Black Hills Parent Fall 2016 by Evergreen Media

BHPARENT fall

2016

HOW TO HELP BABY TALK

Local

Life

TEN STRANGER SAFETY TIPS

RELEASE THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUTTERFLIES BULLY NO MORE: HELP T(W)EENS SURVIVE

RAISING

THE FAMILY MORE LOCAL FAMILIES SHARE THEIR INSPIRING STORIES

COMPLIMENTARY

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Black Hills Parent

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Black Hills Parent

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Black Hills Parent

WHY DO YOU DO IT?

Raising a family is hard work. It takes determination to keep a good balance between the demands of work and home life. I raised one child, and it still took resolve to make it all happen. There have been times when friends share how they are going in several directions with their kids and I find myself wondering why they do it. Why not just keep it simple and not go everywhere? Yeah, right; that’s not what we did, even with just one child. We wanted her to experience as much as she could – so we hit the road. In her elementary school days, we drove 30 minutes out of the way to get her to the Montessori program we wanted her enrolled in. Kids came from all over the school district, which meant her new friends weren’t neighbors, so we drove her to friend’s houses for play dates. We drove to the zoo, to grandma’s house, to the ball fields – we took her everywhere, even when she wanted to go to college seven hours away – we drove her there. Why did we do it? Because we loved her; and, we wanted to give her as many opportunities to experience as much of life as possible. As you read through the profile pieces we did this issue, you will see that each one of them would have an answer similar to mine. Take Ryan and Rhonda Kelly (page 38), the couple featured as our Real Black Hills Family, for instance. They were blessed with four “bios” (as they call them), and then chose to adopt a baby from China. Then, over the years, have adopted six more, for a total of eleven children (plus one grandchild). When they were asked, ‘why’d they do it?’ Rhonda shared: “when we walked out of there with our baby, knowing we were taking her back to this incredible life, the idea of leaving behind the other kids was heartbreaking.” They wanted to give the opportunity to be a part of a family to as many orphaned children as they could. They know their why. What is your why? In his book, “Start With Why,” Simon Sinek says your why is the purpose, cause or belief that inspires you to do what you do. He applies it to work life, but the question can easily be asked of our motives for why we do what we do for our kids. This fall, take a little time to put words to your why, because when you do, it’ll help you survive all the driving you’re doing.

Until Next Issue,

Lisa DenHerder BHParent Editor

ON THE COVER

After family photos were done at the fall issue feature shoot, Junie, Joy and Jade ran to their room to get changed. Next thing we knew, the girls came out with smiles and giggles, dressed in their Chinese clothing, which stole the camera’s attention and our team’s heart. Each of the Kelly’s seven trips to China required a few shopping stops at some local traditional Chinese clothing shops. “We wanted to make sure the girls grew up playing dress up with some clothes from their native culture,” Rhonda explained. Each trip they would find unique Chinese silk dresses, blankets, umbrellas, headpieces, fans, jade jewelry, etc. Almost all of the items were purchased in Guangzhou, China – where each of the girls’ visas were issued and the Kellys spent the last week of their adoption trips. With the help of local shop owners, they were able to find the perfect outfit for their newest child or for the other kids back home. “Often at our home, you can find a little Asian princess playing dress up wearing a fun silk dress from China along with a pair of cowgirl boots! I love that they’re of mix of both cultures and are proud to represent both,” Rhonda said.

Megan journals a day in her life behind the scenes at Main Street Square as Executive Director.

Rob Schleiffarth shares his secret to healing from a tonsillectomy and life as a doctor and the dad next door.

FALL 2016 CONTENTS 6 Editor’s Letter 22 A Day in the Life 24 Dad Next Door 26 A Dad’s Life 52 Black Hills Cuties 54 Calendar 57 Party Planning Tips 62 Family Resources 12 Amazing Kids

Five amazing kids in the Black Hills that are going above and beyond.

14 Kids Are At Risk

Here’s what you need to know to educate your children about online safety.

14 Wired Up and Ready

When you put valuable information into your online banking and shopping profiles, remember these tips.

16 5 Useful Tips to Reduce Waste

Making your groceries last longer and cutting down what we throw away.

16 What Do You Know About Food Safety?

We’ve taken the common household myths and found the facts about food safety.

18 Stronger than MG

Five-and-a-half-year-old Hattie Ewert is living life to the fullest in spite of MG.

18 Tips for a Healthy School Year As the first day of school approaches, get your child ready for a healthy year.

20 Ask the Doc

Doctors talk about natural ADHD treatments as well as acupuncture and its benefits

30 More Than Baby Talk

As your baby grows, their speech develops. Here are tips to help them learn the ins and outs of language.

32 Introducing the Subject of Strangers to Children

Teach your child these 10 smart strategies to stay safe this fall.

34 Five Ways to Help Kids Ease Back-to-School Anxieties Every year, the school preparation begins and the butterflies begin to flutter. Contain the nerves with these simple steps.

36 The Unfortunate Normal

Help your t(w)een avoid bullies and prepare for the social jungle of school this year.

38 Our Traditional American Life Ryan and Rhonda Kelly share some family highlights in their life since being wed 26 years ago from adoption and family to memories and more.

44 Making an Impact

Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills

46 A Look at the Law

Questions on health, education and welfare answered.

48 Share Recipe

Jessica’s Cheeseburger Crockpot Casserole

50 Shop Local

The Back-to-School gadgets to make lunches a little easier.

Give us the SCOOP

BHPARENT Black Hills Parent magazine is a free, quarterly publication distributed throughout the Black Hills area communities – from Rapid City to Spearfish, Deadwood to Hill City, Custer to Hot Springs and everyplace in between, including: schools, medical and dental waiting areas, childcare facilities, specialty retailers and other key locations in this area. A list of locations can be found at BlackHillsParent.com by clicking the Find a Copy tab for magazine near you.

Have a family or an idea we should write about? Share it with us and we might include it in a future issue. Send submissions to us at editorial@blackhillsparent.com.

Please include 250 words or less on why this person and their story deserves to be shared. All submissions become the property of Black Hills Parent magazine and may be edited for length. Please include a daytime phone number for verification and contact purposes.

ASSISTANT EDITOR Jenna Carda COPY EDITOR Jerry Steinley ACCOUNT MANAGERS Caitlin Beyer Kristi Hay Jim Wilber PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Rachel Day CREATIVE DIRECTOR John Edwards

ACCOUNTING MANAGER David Schmalz CONTRIBUTERS Danie Koskan Jaclyn Lanae Priscilla Borrego Tanna White Photography OUR PUPPY PALS Cooper & Tucker COVER IMAGE Legacy

SENIOR DESIGNER Chris Valencia

WRITE FOR US: To submit a written piece, go to our website and check out the Write For Us section under the About Us tab. The requirements and a Writer’s Guide are there to follow with other details. ADVERTISING: For four years, our readers have anticipated each issue. They tell us they love everything about the magazine – the family features, the articles, the tips and the calendar. If you would like to be a part of the upcoming Black Hills Parent, give us a call at 605.343.7684. EVENT SUBMISSIONS: If you would like your event listed in our calendar either online, in print or both, please email your event submission to editorial@blackhillsparent.com. COMMENTS: We enjoy hearing from our readers. Please share your feedback at blackhillsparent.com/contact-us. We welcome any suggestions on how we can better serve your needs.

TWEET US @bhparentmag Get the behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming issues. twitter.com/bhparentmag FOLLOW US @bhparent Join the local fun where we share Black Hills cuties and more. instagram.com/bhparent PIN US /bhparent The tips and tricks you need for everything parenting. pinterest.com/bhparent Black Hills Parent

EDITOR Lisa DenHerder

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND DISTRIBUTION Kristen Begeman

DISTRIBUTION: To have Black Hills Parent magazine distributed in bulk at your school, event or place of business, call our office at 605.343.7684 with your information and we will add you to our list.

LIKE US /blackhillsparent Follow what we’re up to at the BHParent offices. facebook.com/blackhillsparent

PUBLISHER Rick DenHerder

Join the nearly 2,000 parents who receive email updates through our eLetter. Sign up to connect at BlackHillsParent.com. Benefits include: receiving first looks at each issue, event updates, early entries for contests and all things local happening in the Black Hills for families to live life local together.

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Black Hills Parent

INSPIRING YOUNG LIVES

TALYN

JADE

Jade is a Level 4 gymnast at Spearfish Gymnastics Academy and enjoys the challenge gymnastics brings on the vault, floor and especially beam and bars. But that’s not all that makes Jade an amazing kid. She excels in academics taking advanced courses through her school’s gifted and talented program. With a love of science, math and reading – Jade is always taking in new information. “She loves to learn,” said Jade’s mom Lindsey. “I learn so much from her, myself. Recently I’ve been asking her what she’s afraid of, and she said ‘Nothing’.”

GET PUBLISHED

We are searching for more amazing kids — those kids who love what they do, are succeeding by leaps and bounds and deserve to have their story shared. editorial@ blackhillsparent.com 12

Black Hills Parent

Talyn is in Tae Kwon Do at Full Circle Martial Arts Academy and puts her heart and soul into practicing and being the best she can be. She has had four belt advancements in the one year she has been participating in martial arts. “Her hard work and dedication amaze me everyday,” said Talyn’s mom Danielle, “and I am so proud of all of her hard work!”

ZANE

Zane is an inspiring kid in the Black Hills who is always ready and eager to learn new things – with friends and family by his side along the way. He is seen as an inspiration to many and has a smile on his face all the time. As a Special Olympics athlete in Rapid City, Zane competes each year at the events held in Spearfish. This year, Zane has taken up dance at Barefoot Dance Studios and was able to perform on stage for his first recital. He has also accomplished swimming without a flotation device in the water and has began to swim on his own. “I love watching him grow and learn,” said Zane’s mom Kristine. “He’s an inspiration and I am always so proud of him and his accomplishments!”

AMAZING KIDS BRYDEN

Not only does Bryden have a love for football – playing as a Bronco last year at SDSM&T – he has an amazing heart, as well. For Christmas, the only thing on Bryden’s wish list was simple: he wanted to clothe the homeless. “We made that dream come true and Operation Extreme Christmas Dream came to life,” said his mom Tifani. Bryden raised almost $600 and had an entire truckload of donations, which he got to distributed to the homeless.

BAILEY

Thanks to her perseverance and not giving up on her love of softball, Bailey has become a full-fledged windmill pitcher. Throughout the year, Bailey – with her parents’ support – has been working on running faster and harder, swinging through her batting and learning all she can through pitching camps. She practices every night with her dad and her hard work has paid off. “It’s a joy to watch her,” said Bailey’s aunt Kim. “She’s a great pitcher and the girl you want on your team.”

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BUZZ ONLINE

WIRED UP AND READY TALKING IS STILL KEY

Parents are key in keeping kids safe online but it’s not just about passwords and user settings. Jim Kilian, Director of Information Security at Midco, said parents need to talk their children about their Internet use. “It still boils down to the same parenting skills people used 50 years ago,” he said. “At the end of the day, you need to have a good conversation with your kids.”

KIDS ARE AT RISK By Jerry Steinley

Children face a variety of challenges that were unknown only a few decades ago, such as: cyber bullying, online predators and scams and being exposed to inappropriate content. Jim Kilian, Director of Information Security at Midco, said parents need to be mindful of what their children are doing online, but should also take advantage of technological solutions available to reduce the risks children face on the web. Firewalls, restricting Internet access, privacy settings on profiles and settings on search engines should all be managed by parents, Kilian said. But technology can’t do everything, he pointed out. So even after taking advantage of what technology has to offer, talking to your children about their Internet use is important because young people are more susceptible to online threats. 14

Black Hills Parent

“The biggest problem we see with kids involves their inability to recognize risks and threats (online),” Kilian said. For instance, a child would recognize a tiger as a threat right away. But in the electronic world, a child is dealing with a person that isn’t physically there, making the threat much more difficult to distinguish. In chat rooms and on social sites, your child has no idea who is at the other end of the conversation and it could be someone using a con game to gain his or her trust. Conversations with strangers, emails announcing prize winnings, unclear website offers and anything that is just too good to be true should be cautiously approached or avoided entirely. Parents are the key to educating children about online predators and scams. Simple steps like keeping the computer in an open area, explaining to your child to not post personal identifiers and how to keep information private and for friends-only can go a long way to protect a child online.

When purchasing online, keeping your bank details secure is crucial. You can pay directly from your bank account through PayPal, but it is worth noting: if you use this method and things go wrong, certain consumer protection options that apply to credit cards may not be available to you. So, always select the credit card option when using PayPal, advises wiredsafety.com. All U.S. credit cards are required to correct any billing related to fraud. They also have an obligation, if you notify them in the manner set out in their policies, to credit any charge related to a certain kind of dispute. And, if you have a valid dispute that isn’t resolved by the seller,

that credit becomes permanent. Even if PayPal and other payment mechanisms offer buyer protection, it may not be as good as what you get under existing credit card dispute laws. So, if in doubt, opt for a credit card payment. WiredSafety recommends using one card for all online purchases. You'll find it's easier to track spending and protect your financial identity at the same time.

ONLINE BANKING SECURITY TIPS

elect a special S password that is especially hard for others to guess. Don’t save the password on your computer. Don’t share passwords with anyone, especially with someone offering to split a $50 million inheritance from Nigeria’s president if you put up the first $5,000. Verify all transactions on your bank statement every month as soon as it arrives. Ask your bank to set an alert to let you know if there are online transactions or purchases being made using your account.

CYBER TIPLINE

If you or your children come across anything illegal or threatening, you should report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. For more information, call 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678) or visit their website at cybertipline.com.

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BUZZ FOOD

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FOOD SAFETY? It’s ok to thaw meat on the counter. Since it starts out frozen, bacteria isn’t really a problem.

WHAT A WASTE

It’s estimated we throw away up to 40 percent of the food produced in this country – that’s about 31 million tons each year.

Guidelines from foodsafety.gov to keep your food safe in your refrigerator: Salads (egg, chicken, macaroni etc.): 3 to 5 days Luncheon meat (opened package): 3 to 5 days Hamburger and ground meats: 1 to 2 days Fresh poultry: 1 to 2 days

USEFUL TIPS TO REDUCE WASTE

By Jerry Steinley

Clay Dykstra, general manager of the locally-owned Good Earth Natural Foods in Spearfish, is passionate about using food wisely and offered some tips and common sense guidelines to keep food out of the landfill. Cook your own meals, he said, experiment with food and have fun. “Effort in it means you’ll use the leftovers more wisely. Not only is it a time saver to eat leftovers, it’s also a money saver because you’re not cooking for just tonight, but tomorrow’s lunch.” Clay said much of the nation’s food waste is at the retail level, but he added, everyone could greatly impact how much food is thrown away if they follow a few guidelines. For instance, prepare your own food because you’ll be much less likely to waste what you’ve spent your time and energy on.

1 16

Black Hills Parent

Freeze what you won’t eat within the next day or two so you have fresh, safe leftovers in two weeks rather than food that has been sitting in the refrigerator too long. Parents, Clay said, need to be aware of their child’s portion size. “If I give my child too much he’ll only eat half of what’s on his plate,” he said. “My idea of a small portion is different than his.” He also suggests using clear glass containers for storage so you can remember what you’ve stored and be more likely to eat it in the future. Clay said people can be a bit squeamish as food ages – but rest assured, he said, a little mold on bread or cheese can be removed safely and even sour milk can be used in some recipes. “I would highly recommend people try (sour milk recipes),” Clay said. “The worst thing that can happen is you’ll have a pancake you don’t like. The best thing that can happen is you won’t waste some milk.”

Bacteria can grow surprisingly rapidly at room temperatures, so the counter is never a place you should thaw frozen foods. When cleaning my kitchen, using more bleach kills more bacteria, so it’s safer for my family. There is no advantage to using more bleach than needed. To clean kitchen surfaces effectively, use just one teaspoon of liquid, unscented bleach to one quart of water. The only reason to let food sit after it’s been microwaved is to make sure you don’t burn yourself on food that’s too hot. Letting microwaved food sit for a few minutes longer (“standing time”) helps your food cook

KEYS TO STORAGE

more completely by allowing colder areas of food time to absorb heat from hotter areas of food. I don’t need to wash fruits or vegetables if I’m going to peel them. Because it’s easy to transfer bacteria from the peel or rind when cutting to the inside of your fruits and veggies, it’s important to wash all of your produce. If I really want my produce to be safe to eat, I should wash fruits and veggies with soap or detergent before I use them. It’s best not to use soaps or detergents on produce, since these products can linger on foods and are not safe for consumption. Using clean running water is actually the best way to remove bacteria and wash produce safely. source: foodsafety.gov

Safely storing food and leftovers is key to keeping it out of the wastebasket. For best results, store foods properly: keep your refrigerator 40 degrees or colder and store food in airtight containers. To minimize risk of spreading bacteria wash your hands and surfaces often, don’t cross contaminate surfaces while preparing food, cook foods at the right temperature and refrigerate all perishable foods and leftovers promptly.

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Black Hills Parent

BUZZ KIDS HEALTH

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SCHOOL YEAR LITTLE GIRL, BIG DREAMS

“A Princess.” If you ask fiveand-a-half-year-old Spearfish resident Hattie Ewert what she wants to be, that is what she would tell you. The Ewert family keeps life as normal as possible for Hattie. She is currently playing soccer, loves to dance and tries to keep up with her two older brothers, all while pursuing her dream of becoming a princess.

LOCAL STORY

STRONGER THAN MG By Priscilla Borrego Hattie Ewert was diagnosed at two-and-a-half years old with Myasthenia Gravis – which affects only one in 200 million people and is even more rare to find in a child. MG – also known as the “snowflake disorder” because no two patients experience the same symptoms (which includes: fatigue, choking, double vision, slurred speech and difficulty breathing, etc.) – is a rare, chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by an overactive antibody production resulting in muscle weakness. The exact cause is unknown, and there is currently no cure. Despite her mother Kelli being a nurse, living life with MG has its challenges. One of the biggest concerns is not having a specialist in the local area, which means frequent trips to Denver 18

Black Hills Parent

are required to receive IVIG, an infusion used to affect the function or production of abnormal antibodies. The treatment options for MG can vary and include: chemo treatments and medications and procedures, or a combination of both. Hattie’s family monitors her closely making sure she doesn’t go into a “MG Crisis” – which is most commonly triggered by becoming overtired. A Myasthenic and Cholinergic Crisis usually affects MG patients, which prevents them from being able to breath or swallow and displays muscular weakness or respiratory paralysis. Both are considered life threatening. The family stays busy as active MG advocates and educators. They hope their MGKids superhero fundraiser happening October 2 at the Spearfish City Park Pavilion from 2-4 p.m. will help spread the word.

As the first day of school approaches, some important preparations for a smooth, stress-free transition back to the classroom include: Get Eight Hours Sleep plays a crucial role in health and wellbeing, helping the brain operate properly and improve learning. Up to two weeks before school starts begin using the alarm clock again to help reset kids’ internal clocks and get adjusted to rising early in the morning. Vision, Hearing and Speech If your child cannot see the white board, hear the teacher or verbalize his or her thoughts, they can experience some serious learning disadvantages. Have their eyes and ears examined several weeks before school starts and take action, if needed. Medications and Health Conditions Schools have systems in place to accommodate a child’s medication or special health conditions. For example, the school nurse needs to be informed about the instructions

on the medications your child takes. Even if the child takes the medication only at home, the nurse should know. If they are to take the drugs at school, pills must be in the pharmacy bottle, clearly marked (not an envelope, for instance). Secondly, any health problems should be made known to the school. For example: does your child have any allergies to foods, plants, trees, bee stings or latex? Have this information gathered and ready to fill in the forms for them. Inform the school of any physical restrictions, too. Does your child have asthma or a heart murmur? How should this affect physical activity? Vaccinations Even though vaccinepreventable diseases are rare, they still occur. In 2014, 592 measles cases were reported nationwide; and, in the first six months of 2015, 9,000 cases of whooping cough were reported nationwide. Check with your family care provider to find out what vaccinations your child needs for a healthy school year.

LICE TO MEET YOU

September is Head Lice Prevention Month for a good reason – children “head” back to school, providing opportunity for an outbreak of the little buggers. Despite the persistent social stigma associated with head lice, they are not because of poor hygiene and seem to prefer healthy, clean heads. Check heads regularly, and avoid sharing hats, combs or other items that come in contact with hair. For more tips to avoid those itchy heads, visit BlackHillsParent.com. See your pharmacist or natural health store for prevention and treatment options.

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Black Hills Parent

BUZZ KIDS HEALTH

ASK THE DOC How can acupuncture help kids with asthma, allergies, digestive problems, behavioral and mood disorders and sleep problems? Acupuncture is an area of alternative medicine that involves balancing the body’s own energy flow (chi) through points in the body called acupuncture points. These points can be stimulated with needles, electrical currents, lasers or even pressure. The philosophy of acupuncture is very similar to chiropractic in the aspect that it is about balancing the body so it can heal itself. When energy is properly balanced it will help with the alleviation of various conditions caused by physical, mental, and emotional imbalances. When energy flow is increased or decreased it can cause health issues no different than poor nutrition, lack of exercise, improper nerve balance, emotional stress and over exposer to toxins will do.

Are there any natural treatments for ADHD? Children with ADHD are usually being overstimulated from an internal irritation. For example, gut dysfunction from food allergies and artificial colorings, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, over consumption of processed foods, toxicity overload, poor nerve stimulation and emotional imbalances due to gene coding issues and neurotransmitter imbalances. Proper exams are essential in figuring out the underlying cause of the irritation that’s triggering overstimulation. It’s important to devise a nutrition plan that focuses on organic whole foods and high quality supplements such as fish oil, Vitamin D, probiotics and other possible supplements based on exam findings. Regular exercise and chiropractic treatments support proper nerve stimulation. The use of water filters and natural cleaning supplies reduce toxicity levels. These are just a few alternative therapies that can help heal your child from the inside out.

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Dr. Robert Kuyper D.C.

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343 Quincy Street, Suite 100 Rapid City, SD 605-341-4850

Email your question to editorial@blackhillsparent.com

Sept. 8th - 11am-12pm - Safe Essential Oil Use for Kids Sept. 22nd - 11am-12pm - Relaxation with Essential Oils Seating is limited. Free samples at the class. Call or email to reserve your spot.

510 9th Street, Ste. 206, Rapid City, SD 57701

Free Parent Education

All sessions are 6 pm at LifeScape in Rapid City â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7110 Jordan Dr.

Sept. Bowel & Bladder 20 Accidents in

Oct. Strategies for 18 Picky Eaters

Sept. Sensory 27 Processing 101

Oct. Seating & 25

Children Over Four

Oct. Sensory 4 Processing 102

Visual Schedules

Oct. (A make and 11

take workshop)

Wheelchair Positioning To register, go to Events at LifeScapeSD.org. For details, call 791.7400. Black Hills Parent

PROFILE LOCAL MOM

A DAY IN THE LIFE MEGAN WHITMAN Megan Whitman, wife to Bill, mommy to Kent (6 mos) and Executive Director at Main Street Square, shares a typical day in her life – and a behind-the-scenes peek on an event day at the Square. She has been married to Bill for three years, and together they enjoy gardening, cooking, walking their dogs and spending time with family.

6:45 AM Wow – it felt great to sleep in. Tonight is my turn to close a Thursday night concert at Main Street Square, so I’m starting my workday a few hours later than usual. Now, where’s the coffee?

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7:26 AM Quiet time in the house has come to an end. I prepare Kent’s bottle one-handed while our Min Pin (Gizmo) and Great Dane (Sadie) dance around my feet pleading to go outside. 7:56 AM Booger has a full belly and dry butt and spends a little time on his play mat while I get the morning dishes done. 8:32 AM Receive a work-related call. Then, I dress Kent and set all five (yes, five) bags we’ll need for the day by the door.

9:02 AM I receive another work related call. Kent rubs his eyes and is ready for his morning catnap just in time for me to shower and water flowers. 10:36 AM Kent awakes. I receive work related call number three as we are about to head out the door. 10:53 AM We arrive at daycare and I’m two bags down. I kiss him on his forehead, tell him I love him. See you soon, Booger. 11:16 AM I arrive at the Square and feel right at home. White canopies fill the grounds and the setup for tonight’s event is close to complete. 1:19 PM Meet with our marketing manager and discuss our next

big signature event. Then sign checks for services at the event tonight.

2:49 PM I walk through the plaza to see if we are on schedule and put up some signage. The band has arrived and needs access to the green room. 3:36 PM I hear “check one, two” over the speakers as our sound engineer tests microphones. I load up a cart with face paints, bean bag toss, jump ropes and candy for the Kidz Zone and pull it to the street and set up. 4:17 PM I realize I forgot baby bottles in my bag this morning. 5:26 PM I take the stage and make the evening’s first announcements. Volunteers for the beverage stations arrive and I train them on their duties. 5:59 PM Our band takes the stage, and I welcome the crowd as my phone vibrates with a text message from my husband. I open up a picture of my son loaded in his car seat and heading to the show. 6:03 PM I try to catch my breath from hustling from one side of the Square to the other for a live TV interview. I got there just in time to get mic’d up but not lip gloss–oh well! 6:17 PM Bill and Kent arrive. I swoop down, pick my smiling

boy up and kiss my husband hello. Now to find some shade, grab a hamburger with my family and enjoy some of the show. 6:50 PM The first set is done – which means my break is over. I make some announcements and check on the volunteers and vendors. 7:34 PM I join my family for one more song before Bill takes Kent home. 7:54 PM I am greeted by a patron stating someone required non-emergency medical attention. I call for security to join me at the location while I dial a medic. 8:07 PM I wait as the band finishes their set with “Let it Be” and I take in the sea of people enjoying the concert. Some may be falling in love for the first time and others were falling in love all over again. My eyes got a bit misty, so I cleared the lump in my throat and took the stage for announcements. 8:45 PM Our team meets for event tear-down procedures. We act quickly as storm clouds and lighting are flashing in the distance. 9:46 PM I feel a raindrop hit my shoulder as we take a final walk through. 10:27 PM I tiptoe into the house expecting to prepare our five bags and notice my husband beat me to it. 10:31 My mind is still racing from all the action. I pick up a book, pour a glass of wine and take the shoes off my aching feet. Tonight, I’m grateful for a team at work and a team at home. Without them, this entry would be entirely different. n

margins LIFE IN THE

What she’s reading: Baby Sign Language Basics. Favorite indulgence: Pedicures. French tips and glitter are a must. Signature meal she’s known for: Crab Stuffed Avocados. Her hidden talent: Canning gardengrown salsa, marinara and soups. Inspirational words to live by: Follow your heart. In most cases, it’s the perfect compass. Her biggest challenge: Finding time to workout after having a baby. In her bag: Cloth diapers, lip gloss, wallet and hand sanitizer. Favorite movies: Comedies. Regardless of the movie, odds are it’s getting quoted in our house.

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MEET THE DAD NEXT DOOR DOCTOR ROB SCHLEIFFARTH

OTOLARYNGOLOGIST HEAD & NECK SURGEON WEST RIVER EAR, NOSE & THROAT By Jaclyn Lanae Photos by Legacy Doctor Rob Schleiffarth, his wife Heidi and their two girls, Ella (6) and Blakesley (4) began their summer this year with a family vacation on the shores of Lake Michigan, near Rob’s childhood home of Niles, Mich. He has fond memories of summer weekends spent at his grandparents’ home on the lake and carries that passion into the lives of his young family, spending their free time together outside – in the community park after dinner or out in the hills hiking, skiing, camping or playing on the lake. Passions that make living in the Black Hills nothing short of perfect. Rob graduated from Colorado College in Colorado Springs with a degree in Biology before taking a year off in Seattle to work in perhaps his favorite college-kid job – a concessions manager for KeyArena, home of his beloved SuperSonics (in 2008, the pro basketball team relocated and was renamed to the Oklahoma City Thunder). It was a fun year and a fun job, but he’d known before it began that he wanted to go back to school. It was in Med School at the University of Minnesota just a few years later that he fell in love with a Physical Therapy student across a crowded computer lab, turned a love-blinded eye to her allegiance to the Cubs and married her. Why the unique socks? Yeah, I often wear funny socks.

It’s always a battle to get my girls to wear socks, and sometimes wearing mine inspires them to do the same. It’s a miracle they put them on!

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always thought I’d be a doctor. I loved science and interacting with people, so putting the two together just made sense. Why did you decide to specialize in Ear, Nose and Throat? I had initially thought I would go into Pediatric

Cardiology, but my first rotation was in Ear, Nose and Throat, and it totally changed what I wanted. 24

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Click here to view the full photo gallery.

LOCAL DAD PROFILE

YOU PRESCRIBE ICE CREAM TO YOUR PATIENTS. WHAT’S THAT ABOUT?

What brought you to the Black Hills? I did my specialty

training in Iowa City, so Heidi and I lived there for about seven years. When I completed the program, we wanted to go somewhere that would really support the outdoors lifestyle we love. We’d visited the Black Hills a couple of times, and thought it was a nice area – a nice community, so we packed up and moved out here about two years ago. It’s a good fit for me professionally, too. ENT doctors in larger cities often specialize – they just do cochlear implants or tubes, for instance. Here, at West River ENT, I get to do a lot of different things. What kind of stuff do you see in your work? All kinds! Recently I removed a quarter and a penny two children had swallowed, fixed a hole in an eardrum and put in some ear tubes. What is your most memorable fatherhood moment so far? Our last night in Iowa City we slept in sleeping

bags on the floor and I remember listening to music, the girls were dancing around. The next morning we got up really early and drove to the Black Hills, to this new chapter in our lives.

You prescribe ice cream to your patients. What’s that about? Tonsillectomies are my most common surgery

and it can be kind of a rough recovery. So you think about your classically soft foods, particularly cold foods, for little kids. We partnered up with Silver Lining Creamery and had these fun prescription pads made so when I give the patient (or their parents) their prescriptions, I can show them they get a free scoop of ice cream. It’s just a fun thing for them. Have you been to Silver Lining, by the way? I love it! Superman is my favorite. What time does your alarm go off? I usually wake up before it goes off, actually. This morning it went off as

I got in my car. Surgery days start earlier than clinic days, and I like to be an hour early – so today it was set for 5:45 a.m. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

Brush my teeth. Then I get dressed, let the dogs out, eat breakfast, let the dogs back in and head out for the day.

What is one word you’d use to describe life as a father of two girls? Amazing. It’s so incredible to see

them grow and learn. For instance, my six-year-old reads to me at night and our four-year-old reads to Heidi. It really feels like just the other day Ella was reading one-sentence-per-page picture books. Now, she’s reading chapter books. She’s this whole little person with intelligent thoughts and ideas. What are you reading right now? The Cam Jansen books my six-year-old is reading to me before she goes to bed. How would your girls describe you? Fun. Loving. And they are always telling me I’m ‘crazy’.

What is your number one rule for your girls? Be kind. Treat people how you would like to be treated. I think it’s a pretty good rule for life. And, don’t put things in your ears or nose. My girls will hand me something, and say “so I don’t put it in my nose.” What’s the hardest part about being a parent?

Setting boundaries. It’s easier to give in, but I’m not sure that’s the best thing.

How do you balance your life as a father and as a doctor? It’s tough. I have to make a conscious

decision to separate my home time from my work time. That’s one of the reasons I get up early, so I get stuff done while the girls are sleeping and can make them the priority when I get home. n Black Hills Parent

PROFILE LOCAL DAD

A DAD’S LIFE: CODY KNUTSON By Jerry Steinley Photo by Chris Valencia

THIS SMALL-TOWN GUY IS A RESEARCH PROFESSOR, WORLD-RENOWNED DROUGHT EXPERT AND A REALLY GREAT DAD.

e’s a research professor at the National Drought Mitigation Center, within the School of Natural Resources, having traveled to North Africa, the Middle East and Europe tackling an issue vital to survival – water. Cody Knutson and his team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln develop plans to help people – farmers, ranchers, cities, states, tribes, leaders of countries – develop and implement measures to reduce societal vulnerability to drought, stressing preparedness and risk management rather than crisis management. Five years ago, he and his wife Laura, the Chief of Education for VA Black Hills Healthcare System, made the decision to move to Rapid City from Nebraska. Cody was raised on a ranch northwest of Philip, so relocating to Rapid City was like coming home, and also a turning point. Cody was allowed to work from home and curtail his busy travel schedule from about half of his work time to a quarter. Working from home came with opportunities and challenges. After five years, Cody has successfully managed his work from home and has kept his family focus directly on his wife of 13 years and his children –

Black Hills Parent

Cody’s work at the National Drought Mitigation Center takes him around the world to places like the Great Sphinx of Giza, and at right, Turkey.

“I’LL ALWAYS DO MY BEST TO MAKE TIME FOR THEM. FAMILY COMES FIRST WHENEVER POSSIBLE.”

Jack (10) and Charlie (7) – and together they aim to enjoy family activities. Even though Cody has reduced the time he spends away from home traveling for work, his family is still busy with activities and events, so for the time they do have to spend together they make it quality time. “We make it an adventure, go out and find something new,” he said. Nights and weekends may be spent at the family cabin in Silver City – hiking, fishing in the Hills’s streams and lakes, as well as going to events and concerts at the Civic Center or being active at Calvary Lutheran Church. They embrace the Black Hills, visiting the typical tourist attractions but also finding the less-traveled sites and trails that make the area unique. “It’s a great place to raise two active boys,” Cody said.

CODY AND LAURA’S FAMILY TIPS & STRATEGIES: • Evaluate your priorities: Cody and Laura made the decision five years ago to return to South Dakota to be in the Black Hills and near their family. • Learn to say no at work: Cody’s work involves both national and international travel that takes time from family. “For several years I was gone about 50 percent of the time,” he said. Today he travels maximum one week a month. • Limit the kids’ activities: “They can’t be involved in everything. We want them to try new things but only a

couple of things at a time,” Cody explained. • Make quality time: “When we do have some time, we try to go out and do things; to make some memories,” Cody said. •H ave a support network: A spouse, family members, churches and local organizations all help the Knutson’s manage their family’s busy schedules. •R emove distractions for quality time: Electronics are a distraction; so, when school is out, the electronics are off limits. “Let’s go outside. Let’s go fishing. Let’s do something,” Laura said.

Charlie and Jack are busy with their own activities, which their parents encourage, including: soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, cub scouts, plays, piano and signing lessons and football. To meet the challenges active children bring to the family, as is typical for many families, Cody has chosen to limit his own activities for a while so he can take advantage of time with his sons. Although he has lost a few strokes off his golf game and spends less of his time with “the guys,” it has been a positive experience for Cody. “The tradeoff is well worth it,” he said. To avoid simply shuttling their children from event to event, the Knutsons limit the activities Jack and Charlie can be in at any one time. And to spend more quality time with their sons, Cody and Laura get involved in the activities – teaching Sunday school at Calvary Lutheran, constructing and racing Pinewood Derby cars and coaching soccer. “I’ll always do my best to make time for them. Family time comes first whenever possible,” Cody said. “I’m not always at every game or activity but I’m still there for them and proud of them; they’re loved even if we’re not always together.” During his work at the Drought Mitigation Center, Cody has traveled the world and seen the best that people and governments have to offer, and he has seen the struggles many people face. He tries to share what he has learned with his sons including environmental stewardship, being thankful for clean water and good schools. “We try to instill in them to appreciate how blessed we are to live in such a great place and not to take all of these benefits we have for granted,” he said, “but really to be thankful for what we have.” n Black Hills Parent

PLAY. LEARN. DISCOVER. 44,000 square feet of indoor space on 4 acres of Prairie. Open year-round.

“Best of the Midwest!” ~Midwest Living “Must See Museum!” -Chicago Tribune

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Brookings, SD PrairiePlay.org

info@prairieplay.org 605.692.6700 Black Hills Parent

A fun and unique way to explore the beautiful Black Hills! • Birthday Parties • Team Building Events • Fundraisers • Or Other Special Occasions!

COME DISCOVER THE PAST AT THE MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY

We can create a personalized hunt just for you!

Enjoy our “Fossils of the Badlands” exhibit that brings you back in time and our large marine reptiles that are sure to catch your eye!

BLACK HILLS SCAVENGERS Rapid City Recycling Center Up-Cycle Saturday Adventures

Learn and experience fun projects that can be created from reused and recycled items.

Solve. Explore. Learn. Play. 605-484-1113

www.bhscavengers.com Wind Chimes: Come join us and make your own wind chime from tin cans and old silverware. Wait ‘til you hear the amazing sound.  Saturday, September 24, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

n ‘til

Rapid City Recycling Center Up-Cycle Saturday Adventures

Rapid City Recycling FrankCanStein: Create spookyCenter’s Fr ankCanStein fr om and experience fun projects that can be Learn a tin can, bolts and googly eyes. . created from reused and recycled items.  Saturday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

UP-CYCLE SATURDAY ADVENTURES

Stop by our Kids’ Zone with fun hands Wind Chimes: Come join us and make your own on Wait activities and our wind chime from tin cans and old silverware. ‘til you hear the amazing sound. museum store filled  Saturday, September 24, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with great gifts and Wind Chimes: Come join us and make your souvenirs. Create spooky Fr ankCanStein fr om own wind chime from tin cans FrankCanStein: and old silverware.

Wait ‘til you hear the amazing sound. a tin can, bolts and googly eyes. . Saturday, September 24, 9:30a.m.-11:30 Saturday, a.m. October 12, 9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

Night at the Museum Saturd ay October 29th 4-6pm

FrankCanStein: Create Pinecone Turkeys: Pinecones and leaves spooky FrankCanStein from aare used to create a centerpiece your Thanksgiving tin can, for bolts and googly eyes.dinner.  Saturday, November 19, 9:30 a.m.— 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Christmas Snowflakes: Cr eate beautiful snowflakes fr om popsicle sticks. Turkeys: Pinecones Decorate them anyPinecone way you want. and leaves are used to Fall/Winter Hours (Starting Labor create a centerpiece your Christmas Jean Stockings: What to dofor with those old jeans? Lets make Thanksgiving dinner. Monday–Friday: 9am-4pm your own Christmas stocking,November or give it as Saturday, 19,a gift. Saturday: 10am-4pm  Saturday, December 10, 9:30 a.m. — 11:30 .a.m. Pinecone Turkeys: Pinecones and leaves are used to 9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.

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Christmas Snowflakes:  Saturday, November 19, 9:30 a.m.— 11:30 a.m. Create beautiful snowflakes 501 EAST ST. JOSEPH STREET, RAPID CITY Christmas Snowflakes: Cr eate beautiful snowflakes fr om popsicle sticks. Decorate Classes are offeredfrom at no popsicle charge andsticks. participants are inLocated on the South Dakota School of Decorate them any way you want. them any way you want. vited to take their creation home with them.

used to ner. 0 a.m.

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Christmas Jean Stockings: Jean Stockings: What to do with those old jeans? Lets make For registration, and full class descriptions, please go Christmas to www.rapidcityrecycles.org, What to do with those old yourLet’s own Christmas stocking, call Rapid City Solid Waste at 605-355-3496, or jeans? message us onmake Facebook at Rapid or give it as a gift. your own Christmas stocking, or give it as a gift.  Saturday, December 10, 9:30 a.m. — 11:30 .a.m. City Recycles.

605-394-2467 e-mail: museum@sdsmt.edu

Saturday, December 10, 9:30 a.m.—11:30 .a.m.

Classes are offered at no charge and participants are invited to take their Classes offered at no charge and participants are inFor registration, and full classaredescriptions, vited to take their creation please go to www.rapidcityrecycles.org, call Rapid City Solid Waste at home with them. 605-355-3496, or message us on Facebook at Rapid City Recycles.

es fr om popsicle sticks. creation home with them. old jeans? Lets make

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For registration, and full class descriptions, please go to www.rapidcityrecycles.org, call Rapid City Solid Waste at 605-355-3496, or message us on Facebook at Rapid City Recycles.

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MORE THAN BABY TALK

HOW YOU CAN PROMOTE THE COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF INFANTS AND TODDLERS

The number of things babies learn in their first years is amazing, especially learning to talk. Starting at birth, babies experience the sound of voices and, by age two, most can put words together to express their needs and ideas. The U.S. Department of Education provides a guide with stage-by-stage ideas on how to encourage the development of your baby’s ability to communicate.

FROM BIRTH TO 3 MONTHS

From birth, your baby listens to your voice. He coos and gurgles and tries to make the same sounds you make. You can help your baby learn how pleasant voices can be when you: • Sing to your baby. You can do this even before he is born! Your baby will hear you. • Talk to your baby. She won’t understand the words, but will like your voice and your smile. She will enjoy hearing and seeing other people, too. • Plan for quiet time. Babies need time to babble and play quietly without TV, radio or other noises.

FROM 3 TO 6 MONTHS

As your baby grows, he is learning how people talk to each other. You help him become a “talker” when you: •H old him close so he will look in your eyes. • Talk to him and smile. • I mitate the sounds when your baby babbles. • Say the word again if he tries to make the same sound you do.

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THE BABY YEARS AGES & STAGES

FROM 6 TO 9 MONTHS

Babies will play with sounds. Some of these sound like words, such as “baba or “dada.” Help your baby understand words (even if she can’t say them yet) when you:

• Play games like Peek-a-Boo or Pat-aCake. Help her move her hands along with the rhyme. • Give her a toy and say something about it, like “Feel how fuzzy Teddy Bear is.” • Let her see herself in a mirror and ask, “Who’s that?” Then, say her name. • Ask your baby questions, like “Where’s doggie?” Then, show her where.

FROM 9 TO 12 MONTHS

Your baby will begin to understand simple words. She stops to look at you if you say “no-no.” If someone asks “Where’s Mommy?” she will look for you. She will point, make sounds and use her body to “tell” you what she wants. For example, she may look up at you and lift her arms up to show you she “wants up.” You can help your baby “talk” when you:

• Show her how to wave “bye-bye.” • Tell her “Show me your nose.” Then point to your nose. She will soon point to her nose. Do this with toes, fingers, ears, eyes, knees and so on. • When she points at or gives you something, talk about the object with her. “You gave me the book. Thank you! Look at the baby rolling the ball.”

FROM 12 TO 15 MONTHS

As they progress, babies begin to use words. This includes using the same sounds consistently to identify an object, such as “baba” for bottle or “juju” for juice. He will give you a toy if you ask for it. Even without words, he can ask you for something–by pointing, reaching for it or looking at it and babbling. You can help your child say the words he knows when you:

• Talk about the things you use, like “cup,” “juice” and “doll.” • Ask your child questions about the pictures in books. Give your child time to name things in the picture. • Smile or clap your hands when your child names the things that he sees. “You see the doggie. He’s sooo big! Look at his tail wag.”

FROM 15 TO 18 MONTHS

Your baby will use more complex gestures to communicate with you and will continue to build her vocabulary. She may take your hand, walk you to the bookshelf, point to a book and say “buk” to say, “I want to read a book with you.” You can help your child talk with you when you: • Talk about what your child wants most to talk about. Give him time to tell you all about it. • Ask about things you do each day– “Which shirt will you pick today?” “Do you want milk or juice?” • Build on what your child says. If he says “ball,” you can say, “That is your big, red ball.” • Introduce pretend play with your child’s favorite toy. Include it in your conversations. “Rover wants to play, too. Can he roll the ball with us?”

FROM 18 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS

Over time, your child will be able to follow directions and begin to put words together, such as “car go” or “want juice.” He will also begin to do pretend play, which fosters language development. You can spur your child’s communication skills when you:

• Ask your child to help you. For example, ask him to put his cup on the table or to bring you his shoe. • Teach your child simple songs and nursery rhymes. Read to your child, and ask him to tell you what he sees. • Encourage your child to talk to friends and family.

• Engage your child in pretend play. You can talk on a play phone, feed the dolls or have a party with the toy animals.

FROM 2 TO 3 YEARS

Your toddler’s language skills will grow by leaps and bounds. He will string more words together to create simple sentences, such as “Mommy go bye-bye.” He will be able to answer simple questions, such as “Where is your bear?” By three years old he will be able to answer more complicated questions such as, “What do you do when you are hungry?” He will do more and more pretend play, acting out imaginary scenes such as going to work, fixing the toy car, taking care of his “family” (of dolls, animals). You can help your child put all his new words together and teach him things that are important to know when you:

• Teach your child to say his first and last name. • Ask about the number, size and shape of the things your child shows you. • Ask open-ended questions that don’t have a “yes” or “no” answer. This helps them develop their own ideas and learn to express them. If it’s worms, you could say: “What fat, wiggly worms! How many are there? Where are they going?” Wait, watch and listen to them for the answer. • Ask your child to tell you the story that goes with a favorite book. “What happened to those three pigs?” Your toddler will enjoy sharing books with you, as well as peers. Take him to storytime at your local library. • Do lots of pretend play. Acting out stories creates rich opportunities for using, and learning, language. • Don’t forget what worked earlier. For example, your child still needs quiet time. This is not just for naps. Turn off the devices and let your child enjoy quiet play, singing and talking with you. n

(Note: This guide was developed by Colleen E. Morisset of the University of WA and Patricia Lines of the U.S. Department of Education, with permission granted to reproduce this guide by the US Dept. of Education.)

Black Hills Parent

WAYS TO INTRODUCE THE SUBJECT OF STRANGERS TO CHILDREN

By Priscilla Borrego Many parents can relate to the overwhelming feeling of terror that begins to set in when they notice their child appears to have wondered off, or in some cases, has been taken. The world can be an uncertain place, and introducing the concept of stranger awareness to your child may help keep them out of harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way. Here are a few ways to introduce the discussion and begin talking about the subject with your child.

THE EARLY YEARS AGES & STAGES

DEFINE STRANGER Have a conversation with your child to discover what the word stranger means to them. Then, correct any misconceptions and let them know what the word means to you, keeping this simple and non-threatening. Let your child know strangers come in all forms and they don’t always look mean and scary – many can be helpful and friendly. But, it is important to be cautious when being introduced to new people.

SAFE STRANGERS Be aware of how you discuss “stranger danger” – it could teach them not to ask strangers for assistance when they need help. Let your child know there are “safe strangers” – well-trusted grown-ups you designate to have this title – like police officers, firefighters and teachers. Pointing out examples of them while in public will help reinforce the idea of who is, and who isn’t, a safe stranger.

TRUST INSTINCTS Teach your child to trust their instincts. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for. If something feels off to them, or an individual makes them feel uncomfortable, let them know it is okay to walk away as fast as possible and to tell you, or an adult they know, what they are feeling.

KEEP NO SECRETS Let your child know if a stranger asks them to keep a secret, no matter what they say, to always report it to you or an adult they know. Reassure them it is ok to tell you anything, and be sure to listen and respond calmly.

RESOURCES Since 2007, the South Dakota FAMILY CODE WORD Child Identification Program Use a unique code word or phrase (SDCHIP) has helped more than 21,000 with your child and one they parents be prepared in the instance that will remember. It is vital your child a child does go missing. The CHIP is understands what to do if a stranger offered in 20 states and is considered a approaches them and makes them feel growing trend among young parents, uncomfortable. In this instance, the child according to Jack Welker, West River can ask for the code word, and if they Coordinator for the South Dakota don’t have it, teach them to walk away Child Identification Program. and find another adult they know nearby “The National Center for Missing – or yourself. and Exploited Children recognizes Comprehensive Masonic CHIP as one GIVE EXAMPLES of the most complete child recovery and Give your child examples of when identification programs in the nation,” a stranger may seem bad. These Welker said. “We are helping parents vary from when a stranger asks the protect their children; if they have to go child to disobey the parent or a stranger to AMBER Alert, they would have the asks for help and claims they are lost. information ready.” Other basic topics to include in this The identification chip is free conversation include: not accepting of charge and includes tooth print food, cash or toys, not going in a car impressions, DNA cheek swab, digital with a stranger or when they notice a still photo, fingerprints and a videostranger is following them. imaged interview. For more information and to see when the next free event will KEEP DISTANCES be held, check out sd-chip.org. Tell your children to always stay The web is full of information that at least one adult arm length away can be helpful to parents when talking from a stranger they are talking to in the to children about strangers. For example, case they need to get away from them. Kidsmartz.org highlights role-playing skills, what to do if the child becomes SAFE PLACES lost and who to turn to for help. Another For older children, advise them not site, Childrensmn.org, includes tips on to hang around parks, schoolyards when kids should call 911, neighborhood or deserted places after hours. If they are safety and proper street safety. unsupervised, remind your children to look out for one another when they are It is never too early to talk to your without an adult. children about ways to stay safe. But, be mindful to keep the information and IT’S OK TO YELL examples you share with them ageEmpower your child to be loud appropriate in order to help your child when needed. Let them know be more prepared when they encounter it’s okay to speak up and tell an a stranger. Establishing specific rules adult when someone has made them with your child in an educational, uncomfortable or to yell, “You’re not nonthreatening way will help them my mom!” then turn and run. stay safe without scaring them. n

4 5 6 7

Black Hills Parent

THE BACKTO-SCHOOL BUTTERFLIES 5 WAYS TO HELP KIDS EASE ANXIETY By Danie Koskan

he back-to-school butterflies inevitably wing their way into my home every August. One moment my kids and I are celebrating our independence from schoolwork, and then suddenly we’re bombarded by back-toschool sales and schedules. My boys don’t get it. Didn’t we just get out of school, Mom? Now we have to go back? My thoughts exactly; but, I’ve been around the back-to-school block a few more times than my sons, so I understand that to everything there is a season – including summer break. That makes me (and you) uniquely qualified to help our children transition back to class. We have been there, done that. When the annual realization that summer is fleeting abruptly dawns on your household, and your school-age kids begin to dread looming changes to daily routines, don’t brush off their concerns – talk to them. Chances are, one or more of these worries are nagging at them:

Black Hills Parent

THE MIDDLE YEARS AGES & STAGES

CAN I WAKE UP ON TIME?

I’ve been out of school for a while now, and I still worry about rising and shining on time. So, it’s no wonder my firstborn fears oversleeping his alarm (a.k.a. Mom). One of the best things my husband and I can do for him and his brothers is put them on a sleeping schedule several weeks before the first school bell rings. Our summer days are packed with work commitments, ball games and spontaneous firefly hunts that linger long into the night – making early bedtimes the exception and not the rule. Do your family a favor, and aim for earlier lights-out well before the kids head back to class. Don’t wing it the night before like you did with your son’s science fair project. I’d much rather put three grumbling boys to bed early now than try to rouse three sleepy bears on the first day of school. WILL I BE OK RIDING THE BUS?

It’s one thing to sing about the wheels on the bus; it’s a whole other thing to ride them. “The bus is such a scary place for kids because it is a little bit chaotic,” educator Merideth Wilkes said. Wilkes, a kindergarten teacher at Black Hawk Elementary School, suggests being specific when it comes to talking about that first bus ride. Ask your child about his or her expectations. Discuss how long the ride to and from school will take. Go over the route with them. “Remind them that if they feel uncomfortable, it’s ok to tell someone,” Wilkes said. Sometimes students worry so much about tattling, she added, “that they don’t share important things with staff at school or on the bus.” CAN I HANDLE THE WORK?

We all breathe a sigh of relief when structure gives way to summer’s simple pleasures. But a rapid return to regular reading, writing and arithmetic can be stressful. Children may wonder if they can keep up. Help students cope with this sudden shift in workload by challenging them academically before school picks back up again. “Keep learning at the forefront,” said Carrie Robley, who directs Girls Inc. of Rapid City.

When your school-age kids begin to dread looming changes to daily routines, don’t brush off their concerns – talk to them. Count down the number of days until school starts by keeping a daily log of how often your older student practices math facts or how many pages are read. Seeing their accomplishments on display may give children the confidence they need to embrace a new season of learning. WILL I MAKE FRIENDS?

The world’s biggest socialite happens to live under my roof, so making friends is the least of my secondborn’s qualms with heading back to class. Kids who aren’t as outgoing may worry about seeing their friends or even if last year’s pals still want to pal around. Seeing a friendly face can go a long way towards making a child’s first day back less worrisome, so ask children if there’s anyone they want to meet up with before school starts. Remind children of the qualities that make them a great friend and encourage them to seek out new friends. WILL I GET BULLIED?

For the child who’s been bullied, heading back to class can feel like he or she is being thrown back into the lion’s den. Talk to your son or daughter about how to respond if and when bullying resumes. Don’t poo-poo the would-be perpetrators or tell your child to ignore them. Overcomebullying. org suggests role playing and reviewing plausible responses to a bully’s behavior. Anything from “OK, whatever you say,” and “Thanks!” to “Knock it off” or “Please stop now” are appropriate responses. Stress the importance of maximizing confidence and minimizing emotion. Back-to-school season can be exciting, but also daunting and stressful for children. The more you can help them release the butterflies, the better they will handle the first day of school. n

Black Hills Parent

THE UNFORTUNATE NORMAL Many have heard the hurtful words, felt the embarrassment, and sometimes, experienced the physical pain of bullying. Many t(w)eens will face bullies when they go back to school this year. Here are a few action steps on how you and your student can handle the unfortunate normal of being bullied if it happens to them. TELL SOMEONE. DON’T GO IT ALONE.

By Jenna Carda 36

Black Hills Parent

Whether your t(w)een is dealing with exclusion, lies and rumors, teasing, threats or physical abuse – remind them it’s critical to tell an adult (or at least a friend) what is happening. “If your student doesn’t have a support system, over time the negative things a victim of bullying is subjected

THE T(W)EEN YEARS AGES & STAGES

A letter to my younger self

to can be internalized becoming a truth,ˮ June Anderson, LPC, LAC, QMHP, MS Family Pathways counselor at Behavior Management Systems, explained. DON‘T FIGHT. IT WON’T SOLVE ANYTHING.

The last thing your t(w)een needs is a trip to the principal’s office because they couldn’t contain their anger. Although bullying can be embarrassing or make them angry, hitting or screaming won’t help. Stress the importance of communicating kindly to their bully – if they feel comfortable confronting them at all. WALK AWAY CONFIDENTLY.

When the bully approaches, tell your t(w)een to walk away as if they don’t care, like they would from a stranger. “The goal of the bully is to make the other person feel powerless and themselves powerful,ˮ June said. “If the person doesn’t react, it takes away power from the bully and the victim remains empowered.ˮ

Oh freshman girl, with your hopeful eyes of meeting new people and being introduced to new things _ stay true to yourself. Throughout the pain you will go through that high school is going to bring, know you are going to get through the tough days. Learn to make yourself happy. You don’t need to give all of yourself away to other people. The girl you want so badly to like you is not someone you should call a friend. She is hurtful and finds it thrilling to put others down. Those who follow her are scared of being in her line of attack. Don’t pour your soul into friend groups that go against your hopes and dreams, your goals and your beliefs. Know you have people who love you. Those teachers, secretaries, coaches and counselors aren’t as bad as you think. They will listen with kind hearts about the nasty messages being sent to you, your fear of walking the hallways and when you are followed home. They have advice that will truly help overcome the battles you are facing during this chapter in life. Sweet girl, you’re going to make it through this. There are days you’re going to question your purpose in life and why you are here, but let me tell you _ it’s going to be ok. Those girls will never have the heart for others, which you have gained because of your trials. You, my dear, are going to go farther than you can imagine. With love, Your older self

KEEP THE EVIDENCE.

Cyberbullying is a digital nightmare that many students will deal with in today’s media-filled world. It’s crucial for them to file away every email, text and chat message sent to and from the bully. Show your t(w)een how to save the evidence and encourage them to share it with you. CREATE A PLAN TOGETHER.

Create a plan together with your t(w)en leading the way. You can suggest ways to respond to the bully when they are confronted or trying new groups and making other friends. If the situation your t(w)een is facing has gone beyond teachersʼ and supervisorsʼ help – contact the school officials or the police to talk about your options. There are a lot of steps to take to prepare students for an uncertain battle, but as a parent, the most important thing you can do for your student is to be there for them. “Everyone deserves to feel safe,ˮ June said. “They have the right to be in a safe and violent-free atmosphere.ˮ n Black Hills Parent

OUR TRADITIONAL AMERICAN

By Jaclyn Lanae Photos by Legacy

yan and Rhonda Kelly have been a team for a long time. They’re only in their early forties, but they’ve already been through a lot together: three homes in two different communities, several jobs, 26 years of marriage, 11 children (yes, 11) and a total of seven trips to China. The high school sweethearts were well into raising three boys and a girl – Jake, Josh, Julia and Jonah – when they decided they were done having children. Ryan visited his doctor and they went on with their ‘busy, American lives.’ Until one Sunday morning, the second of January, 2005. Rhonda was laying in bed watching the snow fall outside their window when she had an experience with God. “He said ‘You need to go to China to get your baby girl’.” She first reeled in shock, and then forced herself into an uncomfortable state of denial. “Um, I don’t

LIFE think so…” she thought. So, she did nothing and told no one. “It was weird; it was crazy!” But, the experience nagged at her. One afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese, while the kids were playing, Rhonda looked across the table at her husband. “What would you think about adopting a baby from China?” He stared at her for several long moments. She was sure he would shut her down, bring her back to reality and remind her they already had four children of their own and he had just bought his father’s construction business. Instead he said “ok.” She balked. She brought up all

the reasons she thought it was crazy, brought up all the reasons it would be hard and reminded him they had no idea what was required or how to begin the process. Still, the message pulled her attention and hounded her from the back of her mind. So, Rhonda began doing some research. Then, she called her mother. “My mom is my best friend. We’re really close, and I was sure she would talk some sense in to me. She would remind me how busy I already was with four children.” Instead, Rhonda’s mother said, “I always knew you would adopt, I just didn’t

N know it would be from China.” The kids (whom would forever more be referred to as the bios) were all on board, too. It was looking like this might actually happen. Finally the couple laid in bed one night, again going over the pros and cons, wondering if they were nuts or if this was the right thing for their family when Ryan said, “let’s go to bed and pray about it individually. We’ll have our answer in the morning.” When they woke to near blizzard conditions, Ryan departed from

their usual morning routine and turned on the television. On the screen, there was a Caucasian family standing in front of a home, holding a beautiful little Asian baby. “I think it was an American Family Insurance commercial or something,” Rhonda remembers now, smiling broadly. “Ryan said, ‘There’s your answer’.” The couple signed on with an international adoption agency and began the process, eventually switching their preference to a special needs child with Spina Bifida that

they later named Jenna. In December of 2005, they traveled half way around the world to finish up the adoption process and bring their baby home. In China, an adopting couple must spend 24 hours with their new baby to take full guardianship before the final adoption papers can be signed. “Those first 48 hours were rough,” Ryan concedes. Jenna was nearly two years old and had never been outside – she had never even touched grass. But on

“PEOPLE ALWAYS SAY HOW LUCKY THE GIRLS ARE,” RHONDA SAID, “BUT WE’RE THE LUCKY ONES. THEY SAVED US FROM OUR TRADITIONAL AMERICAN LIFE.” THE WHOLE KELLY CLAN – ALL FIFTEEN OF THEM – NOW HAVE REALLY ONLY ONE PRIORITY: TO LOVE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER, AND REMEMBER HOW WONDERFUL IT IS TO BE PART OF THE BEST KIND OF TEAM – A FAMILY.

Full of life and movement, the Kelly family photo shoot was nothing short of fun. Junie stole the show when she came outside wearing her authentic Chinese apparel, while Janelle, Jenna and Jocelyn captured our hearts with their furry friends. Junie, Jade and Joy showed us their room and were all giggles after jumping on the bed. Jonah and Jolise revved up and demonstrated their love of powersports once we were back outside, while Josh, Julia and Junie stood by the horses and watched. To wrap up the shoot, Josh, his wife Brooke and baby Kash posed for a final photo.

their parents take care of the house, the family’s 15 chickens, four dogs, three kittens, two fish and a neighbor pony that has become a permanent guest. When asked how she keeps it all together Rhonda sums it up in two simple words: teamwork and organization. “I used to be much more a ‘gowith-the-flow’ kind of mom, but now I just have to be really organized.” They employ many of the same tricks that lots of busy families use – just on a much bigger scale. Rhonda makes several trips to the bus stop to pick up kids each day and then it’s time for a snack. Homework is done immediately, and then backpacks are re-packed. Some of the kids help with dinner, others take their showers or get chores done and after dinner, clothes are laid out for the youngest children before bed. They work as a team. “We have two washers and dryers in our house,” she says. “The older kids (the teenagers) do their own laundry. They don’t do it the way I would, but I have to let go of that. At least they do it.” The Christmas season and the back-to-school season are the hardest. “I usually have to start preparing for school on August 1. It’s a full time job, and I am very busy,” Rhonda says, “but this is the best kind of busy.” Life for Ryan and Rhonda Kelly has changed a lot in 26 years. These days they get around in a four wheel drive van that holds 12, get up at 5:45 a.m. and prepare for everything the night before. They have very little time for themselves, spend a lot of time in the car and have spent most of their retirement money, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. n Inspired and want information about international adoption services? See the resource directory at blackhillsparent.com for local agencies.

Black Hills Parent

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MAKING AN mpact

By Jenna Carda Photos by Tanna White Photography One decision to make an impact can oftentimes affect others and begin to spread. The Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills opened its doors in Hill City in 2001, which later grew into a Hot Springs Club in 2007 and a Lead-Deadwood Club in 2014. These teams are bringing a positive light to children’s lives – with staff and volunteers pouring their hearts and souls into supporting kids throughout their communities.

Black Hills Parent

ANNE ROGERS-POPEJOY As the Unit Director of the LeadDeadwood Club, Anne is making an impact by leading 300 kids in Lead since the Club first opened two years ago. “It’s the most meaningful work you can do,” said Anne. “I think when you are advocating for someone that can’t advocate for themselves, but then beginning to teach them how – you’re really growing citizens.” To Anne, the Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills means the “opportunity to change lives every day” – which is exactly what she has done for many kids and staff who are active in the organization.

PAYTON GRODZIN After joining the Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills, Payton (14) made the choice to turn his academic career around. With the help of mentors, tutors and friendships – Payton soared through his challenges and was awarded the Club’s Academic Success Award – presented to a teen and a youth in the academic year for working hard at bringing up his or her grades and showing commitment to their goals. “They taught me what to do better,” said Payton, “and any questions I had, they would know what to do.” Now that his grades are stronger than ever, he gets to spend more time thinking about the things he loves most – sports. Payton and a couple of his friends entered into the Boys and Girls Club fundraiser in Hot Springs – a 3-on-3-basketball tournament consisting of 48 teams. Through teamwork and support, Payton and his team took first place. Whether he’s playing in the gym with the younger kids at the Club, shooting hoops on the basketball court at school or on the green playing golf, Payton has been able to make an impact in other kids’ lives through his active lifestyle.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB COMMUNITY

ALAYNA BAUERNFEIND This 10-year-old is making an impact on the organization she considers family. While Alayna was cleaning her room, she found a large jar of pennies in the way collecting dust. “I didn’t want it sitting around taking up space,” said Alayna. “It just kind of came to me that the Boys and Girls Club could probably use it.” After donating 2,035 pennies to the organization, her project – Alayna’s Challenge – was born. The staff put a photo of Alayna on Facebook with challenge details outlining a “match or more” concept – either match the $20.35 Alayna donated or go above the amount with your own funds. This sparked a lot of hearts around the Black Hills to make an impact and take their giving to the next level. “You don’t have to donate everything to make people happy,” explained Alayna. “If you give, it can make you feel better – it will make other people feel better, and it will spread the joy to more people. Pretty soon this world will be an awesome place.”

JESSICA NOTEBOOM Three years ago, Jessica made the choice to join the Boys and Girls Club executive staff as the Resource Development Director. Since she handles a lot of the programming and donor relations, Jessica works with hundreds of staff, volunteers and children – making an impact on the community growth throughout Hot Springs, Hill City and Lead-Deadwood.

Life is full of decisions, and a team of staff – totaling 17 people – in the Black Hills have chosen to make an impact in children’s lives throughout their communities through the Boys and Girls Club of the Black Hills.

“I can’t wait for my son to be a Club member because I see firsthand all of the opportunities and things these kids get to do,” said Jessica. “They are definitely given the tools and resources to succeed in life and that starts when they can join the club at age six.”

And many business owners have seen the difference the Club is making. With 65 local businesses supporting the organization’s mission, they are making an impact in these members’ lives, as well.

From events like ugly sweater competitions to hitting local trails, members of the Club are getting to build relationships with each other, all while learning about the importance of community support. “We are so lucky to have a Boys and Girls Club in our community,” said Jessica. “It’s connecting kids to our adults and mentors, and we are creating such a fun opportunity to get involved on a much higher level than just volunteering.

“It doesn’t matter if we don’t have a lot of things,” explained Jessica. “We can go without a lot of stuff – but we can’t go without the help of our professional staff. They just understand; they get it.”

“If there’s anything that’s worth supporting – it’s our kids,” said Anne. “They are the best investment one could ever make.” n

mpact Magazine is currently taking nominations for the next “Making an Impact” feature. Who should be recognized for the difference they are making in the Black Hills? Share their story by sending their name and a summary of their community impact to editorial@blackhillsparent.com. Black Hills Parent

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SHARE RECIPE

Jessica’s

Cheeseburger Crockpot Casserole INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped green pepper 3 cloves pressed garlic 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 tsp dry mustard 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp onion powder 15 oz can tomato sauce 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes in basil, garlic and oregano 1 pound penne pasta 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Photo by Jenni Hahn Photography

This recipe has meat, cheese and cooks with ease. The crockpot allows you to fix it and go. It hides the vegetables in a delicious flavor children enjoy, and the penne noodles make this easy for little hands to grab and munch!

“I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR CROCKPOT RECIPES THAT CAN BE READY WHEN I GET HOME AFTER A BUSY DAY IN THE CLASSROOM.”

Black Hills Parent

SWAP OUT Try swapping out the beef for ground turkey to make the meal leaner.

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet, add ground beef. When it is nearly brown, stir in onion, green pepper and garlic to sauté with the beef to add flavor for a couple of minutes. 2. Transfer beef to crock pot, stir in Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. 3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. 4. Cook pasta on stove top according to directions. 5. Stir cooked pasta and shredded cheese into beef mixture just before serving. SERVES 6 TO 8 PEOPLE

CHEF’S NAME: Jessica Campbell FAMILY: Husband: Josh, Daughters: MacKenzie (5) & Averie (1) COMMUNITY: Rapid City OCCUPATION: Teacher FAVORITE LOCAL ACTIVITY: Playing tourist, enjoying all the sights of the Hills, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore and the downtown events of Rapid City, Hill City and Deadwood. ABOUT THE RECIPE: During the school year, I am always looking for crockpot recipes that can be ready when I get home after a busy day in the classroom. This meal provides great flavors, it can be varied to meet the needs of your family and my kids love it. I usually prepare the beef and vegetables the night or weekend beforehand, and refrigerate them until I’m ready to throw it in the crockpot. (I have even mixed in the spices and Worcestershire sauce in with the beef so I don’t have to take the time to measure in the morning.) The beef could be swapped with ground turkey to make this a leaner meal, and there are a variety of gluten-free penne noodles available to make this a gluten-free meal, too.

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SPOTLIGHT BH CUTIES

CUTE KIDS

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BH CUTIES SPOTLIGHT

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CALENDAR AUGUST Monday 1

FREE-Nature Story Time

Join us on a reading adventure. Age: 1-4, 9-9:30 a.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310

AUGUST!

Monday 1

FREE-Movies Under the Stars: Finding Nemo

Every Tuesday

FREE-Book Buddies

A storyteller shares enchanting tales for families. Age: 0-3, 9:30-10 a.m., Rapid City Public Library, 610 Quincy St., Rapid City, 605.394.4171 Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Black Hills Farmers Market

Come out and find the finest providers and producers of local goods. You’ll feel good about being a part of something bigger. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Founders Park, 1510 Omaha St., Rapid City Every Thursday-Sept. 1

Main Street Square Concert Series

Come rock out at the Main Street Square Concert Series featuring family fun. Enjoy music every week, one on the Main Street Square stage, and the other on the Summer Nights stage at Seventh and St. Joseph St. 6-9 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979 Every Friday

FREE-Scheels Bike Club

Moderate to strong riders. Helmets are required. Under 16 must have a parent present. 6-8 a.m., Founders Park, 1510 W. Omaha St., Rapid City, 605.342.9033

Monday 1-3

Safety Town

From tiny germs to big red fire trucks, learn the art of safety! All supplies provided. Age: 2-6, 1-3 p.m., The Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th St., Rapid City, 605.394.4101 Monday 1-4

Guest Teacher Workshop

Join us for a week full of classes with professional guest teachers. Age: 10+, begins at 10 a.m., Prima School of Dancing, 3401 Sturgis Rd., Rapid City, 605.348.8125 Monday 1-4

Squeaky Clean Hip Hop

Bust a move with us! This fun camp features upbeat music and introduces students to the fun world of Hip Hop dance! Ages: 5-7, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Academy of Dance Arts, 4251 Canyon Lake Dr., Rapid City, 605.342.4426 Monday 1-15

Daily Jr. Paleontology Program

Every Saturday

Spearfish Farmer’s Market A weekly market of fresh, locally grown produce & artisan crafts. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Brady Park, Spearfish, 605.722.1430

Choose one date to participate. Paleontological excavation techniques are taught. Participants bring home a fossil identification booklet and a Jr. Paleontologist certificate. Age: 4-12, 11 a.m., The Mammoth Site, 1800 US 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, 605.745.6017

Friday 5

Choose one date to participate. Participants will be taught proper excavation techniques and bone identification. They will also learn how to map and jacket a bone. Age: 10+, 2 p.m., The Mammoth Site, 1800 US 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, 605.745.6017

Learn the basics of flat-water paddling in canoes and kayaks. Course includes basic safety, paddling strokes, and hands-on practice at our pond. Wear attire that can get wet! Age: 8-12, 10-11 a.m. OR 11 a.m.-12 p.m. OR 2-3 p.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310

Tuesday 2

Saturday 6

Learn how to use a GPS unit to find hidden treasure on Campus. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) for this high-tech scavenger hunt. GPS units will be provided. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310

Identify several fish species by colors and shapes. Learn the parts of the fish, play a game & even get a chance to touch a fish. (No fishing in this program.) Age: 8-12, 10-11 a.m. OR 1-2 p.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310

Daily Advanced Paleontology Program

FREE-Family Geocaching

Tuesday 2

FREE-Scheels Kids Klub

Learn about Archery tactics and various animal calls! Kids get their face painted in camouflage. Age: 4-12, 6-7 p.m., Scheels, 1225 Eglin St., Rapid City, 605.342.9033 Tuesday 2

Dino Camp

Students will learn about the science of paleontology and discuss the plesiosaur on display at the Adams Museum. Reservations required. Ages: Grades K-2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Grades 3-6, 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Adams Museum, 54 Sherman St., Deadwood, 605.578.1657 Tuesday 2-7

Addams Family It’s every father’s nightmare. Everything will change when they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Rated PG, Call for prices and show times, Black Hills Playhouse, Custer State Park, 605.255.4141

FREE-Paddling

FREE-Archery Basics

Monday 8

FREE-Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia Visit Main Street Square to watch a movie on the big screen under the stars. 8:30 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979 Monday 8-11

Tiny Dancing Tumblers

Students will learn dance steps, tumbling, and tricks geared toward dancers each day. Age: 4-5, 10-10:45 a.m. Age: 5-6, 11-11:45 a.m. Prima School of Dancing, 3401 Sturgis Rd., Rapid City, 605.348.8125 Monday 8-10

Wild West

Wander west with us and discover where tall tales were born. Explore your wild side as you befriend Paul Bunyan’s blue ox and tumble in a tornado with Pecos Bill. All supplies provided. Age: 2-6, 1-3 p.m., The Dahl Arts Center, 713 7th St., Rapid City, 605.394.4101

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Visit Main Street Square to watch a movie on the big screen under the stars. 8:30 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979

Monday 1-15

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AUGUST CALENDAR Monday 8

FREE-Lego Play

Join in the Lego fun and meet other Lego fans. No need to bring any – the library provides them! 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sturgis Library, 1040 Harley-Davidson Way, Ste. 101, Sturgis, 605.343.2624 Tuesday 9

FREE-Screen on the Green: McLintock Bring a blanket and come to the library and enjoy a movie on the big screen outside. 8 p.m., Hot Springs Public Library, 2005 Library Dr., Hot Springs, 605.745.3151

the World Championships of Performing Arts. Age: 10+, Prima School of Dancing, 3401 Sturgis Rd., Rapid City, 605.348.8125

learns to fly! Wear clothes that can get a little wet and muddy. Age: 3-4, 10-10:45 a.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310

Friday 12-21

Tuesday 16, 17, 18, 20

An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougement. Dare to be whisked away in a story of the high seas, populated by exotic islanders, flying wombats, giant sea turtles and a monstrous man-eating octopus. Call for prices and show times, Black Hills Playhouse, Custer State Park, 605.255.4141

Choose ONE date to participate. Children will learn to identify several fish species by colors and shapes. Learn the parts of the fish, play a game and even get a chance to touch a fish. (No fishing in this program.) Age: 5-7, 10-10:45 a.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310

Shipwrecked!

Monday 15

Wednesday 17

Visit Main Street Square to watch a movie on the big screen under the stars. 8:30 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979

Come learn about the history of the park’s buffalo, how the Plains Indians survived with them, and see if you have what it takes to be a buffalo by participating in the Custer State Park Buffalo Olympics! Reservations required. Age: 7-12, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Game Lodge Campground Playground Area, Custer State Park, 605.255.4828

FREE-Movies Under the Stars: Inside Out

Monday 15-18

Thursday 11

FREE-Movie in the Park: Inside Out

Grab a lawn chair or blanket to watch family-friendly movies outside. Sunset, Salem Park, W. Quincy St., Spearfish, 605.722.1430 Thursday 11-14

Custer County Fair

Waltzing Princesses

Every young dancer can brush up on princess manners as they prepare for the ball! This dance camp will introduce and refine basic steps like the waltz in ballet! Ages: 3-4, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Academy of Dance Arts, 4251 Canyon Lake Dr., Rapid City, 605.342.4426 Tuesday 16-18

Cowboy Camp

We have events for people of all ages from 4-H’ers to those who are just kids at heart. Many of the events are free to the public and entry fees remain low. Kickoff begins at 5 p.m., Custer County Fairgrounds, Hermosa, 605.255.4145 or 605.393.7055

Wrapping up the summer camp series, Cowboy Camp teaches children the lifestyle of the early cowboys. Youth will learn about the history and some of the tricks to being a cowboy. Reservations required. Ages: Grades K-2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Grades 3-6, 1-4 p.m., Days of ‘76 Museum, 40 Crescent Dr., Deadwood, 605.578.1657

Friday 12-13

Tuesday 16, 17, 18, 20

Guest Teacher Hip Hop Workshop

No matter what your experience level is, don’t miss this street style Hip Hop workshop led by Jamaal Curry – a USA reprsentative in

FREE-Name This Fish

FREE-Stream Detectives

Choose ONE date to participate. Discover what lives in the ponds and streams. Learn what a dragonfly looks like before it

Nature Day Camp-All About Buffalo

Friday 19

FREE-Climbing

Take your turn scaling our portable climbing wall. All safety equipment will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes such as hiking or tennis shoes only. Age: 8-12, 1:30-3 p.m., Outdoor Campus West, 4130 Adventure Trail, Rapid City, 605.394.2310 Friday 19

Eli Young Band

With three No. 1 hits under their belt as well as a Grammy nomination and an Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year for their hit “Crazy Girl,” the Eli Young Band will create another milestone when they take the Deadwood Mountain Grand stage. 8 p.m., Deadwood Mountain Grand, 1906 Deadwood Mountain Dr., Deadwood, 605.559.1188

Friday 19-27

Central States Fair

Beginning on Friday with an official ribbon cutting, the Central States Fair is filled with fun and excitement for the whole family. From animal shows, exhibits and rodeos, to rides, food and entertainment, you’re going to enjoy what this event has to offer. Central States Fairground, 800 San Francisco St., Rapid City, 605.355.3861 Saturday 20

FREE-Find Your Park Festival

Learn about the parks in the Black Hills. Activities, ranger talks, park educational information, park products and entertainment will be provided in honor of the 100th birthday of the National Park Service and the 75th Anniversary of the completion of Mount Rushmore. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979 Saturday 20

Back to Dance Open House

Meet our dancing teachers and check out our studio space! We can answer your questions about classes and help you register for the upcoming school year. Come say hello at Academy of Dance Arts! 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 4251 Canyon Lake Dr. Rapid City, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis, 605.342.4426 Monday 22

FREE-Lego Play

Join in the Lego fun and meet other Lego fans. No need to bring any – the library provides them! 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sturgis Library, 1040 Harley-Davidson Way, Ste. 101, Sturgis, 605.343.2624 Monday 22

FREEMovies Under the Stars: Big Hero 6

Visit Main Street Square to watch a movie on the big screen under the stars. 8:30 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979

DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS Black Hills Parent

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER

Tuesday 23

Saturday 3

Steam Seminar

FREE-Screen on the Green: Lilo and Stitch

Bring a blanket and come to the library and enjoy a movie on the big screen outside. 8 p.m., Hot Springs Public Library, 2005 Library Dr., Hot Springs, 605.745.3151 Thursday 25

FREE-Movie in the Park: Indiana Jones/Last Crusade Grab a lawn chair or blanket to watch family-friendly movies outside. Sunset, Evans Park, 625 N. 5th St., Spearfish, 605.722.1430 Thursday 25-28

Kool Deadwood Nites

Great Cars, Great Fun and Great Music! Kool Deadwood Nites brings car lovers together for four days full of classic cars, classic music and classic fun. It’s a 50’s and 60’s sock hop – Deadwood style. Enjoy parades, show and shines and FREE concerts on Main Street featuring the biggest names in Rock ‘n’ Roll history. All weekend, Deadwood, 605.578.1876

SEPTEMBER!

The 1880 Train is providing a half-day Steam Seminar for railroad enthusiasts at the Hill City station. Get an in-depth, behindthe-scenes look at how steam engines work and the basics of train operations. Presenters will explain the specific mechanical parts of a live locomotive such as pistons, rods and brakes... and more! All Ages, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1880 Train, Hill City, 605.574.2222 Saturday 3

Dwight Yoakam

The ‘Hillbilly Deluxe’ is headed for the Hills to hand-deliver his hits with “Guitars, Cadillacs” in tow. Born in Pikeville, KY and raised in Columbus, OH, Dwight Yoakam is a singer-songwriter, actor and film director, most famous for his pioneering country music. Yoakam counts 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums, including the triple-platinum “This Time” to his credit. Five of those albums have topped Billboard’s Country Albums chart with another 14 landing in the Top 10. 8 p.m., Deadwood Mountain Grand, 1906 Deadwood Mountain Dr., Deadwood, 605.559.1188 Tuesday 6

FREE-Scheels Kids Klub: Back to School Learn about safety in and out of school from real local firefighters and police officers. Kids can also register to win Under Armour apparel. Age: 4-12, 6-7 p.m., Scheels, 1225 Eglin St., Rapid City, 605.342.9033 Tuesday 6

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Black Hills Farmers Market Come out and find the finest providers and producers of local goods. You’ll feel good about being a part of something bigger. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Founders Park, 1510 Omaha St., Rapid City

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[FUN]

Crazy Horse Night Blast

In observance of Crazy Horse’s death in 1877, and the commemoration of the 108th birth date of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, born in 1908. At dusk, Crazy Horse Memorial, 605.673.4681

Friday 9

Princess & Pirate Ball

Support Storybook Island by attending the 5th Annual Princess & Pirate Ball Fundraiser. This adult-only evening includes a catered dinner, drinks, dancing, and silent auction. 5:30 p.m., Storybook Island, Rapid City, 605.342.6357 Saturday 10

POW/MIA 5K Run/Walk

A day of remembrance and appreciation to all those who have ever worn the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The 5K will start at 8 a.m. at Main Street Square, and will be followed by a complimentary pancake breakfast at VFW Post 1273. All funds raised from this event will be donated to The Gary Sinese Foundation, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, The Air Force Assistance Fund, and all participating local military and veteran’s organizations. 7-9 a.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979 Saturday 10

Once Upon a Festival

A last hoorah of the attraction’s season! This fundraiser will be fun for children of all ages. Come in costume; enjoy vendors, games & more! 5:30 p.m., Storybook Island, Rapid City, 605.342.6357 Sunday 11

National Grandparents Day

Tell Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Papa, or Gigi and Pops how much you love them with a card or drawing. Sunday 11

FREE-8th Annual Disaster Awareness Day

family to learn how to make an emergency plan, build an emergency kit and get involved, learn about the Community Emergency Response Team training here in Pennington County, see Emergency Vehicles up close and learn how responders are ready for disasters. See Amateur Radio Demonstrations, the Rapid City Police Dept. K-9 demonstration, and take part in 9/11 Remembrance activities as you enjoy FREE hot dogs and popcorn. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979 Sunday 11

Tim Hawkins: Live in Concert

Tim’s approach to comedy can best be described as one part gifted and two parts twisted. And the three parts set him apart. His stand-up is surgical and honed to perfection, bringing to light the brokenness of human nature while marveling in its hilarity. In his own gracious words, “If you can’t laugh at yourself, laugh at other people.” His musical dexterity and knack for parody stand on their own, as he deftly rattles off everything from Dylan to Aldean to brilliantly weird original songs. 6 p.m., Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, 444 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, 605.394.4115 Tuesday 13

Taste of The Hills

It’s time for a date night! Taste of the Hills is a fun evening to help kick cancer to the curb! Start the evening with Pink Happy Hour followed by exciting events at Main Street Square including a VIP tasting competition from the best chefs in the area, live music from Brandon Jones and The Thirsty Fish, a breast cancer survivor celebration, and raffle prizes! 4-8 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979

This year’s event takes place on the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks. Bring the

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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER

Saturday 17

Saturday 24

Wine Express

Enjoy a kid-free date on Hill City’s famous 1880 Train. The Wine Express will feature tasty treats, local wines and special entertainment. 1:30 p.m. OR 5 p.m., 1880 Train, Hill City, 605.574.2222 Saturday 17

Black Hills Heart Walk

Tuesday 20

Bowel & Bladder Accidents in Children Over Four Learn how to end day and nighttime accidents, constipation issues, and challenges with potty training. Get tips and tricks to try at home. Presented by Christine Stephenson, DPT. 6 p.m., LifeScape, 7110 Jordan Dr., Rapid City, 605.791.7406 Friday 23-Oct. 2

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

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Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival

Downtown’s biggest festival returns for its eighth year! Visit Main Street Square and venture down Sixth St. and into Memorial Park for a pumpkin catapult, giant pumpkin weigh-off, Kidz Zone, wagon rides, vendors, the Beverage Garden and more. Don’t forget to stop and say “hi!” to Black Hills Parent magazine at our booth! We can’t wait to see you all. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Main Street Square, Rapid City, 605.716.7979 Monday 26-Oct. 1

Swarm Days

Events at Black Hills State University’s annual Swarm Days will be held throughout the week. Enjoy a parade, Tailgate Social held at the Young Center parking lot, and then cheer on the BHSU football team. All week, Black Hills State University, Spearfish Tuesday 27

Based on the classic animated movie, this sparkling musical bubbles to life in this rich and dazzling production featuring the irresistible songs “Under the Sea”, “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World”. Join Ariel and her colorful friends in this magical sea adventure perfect for the entire family! Black Hills Community Theatre, 601 Columbus St., Rapid City, 605.394.1787, Box Office: 605.394.1786

[FUN]

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with waived entrance fees to Badlands National Park, Devils Tower National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument.