When it comes to baseball there are a few names that ring out louder than the sound of the ball hitting the bat. Arguably one of the most famous is Babe Ruth. Read on for some interesting history about the Sultan of Swat.
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1. Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895, as George Herman Ruth.
2. But for decades he thought his actual birthday was February 7th, 1894. He only discovered his real birthday after applying for a passport for a trip to Japan in 1934.
3. Ruth was sent to a Catholic Boys Reformatory school at the age of 7. Each child was trained with an industrial career. Ruth was trained to be a shirt maker.
4. Young George Ruth played baseball at the school, thanks to encouragement by the monks.
5. For a time, young Ruth lived above what is now Camden Yards in Baltimore, above one of his father's saloons.
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6. He was signed to the major leagues at the age of 19.
7. He is the only baseball player in history to have the last name Ruth.
8. He was the first baseball player to hit a home run in the All-Star game, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1933.
9. Why Babe? Some say it’s because Ruth was so young when signed to MLB he required legal guardianship and was “adopted” by one of the monks. Others say it was just because he was still merely a babe.
10. His other nicknames included Bambino, the Home Run King and The Sultan of Swat.
11. He began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and a left-handed batter.
12. He was the first highest plaid player when in 1930, his salary hit the $80,000 mark.
13. Ruth played for the Boston Red Sox (1914-1919), the New York Yankees (1920-1934) and briefly the Boston Braves (1935).
14. In six seasons with Ruth, the Red Sox won three World Series titles. In 107 seasons without him they have won four.
15. Babe Ruth had what many consider to be his finest season in 1921. He hit .378/.512/.846 with 59 home runs, 171 RBIs and 177 runs scored. The home run and RBI totals were single-season records.
17. At an exhibition game (a “for fun” or charity game) on April 2, 1931, a 17-year-old female pitcher named Jackie Mitchell struck Ruth out (Mitchell then went on to strike out Lou Gehrig.)
18. Babe Ruth was knocked unconscious during a game at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C. He hit a concrete wall trying to catch a foul ball.
19. Although many believed him past his prime, on May 25, 1935, Babe Ruth played one of his final games in the major leagues hitting 3 home runs in a single game. He retired the next week.
20. In 1914, he married Helen Woodford, a coffee-shop waitress he met on his first day in Boston.
21. Babe Ruth only had one child in his lifetime. He had a daughter named Dorothy Ruth with Juanita Jennings.
22. Babe Ruth retired in 1935 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. He was one of the first five players to be inducted. The Yankees retired his famous number 3.
23. Upon his retirement, he was the career record holder in home runs, RBIs, total bases, walks and strikeouts.
24. The Sultan of Swat played 2503 games in his Major League career. During that time he had 2174 runs and stole 123 bases. Of his runs, 714 were home runs. In 1927 alone he scored 60 home runs. (This was the world record until Hank Aaron hit 755 in 1974 and Barry Bonds reached 762 in 2007 for the all-time record.)
25. In 1922, you could get chocolate-covered ice cream balls called Babe Ruth Home Runs. They cost 10 cents.
26. The candy bar, Baby Ruth, is most likely named for Babe Ruth. The bar was formerly called Kandy Kake but the name was changed right around Ruth’s rise to popularity. Because “official” permission was not requested, the company (then the Curtiss Candy Co.) denied that Babe Ruth was the namesake. However, in 1995, the Babe Ruth estate licensed his name and likeness for use in a Baby Ruth marketing campaign with Nestle.
27. Babe Ruth appeared as himself in four different movies. In one, he lost 40 pounds in order to play a younger version of himself.
29. Yankee Stadium opened on April 18, 1923. Ruth hit the first home run there, earning it the name “The House that Ruth Built.” In 1947, Happy Chandler declared April 27 officially Babe Ruth Day, and Ruth addressed the crowds at Yankee Stadium. At the time, Ruth had already been diagnosed with throat cancer.
29. Babe Ruth died at the age of 53 in 1948. For two days, his coffin was laid in state (open casket) at Yankee Stadium for fans to pay their final respects. More than 100,000 people attended.
Now that you have kids, you may think celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a distant (and perhaps foggy) memory. Well, think again. From the northern ‘burbs to the far south side, there’s something for everyone looking to go green this month. Check out these family-friendly festivities and Erin Go Bragh (aka Ireland til the end of time)!
Seek Out a Sweet St. Patrick's Day Themed Treat
Charm'd
Charm'd Pop-Up. This magical pop-up is an enchanting, over-the-top, multi-room, multi-level Irish experience. Featuring wall-to-wall Irish decor, lucky charms, multiple bars, photo-ops and a whole lot of leprechaun mischief. Best news for parents? Kids are welcome during the day.
Open as of Feb. 10; 3505 N. Clark St., Lakeview. More info.
Jo Jo's Shake Bar's Candy Land. Life doesn't get any sweeter than at Jo Jo's Candy Land. In this immersive dining experience, you'll experience over-the-top shakes, biggie hot chocolates, signature cocktails and delicious diner fare.
Open through Apr. 24; 23 W. Hubbard, River North. More info.
Stans Donuts & Coffee. Satisfy sweet tooths with Chocolate Emerald Dipped, Chocolate Green Mint Dipped, Green River Glazed, Chocolate Milk Emerald and Irish Cream Bismark. Wash it all down with Green Mint Hot Chocolate.
Chicago River Dyeing. The first Mayor Daley kicked off this tradition in 1962 and every year since the Chicago River has turned bright green to kick off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Boats speed through dropping 40 pounds of eco-safe dye that starts orange and miraculously turns green for a spectacle that lasts for a few magical hours.
Mar. 12, 9 a.m.; Best viewed along the Riverwalk between Columbus & State, Loop. More Info.
Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Elmhurst's parade features over 80 floats, Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers, Benny the Bull, Southpaw, Tommy Hawk, Irish musical performers and the world's largest drum. But, the parade is only the beginning. Stay for a festive day of food, music and family activities.
Mar. 5, noon; Wilson St. & Spring Rd. & continues north on Spring Rd., Elmhurst. More info.
Downtown Parade. Rain, shine, snow or sleet, since 1956 our fair city has been hosting the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and heads north in a procession chock-full of colorful floats, bagpipes, Irish dancers, marching bands and more.
Mar. 12, noon; Columbus Dr. between Balbo & Monroe, Grant Park. More info.
West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade & 5K. A 5K chip-timed Race, Run or Walk will kick things off at a perky 8 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m through historic downtown Naperville.
Mar. 12; 8 a.m. (5K) & 10 a.m. (Parade); Downtown Naperville. More info.
South Side Irish Parade. The South Side Irish Parade began in 1979 as a small neighborhood affair that eventually grew into one of the largest celebrations outside of Dublin. The two-hour shindig features more than 90 acts meandering up Western Ave. for a day of festive flair.
Mar. 13, noon; Western Ave. between 103rd & 115th Streets. More info.
Northwest Irish Parade. The Northwest Irish Organization (NWSI) kicks off its 19th annual parade to celebrate all things Irish. With a large group of parade participants, this is always a fun-filled hour and a half for the whole family.
Mar. 13, noon; 6633 W. Raven, Norwood Park. More info.
Cruise the River
Chicago Fireboat Cruise
Chicago Fireboat Tours. The fully restored 1937 Chicago Fireboat is kicking off its season on St. Patrick's Day. Book the 8 a.m. tour to watch the annual Chicago River dyeing or book a tour in the afternoon to see it in its green glory.
Mar. 12, 9 a.m., noon & 4 p.m.; DuSable Harbor, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr., Loop. More Info.
Intro Your Kids to St. Patrick's Day-Style Fun
Gallagher Way
Shamrock'n The Block. This family-friendly pop-up pub will include beverages, tasty pub fare, live music, Irish dancers and activities for kids.
Mar. 12, noon-6:30 p.m.; Adams & Desplaines St., West Loop. More info.
St. Patrick’s Festival. Immediately following the downtown parade, head over to the Irish American Heritage Center on the northwest side for the after-party. This family-oriented annual event will include traditional and contemporary Irish music, Irish dancers, food and drink, children’s activities and an arts-and-crafts fair with an Irish flair.
Mar. 12, immediately following the parade; 4626 N. Knox Ave., Irving Park. More info.
Gallagher Way. Immerse yourself in the celebratory spirit of St. Patrick's Day with Irish dancing, music by Old Town School of Folk Music, face painting, a wandering magician, balloon artists, crafts and games. The first 500 guests receive a free cake ball from West Town Bakery.
Mar. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3635 N. Clark St., Lakeview. More info.
Chicago Gaelic Park. While Chicago Gaelic Park celebrates Irish culture all year round on its 62-acre Oak Forest campus, things really ramp up for South Side Irish Sunday. With live music, an Irish feast and kids activities you'll find something that’ll excite the Irish lover in you.
Mar. 13, 1 p.m.; 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. More info.
Cantigny Park. If you’re in the mood for just a bit of shenanigans this year, gather your wee ones for a day of stories, crafts and Irish treats at Little Leprechauns.
Mar. 17, 10 a.m.; 1s151 N. Winfield Rd., Wheaton. More info.
Yorktown Center. Hit up the Yappy Hour event in the Dog Lounge that includes a St. Patrick's Day-themed selfie photo-opp, decorations and costumes along with a dog "beer" tasting and shamrock-shaped dog treats.
Mar. 17, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Yorktown Center, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard. More info.
If you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve got to do it right. Wear green, learn the lyrics to The Unicorn and take your taste buds on a tour of Ireland. Chicago has no shortage of spots to sample the best of what Ireland has to offer. Here are our favorites:
Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant. Chief O’Neill’s could not feel more authentic if it were in the heart of county Cork itself. Home to the Irish Music School of Chicago, Chief O’Neill’s serves up traditional dishes such as lamb stew, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness-infused meatloaf. With live traditional Irish music and a “little leprechauns” menu featuring more American than Irish fare, you can’t go wrong!
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. The Chicago Tribune called Mrs. Murphy’s “one of Chicago’s most authentic Irish restaurants," and for good reason. The menu is vast, with everything from a traditional Irish breakfast to Guinness mac n’ cheese to award-winning barbecue—not to mention its intriguing collection of craft beers and vast whiskey selection.
Quigley’s Irish Pub. Talk about authentic… Quigley’s was designed and built in Ireland and then shipped to its current location in downtown Naperville. The interior includes an authentic antique fireplace and bookcases from Dublin and custom glass and Irish prints fill the walls. Of course, the menu is filled with traditional Irish favorites, such as corned beef, lamb stew and beef braised with Guinness.
Irish Times Pub. The Irish Times is a unique combination of old-school tradition and new-school thinking. Inside this “cozy cottage” you’ll find genuine Irish whiskeys, ales and beers (and faces) behind the bar. If you could see the back office, you’d find a progressive recycling program, a commitment to efficient gas and electric usage and a dedication to sourcing as much local produce as possible, including beers from local craft breweries. These ingredients are used in classic, homemade favorites such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and fish & chips, all from family recipes.
Ballydoyle Pub. Enjoy a special St. Pat’s Family Day at Ballydoyle! Take the kids to the pub, Mar. 12, 10 a.m (Aurora). & Mar. 13, 11 a.m. (Downers Grove) for Irish brunch featuring family activities, crafts, live music and dancing. The traditional pub menu is filled with Irish classics including boxty (a potato pancake folded over and filled with different meats and vegetables) and Irish bread pudding.
28 W. New York St., Aurora & 5157 Main St., Downers Grove; ballydoylepub.com
Bring Home the Grub
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Throwing a St. Paddy’s bash at your place? Get all the goods for your guests at these Irish import shops and markets:
Gaelic Imports. Since 1957, Gaelic Imports has carried the largest selection of Irish groceries in the Midwest, including freshly made sausage rolls, bridies, steak & kidney pies and soda bread to name a few. Oh, and if you’re looking for something to wear to a party or a vessel to serve the punch, they sell clothes and Galway crystal too.
Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop. This is the epitome of a family-run business. Started by brothers Jack Powers and Kenneth Patrick Powers in 1972, the quaint and aptly named old-fashioned butcher shop is now run by three of Jack’s children. If you’re in the southwest suburbs, be sure to stop at Jack & Pat’s for every kind of meat you can imagine, or have them cater your corned beef and cabbage dinner.
Mariano's. Stock up on Irish from the international aisle to the bakery. Look for Green River Soda (local to Chicago), Guinness Chips (thick-cut, crisped and seasoned with barley and hops), Barry's Tea (an Irish household staple), Mariano's Soda Bread (baked fresh daily), Bailey's Irish Cream (needs no introduction), Reuben Sausages (handmade with corned beef and sauerkraut, Kerrygold Butter (use milk sourced from grass-fed cows) and Jameson Ginger Ale & Lime (ready-to-drink canned cocktail with ginger ale, lime and Jameson Irish Whiskey).
Wondering where you donate your kids clothes and toys in Portland? These non-profits are happy to pass along items to local families in need
Spring is almost here, which means it’s the perfect time to do some heavy spring cleaning. Before you throw out all of your kids’ old toys and clothes, remember that what’s old to you and your family could be new and exciting for local families in need. After you’ve sifted through your family’s lightly worn items, head to one of these Portland non-profit spots with your mostly new and lightly used clothes, toys and household goods at these places where families can donate kids clothes and toys in Portland.
Mother and Child Education Center Providing resources for families in need, this nonprofit accepts a wide range of gently used items for babies. It’s almost more useful to list some of the things they don’t accept, such as toys, stuffed animals, high chairs, and adult clothing. They’ve got a fabulously detailed donations page to help you sort and package your goods in a way that streamlines volunteer and staff time, so that items reach recipients more efficiently. In the event that they can’t take an item you’re looking to donate, they’re even happy to offer suggestions for alternate places. Just call. No more excuses for dumping a bunch of random stuff at Goodwill.
Good to Know: Donations done by appointment only. They ask that you call to find out if they can accept your donations in advance.
Catholic Charities’ In Kind Catholic Charities accepts new or gently-used baby clothes, maternity clothes, household appliances, and furniture. You can also donate your new or like-new bedding and towels. Please note, they only accept new hygiene items, baby toys, cribs, pack-n-plays, and car seats. Catholic Charities of Oregon can also pick up large donations of furniture or household items on a case-by-case basis. They ask that you call to make an appointment to drop off your items and make sure to check out their current list of needs. Make an appointment to drop off your in-kind donations during regular business hours by emailing donations@ccoregon.org.
Catholic Charities Traveling Crib Pregnancy & Parenting Support Program Clark Family Center 2740 S.E. Powell Blvd. Portland Online:catholiccharitiesoregon.org
With Love, Providing clothes and other necessities to children in foster care, this nonprofit seeks your donations in new or like-new condition. Donate baby swings, strollers, high chairs, bouncy seats, baby carriers, and Pack-n-Plays that are clean, have no broken parts and have not been recalled. Check their website for a complete list of guidelines and items not accepted. Two locations in Tigard and Lake Oswego serve as drop-off spots. Check the website for days and times.
Impact NW With a long history of serving families in the Portland Metro area and beyond, this nonprofit provides a wide range of free services. Many of the people they serve have only enough income for food, rent, and the bare essentials, and so Impact NW accepts donations of other much-needed supplies. While they always accept donations of new items, they accept gently used items in clean and good condition on an at-will basis only, due to limited storage space. Please call ahead to ask about available space for the item you’d like to donate. Donations can be dropped off at time arranged over an advanced phone call.
Central City Concern Central City Concern serves families impacted by homelessness, mental illness, poverty and addictions. They gladly accept donations of gently used children’s items, hygiene kits, diapers, baby wipes,car seats (new), strollers, bassinets . Check their website for a complete list of ways you can give.
Northwest Children’s Outreach This faith-based nonprofit operates several distribution centers in Oregon and SW Washington, working to provide caregivers with items families need. Volunteers sort clothing, pack orders, and pick up donations. They accept clothing for newborns to teens, hygiene products, breastfeeding supplies (including pumps), nursery items, children’s safety products, toys, and books. Check their website for a complete list and for hours of operation at each location.
Children’s Book Bank Have your kids outgrown a portion of their at-home library? Bring your gently used books to this non-profit focused on providing children’s literature to children with limited access to books at home. Volunteers rehabilitate and bundle the books for distribution through Head Start and public schools, so please check for missing pages, mold, or other damage beyond repair before donating. Current needs include board books, picture books, alphabet books, books about numbers, colors, animals, shapes and words, story books, rhyming books, Dr. Seuss books, multicultural books and books in Spanish. Donations taken by appointment only. Call to setup your time.
Insights Teen Parent Services Dedicated to serving teen parents and their children through a wide range of free support services, this nonprofit also runs a resource closet that parents can visit by appointment to find what they need. Among other items, they're currently accepting maternity clothes, clothing in sizes newborn-5T, toys for ages 0-5, board books, and winter coats. They also accept cribs made after December 2011, and used car seats that meet specific requirements, as listed on the website. Donations are limited to a specific list so check their website for an updated list.
As parents, we highly value education. While on the hunt for a school with exceptional academics it can be easy to forget one crucial component: emotional learning, otherwise known as “EQ”. For 145 years, Sacred Heart Schools has been instilling a love of learning in students, while shaping them to achieve their best and be their best selves. With the support of exceptional teachers and staff, their approach to education combines a challenging curriculum within a nurturing environment.
Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, PK-8 school that welcomes students of all faiths, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. In fact, 40% of the students are not Catholic; all major faiths are represented in a wide range of learners. As an independent school, Sacred Heart benefits from their relationship with the Chicago Archdiocese, but is self-governing and free to craft their own unique vision and innovative curriculum. As one parent says, “The school does an excellent job, regardless of your religious affiliation, of teaching children how to create and navigate their own moral compass.”
Sacred Heart Education Is Accessible to All Students
The tuition assistance program helps make Sacred Heart education accessible to children from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial means. Varying awards are made based upon demonstrated need, up to 95% of tuition. Nearly 30% of Sacred Heart students receive some level of tuition assistance.
In this welcoming, diverse school community, students feel valued, cared for, respected, and celebrated. Sacred Heart Schools serves children in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade in three academic groups: Primary School (grades PK-2), Lower School (grades 3-5) and Middle School (grades 6-8). Preschool and senior kindergarten are coed, and grade level classrooms are organized by gender—giving children an opportunity to develop their own voice and build confidence within themselves. However, many elements of campus life are coeducational.
Students Are Enriched Beyond the Classroom
With 40 different after-school clubs and classes and 50 competitive sports teams, there’s no shortage of extracurricular activities to pique your child’s interests and continue their learning when the school day is done. (FYI: It’s one of the largest elementary school athletic programs in Illinois!) From dance to music lessons, Science Olympiad to basketball, students can choose from a range of offerings to solidify friendships and be involved. Families can also choose to enroll their children in Before and After School Care. (Before School Care is free for students in PK-8 and After School Care is free for SK-8 students.)
Students Are Committed to Social Justice and Making the World a Better Place
Sacred Heart is guided by five principles— faith, intellect, service, community, and personal growth. Social justice is woven into the curriculum at Sacred Heart Schools—providing students the chance to give back and see the meaningful impact of their actions. Instilling strong values shapes students into active and informed members of the local community and responsible global citizens.
Approximately 95% of Sacred Heart’s students are accepted to their first-choice high school. Students are thoughtfully guided through a high school counseling program where emphasis is placed on helping students find a secondary school that’s the best fit for their learning styles and interests. 8th graders leave well prepared for high school—quickly becoming leaders in academics, extracurriculars, and their new school community.
What we say when we kiss our kids goodbye can often fly under the radar when it comes to school mornings. But, even though the other stuff must come first (breakfast—check, lunch packed—check, shoes on feet—check!) those last-minute attributes are important, too. We asked parents all over the country for their daily traditions and collected our favorites! From creative silliness to classic kisses, scroll down to see them all.
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The Classic Kiss
While some parents end up with an unusual tradition, the classic kiss and “I love you, have a good day” hold strong.
A Hiccup
Totally unique and evolved out of SPOKE contributor Corey W and her kiddo's Kindergarten transition, the "hiccup" consists of "a high five, a kiss, and then I'd pick her up and hug her. We called it a 'hiccup' goodbye because the first letters of the first two steps and the last two letters of the last step seemed to spell it out!"
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A Reminder to Put on Their Listening Ears
From one mom who actually puts on her listening ears with her kid to other parents who gently remind their little ones to listen to their teachers, it's popular for mom and dad to instill the importance of paying attention.
A Sweet Tradition
Red Tricycle's very own Ad Sales manager had a sweet school morning tradition with her own mom growing up, "every year before the first day of school, my mom would say the Shehecheyanu prayer (to celebrate something new) and always tell me to take the first step out of the house with my right foot."
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Hugs, Hugs and More Hugs!
Some parents twirl their kids around in a hug, some give a tight squeeze at their kid’s eye level, and one mom had us giggling with her unique version: “Before my kids walk out in the morning, we give each other what we call a T-Rex hug. I put my elbows really close to my sides, extend my forearms at a 90-degree angle and awkwardly pat the arms of my children, while they do the same to me. Not all that affectionate, but it makes us giggle every time.”
Blow Kisses
A twist on the traditional, some parents and kids send out an airborne version of a kiss. We especially love the way one creative mom does it “We blow each other a kiss and catch the kiss, and rub it on our cheeks so we can keep it with us all day.”
Keep It Simple
Teacher Jill Hornstein shares her favorite: "A fist bump. The kids that have a simple ritual are the ones that come in ready and excited to learn. Parents should NOT walk their kids into school every day. Start from the beginning allowing them to be independent."
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A Secret Handshake
Writer Amber Guetebier says she and her son have developed a secret handshake, “We change them seasonally, and they are goofy. So after the love you's and hugs, we have a quick ‘handshake’ that says, I'll be here when you're done with this school thing."
A Good Start
Another way to start the day with affirmations is how SPOKE contributor Iliana Rosario-Urban does it, "Every morning during the school year I wake up before the boys and I write a positive note on the bathroom mirror so while they are brushing their teeth they can start their day with positive affirmations."
Affirmation Questions
The drop-off line is a great place to throw in last-minute positive reinforcement. From “Are you going to make someone smile?” and “Are you going to be confident?” to “Are you going to make good choices?” there’s no end to the ways you can remind kids of what they need to be doing each day.
Love Signs
Signing the words “I Love You,” is a sweet and easy tradition to start. One mom, who has a difficult drop-off kid says “Peace Out!” while throwing up the peace sign out the car window.
Mom Jesseca charmed us with her sweet goodbye tradition: “I draw a small heart on my hand, and one on my daughter’s. We 'charge' them by holding hands to drop off. Then if she needs extra love or encouragement during the day, she can press the heart for a boost.”
Rock Star Mornings
Mom Sara Schultz Borgstede doesn't draw hearts, she draws stars instead. "I draw a little star on their wrist because they are my rock stars!"
Power Jams
Yup, power jams are still, well, powerful. From one mom’s slightly shocking version, “I take musical requests on the way to school which usually means that I pull up to the Catholic school drop off with something very inappropriate like Gangsta's Paradise, Hypnotize (the clean version, of course) or California Love blasting from my minivan” to the most motivating songs around (Thunder, Born this Way, What About Us, etc.), kids love heading to the classroom with a killer beat and positive lyrics on the mind.
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Other Favorites
Readers and parents shared so many sweet goodbyes that we had to include a few more.
“Be kind, I love you.”
“You are an amazing kid! Go have an amazing day! “
“Eat, sleep, and play well! Learn something new!
“Te amo mi vida! Or I love you mi vida!”
"Every morning at drop-off, I race my son up the stairs at school. It's a "me and him" thing that leaves us both cracking up and energized for the day. He beats me every time." - SPOKE contributor Elizabeth Silva.
"My son goes to a Montessori school. Most of the rooms have different class pets. Every morning my husband and the kiddo stop into a different room to visit them before getting settled into his own class. The bluefish room is currently his favorite." - SPOKE contributor Elysa.
— Gabby Cullen with Amber Guetebier, Andy Huber, Maria Chambers, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Beth Shea, Kate Loweth
Even with the arrival of vaccines, you need to safeguard your family’s immune health. Children under the age of 12 aren’t yet eligible for a shot, although manufacturers hope to win FDA approval for this use by the end of this year.
What can you do to help keep your loved ones from getting sick? Here are five proven and smart ways to boost your family’s immune system and keep them safer from all varieties of nasty germs.
1. Improve Everyone’s Diets
The foods your loved ones eat influence their immune function. Even if you aren’t Catholic, it’s wise to embrace fish Fridays—and extend them an extra day a week. Seafood is rich in vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids, all of which benefit your immunity.
Furthermore, eating more fish can prevent the number one killer, heart disease. Research performed by the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that two 3-ounce servings weekly slash your heart disease risk by 36%.
Likewise, increasing your family’s intake of whole, plant-based foods helps. These provide rich sources of antioxidants, which fight against damaging free radicals. Free radicals cause cellular damage and disease, stressing your immune system. Antioxidants neutralize these damaging molecules by adding missing electrons. The wider variety of plants you eat, the better your chances of getting what you need most.
Certain items can increase inflammation, making your body think it is sick when it isn’t. As a result, you tax your immune system—minimize your family’s intake of processed meat, refined carbohydrates and oils with a preponderance of omega-6 fatty acids, like canola and soybean.
2. Get Everyone Moving
Exercise may help to boost immune function through several mechanisms. One is by temporarily raising core temperature, killing bacteria and viruses. It’s similar to what your body does when you run a fever.
Research also indicates that exercise increases activity levels in white blood cells. The more of these disease-fighting cells you have seeking out and destroying germs, the lower your chances of getting sick.
Get your family moving by taking a walk together after dinner. You might have better luck getting your kids to open up about problems at school or with friends than you do around the table. Head to the playground as often as you can. You can also sneak in a workout by doing picnic-table pushups and monkey-bar pullups—or merely chasing your little ones.
3. Go Outside
People in Japan live longer, lead healthier lives, and having access to superior health care isn’t their only longevity secret. They also practice shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing, a healthy habit that your family can adopt to boost their immune health.
Researchers studied people who participated in the practice and discovered an increased number and activity in natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that eradicates germs. The secret lies in phytoncides, chemicals that plants exude for defense. When humans breathe them in, it bolsters their immune function.
Best of all, the effects last for up to 30 days after a stint in the forest. If you haven’t decided on a family summer vacation yet, why not pack up your tent and go camping? You’ll save money and boost your family’s immune health at the same time.
4. Mitigate Stress
While you need some stress, too much of it can wreak havoc on your overall health. Prolonged time under tension contributes to excess cortisol production, a hormone that can spell trouble in several ways.
One is that it prompts you to crave foods high in fat and calories. From an evolutionary standpoint, this mechanism helped you have sufficient energy to outrun hungry lions—but it backfires in increased obesity levels in modern times.
Excess cortisol also alters your immune and digestive functions. The problem is, you’re more likely to encounter nasty germs than angry bears in today’s world.
The solution? Practice healthy stress-management techniques yourself and share them with your family. One method is getting organized. Teach your children how to use a planner to stay on top of school assignments and use family calendar apps to make sure everyone shows up for their soccer matches on time.
Encourage your kids to engage in activities like yoga and arts. Foster positive friendships that give them a support system outside of the home.
5. Adhere to a Regular Bedtime
Your body needs sleep to maintain a healthy immune system. During slumber, your body produces cytokines, proteins that play a vital role in fighting germs. Inadequate shuteye throws off your levels, leaving you or your family at risk of infection.
Modern electronic devices rob more folks of sleep than ever, thanks to the blue light from screens impacting circadian rhythms and melatonin. Please create a family charging station in the kitchen or living area so that your kids or spouse don’t lie awake scrolling until 1 a.m.
The novel coronavirus isn’t the only nasty germ you have to worry about today. Boost your family’s immune system these five simple ways and prepare for any cold or flu bug you or your loved ones encounter.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Spring is legit springing and these gardens are blooming with vivid colors! Skip the wooded hike and and take a socially-distant stroll through one of these public gardens and parks. These urban gardens offer a change of scenery with an unbeatable admission; all are free! Read on for the best places to see flowers blooming in Washington, DC this spring.
Duck through archways and lounge in gazebos; Bishop's Garden, located on the south side of the Washington National Cathedral, feels like a secret oasis just miles from downtown DC. There are plenty of shaded benches to rest while your little ones stretch their legs. Beyond Bishop's Garden, there are 59 acres of grassy fields, wooded paths and landscaped gardens to explore!
Safety regulations: Masks must be worn while on cathedral grounds. The National Cathedral is currently closed to visitors.
Hours: Daily, dawn-dusk Location: 2112 S St NW, Between N Florida Ave & N 21st St Phone: 202-537-6200 Online: cathedral.org/gardens
The US Botanic Garden is currently closed (see below), but Bartholdi Park, which sits across from the conservatory off Independence Ave., is open and a welcome place to enjoy a tabletop picnic. Bartholdi Park has served as a demonstration garden for over 80 years, showcasing native plants to the Mid-Atlantic region in different gardening styles using sustainable planting practices. Come back at night and enjoy the glow of Bartholdi Fountain!
Hours: Daily Location: 245 First St SW, Corner of Independence & Washington Ave., Capitol South Phone: 202-225-8333 Online: usbg.gov/bartholdi-park
Many say the Arboretum is under utilized, but you’re in the know thanks to us and we say, don’t miss one of the most beautiful gardens in our area. Located two miles northeast of the Capitol building, with entrances on New York Avenue and R Street, DC’s Arboretum is home to more than 400 acres of woods, trails, ponds and display gardens, plus the captivating National Bonsai Museum.
Safety regulations: The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and Administration is temporarily closed. Masks are required at all times while on Federal lands.
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: 3501 New York Ave NE, Northeast Washington Phone: 202-245-2726 Online: usna.usda.gov
Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Monastery
Nestled in the Brookland neighborhood not far from The Catholic University of America, the Franciscan Monastery replicates the shrines and buildings found in Jerusalem. The stunning gardens and grounds are open daily to the public. Guided tours and access to the church and catacombs is currently suspended due to COVID-19. If you and your littles would like to tour the lower and upper gardens without making your way to the Monastery, there is also an online virtual tour here.
Right next to the Yates Field House you'll find this hidden gem of a garden on Georgetown University grounds considered a best-kept secret by many locals. Finding the garden is half the fun! It's located on the east and north sides of the Heyden Observatory. You'll find small ponds and water features, an arch to run under and views of the Potomac River. The peaceful silence is occasionally interrupted by overhead airplanes; small children will delight in seeing their low-flying path.
Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Location: West Rd. NE, Washington, DC 20057 Phone: 202-687-3600 Online:georgetown.edu
Kenilworth is said to be the place where water, wind and land dance, and we say that’s pretty accurate. It is the only national park devoted to cultivated water-loving plants. Kids love exploring the park’s marshes and discovering exotic water lilies and lotus. This is a great place to take your little ones on a nature-loving hike, especially if you have a budding bird-watcher on your hands. The park is rich and varied in natural and cultural history.
The US Botanic Garden is not currently open to the public due to COVID-19, but hop online and you can explore and discover some of the most unique blooms in the world, including rare beauties such as the African Tulip Tree, the Scarlet Rosemallow and the Jungle Lollipop via the Virtual Tour. Once this DC treasure re-opens, be sure to make visit to the outdoor Children’s Garden, where the kiddos can use gardening tools and watering cans for a true hands-on experience, spend time in the conservatory, which offers a showcase of plants from around the world, as well as the national outdoor garden, which is filled with roses.
Safety regulations: The conservatory is currently closed due to COVID-19. You can visit virtually here, or take a moment to smell the flowers at Bartholdi Park (see above).
Perched on the highest hill in DC’s posh Georgetown neighborhood, this breathtaking garden is listed on National Geographic’s top 10 as the sixth most beautiful garden in the world. Sadly, both the house and gardens are currently closed due to COVID-19. You will need to wait until they reopen to visit Dumbarton's 10 acres of lush, sculpted greenery. But while you wait, you can check out the museums exhibits online as well as view photographs and drawings of the gardens. When their doors open again, be sure to let the kids roam through the terraced garden rooms and vistas, and walk down the many meandering brick pathways.
Safety regulations: Currently closed due to COVID-19, but you can still visit virtually.
Hours: Currently closed. Visit online here. Location: 3120 R St. NW, Georgetown Phone: 202-339-6400 Online:doaks.org
I was raised Ukrainian Catholic by hardworking immigrant parents. Christmas was a very big deal at my house, but mostly from a religious and culinary perspective. Gifts were never lavish, and I grew up understanding that my wish list for Santa had to be brief and reasonable. The modest celebrations of my childhood helped me appreciate the things I did receive and focus on the comfort and joy of our holiday traditions: cooking, welcoming carolers, decorating the tree and being with family.
When I married my husband and we decided to raise a Jewish family, I grieved the loss of Christmas for a bit, but then fully embraced Hanukkah as an opportunity to create new traditions and warm memories for our children. The one thing I couldn’t really support was eight nights of gifts. It seemed excessive, and I worried that it would detract from creating other, more important holiday traditions—particularly around giving back and spreading joy to others.
Since my kids were very young, I had been passionate about introducing them to age-appropriate service. I understood intuitively (as most parents do) that the key to raising kind, compassionate, grateful, and grounded kids is to encourage them to recognize the needs of others and find ways to help. We don’t wait to start reading to our children, why wait to start volunteering with them? I made it my mission to find opportunities for our family to give back to our community whenever we had the chance. A big part of this effort involved creating family service traditions around holidays and milestones. The easiest way to find time for service in hectic schedules is to incorporate it into things you are already doing. Sharing the joy of your special occasions elevates every celebration, creating warm memories that last a lifetime.
I wanted to be sure some of the eight nights of Hanukkah didn’t involve receiving gifts at all but were still fun. One night we bake cookies for our neighbors or local first responders and deliver them. Another night we’ll shop online for a family we’ve “adopted” for the holidays or write thank you notes to the postal carrier and maintenance staff in our building.
One of our favorite holiday service traditions has been visiting with an elderly neighbor through a program at our local senior center. I signed up for our first Hanukkah visit when our kids were very small (and our youngest, now 13, was not yet born). We were matched with Betty and Fred S., Holocaust survivors. Fred had been incapacitated by a stroke but was always present for our visits, sitting in his recliner, observing the activity with smiling eyes. Betty was spry and sweet. She always wore her finest fluffy pink sweater, and with the help of an aide, prepared mini potato latkes and honey cake for our visit. We would light the Hanukkah candles, play dreidel, and sing songs together. The Schwartz’s became like family to us, and photos of our kids adorned their refrigerator next to photos of their own grand- and great-grandchildren. We requested to visit the couple year after year until they both passed away. It was always the most special night of our holiday. The best feeling in the world was having my kids ask me each year as Hanukkah approached, not “What am I getting this year?” but “What night are we visiting Betty and Fred?”
Most families are great about engaging in service around the “giving” holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. It’s important to remember that there are people who are struggling with hunger, homelessness, poverty, and illness every day of the year, not just in November and December. Many national and religious holidays are slam-dunk opportunities to volunteer with your family. The MLK Day of Service in January and the 9/11 Day of Service in September have been designated as such, and volunteer events in your community abound if you keep your eyes open for them. Valentine’s Day is a perfect chance to create a tradition around spreading love to those who might be lonely or isolated. Veteran’s Day and Independence Day remind us to show support and gratitude to our active-duty military, veterans, and their families who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and safety.
Birthdays are perhaps the easiest way to incorporate service traditions into your family life. Many families have a special birthday plate or candle holder, a favorite type of cake, a silly song, or sparkly crown—some type of ritual that is expected each year and cherished by the birthday child. Why not add one small element of “giving” into a day that is often so focused on “getting?” Depending on their age or interest, your child can ask for donations in lieu of gifts for their birthday, or donate one of their birthday gifts to a child in need who shares their special day. My family has hosted “parties with purpose” for our kids at every age. We’ve collected baby books at a first birthday party and pajamas at a sleepover, we’ve created toiletry kits for the homeless at a “spa-themed” party, and collected dog food for the ASPCA the year we adopted our beloved rescue pup. All of these efforts were seamlessly integrated into parties filled with all of the usual trimmings, adding notes of kindness and generosity to these events, making them even more memorable and meaningful.
It doesn’t matter what your service traditions are, the most important thing is to start early—even when children are very young—and to stay consistent. Your kids likely won’t remember a toy they received at the holidays or on a birthday, the decorations you carefully selected, or the cake you meticulously frosted. They’ll remember the memories that were made when you were volunteering together, how great they felt doing good for others, and the way that this shared experience connected you all together, making a special day even better.
Natalie Silverstein, MPH, is the NYC coordinator of Doing Good Together. She is a writer, speaker and consultant on the topic of family service. Her first book Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back was published in 2019 and her second book for teens will be published in 2022.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami Dade Hank Kline Club (2805 SW 32 Ave, Miami, 305-446-2654)
Central Presbyterian Church (12455 SW 104 St, 305-274-4007)
Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival (3400 Pan American Dr, Coconut Grove)
Key Biscayne Community Church (355 Glenridge Rd, Key Biscayne, 305-361-2411)
The Little Farm. (13401 SW 224 St, Goulds, 305-258-3186)
Miami Lakes United Methodist Church (14800 Ludlam Rd, Miami Lakes, 305-821-7274)
Miami Shores Presbyterian Church (602 NE 96 St., Miami Shores, 305-754-9541)
Miami Springs Annual Harvest Fest/Pumpkin Patch hosted by Poinciana United Methodist Church (The 200 block of Curtiss Pkwy, Miami Springs, 305-805-5000)
The day was sunny yet the Chicago wind still tried its best to penetrate through our coats as my daughter and I walked the 3 blocks to collect her brother from school.
This was our usual path to school and we were happily shouting, singing and listening to our echos as we walked underneath one of the cities many train lines.
Over the past few years, these under-passes have become beautiful canvases for local artists to display their skills. They have also become a place for the homeless to seek shelter from the elements.
As we walked toward the end of the underpass we noticed that someone had started building their little home in-between two of the cement pillars next to the street. My daughter ran a few feet ahead of me and before I knew it had struck up a conversation with her “new friend.”
During their conversation my 4-year-old daughter covered topics which included “Why do you live outside? Do you have any pets? What’s your favorite food? Would you like to come over and play?”
Each and every response from this new friend was kind, gentle and loving. This woman’s eyes sparkled like black diamonds when she looked deep into my daughter’s and they quickly bonded over their shared love of pasta with red sauce.
As we were leaving, my daughter turns to her new friend and asks if there was anything she needed (my daughter has had heard me say this to other people we’ve met in need of help).
The lady pauses for a few seconds and says “You know, it does get pretty chilly at night sleeping outside. If you happen to have any extra blankets laying around I would be mighty grateful for them.”
My grandmother passed away 5 months ago and we had received some of her nice bed linens which I had put aside for the guest room. When I heard the request I immediately knew just the blanket she needed.
Now, when we pass by this woman’s humble home on our daily walk to school I’m reminded not only of the pure unconditional and non-judgemental love of a child, but I also see a little of my grandma’s love keeping someone else warm at night.
Not everyone is blessed with safety and shelter.
Not every homeless person is an addict or a criminal.
Teach and model humanity for your child and watch the world change from black and white into a rainbow of colors that stem from kindness, thoughtfulness and understanding.
““These days there is a lot of poverty in the world, and that’s a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.” — Pope Francis, current Head of the Catholic Church.
I am a 42-year-old biological mother of two young children in a same-sex relationship, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in neuropsychological assessment, a music therapist, a trainer of therapy dogs and ex-communicated Mormon from Indiana with a wicked sense of humor.
