Charm City Moms

A reunion for GBMC mother's group moms

2008-10-10T15:00:32Z

A reader named Cathryn Lee is putting together a reunion to be held at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 for mothers who have been part of the mom-baby groups at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, where Dee Dee Franke has such a following.

Here are some of the details:

"Hey ladies/babies/toddlers/husbands from GBMC and/or the Tuesday/Friday groups.... Let's get together & see each other. The Charcoal Deli ("my beef shack") will be cooking up pit beef, turkey and hot dogs and serving fruit salad and pasta salad (trying to stay away from anything with major allergy problems) & non-alcoholic beverages. This will also be an opportunity to honor Dee Dee, our baby whisperer. We (as in all of us) will be presenting her with a yearbook (details below).

"The cost will be $25.00 per couple (or $12.50 if you're flying solo), which can be paid the day of the party. This event is not restricted to 2007/2008 mom's group attendees, so if you know anyone from the old school, please pass this along. Hoping this will be a great way for all to catch up.

"Oregon Ridge has a nice playground and room to roam. We will be outside. Might be a little chilly, so bring a layer. If anyone wants to add a few decorations/desserts/activities/favors or whatever, please let me know (cmcl27@verizon.net). Any help is appreciated. We really want to make this a great day for all of us and for Dee Dee, who is such a treasure.

"Please RSVP by October 18th and please mail your yearbook pages by then too, so I will have some time to put it together. Thanks everyone!!"

If you'd like to respond or get details on the yearbook project...

]]> you can view the full evite here.

Tip Sheet Thursday: Farms to visit this fall

2008-10-09T16:54:51Z

Here's our Tip Sheet on farms our readers like to visit. More details can be found in a story this morning by Lindsey Citron:

--Granny likes Clark's Elioak Farm in Howard County, and so do my kids. The play equipment from Enchanted Forest is a plus, as is the petting farm.

--Kelly is a fan of Baugher's Orchard in Westminster, where you can pick apples on October weekends through the "third weekend in October or so," according to the web site. (It might be best to call ahead if you're set on apples.) There's also play equipment and a free petting zoo.

--We've got a map mashup of farms here. If you're in the city or the northern part of Baltimore County, the closest-in farms look to be Weber's and North Run Farm, which appears to have a huge corn maze. (Those things have always freaked me out, since my kids love to "hide" in them. But maybe that's just me.)

More tips for a great farm experience?

(Kenneth Lam/Sun photographer)

Things to do with the family this weekend

2008-10-09T10:31:01Z

Halloween candy won't come soon enough for your kids? Today is the start of the 26th annual Lexington Market Chocolate Festival, where you can take part in a chocolate eating contest. The festival runs through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Fall Baltimore and kids' month are still going on, too, with many activities and some free destinations. And there's more, thanks to help from intern Lindsey Citron:

Thursday, October 9:

Stop Bullies: Learn how to peacefully settle a bullying problem at 7 p.m. at Anne Arundel County Public Library's Linthicum Branch. For children ages 7+. 410-222-6265, www.aacpl.net.

Friday, October 10:

Nature walk: Explore the outdoors with children’s stories and a nature walk, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, 10-11:30 a.m., Children ages 3-6. 410-367-2217,

Urban Pirates’ Pirate Story Time: Play games and sing songs like a pirate on a real pirate ship at 10 a.m. at Ann Street Pier, Fells Point. Children of all ages. Free story time; cruise prices vary, Register at 410-32-QUEST, www.urbanpirates.us.

(Photo of last year's chocolate festival by Sun photographer Kim Hairston)

]]> Saturday, Oct. 11:

B&O Railroad Museum Public Safety and Health Day: Take a ride on a fire truck, learn safety tips, and update immunizations with the Baltimore City fire and health departments, at the B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., $2 off standard admission prices and free for members. 410-752-2490, http://www.borail.org/.

Annual Thrill Show, Baltimore City Fire Department: Support fire prevention month with tips on everything from a controlled fire demonstration to blood pressure screenings, Baltimore City Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free, 410-396-5616. http://www.baltimorecity.gov/government/fire/

Expanding Your Horizons Career Discovery Day: Get hands-on experience, lessons, and interaction with women working in the fields of math and science at Stevenson University, 1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Middle school girls only. Register with Dr. Susan Slattery, 443-334-2875, f-slatte@mail.vjc.edu.

Fall Harvest Festival (Cromwell Valley Park): Celebrate fall with face painting, apple cider, hay rides, pony rides, music, and more, from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12 at Cromwell Valley Park, Willow Grove Farm, 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road. $5 per car. 410-887-2503, http://www.cromwellvalleypark.org.

Fall Harvest Festival (Kinder Farm Park): Enjoy family-friendly fall activities such as pumpkin painting, pony rides, hay rides, scarecrow making, and more from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville, 410-222-6115.

Free Fall Carnival: See the Kinderman, play games, get your face painted, and more, Lakeshore Learning Store, 1620 E. Joppa Road, Towson, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., 410-296-5888, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Kids’ Fun Run at the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival: A running event for those too young for the festival, 6610 Amberton Drive, Elkridge, 9:20 a.m. (red division), 9:30 a.m. (blue division), Ages 7 and under (red division) and 8-12 (blue division). Register online: www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.

Youth Service Saturday: Get information about fundraising, hands-on experience, and working for the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, Chesapeake Habitat Office, 3326 Keswick Road, Baltimore, 9:30 a.m- 12 p.m. Ages 5-15. Register 410-366-1250, http://www.chesapeakehfh.org.

Sunday, Oct. 12:

Story Hour: Listen to a story, take a museum tour, and maybe win a free book at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 830 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore. 3-5 p.m. Children of all ages. Free. 443-263-1800.

Will your child be a bully's target?

2008-10-08T17:03:52Z

If your kids are young and you're wondering whether they'll be able to escape the wrath of bullies when they get to school, you'll want to read this piece from Newsweek. It describes new research that suggests, contrary to what you may have thought, that kids who display aggressive tendencies early in life are actually more likely to be bullied later than gentler kids.

It makes sense, says one psychology professor quoted in the story, because it's easy to get a rise out of such kids. Bullies will pounce on that.

Red Wine Meat Loaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

2008-10-08T10:31:05Z

Found myself paging again through my mother's little book of dinner favorites for economical meals. This simple meat loaf with a sweet-spicy glaze is one I remember fondly.

It's nice and moist, and makes a great sandwich the next day. Kids had a split verdict...

(Photo by me)

]]> with a sort of tepid thumbs-up from my son and no enthusiasm from my daughter.

Red Wine Meat Loaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Serves 6 to 8

Meat Loaf:

1/2 cup red wine

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup soft breadcrumbs

1 small chopped onion

2 eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Glaze:

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1/2 cup water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stir all ingredients except those for the glaze together in a bowl and mix until combined. Pat the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes. While meat loaf is baking, combine all the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil without stirring, then turn off heat and let glaze cool slightly.

When the meat loaf has baked for 30 minutes, drain off liquid and continue to bake another 30 minutes, basting with glaze every 8-10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

--Pat Shatzkin

Per serving (based on 8): 337 calories, 25 grams protein, 11 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 32 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 122 milligrams cholesterol, 220 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Father's Day Tuesday: Playground rules

2008-10-07T10:14:32Z

I'm excited to say today marks the return of Guest Dad Will Morton, whose post about being a stay-at-home dad early on in the life of the blog drew lots of response.

Today, he writes about why he lets his kids do pretty much as they please on the playground. Here's his post:

"Am I a hypocritical parent? Is it because I am: (a) a man, (b) an at-home dad or (c) just plain lazy? Or do I just need to communicate better with my wife?

"The playground in our neighborhood is the place where outgrown toys go to die. The selection usually includes a half-dozen plastic houses, six or eight plastic cars with at least one broken wheel (they go backwards best), and dozens of dump trucks, backhoes and bulldozers. It sounds like paradise, yet it's where my wife and I disagree most: should our playground rules directly suit our own children or should they reflect the parents and kids around us?

]]> "My wife doesn't let our 5-year-old son climb on top of the plastic houses if someone is inside. I'm okay with that, however, but I draw the line at jumping up and down on the houses, occupied or not. And our preschool's policy is that "all slides are down slides." Yet on the elementary school playground after hours, our almost-3-year-old daughter follows all the kindergarteners up the slide like a monkey up a tree. I let it go.

"As an avowed "non-hoverer," I tend to be pretty liberal and let my two children do whatever they want – crash plastic cars into each other, dump the sand in the mulch and vice versa. My approach to conflict is just short of Lord of the Flies. If they're not bleeding or using "ugly voices," I rarely intervene. My theory is that I'm teaching them to work it out themselves.

"My wife points out that since I see the kids more, so I have a better sense of what they're capable of. I agree that I could do better at telling her. But I don't agree that just because some other parent's 3-year-old might break his neck following my kindergartener that I should rein it in. I already harp on my son about enough. Maybe other moms or dads should actually parent and set appropriate rules for their own children. Tell them, "Sometimes you're not allowed to do what other kids can do. I'm your dad, not theirs!"

"When our son was 3, we told him he was too little to climb on the plastic house roof. He wasn't especially physical and would have fallen off. He fussed, but we held firm. Once he could get up there under his own power, though, we told him he earned his "climbing license."

"It puzzles my wife that I'm absolutely rigid on meal times and bed times, yet I can bend like a reed on playground behavior. It puzzles me, too."

Kids and the financial crisis

2008-10-06T15:30:27Z

Are your kids starting to hear the news about our financial crisis, and to worry about what it will mean for your family?

This story in Sunday's Washington Post lays out some startling figures about the anxieties young people are starting to feel. And it has some good advice about what to do to help your kids feel more secure.

I'm remembering now that my daughter was reluctant to see the Kit Kittredge movie last summer because she didn't want to see people suffering during the Great Depression.

The Monday Consult: How to be a good parent

2008-10-06T10:38:37Z

Every mom and dad has a huge, very basic question that he or she might feel embarrassed to ask out loud. It's "how can I be a good parent?"

Fortunately, the American Academy of Family Physicians has actually answered this question on its web site with a concise set of guidelines. I thought they made a perfect Monday Consult:

"Show your love. Every day, tell your children: "I love you. You're special to me." Give lots of hugs and kisses.

"Listen when your children talk. Listening to your children tells them that you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.

"Make your children feel safe. Comfort them when they're scared. Show them you've taken steps to protect them.

"Provide order in their lives. Keep a regular schedule of meals, naps and bedtimes. If you have to change the schedule, tell them about the changes ahead of time.

"Praise your children. When your children learn something new or behave well, tell them you're proud of them.

"Criticize the behavior, not the child. When your child makes a mistake, don't say, "You were bad." Instead, explain what the child did wrong. For example, say: "Running into the street without looking isn't safe." Then tell the child what to do instead: "First, look both ways for cars."

"Be consistent. Your rules don't have to be the same ones other parents have, but they do need to be clear and consistent. (Consistent means the rules are the same all the time.) If two parents are raising a child, both need to use the same rules. Also, make sure baby-sitters and relatives know (and follow) your family rules.

"Spend time with your children. Do things together, such as reading, walking, playing and cleaning house. What children want most is your attention. Bad behavior is usually an attempt to get your attention."

Leaving older kids on the doorstep

2008-10-03T15:16:00Z

This sad and perhaps telling story from the New York Times is getting a lot of attention. In Nebraska, a broad law designed to allow mothers unable or unwilling to care for newborn babies to leave them at hospitals has prompted a number of overwhelmed parents to abandon much-older children.

Is this a sign of our times?

Picking pumpkins for next Thursday

2008-10-03T12:43:50Z

It's getting to be time to pick your pumpkin. If your preschool or school doesn't have a field trip scheduled, perhaps you're going on your own this weekend or next. But which pumpkin patch is best to visit?

I thought local pumpkin farms would be a good subject for next Thursday's tip sheet. As usual, the tips depend on you. Even more so this time than usual, because my heretofore favorite destination, the charming Belvedere Farm in Fallston, is not holding fall activities this year.

To start the discussion, here's our list of local pumpkin farms. Which is your favorite? Are there others you'd recommend?

(Patrick Smith/Sun photographer)

Tip Sheet Thursday: Protecting kids' ankles

2008-10-02T14:06:19Z

Today's tips come from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, who want to see your kids' feet and ankles stay free of injury during the fall sports season. The organization sent along tips from Kansas City foot and ankle surgeon James Good, who says kids who play football, soccer, and basketball are most likely to suffer sprains and broken bones.

Here are his tips:

"Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from a supportive ankle brace during competition.

"Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.

"Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.

"Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

"Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries.

Things to do with the family this week

2008-10-02T10:10:28Z

It's October, which makes it kids' month in downtown Baltimore, as well as Free Fall Baltimore month. There are lots of events, museum deals and cultural happenings for families to enjoy.

I've listed some family-friendly events for the next few days below. The complete schedule can be found at Freefallbaltimore.com.

This weekend is also the big Michael Phelps celebration, which lots of kids won't want to miss. The "Parade of Gold," honoring Phelps and other Maryland Olympians, starts at 3 p.m. Saturday on York Road at Burke Avenue in Towson, and travels south to Rodgers Forge. A festival and salute to Phelps begins at Fort McHenry around the same time, featuring performances by local bands. The official program, including a Q-and-A with the Olympian, starts around 7 p.m.

Here's the rest of the lineup, compiled with help from intern Lindsey Citron:

Thursday, Oct. 2:

Hooray for Presidents!: This program offers a fun, child-friendly approach to presidential trivia at 7 p.m. at the Anne Arundel County Public Library's Provinces branch in Severn. Ages 9+. Call 410-222-6280.

Friday, Oct. 3:

"Trains, Trains, Trains": Listen to a fun story in honor of the new train exhibit at the B&O Railroad Museum at Barnes and Noble, Power Plant, 601 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Toddler to Pre-school age children.Free. Call 410-385-1709, or go to www.bn.com.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival: The festival features works of artists and craftsmen for sale, a children's storytelling booth and food to sample at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $7 online or $8 at the door. Children younger than 12 are admitted free. Call 800-210-9900 or go to sugarloafcrafts.com.

The Village Learning Place Sound Off: This event celebrates hip-op culture with interactive activities for teens and families, including an open mic session and special guest performances, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday at Village Learning Place, 2521 St. Paul St. Call 410-235-2210 x206. Free.

More...

(Photo of Michael Phelps at Disney World by Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

]]> Saturday, Oct. 4:

Heavy Metal: Big Truck Day: Check out 22 vehicles from the city fleet, including a helicopter, fire engines and police cars, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Public Works, Eastern Avenue at President Street, rain or shine. Come feel the muscle of the city’s BIG fleet of trucks. Follow the "Big Truck Trail" map and join in MPT’s show “Bob the Vid Tech.”

Harbor Harvest: Children’s Autumn Festival: This fall-themed festival offers children a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, straw maze, and hayrides as well as a fresh selection of fruits and vegetables for parents. West Shore Park, 400 block of Light Street, Baltimore, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., All ages. Free.

Kids Day at Downs Park: Spend the day outdoors with fall activities featuring pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, a moon bounce, and food from 10 a.m.-4 p.m at Downs Memorial Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena. Bring your own pumpkin and clothes to dress your scarecrow. Admission is free; $5-$10 per scarecrow, All ages. Call 410-222-6230.

Babysitter’s Training Program Course: Kids 11-15 can learn and master the skills required for successful childcare from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. American Red Cross, Padionia Park Club, 12006 Jennifer Road, Cockeysville. $65.00, Register 410-624-2060.

Sunday, Oct. 5:

MouthPower Family Day: Learn something to smile about with hands-on activities such as practicing correct brushing techniques and making teeth diaries at the National Museum of Dentistry. 31 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, 1-4 p.m., Fun for the whole family, Free, 410-706-0052, http://www.dentalmuseum.org.

This next one isn't a family event, but it is an issue that affects moms, so at the request of the organizers, I'm listing it for those who might be interested.

Open Forum: Milestones and Hardships for Women: Take part in a group discussion about everything from menopause to eating disorders mediated by Dr. Trisha Gura, author of Lying in Weight: The Hidden Epidemic of Eating Disorders in Adult Women. The Center for Eating Disorders, Sheppard Pratt Hospital, 6701 N. Charles Street, Towson, 1-3 p.m., Women of all ages. Free, 410-938-5252, http://www.eatingdisorder.org.

Free zoo admission today

2008-10-01T15:45:18Z

Today marks the beginning of Free Fall Baltimore, and the day that admission to the Maryland Zoo will be free. It's open until 4 p.m. Details here.

I'll have more on Free Fall Baltimore events for families in tomorrow's events post. In the meantime, if you have anything to suggest for this weekend's activities, please post below.

Fish with Lemon-Caper Butter

2008-10-01T10:37:36Z

I know -- capers. But the great thing about a recipe like this (from the new book Two Dudes, One Pan) is that the sauce comes at the end.

Until then, the fish (I used tilapia here to keep costs low, but any white fish should do) is simply seared in browned butter.

I saved some plain pieces for my kids before putting the sauce on the adults' portions.

The kids gave this a split verdict...

(Photo by Kathryn Russell from "Two Dudes, One Pan," by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo. Published by Clarkson Potter)

]]> My daughter had a few bites, but didn't like it. But my son loved this fish so much that he asked for leftovers (still plain, thankfully) constantly the next day -- for snacks as well as dinner. He declared it as good as shrimp, and that's saying something.

Fish with Lemon-Caper Butter

Serves 4

4 6- to 8-ounce skinless fillets tilapia or other white fish

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (divided use)

1/4 cup capers (rinsed if salt-packed; drained if brine-packed)

juice of 2 lemons

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Sprinkle all sides of the fish fillets with the salt. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a stainless skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and sear until it is opaque halfway through, about 2 minutes for tilapia. Add 2 more tablespoons butter to the skillet and, once it has melted, flip the fillets and sear on the second side until completely cooked through and the fillets slightly resist semifirm pressure, another 2-3 minutes. (Note: If you need to cook the fish in batches to prevent crowded, wait until your first batch of fish is completely cooked before adding the second 2 tablespoons of butter for the next batch.)

Transfer the fish to plates. Add the capers to the hot skillet and let them sizzle for 15 seconds. Pour the lemon juice over the capers, sprinkle with the parsley, and stir to combine. Swirl in the last teaspoon of butter. Drizzle the lemon-caper butter over the fillets and serve immediately.

--Adapted from "Two Dudes, One Pan," by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo

Per serving: 335 calories, 45 grams protein, 17 grams fat, 9 grams saturated fat, 3 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 130 milligrams cholesterol, 832 milligrams sodium. Analysis provided by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Father's Day Tuesday: A more fatherly PTA

2008-09-30T16:12:47Z

In lieu of a Guest Dad today, I thought I'd pass on this interesting piece about the new president-elect of the National PTA. He's a father, and he's on a mission to get other fathers more involved in their children's schools. Watch this story about it from CBS News:
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