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strong>Make Holiday Magic Happen in your Front Yard
Imagine the joy on your child's face when they wake up on Christmas Day to a blanket of snow on your yard! Let the Newhall Ice Company turn your dreams into a picturesque reality with the possibilities of sledding, snow ball fights, ice houses, snow angels and so many frosty memories just waiting to be yours. Newhall Ice Company's freshly-made snow is an incredibly-festive addition to business office/storefronts and events; neighborhood gatherings; holiday parties; school fundraisers and more.
Newhall Ice Company 259-0893

Austin Goltz

"My sister and I started acting classes when we were teenagers as students at SCSOPA. Many years later I had my son Austin. I kept bringing him into visit the wonderful family we have there - and he was finally old enough to start classes! Within two weeks, he was signed with an agent and on his way to stardom. He has already received many national callbacks and currently has a commercial out for T-Mobile. He continues to audition almost weekly and loves acting - all thanks to the family at SCSOPA. The amazing coaches and staff have jumpstarted his career at the young age of 4 and - with his first commercial - he has already earned enough for his first year of college! I recommend this school to anyone and everyone to get into the entertainment business." Austin Goltz

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"The Music Man" Plays a Family-friendly Tune
ESCAPE Theatre, everyone's favorite youth-charged theater, presents "The Music Man" - and you won't want to miss this high-energy toe-tapping experience, including a full orchestra and 76 Trombones! Performances are held at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. Shows run Friday, January 26 (10am/7pm); Saturday, January 27 (2pm/7pm); Sunday, January 28 (2pm); Friday, February 2 (7pm) and Saturday, February 3 (2pm/7pm). "The Music Man" is a family-friendly show featuring over 315 talented youth and teens from the SCV. For more information and ticket sales, call the office or log onto www.escapetix.info. Don't miss out on this show - or you will have "Trouble, right here in River City!"
ESCAPE Theatre 299-5264

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Gymnastics Provides Smaller Children the Chance to Excel in Athletics
Slightly intimidated by the towering 13 year old standing next to you in line? Imagine how your slight-of-build kid must feel when they're competing athletically against their Paul-Bunyan-esque peer. Many local competitive sports tend to favor children with bulkier builds. What does that mean for your small or light athlete? It might be time to consider gymnastics. That's not to imply, of course, that you have to be short or tall to benefit from and succeed in gymnastic instruction. Mary Lou Retton is only 4 foot 9, while Svetlana Khorkina is 5 foot 5. Gymnastics is wonderful for all children, but those of slight build might feel particularly comfortable and confident on the mat in comparison to other sports.
Wallers' GymJam Academy 251-3390

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The Best Gift is One You can't Wrap
Ever thought of wrapping a horse? Yeah, we'd advise against it - but that's where our hesitation about gifting equestrian experiences ends. In today's world filled with fidget spinners, glowing screens in kids' pockets and near-constant media streaming from every direction, it feels really good to connect with nature on the back of a horse. Horseback riding has been positively associated with stress relief, improved cognitive function and even immune-system boosts in adults and children, but more importantly, it's fun! Gift loved ones of all ages with couples "date night" trail rides, family rides, parties and lessons of all sorts.
Don-e-brook Farms 296-9995

Two Party Deals You won't Want to Miss
How does 40 percent off Mountasia Family Fun Center's most popular party packs sound? If you thought, "That would be great for our team, troop, youth group or kid birthday!" - you're right! For a very limited time, choose from the Play Party (Miniature golf, attraction, pizza and more!) and Mission Party (Laser tag, game card, soda and more!) for only $199 for up to 10 guests. That total includes tax, a party table and party host - and much more. Call now for more information.
253-4FUN

What to Do if your Child Suffers from a Dental Injury
To go to the ER or not go to the ER... that is, way too often, the question when you're a parent! You've probably thought about what you'd do if your child injured their body - but have you thought about what you'd do if they suffered a dental injury? Here's a quick primer.

If a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out...
Pick it up without touching the root, gently clean it with water and put it back in its socket facing the right way. Hold it in place with gentle pressure and rush to the dental office or emergency room. If you can't replant it immediately, tuck it between your child's cheek and gum or, if that's not an option, carry it in a container of cold milk. Don't let perfection be the enemy of good; just get the tooth and the kid to the dentist, stat.

If Acute Tooth Pain Arises...
Acute tooth pain always signals a need for an urgent visit to your pediatric dental office. The most common cause of pain is tooth decay, a bacterial infection that can spread through many parts of the tooth and gum tissue - but the only way to know for sure is to make an appointment right away.

If Soft Tissues are Injured...
Abscesses, pus-filled sacs caused by infection, are painful dental problems that require immediate attention by your pediatric dentist. As for bleeding? That can be controlled by pressing a clean, damp material to the area for about 10 minutes. If that doesn't work, go to the emergency room. For any injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, rinse with a dilute salt water and clear visible debris, too, if that applies. If a foreign body has lodged beneath the gumline, it sometimes can be worked out with dental floss or a toothpick. If that can't be accomplished easily... you guessed it. Go to the dentist!
Valencia Children's Dental Group 294-1800