FALL 2015
Lea
y a l P rn and CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
MAHKATO WACIPI MEET
Cyrus, 14 & Ambry, 11
Back Pack Safety APPLES TO APPLES SCARY ) o S t o HALLOWEEN MOVIES (N
fish friends BACK TO SCHOOL
Budget Tips
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MANKATO, MN PERMIT 7
SMILE Smile with us…we care! Specialized Care For Your Children & Teenagers
Mankato 507-387-4078
New Ulm 507-354-8943
Extraordinary Care For Your Child
www.kidswillsmile.com
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Competitive
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Contents 8
The Buzz
What’s Happening Around Town
Cover Kids26
Fancy Pants
32 hOMie
10 Mitakuye
Oyasin Mean “All My Relatives”
Fish Friends
A Local Harvest
Don’t Let Back-to-School Equal Back-to-Debt
Vaccinations
22 Be Active
After School Adventure
25 How Do You Do It?
Raising Independent Teens
4 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
Wrap It Up!
38 Be Safe
Cyrus 40 & Ambry Brave Heart 46
20 Be Healthy
Local Kids Sound Off
36 Nosh
to Apples
18 Dollars and Sense
Coco’s New Cluck
35 Say What?
16 From Apples
Down Dog Pose
34 Pen Names
Meet Cyrus and Ambry Brave Heart
15 Paws
Back-to-School!
Photography by: Rhonda Milbrett Photography
Back to Backpacks
The Children’s Museum Fall Fun!
Flicks
Halloween Movies
47 Powder’s Pages 54 Be Crafty
Bag O’Bones
MANKATO BALLET COMPANY MANKATO BALLET COMPANY FALL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 9TH for Dancers Ages 4 to adult Open Enrollment All Year Long To Register go to: www.mankatoballet.org Classes offered: Adult Open Classes Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, World Fusion
MBC is thrilled to offer classes for dancers 2 to 4 years old. Itty Bitty Dance Classes are offered for these little dancers to attend with a parent or caregiver. Classes are 4 weeks long for 30 minutes each time. Dancers will learn dance concepts, rhythm and coordination Try out Bitty Ballet, Teeny Tiny Tappers, or Tiny Tappers. First session begins September 14th.
REGISTER ONLINE
register for all these classes online through our website at
www.mankatoballet.org
for more information or if you have questions email us at: info@mankatoballet.org
phone: 507.625.7716
studio address: 731 South Front Street, Mankato MN
Fall 2015 • VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 PUBLISHER John Elchert
EDITOR Ginny Bergerson
I
am so intrigued by our cover kids…the story, the colors, different textures, and, yes, the spirit of Reconciliation and honoring the 38. What a great way for our local and visiting children to learn! Did you know that more than 10,000 local children, teachers and parents have learned and experienced Minnesota history and heritage through Education Day? You will when you read about Cyrus and Ambry on page 10. Make sure to see the Grand Entry at the Pow Wow…take a close look at the eagle staffs – count the eagle feathers to see the history. I have great memories from visiting Apple Farms growing up as a kid. My favorite was to watch how the cider was made and eating that apple pie ala mode. As I got older and took the motorcycle to the orchard, we used to challenge the riders – “catch a falling leaf on the way there, you get free pie!”… never caught one, but that did not matter…still a great fall afternoon. Meet Farmer Larry and Baker Pam Harbo from Welsh Heritage Farm and their family in Marianne Carlson’s story “Apples to Apples”… you will want to visit just to taste those APPLE CIDER DONUTS! I have to mention our Kid-Oh! Kraftin’ in the Park events… SO. MUCH. FUN. Our staff has had a ball this summer doing crafts with the kids every Monday in Jackson Park. Everything from tie-dye, marshmallow shooters, pirates and princess wands to super hero capes and masks! As I type this, there is only one more left, our BTS (that’s text for Back to School BTW) event where we are making bookworms and frames for those first day of school photos! Page 39 shows just a bit of the crazy crafting times we experienced with you all. Hey, did someone say Back to School? Here’s to a great new school year and Moms everywhere! Take a break, Moms, go do something fun for yourself…you have earned it. Ginny Bergerson
Associate Editor/Artistic Director Jordan Greer CONTRIBUTORS Fingerprint Design Marianne Carlson Pet Expo/The Paw Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union Mankato Clinic, Children’s Health Center Mankato Family YMCA Charley’s Restaurant Sophie Gatchell The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota Once Upon A Child Erika Lo Staci Queen Rachel Compart PHOTOGRAPHER Rhonda Milbrett Photography 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. 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
6 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
Choose Mayo Clinic care for your child From the delivery room to graduation, we give kids the complete care they need for a healthy mind and body. • • •
Convenient clinic locations Same-day appointments Pediatric specialists and therapy services
Find a provider at mayoclinichealthsystem.org. Call 1-877-412-7575 (toll-free) to make an appointment.
School is about cool. And here, it’s affordable. 4.95”x4.95”
Mankato Magazine May 2015
Back to school. Start the year right with low prices on gently used kids’ clothing from top brands they crave: old navy, gap, justice and so much more! And you get $$$ on the spot for what they’ve outgrown. No appointment needed!
Located conveniently across from Cub Foods
464 Raintree Road, Mankato • 507-344-8799 www.OnceUponAChildMankato.com
Sell. Buy. Repeat. Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 7
The Buzz
15
Night Hike at Minneopa State Park 9-10pm learn how to use our five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) in the dark without using any artificial light.
September
12
Color Run/Walk Kids K & 5K for Camp Sweet Life Sibley Park 5:30pm-9:30 campsweetlife.org
12
Free Movie Saturday New Ulm Public Library 10-11:30am
Rock Bend Folk Festival
St. Peter 12-11:30pm 2 days of live music on 2 stages, arts and crafts vendors, loads of great food plus activities for kids and the whole family! Bring a cooler and a blanket or chair, come and go as you please.
12
Pride Parade and Festival
Riverfront Park Check out our annual PARADE down Riverfront Drive! The route begins at the Blue Earth County Library, marches down Riverfront Drive, and ends at the festival grounds at Riverfront Park, Mankato.
Pridefest
12pm-5pm. Riverfront Park, Mankato Featuring Music, Food, Exhibitors, Artisits, Kids Crafts, Inflatable Fun Activities, and more!
26
18-20 43rd Annual Mankato Tribal PowWow
Land of Memories In keeping with our theme of reconciliation, we welcome visitors and participants, native and nonnative alike. For more info and to learn about some of the people involved in the Pow Wow, see our story on page 10! mahkatowacipi.org
26
Our Community Has Heart! 5K & 10K
Spring Lake Park, North Mankato This event is put on by Lasting Imprint, a Minnesota nonprofit organization committed to fighting congenital heart defects. This family event will feature 5K and 10K chip timed runs, 1.5 mile Awareness Walk, Kids Fun Run, kids activities including bounce houses, face painting and more, music and blood mobile donations. 7:15-9:15am Registration 8:00am 5K and 10K Chipped Timed Runs Begin 9:30am Opening Speech and Awards 9:45am Kids Fun Run 10:00am Awareness Walk Begins 8:00am-1:00pm Activities and Food Vendors (including breakfast items)
We’ll be here too! 8 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
7:30am-12:30pm Blood mobile open for donations
October
10
Maker Fair Minnesota
340 Fairgrounds Street, Garden City 9am-3pm A day full of handcrafted goods, music, kids crafts, pie baking contest, and food stands.
10 Fall Fest
Linnaeus Arboretum, Gustavus Adolphus Collge, St. Peter Come and have a fun-filled day on the beautiful grounds of Linnaeus Arboretum, the secret jewel in Southern Minnesota. Crowd favorites, alpacas and border collies, will be back.
11
Mankato River Ramble
Land of Memories Park, Mankato 8-3:30pm The River Ramble offers one great ride with four scenic routes and four fun rest stops that feature great live music, delicious treats, cold beverages, hot coffee and refreshing fruit. Enjoy 12, 26 or 42 mile routes.
November
14-15
ACTIVITY GUIDE
17 &OCT. 1817-18, 2015
A Christmas Carol
Mankato Marathon, Expo and Kids Zone
The Mankato Marathon weekend kicks off on Saturday the 17th of October! From 11a.m. to 7 p.m. there will be a Sport and Health Expo, Speaker Series, and a Kids Zone as well as all of our exciting races. The different races and schedules held on Saturday are as following:
1:00 p.m. Toddler Trot We’ll b (Ages 2-5) here to e o! FREE 1:10 p.m. Diaper Dash (Ages Under 24 Months) FREE 2:30 p.m. Kids K (Ages 7-12)$11-15 2:45 p.m. Ages 6 and under $11-15 4:00 p.m. 5K (3.1 Miles)$27-46
Sigurd K. Lee Theater of the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center Bethany Lutheran College 7:30pm-November 14, 15 2pm- November 16
27
Kiwanis Holiday Light Opens
Sibley Park 5-9pm Kiwanis Holiday lights will run through December 31, 2015 and features lighted holiday displays and hundreds of brightly-lit trees. Hours are Sun-Thurs 5-9 p.m. and Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m. Santa will be in the park Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Live reindeer will be on display until Dec. 24. There is no fee to attend, but cash donations are accepted for area WWW.MANKATOMARATHON.COM The 2nd and final day of the non-profits and non-perishable Mankato Marathon Weekend kicks food donations are collected for off at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K and area food shelves then following at 8 a.m. with the Marathon Events.
Scavenger Hunt
Can you find...
q moccasins
q fishing pole
q gray cat
q Captain America
q donuts
q birthday cake
q scissors
q monarch butterfly
q life preserver
q hammer
q maple leaf
q Snoopy
q cowboy boots
q headphones Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 9
Mitakuye Oyasin means “All My Relatives” By Marianne Carlson Photos by Rhonda Millbrett Photography
Cyrus and Ambry Brave Heart
step into the late-summer air, the sun is setting behind them, making their brightly-colored outfits even more dramatic. Ambry wears a six-inch wide black belt made of cow hide. It is decorated with metal silver studs and several hand-made items hang from it. “This is an awl,” Ambry said holding a thick metal needle-like tool. “The handle is made of buffalo bone. It is used to make moccasins.” Ambry slides the awl into a special case made of rawhide. She pulls out two more rawhide cases. One is called Strike-ALight. It holds her flint, used to make fires. The last case hanging from her belt is a knife case. Each rawhide case is sewn together with sinew and the front is decorated with a blue chokecherry bush. The back of each case is painted with three lines symbolizing the three stages of life – infant, child and woman.
10 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
New Beginnings Cyrus and Ambry are Dakota and Lakota. They are enrolled in Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Their grandmother is from Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota and their grandfather is from Pine Ridge. Being enrolled, means that their bloodline is documented with the US government, Sara said. “Mahkato Wacipi” also known as Mankato Pow Wow, in September, will be the first time Ambry wears this particular outfit or regalia. She recently took part in Isnati, a coming-of-age ceremony. As part of this ceremony, she had to design and create all of these tool cases as well as her moccasins – all in a matter of four days. This is the first year that Ambry is allowed to wear an eagle plume as part of her regalia. “Only girls wear eagle plumes and boys wear eagle feathers,” Ambry explained. Cyrus experienced his coming-of-age ceremony last year. It is called a Vision Quest. He will also get new regalia this year, but several parts of his ensemble will remain the same. Cyrus wears a bone necklace and earrings made of porcupine quills. His favorite part of his regalia is something he wears on his head called a Pesa. The Pesa is made from porcupine hair and black-tail deer hair. When it is tied on his head, it resembles a sort of mohawk. “I like the way it bounces when I dance,” Cyrus said with a smile.
“They are very rare,” Sara Brave Heart, the children’s mother said. “They can be very expensive, if you are lucky enough to find one to buy. The Pesa that Cyrus wears has been in our family for many years.” The Brave Heart children will wear their regalia at The 43rd Annual Mahkato Wacipi also called the Pow Wow, held at Land of Memories Park, September 18 – 20. Cyrus and Ambry’s father, Dave Brave Heart, is the chairperson for the Pow Wow. Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 11
What “Pow Wow” Means?
Pow Wow, or Wacipi (Wa-chee-pee in Dakota means “they dance”), time is the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. This is a time to renew thoughts of the old ways and to preserve a rich heritage. It is a celebration of the community.
The Spirit of Reconciliation – Honoring the 38 The 1862 Dakota-US Conflict in southern Minnesota resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota warriors in the largest mass execution in US History. The need for reconciliation efforts to heal wounds of the past was stressed during the 1987 Year of Reconciliation. At that time a challenge was issued by Lakota educator, writer, political activist, Vine Deloria, Jr. to create “new ceremonies” involving Dakota, non-Dakota and the land. Such ceremonies, held on a regular basis, are seen as essential to begin the building of a new shared-history.
A New Shared History Education Day September 18
In response to Vine Deloria, Jr.’s challenge in 1987, Dakota communities and Mankato District 77 decided to add an educational element to the Mdewakanton Dakota Wacipi or Pow Wow that had been taking place for many years. This educational program gives Mankato area sixth grade children, teachers and parents the opportunity to learn about and experience southern Minnesota history and heritage. “Around 650 kids from District 77 spend all day with us learning about Minnesota history and the history of the Dakota people,” Dave Brave Heart said with a smile. “They learn about our practices and traditions through what we call an intentional learning experience. They learn dances and songs. They even get to go inside a Tipi and see how the home is put together and why. They learn about ceremony and symbolism.”
Reconciliation isn’t just for non-native and native people, Sara said. “After the Dakota-US Conflict of 1862, everyone scattered,” Sara explained. “The Pow Wow is a way to bring everyone home. Native people come from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and even Canada.” This year, Pow Wow organizers are collaborating with Blue Earth County Historical Society, Nicollet County Historical Society, and Minnesota Historical Society as well as the Southern Minnesota Children’s Museum to expand the educational aspect to visitors who attend the Pow Wow by hosting an education tent that will be up for all three days during the Pow Wow event.
A Feast For The Senses
The Pow Wow has many layers that make this experience a true feast for the senses, Dave said. “The drums symbolize the heart beat of Mother Earth,” Cyrus said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the beat,” Dave said. “Sometimes you will just be standing there talking to someone and you might not even notice, but you are tapping your toes. It’s almost automatic. The music physically pulls you in. It resonates with your DNA – your spirit!” There is a lot of delicious food to taste, Dave added. “People really love the Indian Tacos and fry bread,” Dave said with a smile. “There is also Indian tea, that is mint and there will be delicious wild rice soup.” Vendors will be selling regalia, hand-made jewelry and audio CDs of traditional native songs as wells as modern songs. The brightly colored regalia and dance performances are a constant form of entertainment and a feast for the eyes, Dave said. “There is so much to see and do,” Ambry said. “You will not be bored. That’s for sure.”
Since Education Day began, over 10,000 children, teachers, assisting parents from the Mankato school district and Native American resource people have come to learn and teach about various aspects of Native American culture. “When they first started Education Day, they used to invite third graders,” Dave Brave Heart said, “They enjoyed it, but I think the sixth graders walk away with a deeper understanding of everything, especially the spirit of reconciliation, which is what this event is all about.” 12 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
Ambry made this during her “Isnati” - a coming of age ceremony
Some Things Are Sacred It is easy to be intimated by the unfamiliar, Sara said. That is why it is so important for people to come and share in this unique experience – because it creates understanding. “Within the Native American world there are strict traditions that you must conform to, however, within those traditions there is a lot of respect for individuality,” Sara said. “So when you go to the Pow Wow, you are going to see lots of different outfits, hear lots of different kinds of music and singing.” “We want people to come out and have fun, but they also have to be respectful,” Ambry said. “You can’t just run up and touch someone’s regalia or take their picture without asking.” “It is always a good idea to ask permission,” Sara added. “It is all about treating everyone and everything with respect.” Ceremony and reverence are very important to native people especially during the Pow Wow, Cyrus said. “If an Eagle feather falls on the ground. The Pow Wow stops,” Cyrus said. “It symbolizes a fallen warrior. So you can’t just run over and pick it up,” Ambry said. “They sing special songs and bring out one of the Veterans to pick it up,” Cyrus added. “Or an elder,” Ambry said. “It’s a really big deal.”
Making New Friends and Reuniting With Old Ones When asked what their favorite part of the Pow Wow is, all the member of the Brave Heart family had the same answer – “making new friends and reuniting with old ones.” For many people, the Mankato Pow Wow is a time to rejoice and reunite with friends that you might only see once a year – here at this gathering. “In the Indian world when you meet someone, you always try to figure out how you are relatives,” Sara explained with a smile. “I love finding those connections.” “For me, it is seeing people I haven’t seen in a while – rekindling old friendships,” Dave said. “I love watching people enjoy themselves and share an experience together. It is so wonderful to see different Dakota people come back to their homeland.” At the end of prayer, they always say, “Mitakuye Oyasin which means “All My Relatives,” Sara said. “We are in this world together. Not just the human beings, but the animals and the Earth – all of creation.” “To someone who is thinking about coming to the Pow Wow for the first time, I would say, come learn about the Dakota people and their way of life,” Dave said. “Come share in this experience. Come and gain an understanding and appreciation of who we are – come be with us.” Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 13
Dance Styles for Men
1
Traditional – Men wear one big bustle on their backs with eagle feathers and breastplates made of bone on their chest. It is a slower style dance.
2
Grass Dancing – Inspired from a time when the men would stamp the grass down so they could set up their tipis. (Cyrus does this kind of dancing.)
3
Fancy Dancing – Men wear two bustles on their backs and breastplates on their chests. It is very energetic and acrobatic.
Dancing Cyrus and Ambry have been dancing at Pow Wows since they were toddlers.
“Dancing just feels good,” Cyrus said. “You can dance for fun or you can also dance for someone who is having a hard time, kind of like a prayer for them.” No matter what the dancers are thinking about, Sara said, “They all go out there with a good heart.” “You can feel the positive energy,” Dave said. “It is like a ripple, when the stone hits the water. Even if you are just sitting on the grass watching that dance, that prayer, will radiate from the circle and it will hit you.” Traditionally, the women and children dance in the center of the circle. Some of the Dakota men will dance counterclockwise around the circle forming a sort of protection ring, Cyrus revealed. Throughout the day, the master of ceremonies will announce the different dances and he will always let people know when there is an intertribal dance. “That means everyone can dance, native and non-native, together,” Sara said with smile. “That is one of my favorite things about the Mankato Pow Wow. There are lots of intertribal dances. The kids’ grandpa is Jerry Dearly and he is of the MCs. He is so good at explaining everything that is going on. He is funny and inclusive. He really encourages non-native people to participate.” “We’ve pulled people into the circle and gotten them to dance with us,” Ambry said with a laugh. “I always tell people to just come and have fun,” Cyrus said. “And don’t feel self-conscious.”
Grand Entry The Wacipi begins with the Grand Entry of all the
dancers entering the arena. Leading the Grand Entry are the flag bearers. These flags may include the eagle staffs of various tribes and families in attendance, US flag, tribal flags, service flags and the P.O.W. flag. Flags are usually carried by United States Military Veterans. Native Americans hold the United States flag in an honored position. For us, the US flag has two meanings. First, it is a way to remember all of the ancestors that fought against this country. Second, it also reminds people of those people who have fought for this country. An eagle staff consisting of 38 eagle feathers was made by Glynn Crooks (Dakota) in 1979. Each feather commemorates one of the 38 Dakota executed in Mankato on December 26, 1862. It also commemorates those veterans who have served in times of conflict.
Dance Styles for Women
1
Traditional – Women wear ribbon dresses or leather dresses and sometimes carry a shawl over their arm. (Ambry does this kind of dancing.)
14 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
2
Following the flag bearers are other important guests of the Wacipi including tribal chiefs, elders, and royalty. Next in line, are the men dancers followed by the women dancers, then the children. Once everyone is in the arena, the entrance song ends. The entrance song is immediately followed by a song to honor the flag and a song to honor the veterans. This is followed by an invocation. During Grand Entry, the flag song, Veterans song, and the invocation, spectators are asked to stand and men are asked to remove their hats. All participants will end in a giant spiral shape. Dancers wear traditional regalia, not costumes, when they dance. Every part of a dancer’s regalia is very important to him or her for various reasons. Many hours go into the intricate beadwork and detailing, and full set of regalia may take years to complete. The feathers or leather may be over 100 years old and very fragile. We ask that you never handle any part of a dancer’s outfit.
Jingle Dress – As the story goes, a medicine man’s granddaughter was very ill. He had a dream in which a spirit wearing the jingle dress came to him and told him to make one of these dresses and put it on his granddaughter to cure her.
3
Fancy Shawl Dancing – Modern and energetic dancing. Expect lots of jumping and twirling. The dancers are supposed to be butterflies.
Contributed by The Paw/Pet Expo
Paws
GOT A NEW PET?
Fish Friends A
hoy pirates and mermaids! Are you ready to learn about our friends that live in oceans, lakes and rivers? Today we are going to talk about fish and a few other aquatic residents that can be a part of your pet family. First, what size fish tanks do you have room for? The size of tank that you get will make a very big difference between which fish you can or cannot get. Obviously small fish can live in larger tanks but big fish should never live in small tanks. Another thing to think about is how MANY fish do you want? If you want a bunch of different fish you are going to need a large space to put them all AND you have to make sure they get along. Not all fish get along with each other. Some fish will even fight other fish over territory and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen in your aquarium. Oh, I almost forgot, do you want fish that live in the ocean or fish that come from lakes and rivers from around the world? There are so many things to think about, my head is swimming. Freshwater fish are the fish found in lakes and rivers all over the place. We have many types of fish here at Pet Expo that can be found in Africa and South America as well as Asia, Europe and even here in the United States. Many freshwater fish are also good “community” fish, meaning that they get along in groups with other fish. “Schooling” fish are community fish that live in small tight groups within the aquarium and if the tank is large enough you can have multiple “schools” of fish all living together. Some of the most popular freshwater fish are tetra and danio varieties. These fish look pretty cool and can have different colored stripes or spots on them. Some of them will even glow under certain lights! In the wild these fish come from very different parts of the world but can live together right in your house! We think that
is pretty special. Goldfish and betta fish are also very common pets, but both need to be by themselves. Did you know that your pet Goldfish can get the size of a ruler? Goldfish are one of the only fish we have here that actually like living in cold water, brrrr. Betta fish are from Asia and are very protective of their space. A male betta fish is so protective that he will actually fight other boy betta fish if they are anywhere near him and that is why you should never have two male betta fish live together. If you don’t have much room for a fish but really want a pet a male betta fish can live in something the size of a milk jug and can be found in almost any color you can think of! Have you ever seen a fish with a suction cup mouth? How about a blue lobster? Do you believe there is an underwater lizard-type fish? What if I said all of these things are real and can be seen here in Mankato! Saltwater fish are some of the most amazingly colored fish alive and are found in all the oceans of the world. The ocean even has animals that look like rocks and are alive! These animals, called coral, eat small nearly invisible pieces of fish or plankton and can be as hard as stone or soft and almost feel like slimy rubber bands. Eww. Every now and again you can even see some fish living inside of some of these corals for protection from larger fish that might want to eat them. An aquarium full of saltwater fish and corals are best kept by adults because they are very hard to keep clean. That doesn’t mean that you cannot come on in and check out all the great colors and sizes, who knows you might even find a lost friend or two. There are HUNDREDS of fish here at Pet Expo so there is no way we can share all of them here but we would love it if you came in and saw them yourself. Oh, and don’t worry about that octopus living above the entrance, he sleeps all day.
WANT A NEW PET?
PET EXPO! EVERYTHING YOU NEED!
LET’S GO! THIS BOWL IS GETTING CROWDED!
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
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 15
From
Apples t Apples A tale from Welsh Heritage Farms
By Marianne Carlson
O
nce Upon A Time, there were two teachers, Larry and Pam Harbo. They had three lovely children and lived in a small cottage outside the Twin Cities. One day they got a call from grandma. “I want you to come back home to Lake Crystal and be farmers,” grandma said to Larry and Pam. Pam’s mother inherited two farms, that her Welsh ancestors settled over 100 years ago, when they first came to Minnesota. “I planted the seed in Larry’s head about being farmers and the more he thought about it, the more it grew on him,” Pam said with a laugh. “After a lot of discussion, we decided to plant an apple orchard.” Larry and Pam packed up their children and all their belongings and left behind their life in the big city. When they arrived at their new farm, in 1982, they immediately began planting apple trees. It took several years for the trees to grow and produce enough apples to sell. “When we first started, Larry sold apples out of his truck at the farm site and I literally picked apples with Tim on my back,” Pam recalled with a smile. “Tim is the youngest of our three kids.” The original orchard is now 35 years old and during that time, Larry and Pam have taken on new identities. To their customers and friends, they are now known as Farmer Larry and Baker Pam. Tim, now a full-grown man, has taken on many 16 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
Baker
Pam
responsibilities and helped Welsh Heritage Farms expand its operations and product offerings. “Apple farming is very labor intensive,” Tim said. “Apples bruise easily so they must be picked by hand and you have to use a certain technique. You have to lift and twist the apple away from the tree, leaving the stem on the apple. Otherwise the apple has a little hole in it.” Tim said he is still dreaming of the day when they invent an apple-picking robot.
Farmer Larry
Art, Design, and Illustration by W. Miles
The Store
In order to give their customers, the best products and the best service, the Harbo family built a store right off Highway 60. Over the years, their operation has continued to grow. They have added on to their store, not once, not twice, but … three times! Farmer Larry and Baker Pam, and Tim have made many changes to their business over the years. In addition to the 18 different kinds of apples they sell, they also sell other kinds of seasonal fruit and vegetables. The store opens in mid-July and people can purchase apples that are available in the early season as well as Michigan blueberries and cherries, as well as Missouri peaches. Farmer’s Larry’s apple cider donuts are a crowd favorite! “He makes them fresh every day,” Baker Pam said with a smile. “After 10 years, it has become a bit of an art form.” “Getting the recipe just right, took
some time,” Farmer Larry said. “Figuring how much apple cider to use in the batter and finding just the right amount of oil to use has been trial and error.” The number of donuts they make each day, depends on the time of year and the day of the week, Baker Pam explained. “Usually, Farmer Larry makes 12 dozen each day, but on Fridays, he makes 22 dozen,” Baker Pam said. “When they’re gone … they’re gone.” The store opens at 10 a.m. during the week, 9 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays. If you get there early, you might be able to see some of the behind-the-scenes magic. A large window inside the store looks directly into the bakery. So customers can come into the store, sample apples, shop for their favorite products and watch Baker Pam and her team of bakers, make 27 different kinds of homemade pie.
The Fall Festival
Every weekend, starting in September, the Harbo family hosts a special activity or event as part of their Fall Festival. The festival kicks off with Tour Day. “Anyone who is curious about how everything runs around here can come and check out the operation from front to back,” Tim said. “They can watch us pack and peel the apples so that they can be used to make our delicious homemade pies.” Craft Day with the Kids, the Caramel Apple Bar and the Pumpkin Carving Contest are all part of the festivities that should not be missed, Tim said. One of the newest additions to the family operation is Harbo Cider, an alcoholic beverage made from pressed and fermented apples. Right now, the farm has 60 varieties of cheese for sale, but that number will grow to over 100 varieties by September. Tim and his wife, Libby, recently opened a new store in St. Peter called The Cheese & Pie Mongers. They offer the same delicious homemade pies from Welsh Heritage Farms and then some. “The Fall Festival is a special time for us,” Tim said. “It has grown over the past few years as more and more people find out about us. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall day –sampling some of our apples and cheese, even doing a craft with your kids. For us, the festival is the beginning of the holiday season.
It’s a blast. Come and join us.”
Varieties of Apples:
State Fair, Whitney Crab, Beacon, Paula Red, Ginger Gold, Esteval/La Crescent, ZESTAR, SWEETANGO, Red Baron, Chestnut Crab, Sweet 16, Honey Crisp, Cortland, McIntosh, Haralson, Regent, Honeygold and Fireside. See the website to find out which are best for pies and apple sauce or munching right off the tree.
Other Delicious Treats Harris Honey • Apple Sauce Apple Butter • BBQ Sauce - 5 kinds Pickled Peppers • Pickled Eggs Peach & Apple Salsa Mustard • Popcorn Salad Dressing • Jams & Jellies Spring Grove Soda Pop
Cool Apple Facts
Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe, and were brought to North America by European colonists.
There are more than 7,500 different ki nds of apples grown around the world.
Apple trees are large if grown from seed, but small if grafted onto roots (rootstock). The apples can get just as big because they are not working to create more tree, they are working to create more fruit. These trees are often tied to a trellis to help the smaller trees battle the wind.
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 17
Dollars & Sense
Written by MN Valley Federal Credit Union
Don’t let Back-to-School
Equal Back-to-Debt G
oing back to school suggests it is the end of summer and the beginning of school supply sales, material lists from new teachers and classes, and long lines at school supply stores. Children, disappointed by the finish of their summer vacation, are encouraged with the purchase of new clothes, books, and occasionally, treats and impulse buys. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American shoppers spent $7.4 billion in family clothing stores to get ready for the back-to-school season. Families spent another $2.2 billion in bookstores during the same period. But this year, you may be wondering how you will be able to get everything your children need without getting into too much debt. You are not alone with this concern. With nearly 20 million American students heading for college and another 55 million children and teenagers in K-12 schools, parents often have to work hard to find the extra cash necessary to buy books, clothing, backpacks, shoes, and everything else today’s students need to succeed in the classroom. Here are some simple strategies you can follow to help you beat the back-to-school debt blues:
Don’t Buy Anything You Already Have
It is tempting to purchase all new school supplies for your children, regardless of whether or not you already have them at your home. For example, what kind of shape is your child’s backpack in? Is it ripped or can he/she use it again for the coming year? Just because your child wants a new backpack does not mean you must purchase one. Remember, you are teaching your child financial responsibility when you use what you have. Look at your pens, pencils, erasers, folders, binders, clipboards, calculators, and anything else you receive on the supply list from your child’s school. If you can reuse or use something you already have, do so.
Buy What is Essential
Review the supply list or the college needs list with your child. Purchase only those things that are most necessary to start the year. You can spread out the purchase of supplies over a month or two (or longer). For example, your child doesn’t need to bring two Kleenex boxes and two packages of markers on the first day of school. Send them with one of each and then send another pack or box later. Getting only those things that are essential to the first couple of weeks of school will help soften the “supply list” blow to your family’s finances. 18 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
Day Cares &Preschools
Pay With Cash
As soon as you have determined what you must purchase for the first few weeks of school, set a budget and stick to it. Avoid using anything but cash unless you must make a larger purchase, such as a laptop computer or software program; credit cards are best for these purchases. Bring the budgeted funds (in the form of cash) with you to shop as that will eliminate impulse purchases with your children and help you focus on getting the best deal possible. When the cash is gone, the shopping stops. It is that simple.
Moving to New Location September 14th – 300 Madison Ave. The Montessori Learning Center treats children as individuals with their own strengths and individual learning styles. Our goal is to nurture each child academically and socially and help each child develop to their fullest potential. We welcome children from 33 months to 5 years old. We are a licensed childcare center.
Pay Into a Back-toSchool Savings Account
If you know you have trouble saving money, a great option is to ask one of our representatives about setting up a savings account specifically designed for back-to-school savings. You can set up automatic deposits to that account, saving money over the course of the year. That way, when back-to-school time arrives, you will not be as stressed over how you will pay for everything needed.
The Ripple Effect
Teach your children how buying decisions impact your life. Let them know that by saving money in one area it can allow you to save it for things like toys, food, and maybe even a vacation down the road. Empower them to make small decisions themselves to help reinforce the lesson.
Preschool Options: 9am - 11:30am M-F, M-W-F, T-Th
Full-Day Childcare For Infant,Toddler and Preschool Age Children
Immediate Preschool Openings Call for more information
625-2141
Check our website for more information and change in Open House date.
mankatolittlestars.com
Montessori Learning Center
1500 Edgewood Blvd. North Mankato
507-388-6859
mankatomontessori@gmail.com Childcare Available Providing Preschool education for over 14 years
Make Back-to-School a Great Experience for Everyone
By thinking creatively and limiting your spending to only what is necessary for the first couple weeks of school, you can spread out your back-to-school expenses throughout the year and stay out of debt. Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 19
Be Healthy
Vaccinations offer an easy way to
prevent illness in your child
T
hanks to modern medicine, child vaccinations are responsible for preventing 322 million illnesses over the last 20 years. Because 78 million kids have been vaccinated over the past two decades, 732,000 deaths have been prevented. Was your child one of that nearly 80 million? Also referred to as a vaccination, an immunization is a way of creating immunity to specific diseases by using small amounts of a killed or weakened microorganism that causes the particular disease. Vaccines stimulate our immune system to react as if there was a real
infection. By fending off the infection, the immune system remembers the organism so that it can fight it off quickly if it should enter the body later. The diseases that can arise in unvaccinated children (and adults) can be devastating and the best way to stop them is through prevention. The recommended childhood vaccines prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP or Tdap), polio (IPV), pneumococcal disease (Prevnar), hemophilus influenza type b (Hib), rotavirus disease (Rotateq), hepatitis B, hepatitis A, chickenpox (varicella), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), meningococcal disease (Menactra) and human papilloma virus disease (HPV). Influenza vaccine is also recommended every fall for people 6 months and older. A common misperception of many diseases that vaccinations help prevent (like measles, chicken pox and polio) is that they have been eradicated. But, unfortunately, they haven’t been. Just 20 years ago in 1995, Mankato had nine cases of meningococcal disease outbreak which caused one death. The result was 30,000 additional immunizations of unvaccinated individuals. In 2012, there were 12 known cases of invasive diseases and, just this year, there have been 173 cases of measles in 21 states. For years, scientists and doctors have rigorously developed and tested vaccinations as they are developed and determined them to be safe. Though there remains some hesitancy toward vaccinations and resistance, there lacks any evidence that immunizations cause autism or developmental problems. In fact, vaccinations are one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and the people around you so unnecessary sickness doesn’t occur. It’s important to know the various types of vaccines: • Attenuated: weakened, live viruses are used in some vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella vaccine; rotavirus vaccine is a live, oral vaccine for infants. • Killed: inactivated viruses or bacteria are used in some vaccines, like IPV • Toxoid vaccines: contain an inactivated toxin produced by bacteria. The diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are toxoid vaccines • Conjugate vaccines: contain parts of killed bacteria which are combined with proteins to make the person’s immune response better
When getting your child scheduled for his or her immunizations, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids get a combination of vaccines whenever possible. By doing so, the combination helps reduce the number of shots a child receives. Examples are Pentacel, Kinrix and Proquad. Refer to the following chart for a recommended schedule for your child’s immunizations. As parents, vaccinating our children at birth and for the rest of their lives is the best way to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Birth: Hepatitis B • 2 months: Pentacel (DTaP, IPV, Hib), Prevnar, Rotateq, Hepatitis B • 4 months: Pentacel (DTaP, IPV, Hib), Prevnar, Rotateq • 6 months: Pentacel (DTaP, IPV, Hib), Prevnar, Rotateq, Hepatitis B • 12 months: Hepatitis A, Prevnar, Varicella • 15 months: Pentacel (DTaP, IPV, Hib), MMR • 18 months: Hepatitis A • 4-6 years: Kinrix (DTaP and IPV, Proquad (MMR, Varicella) • Seventh grade: Tdap, Menactra, HPV series • 16 years: Menactra
ealthy... We are Happy H e r a e ! W
Does your child suffer from any of the following? • • • •
Colic Ear Infections Asthma Difficulty Concentrating
• • • •
Allergies Sinus Trouble Poor Posture Frequent Colds
• Headaches • Scoliosis • Sports Injuries
As a form of preventative medicine, Chiropractic treatment helps to enhance the child’s natural ability to fight these conditions and live healthier lives! Now offering Infant Massage Instruction with Melissa Enter CIMI Dr. Jennifer Stuvek
1051 Madison Avenue Ste 2 | Mankato MN 507.625.1085 | aurorachiropractic.org
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.
Donald Putzier, MD Mankato Clinic Pediatrician Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 21
Be Active
Jordyn Erickson YMCA
After School Adventure I t’s a warm afternoon in September, and as the bell signals the end of the school day at the Mankato Area elementary schools, kids flood into the halls and burst through the doors outside. Some students head down a sidewalk, while others climb into designated buses for their afterschool designations. It’s 3:00PM, where is your child going and what will they be doing while you finish your workday? Afterschool can be seen as more than just a time of day. It’s a great opportunity to nurture your children’s development so they can reach their fullest potential. Parents should look for a program that is committed to helping kids learn, grow and thrive in a healthy environment where they can establish positive relationships and experience a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Research shows that students who participate in quality afterschool and summer learning programs see improvement in their academics, are more engaged in learning and are more self-confident in what they can achieve. There are several program options in the Mankato area that are providing valuable afterschool services with safe and supervised environments, academic enrichment opportunities, and healthy snacks and meals—for families in need of support. Making sure that kids are kept safe, have supportive mentors they can turn to, and have healthy food to keep their energy and concentration levels up are all important for our area youth. One example is the Mankato YMCA Afterschool Adventures program (ASA). The focus is on the child; offering many adventures for children to experience in a safe, supervised environment. The Y afterschool program meets the supervision expectations of working families who want enrichment for their child, 22 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
or have been recommended by the school for extra academic support. ASA is based on development and activities for your child’s level. The YMCA facility is designed to offer a safe and secure place for youth to go to when school is not in session. Weekly activities include using the pools for free swim, swimming lessons, fitness in the aerobics studio, and gym games. The Y collaborates with other youth strengthening organizations that bring activities to us -such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and Lee’s Taekwondo. Youth also take monthly field trips to area businesses (Jake’s Pizza is our favorite!), visit our City parks, and getting help with homework. Transportation is available from area elementary schools to the Y. As a parent, your goal is simple: to help your child be successful. Finding the afterschool program that your child enjoys while giving you peace of mind is the key. Contact Sarah Heath at 345-9808 or sheath@mankatoymca.org for more information about afterschool programming at the YMCA or check out the District 77 Community Education afterschool programming at http://www.mankatocer.com
October is a month of colors and fun, laughing and running—it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Many children learn best through multi-sensorial outlets and experiences. When they are able to explore through their senses (sight, touch, sound, scent, and taste) they are able to build a vision of how something is perceived by them. The effects of domestic violence can be overwhelming to experience, and even to learn about. One thing is for certain, ignoring the problem will not make it go away. At CADA we want to remove the shame associated with talking about domestic violence while providing children with skills that allow them to cope at their level. While in shelter, children can engage in our Safety through Sensory Project and develop skills that allow them to call upon happier visions in times when they need to respond to, cope with, or process an experience. It also is a great way to understand the impact of building memories and healthy problem solving and coping skills. Help CADA make sure that all kids in our community get to enjoy the fun associated with being a kid. Exposure to violence and trauma during early childhood has a large potential impact on the developing brain. It can change basic processes affecting healthy growth and brain functioning. Regular exposure can change the structure of the brain. Please stand with CADA for kids in October and get educated. It’s time for an informed response to what the little eyes see... Let’s all get involved in making our region a safe place for kids to grow. For more information on CADAkids visit our website: www.cadamn.org or contact us by phone: 507 625 8688 ext. 0 or call our 24 hour Crisis line: 800 477 0466 if you are in need of shelter.
SATURDAY, OCT. 17
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 23
20758 528th Ave., Lake Crystal | 507-726-6562
APPLE FEST 2015 ACTIVITIES Come out and have the orchard experience first hand during our U-Pick events in September. Call 507-726-6526 for exact times. September 12
September 20
October 11
October 25
& October 3
TOUR DAY
Reindeer in the Orchard
4th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Photos in the Orchard
Check out our Visit the reindeer operation from front from “Crystal to back. Learn how we pack, peel, and Collection Reindeer” at the orchard. turn our delicious They are fuzzy, furry, apples into homemade pies! cute and cuddly – how can you go wrong?
October 18 Craft Day With The Kids September 27 Bring the family in for that perfect fall photo with ID Photography. 10a.m. - 6p.m. 15 minute session 5 Digital images Photo print release online gallery
35 + Tax
$
Shipping & handling not included
Make Your Own Caramel Apples Visit our “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” Bar. Sliced apples with caramel drizzled over Make and take home the top a special craft project. - your Also, get your choice of face painted by toppings Baker Pam. $ Call for exact times.
3.50
Carve a pumpkin for a chance to win $100 cash and other prizes. Sign up five days prior. Call store for details. Featured Special: Free Apple Cider Donuts for kids at the Apple Store.
How do you do it? Raising Independent Teens By Jeni Kolstad
When my youngest child turned four, I started telling myself and others that I never want to have any kids under the age of four. Each year, that age threshold increased and now I have a 15 and 14 year old and I do not want to have any kids under the age of 14. Seems crazy, right? Well, let me explain. Teenagers want independence, which in turn, gives me independence. From the moment my kids could start doing things on their own, I would let them. I would put snacks where they could reach, I would let them pick out their own clothes, and teach them how to use things, like the TV remote so they could change their own channel. Now as teenagers, they can cook their own meals, wash their own laundry, and manage the various electronics and appliances in the house. I allow my kids to make their own decisions. There is no sense in me paying for activities or events if they have no interest in them. I also allow them to do things on their own. You want to get a snack from the store? Well, hop on your bike and go get a snack! You want a sleepover? Sounds fun! I try to say yes more often than I say no. And if I say no, then I have a valid reason. Because of this, my kids do not nag or fight me. They understand that there truly is a reason that they cannot go. Plus, saying yes feels so much better than saying no! Having teenagers means
more interesting conversations. When same-sex marriage became legal in all 50 states by the supreme court (yay!), my wife texted my daughter to inform her of this, who then responded with “Yay!… Wait, is this an Onion thing?” The fact that my 15 year old knows the satirical news outlet The Onion is, first, just awesome and second, hilarious, but sad all at the same time that this bit of good news could be seen as satire and she could recognize it! I know that I’ve made having teenagers seem like a piece of cake, but there are definite challenges. Technology is a challenge and it is impossible to escape. When my son wants to play video games all day and my daughter sends over 3,000 text messages a month, I do get worried about the place that technology has in their lives.
Technology
is a challenge and it is
impossible
to escape.
I’ve decided that as long as my kids are healthy and engaged in life, then I’m not going to intervene. We do have discussions about appropriate internet use, how technology can impact their lives, and dangers to be aware of. Another thing that parents of young kids tell me they are worried about is the attitude of teenagers. It may be because I’m a social worker, but instead of flipping out when I get this attitude, I try to figure out what is going on. Usually the attitude is coming with baggage and it isn’t just because they want to be snots. I’ve learned a lot about what is going on in my kids’ lives by taking a step back and asking them if something is going on. As my kids continue to grow and age, I continue to love more and more the adults they are becoming. In our house, we try to laugh as much as possible and approach each other with respect. It seems to work out well. And, I do not want any kids younger than the age of 14! Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 25
Fancy Pants
Cay
den
Nilla
KiraAnn Photography by Rhonda Milbrett Photography
Alex
Alex Outfit 1: Lands End Sweater, Gymboree Shirt, Levi’s Jeans, Airwalk Shoes, entire outfit $27 Outfit 2: Old Navy Shirt, Freeworld Jeans, Airwalk Hat, Airwalk Shoes, entire outfit $24 KiraAnn Outfit 1: Gymboree Shoes, SGT Fletcher Top, Old Navy Jeans, entire outfit $21.50 Outift 2: DKNY Blazer, Squeeze Pants, Total Girl Top, Gymboree Shoes, entire outfit $24 Nilla Outfit 1: Children’s Place Jeans, Rachel & Chloe Dress, Justice Sweater, Cherokee Boots, entire outfit $29 Outfit 2: Old Navy Shirt, Abercrombie Kids Tank, Miss Me Jean, Cherokee Boots, entire outfit $51.50 Cayden Outfit 1: Old Navy Jeans, Children’s Place Shirt, Arizona T-Shirt, Old Navy Shoes, entire outfit $21 Outfit 2: Children’s Place Vest, Gap T-Shirt, Cherokee Jeans, Old Navy Shoes, entire outfit $20
Fashions by Once Upon A Child
Kroubetz Lakeside Campers
Kid-OH!
Coloring Contest
Mail or drop off your child’s coloring page at our dealership in Lake Crystal. Please include the child’s name and age. 1st Place $100 Prize • 2nd Place $50 Price 3rd Place $25 Prize People’s Choice Award: $50 Gift Certificate to Kroubetz Camping Store Go to our Facebook page and vote for your favorite coloring page by October 15th! It Only Takes One CLICK! The People’s Choice Award goes to the artist that receives the most “Likes” on Facebook
Huge Fall Clearance Sale!!! 2016 Salem 27RKSS
2016 R-Pod RP178 Stock#1520
2016 Momentum 348M
2016 Salem 30KQBSS
Stock#1527
Stock#1500
½ ton towable. Huge rear kitchen and private bedroom. Power everything.
Towable with 3500 pound vehicles. Sleeps 4 with queen dinette sleeper Full bath and slideout.
Private Master BR separate bunkroom for kids. Loaded with huge slideout. Outside Kitchen.
MSRP: $29,562
MSRP: $20,289
MSRP: $30,351
Sale Price:
$19,995
Sale Price:
$14,999
Stock#1504
Toy Hauler with 12’6” private garage. Loaded with on board generator, fuel station, and auto level. Sleeps 8~ a great alternative to a bunk house.
MSRP: $85,651
Sale Price:
Sale Price:
$69,999
$19,999
HOURS:
Mon-Fri 8 am–5:30 pm Saturday 9 am–3 pm • Closed Sunday 351 Hwy. 60 East PO Box 389 Lake Crystal, MN 56055
www.kroubetz.com 507-726-6454
14 15 60
60
★
MANKATO
14
OWATONNA
13 15
FAIRMONT
169
BLUE EARTH
35
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ALBERT LEA
Kroubetz Lakeside Campers
NAME
Minnesota’s Friendliest Camper Dealership
AGE Like Us & Vote on
Fancy Pants
30 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
My favorite subject is Reading. I look forward to being with all my friends. ~ KiraAnn
My favorite subject is Math and favorite special is Gym. I look forward to seeing my friends again and playing soccer at recess. ~ Alex
My favorite subject is Math. I look forward to meeting new friends and teachers. ~ Nilla
My favorite subject is Gym because I get to run around and wear of some of my energy. I’m excited to play my first year of football. ~ Cayden
Everyone here at The Free Press wants to wish all of you Kid-Ohs good luck and much fun in the new school year! Learn lots! Play hard! Be safe! Have a blast! Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 31
Down Dog Pose
Start on your hands and knees (Table-Top Pose). Align your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. The fold of your wrists should be parallel with the top edge of your mat. Point your middle fingers directly to the top edge of your mat.
Step 2
Step 1
hOMie
Tips for Kids: x Kids naturally have a short attention span so keep the whole pose set up under 60 seconds. x If they are old enough have them help you count to 10 while holding the pose. x Allow your child to act like a dog if they want by barking or wagging their “tail”. x Parents/Caregiver can join in and do the pose to let kids crawl under them.
Tuck your toes under, spread your finders wide and pull your belly in. Benefits: • Elongates and releases tension from your spine • Stretches your hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands • Strengthens your arms, shoulders, and back • Improves mobility of your digestive system
Name:
Keith Mortensen Occupation:
Police Officer How long have you lived in Mankato?
Since 1996
What is your favorite part of your job?
Summer fishing
What is your favorite thing to do in Mankato?
Ride the bicycle trails What did you want to be when you grew up?
Secret Agent 32 2015 32 •• Kid-oh! Kid-oh! || Fall Spring 2015
“Cops and Bobbers” is organized by the Mankato Department of Public Safety. It’s intended to teach children a fun outdoor activity while helping them develop trust toward law enforcement.
Gena Heminover: Registered Yoga Teacher and mother of two girls, Elea age 4 (pictured) and Ava age 1 (not pictured). Teaching yoga at the Mankato Family YMCA and various places of business in Mankato. Specializing in Kids Yoga, Power Yoga, Vinyasa and Yoga for Athletes. Find me on Facebook at ‘Gena Heminover Yoga’ https://www.facebook.com/ AthletesYoga Or email: heminoveryoga@yahoo.com
THE MOST INDISPENSABLE INGREDIENT OF ALL GOOD HOME COOKING: LOVE FOR THOSE YOU ARE COOKING FOR.
Step 3
SOPHIA LOREN
• Relieves back pain, headaches, insomnia and fatigue • Downward-Facing Dog is a mild inversion that calms the nervous system and helps relieve stress • This is a resting and a strengthen pose ALL-IN-ONE
Lift your knees off the floor and reach your hips up toward the ceiling. Gently begin to straighten your legs, but do not lock your knees. Bring your body into the shape of an “A.” Do not walk your feet closer to your hands — keep the extension of your whole body. Relax the back of the head, looking at your knees.
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Fall 2015 Spring 2015 || Kid-oh! Kid-oh! •• 33 33
Pen Names
Coco’s New Cluck
By Sophie Gatchell
O
ne cool evening, a chicken named Coco and a turkey named Oscar were sitting on a fence. Thanksgiving was right around the corner, and they were both very excited! Especially Oscar who had a very big reputation on Thanksgiving. “My favorite part about Thanksgiving is the seeds. There is nothing like a pile of warm seeds on Thanksgiving!” Oscar clucked. “That must be yummy,” Coco agreed, but chickens didn’t get special treatment on Thanksgiving. “I also really love going to fairs!” Oscar remembered. “There might be one this year too. I can’t wait!” “I haven’t been to a fair, but that sure sounds fun.” Coco said sulkily. “What’s wrong, Coco?” Oscar asked. He hopped down from the fence. “Don’t you like Thanksgiving?” “I wish I did,” Coco sighed. “But Thanksgiving always reminds me of how much I wish I could be a turkey.”
34 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
“But being a chicken is what you were meant to be,” Oscar replied, putting a wing around Coco. “Maybe,” Coco began, “but I want to be a turkey.” “I like you just the way you are!” Oscar smiled and flew back up onto the fence. “My feathers are small and colorless, yours are big and vibrant!” Coco pointed out. “My cluck is just a peep. Yours can be heard across the farm,” Coco clucked, and it became clear she just might be right. But Oscar never noticed these things, and he definitely did not notice how unhappy Coco was. Coco began strutting towards the barn and Oscar started to think. “Coco can’t be unhappy on Thanksgiving!” Oscar thought. Then, he had an idea! He flew down from the fence and flapped his wings. That night, he would put his plan into action. When the barn doors were closed and latched for the night, Oscar tiptoed across the wooden barn floor to the hay pile. This is where lots of the turkeys like to lay down and take naps in the warm hay. He gathered some lost feathers from in the hay in his wings and carried them out of the barn. He even brought some of his seeds to share with Coco. Oscar knew his plan to help his friend would work! The next morning, Oscar waited patiently at the fence
where Coco met him every morning. Suddenly, Oscar saw Coco strutting happily towards the fence. “Look!” Coco clucked happily and pointed at her new big feathers spread out across her wings. “My wishes came true!” “I knew they would! After all, Thanksgiving is a magical holiday.” Oscar pretended to be surprised. “I found a big pile of seed in my nest, too!” “Can you cluck as loud as I can now?” Oscar asked. “CLUCK!” Coco flapped her big wings, and sent her cluck across the farm, just like Oscar does. She was so excited about being a turkey; her small cluck had turned into big one, just like Oscar. “That’s great Coco,” Oscar said gleefully, even though he never did anything to her small cluck. “Turkeys!” Farmer Brown called from in the field. “Time for the Thanksgiving fair!” “Can I come?” Coco asked. “You are a turkey now, aren’t you?” Oscar laughed. They both strutted back to the barn just before heading to the fair. Life as a turkey would be so much fun!
Hey Kids! Can you color Coco’s new feathers?
Say What?
We asked some Kid-Oh’s what they are thankful for...
Shayla Age: 5
“Family”
Jackson Age: 8
“My Family”
Alex Age: 8
“My Life”
Maya
Reagen & Elena Age: 4 & 3
“My Brother & Toys”
Madison
Age: 4
“My Family”
Age: 6
“Horses”
Jake Age: 5 1/2
“My Mom & Dad”
Ella
Priscilla
“Jesus”
“My Parents”
Age: 5
Jack Age: 7
“Food”
Age: 6
Nellie
Jackson
“Toys & Family”
“Family & Friends”
Age: 5
Age: 7
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 35
Family Night!
Every Sunday night
Nosh
Wrap it Up! You’ll need:
Peanut Butter or Chocolate Spread Whole Wheat Tortillas Cut Bananas Toppings (Like Granola, Nuts or Dried Fruit)
FREE
1
Kids Meal
Spread Filling on Tortilla
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
2
Add your cut bananas
3 Sprinkle on your extras
*Not valid with any other coupons or specials, dine-in only.
4
Wrap it up
920 Madison Ave Mankato, MN 507.388.6845 charleysrestaurantmankato.com
Now you’re set to pack your lunch by yourself! 36 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
507-345-3027 • 421 North Second St. www.immanuelmankato.org • school@immanuelmankato.org
What’s Happening at Immanuel? Athletics
Band
Meets weekly 3 Annual Concerts
sic m u M gra ction tru ls o s r n P c i bel ation d si ci Mu Han pre Ap c i s Mu
High School Volleyball Grade School Volleyball Grade School Soccer High School Basketball Grade School Basketball
Hig Dra h Sch ma ool Per form Clu b Nov anc e . 20s 22
Ac
ad em
Al l Sp Cor an e S i u an sh, G bje Ele d O erm cts, ct the an ive r , s
ics
Be Safe Dr. Jennifer Stuvek at Aurora Chiropractic
specializes in chiropractic treatment for children and adolescents and is proud to serve the Greater Mankato community.
Back to Backpacks I
t is back to school time! One of the crucial pieces to any back to school list is the backpack. Although backpacks are necessary, they are a leading cause of back and shoulder pain for children and adolescents. Here are a few tips that can help with backpack selection and proper fitting. • Is the backpack the correct size for your child? The backpack should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso, and the pack should not hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking. • Does the backpack have two wide, padded shoulder straps? Non-padded straps are not only uncomfortable, but also they can place unnecessary pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles. • Does your child uase both straps? Lugging a heavy backpack by one strap can cause a disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, low-back pain, and poor posture. • Are the shoulder straps adjustable? The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. The backpack should be evenly centered in the middle of your child’s back.
38 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
• Does the backpack have a padded back? A padded back not only provides increased comfort, but also protects your child from being poked by sharp edges on school supplies. • Does the pack have several compartments? A backpack with individualized compartments helps position the contents most effectively. Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back, and try to place the heaviest items closet to the body. • How heavy is the backpack? A properly packed backpack should not be more than 10% of the child’s body weight. For example a child weighing 100 pounds shouldn’t carry a backpack heavier than 10 pounds. If you or your child experiences any pain or discomfort resulting from backpack use, call your doctor of chiropractic. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.
LOC
Thanks for joining us this summer in the Park!
S EAR
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OWNED FO R2
5Y
ILY AM YF
Dairy Queen West 25 Stolzman Rd. (across from West HS)
DQ® Cakes
3 OFF
$
(Not valid on logs)
507-388-6451
ANY Dairy Queen Cake Coupon expires 10/31/15
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 39
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Flicks
SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN MOVIES Hocus Pocus (1993 )
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.
(1993)
After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teen-agers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to the witches’ reign of terror once and for all.
Pooh’s Hefflalump Halloween Movie
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Halloween can be a frightening time of year for piglets and young Heffalumps, but the power of unconditional friendship should never be underestimated.
In a small town, a brewing romantic rivalry with a local tough and a school-teacher culminates in a terrifying ride in the night.
Nightmare Before Christmas
(2005)
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966 )
The Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween while Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin.
Halloweentown (1998)
Marnie, Dylan, and Sophie Piper have their first out of many adventures! Something dark & evil is growing in Halloweentown & Aggie wants help to defeat it.
Monster House (2006 )
Three teens discover that their neighbor’s house is really a living, breathing, scary monster.
46 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
(1949)
Igor
(2008 )
Animated fable about a cliché hunchbacked evil scientist’s assistant who aspires to become a scientist himself, much to the displeasure of the rest of the evil science community.
Hotel Transylvania (2012 )
Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count’s teen-aged daughter.
Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
Two mysterious orphan children have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. But where do these kids really call home? Courtesy of IMBD.com
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 and events that are happening around town in September, October, November.
1. NKAAMOT AATNHORM_ ______________________ 2. KTHMAOA IIAWCP___________________________ 3. VREIR BARELM______________________________ 4. IFTRS YDA FO LSHOOC________________________ 5. WNEOLHELA________________________________ 6. VGIIKSHTNGNA_ ____________________________ 7. BARLO AYD_________________________________ KEY: 1. MANKATO MARATHON 2. MAHKATO WACIPI 3. RIVER RAMBLE 4. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 5. HALLOWEEN 6.THANKSGIVING 7. LABOR DAY
Writing Prompt... What haunting things are going on here? Write a story about it. 48 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
A Draw in Face Pumpk
Art by Rachel Compart
$
5 off
your next purchase of $30 or more. Coupon not good with other offers. Expires 11/30/15.
2030 Adams St., Mankato • 507-625-2695 • wowzonefec.com
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 49
Which ghost is the best dancer? ! A. The Boogie Man
Q:
What is a ghost’s favorite de ss e r t ?
A. Booberry pie! :
Q
What do you do if you wanet to learn mor ? about Dracula A. You join his fang club. :
Q
W hy d o vampires need m o ut h w a s h ? A. Because they have bat breath.
50 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
:
Q
Which side o f a t ur k e y ha s t he m o s t feathers?
Q:
What kind of music did the Pil grims li ke? :
Q
Why did the t ur k e y c ro s s the road? :
Q
W ha t s o und d o e s a turkey’s p ho ne m a k e ? A. Wing! Wing!
A. Because ey were trans-path rents! :
Q
What’s t he m o s t musical part o f a t ur k e y ?
A. It was the chicken’s day off!
Why couldn’t t he g ho see its msotm a nd d a d ?
Q:
A. Plymouth Rock
A. Wrap music!
Q:
What smell s t he be s t a t a Thanksgiving dinner?
A. The outside!
W ha t d o mummies li ke li stening to?
A. The drumstick!
Q
:
Q
A. Your nose!
:
Art by Staci Queen
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 51
the Ramble Coloring Contest
Phone Number: _____________________
Artist Name: _______________________
We
Enjoy the sights of the Minnesota River Valley on two wheels all summer long and sign up for the Mankato River Ramble this fall. It’s a beautiful fall ride for the whole family on October 11. Enter our coloring contest and be entered to win a free t-shirt and have your art displayed at the Mankato River Ramble on October 11! Color this page and drop it off or mail it to The Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates c/o Tom Engstrom at 117 Royal Road, Mankato, MN 56001 by September 1, 2015. Learn more about the Ramble and register your family to ride at BikeRiverRamble.org.
The Mankato River Ramble benefits the Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.
Art by Erika Lo
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
Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 53
Be crafty
Bag O’ Bones Cut 1
Cut 1
Cut 2 Cut 2 Cut 1
Cut 4
Cut 1 Cut 2
Cut 4 Cut 2
Cut 2
54 • Kid-oh! | Fall 2015
1 2 3
Cut out all the parts (see diagram). This is the patience part…we drew them on first (see photo) Lay them on the floor in the order you like, and cut the ribbon or string
Punch the holes in each end of each part. For the head, body and hip jugs you will need two holes in each before you attach it all together (if you look closely you will see there are four holes total in the head, ribs, hips and shoulders).
4
Have a little fun with Bag O’ Bones, add on a colorful bow tie, out line his openings to make them a stand out or even put some birdseed in his belly and hang from a tree!
Supply List • 8 Clean and Dry Gallon Milk Jugs • Wax Pencil or Crayon to draw your lines on • Craft Snips or Scissors • Roll of string or ribbon • Glow in the Dark Paint (optional) • Hole Punch
Walking up creepy path, I spy a man of bones from head to feet, Halloween is here again, Knock, Knock - Trick or Treat! Fall 2015 | Kid-oh! • 55
World-class & local:
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Montgomery and the Spa at Ross Bridge are in the Top 7, followed closely
Marriott is known globally for having great spas. In North America, five of
by the Battle House in Mobile. All five of these spas are part of the RTJ
the top Marriott and Renaissance spas are found in Alabama. For guest
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ranked Marriott spa in North America. The Spa at the Grand Hotel in Pt.
Come experience them for yourself.*Renaissance and Marriott spa guest
Clear also is in Marriott’s Top 10. For Renaissance Hotels, both the Spa at
satisfaction rankings in North America, as of Oct. 1, 2014.
FLORENCE · HOOVER · MONTGOMERY · MOBILE · POINT CLEAR The
Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail · rtjresorts.com/spacard
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