WHERE IS the LOVE? 6 Tips for Modeling a Healthy Relationship

FEBRUARY 2020 FREE ®

smart parenting • healthy homes Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

FROM THE HEART Creative Ways to Tell Your Child “I Love You”

WHERE IS THE LOVE? 6 Tips for Modeling a Healthy Relationship

TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS How Parental Affection Shapes a Child’s Future

plus What parents need to know about pediatric and congential heart conditions

INSIDE! CALENDAR • ARTICULOS EN ESPAÑOL

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2GP-AFebruaryF (20-0108) .i2020ndd 1 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our1/ 9ad/20 v e10r:tise21 ArMs. February 2020 contents smart parenting • healthy homes

Demystifying Children’s Heart Creative Ways to Say How Affection Shapes 12 Conditions 14 “I Love You” 18 Kids for Life columns Calendar en español 10 / Out & About. Hearts of the City 38 / February Events. Museum 36 / Asuntos Familiares. Hacer que exhibits, on-stage performances, la bondad sea el propósito de Año 16 / The Learning Curve. Why family events, and parent events Nuevo de su familia Educational Camps Matter

20 / Lifelines. Heart Healthy Habits In every Issue 5 / Play It Safe. Recalls on 22 / Family Matters. Modeling consumer products healthy relationships 6 / Around Austin. News and notes 48 /Just for Grins. The Mysterious fIlm revIew Mr. Stover 47 / KidZone. Origami hearts By Jack Kyser

eXtras Little Women

2/ Austin Family Magazine 2020 Read online at: Camp Fair www.austinfamily.com/films

25 / Summer Camp Guide

46 / Here's an Idea. Sweet snacks

tune in: Catch Austin Family Magazine live on “Good Day Austin” every Thursday morning and follow us: “Despierta Austin” monthly. Russell is a 2020 Cover Kid winner. He is 7 years old and he loves basketball, TaeKwonDo, swimming, chess and more. Photo by Jordan-Ashley Photography. Cover outfit furnished by KidOShoe and Dragonsnaps at Terra Toys.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 3 ® From the Heart

We’re all familiar with the usual clichés February 2020 Vol. 27, No. 11 surrounding Valentine’s Day. It’s for PUBLISHER marriage proposals, chocolates, roses, and Kaye Kemper Lowak cards. But isn’t Valentine’s Day so much EDITOR more than that? Absolutely! In this issue, Jennifer Hill Robenalt: [email protected] we’re exploring different ways to share edItor’s note feelings straight from the heart. It’s an COPY EDITOR JENNIFER HILL ROBENALT Barb Matijevich opportune time to have those “heart-to- Robenalt is an editor, content creator, creative heart” talks with the people who mean so writer, and mother ADVISING EDITORS much to you. Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich CALENDAR EDITOR Grab coffee with an old friend. Mail a card DIY projects filled with hearts and love. Betty Kemper: [email protected] to a teacher who believed in you. Go to a And because we’re all about hearts this CONTRIBUTING WRITERS movie with your Dad. Send heart-shaped month, we’re celebrating heart health! Cate Berry, Alison Bogle, Sandi Schwartz, Kimberly notes in lunch boxes. Water plants for an Heart-healthy habits are gifts to yourself Blaker, Jack Kyser, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jennifer Hill Robenalt, Brenda Schoolfield and Jill Sayre elderly neighbor. There are so many little and your loved ones. We’re also asking the ways to show you care. It doesn’t have to important question: How can you model TRANSLATION Maribel Ruvalcaba be a lot when your sentiment truly comes loving relationships for your kids? from a place of love and admiration. MEDIA RELATIONS So, this Valentine’s month, let people know Alison Bogle So, how do you express love in your life? how much they mean to you… from the GRAPHIC DESIGN We have some creative ways to tell your heart. Layout: Susie Forbes Ads: Kim Crisler Illustrator: Fritz Robenalt kids “I love you” and some intriguing research on the power of hugs and STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jordan Ashley Photography affection. You’ll also find easy, affordable ADVERTISING SALES Kaye Kemper Lowak: [email protected] BUSINESS AND DISTRIBUTION Greg Lowak: [email protected]

We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images.

Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc.

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4 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Play it product recalls s a fe

Recalls of Magic Wands, Bassinets, and Tricycles

Toysmith is recalling about 58,000 fuchsia-colored Light- Up Magic Wands topped with a flashing star which makes noise. The battery cover can detach and expose the button-cell batteries, posing choking and ingestion hazards to young children. The recalled wands have a manufacturing date code printed in white on the bottom portion of the wand. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magic wands and return them to store where purchased for a refund. These wands were sold at Carter’s stores and various toy, grocery, hobby, and gift retailers from June 2018 through Oct. 2019 for about $5. Consumers can contact Toysmith at 800-356-0474 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Mon. through Fri. or email [email protected]. They can also go online at www.toysmith.com and click on the “Safety Info” tab located at the bottom of the page for more information.

DaVinci is recalling about 3,000 wooden Bailey Bassinets for infants. The bassinet’s support legs can break, posing a fall hazard to babies. The model number “0934” is printed on a white label attached to the mattress support board and on the external product package. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and contact DaVinci for a free repair kit. DaVinci has received 19 reports of the bassinet legs breaking. No injuries have been reported. The bassinets were sold online at Amazon.com, Buybuybaby.com, Target.com, JCPenny.com, and other online retailers from Aug. 2018 through Sep. 2019 for about $110. Consumers can call DaVinci toll-free at 833-932-0208 Mon. through Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT; email [email protected]; or visit www.davincibaby.com/baileyrepair or www.davincibaby.com and click on “Recalls” under the “Help” tab for more information.

Little Bambino is recalling 4 in 1 canopy children’s tricycles. Paint on the canopy’s frame contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, and tricycle components contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. The Little Bambino logo is on the front of the tricycle. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled tricycles, take them away from children, and contact Thesaurus Global Marketing for a full refund, including the cost of shipping. About 370 tricycles were sold on Amazon.com from Oct. 2018 through June 2019 for between $97 and $130. Consumers can contact Little Bambino toll-free at 866-633-8202 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Mon. through Fri. Consumers can also email [email protected], or go online at www.shoplittlebambino.com and click on “Contact Us” for more information.

The US Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 5 GO TO WWW.AUSTINFAMILY.COM FOR WEEKLY UPDATES OF AROUND AUSTIN NEWS

Must-Do This February Kid Spa Austin 9 Kid Spa Austin recently opened Pop-Up Valentine’s Day a new drop-in childcare center Card Workshop at Pecan Park, located in Neill-Cochran House Museum northwest Austin near Lakeline Mall. The new center now 22 occupies the space previously Mardi Gras Dog Parade operated by “Oak Haven Kids ABGB Club” and expands on the childcare services previously 23 offered. Austin Family Magazine Camp Fair For the past decade, Kid Spa Palmer Event Center Austin has specialized in providing “Childcare that fits YOUR schedule” to families in the Circle C Ranch and Avery Ranch neighborhoods. The homegrown company was founded in 2009 by husband and wife Ken and Jamie Morrissey. With the expansion of Kid Spa Austin into Pecan Park, a larger portion of the Austin community will now have access to a wide array of programs to fit any schedule, including drop-in childcare, custom Free Trees schedule programs, and full-time care. If you’re an Austin Resident, stop by H-E-B on Kid Spa Austin has secured eight awards as "Austin’s Best Drop-In Center" and has served Menchaca and Slaughter Ln. on Feb. 1 from 10 the Austin community for 10 years! Among the services offered at the center are curriculum- a.m. to 1 p.m. to take home a free tree. Planting based activities and guided instruction for children ages 18 months to 12 years old. The a tree reduces energy bills, increases property program is available on a part-time and full-time basis that allows families to custom-fit the values, cleans the air and water, prevents soil days of their program to their own weekly schedule. erosion, provides wildlife habitat, and reduces stress. This free event is produced in To learn more about Kid Spa Austin, please explore visit www.KidSpa.com. Additional partnership with TreeFolks, Austin Energy, The information about the Pecan Park location can be found at www.kidspa.com/pecan-park/. City of Austin Community Tree Preservation Division, and H-E-B. For more information, visit www.treefolks.org.

6 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Sensory-Friendly Teen Dance

An Evening Under the Stars is an inclusive dance for teenagers of all abilities, organized by Spark Learning. The event takes place Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church located at 4001 Speedway Dr. in Austin. This is a sensory-friendly dance for teenagers with special needs, and Mardi Gras Dog Parade their neurotypical peers. Volunteer ABA therapists from Spark Learning will be Mardi Gras… with dogs? Oui, oui! On Sat., Feb. 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. join there to facilitate conversation, help with socialization, and encourage other party-goers and dog lovers for the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Dog all participants to dance! Tickets are $20 and include pizza, chips, Parade— a free, family-friendly event hosted by ABGB located at 1305 cookies, drinks, a photo booth with props, professional pictures, the W. Oltorf St. Doll up your pups to be eligible for the “best dressed” opportunity to meet new people and make friends, and lots of dancing! contest. Judges will be walking around all day, so come dressed to Teens can come early to get ready together, with the option to have impress and don't forget to "bark for beads!" This year's event will be hair and makeup done by a “glam squad,” which is included in the raising funds and awareness for Pug Rescue Austin which will have ticket price. Parents are encouraged to drop their children off and enjoy pugs on hand available for adoption! a night out on the town while their teens have fun! RSVP to Erin Roe at [email protected] or call the Spark Learning office at 512-900- The parade kicks off at 4 p.m. and all dogs and people are eligible to 1425. Spark Learning provides Applied Behavior Analysis and Speech participate. Get creative and show up with floats and krewes. The Therapy to children and teenagers with autism and other parade will take place in the ABGB parking lot, making one big, fun lap developmental delays to help develop language, behavior, and social following a Second Line marching band. Enjoy great Mardi Gras- skills using a natural play-based approach. For more information, visit inspired fare including gumbo, andouille, and King Cake! Live music www.spark-learning.com. will be performed by Jimmie Dreams & The Crescent Soul Revue at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.theabgb.com.

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1 ! #. k ÁÁéĄ 3/1! 3/ !/ :/, ²²²¦²Ą²Ą¦#!; Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 7 Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Cards

As part of their Sunday Funday series, the Neill-Cochran House Museum will host a special love-inspired activity on Feb. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. This month, visitors will have the 8 unique opportunity to design and build Number of hugs per day pop-up Valentine’s Day cards. The museum needed for good health Source: Healthline.com is located at 2310 San Gabriel St. Long before one could pick up a tablet and conjure a streaming video at the touch of a $933M Amount Americans finger, the pop-up book was a popular spend on Valentine’s sensation, engaging the imagination in a Day cards way that flat images and text never could. Source: Wallethub.com

By making original pop-ups, visitors will have the opportunity to understand the know-how it took in the 19th century to bring these familiar childhood keepsakes into our homes and 5-9 lives. Recommended number of daily fruit and The museum will have examples of different ways to create a pop-up images, along with vegetable servings all the materials and decorating supplies needed to create something lovely and unique. Source: USDA.gov Staff and volunteers will be available to help with designs and pop-up card making. Pre- made pop-ups will be available for younger kids (or anyone) that can be easily decorated.

The Sunday Funday series is free with the price of museum admission. This is a drop-in event, so it is not necessary to stay all afternoon. Because this workshop involves paints and markers, organizers recommend wearing clothing that can stand a few stains and blotches. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.nchmuseum.org.

Summer Youth Employment

The Travis County Work-Based Learning/Summer Youth Employment Program (WBL/SYEP) is now accepting applications for Summer 2020 paid employment opportunities. The program is designed for Travis County youth ages 14-17 to develop competence and confidence as well as workplace skills in a “real-world of work” environment. Youth will be exposed to career awareness and exploration while developing their career plans and a commitment to lifelong learning. Youth have the opportunity to interact with positive, successful adult role models who provide guidance in setting and achieving goals. WBL/SYEP also serves youth with disabilities up to age 22.

Program requirements include: ● Must be currently enrolled and attending school in Travis County ● Must have a valid current school year Student ID or Report Card ● Must have a Social Security card ● Must be 14 years of age by April 1, 2020 ● Must complete 15 hours of Job Readiness Training

Sample job categories include Accounting/Finance; Computers/Library Science; Health Care/Pharmacy; Leadership Institute; Newspaper/Journalism; Receptionist/Clerical; Theater Arts/Photography; Animal Care; Public Health/Food Service; Human Resources; and Recreation/Camp Assistant.

Interested youth should contact the WBL/SYEP office to be scheduled for the required 15 hours of Job Readiness Training. All training must be completed by March 31. Call 512-854-4590 or email [email protected] for more information.

8 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Children’s Book Fair

On Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. meet Texas-based children’s authors and AISD Family Survey illustrators for story times and other literary activities The Austin ISD 2019–20 Family Survey is now available and is at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Enjoy a relaxing and accepting online responses through March 6. Families are inspiring Sunday afternoon by taking a journey of the encouraged to share feedback regarding district and campus imagination through literary landscapes. Then, explore the performance. The survey includes questions about how well school magnificent grounds including the Center’s magical observation staff and leadership communicate with parents, how easily parents tower. The Center is located at 4801 La Crosse Ave., and the may communicate about their students, and how families learn book fair is free with regular admission. For more information, about the programs offered at school. The results will help district call 512-232-0100 or email [email protected] leadership learn how to improve services for AISD students. To participate, visit www.austinisd.org.

Saving Hearts

Want to learn how to save a life? CPR Resources is offering training classes which include infant, child, and adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); how to operate an Automated Defibrillator (AED); and First Aid. Classes are taught by professional firefighters and pre-registration is required. Classes are scheduled throughout February in Central Austin, South Austin, North Austin, Cedar Park, and Georgetown. For more information on dates and pricing, visit www.cpr-resources.com or call 512-292-3130.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 9 out&about BY JILL SAYRE Hearts of the City ebruary is the month for love, and Austin is a place that adores photo backdrop murals that feature sweet sentiments. There are too many vibrant, lovely pieces of public paint to cite in one piece, so we chose four that are especially LOVEly. Your kids, Fparents, grandparents, teacher, that fun neighbor, or your best friend would love an original printed photo card, canvas print, mug, t-shirt, or handmade card featuring you and one of these Austin public art pieces.

LOVE IS THE QUESTION, LOVE YOU’RE MY BUTTER HALF IS THE ANSWER 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., United Way of Greater Austin 1115 W. Lynn St., Nau’s Enfield Drug Building In 2014, GSD&M Advertising drew artist Daniel In 2012 the United Way of Greater Austin needed a boost. It was rebranding itself and needed Austin to Johnston out of retirement (he’d painted the iconic notice and care about its mission to support “HOW ARE YOU?” mural on the Drag 20 years community efforts against poverty and to provide earlier) to paint a caped crusader crushing a resources to needy families. Creative Suitcase (CS) cancerous invader as part of a fundraising chose local artist John Rockwall to design the mural, campaign for Dell Children’s Superhero Kids. That with CS employees volunteering two days of their year GSD&M donated $1 to Dell for each photo time to paint it. The white and yellow toast and people took in front of the inspiring mural and butter pat adorn a blue wall, with a single red heart posted on social media. The firm called the mural uniting the two. People donating and volunteering to a “love letter to Austin.” Childhood cancer serve our community? What’s not to love about awareness and solidarity for struggling families is that? Compared to many busy mural locations still valid. For any struggle you or your loved ones around Austin, this one is safer for families. The are undertaking, what better sentiment than to grassy area in front of the mural leaves space to take take a photo in front of this now iconic mural? pictures, even if your dog isn’t entirely well-trained.

10 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU MAKE MY HEART SING 1300 S. Congress, Jo’s Coffee 301 W. Riverside Dr., After seeing a similar painting in a New York City Threadgill’s Restaurant (now closed) alley, Amy Cook took a can of red spray paint to Before the iconic Threadgill’s South closed its commemorate her feelings on the side of the doors on Dec. 2, 2018 after twenty years at that green, formerly blank wall of Jo’s Coffee where her location, The Swizzle Collective was partner was an owner. Ironically, Cook says she commissioned to design a bold mural for guests. doesn’t recall today whether she was feeling The designers took a familiar lyric from the song angry or loving when she got the burst of artistic “Wild Thing” written by former Austinite Chip fervor in 2010. Her passionate penmanship has Taylor— actor Jon Voight’s brother and Angelina become iconic, and families, singles, and couples Jolie’s uncle. While the original Threadgill’s love taking photos there. People have made t- remains open at 6416 N. Lamar Blvd., the mural shirts, postcards, and even baby onesies with the still stands at the once popular Riverside location. phrase. The wall has been vandalized over time, According to reporting by the Austin Business but is always faithfully restored as a testament to Journal, owners of the building say the space is the power of inspiring love. available for a new restaurant or bar tenant. No word yet on the future of the building, but you can still take advantage of the mural while its heart is still beating.

After you’ve had your photo shoot, just download your pics at a local photo lab. Glue or tape your prints onto construction paper or white heart-shaped doilies, which are always available around Valentine’s Day. Slip your card into an envelope, and mail. Or hand-deliver with a hug, a smooch, or a sweet smile.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 11 Take Heart: What Parents Need to Know About Pediatric Heart Conditions

BY JENNIFER HILL ROBENALT

When pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Charles Along with his dedicated team, Dr. Fraser is assume that these issues are rare. Once Fraser, Jr. was thinking about the area of out to demystify myths around heart defects there’s a diagnosis, parents start to dig medicine he wanted to pursue, having an and disease in children. His mission? Help around and find out that heart issues are not important impact over the lifespan of child children and provide hope to parents. rare. There’s a whole community of people in was front and center. He was also attracted which heart disease has touched their lives to the heart— one of the body’s most AF: What are the differences in some way. complicated organs which can present between congenital heart issues and significant needs. Dr. Fraser obviously likes a acquired heart issues in children? AF: How do parents commonly challenge. discover that their children do have CF: It’s been estimated that heart disease heart issues? Under his leadership, the Texas Center for affects about one in a hundred people, so Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease was the statistics are really high. As far as CF: In sophisticated areas like Austin, we established in September 2018 at Dell identifiable birth defects, congenital heart have very good fetal screening. Many of our Children’s. The program was enhanced in disease is number one, so it's common. And patients are identified during fetal life. For June 2019, when a 24-bed inpatient cardiac depending on where you are in the world, example, the hardest, the most common unit was opened at Dell Children’s. The unit acquired heart disease in childhood can category of defect is a hole in the heart. And, includes state-of-the-art technology and is actually be quite prevalent. frankly, those are the more straightforward the first and only dedicated pediatric cardiac ones. But heart issues can also be extremely care unit in Central Texas. The Texas Center AF: What happens when parents first complex, including parts of the heart that for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease is learn of a heart issue in a child? didn't form correct connections of the veins a focused congenital heart program based and arteries and problems with the valves. on a partnership between Dell Children’s, CF: When parents receive a diagnosis, they We have hearts that are backwards, and Dell Medical School at The University of are in shock. Sometimes they ask, “Is there some are half-formed. We deal with a vast Texas at Austin, and UT Health Austin. something we could have avoided?” They array of complicated abnormalities that occur.

12 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. AF: How do you help parents after a and some don't. This is why children should nature of what we do. Many times, we take a diagnosis has been shared? have regular checkups where doctors listen child with a particular type of problem that is to their hearts and measure their blood very unstable. When the operation goes CF: Our hope and our goal is to demystify pressure. There’s also legislation that really well, the child is completely changed, the whole process. A continuum of care requires newborns to undergo certain types and their physiology is essentially normal. needs a lot of discussion about diagnostic of screening before they're discharged from They feel better immediately. By and large, information, which is reviewed with the the newborn nursery. And one of them is just kids just want to get better and get back to families. We make a big effort to educate to check the oxygen level in their blood. what they do. They bounce back. parents about what their child has. Of Some babies have heart defects detected course, this approach is not unique to our that way. On the negative side, it's relentless. There's specialty at all. But, when it comes to your never a time we don't have to be on point child, it's very hard to hear that a child has a As far as the acquired conditions, some because these are complicated situations heart defect. So, we teach parents about the patients present quite ill. Symptoms can and very delicate patients. Sometimes we're problem and walk them through how we include things like a shortness of breath, lack helping tiny pre-term newborns. It can be would recommend approaching it. If that of exercise tolerance or, even worse, challenging to be on the top of your game means surgery, then we talk very bluntly infections that can involve the heart. Those every single day. People in our field tend to about the surgery, how it's done, and what can sometimes be misinterpreted as a really be very self-critical. But the gratification our expectations are. We do this so parents bad flu. There are other rarer conditions as outweighs all the negatives. are not left to conjure up scenarios in their well. minds or rely on the internet for information. AF: What should parents do to stay It becomes a journey for the families. AF: Once a child has been diagnosed on top of their children’s heart and a family is facing the possibility health? AF: How do physicians typically of treatment, what is the family discover heart issues in children? journey like? CF: Statistically speaking, the probability that a child is going to show up in a CF: Of course, we don't diagnose all of the CF: Over the evolution of the specialty, pediatrician's office with a heart problem is problems during fetal life. There are some which is now coming on about 70 years, extremely low. I don't think parents should conditions that aren't readily apparent right we’ve developed strategies to try to help all have a full cardiovascular assessment for at birth which might be picked up later in the conditions. We like to offer hope to the their child every time they go in to see the childhood. Some issues cause symptoms, patients and families for just about every pediatrician for a fever. That's why we have condition that presents to us. Some are annual physicals in which a physician will severe and some are less complicated. But, listen for a funny sound or something that it’s a spectrum. There are definitely things shouldn't be there. Really, we should also be that we take care of that require only one looking at blood pressure. Typically, kids operation. And then there are some that will don't get a blood pressure measurement require a series of procedures for the rest of when they go to the pediatrician's office, the patient’s life. That's a bitter pill to swallow which always perplexes me. I think a child for families. But overall, I think most people should have their blood pressure measured really want to know as much as they can. at least once a year. The bigger question in terms of numbers of lives affected by heart AF: On a personal level, how do you disease is the prevention aspect of cope with the magnitude of your childhood cardiovascular wellness. In an vocation as a pediatric heart ideal world, parents would be concerned surgeon? with heart health from the very beginning.

CF: As a surgeon, being able to do For more information, visit something with your hands that works out www.dellchildrens.net. Dr. Charles Fraser, Jr., Chief of Pediatric and really well for a patient and their wellbeing is Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dell Children's/Professor Dell Medical School’s Departments of Surgery and enormously gratifying. One of the things that Perioperative Care and Pediatrics was appealing to me was the definitive

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 13 Creative Ways to Tell Your Child “I Love You”

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRITZ ROBENALT

alentine’s Day is a sandwiches, toast, and other treats. Your from magazine ads and add some perfect reason to show kids will love the shape and that you've valentine doodles. eliminated the crust. your child just how Snail mail surprise. Kids love to get mail, much he or she is A cupful of love. Give your child a “World’s so why not send your child a card, letter, loved. Try these Greatest Son/Daughter” or “I Love You” or postcard? Don’t forget to let your child cup. Then use it whenever you serve hot check the mail to discover the greeting. Vcreative ideas to show how much cocoa or graham crackers and milk. you care on Valentine’s Day and Do lunch. Plan a surprise lunch date with throughout the entire year. your child. Hit your child's favorite fast food joint, go on a quick picnic, or have lunch together in the school cafeteria. If you choose the latter, make sure your child won't mind or be embarrassed.

THE WRITTEN WORD Say it with email. Send your child an A poet and didn't know it. You don't have email with a link to a fun website or a to be a poet to write a poem for your child. funny animated e-greeting. With the If poetry isn't your thing, look up simple abundance of entertaining websites and children's rhymes. Then make revisions, free e-greetings, you can send your child especially for your child. Poems can be something new every day of the year. EDIBLE IDEAS serious or fun. But, either way, your child Scrabble greetings. Wish your child a A heart a day. Add a heart-shaped candy will love it. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” congratulate him to your child's lunch box every day of the A valentine's welcome. Welcome your on a great report card, or show how much school year. Be sure to stock up during child home from school with a valentine you appreciate your child's help with a after-Valentine's Day clearances, so you banner across your front porch or scrabble message. For younger readers, don't run out. entryway. Add cute sayings that remind spell out a simple phrase leaving a space Heart-shaped lunch. Use a large, heart- your child why he’s the greatest son. between words. For older kids, make them shaped cookie cutter to make heart-shaped Create fun sentences by clipping words figure out your greeting. Intersect the

14 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. words as you would in playing Scrabble and Show your child you care by setting aside a see if they can solve the message. few minutes each day to talk, read, or play together. You’ll both reap the rewards. C is for….. Make a poster portraying your child’s characteristics. Put your child's name A class connection. As kids grow, at the top. Then list as many positive together-time becomes increasingly rare. descriptive words as you can that begin Decide with your adolescent on an activity with your child's initial. Use a thesaurus to or hobby the two of you would enjoy find oodles of words. For example: together. Sign up for a class or set a regular Cassandra, cute, caring, creative, crafty, schedule for the activity. Then mark it on curious. When you finish, laminate or frame your calendar. Treat it as you would any it, and hang it in your child's room. other commitment, not letting daily life interfere. Poetry praise. Give your child a poetry book written especially for sons or A trip down memory lane. Flip through GIFTS FROM THE HEART daughters such as To My Son with Love or photo albums or watch family videos To My Daughter with Love on the Important together, and reminisce about favorite Engrave your thoughts. Have a necklace Things in Life, written by Susan Polis holidays, vacations, and family times you’ve or bracelet engraved for your child. Be sure Schultz. These books offer encouragement had together. to include his name, your sentiments, and and a new understanding of your love for who it’s from. Eventful gifts. Buy tickets to a concert, ice and commitment to your child. Don’t forget show, or sporting event your kids have been Van Gogh in the making. Sift through your to add your personal inscription inside. dying to see. But keep it a surprise. On the child’s art collection and select a piece to day of the event, just say you're all going display. Then mat, frame, and hang it in a room other than your child’s, for everyone DO IT TOGETHER out for dinner or some other concoction. Then catch your kids by surprise when you to see. Love is silly. One thing kids love and do arrive at your actual destination. Photos say a thousand words. Choose best is act silly. So loosen up, and join in the Make a date. Plan a regular date with your several pictures of your child from infancy fun. If being silly isn’t your style, take a few child for one-on-one time. This works through the present. Then use paper- lessons from your child, and practice up. exceptionally well for families with more edgers and trim them into different sizes Letting loose is a great way to reduce stress than one child. Each parent should take a and shapes. Overlap and tape them to the and to let your children know they're fun to turn with each child. You can go out for backing of a frame using double-sided tape. be around. lunch or supper, play putt-putt golf, take in a Then add matting and frame the collage. A gift of time. For today’s busy parents, movie, go roller-skating, or spend an It’s in the wrapping. Don't wait for a finding time to read to or play with your afternoon at the park. Set a regular special occasion to give your child a gift. child isn’t always easy. Fortunately, quality, schedule so your child can look forward to Kids love presents, so the next time you rather than quantity, is what matters most. your dates together. pick up something for your child, wrap it as a surprise. Don't forget the ribbon (so it takes longer to unwrap) and include a small gift card that says how much you appreciate her.

Scrapbookin’ fun. Put together a memory scrapbook of your child. Use photos, locks of hair, vacation postcards, and ticket stubs. Dedicate each page to a special holiday, event, or theme. Include dates and any details you remember, along with cute sayings and stickers to fit the themes.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting and lifestyle writer.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 15 the learnIng curve ALISON BOGLE

Bogle is an Austin-based freelance writer and mom of three.

Why Educational Summer Camps Matter

t’s February and love is in the air. I won’t even realize how much they are camp that explores math, science, or would say that a chill is also in the air, learning. With a little forethought, you can reading in a fun and engaging way, your but we do live in Austin after all, so no find just the right camp that will have you child will experience less of the dreaded Iguarantees! Good weather or bad, patting yourself on the back and your child “summer slide” and will start the year off though, chances are that thoughts of begging for more. ready to continue learning. summer and summer camps are not top of mind. You might want to try a different BENEFITS TO EDUCATIONAL If you have a child who struggled in a strategy this year. Thinking ahead will allow SUMMER CAMPS certain content area during the school year, you to pick a camp that is not only fun, but summer is the perfect time to get him also educational. Start the school year strong caught up in a more relaxed, fun way. Great The first six to eight weeks of school are camps make the learning so fun that it If you’re like me, you’ve picked summer typically spent reviewing the previous year’s doesn’t even seem like work. And, in the camps based on dates, cost, and whether or curriculum. Over the summer, without summer, your child will be unable to not your child will be excited to go in the regular practice, children forget some of compare himself with his peers, which will morning. Bonus points if some of their what they have learned. By participating in a reduce the stress he may feel about that friends to sign up, too. My thinking has been something along the lines of - education in the summer? No child wants that! Summer camps already offer so many benefits: True, if we sell camp to them as an physical activity, new friends, increased confidence, educational opportunity, we’ll probably get mental stimulation, independence, and lots of fun. some push back. However, the best camps provide your child not only with an Mix in a chance to learn and you’ve put the icing on opportunity to learn a new skill or to grow a the cake. competency, but also with so much fun they

16 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. particular subject. A more relaxed classes, which often come with registration Summer camps already offer so many atmosphere often contributes to less fees. Lacrosse didn’t turn out to be all that? benefits: physical activity, new friends, anxiety and more gains in learning. With Now your child knows, and you aren’t stuck increased confidence, mental stimulation, summer help, your child can build his self- sticking out the semester for the team. My independence, and lots of fun. Mix in a esteem, which will help him do well when daughter thought she would be the next chance to learn and you’ve put the icing on school starts up again. coding genius. It turned out that she liked the cake. Your child will have the playing the games more than making them. opportunity to build self-esteem, spark a Learn or gain experience We were glad to have figured that out passion and start the school year off right - School provides children with many before signing her up for expensive classes. a win-win in anyone’s book! opportunities for growth and learning, but it would be impossible for your child’s school to cover everything there is out there to experience! After school classes are wonderful but take on too many and you We believe every child should know the wind up with an overloaded stressed-out love of Christ. Sharing His love with child and family. Summer is the perfect children is the reason we exist. time to take that deep dive into something Education gives our children a foundation she’s always wanted to learn. for life. They are our future explorers and creators, innovators and leaders, neighbors and parents. Imagine how wonderful it would be to spend a week or two immersed in a subject you’ve always wanted to study. That is the OUR gift you can give to your child with an educational summer camp. With our busy society, children and adults are rarely PHILOSOPHY of offered the opportunity to truly dig in and focus on something they’re interested in for EDUCATION long stretches of time. A summer camp dedicated to your child’s interest could We are a community of families, students, educators, quench that thirst for knowledge or could and friends who are dedicated to working together to end up sparking a lifelong passion. And, help our children thrive. That’s why we call ourselves your child will be surrounded by like- “The Divine Savior Family.” minded individuals, offering a unique We believe our mission has an eternal impact and opportunity to befriend and relate to others that education can change the world. Because we believe with the same specific interests. this, we strive to give our children excellence in all we do.

Less commitment required Summer camp allows your child to leave his natural comfort zones to take risks without fear of failure or major consequences. What would your child try without risk of a failing grade? What might your daughter attempt if her mistakes wouldn’t follow her all year? Summer OPENING FALL 2020 camp’s shorter time frame gives children Serving Students from PreK-3 - 5th Grade the chance to try new things, surrounded 23857 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | (512) 492-5332 by people they won’t necessarily see after LEARN MORE: DivineSaviorAcademy.com/SantaRitaRanch camp ends.

Camp is also a great way to see if your child really likes something before making a yearlong commitment to after school

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 17 Try a Little Tenderness: How Parental Affection Shapes a Child’s Happiness for Life

BY SANDI SCHWARTZ

How often do you hug your kids? and their families – science supports the feel more alienated, hostile, aggressive, We all live busy, stressful lives and have idea that warmth and affection and anti-social. endless concerns as parents, but it is expressed by parents to their children clear that one of the most important results in life-long positive outcomes for What the Science Says About things we need to do is to stop and give those children. Affection our children a big, loving hug. Research There have been a number of recent over the past decade highlights the link Higher self-esteem, improved academic studies that highlight the relationship between affection in childhood and performance, better parent-child between parental affection and health and happiness in the future. communication, and fewer children’s happiness and success. psychological and behavior problems According to Child Trends – the leading have been linked to this type of In 2010, researchers at Duke University nonprofit research organization in the affection. On the other hand, children Medical School found that babies with United States focused on improving the who do not have affectionate parents very affectionate and attentive mothers lives and prospects of children, youth, tend to have lower self-esteem and to grow up to be happier, more resilient,

18 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. and less anxious adults. Five hundred In 2015 a study out of the University of Try a Little Tenderness people were followed from when they Notre Dame showed that children who From the moment you bring your baby were infants until they were in their received affection from their parents home from the hospital, be sure to hold, 30s. When the babies were eight were happier as adults. More than 600 touch, and rock her in your arms. Spend months old, psychologists observed adults were surveyed about how they many precious moments caressing your their mothers’ interactions with them were raised, including how much baby so that her skin can touch your as they took several developmental physical affection they had. The adults skin. tests. Then 30 years later, those same who reported receiving more affection individuals were interviewed about in childhood displayed less depression As your child gets older, be playful by their emotional health. The adults and anxiety and were more doing fun activities like dancing whose mothers showed “extravagant” compassionate overall. Those who together or creating silly games like or “caressing” affection were much reported less affection struggled with pretending to be a hugging or kissing less likely than the others to feel mental health, tended to be more upset monster. stressed and anxious. They were also in social situations, and were less able less likely to report hostility, to relate to other people’s perspectives. Set a reminder to make sure hugging is distressing social interactions, and part of your daily routine. In the adorable psychosomatic symptoms. Trolls movie, the Trolls wore watches with Researchers concluded that the alarm clocks that would go off every hour hormone oxytocin may be responsible for hug time. If that’s what it takes, then for this effect. Oxytocin is a chemical set yourself an alarm. Or make sure to in the brain released during times give your kids hugs during certain times when a person feels love and of the day, such as before they leave for connection. It has been shown to help school, when they get home from school, parents to bond with their children, The adults who and before bedtime. adding a sense of trust and support reported receiving more between them. This bond most likely affection in childhood Another interesting idea is to use helps our brain produce and use “ affection while disciplining your child. As displayed less oxytocin, causing a child to feel more you talk to him about what he did depression and anxiety positive emotions. wrong, put your hand on his shoulder and were more and give him a hug at the end of the Next, a 2013 study from UCLA found compassionate overall." conversation to reassure him that, even that unconditional love and affection if you are not pleased with his behavior, from a parent can make children you still love him. If your child hits his emotionally happier and less anxious. Finally, numerous studies on the effects sister or brother, hug him and explain This happens because their brains of massage show the positive benefits how hugging feels better than hitting. actually change as a result of the it offers to reduce anxiety in children. affection. On the other hand, the Massage is also a good way for parents Finally, be careful not to go overboard negative impact of childhood abuse to connect to their children, both and smother your kids. Respect their and lack of affection impacts children physically and emotionally. Starting in individual comfort levels and be aware both mentally and physically. This can infancy, parents can begin to massage that this will change as they go through lead to all kinds of health and their children, which can create a different stages. emotional problems throughout their strong bond. Studies have shown that lives. What’s really fascinating is that children and adults who receive scientists think parental affection can massage experience less anxiety Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about actually protect individuals against the during academic stress, hospital stays, parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. harmful effects of childhood stress. and other stressful events.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 19 LIfeLIneS BRENDA SCHOOLFIELD

Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer who splits her time between Austin and Seattle.

3 Steps to Building a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

very 37 seconds someone in the Health care professionals often recommend reduce high blood pressure and the risk of United States dies from an eating plan called the Dietary Approaches coronary heart disease and stroke. Another Ecardiovascular disease. Adopting a to Stop Hypertension (DASH). This plan similar eating plan is the Mediterranean Diet. heart healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, of heart attack, stroke, and other chronic beans, nuts, and whole grains (see sidebar). Step 2. Avoid Unhealthy Foods illnesses. A heart healthy lifestyle is not a The DASH eating plan has been shown to Avoid foods that are high in added sugars, “diet.” It’s a pattern of eating and exercise saturated and trans fats, and sodium. that supports lifelong health and well-being. DASH Eating Plan Unhealthy food choices include: Modeling positive choices will help kids to Here are the recommended daily servings • Processed treats and snacks (such as develop healthy habits for life. Follow these from the DASH eating plan for someone crackers, chips, microwave snacks) steps to develop your own heart healthy who needs about 2,000 calories a day: • Sugary foods (such as cookies, donuts, lifestyle. • Fresh fruits (4 to 5 servings) cake, pies, candy, sugary cereals, soda) • Vegetables (4 to 5 servings) • Fast food (such as pizza, hamburgers, Step 1. Choose Heart Healthy Foods • Fish, poultry, lean meats (6 ounces or French fries) A diet high in saturated fat and trans fats less) • Foods from vending machines can lead to cardiovascular disease. Some • Nuts, seeds, dry beans/peas (4 to 5 • Deep-fried foods (such as French fries, foods that are high in saturated fats are servings per week) fried chicken) beef and pork, deep-fried foods, and • Whole grains (6 to 8 servings) • Sugary drinks processed foods. Processed foods are • Low-fat dairy (2 to 3 servings) • Foods made with refined white flour those that you buy in a box or package and • Healthy fats (2 to 3 servings) (such as white bread, biscuits, rolls, cereals have more than one ingredient. Some Information from National Heart, Lung, made with white flour) popular processed foods are cereals, chips, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) website. cookies, pastries, crackers, and microwave DASH Eating Plan. Available at Step 3. Get Enough Exercise snacks. Processed meats include bacon, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health- Lack of exercise is a risk factor for sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, salami, and topics/dash-eating-plan. cardiovascular disease. The Physical Activity deli meats. Guidelines for Americans advise adults to get

20 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate Start with One Heart Healthy Action Day Pick one day of the week to be your “Heart intensity physical activity (such as brisk Each Week Healthy Day”—say Wednesday. Then do ONE walking) each week. Even short periods of Adopting a heart healthy lifestyle may seem action from the Heart Healthy Action List physical activity have health benefits. overwhelming. But the most important thing (see sidebar). Don’t feel compelled to change Avoid sitting for long periods of time. New that you can do for yourself and your family is everything all at once. Just pick one heart evidence shows a connection between to just begin. Start small. Remember that you healthy action. Then if that action works for sedentary behavior and increased risk of are working on a lifestyle change. Adopting a you, consider repeating it another day. If not, heart disease, high blood pressure, and healthy lifestyle is not as easy as trying out a don’t worry. Try another action next mortality. fad diet or making a New Year’s resolution to Wednesday. Over time, your awareness of a lose 10 pounds. heart healthy lifestyle will increase, and you Heart Healthy Action List will make positive changes. Here are some heart healthy actions to try on your Heart Healthy Day:

• Eat fruit twice today. If you always keep apples and bananas, try something different. Some options are blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, strawberries, or mango. • Eat a serving of fish high in omega- 3’s. Good choices are halibut, salmon, sardines, or smoked herring. • Eat five servings of vegetables today. A serving is ½ cup so it’s not as hard as it sounds. Select a dark-green vegetable and a red or orange vegetable. • Avoid processed foods all day. • Avoid sugary foods and drinks all day. • Don’t eat red meat or processed meat (such as bacon, deli meat) today. Choose another protein alternative. • Eat a dried bean dish for dinner. In the winter, try a hearty lentil stew. In the summer try a whole wheat pasta salad with chickpeas, cucumber, black olives, and feta. • Substitute whole wheat or whole grains for refined white flour. Choose Unmatched Academic Results whole wheat bread for your sandwich Join us for an Open House. or whole wheat tortillas instead of Wednesday, February 12, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. white. Explore alternatives to white Visit ChallengerSchool.com for additional dates by campus. rice, such as quinoa, barley, or farro. • Walk for 20 minutes. Put on your walking shoes, go outside, and walk in one direction for 10 minutes. Then, An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade turn around and walk back. If the Avery Ranch (PS–8) (512) 341-8000 weather is rainy, too cold, or too hot, 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Open Enrollment go to a big box store, such as Round Rock (PS–K) (512) 255-8844 has begun! Walmart or Home Depot, and walk 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock around for 20 minutes. You can park Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 in the corner of the parking lot and 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin count the time you spend walking towards the store.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 21 famIly matters BETTY RICHARDSON

Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, is an Austin-based psychotherapist.

6 Ways Parents Can Model Healthy Relationships

Sometimes I don’t like my husband secure in their parents love and respect for yourself. Think about all those things your Qmuch and often don’t agree with him each other simply does better in life. partner does for you and the kids— or appreciate him. Will my lack of love especially chores you wouldn't want to do. for my spouse affect our kids negatively? My father would always kiss my mother Let your partner know when you’re grateful. “goodbye” even if he planned to run a short 3. Touch more. Resolve to touch your partner A This question could have come from a errand and would be back in 20 minutes. In more throughout the day, especially when husband, a partner of the same gender, or my mind, I was certain my parents would the kids are with you. Just a small rub of the divorced parents. In therapy sessions I’ve never divorce, unlike some of my friends at shoulder or a peck on the cheek is a great worked with a fair number of people who school whose parents didn’t express affection. gesture of love. Model affection around your have convinced themselves that, while the In my mother’s behavior, it was clear she kids. other in the relationship may be a good wage always thought my dad was right, and any 4. Stop and reset. Take a “time out” if your earner, their parenting partner doesn’t do decision of his was unlikely to change. And parenting conversation is becoming uncivil enough to help, isn’t good enough for them, Dad’s behavior made it clear that Mother was or likely to escalate in that direction. Return or the romance is simply gone. to be respected. Disrespect was not tolerated. to the conversation when emotions are more relaxed. Sometimes, parents focus all of their I’ve noticed some young parents whose 5. Avoid criticism. Notice when you are being attention on the children, and not enough behavior is much like that of my parents. One critical of your partner. Maybe being critical their own relationship. It can become obvious husband made it clear there would be no has become a habit. Shift to being kind and that the couple may not like or respect each disrespect toward mom and would tell their more supportive. other. Sometimes these parents compete for kids when they were being disrespectful, 6. Regulate emotions. Learn to manage your who is the best parent. This behavior can be “Stop and think about what you are doing emotions. Laura Markham, PhD tells parents, confusing, and even scary for kids. If the and saying.” “Your number one job as a parent, after parents are together, often the kids worry assuring the safety of your children, is to their parents will divorce. If the parents are So, if you’re having trouble feeling love for manage your own emotions. Yelling is an separated or divorced, concern arises that your partner or it’s difficult for you to express expression of anger.” She points out that persistent arguing will affect the children it, here are some recommendations: yelling scares children and makes them feel negatively. insecure. Yelling also lowers the respect that 1. Notice and appreciate. Notice things children feel for a parent. So, what are some of the negative effects of your partner does that you appreciate. parents not showing love to each other? Some Make a list. Leave notes of appreciation or Actor Matthew McConaughey once said in an children will exhibit behavior problems and focus on telling your partner one or two interview, “Best thing you could probably do as show great disrespect for not only the “bad” things you appreciate every day. You a father is make sure they see how you love parent but other adults as well. A child whose might engage the kids in writing a note of their mother.” I would add that it’s important for security is threatened will burn energy dealing appreciation from you and them. the mother to model love and respect for the with this issue instead of focusing on school or 2. Express gratitude. Imagine what it would father, too. developing their talents. A child who feels be like if you had to do everything

22 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 23 EXPERIENCE – THE – MAGIC YMCA CAMP TWIN LAKES

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OVERNIGHT CAMP • MINI OVERNIGHT CAMP • DAY CAMP

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DAY CAMPS AUSTIN ECO BILINGUAL SCHOOL AUSTIN GIRLS CHOIR Through spring break and summer camps, One-week camps for both choristers and children learn to appreciate cultures from non-choristers include instruction on vocal ARMSTRONG COMMUNITY around the world, become internationally- skills, note reading, basic harmony and fun MUSIC SCHOOL minded, develop a sense of responsibility, songs, with simple choreography. Voted an Austin Family Readers’ Poll and cultivate leadership skills. Austin Favorite Place to Learn Music: A wonderful 8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 512-453-0884 place to learn with all instruments, ukulele 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin www.girlschoir.com to piano, as well as singing. 107 Ranch Rd. 620 S., Lakeway Ages 8–16 404 Camp Craft Rd., Austin 512-299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-474-2331 512-466-2409 www.acmsaustin.org www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages 0–Adult Ages 2–11

ATX KIDS CLUB AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL ATX Kids Club is a local non-profit Austin Film Festival's Summer Film organization, with the mission to inspire Camp provides campers with the venue,

youth to fearlessly explore and become IDE CAMP GUIDE equipment, instruction, and team they independent, self-confident individuals need to create their very own short films. through year-round educational and We offer weekly sessions from June 8 - health-minded field trip adventures. July 31. Spring Break: March 9-13, March 16-20, The First Baptist Church of Austin, March 23-27 901 Trinity St., Austin Brentwood Park, Mueller Park, Pease Park, 512-478-4795 Garrison Park www.austinfilmfestival.com 512-234-5437 Ages 9–18 www.atxkidsclub.org

Ages 4–15

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 25 AUSTIN NATURE AND Parkside Community Montessori www.between-the-pages.org/camp SCIENCE CENTER (South Austin) Ages 9–18 Nature enthusiasts ages 4-17 can join the Additional locations TBD Austin Nature & Science center to explore 512-542-0076 CAMP SWITCH WILLO the outdoor world! Have fun exploring the austinlibrary.org/creative-writing- Educating riders in small groups with a natural world and learning new skills in camps/ relaxed, supportive learning environment these hands-on camps. Ages 3rd-12th Grade emphasizing safety. Riders learn grooming, Zilker Park tacking, and riding on a horse or pony www.austintexas.gov/ansc CAMP DOUBLECREEK selected just for them. 512-974-3888 Camp Doublecreek has been the Austin 4829 Switch Willo, Austin Ages 4-17

IDE CAMP GUIDE area’s premier day camp for children aged 512-920-0554 4-14 since 1971. With free transportation, www.switchwillo.com BADGERDOG we make things easy for parents and a Ages 6–13 Badgerdog Creative Writing Camps offer blast for kids! an immersive writing experience for youth. 800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock CLUB SCIKIDZ Badgerdog spring break and summer 512-255-3661 The Best STEAM camps start right here! camp workshops are led by professional www.campdoublecreek.com Each summer Club SciKidz offers 4 writers and explore the arts of poetry, Ages 4–14 themed camps for grades PK-5. Our fiction, & nonfiction. themes this year include: By the Beautiful The Meridian School (Round Rock) CAMP HALF-BLOOD SUMMER 2020 Sea, Cosmic Cookie Dough, Robot Rumble Austin International School Step into the world of Percy Jackson and and Coding Kaleidoscope. (Northwest Austin) the Rick Riordan Presents series! Upbring School, 8305 Cross Park Dr. Griffin School (Hyde Park) Demigods ages 9-18 are welcome to come Austin St. Andrew's Episcopal School train to become heroes in Summer 2020! Sadler Means Girls Academy, 6401 N. (West Austin) Registration is now open. Hampton Dr. Trinity Episcopal School (Westlake) Austin Austin

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26 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. https://www.clubscikidz.com/ CAMP GUIDE GU 678-493-5651 Ages 4-15 SPRING BREAK & SUMMER COUNTRY HOME LEARNING CENTER REGISTRATION Each fun and educational week brings a new theme with team games, creative OPEN NOW arts, science and cooking projects, plus child-approved special events, field trips and kids’ choice special interest clubs. 6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 13120 U.S. Hwy. 183 N., Austin 512-331-1441 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Ages 5–13 FREE CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION Cordovan is celebrating 10 years of Celebrating 27 Years! creating artists! Our faculty of skilled 2019 artists and educationors inspires creativity in painting, drawing, 3D art, watercolor, and other media. Enroll in CAMPDOUBLECREEK.COM | 5122553661 camp today! 200 Buttercup Creek Blvd., #122, Cedar Park 512-284-9874 3810 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock 512-275-4040 8108 Mesa Dr., Austin 737-300-1200 816 S. Main St., Georgetown 512-275-4040 www.cordovanart.com Ages 5–12

IDE CAMP GUIDE

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 27 DANCE DISCOVERY www.elitesummercamps.com programming. Offering spring and summer Let your child's imagination run wild with 855-931-2586 Music Together classes for both children Frozen 2, Trolls, and Peter Pan all in one Ages 4-12 and their caregivers. summer with Dance Discovery! Dance 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin Discovery's weekly summer camps include FANTASTIC MAGIC CAMP 512-371-9506 Storytime Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Sing-a- Every day at Fantastic Magic Camp is www.heartsongmusic.net Longs, Musical Theater, and Set/Prop filled with magic, juggling, and puppetry. Ages up to 9 Design (activities vary by camp). Each We open at 8 a.m. and the program starts week is wrapped up with an "End of Week at 9 a.m. Our day ends at 4 p.m., with pick Camp Show!" Camps are Monday - Friday up time from 4-4:30 p.m. We offer an

IDE CAMP GUIDE from 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. optional “rehearsal time” from 4-6 p.m. for Allandale - 512-419-7611 an additional fee. Avery Ranch - 512-658-2996 Spring Camp: www.dancediscovery.com March 16 - 20, Ages 5-12 www.averyranchdance.com Regular Magic Camp: Ages 3–13 June 1 - August 14, Ages 7-12, Junior Magic Camp: ELITE UNIVERSITY June 8 - July 24, Ages 5-6 Music Lessons, Water Skiing • Cooking • 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin IDEA LAB Mixed Media Art • Veterinary Science • 512-709-8060 Forget boredom and the same old summer Musical Theatre • Horseback Riding • www.magiccamp.com activities! IDEA Lab Kids STEAM (STEM + Fishing • Archery • Camping • Swimming • Ages 5–12 Arts) camps make summer a totally fun, Gymnastics • Kayaking memorable experience with camps like: St. Luke’s on The lake HEARTSONG How to Become a YouTube Star, Minecraft 5600 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin Natural, family-style learning through early Engineering and Coding, Medial Science, childhood music and movement Future Doctor, Chef Academy Passport,

One World Summer Camp June 8-12 • Final Show Sat, June 13 @ 12 pm

(512) 32-WORLD • OneWorldTheatre.org For information on Summer Camp or weekday Field Trips to One World Theatre contact [email protected]

HARTT & SOUL PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: BENEFITTING ONE WORLD

This project supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division

CAMP GUIDE GU of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

28 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Smart Home Design, Solving Global Issues with Technology, CAMP GUIDE GU and so much more.

8620 Burnet Rd., Austin 512-710-9654 https://www.austin.idealabkids.com

Ages 5–13

KIDSACTING SUMMER CAMPS SummerSummer Under Kidsacting: A safe environment for kids to be creative, expressive, and confident while having fun. Regularly voted d Austin’s best. Each camp ends with a fabulous show for family campscamps and friends. 16 locations throughout Austin metro Ages 5-12 & 13-15 512-836-5437 www.kidsactingstudio.com d Ages 4–18

KIDSPA Wilderness survival Voted Austin’s Best Drop-In Center in six annual reader’s polls, Rock wall climbing KidSpa Austin provides flexible childcare that fits your schedule. ore! Visit the website for the summer 2019 schedule. River rafting + mor Avery Ranch and Circle C, Austin 512-828-5772 / 512-301-5772 lcra.org/camps · 512-303-5073 www.kidspa.com Austin shuttle available Ages 18 mos.–12

DANCE DISCOVERY DANCE & MUSICAL THEATER CAMPS Dance for ALL Ages! Learning doesn't have to end when school's out! Our camps keep kids engaged throughout summer and spring break! Full-day and half-day options Hands-on science discovery

Designed for kids ages 4-12 Outdoor games and physical activity

Voted Best Place to Learn Dance! Camp locations all over town Two Locations: Allandale & Avery Ranch Sign-up for a Camp Today! www.DanceDiscovery.com 512-892-1143 | [email protected] 512.419.7611 (Allandale) Austin.MadScience.org We Also Oﬀer | Special Events • Workshops • After-School Programs • Birthday Parties 512.658.2996 (Avery Ranch) MM150 © 2020 Mad Science Licensing Inc. - All rights reserved. MAD SCIENCE is a trademark owned by Mad Science Licensing Inc. and is used under licence.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 29 MAD SCIENCE & IMAGINE ARTS ACADEMY OF AUSTIN Mad Science’s mission is to spark the imagination and curiosity of children by providing them with fun, hands-on and educational activities. Central Texas youth have been “edu- tained” with our week-long science-themed camps since 1997. Locations Central, Northwest, Southwest, West, Round Rock, Leander, watch for more. 512-892-1143 www.austin.madscience.org Ages 4–12

IDE CAMP GUIDE MASTER GOHRING TAI CHI AND KUNG FU Our program runs year round, which provides an opportunity for your child to begin at any time. Younger ones develop listening and motor skills to enter society with confidence and enthusiasm. Kids develop the strength, confidence, and self- mastery skills to deal effectively with challenges, choices, and complexities of life. They will have fun. 6611 Airport Blvd, Austin 512-879-7553 www.mastergohring.com Ages 4 and up

MCKINNEY ROUGHS SUMMER CAMP Explore 1,100 acres of pine forests and box canyons. Learn about wilderness skills and native plants and animals. CAMP GUIDE GU

30 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. 1884 Hwy. 71 W., Cedar Creek 512-593-5393 CAMP GUIDE GU 512-303-5073 www.AFM.neurongarage.com www.lcra.org/camps Ages 5-12 Ages 5–16 ONE WORLD THEATER CAMP MY CODING PLACE “Emperor's New Clothes” At Camp One Summer is the perfect time to learn a new World, campers audition on Monday to skill and to be exposed to technology in a determine roles, have a week full of fun fun environment with no more than 12 activities and rehearsals, and on Saturday students per week. Join us for Python they perform in costume with lines, singing Party, Rockin Robots, Great Graphics, & dancing on the One World Stage! Wonderful Web, and more! $100 early-bird 7701 Bee Caves Rd., Austin discount good through March 1. 512-330-9500, ext 130 3616 Far West Blvd. #109, Austin https://oneworldtheatre.org/outreach/ ROCK-ABOUT CLIMBING ADVENTURES www.mycodingplace.com summer-camps/ Campers visit natural climbing walls, 512-593-2729 Ages 5-14 including Enchanted Rock, Reimer’s Ages 7-18 Ranch, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, RIO VISTA FARM with a climb each morning followed by NEURON GARAGE Austin’s originator of English riding camps. lunch and a swim in a natural creek or Hands-On Building Camp where kids build Daily lessons taught by pro trainers, lots of pool. with recycled materials to solve weekly horse time/care, arts and crafts, plus 3755 S. Capital of TX Hwy., Austin open-ended challenges. Through the swimming for hotter afternoons. Friday 512-415-0804 process they build CREATIVE THINKING | shows for parents. www.rock-about.com COLLABORATION | RESILIENCE and 13013 Fallwell Ln., Del Valle Ages 9-18 foundations for vibrant futures. Save 512-247-2303

$20/wk with early bird registration. www.riovistafarm.net

12 area Locations Ages 7–16 IDE CAMP GUIDE

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 31 SCHOOL OF ROCK MUSIC CAMPS STEPPING STONE SCHOOL SYNERGY DANCE THAT WILL ROCK YOUR SUMMER The summer camp program empowers Dance camps include ballet, tap, jazz, hip- Do you want to learn how to play in a students to develop and use academic hop. Also included are tumbling, theater, band? School of Rock, Round Rock offers skills in service to the community. Limited crafts, and a performance on Fridays. a wide variety of music camps that can space available. Visit website for full 2314 Bee Cave Rd., Austin teach you how! Our local music camps are details. 512-327-4130 perfect for musicians of any skill level who 19 locations in Austin metro www.synergydance.com want to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, 512-459-0258 Ages 2 and up and vocals. Best of the 90s Camp, Classic www.steppingstoneschool.com Rock Rewind Camp, Classic Metal Camp, Ages 5–13 Grunge Camp Southwest Austin and Round Rock SUNRISE NEIGHBORHOOD 512-246-7625 YOUTH PROGRAM www.schoolofrock.com STEM challenges, games, arts and crafts, Ages 8-18 team building, cooking, swimming, field trips and more. Ask about our junior SPICEWOOD COUNTRY CAMP counselor program. A nonprofit program Nine shady acres in northwest Austin with for school-age kids. animals, music, swimming, crafts, sports 4430 Menchaca Rd., Austin and horseback riding. Summer sessions 512-444-3326 are two weeks long. Extended hours www.sunriseaustin.org available. School Age THINKERY 6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin Thinkery Camps inspire campers to learn 512-346-2992 while having fun. Campers use science, www.spicewoodcountry.com technology, engineering, arts and math – Ages 3½–10½ and their imaginations, of course! – to CAMP GUIDE GU IDE

32 Febuary 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. explore new concepts, solve challenges www.topgolf.com YMCA OF AUSTIN SUMMER DAY CAMP CAMP GUIDE GU IDE and develop critical learning skills. Ages 6–12 Safe and enriching summer day camps. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave., Austin Enjoy field trips, swimming, games and National Instruments TWIN LAKES YMCA SUMMER CAMP more in a character-rich environment with 11500 N. Mopac, Austin YMCA Twin Lakes is located minutes the YMCA of Austin. 30+ locations in Harmony School of Innovation north of Austin. The Y provides an Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties 2124 E. St. Elmo Rd., Austin environment for campers to explore, play 512-236-9622 Harmony School of Science and make lifelong friends — all in the great www.austinymca.org 11800 Stonehollow Dr., Austin outdoors. Ages 4–14 Silicon Labs 204 E. Little Elm Tr., Cedar Park 400 W Cesar Chavez St., Austin 512-250-9622 option 6 YMCA OF GREATER WILLIAMSON COUNTY 512-469-6201 www.ymcagwc.org Whether it’s through swimming, arts and www.thinkeryaustin.org Ages 5–14 crafts, field trips, sports, or through various Ages PreK-5th Grade outdoor/indoor adventure activities, Y Summer Camps allow kids to be kids and TOP GOLF make lasting memories. Our Summer Academies are week-long Branch and school locations across half-day programs that are filled with Williamson County non-stop entertainment and learning that 512-246-9622 kids will love. Enjoy a stress-free week www.ymcagwc.org and know we have you covered in every Ages 4–14 area from lunch to lessons and all of the components that make up the great game of golf. 2700 Esperanza Crossing, Austin 512-831-5981

Austin’s Best Summer Camps

Club SciKidz WhereSc ience & Te chnologyCo nnect!

club sci kidz $25 OFF Early Bird Registration Code: CLUB20. See our website for details!

Multiple Camps To Choose From! Including: NEW • Minecraft • LEGO Robotics 2020 CAMPS! • American Girl • Veterinary Medicine • Video Gaming • Coding Virtual Reality • Kerbal Space • Harry Potter Robotic Car • F/X - Zombie 23 V Complete registration online! www.ClubSciKidz.com Enroll Online! [email protected] 678-493-5651

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. Febuary 2020 austinfamily.com 33 OVERNIGHT CAMP LANTERN CREEK FOR GIRLS A unique girls’ sleep-away summer CAMPS camp created so girls can create art, find their voices, try new skills, be cheered CAMP CHAMPIONS on, get dirty, push boundaries, love Camp Champions has created a tradition nature, and more. of excellence since 1967. With the facility 4045 N. FM 1486, Montgomery and staff expected of a premier camp, 936-597-8225 Champions is distinguished by its www.camplanterncreek.com developmental focus on building strong Girls ages 7–17 kids. 775 Camp Rd., Marble Falls 830-598-2571 www.campchampions.com CAMP OLYMPIA Ages 6–17 Camp Olympia gives campers a fun, caring environment where they can grow in the body, mind, and spirit. Nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas, right on the shores of Lake Livingston. Campers can choose from 45 different activities. 723 Olympia Dr., Trinity 936-594-2541 https://www.campolympia.com Ages 6-16

CAMP STEWART FOR BOYS HEART O’ THE HILLS FOR GIRLS Guadalupe River near Kerville. Family- style dining, great food. Character building, worldwide enrollment, friendly! Instruction-oriented, 40+ fun activities. Family owned, operated. We grow kids better! 612 FM 1340, Hunt Summer programs led by professional 2430 Hwy 39, Hunt writers inspire a love of reading and 830-238-4670 writing, strengthen language skills, 830-238-4650 and exercise creativity. www.camp stewart.com www.hohcamp.com Boys ages 6-16 www.austinlibrary.org. Girls ages 6-16 CAMP GUIDE GU IDE

34 Febuary 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. SUGAR & SPICE RANCH CAMP YMCA TWIN LAKES CAMP GUIDE GU IDE Bonding mothers and daughters through OVERNIGHT CAMP horses. Campers “own” horses and do YMCA Camp Twin Lakes is minutes everything together as a team. All- north of Austin. The Y provides an inclusive sessions, a great way to environment for campers to explore, play, reconnect. and make lifelong friends — all in the Bandera, TX great outdoors. 830-460-8487 204 E. Little Elm Tr., Cedar Park www.texashorsecamps.com 512-250-9622 option 6 Ages 5 and up www.ymcagwc.org/twinlakes Ages 5–16

June 8 - 31 | Ages 9 - 18 austinﬁlmfestival.com | 512-478-4795 USE PROMO CODE AFM10 FOR $10 OFF Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. Febuary 2020 austinfamily.com 35 asuntos famIlIares BETTY RICHARDSON Richardson, PhD, RNC, LPC, LMFT, es una psicoterapeuta situada en Austin.

concéntrese en decirle a su pareja una o dos cosas que usted aprecia todos los días. Podría involucrar a los niños en la redacción de una ¿Dónde está el amor?: nota de agradecimiento de usted y ellos. 2. Expresar gratitud. Imagine cómo sería si 7 maneras en que los padres tuviera que hacer todo usted mismo. Piense en todas las cosas que su pareja hace por usted y pueden modelar el afecto los niños, especialmente los quehaceres que no querría hacer. Hágale saber a su pareja cuando esté agradecido. A veces siento no querer a mi marido y cuya seguridad se ve amenazada desgastará Pmuchas veces no estoy de acuerdo con energía al tratar este problema en lugar de 3. Tocar más. Resuelva tocar a su pareja más él ni lo aprecio. ¿Podrá mi falta de amor enfocarse en la escuela o desarrollar sus durante el día, especialmente cuando los niños por mi cónyuge afectar negativamente a talentos. Un niño que se siente seguro del están con usted. Solo un pequeño roce en el nuestros hijos? amor y el respeto que hay entre sus padres hombre o un besito en la mejilla es un gran simplemente le va mejor en la vida. R Esta pregunta podría provenir de un esposo, gesto de amor. Modele afecto a sus hijos. una pareja del mismo sexo o padres Mi padre siempre le decía “adiós” a mi madre 4. Detenerse y reinicie. Tómese un “tiempo divorciados. En las sesiones de terapia, he con un beso, incluso si planeaba hacer un de descanso” si la conversación con su pareja trabajado con un buen número de personas pequeño mandado y regresaría en 20 minutos. se está volviendo incivilizada o si es probable que se han convencido de que, mientras que En mi mente, estaba segura de que mis que se intensifique en esa dirección. Vuelva a el otro en la relación puede ser un buen padres nunca se divorciarían, a diferencia de la conversación cuando las emociones estén asalariado, como pareja en el hogar no hace lo algunas de mis amigas en la escuela cuyos más relajadas. suficiente para ayudar, que no es lo padres no expresaban afecto. En el suficientemente bueno para ellos o que el comportamiento de mi madre, estaba claro 5. Evitar las críticas. Observe cuando crítica romance simplemente ha desaparecido. que ella siempre pensó que mi padre tenía a su pareja. Quizás ser crítico se ha convertido razón, y era improbable que cualquier decisión en un hábito. Cambie a ser amable y más A veces, los padres enfocan toda su atención suya cambiara. Además, el comportamiento solidario. en los niños, y no lo suficiente en su propia de papa dejó en claro que la madre debía ser relación. Puede resultar obvio que la pareja no 6. Regular las emociones. Aprenda a respetada. La falta de respeto no fue tolerada. se quiera o se respete. A veces estos padres manejar sus emociones. Laura Markham, Ph.D. compiten por quién es el mejor padre. Este He notado algunos padres jóvenes cuyo les dice a los padres: “Su trabajo número uno comportamiento puede ser obvio, confuso e comportamiento es muy similar al de mis como padre, después de garantizar la incluso aterrador para los niños. Si los padres padres. Uno de los esposos dejó en claro que seguridad de sus hijos, es controlar sus están juntos, a menudo los niños se no habría falta de respeto hacia la mamá y les propias emociones. Gritar es una expresión de preocupan de que sus padres se divorcien. Si decía a sus hijos cuando estaban siendo ira.” Ella señala que gritar asusta a los niños y los padres están separados o divorciados, irrespetuosos: “Detente y piensa en lo que los hace sentir inseguros. Gritar también surge la preocupación de que las discusiones estás haciendo y diciendo”. disminuye el respeto que los niños sienten por persistentes afecten negativamente a los un padre. niños. Por lo tanto, si tiene problemas para sentir amor por su pareja o le resulta difícil El actor Matthew McConaughey dijo una vez Entonces, ¿cuáles son algunos de los efectos expresarlo, aquí hay algunas en una entrevista: “Lo mejor que negativos de los padres que no muestran recomendaciones: probablemente podrías hacer como padre es amor entre ellos? Algunos niños exhibirán asegurarte de que vean cómo amas a su problemas de comportamiento y mostrarán 1. Observar y apreciar. Observe las cosas mamá”. Añadiría que es importante que la una gran falta de respeto no solo por el padre que su pareja hace que usted aprecia. Haga mamá modele amor y respeto por el papá, “malo” sino también por otros adultos. Un niño una lista. Deje notas de agradecimiento o también. 36 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 37 2020 FebruaryFebruarycalendar

Parenting Events Page 45

On Stage Museum Exhibits Round Rock Area Pokemon Club. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Make new friends and share your love of Pokemon on Saturday mornings at SaulPaul’s Alien Adventure. Feb. 8 to This Light of Ours: Activist the Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main March 1. An alien comes to earth and makes Photographers of the Civil Rights St. roundrocktexas.gov. an unexpected friend. What happens next? Movement. Feb. 15 to May 31. This powerful Baby Bloomers. 9 to 10 a.m. A Come see this inspiring production featuring exhibit tells a visual story of the struggle specially-designed program where the sights, sounds, and dance moves as the two against segregation, race-based museum is open just for visitors ages 0-3. unexpected friends learn about life while they disenfranchisement, and Jim Crow laws in Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. FREE. journey on an adventure. Music by SaulPaul. the 1960s. This Light of Ours captures the thinkeryaustin.org. Story by SaulPaul and Bianca Neal. SaulPaul day-to-day struggles of everyday citizens Winter Faerie Tea Party. 10:00 a.m. to is a Grammy-nominated artist who has working toward equality and their resolve in 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Faeries entertained and inspired audiences at events the face of violence and institutionalized are landing at the Zilker Botanical Garden! and venues across the world: TED Talks, discrimination. More than 150 powerful We want to welcome them to the Garden Google HQ, five Super Bowls, and the black-and-white photos focus on the and get prepared for the joys of springtime. Kennedy Center. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. activities of the Student Nonviolent Purchase tickets in advance. $22 for Austin 18th St. Tickets from $10. Coordinating Committee (SNCC). The residents. zilkergarden.org. 512-477-8672. scottishritetheater.org. 512-472-5436. photographs convey SNCC’s distinctive Code Chica. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Latinitas is an The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Jan. 18 to “bottom-up” community organizing strategy Austin-based non-profit dedicated to March 14. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and as well as the movement’s impact on the encouraging girls to innovate through media his menagerie of animal friends have arrived! national consciousness and use of photos to and technology. Latinitas’ office, 1023 Little ones will go wide-eyed with excitement present critical messages. Bullock Museum, Springdale Rd. FREE. latinitasmagazine.org. as they recite along to their favorite Eric Carle 1800 Congress Ave. Free with regular classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little admission. thestoryoftexas.com. Black History Month: Kick-Off Party. Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. Totally Cool, Totally Art. Feb. 14 to March 11 a.m. Join us for live entertainment and fun Each story is brought to life by an array of 1. Totally Cool, Totally Art (TCTA) is a city as we kick off Black History Month! George faithfully recreated puppets that will enchant program which offers community-based arts Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina and engage both adults and children as they education for Austin teens in grades 7 to 12. St. FREE. austintexas.gov. 512-974-4926. leap off the page and onto the stage. ZACH Mexic-Arte Museum’s ongoing partnership Board Games. 1 to 4:45 p.m. All ages Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Tickets from $19. with the City of Austin provides a formal welcome. Come and play board games at tickets.zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541. gallery space for the display of artwork the library. Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village created by teens in TCTA after-school Center Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. workshops. Mexic-Arte Museum, Annex Board with Books. 1 to 4 p.m. All ages Gallery, 419 Congress Ave. Free with regular welcome. Do you love playing board games? admission. mexic-artemuseum.org. SUBMIT YO UR EV ENT Then come to Board with Books! Twin Oaks Visit austinfamily.com and Branch, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. click “Submit your event.” The library.austintexas.gov. deadline is the 5th of the Family Events Discovery! @ Westbank. 1 to 3 p.m. The month preceding the month Discovery Program offers hands-on exploring for young learners in many of the event. If your event Sat 1 charges more than $15, different topics. Westbank Community Moonlight Tower Run. 8 to 10 a.m. Austin Library, 1309 Westbank Dr. send details to 10K’r invites you to a unique variety of fun westbanklibrary.com. [email protected] running routes. Austin American-Statesman, Black History Month: Successful for approval. 305 South Congress Ave. FREE. Family Reunion. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Large austintexas.org. 512-445-3988. family reunions are fantastic occasions made

38 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. to celebrate your family’s long-lasting H-E-B Free First Sunday: Deep in the Qi Gong @ Laura's. 10 to 11 a.m. Qi Gong heritage. Austin Public Library, St. John's Heart of STEM. 12 to 3 p.m. Dive into the (pronounced chee gung) is an ancient Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave. FREE. heart of Texas with Girlstart in partnership Chinese health care practice. Laura Bush library.austintexas.gov. 512-974-7570. with the Bullock Museum, 1800 Congress Community Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. Pollyanna Theatre Company presents Ave. FREE. girlstart.org. 512-936-8746. westbanklibrary.com. Through the Slumber Glass. 2 to 3 p.m. Heritage House Open - First Sunday. American Mah Jongg. 1 p.m. All levels are Pollyanna Theatre Company will premiere a 1 to 4 p.m. Visit the Heritage House Museum welcome to play American Mah Jongg. Bring surreal new play with music. Boyd Vance and learn about local history! Pflugerville cards if you have them! Lake Travis Theater at The Carver, 1165 Angelina St. $9. Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street. Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s pollyannatheatrecompany.org. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Crossing. laketravislibrary.org. 512-263-2885. StoryWalk. Daily from Feb. 1 to 14 at the Kids Chess Open Play. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Teen Council. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Reserved for trail behind Lakeway City Hall, 1102 Learn the basics of how to play chess, or just tweens and teens ages 10-14. Help your Lohman’s Crossing Rd. FREE. meet up with other chess fans to play a few librarians choose the best events. Carver tx-lakeway3.civicplus.com. games. Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Branch, 1161 Angelina St. FREE. Discovery Blvd. cedarparktexas.gov. library.austintexas.gov. Sun 2 512-401-5600. STEM Club. 3:30 to 4 p.m. STEM at the Children's Book Fair. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chess Club. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Ages 5-18. library offers opportunities for kids 5 to 8 to Meet Texas-based children's authors and Learn to play chess! Central Library, 710 W. creatively explore science, technology, illustrators. Enjoy story times and other César Chávez St. FREE. engineering, and math. Pflugerville Public literary experiences. Lady Bird Johnson library.austintexas.gov. Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street. FREE. Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. library.pflugervilletx.gov. FREE. 512-232-0200. wildflowercenter.org. Mon 3 Free Play @ Laura's. 4 to 7 p.m. Make Skate Lessons. 11 to 11:30 a.m. Playland Baby Bloomers. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A Mondays fun days! Meet up with your Skate Center, 8822 McCann Drive. FREE. specially-designed program where the friends at the world's best play date. Laura playlandskatecenter.net. 512-452-1901. museum is open just for visitors ages 0-3. Bush Community Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. Sensory Sundays @ Laura's. 11 a.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. FREE. FREE. westbanklibrary.com. Sensory Storytime is now Sensory Sundays. thinkeryaustin.org. Laura Bush Community Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 39 LEGO Lab (ages 5+). 4 to 5 p.m. LEGO Circle Time. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Ages 0-3. Starry Night at Girlstart. 5:30 to 7 p.m. free-play and WeDo 2.0 Robotics. Sign up for Learn through song and play in a first Girlstart’s STEM Studio and a Robot Kit starting at 3:30 p.m. Wells classroom experience. Wells Branch mini-planetarium is a unique space for Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. families to explore astronomy! Girlstart, Dr. wblibrary.org. wblibrary.org. 1400 W. Anderson Ln. FREE. girlstart.org. Free Play Gaming. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. All Crafternoon. 3 to 5 p.m. We bring supplies. 512-916-4775 ext. 33. ages welcome. Join us for free play gaming You bring the creativity! St. John Branch, Youth Valentine's Day Dance. 5:30 to using one of the library's new video games. 7500 Blessing Ave. FREE. 7:30 p.m. Ages 5-12. Metz Recreation Center, Austin Public Library, Ruiz Branch, 1600 library.austintexas.gov. 2407 Canterbury St. $1. austintexas.gov. Grove Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Crafternoon. 3 p.m. All ages welcome. 512-978-2399. 512-974-7500. Drop by the library and make a craft while Pflugerville Pokemon Card Club. Rockin Kids Club presents George you search for books. Ruiz Branch, 1600 6 to 8 p.m. Join us for Pokemon. Pflugerville Washington Carver & Friends. 4:30 to Grove Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Rd. 5:30 p.m. One of the most incredible heroes Switch It Up Teen Gaming. 4:30 to parks.pflugervilletx.gov. from Black History, George Washington 5:30 p.m. Meet in the Teen Space to play Fri 7 Carver was also one of the most remarkable Nintendo Switch. This event is open to teens scientists of all time. Round Rock Public ages 12-18. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 Music & Movement. 11 a.m. Library, 216 E. Main St. FREE. W. Pfluger St. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Recommended for ages 3-5. Bring your roudrocktexas.gov. 512-218-3275. favorite little one to stretch, sing, dance & STEAM Studio. 6 to 7 p.m. Ages 4+. play. Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Tue 4 Science, technology, engineering, art, and Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. math activities with a creative twist. Wells Spanish Circle Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tween Crafters. 4 to 5 p.m. Ages 0-3. Learn basic concepts and Spanish Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org. Recommended for ages 9-12. Come create vocabulary through songs and play followed with us! Menchaca Rd. Branch, 5500 by social time. Wells Branch Community Thu 6 Menchaca Rd. 512-974-8700. FREE. Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org. Living History Days. 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. library.austintexas.gov. Homeschool Teens. 2 to 3 p.m. The You never know who you'll meet around the First Friday at The Williamson Homeschool Teen group meets once a week next corner! Bullock Texas State History Museum. 6 to 8 p.m. Come out to First to socialize, play games, make crafts, and Museum, 1800 Congress Ave. FREE. Friday as the Museum stays open late from learn new things. Pflugerville Public Library, thestoryoftexas.com. 512-936-8746. 6 to 8 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin 1008 W. Pfluger St. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. Ave. visit.georgetown.org. Science Tuesday. 3:30 p.m. Come for an Play Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children up Be My Valentine: A Family Event. hour of seasonally-themed science and 6 to 8 p.m. Put on your fanciest outfit for STEAM stations the whole family will enjoy. to 5 years of age with an adult are welcome to attend. Free play. Pflugerville Public dancing, light refreshments, and activities for Austin Public Library, Windsor Park Branch, little ones. Austin Public Library, Southeast 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. 512-974-9840. library.austintexas.gov. Board with Books. 6 to 8:45 p.m. Do you Music & Movement. 11 a.m. love playing board games? Then come to Recommended for ages 3-5. Bring your Sat 8 Board with Books! Central Library, 710 W. favorite little one to stretch, sing, dance & Round Rock Area Pokemon Club. César Chávez St. FREE. play. Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd. 9 to 10:30 a.m. See Sat. 1 for details. library.austintexas.gov. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Baby Bloomers. 9 to 10 a.m. See Sat. 1 for Black History Month: Design Family Early Literacy Playgroup. 11 a.m. details. 6 to 8 p.m. Throwing a Recommended for ages 3-5. Playing is Reunion T-Shirt. Kidz Korner. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Looking for a family reunion almost always means t-shirts learning! St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave. fun activity for the entire family? Williamson for the family. Design your own! Austin FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave. Public Library, Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Let's All Play - Board Game Day! 3 to visit.georgetown.org. Pleasant Valley Rd. FREE. 5 p.m. St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave. library.austintexas.gov. 512-974-7372. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. San Marcos STEAM Fair 2020. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Marcos High School, 2601 Wed 5 Kids Crafternoon. 3:30 to 4 p.m. Fun Rattler Rd., San Marcos. smtxsteam.com activities that encompass a variety of art Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. Ages 3-5. Bring your forms. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Code Chica. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See Sat. 1 for little wildflowers for our weekly preschool Pfluger Street. library.pflugervilletx.gov. details. program. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org.

40 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Tinkering Take Homes: Sky High Anderson Ln. FREE. terratoys.com. tribute to living African-American composers Kites. 10 a.m. Join us in Spark Shop, our 512-445-4489. from across the country. George Washington makerspace, and tinker your hearts out! Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. FREE. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. $5-6. Sun 9 austinchambermusic.org. 512-974-4926. thinkeryaustin.org. BookSpring Readathon: Read A Book, Inclusive Board Game Group. 4 to Stories from Japan. 10:30 a.m. Own the Galaxy. 12 a.m. BookSpring, 2006 5:30 p.m. Join us for playing board games in Experienced educator Nancy Simpson will Greenbrook Pkwy. FREE. an inclusive environment. Wells Branch share Japanese tales told in English with bookspringreadathon.org. Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. puppets, toys, and more. Lake Travis Dino + Donuts. 11 a.m. We've paired with wblibrary.org. Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing. Keep Austin Young to keep young minds Chess Club. 4 to 5:30 p.m. See Sun. 2 for laketravislibrary.org. 512-263-2885. busy with plants, colorful sands and more. details. Baby Time: Saturdays. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Plant Party, 1200 E. 11th St., #105. $15. This program is for babies 3-18 months old, plantparty.co/products/dino-donuts-keep-a Mon 10 and their siblings, with an adult. Pflugerville ustin-young-event. Baby Bloomers. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See Mon. Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. FREE Skate Lessons. 11 to 11:30 a.m. See 3 for details. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Sun. 2 for details. Qi Gong @ Laura's. 10 to 11 a.m. See Mon. Second Saturdays Are for Families: Sensory Sundays @ Laura's. 11 a.m. See 3 for details. Wobbly Weebles. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Can you Sun. 2 for details. Early Literacy Playgroup. 11 a.m. make a sculpture that will sway, bob, and dip, Kids Chess Open Play. 1:30 to 3 p.m. See Recommended for ages 5 and under. Playing but never falls over? The Contemporary Sun. 2 for details. is learning! Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Austin, 3809 West 35th St. Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. thecontemporaryaustin.org. 512-453-5312. Tween Council. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Reserved for Tweens age 9-12. Help your librarians Baby Time. 11 to 11:30 a.m. This program is Discovery! @ Westbank. 1 to 3 p.m. See choose the best events for you and other for babies 12 to 18 months old, and their Sat. 1 for details. tweens. Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez siblings, with an adult. Pflugerville Public Come & Go Crafts. 1 to 3 p.m. The whole St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. family is invited to drop in to make a fun 17th Annual Black Composers library.pflugervilletx.gov. craft. We'll have all the supplies you need! Concert—The Living Composer. 4 p.m. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Our 17th year of this annual event pays Lohman’s Crossing. laketravislibrary.org. 512-263-2885. Cordovan Art School: Daddy Daughter Valentines Art Night! 4:30 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 and 8 p.m. Cordovan Art School, 3810 Gattis School Rd. #108. roundrocktexas.gov. 17th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance. 5 to 10 p.m. It promises to be an evening they 2020 will long remember, as daughters twist and twirl with the dads. Clay Madsen Recreation celebrating 25 years Center, 1600 Gattis School Rd. $12. roundrocktexas.gov. 512-218-3220. 17th Annual Black Composers We’re looking for amazing stories, Concert—The Living Composer. written and illustrated by kids in 6 p.m. Our 17th year of this annual event Kindergarten to fifth grade! pays tribute to living African-American composers from across the country. Dell We’ll publish all stories Fine Arts Center, Black Box Theatre, 5901 on our website, Southwest Pkwy. FREE. every kid will get a austinchambermusic.org. certificate, and some The Baby Animals Art Show. 6 to 8 p.m. will get prizes. Enjoy complimentary champagne with fresh peaches! (21+), sparkling apple cider, snacks, and a Baby Plush Animal Raffle! Get more info at kids.austinpbs.org/writers Beautiful, adorable, and rare local art by a Entry deadline is March 31st variety of talented artists! Terra Toys, 2438 W.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 41 American Mah Jongg. 1 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. Wed 12 Teen Council. 3 to 4:30 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. STEM Club. 3:30 to 4 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. Valentine Playtime. See Mon. 10 for details. Lego Lab. 3:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 5 and up. With Legos, Circle Time. 10:30 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. you can build anything you can imagine. Little Walnut Creek Branch, Switch It Up Teen Gaming. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. See Wed. 5 for 835 W. Rundberg Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. details. Free Play @ Laura's. 4 to 7 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. Tween Book Club. 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Tweens will discuss their LEGO Lab (ages 5+). 4 to 5 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. favorite books and learn about similar books they might enjoy. Valentine Playtime. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your little sweeties to a Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. playtime featuring Valentine-themed activities. Round Rock Pubic library.pflugervilletx.gov. Library, 216 E. Main St. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. 512-218-3275 STEAM Studio. 6 to 7 p.m. See Wed. 5 for details. Tue 11 Thu 13 Musica Y Movimiento. 10:30 a.m. Recommended for ages 3-5. Little Texans: Move. 10 a.m. Gallop, jump, dance, and spin your Bring your favorite little one to stretch, sing, dance & play. Terrazas way through the museum. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Branch, 1105 E. César Chávez St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com. 512-936-8746. Spanish Circle Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. See Tues. 4 for details. Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. Homeschool Happenings. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enrichment activities and social time for homeschoolers of all ages. Georgetown Public Valentine Playtime. 10 to 11 a.m. See Mon. 10 for details. Library, 402 W. 8th St. visit.georgetown.org. Bilingual Boogie. 10:30 a.m. Join Sra. Garrett to learn basic Homeschool Teens. 2 to 3 p.m. See Tues. 4 for details. Spanish vocabulary through singing, dancing, games, and more. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. Family Board Night. 5:30 p.m. Do you love playing board games? laketravislibrary.org. 512-263-2885. Come play! Austin Public Library Central Library, 710 E. César Chávez . FREE. library.austintexas.gov. 512-974-7400. Music & Movement. 11 a.m. See Thurs. 6 for details. Teen Writing Group (ages 12-18). 6:30 to 8 p.m. Do have a Let's All Play - Board Game Day! 3 to 5 p.m. See Thurs. 6 for passion for the writing? Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. details. roundrocktexas.gov. Kids Crafternoon. 3:30 to 4 p.m. See Thurs. 6 for details. Lego Lab. 4 p.m. Recommended for ages 5 and up. With Legos, you can build anything you can imagine. Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Sensory Friendly Valentine's Day Party. 5 p.m. Pizza dinner, open play, valentine craft. Sponsored by Centria Autism. We Rock the Spectrum, 7010 W. Hwy 71. FREE. werockthespectrum.com. Fri 14 Coloring and Conversation. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Put a little color in your life! Join us for coloring and a splash of lively conversation. Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktexas.gov. 512-401-5600. Valentine Playtime. 10 to 11 a.m. See Mon. 10 for details. Picnic Under the Stars. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Pack your blanket, a picnic, and your loved ones and join us for a night under the stars! Buda Library, 405 E. Loop St. budalibrary.org. Sat 15 Baby Day. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baby Day is the only statewide celebration of the first three years of life. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. FREE. babyday.us. Round Rock Area Pokemon Club. 9 to 10:30 a.m. See Sat. 1 for details. Baby Bloomers. 9 to 10 a.m. See Sat. 1 for details. Code Chica. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See Sat. 1 for details.

42 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. 2020 Central Texas Teen & Kids Comic Con. 10 a.m. Whether Homeschool Teens. 2 to 3 p.m. See Tues. 4 for details. you're a student or have a student, this is the comic con for you. ABCs of Cooking. 4 p.m. This program is aimed at 5 to 10 Round Rock High School, 201 Deep Wood Dr. FREE. year-olds. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. sites.google.com/roundrockisd.org/ctxteenkidscomicon/home. FREE. laketravislibrary.org. 512-263-2885. Crafternoon! 10 a.m. Time to make some art! Brentwood Social Family Board Night. 5:30 p.m. See Tues. 11 for details. House, 1601 West Koenig Ln. $8. brentwoodsocial.com Board with Books. 6 to 8:45 p.m. See Tues. 4 for details. Chess Club at the Library. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 10-18. King, Celebrating African-American History Month. 6:30 to 8:30 Pawn, Rook, Castling, Checkmate, Stalemate! Do you know what p.m. The Stony Road book discussion. All ages welcome. We'll these words mean? Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. discuss Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s latest book. Milwood Branch, 12500 roundrocktexas.gov. Amherst Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. This exhibit on the ground floor of the Texas State Capitol highlights one of the most influential Wed 19 African-Americans in the U.S. 1100 Congress Ave. FREE. Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. barbarajordanfreedomfoundation.org. Circle Time. 10:30 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. @ Westbank. 1 to 3 p.m. See Sat. 1 for details. Discovery! Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. See Sat. 15 for details. 2 to 4 p.m. Join us for our TAG: Teen Anime and Gaming. Crafternoon. 3 p.m. See Wed. 5 for details. monthly club for anime and gaming enthusiasts! Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktexas.gov. 512-401-5600. Switch It Up Teen Gaming. See Wed. 5 for details. Star Party. 6 p.m. Join the Austin Astronomical Society in viewing Tween Scene. 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monthly activity for tweens ages stars, planets, and galaxies through dozens of telescopes at 8-12. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. Pedernales State Park. Reserve your spot. austinastro.org. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Tweens Hooked on Books. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Do you ever get Sun 16 caught reading under your covers with a flashlight, way past your FREE Skate Lessons. 11 to 11:30 a.m. See Sun. 2 for details. bedtime? This event is for you. Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Sensory Sundays @ Laura's. 11 a.m. See Sun. 2 for details. Discovery Blvd. cedarparktexas.gov. 512-401-5600. Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. See Sat. 15 for details. STEAM Studio. 6 to 7 p.m. See Wed. 5 for details. Kids Chess Open Play. 1:30 to 3 p.m. See Sun. 2 for details. Crafty Café. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a beverage while being crafty. Materials will be provided while supplies last. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Teen Book Club. 2 p.m. The club will discuss They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing. laketravislibrary.org. 512-263-2885. Mon 17 Baby Bloomers. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. Presidents' Day Skate. 12 to 6 p.m. School is out, so join us for our annual Presidents Day Skate from 12 to 6 p.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr. $9-14. playlandskatecenter.net. 512-452-1901. Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. See Sat. 15 for details. American Mah Jongg. 1 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. LEGO Lab (ages 5+). 4 to 5 p.m. See Mon. 3 for details. Tue 18 Spanish Circle Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. See Tues. 4 for details. Music & Movement. 11 a.m. Recommended for ages 3-5. Bring your favorite little one to stretch, sing, dance, and play. Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. See Sat. 15 for details. Family Movie: Aladdin. 1 to 3 p.m. Rated PG. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. FREE. roundrocktexas.org. 512-218-3275.

Pick us up at HE B, Whole Foods, and Central Ma rket. February 2020 austinfamily.com 43 Thu 20 American-Statesman, 305 South Congress Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. Ave. cap10k.com. 512-445-3988. library.pflugervilletx.gov. Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. Round Rock Area Pokemon Club. 9 to Qi Gong @ Laura's. 10 to 11 a.m. See Mon. Play Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. See Thurs. 6 10:30 a.m. See Sat. 1 for details. 3 for details. for details. Baby Bloomers. 9 to 10 a.m. See Saturday Baby Time for Babies 12-18 months Music & Movement. 11 a.m. See Thursday 1 for details. old. 11 to 11:30 a.m. This program is for 6 for details. Winter Faerie Tea Party. See Sat. 1 for babies and their siblings, with an adult. Musica Y Movimiento. 11 a.m. details. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Recommended for ages 3-5. Bring your St. library.pflugervilletx.gov. favorite little one to stretch, sing, dance & Code Chica. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See Sat. 1 for American Mah Jongg. 1 p.m. See Mon. 3 play. St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave. details. for details. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Tinkering Take Homes: Sky High Sensory Storytime (Registration Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Kites. 10 a.m. See Sat. 8 for details. Required). 3:30 to 4 p.m. Geared for See Sat. 15 for details. Saturday Craft. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All ages children ages 8 and under who are on the Let's All Play - Board Game Day! 3 to welcome. Supplies provided for making autism spectrum. Cedar Park Public Library, 5 p.m. See Thurs. 6 for details. creative and thematic crafts. Milwood 550 Discovery Blvd. cedarparktexas.gov. Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr. FREE. Crafternoon. 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome. 512-401-5600. library.austintexas.gov. Drop by the library and make a craft while STEM Club. 3:30 to 4 p.m. See Mon. 3 for you search for books. Howson Branch, 2500 Black History Month Kids’ Day. 11 a.m. details. Exposition Blvd. FREE. This year our theme is voting! George LEGO Lab (ages 5+). 4 to 5 p.m. See library.austintexas.gov. Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. FREE. austintexas.gov. 512-974-4926. Mon. 3 for details. Kids Crafternoon. 3:30 to 4 p.m. See Rockin Kids Club Game On. 4:30 p.m. Thurs. 6 for details. Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. See Sat. 15 for details. Elementary students, come laugh, play, build Perler Bead Palooza. 6 to 8 p.m. friendships, and build mathematical thinking. Recommended for ages 5+. Make amazing Discovery! @ Westbank. 1 to 3 p.m. See Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. pixelated creations using fusible beads. Sat. 1 for details. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. 512-218-3275. Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St. RRISD String Festival. 2 to 4 p.m. Cedar FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Ridge High School Auditorium, 2801 Gattis Tue 25 Board with Books. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All School Rd. roundrocktexas.gov. Spanish Circle Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. ages welcome. Do you love playing board RRISD Orff Festival. 4 to 5:30 p.m. See Tues. 4 for details. games? Then come to Board with Books! Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Homeschool Happenings. 11 a.m. to 1 Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Center, 5800 McNeil Dr. roundrocktexas.gov. 2 p.m. See Tues. 11 for details. Rundberg Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Sun 23 Homeschool Teens. 2 to 3 p.m. See Tues. Science Thursday. Discover the science 4 for details. of the Story of Texas! Bullock Texas State FREE Skate Lessons. 11 to 11:30 a.m. See History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave FREE. Sun. 2 for details. Family Board Night. 5:30 p.m. See Tues. 11 for details. thestoryoftexas.com. 512-936-8746 Sensory Sundays @ Laura's. 11 a.m. See Fri 21 Sun. 2 for details. Wed 26 Coloring and Conversation. 10 a.m. to Austin Family Magazine's 22nd Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. 12 p.m. See Fri. 14 for details. Annual Summer Camp Fair. 12 to 4 p.m. Circle Time. 10:30 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for FREE Family Fun. There will be camp details. Barbara Jordan Exhibit. 12:30 to 2 p.m. giveaways throughout the day, fun activities, See Sat. 15 for details. entertainment. Palmer Events Center, 900 Switch It Up Teen Gaming. 4:30 to TGIF Movie with Popcorn. 1 to 3:30 p.m. Barton Springs Rd. FREE. austinfamily.com. 5:30 p.m. See Wed. 5 for details. Family-friendly classic movie with popcorn. 512-733-0038. STEAM Studio. 6 to 7 p.m. See Wed. 5 for Bring a drink! Elgin Public Library, 404 N. Kids Chess Open Play. 1:30 to 3 p.m. See details. Main St. elgintx.com. Sun. 2 for details. Thu 27 Lego Club. 4 p.m. Do you love Legos? Join Inclusive Board Game Group. 4 to Sprouts. 10 to 11 a.m. See Wed. 5 for details. us for a free play session. Lake Travis 5:30 p.m. See Sun. 9 for details. Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. FREE. laketravislibrary.org. Mon 24 Play Time. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. See Thurs. 6 512-263-2885 Baby Bloomers. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See Mon. for details. Sat 22 3 for details. Music & Movement. 11 a.m. See Thursday 6 for details. Texas Wildflower Run. 8 to 10 a.m. Austin Baby Time for babies 3-12 months old. 10K’r invites you to join us for a unique 10 to 10:30 a.m. This program is for babies Let's All Play - Board Game Day! 3 to 5 variety of fun running routes that will Austin and their siblings, with an adult. Pflugerville p.m. See Thurs. 6 for details. 44 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Kids Crafternoon. 3:30 to 4 p.m. See Tue 11 Thurs. 6 for details. Community CPR (Adult/ Child/ Explorers Club (Lego Lab). 3:30 to 4 Infant CPR w/ AED & First Aid). 5 to 7 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-3 p.m. Physicians Premier Emergency meet for Lego play time. Cedar Park Public Room-Central Austin is hosting a monthly Library, 550 Discovery Blvd. CPR Training. Violet Crown Clubhouse, cedarparktexas.gov. 512-401-5600. 7100 Woodrow Avenue. 512-371-0911. Fri 28 Sun 23 Play Group for All Abilities. 9:30 a.m. Round Rock Dyslexia Group. 1:30 to Please join us for a play group for kids of all 3 p.m. Parents are welcome to join the abilities at Easterseals Central Texas, 8505 Round Rock Dyslexia Group at the Round Cross Park Dr., Suite 120. FREE. Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. www.easterseals.com/centraltx. roundrocktexas.gov. Coloring and Conversation. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. See Fri. 14 for details. Science Friday. 3 to 5 p.m. Come for seasonally-themed science and STEAM stations the whole family will enjoy. St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. 512-974-7570. Crafternoon. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, movies, and music. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Movie Matinee. 3:30 p.m. Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Rated PG (2019). All ages welcome. Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov. Harlem Globetrotters. See Thurs. 27 for details. Sat 29 Baby Bloomers. 9 to 10 a.m. See Sat. 1 for details. Code Chica. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See Sat. 1 for details.

Parenting Events

Sat 1 Austin City-Wide School Open House. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participating public, private, and charter schools across Austin will be opening their doors to parents interested in learning more about schools. A central event featuring more info and prizes will take place at the Mueller Lake Park & Amphitheatre in front of the Thinkery, 4550 Mueller Blvd. FREE. Sat 8 Kirby Hall School Open House. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Kirby Hall School, 306 W. 29th St. FREE. kirbyhallschool.org. 512-474-1770. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 45 Sweet, Luscious Snacks for Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day naturally brings thoughts of hearts, flowers, sweetness, and love. Because it also occurs during American Heart Month, Frosted Watermelon Cutouts it’s a perfect opportunity to start taking care of

your own heart and the hearts of loved ones. 1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1/2-3/4-inch thick slices Part of the charm of the day’s celebrations is 4 brownie bites in giving family and friends flavorful foods to 1 cup frosting (any flavor) enjoy from chocolates and candies to other sugary treats. However, the festivities don’t Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut have to be completely focused on unhealthy shapes out of watermelon slices or simply bites in order to make someone feel special. use cut watermelon wedges, if desired.

This year, it can be easy to share in the fun of Top heart shapes with brownie bites and Valentine’s Day by serving those you love with add frosting as desired. sweet, seasonal treats. For example, these Frosted Watermelon Cutouts make for ideal snacks for children and adults alike whether Watermelon and it’s an after-school treat or a sweet dessert Chocolate Dessert Board with just three ingredients, heart-shaped Servings: 6-8 cookie cutters and minimal time spent in the

kitchen. 1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cut into wedges and cubes If you’re really looking to impress that special 1 cup fresh raspberries someone, this Watermelon and Chocolate 1 cup fresh red cherries Dessert Board calls for creativity and plenty of 1 cup strawberries, trimmed tasty morsels like berries, cashews, almonds and halved and dark chocolate. Without any baking or 1/4 cup dried cranberries cooking required, simply spread out the 1/3 cup roasted, salted cashews ingredients for a platter that’s just as visually 1 cup chocolate covered almonds appealing as it is appetizing. 1 dark chocolate bar, broken into squares Both recipes include the benefits of 1 cup coconut chips watermelon, which boasts plenty of vitamin C to boost the immune system’s defenses as a mint leaves, for garnish cholesterol-free, fat-free and sodium-free food. Plus, watermelon draws its red color On serving board, arrange watermelon in from the powerful antioxidant lycopene (12.7 center and surround with raspberries, mg per serving), which may help protect cells cherries, strawberries, cranberries, from damage. The healthy treat is American cashews, almonds, chocolate and coconut Heart Association Heart-Check Certified with just 80 calories per serving, making it the chips. Scatter mint leaves around board perfect snack. for garnish.

Courtesy of Free Features and watermelon.org.

46 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. The Art of Origami Hearts Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into representational art pieces. Turning a simple piece of paper into a beautiful sculpture can be fun and engage your precision art skills. Making a cute origami heart is as simple as six steps! See the diagram for precise folding instructions.

1. Using a piece of square paper, fold from corner to corner, creating an "X" in the square. 2. Fold in the top dotted line. 3. Fold in the bottom dotted line. 4. Fold in the side dotted lines. 5. Fold side corners backward behind heart. 6. Fold top corners backward behind heart.

Once your heart is complete, use a pen or marker to write a sweet message to your loved one! Learn how to make your own origami hearts through Feb. 14 at Terra Toys located at 2438 W. Anderson Ln. There, you can pick up free supplies including origami paper and instructions. And for little ones, pre-folded hearts are available.

Terra Toys has been providing Austin with classic, fun, and beautiful toys, gifts, books and treats for over 35 years.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods, and Central Market. February 2020 austinfamily.com 47 The Mysterious Mr. Stover

It’s February, the month we find ourselves our thumbs into the back of each virgin knee-deep in chocolate. My favorite is the chocolate. There were sacrifices, of assorted box. course. The Peanut Chew, Cherry Cordial, Maple Nut, Caramel Fudge. Afterwards, we ust for gr ns As a kid, my dad once surprised my flipped them back and fled, leaving the J I mother with a three-foot wide box of violated crew for our mother to deal with. chocolates for Valentine’s Day. It had been CATE BERRY a particularly bad January. A house full of Looking back, it wasn’t the Pink Taffy we Cate Berry is a children's book author and mother of two based in Austin, TX. head lice and a depleted supply of Tab had craved. It was the mystery. Even a sent her to the sofa with a terminal disgusting Apricot Cream can give you a headache. little lift when your thumb punches through. Enter: Russell Stover. Today, I can’t resist buying a big heart- Never had my siblings and I felt my shaped box for my husband. I get the one father’s love so acutely as when we that’s frilly, golden-boxed, and red-ribbon watched my mother unwrap that whopper. topped. The suspense builds inside me as I The sheer number of chocolates made us pay for it and skip outside, unwrapping it pine for marriage. in the parking lot. I inhale and press the back of a dark chocolate oval. Mom chose a dainty lump with nuts. We shuddered. Wasting your first pick on a Texas is a community property state. Who nutter. We knew the prize: Pink Taffy. Later, am I to let the mystery be? at midnight, we pillaged, carefully pressing

48 February 2020 austinfamily.com View the magazine online at austinfamily.com. Visit our advertisers. Join your community in giving back local

Amplify Austin Day March 5-6, 6pm-6pm Get involved at AmplifyATX.org

Let’s keep our city thriving, and donate to the local nonproﬁts that address our most pressing needs.

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