Spring is the time of year to start thinking about fall enrollment.  Here are the most important things that National Heritage Academies recommend parents work on with their kids to prepare for Kindergarten.

• Give your child small jobs and a sense of responsibility.
• Spend time reading and enjoying books together.
• Use proper penmanship when showing your kids how to write.  This includes only using capital letters at the start of a word.
• If you child uses a word incorrectly, repeat what he said and put an emphasis on using the correct word.
• Give your child as many opportunities as possible to color, cut, trace and glue.
• Work with your child on counting.  Make sure she is able to count in sequence up to 20 as use objects around the house to help.

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Timberland Charter Academy in Muskegon invites you to join them for Kindergarten Round-Up.  Meet the teachers, visit the classrooms and explore the school!  The big event takes place on Wednesday, April 22 from Noon-7pm.  To sign-up call 231-767-9700.

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One thing that is often overlooked when it comes to organization is your healthcare information.  Here are six simple ways to make it a little easier.

1.  Pick your personal organizer. Find a three-ring binder, standing file box or something that will work.  Have a seperate file for each family member.
2.  Collect all the appropriate information.  Gather insurance and physician information including names, numbers and addresses.
3.  Compile your records.  This includes immunizations for your children, a list of any allergies and prescritpions you take.
4.  Track your appointments.  Keep a calendar indicating when you have check-ups scheduled.
5.  Keep all your paperwork.  Make a section in your file for receipts and financial paperwork and sort by date of service.
6.  Store your records in a safe place.  It might also be helpful to make photocopies of your records to store outside the home in a lockbox or with a family member.

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Spring means “spring cleaning” and closets are a great place to begin.  This week, Nina Schipper of the Closet Factory gave us some simple ways to create extra space and get your closets in order.

For more information on the Closet Factory, located in Jenison, call 1-800-965-1021 or 616-662-2340.  Make sure to check out our coupon section for 20% off your next purchase!  www.marandatv.com/coupons/

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One of the best ways to “clean up” your relationships is to CARE about them.  This week therapist, Michael Reiffer, broke down the acronym and how it can help you.

C – Choose
 Love is an act of will
 Forgiveness is a choice
 Choose your time, money and resources wisely

Read all »

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Celebrate Earth Day in a BIG Way at the John Ball Zoo on Saturday, April 18th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The event includes cool stuff to take home, games, science experiments and animals!!  Adults admission is $3.50 and $3.00 for kids.

Arrive early and cheer on folks participating in the Fifth Third River Bank Run training clinic!

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Looking for something to do this weekend?  Here are Maranda’s recommendations for family fun.

Kalamazoo Nature Center
Saturday, April 18 from 9:30am-5pm
www.naturecenter.org
Celebrate Earth Day with free admission.  Event includes trail tours, gardening and fun activities for kids.

Party for the Planet
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-3pm
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
www.johnballzoosociety.org
It’s time to help celebrate Earth Day at the John Ball Zoo.  Over 30 West Michigan organizations will be attending with seedling giveaways, games, entertainment, science experiments, recycling and conservation tips.

Kent District Library Green Fair
Saturday, April 18 from 10am-2pm
KDL – East Grand Rapids Branch
www.kdl.org
Learn ways to live a greener life while enjoying games, prizes, crafts and presentations by local experts and organizations.

Read all »

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Is there a teacher that had a huge impact on your life or on the lives of your children?  I’d love to hear about it!  I’m looking for stories about great teachers!    Someone who has inspired you, changed you, empowered you (or your kids!).    Send along your stories…who knows it might be our next best segment on “Where You Live!’

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This week’s show looks at the highs and the lows that come along with teenage dating and relationships.

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If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter this weekend check out “Breakfast with the Bunny” at the Equest Center in Rockford, Michigan.  The big event takes place Saturday, April 11 from 9:30-1:00 and includes a petting zoo, face painting, an Easter Egg hunt, a catered breakfast, horse drawn wagon rides and more!  The Equest Center is located at 3777 Rector NE.  Call 616/866-3066 for ticket prices and more!

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