Spock over volo, please: The language of an Italian favorite Bocce ball kindles community, family spirit Clif Dellamano II remembers playing bocce ball in the backyard with his dad as a child. It's a sport that's rich in Italian tradition and one that his family has embraced for more than 40 years. "I can't remember a time when we didn't go out in the backyard to play," Dellamano said. "For me, it's the enjoyment of being with my dad." Clif Dellamano Sr., 70, began playing when he got out of the service in 1963 and brought the sport to the Italian Fest with the help of Joe Ashmann in 1984. The tournament has evolved from a parking lot sport with 20 teams to a full-fledged event at Glidden Park each year, now with more than 65 teams. Clif Dellamano II and his cousin, Pat Dellamano now organize the event each September. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Category: Feature Stories
Keeping Toddlers Safe
Published October 2010: ParentUSAcity.com Keeping Toddlers Safe Article Overview: Toddlers are constantly moving and exploring their surroundings, and it takes no time at all for a toddler to get into harm’s way. There’s no hotter priority for parents than finding ways to prevent the unthinkable before it happens. But the relationship between parent and child doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. [More...] Article Excerpt: As parents, we do our best to keep a close watch on our children. However, it is impossible to monitor a toddler’s every move, especially when that toddler is constantly on the move. Melissa Finley, mother of 9-year-old Emily and 3-year-old Evan, learned that in less than five minutes a toddler can ultimately put himself in a life or death situation. “The unthinkable can happen,” Finley said. “I am so cautious with my children and it happened to me.” Last summer, Finley found her 3-year-old floating in the backyard pool at her southern Illinois home, completely blue and unresponsive. “I went downstairs to fold laundry and the house seemed too quiet,” Finley said. “I got this weird feeling and asked Emily to check on her brother.” Moments later, Finley heard her daughter scream as she jumped in the water to save her brother. Finley administered CPR, and Evan responded before the paramedics arrived. It was estimated that he had been in the water for approximately three minutes. Even though the Finleys had a lock on the pool ladder, their curious and energetic 3-year-old found his way into the pool. Since the incident, Evan has recovered fully and the Finleys have installed a pool alarm that alerts both exterior and interior receivers. “If anything hits the water that weighs more than 15 pounds, the alarm goes off,” Finley said. Read the full story here.
Parents vs. Tweens: Survival of the Fittest?
The “tween” years have their own unique issues, as children ricochet back and forth between early childhood and beckoning adolescence. But the relationship between parent and child doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Read more at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
A First Look at Private Schools
As parents, our concerns for our child’s development never end. From emotional and physical growth to intellectual and spiritual development, we continually research best practices, strategies, and methods to ensure that our children grow up in a healthy, nurturing environment. And then we ship them off to school. This academic journey is one of the most influential components of a child’s development. Each parent wants something unique and specialized for his or her child, which is why private schools have continued to thrive throughout the U.S. According to recent statistics gathered by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), a member organization for independent schools that offers resources for both administrators and parents, students attending private schools receive more one-on-one attention, with a median class size of 16. “Statistically, private schools tend to do a good job educating academically while preparing students to be strong citizens,” said Myra McGovern, NAIS public information officer. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
What to Expect in Freshman Year of College: Student’s Guide
Published August 2010: ParentUSAcity.com What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Student's Guide Article Overview: College is a whole new world for both parents and students. Here are insights to help you and your freshman better understand what your child will experience in freshman year, from a college grad who with her mom has written a “both sides” look at the college years. [More...] Article Excerpt: The most anticipated time has arrived—the first year of college. Amidst the excitement of moving out, grasping freedom, anticipating change, and forging new friendships, the average college freshman often underestimates the challenges associated with adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle. Although college offers opportunities and an adventurous academic and social journey like no other, breaking through the barriers of the unknown and dealing with the uncertainty of what to expect that first year are often sources of significant stress. Finding a balance between freedom and responsibility is crucial. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Parent’s Guide
Published August 2010: ParentUSAcity.com What To Expect in Freshman Year of College: Parent's Guide Article Overview: The first time you have a child leave home for college, it’s one of the biggest changes you’ve faced since your child’s birth. Soften the shock with help from a mom who, with her daughter, has written a unique “from both sides” book about the college years. Article Excerpt: Packing up and shipping off a child to college is like the highs and lows of a rollercoaster ride. Emotions are high, excitement is building, and the unknown is thrilling and daunting at the same time. The first year of college is filled with anxiety, fear, and excitement not only for incoming freshman but also their parents. Although the child is embarking upon the journey, parents are along for the ride, not sure how to brace themselves for the unknown. What parents can expect the first year Knowing what to expect can ease the bumps for the next nine months. According to Margo E. Bane Woodacre, M.S.W., who with her daughter, Steffany Bane, is co-author of I’ll Miss You Too, an off-to-college guide for parents and students, there are many surprising social and emotional dilemmas you’ll face when sending a child off to college. Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Unveiling the Mystery of Romantic Attraction
Why did you fall in love with your spouse instead of with someone else? Though many mysteries surround romantic feelings, current psychology has some insights. You can strengthen your marriage by understanding the agendas and illusions that lie beneath the glow of romance. Article Excerpt: When I think back to the moment I first laid eyes on the love of my life, my memories evoke the romantic nature of our chance meeting. Through my eyes, he was mysterious, gentle-natured, and handsome with those blue eyes that made me melt. He spoke softly and said all the right things. I was immediately attracted to his smile, his intelligence, and his spirit. According to relationship expert Alisa Bowman, though, that perfect moment may have been an illusion. Bowman, author of Project Happily Ever After Relationship Rules, asserts that couples often begin relationships with blinders on. “I have a theory that when people meet each other, they see what they want to see,” Bowman said. “You see qualities about yourself within this person and ignore the qualities that are actually different. It’s a stage in a relationship where you really don’t know each other—it’s an illusion.” Read the Full Story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Collinsville’s ‘Worker Bee’ Recognized
Lois Metzger was a Collinsville High School Kahok cheerleader in 1955. Since then, she has been cheering for her hometown as an avid volunteer, booster and supporter. Metzger, 73, was recently recognized by the Collinsville Junior Service Club for 50 years of active membership in the organization. "It's a way to give back and make people aware that Collinsville is a good place to live," Metzger said.
Set Up Camp In Your Own Backyard
Looking to spend some quality time with your family? Join thousands of families heading to their own backyards to experience the great outdoors as part of the national Great American Backyard Campout Event this Saturday, June 26. Sing campfire songs, tell stories, and create indelible memories! Read the full story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Celebrating Neighbors: A Country Girl with a Giving Nature
As a wife, mother of two, and full-time caregiver for her parents, Angela Creed might seem to have barely enough time to maintain her own rigorous schedule. Yet, according to her Columbia neighbor Mary Beth Kirkpatrick, Creed makes time to give more of herself to neighbors, community organizations, local schools, and most importantly, those in need. “Angela is known throughout the community as someone who is quick to send a care package and handwritten note of encouragement to neighbors or friends who are sick, going through some sort of difficulty or just celebrating some special event,” Kirkpatrick said in her letter nominating Creed for the Suburban Journals Celebrate Your Neighbor Award. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 