Summer DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids program begins May 11

The summer session of DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids starts May 11 and concludes Aug. 3.

DivorceCare is a support group for adults who are divorced, separated or reconciling. Both adult and children (ages 5-12) sessions take place at the same time.

Participants are not required to attend every week, and can come at any time during the series since each week covers a new topic. The sessions are free, but the workbook that corresponds with the program costs $15. Other social activities are planned outside of the weekly meetings.

The summer support group has a new meeting time and location, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturdays at Rose Street Community Center, 109 Rose Street, Union Gap. Several contacts are listed: Tom Burke, 509-930-7074; Tracy Johnson, 509-930-5855; Dan Whitney, 509-930-1420; Mary Whitney, 509-930-1421; or hhhcouncil@gmail.com.

You can also find out more information on the support group’s website at yakimadivorcecare.net.

“May the Fourth” Star Wars event at Inklings Bookshop May 4

Many kids are fans of the game Tug of War. A lesser-known alternative to that game, Tug of Peace, never really took off.

So when a Star Wars event comes along and doesn’t emphasize the “war” part of the story, some fans may be a bit skeptical.

Don’t be. Especially when the event takes place this Saturday, May 4, Star Wars fans and their friends have an opportunity to celebrate “May the Fourth,” a day that has been turned into somewhat of a holiday. (Think: “May the Fourth be with you.”)

The celebration commences in a bookstore not far away. Inklings Bookshop will start the event at 1 p.m. May 4. Expect Star Wars-related crafts and other fun. Be sure to come dressed in costume and equipped with a lightsaber – you’ll get an extra discount!

This “May the Fourth” event is also in line with the release of the new children’s book Vader’s Little Princess, by Jeffrey Brown, available at the bookstore.

Inklings Bookshop is at 5629 Summitview Ave. in Yakima. Call 509-965-5830 or visit inklingsbookshop.com for more info.

WSU offering reading programs for kids this summer in Yakima

If you are a parent looking to balance your child’s carefree summer months with something worthwhile and educational, then Washington State University has something for you.

True, your little tykes may be too young to enter college, but they may certainly be ready for more reading practice.

WSU’s Global Campus will offer beginning reading programs this summer in Yakima. The programs are designed and taught by instructors from the WSU’s Institute of Reading Development and emphasize alphabet skills, reading readiness, phonics, comprehension and love of reading.

Five programs will be offered at St. Joseph/Marquette Catholic School, 202 N. 4^th St. in Yakima. Here is the schedule and breakdown by grade:

• Program R: 10-11:15 a.m. Sundays, June 23-July 21. For 4-year-olds and entering kindergartners. Children must be 4 by start of program.
• Program 1: 12-2 p.m. Sundays, June 23-July 21. For entering 1^st graders.
• Program 2: 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays, June 25-July 23. For entering 2^nd graders.
• Program 3: 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, June 25-July 23. For entering 3^rd graders.
• Program 4: 2:45-5 p.m. Sundays, June 23-July 21. For entering 4^th and 5^th graders.

The cost of tuition and materials differs per grade level, and some may be eligible for a family discount. Other programs for middle school and high school students and adults are also available at various locations.

You can call 800-978-3532 to register or get more information, 5 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, or 5 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Those interested are encouraged to inquire early, as class size is limited.

“Children of the Forest” Art Encounter begins April 13

ARTS ENCOUNTER. 10 a.m. Saturdays, April 13-May 4. “Children of the Forest.” Series of 4-week sessions of art, music and dance classes, with different themes each month. Cost: $80 for four sessions. 11th Avenue Ballet School, 1014 S. 11th Ave., Yakima; 509-457-6791.

Peter the Rabbit visits Inklings Bookshop April 6

Now that spring is here, Inklings Bookshop wants to celebrate the season by bringing in a very famous storybook character.

Peter Rabbit, along with his famous cotton-tail, will make an appearance at the bookstore Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. The Beatrix Potter character will hang around for a special story time session and photo op.

Inklings Bookshop, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima. Call 509-965-5830 or visit inklingsbookshop.com for more details.

‘Splat the Cat’ program coming to Yakima Valley Libraries in April

He rhymes with bat. He doesn’t usually wear a hat, and – oh! – we could go on about that.  It’s Splat the Cat!  And Yakima Valley Libraries around the valley will host programs based on the character.

Made famous in Rob Scotton’s “Splat the Cat” books, the cuddly feline is the focus of “Pat Splat the Cat” programs offered this April. Activities include stories, rhymes, crafts, songs and games.

Here’s the schedule for YVL’s “Pat Splat the Cat” offerings:

• April 19 at 10:30 a.m.: Sunnyside Library, 621 Grant, Sunnyside; 509-837-3234.
• April 22 at 11 a.m.: Moxee Library, 255 W. Seattle, Moxee; 509-575-8854.
• April 23 at 10:30 a.m.: Yakima Central Library, 102 N. Third St., Yakima; 509-452-8541.
• April 23 at 3:30 p.m.: Naches Library, 303 Naches Ave., Naches; 509-653-2005.
• April 24 at 10:30 a.m.: West Valley Library, 223 S. 72nd Ave., Yakima; 509-966-7070.
• April 24 at 1:30 p.m.: Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah; 509-698-7345.
• April 25 at 10:30 a.m.: Terrace Heights Library, 4011 Commonwealth Drive, Yakima; 509-457-5319.
• April 25 at 3 p.m.: Granger Library, 508 Sunnyside Ave., Granger; 509-854-1446.
• April 26 at 10:30 a.m.: Toppenish Library, 1 S. Elm, Toppenish; 509-865-3600.
• April 26 at 4 p.m.: Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato; 509-877-2882.

Yakima Greenway’s Kiddin’ Around kicks off in April

Yakima Greenway will offer a number of daily and ongoing activities for its Kiddin’ Around program starting in April and running through the summer. Check out this list of daily activities for April and May:

April 14: Spring Thaw Jamboree
April 20: Yoga for Kids
April 27: Kids’ Fish-In
April 28: See Spot Run
May 5: Golfin’ Around
May 10: Runnin’/Walkin’ Around
May 11: Family Field Day
May 18: Disc Golfin’ Around
May 18: Golfin’ Around
May 19: Color Naches Fun Run

Other ongoing activities are planned. The “Techin’ & Trekkin’” program runs Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The free activity lets you check out a GPS to record your mileage as you walk, run or bike the Greenway.

The “Photo Scavenger Hunt” is also available Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. You’ll use a digital camera to take photos as you walk the Greenway. Free.

“Walkin’ the Dog” is available Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 12-3:30 p.m. This free activity lets you check out a dog from the Humane Society of Central Washington and go for a walk. Kids need to be accompanised by an adult. For this activity, call the Humane Society at 509-457-6854.

For information on all other activities, call the Yakima Greenway at 509-453-8280 or visit yakimagreenway.org.

Two days of ‘Skippyjon Jones’ at The Capitol Theatre in May

With a name as popular as Skippyjon Jones, it’s no wonder the Capitol Kids show will be here for not just one, but two days this spring.

“Skippyjon Jones” is set for May 6 at 10 a.m. and noon, and May 15 at 10 a.m.

Just as the book series with the same name has captivated young and adult readers alike, this show should appeal especially to pre-K through 3rd grade students.

Cost for each ticket is $5. For more information, call 509-853-8000 or go to capitoltheatre.org/Capitolkids.cfm.

YYSO Spring Concert set for April 28

The Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform its spring concert, “Spring Destinations: The Americas — Music from North and South America,” April 28.

The free, family-friendly concert starts at 3 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima.

Call 509-248-1414 or email yyso.yes@gmail.com for more info.

‘Sesame Street Live’ coming to SunDome April 24

For one day in April, Yakima will have a place called Sesame Street.

At least, that’s what the Yakima Valley SunDome will morph into Wednesday, April 24 as Sesame Street Live comes to town for two showings of “Can’t Stop Singing.”

The first show begins at 10:30 a.m., and the evening capper kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Children ages 1 and up need a ticket. Tickets are on sale now, and start at $15 and $20 for general seating, or $28 for a Gold Circle seat.

If you want to buy premier tickets, you can purchase “Sunny Seats” for $54. The Sunny Seats Package comes with a VIP seat along with a chance at getting photos with two characters before the show. If you purchase Sunny Seat tickets, arrive about an hour early to make sure you get in line for photos, and bring your own camera.

No video recording is allowed.

Matinee discounts are available. School or daycare groups of 10 or more (for the general seating only) can buy tickets at $12 apiece for the 10:30 a.m. show. Other groups of 10 or more will receive a $3 discount on general admission prices.

Yakima Valley SunDome, 1301 South Fair Ave., Yakima; 509-248-7160. yakimasundome.com

Yakima Farmers’ Market opens May 12

Beginning May 12, Yakima Farmers’ Market runs each Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. until the end of October.

Each week, vendors provide patrons fresh local produce, crafts, activities and locally-made products. Live music is also offered.

Yakima Farmers’ Market is located in front of the Millennium Plaza on South Third Street in downtown Yakima, between Yakima and Chestnut avenues. 509-457-5765. yakimafarmersmarket.org

Yakima Mavericks open play soon

So you’re lamenting the fact that there are no “professional” sports teams left in Yakima. Not so! The Yakima Mavericks, the area’s professional minor league football team, has already been digging into the turf in preparation for its 2013 season.

After kicking off the season with a road game, the Mavericks come home April 27 to play South King County Colts. The other home games are May 11 vs. Bellingham Bulldogs, June 8 vs. Vancouver Vipers, June 22 vs. Portland Monarchs and June 29 vs. Springfield Buzzards.

The Mavericks, part of the Pacific Football League in the Pacific Northwest, play home games at Marquette Stadium, 5400 W. Chestnut Ave., Yakima.

Kids’ Fish-in April 27

It’s fishing time, for “reel”!

The Yakima Greenway will host its annual Kids’ Fish-In event 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. April 27. The first 1,000 kids, ages 5-14, will receive a rod, reel, tackle and bait, angler education and T-shirt. Each child has a chance to take home two fish, and there will be plenty of fish for the taking: the pond is filled with 5,000 rainbow trout.

The fun takes place at the Greenway’s Reflection Pond, 111 S. 18th St., Yakima. Call 509-453-8280 for more info.

Arbor Day Festival is April 13

The 14th annual Arbor Festival is 10 a.m-3 p.m April 13. With “tax day” just around the corner, this would be a great time to allow yourself to breathe, relax and enjoy nature.

The free event is designed for the entire family. This year’s theme is “Nature’s ‘Tree’rific Art,” to emphasize the celebration of the many wonders and varieties of natural science and conservation. Hands-on learning activities, crafts and displays will be on-hand, and up to 40 stations will be set up and run by various organizations in the area. As many as 600 families will be able to take home a tree to plant on Arbor Day, which is April 26 this year.

The Arbor Festival takes place at Yakima Area Arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima. Call 509-248-7337 or visit ahtrees.org for more info.

Allied Arts continues art programs this spring

Kids have been shut indoors for too long by now, leaving parents wondering just what to do with them. It’s time to get artsy.

Allied Arts of Yakima has several new art programs lined up in the next few months.

Fly Your Kite & Rock Your Banner. 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays through March 28. Instructor Mindy Clark helps kids create kites and banners using markers and watercolors on recycled materials, emphasizing shape, color, value, line and pattern. Cost: $10 per person; register at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. Classes are held at the Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah.

Magazine Beads. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 30. Instructor: Diane Smith. Cost: $10 per person. Drop-ins welcome. Classes held at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930.

Open Studios. 12-3 p.m. Saturdays through April 27. Open, drop-in studio. Art teacher on-hand to facilitate projects. Cost: $5 for one adult and child together; $2 each additional child. Art supplies included in cost. Classes held at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930.

Pop Art Portraits. 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, April 4-25. Clark teaches students to create portraits using markers, glue, oil pastel, printing and collage to study line, color, pattern and balance. Cost: $10 per person; register at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. Classes are held at the Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah.

Collage with Rausenburg and Beardon. 9:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, May 2-30. Instructor: Mindy Clark. Cost: $10 per person; register at Allied Arts of Yakima, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima; 509-966-0930. Classes are held at the Selah Library, 106 S. Second St., Selah.

Family Fun Night, Plus Cheap Dates!

By Juanita Farris

Our house loves Family Fun Night, but after so many weeks we run out of ideas to make it special. Recently we fell into a serious movie-and-pizza routine and decided it was time to mix it up.

Just because it may still be cold outside doesn’t mean you have to plan the same boring inside activities. Here are three great ideas to enjoy this spring with your family.

1. Be a tourist in your own town

Seeing the sights isn’t an activity that should be done only on vacation. Yakima is a beautiful city, and I think people who live here sometimes forget how much we have to offer. On a warm afternoon, arm yourself with Yakima brochures and set out to explore. Take nature in at Yakima Area Arboretum, feed the ducks at Randall Park and explore the downtown sculptures that showcase what is so special about our community.

2. Pizza contest

Cooking is one of my family’s favorite things to do together. My son is always more excited to eat the food if he had a hand in making it. Instead of just making dinner together, have a pizza-making contest. Set out a variety of ingredients and take turns making your own mini pizzas. After baking them have a taste test and pick the best pizza. The winner gets to pick a movie to watch after dinner.

3. Camp out in the living room

It’s too cold outside to camp with young children, but that doesn’t have to stop you from having all the fun that camping brings. Have a picnic in your living room using a blanket and serve barbecue food like hamburgers and hot dogs. You can even make s’mores by layering the graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows on a cookie sheet and baking for five minutes or until gooey. After a campfire dinner you can build a blanket fort or even set up your tent in the living room. Fill it with comfy blankets and spend the night playing board games and telling stories in your pajamas.

PLUS: Cheap Date Night!

Family budgets are not the only thing suffering from the recent recession. After having a baby recently, my husband and I found that all we had time for usually was dinner. Yet — with rising food costs — finding extra money for a night out seems impossible. Making time together as a couple is very important to the two of us, so we accepted the challenge of finding ways to save on our monthly dinner date.

What we found was surprising. After visiting our favorite restaurants’ websites, we noticed many offer free meals just for signing up for their rewards program. With just a little extra planning, we were able to go out for a three-course dinner and not spend a dime.

Since you usually have to let a rewards account activate over a 24-hour period, it’s a good idea to plan out your date the night before. To make your date night even more fun, do a progressive dinner. Have each course at a different restaurant and take advantage of all the different places that offer free food.

First, visit each restaurant’s website and sign up for an account. After validating your account, find the free meal coupons, print them out or have your phone number ready for the server. Make sure that you do this for both you and your spouse, so that you both get the free offer. Some of the offers might be redeemable for only one person on the tab.

For your appetizer, Pizza Hut (pizzahut.com) offers free stuffed “pizza rollers” when you sign up to receive the company’s emails. For the main course, Red Robin (redrobin.com) serves a free burger and Black Angus (blackangus.com) offers a free steak dinner. Also, remember to save some room for dessert. Shari’s (sharis.com) offers a free slice of pie, and Black Angus also serves a free dessert.

*

This is my life, and our life

By Amy Berkheimer

This is my life. It’s not quite how I planned it, or how I dreamed it would be. But, here we are. I know no other way. I have one child and he has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He’s 100 percent tube-fed, and that comes with many challenges for him.

Eli is also an amazing little boy with a smile that lights up a room! Well, a room where people know him, anyway. Raising a child with a disability sets you apart from “the norm.” When we are out in a crowd, it’s easy to feel like an alien in a strange land. Sometimes I think to myself, “Are we invisible today?” Other days, I think, “What the heck are they staring at?” But, mostly, I just wish that people would treat us like just another face in the crowd. Yup, we go to the mall, because Eli wears shoes, too!

I sent a questionnaire to several of my friends who are raising children with special needs, asking if they ever feel alone in a crowd. The findings indicated that we all have. What I found most interesting is that all of us take the burden onto ourselves. We understand that people just don’t know how to respond to us, include us or even interact with us.

I feel very blessed to be able to share my story with you, and let you know how this one mommy feels about this subject, a topic very prevalent in my circle of friends.

My circle of friends is rather unique. I gravitate toward others who are on an alternative path in parenting: parents of children with special needs. I connect easily with moms who understand the heartaches of missed milestones, and the joy of delayed milestones we thought would never come.

I have never had the opportunity to potty-train a child. I’ve never turned a spoon into an airplane and then had peas spit in my face. I don’t know what it feels like to have a child purposely defy me, or choose how to discipline my child. We don’t have a chore chart in our house, and my son has never had a consequence for his actions because he doesn’t have bad behavior. I will also never hear the word “mommy” out of his precious little mouth.

Instead, my house is full of syringes, formulas, feeding pumps, drain bags, suction units, wheelchairs, standers and stethoscopes. We are on a first name basis with most of Eli’s doctors, we know the best places to shop around Seattle Children’s Hospital, not to mention the best place to order a pizza if you have to stay the night. Seattle Children’s Hospital is one of my favorite places to be, because it’s the only place we go where we are surrounded by other tube-feeders, and kids with even more equipment than we travel with. This is my life.

My favorite quote from my friend Katy, who responded to my questionnaire, was: “When I’m home with my son, we are normal. It’s only when we go out into the world that people have the power to make us feel less than.”

This really got me thinking. How can we expect others to help us feel like we fit in? My conclusion is that until you know what something feels like, you just can’t really know what something feels like. Deep, I know! It’s so true, though, isn’t it? None of us raising a child with special needs expects anyone to understand everything we are going through. We just want you to withhold judgment in the moment of realization that we are different from you. Maybe our child is being too loud in a public place because of their amped-up sensory processing.

Maybe they are having a meltdown because an interruption to their normal schedule throws them off. Maybe the family wants to try for some “normalcy,” so they are attempting an event that they know is going to present challenges. Can you help us? Can you smile at us? You know that smile that says, “Wow, you have your hands full, but I know you love your child just as much as I love mine, and would do anything for them.” You know … that smile?

The Playdate Expo is coming up March 16 at the Yakima Convention Center. The “Friends of Children’s Village” will have a booth offering activities geared for children with special needs. They will also have a “QUIET ZONE!” If your child has a tough time with any of the noise or activity, please find their special haven created for families just like yours. You just may find out that you are not so alone after all. This is our life!

* I love no title more than being called “Eli’s mom”! We live a quiet life in the country with our 11 cats, 3 dogs, and 2 miniature donkeys.

Frugal Yakima Mom: Tips on producing healthy and affordable food for baby

By Aubrey Does, Frugal Yakima Mom

As new parents, we were absolutely filled with excitement when the doctor gave us the go-ahead to feed our son his first baby food. The initial joy wore off rapidly as we realized that it was not easy to get a baby to eat and it was majorly time-consuming. The “baby food stage” quickly became my least favorite and I longed for the day he could feed himself. Spending 50 cents on a jar of food was no big deal when I knew there was convenience involved.

Fast-forward to my second son. By the time he was ready to eat, I was much more budget-conscious. I also knew what feeding the baby involved and waited a full two months longer to start than I did with my first son. Around this time there were two big events that were a turning point in my decision to make my own baby food.

1. The “Baby Bullet” was invented.
2. A real-life mom friend of mine introduced me to the idea of using frozen food.

She explained how she bought bags of frozen fruit and vegetables and pureed them in her blender. Whaaaaaaat??? I had been picturing picking through fresh produce for the purest of the species and then taking them home for a cooking experiment that involved some sort of seven-pan medley on my stove top.

After discussing it with my hubby, I decided to purchase a Baby Bullet. You don’t have to have this item to make baby food, as any old blender will do, but I didn’t have anything so I went for the one that was cute and came with a ton of storage containers.

I’m sure that there are really attentive moms who only select the freshest organic produce for their baby’s sensitive belly. I just went straight for the store-brand bags of frozen veggies and tried to buy in bulk when they went anywhere lower than 75 cents a bag. For fresh produce that can’t be frozen (like bananas and avocados), he mostly ate what went on sale that week.

There are lots of different foods you can feed your baby, and it’s up to you to decide in what order you introduce those foods. One example is peas. These you can buy frozen and they were super easy to whip up. I just dumped the peas into a strainer in my sink and shot them with water until they weren’t frozen. You could also just leave them there to thaw. I put them into the blender with a little bit of water and pureed until smooth. Voila! One small frozen bag of peas made 4-6 servings of food. You basically use this same method for any kind of frozen veggies that are good for babies.

Another example is a fresh food like bananas. These I would just break into chunks, throw into the blender with a little water and puree until smooth. Voila! One banana is 2-3 servings of food. Bananas brown easily, so this is more of an “as-you-go” food.

Some of you may be thinking that you would rather use fresh produce. Or you’re thinking about your garden full of food that you want to use because it’s free and organic. If you have a baby young enough to just start eating solids and a garden that’s producing food, kudos. The general principle on using fresh produce (such as green beans, carrots or potatoes) is to boil until tender enough to puree and then puree with a little water until smooth.

The consummate resource for all things baby food is www.wholesomebabyfood.com. It has extensive info on feeding babies and exactly how to cook each type of food. It has way more than I can give you in one article, and you’ll find some really creative recipes!

Storing the baby food you make is easy. You can use any type of reusable container (for glass, make sure it’s labeled freezer-safe). Another popular method of storage is using ice cube trays. Pour a little of your prepared baby food into the wells of an ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Then move the cubes into a plastic bag and store in the freezer until you’re ready to thaw and use.

I hope I have given some good pointers to get started. If you think this is something you want to try your hand at, make a small batch to start and see how it goes. The best-case scenario is that you’re on your way to making all of your own baby food for a fraction of the cost!

* When she’s not chasing two very busy little boys, Aubrey Does loves drinking coffee and blogging deals. You can read more of her frugal adventures at frugalyakimamom.com.

Easter Egg Hunts

Fri., March 22 – Sun., March 31

EASTER BUNNY AT THE VALLEY MALL Kids can meet the Easter Bunny and have their pictures taken with him in the Center Court of the Valley Mall. Photo sessions will run each day for most of the mall’s hours of operations. For more info, contact the Valley Mall at 509-469-9308.

Sat., March 23

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT
1 p.m. arrival; all hunts begin at 1:30 p.m. Easter egg hunt, Easter bag decorating and pictures with the Easter Bunny and Sparky the dog. For children 12 and under, with three age groups. Hosted by West Valley Fire Department. Location: West Valley Training Center, 10000 Zier Road; 509-966-3111.

Sat., March 30

COMMUNITY EGG HUNT AT LOWER NACHES COMMUNITY PARK 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Face painting, balloon animals, inflatable bouncy house, hot dogs and popcorn. Various egg hunts for kids up to 10 years old, with more than 5,000 eggs! Bring your own Easter egg basket. Presented by Memorial Bible Church. Located at Lower Naches Community Park, 111 E. Gleed Road, Gleed. Call Chris at 509-966-6500.

DAVIS COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT Starts at noon. The hunt takes place at Davis High School soccer field, at 7th Ave. & Tieton Drive, Yakima. Bring your own basket. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. Contact: Shan, 509-248-7940, ext. 142 or shan.trick@fpcyakima.com.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH EASTER EGG HUNT 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Multiple Easter egg hunts for age-specific youth. Games, hot dogs, on-site DJ and music, prizes, face painting, family portraits and a bouncy house. Free. Yakima Evangelical Church, 7901 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima; 509-965-5216. yakimaec.com

CHALET PLACE 5TH ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT Begins at 10 a.m. Free Easter egg hunt. Bring your own baskets, and stick around to see the Easter Bunny. Chalet Place, 56th and Summitview avenues, Yakima.

PROSSER’S ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT Starts at 10 a.m. Kids up to age 9 can bring their Easter egg baskets to go on an Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will read stories and be available for pictures. Each egg hunter will get a storybook to take home. Prosser City Park, 7th St., Prosser (across from Prosser High School). Contact Prosser Chamber of Commerce: 509-786-3177.

SUN., MARCH 31

WHITE PASS 1 p.m. Ages 12 and under. Egg hunt at High Camp Lodge. Ski up to the lodge to start hunting. Children must be chair-lift riders to get to the lodge. Located 50 miles west of Yakima on U.S. Highway 12. Call 509-672-3101 for more details. skiwhitepass.com

CHANGING POINTE CHURCH EASTER AT  THE SUNDOME Service starts at 11 a.m., followed by activities at 1 p.m. Easter service in the Yakima Valley SunDome, followed by an Easter egg giveaway with 50,000 eggs. Light shows, bouncy houses, live Mixed Martial Arts demo, dance exhibition and bands — including Avory — and vendor booths. Joe Parsons will be present to sign autographs. Free. Concessions stand available, including hot dogs, Mexican food and desserts. Hosted by Changing Pointe Church. Call Frank Ramirez at 509-949-9762 for more information.

“The Sweetest Revenge”

By Brenda Hayt

When I’m an old woman, with teeth that are false, and hair that is grey, I’ll live with my daughter and my best son-in-law.

I’ll play with jewelry, her shoes and her clothes and I may even hide a few of those.

I’ll take her checkbook and hide it real good; she will look and look and not find that darn book.

Then one day under the table she crawls and there bold as brass will be the dang thing.

I’ll turn all the sprinklers on in the backyard and make mud pies galore to share with them all.

I’ll write on the walls in colors so bold and not do a single thing that I’m told.

I’ll not eat my veggies, not cauliflower or peas and never green beans; maybe I’ll just eat all the whipped cream.

I’ll use a spoon, just as she did back then, and smile and laugh when she asks what I did.

I’ll wear flowered pants with my loudest striped shirt and socks with my Birks when going to the church.

In the store when we go I’ll hide in the aisles and under the clothes and meow like a kitten from long ago.

Oh my, what fun she will have looking for me just like I did when she was three.

I’ll sit in the bathtub for hours on end, and smoke cigarettes and paint on the walls with coffee and gin.

I’ll make funny noises until she comes in.

Won’t she be happy when she sees what I’ve done, with toothpaste and shampoo on the floor and the walls.

She’ll look at me sternly, and say with a frown, “Mom, you just can’t do that, you know!”

Then, when it is night and I’ve had all my fun, I’ll run down the stairs and jump into bed, pull the covers over my head, then pretend I’m asleep.

I’ll hear the door open and see her walk in as she sighs a deep sigh and says with a grin, “I love you, the best mom, and trust me, it’s true, but I really love you most when you’re tucked in your room.”

I will smile and laugh at the great things I’ve done while making my plans for the next day to come.

When I’m an old woman with hair that is grey, and live with my daughter I know she will say to her brother so dear, “I really think mom should come live with you for the year.”

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