NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
ing Back GinivCREATIVE Ways Diverse
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Thankful
Being and GIVING BACK
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C
Cover kid
s t n e t n o
7
Say What
8
Area Youth Giving Back in Diverse, Creative, Meaningful Ways
What Would You Do When Everyone's Sleeping?
12 Diverse Holiday
Traditions Being Celebrated in Southern Minnesota
Lauren Senden
16 Mental Health
17 Be Healthy
What's New with the Flu?
18 How Do You Do It?
Shelly Schultz
20 Historical Feature
Kids, Community and Giving
22 Mankato Area
Submitted Photo
Honey, I Love You, So the Answer is “No.”
Public Schools
Being Thankful and Giving Back
36 Meet the Author
Monica Zrust
No-Sew Holiday Gnomes
52 Super Dupa
The Kit Kat Wrapper
28 Healthy Kids
Meet the ILLUSTRATOR
38 DIY Craft
26 Kid Writer
Mary Ann Waldron
A Parent’s Guide to Happy Holidays
30 The Children’s Museum
2 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
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November/December | Kid-oh! • 3
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6 EDITOR/PUBLISHER Steve Jameson
Hello!
‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ and this issue of Kid-Oh is chock full of stories about young people doing wonderful things in our communities; Like Owen Saidler and Jaden Rapp, cousins who run a lemonade and baked goods stand throughout the summer and give their earnings to the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Clark and Nola Hazard give back to the community by gathering food for a local food shelf and raising money and collecting items for the Martin County Humane Society. Then there’s Lauren Senden. Lauren, who recently turned 18, has been giving back to her community since she was in kindergarten. If you attend charitable events in the area, it is likely you’ve seen Lauren perform. The singer and actor has performed at nursing homes, performed charity concerts and has much more. Like Owen and Jaden, Lauren started out raising money by running a lemonade stand. These Kid-Ohs are making a big difference. Since it is the holiday season, we’ve also got a story on holidays and holiday celebrations for other cultures. You can learn about Hanukkah, Eid and how Hispanic families celebrate Christmas a little bit different than white Americans. Learning how other people celebrate their holidays brings us all closer together. And that is what the holiday season is all about: spending time with friends and family and being in a giving spirit.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Christina Sankey CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Dyslin Blue Earth County Historical Society District #77 E. Madelyn James Heather Fisher Jessy Shouler, MS, LMFT Julie Schrader Mankato Clinic Health System Mayo Clinic Health System Sherry Schultze The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Dyslin PAGE DESIGNER Christina Sankey ADVERTISING SALES Danny Creel Joan Streit Jordan Greer-Friesz Josh Zimmerman Marianne Carlson Theresa Haefner ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Barb Wass ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Christina Sankey Sue Hammar CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Justin Niles
Here’s wishing you a fun, safe and happy holiday season! Steve Jameson
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-Friesz 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 2018
THE MANKATO BALLET COMPANY presents
THE UTCRACKE N R DECEMBER
8
at 1pm & 5pm
New Ulm State Street Theater
DECEMBER AND
13
at 7pm
14
Mankato at MSU Ted Paul Theatre
DECEMBER AND
15
16
at 1pm & 5pm
Mankato at MSU Ted Paul Theatre
Adults: $20 | Students/Seniors: $15 | Children: $12 Children ages 2 and under are FREE Tickets may be purchased from the MSU box office. Call or go online: 507-389-6661 • www.MSUTHEATRE.com Tickets to the New Ulm Performances must be purchased through the State Street Theater Website or at their Chamber of Commerce. Tickets will also be available at the door and will be priced the same in both locations.
November/December | Kid-oh! • 5
Looking at Cool
Photos?
N O I T N E T T A
S R E H P
A R G O T
O H P
Hey Kids! Grab your camera, tablet or phone and show us your version of Mankato.
Your photo could be our next cover! We need your photos to be jpgs (the most common type of electronic photograph) of the highest resolution possible, preferably around 300 dpi (ask your techie friends if you’re unclear on what “dpi” means.) Also, each submission must come accompanied with a phone number in the case your photo is selected for the cover. No hard copy photos will be accepted. No more than 5 photos per person.
6 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Look at all those jpgs and get those email accounts ready to submit photos to Kid-oh’s First Annual photo issue. Deadline to submit photos is November 30th. Submit photos to email: csankey@ mankatofreepress.com
We Asked some Kid-oh Elves..... What would you do when everyone’s sleeping?
Adam
Age: 7 Watch a movie.
Breckyn
Age: 7 Eat all the chocolate in the house and then hide.
Aaron
Anna
Age: 11 I would mess up the house, then I would find a good hiding spot.
Age: 11 I would run around play video games steel my mom’s water bottle and maybe mess with my parents a little.
Lake
Age: 5 Play iPad.
Jaxson Age: 10 Get sleep like everyone else.
Amelia
Age: 8 I would mix up everyone’s clothes and switch everything in they’re backpack.
Nora
Age: 5 Eat some cereal.
Hayden
Macey
Age: 8 I am a prankster so I would probably draw mustaches, breards and glasses on everyone while they are sleeping. Then I would go sit on top of the curtains.
Age: 12 I would whisper in their ears to give them good dreams.
November/Decmber 2018 | Kid-oh! • 7
AREA YOUTH GIVING BACK IN DIVERSE, CREATIVE, MEANINGFUL WAYS Story and Photos by Amanda Dyslin
O
wen Saidler wasn’t even born yet when his parents learned of his heart defect. He spent the first four years of his life undergoing surgeries at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Eventually, he’ll need a heart transplant. “He does remember. He remembers being in the hospital and being hooked up to machinery,” said his mom, Nicole Saidler, of her now 9-year-old son. Another part of the experience that he and his family remember is Child-Family Life Services at the hospital. The staff in that department have numerous roles working with families, but overall, it’s their job to make all of the challenges a bit easier to cope with. “When Owen went in for one of his surgeries, they gave him a courage medal,” said Saidler of North Mankato. “Another thing, he had to go in for a CT scan, and they had a video on an iPad. They had a little mini CT scan, and they showed him how it worked.” All of this was on the family’s mind when Owen and his cousin, Jaden Rapp, wanted to engage in the long-standing childhood rite of
passage of having a lemonade stand in 2014. They loved the idea of raising money for Child-Family Life Services at the Children’s Hospital. “They just got super excited,” Saidler said. And the boys are not alone. Many area children have turned the tradition of summertime lemonade stands into opportunities to raise funds for charitable causes. Others have used their own birthday parties as a chance to collect gifts for others, rather than for themselves. Some volunteer their time at humane societies or food shelves. The kids who make these kinds of contributions also seem to stick to it. Owen says he doesn’t plan to end his annual fundraising stand any time soon. And his favorite part of the experience? “Taking it up there,” he said of donating the money to the hospital.
Lemonade reigns supreme
The charitable lemonade stand is popular for a variety of reasons. There’s not a lot to organize. Permission to take part is granted by only one governing body: the parents. And there’s no
8 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
transportation to figure out. Kids just have to walk out to the curb. Plus, adults tend to find the tradition endearing and will stop regardless of thirst level. Saidler said the fundraising tactic is also effective. The first year, in 2014, Owen and Jaden raised $200. This past June for their fifth event? They raised $1,200. “We don’t mail off the check; we drive all the way up there and present the check to them,” Saidler said. “Owen and his cousin get to see the reactions of the staff.” Saidler said word of mouth has helped a great deal. The great part about children doing charitable work is that people want to encourage that
Owen Saidler shakes the hand of a Children’s Hospital staff member before presenting a check for $1,200 in proceeds that he and cousin Jaden Rapp (right) raised this summer. Owen Saidler, left, and his cousin Jaden Rapp have had a lemonade and baked-goods stands annually since 2014 to raise money for the Child-Family Life Services department of the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
spirit, and it inspires them to help, too. The Saidlers’ family and friends started contributing. The stand sold baked good in addition to lemonade. Neighbors starting bringing bars and batches of cookies. Living on Belgrade and timing the fundraiser in June in conjunction with ArtSplash Art Fair (when it was at the Taylor Library) November/December | Kid-oh! • 9
Top: For Clark Hazard’s 8th birthday, he donated 57 pounds of food to a local food shelf from donations at his birthday party. Bottom: Nola Hazard asked for presents for animals at the Martin County Humane Society on her birthday, and she and her brother, Clark, also contributed $50 of their birthday and Christmas money.
10 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
helped attract drive-by traffic. Then, as word spread, Owen and Jaden started getting some area press. The University of Minnesota even came down to put an article in one of their magazines. The whole experience has felt pretty good, Owen said. Clark and Nola Hazard, 9 and 7 years old respectively, say the same about their fundraising experiences. The Fairmont kids have also included a lemonade stand in their charitable modus operandi, raising $40 this summer to buy things for the “kitten shower” at the Martin County Humane Society. Since moving to Fairmont from Coon Rapids, the kids have focused their fundraising efforts on the Humane Society. But charity for numerous organizations has been a part of their upbringing since birth. “It’s been something we’ve done pretty much since they could remember or even realize what was going on,” said mom Holly Hazard. For example, when the kids had a birthday, in lieu of bringing presents, the family would create a wish list for a charitable cause, like a can of dog food for the humane society or a food item for a local food shelf. For one of Clark’s birthdays, they donated 57 pounds of food as a result. “We really just want them to be thinking of other people before themselves,” Hazard said. “We just think that’s important for our kids.” As a result, Clark and Nola think it’s important, too. They’re incorporating their own ideas into
One of Lauren Senden’s charitable endeavors includes singing at nursing homes. “That’s really special,” she said, “just seeing their response to the music. It means the world. They get so excited. They sing along to the words with me.” how they give back. Clark has been volunteering to be a summer school student helper for his homeroom teacher at Fairmont Elementary School. “I like helping out,” Nola said.
Life-long do-gooders
As with the Saidler family and the Hazards, good-doing doesn’t seem to be something that ever leaves the system for most kids. When they start, they commit. Lauren Senden, now 18, started her charitable efforts in kindergarten. She started a treat stand with lemonade and incorporated all kinds of baked goods. During the first Saturday of summer vacation, right in her driveway, the stand started with raising $60 to $150 for organizations such as Kids Against Hunger and her church, Messiah Lutheran. Eventually the focus shifted to the BackPack Food Program. The fundraiser has grown so much over the years, she now raises between $2,000 and $3,000, with hundreds of people stopping by to purchase items and donate. Collectively, over the years Senden has raised $24,000 from her treat
Lauren Senden’s annual treat stand and other charitable endeavors has raised $24,000 over the years for area charities. She supports the effort through public talks to schools and organizations.
stand and other charitable endeavors. Being a singer and actor, Senden felt entirely comfortable speaking to groups about causes. She supported her fundraising efforts through public speeches to community groups and schools, and she garners larger donors, such as Thrivent Financial. “I just love getting up there and talking about it,” said Senden, who was Miss Mankato's Outstanding Teen in 2017. Senden also puts on concerts to raise money for charity and free concerts at nursing homes. Her first two charity concerts raised $5,000. “I really feel proud and really excited,” she said. “The love I have for doing this sort of project isn’t going to end.” Senden will go away to college next summer, which could have meant the end for the annual treat stand that has done so much good for the community. But a family she knows from Messiah Lutheran has stepped up to carry it on. “It is exciting that it will continue,” she said.
November/December | Kid-oh! • 11
Like many Jewish families, the lighting of the menorah is a part of Elizabeth Levine’s family tradition during Hanukkah.
Diverse holiday traditions being celebrated in southern Minnesota By Amanda Dyslin
W
hen you live in a community with large majorities – namely white and Christian – the holidays can be a bit isolating if you aren’t those things. Driving down the street reminds you of Christmas (lights and decorations). Advertising is geared toward buying gifts leading up to Dec. 25. “Jingle Bells” plays overhead in your dentist’s office, at the mall and at the grocery store.
12 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
For all of these reasons and more, many southern Minnesotans don’t have to think beyond their own holiday experiences very often. But there are people among us with differing cultures, religions and traditions. And gaining a better understanding of our differences and what makes each of us unique helps us grow. It also helps us be kinder and more welcoming people. Here are just a few holiday traditions happening in our neck of the woods.
Elizabeth Levine
Hanukkah
Elizabeth Levine grew up in New Jersey and moved to the area in 2013. She grew up Jewish, which this time of year means celebrating Hanukkah. Hanukkah is an eightday celebration that begins on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev (varying from late November to late December). This year the holiday begins Dec. 2 and ends Dec. 10.
How is the holiday traditionally celebrated? “We would light the menorah,” Levine said, “and we would get a small gift for each of the eight nights.” A menorah is a candelabrum with various branches that hold candles or lights, and each branch is lit nightly until the final night of Hanukkah when all are lit. The ceremony commemorates the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks. When the temple was reclaimed, there was only enough oil for one night to light the menorah, but the oil lasted eight days and was considered a miracle. “You are supposed to put the lights in the window. We use electric lights to not burn down the curtains,” said Levine, a public defender in the Fifth District. Levine said Hanukkah isn’t considered one of the more important Jewish holidays. There isn’t even a big holiday meal associated with it. But because of its proximity to Christmas, it tends to get the most attention, she said. Giftgiving isn’t traditionally part of the
celebration either. “We would get gifts, and I think that was more to compete with Christmas,” she said. “(The giftgiving) is very American.” A game involving chocolate coins and spinning a dreidel is part of the celebration for kids, Levine said. The dreidel is a four-sided top decorated with Hebrew letters. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year Festival, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (the holiest day of the year), are the two most important holidays, she said. Levine said her wife is not Jewish, so the two incorporate elements from both the Jewish and Christian traditions into their holiday season so their daughter can experience both. They get a Christmas tree, they light the menorah, and they exchange gifts between each other through Hanukkah.
A big feast to celebrate the end of Ramadan is part of Eid al-Fitr. Aar Maanta
Fardousa Jama
Eid celebrations
two main ones being Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr means “Feast of Breaking the Fast,” and it commemorates the end of Ramadan. (During the month of Ramadan, Muslims must fast from sunrise to sunset.) Eid al-Adha means “Feast of the Sacrifice” and lasts four days. “We go to eid prayer, and we dress in our best Sunday (dress) – all of it,” said Jama, a community organizer and co-founder of Mankato's Somali
Aar Maanta and Fardousa Jama said food, family and community are the pillars of Islamic celebrations, namely the Eid holidays. With Mankato’s robust population of Somali and Sudanese immigrants and refugees, many such celebrations happen across the community every year. The word “eid” refers to a religious festival for Muslims. There are a variety of eid celebrations, with the
Community Barwaaqo Organization. Maanta said families wake early and prepare a lot of food, and everyone dresses up for the occasion. “You would visit your relatives, and the children would get all kinds of gifts,” he said. “You have a big meal, and also you give charity to the poor families in the neighborhood.” Maanta said Muslims must give 12 percent of their wealth to needy families, so charity and community are especially celebrated on the holidays. November/December | Kid-oh! • 13
Tamales are a special meal for many Hispanic families, including Irma Marquez’s, because they take so long to prepare.
Irma Marquez
Christmas, too
It’s not just different religions celebrating the holiday season differently. Different cultures may celebrate Christmas differently, too. Irma Marquez moved to St. James from Mexico in mid-December 19 years ago, when she was nine years old. Now 28, many of her family’s traditions are intact. Marquez said music and “dancing all night” are a big part of the holidays. Tamales are also a specially prepared meal because they take so long to make, she said. Many white Americans open gifts and have a big meal of turkey or ham on Christmas Day. But for many Hispanic families, the celebration happens on Christmas Eve. Tamales (meat and cornmeal dough steamed or baked in corn husks) or lechon (roasted suckling pig) are two of the commonly prepared traditional meals. For some families, midnight Catholic mass is attended, leading to a late-night celebration that results in a quiet and laid-back Christmas Day (Navidad).
14 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
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November/December | Kid-oh! • 15
Honey, I love you, so the answer is “no.”
I
By Jessy Shouler, MS, LMFT from Adult, Child and Family Services
know, I know. Do I have to say “no,” again? The more our children ask, the more tired and defeated we feel in carrying through with setting that boundary. Listen, we ALL go through it. The tantrum at the store, back talk, empty threats, and even the occasional “you are the meanest ever” or “I hate you!” These are very possible outcomes for setting boundaries and saying “no.” As much as we want to navigate around disruptive behavior if possible, saying “no” is part of our jobs as parents. Remember that we are caregivers but we are authority. We are parents, not friends. Our children will not always like us but will thank us later for setting boundaries as that sets them up to be well adjusted adults. Saying “no” is one building block we use to enable our children to have a realistic idea of how decision
making works, to acknowledge and honor consequences for poor choices, to understand risks and benefits of tough decisions, and to cope with life when it does not go their way. Our job as parents is to raise adults who can handle real life. Being a teen is really hard, actually I wouldn’t wish that age on my worst enemy, but being an adult is not exactly a walk in the park either. Its our job not to always fix things for our kids, but to teach them the best ways to care for themselves, build independence, critical thinking skills, and coping strategies so they grow up to do well in school, have good jobs, and pay for nice things all on their own. Remember the old proverb: Give them a fish and you feed them for a night. Teach them to fish and you feed them for a lifetime! Entitlement is a thing many
16 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
parents wrestle with. They want what they want and they want it now. But children, and adults for that matter, need to know how to delay gratification and build tolerance for intense emotion. Kids who never hear “no” are more likely to lack empathy for others because their needs were always met instantly and were considered most important. Imagine being in a relationship with someone who expects a “yes” to everything. That would make the relationship near, if not totally, impossible. Not being able to cope with and honor “no” makes children at a disadvantage in the skills of flexible thinking, compromise, negotiation, resiliency, dealing with disappointment, and creative problem solving. So, how do we say “no” when it seems we are not being heard anymore? We can take a breath ourselves and think about what we really mean. Avoid a power struggle by challenging yourself to stay away from “my way or the highway” thinking. Maybe a more appropriate response would be “not right now”, “in a bit”, “after you complete your homework”, or “after supper.” How could you work with your child to make their request contingent on completion of a positive task. Making your “no” sound like a “yes” feels better for the child as they feel they have some say and control, and it feels better for the parent who is just plain tired of saying “no.” It communicates the parent’s authority while supporting that instillation of flexible thinking and problem solving that can add to the child’s resiliency and coping strategies. Even “that’s not possible,” “we can talk about scheduling that at another time” can rephrase your response and avoid a power struggle. So, at the end of the day, being a “big bad parent” is actually part of how we raise responsible and well adjusted human beings. When the going gets tough in this department, make sure to lean on your support system, other parents, your partner, those who understand, to support and validate your experience when your children make you question your authority and decisions. Try to stay away from responding based on your emotion, but rather, responding based on what you logically know to be the best route for your child. You got this!
What’s new with the flu?
W
ith When does peak the flu hit? cold Traditionally, and flu season flu season peaks here, a local in February, with health care expert December being has some helpful the second most updates and recommon peak Jennifer Marr, D.N.P, minders for parmonth, followed Mayo Clinic Health System ents to be aware by March. Marr Jennifer Marr, D.N.P., of, especially with says this explains is a pediatric and adolescent nurse the Holidays apwhy it often feels practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health proaching. like the flu season System in Mankato. Jennifer Marr, drags on and D.N.P, a pediatric why many people and adolescent continue to catch medicine nurse practitioner with and spread the influenza virus. Mayo Clinic Health System, says the “Healthy kids can bounce back flu mist is in short supply so parents faster than adults, but because kids will want to talk to their kids about are in day care or school, they often getting protected against the flu by get sick back-to-back. While this getting the actual flu shot. may build their immune system, it “Honesty is best when explaincan be really hard on families.” ing to your kids they will likely be To stay as healthy as possible, receiving a shot,” Marr says. “The Marr recommends families maintain flu vaccine is intended to prevent healthy habits, including hand washyou, your kids, their friends, their ing, getting plenty of sleep and eating grandparents and others from getwell — in addition to the flu shot — ting influenza. It can also reduce the to help prevent getting sick. severity of symptoms or how long Marr says this is especially imporyou or your kids are sick.” tant for certain populations, includMarr says in addition to being ing infants and young children, preghonest with kids about needing a nant women, grandma and grandpa, shot, bringing something to distract and those with compromised your child may be helpful, like a immune systems, such as individuals favorite video that can be pulled up being treated with chemotherapy or on your phone. an organ transplant. These groups, While she doesn’t always recomshe says, are at higher risk for flumend a “prize” after the flu shot related complications. appointment, she does say that “There is no reason not to get the depending on the age of the child, an flu vaccine unless your provider incentive — like ice cream after the recommends against it,” Marr says. appointment — can also work. “Otherwise, the benefits of the flu “Our nursing staff is skilled at vaccine far outweigh the risk of serimaking kids feel secure and having ous illness.” parents part of the process. Within a couple of hours of this little poke, they have forgotten all about it.”
Tips for avoiding the flu: • The simplest thing you can do is wash your hands and teach your kids to do the same. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with warm water and soap. Do this before leaving the bathroom, eating or touching your face. A good rule of thumb is to wash hands for 20 seconds; about as long as it takes to sing “the ABCs.” • Cover your cough with the crook of your elbow, and teach your kids to do the same. • Stay home from work or school if you’re ill. • Keep vaccines current for you and your family.
Flu Shot Clinic The flu vaccine will be offered at the Mayo Clinic Health System Eastridge Clinic, located at 101 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Mankato, during following dates and times: • Saturday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. • Tuesday, Nov. 6, 3:30–7 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. • Tuesday, Nov. 13, 3:30–7 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. To ensure a quick and convenient experience, call 877-412-7575 to schedule an appointment. For a complete list of where you can receive the flu vaccine, visit mayoclinichealthsystem. org/influenza. Patients can also request a flu vaccination during an appointment with their primary health care provider.
November/December | Kid-oh! • 17
L to R: Olivia 9, Eleanora 2, Lucas, Josiah 7, Sherry :)
HOW DO YOU DO IT
W
By Sherry Schultze
alking out of the grocery store today I noticed my minivan had a flat tire. As frustrating as it could have been, I asked a fireman who was walking by to help. Between his kindness and the gas station clerk nearby, I was able to get to a local tire shop and get it fixed. Not one time did I use my cell phone to call for help, because I can’t. My husband and I decided to go cell phone free sometime in 2013. Initially we dropped the two cell plans to save money and get out of debt. Now five years into the disconnect, It's hard to foresee us ever owning cell phones again. Crazy, right? We get asked all the time, by wide eyed strangers, “Wait, what, so how do you do it? Live life without a smart cell phone?” I reassure them it can be done. It was only a couple decades ago that everyone did. 18 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Organization and communication is key. As a mom of three kids and a small business owner, I am always checking calendars and timelines to remind everyone where they need to be. Throughout the day my husband and I check in with each other on google chat or by using our landline phone. My close friends know they can use messenger to reach me on my computer most times of the day. Living cell phone free has greatly improved our communication skills. We leave hand written notes, put important things on a dry erase board and email big to do’s to our spouse. What has been a fun change is the ability to adjust to any situation. When I used to have a cell phone, I found myself asking for help all the time. I would call my parents, my spouse or my bff for silly little things. I would text people a random thought about which item on sale I
should purchase. Now I make more decisions on my own, and save big questions for when I have the chance to talk to my family face to face. What I love most about not carrying a device with me, is the freedom I get in the disconnect. When I am hanging out with friends we are able to focus on our conversations and not the dinging of my phone. When my family goes out to eat, we play games like I spy or tic-tac-toe while waiting for our food. And while waiting in line anywhere, I strike up a conversation with a stranger and enjoy the fellowship of another person. I love the ability to focus on the present moment and not the interruptions of a device. One of the challenges is the world’s assumption that everyone everywhere has a cell phone. There are only 6% of us in the nation that do not. (I can’t help but wonder what that nationwide bill looks like) At least twice a day someone tells me “Just text me when you get here, or text me the photo, or send me the address to my phone, or if you get lost on your way just text me”. I usually just nod and smile rather then explain why I can’t. The biggest struggle for me is traveling alone without the cell phone. It is probably the only time I wish I still owned the security blanket of one. Instead I make sure my van is in running order, plan a safe well traveled route, pray for great weather and carry important phone numbers with me at all time. I trust that if I were to need a good samaritan someday, one will show up to lend me a hand. Despite many people telling me there is no way they could live without a cell phone plan, I want to assure them that they can. Try a day or go a weekend without it. Start small and you may be surprised how great it feels to be completely disconnected. I know we all have busy lives full of places to be and things to see. I know there are many apps that claim to make our lives easier and less stressful, but I’ve never used any of them. Instead I buy post-it’s in bulk and write letters as often as I can. Living cell phone free has changed our family’s life and there’s no app for that.
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• Preschool and extended care • Christ centered education • Strong classical academic curriculum • Small classes, personal attention • Affordable Tuition & District 77 busing 2101 Lor Ray Drive, North Mankato CCAMankato.org • 507-388-4336 Call for a personal tour
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.
1400 MADISON AVE SUITE 610, MADISON EAST CENTER , MANKATO (507)387-3777 • WWW.ACFSMANKATO.ORG November/December | Kid-oh! • 19
Kids, Community and Giving
Junior Red Cross rolling and making bandages at the Mankato High School, 1917
Sandon Family Orchestra 1930s, the first 4-H Club Band in Minnesota
Kids help communities in Blue Earth County everyday. Kids long ago were just like kids today, busy with chores, schoolwork and maybe even jobs. When our community needs help, kids volunteer! During World War I, kids helped by preparing and rolling bandages to donate to soldiers in the War. During hard times, kids performed in theater groups or family bands to spread hope. Kids have also a history of helping by joining volunteer clubs like Scouts or 4-H, collecting food, clothing and toys for others, cleaning up our parks and roads, participating in civic events, taking care of our environment and animals and so much more.
Helping Our Community in Times Past
Kids long ago and not so long ago have volunteered to help our communities in many ways. Learn about the important and fun ways kids helped their communities in the past.
Madison Lake Brownie Girl Scouts Troop, 1970s
Boys and girls in the American Legion Auxiliary, Lorentz, 1980s
Boy Scout Project, 1956
How did Girl Scouts help? Girl Scouts have been helping our communities by collecting clothing and food for those in need since 1912. Do you help collect food or clothes today?
How did kids helps Veterans? Kids helped veterans and active military and their families by collecting items they needed. Items were sent in care packages to our soldiers and vets. What would you put in a care package?
How did Boys Scouts help? Boy Scouts have been helping the community since 1910. This Boy Scout is registering voters as a community leadership project. How can you be a leader?
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Blue Earth County History Center is located at 424 Warren Street, Mankato
Kids Giving Back! Kids can help their community by giving their time. How many ways can or do you give back to our community? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Can you think of more ideas to fill this page? Then pick your favorite and make a difference in your community.
1. Recycle or donate toys and clothes you’ve outgrown. 2. Help with yard work for elderly neighbors or other people in need. 3. Bake cookies to give to our police, EMT, firefighters and volunteers. 4. Play card or board games with residents at a nursing home.
DID YOU KNOW? Kids have helped our community in good times and bad? From parades to disasters kids show community pride. Parades are events celebrating something special about our community. The first parades in Blue Earth County
5. Read to younger kids at school or at the library. 6. Volunteer at our local animal shelter. 7. Create feeders or water holders for wildlife in your yard. 8. Do something kind for a person outside of your family. 9. Wash cars to help raise funds for a charity.
Eagle Lake, 1972
10. Collect food to donate to a local food shelf. 11. ________________________________________________________ 12. ________________________________________________________ 13. ________________________________________________________ 14. ________________________________________________________
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began almost 150 years ago! Kids help build floats, play in bands and march in parades. Kids also help in disasters. From filling sandbags and building dikes during a flood to picking up debris after a storm, kids make a difference by volunteering!
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WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Visit the Blue Earth County History Center. Have fun in the Discovery Lab, Museum or view the current exhibition Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BlueEarthCountyHistory.com
507-345-5566
Sibley Park Flooding, 1951
BEING THANKFUL AND GIVING BACK
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n your lifetime you’ve given and received many gifts, whether it’s Christmas, yours or someone else’s birthday, or even a simple thank you gift. But gifts aren’t always physical, something that you can touch, they can be simple words that mean the world to you or someone such as, thank you or I love you. Even though we may say these everyday to our friends or family, even to a stranger, and we don’t even think anything of it. There are situations in which we will remember those words for a lifetime. I still remember this day so clearly. It was a sunny day, warm air and a cool breeze to build in that perfect feel on your skin. It happened around when I was 8 or 9 years old. One of my family members had gotten married and we were outside having the reception. The wind was blowing through the trees and the birds were singing their songs. Now don’t get me mistaken, it wasn’t in the morning it was more in the early evening when this was going on, so the sun was just starting to get that golden color. We were at a park in the cities I believe, that part I don’t remember for sure. But there was a cement made shelter, with cement circular pillars holding up the cement roof. I was running around with my brothers, both younger, playing tag and laughing, running in the freshly cut grass. Every once in a while I went up to the shelter that the food and drinks were set up in, and I got a glass of lemonade to quench my thirst. And let’s just say, I had a lot and I mean a lot of lemonade. When it was about time to eat the adults gathered all the kids to line up and get their food, since it’s what happens at every gathering where the adults let the kids go first. I got my pulled pork on a bun, some pickles and carrots and even some cauliflower, cause you have to eat some vegetables am I right? I sat down where my mother pointed and waited for the rest of my family. Once everybody else got their food and sat down, we prayed and began to eat. Everybody was chatting and laughing and having an amazing time. As I started to eat my last bite of my pulled pork sandwich, I had the sudden urge to go pee. I mean after I drank all that lemonade it’s only natural. I stuffed the last bite into
my mouth and asked my mother where the bathroom was, still surprised ‘till this day that she could understand me. Since we were set up at a park there was only a public bathroom, so she pointed down a tan cement sidewalk to a large rectangular brick shaped building. I got up and walked, not run since my mouth was full, to the sidewalk. Remember the saying when you were little, “If you step on the cracks, you’ll break your mother’s back.”? Well I was saying that to myself as I stepped on every crack in the sidewalk. And no, I didn’t hate my mother it was just fun to do and I bet I’m not the only one out there that did it. Soon enough, I got to the shelter and pushed open the heavy brown metal door to the women’s bathroom. Once I entered I looked around, and it was actually pretty clean for a public restroom. I went into the second to the last stall out of five and did my business. As I was sitting down on the toilet I saw a hotel key card and $20 setting on the toilet paper holder. After I did my business I made sure to wash my hands before touching the key card, and ran out of the restrooms to my mother. I showed her the items I had in my hand and she brought me around asking people if they were theirs. Around the fourth person we asked was so relieved to have realized that they left the items in the restroom. She had a big bright smile on her face to the point the corner of her eyes crinkled. She said so many thank yous and gave me a pack of gum. Later that day as we were on our way home, I still was remembering her smile and the good sensation I felt to have found something valuable to a family member. Now why did I choose this story to tell you? I chose this story to tell all of you because it goes to show, that even the littlest of things can bring a smile to someone’s face. You may not even know it, but when you say “thank you” to someone you could make their whole day. If you walk up to that one kid, no one talks to in class and say “Hi” and have a simple chat with them, you just made their whole day. By doings these gestures that only come natural to us can be the light to someone’s darkness. Or maybe you’ve had someone give to you and they received your thanks,
22 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
or a hug. But that feeling, that wonderful feeling, of giving to someone that’s in need of your help, is something that you’ll never forget. ~ Aria Jordan
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alking about what you’re thankful for is important and what you can give back is a strong way to to show what’s important for you to help. Im gonna talk about what I would like to do to give back and who and what I’m thankful for in this wonderful world I live in. Im very thankful for my parents and everything they do for me. My parents keep me fed, sheltered, and hungry for accomplishments which strives me to get better at everything I do. My parents do as much as find someone to fix my vehicle because it was more to pay at a dealership. They would do anything for me and i’m very thankful that they would risk their lives and anything for me to be a better human than I am now but to strive me to be better. I’m thankful for the body I was born into. My metabolism is one of the strongest things in my body it doesn’t allow me to get sick very often. My bones are very strong. I just broke my first bone which shows that even though my body doesn’t look strong on the outside it is very strong in the inside. I’m going to do my best giving back to these people and things by doing what necessary to stay alive. For my parents I want to do better than they did and I want to make enough money where I can get them a dream vacation or a dream home to show them how much I really appreciate them. For my body I went vegetarian this year to experience how it was to go without meat and how it would affect my body and it only made it better so I’m going to do everything to take care and keep my body in shape as best as I can. In conclusion I have many things to be thankful for and I have no excuse on why I can’t repay these things back with a little hard work and determination or improve my life to improve others important to me. ~ Austin Speck
507-387-1868 • maps@isd77.k12.mn.us Facebook Twitter
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here is always something to be thankful for”. Life is full of many wonderful things to be thankful for. Whether that’s family, friends, something you’re passionate about, or anything life has given you. Giving back is a great way to show your appreciation to the things you’re thankful for. I am especially thankful for golf, my family, and my health. Golf has played a large part of my life for the last 8 years. I began playing golf when I was 10 years old and it has taken me to so many great places and I’ve met so many people because of it. Golf has taught me many lessons that I can apply on and off the course. Without golf, I honestly don’t know what I’d do with my life. Golf has saved me in such a way that I can’t even explain. I’ve achieved so much from golf and I’m so blessed that I am able to play. To me, family always comes first. I am so thankful for all of my family because they are always there for me through thick and thin. They always support me and help me be as best as I can be. My parents have sacrificed so much for me, so that I am able to pursue my dreams. My only brother is also my best friend whom I look up to dearly, because he is a great role model. I am so blessed to be as healthy as I am. I am so thankful god made me the way I am. I thank god every night for my health. I’m so fortunate to have such a great family, good health, and the opportunity to be able to play golf. I try hard to never take any of those things for granted because you never know when it could be gone. ~ Carson Haley
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t changed my life forever. In that thought, I gave back. This impacted me when I went on a trip with my family. The trip was to New Orleans, Louisiana. This happened in the French quarters. It all started with me walking down the street looking around and this one person caught my eye. So we made a stop to read there sign. Their sign said, “ homeless have been looking for food”. At the moment I knew something was different. During this impacted moment, I’m going to explain what I felt, saw, and why I did such a thing. The way I felt was really amazing, happy because I just made an impact on someone’s day. The feeling was overwhelming. Many people would think big deal you gave them money. I thought
about it and it was a big deal because some people don’t even stop. The money that I gave was the money that I was going to spend on myself. Some people won’t even think about giving up there drink or money that they would spend on themselves. The reason why they stopped me was that the way she looked at me. Then the way I felt when she looked at me was that she wanted to get something to eat and try to find a job. She just needed a little motivation. I told her the best of wishes because everyone needs a little bit of encouragement. It was a hot humid day, the sun was out. It was raining off and on. There was a lot of people around. There was a lot of different streets but they all start in the french quarter. What I saw was the look on her face. The look was somewhat helpless but also having motivation on her face. The look around was the look of other people that need a little help with getting started. The most interesting this was how everyone treated each other like family. They were there together as one big family. I saw that in the way they looked at each other and the way they supported each other. I did this because I couldn’t spend that money on me when someone else needs it. This was also to tell other people about the importance of giving back. When I grow up, I want to help people in any shape or form. This is the memory that comes up every time when someone talks about giving back or what they want to be when they are older. The reasons I did this because I hope someday I might need help and I’ll have people there to support me. The other reason why I did it was that it was out of the blue they didn’t expect it at all. Then they were filled with joy and such. They believe there is more in life then that tiny street with other people. In the long run, my life was changed forever. This all happened because of what I felt, saw, and why I did such a thing like this. The next time you think you want to get a Starbucks or getting a new pair of shoes. Maybe think next time you can donate them to someone that needs such a thing. Just give back because maybe in the long run you’ll get something in return that would include the way you feel or the way you act about these type of things. ~ Elizabeth Boswell
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eing thankful is something I learned from a very young age. I believe being thankful can mean many different things. I think it’s very important to express thankfulness not only on thanksgiving but everyday. I think there are many things to be thankful for but I think the three most important things are your friends,family and your life. Something I think people need to hold close to their hearts is friendship. Throughout my entire childhood and even till now I try to appreciate my friends as much as I can. Even over thanksgiving break me and my friends always get together and have friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is always really fun but the downside is none of us can cook so we normally just get a rotisserie chicken from Cub and boxed mashed potatoes and that’s the dinner. But the bad food doesn’t really matter because the amazing memories make up for it. Family is something we have learned from a very young age to love and appreciate. I absolutely love spending time with my family and always having a good laugh. But I also like spending time with my step parents families. I am very thankful for how they treat me as if I have always been apart of there family. Thanksgiving over the years has taught me that just because they don’t share the same DNA as you does not mean a person looks at you any less. The last thing I think you should be extremely thankful for is your life. Throughout your life there are many ups and downs but you should forever be thankful that you were given this wonderful life. You can be sad some days, its normal but always remember that there is a sun behind those clouds and if you really need some encouragement listen to “pocketful of sunshine” that one always cheers me up. Throughout your life your going to find so many things to be thankful for which makes thanksgiving more special every year. If that’s either your friends, family or even yourself each one is something you should always hold close to your heart. Remember to give thanks everyday. ~ Hailey Haack
November/December | Kid-oh! • 23
BEING THANKFUL AND GIVING BACK
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veryone has something to be thankful for. We even have a whole holiday about giving thanks. Many people and things make an impact in our lives, and we should always pay them back by giving them our thanks, and giving back to them in other ways. I have always been very thankful of all the people that have been and are a part of my life. I am most thankful for my family. They have always been there for me whenever I have needed them. They deal with everything I do, and support me in all of my actions and decisions, and I appreciate that so much. I am also extremely thankful for the friends and relationships I have made over the years. Some of my closest friends are like family to me. I feel like they are always there for me, and always supportive of me, and I hope they can say the same for me. There are many other people who I am extremely thankful for, but I would be writing for days if I put everyone down. There are also many things in life that I am thankful for. I think the biggest thing I am thankful for, is the opportunity to be a part of many sports over the years. Paying for the sports and the equipment is always very expensive, and I am always very thankful that my parents have helped with that. I also am thankful that I have the ability to still be playing three sports as a senior in highschool. I am also thankful for the great community of Mankato that I have been able to grow up in. The city has offered many beautiful things and people to me, and there isn’t a place I would rather have grown up. The great things in my life that I have to be thankful for all deserve something back. For years now, I have volunteered in the community and in youth sports, to give back to those amazing things that I am so thankful of. I love working with younger kids to play sports, because I hope they can have the opportunity I have to be a part of a sport for the majority of their high school lives. I always remember loving when older kids would come help out at my practices when I was younger, and it was always so cool, so I feel doing it for them is great. I also have volunteered in the community with the ECHO food shelf, and my church here in town. Both
have given me great experiences, and giving back to them is extremely worth it. Overall, I have many things to be thankful for. Giving back to them is just way to show that you are thankful, and repay them for what they have done for you. We should all show people that we are thankful of them, it really goes a long way. ~ Jack Frederick
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ave you ever had the door held open for you walking into a restaurant or building. And was thankful because that person took the time out of there day to help you. Well that feeling feels great if you didn’t know because that person put your needs before theirs. Well we are surrounded by those people every day. I would like to write about the people who I am thankful for because they help me and make life one hundred times better for me. I am thankful for my mom, dad, and brothers. I am thankful for my mom because she is my mom. She is always cooking the best meals for me, always caring for me when I am sick, always being there for me. But I am not here to tell you about the basic stuff, I am here to tell you about the stuff I am most thankful for. I am most thankful for the fact that she puts all of my needs before hers. She is more the a mom she is one of my best friends that I come to when I am discomforted. I come to her to get a good laugh in once in a while. And I am very thankful for that. I am also thankful for my dad because we have been very close since day one. He has always tried to make me the best person I can be. He taught me this through sports but he translated it back to real life. He has given me memories that I will never forget because the were with him and also because they are the ones that stick out. And I am thankful for that. Also I am thankful for my two brothers. They make coming home a blast especially my littlest brother,who I try be a role model for. But these two make me laugh, sometimes make me frustrated and most of all they make me happy to be around them because they help me when I need help or when I am down they pick me back up. And I am thankful for that.
24 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
In conclusion, I am thankful for all of my friends and family. But the ones I would like to notice are my mom, dad, and brothers to make my life better being around them. And take the time out of your day to help you. ~ Jordan Merseth
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ife is full of emotions. Many ups and downs that you truly can’t prepare for. With that said there is still a lot in life to look forward to and simply be thankful. For me I’m most thankful for my friends that got my back and above all of the adult role models I have. My senior year has been rough and its been hard to keep up with everything if I’m truly being honest. Hasn’t even been a full month and I managed to get injured and so much other stuff. But doesnt mean give up because there is so much more in life. Things I have to do and things I have to give back to the world. Some of you are probably wondering why does baseball matter that much? Well to me it’s been a second home a place where I start fresh and live life to the fullest. This year is my last chance at playing the sport for a while. I laced up the cleats for the first time. I got the rush I used to always get. The excitement running through my body. I was ready to show what I had. My second at bat my cleat got stuck when I swung my whole body whipped to one side but my foot stayed planted. When I ran I knew something was wrong but I kept going because my team needs me. I was told I won’t play again this year and it killed me to hear. Now after that rant to fill you in. Here comes why I’m thankful. My teammates were the ones who picked me up when I saw nothing. They showed me that even if I’m not on the field playing and running the bases or hitting. I’m still part of the sport and team I love. I honestly couldn’t be more thankful for anything they helped so much in a time where I was lost. Time I had given back was when I got the opportunity to mentor kids. I was able to give what I had learned over my years of learning. I gave them a chance to be ahead. A single chance to form a bond with someone to help them create
507-387-1868 • maps@isd77.k12.mn.us Facebook Twitter more in the future. I would love to do this again because sometimes you need to be the person you needed when you were younger that you didn’t have. To conclude this I would like to say that even if life gets rough there is always something to be thankful for. Always a group of people or a singular person there by your side. Be positive and continue life. Many things you have to accomplish just like me. With the stuff you experience and learn give back to the people in need. ~ Levi Simpson
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ith so much to be thankful for, I am reminded that I also need to do my part, and giving back as much as I can. Have you ever gave back to someone that made you feel thankful? There are plenty of things that you and I have that many people don’t have and those are the things we should be thankful for. It should also inspire us to give back to the people that have given us the things we have. Expressing gratitude, saying thank you and giving back are just some ways that can prove that you are thankful. First, expressing gratitude is one of the main ways to be thankful. Expressing how thankful you are for something or someone is very important in today’s world. I always tell people how thankful I am for many things including friends I have, the ability to have food on my table, a bed to sleep in, and the most important person I tell people about is God and how good he is. Expressing gratitude isn’t necessarily bragging but is just saying how thankful you are for the life God has given you. Obviously it’s different for other people but for me, that’s what I believe expressing gratitude is. Next, saying “thank you” is one of the easiest things you can do to express being thankful. Whether it’s saying thank you for someone helping you or just saying thank you for food given to you every night at supper. Saying thank you is so important. Not only does it show you are being thankful, but it also makes the person you said thank you to feel better about themselves and their actions. I say thank you everyday for many different situations. It is such an easy two words to say and people don’t say it enough. Say thank you today, you won’t regret it. Lastly, but certainly not least, giving back is the most important thing you can
do to show you are thankful for someone or something. When you give back to someone, not only do you make the person feel great but it makes you feel great as well. Knowing you made someone’s day just by giving back what they gave to you or something like they gave to you is an amazing feeling. Now giving back doesn’t always mean that you give something physical to someone but just helping someone out with something can be an example of giving back. For example, let’s say that your friend helped you out with homework you had been struggling with. Maybe they have homework that they need help with that you understand. Helping them out could be an example of giving back. You were thankful for them helping you so you gave back by helping them. ~ Rylee Thompson
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appiness among the world sprouts between each family in this one day, Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for? Do you know the history behind this Holiday? Well in this article we will talk about this astonishing Day that we spend thinking of the way we give thanks. So read on as we unfold this beautiful truth of this holiday. Thanksgiving is a time where people celebrate what they are thankful for and give back. In 1621 was the first thanksgiving. This holiday was celebrated amongst 90 natives and 53 pilgrims. It was a celebration due to the pilgrims first harvest in the new world. The feast lasted for 3 days and has changed the world ever since. Not only is thanksgiving a time to be thankful it’s a time to give back. Though most people are used to receiving things like presents on holidays it is important to give back. There are a lot of things you can do to help out on holidays.You can volunteer at soup kitchen. Help your family clean up. Invite somone to thanksgiving dinner. Even the simple things can really change someone’s whole holiday. What are you thankful for? In life it’s important to realize all the blessings we were given. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to do just that. You can thank your parents for putting up with you. Or thank your friends for being there for you. In any case it’s important to acknowledge the things we have even if you don’t have much. Thanksgiving, no matter how you celebrate it, is great way to give back and renounce how thankful you are. Doesn’t
matter if you a pilgrim or just a really old person we all have something that celebrate. ~ Meida Brenna
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ife is full of many great gifts and thrills. However, through all this joy it is important to reflect and be thankful for all the blessings that you may have in your life. With the holiday season approaching it is a perfect time to give back to those who have made a positive impact in your life and really show your appreciation towards their efforts. One particular aspect of my life that I am extremely grateful to have is my family. Those in my family are a continuous stream of support and encouragement. Their presence through the good times and bad times have shaped me into the person I am today. My parents have always been an immediate support system and I am extremely fortunate to have them in my life. Although I may not always be very appreciative of all the support I receive, the efforts by my parents do not go unnoticed. I am also thankful for all the the friends and colleagues I have became close with over the years. Some of the best experiences of my life have been with my closest friends. I cherish my relationships with my friends extremely, as they have given me something to look forward to when I go to school or other social events. Spending time with my friends always brings happiness, even on some of the toughest days. I wouldn’t want any other group of people to share these memories with. Giving back is one of the greatest ways to show how much you are thankful for something. Supporting your friends during a difficult time is a great way to give back. It is important to be there for those who need you, especially when they have done the same for you. Also another great way to give back is to do volunteer work for the community. To have your presence be recognized as a positive for the community is a fantastic way to give back while also creating an excellent reputation. Returning the favor is a great way to bring the good karma into your life. Many of us have been truly blessed to be in the situation that we are in. Always remember to take the time to count those blessings, as there are many who are less fortunate. Having this mentality can make the world a better place, as this will create an enjoyable environment. ~ Zachary Hempstead
November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 25
The Kit-Kat Wrapper O
By E. M. James
Join Us for Winter Classes! Intro to Dance
Winter Combo Class
Ages 3-6, Ages 6+, Wednesdays at 5-5:45 pm Wednesdays at 6-6:45 pm Enrollment ends February 1, 2019 Enrollment ends February 1, 2019 $35 per month $35 per month Learn Jazz, Ballet, Learn Jazz, Ballet, Tap & Basic Tumbling & Basic Tumbling Performs in our Spring Recital Performs in our Spring Recital
Intro to Irish Dancing
Ages 8+, Saturdays 10:00-10:55 am Enrollment ends February 1, 2019 $35 per month Learn a basic Introduction to Irish dance. Performs in our Spring Recital, will need black jazz and black tap shoes.
Celebrating Our 35th Year
Dance Session Sampler Class
Ages 3+, Saturdays at 12 pm Classes are Feb 9-March 30 $80 for 8 weeks Learn Jazz, Ballet, Tap & Basic Tumbling *Non-performance Class
Intro to Hip Hop
Ages 5+, Saturdays 11:00-11:45 am Enrollment ends February 1, 2019 $35 per month Learn a basic Introduction to Hip Hop. Performs in our Spring Recital.
For Full Schedule,
Visit DCSMDANCE.COM 26 • Kid-oh! | November/December July/August 2018 2018
1400 Madison Ave #318 507-625-2005
n April 3rd, 2018, at 4:43 pm, Dave was feeling hungry. He was often hungry, as he was a human being and was very capable of feeling hunger, so he decided to go to the vending machine at the end of the hall. He was at the gym, on the elliptical, which makes one tired and hungry quite a bit. He got off the machine, walked past the weight lifters, trotted past the treadmillers, and ran past the runners. He made it to the end of the hall. “Hmmm… what to get?” he said out loud. He opened his wallet. “Seven. Okay, I can get a bag of cheetos, or a bag of chips, or a Cliff bar… I’ll just get a couple kit-kats. I’ll need that boost of sugar after that long workout.” Vincent the Minees cookie had just woken up in the wrapper of one of the kit-kats Dave had gotten. He looked around and realized he wasn’t with his fellow cookies, but rather these ugly, brown wafers! He started trying to kick and flail, but forgot he was a cookie, and realized he wasn’t very capable of moving. So he sat there. Motionless. Until… THE LIGHT! Oh, praise be, the light has shown through th-- wait, this is just a sweaty man! Eeew! “Is that a cookie? Geez, I could’ve gotten the Minees, but I wanted kit-kats. Why is this cookie in here?!” he picked Vincent up, and looked at him. “What should I do with it? Should I eat it? Should I… throw it away?” Eat me, eat me! I’m a cookie, after all! Eat me, man! Dave pocketed Vincent, and walked back to the gym. He started snacking on his candy while getting back on the elliptical. Vincent was getting a little dizzy, and was not quite sure what to do. After about another hour, Dave was back home, on his sofa eating the rest of his kit-kats. Vincent was in Dave’s gym shorts pocket, which were in the laundry. Why won’t he just eat me already? I’m better off a
mushy pile of artificial banana creme than a stinky gym shorts cookie! I bet I’m going to have to go in the washing machine, too! Dave was about to put the load of laundry in when his phone began to ring. He walked over to his phone and answered it. Well, no point in trying to escape now! Well, not that I could anyways I don’t have any arms or legs. I don’t even have a brain! Wait… then how am I talking to myself? I must have an invisible brain! How cool is that?! Well, I’m a super cookie! What if there are more super cookies? And we joined forces to battle the evil things that lurk in the dark corners of the packaging! To in-Minee-ty and beyo-HEY! HEY WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE… Vincent looked around him and realized he was not alone anymore. A lot of loose change was all around him. He must have fallen into another pocket! He started hearing things. WHOOSH! Bloooooop! CLICK! SLAM! SSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHH! The washing machine was starting! Oh no! Well, I guess I did become a mushy artificial banana after all, Vincent thought as the water swept him away. Along the way, he had some very nice conversation with some nice loose change and some grass, and his wish came true! He was mushy! But he knew this was not the end...
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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.
TheYOUNG Saint John’s Bible Traveling HISTORIANS : Explore theExhibition Dakota
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
November/December July/August 2018 | Kid-oh! • 27
Dr. Amy Deehr (right) and her husband David Coleman took this photo last Christmas. When Dr. Deehr was young she hid from photo opportunities.
A parent’s guide to
happy holidays
H
olidays were pretty traditional for me growing up on the Oregon coast. On Christmas Eve, we got together with family and went to the candlelight church service. When we got home, we would take photos in front of the tree. That’s when I went into hiding because I hated having my picture taken! As you know, kids don’t always cooperate with our wishes. For instance, many children cry when they visit Santa. That’s OK. 28 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Amy Deehr, DO, Mankato Clinic Pediatrician
Parents can’t control the holidays, but happy holidays are possible for both you and your children. We begin the season by giving thanks for all we have. Still it’s easy for all of us to be greedy instead of grateful. One way you can encourage gratitude is by helping your children give back. Your family can participate in a toy drive or buy gifts for children and families in need. You can ring the bell for The Salvation Army. There are
many opportunities. Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is busy for families. There are gatherings, shopping, baking and babysitters. Try to keep your routines the same. You can reduce stress by sticking to your child’s sleep and mealtime schedules when you can. Christmas cookies are a holiday ritual from baking to eating those yummy treats! Research shows that humans are naturally drawn to sweet tastes. Lots of sweets can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. Think balance and moderation. At holiday celebrations, make sure there are healthy kid-friendly snacks — veggie trays, cut up fruit, sliced cheese and crackers. Bring boots and snow pants so the kids can go outside and play. Parties can pose hazards for young children. Wine, beer and cocktails tend to flow freely. Make sure alcohol is out of your children’s reach. Appetizers can also be choking hazards for small children whether they are grapes, cherry tomatoes or chunks of meat or cheese. Keep a close eye on what your child is eating. Appetizers can also contain ingredients your child may have an allergy to. When you visit other people’s homes, remember their home may not be childproofed. You may have to watch your child more closely. Tree ornaments may be made of glass. Your children may have access to toys like Legos and other choking hazards. With hugs, kisses and children playing together, germs pass from person to person. Protect your family from the flu by getting a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone over 6 months of age. Once the presents are open and Santa is kicking back, kids can be exhausted from the excitement. They may get frustrated with a new toy or feel let down. A nap or some down time may be all they need. Amid the hustle and bustle, enjoy the moments of wonder and joy your children bring to the season. Happy holidays!
JOIN the MAGS FAMILY! • Recreational Classes for Boys and Girls! • Competitive Teams! • Birthday Parties and Gym Rentals! • Private Lessons! • Open Gyms Friday and Saturday evenings!
Winter Session Dec.3- March 9 • Spring Session March 11- May 25
Call to Register Today! 507-625-6260 MAGSGymnastics.com
May this season inspire your dreams. Devin Krienke, Agent Devin Krienke & Associates, LLC 820 N Riverfront Dr Mankato, MN 56001 Bus: (507) 625-7511 fb.com/devinkrienkeandassociates/
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 008897 – Rev. 10/16 ©2016 – 8773939
Holiday Entertaining & Gift Giving Made Easy!
• Cut Out Christmas Cookies • Elite Steaks & Chops • Elite Holiday Hams Original • Chip Steaks • Oysters • Shrimp • Favorite Wild Rice & Chicken Soup and Many More Varieties! • Gift Packs • Gift Certificates • Shipping
387-2467 Next to Cub West, Mankato
November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 29
It’s that time of the year again….
t a h t Get ozy feeling c at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. A Northwoods Winter… is coming back to take you to a world of simplicity, easy, excitement, and great fun! The beginning of November marks the return of this seasonal exhibit that will help make another long Minnesota winter shorter and warmer. Bring your family to the Children’s Museum to experience the winter wonderland indoors, all while snow shoeing, skiing, or gathering the dogs for a sledding outing. You may build a snowman, ice fish, or participate in a snowball fight. After enjoying the great Minnesota outdoors, gather in front of the fireplace and experience the charm, warmth, and magic of a handcrafted quintessential cabin. There are games, gingerbread cookies to bake, as well as outdoor stories to be shared by the fire. Roast marshmallows, put puzzles together, and look through photo albums. That cozy feeling is right there, at the Children’s Museum in downtown Mankato!
224 Lamm Street, Mankato, MN 56001
507.386.0279
www.cmsouthernmn.org info@cmsouthernmn.org www.facebook.com/cmsouthernmn www.instagram.com/cmsmplay 30 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Museum Hours Good through December 31, 2018
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 am – 5 pm Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm Monday: Closed
Cecil’s Imagineering Loft Hours
Good through December 31, 2018
Thursday: 3 – 6 pm Friday: 3 – 5 pm Saturday: 10 am – 12 pm & 1 – 3 pm Sunday: 1 – 3 pm
November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 31
Gingerbread House Workshop The Gingebread Houses return this year! Bring your family to the Museum on
November 29, December 1, or December 2
and work on a unique house design. You will receive a constructed house and a variety of candy and other foods that can be used as decoration. Enjoy this festive activity and leave the mess behind! Register on the Museum’s website: www.cmsouthernmn.org/events
Breakfast with Santa Mark your calendars for
Saturday, December 8,
to spend the morning with Santa! Eat a delicious breakfast, participate in a variety of festive activities, and visit with the most-wanted guest from the North Pole. Get more details and purchase your tickets on the Museum’s website: www.cmsouthernmn.org/events 32 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo
Saturday, November 10, 10 – 11 am The Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Zoo (RAD Zoo) is coming to the Children’s Museum on Saturday, November 10, at 10 am! The RAD Zoo provides entertaining, educational programs that are fun, engaging, and interactive. The program will be geared towards the Museum’s young audience and will include about 10 different species of fascinating reptiles and amphibians, which may include frogs, salamanders, lizards, turtles, snakes, and possibly a small alligator, too! This program is included with Museum membership or daily admission.
Military Appreciation Day Sunday, November 11, 9 am – 4 pm Military service members—past and current—and their families are invited to play at the Museum at no cost at the upcoming Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 11, from 9 am to 4 pm. Come explore the Museum’s exhibits and participate in hands-on play at no cost! This event is sponsored by Jonny B’s Bar & Beef and Rent MSU.
Build a Bison with Scott Kudelka Friday, November 16, 10 – 11 am
Come to the Museum to learn more about the largest mammal living on the Great Plains, as well as our local bison who live at Minneopa State park. Visitors will have an opportunity to participate in a “Build a Bison” activity with Scott Kudelka, Minneopa Area Naturalist. November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 33
Family Series: Viva Vivaldi
Saturday, November 17, 3:00 pm
Join the Mankato Symphony Orchestra at the Children’s Museum for Viva Vivaldi, a series of four shows designed to introduce children to the delights of classical music. The show will be performed on Saturday afternoons and will feature musicians, actors, storytelling, and musical activities. Come to the Museum an hour ahead of the performance and play at no cost! Mark your calendars for November 17 this year, and January 19 and April 20 of next year for the Mankato Symphony Orchestra concerts. During the week of each Family Series show, the Children’s Museum will host a special program, Igniting STEM Learning Through the InterPLAY of MusicScience-Math, funded by the Xcel Energy Foundation. Leading up to the concert on November 17, enjoy Pizzas & Pies, a program where visitors can play with fractions, beats, and rhythms. This program is included with daily admission or Museum membership.
Inspired by Play Do you know Eli? Eli is super fun and he’s very good at ice fishing inside and outside of the Museum! This time around, however, we wanted to hear about some other important things an 8-year-old would want to share with us.
Eli, what do you like to play?
I like to play tag because it’s really, really fun. I like science, too. I like to do science experiments and I also like robots.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Soccer is my hobby I like outside toys, like my ripsticks, and playing catch with my brother and my dad.
Why is play important?
Playing is important because it gets your heart moving and it makes your brain and your muscles stronger.
What advice would you give other children about the importance of play?
I would tell other kids to play outside more because it gets your energy out.
Do you have a role model? Who?
My role model is my dad because I like science and he likes science. I want to be a scientist and an engineer when I grow up.
34 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
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 have included health challenges and programs for toddlers and their grown-ups, with topics ranging from ways to stay active, healthy snacks, feelings and their exploration, breathing techniques for relaxation, and the importance of sleep. Mayo Clinic Health System is looking forward to helping families stay healthy this winter and in the new year!
Ryan Brower, M.D., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, helped children learn about sensory play during a Toddler Wednesday session at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
Thinking about holiday gifts? Look no further!
Family membership to the Children’s Museum is a gift that will keep on giving all year long! For families who like to visit the Museum on a regular basis a membership is a wonderful way to save money. Having unlimited access to a variety of galleries and exhibits 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, parents, grandparents, and other caregivers. Visitors who like to travel may choose the Museum’s Passport Membership, a package that includes discounts to many other children’s museums in the United States and Canada.
If you are not sure about giving a full year membership, there are gift certificates that can be used towards a membership, camps or workshops, birthday parties, or general admission. During the giving season, it is especially nice to help those in need. You may consider purchasing a membership for a family who cannot afford one. Membership packages start at $108 for the whole year, which is only $9 a month! Check the Museum’s website or call 507.386.0279 to make your selection! November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 35
Meet THE AUTHOR MARY ANN WALDRON
M
By Julie Schrader
ary Ann Waldron grew up on a farm near Sherburn, Minnesota. She taught second grade her entire career in Britt and Esterville, Iowa. After she retired from teaching, she moved to Mankato and is fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an author. Waldron has written four children’s books inspired by her love for animals and her teaching experiences. She always wanted to write, but once she started teaching, “I just didn’t have time for any of that.” The inspiration for her first book, Can Candy Save Christmas, came
from a mother deer and her fawn that frequently visited her yard. The mother would stand up on her hind legs to eat fresh green leaves from the trees. The fawn tried to mimic its mother, fell over and “threw a tantrum”, Waldron said. While watching the fawn, the character of Rosebud and the entire story for the book “just popped into my head,” she said. This story was in Mary Ann’s mind for about 20 years before she finally put it down on paper. She says the process to get her book in print has been a long one, but now as she struggles with illness, she is
happy to see her books come together for kids to enjoy. Waldron’s next book, Can Any Bunny Be An Easter Bunny, was also inspired by wildlife she observed. Waldron said a visiting cousin called her attention to a robin and a rabbit hopping around in her yard, just a few feet apart. Her cousin told her, “I never saw anything like that before. It just doesn’t happen. You need to write a story about it.” And she did. Her next two books are currently in the illustration process. All Messy and Sticky is scheduled for release in 2019, and will be followed by A Wee Bit of Irish Lace.
Meet THE ILLUSTRATOR
MONICA ZRUST Tell us about yourself, Monica.
Several years ago, I retired from a longtime career with the General Electric Company. After which I attended and graduated from South Central’s College’s graphic communications program. I live near St. Peter and I’m a grandmother, with a great love for my family, children and animals.
When did you discover your passion for drawing? rs. Claus” Monica and “M
I have always had a passion for drawing and the art of creativity.
36 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
What was your favorite book/ books or author growing up? My own favorite childhood book was “Mouse House” by Rumer Godden.
Did you have a favorite illustrator growing up? Is there an artist/illustrator who inspired you?
I can’t recall a favorite author or illustrator, but I remember always being fascinated by how the illustrations and sketches in a book bring the characters to life.
What kind of research do you do to prepare?
I usually prepare to illustrate a story by first reading the book and then researching the subject online or at the library. If the story was about an animal (let’s use a squirrel for example), I may even go sit on a bench at a local park and watch similar subjects frolic and play to help generate ideas for my sketches. Then I layout and organize my rough sketches to convey my ideas to the author and publisher.
How did you get started illustrating children’s books and what was the first book you illustrated?
I used retirement as an opportunity to go back to school and focus on something I loved. I learned how to use artistic software and to draw on a computer. While still in school I worked with several other students illustrating a children’s book by Michele Breza, The Star, a Christmas story that was published in 2015.
What sort of media do you work with?
I mostly like to draw and paint, but also enjoy doing ceramics, sewing, woodworking and some metal art.
What is the name of the first book you illustrated and when was it published?
Since graduation I have spent the past several years working with a local author, Mary Ann Waldron. We have completed two books together; Can Candy Save Christmas? published in 2016, and Can Any Bunny Be an Easter Bunny? published in 2018.
Does the author or publisher tell you what to draw or do you use your imagination when illustrating a book?
Illustrating a story is a collaboration of the author, illustrator and publisher working together as a team to make the author’s original vision a reality. Mary Ann and I usually get together with the publisher, Julie Schrader and share ideas on how to make the pictures define and help tell the story.
Which one of your character illustrations would you like to meet in real life and why?
I think in these books I most admire, Carob the bunny. The book shows him overcoming being bullied as he grows up, while never losing sight of the things that are important, his family, good friends and following his dreams.
What do you like most and least about being an artist?
My favorite thing about being an artist is the ability to earn money having a career doing something I love. The hardest thing about being an artist is that not everyone has the same vision as you do and you may have to make changes. Others may criticize your work.
If you didn’t draw, what would you do for work?
I would continue to draw anyway, so it’s nice this can be my career path.
What is your advice for kids who want to be an artist or illustrator?
If you are interested in a career as an artist, just keep drawing and practicing, honing your skills to develop your own style. Never be afraid to follow your dreams.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working together with author Mary Ann Waldron on a third book, Messy and Sticky which should be for sale in early 2019. This is a fantasy story about a magical night when the northern lights danced across an old silversmith’s table bringing the utensils to life.
Meet Monica Zrust and Candy Claus Nov. 3, 2018 Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street, Mankato
Can Candy Save Christmas book reading, books for sale, and have your picture taken with Candy Claus!
November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 37
DIY
Brought to you by
No-Sew y a d i l o H s e m o Gn This no-sew Norwegian Gnome is all the rage in this year’s holiday décor and are a fun easy to make project. They can be simplified for the
youngest of makers and a great idea for an inexpensive handmade gift!
Materials: • Felt • Fake Fur • Small wooden beads • Small terracotta pot, wooden spool or other object you find that could work for a body 38 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
I would love to see your finished projects! Tag Salvage Sisters mercantile on IG or Salvage Sisters Mankato on Facebook
Instructions: Step 2
Glue the top edge of the beard to the top edge of the wooden “body” to Glue the top edge of the beard to the top edge of the body.
Step 3
Step 1
Hot Glue the nose on to the front of the beard, leaving a little space from the top edge of the beard. Use the fur to help cover any excess glue.
Start by cutting a beard that is appropriate for the size of your body. Cut the fake fur from the back side of the fabric to keep the strands of fur uncut.
Step 4
Cut a felt triangle to the size you would like the hat, Roll it into a cone, hot glue it shut and trim off the edges. It should fit over the top of the “body” easily without much wiggle room.
Step 5
Use trim or decorations of your choice to decorate them for the holidays.
Step 6
Display your gnome on shelves or in a table centerpiece! November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 39
Paper Dolls
Carefully Cut-Out Paper Dolls
40 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
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 2018 | Kid-oh! • 41
Jokes Q:
Q:
Why did the farmer run a steamroller over his potato field on Thanksgiving Day? A. He wanted to raise mashed potatoes A. Lucky.
Q: Why did the cranberries turn red? A. Because they saw the turkey dressing!
What do cool snowmen wear on their heads? A. Ice caps.
What do snowmen eat for lunch?
A. Snowflakes.
What did the snowman’s hat say to the scarf? A. You hang around while I go on ahead.
Q: What sort of cakes do snowmen like? A. The ones with thick icing!
42 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Q: Where do snowmen go to dance? A. Snowballs.
Q:
Q: A.Ice-bergers.
A. Peach gobbler!
Which cereal do healthy snowmen have for breakfast?
A. A turkey.
What do you call a turkey on the day after Thanksgiving?
Q:
Q:
A. “Wobble, wobble!”
Q
What is a turkey’s favorite dessert?
Q: What key has legs and can’t open doors?
:
Q:
What sound does a limping turkey make?
What are you Thankful for?
crossword
Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally & diagonally throughout the puzzle. Use the following words below: CANDLES DECORATE GATHERING MIRACLE SNOW CAROLS DREIDEL HOLIDAY MISTLETOE SURPRISE CELEBRATE EGGNOG HOLLY NEW YEAR TINSEL CHANUKAH ENTERTAIN HOSTESS PRESENTS TOAST CHOIR FAMILY HUGS RESOLUTION TREE CHRISTMAS FEAST ILLUMINATE SHOPPING WINTER COUNTDOWN FRIENDS JOYOUS SMILE YULE
SEASONS GRE ETINGS WORD SEARCH
44 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Solution on Page 53
What is going on at the Gingerbread house?
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Look at the pictures below and see if you can find 12 differences.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 46 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
Solution on Page 53
March/April 2018 | Kid-oh! • 47
L-R: Price, Rosie, and Grace McPherson. Photo by Marie McPherson.
DEEP VALLEY YOUNG WRITER & ARTIST COMPETITION T
By Julie Schrader
he Deep Valley Young Writer and Artist Competition is sponsored by the Deep Valley Book Festival and is open to students ages 7-18. Last spring students were asked to submit artwork or stories for the competition.
Young Artists
Students were required to choose their favorite book and illustrate a quote from the book for the young artist competition. Hope Cook, the director of the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato, was the judge for the artist entries.
Young Writers
Students were required to write a story in 1500 words or less using the theme “Strength”, for the young writer competition. The entries were judged by Rebecca Fjelland Davis, Kirstin Cronn-Mills, Rachael Hanel, and Shelley Tougas, members of a local writer’s group, Siblings in Ink.
Winners were chosen for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and awards presented at the Deep Valley Book Festival at the Mankato Event Center on October 13th. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered the 2018 Deep Valley Young Writer and Artist Competition! 48 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
We’re proud to share the Deep Valley Young Artist Competition award winning entries. Age Group 7-8
1st Place - Price MacPherson (age 8) Book Title: The Mouse and the Motorcycle Quote: [Ralph] climbed up the telephone cord and ran to the rwo of cards. There on the end of it was the motorcycle! Ralph stared at it and kicked a tire. Close up the motorcycle looked even better than he expected. It was a new and shiny and had a good set of tires. 2nd Place - Sarah Pottenger (age 8) Book Title: Fairy Boat Quote: Fairy boat sailing upright over the dam. 3rd Place - Elsa Schrader (age 8) Book Title: To the Stars, Isabelle Quote: “Dance with me!” It was a voice I couldn’t resist.
Age Group 9-10
1st Place - Jadynn Meerbeek (age 10) Book Title: The Legend of the Mountain Dragon, the Protector of the Peaks Quote: The protector was like no other. He had wings as long as ten full grown anacondas stretched head to tail. His claws were as long as palm leaves. He had teeth like daggers. His scales were amber, golden, and almond brown in color. He was the Mountain Dragon. He used his power and strength to protect.
Age Group 11-12 years
1st Place - Madeline Schoenstedt (age 11) Book Title: The Secret Garden Quote: “There was every joy on earth in the garden that morning.” 2nd Place - Kennedy Krueger (age 11) Book Title: The Thing About Jellyfish Quote: When something happens, that no one can explain, it means you have bumped up against the edge of human knowledge. And that is when you need science.
2nd Place - Rose MacPherson (age 10) Book Title: Anne of Green Gables Quote: “You don’t want me!” she cried. “You don’t want me because I’m not a boy! I might have expected it. Nobody ever did want me. I might have known it was all too beautiful to last. Oh, what shall I do? I’m going to burst into tears!”
3rd Place - Grace MacPherson (age 12) Book Title: Emily of New Moon Quote: He had recited his poems a hundred times hence, as he boiled the pigs potatoes…[an] unromantic name for a most romantic occupation — or so it seemed to Emily… who…loved these evenings…Ilse and Teddy came, too, on some evenings…sometimes Teddy…drew pictures by the light of the fire. They had wonderful evenings there, those four children.
3rd Place - Brynley Belling (age 9) Book Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Quote: Next moment, thirty or forty letters came pelting out of the fireplace like bullets.
Age Group 14-15 (no entries) November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 49
Age Group 15-19
We’re proud to share the Deep Valley Young Artist Competition award winning entries, with a quote from their stories. The full stories can be downloaded on our website: www.deepvalleybookfestival.com.
Age Group 7-8:
Age Group 9-10:
1st Place - Tobin Gangi The Famous Cat Mystery Almost instantly, a door opened in front of him. The first things he saw in this room were the words Big Cat and 5 pairs of l0O lb. weights. Right then, he heard a loud distant “Meow!” Jack thought that the meow sounded like Whisker’s meow. He ran through door after door wanting to find his cat, but could not reach the noise. Finally, he opened a door with a yellow doorknob and found himself face-to-face with a cat that looked just like Whiskers but much bigger. “Meow! Meow! Meow! Meow!” it said angrily. Jack was scared. He wanted to run away, but his body wouldn’t let him.
1st Place - Olivia Foster (age 11) Toby Then I heard footsteps in the hallway. I started to wag my tail as soon as Rachel turned the corner and was facing me, standing in the doorway. The sun was casting onto her back, outlining her with pure light. “Mom, he’s awake.” she called back down the hallway. Rachel came over and kneeled down right next to me. My tail wagged even harder. I tried to make it stop, but I was to overjoyed. I think sometimes that it has a mind of its own. Is that possible? “Woah bud, your tail is going crazy. You doing better? I hope.” said Rachel. Then Mrs. Hambock came walking into the house den. “Hope he is doing better. He took quite a hit.” said Mrs. Hambock.”Me too. I can’t wait for the presentation at the school in May.” said Rachel. What’s a school? I thought.
2nd Place Price MacPherson (age 8) The Brave Knight Once upon a time there was a strong knight whose name Sir William. He lived in a kingdom by a forest, where giants lived. He fought giants, and always won. One day, the giants stole peoples’ food. Sir William knew they needed food or else they would starve, so he carefully went into the forest with his sword at his side. 1st Place - Kira Sims (age 16) Book Title: Words on Bathroom Walls Quote: “See you on Wednesday, right?” 2nd Place - Katie Samek (age 15) Book Title: What the Moon Saw Quote: “Here in Yucuyoo we have a saying: The land is our body and its streams are our blood. And its waterfalls, our pulse.”
3rd Place - Hailey Bouldin (age 8) The Forbidden Book After school got out I remembered I forgot to lock the forbidden book. Now everything will get out like mermaids, trolls, aliens, and strong things! This time all the sorcerers were gone. I had to do this on my own. I know how to get rid of them without my wand. It will be hard but I can do it. First, I need some candy, gold, and shiny things. I’ll place them on a large rock and everything that comes out of the book will want some. The forbidden book will be behind the candy, gold, and shiny things. When they come to take some, they will be sucked into the book!
50 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
2nd Place - Cami Schuh (age 9) My Adventure to the Dog House When we got there I took a nervous breath and got out of the car. There’s no turning back now, I thought. When I walked up to the front door, Jessica was jumping up and down because she was so excited. All of a sudden I was in Jessica’s room. I felt relieved when Jessica told me she had put her dog in his cage. She asked if we could play with the dog sometime. 3rd Place -Jordan Brown (age 9) Lights…Camera, Freeze! After the introduction, it was my turn. I took a deep breath and walked out. Out of the corner of my eye I see a lot of people watching. I couldn’t remember what my lines where, and then I froze up, and run off stage. I blew it! It feels like my heart has been ripped out, and it was my fault. I see Sage. “Swan Legend will be closing because of me and I embarrassed myself.” “That happens to everyone. There’s still time and I know you can do it!” says Hope. “I don’t want Swan Legend to close so yes!” I say. “Just remember stay calm.” says Sage, rushing me on the
stage. When it’s my turn to speak, I almost freeze up but I remember what Hope told me, “stay calm.” Then strangely I remember my lines.
Age Group 11-12: 1st Place - Sarah Sabrie 95 Days of Strength I woke up the next morning, and A Keema wasn’t anywhere in sight. That was it. I was all on my own. The thought of the last 95 days put me in tears. After all that I’ve been through. Then I felt some shaking in my pocket. There was only 1 thing in my pocket. My diary. I reached into my pocket for my diary and pulled it out. It was shaking vigorously, and I saw some white light coming from inside of it. I opened it up and my vision went white. All my life flashed through my eyes. Until this day, June 13, 1932. Then I saw one-word flash across my eyes. Strength. My vision went back to normal. I, Nia Elizabeth Thompson had hope. 2nd Place - Grace MacPherson The Strongest Animal of All One day, many years ago, a great gray elephant was running through a meadow. The sun shone cheerfully down on him, and even the flowers seemed to be smiling. I am the strongest animal of all, he thought, very satisfied with himself. He stomped his feet happily. “Oh, please be careful!” he heard a tiny voice say from right below his reckless feet. “Who’s that?” he asked, squinting down at the ground. He was very nearsighted, as all elephants are, and was not able to see who the speaker was. 3rd Place (tie) Samira Sabrie and Sam Pottenger Samira Sabrie (age 12) The Letter It was supposed to be a relaxing family cruise but it turned out to be stressful, they have never seen anything like the staff here. The family went somewhere away from all the staff and captain to relax, Haley, Max, Julie and Jon went to the side of the ship to look at the nice view they saw a beautiful island it was amazing. It was the middle of the night and the Andersons started to head back to their rooms, but they didn’t go far until they were all
grabbed by their hands and pushed to the floor. Sam Pottenger (age 12) Strength Equals Friendship Don’t you just hate Mondays? They always seem to be the saddest day of the week for most middle school kids. For Tom this was especially true because his weekend was the worst ever. Utterly horrible.
Age Group 13-14: 1st Place - Maria Dembouski I Got This We all sat at the table and passed around the fish. My grandpa smiled proudly. “I caught them myself.” I remembered grandpa struggling to get the bait on the hook with his shaky hands. My dad had offered to help but my grandpa had declined saying, “I got this.” I watched him struggle against his disease as soon as he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He never gave up on his everyday schedule, always struggling to finish his routine. He always did. However, his disease was getting worse and he could tell. We all could. 2nd Place - Rachel Evans Make Me Strong I drop my phone, and it bounces off the tile and under the door. Drat. Come on, God. Are You trying to embarrass me tonight? Make my anxiety flare up so I can definitely not control it? I open the stall door and grab my phone, then wash my hands and walk back into the hallway. The guy stands in a circle of people a few feet away. He glances around, his gaze resting on me. He pulls away from the group and approaches me. 3rd Place (tie) Emily Dittmer and Gretl Holz Emily Dittmer Berry, Flower, Bird The full moon shone down through the trees, illuminating the female lynx like a spotlight. She had to move quickly, for she had heard word of a creature called an Everhunter. They were not nocturnal, but sometimes they stayed up all night just for fun. They had huge smoke-breathing monsters that did whatever the Everhunters wanted; and the most horrible thing of all, they hunted everything.
Gretl Holz Chosen It all started at the meeting. I didn’t want to go to the meeting; I didn’t even want to become Queen. I would have happily given up my spot at the throne if it meant my dear beloved father would stay with me longer. But I couldn’t. I couldn’t choose my future, my friends, anything. My whole life was already planned, lying out before me on a looming scroll of thick, ink-black paper, written in starch white ink. Impossible to change.
Age Group 15-17
1st Place - Lauren Bryant Strong Enough To Survive When the explosions reached the floor Becky and Luke were on the blast threw them into the wall of the stairwell. They were stunned and in that critical second of inaction, the building began to crumble around them. As the crushing mass of concrete and rebar fell on them Luke realized he was wrong. He was strong enough to survive this, but Becky wasn’t. 2nd Place - Autumn Schwertfeger Strength Strength. It’s a word that has many definitions. From one person to another, strength is a completely different story about how it can be found. I found strength in a very unique way, by power in words. Hope brings me to keep on moving forward. Being strong and being able to show that, is something that can never be replaced. Even when times still get tough, I always think about how far I’ve come. Strength isn’t something that happens right away, rather strength is something you gain as you go. With many ups and downs you live with, and all the worries and fears you conquer. It proves to you that you are a strong, courageous, and a fierce person!
November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 51
Supa Dupa Comics By Kasyn Zuehlke, age 11)
“NOT QUITE DONE”
52 • Kid-oh! | November/December 2018
SEASONS GRE ETINGS WORD SEARCH
SOLUTIONS FROM PAGE 44
POT THE DIFFERENCE
ok at the pictures below and see if you can find 12 differences.
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Call TODAY for a tour! FROM PAGE 46
Come see where your child will explore the world of learning through play which will prepare them for Kindergarten!
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November/December 2018 | Kid-oh! • 53
THE BIGGEST CARE FOR THE SMALLEST PATIENTS.
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