While your kids are home over winter break (and just might be looking for something to do) and into January, ask them if they would be inspired to create some holiday- or winter-themed artwork and send it to us.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is asking kids ages 3 to 18 to draw their favorite holiday scenes between now and Friday, Jan. 15, 2010.

A panel of artists and Children’s Hospital employees will judge the artwork. Four winners will be chosen based on originality, creativity and age group. Each winner will receive a $100 gift certificate and the opportunity to have his or her artwork featured on 2010 Children’s Hospital holiday merchandise.

Pick up an entry form at any Welcome Center and in most clinics and offices, or download the entry form here. Thank you and have a wonderful new year.

– Marianne Huebner, art therapist, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Two days and counting until 2010. Chances are, you’ve already made your New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, learn something new or spend more time with your family. This year, I challenge you to consider adding one more resolution to your list: volunteering at Children’s Hospital.

Allow me to invite you to take a peek at the value of sharing your talents with some of the kids who have no other choice but to spend time here:

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Today, Governor Doyle signed into law historic drunk-driving legislation, Senate Bill 66. Before passing the bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) and Sen. Jim Sullivan (D-Wauwatosa), Wisconsin was one of only two states that did not issue felony charges until the fifth Operating While Intoxicated arrest or stop. This bill will make an OWI a felony after the fourth offense within five years.

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As an employee of Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin, I work with many children who don’t have a whole lot. So when I am able to give a child a special book donated through the Barnes & Noble annual book drive, it’s incredibly gratifying. Books mean more to children and teens than many people realize, and they are vital to their growth and development.

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Holidays just aren’t the same without the traditional decorations. As you decorate your home and spend time with family and friends, please be aware of potential dangers from holiday decorations that could lead to fires and injuries.

Christmas trees: 

• If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire resistant. It doesn’t mean the tree won’t catch fire, but it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• If you buy a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and set it up away from fireplaces and radiators. Be sure to keep the stand filled with water.

Lights:

• Check each set of indoor or outdoor lights, and throw out damaged sets.
• Don’t overload extension cords. Use no more than three sets of lights with a single extension cord.
• Always turn off your holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Decorations

• Use only flame-resistant materials to decorate your tree.
• Keep children and pets away from burning candles. Place candles where they will not be knocked over and far away from any item that can burn such as furniture, mattresses, bedding, curtains or other decorations. Always use non-flammable candleholders.

Fireplaces:

• Don’t burn Christmas tree branches or wrapping paper in the fireplace.
• Keep gifts and mantel decorations a safe distance from a burning fire.
• Consider purchasing a fireplace spark guard, a type of fireplace screen specially designed to protect your home from sparks that may shoot up and out of the fire.
• Keep small children and pets a safe distance from fireplaces and wood stoves with a fireplace safety gate or screen guard.

 We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

 –Barb Riordan, RN, Children’s Hospital