 4/21.
24
Schuylkill Valley Middle School Musical - 114
Ontelaunee Dr., new theatre space/LGI in the
Middle School, Leesport, 7 pm. Also on 4/25.
25
2nd Annual Scrapbooking Spectacular - 610-
944-1225, Berks County Mothers of Boys
fundraiser to raise money for the Autism Society
of America. For more information, call.
Schuylkill Valley Middle School Musical - 114
Ontelaunee Dr., new theatre space/LGI in the
Middle School, Leesport, 7 pm.
Clothing Consignment Sale - email
events_St.Gabes@yahoo.com, St. Gabriel’s
Episcopal Church, 422 E. Douglassville.
Proceeds benefit the church.
28
Journey Into Parenting - Your Newborn Baby
– 610-988-HELP, The Reading Hospital
Conference Center, 5th Ave., Lobby entrance,
6:30 pm-8 pm, free.
may 1
May Day Fairie Festival - Spoutwood Farm,
continued on page 18
____ 18 about families
Calendar of Events…
continued from page 17
Glen Rock, noon-7 pm. Also 5/2 & 5/3 10 am-6
pm. Festivities include Maypole dancing, music,
parades, Artisan marketplace, hands-on-crafts,
tours, storytelling and much more.
Summer in the City Art Stroll: It’s Not Easy
Being Green - 610-562-3106, Downtown
Hamburg, 6-8:30 pm. Local artists display their
work along the streets, local businesses leave
their doors open to strollers, and performers and
musicians enhance the atmosphere of the
evening. Free admission.
2
Identifying Plants of Nolde Forest - 610-796-
3699 (email NoldeForestSP@state.pa.us), Nolde
Forest Environmental Education Center,
McConnell Hall (adjacent to Park Office Rd. park-
ing lot), 2910 New Holland Rd., Reading, 9-11.
May Day Fairie Festival - Spoutwood Farm,
Glen Rock, noon-7 pm. Also 5/3 10 am-6 pm
Details 5/1.
Sesame Place Opens – 215-752-7070, 100
Sesame Road, Langhorne.
Library Activities
Berks County
Boone Area Library – 610-582-5666, 129 N. Mill
St., Birdsboro. Preschool story time for ages 3-6
years old held on Mondays, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20
& 4/27 at 10:30 am, 1:30 & 6:30 pm. Basic com-
puter class held on Wednesdays, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15,
4/22, 4/29 at 1:30-2:30 pm and on Thursdays,
4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30 at 6:30-7:30 pm. Note:
There will be a special book sale/plant & puzzle
swap on 4/11, 10 am-2 pm.
Exeter Community Library – 610-406-9431,
4569 Prestwick Dr., Reading. Family Night Event.
Details under 4/7. Also, 4/29 J. Patrick Lewis,
Is the Economy
The Truth about Unhealthy
Relationships with Foods in Times of Stress
Triggering Potential Eating Disorders?
by Dr. Stacey Rosenfeld
L
ife is tough right now and as a
result, people are turning to
food. Job loss means more time
on your hands to eat. Fear and anxiety
over paying the bills can mean turning
to food for comfort. Stressed out men
and women are eating more than their
bodies need.
Just like turning to alcohol, many
author of many popular books for young readers,
will be sharing his poetry with adults & school
age children. His books include “Please Buy Me
inthe Library,” “The Bookworm’s Feast A Potluck
of Poems,” “ArithmeTickle,” and more, 6-8.
Muhlenberg Community Library – 610-929-
0589, 3612 Kutztown Rd., Laureldale. Used book
sale on Saturday, 3/28, 9 am-4 pm; on 3/30 &
3/31, 10 am-8 pm. Preschool Story-times for
children 3-6 years old every Thursday, 4/2, 4/9,
4/16, 4/30, 10:30 am & 1:30 pm. Toddler Story-
times for children 6-36 mos. old and their adult
caregiver on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 4/7, 4/8,
4/14, 4/15, 4/21, 4/22, 4/28 & 4/29, 10:30 am.
Reading Public Library – 610-655-6355, 100 S.
5th St., Reading. Children’s Programs: Chess
Club, Mondays at 4:15 pm; Family Night
Storytime, Mondays at 7 pm; Movie night,
Tuesdays at 6 pm; Crafty Corner, Thursdays at 4
pm; Storytime, Saturdays at 2 pm. Log on at
www.reading.lib.pa.us/upcomingevents.asp.
Village Library of Morgantown – Walnut Street,
Morgantown. Toddler story time for ages 18 mos.
to 21/2 yrs. on Mondays, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, 4/20,
4/27 at 11 am-noon; Toddler story time for ages
one to 21/2 yrs. held on Tuesdays 3/31, 4/7, 4/14,
4/21 at 10-11 am; Preschool story time for ages
3-4 yrs. held Wednesdays 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22,
4/29 at 10-11 am; Author story time for ages 3-4
yrs. held on Thursdays 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30
at 4-5 pm.
Wernersville Public Library - 610-678-8771,
100 N. Reber St., Wernersville: Preschool story
hour on Wednesdays.
West Lawn/Wyomissing Hills Library – 610-
678-4888, West Lawn.
Womelsdorf Community Library – 610-589-
1424, 203 W. High St., Womelsdorf. Storyrider
Joy for preschool on 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28 @
11:15 am-12:15 pm. Evening story time on 4/14
@ 6:30-7:30 pm; Story time on 4/1, 4,8, 4/15,
people overeat during stressful times in
order to cope with difficult emotions.
And this economic environment is trig-
gering it more than ever before
between job loss and making ends
meet.
We all nosh occasionally when we
are sad, anxious, angry, or have too
much time on our hands. However
when it becomes the norm – every day
4/22 & 4/29 @ 10:30-11:15; Family movie night
on 4/15 @ 6-8 pm; Classic Movie Afternoon on
4/9 @ 2:30-4:30 pm. Meet the Easter Bunny &
Craft Night 4/7 @ 6:30-7:30 pm.
Wyomissing Public Library – 610-374-2385, 9
Reading Blvd., Wyomissing. Preschool/
Elementary Story time 4/7, 4/14, 4/21 @ 4 pm for
ages 3-11 yrs; Special Storytime “Yoga Pretzels
for Kids” @ 4 pm; Preschool Story time 4/1, 4/8,
4/15, 4/22 & 4/29 @ 10 am for ages 3-5 yrs.;
Toddler Story time 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30 @
10 am for ages 18 mos. to 3 yrs. Earth Day
Celebration at Happy Hollow Park on 4/25 @ 10
am-1 pm.
Lebanon County
One Book Every Young Child Program
2009 - The Lebanon County Libraries will host
author visits and hold penguin-themed activities
and events throughout April for children and their
parents. See individual libraries for more info.
Mark your calendar for 4/4 Lebanon County
Library System: penguin stories, crafts & book
give-away at the Children’s Festival, Lebanon
Valley Mall, 10 am-2 pm
10th Annual Poetry Contest for children up to 8th
grade and children up to 9th grade level.
Contestants must live in Lebanon County and be
member of the Lebanon County Library System.
Deadline for entry is 4/17/09.
The Lebanon Community Library now open
64 hours a week. The new library hours are
Monday through Wednesday, 8 am-8 pm; Thurs.
8 am-6 pm; Friday and Saturday 8 am-5 pm.
Family Story Time with Penguin activities on 4/22
@ 6:30 pm.
Annville Free Library – 717-867-5754, 216 E.
Main St., Annville. Hrs.: M-Th 10-8; Fri. & Sat. 10-
5. Author Florence Minor and illustrator Wendell
Minor, If You Were A Penguin, will visit on 4/3 at
10:30 am. • Spring 2009 story times: Preschool,
15 week program on Tues. or Thurs. at 10:15 pro-
with no control – it could be a sign that
you are using food more than you
should. This is not only dangerous for
people who are struggling with their
weight or have a history of issues with
food, but also for those with no previ-
ous issues.
Here are some suggestions to return
to a healthier relationship with food:
Trash the diet: The more you try to
restrict your food, the more you are
likely to find yourself compensating by
overeating. Diets do not work because
it makes us feel deprived, especially
during stressful times.
Nourish your body: Make sure you
are nourishing your body the right way
by eating breakfast, lunch and dinner
daily and that each meal includes pro-
tein, fats and carbohydrates. Snacks
are important, particularly when you
are craving a certain taste or texture.
Allow yourself sweets in moderation.
You will overdo less if you do not have
a deprivation mentality.
Practice the art of intuitive eating:
Only eat when you are hungry and
always stop when you are full. Listen to
your body and learn to identify your
own hunger and fullness.
April 2009
gram ends April 30 (no story times on 4/7 & 4/9).
Baby storytimes 4/14, 4/21 & 4/28 for pre-walk-
ers (0-12 mos.) @ 10:15 am; for walkers (12-24
mos.) @ 11:15 am.
Lebanon Community Library – 717-273-7624,
125 N. 7th St., Lebanon. 4/22 Family story time
with Penguin activities, 6:30 pm. Story time held
each Tues. at 11 am and each Thurs. at 9 am.
Geared for children 3-5. Due to limited space,
parents are asked not to attend the story times
with their child.
Matthews Public Library – 717-865-7492
(Cindy), 102 W. Main St., Fredericksburg. Hours:
Mon-Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 9-4. Story time for
toddlers and preschoolers–includes story and
craft–every Wednesday at 10 am. Springtime
Scavenger Hunt, 1 pm. Details under 4/18.
Myerstown Community Library – 717-866-
2800, 199 N. College St., Myerstown. Penguin
Play 4/24 @ 10 am and 1 pm. Spring Magic Silent
Auction on 4/4 @ 6 pm-9 pm. Meet Mr. Lincoln on
4/14 @ 6 pm-8 pm.
Palmyra Public Library – 717-838-1347, 325 S.
Railroad St., Palmyra. Author Florence Minor and
illustrator Wendell Minor, If You Were A Penguin,
will visit on 4/3 at 1:30 pm. Penguin party, 4/14.
Games, crafts and food. Registration required;
attendance limited to 50 children. Storytime for
3-Year old: 4/1@ 10;30-11 am, also 11:30 am-
noon. Storytime for 3-Years old thru kindergarten
6:30 pm-7 pm. Storytime for 4-Years old: 4/3 @
10:30-11 am and 1:30-2 pm. Meet the Authors
Event geared for children ages 3-6 4/3 @ 1:30-
2:15 pm. Storytime for 4-Years old thru kinder-
garten, 4/3 @ 1:30-2 pm.
Richland Community Library – 717-866-4939,
111 E. Main St., Richland. Penguin Pajama Party
on 4/14 @ 6:30 pm. Participants are encouraged
to come in their pjs and bring their favorite stuffed
animal.
Acknowledge that food will not
solve the problem: If you are eating
when you are not hungry, ask yourself
“Is this going to solve my problem?”
Instead, seek out social support from
family and friends, exercise regularly,
and focus on taking practical steps
toward improving your situation. This
might involve redoing your resume,
talking with your boss about another
project you might start, looking into
refinancing your home, etc.
Seek professional help: If you can-
not do it on your own, it is okay. You
are not alone. Schedule a consultation
with a therapist or counselor for sup-
port and to learn healthier coping skills
to get you through.
Stacey M. Rosenfeld, Ph.D. is a
licensed clinical psychologist with a pri-
vate practice in New York City. She is also
a staff psychologist at Columbia University
Medical Center and the Chief Psychologist
for the New York City Triathlon. She spe-
cializes in the treatment of eating disor-
ders, addictions, anxiety and depression,
and relationship issues, as well as sports
psychology. For more information on Dr.
Rosenfeld or to schedule an appointment,
visit www.staceyrosenfeld.com.
Archie Comics
____ 19 about families
What A Half-Million Teens Read Each Month
by Lauren Shapiro
T
hey’ve been in Riverdale High
School for 67 years, and there’s
still no graduation or retire-
ment date in sight. I’m speaking, of
course, of Archie, Jughead, Betty and
Veronica.
Archie Comics have partnered with high schools
and colleges for art internships.
Interested in getting kids to read for
pleasure? Archie comics range from 32-
page magazines, to 176-page “double-
digests” – in other words, books.
Although Archie is an average student,
in a suburban, non-magical world, his
readership numbers rival those of
Harry Potter. While they are very dis-
similar – one is epic literature, one is a
comic book – both have the magical
pull of the series; and both draw read-
ers with recognizable school-life char-
acters. Archie’s world is populated by
Principal Mr. Weatherbee, Miss
Grundy (English), Professor
Flutesnoot, Coach Cleat, Ms. Beazley
(cafeteria), and Pop Tate who runs the
Chocklit Shoppe, “the perfect place for
quality time wasting;” students Dilton
(brainy), Reggie (wise-guy), Moose
(dyslexic), Ethel (boy crazy), and
Church (cartoonist).
Fred Mausser, Co-President/Director
of Circulation at Archie Comics
Publications, says about 515,000 mostly
7-14 year olds, buy an Archie comic per
month; and there is a significant pass-
along readership. Archie Comics
Publications receives “thousands of let-
ters a month, running the gamut from
comments, criticisms, and suggestions
regarding the characters and storyline,
comparisons to things in the life of the
reader, questions on the history of the
Archie characters and requests for
additional characters. These are in
addition to the “Dear Betty” fashion
questions. Readers even send their pic-
tures. The website, archiecomics.com,
publishes selected letters and “fan art.”
Some is quite impressive; all of it shows
voluntary effort.
With or without the optional mail-
for-me!-thrill of a subscription, Archie’s
noteworthy education tool. Mr.
Mausser says, “Archie’s been used in
curriculums. We’ve done custom
comics: Archie & His Friends Help Raise
Literacy Awareness in Mississippi;
Archie & Friends vs. Toxic Waste – for
San Diego city and county of; Archie &
His Pals In The Peer Helping Program,
April 2009
for the FBI and the ELKS; Archie and always contempo-
His Friends in Westchester - on drinking rary.”
for Westchester County; Energy & The girls are
Safety Adventures - join project with fashion-obsessed
DC Comics for Con Edison. (I told you it was
“We don’t get preachy in the not a magical
comics,” Mausser continues, “ but we world) but they
care about getting good grades; and
they have no eating disorders. They like
to eat and are drawn to look 120
pounds.
Archie Comics have partnered with Veronica are on the cover at their
high schools and colleges for art intern- eponymous bears’ exhibit and Jughead
can come up with a curriculum or a cus- ships. Stephen Oswald, Associate Art says, “There’s something familiar about
tom comic on anything. Some regular Editor says the interns do “copying, a those bears.”
(non-custom) books were: The Archies lot of the art work, helping out the pro- There’s something familiar and reas-
go to the Los Angeles Public Library; duction artists, scanning, photocopying, suring about Archie.
Archie Visits The World Famous Salt some of the hand coloring.” Lauren Shapiro is a dance accompanist
Lake City Library. Archie’s a role In 1995 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife at Dance Theatre of Harlem and at
Columbia University. She has a B.A. from
model. Everything’s always on the up Service brought four grizzly bears from
Queens College, and a B.Mus. from
and up, there’s never any violence. the wild to the Bronx Zoo and they Manhattan School of Music. Previous no-
Archie respects the law, his teachers, were named Jughead, Archie, Betty, table publications include "Tempo Primo"
his elders, his parents. There are little and Veronica. In 2004 Archie Comics in "I Thought My Father Was God – NPR’s
pranks, but they never get beyond that. Publications sponsored Extreme National Story Project" 2001 and numer-
He’s kept up with the times in terms of Survivors Weekend at the Zoo, giving ous articles on dance music. She may be
clothing, cell phones, and iPods. He cartooning lessons and creating a spe- reached at laurengshapiro@gmail.com
uses everything that’s current; he’s cial comic. Jughead, Archie, Betty, and
New!
Martial Arts Programs
for Men, Women & Children
Hapkido
Self-Defense &
Isshinryu
102 N. 3rd St., Womelsdorf
610-589-5213 • www.ljsfitness.net
Young V illagers Workshop
Historic Schaefferstown
July 27-30
10 am-3 pm
Open to children
going into grades
4, 5, 6, 7
Held at Alexander
Schaeffer Farm
Hands on experience learning the
crafts of the 1700s
Possible features offered:
•Fraktur •Cooking Over an Open
Fire•Horses •Homemade ice cream
•Colonial games and toys •Trapping
•Spinning wool •Weaving
Call 717-949-2244
Cost $45 for HSI members & grandchildren of
HSI members and $65 for non-HSI members
____ 20 about families April 2009
____ 21 about families April 2009

Mt. Gretna Roller Rink

on Rte. 117 in Mt. Gretna
We have four types of party
facilities, each offering a
unique and festive
atmosphere.
Private Parties Available
•Ice Cream Parlor
www.mtgretnarollerrink.com •Showtime Theatre Indoor
3 Party Packages!
•Outdoor Pavilions Playground
•Kottages/Kabins
Birthday child receives a stuffed animal BASIC PARTY INCLUDES Birthday Parties for Kids
or outfit of their choice FREE!
birthday parties • summer camps • home workshops Admission, skate rental, soda & paper products
Call for more information.
See our website for a Calendar of events & more information: ~ or ~ 5 & Under
day care • preschools • play groups • scouts Sat. or Sun. Afternoon $5 per child www.twingrove.com Enjoy our Indoor Playground
Fri. or Sat. Nite $6 per child Make your child’s next birthday special by coming to Twin
during Regular Business Hours
Shannon Moyer, Ind.CM Grove Resort and Campground. Be creative and

717-865-7999 HOTDOG OR PIZZA PARTY
Sat. or Sun. Afternoon
www.noahsarkworkshop.com/shannonmoyer2992 Fri. or Sat. Nite $7 per child
call for details.
964-3631 OR 653-6739
(717) 228-0501
“Build-A-Birthday” to meet your child’s birthday
wishes while staying within your budget.
$6 per child
Each Twin Grove party room comes with our complimentary Private Rental Available
Birthday Butler, a skilled assistant who will stay with you Call for Reservations
during the party to act as your host and helper.
2 0 5 N a r r o w s D r. , L e b a n o n
1445 Suedberg Rd., Pine Grove, PA
Hours: Tues through Friday 10-3
717-865-4602
For more info – Call Birthday Butler @ 717.865.4602 ext #3011
Friday evenings 6-9, Sat 10-1

WE HAVE AN EX
TR
LARGE SELECTIO A
PAPER ITEMS N OF
FOR EVERY
OCCASSION & TH
GAMES •30 Different Co EME.
BALLOONS & a bag of balloons can •Ring Toss •Spin Art To Choose Fromlors
A helium tank •Putt n’ Win •Butterfly Safari •The Wiggles
Indoor Pool and Hot Tub Only $150 make your party a gu
success
aranteed •A Dunk Tank •Plinko •Color Wheel •Bob the Build
•Giraffe Kiddie Strike •Bean Toss •Thomas the Taer
Meeting Room up to 30 People Parental Supervision Required •Bingo Set •Trunk Toss •Winnie the Po nk Engine
•Finding Nemooh
Four Hours of Fun No Lifeguard on Duty BOUNCE RI DES 5)
•Mini Hoop •Frog Flinger •Strawberry Sh
stle 8x8 (ages 3- •Inflatable Basketball •Clifford •Shrortcake
•Bubba’s Ca •Dunk Tank •Cow Milking Contest ek 2
We Will Set Up and Clean Up Sunday Bookings Only 13x13
•Bubba’s Castle d 13x13
ALSO AVAILABL
■
E
•Clown-A-RounCastle Slide
Communion ■
Baptism
■ Graduation ■
For more information or reservations •Train 13x13 • x15 Confirmation
call: Debbie Rosairio @ ext. 100 •Fun House 15 ouse 15x15
350 West Chocolate Avenue, •Mickey’s Fun H
Hershey, PA 17033
717-534-2162 955 E. Main St., Annville
(717) 867-7560 • toll free: 1-888-478-1656 FAX: 717-867-7564
www.tentsandevents.net email: request@tentsandevents.net

C
K?<LCK@D8K<9@IK?;8PG8IKPGC8P<OG<I@<E:<
oming GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
in April…
CREATE & BOUNCE
SUMMER CAMP

$
25 OFF
>FF;F==8EP9@IK?;8PG8IKP
EFK8GGC@:89C<FELALE@FI
EFK:FD9@E89C<%<OG1'*&*(&'0
NOT COMBINABLE. EXP: 04/30/09
717-838-0848 or www.bounceu.com

1251 E. Main Street ■ Annville ■ 717-867-0766 *(/K8O@N8P;I@M<›?<IJ?<P›.(.$/*/$'/+/›nnn%YfleZ\l%Zfd

____ 22 about families
See the Beginnings
Maternity Center
from inside one of our
luxurious rooms
or from one of yours.
Now offering multiple opportunities for you
to see how we deliver maternity care.
Touring the region’s top-of-the-line birthing
center is now more convenient than ever.
A personalized walking tour of the Beginnings
Maternity Center is available at one of our
upcoming events. Or you can tour the state-of-
the-art Center in the comfort of your own home
virtually by visiting www.readinghospital.org.
Touring the Center will show you how we add a
premium level of luxury to a birthing experience
that is unsurpassed in the region. And you’ll get
acquainted with some of our features including
all-private rooms, the safety of the county’s
only Level III Neonatal Intensive
Exceptional Medicine. Extraordinary Care.
Care Unit, and care provided by physicians and
nurses who are ranked nationally in patient
satisfaction for clinical expertise, friendliness,
and attention to personal needs.*
When you’re expecting,
we deliver the best.
To tour the Center or learn more about our
services, physicians, and prenatal education,
visit www.readinghospital.org,
or call 610-988-HELP.
Join us at one of our upcoming FREE events.
Call 610-988-HELP for event details.
*Source: Press Ganey, an independent company
selected by more than 7,000 hospitals to
measure patient satisfaction
April 2009
by Diane Moorhead
Stained Glass Easter Card
Materials Needed:
✔ Crayons (3-4 colors works best)
✔ Wax Paper
✔ Scrap paper (paper grocery bags or comput-
er paper)
✔ Construction Paper
✔ Pencil Sharpener (one with a larger hole
for crayon size)
✔ Iron and Ironing Board (with adult help)
✔ Cross Template
✔ Craft Glue
Directions:
1. Set iron to medium heat.
2. Take a piece of wax paper, fold in half,
open up and lay wax paper on top of
scrap paper.
3. Sharpen crayons and put shavings on the
wax paper, fold wax paper and place 5. Trace and cut out desired size of cross.
another piece of scrap paper on top of Cookie cutters make excellent patterns.
the wax paper. Hold heated iron on 6. Fold construction paper in half and glue
paper for about ten seconds. Make sure cross on to the front of the card and add
wax is melted. your greeting on the inside.
4. Let Cool.
Our Program Features:
- Martial Arts - Fitness
- Crafts - Field Trips and fun!
Plus We Teach:
- Respect - Self Discipline
- Focus - Leadership Skills
Lebanon Isshinryu Karate School, Inc.
Quentin Circle, 970 Isabel Drive, Lebanon • (717) 272-9890
Visit Our Website! www.liks.net
Congratulations! You Just Found It!
Smith’s Candies has the largest variety of all your Easter Favorites!
✔ Check out our huge selection of plush toys,
scented candles, cards, novelties and so much more!
A third generation candy family Since 1951
Route 422, Myerstown • 717-866-5336
Mon.-Fri. 9-8; Sat. 9-5
____ 23 about families
Turn Off Your iPod!
continued from page 14
True, if left to their own devices, they
would probably get enough sleep to be
able to function for a week or maybe
even two. But most likely they would
quickly be using the weekends to catch
up on lost sleep.” Specifically, he sug-
gests setting a strict bedtime and then
limiting the extent to which extracurricu-
lar activities, homework, and undone
chores interfere with that time.
David Walsh, author of Why do They
Act That Way?: a survival guide to the
adolescent brain for you and your teen
■ Annville
Annville Family Practice
Annville Free Library
Antique Depot
Bounce U
Kindermusik at Leb.Valley College
Kettering Corner
The Lazer Factory
Laudermilch Meats
Paramount Sports Complex
Sunoco A Plus
Turkey Hill
■ Campbelltown
Turkey Hill
■ Colebrook
Collins Grocery
■ Cornwall
Police Station
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
■ Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Area Library
Redner’s
■ Jonestown
BG’s Value Market
Camp Bashore
KOA Campgrounds
Krall’s General Store
Lickdale General Store
Turkey Hill
■ Lebanon
Alley Family Center at DDS
Blouch Mobile Convenience Store
Bonnie Kupp School of Dance
Cedar Lanes Bowling Alley
Leona Ewing, D.O.
Foodland
Friendly’s Family Restaurant
Giant Foods (E. Cumberland)
Good Samaritan Hospital
Harpel's
Heisey’s Diner
Hess Gas Station
Ingram & Daugherty Orthodontists
Kapp Advertising “Merchandiser”
Kenbrook
Kugo Japanese Steak House
Hibachi & Sushi Bar
Lebanon Community Library
Lebanon County MH/MR
Lebanon Farmer's Market
Lebanon Pediatric Association
Martin’s Fabric Barn
Mel’s Diner
April 2009
(Free Press, 2004) suggests removing over her bedtime and waking...You can night’s sleep.
stimulation at night. “Limiting caffeinat- even lead her toward a solution by A word of caution, children who con-
ed beverages, TV, video games, and explaining how to shift the sleep phase tinue to have problems adjusting their
phone after nine or ten can help convince back, and you can provide the tools she sleep phase may be experiencing other
the adolescent brain that it’s time for needs, such as a clock radio and a loud problems such as depression, school
bed. ...Quiet reading, quiet music, and alarm...However, if the program is to avoidance, or other medical issues which
other mellow activities are good ways to work, your teenager has to want to should be dealt with by your pediatri-
make the transition to sleep time. She change and be prepared to take responsi- cian.
still may not fall asleep till eleven, but bility for following a new sleep schedule, As Patrick Friman so kindly reminds
that’s a lot better than one a.m.” including weekend wake-ups, on her us, “Children who have clearly set
The truth is, we can do what we can to own.” You can lead a horse to water, expectations, consistency in their sched-
set a climate for better sleep habits, but well, you know the rest. ules, and routine requirements (chores),
as the AAP suggests, “A key to success is For a year I led Allison to the water, all established by or flowing from their
requiring the teenager assume control with few results except comments on parents, have much greater access to
how I was “ruining her life” and “punish- happiness than children who are left to
ing her.” Then after a full year of us their own devices.” Do not give up! The
We are pleased to be distributing enforcing a bedtime routine, Allison results, although sometimes long in com-
About Families through schools, daycare started to go to bed on time without com- ing, are worth it.
centers, doctor and dental offices and these plaint! I was, I am, beside myself with Copyright Martha Wegner
convenient locations throughout our County: joy. I asked her, “What made you start martha@marthawegner.us
going to bed at 10:00?” Her reply, “Oh, I Martha Wegner lives in St. Paul,
just got sick of falling asleep in class all Minnesota with her husband and 2 chil-
the time.” I’d like to think my efforts dren. To read more of her essays go to
made her see the wisdom of a good www.marthawegner.us.
■ Lebanon
Merchandiser Office
Nazeeri, Dr. M
CHRISTMAN’S FUNERAL HOME, INC.
Philhaven DOUGLAS E. REDINGER - SUPERVISOR
Plaza Apartments Locally Owned Since 1951
SARCC & Leb. Fam. Health Serv. • PRE ARRANGEMENT COUNSELING • SERVICING ALL DENOMINATIONS
Spike Karate • PRE FINANCED FUNERALS • FULL PARKING FACILITIES
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church • TRADITIONAL SERVICE • CREMATION SERVICES
Sunset Grocery Outlet WE WORK WITH YOUR 226 Cumberland
Turkey Hill RELIGIOUS BELIEFS 272-7431 Lebanon, PA
Women’s Health Center
YMCA
Youth Advocate Program
Own it on
■ Mt. Gretna
Mt. Gretna Roller Rink
Mt. Gretna Hide-A-Way
Philhaven
■ Myerstown
DVD 3-3-09!
Country Fare Restaurant
Dutch-Way Farm Market
ELCO Family Health Center
Hornings Market
Kumm Esse Diner
Myerstown Community Library
Shape Shoppe,The
Smith’s Candies
Turkey Hill
12-year old Ace Ventura Jr.
■ Newmanstown
Len’s Food Market Like father, like son, it’s in
■ Palmyra his nature to be a pet
Dairy Queen defective - detective!
Hometown Family Diner And when a zoo’s
Ingram & Daugherty Orthodontists
Palmyra Public Library baby panda is
Paramount Sports Complex stolen and Ace’s
Pages Card & Gift mom is Suspect
Redner's
Sheetz #1, our young hero
Turkey Hill sets out to clear the
■ Pine Grove family name. Ready
Twin Grove Park for fun? Alrighty-then.
Pine Grove KOA
Ace-Ace Jr. - is on the
■ Quentin
Quentin Haus case!
■ Richland
Richland Community Library
Willow Springs Park
■ Schaefferstown ACE VENTURA, ACE VENTURA PET DETECTIVE, DESIGN and CATCHPHRASES are trademarks of
B&B’s Morgan Creek. Ace Ventura Jr. Pet Detective © 2008 Morgan Creek, Supplementary Material
Dutch-Way Farm Market Compilation © 2009 Morgan Creek and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Good’s Store Distributed by Warner Home Video, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522. All Rights reserved.
____ 24 about families April 2009

Complete family-centered care for you and your baby.

At The Good Samaritan Hospital, you’ll get the family-focused care you need to form new relationships and
explore new responsibilities. Our New Beginning Birth Suites offer a nurturing, peaceful, and private place for
families to bond. Here, you’ll stay in your suite for both labor and delivery and baby stays with you. Plus,
immediate family can visit anytime, 24 hours a day.

Start your family care with a dedicated nurse to guide you from the final months of your pregnancy through the
first week home. You’ll also appreciate our family birthing and parenting classes, certified breastfeeding counselors,
and on-site car seat checks to ensure your new family member gets home safely. For a family-centered new
beginning, start here.

717-270-7500 | www.gshleb.org