cover shot - Austin Family

Transcription

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | December 2013 |
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| December 2013 | austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com
Visit our advertisers.
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inside
12/13
austinfamily • smart parenting • healthy homes
columns
10 Test Drive
Game reviews by ESRB, www.esrb.org
Toy reviews by local testers
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12 Lifelines by Sara Rider
Bridging generations
Helping those with Alzheimer’s disease
Q&A with
Kendra Scott
Melanie Dunham
14 The Learning Curve by Jennifer VanBuren
Beyond the bachelor’s degree
Alternate paths to success
22 Family Connections by Richard Singleton
Bigger, better, faster, MORE!
Coming up next in the tech world
29 Family Matters by Dr. Betty Richardson
Fake it till you make it
51 Films by Jack Kyser
Captain Phillips
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52 Humor by Shannon Cook
What’s in a name?
All around the world
Christmas edition
Jan Pierce, M.Ed.
extras
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41
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37
Holiday Camp Guide
Holiday Gift Guide
Smart Screen Time
Focus on Doctors
calendar
Winners
42 Family Events
46 Storytimes
47 Parenting Events
in every issue
38
Germ warfare
at the grocery store
Alma Moussa
7 Play It Safe Product recalls
8 Around Austin
49 Kidzone Make your own snowflake
The Thinkery
50 Book Recommendations
Pam Heller
tune in
cover shot
Waylon, 21⁄2, loves animals, spending time with
his family and playing outdoors.
Cover photographed by
Todd White Photography
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editor’s note
BY MELANIE DUNHAM
The end of the year always brings with it several key ingredients: reflection, jubilation and, of course, lots of stress. Put those together and you’ve got a jumbled concoction that can make or break the holiday season. Choosing optimism can bring
things back into focus and allow families to enjoy the blessings of the season, and it
is for that reason that I put forth great effort to stay positive and soak in as much of
the good as I can. I’d much rather savor the wonder of Christmas and New Year’s
than simply survive.
With that in mind, our editorial this month will help you and your family find the
best ways to stay happy and healthy and avoid the toxins that undermine what
should be a merry season. First up, we have our Q&A featuring Austin-based jewelry
mogul Kendra Scott, who famously took her last dime and turned it into a multi-million dollar corporation. Her brand now spans across the country and probably into
many of your homes. You can also read up on how Christmas is celebrated around the
globe, from Wales way down to New Zealand. This might reinforce the “When I was
your age…” argument our parents liked to trot out when expectations ran a little too
high, but will help keep things in perspective while opening eyes to other cultures.
And what could be worse than getting sick when you’re the busiest you’ve been all
year and most looking forward to fun and festivities? Entrepreneur Alma Moussa offers her tips for staying bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the face of grocery store germ
attacks.
It’s easy to lose sight of what makes December great, both spiritually and communally, but you can stay on track with a little purposeful planning. Enjoy the hustle and
bustle you’re sure to encounter and relish the quiet moments. No matter which days
you’re celebrating this month, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
December 2013
®
Volume 21, No. 9
PUBLISHER
Kaye K. Lowak
EDITOR
Melanie Dunham [email protected]
COPY EDITORS
Paula Halloum, Sherida Mock
ADVISING EDITOR
Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson
CALENDAR EDITOR
Betty Kemper [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jack Kyser, Sara Rider, Jennifer VanBuren, Betty
Richardson, Melanie Dunham, Jan Pierce, Alma
Moussa, Shannon Cook, Pam Heller, Richard
Singleton
ART DIRECTOR
John Franzetti
[email protected]
ADVERTISING SALES
Kaye K. Lowak
[email protected]
Greg Lowak
[email protected]
BUSINESS MANAGER
Greg Lowak
[email protected]
We are dedicated to serving the Greater
Austin area by providing up-to-date
information and ideas that promote smart
parenting and healthy homes. We promote
our clients’ businesses by increasing their
customer bases and enhancing their public
images.
Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc.
Mail Address:
Phone Number:
P.O. Box 7559
Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559
Tel: (512) 733-0038
On the web at:
www.austinfamily.com
Advertising rates are available upon request. While we
use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can
happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for
any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical
errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not
necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or
services listed in this publication. We do not assume
responsibility for statements made by advertisers or
editorial contributers.
Subscriptions are available for $25 per year.
Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without
written permission from the publisher.
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play it safe: product recalls
Government recalls snow cone machines,
sleep sacks, stools and building sets
LaRose Industries LLC is recalling
102,000 Snoopy Sno-Cone
Machines because a brass rivet can
fall out of the sno-cone machine’s
ice-shaving cylinder and into a snocone, posing a risk of injury to the
mouth or the teeth. Affected units
were sold at Barnes & Noble, Target
and Toys R Us stores nationwide
and online at www.amazon.com
from September 2012 through July
2013 for about $15. Consumers should contact LaRose Industries
for a free repair kit, which includes a new ice shaving cylinder.
Do not return the recalled sno-cone machines to the store
where purchased.
BreathableBaby LLC is recalling 15,000
BreathableSack wearable blanket for infants because the zipper pull tabs and sliders can detach, posing a choking hazard to
infants. Affected units were sold at various
stores, online retailers and at www.breathablebaby.com from June 2012 to August 2013
for about $20. Consumers should contact
BreathableBaby to request a replacement
garment.
Target Corporation is recalling
69,000 Circo-brand Chloe and
Conner sitting stools because the
stabilizing bar can crack and
cause the stool to collapse, posing
a fall hazard to the user. Affected
units were sold at Target stores
nationwide from April 2012
through June 2013 for about $15.
Consumers should return the
stool to a Target store for a full refund. Infinitoy Inc. is recalling 7,134
Softimals building playsets because the plastic hats found on
playset figures pose a choking/
aspiration hazard for children. Affected units were sold at specialty
toy stores nationwide and online
at www.amazon.com and
www.mindware.com from September 2012 to September 2013 for
about $25 and $40. Consumers
should contact Infinitoy Inc. to exchange the hat for a free replacement figure.
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect
the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from
more than 15,000 types of consumer products.
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around austin
BY THE NUMBERS
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It’s the day of the month that Hanukkah
officially starts. But that’s the month of
Kislev, which is the ninth month of the
Jewish calendar.
Source: history.com
CHECKLIST
Must-Do this month
Spend some time volunteering or
giving back - kids need opportunities
to stay grounded during this month
of much-receiving.
Schedule family time, couple time
and personal time into your very
busy calendar!
Look up an old family recipe or
consult an antique cookbook for
something “new” to make for your
holiday dinner!
Must-Go this month
Sunday, December 1: Everyone’s favorite A Christmas Story brings new
life to sweet Ralphie at Zach Theatre!
Saturday, December 14: Enjoy a P.J.
day and head up to Georgetown for
Pajamas and Pancakes with Santa at
Burger University, benefitting the
Georgetown Heritage Society.
Friday, December 27: Take in the
beauty at the Blanton with Blanton
Holiday Family Day.
For more ideas, go to Calendar
on page 42.
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CONFERENCE FOR CHILDRENS WRITER’S AND
ILLUSTRATORS PLANNED FOR 2014
February 8-9, 2014, Austin writers and illustrators will have
the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by talented professionals in the children’s book industry at the 2014 Children’s Writers and Illustrators Working Conference. The event is presented by the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book
Writers and Illustrators. Lectures, manuscript critiques, a portfolio showcase and contest, the presentation of the inaugural Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award and
writer and illustrator intensives will give attendees a multitude of options in furthering
their passion.
Speakers at the conference include author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Kelly Murphy. Writers Liz Garton Scanlon, Bethany Hegedus and P.J. Hoover are but a few of the
authors in attendance, and many editors and literary agents will be featured as well.
The conference will be held at the Marriott Austin South, with early bird rates and
student discounts available. The Austin chapter of the Society is a vibrant, dedicated
and welcoming community of children’s book writers and illustrators ranging from
people thinking about writing their first book to seasoned professionals with several
books in print. To find out more about the Society of Children’s Book Writers or to register for the conference, please visit austin.scbwi.org.
CHALLENGER SCHOOL TRIPLES THE SIZE OF AVERY RANCH CAMPUS
Challenger School, a private school focused on helping students develop thinking skills and a love of learning, announced
the addition of a new elementary building at its Avery Ranch
campus. The project will be completed for the 2014-2015 school
year, allowing Challenger to meet surging demand and serve
many more area families. The eight-classroom Avery Ranch
campus will gain an additional 17 classrooms, a computer lab, a
new, large multipurpose room, approximately one acre of playground area and room to continue expanding the programs it offers through eighth
grade.
Challenger emphasizes starting early and starting right. Preschoolers learn phonics
during the prime time for learning to read and set a foundation that allows students
to successfully pursue any course of study in the sciences or arts.
The independent, private school was founded in 1963, has 23 campuses in California,
Idaho, Nevada, Texas and Utah, and teaches over 10,000 students annually. Challenger
offers preschool through eighth grade programs and, in addition to its academic foundation, emphasizes individual liberty as described in America’s founding documents.
ROUND ROCK STUDENT TO PLAY IN ALL-AMERICAN FOOTBALL GAME
Deerpark Middle School eighth grade student Logan
Clifton was selected to play in the 2014 Football
University (FBU) Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl
game January 5, 2014 at San Antonio’s Alamodome.
This game is the middle school version of the U.S.
Army All-American Bowl. Clifton is now considered ranked in the
top 45 of eighth grade football players in the nation and in the top
eight middle school defensive linemen in the country. He is the only
Round Rock ISD student selected to play in the game.
Clifton was nominated to play in the youth All-American game after
he participated in the 2012 and 2013 FBU Austin camps. He was selected for the 2012 FBU Team Austin seventh grade team and the 2013 FBU Team Austin
eighth grade team. He also plays for the youth select football Wilco Tigers.
EXTREME MAMMALS EXHIBIT WOWS AT BOB BULLOCK MUSUEM
The amazing 300-million-year history of fossil and living mammals was unveiled at
the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum this fall; Extreme Mammals: The Biggest,
Smallest and Most Amazing Mammals of All Time
opened in the museum’s Herzstein Hall November 23,
2013. Visitors experience the most astonishing mammals
to roam the Earth – some with tongues weighing four
tons and others as small as a bumblebee.
Visitors can meet creatures with gigantic claws, massive fangs and strange snouts. See the largest land
mammal that has ever lived, the oldest fossilized bat ever discovered and the smallest
mammal known in the fossil record. Extreme Mammals is organized by the American
Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in collaboration with the California Academy of
Sciences, San Francisco; Cleveland Museum of Natural History; and the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada. For information about this exhibition, visit
www.thestoryoftexas.com/extrememammals or call 512-936-4649.
JARDIN DE NINOS INTERLINGUA PARTNERS WITH SOUTH AMERICAN SCHOOL
Austin bilingual school Jardín de Niños Interlingua and Austin Eco
Bilingual School in Campana, Buenos Aires, Argentina have expanded by joining forces with the goal of generating a common
mission: a global vision that sets the foundation for the advancement of an international conscience. The vision will help the
schools mold compassionate leaders who are globally-aware and
will contribute to the building of a better world.
Both institutions offer education based on deep and relevant understanding, following
international standards. Their philosophy emphasizes emotional, social and environmental education, education through inquiry, thinking visibility, application of the theory of multiple intelligences (Reggio Emilia Approach), teaching for understanding
framework and thinking routines, generating, in this manner, a significant learning
process. Additionally, these institutions offer an immersion in Spanish and English, respectively, enriching their pluri-lingual programs with the teaching of French and
Mandarin, and Portuguese and Mandarin, respectively.
This union will strengthen the immersion to their main languages (English and Spanish) by promoting students, parents and faculty interchanges by means of international visits, meetings, workshops and online training.
CHILD AUTHOR INSPIRES OTHER KIDS
Samantha Vaca has turned her love of writing into a business opportunity at the young age of eight years old. When she was six, Samantha
penned a few silly and fun stories and read them to family and friends.
The feedback was incredibly positive, and Samantha was encouraged to
keep writing. Eventually she and her family decided it was time to go
the extra step and publish Samantha’s book.
“Silly Pumpkin Stories” is now available in both print and electronic editions through
Amazon and at select Whole Foods locations. The book is a collection of 23 short,
whimsical stories featuring pumpkins as the main characters. Some of the stories are
just plain goofy, and most have a positive message that speaks to kids.
Family and friends expressed the inspiration Samantha and her book were for other
kids, with several wanting to write their own books, focus on their own projects and
most of all, believe in themselves. Samantha is so motivated she is now writing what
she hopes will become her second book. You can read more about the book and about
Samantha at www.sillypumpkins.com.
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test drive games
ESRB ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE RATING BOARD
Ben 10 Omniverse 2
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Rating category: Everyone +10
Content descriptors: Cartoon violence
Rating summary: This is an actionadventure game in which players assume the role of Ben Tennyson, a
teenager who transforms into various
alien entities to defeat villains. Players
run and jump through side-scrolling levels and engage in frequent hand-to-hand combat with robots, alien creatures and
boss characters. Players punch, kick and use special attacks
(e.g., fireballs, blasts of energy, laser swords, shockwaves); impact sounds and occasional explosions occur during battle.
Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014
Olympic Winter Games
Platform: Wii U
Rating category: Everyone
Content descriptors: Mild cartoon
violence
Other: Includes online features that may
expose players to unrated user-generated
content (Wii U)
Rating summary: This is a collection of
sports-themed games in which players
compete with Mario, Sonic and their friends at the Sochi
2014 Winter Olympic Games. Players can engage in several
conventional sporting events (e.g., skiing, snowboarding, speed
skating) as well as more whimsical events or mini-games. One
mini-game allows players to use a vacuum-like device to shoot
snowballs at opponents. Characters exclaim “ow” when hit by
snowballs and faint when energy is depleted.
Moshi Monsters: Katsuma Unleashed
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Rating category: Everyone
Content descriptors: Mild cartoon
violence
Rating summary: This is a sidescrolling platformer in which players control creatures called “Moshlings” through
colorful environments. Players run and
jump around platforms while avoiding obstacles and defeating “cartoony” enemies
(e.g., blobs, walking bombs). Enemies are
defeated by a spin attack or when hit by projectiles
such as fireballs.
The rating information, including rating summary, is provided by ESRB Entertainment
Software Rating Board (www.esrb.org). These games and other rating summaries can
be found at ESRB.org. For the app http://www.esrb.org/mobile .
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test drive toys
BY AUSTIN-AREA KIDS
MG Portable Game System
Billed as the first portable
gaming system designed
for Android-based games,
the MG features a 4-inch
touch screen, parental
monitoring tools and access
to more than 60,000 apps and games
via Google Play. It’s designed specifically for young people to
not only provide entertainment, but to teach responsibility.
Geared for kids ages 3 and up.
Tester Dad says: It looks really cool and I love the Family
Collaboration features. No more surprise purchases!
Tester Max says: There are so many cool games to play and I
like having my own games so I don’t have to play on my dad’s
phone anymore.
Cloud B Twilight Carz
This night light from Cloud B
looks like every kid’s favorite
red racecar and promises to
erase fear of the dark. Parents can control the head
and tail lights as well as the
color projected in the room. Geared for kids of all ages.
Tester Mom says: This night light is really cute and looks perfect in Ben’s room. He feels cozy and safe at bedtime.
Tester Ben says: I like dinosaurs and bugs a lot, but the racecar
is cool. It’s fun changing the lights before bedtime.
iLearn ‘N’ Play Adventure Explorer
This steering wheel and dashboard-themed toy works with
Apple products as a console for
preschool apps. The working buttons and wheel combined with
lights and sounds make this an
engaging early system for children. Geared for kids ages 3 and
up.
Tester Mom says: This toy is pretty basic but Lily loves pushing
the buttons and “playing” her games. It’s definitely entertaining and she doesn’t mind that the apps are lite versions. We
bought a few new apps for her, too.
Tester Lily says: The color games are fun but Letter Explorer is
my favorite!
Meet the testers:
Max, 9; Ben, 4; Lily, 3
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lifelines
BY SARA RIDER
Bridging generations
Helping those with
Alzheimer’s disease
science finds a way to treat, prevent or cure this devastating
condition, the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that by 2050, the
number may have nearly tripled to 13.8 million people.
A slow downward spiral
In the past, forgetfulness and loss of mental acuity were considered an inevitable part of aging. Now there is a growing realization that dementia – whether caused by Alzheimer’s or
another condition – is not just a part of growing older.
According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia is
not a specific disease, but a group of symptoms that interfere with daily living by affecting thinking and social skills. While
there are many causes for dementia,
Alzheimer’s is the most common. Memory
loss is usually part of dementia, but memory loss by itself doesn’t mean a patient has
dementia. For someone to be diagnosed
with dementia, there have to be multiple
problems, such as memory loss, impaired
language or judgement or impaired ability
to do routine tasks. This can mean an inability to pay bills or drive in familiar
neighborhoods without getting lost.
H
eart disease. Cancer. Stroke. Alzheimer’s disease.
Question: What is one thing all four of these have in common?
Answer: They are all among the top 10 leading causes of death
in America.
Question: How is Alzheimer’s different from the other three?
Answer: It is the only one of the top 10 causes of death in
America that cannot be prevented or cured and for which there
is no reliable way to slow its progression.
That sobering information comes from the Alzheimer’s Association. And although I lost a parent to Alzheimer’s and have another family member who now struggles with the disease, it is
something I had never thought about – a cause of death that
we seem powerless to prevent.
To watch a friend or family member struggle with Alzheimer’s is to watch a slow decline. The Mayo Clinic says this decline
usually takes seven to 10 years. The disease
affects different parts of the brain with
growing severity – causing problems with
memory, language, reasoning and often leading to agitation and
fearfulness. It’s the reverse of watching a child develop new
skills, as you watch one simple skill after another slip away.
But what are the warning signs for which you should be
aware? The Mayo Clinic has quite a long list of changes that
could indicate dementia. These range from things like failure to
keep up with daily routines of bathing and grooming to deterioration in housekeeping or unexplained weight loss. Forgetting
common words can be another clue. And getting lost while trying to drive to the neighborhood grocery store can be another
red flag.
If you are worried about behaviors like these in a family member or a friend, it’s a good idea to schedule a doctor visit and
go along to have an honest conversation about the changes
you are seeing.
Where do we go from here?
Once you get the results of the physician’s tests you may have
more questions than answers.
Nationally, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, including 200,000 with an
early-onset form of the disease. The Association also estimates
that by 2024, an estimated 7.1 million people over the age of 65
will have the disease – that’s a 40 percent increase. And unless
“The American Journal of Psychiatry” has published a Global
Deterioration Scale, or GDS. According to the GDS, people with
mild memory loss or people who are functioning normally, although others around them may be aware of their decline, can
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usually continue to live independently.
People with early dementia may be able
to live independently with the assistance
of family or caregivers. By the time
someone has progressed to moderate dementia, independent living is not an option. In this phase, people cannot recall
things that they have known for years –
like their phone number or address –
and may be disoriented as to date or
time of year.
there. People with Alzheimer’s and other
forms of dementia will still feel happy,
sad and anxious. You can help them by
not dismissing their feelings. They may
still remember the past clearly, and you
should take the time to talk with them
about their memories. During the holidays you can have some very special
memories to reflect on, and hopefully together you can focus on what is still
shared instead of what is lost.
Sara Rider is a native Austinite who has
worked with physicians and hospitals
throughout Texas. She frequently writes freelance articles on health topics for newspapers and magazines.
By the time someone progresses to moderately severe dementia, he or she will
have little ability to recall recent events
in his or her life and will require help
with what are known as “activities of
daily living,” which including bathing,
dressing and eating. In severe dementia,
someone may no longer be able to recall
and use language, be incontinent and
lose the ability to walk.
Helping while you can
At this time of the year, we want to be
around the people we love. And this can
be a hard time both for those who care
for loved ones with dementia and for
those who suffer from it. You may find
the holidays more rewarding if you follow these suggestions from the Mayo
Clinic:
• If you are the caregiver, adjust your expectations for the holiday
• If your family member is still living at
home, make holiday preparations together when you can. This can mean
opening greeting cards together or
helping with simple steps such as
measuring flour when baking
• Keep decorations simple – avoid
lighted candles or flashing lights as
these can be a distraction to someone
with dementia. Also avoid decorations
that look like edible treats – such as
garlands made to look like candy or
fruit
• If your family member or friend lives
in an assisted living facility, it may be
best to celebrate the holiday at the facility. Familiar surroundings are best
for someone with dementia, and a visit
home – although it can sound like a
good idea – may be upsetting
• Limit guests to small groups, two or
three people at a time. Larger groups
can be confusing
• Schedule visits at the time of day
when he or she is at his or her best,
usually the morning or noontime
Remember that although dementia affects memory and behavior, all of the
emotions that make us human are still
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the learning curve
BY JENNIFER VANBUREN
Beyond the
bachelor’s degree
Alternate paths
to success
W
hat do George Lucas, Walt Disney, Ross Perot and Tom
Hanks have in common with Eileen Collins, the first female
commander of a space shuttle mission and Dr. Craig Ventner,
the scientist who sequenced the human genome? They all got
their start at a two-year community college.
It’s well known that a college degree can lead to higher-salaried
positions. While bachelor’s degree programs stand out over associate degrees in most industries, new data suggests there are
times when an associate degree comes out on top. Mark
Schneider, president of CollegeMeasures.org and a vice president at the American Institutes for Research reports, “Associate
degrees are worth a lot more than I expected and that I think
other people expected.” He continues, “In the U.S., we’ve
tended to think that the bachelor’s degree is the only thing
that matters and this data tells us that technical degrees from
community colleges are hidden gems.”
Why an associate degree?
ucation, computer programming, applied science, electronics,
welding and nursing. Instead of taking a broad range of classes
like in a four-year college or university, students usually enter
with a specific career in mind. While this does not allow for
the exploration of life-paths or the breadth of educational experience, it does help students secure a position without racking
up huge college debt. Another option: associate programs start
out with general coursework, allowing students to earn credits
while deciding on a four-year program.
Finding the best fit
The quality of associate and vocational programs varies greatly.
Check the school’s accreditation and then verify
that the U.S. Department of Education has actually approved that accreditation. There are
many programs out there, online and in brickand-mortar schools, that make big promises,
but their credentials could be fictional or without merit. You can check the Council for Higher
Education Accreditation for a list of national
and regional accreditation agencies, or search
their institutional database to get information
about the program in which you are interested.
When selecting a program, be sure to consider
if the credits earned with the associate degree
can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program. Even if you think you only want to complete a two-year program, you may very well
want to advance in your career and could regret your choice if you have to start all over
again. There are four-year colleges and universities that have programs specifically designed to
pick up where an associate degree left off, making the transition as smooth as possible.
Jobs that make the grade
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that while some positions in promising fields are available with a high school
diploma and on-the-job training, in order to advance to supervisory positions, employees with post-high school training will
have an advantage. In a highly competitive market, having
taken some college classes generally increases your chances at
getting the job.
While nursing is a popular course of study in two-year programs, the healthcare field is ripe with other high-paying and
rewarding career opportunities that do not require a four-year
degree. While a home health aide may find work with one
month or less on-the-job training, many aides will have completed college courses in order to earn certifications that qualify them for a greater variety of positions. One common
strategy is to gain enough education to get a job in the health
care field and while working, take more courses to move on to
higher-level positions.
Associate degree programs focus on preparing graduates for
entry-level positions in a number of specialties including accounting, building construction technology, early childhood ed-
Many health care professions require certification, and an associate degree is recommended as the minimum level of education. Emergency medical technicians and paramedics need
14
certification, the highest level of which
requires an associate degree. Dental assistants can train on the job, but those
who have an associate degree can make
20 percent higher earnings. Other health
professionals with a good career forecast
include: clinical laboratory technologists
and technicians, dental hygienists, medical records and health information technicians and nursing and respiratory
therapists. Many high-paying jobs, such
as phlebotomy technicians, radiology
technologists, medical sonographers and
physical therapy assistants all require
the successful completion of a two-year
degree through an accredited program.
The way of the future?
Some students may have their heart set
on a private four-year academic environment and are willing and able to spend
$100,000 and four years on a bachelor’s
degree. Students and their parents may
fear that a stigma of starting out at a junior or community college may decrease
the future value of a college transcript.
But think twice before discounting a highquality two-year program. The Harvard
Graduate School of Education concluded,
“In the U.S. we place far too much emphasis on a single pathway to success:
attending and graduating from a fouryear college.” According to the report, 30
percent of the 47 million new jobs anticipated by 2018 will only require an associate degree or a certificate.
Jennifer VanBuren is an educator and
Georgetown mother of three boys.
Welders and machinists often train in
apprenticeship programs for a year or
more while earning wages, as do automotive service technicians and mechanics. More often, they earn certificates
and degrees at two-year vocational
schools. In order to move into supervisory roles in construction management,
a minimum of a two-year degree is necessary.
Another field that is expected to grow is
police and protective services. While
some security guards and fire fighters
can get jobs right out of high school
with on-the-job training, guards who
carry weapons or work in specialized
fields, such as power plants, need more
formal education and licensure. While
many police and fire fighters attend
academies, many also have degrees and
certifications that require coursework at
the college level.
An associate degree and related certifications are recommended for those who
want to work in the computer fields,
such as network analysis, computer support specialist, computer repair, webmasters, Local Area Network support staff,
programmers, systems administrators
and help desk workers. Without an associate degree, it is likely you will start out
in computer support while training for a
higher-level position.
In order to obtain the position of educational support personnel, including paraprofessionals such as teaching assistants,
a high school diploma used to be
enough, but that’s not always the case
today. The same is true with daycare
providers and preschool teachers. The
job description may say “minimum of
high school diploma,” but if you really
want the job, get the degree.
15
Q&A with
KENDRA SCOTT
By Melanie Dunham
Y
ou’ve seen her jewelry on celebrities and in magazines;
you’ve heard her name mentioned in business circles and
non-profit giving; and her rags-to-riches story has been reported time and time again. An Austinite for nearly 20 years,
Kendra Scott is a prime example of what makes this town
great. From her business savvy to her extensive philanthropic
resumé, she’s blazing a trail for young women a mile wide. >>
16
AF: Tell us about your family.
KS: I am the lucky mother of three beautiful boys: Cade is 12,
Beck is nine and my newest, Grey, is just two months. My family means the absolute world to me and no matter how busy I
may be with my business, I always put them first.
AF: What are your favorite things to do in Austin with your
kids?
KS: Austin is like a giant playground for my boys, so any kind of
outdoor activities are our favorites. Whether going out on Lake
Austin and wake boarding, going for a hike at Sculpture Falls,
riding around Town Lake or watching their many different
sports games, I love enjoying the Austin outdoors with my children.
AF: Which do you think is the most kid-friendly restaurant in
town?
KS: Salt Lick is without a doubt our family favorite. Not only is
their barbeque absolutely mouth-watering, but the atmosphere
of the restaurant is also spectacular and perfect for my energetic boys! Located just outside of Austin in Driftwood, the
restaurant is surrounded by acres of beautiful land, so there is
plenty of room for my boys to run around and play. While
there may be a wait on busy nights, there is always live music
playing and delicious popcorn to snack on while you wait.
AF: In what ways do you encourage your kids to engage in
philanthropy as you do?
KS: Being caring and thoughtful to others is a value I instilled in
my children at a very young age, and continue to weave into
their lives, regularly taking them with me on volunteer trips
and teaching them the importance of giving back to those in
need. Earlier this summer, Cade and Beck hosted a lemonade
stand in front of my Austin store on South Congress and were
able to raise $2,600 for HeartGift Foundation, a philanthropy
that brings free surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects
to children around the world. I think it’s immensely important
for children to experience the joy of giving back to those in
need, and I’m committed to ensuring that all three of my boys
learn this from firsthand experience.
AF: What spurred your passion for helping women enduring
health or financial turmoil?
KS: I started my business when my own family was going
through a difficult financial situation, so I have been there.
With a baby on the way, it would have been easy to panic
about our situation and sink, but it was this determination to
provide for our family that led to the start of my business. As a
mother and an entrepreneur, I know firsthand that everyone
can use a helping hand at some point, and so giving back to
causes that empower women, such as Dress For Success, is extremely important to me. Philanthropy has always been one of
the core values driving my company, and it brings me joy to
see young girls and ladies provided with opportunities they
never imagined would exist!
continued on page 18
17
continued from page 17
Another experience that has shaped my life is my stepfather’s
battle with cancer. In fact, this is what inspired me to open my
first business, The Hat Box, a hat boutique whose proceeds benefitted cancer research. Now, many of my own friends have
battled breast cancer, and so giving back to causes that help
cancer awareness and research, such as the Komen Foundation,
is equally important to me. To me, giving back to my community in a meaningful way is true success and to do so is a priceless experience.
AF: What do you feel is the biggest challenge in having a successful career and a young family?
KS: Achieving balance with your professional and family life is a
constant challenge, but what has helped me is establishing a
company culture that thrives on a family-first mantra. I founded
my company when my first son was born, and I did that for
many reasons, but mainly because I’ve always wanted to have a
career that allowed me to put being a mom first. While I faced
challenges along the way, having my own business allows me to
be the best mom I can be, while doing what I love – designing
jewelry. I have always put being a mom first and I’ve structured
my business around that mantra. The way I work allows me to
always be present in my children’s lives, even if that means staying up until 1:00 am working after they’ve gone to sleep. I’ve always done whatever is necessary to make sure that when I’m
with them, the focus is on them and them alone. While having
my children as my number one priority can be exhausting at
times as a business owner, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
18
Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market
19
AF: How has Austin changed since you moved here at 19?
KS: Austin has changed in so many ways since I moved here at
19. The biggest change is the influx of people we’ve had move
into the city, but one of the things I love most about Austin is
that no matter how big we may get, there always remains a
true sense of pride and community, and that’s rare to find in a
large city.
AF: Despite having boutiques in eight other cities, what keeps
you calling Austin home?
KS: Austin is my home base and will remain so because of
many reasons, the first being that it is such an incredible city
to raise a family in. The sense of community and family here is
just unbelievable. Austinites embrace and support each other in
everything, and that’s a perfect environment to raise children
in. There are also just so many wonderful activities for families
to do together, especially outdoors, and my boys and I love
that. The other is because Austin is a perfect place to start a
business, and I truly believe that this city gave us our wings to
fly. I feel so lucky for my business to have its roots here in
Austin, Texas. While Austin is a growing city, it still has this laid
back, homegrown quality that cannot be found anywhere else.
I believe I have been able to grow my brand globally because I
started in a place that is so supportive of local businesses.
20
AF: Describe your perfect day.
KS: I would start the day right, enjoying breakfast and
good conversation with my family. Then, I would
take some time to draw inspiration and do some
sketches for one of my upcoming collections. Depending on the time of year, I would enjoy the afternoon riding bikes around Town Lake or kayaking,
then enjoy the sunset from one of the park
benches. Last, we would finish the day with a delicious, homemade Italian meal and share the
best part of our day with each other, my personal favorite family tradition.
AF: Is there anything you would like to share
with Austin Family readers?
KS: I feel so blessed to call myself an Austinite and
to have the opportunity to raise both my family and business
in this incredible city. I look at Austin as a beautiful little oasis
in the center of Texas that allows creativity, live music, art and
countless other amazing elements to thrive. The people, culture
and geography make the city a dream for creatives like myself!
I can’t thank the people of Austin enough for their role in igniting my small business to the global brand it is today.
21
family connections
BY RICHARD SINGLETON
Bigger, better,
faster, MORE!
Coming up next in the
tech world
Faster Internet is coming
Local Internet service providers are ramping up to a 2014 where
your once blazing fast 10-20 Mbps Internet connection is going
to seem slower than digesting grandma’s Thanksgiving feast. In
Austin, Google has spurred a race to 1000 Mbps. The days of erratic, irritating buffering might soon be as much a part of history as tinfoil-wrapped rabbit ears.
Make sure to upgrade that old router of yours to take advantage of all that speed. If so, you’ll be streaming “The Wire”
without interruption as your daughter is FaceTiming all her
Snapchat minions, your son is commanding an online
gaming legion and your husband is
pumping his fist to three online ESPN
football games while simultaneously
streaming his ear-piercing and strangely
ironic Rage Against the Machine attack on
your ears. Be careful what you wish for
from the bandwidth gods, however, you
might just get it.
With faster Internet also comes a towering wave
of devices to drink from the bandwidth fire hy
drant.
Tablets, tablets, tablets
Like tribbles, they just keep multiplying. Tablets are relatively
cheap. They’re stunningly light. They’re capable of enormous
battery life and they’re increasingly peppy enough for whatever
you want to shove through that massively expanding pipeline
of bandwidth. Don’t settle for a lackluster, outdated version
that some stores may try to slip by you. Insist on high definition screens, fast processors and plenty of storage for all those
movies you’ll need to download to keep the kids from a nuclear assault on each other during next summer’s road trip.
You’ll thank me later – for the shiny new tablet, and especially
for the been-there-got-the-t-shirt vacation advice.
Gadgets, gear and goodies
I
n my family, the holidays have always been a time of expectancy, excitement and a modicum of begging, cajoling and
haranguing. And, that’s just since I’ve been a married adult.
Mrs. Claus is so good to me! Imagine the youthful glint in my
eyes as a kid when the shiny BMX arrived, when Santa arranged
for a weapon of mass destruction or two, when I first opened
that can of forest-fresh Lincoln Logs, or when I flew into the
wrapper of that first Atari system. Man, am I old!
The world of gadgets gets more interesting every day. Did you
know that the curved displays are emerging? I’m not sold on
them yet, but they’re interesting. Immaculate resolution already abounds. And, to this already diverse cavalcade of gadgetry, the tech titans are adding things like smart watches and
eyewear like Google Glass. Is one’s nerd empire or gift list complete without them? You’ll have to decide that one.
Things have gotten a lot more confusing since the days of the
Atari 2600, Commodore 64 and the Apple IIe. And, I’m so glad
they have. I love my electronics and 2013 has been a huge year
for gadget updates and glorious new goodies. As you plan your
budget for your tech bits and bytes, there are a few things you
might consider.
I’m assuming some of these will trickle into the holiday buy-orama this year. Even so, these more gimmicky items might still
need the inventiveness and marketing of an Apple to pull off
the truly culture-shifting feat of widespread adoption. Huge
phones prove it can be done, though. Once lampooned, the gargantuan “phablets” that emerged a couple of years ago are becoming standard pocket-stretching protocol for ladies and
gents alike. And the once seemingly untouchable Retina display
has been conquered by the mesmerizing qHD+ displays
22
currently hitting the markets. Last but
not least, a wave of refreshed Intel
processors means your new laptop
should come with Haswell baked in or it
should stay on the store shelf. Haswellbased laptops are getting eight to 14 hours
of battery life! That’s great news for the
road warrior worker, the dude-where’d-Ileave-my-charger college student and, especially, for all the inveterate coffee shop
cave dwellers among us.
So, if you plan on buying some of these
hot, shiny new baubles this year, please
find ways to help your family create positive memories with them. Technology
often takes the blame for overstimulated
tikes, zoned-out teens and isolated, unproductive adults. Really, it’s not all the
cool devices that do that to us. It’s how
we choose to use them that makes the
difference.
The next big thing:
pixel-packed screens
It’s never too late in one year or too
early in another to start being intentional about using the wonders of technology to bring family together, to
spread cheer, to lavish one another with
love and to build lasting memories that
will yield a lifetime of blessings.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is
the executive director at STARRY in Round
Rock.
You may have heard your gadget guru
friend or partner gushing about 4K resolutions. The marketplace is still elbowing
around in the naming queue trying to
figure out what appellation will stick,
but this is certain: no matter how it hits
your ears, it will hit your eyes with stunning clarity and brilliantly crisp vistas of
realism. From desktop displays to laptops
and certainly to the arena of TV, resolution is expanding exponentially. And,
trust this: all those pixels come at a
price.
Early adopters will find that their eyeteasing displays will cost hundreds and
sometimes thousands more. If you can
afford it, go for it. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re like me and can’t afford
a TV that costs as much as a year’s worth
of college tuition, not to worry. The
prices are falling and because we’ve already come so far, the current mid-tier
display technology is already great. Just
don’t settle for anything less than Full
HD on just about any gadget you buy
and you’ll be all set for a brilliantly crisp
and clear rendition of “Elf,” “National
Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “A
Christmas Story” or whatever else you
like to nuzzle up to as you stir your nostalgia this time of year.
Okay, enough about gadgets; let me bend
your ear for a moment about how to
keep all this stuff from becoming the
focus of your family. During the holidays,
it’s not the next cool thing that we will
remember years from now. Rather, it’s
the time that we are blessed to spend
with each other that will outlive the recycled wasteland of gifts.
Sure, I remember the BMX and the Lincoln Logs, but what I remember more is
riding bikes with my cousin and building
He-Man vs. Skeletor battle landscapes
with my brother and those aging Lincoln
Logs.
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austinfamily magazine’s
16th Annual
Summer Camp Fair
EE ION
R
F SS
I
M
AD
Sunday, January 26
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PALMER EVENTS CENTER
Spring and summer day and
night camps including:
• music
• equestrian
• tennis
• dance
• computers
• environmental
• science
• magic
• basketball
• football
• ice skating
• acting
• frontier
• pottery
• gymnastics
• soccer
Come and
register
to win a
FREE camp!
and lots more
Meet with staff from over
100 local, state and national
camps and find the perfect
camp for your child
age 3 – 18
The camp fair will educate families on a variety of camps to help
make those important decisions.
All who attend will benefit from
this one-stop campers' event.
Call 512.733.0038
or visit
austinfamily.com
SMART PARENTING • HEALTHY HOMES
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Camp Doublecreek Winter Camp
512-255-3661
campdoublecreek.com
Dec. 26-Jan. 3
Who says you can only have fun at camp in the summer time? Come
enjoy.
Camp Quarries Winter Camp
1140 N. MoPac
512-241-0233
hpbc.org/rec
Dec. 23, 27, 30, Jan. 2, 3, 6
They want to have some FUN at Quarries Camp! Rock wall, game
room, go carts, cookie decorating and more.
Capital Gymnastics: Winter Break Fun 2013
Pflugerville 512-251-2439
N. Austin 512-219-9930
Cedar Park 512-259-9995
capgym.com
Ages 3 & up.
Gymnastics, inflatables, crafts, snacks, field trips, games, movies,
obstacle course.
Cheer Station Holiday Technique Camp 2013
12112 Boardwalk Dr., Suite C
cheerstation.com
512-45-CHEER
Jan. 2 & 3
Tumbling for cheerleaders and stunt clinic.
HOLIDAY
Camp Guide3
201
Dance Discovery Nutcracker Camp
512-419-7611
dancediscovery.com
Ages 3 - 8
Half-day camps, nutcracker craft.
Kids Acting Winter Break Camps
512-836-5437
kidsactingstudio.com
Ages 5 - 11
Annie, Dec. 23-27 (not Dec. 25)
Lion King, Jan. 3 (not Jan. 1)
Stepping Stone School
All locations
steppingstoneschool.com
512-459-0258
Dec. 23-Jan. 3
School-age kids can enjoy European Adventure, field journeys, math
and literacy club.
Sugar & Spice Ranch Mother/Daughter
Christmas Retreat and December Family
Packages
Bandera
803-460-8487
texashorsecamps.com
Retreat Dec. 28-Jan. 3. December vacation packages available.
Bonding families through horses.
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshops
1830 Simond Ave.
512-469-6201
thinkeryaustin.org
Dec 14-15, 21-24
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Dec. 24 10 a.m. to noon)
$20 per house, $8 per person, $4 for members
Gingerbread workshops celebrate creative families in a fun and festive
atmosphere.
YMCA Austin Winter Holiday Camps 2013
512-322-9622
austinymca.org
Calling all astronauts! Get ready to rocket into the solar system with
the YMCA! Various programs available. Visit our website for more information.
Zach Winter Break Camps
512-476-0594
zachtheatre.org
Dec. 30-Jan. 3 (Not Jan. 1)
Cat in the Hat for K through 3rd grade. Musical theatre: Seussical for
grades 4 to 6.
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Holiday Gift Guide
Y
A
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Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday Gift Guide
e
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Gift
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Holiday Gift Guide
Rainbow Play Systems
The Springfree™ Trampoline removes many of the risks associated with traditional trampolines and is the world’s safest!
Available at Rainbow Play Systems.
Call 1-800-RAINBOW.
Holiday Extravaganza
Dec. 7–8
TexARTS Broadway Company
Location: Kam and James Morris Theatre at TexARTS
2300 Lohmans Spur, Suite 160
The Nutcracker
Dec. 14 15
TexARTS Youth Ballet Theatre
Location: St. Michael's Academy - Gloria Delgado Theatre
3000 Barton Creek Boulevard
tex-arts.org • 512-852-9079 x101
Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday Gift Guide
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Pioneer Farms
Living History Park
Step back in time at this old fashioned general store to
discover items like this replica bow and arrow, canteen
and more.
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive • 512-837-1215
pioneerfarms.org
Kid O Shoe
These boots are by Campe.
2438 W. Anderson Lane (by Terra Toys)
512-467-7463 • kidoshoe.com
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Callahan’s General Store
Layaway your Pony Cycle for Christmas.
501 Bastrop Highway • 512-385-3452
The Thinkery
Memberships make great gifts!
201 Colorado Street • 512-472-2499 x234
thethinkeryaustin.org
Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday Gift Guide
Zach Theatre
This Wonderful Life
Nov. 20-Dec. 29
Zach’s Whisenhunt Stage
512-476-0541x1 • zachtheatre.org
A Christmas Story
Nov. 26-Dec. 29
Zach’s Topfer Theatre
512-476-0541x1 • zachtheatre.org
Holiday Gift Guide
Heart & Soul Scripts
Inspirational apparel and
accessories, baby onesies, hats and more.
512-218-8522 • heartandsolescripts.com
Smart Toys
Sturdy wooden blocks allow children to develop
spatial perception, logic and problem-solving skills
as they “pull a rabbit out of the box” with this 3D
puzzle from SmartGames.
SmartToysAndGames.com
Holiday Gift Guide
Heartsong Music
Give the gift of music to the young children in your life with
a gift certificate for Music Together® classes, or purchase
beautiful rhythm instruments!
2700 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 320 • 512-371-9506
heartsongmusictogether.com
Terra Toys
This handmade Hansa Dragon is bendable,
poseable and comes in four different sizes including a rideable life-size version.
2438 W. Anderson Lane • 512-445-4489
terratoys.com
Holiday Gift Guide
Bob Bullock Texas State
History Museum Store
The 2013 Texas Capitol ornament features
skylights in the Texas Senate and House of
Representatives and is finished in 24k gold;
includes velour-lined gift box.
texasstatehistorymuseumstore.com
Holiday Gift Guide
Ceramics Bayou
Everyone cherishes a gift handmade with
love. Whether it is pottery, mosaics or fused
glass, now is the time to come into Ceramics
Bayou and get started on your holiday
creations.
3620 Bee Caves Road • 512-328-1168
ceramicsbayou.com
Craftscape
Designed to meet your needs and budget with
nothing being too small or too large for us to
handle. Please visit us at our website or give us
a call to discuss playscape design and options.
craftscapeinc.com • 512-222-8597
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28
family matters
BY DR. BETTY RICHARDSON
Q
Fake it till you make it
My good friend Beth has a 10-year-old son Jason, and we spend a good bit of
time together. Recently my son Zach, who is also 10, told me he no longer
wants to hang out with Jason, and when asked why, responded, “Because I
don’t like the way he acts.” While I want to allow Zach to choose his own
friends, I don’t want this to impact my relationship with Beth. How I can best
handle this situation?
First, find out what behavior your son finds so unappealing in
Jason. It could be anything from not taking turns with computer games to something much more objectionable, like using
bad language or improper touching. If he is doing something
that is clearly offensive and needs correcting, you have choices,
such as cutting all ties with Beth, scheduling your time together during school hours or seeing her and her son without
Zach present.
Another option I like better is to schedule a relaxed time alone
with Beth so you can chat with her in a nonjudgmental, friendto-friend manner. Explain to her that it’s normal for children to
want to choose their friends and that right now Zach wants a
break from hanging out with Jason. If Jason’s behavior really
needs some correction before it gets him in trouble, you could
gently ask Beth if she has ever noticed these behaviors, and if
so, offer to help her plan how to deal with them. If she denies
ever noticing them, you can back off, as you have planted the
seed and she‘ll think about it. You need to be cautious and very
tactful, as mothers usually don’t like to hear their child has
problems.
allow closer supervision and may make the visits seem more
acceptable to Zach.
With the holidays coming up, we will all deal with people who
are challenging for us. We can be tactful and strategize how to
survive and even enjoy time with them, or we can create chaos
and ill will. I suspect most of us will have lots of opportunities
to model for our children how to get along with all kinds of
people.
Betty Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of
children, adolescents and parents.
That being said, if the issues are things like trying to control
game rules, having to win every time or not being considerate,
this provides an opportunity for teaching Zach how to deal
with people who behave like this. Explain that throughout life,
everyone encounters people who don’t play fair, who are inconsiderate, say things we don’t like to hear, insist on winning or
who we just simply don’t like. Let him know he can choose his
friends and spend time with them often, but that you expect
him to play with Jason as a social visitor to your home. Work
together to plan the best ways to deal with Jason.
You could also make the
home visits less frequent
for a while and/or focus
more on the relationship between
the boys. A project that you and
Beth do with
your sons will
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All a
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n
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By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.
C
hristmas is a holiday celebrated from sea to shining sea, and
while there are commonalities surrounding the festivities no
matter where you go, the unique customs of each locale make
Christmas different from place to place. In every culture, the religious significance of the holiday involves celebrating the birth
of Jesus, while the secular festivities include a gift-giving character who brings presents and treats to good children. From there,
the decorations, music and specialty foods are as varied as you
can imagine! Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting
ways Christmas is celebrated all around the world. >>
30
India Christmas is celebrated on December 25 with church services for believers;
a midnight service is very popular. People
of all faiths decorate their homes and
gardens with star-shaped paper lanterns,
and some set up nativity scenes. Father
Christmas is the one who brings presents
on a horse and cart. Special Christmas
cakes and sweets such as newries and
kulkuls are baked, and open houses
abound.
Sweden St. Lucia’s day is celebrated on
December 13. St. Lucia was a Christian
martyr from 304 AD, known for sneaking
food to persecuted Christians in the catacombs of Rome. Today, young girls don
white dresses with a red sash and wear a
crown of lights to help Lucia find her
way. Special St. Lucia Day buns, called
lussekatts, are served. Then on Christmas
Eve, a huge buffet, or julbord, is eaten in
courses. It begins with cold fish dishes
and moves to cold meats, warm meat
dishes and desserts. Glogg, a sweet
mulled wine, and coffee are favorite
drinks. Homes are decorated with straw
to remind everyone that Jesus was born
in a manger, and gifts are brought by
small gnomes called jultomten.
Madagascar This island off the east coast
of Africa is very warm at Christmastime.
Still, decorations include holly and “snow,”
though neither exist there. Santa is
known as Dadabe Noely and only small
gifts are exchanged. On Christmas Day,
people everywhere, even strangers, greet
one another with “Arahaba tratry ny
Noely,” which means Merry Christmas.
Then, they gather with their families to
eat dinners of chicken or pork with rice,
a special cake and lychee, a local fruit.
Hong Kong Christians in Hong Kong celebrate Christmas with homemade cards
bearing original artwork of the Holy
Family in Chinese settings. Poinsettias
and nativity scenes are used for decoration, the Chinese alphabet adorns streamers and paper chains hang everywhere.
Santa Claus is known as Lan Khong or
Dun Che Lao Ren.
31
Zimbabwe Christmas Day, known as Kisimusi, begins with a
church service, then people visit friends and family, eat and exchange gifts all day long. A favorite meal is chicken with rice,
which is a special treat. Often, large speakers are put into the
streets and music is played loudly. People wear their best
clothes and homes are decorated with ivy draped around the
rooms. Christmas cards may have wild animals on them and
small gifts are given to children on Christmas morning.
New Zealand Christmas also falls in the hot summer months in
New Zealand. Families often celebrate their summer holidays
by camping or staying at the beach. There are parades and
Christmas trees, and the popular Christmas meal includes barbecued meats or seafood with hot fruit pudding, meringues or
pavlova for dessert. Presents are opened on Christmas Day before the special lunch.
Ethiopia Christmas, called Ganna, is celebrated by the Orthodox
Church in Ethiopia and is held on January 7. People fast on January 6, then on the morning of the seventh, they don a white
toga-like garment called a shamma. The shamma is worn to a
special service held in the circle-shaped church where candles
are held in a procession and communion is taken. At the time
of Ganna, men and boys play a game similar to hockey, also
known as ganna. Special foods eaten at this time of year include a stew of meat and vegetables, called wat, and flatbread
known as injera. Children usually receive gifts of clothing.
32
33
Wales In this part of the world, singing carols is the highlight
of the festivities. Carolers sing at dawn Christmas morning and
are invited in for snacks. There is a prize for the best new
Christmas carol written that year and it is added to the list of
carols sung in future Christmas celebrations. Taffy-making is
also a favorite family activity.
Russia Christmas is celebrated by the Orthodox Church in Russia. Once banned by the Communist regime, Christmas is again
celebrated with special church services, wonderful meat and
cabbage pies called pirogi and meat dumplings known as pelmeni. Kutya, a local porridge, is served along with honey and
poppy seeds to bring happiness, success and peace. Children
carry a star and go house-to-house in the cold winter snow
singing carols and receiving sweets.
Kids love to hear about the ways children in other lands live
and celebrate holidays. They might even like trying out some of
the customs or foods other cultures enjoy during Christmas.
Sharing the customs of people around the world helps kids feel
connected despite language barriers and oceans of distance,
and there’s no better time to feel unified than during the holiday season.
Jan Pierce, M.Ed. is a retired teacher and freelance writer living in
the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She travels to India, working with
orphanages and schools.
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36
Winners
On Thursday, November 14, the winners and first runner-up students
were announced at their schools. First place winners received a Kindle
and an engraved plaque, and runners-up also received an engraved
plaque. All entrants received a wristband declaring "I am a writer." Thank
you to all our young scribes who entered this year's contest.
(These essays have not been edited.)
Andrew T. Fourth Grade Winner
Nicholas W. Fifth Grade Winner
Peace Begins with Me
Peace is a simple thing. Mostly, it is about caring for each other and working together no matter who we are. There are reasons for peace and people
might think that they don't need peace in there life but we do. We need
peace for everything and it begins with me.
The way I show that peace begins with me is that I believe that everybody
is equal. I believe everybody is equal because I am part Hispanic and part
Caucasian. My mom's part of the family is Hispanic and my dad's part of the
family is Caucasian. Also, I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I am the only
one in my school with a cleft lip and palate and their are 1050 kids in my
school. Even though I look different from everyone, I treat others the way I
want to be treated.
Peace is about who you are and how you act. Treating others with respect
shows that I am looking for peace in me. If I have peace in me I can give
peace to everyone. Peace can spread from me to my school, to Round Rock,
to Austin, to Texas, to the United States, to our continent and to the rest of the
world. The peace can spread from one fourth grader to another.
PEACE BEGINS WITH ME…
Peace begins with me…
• when I help somebody who is having trouble on a math problem.
• when I complement a classmate’s drawing in art class.
• when I share the football at recess.
• when I play games with a new classmate during P.E.
• when I help someone who tripped and cut themselves.
• when I pick up someone’s books who dropped them in the library.
• when I cheer up someone who is sad by asking if I can do something to help.
• when I tell two friends to stop fighting.
• when I stick up for someone who’s being bullied.
• when I smile at others.
Soraya S. Fifth Grade Runner Up
Abhinu M. Fourth Grade Runner Up
"Peace Begins with me"
Peace is not something that we could achieve by wishing, it is something
you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give
away. Peace is not war, it is quiet and is mostly the best thing in the world.
Peace is when you are being nice to people and they are being nice to you.
When you give peace to people, it comes around and you get the peace back.
Peace is a state of harmony between groups of people, it can only be
achieved through understanding not through violence. Peace is also used or
known as amity, treaty or truce.
Use peace as a weapon itself, says Gandhi
To begin peace with me, I would
• Bring peace to school by stop bullying because bullying is very horrible
• Be tolerant as much as possible
• Seek forgiveness, not revenge
• Reflect my thought at other people
• Be peaceful myself
• Listen to other people thoughts and respect them, try to correct them by
convincing if they are not peaceful
• Promise to make my school a peaceful place by sharing and caring
• Make the school more peaceful by being kind and giving
• Make sure that everybody is treated fairly
• Making sure nobody is fighting and if they are I will get an adult
• Be the change that I wish to see in the school
• Not encourage violence, because it cannot be achieved through violence
• Resolve conflicts in peaceful manner, If I can
Peace Begins With Me
Peace is having the feeling of being calm, free and happy. Peace is when we
all come together to make a difference in our learning environment. Peace
begins with me.
“Peace begins with a smile”- Mother Teresa.
Smile is the first thing I would suggest doing to promote peace at my school. I
would encourage everyone to smile, and be kind to one another. Treat others
the way you would want to be treated, which is with respect, love and loyalty.
Try to think positive thoughts and have happy feelings about others and yourself. Stay calm when feeling nervous, apologize when it is your mistake, and
stay humble.
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know
peace.” Jimmy Hendrix
Love, compassion and care are very important to have a peaceful environment. I would help make my school a violence free and bullying free place.
Everyone should be treated equally, never judge kids by the color of their
skin, the clothes they wear or the size they are, accept one another. There are
better ways to solve problems other than using violence and hatred towards
each other. Talk and communication are the best options to take care of a
misunderstanding. Care about each other and about our school by helping
keeping it clean and safe.
Peace should always be there, in our hearts, at school, at work, everywhere.
We should all work together to keep world peace.
37
Germ warfare
at the grocery store
G
By Alma Moussa
rocery shopping is a basic part of life for moms and dads;
going to the store for nutritious foods to keep the family healthy
is a simple fact. But what many parents don’t realize is that
supermarkets are not the cleanest places, and shopping carts in
particular can harbor hidden germs and bacteria that can make
them, and their children, sick. These germs may be less harmful to
healthy people, but those with weakened immune systems may be
more susceptible to illnesses caused by contaminants found at the
store. To keep your family healthy and protected from germs, try
these 10 ways to make grocery shopping more sanitary. >>
38
1
Wash those hands! Little ones tend
to touch everything in sight at the
grocery store and any other place
they go. Make it a habit to have
them wash their hands as soon as
they get home and before they eat.
Parents should get into the habit,
too, and especially make sure to
wash thoroughly before and after
handling food.
2
Clean your shopping cart. Many
grocery stores don’t routinely (or
ever) clean their shopping carts, but
you can bring sanitary wipes to
clean them off before shopping.
Some stores have wipes located
near the carts or at the front door
for customer use. You can also purchase a shopping cart cover, which
creates a barrier to protect you and
your children from the multitude of
germs that are often found on the
seat and handle.
3
Wrap your food. When picking out
meat, fresh fruits and veggies, make
sure to use the plastic bags provided to wrap them up and keep
them protected from each other as
well as to protect your other food
from their bacteria. Never place unwrapped food items directly on the
checkout counter or conveyer belt,
which can be teeming with bacteria.
4
Always check expiration dates. Expiration or “sell by” dates let you
know when a product is safe, or no
longer safe, to consume. If you can’t
find an expiration date but a product does not look fresh or has a
strange smell, don’t buy it. Food is
typically good for seven to 10 days
from the time of packaging, but
meat is usually fresh for three days.
5
Check for spills. Be on the lookout
for any spilled milk or juice on
shelves. If you see food on the floor,
this should be a red flag. In the
event that you do notice unsanitary
conditions at your grocery store or
supermarket, ask to speak to the
manager so you can inform him or
her. Find a new store if it remains
unclean on your next shopping trip.
6
Clean your reusable bags. Many
people forget that although their
eco-friendly bags are reusable, they
still need to be washed! These bags
have been found to contain high
levels of bacteria and even E. coli.
The bags can easily be tossed in the
wash between shopping trips to get
rid of any bacteria.
7
Pass on the free samples. Trying
out the free food samples in grocery
stores is tempting but there are situations where it’s better to just
keep walking. If you don’t know
how long the food has been sitting
out there and there’s no one around
to ask, skip the sample. Also, pay attention to how the food is being
prepared and how it’s being served.
Individual toothpicks and forks are
fine but avoid any shared bowls.
8
Check how food is stored. Any cold
foods should be kept in cold refrigerators or freezers and hot foods
should be kept hot all day. Look for
a package at the bottom of a pile to
try and find the hottest one. The
same goes for cold packages – the
coldest will be at the bottom. If a
food item looks like it was prepared
in the morning and has been sitting
around in a lukewarm package all
day, you probably shouldn’t buy it.
9
Inspect food cases. For deli, fish,
dairy and meat items, do an inspection of their cases for cleanliness.
Warning signs include loose food,
crumbs and dirt, which should not
be on shelves or splattered on cases.
When shopping for fish, make sure
the cooked and uncooked fish are
not touching each other, which can
lead to contamination.
10
Look at cans, jars and bottles. Before buying any cans or jars, check
that the safety buttons haven’t
popped up. If the button is popped
up, this can indicate a spoiled product, so check the safety buttons of
the other products on the shelf. If
one item is spoiled, chances are
that other products from the batch
are also contaminated.
Alma Moussa is a mom and the inventor of the 6-in-1 convertible Babee
Covee.
39
40
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Smart
Screen Time
This is the fourth in a five-part series discussing KLRU’s
Smart Screen TimeTM initiative, an outreach effort encouraging healthy practices in a world full of digital
media.
If you spend any amount of time watching PBS Kids
shows, and have gotten to know a few of our characters,
you will see that they have many attributes in common.
The first, with the exception of Curious George, is that
they talk – a lot. But it’s not just any kind of talk. These
characters are eager to show what they know, the questions they have about the worlds around them, and the
strategies they have for problem-solving.
Granted, a show would be pretty boring if the characters
never spoke. However, another way of looking at this is
that our PBS Kids characters are modeling a particular
way for children to be in this world and to learn more
about it. Dialogue is absolutely critical in the learning
process, and our characters are showing the child audience the many possibilities of engaging others dialogically, including adults, in their ongoing learning. Similarly,
the shows are demonstrating to adults that our learning
culture encourages children to be “smart chatterboxes”
and to command the attention of others in their quest to
learn the world.
What does this mean for adults? It means that at times,
kids will wear you out with their observations, questions
and insistence on engaging in conversation. When you
absolutely cannot take another word, we encourage you
to first congratulate yourself
for raising a bright, observant,
inquisitive child. Then, congratulate the child for those
very same attributes. Then,
and only then, can you ask for
60 seconds of peace.
Part 4 of 5 from KLRU-TV, AUSTIN PBS
To read all five tips, visit klrukids.org and click on the
Smart Screen Time button.
Benjamin Kramer, Ph.D., is the Director of Education for KLRUTV, Austin PBS. He has been a professional educator for over
20 years and had a black and white TV in his room when he
was a kid (not a “smart” move, Mom and Dad).
41
calendar
12/13
family events
Sunday 1
Sunday 1
This Wonderful Life at Zach Theatre
Friday 6
Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story at Pioneer Farms
The Belle of Amherst
3 p.m. All ages. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
$19. thelongcenter.org or 512-457-5115.
th
47 Annual Zilker Holiday Tree
6 p.m. Tree on display nightly 6 p.m. to midnight. There
will be NO PARKING at the park.
austintexas.gov/zilkerholidaytree.
Steel Magnolias
8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The City
Theatre, 3823 Airport Blvd. Students $12; general $15;
Thursday all seats $10. citytheatreaustin.org or
512-524-2870.
th
16 Annual Trail of Lights
6 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and
Saturday. Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325,
Wimberley. FREE, donations accepted. emilyann.org or
512-847-6969.
nd
22 Annual Wild Ideas Holiday Event
Noon to 5 p.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,
4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE. wildflower.org or
512-232-0100.
Improv for Kids: Clockwork Stories
2 p.m. The Flying Theater Machine, 617 Congress Ave.
$7. hideouttheatre.com or 512-HIDEOUT.
This Wonderful Life
7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Whisenhunt Stage, Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd.
zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541.
A Christmas Story
7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Zach’s Topfer Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org
or 512-476-0541.
Free First Sundays
Noon to 6 p.m. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum,
1800 N. Congress. thestoryftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
Monday 2
Saturday 14
Festival of Carols at the French Legation
Museum
Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne
6 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and
Saturday. Old Settlers Park, Old Settlers Blvd. and Harrell
Pkwy., Round Rock. Family vehicles $15.
roundrocktexas.gov.
CONTINUING: 16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1.
Tuesday 3
Handel’s “Messiah”
8 p.m. Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy. $15
and up. austinsymphony.org or 512-327-3540.
Remake Home
7 to 8 p.m. Boyd Vance Theatre at the Washington Carver
Museum, 1165 Angelina St. $10. bluelapislight.org or
512-280-6688.
CONTINUING: 16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1; A
Christmas Story see Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday
Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2.
Saturday 21
Full Moon Swim at Barton Springs Pool
family events: page 42
storytimes: page 46
parenting events: page 47
exhibits:
visit: www.austinfamily.com
42
Wednesday 4
Wednesday Night Contra Dancing
7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Everyone welcome. Hancock Recreation
Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or
512-453-4225.
CONTINUING: 16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1;
This Wonderful Life see Sunday 1; A Christmas Story
see Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour and
Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Remake Home see
Tuesday 3.
Thursday 5
Gingerbread House Party
5 to 7 p.m. Elgin Public Library. elgintx.com or
512-285-4515.
COMPILED BY BETTY KEMPER
Thursday Noon Concerts
12 p.m. concert; 12:30 p.m. lunch. Central Presbyterian
Church, 200 E. Eighth St. Concert FREE. Lunch suggested
donation: children 3 and younger $3; adults $5.
cpcaustin.org or 512-472-2445.
First Thursday
All day to 10 p.m. South Congress Ave. from Barton
Springs Rd. to Elizabeth St. firstthursday.info.
CONTINUING: Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; This Wonderful Life see Sunday 1; A Christmas Story see Sunday 1;
16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights
Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2.
Friday 6
Main Street Bethlehem
6 to 9 p.m. First Baptist Church, 108 S. Vanderveer, two
blocks east of town square, Burnet. FREE, donations accepted; free refreshments served at exit. fbcburnet.org or
512-756-4481.
Christmas Family Night
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. 221 East Main St. Round Rock. FREE.
roundrocktexas.gov or 512-341-3361.
Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story
7 to 10 p.m. Rain or shine. Reservations recommended.
Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $12 per person.
pioneerfarms.org or 512-837-1215.
Night in Old Bethlehem
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. First Baptist Oakhill, 6907 Convict Hill Rd.
FREE. fbcoakhill.org or 512-288-7570.
Dickens on the Strand
All day, rain or shine. Galveston. Students $4 and $6 in advance; $6 and $8 at gate; adults $10 and $12 in advance;
$12 and $14 at gate. dickensonthestrand.org.
First Friday on the Square
5 to 10 p.m. Downtown Georgetown.
thegeorgetownsquare.com.
Christmas Stroll
5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Downtown
Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com.
Santa’s Workshop and Tree Lighting
6:30 to 9 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Pkwy., Cedar
Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov.
CONTINUING: Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; This Wonderful Life see Sunday 1; A Christmas Story see Sunday 1;
16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights
Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2.
Saturday 7
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Grand Opening Weekend of the Thinkery, formerly Austin
Children’s Museum
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1830 Simond Ave. FREE.
thinkeryaustin.org.
th
34 Annual Budafest
10 a.m. to dusk. City Park, Main St., Buda. Free entry.
budafest.org.
Walk Through Bethlehem
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 1004
North Mays, Round Rock. FREE. fumc-rr.org or
512-255-3336.
Cocoa and Cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus
8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Twin Lakes Family YMCA, 204 E. Little
Elm Train, Cedar Park. $10 per child for members; $15 per
child for non-members. ymcagwc.org or 512-250-9622.
Holiday by the Tracks
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Veterans’ Park, Elgin. elgintx.com or
512-285-4515.
Lighted Christmas Parade
Dusk. Elgin Memorial Park to Historic Downtown Elgin.
elgintx.com or 512-285-4515.
Visit with Santa at Bluebonnet School
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bluebonnet School of Canyon Creek,
10321 Boulder Ln. FREE. [email protected]
or 512-219-5100.
Austin Family is now making it easier for you to submit your calendar event. Go to www.austinfamily.com, click on “Submit
your event” and send in your entry. The deadline is the 10th of each month preceding the month of the event. Events less than
$15 usually are listed. For events more than $15, send details to [email protected].
The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production
Daytime and evening shows – check web for dates. The
Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $12 and up.
balletaustin.org or 512-501-8703.
Third Annual Holiday Extravaganza
2 and 6 p.m. TexArts, Kam and James Morris Theatre,
2300 Lohman’s Spur, Ste. 160. tex-arts.org or
512-852-9079 ext. 101.
A Prairie Christmas
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.
$6 children; $8 adults. pioneerfarms.org or 512-837-1215.
Trout Fishing Derby
7 to 10:30 a.m. San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St.,
Georgetown. $3.
https://events.georgetown.org/fishing-derby/.
Timeless Christmas in Johnson City
6 to 9 p.m. LBJ Boyhood home, Elm St. LBJ National Park,
Johnson City. Johnsoncity-texas.com or 830-868-7684.
2013 Cherrywood Art Fair
5 p.m. Maplewood Elementary, E. 38 ½ St. and Maplewood Ave. cherrywoodartfair.org.
Merlin Works Improv Mixer
2 to 4 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside. FREE.
thelongcenter.org.
Winter Wonderland Celebration
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad
Rd. leander.lib.tx.us.
rd
23 Annual Fossil Fest
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old Settler’s Heritage Association next to
Dell Diamond, Round Rock. Under 6 years FREE; 6 to 12
years $2; adults $3. austinpaleo.org.
Mario Kart Family Gaming Tournament
2 p.m. Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Pleasant Valley Rd.
library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7372.
Kids and Teens Night Out
6 to 11 p.m. Chasco Family YMCA, 1812 N. Mays St.,
Round Rock. ymcagwc.org or 512-246-9622.
Chess Club
1 p.m. Play chess and practice new tips. Wells Branch
Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or
512-989-3188.
Giant Chess
12:30 to 3 p.m. Brush Square, 409 E. Fifth St. FREE.
giantchess.org or 512-658-2350.
CONTINUING: Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; This Wonderful Life see Sunday 1; A Christmas Story see Sunday
1; 16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1; Rock’N
Lights Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne see
Monday 2; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 6; Dickens
on the Strand see Friday 6; Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story see Friday 6; Christmas Stroll see
Friday 6.
Sunday 8
Austin Trail of Lights
6:15 p.m. Disability and special needs access; 7 to 10 p.m.
general admission. Zilker Park. FREE.
austintrailoflights.org.
Frankenstein
Visit web or call for times. Center Stage Texas, 2826 Real
St. Students $12; adults $15. kidsactingstudio.com or
512-836-KIDS.
Sembrando Herencia – Boricua Spirit
3 p.m. Carver Museum Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina St. Ages 2 and under FREE; 3 to 12 years, $5; adults
advance $12, at door $15. prfdance.org or 512-251-8122.
2 p.m. Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln.
Bright Leaf Guided Hikes
9 to 11:30 a.m. Ages 8 and up. Bright Leaf Preserve, Creek
Mountain Rd. FREE. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269.
CONTINUING: Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; This Wonderful Life see Sunday 1; A Christmas Story see Sunday
1; 16th Annual Trail of Lights see Sunday 1; Improv for
Kids: Clockwork Stories see Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights
Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2;
Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 6; Dickens on the
Strand see Friday 6; The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production see Saturday 7; Grand Opening Weekend of the Thinkery see Saturday 7; Third Annual
Holiday Extravaganza see Saturday 7; 34th Annual
Budafest see Saturday 7; A Prairie Christmas see Saturday 7; 2013 Cherrywood Art Fair see Sunday 7; Fossil
Fest see Saturday 7.
43
family events
Have a Merry
Christmas and
a Happy New
Year
Monday 9
Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour and Christmas
Towne see Monday 2; Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday
8; Frankenstein see Sunday 8.
Tuesday 10
Christmas Sing-Along
8 p.m. Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy. FREE
but tickets requred. Tickets available at the Symphony Box
Office. austinsympyhony.org or 512-476-6064.
Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Austin
Trail of Lights see Sunday 8; Frankenstein see Sunday 8.
Wednesday 11
Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Wednesday Night
Contra Dancing see Wednesday 4; Austin Trail of Lights
see Sunday 8; Frankenstein see Sunday 8.
Thursday 12
see Sunday 1; Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; Rock’N
Monday 2; Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 5;
Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday 8; Frankenstein see
Sunday 8.
Friday 13
see Sunday 1; Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; Rock’N
Monday 2; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 6; Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story see Friday 6;
The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production see
Saturday 7; Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday 8;
Frankenstein see Sunday 8.
Saturday 14
The Nutcracker
2 and 6 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Gloria Delgado
Theatre at St. Michael’s Academy. $15. tex-arts.org or
512-852-9079 ext. 101.
Second Annual Pajamas and Pancakes
8:30 to 10 a.m. Burger University, 119 West 7th St.,
Georgetown. Advance tickets $5 children; $7.50 for adults.
georgetownheritagesociety.com or 512-869-8597.
Visit with Santa
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park, 3420
El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park. FREE.
[email protected] or 512-331-9009.
Old Town Christmas Fair
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Hutto, East St. and Farley St.
huttotx.gov or 512-759-4029.
Letters to Santa: A Holiday Musical
3:30 and 6 p.m. Bring canned goods to join us onstage
and be part of the show. Kids $12, adults $15. Life Austin,
8901 W. Hwy 71. paiyhdancestudios.com or
512-291-2179.
Christmas at Ole’ Fort Croghan
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fort Croghan, Burnet. FREE admission
and parking, donations accepted. fortcroghan.org or
512-756-8281.
Luminations
6 to 9 p.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La
Crosse Ave. FREE with two canned food items.
wildflower.org or 512-232-0100.
Festival of Carols
1 to 5 p.m. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St.
FREE. Frenchlegationmuseum.org.
2 p.m. Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd.
Steel Magnolias see Sunday 1; This Wonderful Life see
Sunday 1; A Christmas Story see Sunday 1; Rock’N
44
Sunday 15
th
44 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
5 to 9 p.m. LBJ State Park, Stonewall.
Johnsoncity-texas.com or 830-868-7684.
Symbols of Christmas Fair 2013
4 to 6 p.m. First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity, Downtown
Austin. fbcaustin.org.
Sunday 1; A Christmas Story see Sunday 1; Improv for
Kids: Clockwork Stories see Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights
Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2;
Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 6; The Nutcracker:
Austin’s 51st Annual Production see Saturday 7; A
Prairie Christmas see Saturday 7; Austin Trail of Lights
see Sunday 8; Frankenstein see Sunday 8; Luminations
see Saturday 14; The Nutcracker see Saturday 14.
Monday 16
Towne see Monday 2; Austin Trail of Lights see
Sunday 8.
Tuesday 17
38th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton
Springs Rd. 12 years and under FREE; adults $7.
armadillobazaar.com.
Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Austin
Trail of Lights see Sunday 8.
Wednesday 18
Monday 2; The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production see Saturday 7; Kids and Teens Night Out see
Saturday 7; Giant Chess see Saturday 7; Austin Trail of
Lights see Sunday 8; 38th Annual Armadillo Christmas
Bazaar see Tuesday 17.
Sunday 22
Monday 2; Improv for Kids: Clockwork Stories see Sunday 1; The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production
see Saturday 7; Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday 8; 38th
Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 17.
Monday 23
Towne see Monday 2; The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production see Saturday 7; 38th Annual Armadillo
Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 17.
Tuesday 24
Towne see Monday 2; 38th Annual Armadillo Christmas
Bazaar see Tuesday 17.
Wednesday 25
Christmas Day
Christmas Towne see Monday 2.
Thursday 26
Boxing Day
Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Wednesday Night
Contra Dancing see Wednesday 4; Austin Trail of Lights
see Sunday 8; 38th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
see Tuesday 17.
Thursday 19
Third Thursday
5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Taylor. FREE. 512-352-7446.
Monday 2; Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 5;
Saturday 7; Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday 8; 38th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 17.
Friday 20
Light up the Season
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Austin Public Library, North Village
Branch, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. library.austintexas.gov.
Monday 2; The Nutcracker: Austin’s 51st Annual Production see Saturday 7; Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday 8; 38th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see
Tuesday 17.
Saturday 21
First Day of Winter
2 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St.
Full Moon Swim
9 p.m. Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd.
FREE. 512-476-9044.
Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 5.
Friday 27
Blanton Holiday Family Days
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin
Luther King Jr. Blvd. blantonmuseum.org or
512-471-7324.
Christmas Towne see Monday 2.
Saturday 28
2 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. Fifth St.
Christmas Towne see Monday 2; Giant Chess see Saturday 7; Blanton Holiday Family Days see Friday 27.
Sunday 29
see Sunday 1; Improv for Kids: Clockwork Stories see
Sunday 1; Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne see Monday 2.
Monday 30
Towne see Monday 2.
Tuesday 31
New Year’s Eve
ANY 2014
5 to 10:30 p.m. Auditorium Shores. Family-friendly, downtown, non-alcohol New Year’s Eve event. Fireworks after
10 p.m. austintexas.gov.
Towne see Monday 2.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Monday 2; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 6; Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story see Friday 6;
Saturday 7; A Prairie Christmas see Saturday 7; Giant
Chess see Saturday 7; Austin Trail of Lights see Sunday
8; Bright Leaf Guided Hikes see Sunday 8; Frankenstein
see Sunday 8.
45
storytimes
Storytime with Ms. Raquel
10:30 a.m. Barnes and Noble, 12701 Hill Country Blvd.
Ste. O-140. barnesandnoble.com or 512-263-7402.
Public library storytime events listed here are free unless
noted. Programs are subject to change so please contact
before attending.
Wednesdays
Sundays
Storytime
Go to website for various events, locations, age groups,
dates and times. Austin Public Library. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.
Mondays
Pre-K Storytime
9:30 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd.
leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259.
Bookaneers
10:30 a.m. Ages 4 to 6 years. Lake Travis Community Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org
or 512-263-2885.
Bookworms
10:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 18 months; 11:15 a.m. 12 to 24
months. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells
Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
Preschool Storytime
7 p.m. Ages 3 to 6. Round Rock Public Library, 216 Main
St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011.
Tuesdays
Baby and Me
9:30 a.m. Ages 24 months and under with parent. Leander
Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or
512-259-5259.
Spanish Bilingual Storytime
10:30 a.m. 3 to 6 years. Library closed Tuesday 24. Round
Rock Public Library, 216 Main St.
roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011.
Toddler Storytime
dates and times. Austin Public Library.
Preschool Storytime
Tales for Tots
10:30 a.m. Toddlers ages 2 and 3 years. Lake Travis Community Library. 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100.
laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885.
Storytime and Craft
6 and 7 p.m. Families with kids of all ages. Library closed
Tuesday 24. Tickets required. Limit of 24 kids per class.
Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr.
wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
Little Texas Homeschoolers
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Library closed Tuesday 24. Wells
Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr.
wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
Baby and Me Storytime
9:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 12 months. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or
512-930-3623.
46
Toddlertime
9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 18 to 36 months. Library closed
Wednesday 25. Round Rock Public Library, 216 Main St.
Pre-K Storytime
10 to 10:30 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad
Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259.
Babytime
9:30 to 10 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Library closed Wednesday 25. Round Rock Public Library, 216 Main St.
Preschool Storytime
9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Library closed
Wednesday 25. Round Rock Public Library, 216 Main St.
Toddler Storytime
Book Babies
10:30 a.m. 3 to 24 months. Lake Travis Community Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org
or 512-263-2885.
Storytime with Mr. George
11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 14010 US Hwy 183.
barnesandnoble.com or 512-249-5644.
Arts and Crafts
6 p.m. Library closed Wednesday 25. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or
512-989-3188.
Wobbles Storytime
9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 years. Georgetown Public Library,
420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623.
Story Pals Storytime
10:30 a.m. Ages 3 years and older. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or
512-930-3623.
Storytime
10 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 2701 Parker Rd. Bldg. A, Ste.
700. barnesandnoble.com or 512-600-0088.
Storytime with Ms. Raquel
Barnes & Noble, 12701 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. O-140.
Storytime
11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 10000 Research Blvd. #158.
Storytime
11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 5601 Brodie Ln., Ste. 300.
Thursdays
Preschool Storytime
9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Round Rock Public
Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or
512-218-7012.
Toddlertime
10:30 a.m. 18 months to 3 years. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or
512-218-7011.
Babytime
9:30 a.m. Newborn to 1 year. Round Rock Public Library,
216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or
512-218-3279.
Spanish Storytime
Wobbles Storytime
9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 years. Georgetown Public Library,
420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623.
Story Pals Storytime
10:30 a.m. Ages 3 years and older. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or
512-930-3623.
Fridays
Community Storytime
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad
Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259.
Toddlertime
10:30 a.m. 18 months to 3 years. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or
512-218-7011.
Babytime
9:30 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library,
216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or
512-218-3279.
Toddler Storytime
Preschool Storytime
Briarcliff Storytime
10 a.m. All ages. Briarcliff Community Center, 22801 Briarcliff Dr. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885.
Preschool Storytime
11:15 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 years. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or
512-989-3188.
Toddler Storytime
10:30 a.m. Ages 18 to 36 months. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or
512-989-3188.
Storytime
10 a.m. All ages. Lake Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur,
Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885.
Saturdays
Saturday Storytime
11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 14010 US Hwy 183.
Storytime
11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 10000 Research Blvd. #158.
Storytime
Sunday 1
Grinch Day
11 a.m., 2 or 3 p.m. All Barnes & Noble locations – check
web for times at each branch. barnesandnoble.com.
parenting events
School open house events in green.
Monday 2
Try It
3:30 p.m. First, second and third Monday. After school
program for ages 5 to 12 years. Wells Branch Community
Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or
512-989-3188.
Rockin’ Kids Club Lego Day
4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Grades K to 5. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-3279.
Tuesday 3
Chinese Bilingual Storytime
10:30 to 11 a.m. Ages 3 years and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-3279.
Storytime at the French Legation Museum
10 a.m. All ages. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St. frenchlegationmuseum.org or 512-472-1880.
Wednesday 4
Cookie Decorating Party
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Elementary students. FREE. Round Rock
Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-7011.
Friday 6
The Three Little Pigs First Christmas Puppet Show
7, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. Ages 2 and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-3279.
Polar Express Storytime
7 p.m. All Barnes & Noble locations. barnesandnoble.com.
Saturday 7
Storytime
11 a.m. All Ages. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001
Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
Bow Wow Read to a Dog
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children preschool to middle school.
Sign up one week before each program. FREE. Round
Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov
or 512-218-3279.
Monday 9
Rockin’ Kids Craft Day
4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Grades K to 5. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St.. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-3279.
3:30 and 7 p.m. Ages 2 and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov
or 512-218-3279.
Tuesday 10
Taste Buds
4:30 p.m. Ages 10 and up. Hands-on cooking class. Lake
Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100.
Texplorations Family Storytime
2 p.m. Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N.
Congress. thestoryftexas.com or 512-936-8746.
Sunday 1
Grief Care: Life After Loss
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Every Sunday. Bethany United Methodist
Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Rd. $5. bethany-umc.org or
512-258-6017.
Tuesday 3
La Leche League
Held at multiple locations in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Kyle, San Marcos and Cedar Park. For locations and
times visit texaslll.org or 512-272-8042.
Extraordinary Relationships
7 to 9 p.m. Every Tuesday. Bethany United Methodist
Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Rd. $15. bethany-umc.org
or 512-258-6017.
Thursday 5
Autism is Treatable
12 to 1:30 p.m. Old Quarry Library, 7051 Village Center Dr.
meetup.com/austin-autism-treatment-forum or
512-300-3820.
Postpartum Support Group
10 to 11:30 a.m. Every Thursday. Any Baby Can, 1121 E.
Seventh St. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
Monthly Moms Meeting
7 p.m. Email for more information:
[email protected].
Various Parenting and Support Groups
Call or check website for dates and times all month.
Georgetown Project Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University
Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or
512-864-3008.
Friday 6
Girls’ School of Austin Open House
8 a.m. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700
Grover. thegirlsschool.org or 512-478-7827.
Various Classes and Programs
Call or check website for dates and times all month. Heartsong Music, 27 W. Anderson Ln. heartsongmusic.net or
512-371-9506.
Stepping Stone Schools Open House
All locations. steppingstoneschool.com or 512-459-0258.
Tuesday 10
Texans in Motion Scott and White Healthcare Car Seat
and Booster Inspection
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Buda Fire Station #2, 151 FM 2001,
Buda. By appointment only. sw.org or 512-295-2232.
Tuesday 17
Texans in Motion Scott and White Healthcare Car Seat
and Booster Inspection
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scott and White Cedar Park West Clinic,
12129 FM 620 N. Austin. By appointment only.
sw.org or 512-336-3423.
47
Monday 16
storytimes
Rockin’ Kids Science Day
512-218-3279.
Wednesday 11
Tuesday 17
9:30 a.m. baby friendly ages 2 and younger; 10:30 a.m.
ages 2 and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main
St. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-3279.
Thursday 12
10:30 a.m. Ages 2 and older. Round Rock Public Library,
216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-3279.
Little Yoga
10:30 a.m. 3 to 6 years old. Adult supervision. Lake Travis
Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100, Lake Travis.
Friday 13
10:30 a.m. Ages 2 and older. Round Rock Public Library,
216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or
512-218-3279.
Tween Gingerbread House Decorating
5 p.m. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St.
library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623.
Saturday 14
Holiday Dance Show
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wells Branch Community Library,
15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188.
Storytime
Jolly Jubilee
6 p.m. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St.
library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623.
48
ABCs of Cooking
4 p.m. 5 to 10 year olds. Limited to 12 children. Lake
Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100.
Pajama Storytime
6:15 p.m. All ages. Lake Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s
Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885.
Saturday 21
Family Food Free Storytime
11 to 11:30 a.m. All ages. Round Rock Public Library, 216
E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-3279.
Bow Wow Reading
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 6 to 12-year-olds. Lake Travis Library,
2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100. laketravislibrary.org or
512-263-2885.
Monday 23
Rockin’ Kids Craft Day
512-218-3279.
Tuesday 24
Family Flicks
4 p.m. Fun family movies and popcorn. All are welcome.
Lake Travis Library, 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Suite 100.
Monday 30
Rockin’ Kids Book Blast Day
512-218-3279.
K id
e
n
o
Z
flake
w
o
n
s
n
w
o
Make your
activle science
ct
this simp
this proje
but with
,
in
st
u
A
ke! (Note: assistance.)
in
a
s
fl
w
w
o
o
sn
sn
It rarely
our own
ve adult
n create y
re you ha
ity, you ca water, so make su
g
uses boilin
What you’ll need
• A pipe cleaner
• Scissors
• String or yarn
• A pencil
ss jar
• A wide-mouth gla
nal)
tio
(op
ing
lor
• Food co
water
g
ilin
bo
ps
cu
1/2
1
•
• Metal spoon
res in the laundry
(sold at grocery sto
rax
bo
s
on
po
les
tab
4
•
section)
Directions
• Cut the pipe cleaner into three
equal sections. Twist the sections together into a six-pointed star shape.
• Fold one end of the pipe cleaner
star over the length of string, and tie
the string to a pencil so that the star
hangs suspended in the jar.
• Fill the empty jar with 1 1/2 cups
boiling water, stir in four tablespoons of borax, add a few
drops of food coloring to the water if you’d like a colored
snowflake.
• Place your snowflake in the jar (hanging from the pencil) and wait overnight. By morning, the snowflake will be
covered in crystals!
What’s happening?
als than the cold
The hot water holds more borax cryst
r molecules move
wate
the
ed,
water. When water is heat
As the solution
als.
cryst
more
hold
can
and
t
apar
farther
ther and cantoge
r
close
e
mov
cools, the water molecules
borax crystals
so
x,
bora
lved
disso
h
muc
as
to
on
not hold
form on the pipe cleaner.
this at the
You can find more science activities like
opening
eum
Mus
ren’s
Child
in
Aust
new
the
Thinkery,
more
for
.org
ustin
erya
December 7, 2013. Visit think
on.
informati
This activity is an example of some of the experiments we’ll be cooking up in our Kitchen
Lab at the Thinkery, the new Austin Children’s Museum opening Dec. 7, 2013.
49
book recommendations
BY PAM HELLER
For Younger Readers
Bits and Pieces
by Judy Schachner
This is the story of an old cat named Tink and
his affectionately devoted family. Tink may be
found digging in a plant, jumping into a board
game, licking a stick of butter, eating rubber
bands or other household items. You see, Tink is
not terribly bright but he does feel his life is
filled with everything a cat could possibly want.
That is, until Tink is taken to the vet after an especially “goat-like”
eating adventure, and he becomes fixated by the wonders of the
great outdoors. So on his 20th birthday, he sneaks out for a day of
frolicking that turns into a night of confused wandering. Ultimately, he is saved by two local girls who protect him from being
taken to the shelter and is returned to the loving arms of his family. Cat lovers will enjoy this heartwarming story. For ages 3 to 6.
Fall Ball
by Peter McCarty
Fall is a time of cool breezes, falling leaves, yellow school buses and…football! This is a delightful romp with eight primary school-aged
children through an after-school pick-up game
in the park complete with ball-chasing dogs
and neatly raked piles of leaves. For adults, this
story is a trip down a pleasant memory lane; and for children, this
is an introduction to the simple pleasures to be enjoyed during the
changing of seasons. The watercolor, pen-and-ink illustrations enhance the experience with crispness and whimsy. For ages 4 to 8.
50
For Older Readers
The Mouse With The Question Mark Tail
by Richard Peck
Follow the adventures of Mouse Minor, an orphaned mouse living during the Victorian era, as
he sets out on a quest to discover the answers to
the mystery of his origin. Raised next to Buckingham Palace, he attends a prestigious school, however, he runs away when he is bullied by his
classmates for being different. He encounters
many dangers and ultimately finds the answers
for many of his questions in the Queen’s private quarters. This
story makes an engaging read-aloud experience. Enhanced by factual events, this reading journey also offers additional opportunities for historical research. For ages 8 to 12.
How to Catch a Bogle
by Catherine Jinks
This is the first volume in a proposed trilogy set in
Victorian London. Ten-year-old Birdie McAdam loves
her job… even though it is extremely dangerous. She
is an apprentice to Alfred the Bogler; her job is to
use her sweet singing voice to lure bogles out into
the open where Alfred can kill them with his spear.
Bogles are dangerous creatures that snatch up unsuspecting orphaned children. Ms. Eames, an expert in English folklore, offers Birdie the opportunity to live with her to study music,
be educated in the social graces and escape this dangerous lifestyle
that is growing more treacherous with each encounter. What will
the courageous Birdie decide? Are the bogles really responsible for
the disappearance of children? Who can she trust? For ages 10 to
14.
Pamela Heller, an artist and education consultant, is an avid reader who endeavors to find books of all genres that are timeless, meaningful, interesting,
fun and heartwarming.
films
BY JACK KYSER
Now Playing in Theaters
Captain Phillips
Rated PG-13
Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Catherine Keener
Austin Family critical rating: ★★★★★ of ★★★★★
Austin Family family-friendly rating: ★★★1⁄2 of ★★★★★
Of the films I’ve seen this fall, the one that took me by the
biggest surprise was Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips of the MV Maersk
Alabama, which was attacked by armed Somali pirates in 2009.
This intense and gripping true-life thriller is as emotionally and
politically complex a piece of filmmaking as I’ve seen. As the pirates take Phillips hostage and force him into a small lifeboat
with them, there is a sort of doomed inevitability that hangs
over the characters in the second half of this movie.
In the last five minutes of this film, Hanks does some of the
finest acting of his career. The ending of “Captain Phillips” embraces all of the moral ambiguities inherent in such a story,
and struck me similarly to the ending of Kathryn Bigelow’s
“Zero Dark Thirty” – it’s a triumph for the United States, but at
what cost for the film’s protagonist? “Captain Phillips” is one of
the best films of the year.
Jack Kyser is a graduate of Austin High School and a 2013 graduate of
New York University.
Come to the
movies at
MG Portable Game System
Cloud B
Twilight Carz
iLearn ʻNʼ Play
Adventure Explorer
Tickets to
Shen Yun
Robyn Doll and
Camp set
Go to www. austinfamily.com. You must answer phone to win!
51
humor
BY SHANNON COOK
What’s in a name?
“Daddy? Daddy?! DAAAADYYYY??!!”
“Yes, son?”
“HI, DADDY!!”
“Hello to you!”
And so goes the majority of my conversations with my nearlythree-year-old. Day-in and day-out, for the past few months now.
Morning, noon and night, he calls for me. And he’ll keep right on
saying my name until I respond. No matter what it takes, he wants
my attention.
I must hear, “Hi daddy” at least 100 times a day. While I’m on the
phone? Check. Driving the car? Check. While I’m sitting here,
silently on the toilet, pretending to have a reason to be here other
than the need for peace and quiet? Definitely
check. His shout-out is inescapable. It’s a little like being a rock star, or maybe like being
a rock star’s manny.
I should count my blessings. My son loves me
and wants me to be a part of his life. I know
all too well that when the teen years hit I’ll
be yearning for any kind of attention – meanspirited and angst-ridden attention, perhaps,
but attention nonetheless. Even though I know better, somewhere around the 40th “DADDY!” I
catch myself feeling frustrated with his limited vocabulary and
unlimited want of my attention. Where are all those imaginary
friends when you need them? Isn’t Mom deserving of a nod here
and there? No, it’s the All-daddy Show all the time. Twenty-fourseven. Three-sixty-five. Just. Dad.
On the other hand, I admit I’m kind of nervous that I’m running
out of reasons to be genuinely worthy of his time and (nearly oppressive) adoration. I need to learn some magic tricks, or how to
juggle, or how to talk like a Minion. Something to wow him and
blow his mind. Would it keep him quiet? Or impressed? What if we
don’t even make it through the toddler years with our friendship
intact? WHO WILL SCREAM MY NAME THEN???
And then, from the other side of the bathroom door, I hear it. “Daddy?” And I figure
I’ll just do my best to enjoy it while I can.
Even if it means enjoying it through
clenched teeth and a fake smile while perpetuating the stereotype of dads spending
too much time in the bathroom. Better find
a good book.
Shannon Cook is a husband, a father of three and a filmmaker living in Austin.
52

cover shot - Austin Family

Transcription

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