Children%27sEssentials Fall 2014

children’sessentials

FALL 2014
w w w. n e w c h i l d r e n s e s s e n t i a l s . c o m

complimentary issue
www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 1

Impacting Lives Through Vision Therapy.

Can Your Child Pass this Test?

Does Your Child:

Have trouble reading? Have difficulty with spelling?
Work slowly?
Have a short attention span when reading? Misalign digits in number columns?
Confuse left & right?
Omit numbers, letters, or phrases? Repeatedly confuse words with similar
beginnings & endings?
Have poor handwriting?

Rubs his/her eyes frequently?


If you checked any of these symptoms, it is a sign that your child may have an
undiagnosed vision problem. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.
It could make all the difference!

There’s more to healthy vision than 20/20 eyesight!

Steven A. Levin, O.D., F.C.O.V.D

Board Certified in Vision Development & Vision Therapy • Distinguished Practitioner - National Academy of Practice
National Optometrist of the Year Award • Serving the community for over 40 years

(219) 659-3050 • 1334 119th Street2 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com Whiting, IN 46394 • www.levineyecare.com

The New School Year – Is Your Child Ready?

In preparation for the new school year, families around the world Her daughter was suffering from fatigue, difficulty concentrating
focus on making sure their children are ready to go back to school. or staying on task, and had trouble moving her eyes smoothly.
In addition to filling their children’s back-to-school checklists, “Mary would come home from school in tears because she was so
parents also need to include a very important school supply-an eye exhausted. Mary had an eye coordination problem called convergence
examination. Most parents assume incorrectly that
their child can see well enough to learn. When a insufficiency which is a very common condition. It
child struggles with reading, attentive parents can can cause double vision and make words look like they
often see that something isn’t right. They can see are moving on the page when trying to read.
there is something wrong with how their child’s eyes After treatment for convergence insufficiency with
move when he/she is trying to read. Teachers will an office and home therapy program, Mary was a
often tell parents that they think their child has a changed girl. Her grades improved and she enjoys
problem with tracking. But when the child is taken going to school. When asked what Mrs. Torres would
to the pediatrician, the parents are told that their like to share with parents everywhere, she said, “How
child’s vision is fine. do you make progress in any area if you’re not willing
This is what happened for Suzanne Torres, mother to entertain new information; specifically in the field
of five. When her middle daughter, Mary, was of medicine? I think that all information, every option,
in first grade she started having difficulties with should be supplied to parents. And parents can make
reading. She knew her spelling words, but she couldn’t recognize up their own minds. They know what’s going to be
these words when they were in a paragraph. The pediatrician said best for their kids. But what’s frustrating to me is that every option
that Mary’s vision was fine. However, Suzanne could see that her wasn’t being supplied. No one ever said to me that there might be a
daughter’s eyes didn’t seem to move correctly when she was reading. visual issue.”
“We were beyond frustrated and unable to find an explanation for August is International Children’s Vision and Learning month. If
the difficulty our daughter had reading. It didn’t make sense that she your child struggles in reading and learning, make sure you see the
tested above level with her vocabulary words listed in columns but doctor, a developmental optometrist, before you assure your child’s
then was unable to read them in a sentence.” vision is fine.

Levin Eye Care Center
1334 119th Street
Whiting, IN 46394
levineyecare.com
219.659.3050

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 3

It's August and fall is just around the corner! our Staff
Although I would have to say summer is my
favorite season, fall ranks as a close second. Publisher
The cooler weather closes in and I am drawn Nicolas Bradley
to wonderful things like, apple picking with
my family, a trip to the pumpkin farm, the Creative Director
beginning of a new school year, and evenings Ryan Bradley
around a bonfire.
Editor
With every new season comes a fresh start - Brooke Shaw
this redemptive quality of each season should
keep our lives new and full of grace. As we Editorial Coordinator
look at this fall issue of Children's Essentials, Katie Garber
I think you will see just this. We have a few
articles that we hope strike your fancy; one Sales Director
on how to be a more graceful parent to Jim Rhoda
your toddler, another on saving money (or
keeping your money "new") as a new school Sales Executive
year begins, and tips on how to keep you and Shaun Kelly
your children's bodies healthy.
How to Reach Us
We hope that Children's Essentials inspires
you to spend even more quality time with Published By
your children and family, encourages you to NorthStar Media Group, Inc.
find quality professionals in your area, and
keeps you creating! E-mail
[email protected]
Happy Fall!
Brooke Shaw Phone
219-678-0291 • 219-805-2754 Sales
4 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com 574-514-7746 Customer Service

Address
PO Box 307
Osceola, IN 46561

Web Site
www.newchildrensessentials.com

Subscriber/Reprint Services
574-514-7746

Rights and Permission
574-514-7746

Copyrights

Children'sEssentials is published quarterly by
NorthStar Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of any part of this publication
without the express written consent of the publisher
is strictly prohibited. Children'sEssentials cannot
and will not be held liable for the performance
or quality of performance of any of the goods
or services provided by the advertisers in this
publication. Printed in the U.S.A.

contents

12

ARTS + CRAFTS

12 Beaded T-Shirt Necklace
Fun activity for kids

18 The Button Branch
A craft for the whole family

19

health + fitness FOOD + NUTRITION TRAVEL + LEISURE

19 Protein Bites 20 The Benefits of Apples 24 Fall Activity Checklist
Healthy snack for the whole family Stay healthy with apples Fun Fall family activities

FUN + ENTERTAINMENT featured articles

28 26 Fall Reads 3 Levin Eye Care
For all ages 7 ABC Academy
HOME + FINANCE 9 Law Offices of
31 Halloween Crossword
32 Back to School Kevin McNamara
11 Brad's Designs & Jewelry
Fun With Color 15 Challenger Learning Center
23 Theatre at The Center
27 Back to School Shopping Tips
Save money with these five tips

28 Training the Wild Beast
Within Us

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 5

Custom We want to thank the community and parents for
Birthday making us the #1 Neighbors’ Choice for many years.
& Special Occasion
Register Now for 6 week infants to
Cakes Pre-K and after school to12 years old.
Cookies
Sweet Tables • 5 days a week Mon-Fri 6:15am - 6:00pm
• Security entrance
9159 Wicker Ave. St. John, IN 46373 • Structured educational programs simulating elementary school
219-558-8712 • www.bakeryinstjohn.com • Video monitors throughout the building and outside playgrounds
• All meals/supplies included
Find us on Facebook • State licensed facility
• Creative/Culturally sensitive environment
• CPR/First Aid certified/degree staff
• Register now for summer camp/field trips

480 W. 61st Ave. Hobart

Located on St. Marys Health Care Campus

Call Today! (219) 945-0767

COMMUNITY meet our midwives The Family Birthing Center
schedule a visit
CARE of St. Mary Medical Center
explore your choices St. Mary Medical Center provides a full range of progressive
NETWORK services and facilities designed especially for a comfortable, safe
Community Healthcare System ® The team at Innovative Women’s birthing experience. We’ll guide you through labor and
Health offers the expertise to make encourage techniques like walking and position changes to ease
INNOVATIVE the process. And, the expertise of certified obstetrical nurses on
WOMEN’S HEALTH delivery of your new baby as staff ensures a higher standard of compassionate care.
natural, beautiful and joyous as it
Hobart Winfield Features Include:
Portage Valparaiso was meant to be. Ÿ Modern, private suites
Call us to schedule a visit and Ÿ State-of-the-art birthing beds
explore your choices for childbirth Ÿ Progressive delivery options, such as water births
Ÿ Certified Nurse Midwives and Lactation Consultants on staff
and perinatal care. Ÿ Skin-to-skin bonding techniques
Ÿ Flexible pain management options
219-286-3775 Ÿ Infant security system

OF ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER

1500 S. LAKE PARK AVE. HOBART, IN
WWW.COMHS.ORG

6 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

FEATURED

abc academy

The goal of our school is the preparation of children ages 6 We, as educators, have the power to sway the future in a
weeks old to prekindergarten, through socialization and positive, exciting manner through the children in our care.
education skills that will give these children the necessary Our efforts with these children can resonate for generations to
tools, desires and love of school, and a successful career for all come. It is a proven fact that through education, people have
the remaining years of their educational process. a higher standard of living, less health issues, and the greatest
The art of grace, social skills and education that a child outlook for the future.
develops through our school's energy and eagerness to teach, Through the kind and loving way that we will keep these
will provide the foundation of that child's life and will be the children in our care safe and secure and out of harm's way
bed rock of their future. from accidents, from people outside of this school, or from
The opportunity to give a parent the chance to have a career, other children in our school, allows each parent to be able
time for other needs and interests, and the ability to get away to go to work every day with a positive, and motivational
from the stress and mental fatigue that comes from this world manner, that gives these parents the best chance to provide
is what we are able to do. for their families. The peace of mind that we give each parent
can never be measured in money, but in the look and act of
gratitude and genuine thanks that you will receive.

ABC Academy
480 W. 61st Ave.

Hobart, IN

(Located on St. Mary's Health Care Campus)

(219)945-0767

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 7

Pediatric Speech Therapy Clinic What happens
Articulation, Language, Feeding/Swallowing, to your kids
Augmentative Communication & More if something
Enhance Your Child’s Communication Skills happens to
you?
INDIVIDUAL SPEECH THERAPY DEVELOPMENTAL GROUPS FOR
SESSIONS FOR KIDS AGES 0-18 KIDS AGES 9 MO TO 5 YRS  Will they be taken into protective custody?
Services Offered: • Literacy and Vocabulary  Will the court decide who cares for them?
• Feeding and Oral Motor Therapy Development
• Articulation/Phonology • Feeding and Sensory Groups Call Kevin McNamara
• Expressive and Receptive • Songs, Music, Crafts, and more
Language Skills 219-743-2525
• Pragmatic (Social) Skills 50% OFF
• Augmentative and Alternative Request “OFFER 12” for a FREE Family Wealth
Communication INITIAL EVALUATIONS Planning Session ($750 value)
• Assistive Technology
*Some Restrictions Apply Law Office of Kevin T. McNamara, LLC
10210 Wicker Avenue, Suite 3
Expires 11/30/2014 Saint John, Indiana 46373

All of Me Therapy LLC www.ktmlawoffice.kidsprotectionplan.com

1160 Joliet Street, Suite 102 • Dyer, IN 46311

P: (219) 440-7930 F: (219) 440-7931 E: [email protected]
Visit us online at AllofMeTherapy.com

8 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

FEATURED

law office of
kevin mcnamara

Law Office of Kevin T. McNamara parents often fail to plan for the care and protection of their children
Helping parents care for and protect their families in the event of their own death. In such tragic circumstances,
Imagine that it’s date night. John and Jane place their young consider what would happen with your children.
daughter, Elsa, in the care of their neighbors and closest friends, Kevin McNamara is Northwest Indiana’s Personal Family Lawyer™
the Anderson’s. While driving home, John and Jane are tragically and he helps parents care for and protect their families. He
killed in a car accident. includes a Kids Protection Plan® as part of a comprehensive estate
The authorities track down Elsa at the Anderson’s home and have plan, which gives parents the peace of mind knowing their children
no choice but to take her into protective custody until the matter will not be taken into protective custody but will always be cared
of her long-term care can be decided by the courts. Elsa is terrified for by people they know and trust. He also has systems in place to
as she is pulled away from a familiar and safe environment and ensure your plan stays up to date with your life and with changes in
thrust into unfamiliar surroundings with people she does not know. the law so that it always works the way it is supposed to, precisely
During the court proceedings, both John and Jane’s extended when it is needed. Moreover, Kevin believes family wealth includes
families fight a lengthy and expensive legal battle against each other so much more than just houses, cars, and financial accounts – but
for the guardianship of Elsa and the control of John and Jane’s your values, experiences, and wisdom as well.
estate. Discover how Kevin McNamara can make a profound difference in
Obviously, caring parents would never desire this situation for their the life of your family.
children. Unfortunately, even the most conscientious and loving

Law Office of Kevin T. McNamara, LLC
10210 Wicker Avenue, Suite 3
Saint John, Indiana 46373
(219)743-2525
www.ktmlawoffice.com

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 9

Creating priceless jewelry from your dreams is our passion

146 N. Main Street Crown Point, Indiana Stop in for a refreshing look at Home Décor,
(219) 663-5801 www.bradsdesignsandjewelry.com Specialty Gifts and Exceptional Service.

BRING IN THIS AD FOR 15% OFF ONE
REGULAR PRICED ITEM (Expires 10/15/14)

9490 Wicker Ave., St. John, IN.
(219) 558-0748

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 to 6 r Sat 9 to 4 r Sun Closed

www.ambiancehomestory.com

10 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

FEATURED

brad's designs
& jewelry

For over 30 years, Brad Belush of Brad’s Designs and Jewelry also require a couple of meetings along the way to make sure
has been creating custom jewelry pieces for his customers. it is what the customer wants. But in the end, there are not
Brad also repairs, refurbishes and restyles jewelry to meet his many things that are more fun than seeing that special, one
customer wishes and needs. Brad has been at the same location of a kind custom made jewelry that the customer envisioned
on Main Street in Crown Point, Indiana for over 28 years. come to life.
Brad’s Designs and Jewelry carries a selection of bridal rings, The same holds true when you want a piece you have had
watches, custom made jewelry, silver, alternative metal jewelry, for years refurbished. Sometimes it is not as easy as it looks!
children’s jewelry, and more. There are a lot of aspects that other jewelers either over look
As for the custom made pieces, it is important that you feel or unnecessarily concentrate on. Repairs that are not needed
you connect with you jeweler. The jeweler needs to be able and other vital things that are missed are not uncommon. This
to listen to your ideas, forget about making a sale, and give is where Brad’s 37 years of repair experience and his ability
suggestions so the new piece will not only look like what you to build things from scratch make the difference. It’s not just
have envisioned but be able to stand up to everyday use. This about a custom made piece, family heirloom, or just something
sometimes means that the customer and the jeweler have to that you like looking good today, but that it will be with you
have an open mind to all the possibilities. The process might for a lifetime.

Brad's Designs & Jewelry
146 N. Main St.

Crown Point, IN 46307
(219)663-5801

bradsdesignsandjewelry.com
www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 11

ARTS + CRAFTS

Beaded T-Shirt
Necklace

Gather Materials This is a spunky and colorful craft project that both you and your children will enjoy making and wearing.
Take a fun trip to the craft store. Talk about the different colors your child will be using and which one
• Colorful t-shirts they like best. You can buy shirts from the craft store or recycle old t-shirts from your closet. Once you have
• Wooden beads gathered all of your supplies – sit down, get creative, and have fun with your children!
• Washable paint
• Paint brushes Directions
• Scissors 1 Paint wooden beads (allow to fully dry)
2 Cut strips across each t-shirt
3 Stretch out the strips together and cut one end 5 Tie a knot on each side to keep the beads on
4 String beads leaving some space between each bead 6 Braid each side leaving space to tie a knot
7 Tie a knot and trim the ends
Enjoy wearing your beautiful and colorful necklace!

12 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

Ready for everything you are & aren’t expecting

Announcing the newly built Family Birthing Center at Community Hospital!

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ŸŞåÏĜ±ĬĜŸƋŸƵĘŅ±ųåųå±ÚƼƵĜƋĘƋĘååƻŞåųĜåĹÏåƋŅʱĹÚĬå±ĹƼƋĘĜĹčÏŅĹĀÚåĹƋĬƼ±ĹÚ
ÏŅĵޱŸŸĜŅűƋåĬƼţ‰Ę±ƋĜŸåƻ±ÏƋĬƼĘŅƵƵåÆåϱĵåŅĹåŅüƋĘåĬå±ÚĜĹčü±ÏĜĬĜƋĜåŸĜĹcœ
Indiana for maternal and newborn care – delivering more babies each year than
any other hospital in our local area. Our in-house specialists are available
24/7 and our modern facility is newly built with comfort
and safety in mind for one purpose – to be ready for
everything you and your baby need.

www.comhs.org/community
901 MacArthur Blvd.
Munster, IN 46321
219 • 836 • 3477 or 866 • 836 • 3477

DON’T MISS OUT

REGISTER NOW...MANY CLASSES ALREADY FILLED

SCHOOL AGE GYMNASTICS (AGES 5-18) DANCE CONNECTION (AGES 2-18) TUMBLEBEAR GYM PROGRAM (AGES 1-5)

Offering Classes In:

• Tumblebear Gym Program (walking-5)

• School-age Gymnastics (5-18)

BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS BACK TO • Tumbling & Trampoline (5-18) #1
GYMNASTICS AND DANCE. CALL, GO • Dance (2-18)
ONLINE, OR STOP BY TO REGISTER! • Karate (4-13)
• Cheer (3-8)

• Summer Swim Lessons (16 mo - 12 yrs)

• Gym-N-Learn Educational Preschool (2-5)

1530 Joliet St. Dyer, IN 46311 (Behind Hog Haven) • (219) 865-2274 • Schedules at pattisallamerican.com

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 13

Inspiring the Next Generation
of Explorers!

Accepting Children SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES!
ages 6 weeks Join us the second Saturday of every month for:
thru 10 years • Planetarium and Laser Shows
• Hands-on Family Sessions
Full Time and • Mini Missions
Part Time • Stories Under the Stars

Childcare Programs CLCNWI.com
219.989.3250

2300 173rd St. Hammond, IN

1/2 Day
Part Time
Preschool Programs

Pre - kindergarten A World Where Everyone Plays
& kindergarten
Programs

Children First Learning Center Foundation 9209 Wicker Avenue, Suite E Saint John, IN 46373
(219) 613-3973 • revolutionmusicschool.com
807 Merrillville Road Crown Point, IN
219-663-3678 • www.cflc.org

Hours : Monday - Friday 6am-6pm

14 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

FEATURED

Challenger
Learning center

What Do Rock Stars, Baseball Players and Presidents Want to Be When standards, and also do well I encouraging students to explore the impacts
They Grow Up? they can make in the world around them. The center’s 16,000 square foot
facility houses Space Station, Mission Control and Moon Base Simulators,
Astronauts! a planetarium and a science laboratory. Each program gives students an
Imagine your first grader teaming up with her classmates to investigate opportunity to put their skills to the test and play the role of an astronaut
whether or not humans can live on the Moon; or your fifth grader working scientist, engineer, doctor or other field that can assist a student in deciding
as a probe technician on a mission to rendezvous with comet orbiting the what their future might look like. The center offers programs for students
Sun; or your preschooler playing the role of an astronomer discovering that from preschool age on up to high school and is happy to work with special
the stars in the night sky are visible in the same patterns to people all over needs groups and seniors to tailor programs for astronaut wannabes of all
the world. The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana’s mission ages!
is to inspire and engage students in science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) fields using space exploration as the hook. Celebrating its Is your School a Challenger School?
15th anniversary, this space science center endeavors to create exciting, Ask your child’s teacher. Teachers can get involved in Challenger programs
immersive educational experiences for guests of all ages and abilities. by attending a free workshop during the month of September to experience
their grade level program and see how exciting and engaging a mission
The Best Field Trip Ever! can be. Curriculum materials and resources are included in each teacher
Challenger field trips are often called the “best field trip ever!” Simulation training. Field trip funding assistance is often available through the center’s
is one of the most effective tools in education as the connection between Challenger Columbia Teacher Grant Fund and, the center staff prides
the skills students learn in the classroom and the role they play during itself in continuously updating programs and resources in order to provide
a simulation have been shown to positively impact students interest in teachers with the most useful and user-friendly curriculum possible.
academics. These experiences also inspire students’ curiosity about topics
that will affect the future for all of us - technology, science, engineering - The center is a 501c(3) nonprofit and part of an International network of
as well as the 21st Century Skills of leadership, communication, problem centers dedicated to continuing the mission of the Challenger 51L Crew
solving, critical thinking and more. and first Teacher in Space, Christa McAuliffe through innovative teaching
and learning methods. For more information about school programs,
Challenger’s school programs are multifaceted learning experiences summer camps, family sessions, tours, volunteering or making a donation,
designed to assist teachers in meeting hard to reach science and engineering visit the center’s website at www.clcnwi.com or call (219) 989-3250.

Challenger Learning Center
2300 173rd St.
Hammond, IN
(219)989-3250
CLCNWI.com

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 15

agctoiviintigesonaroundtown

Fundraisers Races

MIKAYLA'S MISSION resident Kailey). Each person who attends KIDS N' CAPES! 5K RUN & WALK
SUMMER FUN BENEFIT gets a chance to win a $100 visa gift card! Location Lake County Fairgrounds,
Location Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant, 889 S. Court St., Crown Point, IN
809 McCool Road, Valparaiso, IN 46385 Contact information B & B Custom Date and Time Saturday, September 6
Date and Time Saturday, September 6th Events at (219) 689-2162 4:00pm
12:00-6:00pm
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL Walk or run to raise money for YOUR favorite
Bands, DJ, Beer Garden, Benefit Ride, 50/50, Location Downtown Valparaiso, IN 46383 local children's charity. Refreshments, live
Silent Auction, Vendor Fair, Car Show and Date and Time Friday, October 17 music and activities for the kids.
More surprising things to come! 4:00-6:00pm
LOCAL HEROES FOR LITTLE
Contact Information (219) 364-2551 “Fall is the perfect time to spend time in HEROES CHILDHOOD
www.MikaylasMission.org downtown Valparaiso. Wear your spookiest CANCER AWARENESS WALK
or silliest costume and go door-to-door in Location Lemon Lake County Park, Crown
EMILIA'S DAY Valparaiso’s downtown to get some tasty Point, IN
Location Lake County Fairgrounds, treats from our restaurants and retailers. Date and Time September 7, 2:00-6:00pm
Fine Arts Building Enjoy live music, hayrides, and a crisp autumn
Date and Time Saturday, September 13 day downtown.” “Join us for a hero themed, non-competitive
6:00-11:00pm and non-timed walk benefitting the Northwest
BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation. This is a
If you are interested in helping make Emilia's Location Centennial Park, family friendly event, fun for all ages! Dressing
Day a success, they need monetary donations, 1660 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN up like a police officer, firefighter or soldier is
as well as silent auction donations. They can Date and Time August 29-September 1 encouraged! Food, games, raffles, bake sale,
pick up any donations or they can be dropped vendors and more! Register online at www.
off at any Dunhill Tuxedos location, (Attention: Enjoy hundreds of food, crafts, and artisan eventbrite.com.
Mercy). Tickets may also be purchased at any booths. Watch live entertainment, tractor
Dunhill Tuxedo location for $10/person. pulls, and horse shows. Visit Historical Contact information
Americana and enjoy carnival rides and B & B Custom Events at (219) 689-2162
Contact Information (219) 796-3758 or games.
visit the Emilia Zandstra Fundraising Page on THE SPACE RACE 5K RUN & WALK
Facebook HOOKED ON ART STREET Location Challenger Learning Center of NW
ART FESTIVAL Indiana, 2300 173rd St., Hammond, IN
Festivals Location Thomas Centennial Park, Date and Time September 21
Downtown Chesterton 9:00-11:00am
Date and Time September 27
9:00am-4:00pm “This family friendly event invites runners and
walkers of all ages to get moving for a good
2ND ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR Watch as artists complete a work of art cause. A 5K run and 2K walk takes participants
AND HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN EVENT from start to finish. Enjoy music, art, family on a flat, shaded and beautiful course
Location Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, activities, and a day out in the park. through the Purdue Calumet campus and
800 E 81st Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410 Knickerbocker Neighborhood of Hammond.
Date and Time Sunday, October 19 POPCORN FESTIVAL After the race, participants are invited into
11:00am-5:00pm Location Downtown Valparaiso our amazing space science center for tours,
Date and Time Saturday, September 6 planetarium and laser shows and often a visit
Lots of unique shopping, a Halloween 7:00am-6:30pm with an astronaut! This event challenges local
costume contest, kids games, entertainment, schools and organizations to bring out the
food and more! Cost is $1 per person to enter Named Best Festival of the Region by The troops as the group with the most runners/
(Benefits the National Niemann Pick Disease Times for 15 Years, this event includes over walkers will earn their very own Family Science
Foundation in honor of 10 year old Schererville 250 arts & crafts booths, 30 food booths, Night at the learning center!”
kids' games, contests, live music, and even a
parade! Contact information
(219) 989-3250

16 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

agctoiviintigesonaroundtown

Just for Kids Other Events

KIDS NIGHT OUT BARNYARD JAMS Contact information
The Ultimate Candy Bar Gym Camp Location County Line Orchard (219) 558-0748
Location Patti's All American, 1530 Joliet Dates and Times Every weekend
St., Dyer, IN 46311 in September and October – times vary CENTRAL PARK PLAZA MARKET
Date and Time Saturday, August 9th Location Central Plaza Park, Valparaiso
5:00-9:00pm County Line Orchard is proud to showcase Dates and Times June thru September,
local musical talent every weekend in the Tuesdays 8:00am-2:00pm and Saturdays
“Mom's... have a date night with hubby before fall with Barnyard Jams. Visit http://www. 8:00am-12:00pm
school starts again and let us babysit! Bring countylineorchard.com/county-line-orchard-
them to our Kids Night Out Ultimate Candy barnyard-jams.html#calendar for details. Visit the market weekly to shop for fresh local
Bar Gym Camp! Your child will enjoy grabbing produce, handmade product, and beautiful
up candy and toys in our super-popular candy OPEN HOUSE and FREE INFORMATIONAL plants and flowers.
bar! They'll also make a summer-themed craft, SESSION
play games, and do gymnastics in the air- Location Revolution Music
conditioned gym, inflatable FUN, swimming, Dates and Times Saturday, August 16th
and PIZZA! AGES 4-12” 12:00 – 2:00pm, and Monday, August 18th

Contact Information Join Revolution Music for an open house on Submit Your Event
(219) 865-2274 August 16th from 12:00-2:00pm and for a
www.pattisallamerican.com free informational session on Simply Music Do you have an event that
Piano on August 18th. Call (219) 613-3973 you would like to submit
KIDS RULE! to register. They are offering open enrollment
Location Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, now! for the Winter Issue of
1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304 Children'sEssentials?
Dates and Time Every Sunday AMBIANCE–FIRSTYEARANNIVERSARY Please submit your entry to
thru 12/28/2014 1:00pm-3:00pm CELEBRATION
Location Ambiance, 9490 Wicker Avenue, your local sales
Join a ranger in the Visitor Center's activity St. John, IN 46375 representative or online at
room for stories and fun kid's activities. Dates and Times The ENTIRE month of newchildrensessentials.com
Children must be accompanied by an adult. August
This is a free event!
Daily and weekly specials: Enter a raffle every
Contact information week day for $50 gift certificate drawing on
Ryan Koepke (219) 395-1882 Saturday mornings; Sweet treat home-baked
goods from our staff to you every Wednesday;
SECOND SATURDAYS Wine & cheese every Friday afternoon; Free
Location Challenger Learning Center of NW coffee mug filled with coffee items given to
Indiana, 2300 173rd St., Hammond, IN customers with a $50 purchases on Mondays
Dates and Times The second Saturday (while supplies last).
of every month! The start time is generally
2:00pm Contact information
(219) 558-0748
September 13th: Flight Adventures, Laser U2
and Curiosity Rescue Mini Mission CELEBRATE AUTUMN WITH AMBIANCE
October 11th: Black Holes, Fright Light Laser – FALL OPEN HOUSE
and Stories Under the Stars Location Ambiance, 9490 Wicker Avenue,
November 8th: Stars, Laser Vinyl and Hands- St. John, IN 46375
on Family Science Dates and Times September 4, 5, and 6
during normal store hours
Contact information
(219) 989-3250 In-store specials and featured items along
with tons of new merchandise and fall décor!

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 17

ARTS + CRAFTS

The Button
Branch

Gather Materials Crafts with buttons are always fun and this one is no exception! This is a great craft to do with the kids and
• Canvas can be personalized based on what season it is. Kids can have fun searching the yard for the perfect sticks
• Sticks and picking out their favorite buttons.
• Buttons
• Glue Directions 3 Once dry, display your beautiful piece of art!
1 Glue your sticks onto your canvas into the shape of a
branch. You can use a heavy book on top of the sticks while
they dry to keep them flat.

2 Glue the buttons onto the canvas around the ends of the
smaller sticks to look like leaves on a tree.

18 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com

health + fitness

ReC I p e s

Protein bites

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

Looking for a way to get more protein into your child's diet? Try these yummy protein bites. They are
fun to make and eat - a great grab and go breakfast or after school snack for children of any age. If you
have little ones take a little extra time out of your day to work together to make these tasty treats.

Ingredients: Directions:
• 3 TB honey 1) Mix all ingredients together in the bowl.
• 1 tsp vanilla 2) Chill in the fridge for about 30min.
• 1 cup oatmeal 3) Roll into balls.
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter 4) Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 5) Enjoy!

www.newchildrensessentials.com children’sessentials | 19

FOOD + NUTRITION

The Benefits Of

apples...

The season of transition from summer to winter is a favorite time for many. The humidity of summer
gives way to the cool breezes of fall and orchards are in full bloom with a delicious variety of apples.
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and it's no surprise that they are good for you
– it's earned the “keep the doctor away” reputation after all. However, there are many lesser-known
nutritional reasons to make apples a part of your regular diet.

Apples help keep you full longer thanks to the wealth of fiber they contain. Even better, they do this
without costing you too many calories – about 95 in a medium sized fruit. Our bodies take much
longer to digest complex fiber than more simple ingredients like sugar or refined grains. People should
aim to get 25-40 grams of fiber per day. There is about 4 grams of fiber in a medium sized apple.

The fiber in apples can also help lower your cholesterol. Of the 4 grams of fiber in an apple, some of it
is in the form of pectin, a type of soluble fiber that has been linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol,
or “bad” cholesterol. Pectin blocks the absorption of cholesterol, allowing the body to use it, rather
than store it.

RECIPE

Homemade Apple Sauce

• 4 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions: In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and
cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20
minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash
with a fork or potato masher. This makes 4 servings.

20 | children’sessentials www.newchildrensessentials.com