NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
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2 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Young Writers and Artists recognized at the 2017 Deep Valley Book Festival
K
ids between the ages of 7 and 18 were invited to submit entries for the Young Writer and Young Artist Competitions sponsored by the Deep Valley Book Festival. Entries were judged by Siblings in Ink and the Carnegie Art Center and awards were presented at the book festival at the Mankato Event Center on October 7. Young writers entered stories (1500 words or less) with the theme of Friendship. Winners of the 2017 Deep Valley Young Writers Awards are: Daphne Ellenson (Kids vs Detention), Grace McPherson (A Tale of True Friendship), Sophia Menden (The Ribbon Dancer), Sam Pottenger (Fun with Friends), Samira Sabrie (Thoughts of Yesterday), Sarah Sabrie (New School, New Friends), Sumia Sabrie (Carly’s Alley), Aidan Schrader (The Bully) and Owen Schrader (Billy and Brody). Young artists illustrated a scene from their favorite book. Winners of the 2017 Deep Valley Young Artist Awards are: Hayden Carlson (Mummies in the Morning), Macey Carlson (Deep and Dark and Dangerous), Katie Muggli (The Marauder’s Man) and Elsa Schrader (Kirsten Learns a Lesson). Headline author Allen Eskens, special guest author, Faith Sullivan and more than 40 other Minnesota authors, illustrators, and literary organizations participated in the book festival. Hundreds of readers of all ages attended the event and were able to interact with their favorite authors and meet new ones. Children were entertained with book readings, a balloon artist, and the Oz Brothers (Wizard of Oz book favorites, the scarecrow and lion). Adults enjoyed a full day of programs, panel discussions, book readings and more. For photos and more information about the 2018 Deep Valley Book Festival, find us on Facebook. Watch for details in the next issue of Kid-Oh! magazine about how you can Elsa Schrader and Geraldine Tostenson enter the 2018 Young Writer and Artist Competition! (presented for the Carnegie Art Center). Photo by Justine Schrader.
Katie Muggli
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Author: J.K. Rowling
Hayden Carlson
Title: Magic Tree House Mummies in the Morning Author: Mary Pope Osborne
Elsa Schrader
Title: American Girl Doll Kirsten Learns A Lesson Author: Janet Beeler Shaw
Macey Carlson
Title: Deep and Dark and Dangerous Author: Mary Downing Hahn
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 3
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6
Hello!
I
am a serious homebody. Like serious. So, fall and winter are my seasons. The seasons to snuggle up at home, cook, read and in my case, strip a ton of wallpaper (but that's another story!) The kids are back at school, the weather has changed and everyone is busy making all the preparations for the impending season. And the holidays...they are on the way! No matter what holidays you do or don't celebrate, November and December give us a chance to spend time with friends and family, enjoy our togetherness and embrace our community and the people in it. I hope this season you have time to shop at locally owned shops, support your neighbors and look around for people around you that may need help. That is the focus of this issue. We have an article about 2 Mom-prenuers opening a new business in Old Town as well as a story about The Reach, a homeless outreach program for teens. I hope that after reading about them you will find time during your holidays to give back to people and places like them, to support locally owned businesses and to lend a hand or money or time to an organization that is helping people within our community. That, no matter what where you align yourself on the spiritual or religious spectrum, is what this season is about. And, considering everything that has gone on in our country and around the world lately, reaching out to those around us is more important than ever.
Jordan Greer-Friesz
PUBLISHER Steve Jameson EDITOR/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Jordan Greer-Friesz CONTRIBUTORS Mayo Clinic Health System The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Gena Heminover Blue Earth County Historical Society MN Valley Federal Credit Union Cliff Coy E. Madelyn James Heather Fisher Mankato Clinic Health System Friesen's Bakery & Bistro District #77 PHOTOGRAPHERS Inspired Portrait Photography Cliff Coy PAGE DESIGNER Christina Sankey ADVERTISING MANAGER Phil Siebel ADVERTISING SALES Jordan Greer-Friesz Marianne Carlson Josh Zimmerman Theresa Haefner ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Barb Wass ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Christina Sankey Sue Hammar CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Justin Niles
Kid-Oh! Magazine is published by The Free Press Media bi-monthly at 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001. For editorial and advertising inquiries, call Jordan Greer 507-344-6337, jgreer@mankatofreepress.com To be included in future Kid-Oh! mailings, call 507-625-4451, ext. 7
4 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
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November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 5
s e l k c i P E e Zek Occupation:
How long have I lived in Mankato?
Saint Bernard, CEO of Slobber, Fur and Snuggles
Since 2014 when I found my Mom and Dad.
What is your favorite part of your job? I like laying around, it's the best. I am a pretty big guy so I do things slow. I really like watching people, especially when they see me! They just can't believe how big I am. Sometimes they get scared because I am as big as a bear but then they meet me and give me a pet on my head and realize I am just a big teddy bear.
About Me:
What is your favorite thing to do in Mankato for fun?
I like to lay on my front porch and watch everything go by; cars, people, kids. I also like going for walks around the neighborhood or out at 7 Mile. I don't like going swimming in lakes but I do like walking in the river when it's low. I really like going for boat rides, as long as it's not too bumpy! Most people have never seen a Saint Bernard in a boat and lots of people wave at me. I drool back at them.
What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a puppy I wanted to be in a good home. Things were kind of rough for me when I was little but then I found my Mom and Dad and things are great! I wish more dogs could have good moms and dads.
I have 2 doggie brothers and a cat brother and a cat sister. That's a lot of fur! Mom and Dad say they couldn't imagine life without all of us, even though we are pretty messy. All of my furry siblings and I were rescued- that means that they got all of us from a rescue or a shelter or from someone who didn't want us instead of buying us from a breeder. That means that they stepped in and scooped us up because they cared and want to love us. Now, we all have better lives because of "rescue." 6 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Jaxson
Age: 9 “Not having to go to school and getting to go sledding.”
Macey
Age: 11 Sleeping in, decorating the house and I love Christmas morning breakfast my grandma Nani makes monkey fingers!
Adam Age: 6 Coming to Mankato.
Hayden Age: 7
Playing in the snow - building a snow family and a snow dog. I can’t wait to play with my new Christmas presents and eat my Christmas candy!
Anna
Age: 10 Building snow forts and playing with friends.
Liliana
Age: 6 Hanging with my little brother.
ked We asd-oh’s... Ki art some rite p o
ur fav
is yo What
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of w
ion?
acat v r e nt
Breckyn
Amelia
Age: 7 Christmas and snow.
Age: 6 “Cause you can play football and tackle people in the snow.”
Flora
Age: 12 Christmas!
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 7
Story and photos by Cliff Coy
MOMPRENEURS
M
ompreneur is defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur. And there are 10.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating $2.3 trillion in annual revenue, according to the Center for Women's Business Research. And according to Entrepreneur Magazine, women are starting businesses at nearly twice the rate of men. And women with children are jumping in--each with a different business goal, a different family situation and a different strategy to balance it all. This is definitely the case with Emily Green, who is a trained cosmetologist, who also co-owns a newly opened wedding venue in St. Peter called The Capitol Room with her husband Daniel Dinsmore, as well as helps him run his photography business. And Kim Ruby, who is the PTO Vice President at Jefferson Elementary School and a bartender at The Wine Café. Aside from both of these women having really hectic work schedules, these two women are also both mothers, and opening a business together called ARTifact in Old Town at the old Dinsmore Photography Studio. “ARTifact is going to be a paint your own pottery studio that will be open with no reservation required, where you can come in and there will be pre-fired bisque wear, you choose your piece, you choose your colors of under glaze, you get your supplies,” said Emily Green. “There will tape, stencils and all the things you need to decorate. Then you sit down at a table and paint your pottery piece however you like, leave it with us, and we will glaze it, fire it, and you can come back about a week later to pick up your finished piece.” They were both looking to be entrepreneurs in general, they are both moms and were looking for something with some flexibility so they could still raise their families and be their own bosses. They had both had separate ideas to open a cute retail shop, but decided this might be an easier investment for their time. “When we say that we are going to be opening a paint your own pottery studio, people always ask if we are a ceramicist or are we artists, and we aren't so it's more coming from the mom perspective,” said Kim Ruby. “When I lived in California I would take my kids to go paint a mug for like a grandparent’s gift, so I am coming at it from the mom part of it where it is just a fun thing to have in the area.” “Mankato is kind of lacking for things for families to do indoors, especially in the winter time,” said Emily. “There's just not a lot of things to do as far as birthday parties or indoor activities, so we wanted to add a creative fun thing for families to do. You don't have to be super creative or artistic, you can just paint your own pottery, even if it's just writing your name on it.” But being a mom and business owner comes with its own set of challenges as well as its own perks. Both mothers had to get creative with their usage of time in
order to get the business going and take care of their families at the same time. “Since we started doing this we both have had a baby and being a mom kind of slows everything down, but sometimes it's helpful,” said Kim. “I have a sixteen-yearold daughter, so sometimes we use my daughter to watch her kids so that we can do stuff.” “We kind of just kept chipping away at it,” said Emily. “She would do some stuff, I would do some stuff and we would get together and do some stuff and little by little we would keep getting to the next goal. It seems like it's been easy, but it's just taken a lot of time.” But through this long process of getting their business off the ground they both kept their goal in the forefront of their minds. That was to be able to open a business where they could both not only be successful business owners, but successful mothers as well. “There is no reason why we can't have our own business and have our own thing and be our own bosses as well as raise our kids, said Emily. “Being able to bring our kids with us to work if we need to and they can spend time with us instead of having to be raised by other caretakers. Family is everything, if you want to be able to raise good human beings you need a stable home life. We both want to be very good people and we want to raise very good people. I think that this is a good way to do that, and have our lives focused and centered around our families, and still be able to make a living.” “Being a mom is my first priority, I had my oldest son when I was twenty-one and it has always been my priority, said Kim. “Everything I do in life is to give them the best possible outcome of our situation. Making sure I am giving them everything possible to make them successful human beings. It's definitely not easy but it's been really fun. I enjoy all of the challenges and the problem solving. I feel like it's a lot more gratifying doing something that benefits our families as well as us professionally.”
Mompreneur is defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur. (Wikipedia) A recent study reveals 71 percent of mompreneurs still serve as the primary childcare provider. (smallbusinesstrends. com) Fifty-seven percent of the surveyed mompreneurs are 40 years old or older. And most are married too- 79 percent of female respondents have a spouse. Not only that, but whether it’s a spouse or a partner, most mompreneurs don’t start their own ventures without the financial support of their partner. In fact, a whopping 95 percent say they have a partner who brings in income. (99designs) Women-owned businesses now also account for 30% of privately held companies in the US, and as a result should create more than 5 million new jobs nationwide by 2018. (99designs) 500 women-owned businesses are started every day in the US. (Tech.Co) Women were nearly five times more likely to mention family reasons for becoming self-employed than men. A fifth of females chose to work as selfemployed to help combine ‘family commitments/wanted to work at home’ and employment in a flexible manner. (Office for National Statistics, UK)
10 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
B l u e E a r t h C o u n t y ’s
HOME to HISTORY
Blue Earth County History Center 424 Warren Street, Mankato History Center Hours Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The History Center Museum is filled with hands-on history fun in the Discovery Lab, 1880s Mankato diorama and an interactive pioneer cabin and barn. Admission charged.
TheHISTORIANS Saint John’s Bible Traveling Exhibition YOUNG : Explore History Through the Decades
at the History Center September 1, 2017 Hands-on History Workshops for Kids through 2nd Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. FREE.
Historic R.D. Hubbard House Experience Early 1900s Mankato
606 S. Broad Street, Mankato Christmas at Hubbard House: A Holiday Tradition Open Weekends in December Explore the 1905 16-room mansion of local flour mill giant R.D. Hubbard and his family elegantly decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Guided hour tour; admission charged.
BlueEarthCountyHistory.com | 507.345.5566
Intro to Dance Ages 3-6 Wednesday at 5:00-5:45, starts January 3rd, enrollment ends February 1st, $35 per month, performs in Spring Recital, learn jazz, ballet, and basic tumbling
Warm up with a good book!
Winter Combo Ages 6+ Wednesday at 6:00-6:45, starts January 3rd, enrollment ends February 1st, $35 per month, performs in Spring Recital, Learn jazz, ballet, and basic tumbling Intro to Irish Dancing Ages 8+. Saturdays 1 :00-1 :55 Starts January 6th, enrollment ends February 3rd, $35 per month, performs in Spring Recital, learn a basic introduction to Irish Dance. Will need black jazz and black tap shoes. Dance Session Sampler Class Ages 3+ Saturdays at 12:00-12:55, Session is February 3- March 24, $80 for 8 weeks, learn jazz, ballet, and basic tumbling, *Non-performance class
For More Information Call 507-625-2005 1400 madison ave. #318 dcdance002@gmail.com • dcsmdance.com November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 11
Heather O’Malley and Krista Brandt, both youth outreach coordniators, Nala, Tasha Moulton, the Program Manager at The Reach Youth Drop-In Center, and Jane Vader, the safe harbor coordinator, all stand in front of The Reach Drop-In Center.
G N I T A B M CO
H T U O Y
S S E N S S E L E HOM Story by Cliff Coy
The Reach Drop-In Center has a room where kids can rest and relax while there are there.
D
riving around the Greater Mankato Area and looking out the window of your car, you see a much different site than if you would be doing the same thing in New York or Los Angeles, or really any other big city in the world. It would seem that we are lacking something that the people who live in those cities have grown numb to, or are we? Just because we don’t see it in the same manner, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Youth homelessness is just as prevalent here as it is anywhere else, it just looks different. We in the River Valley don’t typically have kids holding up cardboard signs asking for help, or standing and sleeping on a street corner day in and day out. What we do have, are kids who are couch hopping, sleeping at their friends’ houses for as long as they can before they need to find another place to stay. This is where The Reach Youth Drop-In Center comes into play. In February of 2011 it was found that the area had a need for a physical location that could help young people between the ages sixteen and
twenty-four who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. “Homelessness looks a lot different in our area because it is rural,” said Tasha Moulton, the Program Manager at The Reach Youth DropIn Center in Mankato. “So we don't necessarily have those street kids where you can visualize that. A lot of the kids here in the community are couch hopping and so we try to connect with them to provide services.” The Drop-In Center is a program run through Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota has been around for over 150 years, but in order to combat the problem of youth homelessness, they needed to do a community study to see if there was a need here. “They didn't want to open up a building and find out there were no youth to be served here, said Moulton. “Obviously there are youth to be served here. Homeless youth are in every community, but they had some people from the city council that looked into the need in the community and it was decided
that we really needed a place. So that's when we opened our doors in February of 2011.” The staff at The Drop-In Center focus on doing outreach, going to kids that identified themselves as homeless. Often times it is people working in the school system that let staff at the center know if they had someone in need. When the drop in center was opened it was nice because it is a physical place that kids can come to so they can meet the staff, get something to eat, or even rest for a while. “What we try to do is discuss the basic needs first. Find out if they are tired, if they are hungry, if they need a shower, do they need to take a nap or rest,” said Moulton. “Once we address those basic needs we can find out what their situation is. We don't have any youth shelters here in Mankato, we have the Salvation Army during the colder months, that's for men 18 and older, but there is really nothing for our girls and our families.” This year the Drop-In Center will have a string of churches that are going to open up this year so they
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 13
will have a rotating schedule so people can have a place to stay. Otherwise prior to that, there was no place youth could stay. They would just try to brain storm with the youth to find out if they had a friend whose parents would let them stay with them, or perhaps they had a teacher or a counselor or someone that they would feel safe with. Sometimes they would even have to find out if there was someone out of state that they would be able to live with. “Really we are just the navigators for them and trying to help them out to figure out where the safest places are to stay,” said Moulton. “A lot of the kids that we work with are going to school, they want to continue going to school, they want to graduate, so we do the best we can to try to support them with that. We work very closely with the school system, the social workers and councilors are all great. The Mankato school district has been just awesome with getting things up to speed with homelessness and supporting kids who are trying to go to school.” When you start peeling back the layers of youth homelessness you will find that it's very complex. It’s sometimes a result of something that has been building up or there are things going on inside the home that it's not safe. There might be chemical dependency issues in the home, their parents or care givers might be using and it's not safe. They might be experiencing abuse and neglect. “Kids are pretty resilient and even if there is violence in the home, they will stay there because that is what they know,” said Moulton. “They love their parents and caregivers no matter what kind of situation they are coming from, it's when it starts to get unsafe and they aren't quite Top: The Reach Drop-In Center always has food in the building to help any of the youth that may wander into their doors. Middle: The Reach Drop-In Center’s Director Tasha Moulton brings her dog Nala in to work with her every day to help comfort the youth at the center. Bottom: The Reach Drop-In Center has a room where youth can create works of art out of any supplies the center has on hand. 14 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
sure. Very rarely do we have a kid that runs away because they don't want to listen to the rules at home.” The main goal at the Drop-In Center is building relationships. So from the very moment that the staff meets a student or a young person who is facing these challenges, they start to build a relationship. “We never come at it with things that we expect them to do, we want them to identify the things that they want to accomplish,” said Moulton. “What are some of their goals, so we will sit down with them and discuss what they are working on and what they want to accomplish. If it's going to school, we give them the steps. And sometimes the steps include that they need to show up for school every day and then you get into transportation issues, so we look at some resources that are available.” When it comes down to it, the important thing for the staff at The Drop-In Center is always about getting to the core reason why the youth can’t attend school or find gainful employment. There are many different resources and organizations in the Mankato Area that can help these affected youths, like the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) that are really good at career development, and that is what the Drop-In Center really does for these kids. They provide a bridge to get them from the situation they are currently in, to reaching their highest potential. “What I love about my staff here is that we just genuinely want these youths to succeed. We have to be careful in defining their success in what we think it should be, but what they think their success should be,” said Moulton. “We have a lot of very talented young people that could easily go through a four-year college, but that's just not something that they want to do. Encouraging it, absolutely! And letting them know that they can do that, but also just supporting them in whatever it is they want to do.”
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November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 15
Save Money by Planning Your Meals Submitted by Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
D
id you know you can save a lot of money each week just by planning your meals? Here’s a quick guide to get you on the right track each week: Make a Chart Plan out what you’re going to eat every day. Find recipes online or using your favorite app. Then, make a chart and put it on your refrigerator or on your phone. That way, you know what you have planned each day and will be more likely to stick to it. Plus, it will help you with buying the right amount of groceries for the week. Look In Your Pantry First When planning your weekly meals, check out what you already have in your pantry before you go to the grocery store. You may also
consider using apps, such as “Out of Milk” or “My Pantry,” to help you manage the stock of food in your home, including expiration dates. Check Out the Sales After planning out what recipes to use for the week, go online or check out your local newspaper to look at the sales available at local grocery stores for the week. Clip or print any coupons that are relevant to your meals. Remember to purchase ingredients you can use for multiple meals. Make Your List and Stick to It Once you’ve outlined your meal plan and know what you have at home and what’s on sale, make your grocery list. Then, stick to your list when you go grocery shopping. Another great tip here is to make
16 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
sure you don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry — you’ll end up spending way more than necessary. While meal planning may take a little more time at first, you’ll begin to see the difference in your budget right away. Not only will you save money, but usually, you’ll start to feel better because you are eating better on a daily basis.
HOW DO YOU DO IT? By Jordan Greer-Friesz
H
ow DO you do it in a time like this? As I write this we are just coming down from the crazy that happened in Las Vegas. How do you explain that to a child? How do you answer the question why? “Why would someone do that?” “Why would someone want to hurt all of those people?” Why do we need to add something like this to our already endless list of parental worries? The list is already long; car accidents, drugs, drinking, stranger danger, kidnapping, getting hit by a bus……My list is longer than most people’s and includes zombies, earthquakes, poison apples, snakes hiding in your shoes, spider laying eggs in your ears and The Boogie Man but that’s because I legit worry about everything. Like everything. If I could blend my kid’s food to prevent them from choking and wrap them in bubble wrap and send them to school at a monestary I would. Why do I have to explain to my kids that someone; someone that they don’t know, someone they have never met and probably would never had met, would want to hurt them? Why do I have to teach my kids to always have their eyes open, be aware of their surroundings, know where your exits are? Why do I have to worry about my kids going out in public? Why do I have to be worried about them at school, at a football game, at a concert? Why do I have to consider those events the perfect opportunity for something bad to happen rather than just a chance for them to have fun? Why do I need to weigh in my head what to tell them and what they don’t need to know? Do I tell them, “If you are at the football game and someone starts shooting you should….?” Do I tell them to run? To play dead? To not be the hero? To be the hero? Why do our kids have to grow up in a world where a fun night out for them is the perfect place for someone to hunt them? I know it seems far fetched to worry about in Mankato, Minnesota, but is it really? I don’t think we are that safe any more. These thing are happening far too frequently and in such an escalating fashion that I don’t think anyone is so far removed from it that they don’t have to worry. Why do our kid have to grow up in a world where every night on the news there is at least one story that lists “The Death Count” in a little ticker at the bottom of the screen? Why do my kids have phrases in their vocabulary like "active shooter" and "shelter in place" and "lone gunman?" Why is this our new normal and why are we taking it in stride? It makes me mad. It makes me sad. It make me worried that our kids will grow up desensitized to violence and death. It makes me scared that this is only the beginning and the future generations will think of this as the new normal. How do you do it? Really, how do you? If you have it figured out, please let me know because I am at a loss.
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 17
Jennifer Johnson, D.O., Mayo Clinic Health System, shared health and wellness tips with families at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. Dr. Johsnon says planning for cold and flu season can save families time and money.
Plan for the Season With cold and flu season upon us and the holidays approaching, now is the time to plan for a healthy winter.
A
s a busy mom myself, I know this time of year can feel overwhelming. But, as doctor, I also know planning ahead can save time and money and can also help prevent illnesses. Here are some reminders to help you and your family stay healthy: • Get the flu vaccine. Not only does the flu vaccine benefit you directly, but it helps prevent you from spreading the flu. Flu vaccines are recommended for people ages six months and older. The flu vaccine is available during a visit with your primary care provider or at your local Express Care. • Wash your hands. Teach your kids good hand hygiene too. • Seek preventive care. Verify all your family members’ immunizations and health care screenings are up to date. Make appointments if necessary. • Make an end-of-year strategy. If it’s important to get an appointment before the end of the calendar year, be sure to do so as soon as possible. 18 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
• Plan for prescription needs. Fill prescriptions early, especially if you have holiday or winter travel plans. • Stay home if you’re ill. This may mean missing work, school, parties or events, but it’s essential to let your body fight the infection and get better faster. It may be disappointing to miss out, but others will thank you. • Use antibiotics only when needed. Viruses, such as the common cold, don’t need antibiotics. Unless antibiotics are necessary, it’s best to stay away from them. Using antibiotics when they aren’t needed can contribute to your body building resistance to them, meaning when you do need them, they won’t be as effective. • Use the right treatments at the right age. For example, cough syrups and medications are not recommended for those under the age of six. Stock up on the basics to avoid making rushed decisions when you or a family member isn’t feeling well. • Know where to go. When you or your kids are experiencing minor medical conditions, deciding whether to go to Express Care or Urgent Care isn’t
always easy. But taking time to learn the best option can save time and money. Visit your health care organization’s website, ask your provider, or clip and save the “Where should you go if you need care today?” ad in this magazine to help determine what setting is best for your unique needs.
Adult, Child & Family Services.
Adult, Child & Family Services is here to walk with you and your loved ones through the journey towards emotional health. We offer: • individual therapy • couples counseling • family therapy • therapeutic skills support for children and adults of all ages. • rehabilitative group therapy for individuals in the legal system. Jennifer Johnson, D.O., is a family medicine provider with Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.
1400 MADISON AVE SUITE 610, MADISON EAST CENTER , MANKATO (507)387-3777 • WWW.ACFSMANKATO.ORG
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 19
Family Change During the Holidays By Nicole Olsen, MS, LPCC Five Rivers Mental Health Clinic
T
he holidays are a time of tradition. Whether it’s Christmas Eve at Grandma’s or, as it is in my family, all the women getting together days before to make rouladen and semmelknodel. But for more and more families each year the holidays have become a time to prepare for new traditions. According to the Stepfamily Foundation, 1300 new stepfamilies are forming every day. The pressure to have a stress-free, perfect holiday where everyone is pleased is very real. This can feel even more important when going through family change. Family change during the holidays may mean accepting new family members and some of their traditions, going to and from multiple homes rather than experiencing the holiday in one place, being uncomfortable, or changing tradition after years of doing the same thing in the same place. It can also mean having the opportunity to try something new, creating new friendships, discovering bravery and strength, and cherishing the time together with loved ones more deeply. Change is not easy, but inevitable. We can choose to fight it or embrace it. As the holiday season approaches, if your family is going through some change, keep these tips in mind:
Include Children in Making Decisions:
Have Realistic Expectations:
As frustrating as it might be to keep your cool when emotions are riding high, be your best self for your children and cherish the time you have with them. Think beyond the one difficult day or moment and set a positive example for them. After asking a family member what they wish someone had said during their first Christmas Eve without their children she replied, “I wish someone had said, ‘It’s one day.’ Any day could be Christmas Eve,
It is tempting to want to provide children with a holiday so wonderful that they do not feel sad. Their feelings about the changing dynamics and relationships will happen regardless of how many presents they have or how busy their schedule is.
Involve your children in decision-making where it makes sense and answer their questions to the best of your ability. When possible, include them in the process of creating new traditions and saying goodbye to old ones. Being transparent with the planning process will help your children anticipate the changes and new activities rather than just reacting to whatever happens.
Validate the Experience:
Let them know that whatever they are feeling is okay. Acknowledge their feelings, normalize them, and provide opportunities for them to express themselves authentically. It is possible to feel sad and happy in the same moment and it is important for children to know that we are all capable of happiness in the midst of loss or pain. Don’t shy away from the tough stuff because ‘it’s a holiday and we’re supposed to be happy!’ Instead, use phrases like, “I know you’re [insert emotion] about [insert situation], at the same time, it’s time for you to go with your dad to your grandparent’s house. I love you.”
Choose Your Battles:
Five Rivers
Mental Health Clinic
, LLC
507-345-7012
Care & Compassion Providing Individual, Family & Group Therapy info@FiveRiversMHC.com www.FiveRiversMHC.com 103 N. Broad Street, Mankato, Minnesota 56001
20 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
look at all the other days you get to spend with your kids; enjoy the time together, whenever it is.”
Plan Ahead:
Avoid unnecessary stress by communicating wants and needs and having an exit strategy. If things get particularly challenging or a child is overwhelmed by their emotions know where you can go and how you might respond. Talk with a trusted friend or family member ahead of time about your concerns and do what is right for you. Talking with someone may help you clarify what is most important to you during the holidays. The reality is, the idyllic pictureperfect holiday does not exist, no matter how "intact" your family is. What children want and need during the holidays, regardless of circumstances, is a relaxed, fun, and loving time with loved ones.
Located Conveniently Across From Cub Foods 464 Raintree Road Mankato • 507.344.8799 Mon-Sat 10-8pm • Sun 12-5pm www.onceuponachildmankato.com November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 21
Chef Sarah
Nosh
Leftovers can make meals for days after the special event. Here is an example of how Sarah uses her Thanksgiving leftovers into a bake. You can mix and match flavors to create fun meals for days after the festivities end.
With help from Friesen’s
22 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
The holiday season is upon us once again, and we all know what that means! Days of family, friends and food! Sharing stories and laughing together – and eating. Discussing our lives, and changes, hopes and dreams – and eating. Sometimes we cry together over memories of loved ones no longer able to share in the gathering. But there is always food and togetherness. In today’s fast-paced society, it is so important for us all to stop and make time to gather and chat with the people we love and care for – and eat! Whether it is afternoon chips and salsa, Sunday morning egg bake, or family dinner – food and togetherness brings conversation and communication. And that is a beautiful thing any day of the year.
Leftovers can make meals for days after the special event. Here is an example of how Sarah uses her Thanksgiving leftovers into a bake. You can mix and match flavors to create fun meals for days after the festivities end. Healthy Donations: Many children and families in our region do not have enough to eat during the holidays. Our area food shelves are accepting cash and food donations. If your family is able, do your part to donate healthy food or cash to support our neighbors and fellow community members. Some great donation items are: spices, low sodium canned veggies, canned fruit with no added sugar, or whole grain pasta. For more information on what items to donate, contact the Echo Food Shelf, https://www.echofoodshelf.org/ donate. Cash donations give the food shelf more flexibility to purchase those items to supplement the food donations.
Heat oven to 375°. Layer your leftovers in a 13 x 9 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Start with your stuffing (or dressing, whichever word your family uses!) then your turkey, veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Serve with a side of pumpkin pie!
515 N Riverfront Drive • 507-345-4114 • info@friesensfood.com November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 23
Are You a Young Historian?
What is this hotel document called? Can you find how old it is?
Discover clues about life long ago at the Blue Earth County History Center.
What is a Historian? Historians study the everyday lives of people that came before them. They study the past from long ago and not so long ago by looking at clues like buildings, things people used and things people wrote that are still around today. Pretend that 100 years from now a Historian wants to learn about you and your family. What clues would they look for to help them understand what life was like for you? Or for your parents? What would they learn about you if they discovered your bedroom, your house and your town exactly as it is today?
You be the Historian! Here is your evidence...
What are these objects and documents? What can they tell us about what life was like for early Blue Earth County families? After you look at the evidence and discover what the clues are telling you, write your answers below each picture.
Do you know what this object was used for? Hint: This was used for grinding something small. Dried herbs or roots were placed in a mortar and crushed with a pestle. Long ago the mix might be medicine. Where do get medicine today? ______________________
What color clothes are these two girls wearing? Clothing made from colored cotton fabric was common, but white cotton clothing was special. Long ago, clothes were washed by hand and white clothes were hard to keep clean. Are these girls wearing special clothes? What kind of clothes do you wear for special occasions? _______________________________
What is this? Hint: This was used to practice writing. It is a slate or a small chalkboard school age children used for writing and math. It could be written on, erased and used again. What do you use today that is like this? ____________________
Blue Earth County History Center is located at 424 Warren Street, Mankato
What’s the Story? Imagine the year is 2117, you are a Young Historian looking for clues about your family from the past. Where would you look? What would you look for? Start by looking at clues left behind by early Blue Earth County families (pictured on these pages) to learn more about how they lived. Can you solve the mystery of how many children were in the family? What they ate? Or what their clothes were made of? Help future historians learn about you! Look at your life today and think about the clues you might leave for future history detectives. Then answer the questions below. Look at the clues and the pictures on these pages for help. 1. How will future historians figure out how many people lived in your house? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 2. All the food will have rotted away. How will historians know what you ate? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 3. What clues will historians use to find out what jobs people in your family had? ________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
DID YOU KNOW? How does this tool tell us what the family who owned it might have eaten? This Hand Planter dropped a single seed at a time. We know that corn has to be planted one kernel at a time, so we can guess the family planted and ate corn. How would a future history detective find out what food you ate and where it came from?
4. What can historians look at to find out how you got medicine if you were sick _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 5. How will historians find out which clothes you wore for special occasions? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 6. How will historians discover what your role was in your community? What kinds of evidence will they use? _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Visit the Blue Earth County History Center. Join Young Historians—a free, monthly, hands-on history workshop for school age kids the 2nd Saturday of each month, September through May, 10 a.m. to Noon.
BlueEarthCountyHistory.com
507-345-5566
This is a census—a record that keeps track of how many people lived in each house and what they did for their jobs. The Free Press began as a daily newspaper in 1887 and included news about everyone! The newspaper was an important source of information for what people’s roles were in their communities.
Readers. These readers cover 11 of the most important geographic and environmental issues happening in the world today and include high-interest topics such as climate change, habitat preservation and human rights. Each book, which features vivid photography and informational text, focuses on a contemporary challenge in two different areas in the world.
“Before they start reading, we discuss the topic,” s Studies teacher at Dakota Meadows Middle Scho Predict, Question, Clarify and Summarize-befor some vocabulary and comprehension questions a level.”
Global Readers supplement what students are learning by sharing current events as they happen. This helps inform them about what’s occurring globally, gives a glimpse into another culture and helps show that many challenges are common to everyone no matter where they live. Since readers offer three different reading
Stow partners students so they work with someon practicing teamwork and critical thinking. Since benefit by continuing to develop and hone them. possible through an Educare Foundation grant.
Global Studies reader.
Answers to frequently asked questions about Mankato Area Public Schools’ operating referendum
Why has the School Board called for an operating referendum? School districts need operating levies to cover the funding gap in the state aid formula. The district’s operating levy expires June 30, 2018. Mankato Area Public Schools’ enrollment continues to increase, and its projected student enrollment will grow an additional 800 students by 2021. What do operating funds go toward? Operating dollars cover three areas: people, programs and day-to-day operations. The investment contributes to community’s economic viability, including strong property values and livability. People ◆ To help close the gaps and raise achievement for all students. ◆ To help support students’ academic and social emotional needs. ◆ To provide staffing needed to meet increasing enrollment. ◆ To keep staff current as students’ and staff talents are developed. Programs
◆ Helps keep programs current and ensure students: • are prepared for kindergarten. • are reading at grade level by third grade. • graduate in four years. • are career, college and life ready. Day-to-day operations ◆ To support utilities, transportation and technology needs. What is the status of the district’s current operating referendum? The 2007 operating levy, which includes an annual inflationary increase, is expiring after the 2017-2018 school year. The vote will provide funds beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. What is the dollar amount for the operating referendum? The existing amount of $359.61 per student would be renewed, and an increase of $365 per student is being requested. This would generate approximately an additional $3.2 million a year for 10 years. What would be the annual estimated property tax increase for $365 per student increase on the operating referendum? On a $200,000 property, the tax increase would be $10.86 a month or $130.28 per year. To determine estimated tax impact for a property, go to isd77.org and click "Quick links." click “Quick links.”
A
Ballot question The board of Independent School District No. 77 (Mankato Area Public Schools) has proposed to increase its referendum revenue authority to $724.61 per pupil. This proposed authorization would include an increase of $365 per pupil and would renew the school district’s existing authorization of $359.61 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2017. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would increase each year by the rate of inflation and be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2018, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Voting Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Early/absentee voting is available at the District Office (10 Civic Center Plaza) Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or call 507-387-1868 to determine your polling location. Current referendum amount per pupil School district Winona Northfield Rochester Red Wing Albert Lea Faribault Owatonna Mankato Austin
Amount per pupil $1,952 $1,891 $1,447 $1,236 $1,215 $1,201 $1,136 $784 $767
Conference/state average Big 9 Conference State % below Big 9 average
Amount per pupil $1,292 $1,160 39%
This article was prepared and paid for by Independent School District No. 77 (Mankato Area Public Schools), 10 Civic Center Plaza, P.O. Box 8741, Mankato, MN 56001-8741. This information is not circulated on behalf of any candidate or ballot question.
26 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017 mber Leonhardi, kindergarten teacher at Mankato Area Public Schools’ Jefferson
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507-387-1868 • maps@isd77.k12.mn.us ne at the same reading level while Facebook Twitter both skills are life-long, students Global Readers were made
Special HOOVER education ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECOGNIZED AS services— 2017 EXEMPLARY BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
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ankato Area Public Schools serves students with disabilities m birth through age 21. Federal state laws guide the school rict in identifying, evaluating and ing students with disabilities. am of special and general cators and families work together evelop an Individualized cational Plan (IEP) for students meet the criteria for services. team considers the student’s ent performance level, identifies cational needs and develops s to meet those needs in the least rictive setting.
nkato Area Public Schools vides a continuum of services students with disabilities. Special ruction and services are provided utism spectrum disorders, blindally impaired, deaf-blind, deaf hard of hearing, developmental nitive disabilities, developmental y, emotional or behavioral rders, other health disabilities, sically impaired, specific learning bilities, speech or language airments and traumatic brain ry.
r to age six, a child who needs cial instruction and services ause of a substantial delay or ntifiable physical or mental dition that hinders normal elopment is considered a child h a disability. Most students ive special education in their hborhood school. The district has specialized programs for ents who need more support.
more information about disability ices contact your child’s school cipal or student support services 07-387-1818.
By Michelle Laven ts begin to work with concepts like d subtracting, the manipulatives
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 27
MANKATO AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FALL CONFERENCES 2017-18 Bridges
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Eagle Lake
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Franklin
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hoover
Monday, November 13, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Jefferson
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
Kennedy
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monroe
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:20 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Roosevelt
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Rosa Parks
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:20 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Washington
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
DMMS
Thursday, November 16, 2017 - 3:15 p.m. to 7:30 pm. Monday, November 20, 2017 – 3:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
PWMS
Monday, November 13, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 – 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
28 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
507-387-1868 • maps@isd77.k12.mn.us Facebook Twitter
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 29
Amos is Hiding Something…
By E. M. James
I
love Julio! Julio Benzuala is my dream! We’re in the same history class. And that is how I choose to begin my story. I never introduced myself: hi whoever you are! My name’s Olive. I’ve got a younger brother named Amos. My parent adopted him when he was six and a half months old, when I was only three. When my parents brought him home, I despised him. He was this ugly little black-haired baby who just whined and cried and puked all day! But we’re okay with each other. I mean, we get into fights and all, but otherwise we’re pretty good. This entire story is about my little brother keeping one of the biggest secret in the history of secrets! Okay, okay. Let me start it off like this: It was Sunday afternoon. I was playing Clash of Clans on my phone, when I got a text from Julio Benzuala, my perfect man! He’d sent me a picture of the new skateboard
ramp he’d gotten, and of course I always like it when he sends me pictures and stuff like that. But I saw something in this picture that literally changed my life! I saw my little brother Amos in the background. In midair. NO HELMET. I immediately turned off my phone and grabbed my crocs. I ran the fourteen blocks to Julio’s house, then saw him standing in the driveway. He looked stunned. He had a helmet in his hand, and one on his head.
30 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
I was too out of breath to ask if I could go in through the gate, so I just went. I stood there looking at Amos doing backflips, midair cartwheels, running on wind that sort of thing. I just stood there, watching him. It took him a minute to realize I was there. When he did notice, he stopped. He smiled one of those smiles that you give when you pee your pants in front of everybody you know. “Amos Arthur Brody! What are you doing up in the air without a helmet?” I said. “Well, I just, I...um, well I was just...oh crud.” He stuttered for a minute, then walked away. “Hey, get back here! Amos? Amos!” “Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow your role now, senorita! Man, he was just showing off his awesome air surfing skills.” Julio said, in his cute little accented voice. “No, no, no he was not! He’s hiding something! And I’m gonna call him on it!” As I stormed out the gate, Julio’s tan skin hand brushed up against mine. “I’ll never wash this hand again.”
I thought to myself as I walked toward home. I bumped into Amos. “You broke parent co-” “I was doing in for Tianna, okay!” He yelled. “For who now?” “Tianna Farmington, she...oh you don’t care. All you care about is impressing Mr. Benzuala.” He said. I could tell by his tone of voice that something great had happened. “Hey, wait up! Dude, I think I know what’s goin’ on. Amy, did you kiss Tianna?” I asked. “No.” He replied quickly. “She kissed me.” And he ran off. The next morning I helped him return the compliment of the kiss by having Amos propose to her. (to be his girlfriend, that is!) He was overjoyed to hear her say the unbreakable ‘yes, oh, I thought you’d never ask!’ kind of thing. And that is precisely the ending I will use. Thank you and goodnight!
OLD TOWN MANKATO 615 N. RIVERFRONT DR. TUES—FRI. 10-6 SAT. 10-4 SOMETIMES SUN. 12-4 SALVAGESISTERSMERCANTILE
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Specializing in the treatment of Children, Adult, and Family Mental Health Concerns. We provide our services in-home, office, and community settings.
For more information about our services and clinical process: Visit us at www.Fernbrook.org or call us at 507-446-0431 November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 31
Seated Wide-legged Forward Fold
Begin sitting on the floor with legs straight and extended out wide in a big ‘V’ shape. Reach your hands out in front of you walking them out away from you as far as comfortable. Keep the toes pointed up and the knees pointed up the best you can.
Benefits of Seated Wide-legged Forward Fold Pose:
• Stretches the insides and backs of the legs • Stimulates the abdominal organs • Strengthens the spine • Calms the brain • Releases groins
plow Benefits of Plow pose:
• Calms the brain • Stimulates the abdominal organs and the thyroid gland • Stretches the shoulders and spine • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause • Reduces stress and fatigue • Therapeutic for backache, headache, infertility, insomnia, sinusitis Start laying down on your back with your knees bent up and feet on the floor. Then pull the tummy in, bring the feet off the floor and thighs into the chest, straighten the legs as much as you can, bringing them over your head. Place your hands on your low back to help keep your hips in the air. Look straight up at your legs, don’t turn your head. Try to keep your legs straight and touch your toes to the floor over your head. 32 32 •• Kid-oh! Kid-oh! || November/December November/December2017 2017
Gena Heminover:
Yoga
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and mother of two girls, Elea age 6 (pictured) and Ava age 3 (pictured). Teaches yoga at Fitness For $10, private lessons and at other places in Mankato. Specializing in Kids Yoga, Power Yoga, Vinyasa and Advanced Yoga. Find me on Instagram at ‘Gena Heminover Yoga’ and Facebook at ‘Gena Heminover Wellness’ https://www.facebook.com/ genaheminoverwellness Website: GenaHeminover.com Or email: heminoveryoga@yahoo.com
Tips for Kids: • Kids naturally have a short attention span so keep each pose under 30 seconds. • If they are old enough have them help you count to 10 while holding the pose. • Allow your child to play around with their body positioning in each pose. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it should be FUN!
Revolved Head to Knee Forward Bend Start in a seated position on the floor. Extend your right leg straight out in front and bend the other in so the bottom of the foot is against the thigh of the other extended leg. Keeping your chest open, tip your right shoulder down toward your right leg, your left hand goes up over your head to reach for your right toes. Look under your left arm and try to rotate your chest open toward the ceiling more (not down toward the leg).
Benefits of Revolved Head to Kneed Forward Bend:
• Stretches the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings • Stimulates abdominal organs such as the liver and kidneys • Improves digestion November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 33
Making a difference... one child at a time. Main Clinic
150 St. Andrews Ct, Suite 310 Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-388-KIDS (5437) Fax: (507) 388-2108 General E-Mail: ptskids@kidtherapy.com
Satellite Clinic
Pediatric Therapy Services Children’s Health Center 1421 Premier Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 Therapy sessions at Satellite office are by appointment only.
www.kidtherapy.com Pediatric Therapy Services
has been making a difference in the lives of children for the past 25 years. We continue to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech/language therapy for the children in a kid friendly environment. As we have grown, our mission remains unchanged: Making a difference…one child at a time. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call 507-388-KIDS (5437)
Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. Making a difference... one child at a time
INdiGO Organic: Why are the doctors, nurses, and cancer patients eating at our local organic deli & café? Non GMO. No pesticides. No herbicides. Cancer prevention? “Let thy food be the medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
INdiGO Organic 1541 East Madison Ave • Mankato, MN 56001 • (5 0 7) 3 8 6 - 0 0 2 1 34 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
How much screen time should your children have?
I
By Katie Smentek, MD | Mankato Clinic Pediatrician
f you’re a parent or guardian, it’s likely that you’ve provided your child with a screen of some sort to occupy them at the grocery store, out to dinner at a restaurant, or even at home so you have a little extra peace and quiet after a busy day. While media use can builds kids’ social skills, it also can put them at risk of obesity, loss of sleep, bullying, addiction and violence. So, just how much time should you allow your child be in front of a screen? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following guidelines when it comes to screen time: • For infants 18 months and younger, avoid the use of screen media other than video-chatting. Not allowing screen time for babies is vastly important for brain development and healthy parent-child connections. Screen time can also cause your baby to be overstimulated with lights and sound, leading to distress and sleepy problems. After 18 months, parents can choose small amounts of high quality programming watched with their child. • For children age two to five, screen time should be limited to one hour per day. When your child is a toddler, the type of media they are exposed to is critical; show them only high-
quality programs like “Sesame Street” or other similar PBS shows. • For kids ages six and older, use your parental judgment and be sure to monitor the types of media your child is using. Digital media should never replace healthy activities like sleep, social interaction and physical activity. Other uses of media, such as online homework, shouldn’t be counted as screen time. Parents and caregivers don’t get off easy when it comes to limited screen time, either. Because you serve as one of your child’s primary role models, it’s important for adults to have healthy digital media habits, too. Set your cellphone down during dinner, while watching a movie as a family and by turning off the television and shutting laptops at night. By refraining from screens as a family, there is an increase of in-person conversations, which are important for children’s development. Even for parents, faceto-face interactions with family creates more intimate bonds and tech-free bedrooms promote better sleep. To help families navigate the digital world that is becoming more prominent with each passing day, it may be helpful as a parent or
caregiver to develop a Family Media Plan, which is available at HealthyChildren.org/MediaUsePlan. According to the AAP, a personalized Media Use Plan helps children establish a healthy relationship with media, including televisions, smartphones, computers, tablets and watches. Parents and children can use the plan to customize guidelines on screen time, ensuring that media use is in line with their family’s values. By using a Family Use Plan, you can: • Determine screen-free zones and times, device curfews and charging spots outside of bedrooms • Maintain balance and make sure children get enough sleep and exercise • Include family values in children’s media experience • Learn how to research the ageappropriateness and ratings of apps and programs
By: Katie Smentek, M.D. Mankato Clinic, Children’s Health Center
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 35
Travel back in time to a world of simplicity, ease, excitement, and great fun! Play in the great outdoors–inside the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota’s newest exhibit, A Northwoods Winter… Opening on November 2, this enchanting exhibit will be featured throughout the winter months with a variety of activities, as well as lumberjack, voyageur, and winter character visits. Bring your family to the Museum and take a step into the winter wonderland by taking a hike in the snow. Go snow shoeing, skiing, or gather the dogs for a sledding outing. Winter adventurers may also build a snowman, ice fish, or even start a snowball fight! Where do you think you can hide? Inside a snow fort or behind the tall pines? Escaping on a 36 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
The Museum loves to see generations playing together; laughing and enjoying the environment. After enjoying the outside, gather in front of the fireplace and experience the charm, warmth, and magic of a handcrafted quintessential cabin, made possible through a partnership with Lloyd Lumber Company and Old Fashioned Carpentry. Games, gingerbread cookie-making, and fishing and outdoor stories by the fire are just some of the ways to enjoy the winter in the Museum’s winterthemed exhibit. Cabin guests can put together puzzles, roast marshmallows, and look through photo albums during the long winter months of Minnesota. Beyond this great new exhibit, there will be a variety of weekly programs happening in the Museum galleries. Keep your eyes on the Museum’s Facebook and website for details.
224 Lamm Street, Mankato
www.cmsouthernmn.org • info@cmsouthernmn.org www.facebook.com/cmsouthernmn www.instagram.com/cmsmplay Use #CMSMPlay to share great Museum photos on social media!
507.386.0279
Admission: $8 per person; free for 12 months and under Annual memberships start at $105 per family Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:30 pm Closed on Mondays November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 37
Share Your Photos!
Have your favorite fishing and winter play memories become part of the Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, A Northwoods Winter... Browse your family photo albums and look for ice or open water fishing stories, or other winter outdoor fun, such as skiing, sledding, or making snowmen–the Museum wants to see photos of the young and old! The Museum will be selecting the most captivating photos and including them in its new and exciting winter exhibit. Send your high resolution photos to Ines Wingert at ines.wingert@ cmsouthernmn.org throughout the month of November and include your winter story, too! Check out the Museum’s Facebook page for weekly photo challenges and make sure to visit the Children’s Museum this winter to see if your photo was selected and showcased in the Northwoods cabin.
Young Fisherman’s Tales
Eli is 7 years old, lives in North Mankato, and may be the biggest fishing enthusiast we’ve ever met. He plans to spend the long winter days at the Children’s Museum sharing his fishing tales and impressing others with his fishing skills.
Eli, what do you like about fishing?
What I like about fishing is that you get to catch fish when you keep your pole in the water. The funniest part is that you catch fish!
What type of fish do you catch most often?
I catch a lot of sunnies. One time my dad caught a big sheephead. I catch northerns at my papa’s house up north, but we throw them back in the water.
Tell us a fun story about fishing, Eli.
When I was little, my pole fell in the water. I was fishing with dad and I dropped it and we couldn’t get it. But then on my birthday I got a bigger fishing pole so I was happy.
Do you have an ice fishing story to share?
I go ice fishing in Papa’s tent up north. I caught a couple fish. My daddy got the biggest fish. The poles are smaller for ice fishing, like little kid poles. I think it’s because where you fish is in the hole and the tent is smaller than the boat. You look down before you walk because, if you step in the hole, you will fall in the lake. There is a heater in the tent. It is hot. Be careful of the heater. It keeps the tent warm so we can take off our gloves. You can use hotdogs, nightcrawlers, minnows, and waxworms for bait. I can bait my own hook. I am careful so I don’t poke myself.
38 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Holiday Light Night at the Museum Going to the Kiwanis Holiday Lights?
Stop by the Children’s Museum before you explore the 1,500,000 holiday lights at Sibley Park. On Friday, December 1, from 5 – 7 pm, come to the Children’s Museum for a free night of adventure and discovery (including the brand new Northwoods-inspired log cabin!), and participate in a cookie-decorating activity. Dinner will be available for purchase. Free will donations will be accepted at the door.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Decorate a gingerbread house at the Museum, where you’ll get a constructed house and a variety of candy and other decorative foods, and leave the mess behind! There is a limited number of houses-make sure to reserve your spot today. Cost is $20 per house for members and $25 for nonmembers.* *Price of house does not include admission to Museum galleries for non-members. Workshop dates: Thursday, December 7, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Saturday, December 9, 10 am – 12 pm & 1:30 – 3:30 pm Sunday, December 10, 1 – 3 pm Registration is available on the Museum’s website: www.cmsouthernmn.org/events.
Art Studio: Holiday Painting Do you like painting? Bring a parent or a grandparent to the Children’s Museum and work in an art studio on a winter-themed painting. The workshop includes two people, a child and an adult, and costs $45 for Museum members and $50 for non-members. Each participant gets a canvas and art supplies to use, too! Come work on a holiday gift or display your masterpiece in your own home! The workshop is recommended for children ages 8 and above. Register at www.cmsouthernmn.org/events.
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
On Saturday, December 16, from 7:30 – 9:00 am, join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a hot breakfast prepared by Friesen’s. Eat a delicious meal, participate in a variety of festive activities, and visit with the most-wanted guest from the North Pole. Purchase your ticket on the Museum’s website: www.cmsouthernmn.org/events. November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 39
STEM-Powered Play on a No-School Day
Through sponsorship by the Consolidated Communications Community Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation, the Children’s Museum is offering special programs on MAPS no-school days. This program is called the Potential of STEM-Powered Play Outside of the School Day and provides opportunities for schoolchildren to engage in hands-on STEM learning activities. When school is out, come to the Museum and use critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills along with other visitors and Museum staff and volunteers with passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Spark your curiosity and learn outside the boundaries of the school classroom and calendars! Help activate the potential of STEM-powered play on the following dates: November 10 – Finding Fractals: A closer look at fractal patterns that can be found all around us November 21–26 – Take-apart Challenge with Sound Equipment & Sound Lab: The Science of Audio Recording December 26–29 – Winter Weather Investigations December 30–January 2 – Getting Reading for 2018 with Clocks and Calendars
Measure Twice, Cut Once in the Eldon Mark’s Workshop On Friday, November 17, the Children’s Museum will open a new exhibit, a space where children will have an opportunity learn about tools and the physical properties of materials. Drill holes and sand away rough edges while you work on handeye coordination, strength, and fine motor skills. Smell and feel the wood you measure, cut, and drill, and learn about safety, which is integrated in this new experience. This exhibit is designed for children 4 and beyond.
Holidays are just around the corner…
Not sure what to get family or friends for the holidays? Family membership is a gift that will keep on giving all year long. Not sure if you want to give a full year membership–the Children’s Museum has gift certificates that can be used towards a family membership, camps and workshops, birthday party, or general admission for a one-day visit. Come explore! For families who like to visit the Museum on a regular basis, a membership is a wonderful way to save money. This is especially convenient during the long Minnesota winter, when outdoor play may be a rare treat. The Children’s Museum offers a variety of membership packages to suit the needs of individuals, families, and groups. There are options for children and their parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, as well as child care providers. Those who like to travel may choose a membership package that offers discounts at other children’s museums in the United States and Canada, too! Looking to help those in need? Consider purchasing a membership for a family in need! Membership packages start at $105 for a whole year of play (that’s only $8.75 a month!). Check the Museum’s website and choose what fits your needs. Take advantage of a limited time holiday offer and receive a one-day family pass to share with family and friends when you become a member, renew, or purchase a gift membership. Unlimited play is one of the best gifts to give or receive! 40 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Community Built – Community Sustained Did you know that the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a nonprofit organization?
That means that all daily admission fees and memberships only pay for a portion of the Museum’s overall expenses. This is where annual fundraising comes into play as a vital part of a nonprofit organization’s work. At the Children’s Museum, 100% of every dollar given goes directly to support programs and exhibits that are offered to all children and their families in the area. Here are some examples of how your donations can help: $50 helps the Children’s Museum purchase art supplies for tabletop programming in the Kato Engineering Explorers’ Lab. $105 provides a membership for a family who cannot afford it. $200 pays for staffing and supplies for one day of STEAM in the Loft programs $500 covers the cost of a field trip for four first grade classrooms. Did you know that the Children’s Museum has a Gateway to Play Access Scholarship program, which ensures that all children and their families in Southern Minnesota get to experience hands-on play in the Museum’s galleries, no matter what kind of barriers they might face? Donations make this program possible, too. If your family is not able to cover the cost of an annual membership or daily admission fees, please contact the Museum and ask about scholarship opportunities.
Save the Date: Trivia Night,
January 26
Are you a Trivia Buff? Are you the Phone-a-Friend people call when they need answers to trivial questions? Do you like a little competition in the name of a good cause? Then we have an event for you!!! Calling all adults; get ready for trivia! This annual fundraiser supports the Children’s Museum and your team can also win spectacular prizes. Gather 8 friends into a team or join a group of strangers and play along. A ticket costs $40 and includes dinner and loads of fun. Trivia Night will be held on Friday, January 26, from 6 – 10 pm at the Country Inn & Suites in Mankato. Purchase your tickets at www.cmsouthernmn.org/events.
Military Appreciation Day
Military Service members–past and present–and their families are invited to play at the Children’s Museum free of charge on Saturday, November 11. Stop by 224 Lamm Street in Mankato any time from 9 am – 4 pm and explore exhibits and experience hands-on family fun. Light refreshments will be served for Military Service members and families from 9 – 10 am in the Museum’s Rotary Education Center, followed by a program with therapy dogs at 10:30 am. Military Appreciation Day at the Children’s Museum seeks to honor Military Service members and their families, recognizing the significant contributions and sacrifices they have made on behalf of our community and nation. This event is sponsored by the Walmart Foundation in collaboration with Walmart Distribution Center 7079.
Mayo Clinic at the Museum
As part of Mayo Clinic Health System’s commitment to wellness in the community, staff volunteers have teamed with the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota to help meet the health needs of busy families all year long. Activities included health challenges, programs designed for toddlers as well as evening playdates for families of children with special needs or sensory challenges. Topics included summer safety, exploring new things, movement, healthy beverages, veggies, sleep, and the five senses. Mayo Clinic Health System is looking forward to helping families stay healthy this winter and in the new year, too! Kristi Wempen, a registered dietitian with Mayo Clinic Health System, shared healthy beverage tips with families during Toddler Wednesday programs.
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 41
Make A Y I D
Wish – Bone Thanksgiving String Art
String art used to be straight out of the ‘70s, but it’s a fun and easy project for all skill levels!
Supplies • pre-cut wood plaque • scissors • small nails • hammer • heavy thread or string • print off a wishbone Template to fit the wood plaque • pencil • permanent marker
42 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Template
Download, print and cut out a wishbone template so that it fits onto plaque. Note: You can make your own template using a word processing program and some clip art.
Instructions: 1. Attach Template to Plaque Center the template onto plaque and use tape to keep it in place. Keep paper taut and start hammering nails into alternating points around the wishbone. Continue adding nails approximately half an inch apart all around the outer edges.
2. Remove Template Remove paper template from plaque. A tweezers will help with any tiny paper scraps that are caught in between nails.
3. Apply String To start, tie string in a double knot to the point of one nail. Trim excess string from the end. Keep string taut and start wrapping around nails, beginning with the perimeter of the wish bone then crossing over randomly to alternating nails to fill in the body of the wish bone.
4. Finish String Once you feel that you have covered the surface of your art with enough string so the wishbone is nicely defined, you’re ready to finish. To do that, pick an end point, preferably one on the outside of the project, then tie a tight knot around the nail. Tip: Make sure it’s tied nice and tight so your project doesn’t come unraveled.
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5. Add Text Using a pencil lightly draw the words “Make A Wish” in whatever place you think looks best. Use a permanent marker to trace over your letters. November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 43
Paper Dolls Carefully Cut-Out Paper Dolls
44 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
To make your paper dolls more durable: First look in the recycle for an old cereal box and glue the page of paper dolls on the cereal box. Next, when the glue is dry, carefully cut out dolls and outfits. Now you should be ready to play!
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 45
Jokes
Q: What often falls in the winter but never gets hurt?
Q:
Snow
Q:
Why did Frosty have a carrot in his nose?
What’s the difference between a Christmas alphabet and the regular alphabet?
A. Because he forgot where the refrigerator was.
Q: A: A slopepoke!
What kind of key can’t open any doors?
Q:
How does a Snowman get to work?
The letter D
Q:
A. By icicle.
How do you call an Eskimo cow? A. An Eskimoo!
A. The kind with lots of frosting!
Q: Why was the snowman’s dog called Frost? A. Because Frost bites.
46 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Q:
What flies when it’s born, lies when it’s alive, and runs when it’s dead?
Q: Where do turkeys go to dance?
Who is Frosty’s favourite Aunt? A. Aunt Artica!
What kind of cake does Frosty like?
Q:
A: The butterball.
Q:
Q:
How you mend a broken pumpkin? A. With a pumpkin patch!
A. Ice caps.
What do you have in December that’s not in any other month?
A. Snow.
What do snowmen wear on their heads?
Q
Q: A. A turkey.
Q
:
:
The Christmas alphabet has Noel.
What do you call a slow skier?
Can you find the pattern? WRITE THE SNOWFLAKE NUMBER IN THE BOX
1
2
3
48 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
4
5
6
7
8
9
See Solution on Page 53
WINTER DAY WORD SEARCH Can you find words hidden below?
50 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
See Solution on Page 53
Winter Fun
November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 51
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52 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2017
Can you find the pattern? 1 2 3 4 6
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COMING SOON! November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 53
Y I D
Holiday Gifts in a jar
Homemade Bath Salts make great holiday gifts and are an inexpensive and easy gift to make and fun to give.
Supplies • Epsom salts • Baking soda • Essential oils • Food coloring if desired • Glass container with a stoppered lid • Pretty spoon for scooping • Ribbon and gift tag
Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, mix to combine: 3 parts epsom salts, to soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation; and 1 part baking soda, to soften waters and alleviate skin irritation.
2. Add a few drops of essential oils, and combine, peppermint is a good scent for a holiday gift.
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3. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring, until you achieve the desired shade.
4. Scoop mixture into a decorative jar in this case we used a blue antique ball jar , be sure to store them in a stoppered and labeled container to keep out moisture.
5. Seal the bath salts add a ribbon around the lid, tie a pretty spoon for scooping and add a gift tag. November/December 2017 | Kid-oh! • 55
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