Fitness Friday! TEEN FIT!

TEEN FIT!!

The Fitness Center in Champaign is offering a FREE pilot program for teens 13-17yrs old who are overweight, diabetic, or at risk for diabetes starting Monday, Oct 20th! This program will help develop healthy exercise habits for life including finding the fun in fitness!

It is an 8-week program offering a 5-day per week exercise program including group classes as well as guided cardio- and weight- machine work.

Mondays and Wednesdays the teens will meet at 330-430pm for a group fitness class that will include a variety of cardio formats (e.g. hip hop, latin dance, kickboxing, cycling, cardio-drumming, circuit training, resistance ball, boot camp) and strength/conditioning.

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 3-5pm, the teens are highly encouraged to come in and workout (at least 1 more cardio workout and 2 weight training days).

There will be experienced staff working closely with the group. They will be given a complete body analysis at the beginning and the end of the program. Great prizes for working out, learning more about health and fitness, learning about healthy eating and cooking, and more!

Call The Fitness Center now to see if you or your child is eligible to participate! (217)356-1616

Quickie Round Up

We have been REALLY busy lately....

First of all...what is all that green stuff on the ground....I don't remember what its called, I haven't seen it in so long!

*We had a really busy past Saturday.
11yo went to Anime drawing workshop at the library with a Chicago-based illustrator...awesome and FREE!

2 and 4 yo and Mom went to Lincoln Square Mall for Read Across America. Super fun, well-organized, and great day to spend reading, doing literacy and other fun activities, and finding out about all the areas' early childhood services/businesses. Super Why was there! And it was FREE!

Dad was at Bergner's at other mall for a promotional event..we stopped by and met Andy the Ambulance, decorated cookies, got tattoos, egg hunt, fun photos, etc....it was also FREE (they did hope we would buy some clothes...but we didn't...ha, ha!).

Then in pm, Mom and the 11yo (plus Dad who was working the event), went to Krannert to see Diavolo (crazy, awesome good dance group out of LA) and stayed for the Talk Back session afterwards...and that was also FREE (go KCPA staff!).

*Sunday was filled with family and fun for the rest of the fam while I drove to Peoria for an all-day workshop and certification for fitness instructors (and with the time change and late night out (ok, it was like 11pm)...I was SOOO tired.

Other things...
*What the F#*@ happened to gas prices?! I know the price of the barrel is at an all time high....we definately can't afford that second car now (yes, we only own 1 car).

*Can someone remove all the black, ugly snow piles from around town...they are dampening my Springy outlook. And while they're on it...fix the potholes on University...its like a video game.

*FYI, if anyone is looking into preschools/daycares for next fall...NOW is the time. Most places have applications due between March and April.

*Has anyone seen Your Momma Don't Dance on Lifetime? Its like a bad car accident...it is so bad but you have to watch.

Finally...Happy Birthday to my loving Hubby!
The kids decorated the dining room for dinner and sang the cutest version of Happy Birthday ever. Then my husband fell asleep on the couch...and slept for 11hrs! Now that's a great birthday present!

Quickies...

* VOTE TOMORROW! Super Tuesday is so exciting! Go online and do some research....know your vote. This is a great reason to watch Anderson Cooper on CNN for hours. My husband and I are, for the first time, voting for different people.

*Super Super Bowl! That was one of the best games of football from the past few years. What a great game! Good job defenses! Again...my hub and I were cheering for different teams...mine won last night! I was more into the game than if one of my teams were playing. And the commercials were good...I loved the Pepsi ads (Night at the Roxbury and Justin Timberlake) and the E-Trade talking baby!

*This is why living the in biggest town around is bad...I made a wrong turn this morning in the dense fog and ended up in nowhere. I was late for an appointment and crying. I couldn't see anything around me...I was in the country and apparently on a road that wasn't connected to any other roads. I had only driven for 5-10 min! Thankfully, my hub hadn't gone to bed yet and talked me down.

*Successful dentist trip for the little ones! with 2 bathroom trips (we spent more time going potty than in the dentist chair!) then the 4yo's legs stopped working...that is what he told me as he lay sprawled out in the lobby.

*My daughter finally won a prize in the library reading club. Her brothers won every month in the fall. But January was all hers! She reads like a book a day! We tried to enjoy the Chinese New Year event but it was super packed...so we just hung out in the children's section.

*My 2yo has taken to 'marking' his toys. Yes, he literally pees on them...it is a specific action. I don't know what to do about this. We don't see it coming and then he pulls his pants down and holds a toy out. (it is actually funny in a way).

*Snow! Fun, fun! Enjoy it while it lasts...which won't be long.

Last Look at the Library

Yesterday we went to the Champaign Library for the last time. I was planning on heading over there today for one last time but with the weather and illness, I think we will stay home. For those of you that don't know...the main branch of the Champaign Library is closing today for 4 weeks in order to get our brand new library ready.

It was really busy, at one point, the check out line was to the cd's. And it was apparent they had started to pack up. To my kids disappointment, they are not doing the reading programs this month but the librarians are happy to talk to your kids about the books they have read. The Max Words were still in play, however ("cold" and "help" were the boys' words). Mike was really excited to tell us all about the move and demolition of the old building (which should start in about 10 days...we plan on parking on the street and watching a lot).

Of course, we love the library. And it is not just the oodles of free materials available for us. Its the people and the activities. The librarians are fabulous and so helpful. And they offer such wonderful programs for all ages. It is truly a gift to the community....any community.

We will miss that old, ugly, small building but the new one will be so great! It will be a long month for us but perhaps we will make the change to the other city libraries.

Today's NG article about the library.

I think I live with the monkeys!

We had a lovely day at Lincoln Park Zoo today. First of all, the child to adult ratio was high (3:4) combined with the low attendance overall (cooler weekday)...the stress of simply keeping your children with you was eliminated (my 4yo wearing a new red jacket and supercape also helped his visibility). Additionally, the kids were great. They were interested, patient, and nice to each other all day...with the exception of a post-lunch, needing-a-nap meltdown. They didn't race through the exhibits...we actually had to move them along a bit. It was the most relaxing zoo/museum experience to date (with kiddies).

Everyone had a great time. My daughter really like the Conservatory. My 4yo, although really missed seeing elephants, loved the giraffes. And the 2yo loved it all...but really liked the tigers. My 4yo saw the camels and said "Oh, I need to watch them poop!" (referring to Everyone Poops where 1-hump camels have 1-hump poop and 2-hump camels have 2-hump poop). One of my favorite moments was we were watching this 1-armed gibbon (a primate) swing all around. He stops at the very top of the enclosure. My brother says "Watch for something amazing to happen." Then the gibbon peed (I think my brother was expecting some fabulous aerial feat.

So, we are spending a lot of the time in the primate house. It was fascinating and there was a fabulous volunteer giving us all kinds of information...Thanks, Paul. Then I start realizing that the primate house was strikingly similar to my own house. For example, people are known to jump around the house and climb on anything sturdy enough to hold them. We often have an interesting naked butt walk into view. Little ones decide to pee right where they are standing. Babies crawl up on Mom and nurse whenever they want. One child might suddenly attackingly chase another person. Empty boxes provide hours of entertainment. The food no one wants is thrown on the floor.

So, I guess it is true that our DNA matches a primates 99%!

Walk Across Illinois!

If you were on campus on Wednesday afternoon and noticed a bunch of kids (ok, 200+ kids) walking and chanting...that was my daughter's school. We kicked off our Walk Across Illinois program by walking from school to the quad and back (about 2 1/2 miles). By May, each kid will, hopefully, walk the equivalent of about 170 miles (or from Champaign to Chicago!). In addition to walking on their own, we have mapped out a 1/2 mile course behind the school for before and after school, recess, and PE. Students are encouraged to walk with their families and friends.

Hopefully, this will breed the love of exercise for the kids that will last a lifetime!

We found the kids love walking and it was easy to do. They were amazed how far they could walk in a short amount of time. Having police escorts and clapping fans at the University helped out as well.

With video games, numerous TV channels with kids' programming, computers, weather, working parents, unsafe neighborhoods, elimination of PE classes...kids don't play outside as much as they used to and they don't get enough exercise...most of us don't. With fast and junk food so easily available (not to mention it was just Halloween and the cookie-filled holidays are almost here)...the number overweight and obese kids is increasing at alarming rates.

So...start a walking program with your family...or school...or church...or friends. Just take a walk after dinner a couple times a week! It will start a habit that is addictive and necessary to maintain good health!

Quickies...

Sorry...it has been a bit busy here. Here is what we've been up to...

*Headed down to the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, IL. It is such a great place for everyone. My husband and I were noting how it might be nice to head there without the kids so we could spend more time looking at everything. The kids LOVED it! And this time the schoolhouse was open....very interesting. If you are looking for something to do this weekend...head there (this weekend is great because they reduce a lot of prices). Taking 45 instead of 72 makes a pretty drive.

*Had ice cream at Marble Slab in Savoy. I think it is better than Cold Stone and less busy on a Friday night. The girls I took loved that I said "you can have whatever you want!". I also like that after buying 5 items, you get one free. Also, had dinner at Seven Saints again (discovering that getting dinner in downtown is a challenge at 930pm on Sunday). It was yummy!

*Spent more time decorating for Halloween. My 4yo is really into making things...hence the multiple paper ghosts and jack-o-lanterns around the house. Today, we made ghosts with foam plates and tuille.

*Took our 11yo shopping. She spent $15 on flavored lip gloss (it was her money). And went to Old Navy...they are having major clearance right now...racks starting at $1.97!!

*Movies...I have happen to catch a couple movies (free preview channels, library lends, date night, birthday party).

The Game Plan (PG, 110mins), still in theaters

This football/family movie staring the Rock was actually pretty cute and entertaining. The three 10-11yo girls I took with me really liked it. The story is not original (a person learning the value of family) but the Rock made it fresh. Any football-lovin' families would enjoy it.

Into the Wild (R, 2hr 27min), still in theaters

Based on Jon Krakauer's fascinating book about real-life adventurer Chris McCandless, this Sean Penn movie is good. I did read the book, and recently at that, so I was missing certain aspects in the film but my husband, who also read the book but in college, liked it more. I would like to hear an opinion of someone who did not read the book or didn't know the ending. The story is so interesting that you can't really miss however it is long and slow. Great actors...amazing scenery!

The Queen (PG-13, 1hr 45min), on DVD

This movie, which won Helen Mirren the Oscar, was very interesting. It examines the Queen of England's and Prime Minister's (a newly elected Tony Blair) treatment of Princess Diana's death. I was surprised that the previous press did not mention Michael Sheen's portrayal of Tony Blair...it was great and of equal importance to Helen Mirren. But this is a slow and quiet film.

Children of Men (R, 1hr 50min), on DVD

The premise of this movie is what caught my attention...the world has gone infertile...meaning no babies...meaning the human population will end shortly. So it is interesting to see what might happen to us in this situation (although they don't necessary explain why it all goes to poop..it might not go that way). We follow Clive Owen as he attempts to move a shockingly pregnant young woman to a safe place. It is a bit gritty and violent at times. I didn't really like it too much but did want to see what happened. My husband admired the cinematography a lot.

Local Rally for Children's Health Care

Here is some information on the controversial veto of health care policy via Moveon.org. If you can find time to support this policy...please come by tomorrow! There are rallies all over the country...please see moveon.org for local information! Also call or email your local representatives today (find them at http://www.house.gov/ and http://www.senate.gov/)! Contact Tim Johnson (CU's rep), who voted AGAINST this policy, here:http://www.house.gov/timjohnson/contact/index.shtml


President Bush just vetoed health care for children. In only his fourth veto ever, he blocked health care coverage for millions of uninsured—and mostly poor—kids.1

The Washington Post is calling this "the biggest domestic policy clash of his presidency."2

Bush is totally out of step with public opinion—even 61% of Republicans support the children's health care bill.3 We need just 15 more Republicans in Congress to break with Bush to override the veto.

This is a rapid response event, so some people won't even get this email in time. That means we'll need every last person who can possibly come to help show that the public is upset about this veto. If you're reading this, please come!

Tomorrow, can you put the pressure on at our emergency "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" in Urbana?
Where: Veterans Memorial, Broadway and Main, Urbana
When: Thursday, Oct 4 2007, 5:00 PM

Click here to RSVP:http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=40903&&id=11324-5888944-X_jSZg&t=2

If you have kids, definitely bring them, too!


In the coming days, Congress will try to override Bush's veto with a two-thirds majority—the Senate already passed the bill with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority and the House was close. Our goal is to pressure a few more Republicans to stand up to Bush—enough to pass the children's health bill.If not enough Republicans buck Bush to overturn the veto, the Democrats have promised to keep sending the bill to Bush, each time increasing the pressure on vulnerable Republicans to support health care for our kids.2 This battle is over the philosophical question of whether or not we should make sure everyone gets health care—and it will set the stage for fights to come.4

Please join us at a "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" to show we're outraged that Republicans are blocking health care for our children—and to set the stage for fights to come:
Where: Veterans Memorial, Broadway and Main, Urbana
When: Thursday, Oct 4 2007, 5:00 PM

Click here to RSVP:http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=40903&&id=11324-5888944-X_jSZg&t=3

Thanks for all you do.
–Noah, Anna, Jennifer, Marika, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007


Sources:1. "Bush vetoes child health insurance plan," Associated Press, October 3, 2007http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21111931/
2. "Showdown Looms as Child Health Bill Passes," Washington Post, September 28, 2007http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3021&id=11324-5888944-X_jSZg&t=6
3. "Most in Poll Want War Funding Cut," Washington Post, October 2, 2007http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3031&id=11324-5888944-X_jSZg&t=7
4. "Paul Krugman: An Immoral Philosophy," New York Times, July 30, 2007http://select.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/opinion/30krugman.html
Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:
http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=11324-5888944-X_jSZg&t=8
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Big Day!

After entertaining the kids alone with a bum knee at the soccer game for a couple hours...we refueled with some lunch and then headed to the library for the Crime Scene Investigations presentation, part of the Super Saturdays program (hubby and baby blissfully took a nap).

My 4yo was really excited to meet a police officer and he decided to sit up front. My daughter was hoping so see a severed body part or miniature scene from the TV show...sorry, we live in CU, honey. But they both really enjoyed the presentation including learning about fingerprinting, gathering evidence, and general police stuff. This must be the standard CSU presentation because I saw it a couple years ago with our neighborhood group and it was identical (same jokes, I think).

My daughter thought the jokes were funny but she, and I, had wished it was a bit more interactive (taking their own fingerprints, gathering evidence, solving a library crime). We all wanted to check out a police car or the big van, but no. My son loved it even though he didn't understand most of it and took a bathroom and book break in the middle. He raised his hand to offer his opinion like the big kids (he told them he likes to paint and has a new superhero book, and his dad works on the firetruck and ambulance...so cute...he told me he wanted to raise his hand too). Each of them got a free police-themed book as well.

We also turned in some more reading logs and received some stickers to put on the jungle wall. My son's word of the day was 'sun'. But...the biggest event was that our 4yo got his very own library card! We even wrote his name on it and checked out a book with it. He was so excited....they grow up so fast.

We finished the day with pizza and family movie night (Herbie Unloaded...not my choice but we all enjoyed it enough).

Too Cool for School...

actually, it may be too hot for school!

Mother Nature is definitely reminding us that it is still summer...as we just broke down and turned the A/C back on. A couple week ago, Champaign schools (as well as most other schools in the area) dismissed students early due to the heat. They haven't done this, at least, in the 6 years we've been at Unit 4. I felt like something was amiss here....

Although I highly support allowing the kids (and staff) to get out of those hot buildings...have you ever been in those schools on days like that? Its hot...I can't see how anyone gets anything done. However, I have 2 major problems with the issue. First, the policy is not exactly exact. One day they get out early, another, equally hot day, they don't. So, I wrote to the school board and our dedicated Superintendent Culver. I wanted them to set up a specific policy for heat-related closings, etc. I thought setting temperature guidelines might be a good idea and might give parents and staff an idea of when a school might dismiss or not.

I was told that they make the decision in advance based on the forecast. So, the inconsistencies happen because a day is hotter than its predicted to be (and they rather not dismiss early once the school day begins). I understand this point. However, in my opinion anything over 85F should warrant an early dismissal (a day predicted to by 88F is just as hot at a day predicted to 90F). Anyways....

My other beef is that some of the schools (mostly the balanced-calender (aka year-round) school) have A/C and thus did not dismiss early. I don't want to take away their educational time but that means that the other students now have fewer instructional hours than the A/C schools. So, I don't think they should dismiss them but this is a big point for future plans (e.g. referendum!!!).

Anyways. Will they get out early this week or next due to the heat...I doubt it (but who knows...maybe Judy Fraser could persuade them...I love my daughter coming home all sweaty and not so nice to smell).

Some Good (FREE) Things Going On

*Savoy 16 movie theater has started its free weekend kid movies this weekend. All show are free for all and begin at 10am and 11am (there is a 15 min intermission on each show). Be sure to get there early for the more popular movies (e.g. Shrek 3).

*I was pretty sure I read that Good Neighbor Day is on the 12th (but I can't find it to confirm...anyone?). Blossom Basket florist as well as some others in town are giving away dozens of roses with the promise that you will give them out to your friends and neighbors in appreciation. Get there early to participate....its runs on a first come, first serve basis.

*On Friday, head out to Meadowbrook Park from 530-730pm and listen to local jazz artists play as you walk or ride the trails.

*On Saturday, pack up and go to Eisner Park from 4-830pm for some free fun and food including inflatables, a movie, ice cream, popcorn, hot dogs, and yard games.

*What to do on Sunday mornings...when nothing is open and your kids are up? Head out to Anita Purves/Busey Woods from 730-9am for Sunday Morning Bird Walks. Program runs through October.

*The new Atlanta Bread Company on Neil hosts its Grand Opening this week including Wednesday's Kid Day...free kid's meal with adult meal purchase and Sally the Clown from 5-7pm. Each days has a different special.

*Krannert host its Wall to Wall Guitar Festival all week long. There are many free events to enjoy (however, the Dan Zane's concerts are all sold out).

*The Champaign Public Library begins their new reading programs this week. Take your kids on a jungle adventure through reading. And read some books yourself and you might win a local gift certificate.

Zumba!

Everyone should take the time out to exercise. Whether it is walking, biking, playing tennis, or heading to the gym....you should do it. I, personally, go to the gym regularly. Besides the obvious physical benefits (e.g. weight loss or maintenance, increased energy, strength, and endurance), I love the emotional benefits (release of stress and aggression, increased self-esteem). I have gotten to the point that I HAVE to go to the gym or I feel bad. And what do I do while I am there? A bit of everything...biking, eliptical, classes. I love taking classes because it gives you a great workout without you having to do any of the thinking. They just tell you what to do. My favorite class...TurboKick (cardiokickboxing). I absolutely love it!

See www.turbokick.com

But today, I took a new class...Zumba! It is a latin dance-based cardio class with some belly dancing and hip hop thrown in. It was so much fun...you basically dance for an hour. You forget that you are getting a fabulous core, buns, and leg workout. I love to dance and pick up choroegraphy quickly so I had no trouble keeping up. However, it might take some getting used to if you are new to the class (there is very little cueing). Although, the class is obviously more dancy than athletic, you will definately work up a sweat. I would strongly recommend it to everyone....women, men, young, old, the in-shape, and those who want to be.

See www.zumba.com

Right now, The Fitness Center* is the only place in CU that offers a Zumba class. If you are not a member, get a day pass and check it out.


*After looking at all the gyms in the area, we selected The Fitness Center. The hours are great. The equipment is up-to-date and in good quantity (although during the high activity times, you might have to sign up and wait a little bit). They offer lots of classes (yoga, pilates, martial arts, step, athletic training-type classes, Turbokick, spin). They offer lots of services such as personal training and body analysis. They run some special programs throughout the year like the Inferno Challenge and the annual racketball league. They have saunas and whirlpools. And, best of all....the big selling point, a free playroom for the kids. And my kids love to go there (they ask to go).

See www.fitcen.com

Up in Smoke!

Champaign has proven to be unfortunately run by stupid people who have decided to waste time and money, confuse the public, and contribute to sickness and death of its citizens. After years of working on a Clean Air Ordinance (aka city-wide smoking ban), it finally passed last year...and after months of silliness was enacted this past January 31st. That is great! I enjoyed going out to bars and clubs, hearing some great local music, eating without coughing, bringing my kids anywhere....well, that is all changing as of midnight today.

After a highly debated April election, the city council now has enough pro-smoking members to repeal the smoking ban for bars, clubs, and pubs...and last night the mayor put it on the agenda...and without discussion, it was repealed. And the change is effective immediately (not months later, like the ban).

How could this happen so fast? No study sessions? No lengthy reviews of health information or business reports? Why? We did that before....and it showed in favor of the smoking ban. Clearly, in the three months it was enacted is enough time to see if it is working or not (ignore that February was the coldest in many, many years). I am sure they asked every business in Champaign how they felt about it....I am sure they talked to the ER's and doctors to see if smoke-related illnesses have been reduced...I am sure they took a poll of citizens to listen to what they thought. Ya, right.

What is the silliest thing....Jan 1, 2008, the entire state will be going smoke-free!

Now, some bars did actually allow smoking at midnight, I'm sure. But other bars are staying smoke-free (way to go! actually, the most popular bars in downtown are staying smoke-free*). So, as a patron, you will have to do some research to find out which ones are and which ones aren't....that is for the next couple months. And Urbana is not changing...they are staying smoke-free.

I don't know why this issue makes me so mad. Besides I think the evidence is clear that smoking is bad (yes, 2nd-hand smoke kills)...I find that this whole issue has underminded the political process in town. They put so much into preparing for the smoking-ban, to repeal it in one night without anything seems strange. That people ran for city council solely on the idea of the smoking-ban (and won...you know who you are) is crazy. Aren't there other things the city has to deal with? And to spend the time on the issue, when the state already decided it....I feel like it makes Champaign look stupid....and frankly, I feel our mayor let the whole city down to better his own interests....he is a smoker and wants to smoke in public...who cares about the rest of us.

Well, for all you smokers, enjoy your last couple months of smoking out there...you won't see me around to stop you.

Champaign Bars staying smoke-free:
Boltini's
Jupiters
Guido's
Cowboy Monkey
Soma
Chester Street
Seven Saints
Firehaus
Clyebourne
Rock's
Station 211
Fubar
Billy Barooz Pub & Grill
the Highdive

Plus more, I'm sure, but call to check before patronizing

Go Green!!

No, I am not cheering for my daughter's soccer team...I'm talking about becoming more environmentally-friendly.

Here is a great site with some easy tips on how to become more green.
http://www.globalstewards.org/ecotips.htm

Here is what we did to Go Green this week:
*Purchased an old-school but brand-new push "reel" lawn mower...no gas, very little noise, a bit of simple exercise, works great! $100 at Meijer, $120 at Amazon.com, $130 at Home Depot.
*I got some small dishcloths to use as napkins instead of paper.
*We've tried not to use paper towels.
*Used cloth bags at the grocery store (and used the boxes that are on the shelves)**.
*We did not turn on the AC...despite the 89F temperature here.
*I cleaned out the attic and part of the basement...recycling tons of papers from college and grad school!
*And, we finally set up our compost in the backyard!!


**At Meijer stores, you receive a 5 cent discount for every cloth/reused bag and box you use to bag your groceries. You have to bag yourself and might have to remind the checker for the discount. We usually get between $1.50-$2 back.

Let's go Smoke-Free!!

After a lot of confusion and delay, our community finally went smoke-free this winter. I have written about it before...in short, it is great!!! Recently, Illinois passed a state-wide ban through the state senate and house. It is just waiting for the governor's signature, which it is expected to get. So...you would think that Champaign would be trying to show itself off as a successful smoke-free community....no. The mayor is now calling for a vote to reverse the ordinance at the next city council meeting in a couple weeks (and after the recent election, he may have the votes to do it). Not only do I think it is silly to add smoke back to the community, but I think it questions the political process in Champaign. It took years to pass the policy, and now, after only one quarter (a winter quarter with a month of snow), they want to change it in a single meeting, due to a handful of complaining business owners? Additionally, why change it now when in seven months we will have to go back to being smoke-free because of the state ban? Not to mention, at this point, smokers can sit outside for the next few months.

Anyways. My point....if you want something done in your community you must be active. In addition to voting for officials you prefer, you must let all the officials know how you feel and what you are willing to do to get it done.

Write your council members and mayors!

Attend meetings!

Information on Champaign City Council and Mayor's Office:
http://www.ci.champaign.il.us/government/page.php?pn=contact_us_mayorcouncil

Information on Champaign Unit 4 Schools (another favorite group to watch):
www.champaignschools.org

State of Illinois:
www.illinois.gov

Baking for Boobs!

That was the name of the fundraiser I went to this weekend. It was a blast. It was a fundraiser for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (see avonwalk.org). It was a bake-off. There were three categories (cakes, cookies, and other goodies). You were allowed up to three submissions and each submission cost $15. Additionally, you could participate in a silent auction to become 1 of 5 judges. And finally, anyone caught sneaking a taste was fined $5.

Besides the pink decor, there was lots of information on breast health, breast cancer, and research. Lots of favors (key chains made by the Girl Scouts (getting their Think Pink badge), pencils, pink ribbons, pink bracelets, nail files, candies). And there were prizes for the top three winners in each categories (a variety of pink baking items, a spa bag filled with lotions, etc., a nice blanket, hats).

Out of the about 20 entries, I won every category! I entered my chocolate truffles, chocolate peanut butter munchies*, and a chocolate raspberry cake. And my daughter won 2nd in the cake category with her mint chocolate oreo cheesecake** and my mom won 3rd with her classic cheesecake! Everything was delicious...I tried it all.

Overall, it was a great time with family, friends, and food (we all got to try everything after the judging ended). And we raised a lot of money for a great cause.

This would be a great fundraiser for lots of things...or just a fun family activity for a large group (like a family reunion). If you want more information, let me know.

*Chocolate Peanut Butter Munchies

1 ½ cup flour*
½ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup plus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
¾ cup peanut butter
1 egg or ¼ cup egg substitute
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

*I use ½ white and ½ wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour, for a healthier choice. I also use natural peanut butter.

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, ½ cup sugar, brown sugar, ¼ cup peanut butter. Beat until well combined. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture. Using floured hands, shape dough into 32 balls. Set aside.

In bowl, combine ½ cup peanut butter and powdered sugar. Combine until well-combined and will form ball when pressed (may need to add more PB or sugar). Shape into 32 balls (about ½ size of chocolate ones).

Using floured hands, flatten chocolate ball and top with PB ball. Wrap chocolate over PB and re-roll into ball. Place on baking sheet. Flatten cookie slightly with a glass dipped in remaining sugar. Repeat for all 32 cookies.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.

Put chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt using 30-second intervals and stirring. Once, melted and smooth. Transfer chocolate to small ziplock bag. Using like a pastry bag, squeeze chocolate to one corner of bag and cut off a small part of the end. Drizzle chocolate over cooled cookies.

**Mint Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake

1 pkg mint Oreos
¼ cup butter, melted
4 pkg cream cheese, room temp
½ cup sugar
1 cup chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla
1 8oz tub Cool Whip

Line 13x9 pan with foil. Coarsely chop 15 cookies, set aside. Finely crush remaining cookies, mix with butter. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan. Freeze while mixing filling. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in large bowl until smooth. Add chocolate and mix until combined. Gently fold in Cool Whip and chopped cookies. Spoon over crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

*Can make this with any flavor Oreo.

Community Fun!

This weekend, we went out with our dear friends for an adult night out. First, we went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Cafe (http://www.fiestacafe.com/Welcome.html). Besides the fact there was no waiting, we got to sit outside! What a treat. The food was great...they drench everything is cheese. And they have fabulous margaritas...I don't drink often but I was out for the night, let's have some fun (and my husband did!). We like to go to local places, if possible and this is a great one in Champaign.

*This is a great place for the family. The menu varies enough to meet everyone's needs. The kids' menu is reasonably priced and they have kiddie cocktails. The service is fast and our kids love to sit outside in the summer (and they have room to move around).

So, after eating and talking about our ever-changing lives, we went to see our friend play in one of his many bands. He was playing at a fundraiser for our local organic food co-op. It was an amazing event. First of all, it was free. They had a potluck dinner (which we could have partaken of if we wanted). You could also make a donation and eat. They had wine from a local wine place for sale, as well as t-shirts and membership information. In addition to the food, wine, and people, they had fabulous music. So, the band played and people danced...lots of people danced. We had gone there to see our friend but we found this group of people that were so great.

They have this community that can party like this. Everyone chipped in and everyone was hanging out and having fun. There were people of all ages...little ones in baby wraps, kids, college students, adults in all stages of life. Besides that they welcomed us into this celebration, it really made us feel like we should be a part of this...which we have considered before (but that's another entry).

So, if you are in CU and interested in joining an organic and local food co-op, check out Common Ground Food Co-op (http://www.commonground.coop/). It's more than a grocery store!

We also enjoyed our daughter's capoeira festival this weekend. Which is another great community to participate in in town and throughout the state and beyond. (Here's a link to that info...https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ro/www/CapoeiraClubatUIUC/). Additionally, we took the kids the to Annual UIUC Vet Med Open House...an awesome, free event for all ages. We got to see and touch lots of animals, milk a cow, see where the animals go to the doctor, see x-rays, watched a video of a cow's c-section (completely fascinating, btw), horse-shoeing, police dog demo, goat cheese tasting...and on and on.

Every time we talk about moving out of our community, we have a hard time thinking about giving up all the great things about where we live. There are just so many wonderful things here...we love it.

Finding Family Fun

You really should leave your house once in awhile--and bring your kids with. But where will you go?

Your community is probably filled with family-oriented activities, and many might even be free!

*Look in the local newspaper (more local than the Chicago Tribune--be specific to your town or neighborhood) or free weekly newspapers. Especially in the summer, there may be some great festivals to go to.
*Our favorite spot for free, family fun....the library. Many offer 'baby time' once a week and other programs for people of all ages.
*Check out your local park district. Many offer programs for families at low-costs (or offer some kind of funding) as well as special free events for families (like an Easter egg hunt, touch-a-truck day, concerts).
*If you live near a college or university, check out their calendar of events. Large universities usually offer open houses and free programs as well as free sporting events.
*Join a Parent Group--Mothers and More or La Leche League are good groups to join to meet other parents with small children. Many of these groups list their meeting times in the local papers.
*Enjoy nature!! Its springtime now so enjoy your local parks, take a walk, go to a nature preserve, visit local arboretums, explore the urban jungle (your kids may enjoy window shopping as much as you do!).

Below are some links for my community:
News Gazette www.news-gazette.com/calendar
Weekly Buzz www.cucalendar.com/
Champaign County www.visitchampaigncounty.org/events/index.html
Champaign Public Library www.champaign.org
Urbana Public Library www.urbanafreelibrary.org
Champaign Park District www.champaignparkdistrict.com
Urbana Park District www.prairienet.org/upd/
University of Illinois www.uiuc.edu
Parkland College www.parkland.edu

Mothers and More www.mothersandmore.com
La Leche League www.lalecheleague.org