BHParent Winter 2019 by Evergreen Media

BHPARENT BH PARENT WINTER 2019

LOCAL LIFE

Hea l thy Hab it s w i th Fitne s s Coac h Te re sa G o nz ale z Ta ming the W i nte r Circu s Me et th e Ca r p ente r Fa m i ly

STAY STRONG

F ind the right ba la nce f or a new you in the new y e ar!

Meet Tito! A positive addition to Children’s Therapy Services

Animal Assisted Therapy Animal Assisted Therapy is a complementary therapeutic service now available at Children’s Therapy Services. Tito helps to create a warmer, more inviting therapy environment for your child. Animal Assisted Therapy encourages fine and gross motor skill development, increases attention and social interactions, promotes sensory processing, and assists with speech and language development.

605-716-2634

110 N Cambell Street Suite A • Rapid City, SD ChildrensTherapyServicesSD.com

Locally Owned & Operated

2 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

College Planning Give your child the freedom to dream with CollegeAccess 529 No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of CollegeAccess 529 Plan before investing. This and other information is contained in the current Plan Disclosure Statement. Before investing, investors should read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully, and consider whether their state of residency – or their intended Designated Beneficiary’s state of residency – offers any benefit, such as a state tax deduction, which are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program. Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial advisor. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial advisor. Please see the Plan Disclosure Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota. CollegeAccess 529 Plan is a section 529 college savings plan sponsored by the State of South Dakota, and managed by Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC. Notice: The account is not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state. Furthermore, the account is not insured, nor the principal or any investment returns guaranteed, by the federal government or any federal agency. 637454 | 03482

Welcome

Heather Moline, MD Obstetrics & Gynecology

,LLP

Life happens here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no greater privilege than taking care of women before, during and after pregnancy. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthcare is essential in all phases of life, including adolescence and post-menopause. I care for my patients in clinic, in surgical facilities and at the hospital and empower them to be advocates for their health.â&#x20AC;? Dr. Moline

(605) 342-3280 | RapidCityMedicalCenter.com

CONTENTS

16 Winter in the Black Hills is one of the busiest seasons of the year for parents. It means juggling family demands with work and the holidays while overcoming challenges like bad weather and deadlines. We hope this issue will give you tips for “taming the winter circus” and getting through the holiday season richer for the experience.

BHPARENT BH PARENT Publisher, Owner Rick DenHerder 605.343.7684 ext. 203 Business Development Consultant Mike Dupre 605.343.7684 ext. 211 Managing Director Jenna Carda Creative Director John Edwards Digital Director John Eining Senior Editor Mark Petruska Senior Designer Chris Valencia Photographer Jesse Brown Nelson Communications Coordinator Meghan Rose Social Media Manager Jenna Johnson Office Manager Alix Schaeffer Communications Intern Sarah Richards Distribution Richard Alley Contributors Sandi Schwartz © Black Hills Parent. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the expressed consent of the publisher is prohibited. The information included in this publication is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. Additional advertiser information and articles are available online at blackhillsparent.com. Black Hills Parent magazine is a free, quarterly publication distributed throughout Black Hills area communities—from Rapid City to Spearfish, Deadwood to Hill City, Custer to Hot Springs, and every place in between, including: schools, medical and dental waiting areas, childcare facilities, specialty retailers, and other key locations in this area. Get an exclusive look at Black Hills Parent through our e-letter at blackhillsparent.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates.

22 QUICK TIPS

08 Winter Driving The holidays are oftentimes filled with mini roadtrips and vacations. Here are some tips to get you on your way! 10 Sledding the Hills The best places to take your family sledding and other outdoor activities to try.

SEASONS GREETINGS

12 Shadow Jumpers Spearfish family, the Koerners, have learned just how important sun protection is for their children Noah and Asher. 16 Second Nature 10-year-old James Ratkovsky is giving back and inspiring others along the way.

24 20 Gift Guide: Toddlers to Teens You may have the gifts figured out, but what about stocking stuffers? Here are some ideas for every age.

32 Taming the Winter Circus With the holidays, winter break, snow days, and more – winter can be just as busy as summer in the Black Hills. Tame the circus with easy adjustments.

47 Column: Medical Regional Health: RSV is serious

36 Meet the Carpenters This family of 8 knows how to keep the fun going, even when you’re stuck inside.

51 Column: Wellness Elevate Performance: skip the New Year’s resolutions

24 Stay Strong Teresa Gonzalez, owner of The Studio in Rapid City, is a mom of three and has the tips your family needs to keep those healthy goals all year long.

40 Power of Nature Winter Blues are a very real thing, and science has proven that nature can help.

52 Column: Generations A happy cliché: Bob and Beth Chalberg

28 Interviews with Children Black Hills Parent asked children around the Black Hills: What is love? And here are their responses.

42 Column: Making an Impact Crissy Ludens Gives Back

22 The Spirit of Giving Somer Kingsbury, co-owner of Who’s Toy House, shares a little more about their toy donation program.

30 Ways to Say “I Love You” With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here are unexpected ways you can show your family how much you care for them.

EVERY ISSUE 45 Column: Education YMCA Makes Moves

48 Column: Dental Tips for teeth

54 Black Hills Cuties 56 Calendar More family-friendly events can be found online at blackhillsparent.com 62 Nominate a Nurse We will be featuring amazing nurses in the Black Hills! Nominate them at blackhillsparent.com/nurses

BUZZ WINTER DRIVING

TANK ALWAYS HALF FULL Besides staying positive, it’s best to keep your fuel tank half full or completely filled. Not only does this enable you to stay warm in case you get stuck, but it is also easier on your vehicle.

STUCK? PUT YOUR FLOOR MATS TO USE! If your wheels are spinning on ice or snow, place your floor mats behind your tires to help gain traction.

WINTER EMERGENCY venture out on winter CAR KIT Don’t roads without these essentials. • Water in small bottles • Reflective hazard triangles • Extra jacket, hat, mittens • Blanket or sleeping bag • Pocket knife • Collapsible snow shovel & ice scraper 8 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

• Hand crank flashlight • Tow straps • Jumper cables • Spare cell phone charger • First aid kit • Handwarmers • Energy-boosting snack

DIY SPRAY DEFROSTER Mix up one part water and two parts rubbing alcohol, then add it to a spray bottle. Spray on your windows either before a chilling night or when you go to defrost your windows!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drive Time! All three Rapid City Denny Menholt dealerships are sponsoring a holiday drive to help children and their families in need this holiday season! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re collecting clean, gently used or new winter weather apparel. (coats, snow boots, new unwrapped toys & books)

Drive Item Drop-Off Locations

One Warm Coat

Toys For Tots

Bring in a donation &receive a service discount, plus a raffle ticket for $500 CASH.

2323 E. Mall Drive

rapidchevrolet.com/community Call or Text 605-343-1282

Heat Their Feet

Visit our Facebook pages for drive updates & specific needs.

1920 E. Mall Drive

dennymenholttoyota.com/community Call or Text 605-342-2490

1632 E. Mall Drive

rushmorehonda.com/community Call or Text 605-348-4468

BUZZ WINTER FUN

SLEDDING HILLS IN THE BLACK HILLS

What better way to soak up the winter snowfall than heading to the closest hill to go sledding? After talking to families across the Black Hills, here are some of our favorites.

Choosing a Sled

CUSTER

Foam Slider An entry-level sled with two handles and a smooth underbelly. This type of sled is great for young kids. They are often printed with fun graphics and the speeds are relatively slow. Tip: Make sure the foam is thick enough, or else you may feel some rocks on the way down.

SPEARFISH

Saucer A round sled typically made of plastic is a classic design that can pick up a surprising amount of speed on small hills. Be wary: these sleds lack any kind of steering and are easy to fall out of.

Pageant Hill: Pageant Hill Dr. Known as a top spot in all of the Black Hills, this hill is a popular location for family sledding with children of all ages.

Hanna Campground: (just beyond Cheyenne Crossing) Hanna Road and Hanna Campground are nestled in the Black Hills National Forest and great for families with kids of all ages. The campground is a great starter location for young children, and along the way, you will surely find more extreme slopes to sled down. Black Hills State University: (behind the Young Center) With a bowl-shaped field, these steep hills are short but great for older children.

BELLE FOURCHE

Tri-State Museum: 415 5th Ave. With a variety behind the Tri-State Museum, older children will love the speed they get heading downhill. Be careful! There is a walking path at the bottom. 10 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

STURGIS

Lions Club Park: 500 Block Lazelle St. These rolling hills are perfect for little ones wanting to try sledding on their own. Strong Field Hill: Ballpark Rd. If your older kids are looking for a challenge, check out Strong Field Hill! These steep, long hills are tons of fun.

HOT SPRINGS

Southern Hills Golf Course: 1130 Clubhouse Dr. If you are sledding with children who have a range of skills, the golf course is a great location to go to in the Southern Hills.

Inflatable Snow Tube This donut-shaped tube is appropriate for all ages, even your parents! They are relatively inexpensive and lightweight. However, it is extremely difficult to control its speeds and steering. Luge A traditional solo version of a bobsled, this option is great for one (or even two) riders. It’s easy to steer, as well as slow down if needed. Toboggan The classic winter sled you see in the movies is a toboggan – a wooden piece with open sides and a curved upfront, typically with rope to hold onto.

NOTE: Before sledding, make sure the area is safe, and dress appropriately (pack dry footwear/attire to stay warm after all your fun).

All sleds are not created equal, as expert sledding kids know. Here are some options to try what’s best for your family!

WE’RE PREPARING FOR OUR SPRING SALE IN MAY 2020 Looking for consignors and vendors for our spring event coming in May

WELCOME H ME FIRST-TIME & REPEAT HOMEBUYER LOANS • Competitive Rates • Downpayment Assistance • Closing-Cost Assistance

CONSIGN Make money on your gently used items with 60-75% for your sales. YOU choose how much you earn! SHOP Save up to 90% off retail priced, toys, home decor, clothing for the entire family and more! BE A PART If you have a family friendly business, product or service then partner with us!

Visit UpWeGrowSale.com or find us on Facebook for more information.

130 F O YEARSESS BUSIN

We provide the water… you provide the fun!

SWIM, SPLASH AND SOAK IN THE NATURAL, WARM WATERS OF EVANS PLUNGE MINERAL SPRINGS OPEN YEAR ROUND! 605-745-5165 | WWW.EVANSPLUNGE.COM 1145 NORTH RIVER STREET, HOT SPRINGS, SD 57747

BHPARENT 11

Long sleeves, widebrimmed hats and gloves are required attire whenever Noah ventures outdoorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;even during the winter months, when the glare from snow can be every bit as dangerous as direct sunlight.

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AMAZING KIDS BUZZ

Shadow With two children suffering from a rare sun disease, this Spearfish family has found creative ways to adapt to everyday life. words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson Heather and Ryan Koerner had no idea anything was amiss with son Noah until a long drive across South Dakota when he was a little over a year old. The family were returning to their home in Spearfish following a trip to Wisconsin when Noah began crying and screaming. “It was the longest car ride of our lives,” Ryan recalls. There’s nothing unusual about children crying, but Noah’s tantrum lasted for hours—a clear sign that something was wrong. A visit to the doctor confirmed their fears: Noah was diagnosed with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a disorder so rare it affects fewer than 500 people in the United States. Erythropoietic protoporphyria, commonly referred to as EPP, is a genetic disorder that causes tingling, itching, burning, and extreme pain when patients are exposed to sunlight. The severity of symptoms and amount of sun exposure individuals can tolerate varies from person to person. Long-term complications include liver failure (affecting 5-10 percent of patients) and gallstones. There is no cure for EPP, though longitudinal research studies and clinical trials are attempting to find solutions. Patients must avoid the sun and protect themselves when venturing outdoors; they have been dubbed “shadow jumpers” for their ability to go from shadow to shadow, always looking for the safety of shade.

Because EPP is a hereditary disorder involving a gene mutation, Heather and Ryan were caught off-guard by the diagnosis. Neither had a family history of the disease, or had even heard of it before. Adapting to a life where the sun could cause harm was a learning experience for the whole family, including older brother Skylar, who was symptomfree. Heather and Ryan’s backgrounds—both are nurses— helped. Still, the diagnosis changed the way they parented. They began dressing Noah in long sleeves, widebrimmed hats, and gloves to ensure he was covered at all times. They erected a tent over the swimming pool, built hoop sheds, added seat-mounted fans to the truck, and learned that cool washcloths, fans, and hydroxy cream all help soothe discomfort and irritation. One lesson the Koerners learned was that EPP requires planning year-round. It might sound like summer is the season to be most concerned with, but even winter poses challenges. “You know how everybody’s wrecking in ditches during the first few snowstorms?” Ryan says. “Glare reflecting from the snow can affect Noah, too!” “EPP makes you rethink a lot of things,” Heather adds. When going out, for instance, the family scouts out shady places and packs a traveling bag full of UV-protective clothing, hats, gloves, battery packs, washcloths, and fans. “We’re always prepared to change plans in case the kids get hot or start to itch. We have an exit plan for everything.” You might have noticed that Heather said kids. Plural is correct: their youngest son, Asher, was also diagnosed with EPP in July, 2019. Asher was 22 months old at the time—

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the same age as Noah (now 6) when he was diagnosed. His symptoms are milder than his older brother’s, but still require careful planning. At least this time, the family was better prepared. The community has been extremely supportive of the Koerner family. Noah’s school, Mountain View Elementary, has been very accommodating; they set up meetings to learn more about his condition, switched out the indoor lights to lower-wattage bulbs, and built extra time into the curriculum to help Noah get dressed before heading outside to play. As for the kids, they mostly handle their condition in stride. Skylar, age 7, does a great job looking out for his younger brothers, ensuring they are properly covered and watching over them. Naturally, there is some frustration at times. Skylar doesn’t always get to participate in activities he enjoys and Noah balks at getting dressed sometimes. The family tries their best to give the children as normal a life as possible, even if it means waiting until evenings when the sun goes down to let them go outside and play. Ryan has advice for other parents whose kids are diagnosed with uncommon medical disorders. “The main thing is to be persistent,” he says. “Be an advocate and speak up for your kid.” It’s clear that he and Heather are doing just that to ensure their kids have as normal a life as possible. To learn more about EPP, visit the National Organization for Rare Disorder’s web page or the American Porphyria Foundation at www.porphyriafoundation.org. 14 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

The Koerner family hasn’t let a rare genetic disorder prevent them from enjoying their favorite activities, both indoors and out.

Future Doctors at Play YFS Child Development Center

Now Accepting Applications

For children, ages 4 weeks - 3 years

New, innovative center opening fa/12019! • Programming options to best meet family needs • Affordable rates • Diapers, wipes, formula, and meals provided • Highly trained staff provide loving care and hands-on learning • Low child-to-staff ratios ensure optimal care • Preschool and school-age programming also offered onsite to provide convenience for families

Call (605)342-4233 www.YouthAndFamilyServices.org

Helping Others is Second Nature For 10-year-old James Ratkovsky, volunteering is a way of life. Dance and theater round out this fifth-graderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy schedule.

words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson

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AMAZING KIDS BUZZ

Placing hats and scarves on the presidents every winter is a favorite way for James to help Rapid City’s less fortunate. “Helping others is rewarding in my heart. It feels really nice.” It isn’t often you hear words such as these from a 10-year-old boy, but James Ratkovsky isn’t like other kids. For this Vandenberg Elementary fifth-grader, volunteering is a way of life. His schedule is packed so full of activities, it’s difficult for the family to keep up with them all. Mom Susan says it’s always been this way. “James is a kind-hearted boy who cares for others and is a friend to everyone he meets,” she gushes proudly. “He has always been very nice and gotten along with everybody.” Dad Jim echoes that sentiment, describing his son in terms such as “levelheaded,” “respectful,” and “non-judgmental.” James’ roster of volunteer activities includes delivering care packages to seniors in assisted living facilities; participating in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser for WAVI to help support victims of domestic violence; distributing backpacks for a Back-to-School Roundup at Ellsworth Air Force Base; planting community gardens for his 4-H club, the Rushmore Riders and Explorers; and placing hats and scarves on the City of Presidents statues in downtown Rapid City to assist the homeless during the cold winter months. With such a busy schedule you would think James couldn’t possibly have time for anything else, but his true passion is dance. He began his seventh year with On Your Toes Dance Studio in Rapid City this fall and has been dancing competitively for three years, performing a number of different styles including hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical— his favorite. He especially enjoys the holiday recitals because they help people get into the Christmas spirit and are more relaxed than other performances. “I enjoy all the people there,” James says. “I’ve made lots of friends. I like being able to be myself and not have to work as hard as I do in school. It just kind of flows!”

Dance is only one pastime for this natural-born performer. James also enjoys theater and loves the rush of being onstage. He was the youngest cast member in an ACTS production of Newsies, playing Tommy Boy; he has also performed with the Missoula Children’s Theater for the past three years and attended Black Hills Performing Arts camp last summer, playing a guard in their Rockin’ Robin Hood production at Hill City High School. It’s a toss-up over which activity James prefers. “I like them both the same,” he says diplomatically. “It’s hard to dance without words and it’s hard to sing without dancing.” Not only do Jim and Susan support their son’s extracurricular activities fully; they are frequent participants themselves. Jim helped him distribute “May Day” care packages and potted plants for 4-H, and the whole family took a cruise to Mexico in October, choosing Carnival Cruise Lines in part because of their strong affiliation with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While

aboard the ship, they took part in Groove for St. Jude, a program in which they donated money toward finding a cure for children’s cancer and received a t-shirt and wristband in return—and got to dance. “We’re not the ‘drop-off-at-the-door’ parents,” Susan says with a laugh. How does the family manage to balance all of James’ activities with everyday responsibilities like work and school and getting dinner on the table? “Through lots of communication!” says Susan. “We couldn’t function without an electronic calendar.” “Sometimes I have to eat mac ‘n cheese from a box,” James adds. When he has free time, James enjoys playing video games and working on art projects. When he grows up, he envisions becoming a teacher or an architect. Regardless of what this bright young boy decides to pursue, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to be an inspiration to the many lives he touches. BHPARENT 17

2020 BLACK HILLS

COUPON BOOK P R E - O R D E R N OW ! Savings make the perfect stocking stuffer! Books arrive December 13th

www.blackhillscoupons.com |

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BHPARENT 19

Twas the night before Christmas... Stocking Stuffers - From Toddlers to Teens. Here’s how to choose the perfect gifts for kids of all ages.

The right stocking

For some, the right stocking is the biggest sock without holes from dad’s sock drawer and for others, it’s a personalized, decorated, or handmade foot-shaped bag. Finding the perfect stocking can be part of the fun that turns into family tradition! Maybe the whole family gets the same stocking, and the only personal touch is the name at the top? If it’s your child’s first Christmas, handmade or personalized stockings are great gifts. The stocking is something that will be used every year, even after they leave home. Do you, your mom, or grandmother know how to knit, crossstitch, or sew? Maybe each year, the family has a stocking decorating day at the first of the month! The options are limitless.

Where do I hang it?

curated Sarah Richards 20 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Let’s face it, many modern homes don’t really have the traditional fireplace to hang stockings above. Instead try one of these popular locations!

Bed frame

Simply loop it around one of the posts on your kids’ bed frames!

Door or knob

Use a wreath hook to hang easily on the doors.

A tall door frame

Put a few nails at the top or around the side, and you’re set! Hanging it on doors, door frames or knobs is a great way to show off your stocking style to visitors. David and Megan Berberick from Spearfish have three kids in different age groups. The tradition of stocking stuffing has been passed down from generation to generation. “We hang our stockings on the banister for the stairs,” David says. As far as what to put in the stockings? We have a few ideas for every age group! The Berberick’s three kids are in elementary, middle and high school. David shares, “Megan and I will get them all candy, socks or mittens because that works for any age, and then we tend to get them one item specifically unique to their age.” In the past they have given their kids Kindles, Matchbox cars, or DVDs.

STOCKING STUFFERS GIFT GUIDE

Squirter Bath Toys Getting your baby or toddler to take a bath can be quite troublesome. They don’t want to stay still or just don’t want to be wet. These fun toys create a winwin scenario for everyone involved when it’s time to wash!

NEWBORN - 3 YEARS OLD

Socks Kids grow like weeds; as they get taller, their feet are also getting bigger! They also aren’t very gentle on their clothing, so socks are great gifts. Instead of just neutral colors, get a few pairs of your child’s favorite color or socks with their favorite animal or cartoon character!

Books You can never go wrong with a book. Books allow the imagination to soar at such a young age, and are a great way to get one-on-one time with you and your child!

Temporary Tattoos Don’t just decorate the tree this season, let your little ones show their spirit with holiday-themed temporary tattoos! Each tattoo lasts about three days depending on the size and placement.

Mini-Musical Toys Bring your house to life with music when your son or daughter receives their first musical instrument this Christmas! There are so many options out there including musical toys that sing and light up, simple maracas, and more.

PRESCHOOL - 1ST GRADE

Specialty Candies or Cookies Have a baking day with grandma a day or two before Christmas, and set aside some of the best-looking treats for the stocking! If you’re not into baking, buy some pre-baked goods from the local grocery store or pick up some candy canes or Christmas-themed lollipops! Both are small and easily fit into any size Christmas stocking. Books Books are appropriate for all ages; did you know that most kids show their interest between 3 and 5 years of age? Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers Drawing is important for young kids. Before they learn how to speak, it can be used to help communicate feelings For Kindergarteners and similar ages, benefits include enhancing motor skills, developing problem solving skills, making your child more expressive and letting them develop an imagination.

2ND & 3RD GRADE

Oranges Tying back into tradition, oranges are a fun alternative to gold! As the tradition transformed over the years, the gold coins turned into oranges as a symbol of the gold left in the stockings. Plus this is a great way to avoid any sugar rushes this season!

UPPER ELEMENTARY

iPods Are you not quite ready to give your child a phone? Ipods are a great alternative and can last a while before you need to give them a phone. Let them travel with their favorite tunes and contact you after practices via messenger apps like Facebook’s, What’sApp, or Skype! You can also set parental controls to prevent them from engaging in any activity you wouldn’t approve of. Mugs This gift will last for years to come, and your son or daughter can even use it on Christmas while the whole family enjoys a hot cup of cocoa. To make things more interesting, get matching mugs for the whole family! Miniature Games From classics like Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots to current favorites like Legos®, miniature games and gifts are the perfect stocking stuffer to bring a smile to your child’s face.

Headphones or Speakers From Ed Sheeran, Why Don’t We, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and more, music is still pumping in the modern era. When kids enter into new schools or grades, music is a great conversation starter! Headphones or Bluetooth speakers are small enough to fit into stockings (it might be a tight squeeze for some sizes) and make great gifts.

HIGH SCHOOL

Gift Cards In high school, your kids are at the age where they begin to get really picky about the gifts they get. They’re tired of getting socks and mittens or maybe they have a car and need gas money. Gift cards are a great way to know your child will love their gift. They get to choose something they really want and still have you to thank for it! Lotions & Shower Supplies Your son might not be a huge fan of this gift, but getting your daughter her own set of shower gels and lotions is greatly appreciated! Stick with the holiday theme and pick up some scents that fit the season - peppermint, vanilla bean, candy apple or try Bath and Body Works’ “Tis the Season,” new this year! Trending Accessories High School students are crazy busy with their schedules between school, sports, work, and extracurricular activities. Give them a little gift they can use each day for their last semester like a trending notepad brand, bracelets, or tech accessories.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Journals/Diaries Writing every day or every couple of days is a great way for kids to improve their writing skills, explore their thoughts, and reflect on events. Keeping a log of sorts is also a great way to set and track their goals. Rubik’s Cube Keep your kids’ minds spinning and motivate them to solve problems, by gifting them the impossible Rubik’s Cube that’s been around since the 1970s! This classic toy is a fantastic way to practice logic as well as develop skills that are critical to STEM education.

BHPARENT 21

HOLIDAYS GIVING BACK

Who’s up for some giving? A familiar name downtown has moved into a prime new location and remains committed to helping others in need this holiday season. words Mark Petruska photo Jesse Brown Nelson

Somer Kingsbury, co-owner of Who’s Toy House, is doubly fortunate: running a successful business enables her to do what she loves while also helping others in need. “It’s more important to support your local community than make pennies on the dollar,” she says, a philosophy that inspired her store’s toy donation program. The Who’s name is familiar with generations of Rapid City residents, who have been shopping at Who’s Hobby House since it opened in 1959. Somer and her husband Clancy run both stores; Who’s Toy House recently moved into a larger, more visible space adjacent to the 22 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Main Street Square courtyard previously occupied by a local diner. (Don’t worry, the famous Super Plexus is still there!) The couple are very involved in giving back to the community that has supported them for so long. Their toy donation program involves repurposing demos and donating them to good homes. Given their short shelf life—most demos are on display for three to six months, with Somer frequently switching out products—the toys are in pretty good condition, requiring little more than a bit of cleaning (and an occasional minor repair) before they are ready for donation. Toys are donated year-round, but activity ramps up around the holidays. In addition to their own donations, Who’s partners with the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign,

collecting toys for children in need so they can experience the joy of the holiday season. Anybody who wants to donate a new toy should stop by the store and drop it off in the donation bin. Toys for Tots is just one of many local charities and nonprofits to benefit from the Kingsbury’s generosity. Groups such as Catholic Social Services, the OneHeart and Care campuses, Club for Boys, area church nurseries, and others have been the recipients of donated toys—some of which are brand-new. Somer credits strong vendor relations that allow her to buy products at reduced rates and distribute them to needy organizations. The Who’s Toy House donation program is only the tip of the iceberg for Somer and her husband. Their community involvement includes PTA programs, visits to school classrooms, a camp for children with diabetes, the library’s summer reading program, and more. Every Friday, they donate an item for a silent auction. Regardless of your success, Somer says, “You should be humble and support the local community by doing all you can.” Who’s Toy House is doing exactly that!

7/eedea�au 7/eedea�au 7/eedea�au

Bring thefor kids, family and friends a magical to meet at the North Pole! Pa ssengers ng the kids, family and friends a magical train ride tofor meet Santa train at theride North Pole! Santa Pa ssengers Holiday Express- Spiked! enjoy hot chocolate and cookies en route and each child receives a special gi�. Holiday Express- Spiked! oy hot for chocolate andtrain cookies ento route and each child receives a special gi�. Bring the kids, family and for aPole! magical train ride to iends a magical ride meet Santa atfriends the North Pa ssengers departures feature spiked hot cocoa in a keepsake mug. artures feature hotup cocoa in at aakeepsake mug. Santa the North Pole! Guests enjoy hot chocolate Holiday ExpressSpiked! ies en route andspiked each pick child receives special gi�. and cookies en route and each child receives a special gift. t cocoa in a keepsake mug.

New this year: First Class seating!

November 29* & 30* and December 6*, 7*, 8, 14*, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27 & 28 *These dates offer an adult, Spiked! option. Please check the website for departure times and pricing.

(605) 574-2222 www.1880train.com

BHPARENT 23

S TAY STRONG words Sarah Richards photos Jesse Brown Nelson

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RESOLUTIONS FITNESS & NUTRITION

It’s that time of year again where we create our list of goals — eat more vegetables, lose 20 pounds, go for a run once a week. At the beginning we are pretty good at them, but as the year goes by we all start to slip. It’s okay if I eat that cookie; I don’t really feel like getting up early to run today… we all know the drill. The purpose of a New Year’s resolution is to spark a positive change in the coming year, and there are a few common themes year after year; these revolve around health and fitness, finances, and learning new things for personal and/or professional development. Do any of these apply to you? > Exercise more > Lose weight > Get organized > Learn a new skill/hobby >S pend less money on fill-in-the-blank: some common items here are coffee, take-out, online, video gaming > Read more > Travel more > Spend less time on the phone > Drink more water > Eat out less Teresa Gonzalez is a mother of four, wife, nutrition enthusiast, and fitness coach at The Studio & Drop Juice Bar in Rapid City. After baby number four, nutrition became really important to Teresa. Struggling to lose the weight she wanted to, she began paying attention to what she was eating. “Hormones and metabolism were all over the place, and executing proper nutrition brought things back into balance and took off the last 20 pounds,” Teresa says. Fitness is important, but nutrition is almost equally as important when trying to meet your weight goals. It becomes a challenge for most families not because of the balance, but because doing so requires better prioritizing. If your goal this year is to maintain a healthy lifestyle or lose weight, more than 80% of the results come from monitoring your diet and better nutrition. At her studio, Teresa teaches micro workouts, dynamic 30-minute workouts based on HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), only four times a week.

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RESOLUTIONS FITNESS & NUTRITION

Protein and Supplements At The Studio & Drop Juice Bar,

A WIFE, MOM, NUTRITION ENTHUSIAST AND FITNESS COACH SHARES TIPS ON TEACHING KIDS HEALTHY HABITS FOR THE NEW YEAR.

SWITCHING UP GOALS AND STARTING NOW Why wait to start your goals? What is stopping you from dropping all those highcalorie sodas, cutting back on the extra sugary coffees, working out a few times a week, and working toward your weight goal? Start now rather than waiting for a new year. Once you start picking up good habits, they’re a lot easier to maintain. “Delaying the decision or action is choosing your current situation over and over instead of changing it day by day. Every day, every meal is an opportunity to choose a better lifestyle,” Teresa encourages. Keeping your kids involved and on board can be tricky. Anything you do, they tend to mimic. Your habits will become their habits, good or bad. Instead of compromising your health for your kids, Teresa coaches that you should be healthy for your kids. Determine a list of foods and varieties to start using by answering a few questions 26 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

first. What is on your plate? How do you order at a restaurant? Are you cooking at home? Based on your answers, start replacing unhealthy items with organic or healthier options. “If your kids will only eat three foods, try introducing healthy options of the foods they like. In the end, children are better than adults at getting what they need,” she shares. Dont be afraid to indulge your cravings once in a while, either.They don’t always have to be sweets; some recipes serve as healthy treats! When it comes to working out with your children, don’t worry about being too hard. It really isn’t about the deliberate exercise, but making sure that the family isn’t living a sedentary lifestyle. Don’t sit around and watch too many TV shows. Go outside for a family walk or hike. With the Black Hills in our backyard, it’s really easy to incorporate effective exercise into our lives while keeping the activities simple. Make it a routine on Sundays to go for a walk before church or hike in the hills after a hearty, healthy breakfast. For the Gonzalezes, Sundays are slow, with brunch and PJs or “low-key adventuring through the hills.”

Top Notch Nutrition is the familiar popular brand. One of the best things about Top Notch is that it’s local! After struggling with their own individual health concerns, Johnny and Bethany Gonzalez decided to take their health into their own hands. “We searched for products that we could stand behind, and realized we needed to come up with our own,” they share. After years of research and testing, Top Notch Nutrition was born. There are a number of products available for different purposes: sleeping better, hydrate better, seek allergy relief or burn off those extra calories. The collagen protein mixes are great for improving health all around and are offered in chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored. Try some of the chocolate collagen powder as a family in your hot chocolate or use in your coffee for a little flavor boost! Enjoy the warm, gooey, chocolatey flavor of Keto Chocolate Chip Collagen Cookies without worrying about messing up the nutritional benefits you’ve been working on! The ingredients are: 3 eggs, 1/ 3 cup monkfruit sweetener, 1/ 2 cup cashew butter, 1/ 2 cup coconut butter (melted down), 1/ 3 cup almond flour, 2 scoops Vanilla Super Collagen Protein, 1/ 2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt, 1/ 4 cup Lily’s Chocolate Chips. Directions Mix eggs and monkfruit sweetener until combined. Add both of the butters and stir until combined. Fold in the flour, vanilla super collagen, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips and place the dough in the refrigerator. This helps the dough become a little more firm, preventing flat cookies. After you’re satisfied with the firmness of the dough, spoon it into 24 cookies. Bake each batch for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees or until the edges are golden brown. The taste improves as they cool, so be patient and serve them completely cool! The recipe makes about 24 cookies, and each cookie contains less than 100 calories.

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Allie 5 years old

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HOLIDAYS VALENTINE

More than Words – Different Ways to Say

‘I Love You’ curated Sarah Richards

Making your kids or spouse feel respected, valued, and heard, are all ways to show love. “I love you” goes a long way, but there are so many more ways to portray it. You can say I love you without even having to speak; sometimes it’s more about actions than words.

Encouragement

This can be used universally for spouses and children. Just listen to them talk about their dreams and goals. Even though your kids might wish to be something unattainable (being a ninja, dragon breeder, animal, etc.) it’s a good idea to entertain their aspirations. Later in life this can be something you laugh at as a family, but this way they will feel supported, encouraged, and believe nothing is unachievable.

Inquire

Ask your kids how their day was or your spouse how work went. Inquiring about daily activities and even their moods or feelings shows interest. Another thing that goes hand in hand with inquiring is giving them your undivided attention. Look them in the eyes, put your phone down, and really show them you are committed to listening to them.

Check out some of these unique phrases to use instead of simply saying “I love you” when talking to your spouse or your children. I will always be here for you. You mean so much to me. You’re the peanut butter to my jelly. (This is a great one for young kids that might be in elementary or preschool because they begin to understand the relationship between these two things.) You’re priceless to me. I’m crazy about you. You bring joy to my life. You are my world. 30 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

Clean up after yourself

Okay parents, we know there is something about your significant other that just grinds your gears. Is it that she leaves her hair in the shower drain or bras hanging on doors to dry? Or is it that he never does the dishes or leaves his boots in the middle of the floor? Take the time to go out of your way and clean up the things that bother one another. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, make an opportunity. If she already moved your boots, or he already cleaned the shower drain, maybe you can make dinner or help with the kids so your spouse can focus on work or have a little “me time.”

Thank & share a compliment

Let them know that they’re doing things right and are appreciated. Let them know how awesome they are; giving praise helps build self-confidence and teaches your kids to love themselves. Compliments and thanks don’t have to be given for looks either. Thank your kids for listening to you or for being nice to their siblings. Compliment your spouse on how they include the kids in your lives together, or compliment your kids’ positive outlooks and attitudes.

Show affection

Walk downtown and hold hands – your spouse’s hands, your kids’ hands, both your spouse and your kids’ hands. Just hold hands! Holding hands has proven to relieve stress, create a sense of comfort and eliminate fear, is great for your heart, and boosts the feeling of being loved.

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SURVIVAL GUIDE WINTER

Winter is, in many ways, like a circus. Black Hills families have a lot going on this time of year; between sports and other extracurricular activities, school recitals, preparing for the holidays, winter break, work deadlines, and those inevitable, unexpected snow days, it’s a real juggling act.

any parents feel like they’re walking a tightrope; keeping the household functioning smoothly requires perfectly choreographed acrobatic maneuvers. But the show must go on! Local parents have plenty of tricks up their sleeves for taming the winter circus. We reached out to learn how they deal with this hectic season and were reminded of something in the process: for all the chaos of a three-ring circus, it’s still the greatest show on earth.

CREATE A FAMILY CALENDAR

Keeping track of wintertime activities is next to impossible unless you are blessed with a photographic memory. A calendar will help ensure all family members are on the same page (literally) and allow you to plan your schedule without missing important events. You can opt for an oldschool calendar to hang in a prominent place in your home, or if your kids are older and have their own smartphones, you may wish to download a family calendar app that can be shared among multiple users.

PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE

Mornings can be hectic when you’re trying to get everybody out the door on time. Eliminate the stress by preparing ahead the night before. Make lunches, pack snacks, program the coffeemaker, choose and lay out clothes and sports gear, fill backpacks and briefcases, and have shoes and coats ready to go. Set a good example by having your own essentials packed and ready, too. Showering at night instead of in the morning will also save time.

SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES

It’s impossible to be in two places at once, so when the kids have competing activities, split up the driving and other duties. Have one parent take a child to hockey practice while the other goes to the dance recital. Even better, set up a carpool with other families and take turns giving rides. Don’t feel bad if you can’t attend every single event; prioritize in advance and make an effort to go to the most important ones. BHPARENT 33

PLAN EASY MEALS

Let’s face it, we can’t all be Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen when our schedules are crammed with activities. Simple dinners prepared ahead of time are your best friend on busy weeknights. Take advantage of the crockpot and Instant Pot, two excellent time-savers, or reheat freezer meals or leftovers. Got no time to cook? Fix easy meals you can take along with you, such as sandwiches and healthy sides (carrot sticks are delicious and portable). Avoid the temptation to hit the fast-food drive-through, saving that for special occasions.

LIMIT ACTIVITIES

It’s okay to draw the line if activities are filling up too much of your spare time. Limit kids to one sport or extracurricular activity per season; for instance, let them choose between basketball, theatre, music, and dance—but not all four. They can switch to a different activity the following semester. It’s important to have wellrounded interests, but schoolwork should never take a backseat to extracurricular activities. If your kids have too much going on, homework is likely to suffer.

GROUP ERRANDS TOGETHER

When time is a precious commodity, organize your outings so you can get as much done in one trip as possible. Need to do grocery shopping, get a haircut, and have your tires rotated? Schedule these 34 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

all for the same morning or afternoon to eliminate multiple trips back and forth. Shop online whenever possible; prices are often cheaper, and you can’t beat the convenience of having items delivered directly to your door. Grocery delivery and meal prep services can save you a lot of time when things are especially hectic.

EASE UP ON HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Many people go overboard during the holiday season, but unless your name is Clark Griswold, there’s no need to overdo it; this just causes stress and anxiety. Keep decorations simple; if your outdoor lights are visible to passing aircraft, consider downsizing. Likewise, you don’t have to attend every holiday party you are invited to, bake every holiday cookie you have a recipe for, or watch every holiday movie in your collection. If a tradition begins to feel like a chore, eliminate it from your routine.

BUILD-IN SOME DOWNTIME

Rest and relaxation are important; they allow you to decompress and enjoy the magic of the holidays. Build time into your schedule to focus on the joys of the season—the holidays will be over in the blink of an eye. Make a snowman or have a snowball fight with your kids, take a family stroll through the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights, assemble gingerbread houses, or simply devote an entire day to staying in your pajamas, watching movies, and drinking hot chocolate.

KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED

Whether they’re home for winter break or a snow day (see sidebar), the last thing you want to hear are those dreaded words, “I’m bored!” If the weather outside isn’t too frightful, encourage them to go for a walk, build a snowman or snow fort, or go sledding. Stuck indoors? They can try listening to music and dancing, playing board games or video games that require movement, reading, and building a blanket fort. If you can get away for a few hours, take them to the library, YMCA, museum, bowling alley, or skating rink. If they still complain about having nothing to do, you can always put them to work cleaning the house. It’s amazing how quickly they’ll change their tune once you threaten them with chores!

ASK FOR HELP

Don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance from family and friends when needed. Grandparents will likely jump at the chance to spend time with their grandkids, especially during the holidays. If you host a fancy dinner every year, ask guests to bring side dishes while you focus on the main entree. You can even suggest a potluck instead. Too bogged down to keep up with house cleaning? Hire a cleaning service to spruce up the place before having people over. If your job is flexible, see if you can work from home occasionally, or bring your laptop along while your kids practice or rehearse.

SURVIVAL GUIDE WINTER

If you’ve spent even a single winter in the Black Hills, you know that snow days are something you can count on every year. They’re a novelty at first, but once your kids have tired of sledding and making snow angels, keeping them entertained can be difficult—especially if you’re busy with work or projects of your own. The following activities will help keep your kids engaged when Old Man Winter is howling at the door. • Read a book • Bake cookies together • Make homemade playdough* • Set up an indoor obstacle course • Play balloon tennis • Make hot cocoa • Build a blanket fort • Blow bubbles • Make marshmallow snowmen • Have a living room picnic • Make a clean snow cone • Throw a dance party • Hold an indoor scavenger hunt • Play active games like Twister or Charades

Materials • 1 cup water • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 1/2 cup salt • 1 tablespoon cream of tartar • Food coloring • Saucepan • 1 cup flour

Directions 1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in a saucepan and heat until warm. 2. Remove from heat and add flour. 3. Stir, then knead until smooth. 4. Store the dough in an airtight container or Ziploc freezer bag. It will keep six months or more as long as you haven’t omitted the cream of tartar.

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Chad and Allison try to carve out time for themselves, even if that means hanging out in the basement and talking.

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FAMILY FUN WINTER

Creativity, Spontaneity & Cookies

With six kids, two dogs, and a cat, there is always a lot going on in the Carpenter household. Add in the challenges that winter brings and it’s a wonder they’re able to manage the chaos. But they do—and quite well. words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson With six kids, two dogs, and a cat, there is always a lot going on in the Carpenter household. Add in the challenges that winter brings and it’s a wonder they’re able to manage the chaos. But they do—and quite well. Chad and Allison Carpenter met at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The pair married in 2003 and moved to Rapid City a couple of years later; Allison is a South Dakota native, and Chad wanted to live someplace where he could take advantage of his passion for mountain biking. The Black Hills fit the bill perfectly. After graduating from dental school, Chad purchased the practice of Dr. Tom Udager, who was retiring, and opened Carpenter Dental in Rapid City. Allison earned a Fine Arts degree in Individualized Studies in Biology & Art before turning her attention to nursing. After graduating with a BSN, she took a job as an OR Circulating Nurse at Black Hills Surgery Center. Nowadays,

she spends most of her time caring for the couple’s children: Elaina (13), Jack (10), Nicholas (9), Henry (7), George (5), and Evelyn (19 mos.). Make no mistake about it; that’s a full-time job in itself. Like all families, the winter months can be chaotic for the Carpenters. Between preparing for the holidays, winter break, snow days, and extracurricular activities, managing such a large household requires time, energy, and patience. But Allison and Chad have a few tricks up their sleeves. “Kids can be incredibly creative. Give them the time and space and a few tools and they can come up with great entertainment on their own,” Allison says. “Sometimes I will catch myself trying to find something to keep them entertained and that can start to get exhausting, especially on long breaks from school. The kids may complain that they’re bored, but a few minutes later, if I stay out of their way, they’ll come up with something really great on their own. Those creative activities oftentimes end up being the most rewarding for them.”

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WINTER FAMILY FUN

Chad acknowledges that having a lot of space helps. Not only are there plenty of nooks and crannies to explore inside—including a wallpapered hideout beneath the stairs that would appeal to Harry Potter—there’s a lot to do outdoors, as well. A fire pit on their property allows them to build campfires, even in the winter months. If the weather is simply too cold and snowy, there’s an art studio above the barn adjacent to their house. The kids retreat there to paint, work on arts and crafts projects, play cards, listen to music, or play with Hot Wheels—there’s a whole station set up for the miniature cars. Elaina is often the ringleader, encouraging her younger siblings to join in fun activities when boredom begins to set in. Family time takes precedence in the Carpenter household. “I’ve re-prioritized my life,” Chad says. “The things that used to be important to me, such as competitive bike racing, just aren’t anymore. I’ve made a commitment to be home with the kids as much as possible. When you’re together, you can really impact their upbringing.” Traditions are

The Carpenters are all smiles even during the winter months, when they find plenty of activities to keep them busy.

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“Don’t feel pressured to have your kids in too many activities, we have time to be spontaneous because we aren’t tied down with activities.” an important part of the holiday season; the family enjoys carving pumpkins, decorating for Christmas, and baking cookies. Lots of cookies. This doesn’t mean Chad and Allison never get time to themselves. They try to schedule a date night once a month, even if that means simply heading down to the basement, closing the door, pouring themselves a drink, and talking. One thing that separates the Carpenters from many other families is the lack of organized activities such as sports, and that is by design. “Don’t feel pressured to have your kids in too many activities,” Chad advises. “We have time to be spontaneous because we aren’t tied down with activities.” That spontaneity might

involve a trip to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark or Evan’s Plunge, a Rush hockey game, ice skating at Main Street Square, a getaway to Deadwood, or simply catching a movie. There’s boating and fishing in the summer months, skiing and pheasant hunting in the winter. The Carpenters aren’t completely against structured activities; Elaina plays tennis, Jack is in a running club, and all the kids have piano lessons. But at the end of the day, there’s much less stress without a full calendar. Allison has some advice for parents worried about keeping their kids occupied during the hectic winter months. “Go with the flow,” she says. “It’s the only way to maintain sanity. Don’t get worked up about chaos. It’s inevitable.”

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HOW THE POWER OF NATURE CAN HELP YOUR KIDS BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

As winter approaches, 10 to 20 percent of people experience mild symptoms of SAD and about 6 percent have considerably worse symptoms. Typical symptoms of SAD include: · Craving comfort foods like pasta, breads, and sugar · Fatigue; urge to sleep more · Having difficulty waking up in the morning · Irritability and moodiness · Increased crying · Difficulty concentrating · Depression · Hopelessness · Low self-esteem

WINTER HEALTH

ome people love the winter season and enjoy snow, warm clothes, and ski trips, while others are affected emotionally by the cold, dreary weather; shorter days; and being stuck inside all of the time. For some people, including children, winter can cause them to feel down in the dumps or even depressed. Fortunately, once we understand what is going on, we can help our kids overcome their winter blues. WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE WINTER BLUES? We often hear the term Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, to describe when someone is unhappy during wintertime. It is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. The most common type occurs in the winter, but some people do experience SAD during other seasons depending on the weather and where they live. Experts aren’t 100 percent sure what triggers SAD, but some theories include environmental factors like the change in the amount and intensity of light exposure we get during the colder, darker months. Additionally, levels of serotonin—a neurotransmitter linked to depression—has been shown to shift with the seasons and may be linked to SAD. WHEN IT’S TIME TO GET SOME HELP Sometimes SAD can get pretty serious and start impacting your child’s daily life. They might start crying often, withdrawing from activities that they used to enjoy, and experiencing

changes in their appetite. If SAD is not addressed, your child’s self-esteem can suffer and they may start to struggle socially and academically. If you start to notice these changes, then it’s important to seek professional help by calling a licensed therapist. A professional will be able to assess the changes you observed and provide feedback and an action plan for how to address the situation. Be sure to note whether these symptoms fluctuate with the season and weather so that you can inform the therapist. Also, remember to discuss these issues with your child in a gentle, understanding manner and let them know that you love them and want to help them feel better. HOW NATURE CAN HELP Another way to help manage wintertime depression is through nature. Spending time in and around nature is so beneficial to our health and well-being. It calms us down when we are feeling stressed and boosts our mood when we are feeling down. When we think about nature, we tend to only consider that it’s outside, but we can also capture the essence of what nature has to offer through images, sounds, and plants inside our home. By bringing nature indoors during the cold, dark, rainy, snowy months, we can help our kids beat the winter blues. NATURE IMAGERY Amazingly, just looking at pictures of nature scenes can make us feel similar to actually spending time

outdoors. Spending time in nature can also make us feel more compassionate and connected to others. Scientists have observed brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discovered that when we view scenes from the natural environment, the parts of the brain associated with empathy and love light up. NATURE SOUNDS Listening to nature can also help relax us and improve our mood. One study explored how nature sounds affect people’s mental and physical health and found that those who listened to ocean waves had considerably lower muscle tension, heart rates, and stress. These positive changes occurred quite rapidly–within five to seven minutes of listening to the sounds of nature. Keep in mind that the best sounds

are those that give a sense of natural space and mimic the biorhythms of an ecosystem like a forest. Loud chirping and croaking is just not going to cause the same calming feelings as sounds of water, which are very soothing because of their slow, rhythmic whooshing noises. PLANTS Plants and flowers have long been known to cheer people up. Research done in hospitals, offices, and schools has consistently found that even a simple plant in a room can have a significant impact on improving mood. Plants actually boost healing, according to a study at Kansas State University, in which researchers learned that viewing plants during recovery from surgery can lead to a significant improvement in physiological responses, so keep those flowers coming!

HOW TO BRING MORE NATURE INSIDE

If your kids are experiencing the winter blues, try some of these ideas to brighten up their day: · D isplay plants and colorful flowers throughout your house. · Decorate your house with awe-inspiring images of nature. Collect gorgeous pieces from famous photographers like Ansel Adams and Philip Hyde or start a family hobby of taking pictures of nature that you love to display throughout your house. · Start an indoor garden of herbs and flowers.

· Play nature sounds in your home, especially when you go to bed. · Visit indoor sanctuaries of nature such as an arboretum, butterfly garden, botanical garden, greenhouse, science museum, or aquarium. · Watch nature shows, movies, and documentaries as a family. · Hang out in places with large windows and skylights to allow more natural light in.

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PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 2019 BH COMMUNITY NONPROFITS Crissy Ludens takes to the airwaves to promote causes near and dear to her heart. Many find her selfless spirit contagious.

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Crissy Ludens Embodies Selflessness A familiar voice in the Black Hills uses the resources at her disposal to help the less fortunate

words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson

The first thing Crissy Ludens says when we sit down to chat is, “This story is not about me.” It doesn’t take long to realize that this attitude perfectly sums up her altruistic nature. For Crissy, selflessness is ingrained in her character. In her role as Public Service Director for The HomeSlice Group, a media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Sturgis, she receives a lot of requests for help. Activity ramps up during the holidays, when local and national organizations reach out asking for assistance for needy families and individuals. It soon became apparent to Crissy that a need wasn’t being met in the community, so she took it upon herself to get involved. “When I realized that Toys for Tots had disbanded in town, I as a person—and we as a company—saw it was something we could take over.” Toys for Tots is a program established by the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1947 to collect and distribute toys to needy children during the Christmas season. It’s funded and supported by the non-profit Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a charitable organization based in Virginia. Local toy collection campaigns take place in over 800 communities across the United States beginning in October and lasting into December. Participating businesses are given collection boxes and community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for distribution to lessfortunate children in need. HomeSlice Media is the official organizer for the Pennington County Toys for Tots program; as the only sanctioned program in the Black Hills, it fills an important niche in the region. After the toys are collected (this year’s pick-up date is December 8), they are taken to the Central States Fairgrounds’

Fine Arts Building. Once parents register, they are allowed to select a toy for their child—an option that isn’t available in many other communities. Last year, the program helped 3,300 children in western South Dakota get toys for Christmas. Don’t worry if the deadline has passed; donations collected after December 8 are rolled over to the following year. Leveraging her position at HomeSlice Media, Crissy offers businesses that donate $100 or more to Toys for Tots a free on-air mention. “I’ve got the power of media behind me!” she says earnestly. It’s clear the program, now in its fourth year with HomeSlice, is very dear to her heart, but it’s just one of many volunteer activities she participates in. For this wife and mother, it’s a family affair; that spirit of giving extends to the other members of her household, including husband Adrian (who also works for HomeSlice as Program Director at Real Rock 100.3 The Fox and moonlights as PA announcer for the Rapid City Rush) and their four children, Taylor, Ashley, Victor, and Maddy. The kids range in age from 9 to 23 and all are actively involved in helping others. “There are a lot of events the kids help with,” she says. “They get us together as a family and teach the importance of charity and volunteerism.” So many events, Crissy had to consult her phone mid-interview to ensure she wasn’t leaving anybody out. She and her family—Adrian included—try to focus on something different every month. They have participated in activities benefiting WAVI, the Girl Scouts, Special Olympics of South Dakota, Women of Distinction, Mission 22, Front Porch Coalition, Feeding South Dakota, Salvation Army, and the Rapid City Shrine Club, among others. Crissy has six radio stations at her disposal to help spread the word, but you don’t need to work for a media company in order to make a difference. She suggests calling the 211 Helpline Center for volunteer opportunities; they have lists to share with the public. Right before I left, she added, “You can also listen to public service announcements on HomeSlice radio stations!” With a heart as big as Crissy’s, we won’t begrudge her a little self-promotion. She has more than earned it.

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605.343.7684 info@blackhillscoupons.com 44 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

EDUCATION COLUMN The YMCA began moving into the former Black Hills Energy building on Ninth Street in September.

YMCA Expansion Means More Space & More Kids words Mark Petruska photo Jesse Brown Nelson The YMCA, it turns out, really is a fun place to stay—for kids aged six weeks to 18 years old, who have plenty of opportunities for fun and learning. And with a recent expansion into the former Black Hills Energy building at 625 Ninth Street, across from the YMCA’s long-standing facility on Kansas City Street, there’s room to accommodate more children than ever. The expansion was a long time coming. Short on space for years, the YMCA explored many different options before purchasing the Black Hills Energy building when they consolidated operations and expanding programming over four floors of office space. The layout was unconventional; the YMCA became the first child care facility in South Dakota to occupy multiple floors, but the advantages were too numerous to pass up. For starters, there were significant cost savings compared with constructing a new building, and the center was able to add a room for newborns in order to better meet the needs of the community. Child

care staff worked diligently to move in and assemble education centers in order to be ready for opening day on September 3rd. Administrative offices followed suit in October. The new state-of-the-art facility is open and inviting, thanks to ample windows that let in lots of natural light. A high-tech security system and command center ensures around-the-clock safety. The YMCA is open to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and students in elementary, middle, and high school in need of before- and afterschool care. Indoor and outdoor play spaces offer flexible, fun options for burning off energy regardless of the weather. One of the center’s more unique features is the Youth Institute, a media technology program for teens in grades 7 through 12 who want to nurture and develop important career and life skills. Students have an opportunity to work on creative pursuits such as graphic design, filmmaking, custom embroidery, and screenprinting, and receive job skills training to prepare them for work. Keiz Larson, Chief Operating Officer, says there are plenty of reasons for parents

to consider utilizing the YMCA. “In every classroom we address the specific needs of children based not only on age, but also the individual pace of their development,” she explains. “Safety and health of the child is our top priority, all the while providing positive relationships between the children, staff, and parents to ensure a high-quality experience.” Every teacher and staff member has a degree or certification in Early Child Education and/or Development and relies on a specific curriculum to provide children with skills that will enable them to build a foundation for school readiness. The adult-to-child ratios and class sizes at the YMCA are actually smaller than what is mandated by the state of South Dakota, ensuring a more personalized experience for kids. By all measures, the expansion has already exceeded expectations. Current child care enrollment in Rapid City is 264 children. “In a direct reflection of community need, the infant program filled immediately,” Larson says. “In addition, our one-year-old program and our four-year-old program are both currently filled. Maximum capacity is 276.” Interested parents can add their names to the waiting list or request a tour. Contact Nicole Weiss, Early Learning Director, or Alisa Cunningham, Youth Development Director, for more information. BHPARENT 45

ASK THE DENTIST

Where Bright Smiles Begin

My child has a cavity. Now what?

You may be thinking, “Who cares? It’s just a baby tooth. They will lose it anyway.” You would be correct; the tooth will likely be replaced by a permanent tooth. However, children do not generally lose all of their baby teeth until around age 12 or even later. If your child gets a cavity at age 5, they will potentially keep that tooth for another 7+ years. That is plenty of time for the cavity to grow, which may lead to the cavity causing pain and in some cases infection. The primary (baby) teeth are place holders for the permanent teeth. They create the pathway so the permanent teeth can come into the mouth

in the right position. If many primary teeth are lost too early, it can lead to crowding and misalignment of the permanent teeth. So, if your child has a cavity it will depend on the size of the cavity, age of your child, and overall risk for further decay how the cavity is best treated. If the cavity is small it may just require a filling. If the cavity is larger it may need a pulpotomy (baby root canal) and a crown (cap). Sometimes if the cavity has grown too large, the only option for the tooth is extraction and possibly a space maintaining appliance. Discuss with your dentist what is the best treatment for your child. Prevention of the decay is key. Teach your child good oral hygiene habits early. Maintain regular dental visits, so that decay can be detected early.

RAPID CITY (605) 341-3068

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MEDICAL COLUMN

RSV can be serious for at-risk infants For most kids and adults, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) acts like a common cold. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever and wheezing peak within a week and then slowly get better. In fact, most kids have been exposed to the virus by their second birthday. However, RSV can be serious, especially for babies born prematurely, infants, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (infection and inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of lung tissue) in children younger than 1 year old. If your child is ill and has serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a blue tint to the skin, lips or nail beds, has pauses in breathing, or isn’t able to drink anything, get help from a medical professional as soon as possible. Like other viruses that cause the common cold, RSV spreads through droplets – a careless cough, an uncovered sneeze, direct contact with a sick person. The virus can survive for several hours on hard surfaces such as tabletops. If your child is at higher risk of having more complications from RSV, you can take these steps to prevent the spread:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your shirt sleeve – NOT your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Avoid close contact with sick people. • If you do have cold symptoms, avoid

close contact such as kissing or shaking hands. • Avoid sharing cups with your child— you could be sick and infectious but with no symptoms yet. • Frequently clean potentially contaminated surfaces such as tabletops, high chair trays and car seats. • Limit the time your child spends in child-care centers or other potentially contagious settings, especially during fall, winter, and spring.

Unfortunately there is no vaccine for RSV because the virus mutates (changes) too quickly, which means you can get RSV more than once during your life. We do have a medicine, though, called palivizumab or Synagis, that can prevent RSV’s worst symptoms in extremely highrisk infants. It’s not a cure, and it won’t help children who are already sick with RSV, but it could help your child avoid serious illness. If you have a child younger than two years old who was born very prematurely before 32 weeks, has Down Syndrome, or has a severe medical condition that affects the lungs or the immune system, talk to your doctor about whether palivizumab would benefit your child. Rosie Oakley, M.D., specializes in pediatric and adolescent medicine as well as children’s health at the Regional Health Medical Clinic in Spearfish.

BHPARENT 47

ASK THE DOCTOR

How can I keep my child healthy during cold & flu season? Whether for you or for your child, there are 5 areas you should focus on in order to achieve overall health. Doing so will decrease your risk of getting a cold or the flu. These 5 areas include: 1. Optimal Nutrition: Increase you/your child’s water intake, take a vitamin D supplement and eat fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins C & E, beta-carotene and zinc. 2. Regular Exercise: Increase you/your child’s physical activity during the winter months by playing indoor sports, swimming indoors, playing Wii Fit, etc. 3. Spinal Health: The nervous system controls all systems of the body, including the immune system. Regular chiropractic adjustments ensure proper nerve function. Talk with your chiropractor

and set up a plan that best suits you/your child’s needs. 4. Toxin Elimination: Avoid or limit the amount of processed foods, foods high in sugar and foods you/your child might be sensitive to. 5. Emotional Balance: Plenty of sleep ensures a rested body and mind. Implementing these lifestyle recommendations will help strengthen you/your child’s immune system and in return will help prevent illnesses or simply speed up the recovery process. It’s important to focus on these 5 areas year-round, but it’s especially important during cold & flu season. Dr. Robert Kuyper Alternative Health Care Center

Alternative Health Care Center 2024 Jackson Blvd. Rapid City, SD 57702 605-341-4850

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Tips for Teeth ‘Tis the season...for candy canes, holiday cookies, hot chocolate, and other sugary treats. It’s okay to include a chocolate Santa or two in your child’s stocking, but you can offset this by including a toothbrush, floss, and other dental hygiene products. The following tips will help instill good habits and keep their teeth in good shape all winter long. Help them drink enough water! By giving your child water, you can help them repel the cavities that sugarladen drinks such as juice and soda can foster. Feed them healthy snacks such as cheese sticks, veggie sticks, fresh fruit and trail mix with nuts and dried fruits. It will give them the energy they need and keep their teeth safe at the same time. Get a protective mouth guard for your child if they are active in sports or other high-risk activities. In an emergency, seek care immediately. If your child breaks a tooth or has pain in their mouth, seek treatment right away. Schedule your child’s dental check-up every six months to ensure longlasting oral health.

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WELLNESS COLUMN

Sk ip t h e N e w Ye a r ’ s Resolution Every year around the holidays the thought of a “New Year’s Resolution” probably crosses your mind. If you’re like many, you hit January 1 and think, “Here we go!” You’ve got your meals prepared to replace the holiday sweets, your workout gear ready for the gym, and schedule organized for success! Surprisingly, 80% of people fail to reach their New Year’s Resolutions. The number one reason why? Not making specific, sustainable changes. As a Physical Therapist, I help people make sustainable changes in their health. Deciding to drastically change every aspect of your physical health and nutrition on January 1 is difficult to maintain, especially when you have a family to take care of. So, this year, I challenge you to make small goals instead of one big resolution. And, why not make these something the whole family can do for fun together? START WITH SMALL GOALS. There needs to be a gradual transition into making a sustainable change. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator or take a walk on your lunch break. Achieving these small goals will help you find success and sustainability for a long-term change. You can have a great impact on your family as a positive role model regarding physical activity and nutrition, and they are likely to follow your choices. MAKE IT A FAMILY GOAL. To engage your family, try replacing at least one hour a week of screen time for everyone with a fun family activity like playing basketball, going on a walk, ice skating, or signing up for a 5k! Getting your kids involved in small goals for physical activity can even help them in school. The CDC reports “Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (memory), and classroom behaviors (on-task behavior).”

words Dr. Rhianna Wickett, PT, DPT, CSCS Physical Therapist, Co-Owner Elevate Performance

SCHEDULE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TOGETHER. It is important to make your goals a priority and block off time in your schedule. Much like other activities in our busy lives, if it isn’t on the schedule, it won’t happen. This also gives you a great opportunity to interact with your family without other interruptions like cell phones, tablets, or meetings. MAKE NUTRITION A PRIORITY Studies show that if adults stick to a healthier diet, so do the children in their lives. Try to eat meals together at home and at the table whenever possible. Children that eat regular meals with their family are less likely to have excess sugar and caloric intake. Get the whole family involved in eating healthy by helping plan the grocery shopping and preparing a meal. MAKE IT FUN! Kids that are exposed to fun physical activities at a young age are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight and develop motor skills they will use into adulthood. The more fun your kids have with physical activity, the more likely you are to stick with it!

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The Chalbergs don’t shy away from “touristy” activities like visiting Reptile Gardens. They appreciate the bonding opportunities such visits provide.

For the Chalbergs, Grandparenting is a Happy Cliché words Mark Petruska photos Jesse Brown Nelson Like many families, Bob and Beth Chalberg value traditions. The couple will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on December 29, and as they do most years, are planning a mini-getaway to mark the occasion. It’s a rare celebration that does not include their grandchildren: Berkley (7), Eleanor (3), Bryn (2), and Jude (1). The four are a huge part of Bob and Beth’s lives. “I know it’s a cliché,” Beth says, “but it’s true: it’s so much better than the first time around.” Many grandparents share this sentiment, as well as Bob’s, even if they’re reluctant to admit it. “I like the fact that they can go home at the end of the day,” he adds with a laugh. There is no doubt the family shares a close connection. Beth, a teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary, and Bob, who works for American Family Insurance, spend a lot of time with their grandkids. Favorite activities include trips to the park, “touristy things” like Reptile Gardens, and 52 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

breakfast together every Sunday. Christmas Eve is a big deal; the entire extended family—about 25 in all, including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews—gathers at Beth’s parent’s house for a holiday celebration that includes a White Elephant gift exchange. Every summer, they embark upon a staycation at a favorite spot in the Black Hills, and on the 4th of July—Bob’s birthday—they all meet up at Mount Rushmore in the morning for breakfast. “It isn’t about the meal,” Bob says. “It’s more about the companionship.” The family acknowledges how lucky they are that everybody is so close— literally. Both children, Erin and Ryan, live in Rapid City, and their grandkids are right down the street. It makes getting together a breeze. “I can’t imagine not having grandchildren close by,” Beth says. “We’re so blessed that they’re always here.” Granddaughter Berkley feels the same way. “They’re so nice and when you need something, they do it,” she says. “I just love them so much.”

CELEBRATING GENERATIONS

Bob and Beth can’t imagine not having their four grandchildren living close by. “We’re so blessed they’re always here,” Beth says.

BHPARENT 53

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BHPARENT 55

Our Winter Favorites

December

Weekly Fun in the Hills TUESDAYS Little Owl Tuesdays Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime led by one of the library storytellers. 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 THURSDAYS Baby Bumblebee Thursdays Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime led by one of the library storytellers. 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 FRIDAYS Family Skate Night Open skating for all ages! 5:30 p.m., Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead, 605-580-5535 WEEKENDS Holiday Express Experience the magic as you take a one hour, round trip journey from Hill City to the North Pole

where Santa will board the train and ride back to Hill City, taking time to visit with each child on the way. Passengers enjoy hot cocoa, a sugar cookie and a special story on the way to the North Pole. Santa hands out a special gift to each child on the trip. 1880 Train, 222 Railroad Ave., Hill City, 605-574-2222 Holiday Express Spiked Adults only (21+) can experience everything in the regular ride along with a spiked hot cocoa in a keepsake mug! 4:15, 5:30, & 7:15 p.m., 1880 Train, 222 Railroad Ave., Hill City, 605-574-2222 SATURDAYS Children’s Story Time Open to kids of all ages; join in fun crafts, singing and reading stories. Snacks are available. 10 - 11 a.m., BHSU Jacket Zone, 617 Main St., Spearfish, 605-717-5801

Thursday 5-6 Winter Frostival Shop ‘til you drop both days, and end each night with a special activity. Thursday will be the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Friday will be the Parade of Lights! 6 p.m., Rally Point & Junction Ave., Sturgis Thursday 5-8 Hatchery Holidays Tour the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives and enjoy “Music from the Booth House.” The Historic Booth House will be decorated in the vintage time period style as well or visit The Pond Shop and purchase a unique gift this holiday season. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives, 423 Hatchery Cir., Spearfish, 605-642-7730 Friday 6 First Friday Skate Night If it’s too cold to skate outdoors, bring the family in every first Friday of the month until April for a fun indoor roller skating night. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Lookout Room, Spearfish REC Center, 122 Recreation Ln., Spearfish, 605-722-1430, $8 per skater Friday 6 First Friday Sol Sound Yoga “Imagine yourself as an empty canvas allowing the colors of sound to paint the image you want.” Sol Yoga Studio is hosting a sound yoga session each first Friday. Music is the theme and motivation for each class, and as each class

56 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

develops, there will be a new genre and era of sounds to get you into your yoga. 7 - 8 p.m., Sol Yoga Collective, 611 1/2 Main St., Rapid City, 605-939-0765 Friday 6 Christmas Nights of Light Admire over 16 miles of Christmas lights and stroll through a fantastical holiday wonderland. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Storybook Island, 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd., Rapid City, $3 per person, various dates; check our online calendar Friday 6-7 Rapid City Rush Game Rapid City Rush Vs. Utah Grizzlies 7 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, gotmine.com Friday 6-8 Christmas in the Hills Join Hot Springs in this year’s Christmas in the Hills Celebrations. The parade theme is “The Birds of Christmas.” Bring the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy the tree lighting, listen to community caroling and free concerts, or hop on a free carriage ride. Activities start Friday at 4:30 p.m. Times vary, Hot Springs, 605-745-4140 Saturday 7 19th Annual Holidazzle Light Parade Stroll downtown Spearfish and join the businesses and community for an exciting light parade to kick off the Christmas season

Spearfish style! 6 - 7 p.m., Downtown Spearfish, 635 N Main St, Spearfish Saturday 7 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical Take the family out for an evening that speaks to the misfit in all of us! View the TV classic as it soars offscreen and onto the stage this holiday season. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, Tickets: gotmine.com Saturday 7 Breakfast Fun with Santa Start with a pancake, sausage and fruit breakfast and then visit Santa and his helpers. Different stations of Santa’s workshop will be set up where the kids can decorate cookies, write letters, and spend time coloring or get a photo with the man himself!. All proceeds go to support the Prima Company Dance Team. 8 - 10:30 a.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, 5311 Sheridan Lake Rd., Rapid City, primafundraising@ gmail.com Saturday 7 Deadwood History’s Holiday Open House Free day of fun with great holiday gifts for family and friends, children’s activities, free museum access, and photos with Santa! 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Days of ‘76 Museum, 18 76th Dr., Deadwood, 605-722-4800 Sunday 8 Pennington County Toys for Tots Distribution If you’re a little short on funds this holiday season, sign up for the Pennington County (for current residents only) Toys for Tots

program and apply for one toy per child. Kids from all ages up to 18 receive one toy, book, and stocking stuffer! 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fine Arts Building, Central States Fairground, San Francisco Street, Rapid City, registration required; 605-343-6161 Sunday 8 We’ve Got Game! Bring the family down for some friendly competition. Experienced board gamers from Black Hills Tabletop Society are teaching a wide variety of new and classic games suitable for brandnew gamers, families, or seasoned professionals. There’s something for everyone! 1 - 8 p.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 Wednesday 11 Tweens Get Crafty Calling all tweens and early teens who are looking to get crafty! Join us for an activity day. Minimum age of 10. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., Grace Balloch Memorial Library, 625 N 5th St., Spearfish, 605-642-1330 Friday 13-14 Cowboy Christmas Fair More than 40 vendors will be at Besler’s Cadillac Ranch just in time for Christmas shopping! Varying times, Besler’s Cadillac Ranch, 19314 Helmer Road., St. Onge, 605-685-3525 Saturday 14 Holiday Gift Workshop Students are invited to make homemade gifts for the season choosing from a variety of ideas to create gifts for family and friends. Packaging, wrapping paper, and refreshments will be

Friday 13 Kenny G: “The Miracles Holiday & Hits Tour 2019” Smooth jazz and holiday music from American saxophonist Kenny G at the Deadwood Mountain Grand 8 p.m., Deadwood Mountain Grand, 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, Deadwood, 605-559-0386, ticketmaster.com

available. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Days of ‘76 Museum, 18 76th Dr., Deadwood, Members: $6, Non-Members: $11, 605578-1657 Saturday 14 4GMX Indoor Motocross Series 2019-20 Join riders from all over the Midwest and Canada from 4-years-old to professional motocross racers. Bring your friends and family to watch some exhilarating entertainment! 6:30 p.m., James Kjerstad Events Center, 915 Centre St., Rapid City, 605-3553861, tickets at the door $12-15, 4mgmotocross.com Saturday 14-15 Black Hills Cowboy Christmas Concerts & Dance 15-award winning musicians, singers, and storytellers travel from across South Dakota, Wyoming and Montanna entertaining nearly 1,500 guests annually. Performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Historic Homestake

Opera House, 313 W. Main Street, Lead, 605-5842067, $35-50 Saturday 21 Jingle Bell Run Are you a running enthusiast? Join Spearfish in their 5k series every third Saturday this winter.. Preregistration is appreciated but not required. 8:15 a.m., BHSU Gravel Lot, St. Joe St., Spearfish, 605722-1430 Friday 27-28 Rapid City Rush Game Rapid City Rush Vs. Wichita Thunder 7 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, gotmine.com Tuesday 31 Downtown Countdown End the year with friends and family at Main Street Square. The ice rink will be transformed into a dance party complete with lights on the ice, interactive activities, and more. 6 - 9 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City BHPARENT 57

January

Weekly Fun Tuesdays Little Owl Tuesdays Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime led by one of the library storytellers. 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 Thursdays Baby Bumblebee Thursdays Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime led by one of the library storytellers. 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 Saturdays Children’s Story Time Open to kids of all ages; join in fun crafts, singing and reading stories. Snacks are available. 10 - 11 a.m., BHSU Jacket Zone, 617 Main St., Spearfish, 605-717-5801 Fridays Family Skate Night Open skating for all ages! 5:30 p.m., Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead, 605-580-5535

Wednesday 1 New Year’s Day Friday 3 First Friday Skate Night If it’s too cold to skate outdoors, bring the family in every first Friday of the month until April for a fun indoor roller skating night. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Lookout Room, Spearfish REC Center, 122 Recreation Ln., Spearfish, 605-722-1430, $8 per skater Friday 3 First Friday Sol Sound Yoga “Imagine yourself as an empty canvas allowing the colors of sound to paint the image you want.” Sol Yoga Studio is hosting a sound yoga session each first friday. Music is the theme and motivation for each class, and as each class develops, there will be a new genre and era of sounds to get you into your yoga. 7 - 8 p.m., Sol Yoga Collective, 611 1/2 Main St., Rapid City, 605-939-0765 Wednesday 8, 10-11 Rapid City Rush Game Rapid City Rush Vs. Cincinnati Cyclones; Saturday, the 11, is Nickelodeon Night! 7 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, 605-394-4115, gotmine.com Saturday 11 4GMX Indoor Motocross Series 2019-20 Join riders from all over the Midwest and Canada from 4-years-old to professional motocross racers. Bring your friends and family to watch some exhilarating entertainment! 6:30 p.m., James Kjerstad Events Center, 915 Centre

St., Rapid City, 605-3553861, tickets at the door $12-15, 4mgmotocross.com Tuesday 14-15 PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue Take your kids to roll with the PAW Patrol, everyone’s favorite heroic pups. Chase, Marshall, Skye and the rest of the PAW Patrol will team up with Ryder to save Adventure Bay’s mayor and stop Foggy Bottoms’s Mayor Humdinger from winning the race. Times Vary, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115, gotmine.com Friday 17 Supaman - Live Concert As a member of the “Apsaalooke Nation,” Supaman makes his home on the Crow reservation in Montana. “Supaman” is a Native American dancer and innovative hip hop artist who has dedicated his life to empowering and spreading a message of hope, pride and resilience through his original art form. 7:30 - 10:30 p.m., The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, 605-642-7973, Adults: $25, $15 youth & BHSU students Saturday 18 Resolution Run Are you a running enthusiast? Join Spearfish in their 5k series every third Saturday this winter. Preregistration is appreciated but not required. 8:15 a.m., Lions Park, 605-722-1430

Monday 20 Martin Luther King Day Monday 20 All Boy’s Birthday Party Celebrate all members’ birthdays with games, prizes, and cake! 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., The Club for Boys, 320 N 4th St, Rapid City, 605-343-3500

Wednesday 8, 10-11 Rapid City Rush Game Rapid City Rush Vs. Cincinnati Cyclones; Saturday, the 11, is Nickelodeon Night! 7 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, 605-394-4115, gotmine.com Robert Dyer

Saturday 18 Black Hills Nordic Ski Club’s Winter Carnival Join in the cross country ski race, enjoy a fat bike tour, get free lessons for cross country skiing (equipment is provided too!), or demo fat bikes. Free food and beer after the event! All proceeds from entering the ski race/ fat bike tour go directly toward the grooming of Big Hill. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Big Hill Trailhead, Spearfish, 605-717-9294

Friday 24-25 Rapid City Rush Game: Military Appreciation Weekend Rapid City Rush Vs. Wichita Thunder 7 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City, 605-394-4115, gotmine.com

Saturday 25 Lunar New Year Friday 31 January Family Night Current members and their families are welcome to the Club to enjoy a dinner, games, fun, and prizes. 5:30 - 8 p.m., The Club for Boys, 320 N 4th St, Rapid City, 605-343-3500

Friday 31 - Feb 2 Winterfest ‘20 Three days of friends, family, and fun in Lead. Join the town in the annual winter celebration for fireworks, parade of lights, bonfires, snowshoeing, and more. Times Vary, Lead Area Chamber of Commerce, Lead, 605-584-1100

Wednesday 22 Pinedale Blood Drive Visit Rapid City’s Pinedale Elementary and donate blood in the PTA’s United Blood Services’ blood drive in the gymnasium. Participating students will receive a prize for every donor they recruit. The class with the most donors will win a pizza party! 1 - 6 p.m., Pinedale Elementary School, 4901 W. Chicago St, Rapid City, 605-394-1805

BHPARENT 59

February

Weekly Fun Tuesdays Little Owl Tuesdays Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime led by one of the library storytellers. 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 Thursdays Baby Bumblebee Thursdays Bring your little ones for a fun-filled storytime led by one of the library storytellers. 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 300 6th St., Rapid City, 605-394-9300 Fridays Family Skate Night Open skating for all ages! 5:30 p.m., Handley Recreation Center, 845 Miners Ave., Lead, 605-580-5535 Saturdays Children’s Story Time Open to kids of all ages; join in fun crafts, singing and reading stories. Snacks are available. 10 - 11 a.m., BHSU Jacket Zone, 617 Main St., Spearfish, 605-717-5801

Sunday 2 Groundhog Day Friday 3 First Friday Sol Sound Yoga “Imagine yourself as an empty canvas allowing the colors of sound to paint the image you want.” Sol Yoga Studio is hosting a sound yoga session each first Friday. Music is the theme and motivation for each class, and as each class develops, there will be a new genre and era of sounds to get you into your yoga. 7 - 8 p.m., Sol Yoga Collective, 611 ½ Main St., Rapid City, 605-939-0765 Friday 7 First Friday Skate Night If it’s too cold to skate outdoors, bring the family in every first Friday of the month until April for a fun indoor roller skating night. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Lookout Room, Spearfish REC Center, 122 Recreation Ln., Spearfish, 605-722-1430, $8 per skater Friday 7-9 (14-16) Dearly Beloved Community Theatre Comedy Bring your family for a night out to this fast-paced, laugh-a-minute comedy about an over-the-top wedding, three feuding sisters and a church full

of small town eccentrics. What could possibly go wrong? Hilarity, Texas style! Times Vary, The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center, 612 N. Main St., Spearfish, 605-642-7973, Adults: $15, $5 youth & BHSU students Friday 14-16 Black Hills Sports Show and Outdoor Expo Over 100 vendors that focus on camping, hunting, and outdoor adventure needs will be showing and selling. Times Vary, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115 Saturday 15 4GMX Indoor Motocross Series 2019-20 Join riders from all over the Midwest and Canada from 4-years-old to professional motocross racers. Bring your friends and family to watch some exhilarating entertainment! 6:30 p.m., James Kjerstad Events Center, 915 Centre St., Rapid City, 605-3553861, tickets at the door $12-15, 4mgmotocross.com Saturday 15 Cupid’s Arrow Are you a running enthusiast? Join Spearfish in their 5k series every third Saturday this winter. Preregistration is appreciated but not required. 8:15 a.m., Evans Park, 2472-2550 3rd St., Spearfish, 605-7221430 Saturday 15 Sundance Winter Festival Load up the family and head to the 6th Annual Sundance Winter Festival. There is something

60 BLACKHILLSPARENT.COM

for everyone including sledding for the kids, food vendors, and live entertainment. Partner up in the Ski-Joring fun as a cowboy on a galloping horse or the skier being pulled down Main Street through an obstacle course. To learn more, visit: www. sundancewinterfestival.com 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sundance, Wyoming, 307-283-2438 Friday 21 - 22 15th Annual Diamonds & Denim Dinner Theater Hosted by Youth & Family Services, this year’s entertainer is none other than Rapid City’s own Jim Barber! Enjoy his ventriloquism and incredible vocal skills as well as a silent auction and spectacular food. 5:30 - 9 p.m., 120 E. Adams St, Rapid City, 605-3424195, $70 per ticket Wednesday 26 The Harlem Globetrotters return to North America with their one-of-a-kind show that combines athleticism, theater, comedy, and “Sweet Georgia Brown.” This is perfect entertainment for the entire family 7 - 10 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 N. Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605-394-4115, gotmine. com Wednesday 26 - 29 3rd Annual Custer Restaurant Week Join Custer in celebrating local restaurants and businesses with the 3rd annual Restaurant Week. Enjoy tasty food and good deals! Custer, 615 Washington Street, 605-673-2244

Where Art & Science Meet to Optimize Your Oral Health. 605.348.0831 • Fibonacci-Dental.com 2800 Jackson Blvd. Suite 9 • Rapid City

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LET’S RECOGNIZE

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Healthyskin skin for for the entire Healthy entirefamily. family. Skin InstituteatatRapid RapidCity CityMedical Medical Center Center is group of of TheThe Skin Institute is the thelargest largestboard boardcertified certified group dermatologists theregion regionspecializing specializing in in complete complete skin family. dermatologists ininthe skincare carefor foryour yourentire entire family.

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BHParent Winter 2019

Articles inside

STAY STRONG

YMCA Expansion Means More Space & More Kids

For the Chalbergs, Grandparenting is a Happy Cliché

Who's Up for Some Giving?

Helping Others is Second Nature

Shadow Jumper

Crissy Ludens Embodies Selflessness

Creativity, Spontaneity & Cookies