Not Just for Kids

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Resolutions of 1999
by Ariel Brumbaugh
Junior Reporter

During this time of year, many people make New Year's Resolutions. A New Year's Resolution is an agreement or goal for yourself to try and keep throughout the new year. To think of one, think of something about yourself that you would like to change or improve.

Have you made yours? Here are some examples.

Abby, age 13: I will not yell at Mom anymore because she gets mad.

Courtney, age 12: I will not eat so much junk food because I want to lose weight.

Mike, age 39: I will do yoga every night to increase the flexibility of my body.

Jack, age 43: I will make a resolution on my birthday instead of the New Year so I don't get my resolutions mixed up with other people's.

Emelia, age 8: I will call Mom when I get to my friend's house because I forget or the string on my finger falls off.

Mary, age 8: I will bake 20 cakes in 1 year and make dinner once because I like to cook.

Eric, age 12: I will keep my shoes tied because they are always untied.

Sarah, age 10: I will do a play in the summer because I want to.

Dogs Make Resolutions, Too

Max the dog sports a tail so strong that every time it wags, it smashes a vase, a glass cabinet or his master's kneecaps. It's so bad that when people see Max coming, they move their valuables up high and stand behind a chair or desk. Since this poor yellow dog doesn't want to hurt anyone or their belongings, (all he wants is his ears to be scratched) he's made a resolution of his own this year.

In 1999, Max resolves to be extra careful not to wag too hard. And if he's so happy that he can't control his wagging tail, then he'll be extra careful not to stand too close to china cabinets or people with weak knees while doing so.

Can you help poor Max find his way through all the wag-worthy events of 1999 to his New Year's Resolution? (Cats aren't included in this year's resolution maybe next year)

Kids' Calendar

Library Lore & More Rsvp before Jan. 12 (9:30-10am age 2; 10:15-11am & 1-1:45pm ages 3-5)-Kids ages 2-5 bring parents to Calvert County Public Library's 1999 Winter/Spring Storytime. Explore different topics each week via stories, flannelboards, fingerplays, music and crafts. Morning, midday sessions thruout county: TuW @ Main Library, Prince Frederick; TuTh @ Southern Library, Lusby (except no 1-1:45pm session on Th); Tu @ Fairview Library, Owings; W @ Northeast Community Ctr., Chesapeake Beach. Rsvp: 410/535-0291.

Ten Times the Fun Tues. Jan. 12 (10am)-Gather 'round for storytime as you read from Paul Strickland's Ten Terrible Dinosaurs and Peggy Rathman's 10 Minutes Till Bedtime. Barnes & Noble, Annapolis. Free: 410/573-1115.

Cat & Mouse Tues. Jan. 12 (1-2pm)-Kids ages 5-7 discover adaptations that help predators catch food and help prey avoid being food. Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Rt. 198 btwn. BW Pkwy. & Rt. 32. Free; rsvp: 410/674-3304.

Winged Wonders Thurs. Jan. 14 (1-2pm)-Kids ages 4-6 learn why birds are such magnificent creatures and how they can be helped. Patuxent Research Refuge North Tract, Rt. 198 btwn. BW Pkwy. & Rt. 32. Free; rsvp: 410/674-3304.

Duck, Duck, Goose Sat. Jan. 16 (10:30-noon)-Kids ages 6+ discover why ducks and geese are different and learn how to tell them apart as you explore a preserve on foot. Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Upper Marlboro. $2; rsvp: 301/888-1410.

Wild Art Jan. 16 & 23, Feb. 13 & 20 (10-11am ages 6-8; 11:30-1 ages 9-12)-Kids ages 6-12 learn about the wonders of wildlife while getting creative in Patuxent Research Refuge's wildlife art classes. Try out clay sculpting, drawing and painting at either 1 or all 4 classes. Schedule: Clay sculpting Jan. 16; drawing Jan. 23; drawing & painting Feb. 13; painting Feb. 20. National Wildlife Visitor Center, Laurel. Free; rsvp: 301/497-5774.