SPRING 2015
n r a e L
y a l P and
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM SNEAK PEEK
MEET
MILES & HENRY REINITZ!
YOU CAN READ ABOUT THEIR FAMILY INSIDE.
RAISING A FARM FAMILY–
e l y t S l o o h c Old S SPRING INSPIRED
Crafts
YOGA POSES FOR
kids!
HOW DO YOU DO IT?
A Busy Mom’s Tale
Fancy Pants
SHORTS AND SANDALS SEASON IS NEAR!
nosh
COOKING WITH YOUR KIDS
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MANKATO, MN PERMIT 7
Thanks for letting us be a part of this project!
Super Hero Camp
August 4-5 12:30-3:00 pm (4 yr. olds and up) Get ready for adventure and non-stop action at Super Hero Camp. This camp includes fun games, snack and a cool super hero show we put on for all the parents at the end of camp! Tuition: $50 before May 1, $60 After May 1
Contents
4 6 8
Hello Page The Buzz Raising A Farm FamilyOld School Style
13 Paws 14 Dollars and Sense 16 Be Healthy 18 Be Active 19 How Do You Do It?
2 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
20 hOMie 22 Fancy Pants 26 Nosh 27 Pen Names 28 Pages 30 The Children’s Museum 36 Flicks 37 Powder’s Pages 46 Be Crafty
SMILE Specialized care tor your children and teenagers
PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT DENTISTRY
T
d l i h C r u o Y r o F e r a C t s e Mankato he B
(507) 387-4078 New Ulm (507) 354-8943
www.kidswillsmile.com Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 3
MArch 2015 • VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER James P. Santori
EDITOR Ginny Bergerson
H
ello Kid–oh’s! I just love saying this, one more time...“hello Kid-oh’s!” What fun is this? Our premier issue of Kid-Oh! – our family magazine with a focus on children and parenting for Southern Minnesota – is finally here. And what a great resource to learn more about the families and events of Greater Mankato and have a little fun doing it. We certainly hope this brings a smile to everyone’s faces when you open up your mailbox. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up on a family farm? Raise your children in a beautiful setting with chickens, pigs and a gigantic garden to boot? We take you to The Henderson Farms where Sam, Miles and Henry do just that, be sure to check out page 8. You will also discover the magic of the Children’s Museum in each issue and see what is happening in the upcoming months including their Grand Opening on May 1. Did you know the museum started at a small table in the Madison East Mall by Peter Olson? We are ecstatic about partnering with them on their progress, events, and all the fun that comes with it. The hope is to cover many things to include education, health care, craft, events, recipes and much more. Turn the pages and meet Powder! He is bringing “Powder’s Pages” to your home – hidden objects, puzzles, coloring pages and stories for kids’ fun only – sorry, no adults allowed! Although I do not have children, I am a lover of arts, crafts, color, imagination, learning, social media, games, sports, and playtime. I’m looking forward to sharing the resources at my fingertips for this new endeavor and I must say, this is one of the most creative, fun projects I have been involved with in a very long time. I would be remiss if I did not mention the time and effort put into this by our advertising and creative staff with a tipped hat to Jordan Greer. She has worked tirelessly to make sure this is a superb product, with great images, stories and layout – kudos to you, Jordan! We also intend to keep our eyes and ears open to all parents, sponsors, and mostly you the readers on what you would like to see in upcoming issues. Kid-Oh! will appear quarterly in your mailbox, and on select newsstands in Greater Mankato just in case you need another one… Now, let’s get winter behind us and get outside and play! Ginny Bergerson
Associate Editor/Artistic Director Jordan Greer CONTRIBUTORS Marianne Carlson Pet Expo/The Paw Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union Mankato Clinic, Children’s Health Center Holly Dodge Mankato Family YMCA Charley’s Restaurant Sophie Gatchell Blue Earth County Library The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Once Upon A Child Damien Friesz Erika Lo Windsy Schultz Burt Mattson Amy Sinning PHOTOGRAPHER Rhonda Milbrett PAGE DESIGNER Christina Sankey ADVERTISING MANAGER Ginny Bergerson ADVERTISING Sales Jordan Greer Marianne Carlson Josh Zimmerman Danny Creel Paige Hoehn Deb Petterson Jen Wanderscheid Theresa Haefner Matt Houselog ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Barb Wass ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Christina Sankey Sue Hammar CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Denise Zernechel Kid-Oh! Magazine is published by The Free Press Media quarterly at 418 South Second St., Mankato MN 56001.
P.S. Make sure to “like” us on Facebook to keep up with Kid-oh! news in between issues! 4 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
For editorial and advertising inquiries, call Jordan Greer 507-344-6337, jgreer@mankatofreepress.com To be included in future Kid-Oh! mailings, call 507-625-4451, ext. 7
THE NAME YOU KNOW AND TRUST
FAMILY FUN TIME AT THE HISTORY CENTER
For 60 years McGowan Water Conditioning has been serving Mankato and Southern Minnesota with water treatment services and products to provide clean water for healthy living. • Filtration Systems • Water Softeners • Reverse Osmosis • UV Lights • Water Heaters
Visit the Pioneer Cabin! $5 adults, $2 kids (5-7) under 5
FREE!
401 El 361 eano 388-3 ) r Str 7 0 (5 eet | om | Mankato, MN | McGowanWater.c
Young Historians
IT’S FREE!
Hands-on history workshops for school-age children
2nd Saturday of Each Month (through May 10)
10A.M. - NOON
MARCH 14 Homefront during WWII APRIL 11 Technology Advances 1950’s to Present
424 WARREN STREET MANKATO, MN History Center Hours: Tues-Friday 9-5 · Sat 10-4
bechshistory.com 507-345-5566 Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 5
The Buzz
4 4 March
Moo! Trunk Shows 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM 100 East Main Street
Author David LaRochelle and illustrator Mike Wohnoutka will present their book, Moo!, as part of Minnesota’s Once Upon a Reader program. One show at 9:30 am; second show at 1:30 pm. Once Upon a Reader is designed for Pre-K children to promote early literacy skills and to encourage young children and their parents to read together. www.beclibrary.org
7&8
Mayba Fest at the Riverhills Mall Join us at the Mall to learn more about our program and to register your child for the 2015 season. www.mayba.com
14
BECHS Young Historians-Homefront During WWII • 10am Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street Blue Earth County Historical Society presents its Young Historians series for elementary and middle school children. Pre-registration required. bechshistory.com
6 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
April
Betsy-Tacy House Tours/Gift Shop Open 332 & 333 Center Street, Mankato Take a step back in time to experience the childhood homes of author Maud Hart Lovelace and her best friend Frances “Bick” Kenney at the turn of the century. www.betsy-tacysociety.org
25
Girls On The Run Sibley Park, Mankato On-site registration, Happy Hair and Face Painting begins at 8:00 am. Kid’s K begins at 9:30 a.m. 5K Race begins at 10:00 a.m. www.mankatoywca.org/girls-runspring-5k-0
25 9-19 The Pirates of Penzance
Ted Paul Theatre of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, Minnesota State Mankato www.mnsu.edu/theatre
11
BECHS Young Historians-Technology Advances 1950s to Present • 10am Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street Blue Earth County Historical Society presents its Young Historians series for elementary and middle school children. Pre-registration required. bechshistory.com
Derby Girls • 7pm Verizon Wireless Center Home opener vs. Roller Underground, Virginia, MN Verizon Wireless Center mankatoareaderbygirls.com
25
11 am Hayden Go SeekThe Donkey Mankato YMCA Enjoy the last of four hilarious and fun filled performances based on Hayden’s String Quartets with the German composer and the MSO String Quartet. Suitable for all ages. Each child takes home a gift and a snack at the end of the show. ALL AGES. mankatoymca.org
May
1&2 Children’s Museum Grand Opening
Come help us celebrate our new museum! cmsouthernmn.org
3
Peter Pan • 2:00 & 6:00 Fine Arts Youth Dance Theater Mankato West High School Fine Arts Youth Dance TheaterMankato Ballet Mankato West High School www.fineartsballet.org
7-10
Thu 7, Fri 7, Sat 12, 3:30 , 7, Sun 1 & 5. Dance Express Spring Recital • Mankato West High School DanceExpressMankato. com DanceExpressMankato.com
16
2015 City Art Walking Sculpture Tour Installation • 10am Come out and see the 5th installation of sculpture in City Center Mankato and North Mankato. www.citycentermankato.com
9
BECHS Young Historians-Tour of the Blue Earth County History Center and Museum 10am Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street Blue Earth County Historical Society presents its Young Historians series for elementary and middle school children. Pre-registration required. bechshistory.com
30
Mankato Derby Girls
Home vs. Dames of Anarchy, Mason City, IA Verizon Wireless Center mankatoareaderbygirls.com
At Lil’ Bee’s Learning Center our childcare program is much more than a daycare. We implement the preschool experience and educational elements into our childcare practices, ensuring your child leaves here fully prepared for the classroom. pr
GIVE US A BUZZ! Now Enrolling Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Children.
507-720-6441 bb@lilbeesmankato.com 1821 Bassee Drive, Suite 103 (Behind Mankato Sam's Club)
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 7
Raising A
Farm family
OLD school
style By Marianne Carlson
8 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
A
thin layer of snow and ice is melting, slowly turning the frozen dirt to mud.
Two curious pigs stick their snouts through a fence while a brood of chickens roam freely from their pen into the yard and back again. Henry (9) and Miles (6) jump out of their family’s mini-van and race each other into the house. Sam (2) runs to keep up with his brothers, followed quickly by his parents, Josh and Sally Reinitz. Josh and Sally run East Henderson Farm, located on the bluffs of the Minnesota River near scenic Henderson, MN. The farm site and fields are nestled among mature trees, deep ravines, and crop fields that are typical of a southern Minnesota River Valley farm.
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 9
“When the trees are full of leaves in the summer I can walk out on the deck and I can’t see any sign of human civilization,” Josh said. “It is so quiet and peaceful. I love it.” Josh grew up on this 40-acre farm in Henderson. His great-grandfather bought the farm for his son so he could raise Josh’s dad there. Now Josh and Sally are raising the fifth generation of Reinitz children on that same piece of land. Of course, times have changed and they are doing things their own way.
What is a CSA?
Josh and Sally grow certified organic produce for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership and wholesale to local restaurants. They are also one of the main suppliers of organic vegetables for St. Peter Food Co-op. When available, they have maple syrup, wild edibles, chickens for meat and eggs, grass fed and humanely treated beef, and this year, they even have pork. CSA members prepay for a bushel of organic vegetables that are available from mid-June until the end of October. Members can receive a bushel of organic vegetables every week or every other week, depending on the needs of each family. “We literally do hands on planting. That means every broccoli plant is placed in the soil by hand. 10 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
This is not a job where you punch in or punch out,” Josh Reinitz declared with a smile. “You are always working and you are always home. Work and life just blend together into a lifestyle.”
Getting Started
The farm crisis of the 1980s had a big impact on Josh when he was growing up. “Big farms got bigger and small farms got smaller until most of them just went under,” Josh said. “Then they started clearing the trees and wetlands and turning them into farmland. I guess that is why I went into Natural Resource Management at the U of M. I just wanted to preserve the landscape that I loved so much.” When he left for college in the Twin Cities, Josh
never intended on being a farmer. After getting his degree, he envisioned a career with the Department of Natural Resources. Josh embraced the life of a city slicker for several years, but after meeting Sally and realizing the corporate world wasn’t for him, he returned to Henderson and began hobby farming and working as a carpenter. Sally, a city girl from South Minneapolis, also gave the corporate world a try. “I worked in a corner cubical in the IDS building in Minneapolis and I hated it,” Sally said. “That is when I decided to go to Dakota County Technical for Landscape Horticulture.” A few years later, Josh built a house on the farm for his young family and decided to start a full-time farming business. His father still lives in the old farmhouse and has helped tremendously in getting them started in farming.
The Wonder
On the coffee table sits what appears to be a Spartan helmet, skillfully constructed from cardboard and duct tape. Next to it lays a large cardboard sword, the blade and handle wrapped tightly with duct tape. Henry, 9, picks up the helmet and slides it over his head. It is a perfect fit. Miles, 6, jumps out from behind a chair and raises his own cardboard sword up in the air as a sort of challenge to his big brother. Henry doesn’t hesitate. The dual is on. After the battle subsides, the boys show off their cardboard armor and weapons. They are big fans of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. “I’ve learned that anything can be a light saber,” Josh said with a laugh. Miles disappears and returns wearing a white uniform with a belt around his waist. “And we do karate,” Miles said with a huge smile and demonstrating a punch in the air. “We wanted to find an activity that would challenge the boys both physically and mentally,” Josh said. “They get to burn off some steam, but they are also learning self control and discipline.” Winter is tough on the three Reinitz boys, especially the two oldest, Sally said. “They spend the entire summer outside so it is hard for them to be stuck inside all winter,” she said. When asked what he likes best about growing up on a farm, Henry, 9, said, “I like exploring. Right now I have four bases and the tree house will be five.” Sally smiled and explained that “a base” is a secret fort. “We are going to build a tree house this spring,” Josh said. “Henry and Miles are pretty excited.” Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 11
Finding frogs, building dams out of branches and rocks and inventing imaginary worlds is just a typical summer day on East Henderson Farm. “Last summer they built a teepee,” Sally said. “It was really impressive. We are very lucky. A lot of kids don’t get this.” Josh said his sons have a lot of creative energy and he wants to keep that wonder alive. As parents, he and Sally have consciously decided to limit the boys’ exposure to technology. “Right now we just want our kids to be kids,” Josh said. “We want to let the world lead them instead of looking at the world on a screen,” Sally added.
The Reality Of Farming
There is no relaxing. Even now, in early February, Josh and Sally are preparing for spring. Josh spends most of the winter in the workshop, fixing the tractor or doing woodworking for extra money. Sally works at a local restaurant in Henderson during the winter months. She is currently updating the website as a way to keep her CSA members informed of new changes and hopefully, reach new members.
An Ethical Choice
The Reinitz have a passion for sustainability, community development, building restoration, and local history. The house and almost all of the farm buildings have been moved in or re-built from salvaged lumber. “There is already enough stuff in the world,” Josh said. “Why spend money on something new if we can build it or fix it.”
Sally’s grandparents farmed outside of Mankato so growing up she had a somewhat romantic idea of farming – swinging on a tire swing in the front yard and jumping in piles of hay in the hay loft. But …
Josh and Sally have a deep appreciation for the natural world and ecology. They produce organic vegetables without the use of chemicals for pest control and they use all natural, local fertilizers.
“The reality is, that it is non-stop from sun up to sun down,” Sally said. “It is dirty. There is mud and since we have animals, there is poop. Plus we tend to form a relationship with our animals and then we have to kill them and eat them.”
“This is what we believe in and our family provides an example,” Josh said with smile. “We feel very connected. The choices we have made are a lifestyle and we are living it on purpose.”
12 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Contributed by The Paw/Pet Expo
So you want to add a pet to your
Paws
? y l i m a f d e d exten
G
reat idea! Pets teach us about responsibility, friendship and how to care for others. But your choice is not going to be an easy one. At Pet Expo we have animals big or small, furry or full of scales, animals with the ability to fly or fish to swim around sunken castles. Now the fun part of your new pet adventure begins. Let’s say you want to choose a furry new playmate. A bunny or guinea pig would be a great idea if you have the space for them. Both take a little bit of room and need a large cage with plenty of space for their food and water, as well as a dome for them to sleep under. Guinea pigs eat a pellet food with vitamin c (the good stuff that is in oranges) and fresh hay every day. Rabbits require a little more space since they get larger than guinea pigs but eat a similar type of food specially made for them. Sometimes if the bunny has long hair they need to be brushed just like our hair in order to keep it from getting all messy and tangled. If you don’t have enough space for a rabbit or guinea pig but you still want a mammal then maybe you should think about a hamster or gerbil. Hamsters and gerbils can live in smaller wire cages with tunnels for them to play around and running wheels for exercise. There are many types of hamsters and gerbils to choose from and all make great pets, however, some of them are faster and harder to hold, so make your decision carefully. But never grab a gerbil by its tail, it can hurt them and we don’t want to hurt our new furry buddy.
those at a Pet Store, are only going to get as long as 3 or 4 feet. A snake only has to eat it’s supper once a week. Most eat mice or rats. If you want a snake for a pet make sure you have plenty of space for a big tank and make sure to only handle it with supervision. All reptiles are cold blooded and need heat lamps to keep them warm, much like blankets keep us warm during the winter.
Birds make great pets-- if you don’t mind the noise. Our feathered friends are some of the most social and expressive of any of the animals available. They also require a lot of interaction from their human family too. If you know how to whistle there are many types of birds that can learn to copy you with some practice. Fish are another great pet option and can help stimulate our imaginations. We have hundreds of types of fish at Pet Expo from the one-fish-per-tank betta, to community fish like the ultra-colorful glofish and even crabs that can grow corals (living rocks) right on their back. Although fish aren’t as interactive as other pets they are still great additions to any home. Ok friends I didn’t have room to talk about all the great pets we have at Pet Expo but I hope you have had fun reading this and maybe we have made your decision a bit easier. Stop on in and ask to hold one of our animals and who knows, maybe even take home a new family member.
Now if you don’t want small fuzzy friends, then maybe you want a reptile, a pet with scales and skin that usually reside in glass aquariums. Reptiles can be divided into a few different categories but the most common pets are lizards and geckos or snakes. Lizards and geckos are going to take some getting used to, they eat crickets or other bugs. A few of them even eat salads full of leafy lettuce and other vegetables or fruits. Some geckos climb glass! Snakes are pets that aren’t going to be for everyone. Some snakes can get very large. Certain snakes can even get longer than a car or trucks. But most snakes, especially Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 13
Dollars & Sense Raising
Contributed by Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
Financially Savvy Kids “M
Faith • academic excellence • leadership • service
om, I want that!” “Dad, can I get this?” “Why can’t I just get a new one?” Have you ever heard your child utter those words? Or maybe you have heard someone else’s child complaining as you rolled by with your little one in the stroller thinking, “That isn’t going to happen to me.” Well, you are right, it doesn’t have to happen to you if you work to help your children understand how to be financially savvy at a young age. Children typically learn from observation and imitation than through any other method. So, as you do your best to make sound financial decisions, your children will see, and often emulate, your commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Outside of being an example for your children, however, you can begin talking to them about fiscal responsibility at any time. But, once you decide it is time to start teaching, what should you emphasize?
Lesson #1: Money has value.
One of the first lessons to teach children is that money has value. Whether you have millions of them, or only a few, one dollar is one dollar. It has the same purchasing potential regardless of who is holding it. As children learn that money has value, you can further that discussion by explaining how they can acquire things they need and want buy using money.
Lesson #2: Understand the difference between “wants” and “needs.” While this may be a different discussion depending on your station in life, it is important for your child to understand that not everything he or she “wants” to have is needed. For example, you can make the case that food is a “need,” but candy is more of a “want” even though it is considered “food.” As children get older, the lines get more difficult to teach, so be sure to make this a focal point when your children are young. Acquiring “wants” is nice here and there, but only after needs are met, and there is money available to do so.
Give your child the gift of a dynamic, God-centered education. Loyola Catholic School is accepting applications for the 2015/16 school year. Preschool, Primary, Intermediate, High School
Call to schedule a Shadow Day for your child: March 10, April 14, May 12 or by appointment 507-388-0615 Financial Aid is available
145 Good Counsel Drive, Mankato 507-388-0615 www.loyolacatholicschool.org
14 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
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Lesson #3: Patience is an
important virtue when it comes to money matters. Exercising patience is another virtue that can pay dividends when teaching your children about how to be
responsible with money. While it is enticing (and easy) to purchase a “want” right now, it is not always the best move. Buying your child the toy they want when they want it provides them instant gratification. Try teaching them to save for the things they want. This reinforces the value of money and is a great way to start managing their money and expectations.
Lesson #4: Providing an
allowance. Using an allowance is a method many parents use to teach their children about money; however, this can be a helpful or harmful endeavor depending how you go about it. If money has value, and you intend to give your child an allowance, it would be consistent with your earlier message to require some effort in order for your child to earn the allowance. Moreover, if the allowance is earned by your child for the accomplishment of some work or task, be sure you do not interfere with that transaction by adding variables to it. For example, if you
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want to teach the concept that “work equals money,” then teach that lesson. If you want to teach lessons about behavior, grades or some other issue, and you add that to the “work equals money lesson,” you may create some confusion with your child. While it can get complicated, using the allowance system can be a big help in helping your child understand not only the value of money, but also the concept of working to earn money.
Lesson #5:
Allow them to make final decisions. An important lesson in teaching your children how to be fiscally responsible is to allow them to make final decisions with their money. One of the more difficult parts of teaching is when it is time to take a step back and watch your children implement what you have taught them. So, when your child asks for something, you can simply respond with the statement, “It’s your money.” The child then has to make the final decision with how he or she is going to spend it.
Story Starter Here’s a picture, be creative and let us know what’s happening here? Who lives here? Where is it? What do you see? Use your imagination and make it come to life. Submit your stories to our Facebook page: facebook.com/kidohmag Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 15
Be Healthy
Bumps, bruises and
what to know if your child gets injured at home
W
ith the change of seasons comes a weather warm-up, which often brings with it an unwanted amount of childhood injuries. As soon as the snow melts and the grass is visible, clinics and urgent care practices begin to get busy with visits and phone calls from parents whose children have scraped a knee, gotten a cut or have been bitten by a bug. In the Mankato area, some of the most common ailments healthcare centers receive calls about are cuts, burns, minor head injuries, insect bites and sprains and fractures. Due to the increase of outside activities and its importance in children’s lives, it’s essential to know what injuries can be treated at home and when a child should be seen by a healthcare provider. The need for physical activity is important, not only for a child’s physical and mental health, but for their emotional wellbeing and socialization. An added benefit to playing outside is an increase of vitamin D and fine tuning motor and interpersonal skills. Encourage your child to be active for 60 minutes a day. It might take some creativity to switch up your child’s routine, but it will encourage them to stay active throughout their life. To set a good example, parents should engage their children’s indoor and
16 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
outdoor activities. Not only will it keep them healthy, but it allows parents to help care for their kids for the long term. Added bonuses in family centered activities are the parent and child bonds that are sure to strengthen. To try and navigate away from accidents and injuries as best as possible, children should be equipped with helmets and elbow, knee and wrist pads for activities such as biking, skateboarding, roller blading and scooter riding. Just as important are using sunblock, bug spray and wearing seatbelts at all times. For extra safety precautions, it’s advised that parents take a CPR class and have a first aid kit in the house and car. First aid kits should be filled with different styles of Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream and ice packs. It’s important to know what you can do to try your best to prevent injuries, but kids will be kids. Be active, stay safe, enjoy the nicer weather and be sure to read the following first aid tips for your home. • Cuts: Rinse the wound well and clean everything out. Put direct pressure on the cut to stop the bleeding. Hold the wound in place for several minutes and add a little antibiotic ointment. If your child has a deep or gaping wound, come in to the clinic or
urgent care immediately. If there is major bleeding and it won’t stop, call 911. • Bites: For insect bites, remove the stinger as soon as possible with a scraping motion using a firm item, such as the edge of a credit card. Apply a cold compress on the bite to relieve any pain. If trouble breathing, fainting, swelling of lips, face or throat, or hives appear over the entire body, call 911 right away. For animal or human bites, wash the wound well with soap and water and call the pediatrician. For ticks, use tweezers or your fingers to grasp as close as possible to the head of the tick and briskly pull the tick away from where it is attached. Call the pediatrician if the child develops symptoms such as a rash or fever. For snake bites, take your child the ER if you are unsure what type of snake bit them or if you are concerned that the snake might be poisonous. Don’t apply ice and loosely splint the injured area and keep it at rest. • Fractures and sprains: If the injured area is painful, swollen, or if a motion causes pain, wrap the extremity in a towel or soft cloth and make a splint with a firm material to hold the arm or leg in
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place. Try not to straighten the area. Apply ice or a cool compress wrapped in thin cloth for no more than 20 minutes. Call the pediatrician or seek emergency care immediately. If there is a break in the skin near the fracture or if you can see bone, cover the area with a clean bandage, make a splint and seek emergency care. If the foot or hand below the broken part is cold or discolored (pale or blue) seek emergency care right away.
• Burns and scalds: For minor burns (those that don’t blister), run the area under cool water or apply cool towels and apply a moisturizer or aloe. If needed, use over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. For burns that blister or any of those that involve the face, hands, feet or genitals, seek emergency medical care. For large or deep burns, call 911. After stopping and cooling the burn, keep the child warm with a clean sheet until help arrives. For electrical burns and if the child is in contact with an electrical source, don’t touch the child with bare hands. Instead, pull them away from the power source with an object that doesn’t conduct electricity, such as something rubber or plastic. All electrical burns need to be seen immediately by a doctor. • Poisons: If the child has been exposed to or ingested a poison, call Poison Help at 1-800-2222222. A poison expert is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Pulled Pork • Shredded Beef • Chicken Strips • Burgers • Hot Dogs • Sloppy Joes • Chicken Kiev • Individual Steaks & Chops • Cookie Dough and SO MUCH MORE!
Family Reunions Spring & Summer Partys Graduation Headquarters Farm Direct Beef & Pork
Original Chip Steaks
By: Katie Smentek , M.D. Mankato Clinic, Children’s Health Center
387-2467
232 Dewey St. • Next to Cub West 387-2467 • M-F 9-6, Sat. 9-5 Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 17
Be Active
I
Play Matters
had pirates outside my office last week. “Shiver me Timbers”, they shouted to me. Aaaarrrrgggghhhh! I replied. After I recovered from how awkward I felt trying to talk like a pirate, I was also struck by their behavior. Why were the preschool children hunting for buried treasure in the halls of the YMCA? Shouldn’t they be learning their letters and numbers in preparation for kindergarten? Are they just playing? I have worked at the Y for several years, so I have come to expect these little exchanges during my day. But these swashbucklers made me reflect. Does play matter? Most parents of young kids probably just take it for granted, children play and, especially pretend. Kids spend an enormous amount of time in the worlds they invent. My own children loved to make believe they were dinosaurs, or a Disney princess, or a Ninja Turtle. The attention to detail that went into their “dress-up” clothes, the resourcefulness and skill it took to build a fort, and the inventiveness that came with creating a sand village to only be destroyed later with the garden hose, was play, but it was also so much more. Play is skill building. Play is making compromises, sharing resources, working-out differences; Play is using your imagination. These miniature buccaneers made me appreciate how the Y welcomes and encourages play opportunities for all ages, including myself. Walk into the YMCA and you are going to be engaged with the kids. Children make up a significant
Liz Hageman, Membership/ Marketing Director at the Mankato Family YMCA
part of our day. Kids can run, bike, climb, jump, throw a ball, swing a racquet, hide in the ball pit; pretend they are the shark in the pool and even imagine they are hunting for buried treasure. The YMCA is in a unique facility that can nurture dramatic play that can lead to thinking and social development. Y Preschool children are encouraged with imaginative play, and they have caring teachers who can inspire the “make-believe” time, guiding them to play effectively with each other. The Y theatre program provides young thespians the chance to perform in front of a live audience with backdrops and costumes. The STRIDE program balances running, fitness and fun with character building lessons for young boys in grades 3-5. Summer camps are packed with activities to encourage play and learning while hiking, fishing, swimming and completing crafts. Youth also have the opportunity to play and learn sportsmanship participating in indoor or outdoor sports such as soccer. The Y advocates for the whole child; Spirit, Mind and Body. Play matters because when a child is better at playing, their imagination helps them to be better thinkers; better thinking helps them see more possibilities; and when a child sees what’s possible; they are learning. Encourage play! Registration is now open for the 2015-2016 Y PreSchool and Summer Camp programs. Please stop in at the Y and check out our website at www.mankatoymca.org
Mankato Area Gymnastics School What we offer: Classes • Competitive Teams Birthday Parties • Private Lessons Open Gym Friday and Saturday 7:00-9:00 PM NEW THIS SUMMER: Gymnastics care camp offered all summer, 5 days a week. This will provide all day care for your child plus gymnastics lessons and fun events throughout the summer. Full-time, part-time and drop-in rates will be offered. Please call or visit our website at Mankato Area Gymnastics School for more information. “Like” Mankato Area Gymnastics School for the latest news and updates!
Spring session begins March 9th. Please register online or call 507.625.6260, we’d love to have you workout in our gym!
161 West Lind Ct. Mankato, MN 56001 507-625-6260 MagsIsFun@aol.com l MAGSGymnastics.com
18 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
How do you do it?
Growing Together By Holly Dodge
W
hen I was first contacted to write this, my stomach dropped. A huge wave of anxiety hit me as I thought of multiple other moms who are way more put together, organized, and spectacular. Mothers who plan crock pot meals and send Christmas cards. Mothers who make homemade potpourri and have homes that look like a well-organized Pinterest board. Mothers that make me pine for just a little intel on how they do it. The next morning, I sleep in. Unintentionally. I frantically wake the kids, walk the dog, spot-check clothes, struggle to find matching socks, spill my coffee, miss the school bus, growl and grumble. As we begin the snowy trek across town in the car, the kids nibble at their breakfast in the back seat. My mind is reeling as I run through my list of all the things I need to do during the course of my eighteen-hour day. I see my daughter Ella take a swallow of cold cereal in the rearview mirror and feel a wave of calm. She smiles as she catches me looking at her. The worries melt away and I’m back in action mode. “Ok, let’s practice your spelling words…Spell couldn’t.” All of a sudden it hits me. My children are how I do it.
Every day, my children motivate me to be a better mom, and as they grow older I have realized that I am a better mom when I am the best version of myself. In addition to motherhood and work, I choose to do a lot and to get involved with things I am passionate about. My hobbies and activities keep me busy from day to day, but motherhood has never weighed me down. In fact, being a mom has helped me thrive. I have never had to say I couldn’t do something. I am the best version of myself when I stay active socially, physically, artistically, and intellectually. My children were by my side as I spent four years at MSU studying graphic design. They were by my side as I completed my 1700 square foot mural. They have cheered me on in my personal fitness journey. Every great personal accomplishment I have made, they have been involved. Together we are growing and setting examples for one another.
trip for being busy. I just get support. My children are patient and kind. They smile at me when I need it the most and they help me be the best Mother and individual I could ever be. We work as a team and every moment is precious. Without that support, I would never be able to accomplish anything. So yes, it’s not always smooth and our days can have many bloopers, but being a mother is my biggest accomplishment and it keeps me fueled to keep moving forward in all endeavors. Even if my socks don’t match while I’m doing it.
Ella asks me “How was work?” when I walk thru the door and Sully wishes me “Good luck!” when I head out to Roller Derby. My boyfriend Rudy has dinner on the table when I am overcommitted and Ella reminds me that her homework is due. Sometimes the hours are late and the dishes stack up higher than the dish soap and some mornings the only clothes to wear are still in the dirty pile. Still, I never get a guilt Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 19
Bridge Pose
Step 1
Lie flat on your back, on the floor, with the legs extended and arms along side the body, hands by the hips and the palms facing down. Look up at the ceiling, keeping the neck straight.
Kids naturally have a short attention span so keep the whole pose set up under 60 seconds. If they are old enough have them help you count to 10 while holding the pose.
Mankato Area Public Schools, Capstone Community Fund and myON partnering to bring more than 4,000 enhanced digital books to all preschool through grade 7 children in the district. Get your 24/7 access password from your teacher.
20 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Bend your knees and set your feet on the floor, feet hip distance apart and heels as close to the sitting bones as possible.
Step 2
hOMie
You can both pretend or someone not in the pose can use toys to go under the “bridge”. You can place a small toy (car, stuffed animal or doll works well) on their tummy and pretend it is going over the “bridge”.
THE LITERACY ENVIRONMENT THAT HELPS TRANSFORM LEARNING Educators need high-quality informational texts to help learners meet—and exceed—state and federal standards, and a reliable method for monitoring student achievement. Visit www.myON.com for more information!
GOT A NEW PET?
Gena Heminover is a registered Yoga Teacher and mother of two girls, Elea age 3 (pictured) and Ava age 6 months, teaches yoga at the Mankato Family YMCA and various places of business in Mankato. Specializing in Kids Yoga, Power Yoga, Vinyasa and Yoga for Athletes.
Step 3
Push the feet and arms into the floor and pick the buttocks up off the floor, lifting it upward. Try to keep the feet and thighs parallel. Hold for 5-10 seconds.
WANT A NEW PET?
Find her on Facebook at
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Total Family Care
LET’S GO! THIS BOWL IS GETTING CROWDED!
Welcoming new patients of all ages-- infants, children, teens, pregnant mothers, adults, and elderly.
Dr. Jennifer Stuvek
“I am new to the greater Mankato community and am excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to the area. I specialize in working with children and expectant mothers.”
1051 Madison Avenue Ste 2, Mankato MN 507.625.1085 For more info. visit aurorachiropractic.org
Experience the largest Pet Store & Resort in Minnesota! The Paw
1741 Premier Drive Mankato 507-625-7070
The Pet Expo
1800 Adams St. Mankato 507-625-2505
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 21
On Spot
Fancy Pants
Photos by
Rhonda Milbrett Photography
Spring Fashions
Wardrobe provided by:
Once Upon A Child
Fancy Pants
Jonathan(6) & Landon(3) 24 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Arriann(6) & Aubri(4) Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 25
Family Night!
Nosh Pierre Sadaka of Charley’s and his kids Hayden (6) and Halee (4) want to show you how to make a quick, easy, healthy breakfast-Banana Cinnamon Pancakes!
Every Sunday night 1 Take a banana, chop it up!
FREE
Kids Meal
2 Grab an egg and crack it!
with the purchase of an adult meal
Choose From
Cheeseburger and French Fries Chicken Strips and French Fries Grilled Cheese and French Fries Spaghetti and Meatballs Pepperoni Pizza *Not valid with any other coupons or specials, dine-in only.
3 Add in a dash of cinnamon!
4 Smoosh it up and mix, mix, mix! 5 Pour it on! 6 Flip it!
920 Madison Ave Mankato, MN 507.388.6845 charleysrestaurantmankato.com
26 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Mmmmm! Enjoy!
The Best Way to Bake
answered the phone in the middle of Dance Moms. It was Lea, one of my best friends! She told me that she wants to throw a surprise party for Allison, one of our friends! I agreed right away, after all I was the best at surprise parties! Lea told me what to buy, and I wrote everything down. After she settled the last details, she added that I would have to bake homemade treats. My heart leaped when she said that! Me? Baking? Do not use those two words in the same sentence! I reluctantly agreed and hung up. I was so nervous; I didn’t want to disappoint everyone with my terrible baking! My mom suggested that I get a recipe off of a website. I pulled up a website that had a whole bunch of recipes, and they all looked hard. I continued to scroll down the list, and I came across a recipe for Wild Berry Angel Food Cake. My mom agreed to take me to the store to get all the ingredients. At least I would know how bad my baking would be before Allison’s party. When we got back from the store and I got started right away, following each direction carefully and adding everything the website instructed. I was unsure of how the cake looked at first, but I knew the website wouldn’t lie. I popped the pan into the oven and let it bake. While the cake baked, I decided to blend the berries for the top of the cake. I gently poured the berries into the blender. I plugged it in and pressed on. I gasped and leaped backwards as the berries went everywhere, all over me and the
able to bake for Allison’s party. I agreed with hope that Lea won’t think much of it. “Hello,” Lea answered her phone right away. “Hi Lea,” I replied. “Karly, what’s up?” “Nothing much, but I have to talk to you about Allison’s party. I know I told you that I could bake, but I just can’t. I am terrible at it.” “That’s ok; everyone has their things, Karly! I can help you out. When can I come over? Let’s find a good recipe that Allison will love, ok?” “Ok,” I said giggling and very relieved. Lea came over the next day. We baked chocolate chip cookies and cream cookies. Allison would love them, and I had a lot of fun baking them with Lea. It was by far the best way to bake!
Spring into Great Deals! We pay $$$ on the spot for gently used kids’ clothing, toys, furniture and equipment for all seasons all the time. No appointment needed. Walk in with goods, walk out with cash.
2015
Visit us to see why we’re a Gold Standard store! Check out our website for more details.
Located conveniently across from Cub Foods 464 Raintree Road, Mankato • 507-344-8799 www.onceuponachildmankato.com
Mon. - Sat. 10-8 Sun. 12-5
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I
By Sophie Gatchell
counter. I shot over to the blender and pressed off. I sighed and shook the berries off my hands. Mom came in the kitchen and gasped! She told me to put the top of the blender on next time, and to go clean up while she wiped the mushy berries off of everything. When I went back downstairs, Mom had finished cleaning up. I checked on the cake timer, and it was almost done baking! I drummed my fingernails on the counter and waited for the timer to beep. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the full egg carton sitting among the messy ingredients spread out on the counter. I groaned, realizing that I had forgotten the eggs! I was so furious that I hadn’t included eggs, the easiest ingredient to add! I felt like crying, but I blinked the tears away. Mom comforted me and suggested that I call Lea and tell her I might not be
Pen Names
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 27
Pages
Looking for some new pages for your kids?
The 2015 awards winners are out and there is something for every level of reader. From basketball players to imaginary friends, Kandinsky to Kahlo-this year’s winners are so fun, you’ll want to check them all out! Contributed by Jennifer Cassman, Blue Earth County Library
2015 John Newbery Medal Winner
(Awarded for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature) The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Honor books:
Fourteen-year-old twin basketball stars, Josh and Jordan, wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health. This is a young adult title.
El Deafo by Cece Bell; junior non-fiction
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson; young adult non-fiction
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(507) 625-4647 Hwy 22 South (east on 200th St.) Mankato www.keepersRV.com 28 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
2015 Randolph Caldecott Medal
(Awarded for the most distinguished American picture book for children)
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend,
written and illustrated by Dan Santat An imaginary friend waits a long time to be imagined by a child and given a special name. He finally does the unimaginable - - he sets out on a quest to find his perfect match in the real world.
PLAY TIME IT’S WHEN YOUR CHILD DEVELOPS IMPORTANT SOCIAL, COGNITIVE, LITERACY AND SOCIAL SKILLS AND COULDN’T CARE LESS.
Honor books: Nana in the City, illustrated and written by Lauren Castillo The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art, illustrated by Mary Grandpre and written by Barb Rosenstock Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, illustrated by Jon Klassen and written by Mac Barnett
Viva Frida, illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus, illustrated by Melissa Sweet and written by Jen Bryant This One Summer, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki and written by Mariko Tamaki
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When children play, they explore, they create and they develop skills important to healthy growth. Imagination Station is an area for kids and parents to play together, a place for curiosity and creativity to flourish.
IMAGINATION STATION
A new space for parent-child play time at the North Mankato Taylor Library.
Ryan Lano 11 Park Street 507-341-4140 ryanlano.com
Buy 1 Month
Get 1 FREE
Supported by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education using federal funding, Library Service and Technology Act.
Guitar Lessons Expires July, 31, 2015
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 29
Save the
Play Date!
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is opening the doors to its brand new, permanent building on May 1 & 2, 2015!
The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is full of opportunities for
discovery, development and, above all,
hands-on play!
The Museum is many things: a mission, a place, and an organization, but its main goal is to serve children, their families, and the greater community. Soon to open at its new, fantastic, and permanent location in Mankato, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota will feature exhibits and activities to engage all ages. There will be plenty of things to do and see – all within a safe, inviting, and comfortable space. 30 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Located in the heart of downtown Mankato, the Museum’s new indoor and outdoor galleries will provide hours and hours of endless fun for children from birth through age 14, and for their parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers. The Museum is designed and built for children of all abilities; everything inside is made for the smallest of hands to grasp and the tiniest of feet to walk on, yet it’s more than big enough for older children to enjoy, too. Grown-ups haven’t been forgotten either. Lockers, comfortable seating and a café make it easy to come back again and again. The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota was built by our community. Many of the people who have been planning, drawing, installing, and designing the Museum live and work right here in Minnesota. The Museum exists thanks to the support of dozens of businesses, hundreds of families, and many volunteers. Tens of thousands of visitors have already enjoyed the Museum’s previous locations since 2009. With the continued help and enthusiasm of all who have supported us and those who are yet to jump on board, the Children’s Museum can’t wait to put smiles on many more faces – for generations to come. Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 31
Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber
Climb, stretch, reach, and imagine in the tunnels, tubes, and bridges that connect the six forts growing from this enormous climber. This tree of forts is so big it has burst through the roof! Deb Johnson, the Museum’s Education and Exhibits Director, oversees Alan Mehltretter and Andy Greve as they install the floor in the Tree’s hanging fort.
Coughlan Quarry At the quarry, it’s all about working together to get the job done. A big sand pit, moveable crane, and a big conveyor system for transporting blocks from one side of the quarry to the other provide real-life action to the Museum’s young visitors. Real Kasota stone walls surround this gallery of endless fun.
Play Porch This charming, Betsy-Tacy series inspired setting is the perfect place for the Museum’s youngest visitors (ages three and under) to climb, crawl, touch, explore, and then snuggle up to their caregivers to enjoy a good book on the Capstone Story Porch. Toddlers will have an opportunity to put their imagination to work under the artist-created willow tree within the Janovy Family Imaginative Play Area.
Cap the Walls Jamie D’Angelo, an eclectic local artist and teacher, is assembling nearly 5,000 bottle caps painted by schoolchildren from District 77 into a beautiful mosaic. This unique artwork will be displayed in the Museum’s Café where it’s taking up an entire wall! Many local kids will be excited to find their contribution to the big garden made of colorful bottle caps.
Grow it Gallery Have a lot of fun while learning about how foods we eat make their way from seed to table. Kids can pick vegetables from garden beds, sell them at the co-op, or serve their caregivers a tasty treat.
Whiz Bang! This two-story gallery provides a variety of tools and materials for hands-on play and learning. It is the gateway into the exciting world of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. If you enjoy building, cutting, designing, painting, molding, and more, this is the place for you to be! The Whiz Bang! Gallery is the Museum’s “makers space” for tinkers of all ages to exercise their creativity.
At the Museum, You Can Be Whatever You Like Hallie O’Connor always wanted to work for a children’s museum and design exhibits. She has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota, with a focus on sculpture. Tierra Anderson joined the Museum crew this winter. She is a theater major at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, specializing in stage management. Both women enjoy using hand and power tools to build the exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
Meet Scout, The Museum’s Resident Snake 34 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Scout is back! He lives in the Mezzanine at the moment and will be fed every Thursday morning. It took a little while for Megan, the Museum’s Program Manager, to warm up to him, but he was happy to see her. Scout is also looking forward to seeing all the visitors again!
Happy Birthday to You! Book a birthday party at the Museum
Become a member now!
The early bird catches the worm A membership to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota includes unlimited access to its galleries during regular business hours, special discounts on birthday party celebrations and programs, and invitations to exclusive sneak peek events. The Museum offers a variety of packages to suit the needs of its visitors! All membership purchases prior to the Grand Opening in May 2015 include invitations to special, members-only events and come with an additional oneday pass for a non-member family so that you can bring your friends to join in on the fun! Become a member today, and be one of the first to play in the new Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota! Check the Museum’s website to become a member: www.cmsouthernmn.org.
Have your special day at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, a place where everyone celebrates play! Explore the exciting hands-on exhibits and create your own event. The Museum will begin hosting birthday parties in April. For more information, or to book your party, e-mail Mia Forslund, the Museum’s Program and Special Events Coordinator, at mia.forslund@cmsouthernmn.org.
Grand Opening: May 1 & 2, 2105 Stay tuned for more information
April 2015: member-only events
224 Lamm Street, Mankato
507.386.0279 • www.cmsouthernmn.org Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 35
Flicks
T
Space.
he final frontier. It’s also one of the most exciting places to set a story! Here are 10 of our favorite movies from space.
Space Chimps 2008
Chimps Ham, Titan and Luna are sent into space and battle the evil Zartog in order to retrieve a missing space probe. Their journey through a wormhole lands them on a far away planet where they help free the local inhabitants from an evil ruler, build their friendship and find a little bit of love along the way.
Mars Needs Moms 2011
Nine year old Milo sets out to rescue his Mother after she is kidnapped by aliens in order to steal her “momness.” Along the way he befriends some of the aliens and learns to appreciate his Mother.
IMAX Space Station 2002
The first 3D live-action film to be shot in space. Using advanced 3D-technology, the film depicts the greatest engineering happening since a man landed on the Moon in 1969.
Zathura 2005
Two young brothers are drawn into an intergalactic adventure when their house is hurled through the depths of space by the magical board game they are playing.
WALL-E 2008
In the distant future, a small waste collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.
E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial 1982
A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home-world.
Flight of the Navigator 1986 In 1978, a boy is moved 8 years into the future and has an adventure with the alien ship that is responsible for that.
Space Camp 1986
The young attendees of a space camp find themselves in space for real when their shuttle is accidentally launched into orbit.
Star Wars 1977
Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire’s world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.
Explorers 1985
Ben Crandall, an alien-obsessed kid, dreams one night of a circuit board. Drawing out the circuit, he and his friends Wolfgang and Darren set it up, and discover they have been given the basis for a starship. Setting off in their ship, they find the aliens Ben hopes they would find... but are they what they seem? Source: imbd.com
36 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Hi! I’m Powder! Welcome to Kid-oh! magazine, a place for kids and parents. It’s time to have fun! Come on in, these are Powder’s Pages-full of fun stuff to doodle and do! Around Town Word Scramble Unscramble places in Mankato you might have been...
1. IVERR HSLIL ALML__________________________ 2. ISNODMA UNAEEV_ _________________________ 3. IBSLYE KPRA_ ______________________________ 4. YRDIA EQUNE_ _____________________________ 5. IIHREKN DNOP_ ____________________________ 6. POANNMEI LLASF_ __________________________ 7. TTLOERTELUOT OPOL________________________ KEY: 1. RIVER HILLS MALL • 2. MADISON AVENUE • 3. SIBLEY PARK • 4. DAIRY QUEEN • 5. HINIKER POND • 6. MINNEOPA FALLS • 7. TOURTELLOTTE POOL Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 37
Where does this cardinal live?
Draw the rest of his home. 38 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Damien Friesz • vossfineart.bigcartel.com • frontstreettattoo@yahoo.com
PAINT &PUNCH painting parties for kids! PAINT&PUNCH
pick from one of our designs or let us create one just for your group!
Book Today! contact laura design.wine@yahoo.com
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 39
Knock-knock. Who’s there? Little Old Lady. Who? Little Old Lady u I didn’t know yo l! could yode
Q: What do porcupines say after they kiss ? A: “Ouch”!
Q: What does a cat like to eat on a hot summer’s day?
Q: What did the big flower say to ? the small flower .
A: What’s up Bud
Q: How do bees get to school? A: By school buzz!
Q: What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?
A: A mice cream cone.
e! A: Nacho chees
Q: Why are elephants so wrinkled?
Q: What kind of keys do kids like to carry?
A: They are too hard to iron.
Q: Why did the cow cross the road? A: To get to the Mooovies!
Q: Why do Toadstools grow so close together? A: They don’t need Mushroom . 40 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
A: Cookies!
e Q: Why do fish liv in salt water? A: Because pepper makes them sneeze!
Q: How does a lio n greet the othe r animals in the field? A: Pleased to eat you.
Erika Lo • littlegreenturtle.com • littlegreenturtle77@gmail.com
FREE $2 Fun Card
When you color & return this picture to WOW! Zone by May 31, 2015. Limit 1 card per child.
10% off Birthday Play Package Reserve your party at least 3 days in advance. Not valid with other discounts.
2030 Adams St., Mankato • 507-625-2695 • wowzonefec.com
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 41
Rhyme Time
By Burt Mattson
Vegilantes The veggies got together and they had a secret meetin’. They talked about the weather and what little kids were eatin’. They decided in the meetin’ that they couldn’t fix the weather, But the food that kids were eatin’ up was different altogether. So they gathered round the table and they drafted up a plan Every veggie who was able, all the bravest of the plants, Agreed to swear a sacred oath to the Order of the Carrot, And learned a secret handshake, and swore they wouldn’t share it. Down with cookies! Down with cake! And the cavities they make! Down with pop! Down with candy! At the dentist they will land ye!
Not the average cabbage, Red was quicker on the uptake. Privy to a rumor ‘bout a certain cache of cupcakes, He rallied all the veggies and they set out on a mission. Their informant was a headcheese who had knowledge of the kitchen. What they found there in that pantry was a little bit unseemly: How could they have known cupcakes were made from fresh zucchini?
Blocks 4 Blocks I think it was a Thursday when the incident occurred. It started with a block, then ten, laid out to spell a word. The word is not important (but it was “Goldilocks”). The thing that is important is the way he stacked the blocks. He was Harry Hathaway and had help from his pop. They stacked the blocks in such a way the blocks would never drop. They had so much fun playing they forgot to watch the clock. By the time they’d finished laying, they were halfway down the block. When he saw what they had done Harry could have cried. For when the stacking had begun, they stood on different sides. They now stood on their tip toes but could not see one another. So inside Harry goes… to try and find his mother.
L 42 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
L
O
G
O
D C
I K
S
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 43
Windsy Schultz • zingbarz@gmail.com
Scavenger Hunt
Over 35 Mattress Options on the Floor!
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Family Vacation…Need a Ride to the Airport?
• Convenient Rochester Trips Daily Going to the Twin Cities • Multiple Daily Trips to MSP Airport for a Day of Shopping? • Private Event Charters Kids Travel Free! Bring your Parents!! Promo Code: FP2015 Promo Code: MOASAT
44 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Be crafty
Eric Carle
Inspired Springtime Window Craft By Amy Sinning
T
his cute little window will brightened your day and is a perfect project to do with your little one on a rainy spring day! Make sure that you read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle to go with it. We will use the same technique in this craft as he does in his illustrations for all his beautiful books. You could also do this activity as a part of a fun sleepover, which is what I did with my daughter and her friend. They loved this craft and had so much fun doing it. It can be altered for different ages and gender. The image in the window, the worms, and plants can vary. Maybe you want a dinosaur in the window and some dinosaur eggs in the planter. It’s up to the child. Let them come up with an idea and just use these instructions as a template.
Step 1
Paint the first piece of water color paper blue for the sky using water color paint.
Step 5
Step 2
With acrylic paint, paint one frame and one Popsicle stick, this will be the outside part of the window frame.
Step 4
Step 3
For flower stems, paint the other 3 Popsicle sticks green.
46 • Kid-oh! | Spring 2015
Cut a section of three egg holder off of the carton, this is what you will use for the window sill or flower planters. Paint these with the acrylic paint whatever color you would like.
Lay a variety of colors of tissue paper out and let the kids dip the sponge into the paint and dab away on the tissue paper. Once dry, it will be used for the butterfly in the window. (Place in a bubble with an arrow: This is the technique that Eric Carle uses!) Decide what you would like in your window (bird, butterfly.) Draw it simply out of shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles on the second piece of watercolor paper and cut them out. Trace the shapes onto the dried tissue paper and then cut these out as well..
Materials
(3)5” x 7” pieces watercolor paper, paint scissors, marker, cheap sponges craft glue, Mod Podge, variety of paint paper towels, egg carton, cardboard, Popsicle sticks variety of colored tissue paper 5” x 7” picture frame a foam sheet with sticker backing, Play-doh, Model Magic
Step 6
Step 7
Glue these onto the tops of the Popsicle sticks.
With the last piece of watercolor paper you will make the stamped flowers. Draw a simple flower shape on the back of the sticker foam sheets. Stick them on to the cardboard scrap. Dip in paint and stamp onto the watercolor paper.
Step 8
Fill the three cups of the egg carton with Play-doh. You can then insert the Popsicle stick flowers into the cups. Form Play-doh or Model Magic dough into worms or other critters. Let dry overnight so they harden and you can glue them onto the window.
Step 9
Put the butterfly picture into the picture frame. Cut the Popsicle stick to fit the center of the frame and glue it onto the front of the window. Glue the egg carton with the flowers and dried worm onto the bottom of the frame.
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 47
KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP Thursday, March 26 ~ 5:30 P.M. All Day Kindergarten • This year’s class will present 507-345-3027 “Chicken Little” and other entertainment 421 North Second St. • Meet the kindergarten teacher, Mankato, MN principal and school nurse www.immanuelmankato.org • Classroom/school tours school@immanuelmankato.org • Financial information available
The Region’s Most Complete and Affordable Family Golfing Experience! Open to the public, offering memberships, punch tickets, daily green fees
Private lessons available (all season long)
Regulation and executive par 3 courses Driving range Pro Shop with top quality golf equipment Corporate or private group outings (starting at $15 per person for 9 holes and meal)
32 FLAVORS OF SUPER-PREMIUM HARD SCOOP ICE CREAM
Adult group lessons (month of May) Junior lessons (starting in June) Leagues…mens, ladies & junior (May–August) Couples League (June–August)
2015 FAMILY SEASON PASS Play on both the Regulation & Par 3 Courses for the 2015 season!
599
$
*Good through Wednesday, April 1, 2015
$301 Savings!!
FREE
Only 2 miles south of Mankato on Hwy. 22
For more information call Tim at
381-2681
Junior Lesson Camp for your kids ages 7-15 in the month of June with purchase of 2015 Family Season pass
Nicollet County Bank is proud to offer a club specially designed for our younger savers. We understand the importance of helping kids learn how to manage their money. Call 931-3310 for more information, and become a Junior Life Saver at NCB today!
Each new member will receive a FREE T-shirt, membership card, Saver$ Register and Punch Card. Special Junior Saver$ banking hours Club Newsletter Fun activities and events throughout the year Interest paid quarterly Existing savings accounts can be transferred to a Junior Life Saver$ account* Kids learn how to save and have fun at the same time
For every $5 deposit made, receive 1 punch
Available to children 5-12 years of age
After 5 punches, choose a 1st level Saver$ gift, or save your punches till you have 10 and choose a 2nd level Saver$ gift, or save your punches till you have 15 and choose a 3rd level Saver$ gift.
Adult signature required on the account
Maximum of 15 punches given per deposit per day. *Existing account balances do not qualify for Saver$ Card Punches
Minimum $5 deposit to open Valid Social Security number Club Member signature required for withdrawals Club Member should be present for all transactions Please make deposits and withdrawals inside the bank
Note to Parents: Be sure to read our Privacy Statement when you visit our website. We do not request or collect any personal information.
Photos by Evan Taylor
• Fudge and waffle wedges made at Mom & Pop’s! • Shakes/Malts • Sundaes • Floats • Smoothies/Frappes • Pints/Quarts to go • Coffee • Tea • Hot Chocolate • Espresso Drinks • 1919 Root Beer (by the cup or 1/2 gallon/gallon to go) • Gift Cards • T-Shirts/Hats/Sweatshirts and more!
INCLUDING
• Seasonal • Soy • Non-Fat Yogurt • Sherbet • No Sugar Added • Italian Ice • Caffeinated Bring this entry to Mom & Pop’s! Your purchase allows you to enter the drawing for a special gift basket! One (1) Entry Per Person Drawing 5-31-15 No Copies/Reproductions
First Name __________________________________________ Last Name __________________________________________ Phone: (____)________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Locally Owned and Operated
629 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato (507) 344-0629
www.momandpopsicecream.com
Spring 2015 | Kid-oh! • 49
Less traveL.
More time to be a kid. That’s thriving to Konnor Wojcik and his family. Having the specialized care he needs right here means
Wickersham Health Campus
Konnor has more time to goof around with his brothers.
1421 Premier Drive, Mankato
More time to play baseball and soccer. More time
Call 507-389-8529 for a same-day appointment.
for school and friends. More coordinated care.
We’re here to take your call as early as 7 a.m.
More immediate care. The new Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center means more time to thrive for Konnor and for all children in our region.
� mankatoclinic.com