Mid-Columbia Libraries and the Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia will host popular children's author Karma Wilson for several events throughout the region on October 4-6. Wilson will make seven appearances for students in kindergarten through second grade at local schools including Rowena Chess Elementary, Emerson Elementary, Keene Riverview Elementary, Westgate Elementary, and Sunset View Elementary.  On the evenings of October 4 and 6, she will appear at local branches of Mid-Columbia Libraries for book signings.  The first 200 families at each library appearance will receive a free copy of one of her books, and kids will enjoy crafts and activities themed around her stories.  On the evening of October 5, Wilson will give a presentation at Regal Cinemas in Columbia Center Mall, followed by a book signing at Barnes & Noble.

Wilson's award-winning first book, Bear Snores On, was published in 2002 and became a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller. With spectacular illustrations by Jane Chapman, it was the first of many books about the beloved character. Wilson has had over 30 books accepted for publication and has won numerous awards.

BOOK SIGNING 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2 011

WHEN & WHERE: Pasco Branch of Mid-Columbia Libraries, 1320 W. Hopkins, Pasco, 99301

PRESENTATION 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2011

WHEN & WHERE: Regal Cinemas and Barnes & Noble in Columbia Center Mall, Kennewick, WA 99336

BOOK SIGNING 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2011

WHEN & WHERE: Kennewick Branch of Mid-Columbia Libraries, 1620 S. Union, Kennewick, 99338

MORE:

Mid-Columbia Libraries enriches our communities by empowering individuals with materials and services for life-long learning and growth, starting at birth.  For more information, visit www.midcolumbialibraries.org.

The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia works to encourage and educate families and caregivers about their important role in raising a reader, support schools in assuring that children read on grade level by the end of third grade, and facilit ate community involvement in helping young readers be successful. For more information, visit www.readingfoundation.org/mid-columbia.

On Friday, September 30^th starting at 5:30 PM, Born Again Boxes is partnering with Indulgences Espresso and Delights, and the local band, Bent on Blues, to give you an opportunity to enjoy an evening of music, food and fun at Pickin in the Park (for Kids Cancer).  This event is being held at Flat top Park in West Richland and includes an evening of live music with barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs, chips and a drink and entertainment for the kids for just $5 per person!  For more information, call (509) 420‑4597.

Every day in the U.S., 46 school children are diagnosed with cancer, and 1 in 5 of those children will die from the disease.  Treatment for children with cancer is available only in a larger cities at Childrens Hospitals.  Often parents have to take a leave of absence from work without pay, or quit their job to care for the child for months, or even years, at a time when they are overwhelmed with enormous additional expenses such as co-payments, travel, motels, meals, and other uncovered items. A child's cancer diagnosis creates an incredible financial burden for the family. Opportunities for further donations from the community will be available.

All proceeds from the event benefits the American Childhood Cancer Organization of the Inland Northwest (formerly Candlelighters of the Inland NW).  ACCO serves children and families from throughout Eastern Washington, Idaho and Montana and provides direct family support including gas, groceries, toys, parties, educational materials, emotional support, financial assistance and more.  More information about the American Childhood Cancer Organization of the Inland Northwest is available online at www.acco.org/inlandnw.

We invite you to support the cancer kids who are your neighbors … because kids can't fight cancer alone! Opportunities for further donations from the community will be available at the event.  For more information, call Angie at (509) 420‑4597.

Born Again Boxes is a local, family owned, green business and was founded March 2011. They take the hassle out of moving by providing discount moving supplies with free delivery and pick up in the Tri-Cities. For more information, contact Angie Ivey at (509) 420‑4597, or Angie@BornAgainBoxes.com.

Have you seen the Oct/Nov PINK issue of MOM Magazine in the Tri-Cities? Find these stories, plus much more!

Cover MOM Holly Boyce - How does she do it?

Cherishing a memory - Helping kids cope with loss

Love your body - Eating disorders

Thanksgiving Craft - Be thankful

Halloween Costumes - Think outside the box

Food - Oh Soy! - Can soy prevent cancer?

Mr. MOM - Pete Berry

SuperDAD - Ryan Metcalf is SuperDAD!

YMCA Youth Basketball is a progressive program, with age-appropriate grouping for kids. Unlike the traditional progression from drills to game play, the YMCA's "games approach" keeps younger players interested and focused from start to finish.

The 7-week season runs from October 29^th through December 17^th with no games Thanksgiving weekend. Specific times and locations will be available at registration. Generally, games and practices are held in the evenings. Teams practice once a week and play one game a week. Kids 3 to 4 years old participate in a pre-competitive developmental program to learn games fundamentals and have fun through modified game activities. Ages 5 to 10 participate in a values-based program that combines modified and regular game play with drills to give participants a solid understanding of the game as well as build self confidence and teamwork skills.

Registration for YMCA Members: September 26 - 30
Open Registration: October 3-7

YMCA member fee: $26 (includes a T-shirt)

Community Participants: $40 (includes a T-shirt)

Download the Basketball registration form

Game Locations:

Richland: Marcus Whitman Elementary

Kennewick: Vista Elementary

It's circus time! I don't know who is more excited - me or the kids. Are you going this year?

BOOM A RING^®, a magical circus experience, where just feel away from your seat you will be captivated by a cast of international daredevils of amazing courage who showcase their extraordinary skill with highh0flying excitement and pulse-pounding presentation! BOOM A RING combines astonishing thrills with the outlandish fun of the circus to create a show that pulls you right into the heart of the action!

One Ring. A Thousand Memorable Moments. Jaw-dropping feats at the edge of your seat! Don't miss this opportunity to get closer than ever to The Greatest Show On Earth^®!

BOOM A RING performs at The Rose Garden in Portland: September 15-18

Tickets are priced from $10-$42 and available for purchase at the Rose Quarter Box Office (M-F 10a-5p), all participating Safeway/ TicketsWest outlets, by calling 877.789.ROSE (7673), or at ComcastTIX.com.

Congratulations to Cam Hardin, our winner of the Chicago ticket giveaway!

From all of us at MOM Magazine, thank you for participating in our contest and remember to keep reading and keep sharing your mom stories with us!

This Monday, September 12th, one of the most successful acts in pop music history -- and the first American band ever to chart top ten hits in four consecutive decades -- the legendary supergroup Chicago comes to the Toyota Center in Kennewick for a concert.

Thank you everyone who entered our ticket giveaway contest!

If you didn't win, you can still purchase tickets at the Toyota Center, by calling 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

MOM Magazine will be at one of the checkpoints, so stop by and say 'hi', it should be a fun day!