Jan/Feb 2012 Busybee

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PLUS: More than 2 dozen photos of kids & their pets

A kindergarten teacher’s petsTarantula? Kid-friendly exotics

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Yakima County’s Top Baby Names

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3 YAKIMABUSYBEE.COM • JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 1

Published by Bristol MediaPO Box 2683

Yakima, WA 98907

Publisher/EditorSara Bristol509.965.1686

[email protected]

AdvertisingDenise Fischer

[email protected]

Contact Denise today to advertise!

Layout/GraphicsPaul Murphy

Be a part of Busybee!Local writers, photographers,

experts and parents are invited to contribute.

Please call to discuss.

To subscribe visit www.yakimabusybee.com

Busybee Magazine is published 6 times a year and distributed in Yakima County, Wash. All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.

cover kidCongratulations to Soren Hanson and his Boxer, Apollo, winners of our Kids & Pets Photo Contest. Soren, 6, has been wrestling since he was 3 and is learning to play piano. PHOtO BY JENNIFER dAgdAgAN

editor’sNOTE

I’VE BEEN LUCKY. My kids haven’t started begging and pleading for pets yet. Heaven knows they want everything else, including a new one of those hyper-marketed Pillow Pets. It’s a pillow, it’s a pet, the infomercial jingle goes. The kids eat this up — and I count my blessings that I don’t have to clean its cage or feed it.

Our household been pet-free for a couple years now, ever since my husband’s 17-year-old cattle dog Clyde passed away. Our beloved black mutt was a good and loyal friend for a long, long time. He was also a pretty major commitment.

Back in the days when we were renting, it could be tough to find a house with a fenced yard and a landlord who permitted pets. In addition to the “doodie duty,” there were lots of other dog-related obligations, including vet visits and daily trips to pick up our mail from the PO box after our precious little pooch (with a really ferocious bark) once scared the snot out of our mailman who then refused to deliver the mail...

I know my kids will beg for a new puppy or some other pet one of these days. I did.

When I was a kid, it seems like there was always somebody outside the grocery store with a box full of free kittens. Even at that price, my parents always said no.

But over the years, I actually had quite a few pets: Goldfish and guppies and a gerbil named Nitwit. My dad made me read a book about caring for gerbils before I could get one. It seemed like a delay tactic at the time, and perhaps in part it was, but in hindsight I see that my old man was onto something: Bringing home a pet is a pretty big responsibility, and sometimes a very long commitment. It’s a decision that should involve a little research, and more thought than a grab-n-go at the grocery store.

I’m sure we’ll get a pet again someday soon. And, I’m sure those lessons in responsibility will be very good for my kids — but I’m really happy to stick with the Pillow Pets for now.

[email protected] 509-965-1686

HEY! — We’ve published LOTS of photos of kids and their pets in this issue. Thanks to all of you who sent in submissions. We’ll be looking for Easter photos, sports and other springtime photos for our next issue. Keep ‘em coming! I love to see your kids.

Like Us: facebook.com/yakimabusybee.comFriend Me: facebook.com/yakima.mama

SARA BRISTOL

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a lookINSIDE

features >>

in every issue3 editor’s note

5 contributors

23 fyi

24 storytimes

25 daily planner

34 reading for sanity

6 BABY tALK From A to Z, including Abcde, we’ve compiled Yakima County’s Top Baby Names for 2011.

10 ‘P’ IS FOR PEtS A furry friend and a frog help teach lessons in kindness, respect and responsibility.

15 ExOtIC PEtS Who wants a puppy when they could have a pet tarantula? Is an exotic pet the right choice for your family?

17 ROCK YOUR SMILE We’re celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month (February) with some toothy activity pages for kids.

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contributors ￭

we love it when you sharedo you have a fabulous story idea or local event that we should know about? Are you a writer, photographer or artist who would like to contribute? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Busybee Editor Sara Bristol at (509) 965-1686 or [email protected].

<< BONNIE DAVIDSON is a senior journalism student at Central Washington University. She also holds down a full-time job working with mentally disabled adults, and in her spare moments of free time she enjoys landscape photography, blogging, travel and hiking.

<< MELISSA VICENTE is married to Ryan and mom to two beautiful boys, Julian (10) and Kian (2 ½). A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography, Melissa is living her dream as a wedding and portrait photographer. Find Melissa Michelle Reflections on Facebook or visit MMReflections.com.

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My husband and I are arguing about baby names, but we aren’t expecting. Rather, I’m compiling Busybee’s second annual list of the Top Baby Names of Yakima County. And I find that, while creating the spreadsheet of 2,000 names is relatively simple (albeit somewhat time-consuming), identifying the most popular names is actually kind of complicated.

Basically, the dilemma comes down to this: I say Lily and Liliana are — in essence — the same name. Chris declares they are

“totally different.” I’m sure many readers will take his side, especially if your daughter’s name starts with Lil...

But I’m the one putting together this list, so I’m going to stick with last year’s precedent of lumping all the similar names together. And I invite you to read the lists on either side of this page and discuss it with your husband over dinner. Baby names always make for fun conversation — especially if your husband gets suspicious about why you’re raising this as an issue.

Baby

￭ baby names

Isabella 12 Isabella, 3 Izabella,

Isabel, 2 Bella

Liliana 6 Liliana, 4 Lillian, Lilianna,

LilliAna, 3 Lilly, 2 Lily

Mia 6 Mia, 3 Miah, 2 Mya, 2 Myah, Maia, Maya

Ava 9 Ava, 5 Eva

Sophia 7 Sophia, 3 Sofia,

2 Sophie, Sophi, Sophitia

Natalie 11 Natalie,

Nattalee, Natale

Kaylee 4 Kaylee, 3 Kylee,

Kylae, Kylea, Kaeleigh, Kaily, Kali, Keily

Olivia 10 Olivia,

Olivya, Lyvia

Evelyn 8 Evelyn, Evalynn, Evelen,

Evelyna, Evelynn

Layla 5 Layla, 2 Laila, Leyla,

2 Lyla, Lylah, Lilah

The Top

Girl NamesYakima Co.

2011

ANDERSON SULLIvAN/ PhOTO BY MELISSA vICENTE

MELISSA MIChELLE REFLECTIONS

CONtINUEd >>

TalkName trends make for fun conversationby Sara Bristol


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Alexander 10 Alexander, 2 Alex, Alexzander, Lizander,

xandar, xander (+3 Alejandro,

Alessandro)

Jayden 11 Jayden, 2 Jaiden,

Jadon, Jahden

Jacob 14 Jacob, Jakobi

Anthony 10 Anthony, 4 Antonio,

tony

Jackson 6 Jackson, 2 Jaxon,

Jaxen, Jaxxon, 2 Jack, 2 Jax

Johnathan 6 Jonathan, 5 Johnathan,

Jon, Johnny

Nathaniel 5 Nathaniel, 5 Nathan,

Nathanael

Jace 5 Jace, 5 Jayce,

Jaise

Adrian 10 Adrian

Liam 10 Liam

Mason 9 Mason, Maisen

Nicolas 4 Nicolas, 3 Nicholas, Nickolas, Nick, Nicol

The Top

Boy NamesYakima Co.

2011


￭ baby names

For me, the topic of whether two names are “the same” always reminds me of a conversation I overheard on a city bus years ago. A young mother was telling a stranger that her twin daughters were named Emily and Emma Lee. “You named them the same thing?” the confused stranger asked. And the mother replied, “No, this is Emily and this one is Emma (pause) Lee.” Rewind. Repeat. I’m not sure the other lady ever figured it out.

And, so, my rule of thumb: If you had twins and named them _____ and _____, would the stranger on the bus ask why you’d given them the same name? If the answer is yes, I’m grouping the names together on this list. (Unless my research shows the names have different meanings. For example, Evelyn is apparently not derived from Eva + Lynn.)

And so, without further ado... the 2011 Top Baby Names of Yakima County,

compiled from a list of 1,994 birth announcements published in the Yakima Herald-Republic: Isabella, including Bella, holds onto the No. 1 spot for girls. And Alexander, whether you call him Alex or Xander, nudged out last year’s Anthony as the top name for boys.

All in all, there was some shuffling of positions but most of the names on 2010’s Top 10 list appear on the list again this year. Ava (including Eva) and Evelyn are new among girls, displacing Madison and Peyton. New to the list for boys are Jonathan, Jace, Liam, Mason and Nicolas; Diego, Angel and Lucas slid back in popularity.

BabyCenter.com lists Mason, Liam and Noah as the top three names for boys nationwide. Alexander was at No. 19 on that list. For girls, Emma, Olivia and Sophia topped BabyCenter’s list. Isabella came in at No. 4. (BabyCenter’s list bases popularity rankings on single spellings.)

However, today’s parents are more likely than ever to choose names that aren’t at the top of popularity polls. For example, in 1976 (the year I was born), the Social Security Administration reports about 8 percent of all babies born that year were named Michael and Jennifer (the top name for each gender). In 2010, only about 2 percent of babies received the top two names, Jacob and Isabella.

The result is that my children and their classmates, even those with “popular” names, are statistically less likely to share a name with two other students in their math class, as I once did.

Other local trends worth noting: A whopping 19 percent of baby girl names began with the letter A last year, more than twice many as those beginning with runners-up M and E. And half of the girl names beginning with A also ended in “a,”

<< CONtINUEd FROM PREVIOUS PAgE

CONtINUEd ON PAgE 9 >>


People used to think that baby teeth weren’t important – they’d fall out and be replaced anyway. Now, it is clear that oral health is essential to overall health.

Healthy baby teeth are important for eating, learning to talk and helping permanent teeth come in straight. Children with painful tooth decay have trouble sleeping and eating. They may have difficulty concentrating and doing well in school. Dental problems may start small but can quickly become more difficult and expensive to treat.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to begin early. You can give your child the best opportunity to start a lifetime of good oral health by taking a few simple steps:

• Beginning at birth, wipe your baby’s gums with a washcloth or piece of gauze after feeding.

• As soon as you see baby’s first tooth, start brushing it with a soft “baby” toothbrush. Use a small amount (rice-sized) of fluoridated toothpaste. Try putting your child’s head in your lap to make brushing easier.

• Avoid constant snacking on sugary,

such as Adriana and Aurelia.Boy names rhyming with Aiden

continue to be very popular, dominated by 15 Jaidens (I’ll spare you the spelling variations), 10 Aidans, seven Kaidens, four Haydens, three Zadens, two Draydens, two Raidens, one Brayden and one Naiden.

If we toss in the two girls named Jayden and one named Jaadon, that adds up to 48 kids with this popular “aden” sound, six fewer than the previous year, but still representing 2.4 percent of the total.

For girls, the name Bentley caught my attention. Last year, the SSA saw a huge surge in the popularity of this name after MTV reality star Maci Bookout (“16 and Pregnant,” “Teen Mom”) named her son Bentley. In Yakima County, four boys and three girls were named Bentley in 2011. I didn’t find any in 2010.

Harper, popular with celebrities, is also on the rise locally. Appearing just once in 2010, seven baby girls were christened Harper last year, joining the daughters of British superstars David and Victoria Beckham, Lisa Marie Presley and Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl.

Notably unusual names from 2011 include Jedi, a boy, and Shampayne and Lexus, girls.

But the title of Most Unusual Name certainly goes to little Abcde, of Grandview. In all honesty, I thought it was a typo. And then I looked it up. Pronounced Absidy, the name is very rare but has been around for at least decade. And whether you like it or not, I bet nobody forgets how to spell it. ￭

While researching this story, Sara Bristol found three baby girls named Sara(h) and two named Bristol. Her own kids are named Max and Annie.


Baby names

sticky or starchy foods or sipping sweet liquids throughout the day.

• Ask your child’s dentist or physician about fluoride varnish, which is painted on the teeth to prevent or heal early decay.

• If you put your baby to bed with a bottle, fill it with water. Formula, milk and juice can increase your child’s risk of cavities.

• Make sure your child gets their first oral health screening by their first birthday by a dentist or physician. Most children see a physician up to eleven times for well-child checkups before age three. The physician can spot early signs of decay, refer your child to a dentist if necessary and provide information on how to protect your child’s oral health.

Families with Medicaid-insured children can call 945-6695 (Yakima County) or 962-7090 (Kittitas County) or visit www.abcd-dental.org to learn about the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program (ABCD), which connects children from birth to age 6 with dental care. Washington Dental Service Foundation provides more tips about how to protect your child’s oral health; visit www.KidsOralHealth.org. ￭

Oral health is important for babies, too

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www.availlearning.com is for pets10 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012 • YAKIMABUSYBEE.COM

he room is filled with toy frogs, backpacks and school supplies, and the sounds of

children laughing and talking. There are a few tanks in the corner of the classroom; one holds the class guinea pig, Theo, while another contains a Pacman frog appropriately named Pac Man. These are the sights and sounds of Tesia Brown’s kindergarten classroom at Nob Hill Elementary in Yakima.

Mrs. Brown is known for her menagerie of creatures, which she incorporates into her curriculum to help children “learn about life cycles and learn how to care about something other than themselves.” They also learn why it’s important to feed and take care of the animals as well as the types of habitats that are best for them. “They learn to be responsible.”

The kindergartners just find them fun. “I like to play with them and give them baths,” says Hope. “My favorite part is to pet them, that’s the fun part,” says Liam. “I don’t like when they scratch and bite,” admits Jorgie, scrunching his nose.

The students sit on a carpet as Mrs. Brown holds out a small plastic cage full of crickets. She asks the children about the crickets, and lets them look closely. They eagerly raise their hands to answer her questions.

Story & Photosby Bonnie Davidson

teacher’s pets assist lessons in & outside the classroom

T

CONtINUEd >>

KINDERGARTEN TEAChER TESIA BROwN ShOwS hER CLASS A CAGE OF CRICKETS BEFORE FEEDING ThEM TO

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￭ ‘p’ is for pets

In small groups she calls the children over to the corner of the room where the pets live. Pac Man’s habitat gets moved out for better viewing. A few kids are picked out from the antsy crowd to shake the crickets into Pac Man’s cage. These crickets are lunch. The students watch and wait, then all at once two dozen kids jump as the frog grabs a cricket and eats him in a split second.

Time with the guinea pig, Theo, is a reward. The children sit in a circle and wait for Mrs. Brown to place Theo in the middle. They watch in anticipation as the fuzzy rodent looks cautiously around the circle before interacting with the kids or moving.

Theo appears frozen to the carpet as the students take turns tempting him with a piece of hay. Finally he moves in for a few nibbles and the children watch in


NOB hILL ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTNERS LIAM hILL, BRYCE SUTTON AND vIDAL BARAJAS OBSERvE ThEO ThE GUINEA PIG.


excitement. He allows them to pet him as they feed him. This is the quietest the group of kindergarteners has been all hour.

Pac Man and Theo are just two of Mrs. Brown’s many critters, which she rotates in and out of the classroom in keeping with school rules and to expose the children to as many species as possible. (The animals get a break too.) At home, the Brown household currently includes a bunny, four frogs, another guinea pig, a chameleon, a bearded dragon lizard, a gecko, two dogs and a hamster — as well as two kids.

Brown stresses over and over again that parents should do their research before taking pets in. Dogs, cats, birds and snakes are a longterm commitment. (Parrots can live up to 70 years!) Many small pets, including goldfish and gerbils, have the benefit of a shorter time commitment — an advantage

counterbalanced by risk of heartbreak when the animal’s short life meets its inevitable end. But with this experience comes another valuable lesson: learning about loss and death.

Ashley Wise, an employee at Yakima’s Petco pet store, also suggests doing some research before picking a pet. She encourages families who are considering bringing home a new pet to learn about the animal’s maintenance needs and costs.

Fish are the among the lowest maintenance pets, but they’re not the best for cuddling. Other small pets can be easy to care for yet still have personality and create a bond with their owners. They require little space and can be less expensive over time than larger pets, such as dogs (or horses).

Every pet is unique and has different needs, different quirks. Finding a pet that works with your family is important, and involving children in the search and

selection of a pet helps show them how their decisions can impact another life form.

Guinea pigs, for example, can live about six to eight years and are social animals and need lots of interaction and play time. Hamsters are solo animals; they do better in a cage alone and don’t need as much play time.

Anthony and Emily Davenport bought their young son new hermit crabs after browsing Petco recently. “He chose the hermit crabs for some reason, but we have to constantly remind him to take care of them, hoping he learns good responsibility and ability to take care of a life,” Emily Davenport says.

Wise says many animals come back to Petco after they leave the store. The store has an adoption program to help these animals find homes again. “The parent has the ultimate responsibility. Kids won’t

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always want to take care of their animals,” she says. “As a parent, I know if I show consistency and I take care of the animals, my daughter will follow what I do.”

Wise advises teaching kids good routines by feeding and watering the animals at regular times and keeping a weekly cleaning schedule. Smaller children can help with smaller tasks, such as cleaning and filling food dishes. “Guinea pigs can be brushed, which might be fun for a small child. Rats can be taught tricks. Hamsters can bite if they are squeezed so it might not be recommended for a 5-year-old,” Wise says.

As children get older, their responsibilities should increase. By the age of 8, kids should understand the grooming and cleaning responsibilities that come with pets, knowing how often a cage should be cleaned and whether the animal needs grooming. By age 12, children should be able to take on most responsibilities for a pet, other than visits to the vet and medical issues. As teens begin having more social activities, they may need to be reminded to care for their animals.

Tesia Brown’s children are a good example. Her son Johnathon, 8, handles much of the care of the classroom pets, more so than 5-year-old sister Alexis,

though she is involved too. They help feed, water and clean up after the animals.

Like his mom, Johnathon’s incredibly enthusiastic about having pets. “It’s fun, and it’s cool because you get to see animals a lot,” he says.

Johnathon plays with the lizards while his mom describes the videos he and his friends make of the pets using their Nintendo DS, placing the animals to look as if they are riding in toy cars and planes. Tesia and husband Greg make sure the animals are well-supervised when being handled by the kids and visiting friends.

Some of the Brown family’s pets are rescue animals, adopted because other families were not able to care for them. The bearded dragon was left on the doorstep of Petco and then donated to the

classroom. One of the dogs came from a student. At one time, the Browns took in a ferret that another family couldn’t care for, but the ferret had an infection and passed away after only a few months.

“People don’t want them. I feel bad and take them in,” says Tesia as her husband knowingly rolls his eyes. But it’s clear all of the Browns are attached to their motley gang.

“My husband doesn’t like all the cleaning, but as a family we find it to be a fun family experience,” Tesia says. “Growing up I had no pets. I love having pets. I love my kids having pets.” ￭

Writer Bonnie Davidson has two fat spoiled cats named Sweets and Sours.


CALEB vANTASSEL (LEFT), ALExIS BROwN, AMALIE vANTASSEL AND JOhNAThON BROwN PLAY wITh ThE BROwNS’ hAMSTER (IN ThE RACECAR) AND SPIKE, ThE BEARDED DRAGON.

￭ ‘p’ is for pets


ow cool would it be for your kids to have a pet tarantula to show off?

While a giant spider may not sound like a great match for kids, they can make great companions as long as they are treated gently. Exotic pets tend to require less maintenance and commitment than your typical family pet.

When choosing a new pet, it’s important to keep in mind the amount of care the pet will need and which are the friendliest and most fun to interact with. Here are some popular suggestions of exotic pets suitable for kids:

Ages 5 and under:hERMIT CRABS crawl into shells that you leave out for them, which kids love to personalize. “You can get hot pink shells for them. Kids love to

decorate and draw on them,” says Shaila Sheeley of Ellensburg Pet Center.

ChINChILLAS are another popular choice for children because they are shy yet active. “You can let them run around the house,” says William Walker, also of Ellensburg Pet Center. Kids can purchase a kangaroo-like pouch to wear and carry their chinchillas around.

ChAMELEONS are easy to train and are slow and mellow. “I taught a chameleon to eat a fly off the tip of my finger,” Walker says.

BEARDED DRAGONS stay small and don’t become aggressive. They also have a wide jaw and can’t bite.

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Ages 6-10:GUINEA PIGS are tame, friendly and vocal pets that are quite responsive to their owners, making them a great companion for kids. It is important to make sure to give your guinea pig a fresh vegetable each day as they need their daily dose of vitamin C.

ANOLES are another type of lizard pet that don’t get very big but are fast and can run off if you let them out. “Kids like them because they look like little raptors,” Walker says.

SNAKES are the perfect pet to show off, but can also be a major commitment since the average lifespan for some is 20 years. For average-size and easy-care beginner pets, corn, king, milk snakes and ball pythons work best. It’s important to purchase your snake from a reputable pet store to ensure that they are devenomized and safe for kids.

hEDGEhOGS make for fascinating pets to play with and watch, because they curl up into a spiky ball and reveal themselves for playtime once warmed up to their owner. “There are three little girls that always come in with their pet hedgehog, and they made a maze for it to run around in,” says Sheeley. “They were even looking for a Halloween costume for it.”

Ages 11 and up:TARANTULAS are not lethal and are good for children to have if kept in their cage and treated gently. “They can bite you if you bug them,” says Walker. If a tarantula does bite, the wound is much like a bee sting.

IGUANAS make good pets when they are small, but can grow up to 6 feet and live for up to 20 years. A bearded dragon, leopard gecko or crested gecko would be a better choice unless you’re ready for a serious commitment. ￭

<< CONtINUEd FROM PREVIOUS PAgE GREEN ANOLE

￭ exotic pets




We want to see you smile!

Joseph D. ParkerDDS, MSD

[email protected]

1107 Summitview AvenueYakima, WA 98902

Free consultation

ABOUT ORTHODONTICS

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and keep healthy. A bad bite can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing, speech problems and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems become worse and can require additional care later in life.

The American Dental Association recommends children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. Bite problems, known as malocclusions, become noticeable between the ages of 6-12, and orthodontic treatments may begin when children are 8-14 years old. Timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment results. Orthodontists can guide facial growth and tooth eruption to prevent serious problems from developing.

www.yakimaortho.com



Carlos Dorantes, DDS, MS6201 Summitview Ave., Suite 100

509.966.4433

Welcoming New Patients

**

Fun DentalFacts

Fun DentalFacts

**********

73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

The average woman smiles about 62 times a day. A man? Only 8.

People who drink 3 or more sugary sodas daily have 62% more dental decay, fillings and tooth loss.

How much is the Tooth Fairy paying per tooth? Around $2, according to a survey by Securian Dental Plans.

The most valuable tooth belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. In 1816, one of his teeth was sold in London for $3,633, or in today’s terms, $35,700. The tooth was set in a ring.

Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups? Just 15.

22 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012 • YAKIMABUSYBEE.COM 22 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012 • YAKIMABUSYBEE.COM

news & notes | fyi ￭

The acrobats, contortionists and jugglers of the NEw ShANGhAI CIRCUS defy gravity and stretch the limits of human ability in a choreographed presentation of 2,000-year-old Chinese circus traditions you wouldn’t dare try at home. Showtime is 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12. Tickets are $7.50-$35 at the Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima; 509-853-8000. capitoltheatre.org

The Yakima Valley Community College Dental Hygiene Clinic offers its annual FREE

DENTAL SEALANT DAY from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 4. The clinic is open to anyone ages 6-21; minors must

be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants receive a dental exam, fluoride treatment and, if needed, dental sealants. A sealant is a safe plastic coating painted onto the tooth to help prevent cavities.

Participation is limited; to schedule an appointment, call 509-574-4917 between Jan. 16 and Feb. 3. The Dental Hygiene

Clinic is located on the YVCC campus on S. 16th Avenue, just north of Nob Hill Boulevard in Yakima.

Time for early Spring SoccerUPWARD SOCCER — Co-ed, ages 4-grade 5. Christian sports league presented by West Valley Church, 72nd Avenue and Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima. Meets weekdays and Saturdays, March 12-May 19. Cost is $80; includes a uniform and awards. Registration deadline is Jan. 31; additional $10 fee after Jan. 15. Mandatory evaluations take place Feb. 2-4. Register online at westvalleychurch.com; for more information, call 509-966-1550.

ITTY BITTY INDOOR SOCCER — Co-ed, ages 3-6. Six-week season meets Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 17 through mid-March, at the Yakima Family YMCA. Ages 3-4 play at 5:30 p.m. Ages 5-6 play at 6:30 p.m. Registration deadline is Jan. 13; space is limited and teams are filling up fast. Volunteer coaches are needed. Cost is $35 for YMCA Family members, $45 YMCA youth members and $55 for program participants; the fee includes a team T-shirt, certificate and ice cream social. Register at yakimaymca.org or at 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; for questions, contact Gilberto Duran at 509-972-5273.

TINY TOTS INTRO TO SOCCER — Co-ed, ages 3-5. Meets 10-10:45 a.m. Saturdays, March 10-April 21 at the Lince Elementary fields in Selah. Registration open Feb. 1-29 at the Selah Civic Center; 509-698-7300. Cost is $32 for Selah residents, $42 for Selah School District residents and $52 for non-residents; the fee includes a T-shirt.

SELAH FOOTBALL CLUB SPRING SOCCER — Co-ed, grades K-6. Teams from fall league stay together. Two games and one practice each week; meets weeknights and Saturdays, March 10-April 21. Registration open Feb. 1-29 at the Selah Civic Center; 509-698-7300. Cost is $49.77 for Selah residents, $54.10 for Selah School District residents and $64.92 for non-residents; the fee includes sales tax and a uniform (new players only).


WOW!

BILINGUAL STORY hOUR for children up to age 5. Meets from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 11 and 25 and Feb. 8 and 22 in the Children’s Underground at the Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima; 509-248-0747.

INKLINGS BOOKShOP, located in the Chalet Place shopping center, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-965-5830. Storytime meets at 10 a.m. Tuesdays.

YAKAMA NATION LIBRARY, located in the Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Center, Spiel-yi Loop, Toppenish; 509-865-2800 ext. 6. Call for storytime schedule.

ELLENSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY, 501 N. Anderson St., Ellensburg; 509-962-7204. Regular storytimes resume Jan. 10. Baby Bounce, 11:15 Fridays. Preschool Storytime, 10:15 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Toddler Storytime, 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Picture BookWorms, 3:30 p.m. Mondays. Chapter BookWorms, 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Family Storytime, 6:30 p.m.

YAKIMA vALLEY LIBRARIES NOTE: All branches will be closed Jan. 1-2 and Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

GRANGER, 508 Sunnyside Ave.; 509-854-1446. Bears Snore, 3 p.m. Jan. 18.

MOXEE, 255 W. Seattle; 509-575-8854. Creative Gaming Teen Club, 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Bears Snore, 2 p.m. Jan. 11.

NACHES, 303 Naches Ave.; 509-653-2005. Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m.

storytimesWednesdays, through Feb. 15. Kid Zone activities for school-age children, 4 p.m. Thursdays, through Feb. 16. Bears Snore, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 11.

SELAH, 106 S. Second St.; 509-698-7345. Preschool Storytime, 10 a.m. Mondays (except Jan. 2 and 16) and Thursdays, through Feb. 16. Preschool Storytime, 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 4-18. Teen Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 3. Bears Snore, 3:30 9.m. Jan. 19 and 10 a.m. Jan. 26.

SUMMITVIEW, 5709 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-966-7070. Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, through Feb. 1.

SUNNYSIDE, 621 Grant, Sunnyside; 509-837-3234. Baby Lapsit, 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 22. Preschool Story Time, 10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Fridays through Feb. 3.

TERRACE HEIGHTS, 4011 Commonwealth Drive, Yakima; 509-457-5319. Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Thursdays through Feb. 16. Bears Snore winter stories, game and craft, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12.

TIETON, 418 Maple; 509-673-2621. After School Craft, 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 8. Bears Snore winter stories, game and craft, 3 p.m. Jan. 25.

UNION GAP, 3104 S. First St.; 509-452-4252. Preschool Story Time, 1 p.m. Tuesdays.

WAPATO, 119 E. Third St.; 509-877-2882. Bears Snore, 4 p.m. Jan. 11.

YAKIMA, 102 N. Third St.; 509-452-8541. Due to remodeling, no storytime or special events are currently scheduled.

￭ daily planner

Yakima Valley Libraries are hosting a special storytime program in January featuring stories about bears in winter, a chant of “going on a Bear Hunt,” games and a hibernating bear craft. times are indicated in the schedule above.

Bears Snore

It’s a topic that’s rarely talked about among friends, but millions of children do it. It is night time bedwetting. The medical term for bedwetting is nocturnal enuresis. It’s most common in children 5 years and older but becomes less frequent by the time the child reaches the age of 10. It’s estimated more than 5 million kids in this country wet the bed more than twice a month.

Kids who are prone to bedwetting are such deep sleepers that their brains don’t wake them up when they have to urinate. Some wet the bed every night, others less frequently. And there’s a good chance if your child does it, someone in your family has, too, since it can be an inherited trait.

If you’re dis-turbed or your child is bothered by this annoy-ing habit, there’s hope. Bedwetting eventually goes away on its own. Some tips to help reduce the chanc-es of bedwetting:

• Limit fluid intake a few hours before bedtime.

• Make sure the child goes to the bathroom before going to sleep.

• Do bladder exercises during the day, such as waiting a little longer to pee.

Bedwetting alarms can be useful in helping to train the child’s brain to wake up when there’s an urge to pee. This can take several months to become effective and has a high rate of success if used consistently. Medications provide short term help, but don’t resolve the problem.

If you are concerned, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it and not be embarrassed. Doctors treat lots of patients who wet the bed. Bedwetting could be a symptom of an infection or other problems, and a doctor can help rule that out.

The main thing to remember is bedwetting doesn’t mean your child is willful or lazy. With some patience and a commitment to change, drier mornings will eventually be in your child’s future. ￭

Lauren Smit, dO is a family physician at Pacific Crest Family Medicine in Yakima. She is accepting new patients.

BuzzHEALtH

the truth aboutBedwetting



Come

beat

the winter blues with a night of food & fun!“Oochee”“Oochee”The Clown

& Friends

Wesley United Methodist Church and Preschool

14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima(509) 966-2370

www.wesleyofyakima.org

hosted & sponsored by

A show to learn how to treat others with kindness and respect.

Where’s Your Heart?Where’s Your Heart?

Thursday, Jan. 265:30 p.m.

present

Pizza Dinner

at 5:30 p.m.

(donations accepted)

Show starts

at 6:15 p.m.

Pizza Dinner

at 5:30 p.m.

(donations accepted)

Show starts

at 6:15 p.m.

FREEFREE

EDITOR’S NOTE: To help make special events stand out from those that repeat on a regular basis, we’ve highlighted events that occur infrequently (less than once a month) as well as recurring events that are new to our calendar. Hope this makes planning your day a little easier!

SUNDAY, JAN. 1hAPPY NEw YEAR’S DAY

wEDNESDAY, JAN. 4MOMMY CONNECTION — 9:15-11:30 a.m. Faith-based mothers’ group includes activities with the kids, then just for moms. All ages welcome. For child care reservations or more information, visit westpress.org. Meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima.

ITTY BITTY ART — 1:30-3:30 p.m. Drop-in studio time for parents and kids ages 5 and under. Cost is $5. Sunflower Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766.

KIDS’ OPEN ART STUDIO — 4-5:30 p.m. Drop-in studio time for all ages. Cost is $15. Sunflower Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766.

ThURSDAY, JAN. 5AFTER SChOOL ART — 4-5:30 p.m. Students ages 5 and up can drop in to make an art project at Red Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766. Cost is $12 for one class or $40 per month.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6FIRST PRES MOPS — 9-11:15 a.m. first and third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; Brianne, 509-949-8681.

FUNKY FRIDAY NIGhT — 7-8:30 p.m. Recreational swim with special rates: $1 adult, 50¢ youth. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 509-575-6046.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7hOME DEPOT KIDS wORKShOP — 9 a.m. to noon. Drop-in wood crafts for ages 5-12. The Home Depot, 2115 S. First St., Yakima; 509-452-3016.

YU-GI-Oh! TOURNAMENT — 12-4 p.m. Ron’s Coin & Book, 6 N. Third St., Yakima; 509-248-1117.

SATURDAY NIGhT LIvE — 7-9:30 p.m. Games, swimming, skits and other activities for youth ages 7-15. Free. Sign-in required. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave., Yakima; yakimaymca.org; Doug Berndt, 509-972-5269.


￭ daily planner

MONDAY, JAN. 9MOM & BABY — 10 a.m. to noon. Discussion group for moms with infants under 1 year. Meets at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Community Education Center in the Nob Hill Plaza, 2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-248-7322.




MOUNTAINvIEw MOPS — 6-7:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided.. Mountainview Christian Fellowship, 7105 Alpine Way, Yakima; Danielle, 509-833-2228.


FRIDAY, JAN. 13GYMKIDS FUN FRIDAY — 6-9 p.m. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for open gym, games and pizza. Cost: $20 first child, $18 siblings. Reservations not necessary. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 509-698-5437.


wwE RAw wORLD TOUR — 7:30 p.m. WWE presents Raw’s World Tour featuring professional wrestling Superstars CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio, John Cena, The Miz, Kofi Kingston and the WWE Divas. Tickets: $17-$62. Yakima Valley SunDome, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Yakima. Parking: $8; yakimasundome.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 14POLAR PLUNGE — Who’s willing to jump into the pond at Sarg Hubbard Park in the middle of January? This annual event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics. Registration at 10 a.m., costume contest at 11 a.m., Polar Plunge at noon. specialolympicswashington.org

LOwE’S BUILD & GROw CLINIC — 10 a.m. Reservations recommended. Free building workshop for children and parents. Today’s project: A drawbridge castle. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 509-248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com

GYMKIDS SATURDAY PLAYDATE — 10-11:30 a.m. Open gym, zip line and popcorn for children ages 1-5 with their parents. Cost: $10. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 509-698-5437.


wARM & COzY EvENT — 1-3 p.m. Stop by the Cake Decorator Shoppe to decorate a free cookie, enter drawing to win a quilt and drop off a donation for the children’s coat drive. Located in the Chalet Place, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.


MONDAY, JAN. 16MARTIN LUThER KING, JR. DAY — An annual Peace Walk is held in downtown Yakima. Due to construction, call the Visitor Information Center at 509-573-3388 for the current route and schedule.


MOMS CLUB OF YAKIMA — 9:30-11 a.m. third Wednesdays. Stay-at-home moms and kids meet upstairs at Central Lutheran Church, 1603 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima. Annette, 965-9341.

ITTY BITTY ART — 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Jan. 11.

KIDS’ OPEN ART STUDIO — 4-5:30 p.m. See Jan. 11.

DIvORCECARE FOR KIDS — 6:30-8 p.m. Support group for children whose parents are divorced or separated. Adult group meets at same time. Nursery care available. Meets at Roosevelt Elementary School, corner of 16th and Summitview avenues, Yakima. Dan, 509-930-1420. yakimadivorcecare.net

ThURSDAY, JAN. 19AFTER SChOOL ART — 4-5:30 p.m. See Jan. 12.

ADhD, OR vISION PROBLEM? — 7 p.m. Certain vision problems can mimic or complicate ADHD. Learn about issues associated

KALEB zIRKLE wITh DUKE

KAYLEE GUY wITh BUBBA

PAYTON hILL wITh AN ALLIGATOR


Children’s Center3609 Tacoma St.

Union Gap509-574-5755

Kids Club607 S. 36th Ave.

Yakima 509-469-5437

The Learning TreeChildren’s Center & Kids Club

www.thelearningtree-uniongap.com

Need flexibility? Ask about our drop-in and

part-time optionsTWO FaCiLiTieS

State licensed quality child care program for children ages 3 to 10.

(509) 698-KIDS(509) 698-KIDS

Victorian NurseryThe

WA Licensed Home Child Care for babies only.

Now enrolling Infants under age 12 months.

(Private Pay Only)

“Professional Care for Life’s Greatest Treasure”

Bring your Baby for a tour today!

509-697-6971

(509) 452-86481216 S. 24th Ave., Yakima

(south of Nob Hill)

(509) 452-8648

Katrena Barrette: 509-452-0950 or 509-895-9412 www.katrenaschildcare.com | [email protected]

Jordyn, All Ages

AFFORDABLE RATESBILINGUAL

ALL AGES: INFANT THRU 11 YEARS OLDOVERNIGHT CARE

STRUCTURED CURRICULUMFIELD TRIPS

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL (Whitney, Summitview, Nob Hill, Gilbert,

Wide Hollow, Cottonwood)

STATE AND PRIVATE PAY ACCEPTED

Immediate Openings Available

Coco, Lead PreschoolKatrena, Owner

Katrena’sRhythm & Rhyme

Childcare

Katrena’sRhythm & Rhyme

Childcare

24 HOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY

ChildCareGU DET

HE

BU

SY

BE

E

to advertise with Busybee, call denise at 509-969-2399.


with near vision work at this workshop for parents presented by Dr. Benjamin C. Winters at Washington Vision Therapy Center, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 150, Yakima. Free; call 509-654-9256 to register.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20FIRST PRES MOPS — 9-11:15 a.m. first and third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms

with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; Brianne, 509-949-8681.

MEMORIAL BIBLE MOPS — 9-11:30 a.m. third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. Memorial Bible Church, 111 Old Stage Way, Gleed; Angie, 509-945-0617.

ELLENSBURG MOPS — 9-11 a.m. third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. Mercer Creek Church, 1407 N. B St., Ellensburg; 509-933-7800.


daily planner ￭


￭ daily planner

SATURDAY, JAN. 21YU-GI-Oh! TOURNAMENT — 12-4 p.m. Ron’s Coin & Book, 6 N. Third St., Yakima; 509-248-1117.

ThE NUTCRACKER’S FAThER DAUGhTER BALL — 5:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, dancing and a silent auction at this annual event hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Yakima – Downtown. Daughters of all ages welcome. Cost: $70 per couple, additional daughter $15. Includes dinner and one complimentary 8×10 portrait of Dad with his daughter(s). Reservations limited; to purchase tickets, call 509-965-2258. dancewithdad.com


MONDAY, JAN. 23MOM & BABY — 10 a.m. to noon. Discussion group for moms with infants under 1 year. Meets at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Community Education Center in the Nob Hill Plaza, 2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-248-7322.







JAMES MILES wITh PETERMAhALA NIEBUhR wITh ChICO

SYDNIE GATES wITh TUCKER


Located at 709 North Park Centre, Selah

• Gymnastics (18 mos. - 10 years) • Cheer (5-12 years)• Academic Preschool• Before and After School Care

509-698-KIDS

New YeAr GYmNAStICS SPeCIAl

50%50% (New Students Only)

OFFOFFONe SeSSION OF GYmNAStICS

Coupon expires Feb. 29, 2012

Take a tour today!

A Journey to excellence• Enrollment open for

Second Semester

• Accelerated Reader™ and Accelerated Math™ programs

• Achieving high level academics

• Christian based for all faiths

• Kindergarten – half day and full day options

• Providing – passion for learning, safety to grow & reasons to serve

Your child deserves a qualitY education

1200 City Reservoir Rd. | Yakima, WA 98908 | 509-966-1933 | www.yacsschool.orgYakima Adventist Christian School

Don’t miss the kindergarten music presentation “I Want To Be Like Jesus” at www.yacsschool.org

TakE a

Tour ToDay!

whERE’S YOUR hEART? — 5:30-7 p.m. Oochee the Clown & Friends present a high-energy show about how to learn how to treat others with kindness and respect. Free. Pizza at 5:30 p.m.; donated accepted. Performance begins at 6:15 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church and Preschool, 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima; 509-966-2370.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27FUNKY FRIDAY NIGhT — 7-8:30 p.m. Recreational swim with special rates: $1 adult, 50¢ youth. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 509-575-6046.

SATURDAY, JAN. 28LOwE’S BUILD & GROw CLINIC — 10 a.m. Reservations recommended. Free building workshop for children and parents. Today’s project: Dinosaur. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 509-248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com

YU-GI-Oh! TOURNAMENT — 12-4 p.m. See Jan. 21

SATURDAY NIGhT LIvE — 7-9:30 p.m. See Jan. 21.

MONDAY, JAN. 30MOM & BABY — 10 a.m. to noon. See Jan. 23.

wEDNESDAY, FEB. 1MOMMY CONNECTION — 9:15 a.m. See Jan. 25.

ITTY BITTY ART — 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Jan. 25.

KIDS’ OPEN ART STUDIO — 4-5:30 p.m. See Jan. 25.

MONTESSORI SChOOL OF YAKIMA OPEN hOUSE — 6 p.m. Public open house for interested families. Preschool through grade 3. Located at the basement level of Englewood Christian Church, 544 N. 44th Ave.,Yakima; 509-966-0680. msofy.org

DIvORCECARE FOR KIDS — 6:30-8 p.m. See Jan. 25.

ThURSDAY, FEB. 2AFTER SChOOL ART — 4-5:30 p.m. See Jan. 26.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3FIRST PRES MOPS — 9-11:15 a.m. first and third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; Brianne, 509-949-8681.

hEALThY hEART ExPO — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All ages are invited to learn about healthy lifestyles at a fun health fair featuring more than 30 community partners. Free. Kids welcome. Held in the auditorium at Yakima Regional Medical & Cardiac Center, 110 S. Ninth Ave., Yakima. 509-575-5000.

FUNKY FRIDAY NIGhT — 7-8:30 p.m. See Jan. 27.


￭ daily planner

SATURDAY, FEB. 4hOME DEPOT KIDS wORKShOP — 9 a.m. to noon. Drop-in wood crafts for ages 5-12. The Home Depot, 2115 S. First St., Yakima; 509-452-3016.



MONDAY, FEB. 6MOM & BABY — 10 a.m. to noon. Discussion group for moms with infants under 1 year. Meets at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Community Education Center in the Nob Hill Plaza, 2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-248-7322.

wEDNESDAY, FEB. 8MOMMY CONNECTION — 9:15-11:30 a.m. Faith-based mothers’ group includes activities with the kids, then just for moms. All ages welcome. For child care reservations or more information, visit westpress.org. Meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima.





ThURSDAY, FEB. 9AFTER SChOOL ART — 4-5:30 p.m. Students ages 5 and up can drop in to make an art project at Red Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766. Cost is $12 for one class or $40 per month.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10GYMKIDS FUN FRIDAY — 6-9 p.m. Drop off kids ages 3-10 for open gym, games and pizza. Cost: $20 first child, $18 siblings. Reservations not necessary. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 509-698-5437.


SATURDAY, FEB. 11LOwE’S BUILD & GROw CLINIC — 10 a.m. Reservations recommended. Free building workshop for children and parents. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 509-248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com

GYMKIDS SATURDAY PLAYDATE — 10-11:30 a.m. Open gym, zip line and popcorn for children ages 1-5 with their parents. Cost: $10. Selah GymKids, 709 North Park Centre, Selah; 509-698-5437.

YU-GI-Oh! TOURNAMENT — 12-4 p.m. See Feb. 4.

vALENTINE COOKIE DECORATING — 1-3 p.m. Cookie decorating at the Cake Decorator Shoppe, located in the Chalet Place, 5609 Summitview Ave., Yakima; 509-494-0975.

SATURDAY NIGhT LIvE — 7-9:30 p.m. See Feb. 4.

SUNDAY, FEB. 12NEw ShANGhAI CIRCUS — 3 p.m. Acrobats, jugglers and contortionists bring alive 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions, enhanced by fabulous choreography, lighting, scenery and music. Tickets: $7.50-$35. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima.

MONDAY, FEB. 13MOM & BABY — 10 a.m. to noon. See Feb. 6.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14vALENTINE’S DAY

MALLORY KELLER wITh MURRAY

SAGE CLAIRE DELEON wITh BEAR

LIAM CAvANAUGh wITh LUCKY

SEND US YOUR PhOTOS!Would you like to see photos of your kids published in Busybee? Send your favorite shots to [email protected] or PO Box 2683, Yakima WA 98907. Be sure to include their names, your name and a phone number.


wEDNESDAY, FEB. 15MOMMY CONNECTION — 9:15-11:30 a.m. See Feb. 8.

MOMS CLUB OF YAKIMA — 9:30-11 a.m. third Wednesdays. Stay-at-home moms and kids meet upstairs at Central Lutheran Church, 1603 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima. Annette, 965-9341.

ITTY BITTY ART — 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Feb. 8.

KIDS’ OPEN ART STUDIO — 4-5:30 p.m. See Feb. 8.

DIvORCECARE FOR KIDS — 6:30-8 p.m. See Feb. 8.

ThURSDAY, FEB. 16AFTER SChOOL ART — 4-5:30 p.m. See Feb. 9.

FRIDAY, FEB. 17FIRST PRES MOPS — 9-11:15 a.m. first and third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. First Presbyterian Church, 9 S. Eighth Ave., Yakima; Brianne, 509-949-8681.

MEMORIAL BIBLE MOPS — 9-11:30 a.m. third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. Memorial Bible Church, 111 Old Stage Way, Gleed; Angie, 509-945-0617.

ELLENSBURG MOPS — 9-11 a.m. third Fridays. Mothers of Preschoolers, open to moms with children ages birth-kindergarten. Child care provided. Mercer Creek Church, 1407 N. B St., Ellensburg; 509-933-7800.

CENTRAL wAShINGTON SPORTSMEN ShOw — 1-8 p.m. Three-day show features special attractions just for kids, including Lunker Lake fishing pond, Crosman air rifle range, foam dart crossbow shooting gallery and worm dig. Admission: $8 adults, $4 ages 12-6, free ages 5 and younger (one-time admission good for all three days). Yakima Valley SunDome, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Yakima. Parking $8; shuylerproductions.com.

FUNKY FRIDAY NIGhT — 7-8:30 p.m. See Feb. 4.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18CENTRAL wAShINGTON SPORTSMEN ShOw — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. See Feb. 17.



SUNDAY, FEB. 19CENTRAL wAShINGTON SPORTSMEN ShOw — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Feb. 17.


￭ daily planner

MONDAY, FEB. 20PRESIDENT’S DAY

TUESDAY, FEB. 21ThE vISION AND LEARNING LINK — 7 p.m. Workshop for parents or teachers to learn how vision therapy can help students who are struggling with school and reading. Presented by Dr. Benjamin C. Winters at Washington Vision Therapy Center, 3909 Creekside Loop, Suite 150, Yakima. Free; call 509-654-9256 to register.

wEDNESDAY, FEB. 22MOMMY CONNECTION — 9:15-11:30 a.m. Faith-based mothers’ group includes activities with the kids, then just for moms. All ages welcome. For child care reservations or more information, visit westpress.org. Meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6015 Summitview Ave., Yakima.





ThURSDAY, FEB. 23AFTER SChOOL ART — 4-5:30 p.m. Students ages 5 and up can drop in to make an art project at Red Art Studios, 2522 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-469-2766. Cost is $12 for one class or $40 per month.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24FUNKY FRIDAY NIGhT — 7-8:30 p.m. Recreational swim with special rates: $1 adult, 50¢ youth. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 509-575-6046.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25ENGINEERING DAY FOR KIDS — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hands-on activities designed to get school-aged kids excited about science, math and engineering. Free. Held in the YVCC Hopf Union Building (HUB) in Yakima; download a campus

RYKER MUIR wITh DAKOTA AND SOLDIER

hENRY LAUFER wITh MELvIN

REED EvERT wITh ALFORD

JOhNAThON & ALExIS BROwN wITh DONUT

MICAh GLENN wITh MAxx


TheDAHLER

ClubFor Cents-able Kids

Ages 3-12

Solarity Credit Unionhas a Savings Club just for you!

Visit any Solarity Credit Union location and open your account with a $5 deposit. Along with choosing a prize every time you make a deposit, you will receive a stamp on your very important saver card. When your card is full, turn it in for a Top Dog prize!

Other fun benefits include: • Invitations to special events and fun

activities

• Receiving a birthday card from DAHLER every year

• Earning dividends on your money

509.248.1720 • www.solaritycu.org

e-mail: [email protected]

Federally Insured by NCUA.

PlannerPARTY

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to advertise with Busybee, call denise at 509-969-2399.

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(509) 698-KIDSLocated in the Chalet Place, 5609 Summitview A

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(509) 494-0975(509) 494-0975

Cake and candy-making supplies,

classes and fun parties at

map at yvcc.edu. Sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Ben, 509-966-7000.

31ST ANNUAL DOLL ShOw AND SALE — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All ages of doll lovers are invited to The Salvation Army’s annual fundraiser benefiting the organization’s youth programs. A small donation will be taken at the door. Located at 310 N. 16th Ave., Yakima. Information: 509-453-3139.

LOwE’S BUILD & GROw CLINIC — 10 a.m. Reservations recommended. Free building workshop for children and parents. Lowe’s, 2500 Rudkin Road, Union Gap; 509-248-3032. lowesbuildandgrow.com



SUNDAY, FEB. 26KINDERKONCERT — 3 p.m. The Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Ensemble for Strings team up for a concert especially for children ages 2-10. After the 45-minute performance, visit with the musicians and play in the Instrument Petting Zoo. Free admission; donations accepted. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. yyso.org

hARLEM GLOBETROTTERS — 3 p.m. The Globetrotters’ 2012 World Tour features favorites like Big Easy, Flight Time, Special K and Scooter, plus an exciting new class of rookies. Tickets: $22-$69 (children 2 and younger free on lap). Yakima Valley SunDome, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Yakima. Parking: $8. yakimasundome.com

MONDAY, FEB. 27MOM & BABY — 10 a.m. to noon. Discussion group for moms with infants under 1 year. Meets at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital’s Community Education Center in the Nob Hill Plaza, 2506 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-248-7322.

wEDNESDAY, FEB. 29LEAP DAY

MOMMY CONNECTION — 9:15-11:30 a.m. See Feb. 22.

ITTY BITTY ART — 1:30-3:30 p.m. See Feb. 22.

KIDS’ OPEN ART STUDIO — 4-5:30 p.m. See Feb. 22.

DIvORCECARE FOR KIDS — 6:30-8 p.m. See Feb. 22.

FRIDAY, MARCh 2KING ARThUR’S QUEST — 7 p.m. Franklin Middle School students perform with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For information, call Sam at Allied Arts, 509-966-0930.


￭ reading for sanity | by Mindy Oja

My favorite childhood moments were those spent snuggled under the covers, listening to my mother read to me, lost in a world of words, magical illustrations, and my own imagination. Now that I have children of my own, I long to create similar memories with them and inspire the same love of reading that my mother instilled in me.

Although not all books deserve a second read, I know I’ve found a favorite when my kids’ ears perk up, they scoot a little closer and their eyes fill with wonder and excitement. Of course, the rousing chorus of “just one more time please!” is also pretty hard to miss.

Picture books are perfect for preschoolers who often need illustrations to focus on a story. If you have a little one who loves story time, here are a few pictures books that just might capture their imagination — and yours!

The Emperor of Absurdia by Chris Riddell

Uh, oh! The Emperor of Absurdia wakes up to find his snuggly scarf is missing! He sets off on a quest to find it and encounters some surprises along the way, including one very large dragon! Will the Emperor escape danger and find his special scarf? You’ll have to read the book and see. Follow along as a young boy’s dreams become reality in a whimsical story of absurdity and adventure that dazzles the imagination.

A few extra recommendations:ILLUSTRATED ChAPTER BOOKS are a great option for reading to younger children who still needs pictures to engage, and older children who can listen well without them.

• The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

• The Ramona series by Beverly Cleary

• The Spiderwick Chronicles* by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

ADvANCED ChAPTER BOOKS are an excellent choice for children who no longer need to be read to, but still enjoy it.

• The Harry Potter series* by JK Rowling

• The Lightning Thief series* by Rick Riordan

• The Anne of Green Gables series by LM Montgomery

*some fantasy violence that may scare younger children, though mine certainly didn’t mind.

25%SAvE

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

Explore the town of Chewandswallow in this deliciously creative book where each day’s food is delivered by the weather. When the elements take a turn for the worse – giant pancakes, cream cheese drifts, pea soup fog and oodles of noodles – the townsfolk must find a way to save themselves, before it’s too late! With illustrations that will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike, this book is sure to be a family favorite. Do not settle for just seeing the movie!

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

“I like myself! I’m glad I’m me! There’s no one else I’d rather be…”

Introduce your children to a charming young girl who genuinely likes who she is “inside, outside, upside down, from head to toes and all around.” Regardless of what others might think or say, she won’t let warts or even a silly snout that snorts keep her from being her wonderful self. I am simply in love with this book; its meaningful message, poetic prose, and quirky illustrations combine to make this a must-read, must-buy book for your own young ones. ￭

Show this review at Inklings Bookshop to receive 25% off the cover price of one of these picture books:• The Emporer of Absurdia• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs• I Like Myself

Limit one coupon per customer.Read more book reviews by Mindy Oja (and other insatiable readers) at readingforsanity.blogspot.com.

Snuggle up & read together


AvERY SChUT wITh LILY

JACKSON REIMER wITh DUKE

hANNAh hANSON wITh vANDER

ELIzABETh NIEDRINGhAUS AUTUMN ROBERTS wITh LUCKY

ALExIS BROwN wITh wAFFLE PAIGE FALK

KAYLEE MUIR wITh DAKOTA

MADDIE & GRANT PICKETT wITh ShERMAN

KAYLEE GUY wITh ALICEJACK PICKETT wITh ShERMAN

MALAChI, MARK & MIChAEL BRYAN wITh ShADOw

Documents

Jan/Feb 2012 Busybee