September 2012
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10/15/12Let's Go: Elmwood CemeteryIt seems contradictory to think of visiting a cemetery as a way to appreciate life, but that’s just what we did on a recent in-service day for Memphis City Schools. When I find myself with my four kids at home (they having invaded the sanctity of my office), my mind naturally goes to the outdoors and activities to keep them entertained. My oldest had a school project due and would need to be taken to Elmwood Cemetery to work on a documentary he and some classmates were producing for his class at White Station High. Their topic was the Yellow Fever Epidemic and the cemetery has entire sections filled with victims and the nuns who cared for them. Spirits with the Spirits, Elmwood's big fundraiser, happens Saturday, October 20th, at 7 p.m. The... |
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10/02/12Read This: Little Red Riding HoodWhether it’s fairy tales, or “Mother Goose” nursery rhymes, preschool is a great time to read the classics with your children. Some of the darker tales can be a bit Grimm (yes, I had to go there), so it’s nice to find a version that retains the storyline but with a new spin. With this book, it is the illustrations that hold appeal. Little Red Riding Hood, as retold by Harriet Ziefert with illustrations by Emily Bolam (Puffin Easy-to-Read), was chosen from the library shelves by my daughter for its colorful front cover and amusing artwork, especially the illustrations of her favorite villain, the Big, Bad Wolf. I recommend this title because, in my years of reading children’s books, I’ve been perplexed by the way many traditional stories... Posted at 07:00 AM | Permalink | Comments: 2 |
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10/01/12Germantown's New Bobby Lanier Farm Park Offers Family Fun in OctoberFrom meeting farmers and taking garden tours to exploring storybooks, the newly opened Bobby Lanier Farm Park in Germantown offers a wide variety of activities guaranteed to engage everyone in your family. FUN FOR AGES 3 TO 5 If you've got preschoolers, check out Discovery Fridays (through October 26th), at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. You'll meet the farmer, visit farm animals, and take part in drop-in discovery activities that foster learning. There is also Saturday Storybook Walks through October 27th. This self-guided program combines a children’s story with a walk on a designated route around the Farm Park. Staff will be on-hand to provide trail maps and instructions. FUN FOR AGES 6 TO 12 Looking for an after-school activity for your 6- to 12-year-olds?... |
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09/27/12Hey St. Jude Sends Upbeat MessageHave you seen the latest St. Jude video? It's a recording of the Beatle's tune, "Hey Jude," sung by its children and a host of A-list celebrities. It's just another way St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is trying to raise awareness about the work they do treating childhood cancer — this time via Twitter at #heystjude. Everyone gets into the act, from kids, their parents, and staff, to stars like Betty White, Michael Jordan, Keith Urban, Jennifer Anniston, Robin Williams, and more. Marlo Thomas tells how her brother was the driving force behind the new campaign at Huffington Post. St. Jude: A home-grown hospital on a world mission — right here in Memphis. |
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09/25/12Teens From Stax Music Academy To Sing in Berlin, GermanyTalented teens from the Stax Music Academy will show off homegrown R & B next weekend in Berlin, Germany. Standout students will provide live entertainment for the opening reception of “Memphis Exhibition Berlin” at Gibson Guitar Showroom in Berlin on September 28th. Organized by Berliners Clemens Gubernath and Jacqueline Mende, the exhibit showcases Memphis music with film clips, photos, clothing, as well as other memorabilia that traces the history of Beale Street and the Sun and Stax Records labels. It’s an exciting opportunity for the nine musicians, who were selected by their teachers for the honor. The group includes Brandon Chornes, drums, Tia Henderson, vocalist; Justin Hicks, vocalist; Alan Maguire, bass; Carl Maguire, drums; Tangela Matthis,... |
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09/18/12The Tricks to Disciplining ChildrenHave you ever noticed how some teachers have that magic something that gets kids to behave? Either they distract with a new task or point out a trait that makes the child feel proud and, whoosh, the naughty behavior disappears. It takes spending time in the trenches to really understand what makes kids tick. But with a little guidance and practice, we can all learn from these educators. Read on about these 13 discipline tricks from teachers. If you can master some of their tactics, we're fairly certain your day will be a lot easier. Posted at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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09/15/12Fashionista of the Week: EmmaLittle girls love to explore the world. Which is just what 3-year-old Emma was busy doing when we happened to meet up recently at the zoo. This photo captures her character quite well I think, and it makes me smile. As my mother would say, the girl's got spunk. Emma is currently enjoying the princess phase of life (according to her mom, Sara), which is undoubtedly what drew her to this royal purple ensemble. Her butterfly top, all ribbon and sequins, is playfully matched with a twirly, lavendar paisley skirt. And don't you love her sparkly pink princess shoes? Who wouldn't want a pair like these to brighten up one's look? If eyes are the window to the soul, then when Emma's young prince comes around someday, I do believe he'll be... Posted at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1 |
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09/10/12Taylor Swift Releases New Song in Time for Childhood Cancer Awareness MonthDid you know September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month? And fittingly, singer/songwriter Taylor Swift has released a new song, about a mother losing her 4-year-old son to cancer. The song, Ronan, was inspired by mom Maya Thompson's blog, which details the time she had with her youngest son, Ronan. Swift lists Thompson as co-author of the song. The country music superstar performed her new song live for the first time at the Stand Up to Cancer Benefit last weekend. Ronan is a touching tribute to a mother's memories — of dreams and toy cars, joy and heartbreak. Maya's son, Ronan, was diagnosed in August 2010 with a Stage 4 nueroblastoma. The cancerous mass, which settled behind his left eye, was treated aggressively but months later, the little... |
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09/09/12On Grandparents Day, Introduce Them to Grandparents.comGrandparents hold a special place in family life. As Memphis Parent reader Rosalynn Arnold-Martin writes, her parents, Oretha and Mike, (pictured left) are awesome because "they always give our sons, Joshua and James, plenty of hugs and kisses." Grandmother Oretha also sends a text message every day showing what they are up to. "They are the coolest grandparents on Earth!" says Rosalynn. Since today is Grandparent's Day, take a minute to say thank you to those who help make life grand for your family. Share a special meal together. Or give them a card to express your thanks. It doesn't have to be lavish, but your grandparents will appreciate knowing they're special to you. To help your grands manage life in today's busy world, let them know... |
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09/06/12Two Local Teens Featured in PBS Documentary "Broadway or Bust"The bright lights of Broadway proved dazzling for 17-year-old Sam Shankman and Sabaa Sharma this summer. As winners of the Orpheum's High School Musical Theatre Awards for Best Lead Actor and Actress, the two teens spent a whirlwind week in New York City, competing for the Jimmy Awards, the high school equivalent to the Tony's Awards. As part of the competition, the 60 regional winners worked with Broadway voice and dance coaches to stage a musical, where a panel of judges selected the grand prize winners. Their most excellent adventure is chronicled in a new, Glee-like documentary, Broadway or Bust. The hour-long, three-part series airs this Sunday night at 7 p.m. on WKNO-TV (Ch. 10), and continues through September 23. It will be rebroadcast on Mondays, September... Posted at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments: 2 |
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09/05/12What Makes Your Grandparents Grand? Send Us Your Picture and Let Us Know!Grandparents are the type of people families can rely on. They feed us when we're hungry, they care for our babies, they love us, warts and all. Grandparents also connect us to our past; they help us understand the road our family has traveled. If you've got ones who care, give them a hug and a prayer of thanks. Because grandparents are special. They want what's best for you and your children. Celebrate their place in your world by sending us a photo and tell us why you think your grandparent is grand. It can be a picture of your family, one of your grandparent with their grandkids, or it can be you with a grandparent who made a difference in your life. We're gathering a collection of photographs that reflect the important role grandparents play in... |
