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In every issue...Things To Do in Livingston County .................................. 13-14

Classifieds .................................................................................. 26

Features...

MISSION STATEMENT:The mission of Livingston Parent Journal is to shareworthwhile information with area parents by listing

family-oriented events, educational opportunities for parents,and by providing feature articles and tips on topics relevant

to raising children of all ages.

OCTOBER 2012

PO Box 1162 • Fowlerville, MI 48836info@livingstonparentjournal.comwww.LivingstonParentJournal.com

LivingstonParentJournal.Wordpress.com

866.806.1680

© October 2012 All rights reserved.

The Livingston Parent Journal does not necessarily endorsethe views of the authors or the products of the advertisers.

Medical and health advice is not intended to replace the care of a physician.

Member of

— EDITOR/ PUBLISHER —

Rick & Terri McGarry

—PRENATAL GUIDE COVER—Angie Mikula

—WRITERS—Lauren Lauterwasser

Tessa O’DohertyCathy Sosnowski

Laura BickelBree DeCare

— GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT —

Jacqueline Hill

Halloween Photography

8

Warnings AboutParenthood

18Fall Cleaning

25

Dance17

Prenatal & BabyGuide

19-23

An independent local publication.

Jacqueline’s Blog

9-116

Community Theater

Halloween Happenings

October Birthdays!

When Grandma Newsome came to Michigan from Tennessee, it was the land of opportunity. She raised fivechildren, and then help raise her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She did it without a high schooldiploma, or a driver s license, or a cell phone, or Facebook. She traveled abroad only once, to cross over intoCanada at Niagara Falls. She never flew in an airplane.

To the best of my recollection, she was the first person with whom I was ever personally acquainted whosegrandchildren had grandchildren of their own.

Her philosophy of life was not complicated. She believed that people needed to find steady work with benefits,and acquire cars that ran reliably. She was a regular churchgoer, and she did not allow clutter to accumulate inher house. Those who understand such things assure me that she had good taste. She liked to get her house-work done first thing in the morning.

Her cooking skills were notable. When she scrambled eggs she stirred them continuously, and added a liberalamount of butter. To my way of thinking, her most commendable quality was this: She was perhaps the mostinterruptable person I have ever met, and she always seemed to have time to visit and be hospitable. She facedthe difficulties in her life with strength and grace. She passed away in mid September.


From Our Family

We are always looking for more sponsors for the Birthday Club.Email [email protected] or call 866.806.1680 for details.

Kids! Join our Birthday Club and we’ll send you aspecial treat and let everyone know it’s your special day!

Send your child’s date of birth to [email protected]

Homemade Chocolate129 E. Grand River Fowlerville

517.223.1322

HOWELL BIG BOY2222 E. Grand River, Howell

517.548.1800

Nico Valenti

Lily SidorskiCarter Dzieciolowski

Gabriella MarkowskiLuke deBeauclair

Gabriel Nowacki

Emma Roberts

Serena Wilhelm

Tyler deBeauclair

Colin Wilson

Everett Sidorski

Alexandra De Cia

Leda Catherine Pantelas

Isabella Slawnyk

Katrina GrayMaryn Brodersen

Joey Frelich

Kayden AntieauJace Hund

Avery Dobson

Bodey Sell

Cole Anthony JonesCaden Moe

Carter James Kolarchick

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Makayla Sapienza

Dante SomersMemphis Starr OumedianTrevor AuerJennifer Ann Curnalia

Zoey Lynn Barsegian

Sophia BellGriffin BrodersenIan Litwin

Samuel Buesing

10006 Highland Rd, Hartland810.632.6932

Interruptable

Mikey RittenberrySabella Ruiz

Sienna DietzeOliver Hammack

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When I was growing up, my single mother was lucky if she got$50 a month for the three of us kids, which certainly wasn’tenough for sports, dance, or gymnastics. Mom did take us camp-ing and on all kinds of family vacations, but there really wasn’ttime for sports and things until we got older and could manage to get our-selves to those activities on our own. One sister was a cheerleader, an-other sang in the choir and I played on the tennis team. There were balletclasses for my older sister before the divorce, and my middle sister and Idid get to participate in scouts.

My husband, on the other hand, grew up in a lower middle class familywith three boys. They were all involved in music from a very young age,and received college music scholarships. They also performed together inchurch or school programs throughout their childhood.

When our son was a toddler we started exploring various activities or ad-ventures to broaden our child’s life experience. We wanted him to haveopportunities we never had ourselves. We also wanted him to be a well-rounded child and a productive citizen with no entitlement mentality. We are amiddle class family with a single income, so we are definitely not frivolous withour finances and we try to take advantage of local community education programs.We try to help our child discover his favorite activities and find his passion.

When he was two we enrolled in a mom and me gymnastic program with Ms. Janin Hartland. Then we tried a sports and swimming program. I loved soccer. I wasthe noisy one, cheering all the kids from the sidelines. I also scream while watch-ing football on television with my husband and stepsons; who look at me like I ama crazy alien while I scream for the receiver to make that touchdown. Austin likedsoccer but only played for a couple of years, although he asks occasionally (usu-ally just after the sign-up deadline) if he is going to play again this year. We wenton to try baseball and then basketball, unquestionably his favorite sport.

We exposed him to all kinds of activities, including drawing, piano, and drums.But we noticed that what he really loved was to dress up in some self-created cos-tume and act out whatever show he was watching on television. So from about agethree we have encouraged involvement in some sort of performing, and since theage of six he has been acting in front of large audiences.

His first real stage performance, outside of a brief appearance in a church serviceas Linus, was with Howell High School’s The Christmas Carole. For me as a par-ent, it was a very emotional experience watching students of all ages develop theircharacters. When you see hard work, dedication, self-discipline and camaraderiecome together to create an amazing well-performed show, you cannot help feelingproud of every single child involved. I cried throughout the performances becauseI was proud of each kid, not just my own.

Every single musical or play since then has evoked the same emotional responsefrom me. And I am not alone. You can ask Theresia Rogers. “When Tori did themusical “13”, I don’t think there was one performance I didn’t bawl through.”

We currently find ourselves involvedwith two or three productions a year.As well as acting, there are sets to bebuilt, costumes to be made, props tobe found, tech support, producingand directing.. The Rogers family isanother example of a family that hasmade community theatre a family ac-tivity in which each member playssome part in nearly every perform-ance. Mary Jo Del Vero suggested

that their daughter Tori check out theatre camp, which was a verybig hit with the third grader. She promptly started working on herdad to get on stage with her. Tori is now a freshman in high schooland preparing to audition for a role in “Little Mermaid, Jr.” whichwill be her 11th or 12th play.

Theresia Rogers says, “When you get to the end of the produc-tion you are just so totally exhausted but yet you still get energized when you re-member how much fun it was. On the Monday following the last performance youare so glad you finally have time to yourself. But, then a few days later you arethinking, ‘Ok, when is the next show?’

College sophomore Jesse Techentin sums it up best, “I was involved with commu-nity theater extensively for 5 years. Being in shows with my family helped us bondeven more and create many fun and cherished memories. Theater itself helps peo-ple develop a wider range of skills beyond mere performance talents. Not only didit help me improve and exercise my creativity, imagination, and organizationalskills, but it also gave me a second home in a way. All of the people who sur-rounded me truly loved me and cared about me, and nearly all of my lifetime friend-ships have come out of this amazing organization! I am currently 19 years old andpursuing a degree in Theatre Tech/Design at Central Michigan University. Theaterhelped inspire and prepare me for this particular degree, both through hands-onlearning opportunities from the numerous shows and camps as well as though theaid of a financial scholarship. As of right now I'm well on my way to completingthis degree and am enjoying my sophomore year of college.”

Written by Laura Bickel, MBA Prior to becoming a performer's mom, Laura was an investment advisor in Tennesseeand loved it! Upon transferring to Michigan she gave up her career to be a stay-at-home Mom. Laura volunteerson many boards, schools, scouts, church and is deeply entrenched in the theatrical world.

Families Benefit From Involvement in Theatre

Community Theatre of Howell’s fall performance is “My Son Pinocchio,Gepetto’s Story”. It is the story of Pinocchio running away from home, toldfrom Gepetto’s point of view. November 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 and Nov 10,11, 17, 18 at 2:00. Get your tickets at cththeatre.org. Father and son BrianBickel and Austin Bickel play the roles of Gepetto and Pinocchio, joined byan outstanding cast of actors.


Is Your Child Being Bullied?I am Sam Larioza, father of two fabulous kids and owner of

Ohana Karate. One of the missions of our karate school is tohelp parents raise awesome kids by developing the attitudes,habits and most all, character traits that help them becomehappy and highly successful. But another mission is to helpour schools stop bullying. Bullying can have a devastatingand life-changing effect on a child even with a single incident.

I wanted to share the strategy and techniques we use sothat you can use the same effective tools with your child.First let’s start with two strategic keys: Culture and Simple.Most of the anti-bullying programs around lack in one or bothof these two areas. 1.) First, to stop bullying it has to be acomprehensive “cultural” change in our kids, parents, teach-ers, administrators and community. Quick fixes or just ad-dressing the symptoms do not work. 2.) Second, it has to bevery simple. Change is already hard but if you make it com-plicated or complex it cannot be done.

Now let’s go on to the simple tactics. This very simple so-lution is based on two pillars (both of which have to be done):“The adults take care of the BIG STUFF” and “The kids takecare of the SMALL STUFF”. What we mean by the “BIGSTUFF” is the bullying that is already going on or is very seri-ous has to be handled by the adults. This is not hard. Justeducate the adults with basic information then utilize a “con-sequence rubric” and be consistent, fair and fast in respond-ing to incidents of bullying or mean behavior.

But here is the real value – it’s the “SMALL STUFF”! Canyou imagine a school where there is no bullying or mean be-havior and the teachers do not even have to police it (theycan just teach)? The bullies are too smart. They know nowto fly under the radar. The only way for our schools to stopbullying is for the kids to learn how to protect themselves andeach other. Here is how we teach this to our kids:

• The “Brush Fire” – This has to make sense to kids.We start by telling the Brush Fire story. It goes likethis – I Iight a match and throw it into some drygrass. If I wait a while what happens? The firespreads. If I wait a little longer the bushes catch onfire. If I wait even longer the whole forest catches onfire. Can I put that fire out? Not without hundreds offirefighters! But what if I light that match then stepon it right away? The fire is stopped. That match islike bullying. If you stop right away it is easy. Thelonger you wait the harder it is to stop.• Stop the “Small Stuff” – You have to learn to stopthe small stuff. You have to stop all the mean smallthings that happen often like someone bothering you

or the friend testing you so you can be their friend. Ittakes courage and self confidence but you knowwhat? When you do it the first time you will see yourchild’s courage and self confidence soar!• The “Script” – Okay we know to stop the small stuffbut how do we do it? Simple. Just like learning todefend yourself from a knife attack you will do thesame for a bully. You will learn (memorize) simplespecific moves (words) to stop the attack. We use asimple “three strike” method. Remember this is forthe small stuff and is best used on friends or kids thatlike you.• Strike one: As soon as the first incident happensyou look them right in the eye and say calmly butstrongly “Joey, don’t do that. I would not do that toyou.” Now if the behavior stops, your confidence willgrow. But if it does not stop you go to the next step.• Strike two: On the second incident you say “Joey,stop it. I asked you to stop once. If you do it again Iwill report it.”• Strike three: If it does not stop you will only givethem three chances. On the third time you will say“Joey, I already asked you to stop twice. Now I willhave to report it.”• To make sure they learn the difference between re-porting and tattle-tailing we teach them to report thebullying in this way “Mrs. Smith, I don’t want to getJoey in trouble but he has been calling me namesand it really hurts my feeling. I have asked him tostop three times. Can you help me please?”

The place to stop bullying is in preschool, kindergarten andfirst grade. That is where it starts. I do not have enoughroom in this article to discuss what to do with severe bullying.I will have to save it for next time. But, if I can help you in anyway please do not hesitate to contact me at (517) 586-1001or at www.ohanakarate.com.

Yours for a bully free world,

Sam LariozaOhana Karate – “Where Success is an Attitude and a Habit!”(517) 586-1001 or (517) 223-9131www.ohanakarate.com


When my teenage son died suddenly in an accident, his school friends filled ourhome. Some of them asked to look at pictures. I pulled out my carefully organizedphoto albums—one for every year, documenting birthday party games, Christmas stock-ing openings, summer holiday excursions, and Halloween costumes. It had been aspring ritual for me. As soon as I handed in my marks, I would buy the thickest albumI could find, spread that year’s photo envelopes on the dining room table, and for thenext few days slot the photos into the plastic pages, carefully labeling each one: “Tanyastarts Brownies;” “Alex comes second in the cross-country marathon;” “Michael playsdefense in Pee Wee Hockey.” “My children’s lives,” the albums said, “are well in order.”

Once, I was collecting for the cancer campaign when I discovered a photo of Alexand his two siblings on a stranger’s fridge door, taken one dark Halloween night whenmy children knocked there years before.

It isn’t easy collecting for a charity along West Vancouver’s waterfront. Recentlybuilt multimillion dollar houses have long gated driveways, with “Beware of Dog” signsand a barking Doberman or German Shepherd to prove it. I bypassed these, knock-ing instead on the doors of the few remaining cottages that were once holiday homesapproached by boat before Lions Gate Bridge was built. Newly married, Woldy and Ihad bought one of those little clapboard cottages—not along the water, but closeenough to see the ocean through the giant rhododendrons, and camellia bushes, grownover the years as tall as the house. Our cottage, too, had grown over the years, as wegave birth to one child and then adopted two more. Woldy loved to renovate.

Approaching by a daffodil-lined stone path, I could hear a piano playing in whatcould have been the old witch’s cottage in Hansel and Gretel. In answer to my bang-ing of a large brass knocker, the piano stopped and a stooped elderly woman with a greypony tail opened the door.

“ I’m so sorry to interrupt,” I stammered. “I’m collecting for the cancer campaign.”“Well bless your heart, dear, please come in. I’ll put on the kettle.”“Oh, don’t bother for me. I’ve just had supper.”“Well then you’ll need some tea to wash it down. Come, if you don’t mind we’ll

sit in the kitchen.”Clearly the woman wanted company, and I found her blessing rather assuring—

quite a contrast to some of the abrupt refusals I’d received on my previous night ofcanvassing. And since I was exposing myself on strangers’ doorsteps for the sake of mymother who died of lung cancer, it was comforting to be addressed as a child.

“Come, dear, sit down, you must be tired.”“No, not really, I was just starting out. I just live across the railway tracks and down

one block.”“Oh, those tracks, what a separation they make! And the new neighbors on this

side are too fenced in to be friendly. My husband died twenty years ago and sincethen I don’t socialize much. We never were blessed with children. I used to see a lotof them when I taught piano, but my hands are too arthritic now.”

“But you were playing so beautifully.”“Ah, dear, you must have an untrained ear, or only listened for a bit.”“Well, yes, I can’t even carry a tune. But I do love music.”As my still unnamed hostess started to fill the kettle, I turned to examine her fridge

door full of photos. I do that whenever I’m in someone’s kitchen, trying to read theirfamily’s story that way.

And there they were. My three children in their Halloween costumes.“Where did you get this photo? Those are my children!” I said, realizing too late

that my tone was accusatory. “Which photo, dear?” she asked, joining me at the fridge.“Oh, that one. I took it

myself. The children looked so charming in their matching costumes. I did ask theirpermission first.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound angry. I was just startled to find them here. Thephoto’s so old.”

“Well I kept it because it’s one of my favourites. But maybe you’d like it for your-self,” and removing the black cat magnet, she handed it to me.

“Thank you, thank you very much. But now I really do have to get going. I’msorry I can’t stop for tea. I want to finish canvassing before dark. I’ll come by some af-ternoon if you’d like, and you can play for me.”

“Well aren’t you kind. Why don’t you come tomorrow?”“Yes, I’ll try. Bye for now.”I hadn’t forgotten to ask for a donation. I just wanted to leave before she asked

what my childrenwere doing now.I didn’t want toshare the answerwith a stranger,especially a kindand caring one.S o m e t i m e s ,when asked, Ilied.

Alex, twoyears older and ahead taller thanhis adoptedbrother, lookedrather solemn inhis choice of aknight’s costume.Our old velvetcurtains form arich cape overthe plastic breastplate. His dadsomehow man-aged to constructa horse for him to ride, cutting out a white Styrofoam head and attaching it to a boxwhich surrounds Alex’s waist, the box also draped with orange velvet curtain. Falselegs in yellow stockings dangle down on either side, ending in silver boots made fromblocks of wood covered with duct tape. It couldn’t have been easy to collect goodieswhile one hand held the reins and the other a broomhandle staff with stripes createdby winding black electrical tape. Maybe that’s why he looks so sad.

Michael stands beside Alex, dressed as a dragon, the green paper mache head-piece almost hiding his face. What I can see of it looks worried, frightened. He said hewanted to be a dragon, but what kind of world was this young predator asked to con-quer? His hands are folded across his chest. What fear is this six-year-old newlyadopted boy holding in? Just a few months ago, he wandered the lanes of East Van-couver gathering scraps of food from garbage cans for himself and his little sister. Now,he simply knocks on a door and his held out bag is filled with candy, accompanied byapproving clucks: “Well, aren’t you a ferocious dragon! What’s your name and wheredo you live?”

Michael, I imagine, doesn’t answer. He grabs more candy from the proffered bas-ket.

Tanya, an undersized four-year-old, is made taller by her red coned cardboard hat,a filmy curtain piece hanging down from its peak to give a medieval touch. I’ve paintedher cheeks red, lined her eyes and lent her my rhinestone snap-on earrings (a mementofrom my high school graduation). Her bright red lips are parted—not in a smile—justin an effort not to smudge the lipstick. The same awkward expression I wore at that agewhen my sister and I donned our mother’s dresses and high heel shoes to visit the fire-men at the hall on Main Street. That small but ornately framed black-and-white photostill sits on my living room buffet.

Where did I find that sparkling red dress for Tanya? She’s wearing my mother’slarge Scottish brooch with its false gems stones to hold crossed blue ribbons on herchest. I wonder if Tanya’s little daughter Ainsley would like to havethe brooch? She too likes to dress up as a princess. Tanya’s eyes,like Michael’s, look worried.

There they are, my apparently matched children, spaced twoyears apart, all with blue eyes and light brown hair, the ideal fam-ily I longed for. Stuck for years on a stranger’s fridge, waiting for meto reclaim them.

Excerpted from Snapshots: A Story of Love, Loss, and Life, by Cathy Sosnowski cathysosnowsky.com


There is no charge to list your Halloween event atLivingstonParentJournal.com

CostumeExchangeIXL [email protected]

Bring your gently usedcostume to IXL betweenSeptember 17 and Sep-tember 28, and get aticket to exchange for adifferent costume on

October 3 or 4 from 5:00 – 6:30pm. Costumes will alsobe available for sale at that time for $5.October 3 & 4 5:00 – 6:30pm

Kensington Metropark2240 W. Buno Road, Milford810.227.8910 metroparks.com

Pick Your PumpkinHorse-drawn hayrides to and from the pumpkin patch toselect the perfect Jack-O-Lantern. Pumpkins priced ac-cording to size. Reservations required.Saturdays and Sundays Noon-4pm

New for 2012: Come out any dayin October for a tractor-drawnhayride to the pumpkin patch,no reservation needed.October 1-31 10am-2pm

Fun on the Farm Halloween PartyStory time, trick or treat, hayrideand animal parade. Costumes areencouraged. This event is de-signed for toddlers.October 25 10am

Cromaine Library810.632.5200 cromaine.org

Silent Films with Organ at HartlandMusic Hall“Haunted Spooks” at 2pm withHarold Lloyd is a movie for youth.$1 donation goes to Big Read 2013.Registration required.“Phantom of the Opera” at 7pm isfor adults and teens. $5 donationgoes to Big Read 2013.

Registration required.October 5

CelticOrigins ofHalloweenJoin Professor JohnEllis, University ofMichigan professorand Hartland resi-dent, to explore theCeltic origins, tradi-tions and customsof our modern Hal-loween. Registra-tion required.October 10 6:30pm

Haunted Hartland History TourTake a walk through the Village of Hartland forsome spooky treats and learn where thehaunted places are. Children must have a par-ent present at all times. Wear walking shoes. Registra-tion required.October 12 & 13 6:00pm

Zombie Walk for GleanersCome dressed as your favorite Zombie and bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Gleaners Food Bank.Meet on the south lawn of Cromaine Library. All ages arewelcome. Registration required. There is an opportunityto meet with costume and make-up experts to plan yourcostume on October 2 at 6:30pm at Crossroads Library.October 13 Noon

Monster BallCome dressed in your bestcostume and go for the crownin the costume contest. Par-ticipate in a monster dancecontest, play some horrifyinggames, and eat some grue-some treats! Registration re-quired.October 30 6:30pm

HalloweenHocusPocusMarquis Theatre135 East Main,Northville248.349.8110 northvillemarquistheatre.com

Fun-filled, not scary, live musical adventure with lots ofsinging and dancing. Children in costumes welcome.Concession stand with popcorn, candy, water, & sodapop. No children under the age of 3October 6 -28 8.50

Sloan Museum and LongwayPlanetarium1221 East Kearsley St, Flint810.237.3409

Laser Spooktacular Laser ShowSlightly spooky but frightfully fun laser show featuringHalloween favorites such as "Monster Mash", "Ghost-busters", and "The Purple People Eater". Suitable for ages5 and older.October 6-28Saturdays and Sundays 12:30 & 3:30pm $5

Eerie ExperimentsFast-paced and fun hands-on science activities anddemonstrations with U of M Flint’s Chemistry Club.Make a genie in a bottle and a pet sea monster to takehome. Hold on to a ghostly bubble and make glow in thedark worms. Top it all off with pizza, pop, and candy. Forfamilies with kids ages 8 and up. Reservations are re-quired.October 26 6:00-8:30pm$12 per person/$40 for a family of 4

Spooky SciencePractice science skills at several hands-on science tableswith U of M Flint’s Chemistry Club. Make a pattern withbeads for a batty bracelet to take home. See how youmeasure up compared to Mr. Bone, the resident skele-ton. Dress your mommy up as a mummy and make agraham cracker and frosting snack to eat. For familieswith kids ages 4-7. Reservations are required.October 27 1:00-2:30pm $7



Brighton Library100 Library Drive810.229.6571brightonlibrary.info

Teen Craft - SpooktacularFrameDisplay your favorite Halloweenpicture in this eye-catchingframe. No experience is re-

quired to participate. All materials supplied. Ages 11-18. Registration required.October 16 6:30-7:30pm

Teen Pumpkin Carving ContestWin a $25 Target gift card. Pumpkins and carving toolssupplied. Ages 11-18. Registration required.October 23 6-8pm

Great Costume ParadeStories, songs and crafts for ghosts,goblins, andprincesses. For children ages 2-5 and their caregiver. Freeticket available 30 minutes prior.October 31 10:30-11:30am

Build a Ghoul BusLowe’s Build and Grow Clinic517.548.3475 lowesbuildandgrow.com

Reservations required.October 13 10amOctober 14 2pm

Party at thePumpkin PatchMillerIntergenerational Centerbrightoncommunityed.com

Pumpkin hunting, monstermashing and goodie gobbling.Join the DJ for some greatdance music while you waityour turn to visit the PumpkinPatch. Come in your costumeand bring a bag to carry yourpumpkins filled with candy orsmall prizes.October 20 5:30-7:00pm $10

HalloweenFunHudson MillsMetropark734.426.8211metroparks.com

Join an interpreterto make cider, deco-rate doughnuts andcreate spookycrafts. Meet animalsfrom the Great

Lakes Zoological Society. Admission is by advance ticketpurchase only.October 21 10am & 1pm $6

Preschool HalloweenLunch and SkateRollerama810.227.2010rollerama2.com

Price includes admission,skate rental, hot, dog, pop,snack, and a special Hal-loween treat. Ages 8 andunder.October 24 10am-Noon or 1-2pm $6

Trunk or TreatHeart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church228 N. Burkhart Road, Howell517.552.7218 hotshepherd.org

This family event will include cider, donuts and a Hal-loween message for the young from the pastor.October 24 6-7pm

Trunk or TreatCommunity Bible Church810.227.2255 communitybible.net

For kids toddler-4th grade. No scary costumes.October 24 6:30-8:00pm

Halloween CampCamp Copneconic10407 North FentonRoad, Fenton810.629.9622campcopneconic.org

Campers check in Friday night at 6pm for a special open-ing campfire and a friendly visit from the ghost of JoeCopneconic. Saturday is full of theme related activitiesand traditional camp favorites. The highlight of weekendwill be the Haunted Treasure Trail complete with prizesand friendly frighteners. Sunday begins with a morningcharacter development that celebrates the friendshipsmade at camp and lessons of respect, caring, responsibil-ity, and honesty. Following lunch there will be a specialclosing ceremony. Parents are invited to the closing slideshow at 2pm. For kids age 7 up to those entering Grade9.October 26-28 $130

Hamburg Library Halloween Party810.231.1771 hamburglibrary.org

Hay rides, haunted library, caramel apples and games.Reservations required.October 26 7pm FREE

Monster SplashHowell Aquatic Center517.546.0693 howellrecreation.org

Costume contest, kid-friendly sunken haunted ship,Halloween crafts, swimming contest, cannonball contestand diving for lost gold.October 26 5:00-8:30pm $5

Pinckney Halloween [email protected] 734.954.0503

Costume parade with prizes at 6:30, a jack-o-lanterncontest at 8:00 and a haunted forest from 7:30-10:00.There will also be trunk or treating, refreshments, prizesand spooky sports events. Pets are not allowed.October 26 6-9pm



Detroit Institute ofArts Friday NightLivedia.org

Museum Mystery ToursExplore the artists whoseworks haunt the American,

European and contemporary art galleries. Follow the trailin the printed map to spaces featuring eerie lighting,sounds in the dark and secret-spilling guides. Costumesare strongly encouraged. (ages 5 and up with adult)6–9pm

Class: Clay MasksTake a brief tour of the Native American galleries andlook at the variety of masks on display. Then exploremask making using terra-cotta clay in the art studio.Projects will be fired and ready for pick-up at a laterdate. $32. To register, call 313-833-4005. (ages 5 andolder with adults) 6–8pm

Music: Aerial Angels Ghost CircusThe high-flying Aerial Angels conjure up their darkside for a special Halloween Creepfest, featuringfeats on the aerial hoop and aerial silk, includingacrobatics, fire eating and crack bullwhip targettaking. 7pm

October 26 Museum hours are 10am–10pmAdmission is $8

Trunk or TreatThe Father's HouseChristian Fellowship1623 US Old 23 Brightontfh-church.org810.227.2005

Willy Wonka and Chocolate Factory theme.October 27 6:00 pm

Legend of Sleepy HowellMain Street517.545.4240 x3

Family friendly event withvendors hosting games,raffles and giveaways,candy stations, live enter-tainment, maze, hay rides,free movie, inflatables andkids activities. Call theHowell Main StreetOctober 27 5-9pm

Headless Horseman 10KDowntown Howell517.546.0693 howellrecreation.org

1200 runners participated last year in this 5K/10K cos-tumed run/walk.October 27 7:30pm $30

Scary StorytellingHowell Opera House

Stories for kids and fami-lies on the first floor at7pm. Free admission.Stories for adults only onthe second floor at 9m.$15 admission includes dessert and coffee.Stories told by professionals of Ann Arbor StorytellingGuild.October 27

Trick or Treat Night withthe Whalersplymouthwhalers.com/buytickets

The Whalers have tricks on the ice &treats on the concourse during their gameagains the Kitchener Rangers. Kids canwear their costumes and trick or treatfrom over 30 sponsors.October 27, 7:05pm

Teen Halloween PartyHowell Opera House 866.440.7233

For youth ages 13-20. Music by DJ Shock, costume anddoor prizes.October 30 5-9pm FREE

Trick or Treat onBarnard Street517.546.0693

Enjoy cider and donuts, and spin the Wacky Witch’sWheel for a Halloween prize.October 31 6-8pm FREE

Marion Township Trunk or TreatMarion Township Hall517.546.1588

Safe family environment.October 31 6-8pm

SELCRA Halloween Spooktacular Tridgeor TreatBrighton Mill Pond810.299.4140 selcra.com

Kids will follow a fun-filled route through the Tridge andthe spooky cemetery to get candy from costumed char-acters. Candy bags will be provided. Costume contestfrom 6-8 at the Fire Station with cash prizes for thescariest, funniest, prettiest, most original, and best over-all. Fresh apples, donuts, cider, and Hungry Howies pizzawill also be provided.October 31 5:30-7:30pm FREE

More Halloween event information atLivingstonParentJournal.com

Halloween CandyBuy Back

Prevent CavitiesHelp the Troops

Turn Candy into Cash

Children can turn in Halloween Candy atany one of these four Livingston County

dentists. Candy will be donated to Opera-tion Gratitude. Operationgratitude.com

Howell Dental Center(517)618-0983 smilemaker.org

Siomka Orthodontics in Brighton(810)227-6995 siomkaorthodontics.com

Adiska Family Dental in Pinckney(734)878-9019 adiskafamilydental.com

Hartland Smilemakers(810)632-5533 hartlandsmilemakers.com



Call to learn about our quality Montessori education and arrange

an individualized tour.

5291 EthelBrighton, MI 48116

www.brightonmontessori.com

810-229-8660

• Specializing in Montessori Education for 2.5 to 6 year old children including Kindergarten

• Multi-aged classes meet Monday through Friday• Before & After School childcare available

Scan with your smartphoneto view our website

BrightonMontessori

Celebrating25

Years

Book Fair

October 17-19

Year-round Montessori Education,Summer Enrichment & Childcare

• Kitchens • Baths • Polebarns

• Basement Finishing• Additions

• 2nd Story Additions• Garages

and everything inbetween!

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810•499•84784539 Bull Run RoadGregory, MI 48137Licensed and Insured

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Mention that you saw this ad inthe Livingston Parent Journal and receive a 10% discount (up to $1,000).

For more information call 810.494.5433

Run for Their Lives 5C WalkRaise funds for Pregnancy Helpline and awareness of the unborn.

October 6, 9 -11am in Brighton

I assume all risks associated with participating in this event including but not limited to falls, contact with other par-ticipants, effects of the weather, traffic and road conditions, all such risks being known and accepted by me. Havingread this waiver and signed the entry form, I for myself and anyone entered on by behalf, waive and release all pro-moters, representatives, agents, sponsors, municipalities, and participants from claims and liabilities of any kind fromparticipation in this event. I authorize Pregnancy Helpline to utilize my photograph, personal narrative , audio, and or video recording of my par-ticipation for any and all purposes.

Signature: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Montessori in the HomeFree informational meeting - Oct 18, 7-8pm

Post your event for free at LivingstonParentJournal.com

Tues 2 & 9 Archery for Beginners Safety tech-niques, equipment, mental concentration,and self-improvement. Equipment pro-vided. Marion Township Hall 9:30-11:30am $80 517.546.0693howellrecreation.org

Tuesday 2 Family Tae Kwon Do Tuesdays andThursdays through 10/25 Kil’s TaeKwon Do 6:30-7:30 or 7:30-8:30$52 517.546.0693 howellrecreation.org

Thursday 4 School Success through MotorSkills Nancy Sornson, author ofMotor Skills for Academic Successand Director of Northville FirstCare, explains the connections be-tween motor skill development andacademic success for parents andeducators of preschool through 2ndGrade. FREE 810.632.5200 cromaine.org

Sat & Sun 6 & 7 Climbing Tower and Zip Line Tallestoutdoor climbing tower in Michigan. 500-foot Zip Line over a pond. Paid reserva-tions required. Howell Nature Center $15517.546.0249 howellnaturecenter.org

Fall Festival Tour the farm. Cider-making,timber-framing, Rosco the Clown, pump-kin carving, face-painting, and hayrides.Kensington Noon-4pm 810.227.8910metroparks.com

Saturday 6 Wild Wonders Wildlife Park Learnabout the animals who live in the Parkduring staff-guided tours of the park andlive wildlife programs. Reservations re-quired. Howell Nature Center 10am $10517.546.0249 howellnaturecenter.org

Bird Hike Bring binoculars and a fieldguide. Hudson Mills Metropark 8am $3734.426.8211 metroparks.com

Cycle Howell 10 miles of non-competi-tive family biking through downtownHowell. No training wheels. Helmets re-quired. Bennett Recreation Center 9-11am$5 517.546.0693

LAPOM Mom to Mom Sale Clean, high-quality, clothes; also toys, books, footwear,larger items, and maternity clothes.Strollers welcome. Cash only. Knights ofColumbus Hall Early bird entry at 8:30 for$3. After 9, $1. lapom.org

Mom 2 Mom Sale Gently used clothing,toys and furniture. Scranton School 8am-1pm $1 810.299.4130

Mom to Mom Sale Cash only ChallengerElementary Early bird entry 8am-9am, $2;after 9am, $1 [email protected].

Disc Golf Tournament A cookout lunchwill follow tournament play. Cleary Uni-versity 9am $5 [email protected]

Build a Fire Truck at a hands-on work-shops for children ages 5-12. Free work-shop apron, commemorative pin andcertificate of achievement. Home Depot9am-Noon 517.548.3742

Tuesday 9 Intro to Karate for Kids Tuesdays andThursdays through November 1 OhanaKarate 6:30-7:00pm $150 517.546.0693howellrecreation.org

Thursday 11 Black and Blue A presentation of theEmmy nominated film “Black and Blue:The Story of Gerald Ford, Willis Ward andthe 1934 Michigan-Georgia Tech FootballGame,” followed by a discussion with theproducer, Brian Kruger, and the writer,Buddy Moorehouse. Howell High School7pm 517.546.0720 howelllibrary.org

Friday 12 Flick n’ Float Float on an inner tubewhile watching a movie. Children under

48” or younger than 3 must havean adult in the water. Childrenunder 14 must have an adult inthe building. Howell Pool 7:00-8:30 pm $4 517.546.0693 howellrecreation.org

Open Mike Poetry, comedy,singing, dancing, and other per-formance art. Bennett RecreationCenter 7-9pm $2 517.546.0693,howellrecreation.org

Saturday 13Kids Komedy Chuckle Buckets CleanComedy Club will present comedy for kidswith Chris Clark’s got Talent and JohnDaniel Charlton, the Balloon Baffoon. TheOpera House 11am $10 517.518.8131

Mom to Mom Sale Cash only. Strollerswelcome. First United Methodist Churchin Howell Early Bird Entry 8am, $2; 9am-1pm, $1. 248.343.1573.

Mom to Mom Sale Our Savior LutheranEarly Bird Entry 8:30am, $2; 9:00am-1:00pm, $1. [email protected].

Sunday 14 Climbing Tower and Zip Linesee October 6 & 7

Monday 15 Pokemon Learn the basics of Pokémon.Bring your own cards. Ages 5 and up.Brighton Library 6:15-7:30pm FREE810.229.6571 Brightonlibrary.info

Tuesday 16 Basics of Child Development Leaps andBounds Therapy Services brings experts tohelp parents and caregivers recognize typ-ical pediatric development as well as redflags. Hartland Crossroads Library 6:30pmFREE 810.632.5200 cromaine.org

Thursday 18Comedy Club Chuckle Buckets CleanComedy Club brings back Kathie Dice andJulie Lyon. The Opera House 7pm Openmic at 6:30 $10 517.518.8131

Sat & Sun 20 &21 Climbing Tower and Zip Linesee October 6 & 7

Farmers’ MarketsBrightonSaturdays 8am-1pm200 North 1st Street810.955.1471 brightoncoc.org

FowlervilleWednesdays 2-7pmCity Parking Lot on Grand River517.375.5132 fowlerville.org

HartlandOld Hartland High SchoolSaturdays 9am-1pm810.632.1030 [email protected]

HowellSundays 9am-2pmDowntown on the Courthouse Lawn517.546.3920 howell.org

The Green Oak Village PlaceSundays 9 am-2 pm 313.590.1960 [email protected]

Whitmore LakeThursdays 2-7pm75 Barker Road 248.974.3121 [email protected]

October

{ Things To Do In Livingston County {

8Car Entry Fee � Reservations Required - please call ahead (866) 806-1680 • Livingston Parent Journal • 13

Saturday 20 Learn to Skate Forward, backward, start,stop and balance. Saturdays thru 11/17Rollerama Noon-1pm $50 810.227.2010rollerama2.com

Thursday 25 Bring your own tools and tech Tearthings apart. Put them back together. Buildsimple robots. Cromaine Library 6:30pmFREE 810.632.5200 cromaine.org

Saturday 27 Climbing Tower and Zip Linesee October 6 & 7

Livingston Symphony OrchestraBrahms: Hungarian Dances nos. 1, 5, 6 &7; Debussy: Sacred and Profane Dances(with guest harp soloist); Marquez: Dan-zon no. 2; Borodin: Polovtsian Dancesfrom Prince Igor Brighton NazareneChurch 7:30-9:00pm $10; children 12 &under free. lso.org

More event information at LivingstonParentJournal.com

{ Things To Do In Livingston County {

October 2 & 9 Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do Helpful practical in-formation for parents and caretakers of teens. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ed-ucation Center in Ypsilanti 7:30-9:00pm FREE 734.973.7892 teensusingdrugs.org

October 11 Train Fall Color Tour Ride the rails along the River Raisin. Train leaves fromTecumseh 11am & 2pm. $15 517.456.7677 southernmichiganrailroad.com

October 12 The King’s Men Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and IsraelHoughton. Fox Theatre 8pm $25 313.471.6611 OlympiaEntertainment.com

October 14 Ford Free Sunday at Detroit Institute of Arts

Trio Voronezh plays traditional Russian folk instruments: a double-bass bal-alaika (a three-stringed instrument), a domra (a three-stringed ancestor of themandolin) and a bajan (a chromatic-button accordion). 1 & 3 pm

Paul Mesner Puppets presents a love story about two avid gardeners, Okraand Romaine, who meet, marry and have a beautiful daughter named Ra-punzel, who is taken to live in a tower until her prince arrives. 2pm

Museum hours are 10am-5pm 313.833.7887 dia.org

October 18-20 Frog and Toad Presented by WildSwan Theater, based on the booksby Arnold Lobel, and featuring sto-rytelling, puppets, and props forages 3-8. Towsley Auditorium,Thur 10am, Fri 10am &1pm, Sat11am $12 734.995.0530wildswantheater.org

Out-of-County Events

Halloween Events on Pages 9-11

List your eventfor free at

LivingstonParentJournal.com

14 • Livingston Parent Journal • (866) 806-1680 8Car Entry Fee � Reservations Required - please call ahead


NowTaking Fall

Items



Dance is a wonderful way to express creativity and beauty. Dance is also awonderful relationship builder between boy and girl, friend and friend, child andparent. As Pierre Dulaine (Antonio Banderas) said in the movie Take the Lead,“If your 16-year-old daughter is strong and secure and trusts herself, how likely isshe to let some idiot knock her up? And if your son can learn to touch a girl withrespect, how will he treat women throughout his life? … I teach dance. Andwithin it a set of rules that we teach your kids about respect, teamwork, and dig-nity. And that will help to give them a vision of the future they could have.”

Learning to dance can be a really powerful, influential experience. When inter-viewed, students and parents involved with the local dance program The DanceProject (a program devoted to teaching high school students swing dancing) saidthat learning to dance with their siblings and being involved with the dances re-ally brought their family together. The Dance Project participant Christine Auxierexplained: “Swing dancing has had a huge impact on my family relationships, ina good way. Before swing dancing, my brothers and I didn’t have many activitiesin common. Through spending time together learning to dance, we’ve grown veryclose, something that may have not happened, or would have taken longer, with-out having this common interest.” Auxier also tells of the personal gains she re-ceived through dancing: “Learning to dance has also helped my confidence,helped me make friends, and is, of course, a ton of fun!”

Another participant, K.T., also tells her story: “I’ve been attending since theBlue Dance (2010), so a little over two years. [I’ve also gone] to two privateschool dances. There was no dirty dancing and it was fun, but not everyone wasdancing and involved... At one, my friend and I did some swing moves andeveryone stopped to watch and started asking where they could learn to dothat… I’ve made new friends through the swing dances and it’s a great activity toinvite people to. I introduced a friend of mine to swing dancing and it was some-thing we could do together… I’m really glad I can go to these dances.”

Parents also get a benefit out of this: Michelle Traynor, a parent and strongsupporter of The Dance Project, comments “(Learning to dance has) been a verypositive experience, one that we have also begun to embrace at our church aswell. And my sons just wowed several elderly relatives at a recent wedding too!”Jamie Nicholson, a founder of The Dance Project, says “Swing dancing is veryfun and has brought a lot of joy to our family. We parents were taught by ourchildren, which was a great opportunity for them to show us a ‘thing or two.’…And, because we enjoyed our swing dancing lessons, we were interested inlearning more types of dancing. We did, and have found many fun ways todance.”

Dancing unfortunately, is not always such a positive influence in the lives ofteens. Parents often worry about their teenagers who are going through a very dif-ficult stage of their life where all the odds are stacked against them and wherethey are given every opportunity to fail, but are also pointedly refusing to connectwith their parents and ask for guidance. This of course is a generalization; thereare many teens that have a very open relationship with their parents. But thestereotypical teen is still out there, and school dances are one place to find thesenegative stereotypes.

Many community memberssay that they find the schooldances to be far too sexualand that kids can easily getaway with bumping and grind-ing. Nicholson comments“Most parents do not know thelevel of sexual behavior in-volved at school dances, and ifthey do know, many still preferto be uninvolved. This is sur-prising, when so many parentsinvest so much time andmoney in expensive dresses,

elaborate dinners, and numerous photos only tosend their children into a mob of ‘bumping andgrinding.’”

Traynor says “Chaperones may try to stop thisbehavior, but it continues the minute their backsare turned. The kids just need an option to thattype of dancing… It’s not a generational gap thingeither, there are kids who refuse to go to dances be-cause of the type of sexual dancing that is done ina beehive of sweat and heavy breathing. I believethat two thirds of the kids at a dance are not inter-ested in that type of dancing, but that the one thirdthat is interested are the ones in control.”

If parents want a chance to reconnect with theirkids and protect them from some negative influ-

ences, then what better way then find an activity where both teen and parent areenjoying themselves that is in a safe environment with more good stimuli thanbad. There are many opportunities to learn how to dance right here in the com-munity. Not only are there community dances and lessons for students of all agesoffered by The Dance Project, but there are numerous dance classes advertisedon the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority’s website,howellrecreation.org/Dance.html. Their classes include, but are not limited toballroom dancing and ballet. Contra Dancing at the Howell Opera House is an-other great option for families.

Miss Tessa O'Doherty is a student who regularly attends Dance Project events.


• The hospital will forceyou to ask for hints abouthow to change a diaper.They provide all the propertools like diapers and wash-cloths and cream, butyou’re left on your own toassemble this strange jig-saw puzzle. Luckily Timhad way more logic than Idid and chastised me forcalling the nurse for a tuto-rial. But it’s best to makesure that at least one parenthas practiced this activity.Practicing on a doll is notrealistic. Borrow a small,hyper dog and make surethat rehearsal includes ableary-eyed, middle-of-the-night changing.

• The hospital will wisely not allow new par-ents to leave until competency with a carseat is demonstrated. Beyond this, there isno instruction booklet for the child. (When Ibought a blender, it was accompanied by amanual in English, Spanish, and French,along with a DVD.) Once the child is buck-led in, they send you on your merry waywith a free diaper bag and some formulasamples. This trend is alarming.

• You really don't get any sleep for a while.It’s not pleasant. Buy lots of eye cream andstrong coffee. Don’t make any hasty deci-sions for the first several weeks, like givingthe child up for adoption or getting a di-vorce. You will never again look with disdainupon a hotel that rents rooms by the hourwhere you can hide and take a nap.

• An awful lot of things can be done withone arm. However, if evolution continuesthen I believe people would spontaneouslygenerate a third arm upon becoming par-ents.

• You become surprisingly efficient. If youhear the baby waking up and know that youhave five to seven minutes until he or shestarts getting fussy, you will be able to make

the bed, empty the dishwasher, throw in aload of laundry, take a shower, and havethree gulps of the extra-strong coffee beforehaving to entertain the kid and change a di-aper.

• You start to intensely dislike your pets andtheir simple demands. You sigh loudly whenyou have to feed them or walk them. “Whatdo you mean you need another walk? Youhad one yesterday.” And they become sodarn clingy. Mackensie was a normalhealthy dog before Anna was born and thensuddenly had three paws in the grave withall her illnesses. Be prepared for the pets totake a back seat.

• Babies really do say goo goo. I alwaysthought that was some weak representationof baby cooing, kind of like bow wow orwoof woof for dog barking. But they reallydo say goo, and it is the cutest sound in theworld.

Excerpted from The Mom Comedies: Do Dragon-flies Roar? by Lauren Lauterwasser laurenlauterwasser.com

Warnings about the Early

Days of ParenthoodThe early days of Anna’s life were among the most traumatic of my rather boring life. I remember wondering

why no one warned me about certain things, so I’m assembling a list for all soon-to-be-parents, or those whoare considering this path in life.

Monkey Mat keeps kids off of dirty floors orother surfaces, or helps keep floors clean.

It is 5’ x 5’ of soft lightweight fabric thatfolds into a 6” x 6” pouch that attaches to

your stroller or diaper bag.39.99 at MonkeyMat.com

Email [email protected] for achance to get yours for free.

20 • Livingston Parent Journal 2012 Baby & Prenatal Guide • (866) 806-1680

CHILDBIRTH

EDUCATION

Center for the Childbearing Year722 Brooks St., Ann Arbor, MI 48103734.663.1523center4cby.com

Center for the Childbearing Year is a thriving community center where expec-

tant parents prepare for birth and new parents gather with their babies. They

offer a variety of interactive childbirth preparation programs at their cozy Ann

Arbor center, as well as online childbirth classes hosted by Patty Brennan.

The online multi-media library allows expectant parents to learn at your own

pace, in the comfort of your own home, and at your convenience. Customize

your own blend of onsite and online learning. Don’t put yourself in a box with

Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, or other brands! The Center's childbirth experts have

gleaned what works best from all of the “method” approaches and will help you.

• Increase your odds of having a healthy baby

• Identify essential nutrients for your baby’s brain

• Enjoy a more energetic pregnancy

• Overcome fear (the monster in the room)

• Learn how to manage pain

• Master a step-by-step labor support guide (just for partners)

• Plan for birth without trauma

• Tap into your instinctive nature

• Avoid unnecessary cesareans

• Enjoy your “BabyMoon” (postpartum recovery tips)

• Breastfeed with confidence

• Read and respond to your baby’s cues

Additionally, the Center offers comprehensive breastfeeding support, an exten-

sive lending library, and an online directory of care providers and doulas. The

curriculum has been designed by acclaimed author, expert childbirth educator,

and doula trainer Patty Brennan, who has invested nearly 30 years in helping

expectant parents make informed choices and realize their own best vision for

their baby’s birth. If you don’t know that you have choices, then you may as

well not have any! Trustworthy, convenient, and comprehensive education and

support—all in one place.

Childbirth EducationSt. Joseph Mercy Brighton

800.231.2211

Labor and delivery prepara-

tion class for expectant mothers

and their labor support coach.

Information regarding natural

childbirth techniques, relaxation

exercises, medical intervention and

Caesarean births is included. Please

bring two pillows (or more), something

suitable to use on the floor during breathing

exercises, and your labor coach. Bring drinks/snacks if desired. Register online

at stjoeshealth.org $75 per couple. Reimbursed by some health insurance plans.

Birthing ClassesProvidence Park Hospital47601 Grand River, Novi866.501.DOCS

Childbirth Preparation Classes are offered on various days for expectant par-

ents. Includes stages of labor, what to expect at the hospital, postpartum care.

Saturday “Express” classes are also available.

(866) 806-1680 • Livingston Parent Journal 2012 Baby & Prenatal Guide • 21

BABY CARE

101 Answers for New ParentsSt. Joseph Mercy Primary Care Pediatrics, Howell517.545.6600

A free one-hour question and answer session with a board certified pediatri-

cian. Common topics include but are not limited

to fussiness, colic, fevers, breastfeeding,

digestive concerns, sleep positions,

cold symptoms and infant breathing

patterns. Register online at

stjoeshealth.org FREE

Happiest Baby onthe BlockSt. Joseph Mercy Brighton811.231.2211

Sleepless nights, crying baby, parent stress? Learn an extraordinary approach

to calm your baby in the Happiest Baby on the Block class. New parents will

learn step by step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe even the

fussiest babies in minutes. Class fee includes parent kit: Happiest Baby on the

Block DVD and Soothing sounds CD. Register online at stjoeshealth.org $30 per

couple

Infant CareSt. Joseph Mercy Brighton800.231.2211

Class for expectant mothers and their partners to learn about normal newborn

characteristics and care, both in the hospital and at home. The class includes

information on feeding, burping, bonding, diapering, bathing, infant safety and

much more. Register online at stjoeshealth.org $25 per couple

Survival Skills for NewMomsSt. Joseph Mercy Brighton800.231.2211

This prenatal class is for women

expecting their first baby. You will

learn lots of practical information on

caring for yourself, and adjusting to life

with a new baby. New mother "survivors"

with their babies will share successful strate-

gies. This class is offered at the same time and loca-

tion as Boot Camp for New Dads. Register online at stjoeshealth.org $25

Boot Camp for New Dads800.231.2211St Joseph Mercy Brighton

This unique three-hour orientation workshop is for the first time father. Taught

by Boot Camp Veterans (along with their babies) under the direction of a trained

coach, this program enables new fathers to step up to the challenge of being

dad and feel confident bringing their new baby home. Register online at

stjoeshealth.org $25

BREASTFEEDING

Breast FeedingPreparation ClassProvidence Park Hospital47601 Grand River, Novi1.866.501.DOCS

Learn the skills of breastfeeding

and pumping to help the mom and

new baby have a successful experi-

ence. Support persons are welcome and

encouraged to attend. Please bring a doll or

stuffed animal to practice positioning.

22 • Livingston Parent Journal 2012 Baby & Prenatal Guide • (866) 806-1680

Breastfeeding Assistance ProgramProvidence Park Hospital47601 Grand River, Novi248.465.3887

Certified Lactation Consultants will see you in the hospital to get breast-

feeding off on the ‘right foot’. Breast pump rentals, supplies and support are

also available. Bra-fitting services and maternity/nursing bras are available.

St. John Providence Outpatient BreastfeedingClinicProvidence Park Hospital47601 Grand River, Novi248.465.3887

Support for mothers and infants who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulty

after they go home from the hospital, such as: poor latch, insufficient milk sup-

ply, engorgement, painful breastfeeding, poor weight gain. prematurity, cleft

palate, Down Syndrome and tongue-tie. Covered by most insurance companies.

Call to schedule an appointment. Clinics are held two days a week in Novi and

every other Wednesday in Southfield

Breastfeeding PreparationSt. Joseph Mercy Brighton800.231.2211

This class is taught by certified lactation consultants and offers expectant

mothers and their partners (optional) instruction on breast-feeding techniques to

help you and your baby to get off to a good start. Register online at

stjoeshealth.org $25 per couple.

IN NEED OF

ASSISTANCE

Department Of Public Health2300 East Grand River, #102 Howell517.546.9850lchd.org

Immunizations: Immunizations are available Wednesdays from 8:30am until

4:30pm, and until 7:00pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.

LCDPH offers all childhood immunizations, and many immunizations for adults.

There may be a charge for immunization services.

MI Child, Healthy Kids, and MOMS: LCDPH assists children and pregnant

women who are income eligible in obtaining health insurance, and can assist

with referrals to LCDPH programs and medical providers.

WIC: Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Education and Supplemental Food

Program provides benefits for nutritious foods to pregnant women, women up to

6 months post partum, breast-feeding women up to 1 year, infant, and children

up to 5 years of age who are income eligible and have a nutrition related health

risk. Call the WIC office at 517.546.5459. This institution is an equal opportunity

provider and employer.

Hearing and Vision Screening: Hearing screening for children from birth to age

21 and vision screening from 6 months to age 21. Screening is conducted in pub-

lic, private, and charter schools, and by appointment at the Health Department.

(866) 806-1680 • Livingston Parent Journal 2012 Baby & Prenatal Guide • 23

Pregnancy Help Clinic7743 W Grand River, Suite 101, Brighton810.494.5433pregnancyhelpclinic.com

Dedicated to supporting women in crisis situations, PH provides free pregnan-

cy testing, ultrasound, nurse consultation, STD and HIV testing. Through the Earn

While You Learn program PH provides maternity and infant clothing newborn to

size 2T, diapers, formula, baby food, baby supplies, combined with parenting

education. The Dad’s Team offers an Earn While You Learn program, providing a

dad mentor and the opportunity for men to earn the supplies every infant needs

New Dad's Baby Care Boot Camp the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Mon 10am-5pm, Tue 10am-7pm, Wed 10am-4pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, 2nd & 4th

Sat 10am-2pm.

MISCELLANEOUS

Baby Envision4D Ultrasound Studio455 E. Grand River Avenue,Ste 201A810.229.9899babyenvision.com

Baby Envision welcomes you to come to their

relaxed and family-friendly studio so that you may

experience your little miracle through 3D 4D ultrasound

technology. They are a non-medical,

elective ultrasound studio that takes extra time to provide clients with a unique

bonding experience while providing superior quality and satisfaction. The ultra-

sound studio invites you and your family and friends to experience your baby's

yawn, hiccups and smiles with our 3D 4D ultrasound imaging. If you haven’t yet

experienced 4D, it’s unlike the standard 2D black and white imaging used most

widely throughout the years. Through 3D ultrasound, the outside of the baby is

viewed rather than layers and 4D imaging is 3D set in motion. This form of

imaging is the closest type produced to a real photograph of the fetus. Baby

Envision can capture these moments on DVD and in 3D photographs so that you

can treasure them forever. They offer gift certificates, a monthly 4D sweepstakes,

specials and military discounts. Baby Envision 4D with offices in Brighton and

Troy, is a non-medical facility and only offers non-diagnostic ultrasounds for

entertainment purposes. Women must already have prenatal care in place before

seeking an elective ultrasound with us. See website for specific details, or to get

package and pricing information. Prices vary, please see website or call for cur-

rent up to date specials and pricing on the various packages."

Pet Preparation BeforeBaby ComesSt. Joseph Mercy LivingstonHospital800.231.2211

These days, many couples

make the first "child" in their

household one with four legs.

When a human child enters the pic-

ture, even the most well mannered pets

can develop behavior problems. This class

will educate dog and cat owners about common

behavior problems that occur and strategies to prevent these issues. Register

online at stjoeshealth.org $20 per couple

NOCIRC of Michigan248.642.5703NOCIRCofMI.org

Half of all American parents now choose to keep their sons intact (not cir-

cumcised). NOCIRC of Michigan can assist parents in understanding the

risks of circumcision. NOCIRC is internationally recognized as the cen-

ter of expertise on circumcision. The American Academy of Pediatrics

and the American Medical Association have both declined to recom-

mend routine infant circumcision, but much misinformation still

exists. Since 1994, NOCIRC has been a clearinghouse offering the

latest information on routine infant circumcision. They inform par-

ents and healthcare providers in Michigan about the impact of cir-

cumcision on children and about the proper care of intact genitals.

They protect consumers from fraudulent medical claims. They promote

the benefits of normal genitals. Call for their FREE FACT Kit. Find out what

your doctor may not tell you—but your baby boy would sure like you to

know. NOCIRC also offers free pamphlets and article reprints to health care

providers.



As I prepare to pack away my girls’ summer clothes and bring out the winter outfitsagain, here are a few Autumn house-keeping tips I would like to pass along. I havethree little girls, (ages 3, 5 and 7) and after being cooped up all winter, spring clean-ing just never happens. I clean houses for a living, but that doesn’t make indoor springcleaning any more enticing. So, I prepare my house before winter instead. After all,that’s when you spend most of your time indoors! Also, my daughters are a little lessdemanding after school starts, so I have more time to do the things that need to bedone around the house. Here are a few tasks I find necessary. I offer my list as a help-ful reminder for anyone else who doesn’t always accomplish as much cleaning andorganizing in the spring as they would like.

Day Light Savings Time Reminders

Day Light Savings Time Day is a great reminder to replace the batteries in my smokealarm and carbon monoxide detectors. Dust can accumulate around both of these im-portant safety devices, causing them to not perform as well. I use my vacuum cleaner'ssoft brush attachment. That way, I can effectively clean inside and around the alarmopenings. If any of these units are more than 10 years old, I replace them entirely. Mybusiness partner is fire-safety trained, so she regularly reminds me of the importanceof this. You can write the date on the inside of the device in permanent marker.

Daylight Savings Time Day is also when I turn my mattresses over. This will increasethe life of the mattresses. I flip my children’s mattresses over and then rotate them 180degrees to prevent body impressions from setting-in. When I do this, I sprinkle themattresses with baking soda to neutralize odors, and then vacuum it up. A little spritzof clove oil mixed with water in a spray bottle will help my girls feel more relaxed andmy husband and I feel more romantic for the long winter ahead. I’ve been warned tomake sure to let the spray dry completely before replacing the bedding. This is a halfday job already though, so between lunches, snacks, and helping the little one withher seemingly endless bathroom needs, this is one place I feel like I can cut corners.

Before the Holiday Season

All summer, my carpets get trampled on. The girls are supposed to remove their shoesbefore coming in, but then again, they rarely remember to put their shoes on in thesummer, so dirt comes in on their bare feet. Regular carpet cleaning makes carpetslast longer, so I set an autumn date to clean my carpets. I put it on the calendar and(attempt to) stick to it! Trapped dirt will slowly erode the fabric. People are usually sur-prised to see the amount of dirt that can accumulate even on regularly vacuumed car-pet. I also like to get a jump on the holidays and give my carpeting a shampooing.You can have your plush flooring professionally cleaned, rent a carpet shampooer, oreven invest in a carpet cleaner of your own. There are rarely enough chairs to goaround during holiday festivities and the little ones tend to lounge around on theground, so making sure the carpet is clean is a good way to reduce winter allergiesas well.

My couch cushions may seem clean, but if you plop on them at the end of the sum-mer, you will probably notice a haze of dust springs up from a summer of childrenplaying outside. I avoid that embarrassment by vacuuming all the surfaces of my up-holstery before holiday guests come over, including both sides of the cushions, theback, sides, arms, and even the platform underneath the cushions. When I clean mycarpets, I also use the attachment to clean my cushions.

Stay Healthy!

Remember, a new school year means our kids are bringing home extra germs. Wash-ing hands is especially important but so is considering all those surfaces little fingerscontact on the way to the sink. Especially after the first round of sniffles, I wipe all lightswitches, door handles, door frames, fridge handles, remote controls, telephones andsurfaces our smaller housemates may have touched, sneezed or coughed on. For mychildren’s good health and safety, I often use vinegar to disinfect inexpensively. Sev-enth Generation also makes a fabulous sanitizing spray that derives its strength fromthyme oil. You can pick up either of these at most of our local supermarkets. I try toset a day or two each week and mark it on my schedule. Ten quick minutes a weekof cleaning these often overlooked surfaces helps keep my house hold much moresanitary!

If I manage to keep up with these important chores, I won’t feel so bad when springcomes and we end up ignoring the house again. Because, let’s face it, with three lit-tle girls, I don’t get to stay in the house for long once the winter weather breaks andthe flower buds come up .

Bree DeCare is co-owner of 50 Shades of Clean, a commercial and residential cleaning service that offers eco-friendlyoptions, is experienced in fire safety and is hospital trained. Learn more tips on their Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/50ShadesOfClean.

FALLCLEANINGFALLCLEANING

Laura Finley Photography

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