LancMoms.

com | April 9, 2011

ASK AN
EXPERT
Spring
Allergies
MOM’S
THE WORD:
Can’t Stop
the Clock
Mom of
the month
MELISSA
VOLER
Join LancMoms
Today!
Go to LancMoms.com
today & click on
Join Now. You’ll
receive e-mails about Sponsored by:
new features and
BIG PRIZES!

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL/LANCASTER NEW ERA

  • April  9, 2011
Can’t stop the clock
I waited in the car-pickup
line outside my daughter’s
elementary school. I brought
along a latte, one crossword
puzzle and nearly 30 minutes to
spare — early arrival a must if
I was to get a good spot toward
the front of the idling queue.
It is, after all, the Monday
routine. Upon school dismissal,
my daughter waves goodbye to
friends, jumps into the car and
reaches for the seat belt with one
hand and a snack with the other.
Then she pins her long hair into
a knot as I focus on getting her
to ballet on time.
But this day was different.
The buses pulled away from the
curb, and the “walkers’’ and “car
riders’’ spilled onto the sidewalk.
From my seat behind the wheel,
I scanned the students for my
daughter’s face. The cellphone
rang.
“I’m sorry, Mom, but I
forgot,’’ she said. “I’m on the
bus.’’
I looked toward the street,
and watched as her bus turned
the corner and proceeded out
of sight but toward our house,
where we met a few minutes
later.
On a typical Monday, I would
have been … annoyed.
based on
2 Corinthians 1:18–20
is accepting registrations for 2011-2012
Classes available for 2-5 year olds
Contact Frances Flinn, Director at
569-2651 for more information
But I saw the incident for what
it was: a simply perfect snapshot
of our lives today. There I sat,
quite comfortably, outside the
school that has become a home
away from home these past seven
years. Meanwhile, my daughter
caught a ride into the world
beyond, leaving me behind.
“There are two lasting
bequests we can give our
children,’’ reminds a quote
attributed to author Hodding
Carter Jr. “One is roots, the other
is wings.’’
I’m OK on the former, but
working on the latter.
Kids grow up, and there’s
nothing we can do to change
that bittersweet fact. Then again:
Would we really want to?
On a not-so-long-ago
Monday, I would have parked in
a lot, walked past the pickup line
and stood on the sidewalk so my
daughter could easily find me
when she emerged from school.
There would have been a hug,
even if nearby classmates were
watching. I’d have gripped her
hand before leading her through
the crawling traffic. My fingers
would have opened the car
door that hers were too small to
manage. She’d have climbed into
a safety seat, and munched on a
based on
2 Corinthians 1:18–20
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.
Barbara Hough Roda
pre-sliced apple while we made
our way to dance. Upon our
arrival, I would have twisted her
hair into a bun while she tried to
grab the brush and bobby pins.
A mom friend recently
confided that she’s put off
registering her youngest daughter
for fall kindergarten. She’ll do
it, she says. Eventually. Just not
yet. She’s not ready to let go. I
get it.
Meanwhile, I’m pretending
that my daughter won’t be a
seventh-grader next year. She
can’t wait. I can.
Other parents are preparing
tots for preschool. Some are
bracing for drivers’ education Youngster jumps out of a mobile, inflatable planetarium at
or senior week or a child’s One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure. Children learn
graduation into adulthood. Still about science, math and different cultures. See page 11.
- continued on page 5
Photo by Jeff Ruppenthal
Spring!!
Pamper Yourself This
Fabulous prizes worth more than $800
$250 Gift Card from Target
$200 Gift Card from Merry Maids
Chain Maille Shaggy Loops Bracelet from
Lancaster Bead Co. ($100 value)
$50 Gift Card & Basket from LUXE ($50 value)
$75 Gift Card from The Inn & Spa at Intercourse
$25 Gift Card & Basket ($30 value) from Meisse Candies
$35 Gift Card from The Loft restaurant
Contest starts May 1. Visit LancMOMS.com for details.
L ancaster, P a. VISIT LANCMOMS.COM April  9,  2011 • 

Mom of the
Month
Melissa Voler
By Maureen Leader
Special Features Writer
Melissa Voler is a stay-at-home
mom to three girls: Rebecca, 13;
Olivia, 12 and Kathryn, 10. The
Voler girls said they all worked
together to fill out the application
for their mother to be Mom of
the Month.
For the question, “What are
the two best things about this
mom?” They answered, “She
is always there to help us and
loves helping others.” They also
added that their mom “likes
gardening, cooking, volunteering
and spending time with her
children.”
That list can seem pretty
much run of the mill stuff for
any mother. And in talking to
Voler you learn that she does
what all stay-at-home mothers
do: keep house, cook, chauffeur
the children to their activities,
and try to help at their schools.
But what sets Voler apart is that
she takes what many of us see as
mundane and she mixes it up.
Voler is not afraid to try new
things and challenge herself
every day. And she does this
constantly with the knowledge
that her daughters are always
watching and always learning
from her.
Voler and her husband,
John live in Denver, PA in
their “very girly household.”
They have been married for
17 years. The couple met on a
blind date set up by her family.
“Everyone in my family
knew him except me,” she
remembers. Three years into their Melissa Voler with her daughters, left to right: Olivia, Kathryn, and Rebecca.
marriage they decided to start
a family. Voler was a buyer for
Doneckers and always planned
to be a stay-at-home mother.
To hear all that Voler does for
her family and her community
makes one wonder if there is
anything she can’t do. But Voler
- continued on page 11

Mom details more than 200

ANIMALS!
* Voler graduated Dickinson College with a degree in Art
History.
• Voler’s favorite thing to cook is dessert and her favorite food
is “anything chocolate … particularly chocolate lava cake.”
• The Volers only go out to eat “occasionally.”
• In the girls’ playhouse in the yard, Voler painted a beautiful Fun for the whole family!
mural with a castle and fairies. In a previous house Voler painted
a large mural of a circus and titled it, “The Voler Circus.” When Open daily*
her family moved she painted the new family’s name on it for
them.
• The Voler family loves to travel.
• Voler’s parents recently moved in next door. They see each

did youKNOW?
other often and the girls love it.
• Melissa Voler’s favorite television show is The Barefoot
Contessa or Giada on The Food Network.
There are only 20-40 ocelots left in the wild in
• John and Melissa Voler will soon have their first vacation
alone since the girls were born. They are going to Bermuda. the United States. Visit to see “Nib”and “Bean”,
• Voler’s Favorite season is spring. the Zoo’s ambassadors for this species.
• Voler admits she is at her happiest when she is doing things
for other people.
• Though her daughters are very musical, Voler says she is
not. “It skips a generation,” she said.
ZooAmerica.com 717-534-3900
*Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
©2011 Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. All words, designs, and phrases appearing with the symbol ®, SM, or TM are trademarks used under license or with permission. 11ZO5824
  • April  9,  2011
Ask an Expert
Spring allergies
By Dr. Pia Fenimore
Special to LancMoms.com
As I write this in early March,
the pollen count in Lancaster
County is slowly creeping up.
For those who suffer from
seasonal allergies, the counts are
like a poisonous ooze that seep
upward and make us more and
more miserable.
It is not a myth that Lancaster
County is a terrible place to live
if you suffer from allergies. In
fact, it made the top 100 worst
places in the U.S. for allergy
sufferers. Why? We have a triple
whammy:
• A fairly large volume of
industries, which translates into
poor air quality.
• Lots of farmland, which
allows for increased pollen
transport and ragweed growth.
• Soil type, which allows the
so called “pollinating trees”
(maple, oak, beech) to thrive.
Before you move from
our beloved Lancaster to the
tundra, remember there is pollen
everywhere. So don’t uproot;
instead, get smart and tackle the
allergies with the following tips.
Choose your time to be
outside carefully. Allergy
suffers should spend their time
outdoors in the morning because
that is when pollen counts are
the lowest. Choose moist, cooler
days to play or work outside. A
warm, dry, windy day will expose
you to the most allergens.
Don’t cut the grass, if you
are an allergy sufferer. And do
not allow children who suffer
from allergies to play in freshly
Educating Lancaster’s Children for over 25 years!
2750 Weaver Road, Lancaster www.montlanc.com
717-560-0815 Ph • 717-560-0817 Fax
Ages 20 months thru 6th grade
Karen Rubenstein, Director ~ director@montlanc.com
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM
cut grass.
Don’t breathe in pollen
while you sleep. Shower or
bathe before bed, including
washing hair where pollen
loves to hang out. Sleep with
the windows closed and the air
conditioning on, if possible. And
make sure that the filter in your
air conditioner has been changed
recently.
Avoid hanging clothes or
sheets outside to dry during
allergy season.
The allergy counter at your
local pharmacy can be a bit
overwhelming. And that is just the
tip of the iceberg since there are
many prescription medications
available, as well. They fall into
several categories:
Antihistamines
Histamine is a chemical
released from mast cells in
the body, which causes the
symptoms associated with an
allergic reaction. Antihistamines
attempt to block the release
of histamine, and therefore
block the symptoms caused
by histamine. There are short
acting antihistamines (Benadryl,
diphenhydramine) and long
acting antihistamines (Zyrtec,
loratadine, Claritin, Allegra).
Some are approved down to
age six months, but all of them
should only be used with advice
from a health care provider.
Nasal Sprays
There are many studies that
suggest that nasal sprays are more
effective than oral medications
for allergy symptoms. This is
especially the case for chronic
runny nose, itchy eyes and
Dr. Pia Fenimore
sneezing. They are appealing to
health care providers because
they put the medication exactly
where it is needed. They do
not get absorbed into your
blood stream, and therefore
have minimal side effects. Stay
away from decongestant nasal
sprays, which can cause rebound
congestion. Nasal Crom is a mast
cell stabilizer and is an OTC (over
the counter) spray, which can
help. There are also OTC saline
sprays, which help by flushing
out allergens from the nose. But
most of the allergy nasal sprays
require a prescription (Nasonex,
Flonase, Patanase, etc).
Eye Drops
The itchy, red eyes are the
number one most annoying
symptom for people. There are
OTC eye drops, and there are
prescription strength. They all
help to relieve the itch. But most
of them do not last long enough.
Many people have more success
treating their eye symptoms
with an oral medicine or a nasal
spray.
Alternative Treatments
Your local natural foods store
will have some therapies that
may help as well. Lycopodium
and sulphur, two agents found
in some homeopathic allergy
supplements, have been studied
and show some promising
results in treatment of allergy
symptoms. Herbs that are used
include echinacea and allium
cepa (onion). Specific foods have
been shown to thin upper airway
mucus and they are typically the
spicy foods: cayenne pepper,
garlic, hot ginger and onion.
Since the tiny pollen fragments
Lancaster, P a.
Things to watch for —
There are a few things to watch out for in kids when it comes
to allergies. They are:
• The “allergic salute” is when a child is constantly taking the
palm of their hand and pushing up on their nose to attempt to
“itch away” the allergies. This leads to an “allergic crease,” if it is
done chronically; that is when there is a horizontal crease across
the bridge of the nose. This crease goes away with time, if the
nose is left alone and the allergies are treated.
• Ear infections can be related to allergic symptoms. Anything
that causes increased mucus production can block the eustacian
tubes and cause an ear infection. It is much better to have your
child on a daily allergy medication than to have them on lots of
antibiotics.
• Allergies can be a trigger for asthma. If your child has
asthma, make sure his/her allergies are being addressed to prevent
wheezing.
• It takes a few seasons to sensitize to our environment, so
allergy symptoms in babies are usually rare. With each season
they tend to get worse as your antibody levels to the allergens
increases.
• Allergies make you irritable. The itchy ears, nose, and
mouth are enough to make any school-age kid cranky; then add
in congestion, sneezing and side effects from medicines (most
antihistamines have some drowsiness associated with them),
and you have a regular beast in your house. Respond to this by
eliminating symptoms when you can, helping your child get more
sleep, showering after outside play and nasal washes.
like to hang out in your nasal get this type of immunotherapy
passages and cause trouble, a as a way to avoid long term
neti pot or other nasal wash medication use. The shots
mechanism can be very helpful. provide a low level of consistent
These nasal washes are safe in exposure to the allergen with the
children, if done properly, and effect being a desensitization
help to remove offending agents. of the patient. The key to their
Don’t discount this just because success is consistency. This
its messy; it works, and there are means that the patient must
no side effects. receive a shot once a week during
the initial build up phase, which
So when do I need an
allergist? lasts 6-12 months. Then they
enter the maintenance phase,
The Lancaster County area
is blessed with many excellent which means one shot every four
weeks for three to five years.
physicians trained specifically
in allergies. Your primary doctor Children as young as age five
may refer you or your child can start allergy shots. Your child
to one if: it is difficult to find is ready for allergy shots, if she/
a medication regimen which he can communicate symptoms
clearly and can tolerate a shot once
works for you; there are other
problems, like asthma; or, it a week without too much fear.
would be helpful to have more It’s springtime ... kids need to go
testing. outside, stretch those muscles, climb
Allergists can do skin testing trees and roll down grassy hills.
or scratch testing, which is a These activities may lead to
process by which they identify allergy symptoms. Don’t fret,
the specific triggers for your just make a few adjustments,
allergies. This is helpful get help from your healthcare
information for understanding provider, if needed, and don’t let
the seasonality of your symptoms allergies hold your child back.
and for eliminating the offending Go play!
agents. And, an allergist can
prescribe allergy shots. Dr. Pia Fenimore, of
Allergy shots are no longer Lancaster Pediatric Associates,
considered “the last resort;” is a contributor to the LancMoms.
today, many people decide to com Ask an Expert feature.
L ancaster, P a.
Autism
In a previous article, we
discussed autism and I promised
to continue the discussion. The
Mayo Clinic defines autism
as one of a group of serious
developmental problems called
autistic spectrum disorders
that appear in early childhood,
usually before 3 years of age.
The autistic spectrum disorders
are usually associated with an
even larger diagnostic group,
Pervasive Developmental
Disorder ( PDD ).
In his book, “The Brain That
Changes Itself,” Norman Doidge,
M.D. writes, “The mystery of
autism — a human mind that
cannot conceive of other minds
— is one of the most baffling
and poignant in psychiatry
and one of the most severe
developmental disorders of
childhood. It is called “ pervasive
developmental disorder” because
so many aspects of development
are disturbed: intelligence,
perception, socializing skills,
language and emotion.”
The autistic child has
difficulty connecting with
others socially. They may treat
people like inanimate objects, in
extreme cases, neither greeting
them; or, even acknowledging
their presence. At times, it seems
that they have no sense that other
Mom’s the Word
- continued from page 2
others wonder how it could be
that their children are 30, 40,
even 50 years old.
Are parents ever really at ease
with the passage of time. And as
we celebrate the joys, does the
worry ever stop?
My daughter thinks my
anxiety about her growing up
is really apprehension about
my own — to put it delicately
— advancing maturity.
“You are getting older, Mom,’’
she matter-of-factly reminds me.
True enough.
But parenthood, and school
days, have quickened the pace.
It’s a tough world, and I’m
losing control. Not in our home,
or over what I can teach her. But
I can’t dictate her environment,
and those with whom she comes
in contact. No longer does she
go, and stay, where I put her.
The bandages and kisses that so
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM
minds exist — almost in a world
of their own. They also have
visual processing difficulties and,
thereby, often are hypersensitive
to touch and sound, and easily
overloaded by stimulation. The
neural networks appear to be
overactive.
This, then, brings to mind
several types of therapeutic
interventions that might be very
helpful in the development of the
autistic child. The most obvious
of which is psychological. And
while psychological therapy for
the child may be very helpful,
I think parental counseling is
equally important. Why, you
may ask. Well, parenting is one
of the most difficult tasks we
have in our lifetime. Yet no one
ever teaches us how or why. No
courses in school are offered,
etc. Now parenting a child who
has no problems or is an average
child is admittedly difficult. Now
think about parenting an autistic
child, who is completely different
in almost every way. Wilfull
misbehavior? Or, the response of
a child who perceives the world
completely differently? How
does the parent handle all of
these confusing issues? Thus, the
need for parental psychological
counseling.
Another possible helpful
easily fixed things for children
when they were little, become
insufficient salve as they grow
older.
Exhilarating adventures
await. So, too, peer pressure and
bullying. Will I have adequately
prepared her for all that is to
come? Will she be safe? Will she
remember the person she was
brought up to be?
“Just wait until you’re a
mother,’’ my own mom always
told me. Now I know what she
meant.
When I quizzed my daughter
about the appeal of middle school,
the answers were simple enough:
lockers and new friends.
It’s a sign I’m getting ahead of
myself and need to chill. I suppose
I can enjoy that crossword puzzle
and latte while, together, we
ready those 11-year-old wings
for the test flights to come.
Dr. Arthur Seiderman
therapy is occupational therapy.
Sensorimotor integration and
various types of brushing
techniques can be used to
help the child develop a better
understanding of the world
around them; and, become less
tactile defensive.
Vision therapy, as described
in my book, “20/20 Is Not
Enough,” talks about the
therapeutic intervention which
teaches children how to interpret
the world around them in a more
efficient way. Processing visual
information really defines much
of who we are. And, in fact,
how we respond and react to the
Barbara Hough Roda is mom
to Faith and managing editor
of the Sunday news. She can be
reached at 481-7335 and by email
at broda@lnpnews.com. Check
out her blog at LancMoms.com.
A mother
is not
a person to
lean on,
but a
person
to make
leaning
unnecessary.
~ Dorothy Canfield Fisher
information that we see. A basic
tenet of this work is that we all
do not see the same things, even
though we may be looking at the
same visual data.
Case in point, six people
observe an auto accident on
Duke Street. The police come
and interview individually the
six people who observed the
auto accident. The officer is
amazed that there are three
different accounts of this
accident reported, as well as
many different details noted
and relayed to him by the six
observers. Therefore, if the
autistic child can be taught to
visually interpret the world
around them, obviously that will
be enormously important in their
development.
Dr. Temple Grandin wrote in
her book, “Thinking in Pictures:
My Life With Autism,” “If
visual processing problems are
suspected, the child should see a
developmental optometrist. This
is a special eye doctor who can
do therapy and exercises to help
the processing problems that are
inside the brain. In many of these
children, the eye itself is normal
but faulty wiring in the brain is
causing the problem.
Hop into Accents for
the latest Spring Styles!
Scarves start at $7.00 Watches start at $12.00
Clip Earrings start at $4.00
Bring in this coupon
to fill her Easter Basket!
Enjoy $5.00 OFF
a purchase of $20.00
One coupon per customer per day.
Expires 5/1/11.
April  9,  2011 • 
“It is vital to understand that
children with autism may have
normal eyesight (20/20) yet
benefit from office based vision
therapy by a qualified Vision
Therapy Fellow.”
Determining what therapeutic
interventions are most important
is critical in aiding the
autistic child to develop. The
aforementioned are targeting
a better understanding and
interpretation of the world they
live in, as well as the behavioral
aspects of themselves and their
interaction with others.
Dr. Arthur Seiderman
(Leola, PA) an optometrist and
psychologist, who is a graduate
of The Gesell Institute’s program
of Child Developent at Yale
University, has written several
books, lectured throughout the
USA, Canada, and Europe.
His work has been translated
into six languages. He taught
graduate level courses at Penn
State University for many
years, is a past president of
The Disabled Reader Group
of The International Reading
Association (IRA), and
maintains his private practice
in Leola.
Accents
Tanger Outlets
(Above Nike Outlet)
717-390-0653
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9; Sun 10-6
 •  April  9,  2011
‘Clippin’ with Chris’
on LancMoms.com
By Amy Balestier
LancMoms.com moderator
Chris Younger never pays for
toothpaste.
And she rarely pays for
deodorant, shampoo, conditioner,
soap, lotion, Band Aids or
dishwashing liquid. To name just
a few.
Her secret? Clipping coupons.
No, she certainly is not one of
those slightly unhinged coupon
fanatics you may have seen on
TLC’s “Extreme Couponing.”
(Did you see the dumpster-
diving episode???) She’s simply
a mom looking to get the biggest
bang out of her shopping bucks.
She wants to help you do the
same.
On her new blog — Clippin’
with Chris — on LancMoms.
com, Younger will advise
readers on how to maximize
the use of coupons in order to
save the most money possible.
If you follow her guidance, you
too might be able to slash your
grocery bill in half.
Yes, in half.
“The problem is that simply
using a coupon does not
necessarily mean that you got a
great value,” Younger explains.
The trick is to match a coupon
with a sale for that same item
when purchasing the things that
your family needs or likes. It’s a
matter of timing.
And that’s where Younger
steps in. Using the coupons that
are found within the Sunday
News’ inserts (and occasionally
online, in magazines and a few
other places), Younger matches
coupons with the best sales in the
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM
Lancaster area, so readers know
exactly where they will find the
best deal. It saves them not just
money, but also time.
Younger’s interest in coupons
goes way back. “I’ve always
used coupons,” she says. “When
I was a teen, my mom let me use
coupons to go grocery shopping,
and I got to keep whatever I
saved. It was a good lesson to
learn — coupons are money.”
The idea to share her new
found fortune with others came
more recently. While a young
boy sat on Santa’s lap this past
Christmas, his mother confided
to Younger that the $50 talking
garbage truck he wanted
— Stinky the Garbage Truck
— was simply too expensive to
purchase.
“I felt bad because I knew
she could’ve gotten it for $30,”
Younger recalls. “It made me
realize that I wanted to help
people save money.”
The amount of money that
Younger saves might make one
think she has turned this into a
full-time job. Not so. Younger
swears she spends no more than
two to three hours per week on
couponing. And that includes
taking stock of what she needs,
planning meals, and doing the
shopping.
“The amount. of money
you save is worth [the effort],”
she explains. “If you organize
yourself, it will cut back on the
time you shop because you know
exactly what you are going in
for.”
Getting organized is the first
step to finding that pot o’ gold
at the end the checkout counter.
- continued from page
Younger advises to make a list of
the things your family likes and
uses, as well as what you have in
stock. She uses an Excel sheet to
record her family’s favorite meals
and the ingredients she needs to
make them. That way, she knows
how to fill her pantry.
“I have to be organized,” she
says. She ticks off the reasons
why: she has three children
(Jasmyn, 13, Samantha, 5,
and Jane, 3); a full-time job
as a realtor; and a property
management company that she
runs with her husband, Joe. “And
we have to have time for fun.”
Stocking up is also part of
the program. The idea is to buy
as many items as you can at the
best price so you have enough in
stock until the sale comes around
again, and you need more of that
particular item. According to
Younger, the sale
cycle is six to eight weeks;
what you find on sale now will
again go on sale about a month
and a half later. If you find you
have too much, she suggests
donating the extras or give away
to family and friends.
Younger admits that for
people who love to make things
from scratch, finding coupons
Lancaster, P a.
for whole foods — flour, sugar, What will you do with the
eggs, etc. — is tough. She finds money you save?
that her biggest savings comes
from toiletries and cleaning To contact Younger, you
supplies. The money she saves can submit a comment to her
goes towards buying her fresh blog or message her through
veggies, fruits and cooking her LancMoms.com’s account,
staples. username ClippinwithChris.
Tips from Clippin’ with Chris:
• Give your e-mail address each time a clerk asks you at
checkout. You’ll get identified as a frequent shopper and more
coupons or deals will come your way.
• Create a separate e-mail account to use for your couponing
activities; that will keep spam out of your personal account.
• Start small. Pick one store — one grocery and one
drugstore — and stick to it.
• Get to know a store’s coupon policy. Some stores, like
Target, allow you to stack coupons, combining a manufacturer’s
coupon and a store coupon for the same item. Others, like
Stauffers and Giant, double the manufacturer’s coupons.
• Think ahead. Anticipate what you’ll need in the coming
months — sunblock in the summer, cold medicine in the
winter — and buy enough of it to last the season when it goes
on sale.
L ancaster, P a.
Day Trippin’
Enjoy the outdoors at
Middle Creek
By Rochelle A. Shenk
Special Features Writer
Middle Creek Wildlife
Management Area is one of
our area’s gems. Owned by the
Pennsylvania Game Commission,
this 6,254-acre facility created
in 1973 straddles Lancaster and
Lebanon counties and is set aside
for the protection, propagation,
management, preservation and
controlled harvest of wildlife. It
includes a 400-acre man-made
lake, an oak-hickory forest and
open meadows.
It can be an outdoor
extravaganza for those who love
or would like to learn about
nature. There are 20-miles of
hiking trails, picnic areas and
a driving trail around the lake.
Fishing is permitted within
a designated area, and non-
motorized boats are permitted
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM
May 16 through Sept. 14. “We
also have a lot of activities for
families at the Visitors Center
including a scavenger hunt
for children and a variety of
workshops,” says Al Keith,
visitors center coordinator
for the Pennsylvania Game
Commission.
Middle Creek is a popular
spot for bird watchers, so Keith
says be sure to bring binoculars.
Nesting islands have been built
in the lake for Canada geese, so
a large population can be seen
year-round. In mid-February
through March, it’s a haven for
flocks of migrating snow geese
and tundra swans. The lake
and fields may by covered with
thousands of these beautiful
creatures who stop here on
their 4,000-mile one-way flight
between their winter home in the
south and their breeding areas in
the Artic Circle.
“People always ask when the
snow geese and tundra swans
will be here. There’s really
no specific date — they could
arrive anywhere between mid-
February to late-February. We
tell people: ‘if you look outside
your window and see a covering
of snow on the lawn, it’s not time,
but if the snow has melted and
there are patches of clear area,
you may want to take a drive to
Middle Creek. They like to be on
the lake, and the fields offer both
food and shelter for them,” Keith
explains.
While that’s a tip to keep in
mind for next winter, there’s
plenty to see at Middle Creek
right now. Keith says that Middle
Creek currently has nesting bald
eagles. “The best time to see
them is mid-April. The leaves
on the trees will not yet be out,
so you’ll have a clear view of
the nest, and the young will be
getting older and are more easily
visible. Children are always
fascinated by nesting birds, and
bald eagles are really neat to
watch,” he comments.
In the spring and summer it’s
possible to see wading and shore
birds including great blue herons,
little green herons, American
egrets. Throughout the year you
may also see ringneck pheasant,
bobwhite quail and rabbits in the
farmland areas and songbirds,
whitetail deer, ruffed grouse
(PA’s state bird), or woodcock in
the forest or along its edges.
If you’re walking or hiking
the trails, be sure to bring water,
and wear appropriate clothing.
Also be aware of poison ivy.
April  9,  2011 • 
There are also three picnic areas
located throughout the facility
as well as a covered pavilion
at the observation point at the
end of the Willow Point Trail,
a level path which is handicap
accessible so feel free to pack a
lunch to enjoy with the family.
Two trails are perfect for
children. The Conservation
Trail is a 1.4-mile loop from
the Visitors Center, up a
ridge, through forest, field and
wetlands. Spicebush Trail is a
0.7-mile trail that starts opposite
Sunfish Pond Dam, follows a
small stream through wetland
and forest.
An Interpretive Guide is
available for both of these trails.
About 9 miles of Horseshoe
- continued on page 9
  • April  9,  2011
Ask an expert
Understanding
your children
By Amy Balestier
LancMoms.com moderator
If only your child came
with a manual. How often has
that been said? Sure, parenting
manuals are great, and certainly
in abundance, but there is no one
magic road map to navigating
the twisty (sometimes bumpy)
journey of rearing children. Each
child is different. Each has their
own road map.
That’s just the thing that
Kirsten Freitag Murray —
contributor to LancMoms.com’s
“Ask an Expert” feature — wants
parents to understand.
“You need to know what
makes your child tick,” Freitag
Murray explains when talking
about how parents can better
understand their children. “In
which setting is your child
confident and calm or agitated.
And, you have to stay on top of
their developmental changes.”
As a LancMoms expert,
Freitag Murray hopes to guide
parents in building strong
relationships with their children.
Bike maintenance
(ARA) — Bicycle riding
is a favorite pastime for all
ages during the warm weather
months.
Whether you have had your
bike in storage or it hasn’t had a
recent tune up, spring is a great
time to make sure your bike is in
good working order.
There are a few simple steps
you can take to make sure you
have a pleasant ride.
Wheels and tires — Check
your tires for wear, cracks and
proper inflation. Bicycle tires are
no different than car tires, and
should be replaced if the tread
is worn or the rubber is cracked
or dry-rotted. Clean between the
sprockets using a rag or a proper
cleaning tool.
Using a dry rag, wipe down
the hubs, spokes, and rims on
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM
She’ll field questions on social
and developmental issues, such
as bullying and risky behavior
in teens, tantrums and timeouts
in younger children and sibling
rivalry that can sometimes arrive
with a new baby.
Freitag Murray has made a
career out of understanding what
makes children tick. In addition
to raising three children of her
own — Sam, 21, Elise, 17, and
Julia, 15 — with her husband
Michael, she was formerly
a Family Life Education
Supervisor at COBYS and an
elementary school teacher.
Currently, she facilitates the
class “Strengthening Families
Program 10-14” as a Parenting
Development Coordinator with
Compass Mark, Inc. The free
classes bring together parents
and their 10- to 14-year-olds for
communication building, family
cooperation development,
goal setting, and identifying
expectations and boundaries.
Creating a positive
relationship with your child, as
Freitag Murray advocates, is not
both wheels. If it’s hard to clean,
use mild soapy water. Never use
a hose or harsh cleaners to clean
your bike.
Frame — Clean the bike
frame and components starting
at the handle bars and work your
way back. Use mild soapy water
to loosen hard-to-remove grime.
As you’re cleaning, inspect
the frame for any cracks or
damage. If you see any cracks,
you should take your bike to a
bike shop for repair. Be sure to
also inspect your brake and shift
cables.
Lubrication — Apply a light
lubricant to the inside of your
cable housings and all of the
pivot points on your brake and
shift components. Avoid getting
any oil on your brake pads, and
wipe off any excess.
Kirsten Freitag Murray
just as simple as spending time
with your child.
“It’s about spending
intentional time, where you’re
pursuing a deeper relationship
with the child,” she says. For
example, discovering their likes
and dislikes, which are not
always so obvious, is one step
towards gaining that special
understanding.
And knowing your child
includes knowing what they
are up to — at all times. “When
parents decide this is too hard,”
Freitag Murray says, “that’s
when we see things falling
apart.”
Most young teens are
Brakes — Check your brake
pads. If they are worn beyond
the indicator line, they will need
to be replaced.
Bolts — Make sure all of the
bolts on the bike are tightened,
but be careful not to over tighten.
This includes your handlebars,
seat, pedals and shifters.
Clean the chain — One
of the last items in your bike
maintenance would be to clean
and lubricate the chain. Clean
the chain of dust and dirt with
a solvent-soaked rag. After
inspecting the chain, use a chain
lubricant
Test drive — The final step in
your spring bike prep is taking a
test ride. Check the gears and
brakes. Make adjustments if
necessary and then get your
helmet and enjoy the bike ride.
perpetually working towards
independence. But, she cautions,
it’s not time to let them face
tough choices alone; the brain
isn’t anywhere close to being
able to make big decisions at 13-
or 14-years-old. Parents need to
be a part of the decision-making
process.
“They’re not ready to do it
on their own, [but] they need the
practice,” she explains.
Additionally, Freitag Murray
disregards the old notion that
risky behaviors are just part of
growing up.
“I still see a prevalent attitude
among parents that using
tobacco, alcohol and marijuana
Lancaster, P a.
are a rite of passage,” she
says. “It’s a gateway to more
dangerous behaviors. Parents
need to take a stand on it.”
According to Freitag Murray,
use of these types of drugs can
eventually lead to truancy, sex,
low self-esteem and a disconnect
with family.
But, Freitag Murray
emphasizes, let’s not forget all
the good that’s going on out
there. “There are loads and loads
of parents who are doing a great
job, and tons of teens making
good choices,” she adds. “That’s
not said enough.”
The issues that Freitag Murray
will address within her “Ask
an Expert” column are issues
that are confronting parents
and children everywhere. And
she hopes that parents in the
Lancaster area will open up and
share their struggles.
With sharing, comes support,
even if it’s by answering one
question at a time.
If you are interested
in learning more about
participating in Compass Mark’s
Strengthening Families classes,
please contact Kirsten Freitag
Murray at kf_murray@fandm.
edu Strengthening Families
is supported through grant
money in partnership with
Elizabethtown Area Middle
School, Elizabethtown Area
Communities That Care and
Compass Mark, Inc.
L ancaster, P a.
Movie Review: Rango
By Maureen Leader
Special Features Writer
Rango, from Paramount
Pictures, is animated, rated PG
and it even features furry little
animals, including a sweet little
lizard. Because of this you
may be tempted the next rainy
Saturday afternoon to pack up
the kiddos in the minivan and
take them to see it. You may
even start looking on the shelves
of your local store for stuffed
toys of the Rango characters.
But before you do all that
know that Rango gives audiences
more than meets the eye in the
advertising trailers.
This movie is like an onion.
Rango has many, many layers.
And each layer will appeal to
a different audience member.
There’s a layer that kids would
like. There is a layer that fans
of western movies would like.
There is a layer that philosophers
would like. There is a layer that
cinematographers would like.
And, of course, there is the layer
that Johnny Depp fans would
like.
Luckily for audiences, Rango
works well on all these layers.
Johnny Depp, or Johnny
Depp’s voice, stars in Rango.
His voice is the voice of Rango,
the main character, a chameleon
who was living a rather plush
life as a family pet in a terrarium.
That is, until he fell out of the
car while his family was moving
Middle Creek
- continued from page 7
Trail, which is open to bicycles
and horses as well as hikers, cross
Middle Creek. This over 130-mile
trail begins at Valley Forge National
Park and ends at the Appalachian
Trail north of Hershey.
Keith says the Visitor’s
Center is a must-see for families.
There’s a “please touch” area
with animal skins, antlers, a
turtle shell and other items
that will appeal to a child’s
curiosity. There’s also a display
of preserved birds and other
native animals. The wall facing
the lake is a glassed observation
area — tables equipped with
binoculars and bird and animal
identification guides are placed
in front of the windows.
VISIT LANCMOMS.COM
and he finds himself alone in the
desert. While trying to regroup,
he happens upon a western
town called Dirt inhabited by
all kinds desert creatures. Dirt is
the perfect name for this dusty
little town. There is a severe and
mysterious water shortage there.
Rango, Dirt’s new stranger,
becomes sheriff and he must
get to the bottom of just exactly
what and who is behind the lack
of water.
Children will probably like
the residents of Dirt. But some
may be a little scared by them.
The characters are extremely
well done — every detail, every
hair on the animal’s face is there
on the screen. Though the film
is animated as in any other kids’
Monthly wildlife lecture
programs are presented free of
charge on Thursday evenings
beginning this month through
September — a program listing is
available online. Keith notes that
with advance notice the Game
Commission’s educators will
also present special programs for
school groups.
Middle Creek also hosts an
annual Wildlife Art Show in
August and a Wildfowl Show in
September. “Kids really enjoy
the retriever demonstrations and
the duck calling contest at the
Wildfowl Show,” Keith says.
Connect with nature and
spend some time at Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area.
The operation and maintenance
of Middle Creek are paid for
film the characters are not the
sweet and cute types we are used
to. The characters in Rango are
craggy desert varmints who are
living in a rundown town in the
middle of a depressing drought.
The film makes no apologies
for this. It doesn’t pretend to
be a Toy Story, Despicable Me
or Shrek. Though those movies
have their villains, they all have
some sort of redeeming quality
about them that endears them
to young audiences. The cast
of Rango does not play this
game. Parents need to know that
some kids may not be altogether
comfortable with them …
especially the character with the
arrow sticking out of his eye.
Along with the realistic
entirely from hunting license
monies. Information about
Middle Creek and the Visitor’s
Center are available through a
link in the Pennsylvania Game
Commission’s website: www.
pgc.state.us.
2010 Central Penn Parent
Family Favorite
New & Gently Used
Newborn - Teen Clothing, Shoes &
Accessories at unbelievable prices!
Toys! Maternity & Baby Care,
Equipment, Nursery & More!
3545 Marietta Ave • 717.285.0058
Closed Mon • Tu & W 10-5, Th & F 10-7, Sa 10-3
www.miraclesconsignmentshop.com
animals comes the realistic
scenery. The prairie where Rango
takes place is very dark and very
gloomy. It is dry. It is grimy. It
is depressing. It is Dirt. Again,
the film makes no apologies for
what it is.
As far as Johnny Depp goes
as the voice of Rango, he nails
it. He does not have a cartoon-
y voice to entertain the kiddies.
Rango is a softspoken character.
He is sensitive and caring and
Depp portrays that.
Rango is uncomfortable.
He doesn’t like standing out
(Remember, he is a chameleon!)
Cruisin’ the
Fossil Freeway
with Artist Ray Troll and Paleontologist Kirk Johnson
Now through May 1
400 College Ave.
Lancaster
291-3941
www.northmuseum.org
April  9,  2011 • 
He is unsure but plunges on. He
digs deep within himself. Depp
portrays that, also.
Throughout the movie there
are many subtle references to
many famous western movies.
The references will go over the
heads of most of the kids.
At one point, Rango is told by
The Spirit of the West, a Clint
Eastwood type character, “No
man can run away from his own
story.” And so Rango forces
himself to continue. He helps
the residents of Dirt figure out
the mystery of the drought.
The typical kids’ movie gives
lessons like “Reach for your
dreams, always do the right
thing, girls can do anything.”
As an adult reflecting on
Rango, it was the “No man
can run away from his own
story” line that stood out to me.
Hmmm.
Don’t blend in.
Face your fears.
Stand up to your foes.
Meet your challenges.
Stand up and stand out.
I find these lessons have a
little more meat and give a little
more to talk about with my
children.
And at the end of the day isn’t
that a little more important than
just buying the movie’s toys?
10  • April  9,  2011 VISIT LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.

Hey Mom, I’m bored!

By Cathy Molitoris
Special Features Writer
It’s the dreaded four-word
phrase no parent wants to hear:
“Hey Mom, I’m bored.” You
can be sure your children will
never utter those words when
you have plenty of ideas in
mind to keep them entertained.
No matter what your budget is,
there’s tons of family fun around
Lancaster. Check out these ideas
for banishing boredom from
your home.
THE STEAL:
LANCASTER CREATIVE
REUSE
Most kids love doing crafts
and sometimes, it’s the messier
the better! But buying craft
supplies can get expensive and
before long, craft materials can
take over your house. There’s a
better way and it’s located right
in downtown Lancaster.
Lancaster Creative Reuse
opened in the fall of 2010, with
a mission to connect community
excess to anyone who can use it
creatively.
The business collects
items that might otherwise be
discarded from area businesses
and individuals and provides
one-stop-shopping for all your
craft and project needs.
A project of the nonprofit
Keystone Art & Culture Center,
Lancaster Creative Reuse offers
open business hours when
individuals can come in and shop
for supplies as well as specific
nights — such as First Fridays
— when a craft table is set up
with a particular project anyone
can complete and take home.
In everything it does,
Lancaster Creative Reuse inspires
creativity, increases access to the
arts through affordability and
THE DETAILS
Lancaster Creative Reuse is
located in the lower level of the
Stahr Center, 438 N. Queen St.,
Lancaster. Hours are Mondays,
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays,
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays, 9
a.m. to noon; and First Fridays,
5 to 9 p.m. On the Web: www.
lancastercreativereuse.org or
phone: 341-4850.
WHAT THE KIDS SAY
Lancaster Creative Reuse
is a treasure trove for children.
My girls’ eyes lit up when they
saw the amount and variety
of materials waiting for them.
From tiny buttons to wallpaper
samples, fabrics, glass jars,
plastic containers and more,
there was plenty here to satisfy
their creativity.
We spent almost two hours
working on projects at the
craft table and each girl came
home with something unique
that reflected her style and
personality. They can’t wait to
visit again.
WHAT MOM SAYS
Some places say they offer
“affordable” products, but there
seems to be a big range in what
people consider that word to
mean. At Lancaster Creative
Reuse, “affordable” fits my
definition perfectly. Most items
cost less than $1, with some only
10 or 25 cents. My girls were
able to complete their projects
for less than $5 each.
If you have a Girl Scout troop
or Sunday school class, or any
other group of children, this
place is perfect for picking up
ample amounts of supplies for a
low cost.
Along with a free craft
offered every First Friday,
The Rose-sponsored Easter
EGGstravaganza at Overlook
Activities Center, to benefit
March of Dimes, April 16 from
9 to 11 a.m. On April 30, the
business will have a craft booth
at the Humanity Fest in Musser
Park in conjunction with the
YWCA Race Against Racism
from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
THE SPLURGE: PAINT-
YOUR-OWN POTTERY
The calendar may say
“Spring” but there are still
plenty of cool, damp days ahead
of us. When it’s too nasty to
head outside, bring your brood
indoors at any of the paint-
your-own pottery places located
throughout the county.
Star Glazers, located in
Centerville, The Pottery Works,
located in downtown Lancaster,
Jen’s Pottery Den, located in
the Village of Olde Hickory, Birthday parties are great at Lancaster Creative Reuse.
and Cygnet Studios, located in the Village of Olde Hickory, 711
Elizabethtown, offer plenty of Olde Hickory Road, Lancaster; WHAT MOM SAYS
inspiration for creating one-of-a- on the Web: jenspotteryden.com Painting pottery isn’t just for
kind painted pieces. or phone: 581-1427. children. Adults will enjoy it too,
Each location provides a Cygnet Studios is located at especially if you’re with a child
large selection of plain “bisque” 336 S. Market St., Elizabethtown; who can take care of herself, so
pieces. Visitors are invited to On the Web: conewagocoffee. be sure to budget for a piece for
choose a piece, select a variety com or phone: 367-6140. you, too.
of paint colors, and get to work If you’re looking for
putting their mark on the pottery. WHAT THE KIDS SAY something unique to do, all three
When you’re done painting, the We cannot drive past a paint- locations offer birthday parties
business keeps your piece for your-own pottery place without and a variety of special events
kiln firing and you can pick up my children clamoring for a that change monthly.
the finished product in about a visit. No matter how many Beyond pottery, Jen’s Pottery
week. times we go, they just can’t get Den offers opportunities to create
enough. The large selection a mosaic plaque or glass fused
THE DETAILS of pieces makes it easy to find necklace, along with the chance
Star Glazers is located in something for all ages and to try your hand at a clay pottery
the Western Corners Shopping the relaxed atmosphere (and wheel. The Pottery Works also
Center, 3027 Columbia Ave., staff members) keep energetic houses The Bead Works, a create-
Lancaster; On the Web: www. children contained for the length your-own jewelry adventure.
star-glazers.com or phone: 299- of the project. When we’ve Cygnet Studios provides a
4787. visited, I’ve seen children from full range of art activities, from
The Pottery Works is located at toddlers to teenagers enjoying drawing classes to pottery-wheel
16 W. Orange St., Lancaster; On themselves and having fun. opportunities.
the Web: www.thepotteryworks.

Visit LancMoms.com
encourages everyone to focus on Lancaster Creative Reuse will com or phone: 299-9963.
reuse. be participating in the 101 Jen’s Pottery Den is located in

Celebrate special spring days
If there weren’t enough
reasons to celebrate the spring
season, all of the holidays and
special days of remembrance
that take place during this time
could provide reason enough.
In addition to budding flowers
and warmer weather, spring
ushers in several major (and
minor) holidays that can provide
reasons to get together with
friends and family.
* Passover: A time of
reflection for Jewish people.
* Easter: The holiest day of
the year for Christians.
* Arbor Day: Plant a tree on a
warm, spring day.
* Earth Day: Pay homage to the
planet with some environmental
activities.
* Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate
the Mexican victory over the
French army.
* Mother’s Day: Give thanks
to Mom for all she’s done
through the years.
* Armed Forces Day: Honor
the military personnel who keep
the country safe.
Check out what other Lancaster Moms (and
Dads) are doing and saying. Forums, blogs,
questions, and answers all can be found at
LancMoms.com. Get a LancMoms.com
card, good for discounts and services.
Need a recipe?
Check out LancMoms.com’s Recipe Finder
Try Bacon ‘n Cheese Muffins
and Bacon Artichoke Dip.
L ancaster, P a. VISIT LANCMOMS.COM April  9,  2011 • 11

One World, One Sky

Area children discover the planets and stars in an inflatable dome while learning about science, math, and different cultures. It’s One World, One Sky: Big
Bird’s Adventure, a mobile planetarium tour for ages 4-6 with Elmo, Big Bird, and Hu Hu Zhu – a Muppet from the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street.
A part of PNC Grow Up Great – a 10-year, $100 million investment in early childhood education – the One World, One Sky dome travels to locations where
children wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to visit a planetarium. One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure can be seen year-round at Lancaster’s
North Museum of Natural History and Science. Photo by Jeff Ruppenthal

Mom of the Month

- continued from page 3
just shrugs her shoulders and
doesn’t see it as a big deal. She
says that to her being a stay-
at-home mother gives her the
freedom to do whatever she wants
for her family and community
whenever she wants. “I have
the time,” she said. And she uses
that time to put extra effort in at
home and in volunteering.
The family’s home is beautiful
and Voler did all the decorating
work herself. She made all the
window treatments in her home.
No one ever taught her how and
she simply says, “It was fun. I like
stuff like that.” She also worked
on finishing their basement by
helping the workmen lay tile and
hang drywall.
Again, no one really taught
her how to do it, she just decided
to help and learned a new skill
in the process. Voler also loves
to paint and has done murals
for her homes. “There’s always
something to do around the
house,” she said.
Voler also loves to cook. She
especially loves to cook veggies
from her own garden: carrots,
sugar peas, green beans, herbs.
One year she even tried to grow
corn. “I love being outside. I love
doing yardwork and gardening.”
Voler also enjoys trying new
recipes that she sees on The Food
Network. There have been many
times a recipe she’s seen on an
afternoon cooking show will be
served on the Voler table that
evening. “I try not to make the
same meal twice,” she added.
Not all of Voler’s talents are
for the benefit of her family,
though. Voler is all about giving
back to the community. She is
passionate about teaching her
daughters this and involves them
in service whenever she can. She
especially enjoys cooking meals for the church’s Vacation Bible daughters are grown. Voler is not
for others and always enlists help School. worried about it and says simply,
from her daughters in cooking Hearing all Voler is doing now “I’m never bored. I always have
and delivering food. as a stay-at-home mom you can’t to be doing something. I’m not a
Currently, Voler is co- help but wonder what she will good ‘sitter.’ I am sure I will just
president of the PTO at her be doing in the future when her branch into something else!”
daughters’ school. Last year she
was vice-president. “I figure it’s
something I can do to help.”
Also, for the past five years
Mom of the Month sponsors
Voler has been treasurer of Parkhill Jewelry — $50 gift certificate
the Lancaster County Dental
Alliance. She helps support the The Framing Concept — Professionally-framed
alliance’s efforts in low-income
communities with programs copy of the photo featured in this article
such as Brush, Brush Smile and
the distribution of dental health Domino’s Pizza — Free Large Pizza coupons
kits to shelters.
Voler also sells daffodils for Beth Cardwell Photography — $75 gift
the American Cancer Society. certificate
She is a member of the
Denver Woman’s Club and Bernard’s Day Spa — $50 gift certificate
enjoys the garden club there.
At her church, Faith United KimRick Garden Center — flower arrangement
Evangelical Lutheran, she helps
coordinate the music program
12  • April  9,  2011 VISIT LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.

The
LARGEST LOCALL
N
S ELECTIeOns

U
OWN ED Y
of Childr e OPERAT &
Furnitur ED
Available
Locally
FURNITURE SALES
FOR
27 YRS

Made In
Made In
The USA
SAVE up The USA

$
75 OFF Glider & to
Any Combo
Ottoman $
200 $
10000 OFF
Any Bed or Crib
$
50 OFF Only 00 Glider on all Convertible
Crib - 3 piece with the purchase of
matching chest or dresser.
Furniture Sets
FURNITURE SALES
(Set Consists of Crib,
Wolf Plaza • Lancaster • 717-299-3485 Chest & Dresser) FURNITURE SALES
With this coupon. Excludes Coaster Glider & Ottoman. One coupon per Wolf Plaza • Lancaster • 717-299-3485
household. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 4/23/11. With this coupon. One coupon per household. Not valid with
other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 4/23/11.

B•O•B Strollers
Choose from our
large selection Proudly Family Owned For 27 Years
Wolf Plaza • 2060 Bennett Ave • Lancaster, PA • 717-299-3485 • 1-800-432-2020
www.justforkidsfurnituresales.com • Mon-Fri 10-8 ~ Sat 10-5 ~ Sun 12-4
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/justforkidsfurnituresales