Kidsville News April 2010

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ENJOY APRIL WITH ENJOY APRIL WITH EARTH DAY & ARBOR DAY!EARTH DAY & ARBOR DAY!

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Dear Kids, April is all about spring for me. I really like to be outside, and

this is the perfect time of year for it. Flowers are starting to bloom, and the birds are out making music. I just love waking up to the sounds of

spring! In April, you can celebrate spring by joining in the celebration of Earth Day. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! Arbor Day is another great day to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate spring . I ’m going to invite my family on a hike and take pictures of the different trees that we see. We might even plant a new tree in our backyard! National Library Week is the second week of April, so you might want to visit your school or community library to read up on Earth Day or Arbor Day. Be sure to say “Thank You” to your librarian! Remember, for fun and games all month, visit the new and improved Kidsville News! Web site at

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NORTHERN NEW YORK’S FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER

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©Kidsville News!Kidsville News!

Millions of people from Poughkeepsie, New York, to Papua, New Guinea, will take part in events to mark the 40th anni-versary of Earth Day this April 22. But the story behind the fi rst Earth Day begins with a single individu-al. In the early 1960s, when Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin, fi rst hatched the idea that began the modern en-vironmental movement, there was little public awareness about the damage be-ing done to the planet.

Nelson had been working to bring attention to environmental issues for several years. He even persuaded President John F.Kennedy to go on a fi ve-day, 11-state “conservation tour” in 1963. In 1969, while he was a U.S. Senator, Nelson came up with the idea for a “teach-in” on environmental issues. The idea caught on, and the fi rst Earth Day was coordinated by Nelson and Denis Hayes and held on April 22, 1970.

In 1995, Nelson (who also served as Governor of Wiscon-sin) was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest honor given to U.S. civilians —

in recognition of his role as the founder of Earth Day.

One person — like Gaylord Nelson — can make a difference! More and more people are making earth-friendly habits, like recycling, part of their daily lives.

Through the joint efforts of the

U.S. government, organizations

and citi-zens, what started as a day of national environ-mental

recognition has evolved

into a world-wide campaign to

protect our global environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we are all making a difference. In fact, the nation’s air and water are much cleaner today than they were 40 years ago.

The EPA has a special Web site just for students and kids, with lots of neat projects and information. Visit www.epa.gov/students or www.epa.gov/kids for fun activities just for you.

Information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, The Wilderness Society and www.metrocreativeconnec-tion.com.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! Easter is a religious holiday that honors the resurrection, or rising, of Jesus

Christ from the dead. Easter also celebrates the coming of spring and the new lifeseen in flowers, gardens and animals.

The term “Easter” comes from the Anglo-Saxon, or old English, goddessnamed Eostre. The goddess Eostre represented “light,” another sign of spring,and every April, in the past, the Anglo-Saxon tribes would hold a celebration inher honor.

Today Easter is celebrated on or after the first full moon after March 21. Theearliest possible date for Easter is March 22 and the latest is April 25.

In the Christian Church, Easter comes at the end of Lent. Lent is a 40- dayperiod that begins traditionally on Ash Wednesday and goes until Easter Sunday.Ash Wednesday is the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On Ash Wednesday,people will often get ashes on their foreheads to represent regret for their sinsand recognition of their human lives. During Lent, people often practice fasting,special church services are held and folksoften give up something they enjoy. Fastingmeans not to eat any food or to eat onlycertain kinds of food and is usually prac-ticed for religious purposes.

Every Easter, churches, businesses andother organizations hold Easter egg hunts, where eggs full of candy, toys, secretmessages or pictures are hidden and people go and find them. The egg is a sym-bol of rebirth and new life.

How to Decorate Easter Eggs• With an adult’s help, hard-boil an egg or multiple eggs in water inside a pot

on the stove for 10 minutes.• After boiling for 10 minutes, have the adult empty the hot water into the

sink and pour cold water into the pot. Leave eggs in the pot.• Let the eggs sit for 5 minutes, and then dump out the cold water, still leav-

ing the eggs in the pot.• Have the adult mix any color of food coloring (about 5 drops) and a cup of

warm water in a bowl. Two tablespoons of white vinegar will help the color stickto the shell better. Gently place the cooled boiled egg inside the cup to sit.

• Allow the egg to sit for 5 minutes or until it is the shade you like.• Take a serving spoon and pick the egg up out of the cup and gently place it

on a plate or paper towel to dry.• Be sure to wash any food coloring off your hands with soap and warm wa-

ter. Once the egg is dry, you can decorate your egg with stickers, markers, plasticjewels or any number of things. Refrigerate the eggs until you are ready to usethem. Be sure to handle your eggs carefully because even though they are hard-boiled, they can still crack. Have fun!

Ashley Young is a contributing writer for Kidsville News. Sources: The World BookEncyclopedia and Dictionary.com. Image: www.metrocreativeconnection.com.

All about Easter


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In Thailand, April 13-15 is a public holiday for the New Year’s festival, or Song-kran Festival, also known as the “Water Festival.” Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. The day before the festival, the people do a spring cleaning. On April 13, the image of Buddha is bathed with holy or fragrant water, and the people celebrating splash water on each other and have a big water fi ght. The people of Thailand believe that the water will wash away bad luck.

American SamoaIn American Samoa, April 17 is celebrated as Flag Day. Samoa is a small group of

islands in the South Pacifi c Ocean and is a terri-tory of the United States. Flag Day is a

national holiday commemorating the fi rst raising of the American Flag in what used to be known as Eastern Samoa in 1900. Tocelebrate, they have parades with singing and dancing. They also hold the Fautasi Long Boat Race.

IcelandWell, it’s not summer in the U.S. yet, but in Iceland, they celebrate April 24 as Sumarda-gurinn Fyrsti, or “first day of summer.” This public holiday is celebrated with many festivities, including parades and street dances. It is held every year on the Thursday between April 19 and 25. There is no school for the children, and they receive “summer gifts.” Iceland is the second-largest island in the North Atlantic Ocean and is dotted with mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls.


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gApril is National Garden Month! See how many garden-

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I Z G D T L D U M P K H S T O R Y B N W Y V R S L G C D S D F R L G I B P L A D C L E O Z K T V I C T P U K Y I U E P X W G B F R E N M T J K M S M Y A W G D B R L A W O K C Y O O T J L M U E Z B L O C Z A C I E E K C K E C Y A P G L U B N R S C E S L G X F T X W C P G R E Z I L I T R E F E G Z W A I J Y C M Q F S O N H G C J R D S A F T J W B Q V I P E T D T C F T T I S R K I J V Y V E F L O W E R O E I F D B B U N O R G A N I C H O V Z N E R I

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Tricky Adventures in the Dark

Have you ever Have you ever awakened in the middle of awakened in the middle of the night, opened your eyes the night, opened your eyes and couldn’t see a thing? and couldn’t see a thing?

Somebody forgot to turn on Somebody forgot to turn on the night light! This could make your the night light! This could make your

trip to the bathroom a tricky adventure.trip to the bathroom a tricky adventure.Astronomers have a similar problem. Out Astronomers have a similar problem. Out

in deep space, in the vast realm between stars, it’s as dark as in deep space, in the vast realm between stars, it’s as dark as your bathroom at midnight. They can’t see a thing. your bathroom at midnight. They can’t see a thing.

Yet there is “stuff” out there. Dwarf stars, faint clouds of Yet there is “stuff” out there. Dwarf stars, faint clouds of gas and dark asteroids are just a few of the cool objects wait-gas and dark asteroids are just a few of the cool objects wait-ing to be discov-ing to be discov-ered. But how?ered. But how?

The answer is The answer is “Herschel.” That’s “Herschel.” That’s the name of a new the name of a new space telescope space telescope launched into launched into orbit last May. orbit last May. With Herschel on With Herschel on duty, it’s as though duty, it’s as though someone walked someone walked into the room into the room and turned on the and turned on the lights.lights.

Herschel is Herschel is an infrared tele-an infrared tele-scope. You know scope. You know how soldiers use how soldiers use infrared night-infrared night-vision goggles to vision goggles to see things in the see things in the dark? Herschel dark? Herschel works in much works in much the same way. It the same way. It detects the infrared “body heat” of distant stars, planets and detects the infrared “body heat” of distant stars, planets and asteroids.asteroids.

“The sky looks much more crowded when you look in “The sky looks much more crowded when you look ininfrared wavelengths,” says George Helou, director of NASA’s infrared wavelengths,” says George Helou, director of NASA’sHerschel Science Center. “We can’t observe the infrared Herschel Science Center. “We can’t observe the infrareduniverse from the ground because our atmosphere blocks infra-universe from the ground because our atmosphere blocks infra-red light. That’s why we need a space telescope like Herschel.”red light. That’s why we need a space telescope like Herschel.”

Herschel uses a mirror to focus infrared radiation into a Herschel uses a mirror to focus infrared radiation into a picture — and what a mirror it is! The refl ecting surface is 6.5 picture — and what a mirror it is! The reflecting surface is 6.5 meters wide. That’s almost 20 feet. If your mom stood on your meters wide. That’s almost 20 feet. If your mom stood on your dad’s shoulders, and then your grandma climbed up on your dad’s shoulders, and then your grandma climbed up on your mom’s shoulders, this stack of three people still wouldn’t be mom’s shoulders, this stack of three people still wouldn’t be quite as tall as Herschel’s mirror.quite as tall as Herschel’s mirror.

Herschel’s big mirror has a collecting area 16 times greater Herschel’s big mirror has a collecting area 16 times greater than any previous infrared space telescope. That means the than any previous infrared space telescope. That means the telescope can see things that are extremely faint, dark and far telescope can see things that are extremely faint, dark and far away. Astronomers expect big discoveries in the months and away. Astronomers expect big discoveries in the months and years ahead.years ahead.

As for the bathroom, you’re going to have to fi nd that on As for the bathroom, you’re going to have to find that on your own. Herschel is occupied.your own. Herschel is occupied.

Play the infrared astronomy typing game, “Sign Here,” at Play the infrared astronomy typing game, “Sign Here,” at The Space Place, spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/spitzer/signs.The Space Place, spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/spitzer/signs.

This article was provided courtesy of the Jet Propulsion This article was provided courtesy of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.Administration.

The Herschel Space Observatory sees things in space that are very dark and far away. That is because it “sees” in infrared and has a huge mirror for gathering light from very faint objects.


What’s the Difference?There are five things different between picture A and

picture B. Can you find them all?

What’s it like to be... What’s it like to be... What’s it like to be...

A CHILDREN’S MUSICAL ENTERTAINER? A CHILDREN’S MUSICAL ENTERTAINER? A CHILDREN’S MUSICAL ENTERTAINER? I love music, and I love having fun. Lucky for me, I have the chance to meet exciting people all of the time, and I just met someone hat combines music and fun! And, it’ s her JOB! Shana Banana was born in Hilo, Hawaii, and grew up in the Hawaiian Islands until high sch ool. (She went to school at Punahou in Honolulu —� the same school as President Obama!)Then she moved to Flori da, where she still lives. Shana went to Eckerd College and earned a Master’ s and Ph.D. Candidacy in Oceanography from the University of South Florida. But she has always loved music, and once she began entertaining for children, she found her calling! Her other hobbies include cooking, meditatio n, yoga, exercise, hiking and outdoorsy stuff with her husband and two young children.

TRUMAN : What does it take to become a children’ s musical entertainer? SHANA: Three things: 1) A totally genuine enjoyment of and drive for positively infl uencing kids, 2) a love of performing and 3) a good education. Not necessarily an education in the arts, music or theater —� mine is in oceanography —� but a well rounded education in which you learn good fundamentals of reading, math, science, the arts, nutrition, fitness, social studies and more. Why? Because as a children’s entertainer, you are relating directly to children, hopefully inspiring and motivating them for whom they are. It is an awesome responsibility to be able to touch the lives of children, and so you want to be able to relate to all children equally, whether they are destined to someday be rocket scientists, accountants or movie stars. You want to make sure that all children feel honored and respected and that you are coming from a background that qualifi es you to sing to and with them at that level. When I sing about so many different topics, it’ s because I had a good education and know about those topics, or at least know how to research them. For example, my song “I Want to be a Dinosaur” won “Best Children’ s Song in the Country” in 2004. I spent an afternoon in the library just researching facts on dinosaurs before I wrote that song. I learned how to research and communicate facts because I went to school. Now, because I choose music and dance and performance to communicate to kids, I also took lots of special classes in voice, guitar, acting, writing, elementary education and music theatre, so I can do the best job possible sharing knowledge with kids, teachers, parents and families in a FUN way! TRUMAN: When and why did you fi rst become interested in this profession? SHANA: Music and performance had always been a serious hobby for me. I was in the Honolulu Children’ s Choir and was their lead mezzo soprano. I performed in school musicals and played guitar from about second grade on. I took acting and singing and dance classes because it was fun, and I couldn’t get enough. But I never considered doing this as a career till much later in life. My dad was a marine biologist, and he took me everywhere with him, so I went to school for marine biology. I was working on my Ph.D. in Oceanography and playing a lot of Americana and blues music at festivals and coffee houses to help pay my bills and have fun. As I got more into marine biology, I had less time for music. I missed music a lot, so I took a year off just to play music. So many kids came to some of these shows that I started learning how to do children’s songs, like Raffi or Sesame Street songs. Then something amazing happened. People started asking me if I would come and do concerts just for kids. I started writing my own children’s music. My phone started ringing, and soon I was being invited to do kids’ concerts everywhere! At the time, I thought it was just a temporary thing, but it kept growing, and I loved it SO much. I got hooked and created “Shana Banana” officially. Writing songs for kids is a songwriter’s dream because there is so much to write about. And for the first time, I felt as though I was doing work that actually could help improve the world by being a good example for the next generation. And performing for and with kids can be WAY more fun than performing for

grown-ups! So, I eventually committed to being a full-time children’s artist. TRUMAN: Why a banana? Is that your favorite fruit? SHANA: My dad gave me the nickname “ Shana Banana” when I was very small, mainly because it rhymes. As the years went on, my dad just called me

“ Banana,” and to this day, I still turn my head in the produce section at the grocery store if someone happens to utter the word. My sister calls me “Nanner,” and my best friend calls me “Nana.” “Shana Banana” was the obvious choice for a performance name, and it’ s a really fun theme, too. And, incidentally, I do love bananas, but not when they are too green or too brown. TRUMAN: What kind of things do you write about? SHANA: Whatever you can think of that is interesting to kids. In fact, most of my songs came as suggestions from children. My fi rst two CDs are an assortment of songs ranging from brushing your teeth to pretending to eat your house to wearing chicken pants to getting an owie. Now I am working on an ocean-themed CD called “Banana Beach Party.” TRUMAN: What do you do every day? What is a typical day like? SHANA: There several parts to my work: Live performances, studio work, TV work, educational work, training and “running the business.” The first is pretty obvious: I show up at a concert venue, get set up, welcome folks in, go completely bananas and do a concert for an hour, hang out and get to know everyone after the show, sell CDs and DVDs, sign autographs, pack up and go home. Sometimes I do a couple of shows a day, sometimes a couple of shows a week and sometimes a few shows a month. Some days I am focused in the

studio. Some days I am going through records and receipts. Some days I am stuck on the phone or the computer answering emails. There is no routine to this job, but the days are certainly not boring! TRUMAN: So far, what has been the highlight of your career? SHANA: Sharing it all with my family. Performing at the White House. Realizing that despite the fact I’ ve been doing this for umpteen years, there is much more still to come. TRUMAN: What advice would you give to kids who are interested in this profession? SHANA: Follow your bliss. If I may quote Fred Rogers: “The thing I remember best about successful people I’ ve met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they’ re doing, and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they’ re doing, and they love it in front of others.” TRUMAN: That’ s a great quote! Mr. Rogers was really wise. Thanks, Shana Banana! There is so much more to talk about, but not room for it all on one page. Read the complete interview with Shana Banana on our Web site at www.kidsvillenews.com!

Shana Banana loves creating music and entertaining kids!



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A Quality Serials Story By Mary MadenIllustrated by Tana Brinnand

Last Time: Petey meets Wise Owl in the forest. The owl helps Petey by giving him a

special acorn that has a secret power. With the acorn, Petey is confi dent that he can come up with the most creative entry for the big contest and win fi rst prize.

As Petey slept soundly in his bed, his cousin Santos tossed and turned in his. The small squirrel was wide-awake. He couldn’t stop thinking about the tasty acorn. Santos’ stomach growled. He sure was hungry!

“I just need a little bite of something to eat,” Santos said to himself. “Then I can go to sleep.”

Santos got out of bed and quietly crept over to Petey’s nest. The hungry squirrel peered in. Petey was curled up inside. He was snoring softly, the acorn clutched in his paw.

Careful not to wake his sleeping cousin, Santos broke off a twig from the nest. Gently, he tickled Petey’s side with the twig. Petey wiggled and turned over, loosening his grip on the acorn. Gingerly, Santos grabbed hold of the nut. Little by little, Santos slid the acorn from under Petey’s paw. Once the tasty nut was free, Santos picked it up.

“I’ll just take one little bite,” Santos whispered to himself. “Then I’ll put it back.” The small squirrel bit into the nut. “Boy, this sure is a tasty acorn!” Santos said. “I’ll just take one more small nibble.” The hun-gry squirrel took another bite. The acorn was delicious! Santos couldn’t help himself. He took another bite. And another. And another. Before he knew it, he had eaten the entire thing!

“Uh, oh!” Santos cried, realizing what he had done. The small squirrel scratched his head and thought of what to do. He knew that Petey would be very upset with him. Suddenly, Santos had an idea. If he could fi nd another acorn just like the one he ate and replace it before Petey woke up, his cousin would be none the wiser.

Quickly, Santos ran in search of a replacement. He hurried to his favorite oak tree. There were dozens of acorns underneath. Santos picked up one of the nuts. It was too big! He couldn’t resist taking a bite of the acorn before tossing it aside. Santos picked up another acorn. It was too small! He had to find one exactly the same size as Petey’s acorn. After hours of looking, Santos finally found an acorn that was just right.

Santos grabbed the acorn and dashed back. Quietly, he sneaked back into Petey’s nest. Petey was still fast asleep. Cautiously, Santos scooted the new acorn under Petey’s paw. With the switch made, Santos scurried back to his own nest.

Santos went back to bed, but he couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned. Santos felt bad about what he had done. It was wrong to eat the acorn. And it was wrong to deceive Petey. To make matters worse –– he had a

terrible tummy ache! The sun was already up when Santos fell into a rest-less sleep.

As Santos was sleeping, Petey was waking up. He rubbed his eyes and jumped out of bed. Petey was excited. Today was the big day! Petey grabbed his special acorn and rushed to the Big Forest Creative Arts Festival and Extravaganza.

When Petey arrived at the festival, there was a huge crowd. Petey had never seen anything like it! All the animals were rushing to and fro. They were all unsure about what to do or where to go. It was total chaos!

As Petey pushed his way through the crowd, he bumped into three squirrels. The squirrels twittered excitedly.

“Sorry!” Petey apologized.“That’s okay,” all three squirrels answered in unison. “Do you know where the bands go? We’re the Treetop Trio.”

“I see Bubba Bear over there,” Petey replied. “He might know.”

“Thanks!” the Treetop Trio called as they scurried away.

“Excuse me,” Petey asked a passing chip-munk. “Where do I sign up for the contest?”

“Over there, I think,” the chipmunk replied,pointing to a long table with an even longerline. “Did you see a rattlesnake slither by?”

“No,” Petey answered.“If you happen to see one,” the

chipmunk said, “tell him we need to practice our entry before the contest.”

“Okay,” Petey agreed, wondering what the chipmunk and the rattlesnake were planning to do.

Petey was headed to the sign-up table when he heard someone calling his name. Petey turned around. Weaving through the mass of animals was Santos!

“Petey, wait up!” Santos yelled as he caught up to Petey. “I have to tell you something.”

“I don’t have time right now,” Petey told Santos. “I have to enter the contest.”

“You have to listen,” Santos pleaded. “I did something bad.”“What do you mean?” Petey asked.The small squirrel told Petey the whole truth about how he had eaten

the acorn and replaced it with another one. “I’m sorry!” Santos apologized. “Please don’t be mad. I replaced your

acorn, so everything’s okay. Right?”Stunned, Petey dropped the acorn. What was he going to do without

his special secret power! Next Time: The Real Winner A Teacher’s Guide to accompany this eight-chapter story is

available on the Kidsville News! Web site at www.KidsvilleNews.com. Copyright 2009 by Mary Maden. All rights reserved. Mary Maden is an award-winning author. Visit her on the Web at www.marymaden.com.

Story Time with TrumanPetey’s Secret Power

Chapter Seven — The Switch

Red , White & True Mysteries White Jean Charbonneau Made His Mark on

America by Age Two Probably more than any other

person in America, a boy named Jean Baptiste Charbonneau got to

watch history being made firsthand without actually contributing to it. Best of all, he got to do this by the time he was two years old. But, like most two year-olds, his story doesn’ t end there. Around 1797, eight years before his son Jean was born, a French- Canadian explorer and trader named Toussaint Charbonneau had purchased two captured Shoshone Indian women and taken them as his wives; one was known as Bird Woman while the other was known as Otter Woman. Bird Woman gave birth to Jean Baptiste Charbonneau in 1805 at Fort Mandan, North Dakota. Fort Mandan was the place where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stayed in the winter of 1804-1805. In fact, Lewis and Clark hired Toussaint Charbonneau to serve as an interpreter to the Hidatsa Indians, and they allowed him to bring along his pregnant wife, Mrs. Charbonneau (a.k.a. Bird Woman). Toussaint Charbonneau spoke no English and did not speak the Hidatsa language very well either, but his wives spoke it well. As a result, one of the wives —� the one known as Bird Woman —� went along on the Lewis and Clark expedition and was of more value to Lewis and Clark than Toussaint was. Meanwhile, the infant boy Jean Charbonneau got to watch history unfold right before his little eyes. His mother became very important in

their journey while his father was generally not well liked or respected by the rest of the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and most Americans have never heard of

Toussaint Charbonneau or Bird Woman. Jean was the youngest member of the 30-person expedition. They took Jean Charbonneau halfway across the country

when he was just a toddler —� and they made the entire trip without the luxury of a plane, train or automobile, at a time when most of the United States beyond the Mississippi River was still unknown. Then from the time he was 18 until age 24, he traveled throughout Europe and northern Africa with the

nephew of King Wilhelm von Wurttemberg of Germany. When he was 44, he participated in the California Gold

Rush of 1849. Jean Baptiste Charbonneau remains the only infant whose image ever appeared on any United States currency. He

achieved this historical feat with his mother when they were depicted on a coin in 2000. In fact, while the name of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau or Toussaint Charbonneau might not ring a bell with you, his mother became so wellknown that you don’ t even need her last name. Most people have never even heard of her last name. The name by which you know her was Sacajawea. But you knew that all along, didn’ t you? © 2009 Paul Niemann. This story is part of the Red, White & True Mysteries series by author Paul Niemann. For more information, please visit www.Invention Mysteries.com.

An 11-year-old boy who’s an accomplished go-kart racer has a strong love of animals. But he’s also got a big heart — which prompted him to accomplish something unusual for his age. After watching television commercials depicting neglected animals, Lane Saville was troubled, and he talked with his mother Kirsten about his concerns. She replied by asking Lane a question. “Is there anything you want to do to help out?” she said. Lane answered with action. He planned and conducted a fundraiser for the area SPCA, holding it in February at the Uno Chicago Grill in Queensbury —to raise money to pay for food and shelter for neglected animals. And Truman of Kidsville News, of course, applauds kids who not only care, but kids who act on their thoughts and take action to help others. So Truman stopped in at the fundraiser and greeted the children and adults attending, and paid tribute to Lane and his campaign. At the event, Lane explained to Truman how he was moved to raise well over $600 for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “Everybody forgets about the animals and what they need,” he said, noting that he loves his two cats at home that were adopted from the SPCA. “Animals don’t have voices of their own, so we have to look out after them.”

Lane and his parents Kirsten and Kelly contacted businesses, who donated goods and services for a silent auction held at the Uno fundraiser. Businesses donated everything from chain saw accessories to a pearl necklace to boiler repair or basement waterproofing work. Uno Chicago Grill donated a portion of their revenue from the dinners served to Lane’s charity. In addition to Truman prompting plenty of smiles, Deejay John Gelheiser of South Glens Falls conducted a trivia contest while movies of Lane’s racing victories played on a screen on the restaurant’s back wall. For those who wish to boost Lane’s charitable effort, CD’s of his racing action are available through his website,

www.99savilleracing.com. Kirsten Saville said Lane is planning to make his fundraiser an annual event. “Lane’s got a very kind heart,” she said. “I hope that every year, this fundraiser gets bigger and better than ever.”

Go-kart racer Lane Saville, age 11 (right), explains to Truman of Kidsville News how his concerns for neglected animals grew into a campaign that raised well over $600 to help out efforts of the regional SPCA. His mother Kirsten Saville (left) listens to Lane during the fundraiser, which is likely to become an annual event. Photo by Thom Randall

BOY’S CONCERN FOR NEGLECTED ANIMALS PROMPTS FUNDRAISING EFFORT BOY’S CONCERN FOR NEGLECTED ANIMALS PROMPTS FUNDRAISING EFFORT


April Fool'sDay

One CentDay

PERUHEADSTART

DAY CAREEVENT11:00

IncomeTax Day

Kindergarten DayThe first kinder-

garten was foundedby Friedrich Froebelin Germany in 1837.

HumorousDay

RevolutionaryWar began,

1775

InternationalChildren'sBook Day

Find-A-

Rainbow Day

Pony Expressestablished,

1860

Library of Congressestablished, 1800

Pigs-in-a-BlanketDay

AuthorBeverlyCleary

born, 1916

AviatorWilbur

Wright born,1867

3rdPresidentThomas

Jeffersonborn, 1743

National Read a

Road MapDay

SEND YOUR EVENTS TO [email protected]

WorldPenguinDay

Take OurDaughters & Sons toWork Day

Earth Day established 1970

National Jelly Bean Day

Girl Scout LeaderAppreciation Day

North PoleDiscoveredIn 1898.

U.S. enteredWorld WarI, 1917

Encourage a Young

Writer Day

NationalSibling

Day

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Webster'sDictionaryPublished,

1828

No Housework

Day

World Health Day,established 1948

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Hug aFriendDay

NationalPretzelDay

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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Space ShuttleColumbia First

Launched - 1981

Artist/InventorLeonardo Da Vinci

born, 1452

PaulRevere'sFamousRide, 1775

Pet Owner's Day

Arbor Day

National Honesty

Day

Tell a Story Day 22228888 33330000

1111

EASTERFirst U.S.

flag approved,1818

International SingOut Day

ZipperDay,

patentedby GideonSindbackin 1913.

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Roses are red… Violets are blue…. I like to write poetry, How about you? Send me a poem, It could be about you or your home, Believe it or not You could win a gift certificate to Get out your pens and pads, Ask your moms and your dads, Write your poem in a hurry, It could even be about your dog Murry,

So get them in fast, You sure don’t want to be last!

Please send your original poem to Truman at

Poetry Contest

P.O. Box 338

Elizabethtown N.Y. 12932

3 winners To be announced in the May issue

Deadline April 15

CASEY

BEITZ

Age 10,

4th Grade

St. Joseph's

AIDEN

DE MURO

Age 10,

4th Grade

Elizabethtown-

Lewis

MARISSA

YOUNES

Age 6,

1st Grade

North

Warren

LOGAN TOUCHETTEAge 9,

3rd Grade North

Warren

APRILAPRIL

888866664444 77 9955

James Ensor was a 19th-century Belgian artist. Bestknown as a painter and printmaker, James was highlyinnovative for his time and has had a great influence onmodern art through hisunique painting style.

James Ensor wasborn on April 13,1860, in the seasideresort town of Ostend,Belgium, where he spentnearly all of his life. Hisparents sold souvenirsand antiques to visitingtourists, and as a child,James spent many hoursroaming the sandy dunesaround him and playingwith the seashells andother trinkets he found inhis family’s shop. James

was not a very good student, but he loved art. When he was 15, he left school totrain full-time with two local painters. His passion for art grew, and he eventu-ally returned to school to study art. At 17, he left home and enrolled at the RoyalAcademy for Science and the Arts in Brussels.

After three years of intense schooling, James returned to Ostend and set upan art studio in his parents’ house. In 1881, he had his first art exhibit. Althoughhis paintings were of seemingly realistic scenes bathed in gentle light and filledwith vibrant, inviting colors, the human subjects he painted wore carnival masksinstead of faces, or were painted to look like skeletons or clowns instead of regular

people. At first, nobody liked his work. By the late 1880s, he had begun paintingreligious themes with his signature style and his work was considered scandal-ous at the time. But, James refused to stop painting and refused to stop exhibiting

his works. Eventually, his critics came around toembrace his style, and he was not only accepted,but also honored in the art world.

By the 1920s, James was showing his paint-ings in major exhibits. In 1929, King Albert ofBelgium named him a baron, making James anobleman. Although he was earning fame andrecognition, James was beginning to paint less andhis style had softened. Even so, his work was stillvery different from the way other artists of his daywere painting, and his odd style served as a stronginfluence for 20th-century artists like Paul Klee.His work even inspired a 20th-century rock songand several movies!

James died in his hometown of Ostend onNovember 19, 1949. By the time of his death, the“oddball artist” was considered somewhat of a

national treasure.Written by Tamar Burris, a former elementary school teacher who now works

as a freelance writer and curriculum developer for PBS, the Discovery Channel and

other education-related companies. Sources: James Ensor Biography at Art in the

Picture, http://www.artinthepicture.com/artists/James_Ensor/Biography; James

Ensor on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Ensor; “Skull and Bones:

The Haunted Art of James Ensor,” Time, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/

article/0,9171,1910970,00.html. It is believed that the use of this image qualifies

as fair use under United States copyright law.

James Ensor: An Oddball Artist

James Ensor’s painting The Intrigue (1890)

ARART GALLERT GALLERYY


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April is National Kite Month! Although no one knows the exact origin of kites, they have been around for thousands of years. The fi rst recorded use was about 200 B.C.,

when Chinese general Han Hsin used a kite for military purposes. Over the years,

kites have been used for a wide variety of things, like delivering mes-sages, measuring the weather, photographing the Earth, catching fi sh and even lifting people into the sky. Today most kites are fl own for pleasure and sport.

The windy spring days of April are perfect for kite fl ying — but did you know there are many extreme sports that use kites? Here are a few sports NOT to try at home!

Kitesurfi ng and kiteboarding use the wind to pull a rider through the water on a surfboard. The rider can also use a kiteboard, which is similar to a wake-board. Kitesurfi ng is usually more like wave riding, and kiteboarding is more of a freestyle sport with jumps, tricks and board grabs. They use different types of boards and kites to suit the rider and the wave conditions.

And if there are no waves, there is kite landboard-

ing. Also known as land kiteboarding or fl yboard-ing, this sport is a combination of kitesurfi ng and skaeboarding. The rider uses a landboard, which is like a large skateboard with wheels and footstraps, and of course a large sail-type kite. The kite pulls the rider across the ground, and the rider tries to “get some air.” The rider can do different tricks in the air, like board grabs, rota-tions, fl ips and jumps.

Snowkiting is similar to kitesurfi ng, but on snow or ice instead of water! This sport uses a large kite and a snowboard orskis. Snowkiting is different from skiing or snoboarding because, depending on the wind, the rider could go uphill!

These days, there’s a lot more to kiting than just fl ying a kite! But fl ying a regular kite in your backyard or local park can still be lots of fun! For more informa-tion about National Kite Month and local events, visit www.nationalkitemonth.org.

Photo contributed by the photographer, Eric Guinther, through Wikipedia.

COME OUT AND PLAY!Extreme Kiting: Don’t Try This at Home!

Kitesurfing off Mokuleia on the north shoreof O‘ahu. Photographer: Eric Guinther.

AAPPRRIILL 22001100 wwwwww..kk iiddssvv ii ll ll eenneewwss ..ccoomm//nnoorrtthheerrnnnnyy PPAAGGEE 11 33

Pediatric Dentistry of Glens Falls

(518) 798-9966 Farzad Sani, DDS

Literacy Volunteers of Literacy Volunteers of Essex/Franklin Counties Essex/Franklin Counties

Our mission is to create a fun, engaging, educational newspaper and web site for all elementary age children, their parents & teachers, that encourages reading as a lifelong habit and promotes literacy & education.

When it comes to literacy & child development, if we are to help develop a child’s habits, truly aff ect the way they think and act, to help develop their minds, we must start at a young age. We hope that you will consider partnering with us too! Together we can take childhood learning to the next level and have a positive impact on our community and our future leaders. 34216

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

Gee Thanks! Gee Thanks! Gee Thanks! We would like to thank all of our

Kidsville News! in Education Program

Sponsors for helping to provide

Kidsville News! to Northern NY schools

and all area children K-5.

Adirondack Medical Center

COME OUT AND PLAY!Extreme Kiting: Don’t Try This at Home!

AR UND THE W RLD

Monarch Butterfl y Every year, millions of monarch butterfl ies migrate from North America to Mexico. This

amazing migration has been recognized as an endangered biological phenomenon. That means that measures are being taken to help preserve the environment where the butterflies spend the winter in Mexico so that the remarkable migration can con-tinue.

Why is this migration so special? The monarch butterfly is the only butterfly that migrates north and south like birds do. And no single monarch is going to survive the entire round trip. Usually, adult monarchs live only four or five weeks, but each year as fall approaches, a special generation of butterflies is born. This migratory generation will live seven or eight months. This generation of butterflies performs the incredible migration from Canada and the United States to central Mexico.

They travel 50 to 80 miles per day for two months until they reach the pine- and fi r-tree forests. Here they hibernate for the winter. And then, they head back north again! Along the way back home, the butterflies will mate, and their offspring will continue the journey north to their original location.

The life cycle of a monarch includes four stages for a complete metamorphosis. An egg is laid, and a caterpiller hatches from it after four days. The caterpillar stage lasts about two weeks. Then the caterpillar creates a silk pad from which it hangs in the pupa or chrysalis stage. The caterpillar undergoes changes, and about two weeks later, the butterfly emerges to begin its short life!

Sources: Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org; World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org. Images: www.metrocreativeconnection.com.

Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthoropodaClass: InsectaOrder: LepidopteraFamily: NymphalidaeGenus: DanausSpecies: D. plexippus

AR UND THE W RLD


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First and foremost, the lesson that you teach your child about money is that it is a tool. A tool that we use to provide for our basic everyday needs, such as providing a roof over our head, food and clothing. It is also a tool to get the things that we want, such as a DVD of our favorite movie, a video game or the hottest new toy. Be sure to explain the key differences between a need and a want to your child. A need is something we cannot live without and is essential to everyday living; a want is anything outside of that. Here’ s a worksheet you can go through with your child to help him understand: Needs Wants Toothbrush Electric Toothbrush Backpack Baseball Cards Clothes/Shoes Designer Clothes Shoes Food Candy Water Bottled Water The next lesson is how money can be earned. Following are examples. As adults, we know we must work everyday to earn a regular paycheck. With this explanation, your child will wonder, how can I earn money? Well, here are a couple of ways to answer that question: First, children can earn a weekly allowance by performing chores around the house. Let’ s not forget that they can earn money by setting up a lemonade sand during the summer, babysitting and shoveling snow or raking leaves for the neighbors. Finally, although not “earning” it, they could receive a cash gift for their birthday or a special holiday such as Christmas. Remember the four money buckets? Spend, Save, Invest and Give Back. Don’ t forget to review that lesson with your child. Each time he receives any type of income, he should split it among the four buckets. This way, it has more places and opportunities to grow. Think about it, if you spend all your money when you receive it, how will your money grow? Example, if you focused only on one part of your school studies, how could you be well rounded in all the subjects like math, science, arts, music, etc. It is the same with money. It should be working in several areas to get the most of it. The bottom-line question then becomes: Do you have a “Hill of Green” or a “Mountain of Green?” The choices we make everyday with our money will dictate how we answer that question. READERS: Please send your questions about kids and money to [email protected]. We hope to start a new Q&A format for this section. Keva Sturdevant is the founder of Born To Save, a nonprofi t based in Washington, D.C., with the mission of teaching kids of all ages the importance of saving and investing. Our goal is to begin conversations about money between parents and their kids in households across America. In an effort to foster those conversations, we grant actual shares of stock to kids across the country. Born To Save grants shares of stock to kids who register on our Web site at www.BornToSave.org.

ParentTown’s

KidsSmart What Every Parent Should Be

Teaching Their Children About Money

A SECTION ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS

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April is National Garden Month! See how many garden- related words you can find in this word search.

I Z G D T L D U M P K H S T O

R Y B N W Y V R S L G C D S D

F R L G I B P L A D C L E O Z

K T V I C T P U K Y I U E P X

W G B F R E N M T J K M S M Y

A W G D B R L A W O K C Y O O

T J L M U E Z B L O C Z A C I

E E K C K E C Y A P G L U B N

R S C E S L G X F T X W C P G

R E Z I L I T R E F E G Z W A

I J Y C M Q F S O N H G C J R

D S A F T J W B Q V I P E T D

T C F T T I S R K I J V Y V E

F L O W E R O E I F D B B U N

O R G A N I C H O V Z N E R I

BACKYARDCOMPOSTFERTILIZERFLOWER

GARDENHERBSMULCHORGANIC

PLANTINGSEEDSVEGETABLEWATER


What’s the Difference Between a Butterfly and a Moth?Author/Illustrator: Robin Koontz, Bob Dacey (Illustrator), Debra Bandelin (Illustrator)Publisher: Picture Window Books

Age Range: 6-10This new “What’s the Difference” series from Picture Window Books has several interesting titles: a Frog and a Toad, a Leopard and a Cheetah, an Alligator and a Crocodile. What’s the Differ-ence Between a Butterfl y and a Moth? is a colorful, beautifully illustrated book that details the things that distinguish one from the other. Side-by-side spreads compare and contrast the two insects. Callout boxes highlight new vocabulary and fundamental facts. The back of the book features a diagram that covers the highlights discussed in the book, as well as a glossary, fun facts and suggestions for other books and Web sites to visit. —JK

The Story of the Easter RobinAuthor/Illustrator: Dandi Daley Mackall, Anna VojtechPublisher: Zonderkidz

Age Range: 4 to 7From the Publisher:In the center of the nest layone perfect egg, the color ofa spring sky. The father robinsat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoontracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are wegoing to keep the egg safe?”“We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said.Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’shouse! Tressa is thrilled — and concerned. What will happen to thesky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressawitnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God

Earth Day: An Alphabet BookAuthor: Gary Kowalski, Rocco Baviera (Illustrator)Publisher: Unitarian Universalist AssociationAge Range: 4 to 8From the Publisher:Children and adults will delight in Earth Day, a litany of gratitude that celebrates

Earth’s diverse species, from apricots to groundhogs to junebugs, from quahogs to zinnias, zucchini and zebras with bright and whimsical illustrations. In alphabetical order, the wonders of nature arise from the page, reminding readers that every day is a reason to give thanks and that miracles are as simple as ABC.

cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Eastereggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear — a tale oflong ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did therobin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells herthe story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tenderillustrations, The Story of the Easter Robin will captivate and teachyour child about compassion and faith.

What’s theDifference?

There are five things different between

picture A and picture B.Can you find them all?

Answers:1. missing hat 2. missing fishing lure in hat 3. two flowers in soccer

girl’s hair 4. darker hair on garden girl 5. missing shovel

At the Movies

The Last Song (In Theaters March 31)Miley Cyrus plays Ronnie Miller, a budding musician who leaves her New York home to spend the summer with her little brother Jonah (Bobby Coleman) at her dad Steve’s (played by Greg Kinnear) Southern beach house. Mean-while, Ronnie’s mom Kim (Kelly Preston) is making plans to remarry. Romance is in the air with a soundtrack that naturally includes songs performed by Ms. Cyrus. The Last Song is an optimistic coming-of-age story based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook). Rated PG for thematic material, some violence, sensuality and mild language (Touchstone Pictures/Disney)

At the Movies

Clash of the Titans (In Theaters April 2)Super-mythic monster action hits the big screen when men take up arms against kings, and kings attack the gods that rule their universe. Perseus (Sam Worthington), like Percy Jackson of the Lightening Thief fame, was raised as a human but was kin to the gods. Perseus volunteers to go on a journey deep into the underworld to conquer Hades and steal all power away from Zeus (played by Liam Neeson). If this sounds like a beefed-up version of last month’s Percy Jackson, well it is. Expect a lot more spec-tacle, done with a darker and more serious tone. Everyone knows that monsters are fun. The monsters of Greek mythology are the scariest and most powerful of all. Just the name Medusa conjures up one of the scariest visions of all time. Don’t look into her eyes, or you’ll turn to stone. Ralph Fiennes joins the cast of this bombastic fantasy movie for older kids. Not rated at press time. (Warner Brothers)

The Perfect Game (In Theaters: April 16) Here’s a sweetly mannered sports movie with lots of heart that’s ideal for introducing baseball traditions and vocabulary to young baseball fans. The setting is 1957 Monterrey, Mexico, where former Cincinnati Reds ballboy Cesar (Clifton Collins Jr.) expresses his love for baseball by coaching a lo-

Furry Vengeance (In Theaters: April 30)“You can’t run, you can’t hide, you can’t escape the furry.” And by “furry,” we mean the furry little woodland creatures in the wooded area of Rocky Springs, Oregon, where an ambitious real estate developer named Dan Sanders (played by Brendan Fraser) plans on replacing the forest nature preserve with a shopping mall with a forest theme. All the money in the world doesn’t stand a chance when the live-action raccoons, bears, tur-keys, skunks and assorted beasts turn into the biggest group of animal protesters you’ve ever seen. Brooke Shields plays Dan’s wife Tammy in this slapstick animal romp with music by Blondie. Rated PG for some rude humor, mild language and brief smoking. (Summit Entertainment)

Movies on DVD

Beatles CollectionBeatles fans of all ages can explore three cities in which the Fab Four spent time in. The fi rst of three documentaries is The Concise Beatles Liverpool,which traces important sites in the band’s hometown. A trip to the homes of John, Paul, George and Ringo are highlights included here. The second documentary follows the band’s steps around foggy London town, with a visit to Abbey Road, Decca studio where the boys failed their audition, and to their London homes. The last documentary goes to Manhattan, where John Lennon lived with Yoko Ono. Even if you’ve never even heard of the Beatles, you know their music from songs like “Yellow Submarine.” This three-DVD collection is like a going on a Beatles vacation without leaving your home. Not Rated. (Arts Magic)

Cole Smithey, also known as “the smartest film critic in the world,” has been a film critic for 11 years and writes for over 50 publications, in print and on-line. Truman loves to watch movies and has the highest appreciation for great popcorn.

cal group of ragtag child ballplayers to play in the Little League World Se-ries. The Perfect Game is based on a true story of the only “perfect game” in the league’s championship history. A “perfect game” in baseball happens when a pitcher never allows a runner from the other team to ever get on base. Rated PG for some thematic elements. (Lionsgate)


S e n d I t ! Hint: Send your work in color and on unlined paper!

Hey Kids! Truman wants your original artwork, letters, poems, and stories! He may want to print them in an upcoming issue of

Kidsville News! or put them up on the website. Just have your parents fill out this form and send it along with your work.

Name Age

School Grade Phone#

Address

City State Zip

Your Signature (This is your own work)

Parent’s Signature (Permission)

P.O. Box 338 P.O. Box 338 Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown,

NY 12932 NY 12932

34213

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PARENTOWN’S KIDSHAPE

Camp Tips for ParentsSpring is here, and thoughts are already turning to summer vacations and

camps. But how do you choose a camp and prepare your child? Children’sHealthcare of Atlanta, one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in thecountry, offers these tips for parents and their children.

Q: When should I start researching for a summer camp for mychild(ren) to attend?

A: In the fall (but NOW is good, too!). Start by getting on camp mailing listsand researching Web sites. Most camps start the application andenrollment process in the winter and spring. Make sure tocomplete applications and return them by their duedates.

Q: What resources are available to selecta good, quality camp?

A: The American CampingAssociation (ACA) lists all camps andtheir descriptions. These camps havebeen accredited by the ACA, www.americancampingassociation.org.Camps are accredited based on health,safety and program quality.

Also, www.campparents.org is agreat resource for parents.

Q: What items should I pack formy child to take to camp? How shouldI dress my child for camp?

A: While packing lightly is encouraged, it is alwaysbest to be fully prepared. Anticipate rain, chilly nights and heat. Also expectyour child to get wet and dirty, so extra sets of clothes are a must. If thecamp is seven days long, I would recommend packing for nine-10 days. Packcomfortable clothes and shoes. Make sure to find out if there are special “dressup” occasions at camp, such as a dance or talent show. Pack bedding, towels,hygiene products, sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight, disposable camera, envelopesand stationery. Also pack comfort items, such as a nightlight, stuffed animal orphotos of family members. All medications and inhalers should be sent to thecamp director as well. Valuables should NOT be sent to camp. And be sure tolabel all of your child’s belongings.

Q: Can I interview the camp staff? What kind of questions should I ask?A: Yes, it is important to feel comfortable with the camp director before

sending your child to camp. Find out what the camp philosophy is andwhether you agree with it. Ask what the director’s background is and how staffare selected and trained. A director should be trained in safety, emergencyprocedures, behavior management and child abuse protection. Ask what kindsof activities are available at camp and what the normal daily schedule is like. Askabout the disciplinary policies and whether they coincide with the expectations

of your family. Ask about the ratio of staff to campers. The ACA advises oneadult per six children and one adult per 10 teens.

Q: How much do summer camps cost? Is there any type of fi nancialassistance offered for summer camp?

A: The average cost for one week at an overnight camp is $390, and theaverage for one week of day camp is about half of that. However, many campsare significantly less expensive or even free. Contact the camp director to fi nd

out if the camp offers financial assistance. Many camps offer discountedrates for early enrollment or for families enrolling multiple children.

Q: How should I help my child prepare for camp forthe fi rst time?

A: Practice sleepovers away from home. Involveyour child in choosing the camp. Discuss campactivities with your child and have a positivefamily attitude about camp. Have your childpractice activities that he might participate inat camp, such as sleeping in a sleeping bag,getting into a pool, taking showers instead ofbaths and writing letters.

Q: How should we cope withhomesickness?

A: Send care packages and letters tochildren at camp. Avoid using phrases such

as “Just try it for one day and you can leave” or“If you stay until Wednesday, then we will come and

get you.” If your child calls from camp, be calm andreassuring. You know your child best, so if you feel that your child should

come home, make arrangements promptly. In that case, focus on the positiveand try camp again next year.

Q: How do I know if my child is ready to go to camp?A: If your child is younger than seven years old, you may want to start with

a day camp.You can evaluate whether your child is ready for camp by observing his

behaviors. Does he normally have positive overnight experiences away fromhome? Does your child bring up the topic of camp and express desires to attendcamp?

Information courtesy of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of theleading pediatric healthcare systems in the country. Children’s is a not-for-profi t organization that benefits from the generous philanthropic and volunteer supportof our community. Operating three hospitals with more than half a millionpatient visits annually, Children’s is recognized for excellence in cancer, cardiac,neonatal, orthopaedic and transplant services, as well as many other pediatricspecialties. Visit the Web site at www.choa.org or call 404-250-KIDS to learnmore about Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.


Enjoy Spring with New Baking Ideas!

Rain showers and blooming flowers aren’t the onlythings that will be kind to your sense of smellthis spring. It’s also a great time of year tobake up homemade breads, cookies andmoist, crumbly muffi ns.

This fun confetti cookie recipeis sure to be a new family favoriteto celebrate spring. Here are some tipsfor making yummy treats that will have theentire neighborhood gathering outside your kitchenthis spring:

* Bake quick breads in the center of the oven rack for best heat circulation.* Use a spring-handled ice cream scoop (No. 20 or No. 24) to fi ll muffi n

cups or a melon-ball-sized scoop for mini muffi ns.* To tell if yeast bread is done baking in the oven, tap the crust. If the bread

sounds hollow, it’s fi nished.* Boost the nutrition level in your cookies by using whole wheat fl our. This

works really well for drop cookies.

KIDSVILLE KITCHENTogether Time — Ask an adult for help with projects!

SPRINGTIME SLICE-AND-BAKE CONFETTI COOKIESWHAT YOU NEED: • 1 1/4 cups sugar • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened • 1/2 cup butter-fl avored shortening • 1 egg • 2 tablespoons milk • 2 teaspoons vanilla • 3 1/4 cups Gold Medal all-purpose fl our • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 10 drops red food coloring • 16 drops yellow food coloring • 9 drops green food coloring • 3 tablespoons pastel-colored confetti candy sprinkles

HOW TO MAKE IT: • With adult help: Heat oven to 375º F. Line bottom of a loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches, with plastic wrap. • Beat sugar, butter and shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed or mix with a spoon. Stir in egg, milk and vanilla. Stir in fl our, baking soda and salt. • Divide dough into thirds. Knead one food coloring into each dough. Press one of the colored doughs in the bottom of the pan. Top with remaining colored doughs, pressing each layer fi rmly to seal. Turn the pan upside down and remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Cut dough lengthwise into thirds. Cut each third crosswise into 16 slices. • Place about two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until bottoms are a light golden brown. Cool for one minute, remove from cookie sheet and place on a wire rack.

Courtesy of ARAContent and Gold Medal Flour. Find several favorite recipesto try at www.GoldMedalWholeWheat.com.

KNOW THE RULES... Healthy H e a l t h y For Children Who Are Home Alone!

As a parent or guardian, you should make sure you have… * A daily schedule of homework, chores, and activities for your child to follow. * A list kept close to the telephone including numbers for you, law enforcement, the fire department, an ambulance service, your doctor, a poison-control center, and a trusted adult who’s available in case of an emergency. * Written instructions about which, if any, appliances may be used; what to do in case of fire; and how to get out of the house if there is a fire. * A plan if you are detained and what to do if your child’s plans change. * Instructions about watching television, using a computer, talking on the telephone, and inviting friends over when you aren’t home. * Time to discuss the day’s events with your child. Make sure he or she knows it is okay to discuss anything with you, especially something that may have made him or her feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused in any way.

Before allowing your child to go home alone, you should…

* Ask your child how he or she feels about being alone. Is your child afraid to be left alone, or does he or she have the maturity and initiative to want to assume

that responsibility? * Determine how long your child will be alone and how accessible you

or another trusted adult will be in case of an emergency. * Make sure you’ve set specific rules to be followed by your child

while he or she is alone, and give your child specific instructions about how to reach you at all times. This

should also include information about what to do if your child needs assistance and can’t reach you right away.

* Remember you’re in charge, even if it is from a distance.

I need to know..... * My full name, address, and telephone number. * My parents or guardian’s full name, the exact name of the place where they work, their work telephone number, and any pager or cellular telephone numbers they may have. * How to make a telephone call to request help in an emergency using 911. * How to carry my key so it is hidden and secure. My name and address should not be on the key, and it may be wise to leave an extra key with a trusted friend or

neighbor. * I will not walk or play alone on the way home, and never take shortcuts home. * I need to know what to do if I’m being followed. If that happens I should turn around, run in the opposite direction, and go to a designated place to get help and tell

What Children Need To Know Before They Stay Home Alone a trusted adult what happened. * I should always check out the home before entering looking for such things as open, ajar, or broken doors and windows or anything that doesn’t look right. Go to a designated safe place to call for help if something doesn’t seem right. * I must always lock the door after entering and make sure the house is secure. * I need to immediately check in with my parent or guardian upon returning home to let them know I have arrived safely. * I cannot open the door for or talk to anyone who comes my home unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative, that I feel comfortable being alone with, and the visit has been pre-approved by my parent or guardian. * I need to stay alert for true emergencies such as a fire that would require the need to leave the home. * I should check with my parent or guardian or another trusted adult if I’m in doubt about anything.

There are a number of important points families should consider prior to allowing their children to be self- supervised. Parents and guardians need to assess their children. Does he or she have the personality, self- confidence, and judgment skills to accept this responsibility? Will the experience be positive and help build and enhance the child’s self-image, or will the experience promote additional anxiety in the child who may be afraid to stay alone? Having a family conference to discuss the arrangement is a good place to start. House rules, expectations of each family member, and a daily routine should be defined. At the end of the day, parents and guardians may also use the experience to have regular family meetings to help ensure the arrangement is still working and identify any alterations needing to be made. Here are some steps your family may take to help ensure a positive after-school experience.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics 17 percent of kindergartners through eighth graders spend time after school in self-care at least once a week, After-School Programs & Activities: 2005. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics, May 2006, www.nces.ed.gov/ pubs2006/afterschool/tables/table_2.asp, accessed July 31, 2008.

Hearts & Bodies H e a r t s & B o d i e s


24-HOUR EMERGENCY CARE When a kiss and a bandaid aren’t enough…

75 Park Street P.O. Box 277

Elizabethtown, NY 12932 873-6377

www.ech.org

The Heart of Your Community 33881

Ask about our sliding fee program for the uninsured. 34191

159 Margret Street Plattsbrgh, NY 12901

(518) 561-3377

39 Farrell Road Willsboro, NY 12996

(518) 963-4275

2885 Essex Rd Essex, NY 12936

(518) 963-8800

Willsboro Office NEW! Plattsburgh Office Wellness Center NEW!

Accepting New Patients At All Locations!


Caring for the most important people in the world…

y o u r c h i l d r e n ! y o u r c h i l d r e n ! y o u r c h i l d r e n !

Did you know? • 1st dental visit is recommended around the 1st birthday

• If your local water supply does not contain fluoride, you should speak with your dentist or pediatrician about the possibility of a fluoride supplement

• Your child should be assisted with brushing and flossing at least one time daily until over the age of eight

• Snacking or drinking juice or soda frequently can raise your child’s risk of tooth decay

… caring for the most important people in the world, your children. At Pediatric Dentistry of Glens Falls our doctor and staff are dedicated to helping assist you in making your child’s smile a happy and healthy one. We specialize in pediatric dentistry in an environment where your child feels safe and comfortable.

Pediatric Dentistry of Glens Falls 798-9966 • Fax: 798-0616 • 88 Broad Street, Glens Falls

www.pediatricdentistryofglensfalls.com Saturday

appointments

available!

From South: Take I-87 North to Exit 18. Make a right off exit onto Main Street. At 4th traffic signal there will be a fork in the road. Continue going straight, Stewarts will be on your right. 88 Broad Street will be 1 1 ⁄ 2 blocks on your right. We are a 2 story brick building.

Directions to: 88 Broad Street, Glens Falls • (518) 798-9966 From North: Take I-87 South to Exit 18. Make a left off exit onto Main Street. At 5th traffic signal there will be a fork in the road. Continue going straight, Stewarts will be on your right. 88 Broad Street will be 1 1 ⁄ 2 blocks on your right. We are a 2 story brick building.

34215

Pediatric

Dentistry of

Glens Falls (518) 798-9966

Farzad Sani, DDS

We participate with many insurances including GHI. We offer a wide variety of comfort options: laugh ing gas, mild sedatives, general anesthesia

Dr. Sani Accepting New Patients!

Documents

Kidsville News April 2010