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Dallas Parent A Magazine for the Families of Park Cities,

Preston Hollow, Lakewood and more

Award Winning Publication

August 2014 | FREE

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Light & Healthy

Must try recipeguaranteed to supercharge!

7to help prepare your child for a new school

tips

the know it all ... it’s what is going on!

To Advertise in Dallas Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Dallas Parent | 3

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Dr. Constance Zhou provides excellent ear, nose, and throat care and facial plastic surgery for the Dal-

las-Fort Worth metroplex from her office conveniently located in Irving, Texas. Her practice interests

include general adult and pediatric otolaryngology, ear disease, sinus disease, allergy treatment, sleep

apnea, thyroid surgery, and facial cosmetic procedures. Same day appointments are available upon

request. Dr. Zhou is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and graduated from Stanford University

with distinction. She first came to Dallas to attend medical school at The University of Texas South-

western Medical Center. After graduation, she stayed at UT Southwestern to complete her residency

training in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. She enjoys photography and spending time with

her family and friends in her spare time.

Committed to providing individualized, up-to-date care

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On Staff at Pine Creek Medical Center

4 | Dallas Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Dallas Parent!

Dallas Parent 8344 Sterling Street | Irving, Texas 75063 | [email protected] | [email protected]

Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

Suburban Parent magazines

Misty Stagnone Photography, www.mistystagnonephotography.com

COVER MODEL Harper, 22 mos.

On any given day you will find Harper swimming or having tea parties; Toby, her dog, and best friend may be wearing a hat! She is also a fan of musicals like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Favorite foods: Tomatoes and Mac-n-Cheese. Hey, Happy Birthday Harper!

O f all the responsibilities of parents, teaching kindness should be at the top of the list. I know most of

you have at some point said to your child, “oh, that’s not nice,” and your child looked blankly at you. Well, that’s when we explain what they did and how it was not nice; followed by what would have been nice. Teaching mo-ments come throughout the life cy-cle; beginning with sharing toys, kissing boo-boos, and hugging a crying sibling.

As our chil-dren grow up and are socially active we need to understand that for them to com-prehend the true value of kindness, its best when caught, not taught. Our children will only understand how to be kind by witnessing it from parents, other adult role models, other chil-dren, and given opportunities.

I can remember my kids wanting to have a lemonade stand. It was right when Katrina came through Louisiana. I asked them what they were going to do with the money. They were not sure; so we discussed what was going on around us in our community and state. Then their eyes lit up! We continued to discuss the impact of the deadliest hurricane in the history of the United

States and they decided to call their campaign “Lemon-“AID” for Lives.”

Well, our neighbors were amazingly kind! Most stopped just to donate to the cause and thanked the kids for giv-ing them a way to help too. My son ran to me and said “Mom, this guy emptied a container filled with quarters, like 100 of them!” And the generosity was contagious and large! They did this for two days and were thrilled. The

Spirit of Texas fund accepted the money from the lemon-aid campaign, took pictures for the local paper and our kids, well they were empowered knowing they were helping many people in two different ways.

For contributing all the money they

collected to a fund set up to help the victims; and for giving an avenue for our neighbors to contribute to this cause (the Lemon-AID stand) as well.

Not too long ago, researchers at the University of Michigan found that college age kids were less likely to look at situations from another point of view and would likely focus on their own need above others. They coined this as an empathy deficiency. We, the parents, can reverse this! And you can start with a lemon-aid stand. SP

Mary Ellen

Mary shares...

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

— Benjamin Franklin

haring toys, Spirit o

Catching Kindness!

From robotics and science to rugby and fencing – there’s something for everyone to discover this summer.

Join the fun at www.esdallas.org/summercamp


youshouldknow...

STERILIZEYOUR SPONGE

germsbe gone

If you have little ones at home then you proba-bly have lots of little plastic toys lying around the house too (think legos!) You likely have lots of bath toys in the bathroom as well. When was the last time you washed these? Well, here’s a tip! You can wash these in your washing machine. Just put the toys in a mesh bag, place in machine and add a couple of towels at the same time. Use warm, not hot, water. It’s easy and an especially good idea if your kids have been sick. You can wash toys in the dishwasher too (minus the towels) on the top rack. Just make sure there aren’t any electronic parts.

hhhen you probaoba-ssss lylyyyinginggg ararouno d the

love

Eat to RememberDuring the memory decline years you can stay sharp by

eating foods that protect the brain from free-radicals. Recent studies published in Neurology found

people with low levels of omega-3s had brains that appeared two years older

in MRI scans! Prescription, heavy on produce, legumes, nuts and fish, less meat. It’s that simple! May want to supplement with

B12 and Vit.D (ask your doctor).

the One You’re With!

Toothpaste doesn’t just clean your teeth and make your breath smell fresh, it can also clean those stinky garlic or fish smells off your hands after you’ve been cooking in the kitchen. Just rub a small dab in your hands and the odor is gone. It’s best to use regular white paste, not gel. So next time you’re at the store, grab some toothpaste for the kitchen.

Toothpaste!Not Just for Teeth

SEE MORE USES ONLINE ... www.suburbanparent.com

When you consider all the factors that shape your personality; your genes, parents, peers, you should know that your siblings are at the top, according to one major theory of human

development. Sibling relationships will likely

last longer than any others in your lifetime. Studies show

that the way you interact with your siblings while growing up can affect your relationships, happiness, and even the way you see yourself throughout the rest of your life.

Your dish sponge is easily one of the dirtiest things in your kitchen (harbors bacteria) and it needs to be cleaned and sanitized often; at least every other day is a good idea. You can toss it in the dishwasher to get it clean, but to really decontaminate it, toss it in the microwave. Two minutes at full power and your sponge will be practically bacteria free. Note: Microwave only sponges or plastic scrubbers that don’t contain steel or metals. Also, make sure the sponge is wet before microwaving it and be careful when removing it. It will be hot!


questions...RANDY, DAD OF ONE

asks...Q Dear Editor, My teenager seems to be what I may consider a slow learner. How can I help him to focus more on the task at hand?

a Well, you actually have part of the answer for this in your question. Help him to realize that multi-tasking is less effective. Research actually suggests that multi-task-ing can make learning less effective because switching from one activity to another is less efficient and he may make more errors. Have him become more efficient by setting a pre-determined amount of time to study, read, explore or create. One subject at a time.

MARY ELLEN, EDITOR

JACKIE, SOON-TO-BE MOM OF 3

asks...Q I am considering marriage again. My fiancé has 2 children, ages 8 and 11 (boys); I have one 13 year old girl. I am divorced and he is widowed. What’s the best scenario for blend-ing our families?

a Congratulations! While blending a family can bring so much joy, the initial phases of be-coming a family can be challenging. It’s import-ant to remember that you and your husband will be the foundation of this new relationship. Being open to change is important. Healthy blended families are patient; keep re-assessing expectations and work on forming healthy step-relationships. Consulting with each other before setting expectations is imperative for success. Family therapy for blended families serves as a critical tool to give members a safe and neutral ground to discuss issues and possibly minimize resentment.

SHEEZA MOHSIN-DHANANI, PHD STUDENT, TWU - FAMILY THERAPY

SHERRI, MOM OF ONE

asks...Q How can I tell if my child is shy or scared of other children?

a It’s important to pay attention to your child’s physical responses inside their body in these situations. Does your child ex-hibit a physiological change when around other children? Fear responses can create increased heartbeat, create rapid breath-ing, fight or flight responses, or a child can freeze up and become paralyzed with fear. A child who does not exhibit these physical changes may simply be shy and guarded around peers. A child may cling to their caregiver for emotional safety in these situa-tions. With either the shy or frightened child, the caregiver’s role remains the same which is to provide emotional support and safety for the child through the child’s experiences.

ROBI HEALTH, M.ED, LPC, REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST

q I AM FEELING PRESSURE IN MY PELVIC AREA; MY FRIEND SAID IT COULD BE UTERINE PROLAPSE. I AM ONLY 32 YEARS OLD WITH

TWO TERM PREGNANCIES (5 YEAR OLD AND 2 YEAR OLD). SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

It is possible that you have utero-vaginal prolapse. Prolapse is caused by a weakening of the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. The risk of developing prolapse increases with each delivery, age and weight gain. Prolapse symptoms can be managed conservatively with weight loss (if needed), pelvic floor exercises and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, avoiding surgery. A visit to your ObGyn can confirm if you have prolapse, and if needed, a referral to an Urogynecologist for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation can help your symptoms.

— Dr. Kevin O’Neil specializes in Urogynecology along with Obstetrics and Gynecology.

momsolvers

ask...theob/gyn

DR. KEVIN O’NEILMACARTHUR OB/GYN

EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS to [email protected], subject “questions” or SUBMIT QUESTIONS ON FACEBOOK.COM/MOMSOLVERS. Either way, we’ll find answers!


Not just for pencils; but they do fit great! There’s an outside zip pouch for erasers and change too. Plus, the inside pouch has

a 1 1/2” expanding gusset to hold even more! Multi-colored

nylon kids pencil pouch. Personalize with a name!

FIND IT: www.MilesKimball.com $11.99

We love this top for “mom-time” while the kids are in school. The off the shoulder neckline is attractive and you can pair it with your favorite jeans or over your work-out clothes (hint!) Light weight fabric.

FIND IT: www.loveandsweat.net $35 (sale price)

W“mkiofispajeouw

Fw$3

Simply Stylish

Ava to the RescueTired of the tears and tantrums that come with getting your children to take their medicine? Enter Ava the Elephant; the talking, child-friendly medicine dispenser, as featured on ABC’s Shark Tank.

FIND IT: www.avatheelephant.com $9.99

e

tg yourheirAva theing, child-friendly medicineured on ABC’s Shark Tank.

An alarm that will “pop” your kid out of bed! It’s great for kiddos just learning to get out of bed by them-

selves. When the alarm goes off, the creature’s head pops off and flies across the room making a boom-

boom chicka kind of noise. The alarm only stops when you find his head and put it back on the clock.

It’s actually kind of fun and your kid may wake and wait for the pop! Four bright colors to choose from and has two older siblings, Clocky and Tocky to help wake up your older kids too.

FIND IT: www.nandahome.com $25

POPCLOCK

These are the cutest back packs and lunch bags ever! And they have a really fun name, too, that was inspired by the legendary dabbawallas delivering homemade lunch to office workers in India. Functional, easy to pack and unpack, with adjustable straps and sturdy handles. These bags are sized perfectly for preschool and early elementary school children. Machine-washable and 100% toxic free. With 13 whimsical designs to choose from, kids will love them!

FIND IT: www.dabbawallabags.com $30

Dabbawalla

Bag

pouch!PERSONALIZED PENCIL


moMENtsBY PATRICK HEMPFING

Learning to Chill

Idon’t enjoy packing for trips. In fact, I’d almost rather have my dentist fix a cavity without novocaine. Don’t ask me how I

managed to squeeze a high chair, stroller,

and playpen into the van, along with the rest

of our luggage, during my daughter, Jessie’s,

baby years. I must admit that packing is a lot

easier without that stuff. Jessie is eight years

old now, so the most important piece of lug-

gage is her “entertainment” suitcase – books,

crayons, colored pencils, gel pens, paper, glue,

scissors, and markers. Jessie’s bottles of glit-

ter remain at home – always. To be honest, I

wouldn’t be disappointed if they stayed in her

art drawer – always.

Wikipedia defines glitter as “an assortment

of very small pieces of copolymer plastics,

aluminum foil, titanium dioxide, iron oxides,

bismuth oxychloride or other materials painted

in metallic, neon and iridescent colors to

reflect light in a sparkling spectrum.” I have my

own definition, but I think its best not to put it

in print. Let’s just say that I’m not a big fan.

Jessie, on the other hand, can’t wait to do

art projects using glitter. I enjoy watch-

ing her create things with Play-Doh. I

applaud the masterpieces that she

paints on her easel. I even smile

when she pulls out her assorted

containers of glue, even though I

know that my fingers will end up

sticking to something before all is

said and done. But oh those very

small pieces of copolymer plastics…

According to Wikipedia, in

1934 machinist Henry Ruschmann

invented a way to grind up plastics

to make large quantities of glitter.

He founded Meadowbrook Inventions, still a

major supplier of the substance. Its slogan is,

“Our glitter covers the world.” I can’t verify

the accuracy of the slogan, but I can attest

that by the time Jessie finishes using it, glitter

covers our house.

Although I will never win a Good House-

keeping award for having the cleanest house,

I do like to keep a tidy one. I’d give myself

good grades for cleaning, except for dusting

where I’d be happy with a C-. My wife and I

were married for 19 years before Jessie came

along. It was a lot easier to keep things tidy

(and glitter-free) back then.

When I compare our 19 years as a couple

to the 8 years we’ve been a family of three

(four really, with the dog), I have happy mem-

ories of both periods that I wouldn’t trade

for anything. The status of the house (tidy

or a mess) is not too important. That doesn’t

mean, though, that I don’t need to take a few

extra breaths when it seems like I’m taking

one step forward and two steps back as I at-

tempt to keep the house in order. I guess you

could say I’m “learning to chill.”

Jessie just finished making an

8-page, glitter-filled activity book

at the kitchen table. She had so

much fun working on this project

as she drew ovals on the pages

with glue, then buried them with

glitter. Right now, glitter

is everywhere – the

table, chairs,

floor, her clothing, and the dog. Even though

I’ll vacuum the entire work area including

her, glitter will somehow find its way into

every room of the house. The “pre-chilled”

dad would moan and groan. However, the

“post-chilled” dad sees the sparkle in his

child’s eyes, along with various places on her

face and body, as she shows off her book. So

thank you, Mr. Ruschmann, for your shimmery

invention. But bigger thanks goes out to the

inventor of the vacuum cleaner.

Jessie prepared her activity book to take

on an upcoming trip. She says it will make the

time pass faster in the car. I praise Jessie for

her creative idea and for taking responsibility

for her own entertainment. However, that glit-

ter-dripping book isn’t going anywhere near

the family van. I guess I haven’t fully mastered

the art of “chilling.”

Here’s wishing you a fantastic summer

of safe travels. May you be blessed with

sufficient engineering skills to get everything

packed. May you “chill” when your tank of pa-

tience runs on empty, which is bound to hap-

pen when family members are in a confined

space for hours on end. But most importantly,

may your travels leave you and your loved

ones with glittering memories.

Until next month, remember to cherish the

moments. SP

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer.


DIRECTORY

ENJOY OUR DIRECTORY OF SPECIALISTS!We know Kids are Special. That’s why we have the Specialists.

Dentists

Extra-curricular Activities

Schools

Doctors

BARRIE, BARBER CHOATE PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT DENTISTRY ..........................................19214-361-KIDS (5437)www.starkidsdentist.com

BOARDWALK OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY, OB/GYN ...................9972-406-9911www.boardwalkobgyn.com

DR. CONSTANCE ZHOU, ENT .........3Medical and Surgical Clinic of Irving972-253-4280www.irvingent.com

CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ARTS ...... 13214-707-3529www.childrenscreativeartsdallas.com

CHRISTIAN LEARNING CENTER AT PRESTONWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH ..................................................3972-419-8236www.prestonwood.org/clc

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS............................................4Middle and Upper School 214-358-4368Lower School 214-353-5818www.esdallas.org

HEADSTART OF GREATERDALLAS ..................................................11972-283-6400www.hsgd.org

HIGHLAND PARK PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL ...................................... 13214-525-6500www.hppds.org

HOLY TRINITY ACADEMY.............11972-490-7060www.holytrinityacademy.com

LAKEHILL PREPARATORYSCHOOL .................................................11214-826-2931www.lakehillprep.org

ST. MONICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL ............................................... 22214-351-5688www.stmonicaschool.org

ST. PHILIP’S SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTER .....................9214-421-5221 ext 150www.stphilips1600.org

BAYLOR OUR CHILDREN’S HOUSE AT BAYLOR......................... 151-800-4BAYLOR (422-9567)www.baylorhealth.com/OCH

LET’S TALK SPEECH THERAPY ................................................4214-242-9654www.letstalkdallas.com

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER ...................................................7214-363-9500www.huntingtonhelps.com

Schools

Special Needs

Speech Therapy

Tutoring

Transitioning to a new school is often very scary and

difficult for a child. Whether the change is because

of a move or getting promoted to the next educa-

tional stage, they are leaving behind familiar faces

and routines. While they might be excited to start their new

adventure, they are likely sad to close the chapter on their

old school and anxious for what is waiting for them.

I worked in early childhood education for many years and

helped hundreds of children (and their nervous parents) get

ready to transition to kindergarten. I’m working on a different

sort of transition plan now - my daughter is heading to a new

middle school!

Here are 7 tips to help your child get ready for a

new school, regardless of their age.

Allow them to say goodbye to their old school. This is

a loss to them and they need closure. Take photos of the

school, their favorite objects or locations within the school,

their teachers and other valued staff members. Help them put

together a scrapbook or photo album with the pictures and

other mementos, such as their preschool or elementary school

graduation “diploma”.

Help them gather up the contact information for their

friends, so they can stay in touch. Arrange a way for them

to maintain contact through phone calls, texts, emails or Skype.

If you are moving to a new school within your same area, set

up play dates over the summer and the first weeks of the new

school year. Knowing their friends from their old school are still

out there will help them feel less lonely as they make new friends.

Talk about the new school often. Tell them stories about

your school experiences. Make it a normal and natural part

of your conversation. Visit the schools website together and

read about the staff, activities offered, lunch menus and basics

facts, such as arrival time and dress code. Tell your child how

excited you are for their new school and that you think they’re

going to have a great year. They may feel sad, angry, nervous

and afraid. Let them know that it’s okay to feel that way.

Let them know what to expect. If they are entering a new

phase, talk about what happens in kindergarten, middle

school or high school. Head to the local bookstore or library

for books featuring characters in a similar phase. Read them

together and talk about what the characters are experiencing.

Connect with other students. Track down families who

attend the school already and chat with them about their

experiences. Arrange for your child to meet other kids who

attend the school, so they have some friendships in the

works in advance.

Make the school familiar. Drive by the school often. Point it

out to younger children, saying, “There’s your new school!” each

time you pass by. Arrange for you and your child to visit the

school, meet the principal and take a tour during the summer.

Learn about the bus system. If your child will be taking

the bus, help them become familiar with the bus stops, route

and rules before the first day. Try to find another child in your

neighborhood so they have “buddy” during the first week. SP

I REMEMBER LYING AWAKE FOR HOURS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL EACH FALL. SO MANY QUESTIONS

WERE SWIRLING AROUND MY BRAIN. WHAT DID THE YEAR HAVE IN STORE FOR ME? WOULD MY TEACHERS BE NICE?

WOULD I MAKE FRIENDS? WOULD I BE BULLIED? WAS MY OUTFIT OKAY? COULD I HANDLE THE WORK?

MY ANXIETY WAS EVEN HIGHER IN YEARS WHEN I WAS STARTING A BRAND NEW SCHOOL!

Tips forEasing the New

School Jitters

BY RACHAEL MOSHMAN



TIPS FOR THEFIRST DAY

NIGHT BEFOREHelp your child get all of their supplies or-ganized and ready to go the night before. Layout their outfit and prepare a checklist of what they need to do and bring in the morning. Go over this list with them before they walk out the door.

ARRIVE EARLYIf you drive your child to school on the first day, arrive early. My daughter is much less anxious if she arrives to a new location before the crowd. Watching people trickle in slowly is much less overwhelming than being thrown directly into the crowd.

SAYING GOODBYETry to keep your own emotions under control. If your child sees you crying or worried, they will feel even more anxious. Keep the goodbye short, upbeat and encouraging.

FINAL BELLHave a special treat (milk and cookies, any-one?) and a big hug waiting for them when you reunite. Give them time to decompress and process their day before grilling them for details. They may need several weeks to feel comfortable in their new school.

AFTER HOURSContinue talking about the change and reassuring your child that it will get easier. Keep the hugs and high fives coming as they adjust. Treat yourself to a cookie, too. Transitioning to a new school is hard, but your child will survive - and so will you!


fri 1Mayor’s Back to School Fair 8am-2pm. The 18th Annual Mayor’s Back to School Fair will be held on Friday, August 1, 2014, from 8am to 2pm at the Automobile and Centennial Buildings in Fair Park. The Fair’s activities and services are free and open to anyone. However, the free school supplies are available ONLY to public-school children who reside in the City of Dallas or attend Dallas ISD schools and meet the 2014 Federal Poverty Income guidelines. Please follow the link to the website for more information and eligi-bility criteria for receiving free school supplies. Information for Pre-registra-tion for the event can also be found on the website. Fair Park, Automobile and Centennial Buildings, 1121 1st Avenue, Dallas, www.mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com/details.html

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 10:30am & 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers represent-ing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show fea-tures a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ring-ling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Exhibit - Build it Garage Through Aug. 17. Construct a robot, launch a rocket, race your uniquely designed car, create with a 3-D printer and join more projects (soldering, zoetropes, air cannons and kaleidescopes) in this innovative maker’s space. Recommend-ed age 8 and older and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Entry requires the purchase of timed entry general exhibit hall admission along with the Build It Garage materials fee: $2 for members, $4 for nonmembers. Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, 214-428-5555 www.perotmuseum.org

Exhibit - The World’s Largest Dinosaurs Through Aug. 31.This innovative, interactive exhibition includes a life-sized, fleshed-out model of a 60-foot-long, 11-foot-tall female Ma-menchisaurus, known for its remarkable 30-foot neck. An interactive excavation will show visitors how dinosaurs are dis-covered in the field through a replicated dig site. See website for more details. Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, 214.428-5555 www.perotmuseum.org

sat 2Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 11:30am, 3:30 & 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers repre-senting 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

sun 3Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 10:30am, 2:30 & 6:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basket-ball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

mon 4Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series See a different fam-ily-friendly movie each week of the sum-mer for just $2 per ticket. Movies start at 11am. Check the website for a location close to you! August 4–8: Puss in Boots. Movie Studio Movie Grill, All D/FW Lo-cations, www.studiomoviegrill.com

Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp Boys and girls ages 8-18 of all skill levels learn the game from the best camp coaching staff in Texas. Professional coaches are handpicked for their basket-ball knowledge and ability to work well with kids. Combining excellent coaching and a proven program focused on each camper, Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp delivers valuable lessons and plenty of fun! Find more details and register online! Hoop Camp runs Monday – Friday. 9am-4pm Cost: $240. Aug. 4-8, University of Texas at Dallas. 214-747-MAVS(6287) or [email protected] www.mavs.com/community/hoop-camp

tue 5Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Free LEGO Mini Build Tue-5pm-6:30pm Children ages 6-15 ONLY can celebrate every month with a free mini build at LEGO stores at Stonebriar Mall & Northpark Center. First Tuesdays beginning at 5pm until all the kits are gone. LEGO stores in Dallas & Frisco. www.lego.com

wed 6The Phantom of the Opera Through Aug. 24. Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera, now on tour across North America. This Phantom features a new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scottambler, and a new staging by director Laurence Connor. This new production is suggest-ed for audiences aged 6 and older. The show runs 2 hours and 45 minutes (in-cluding a 20-minute intermission), and includes gun shots and pyrotechnics. Parents are encouraged to consider these factors when making their deci-sions about attending the performance. Multiple dates/show times, check website for details and to purchase tickets. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, 214-880-0202 www.attpac.org/phantom

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

thu 7La Leche League Dallas (PM)7-8pm. Lower Level Conference Room, Margot Perot Building. LEADER INFORMATION: Hannah 214-562-0738 [email protected]; Heather 214-507-7564 [email protected]; Alison [email protected]. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, 8200 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, www.texaslll.org

knowthe

it all

{ Your Community Calendar } August 2014

SP = Advertisers


Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

fri 8Sleepovers at the Perot Muse-um Snore and Explore at the Museum after hours Go behind the scenes at the Perot Museum with after-hours access to intriguing exhibits, exclusive demonstrations and hands-on dis-covery — with a late-night snack, 3D movie and light breakfast to round out the experience! Designed especial-ly for children ages 6-12.GENERAL SLEEPOVERS General sleepovers at the Perot Museum are a great way for a parent and child or small group to experience the excitement and enlight-enment of the Museum after hours! Volunteers at overnight events are Perot Museum placement members of the Junior League of Dallas. Your Group Groups of all sizes are welcome — from a parent and child to entire or-ganizations. We require one chaperone at least 21 years of age for every four guests ages 6-12. Children under the age of 6 will not be allowed to attend. PRICING AND RESERVATIONS: GEN-ERAL SLEEPOVERS $40 per child and $22 per adult chaperone Minimum one chaperone (at least 21 years old) re-quired for every four guests ages 6-12. Sleepover reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance. Full payment is due at the time of registra-tion. Special payment arrangements may be made for groups of 12 or more. Due to high demand, your attendance numbers cannot increase from your original headcount. Payments are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, 214.428-555 www.perotmuseum.org

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling

and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

sat 9FC Dallas Soccer 8pm FC Dallas takes on Colorado. Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, 469-365-0000 www.fcdallas.com

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 11am, 3:30 & 7:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basketball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and bal-ancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com

Runway Revue 12-6pm. Join us at Galleria in Dallas! THE source of fall fashion trends for the 2014 Runway Revue! Enjoy the State’s Sales Tax Holiday too (August 8-10). A full day of high-energy runway shows highlighting the top trends for fall. This free event gives everyone in the family the inside track on what to wear and how to wear it for back-to-school and the fall season. Hosted by Galleria Dallas Fashion Stylist, Holly Quartaro. Runway Revue showcases fall fashions from more than 200 retailers like H&M, Apricot Lane, Belk, BCBGeneration, and Macy’s. Three professional runway shows at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The day closes with the high-energy Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy’s 21st Annual Student Show at 6 p.m. 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 972-702-7100 www.galleriadallas.com

sun 10Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Built to Amaze 10:30am, 2:30 & 6:30pm. See more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals. The show features a cowboy ringmaster, basket-ball with the legendary King Charles Troupe from New York City and, new to Ringling Bros., the Tower Tumblers, a troupe of competitive aerial athletes from the Ukraine. Get $10 tickets on opening night only. Arrive an hour early for the All-Access Preshow to learn juggling and balancing skills from the circus clowns. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.ticketmaster.com


knowthe it all

mon 11Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp Boys and girls ages 8-18 of all skill levels learn the game from the best camp coaching staff in Texas. Profes-sional coaches are handpicked for their basketball knowledge and ability to work well with kids. Combining excellent coaching and a proven program fo-cused on each camper, Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp delivers valuable lessons and plenty of fun! Find more details and register online! Hoop Camp runs Mon-day – Friday. 9am-4pm Cost: $240. Aug. 11-15, Collin County Community College – Spring Creek Campus. 214-747-MAVS(6287) or www.mavs.com/community/hoop-camp

Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series See a different family-friendly movie each week of the summer for just $2 per ticket. Movies start at 11am. Check the website for a location close to you! August 11–14: Madagascar 3. Movie Studio Movie Grill, All D/FW Locations, www.studio moviegrill.com

Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

tue 12Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

Listen UP-Summer Author Series at the UP Public Library Amy Bloom, author of Lucky Us. Readings for the general public begin at 7pm and are free. Prior to each reading a private reception with the author will be held. Private receptions are by reservation only at $30 a person. All private receptions start at 6pm. Each person who attends the private reception will receive a copy of the au-thor’s book. Books will also be available for purchase after each reading. The authors will also sign copies of their books. University Park Public Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200, Dallas, 214.363-9095 http://www.uptex-as.org/Government/UP-Public-Library

Timberglen Book Club 6:30-7:30pm .The club will meet on the second Tuesday of the month and will choose between several titles in which to discuss the following month. Timber-glen Branch Library, 18505 Midway Rd., Dallas, www.dallaslibrary2.org

wed 13La Leche League of Dallas South 10-11am. Meets in Conference Room #12. LEADER INFORMATION: Louanne 214-399-0098; Cassie 972-679-6564. Methodist Charleton Medical Center, 3500 W. Wheatland Rd, Dallas, www.texaslll.org

Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

thu 14Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

fri 15Late Nights at the Dallas Muse-um of Art 6pm-12am. Free admission and special activities. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, www.dallasmuseumofart.org

Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Los Angeles Angels. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

sat 16Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Los Angeles An-gels. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

sun 17Texas Rangers Baseball 2:05pm. Rangers take on the Los Angeles Angels Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

Celebrate Pets 3pm. Eat a meal at the bistro and enjoy activities that celebrate pets, including a color-in bandanna craft that shows off her American Girl pet’s one-of-a-kind style. Plus, take home a special book and a set of Crayola Fabric Markers. Reser-vations are required. For girls ages 8 and older. American Girl Boutique and Bistro, 13464 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, 877-247-5223, www.americangirl.com

mon 18Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series See a different family-friendly movie each week of the summer for just $2 per ticket. Movies start at 11am. Check the website for a location close to you! August 18–22: Rugrats Movie. Movie Studio Movie Grill, All D/FW Locations, www.studio moviegrill.com

tue 19Dallas Farmers Market Ongoing,daily, 8am-6pm. With about 100 ven-dors, visitors will find a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers and sweets. Produce vendors are located in Shed 3 and have a variety of seasonal and non-seasonal produce to satisfy every visitor’s needs. The farmers are located in Shed 1 and have seasonal produce. For more than a century, farmers have been selling their fresh produce on the site of the Dallas Farm-ers Market. It started in the late 1800s as farmers came to town to sell from wagons set up in various locations. Around 1900, the intersection of Pearl and Cadiz streets became the hub of a brisk wholesale business. There, large quantities of produce were sold along with chickens, pigs, goats, and eggs. As Dallas grew, so did demand for farm-fresh produce and meat, and it was clear that a better-organized system was needed. In 1939, the site of the Dal-las Farmers Market was formalized and the first shed established. The site wasofficially sanctioned as a municipal-

ly-owned and operated market in De-cember 1941.Over the past six decades, the Dallas Farmers Market has matured into the year-round area attraction that it is today. Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S Pearl Expwy, Dallas, 214.664-9110 www.dallasfarmersmarket.org

fri 22FC Dallas Soccer 8pm. FC Dallas takes on Real Salt Lake. Toyota Stadi-um, 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, 469-365-0000 www.fcdallas.com

Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Kansas City Roy-als. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

sat 23Texas Rangers Baseball 7:05pm. Rangers take on the Kansas City Roy-als. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

Gala of Royal Horses 7:30pm. Watch equestrian master Rene Gasser and professionally trained horses – including Andalusian, Friesian, Lipizzaner and Arabian breeds-and flamenco danc-ers perform stunning maneuvers in this show celebrating the European tradition of royal horses. American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, 800-745-3000 www.americanairlinescenter.com

sun 24Texas Rangers Baseball 2:05pm. Rangers take on the Kansas City Royals Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, www.texas.rangers.mlb.com

tue 26La Leche League Dallas (Tod-dler) 10-11:30am. 2nd Level Head in the main doors, turn right, then follow the hall to the elevator. We are in a classroom just outside the elevator. Around 11:30 we move out to the playground, weather permitting. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and hang out! LEADER INFOR-MATION: Heather 214-507-7564 [email protected]; Hannah 214-562-0738 [email protected]; Alison [email protected] SCHEDULE OF TOPICS: August 26th ~ I’m Awake, You’re Awake-Nighttime nursing. Richardson E. Church of Christ, 1504 E. Campbell Rd, Richardson, www.texaslll.org

Upload your Birthday Kids picture atwww.suburbanparent.com

Please submit by the 10th of the month prior to the month of their birthday to be included in our print

edition. No copyrighted photos.

LAUREN10 Years Old

Aug 9

MICHAEL10 Years Old

Aug 9


All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes. Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.

Highland Park Library4700 Drexel Dr., 214-559-9400

Wed – Lapsit Story Time 4:30pm, ages 6mos up to 2 yrs. Thur – Toddler Story Time 4:30 pm; ages 18 mos-3yrs Fri - Preschool Story Time 4:30pm, ages 3-6yrs

University Park Library3800 University Blvd, 214-363-9095

Wed – Preschoolers Story Time 4pm, age 4-5yrsThur – Preschoolers Story Time 10:45am

Fretz Park Branch Library6990 Belt Line Road, 214-670-6421

Fri – Preschool Story Time 11am, ages 2-4 yrs

Renner Frankford Branch6400 Frankford Road, 214-670-6100

Tue – Preschool Story Time 10:30am , ages 2-4yrs. Tue – Infant/Toddler Story Time 11:15am(1st-3rd Tue), ages 4mos-18mos. Tue – Pre-School Story Time 10:30am (4th Tue), ages 2-4yrs

Bookmarks (at North Park Mall)8687 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1514, 214-671-1381Mon – NorthCourt - Baby Bounce Basics 10:30am, age 0-2yrMon - Inside Bookmarks - Baby Bounce Basics 12:30, age 0-2yr (Weekly Mon & Fri). Wed - NorthCourt – Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 2-4yrs Thur - NorthCourt - Pre-School Story Time 10:30am, ages 2-4yrs. Thur - Steps inside Bookmarks – Preschool Story time 3:30pm

Lakewood Branch Library6121 Worth Street, 214-670-1376Wed - Pre-School Story Time 10:30am, ages 2-4yrs

Audelia Road Branch Library10045 Audelia Road, 214-670-1350 Fri - Pre-School Story Time 10:30am, ages 2-4yrs

Preston Royal Branch5626 Royal Lane, 214-670-7128Tue (2nd Tue) – Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 2-4yrs

Your Community Story Times

wed 27Zumba at Klyde Warren Park6pm. Aerobic dance classes on the Ginsburg Family Great Lawn with the Dallas YMCA. Looking for a fun new way to work out? Try one of our weekly Zumba classes presented by the YMCA of Dallas. It’s a fun, upbeat way to get up and moving! Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Frwy, Dallas, www.klydewarrenpark.org

fri 29 LEGO KidsFest 4-7:30pm. LEGO

KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity - and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St, Dallas, www.legokidsfest.com. See ad in this issue.

Dallas DanceFest 8pm. Dance Coun-cil of North Texas (DCNT) is excited to announce the companies and artists selected to perform at the inaugural Dallas DanceFest (DDF) which runs August 29-31, 2014. The three-day event promises to deliver excellence, vibrancy, vitality, and diversity in dance. DDF features performances by Dallas luminaries including Texas Ballet Theater, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Dallas Black Dance Theatre in addition to established, emerging, and academic dance companies and artists. Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas, 214-219-2290 www.dallasdancefest.org

sat 30 LEGO KidsFest Session 1: 9am-

1:30pm; Session II: 3-7:30pm. LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. (Note: Each session offers the same exhibits and activities). Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St, Dallas, www.legokidsfest.com. See ad in this issue.

sun 31 LEGO KidsFest Session 1: 9am-

1:30pm; Session II: 3-7:30pm. LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event. Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St, Dallas, www.legokidsfest.com. See ad in this issue.

Upcoming Event

September 7Planning a Quinceanera? 12-5pm. Come out to the Quince Girl Expo where you’ll find everything you need for an amazing event! Dallas Mar-ket Hall. www.quincegirlexpos.com

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most cur-rent information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea. SP

214-361-KIDS (5437)8305 Walnut Hill Lane,

Suite 225, Dallas, Texas 75231

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Barrie Barber Choate DDS, MSD, PA


FUN the page

As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools! — Author Unknown

LOL with James Estes!

WHY DO MAGICIANS DO SOWELL IN SCHOOL?

They’re good at trick questions

WHY WAS THE TEACHER WEARINGSUNGLASSES TO SCHOOL?

She had bright students

WHO IS THE KING OF ALLSCHOOL SUPPLIES?

The ruler

A father picked up his daughter from camp and excitedly asked her “How was your stay at camp?” She replied, “Well it would have been better if you had given me money to spend in the camp store.” Her father replied, “I put money in your camp trunk”. He continued, “Let me ask you; did you brush your teeth this week?” She replied, “Yes, I brushed my teeth!” Her dad said, “Well, I put your money in your toothbrush case hoping you would find it when you brushed your teeth!!” Hmmm.

SENT TO US FROM ANNIE KATE

GOTTALOVE ‘EM

SALAD INGREDIENTS:- 6 cups fresh baby spinach- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced- 1 avocado, diced (or 2 avocados!)- 4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted- Half a small red onion, thinly sliced

FOR DRESSING, whisk together:- 1/2 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)- 2 Tbsp. honey- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds- 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar- Pinch of ground dry mustard (optional)- Salt and pepper

What you’ll need:

er vineggarar- PiPinchnch ofofo grgrgrrrgrrounounoundddff drd yyyyy mumumumumuumuustastastardrdr (op(optiotionalnala ))-- SaS lt andd pepeppSalt andd pepeeppeppep err

What you’ll do:

Toss salad with whisked dressing.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy your superfoods!

SuperchargedSalad!


10 Things Not to Do When Your

Daughter Goes to College

Sending your child off to college can be challenge for both mom and dad. But it can be an even greater challenge for dad

when he sends his daughter off to college for the first time. As you know, sometimes dads don’t respond in the best way

when it comes to our baby girls. Here are 10 things you should NOT do when sending your daughter off to college.

1. Do not stalk her roommates or new friends on FacebookAllow her to make new friends and relationships without

online spying.

2. Do not condemn her for every mistakeYour daughter will make some mistakes. Do not condemn

her; instead allow her the opportunity to learn from them.

3. Do not play the role of her alarmEven if she loved her bed and pillow at home, she can wake

up and make it to class without you calling in the early

morning.

4. Do not tell her these are the best years of your lifeCollege life is fun, but it is not all good all the time. The ex-

pectations you set should prepare her for the good and the

bad of college life and also assure her that you’ll be there

for her no matter what.

5. Do not make a habit of popping

up on campusIf you would like to visit your daughter, discuss it and make

sure you both agree when you will visit. Of course emer-

gency situations are different.

6. Do not send her money every

time she asksA financial plan should be established in advance, and if

dad (or mom) sending money is part of the plan, amounts

and frequency should be pre-determined.

7. Do not tell her how happy you are

that she is gone (even jokingly)You may have plans with the extra space or time. May-

be her room will be converted into a movie room, office,

library, etc. If that happens, don’t hide it, but don’t make it

a focal point. Make her feel as if she is always welcome.

8. Do not always defer her to her

mother when she is need of advice

or a listening earSometimes your daughter needs you as much as, if not

more than, she needs her mom. Yes, you may not be able

to relate 100% every single time, but you can listen 100% of

the time.

9. Do not draw out your goodbyesYou will miss one another, and both of you will be ner-

vous. Not that you want to shove her out while the car

is still moving, but extra long drawn out goodbyes will be

of no benefit to either of you.

10. Do not deny to yourself that

you miss herAside from all the things that could go wrong or right

at college, you will miss having her around. Don’t be too

tough to admit it. All daughters have a special, soft spot in

their dad’s heart. SP

Reprinted with permission. This is where dads in any stage of

fatherhood can find helpful resources to aid in their parenting.

Fathers can also sign up to start or attend one of our All Pro

Dads chapters.


I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…neighborhood potlucks are dangerous.

I was scoping out the food on the potluck table during our annual summer block party in our neigh-

bor’s backyard last weekend when my wife and teenagers walked over to me from the volleyball net. “Hungry, dad?” my son asked. “A little,” I said. “Why?”

“Because you’re watching the food like a weirdo or something.”

I blinked. “I’m trying to decode who brought what.” I turned to my wife. “The potato salad over there looks store bought, right?” My daughter raised her eyebrows. “And why are you doing this?” “So I know where the food came from,” I said mater of fact, and then pointed out a plate of brownies to my wife. “Honey, don’t the Miller’s have this plate pattern?”

My daughter cleared her throat and repeated herself. “Uh, hello, why are you doing this?”

I raised my hands in the air. “Call me cautious, but do we reallllllllllly know where this food came from…I mean, really?

All of this was prepared behind closed doors, right? A lot can happen in a person’s kitchen when no one is look-ing. We have no idea who might have sneezed into their casserole dish or tested the batter with their fingers. It’s always better to just eat those things that you can trust.”

My son pointed to the macaroni salad. “Can you trust this?”“Mayonnaise?” I scoffed. “I think not.” “But macaroni

salad is good,” he argued.“Sure,” I said. “And so is sleeping through the night

without painful gas pains.”

My wife rolled her eyes. “We’re going back to the vol-leyball game. If people ask what you are doing over here, I’m telling them you have heat stroke.”

“Fine,” I said as they walked away. “But, why do people insist on getting together without the health department’s seal of approval? Huh?””

Okay, so maybe I have this thing about what I put in my mouth. Some people might call it a phobia – I prefer to think of it as a plan to keep living.

When we returned home that night, however, I was fam-ished. The only thing I ate at the potluck was an individually wrapped Twinkie and what we brought. As I assembled my dinner in the kitchen, my wife asked the obvious.

“How do you know that our neighbors weren’t thinking the same thing about us, and they were concerned with what we brought?”

I laughed. “We brought a bag of chips and store bought onion dip,” I answered. “And I made sure to have witnesses when I broke the seal.”

My wife got that exasperated look. “It’s a summer pic-nic, Ken,” she exclaimed. “This is what people do. They go to barbecues and have potlucks. It’s called having fun.”

“Great,” I exclaimed. “But while I am enjoying my day at work tomorrow – pain free – there’s a good chance, ‘Miss I’ll Try Everything at the Potluck,’ that your conversation with friends will involve the words ambrosia, the runs and dropping five pounds.”

My wife felt my forehead. “Maybe you really do have heat stroke, Ken.”

Arrive alive – that’s what I always say. SP

Potluck Survivor

Jim Schmitt

[email protected]

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