Lawrence Kids Winter 2020
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Lawrence Kids Winter 2020 Season’s Readings
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Healthy, Engaged, and Screen-Free 10 Seasonal Essentials / The Thornton Family 14 Pod Save the World 22 Youth of the Year 26 Sledding Lawrence 32 Winter Bird Watching 34
cover/table of contents photo: Amber Yoshida a project of Four Birds Media info@lawrencekidsmagazine.com (785) 766-5669 Thank you for reading.
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BRACES to fit your LIFESTYLE
Dr. Malani Kuiper M.D., F.A.A.P.
Dr. Kristen Jacobs M.D., F.A.A.P.
Dr. Eleni Grammatikopoulou M.D., F.A.A.P.
Dr. Sara Nelson M.D., F.A.A.P.
Dr. Ann Novosel M.D., F.A.A.P.
Gretchen Wells APRN
Season’s Readings
The best seasonal books, as suggested by librarian Dan Coleman
Best in Snow, by April Pulley Sayre - April Pulley Sayre continues her “Weather Walks” series of photographic journeys with this beautifully shot walk through a winter world of snow and wildlife. The Story of Snow, by Jon Nelson and Mark Cassino - Penned by an ice physicist and packed with fascinating photos, this science book seeks to answer all the basic questions about ice crystals falling from the sky. Freedom Soup, by Tami Charles and Jacqueline Alcantara - On a snowy New Year’s Day, a young girl named Belle makes freedom soup with her grandmother, Ti Gran. The soup celebrates Haitian independence, and the book tells the story of how it came to be. Words and illustrations provide not only a history lesson, but a window into a Haitian New Year’s tradition, and a treat for the senses, as the sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday are so well depicted that they’ll put you right in that kitchen. Bringing in the New Year, by Grace Lin - How good it feels to say farewell to 2020, the Year of the Rat! Reading Grace Lin’s classic depiction of a Chinese family celebrating the Lunar New Year is a great way to mark a holiday observed by a quarter of the world’s population. Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen and John Schoenherr - Veteran author Jane Yolen has over a hundred books to her name, and this 1987 Caldecott winner may be her best. After all, what’s more wintery than a snowy night in the woods, a great horned owl, and father and daughter looking for it together? Little Red Gliding Hood, by Tara Lazar and Troy Cummings - Cartoonish, candy-colored illustrations festoon this totally ridiculous fractured fairy tale, which features Little Red Riding Hood paired up with the Big Bad Wolf in a couples’ skating competition against other folklore regulars.
The Branch, by Mireille Messier and Pierre Pratt - While blizzards roar through many a picture book, ice storms are rare. This quiet meditation on the timeless seasonal theme of death and renewal hinges on an ice storm that snaps a girl’s favorite branch. As she grieves, a kindly neighbor helps her transform the branch into a wooden swing, which carries her to a new understanding in the spring. Ten Ways to Hear Snow, by Cathy Camper and Kenard Pak - A girl counts the various sounds of snow on a walk to visit her grandma in what may be the best new picture book of this winter— a quiet contemplation that also teaches a lesson in mindful observation of the seasons. Twelve Kinds of Ice, by Ellen Bryan Obed and Barbara McClintock - In another thoughtful catalog of winter phenomena, Obed reminisces about ice in all its many forms, and the wonder and fun of it she experienced as a child. The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto, by Natalie Standiford and Donald Cook - The story of Balto resonates this year, as we face our own urgent need of a vaccine. There are several good children’s books about the sled dog whose gallantry helped deliver the diphtheria antibody serum from Anchorage to Nome in 1925, but this one can’t be beat for its pure excitement and tale-telling. The Endless Steppe, by Esther Hautzig - I don’t often have a chance to recommend this one, and frankly, it’s a bit of a hard sell, but it remains one of my all-time favorites. Somehow Esther Hautzig’s memoir of her family’s life in Siberia during World War II ended up in the hands of my fifth grade self one wintery day, and captivated me from cover to cover. It’s another story for our times, a reminder of the trials people faced before us, their endurance under tragic circumstances, and the human spirit’s capacity to enjoy the little things, make do, and survive.
Winter, when children are driven inside by the cold weather, is here. With the COVID-19 pandemic, our kids have faced a year unlike any other. Through quarantining and remote schooling, kids have been more cooped-up this year and may have become more sedentary, spending increased numbers of hours in front of screens. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids less than 18 months other than video chatting, limited, high-quality programming for those 18 to 24 months, and less than 1 hour per day for those older than 2 years beyond required school screen time.
Healthy, Engaged, and Screen-Free Helpful hints from Dr. Ann Novosel and her crew at Lawrence Pediatrics
How do I keep my kids engaged without using a screen? Cook a meal together- Kids love to help in the kitchen and it can be a great chance to learn an important life skill. For younger kids, use MyPlate© to discuss the various components of a healthy meal. For older kids, discuss the sections of a food label. You do not have to be a chef. Just pick a recipe and go for it! Create an art piece- From coloring with crayons to finger painting, children love to create works of art. Make paper snowflakes or a gingerbread house for some wintery décor. Let your child’s creativity soar! Perform a science experiment- Remember that baking soda and vinegar volcano you made as a kid? How about slime or gak? These are still wonderful activities that your kids will love! For younger kids, putting some food coloring in water and allowing them to mix the colors can provide a fun way to learn about the color wheel. Read together- You have probably heard your pediatrician talk about this one more than once, but really, reading is such an important activity at any age. In fact, reading has been shown to increase IQ points. Read often folks! Write a letter- Remember good, old-fashioned letters? During this season of COVID, most of us are not able to see loved ones as frequently as we would like. Writing letters to family and friends can be a wonderful activity for your child while also bringing joy to someone else! Camp inside- While it may be too cold to go camping the traditional way, it is never too chilly to put up a tent in the comfort of your home. Start a fire in your fireplace and roast some marshmallows for s’mores… or you can make them in your microwave! Work on a jigsaw puzzle- Puzzles are great for building problem-solving skills and can be easily adapted to your child’s developmental level. For younger children, try a floor or wooden puzzle. Build something new- There are so many fun creations
your kids can make out of every day household items. Build a tower out of cardboard boxes. Make a drum out of an old oatmeal can or a rain stick from a paper towel roll. Give your child an object and see what they create. How do I get my kids off the couch? Staying active can be a challenge. Whether it is doing jumping jacks, having a dance party, playing with a beloved pet, or lifting weights, look for ways to keep your kids moving this winter. When the weather is nice, go outside for a walk or bike ride. If there is snow, send the kids outside to build a snowman. Staying active is so important for keeping our bodies healthy and staving off that excess winter weight. It also helps with those indoor winter blues. How do I keep my kids healthy this winter? Winter is also the time when all those nasty respiratory viruses rear their ugly heads. Hopefully with everyone wearing a mask, we will not see as many cases of these bugs; however, time will tell. If you have not already done so, make sure that everyone in your family has received their flu shot this year. Stay up to date on your child’s well checks and immunizations. Make sure your kids are eating a healthy diet containing fruits and vegetables, staying active, and getting plenty of sleep. Please keep your family safe by washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing. Enjoy the season and stay safe out there!
Seasonal Essentials Justin and Ashley Thornton spend most of their time chasing their pack, including Isaiah (8), Ellis (7), Railey (4), and pup Laila (5 months). As a professional gift giver (Gracefully Gifting), the holidays are an especially busy time for the crew. But, they manage to squeeze in some winter fun... photos by Amber Yoshida
photos by Amber Yoshida
1. Indoor Swim Lessons with Dorie Portela - We try to stay active, especially during the winter months, and swimming lessons help the kids burn some energy. Dorie hosts lessons at the Quality Inn in Lawrence. She also teaches all spring and summer in her backyard. 2. Snowglobe Pop Up (new this year) - Who doesn’t love sugary waffles and miles of Christmas lights? 3. Bookcakery Subscription from The Bookcakery - Each box is filled with a picture book, kid-tested recipe, baking tools, and other goodies.The kids love getting new boxes each month. 4. Holiday Lights Tour with Hot Chocolate - A warm, easy, and fun way to celebrate the season. 5. KU Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games - Justin and I are both Jayhawks, so when winter rolls around, we wave the wheat in Allen Fieldhouse. 6. “Help Mom Monday” (especially in December assembling gifts for my business) - My business, Gracefully Gifting, creates curated gift boxes. I love having the kids help because it not only teaches them work ethic but also the power of being gracious. 7. Decorate Your Own Cookie Kit from April’s Sweet Treats - April makes the most adorable cookies and the kids get a kick out of decorating and eating them, of course. 8. Wolfpack Basketball Games and Top Tumble Gymnastics Classes - Our kids are full of energy and basketball and tumbling are productive ways for them to exercise and safely be with their friends. 9. Up & Away Indoor Play - Obstacle courses and learning stations for the kids and a place for parents to sit down/answer emails AND they serve delicious coffee drinks. What’s not to love? 10. Humane Society Wish List Trip - We’re a big dog family. One of our boxers went to heaven in May. “Get a puppy,’’ they said. “It will be fun,” they said. Our new boxer pup, Laila, is 5 months old. We love teaching the kids that local organizations often have wish lists and can always use donations from the community.
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Pod Save the World Two Free State students took their pandemic freetime and started a podcast. Gen Z Politics examines world issues with a distinct, teenage perspective.
“We would strongly suggest doing your own research. We are two teenagers and our opinions are subject to change” - Ian Watts in the inaugural episode of Gen Z Politics.
older I get the more liberal I’ve become. I really enjoy diving deep into current events and working on this podcast is a great reason to educate myself even more.”
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The two are articulate and respectful of each other’s opinions, but the podcast is full of teenage energy and a lot of laughs. Perhaps most impressive, other than their willingness to actually listen to someone who disagrees with their opinion, is their openness of their sources. Tiger and Ian post all sources in each episode's description and often site sources during the discussion.
The summer of 2020 might not have been the most productive time for a lot of teenagers in Lawrence. The global pandemic kept most close to home and socially distant from their friends. It was that imposed boredom that gave Tiger Sievers an idea. “I had been sitting around most of the summer and had an idea,” the 17-year-old Free State junior explains. “I called Ian and just said, ’Hey man. Let’s start a podcast.’ So, we did.” Tiger and Ian Watts are the co-hosts of Gen Z Politics, a new podcast that explores the political spectrum as viewed through the eyes of local high school students. The duo discusses local, national, and world news while having calm, civil conversations. “At first I thought we might just do a gaming podcast, because we talk about gaming a lot,” says Watts, also a junior at Free State. “But pretty quickly we decided to talk about politics. I think talking politics is way more productive than discussing games anyway. Games don’t have much impact on the world. Politics do.” The topic seemed natural because Tiger and Ian are political opposites. Tiger is liberal and Ian conservative. “Yeah, we don’t really agree on anything political,” Tiger says with a big laugh. “I guess that will help keep the conversations interesting. We don’t ever get into childish name calling or anything, but its pretty clear that we don’t see eye-to-eye on topics. That’s one of the things I like most about Ian. He has his beliefs and he’s willing to argue to support them.” Ian says his conservative viewpoints are often at odds with others his age, but that doesn’t bother him. Researching topics to discuss on the podcast has helped him learn more about current affairs and deepened his beliefs.
“I think it's important to let others know where we are getting our information,” Ian says. “Having bad information is one of the biggest problems today. We are open to feedback from anyone with ideas on how to improve the podcast.” Tiger edits each episode and provided the equipment for recording. He has no formal training, but his lack of training is not noticeable. “I’m completely self-taught,” Tiger says. “I didn’t like how the first episode sounded so we got better mics and I downloaded some free audio editing software. Learning how to edit and put the episodes together has been a lot of fun.” Early topics covered include gun control, climate change, and the presidential election. As expected, Ian and Tiger disagreed on each topic. While the two friends differ on their viewpoints, both are open to the idea that they just might not be totally right. “I wouldn’t say Ian has changed my mind on anything,” Tiger says with a laugh. “But he has made some points that made me think more. It’s great to have someone challenge what I think and make me be sure of what I’m saying.” Ian echoes Tigers thoughts and admits Tiger has made him consider new ideas, but he has yet to pursuade him to change his positions. “It will be hard for Tiger to change my mind, when he’s just wrong,” Ian jokes.
“I’ve been more conservative than others for as long as I can remember,” Ian says. “The more research I do into a topic, I’m almost always agreeing with a conservative viewpoint. That argument makes sense to me.”
Tiger and Ian have posted three episodes and hope to post a new episode monthly. While the two don’t have a specific list of upcoming topics, they know they want to discuss the ideas that are the most divisive.
Tiger’s political ideology started at home, but has grown with him.
“I’d like to have a longer discussion about climate change,” Tiger explains. “And race relations and health care are both really interesting topics. The world is a pretty crazy place right now, so podcast topics aren’t hard to get.”
“I guess my parents are pretty liberal,” he says. “But the
Boys & Girls Club
Youth Year of the
Every year the Boys & Girls Club nominates kids who embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, & healthy lifestyles as their Youth of the Year. The winner will be announced virtually on January 28. The nominees are... photos by Jason Dailey
Azura Clark Azura is a freshman at Lawrence High School. She is the daughter of Kylene Dickerson and Marlon Clark, as well as a proud and protective big sister. She is the youngest of the 2021 candidates, but it’s certainly difficult to see that from her ability to balance so many tasks. In her very first year of high school, Azura made the LHS basketball team, while also participating in Youth of the Year. She regularly hustles from practice to YOY work nights, and still managed to create her own community service project to provide necessities to our homeless community. Azura wants to attend the University of Connecticut and plans to become a massage therapist. She began attending Boys & Girls Club as a kindergartner at Kennedy Elementary.
Avion Nelson Avion is a junior at Lawrence High School. The son of Mark Nelson and Lisa Hatter, Avion has attended Boys & Girls Club since kindergarten. In fact, he was selected to cut the ribbon on the Center for Great Futures after discovering he was the longest-running Club kid currently attending BGC. Maybe he has not been able to dunk since his first days at the Club, but his basketball skills get plenty of attention at the Center for Great Futures. When he cut the ribbon on the new facility, Avion shared a story about how he used to shovel snow off of the outdoor court at the old Teen Center. With that level of dedication, it comes as no surprise that Avion aspires to be a professional athlete. He plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in architecture.
Pranav Vogeti Pranav is a junior at Free State High School. The son of Lakshminarayana (LN) and Subha Vogeti, Pranav made himself a more well-rounded young man at the Club. It was at the Teen Center that he really began enjoying sports and challenged himself to learn more to better connect with his BGC friends. Pranav has not decided on a college yet, but he plans to major in computer science with career aspirations of becoming a video game developer. That suits him nicely as he is a vital member of the Lawrence Robotics Team at the Lawrence College and Career Center. Well-rounded is the key phrase with Pranav, as he is also part of the Free State High School tennis team, wind ensemble, Scholars' Bowl, and Math Club.
Akosua Danso Akosua is a junior at Free State High School. She is the daughter of Naomi and Alfred Danso, and the loving big sister to her brothers, Ohene and Emmanuel. Akosua plans on attending an Ivy League school, and her calm and confident demeanor will serve her well. Her sights are set on Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, or Stanford. She began attending the Boys & Girls Club in second grade, shortly after her family moved to the United States from Africa. Akosua rarely takes breaks, as she is a member of NHS, NSHSS, and Link Crew at Free State. She works with HANG12 at the Lawrence Arts Center when possible, as she also works at the Center for Great Futures. Akosua plans on double majoring in pre-law and illustration in college.
The Best
Sledding
spots in Lawrence It has to snow sometime, right? Get your sleds, toboggans, and snowboards ready... 1. Centennial Park - Between 6th and 9th Streets, Iowa St & Rockledge The 35-acre park is one of the most centrally located parks in Lawrence. Oregon Trail settlers once used the land now known as Centennial Park as an area to graze livestock as they traveled west. The most popular sledding spot is the big hill just west of the 9th street parking lot. On a snowy day, cars fill the lot and families take to the hill in mass. The wide sledding area has a steep downhill which levels on a large field. Get moving too fast, and you might need the foot brakes before landing in the creek. North of the parking lot and playground is another popular hill. Though not as steep, when ridden correctly, the hill offers a longer ride. Centennial Park is filled with hills and trees, so ditch the crowds, take a walk, and find your own sledding slope. 2. “Dad” Perry Park (2 parks) 1200 Monterey Way & Harvard & Parkside Road The park is named in honor of the “Father of Gymnastics in the State of Kansas,” L.R. “Dad” Perry. The 45-acre park is filled with naturally wooded areas, native grasses, and includes nature trails that wind throughout the park. In addition, two large park shelters with restrooms and parking are available for families and groups to reserve. Both west and north parks feature solid sledding slopes. The hills near the west playground are steeper and more popular. The playground is on a small plateau with short, steep hills bordering the east and north sides. Tall natural grass puts the brakes on any runaway sleds. The north park has smaller hills, perfect for younger children (and lazy parents). Also,
the vast open field is perfect for snow angels, snowmen, and snowball fights. The more adventurous sledders can take to the woods. The central portion of “Dad” Perry Park is dense woods dissected by trails. Many steep, tree-lined routes are available, but sled at your own risk! 3. Campanile Hill - North Side of Memorial Drive Is there a more iconic sledding destination in Lawrence than in the shadow of the symbolic bell tower? Even after recent construction on “the hill” the long slope directly north of KU’s Campanile remains a “must-do” for Lawrence sledders. The hill is wide enough to comfortably accommodate the crowds and it’s almost a guarantee that someone will build a snow jump. Without question, Campanile Hill features the most varied selection of rides. Everything from sleds and skis to trash sacks and cardboard boxes will likely be spotted. Speed junkies have been known to forgo the grassy hill and opt for the ice covered sidewalk (bring a helmet!). If classes are in session, parking can be an issue so plan on walking from your car. Be aware that students like to hit the hill after hitting the bar, so you might have to cover Jimmy’s ears a few times. Don’t forget to bring a camera and capture the views of Lawrence and Douglas County. 4. Carruth O’Leary Hall - 1246 West Campus Road The hills just beyond the parking lot behind Carruth O’Leary Hall on KU’s campus are often overlooked by Campanile Hill sledders. The hills are steep and fast, so they may not be the best fit for younger kids. The parking lots west of Memorial Stadium have cut the length of a few routes, but many options remain for the more daring. If you can dodge sidewalks, a great run could land you on the banks of Potter’s Lake. Beware of rocks and branches covered by the snow. Like Campanile Hill, parking can be an issue when classes are in session. The buildings on campus may be open, so you might be able to sneak in for a quick restroom break or to warm your hands and toes. 5. That Hill at the Dam East of Clinton Lake - E 900th Road / Near Outlet Park For the older kids and parents that are a bit more adventurous, head out west to Clinton Lake. Park on E 902 Road and hike up the hill to E 900th Road (BE VERY CAREFUL AND WATCH FOR TRAFFIC). Be sure to watch for rocks and hold on tight - the ride down is fast and not for the meek. We warned you! LK
How To Be a Winter Person story and photos by Rebecca Zarazan Dunn
5 Ways to Be a Winter Person (or at least pretend to be) Go for a winter walk People don’t believe me when I say winter is the best season for walks in Lawrence, unless they’ve experienced it themselves. Local nature walkers love winter for many reasons. The colors of the prairie are beautiful. Visit the Baker Wetlands or the KU Field Stations in the late afternoon when it’s warmest to see the array of copper, tan, sepia, blond, and tawny browns of the prairie glowing in the golden sunlight. There are NO BUGS. And if it has snowed, keep an eye out for animal tracks. Snap a photo with your phone and try to solve the mystery of which animal left their marks behind. The trick to winter walks is making sure you have the appropriate clothing. Hat, mittens, coat, sweater, sweatshirt, warm pants, socks (maybe two pairs of socks), and you’ll be good to go. And of course the sweetest reward for a winter walk is some tea or hot cocoa after. Bird Watching If winter walking (see above), look for birds. With trees bare, it is easy to spot winged friends in the area. At Clinton Lake, Baker Wetlands, and on the Kansas River a good variety of birds can be found at all hours of the day. Be sure to take binoculars and have a handbook handy. On drives, play a game of how many hawks you can spot. My kids and I have enjoyed playing this i-spy game for years. If you’re homebound, put out a feeder and watch from home. There are plenty of helpful local winter birder tips on jayhawkaudobon.org. Winter Stories I don’t know about you, but reading and stories always motivates me to explore the outdoors. At the Lawrence Public Library there are hundreds of children’s books about winter related topics. Learn about how animals hibernate, how no two snowflakes are alike, or how to identify trees in winter. There are storybooks that take place in winter and nonfiction books to stock inquisitive minds. Check out a book and explore what you read outside. Star Gazing Winter means long, dark nights missing the days of playing outside after dinner. But just because it’s dark doesn’t mean you can’t still play outside. Winter skies have some of the best star gazing. Download the Skyview App and search for constellations overhead. Check out planetary.org for what astronomical events are happening at this very moment. There’s a whole other world up there.. Look up! Snow Play Lawrence has been in a drought for awhile now with warmer than usual temps, so snow seems like a dream (but we are still hoping and wishing fingers crossed). Snow makes it easy to love winter. It’s hard not to look outside, especially if you have nowhere to go, and not feel at peace watching snowflakes fall softly outside. Making snowpeople, sledding, snowball fights, snow forts, shoving snow down the back of your sister’s coat just to hear her squeal… that’s the stuff childhood is made on. If you have dark mittens or a dark jacket, see if you can squint and spot the beauty and uniqueness of a flake of snow. Winter is cold, dark, and oftentimes snowy. It’s a necessary part of life in the world we live. Do you know the expression if you can’t beat ‘em, join’ em? Celebrate and enjoy it.
Drs. Newkirk, Adams and Willms