Lawrence Kids Winter, 2012
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Lawrence Kids Winter, 2012-2013
In Every Issue Seasonal Essentials Health Viewpoint Season’s Readings 5 Easy Tips Reuse
08 12 16 21 26 62
Features The Best of Lawrence Snow 30 It’s All About Family 40 Bill Self’s Assists Foundation 49 The Bond of Shared Solitude 51 5 Winter Must-Dos 56
contributing writers
Jennifer Powers / Dr. Kirsten Evans Crystal Swearingen / Molly Krause / Richard Louv
contributing photographers
Emmalee Schaumburg schaumburgphotography.com Tasha Keathley-Helms facebook.com/tashakeathleyhelmsphotography
a project of
Four Birds Media
info@lawrencekidsmagazine.com (785) 766-5669
Robert and Molly Krause are busy. As owners of The Burger Stands at the
Casbah & College Hill, the couple hustle from restaurants tomeetings to markets and back in time to shuttle Emma (12) & Cameron (10) around Lawrence. Winter is a favorite time for the family and Molly shared her Seasonal Essentials. photos by Emmalee Schaumburg
Molly Krause
SEASONAL ESSENTIALS Winter 1) GET OUTSIDE - We like to take our dog Lucy to the dog park and go for family walks on the Clinton Lake bike trails. 2) GYM MEMBERSHIP - Sometimes is just too cold for us to do the above activities. We belong to the downtown gym ‘The Summit’ where our girls can climb on the indoor rock wall and we can use the exercise machines. 3) ICE SKATING at Crown Center in KC. 4) The LAWRENCE ART CENTER - our daughters perform in the Kansas Nutcracker (a Lawrence original) and I have a collection of pottery bowls from the ‘Souper Bowl’ event. 5) ADVENT CALENDARS - Au Marche has some really nice ones. 6) Watching the movie ‘ELF’ on Christmas day and eating spaghetti after. Maple syrup served on the side. 7) CORN BAGS - Our friend makes these pouches filled with feed corn that are microwaved and retain their heat for hours. We are all addicted to sleeping with them on cold nights - our version of a security blanket! 8) LIP BALM - Chapped lips are easy to come by during a Kansas winter. We love the citrus, smoothness of the lip balm our dentist Dr. Joe Gatti gives to his patients. We affectionately call them our ‘little Joes’. 9) EAR MUFFS - Our girls walk to school and have always been resistant to wearing hats. 10) HOT CHOCOLATE - Duh! With marshmallows of course. 11) CROCK POT - Hearty chili and stews hit the spot during the season. 12) Anything with DOWN FEATHERS - We love our down jackets from Sunflower Bike Shop.
health
4 questions for the Dr. take notes / stay healthy / enjoy the season
1. What is a better method for cleaning hands: anti-bacterial soap or hand sanitizer? Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are better at killing bacteria and viruses and actually dry out the skin less than antibacterial soap and water. Soap and water, however, is better at killing certain viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Otherwise the hand sanitizers are more effective at preventing disease.
2. What is/are the best methods for dealing with the common cold and the dreaded flu? A cold and influenza are very different things. A common cold, with cough, fever, and runny nose, is best treated with fluids, rest and either tylenol or ibuprofen for fever. It will last about a week. Influenza is a specific, more severe illness with 5 or more days of high fever, body aches and general misery. There is a medicine that, if taken within the first 3 days of symptoms, can improve the symptoms and length of illness, as well as prevent the spread of disease. And of course the flu shot prevents influenza.
3. How can parents identify and treat frostbite? Frostbite is very rare here in Kansas. It is characterized by white patches where the frostbite occurs, that are numb to touch. It is best treated with slow rewarming. If it is severe or widespread the patient should see his or her doctor immediately.
4. What is the best treatment and prevention for chapped lips, cheeks and hands? Chapped lips and skin are best treated with aggressive moisturization, with whatever product parents and the patient prefer. Vaseline is a very effective and inexpensive choice. The best prevention is again moisturizers, applied at least twice a day.
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Bilingual Children Have a Leg Up reprinted, with permission, from Utne Reader. www.utne.com
When they grow up, bilingualism may even stave off the effects of aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s as it keeps the brain active and vital.
Bilingual children are better at concentrating, multitasking, and are faster to empathize with others. When it comes to language, Americans are woefully behind. The share of bilingual Americans is about half that of Canada and the U.K., and about a third of Europe’s average. Spanish is on the increase, even while many Americans are slow to adopt a new tongue. But Americans’ stubbornness may have considerable opportunity costs, as new research suggests bilingualism has some significant neurological benefits, especially in children. A slew of recent studies from Northwestern, Princeton, and elsewhere have found that bilingual children are better at concentrating, multitasking, and are faster to empathize with others, says New Scientist (May 8, 2012). One reason, researchers said, is the fact that learning and speaking multiple languages can be very demanding on the brain. Without an off-switch on their language centers, bilingual brains have to constantly evaluate what language they’re hearing, and how they should interpret it. The increased activity helps bilinguals achieve sharper focus when performing any number of tasks. And when they grow up, bilingualism may even stave off the effects of aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s as it keeps the brain active and vital. Until very recently, most parents (and even doctors) thought exposing young children to multiple languages could be damaging. Teaching children to be bilingual, the thinking went, would leave them without mastery of any one tongue. In fact, infants are well-designed to take on more than one language, says Psychology Today (April 16, 2012). Researchers at the University of British Columbia have found that infants can process and react to sounds of multiple languages. This means they can learn the rudiments of two languages over the same time-frame that their monolingual peers learn one. Most bilinguals acquire their languages in sequence, but the fact that a child has the capacity to do otherwise is a significant finding. The best part? Even as an adult, it’s never too late to learn. LK
viewpoint Life is busy for Residential Sales Realtor Crystal Swearingen and her family. The mother of three (Brittany, 13 / Adrianna, 7 / Halle, 5) works long hours in Spring, Summer and Fall. Come Winter, she and her family wind down. Here’s how they do it. photos by Emmalee Schaumburg
You’ve heard of spring cleaning? I’m a big fan of Winter Wind down! I love the wintertime for many reasons but most importantly it allows me to have time to spend with the people I love the most, my family. I am so fortunate to come from a large family, 15 aunts and uncles on just my mom side and over 40 first cousins. We’ve always brought our own party along just due to the sheer numbers. As a kid I remember all the fun we had during the winter break baking pies, making craft projects and numerous sleepovers with my cousins. As a mom I have been fortunate to have 3 wonderful daughters who also love to spend time with their mom. (For now at least…lol) My oldest is 13 and so helpful with everything from helping me decorate the house to entertaining her sisters why I make work calls or just try to catch 5 minutes alone. Some of my favorite family moments happen in this short window when the kids are home from school, my work is a little slower and we get to spend time in the house together entertaining ourselves. Since I work in real estate the summers are typically very busy for my business and me but the winter allows me the chance to recharge and refocus for the upcoming spring. I am so fortunate to have a job that allows me to create my own hours so when my kids are home for the holidays I’m able to work my schedule to make sure we have time together. We spend our time with activities like dancing in the kitchen
while I cook, playing the wii, watching silly videos, and watching my girls play barbies for countless hours. There are things that we plan on doing every winter break but here are some things that are a necessity! How we wind down in the winter: 1. Have friends and family over for an afternoon of making Gingerbread houses. 2. Movie Marathon on a random weekday with the kids and Netflix. 3. Cooking and baking enough food to feed an army for the holidays. 4. Working on my business preparing for the New Year by setting new business goals. 5. Vision board updates: Incorporate your kids into this everyone needs a visual way to show their goals whether it be a trip to Disney World or read a new book a month. 6. Curling up with a good book and reading and relaxing with the kids. 7. Working on arts and crafts projects and Pinterest is the best way to find fun and easy things for everyone to do LK
Alvamar
Country Club It’s time to make a New Year’s Resolution. In 2013, your family needs to have more fun. Why not play golf and head to the pool and have a couple of drinks with friends? Take the kids out on the course for a quick 3 holes before sunset. Beat the summer heat with a dip in our pool. In the New Year we will announce an entire calendar of family friendly events. Join Alvamar now and be sure not to miss all the fun in 2013! For more information, call 785-842-2764
SEASON’S READINGS The weather outside is cold and blustery. What better time to cuddle up with your kids and read a good book (or two)? The outstanding staff at the Lawrence Public Library has sent along their picks for the season’s best reads. Get a blanket, put a log on the fire and enjoy.
PICTURE BOOKS FOR LAP READING 1. Snowballs by Lois Ehlert - Children create a family out of snow, illustrated by Ehlert’s beautiful cut-paper collages. Includes labeled pictures of all the items they use, as well as information about how snow is formed. 2. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, art by Mary Azarian - “In the days when farmers worked with ox and sled and cut the dark with lantern light, there lived a boy who loved snow more than anything else in the world.” The true story of Wilson Bentley, who from his childhood saw snowflakes as miracles, and determined to capture their beauty with a camera. Beautiful woodcuts made this a Caldecott Award winner. 3. Pete the Cat books by Eric Litwin, art by James Dean - Pete is so cool. In I Love My White Shoes Pete walks down the street, singing about his brand new white shoes as they change from red to blue to brown to…wet. is he bothered? No. In Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons Pete sings about the buttons on his new yellow shirt, but when they pop off one by one, he doesn’t freak out: “Did Pete cry? Goodness, no! Buttons come and buttons go.” A great time to sing along with a happy child. 4. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, art by Margaret Bloy Graham - A 1956 classic. Enjoy the messy adventures of a runaway canine and his transformation “from a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots.” In spite of his Lassie-like attempts to communicate, his family doesn’t recognize him until he’s scrubbed clean.
EARLY READERS 5. Olivia and the Snow Day - Olivia the pig is now a TV personality, so this book does not even have an author: it is an adaptation of a screenplay, but it is cute. On a day out of school for snow, Olivia plans to interview and video her neighbors about the storm, and learns about the Abominable Snowman! This is a rebus, meaning it uses little pictures along with the words to tell the story. This would be fun to read together. 6. Mouse and Mole: a Winter Wonderland by Wong Herbert Yee - It snowed, and Mouse is knocking on Mole’s door to get him to come outside, but Mole really does not want to leave his warm bed. Lonely, Mouse decides to make a snow-mole to play with. This is a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book. 7. Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days by Cynthis Rylant, pictures by Sucie Stevenson - Henry and his big dog Mudge love winter and snow. This one of many books about them takes
them through Thanksgiving and Christmas, appreciating their loving family, and “the winter stars in the sky and the sparkle of the moon on the white yards.”
MIDDLE GRADE FICTION 8. A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz - This debut offering by Adam Gidwitz features Hansel and Gretel as you’ve never seen them before. Gidwitz adapts lesser known Grimm tales and casts Hansel and Gretel in the lead roles. The end result is an adventure of epic proportions that middle grade readers (and adults) won’t soon forget. A lively narration with frequent commentary and warnings of what’s to come (lots of blood and gore) add to the overall effect and make this a perfect selection for reading aloud. 9. Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu - It all starts on a snowy day. We enter a world of snow boots, slushy streets, sledding and snow queens. The struggles of fifth grade pale against the epic journey Hazel goes on in an enchanted wood to save her friend from the cold-hearted Snow Queen. 10. Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett - This was the choice for the Secret Book Club in November, and you will see why. Its October, and strange things start to happen to Petra and Calder: seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As they are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of the great dutch painter Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has stumped even the FBI? 11. May B. a Novel by Caroline Starr Rose - The Kansas frontier comes alive in this beautifully written novel in verse about brave and determined May Betts. Hired out to help at a neighbor’s homestead, eleven-year-old May suddenly finds herself abandoned. All alone in a cramped and leaky sod house, she must overcome her fear and anger if she is to survive the winter and get back home. Ages nine and up. 12. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Speaking of snow queens, what better way to spend a winter’s evening than reading or rereading this classic. Although this is not the first in the Narnia chronology, it was written first, for many years was published as the first of the series, and may be the best. In the lovely world through the wardrobe, Edmund is lured away from his siblings by the White Witch: can they rescue him with the help of their Narnian friends, and then will there be a war?
We’re Open!
New Pediatric Practice
Lawrence Pediatrics believes in complete preventive care and Dr. Kirsten Evans has lived in Lawrence since 1989. healingschool for children from birth She completed medical and residency at Theto ageMedical 21. Center and has practiced University of Kansas
pediatrics in Topeka, Kansas City and Virginia, treating children of all ages withmission: a wide variety of illnesses. Dr. Our Evans has workedprovide in private practice, as faculty at The comprehensive pediatric KU Med Center and as a pediatric hospitalist at Storcare for your child’s lifelong mont Vail Health Care. Dr. Evans serves as adjunct fachealth. ulty for Saint Louis University and is president Welcome ofWelcome the to toour ournew newpractice. practice... ..open .opento toall! all! Welcome to our new practice. .open to all! Kansas Medical Education Foundation.
Dr. Kirsten Evans has lived in Lawrence since 1989. She Welcome to our new practice. . .open Kirsten Evans completed medical school and Kirsten E. Evans M.D., Ph. D., F.A.A.P. M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.P. residency at The University of Kansas Medical Center, and has Welcome to our new practice. . .open ,, ,p.a. p.a.to all! p.a. practiced pediatrics in Topeka, Kansas City, and Virginia, treating children of all ages with a wide variety COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENSIVE PEDIATRIC of illnesses. She has worked in private practice, as a faculty PEDIATRIC member at The COMPREHENSIVE PEDIATRIC , p.a. University of Kansas Medical Center,CARE and as aFOR pediatric hospitalist at CARE FOR YOUR YOUR CHILD CHILD CARE FOR YOUR CHILD Stormont Vail Health Care. Dr. Evans also serves as adjunct faculty for COMPREHENSIVE Saint Louis University and is president of the Kansas Medical Education PEDIATR , p.a. Foundation. CARE FOR YOUR CHILD
Welcome to our new practice. . .open to a
Lawrence Lawrence Pediatrics Pediatrics Lawrence Pediatrics Lawrence
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5
tips to help kids give and receive
by Jennifer Powers
Almost every parent I know has some sort of embarrassing memory of their child received a gift and then promptly said something awful about it. My horror story was when my three-year-old told the in-laws that her mom didn’t like her to play with things made of plastic. These words came shortly after she had opened a plastic cash register and a plastic doctor’s kit. (Two beloved gifts that were played with for years, by the way. My bad.) For younger children, gift giving can be challenging as well. They are not emotionally mature enough to rationalize their feelings of jealousy, disappointment and greed. Don’t you love taking your child into the toy store to purchase a birthday gift for a friend? If your child’s peer really, really wants the lego pirate ship, chances are your child really, really wants it too. As parents, it is our job to help our children navigate the tricky social expectations of birthdays, holidays and general graciousness.
1. DITCH THE LIST Children, given free reign to come up with everything under the sun that they would like to have, can often generate a lengthy list. Children’s television programming inundates little viewers with advertising for products and toys that promise to make children happy and popular. These items, that the child didn’t even know he wanted, seep into the subconscious of an impressionable mind and cause him to want things he didn’t even know were out there. (My middle daughter keeps asking me to take her to Walmart to buy this blue Dora toy that she is sure will teach her how to do gymnastics. “Saw it on tv”, she said.) So when you ask a child to make a wish list, it could very well be full of items that aren’t really even desired. Try asking your child to come up with one gift that he or she would really like to have and then to explain why it would be cherished, useful or fun. Remind children that a gift is supposed to be a demonstration of someone’s affection or gratitude. Gifts are much more meaningful if chosen by the giver and given because that’s what made the giver think of the recipient.
2. FOCUS ON GIVING
3.PRACTICE GIVING AND RECEIVING
Help your child become equally excited about giving a gift. When purchasing or making something for someone, encourage your child to talk about why she thinks that would be the right gift. Verbalize to your child that she is going to make so and so very happy with such a thoughtful gesture and such a meaningful something. The most cherished mugs in our cabinet are the ones my daughter painted for her daddy at Sunfire Ceramics birthday parties. I praised the fact that given the choice between making something for herself, or something for another, she chose the latter. And the mugs themselves are priceless. At gift-giving times of year, invite your child to go shopping with you and encourage her to get into the spirit of giving. An older child could even be given a budget and pick gifts out independently. (The best thing ever was the now-defunct Children’s Holiday Shop at the Lawrence Arts Center. Children, led around by a jolly elf, were invited to shop for just the right gift for siblings, parents, teachers. It was wonderful! My daughters took such pride in finding just the right gifts. It was so evident that the individual loved-one’s tastes, interests and hobbies had been considered. Someone please start this tradition again!) Have children participate in the wrapping and the card making. Giving a gift is a thoughtful gesture and a child can learn to garner happiness from the experience.
This tip might sound kind of dorky, but children love to role play. Children, obviously still learning social graces, especially appreciate and love acting out situations that may cause them social uncertainty. It helps them figure out what to do and provides them with words to use later. Wrap up a small box to look like a festive gift. Practice giving it to your child. Say words like, “I saw this gift and it made me think of you.” Or “I love you so much and I want you to have this present.” Now, let your child practice giving you the present. Say words like, “It is so thoughtful that you gave me a gift.” Or “It really makes me happy that you thought of me.” The present, that is just an empty box anyway, is never opened. The focus is on the gesture and the receipt, the emotions behind both and not the actual gift itself. You can also practice words to use during gift-giving occasions like birthday parties and holidays when many presents will be opened. Tell them they can open the gift, say thank you and then say something about why they like the gift. This little lesson can also help the child who is given a kite when he really wanted a bike. 1. open 2. thank 3. appreciate Practice makes perfect and may eliviate some embarrassing moments.
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4. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL It is no secret that children are constantly watching us and are aware of every word we say and every nuance that we emote. Be conscious of saying thank you, not just for presents, but to the person who holds the door for you at the grocery or the mom at the park who shares the teddy grahams. Model gratitude. Encourage young children to say thank you when appropriate so it becomes a habit. And don’t dis gifts that you are given around your child!
5. HELP KIDS SEE THEIR BLESSINGS Really, if all of our basic needs of clothing, food and shelter are met, then we are set. Everything else is just good fortune. Talk about how lucky the family is to have fun stuff, toys, outings, in addition to everything that you really need. Volunteer at the homeless shelter or one of the soup kitchens. If you can, buy extra school supplies in September or adopt a family during the winter months. Involve your children in these charitable acts and point out how lucky your own family is. My oldest daughter was very moved when she learned that some children in Lawrence were homeless and living at the shelter. She decided to hold a lemonade stand and raised a nice sum of money. When she presented it to the
director of the shelter, she asked that the money specifically be used to benefit the children. I know kids who run a cupcake business for charity, some who have held bake sales for endangered animals and others who have collected books for children in Africa. Elementary school-aged kids have a strong sense of justice. If your child is around this age, capitalize on this point of development, this passion and get them involved. Kids can be very industrious when given a cause. By acting on something, it allows them to see not want they don’t have or what they want, but what others might need. Elementary aged kids love to have birthday parties where items are donated to the Humane Society or to the Ballard Center. Encourage this! Giving and receiving with grace is a learned skill. We can guide our children to gratitude and good manners if we try. Don’t be discouraged if your child says something he shouldn’t or is not as gracious as you would like. He or she will get it! Kids are a workin-progress and are good at heart and fully capable of learning the proper social expectations for both giving and receiving. Veruca Salt need not be present at your next birthday party. LK Jennifer Powers is a mother of three girls and an early childhood educator at Raintree Montessori.
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THE BEST OF LAWRENCE SNOW Where to sled. Where to walk. Where to drink hot chocolate.
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Best of Sledding 1. Centennial Park 2. “Dad” Perry Park 3. Alvamar Country Club 4. Campanile Hill 5. Carruth O’Leary Hall 6. Stonegate Park
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A 2003 study by a team of scientist from Southwest Texas State University and Arizona State University proved that Kansas is, in fact, flatter than a pancake. Regardless of the rest of the state’s elevation inadequacies, Lawrence boasts fantastic sledding spots. Get your sleds, toboggans and snow boots ready... the best of Lawrence snow is here...
2. “Dad” Perry Park (2 parks) West - 1200 Monterey Way North - Harvard & Parkside Road
The park, which was purchased in 1967 with Housing and Urban Development matching funds, is named in honor of the “Father of Gymnastics in the State of Kansas,” L.R. “Dad” Perry. At the time of the purchase, the west side of the park was not in the city limits. 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 rest rooms and parking are available that allows families and groups to reserve.
SLEDDING 1. Centennial Park
Between 6th and 9th Streets; Iowa Street and Rockledge Road
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 Ninth-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.
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. Alvamar Country Club 1809 Crossgate Drive
The golf course is often quiet in the cold winter, but when the snow starts to stick in Lawrence, Alvamar Country Club gets popular. Just south of the clubhouse is a fantastic, steep hill that many think is the best sledding spot in town. Because the Alvamar grounds crew does such a great job maintaining the grass spring – fall, there is little worry of hidden rock and large branches ruining a snow suit or rosy cheek. Having an indoor bathroom and restaurant lends a ski mountain feel to a day on the Alvamar hill.
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The catch: Alvamar is a private club and not open to the public. However, the club is very popular, so ask around – maybe your friends will let you tag along.
4. Campanile Hill
North side of Memorial Drive University of Kansas
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 skies to trash sacks and cardboard boxes will likely be spotted. Speed junkies have been know 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.
5. 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.
6. Stonegate Park
Grand Vista & Hunters Hill, NW Lawrence
The cute neighborhood park is nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Northwest Lawrence. The entire park sits on a gentle slope that leads to small forrested creek. Smaller children will enjoy the short quick hill on the south of the park, while older, more daring kids can test their shredding skills on the longer, more steep hills that create the park’s western border. When the kids tire from trecking up and down the hill, benches and a nice playground are available.
WALKING Winter fun is far from just sledding. One of our favorite things to do after the snow falls is go on long walks. Lawrence offers dozens of great places for walking in a winter wonderland. Some of our favorites...
7. Downtown Lawrence Okay, so this is a given. Downtown Lawrence is great in all seasons, but something about the stillness of winter makes Massachussets Street shine a little bit more than normal. If your kids’ boots are waterproof, they’ll love splashing in the pubbles formed at the corners where 7th, 8th, and 9th Streets meet Mass.
8. Riverfront Trail
North 8th and Oak St., North Lawrence
One of Lawrence’s best trails is the fantastic Riverfront Trail in North Lawrence. In the warmer months, the trail is a go-to spot for runners, cyclists and dog walkers. In the winter, traffic slows a bit and the trail is often open for
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family walks. The trails borders the Kansas River and when the leaves are off the trees, the river is almost always in view. The entire trail is nearly 9 miles, but offers many easy “outs” if the kids are ready to turn back. Note: keep on the white trail on the way out, and the blue trail on the way back in. Be sure to keep your eyes posted... in the past few years, there have been reports of multiple mountain lion sightings.
9. Clinton Lake Trails West of Lawrence
If you follow Lawrence Kids on Facebook, you know we are big fans of Clinton Lake. In fact, we think the state park just west of Lawrence is one of the most under-utilized areas of our great town. Dedicated in 1975, 1500-acre park is located on the northeast shore of Clinton Reservoir. The majority of the park’s nearly 600,000 annual visitors flock to the lake in the warmer months, which means the trails and shores are typically barren of people when the covered in snow. The balance between recreation areas and natural areas within the park is carefully managed. Whitetail deer, turkeys, waterfowl and songbirds add a rich texture to the sightseeing experience. As the surrounding area becomes more urbanized the importance of the park and the experiences it provides becomes
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ever more critical in meeting that “need to escape”. What does Clinton Lake have for winter fun? How about a 25 mile hiking trail, year-round camping with heated shower house, frost free hydrants and laundry facilities in campground #3 and a 5-mile cross country ski trail. Yep, cross country skiing.
10. Martin Park
E 1130 Road, NW Lawrence
Martin Park experienced a bit of a resurgeance in 2012. The City of Lawrence dedicated funds, time and manpower to cleaning up the quaint park. Featuring one large canopied trail, Martin Park was long known as a place not to visit after dark. Now the park is well maintained and often teaming with families walking their dogs. Smaller trails shoot off from the main route and a small creek makes for fun splashing. If it’s a busy weekend, parking may be tight - the lot only holds 3 or 4 cars.
land to the City of Lawrence as parkland, but with stipulations in the form of conservation easements to be held by the Kansas Land Trust (KLT), which would limit the land use and types of facilities permitted. This provided the City with a vision of creating a large natural preserve for future residents of Lawrence. In 2001, Bob and Betty Lichtwardt finalized their donation of 40 acres as a conservation easement to the Kansas Land Trust and City of Lawrence. Through a partnership with the Kansas Land Trust and city staff efforts, the City of Lawrence acquired nearly 100 acres of park area, which provides the citizens of Lawrence with a nature preserve. This was the first time the City of Lawrence collaborated with a conservation organization (Kansas Land Trust) to create a natural preserve prohibiting any future development on the property.
Folks Road, NW Lawrence
The result of the purchases and the Lichtwardt’s donation adds approximately 100 acres of green space in the northwest growth area of Lawrence. This site of a natural park, promotes the health of the Baldwin Creek watershed by restricting all development on the property except for unpaved trails. With the unique trail park, the park is a wonderful place to nature walk.
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department initiated discussion in the mid 1990s with property owners who at the time owned property in the northwest area of Lawrence. The Lichtwardt family expressed interest in donating 40 acres of their
The land features steep contours, limestone out-cropping, and a wide variety of trees that includes oak, hickory, red bud and others. Abundant species of native grasses and plants grow in the woods and savannah. In addition, a large number of animals
11. Lawrence Nature Park
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and bird species rely on the woodland for habitat.
HOT CHOCOLATE Sledding was fun and the walk through the winter wonderland was great, but now you and the kids are cold and tired. Go get some hot chocolate.
12. Mass Street Sweet Shop 722 Massachusetts
The adorable candy store is a welcome sight downtown. Packed to the gills with classic candy, the shop also makes a mean cup of hot chocolate. Ask shop owner Michelle for a glass and she’ll probably sell it with a side of smile and conversation.
13. Your House As great as the hot chocolate downtown is, let’s all be honest, the best option for duking marshmellows is sitting on your couch under a blanket. Whether you use Swiss Miss or slowly stir your own mix, take the time and have your kids help. Enjoy the moment and get ready to get back out into the snow. LK
It’s all about family Self Family photo by Tasha Keathley
Coach Bill Self finally gets to coach his son, Tyler.
This winter, in gyms across Lawrence, parents are coaching their kids for the first time. Moms and dads will balance the natural urge to favor their son or daughter while trying to give all kids on the team equal opportunity. For one local dad, this winter’s basketball season marks his 10th year coaching in Lawrence, but the first coaching his own son. “No, I’ve never been his coach before,” University of Kansas head basketball coach Bill Self says in his custom matter-of-fact tone. “There’s been a lot of coaching and lessons in the driveway, but I’ve never been his basketball coach. I’ve done a lot of coaching of him from the cheap seats, but never out there in practice with him working on it.” Like most fathers, Coach Self wanted to coach Tyler’s teams, but his job always seemed to get in the way. “I always thought it’d be great to be his coach but it never worked because of whatever reason,” Coach Self says. “He’s had other coaches and I’ve always let other coaches coach him. I’ve never been one to try to interfere or do anything to go against what any of his other coaches are trying to do. And, well, in the job that I have, I can’t do certain things. But it hasn’t been by choice, it’s been more by circumstance.” Tyler, a quiet and respectful freshman at the University of Kansas, is a nonscholarship walk-on for the Jayhawk basketball team. Though new to his dad’s program, he is use to being referred to as “Bill Self ’s kid.” “Growing up my parents never put any pressure on me to play ball,” Tyler says. “I played because I wanted to play. Sure there were times when maybe other people in Lawrence expected certain things of me, because of who my dad is, but my parents never put pressure on me.” Coach Self doesn’t think parents should put pressure on their kids to be the best athletes, but rather concentrate on raising great teammates. “At a young age, I’m talking elementary school, I put no emphasis on winning,” Coach says. “I would put more emphasis on kids and opportunities and making sure they have fun and being aggressive and that kind of stuff. I never thought that way with him. We equate doing well with playing all the minutes or scoring all the points and I’ve never have equated that with him. I equate doing well with trying real hard and hopefully having success that way, but also when you don’t how do cont.
photo by Jeff Jacobsen, Kansas Athletics
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you react to that? And being a good teammate and understanding the value of being a company guy. To me that will take you a lot further in life than whether or not you make the baskets.” Yes, Coach Self says, attitude and sportsmanship are incredibly important, but at some point, you have to start keeping score. “Now when you get into Junior high you start thinking ‘Gosh darn we’re playing Southwest today. We gotta beat Southwest.’ But the reason you think like that isn’t because you want it, it’s because your kid wants it. And of course you play to win high school games. But I didn’t sit there and second guess. I just want the team to do well so the kids are happy and proud,” Coach Self explains. Tyler’s commitment to his old man’s basketball program wasn’t a foregone conclusion. In fact, Coach Self had his work cut out for him. “Well, to be honest, we had some serious competition,” Coach Self says with no sense of irony. “He could go to OSU (Oklahoma State University) and be a Sigma Nu, because his boys are down there, doing that. He could have come here and just been a Phi Delt, which is what he’s going to do. Or he could play ball. He came up with the idea and said ‘Dad I think I can do 2 of the 3. I think I can be a Phi Delt social member and play ball.” Though Coach Self counts Tyler as a recruiting win, he admits to bringing in the real closer. “We’ve had numerous in-home visits, and there’s been some that have been tougher than others, without question,” Coach explains. “I think in this particular case, it was a good visit because mama, his mother, was happy. So as long as his mother
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was happy I knew I had a chance. In recruiting you usually get the kid if his mama is happy.” Tyler’s Mama, Cindy, is very happy. “Oh I love that Tyler is on the team, but I don’t think Bill has told Tyler how thrilled he is that he’s on the team,’ Cindy says. “But Bill tells me. I know how excited he is. He’s really happy that Tyler decided to play.” According to Tyler, the decision really wasn’t that hard. “I had the chance to play ball for the best college basketball program in the country and for the best ball coach in the country,” Tyler says with a grin, acknowledging his dad’s reputation. “I’d be crazy not to take that opportunity.” Coach Self is clearly thrilled to have Tyler on the squad, but it’s not what some might expect. Sure, Coach is happy his son has the basic skill set to help at practice, but Bill Self ’s #1 job is as dad. “In my own way, it’s a guarantee of seeing him,” Coach Self says of having Tyler in the program. “There have been days when I don’t see my son or my daughter, when they were both living a home. When you’re gone for a week at a time or something, that makes it hard. But the biggest thing is I’m more a part of what’s going on in his life now even though he doesn’t want me to know what’s going on outside of basketball. Just through osmosis or happenstance I get a feel for what’s going on. As a father I’m really enjoying that.” Tyler joined the team for practices prior to last summer’s trip to Europe. Even though he both knew the team and is the coach’s son, Tyler was ready to bare the brunt of freshman life.
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“Yeah, I was expecting the worse from the guys,” Tyler says with a laugh. “I knew the guys from being around them. One of the reasons I decided to play was the encouragement from the team. And they’ve been easier on me than I expected. But they don’t let me forget that I’m a freshman. I don’t think they care who my dad is.” Freshman harassing aside, Coach Self says Tyler is learning his role on the team. That role includes being a teammate first and the coach’s son second. “Tyler has to find his way to put his mark on our program,” Coach says. “It’s a little bit different for him than for the other kids, but he’s got to figure it out and I think he’s doing a pretty good job. He will be the best on our team of never telling me anything that’s going on, and he shouldn’t. That goes against team code. How upset would a player be if another player ratted out to the coach what’s going on? That doesn’t happen, and
“It’s a guarantee of seeing him,” Coach Self says of having Tyler in the program. “I’m more a part of what’s going on in his life now even though he doesn’t want me to know what’s going on outside of basketball.” the other players know that won’t happen with him. In his own way he might mention something to me, as sort of a heads-up, which I think is pretty cool.” Tyler echoes his dad’s thoughts. “My dad and I have talked about how I’m a teammate first,” Tyler explains. “He knows I’m not going to rat out a guy on the team. And the guys know I won’t do it.” Sure, team code is understood by Coach Self and Tyler, but sometimes the boss at home doesn’t think the code should be honored. “Yeah, Cindy will ask me about him,” Coach Self admits. “And I’ll tell her ‘Oh he was awful today’ or ‘They took his ball on every position’ or I’ll say he did well today. She’ll ask, but it needs to stop right there. And I’ve stopped her.” Cindy say sometimes she has to remind her husband that she isn’t Tyler’s coach, and that sometimes Tyler’s coach can be a jerk. “I know Bill won’t give me the details of how practice is going or how Tyler really is,” Cindy says. “I get that, but you know, that’s my son out there.” Bill says he’s only looking out for Tyler’s best interest. “Cindy will ask if she needs to call Tyler after a bad practice,” Bill says with a smile. “No no no no. You can not call him. If any other kid’s mother called him after he had a bad day at practice I would think he was the softest kid ever.” Just because Cindy can’t talk about specifics with Tyler, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a way of showing her son empathy. “She’ll say, ‘I heard your dad was a real jerk to everyone today.’ Coach Self says with a laugh. “I tell the team all the time, ‘I say you guys think I’m a jerk, talk to him he’s had it for 18 years and thought I was a jerk.’ He’ll look at them and say ‘Yeah, he’s a jerk.’ He’s not going to be one of those guys, when their rag-
ging on the coach in the locker room because he doesn’t like what he’s hearing. He may not agree, but he’ll be a teammate first. I personally think that’s pretty cool. I don’t want him to be sensitive because the guys are talking about his pops, because to them I’m not.” Coach Self is confident having his son at every practice, in every film session and a part of each timeout hasn’t caused him to tone down his straight-forward approach to communication. “Oh, it hasn’t changed me yet,” Coach Self says. “But it probably will. I don’t bite my tongue. He hasn’t made me do that. It’s changed the climate with me in regards to if we play bad or if we play well. Regardless of the situation, I’m enjoying being around him. Which is making being around the guys even better. I’m really enjoying watching him from afar.” When most parents coach their kids, they are conscious of playing time. Coach Self says that isn’t an issue in his case. He
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“I had the chance to play ball for the best basketball program in the country and the best ball coach in the country,” Tyler says with a grin, acknowledging his dad’s reputation. “I’d be crazy not to take that opportunity.” and Tyler both understand when he will be getting on the court during Jayhawk games. “We talked one day about how he could be in the 30/30 club,” Coach Self says with a laugh. “When we’re 30 up or 30 down, that’s when he could play.” Tyler understands his position on the team. “I know I won’t be starting,” Tyler says with a grin. “I’m on the team to help however I can. I’m excited to play when I get called.” Getting the call may not happen often, but when Coach Self looks down the bench during games, he isn’t looking for his son. During games, he doesn’t see Tyler. He sees a player who either can or can’t help win the game. “For me there’s no feeling now.” Coach Self says without hesitation. “He’s a part of the team. He’s a guy that isn’t ready, but he knows he isn’t ready. So looking down at the end of the bench, I don’t feel anything. But I will jump his butt if he’s not being a good teammate down there. That’s his job.” For Cindy, things aren’t so cut and dry. “I’m always nervous before games,” Cindy says. “Not really for Bill, but for the kids on the team. We always get so close to the guys, and to their families, that there is always a sense of nerves before and during games.” Things changed a bit during the Jayhawks summer trip to Europe. “Yeah, the first time he got off the bench there was a sense of oh my God, he’s playing,” Cindy admits. “But that really isn’t the case now. I’m more accustomed to seeing him on the team.” Tyler admits his first trip out of the tunnel into Allen Fieldhouse was memorable. But nothing compares to the first time he stepped on the court in a game. “It was pretty unbelievable the first time I stepped on the court in a game,” Tyler says with a wide smile. cont. PMS 631 PMS 1915 PMS 012
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“Well, he’s a part of the team,” Coach Self says of Tyler’s role on the squad. “So looking down at the end of the bench, I don’t feel anything.
But I will jump his butt if he’s not being a good teammate. That’s his job.”
Tyler’s presence on the team certainly keeps him around his father, but his mom may be the most excited of the family. “Well I’m thrilled because he’s still around,” Cindy says with a smile. “I get to see him all the time. We love having Lauren at KU, and now with Tyler close we feel like we aren’t missing anything. And since he live in Lawrence, he can help take care of his dog.” Tyler’s dog is a Great Dane named Bella, who lives with Bill and Cindy at their northwest Lawrence home. “We got him a dog last year,” Cindy explains as her voice hints at defeat. “I’m not sure that was the best decision we’ve ever made.” Tyler is majoring in Business Administration and, as of now, has no plans of going into coaching. “I’m just concentrating on enjoying this opportunity and doing whatever I can to help the team,” Tyler says. “I’m putting time in on the books for sure, but I don’t have my life planned just yet.” As much as Coach Self and Cindy are enjoying Tyler’s role as a part of the Jayhawk family, they know these 4 years will pass quickly. That, however, doesn’t mean they’ve thought ahead to Tyler’s Senior Night. “We get so close to all the players, and their families,” Cindy says. “They really do become family to us. So to have Tyler as a part of the team, it really feels natural. But we certainly aren’t looking ahead to his Senior Night. That night is always an emotional night for us, so I can’t even think about what it may be like when it’s Tyler’s turn.” LK
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Bill Self’s Assists Foundation A few years after cementing his reputation in Lawrence as a fantastic basketball coach, Bill Self got some advice from former Athletic Director Lew Perkins. “Lew, told me ‘Bill, you need to do something to put your mark on the community, in some way, shape or form.’ And he was right,” Coach Self explains. What he and Cindy would do to help the Lawrence community was clear. They both noticed a staggering lack of facilities for youth in the community. Their kids, Lauren and Tyler were both active in local programs, and the lack of gym and field space was apparent. “Lauren, wanted to try volleyball when she was younger,” Coach Self explains. “Well she has to go to Topeka or Kansas City to play. Or Tyler, who played baseball, but he has to play all his games in KC. We have best people running our parks and rec department, we just don’t have the facilities to give them the opportunities to do it right.” Coach Self and Cindy didn’t need to think much about what action they could take. “We said we wanted to do some things for wellness and hopefully spearhead creating some opportunities for kids through some facilities, even though we can’t afford to do the facilities, we can afford to be a part of it.” Bill and Cindy Self founded the Bill Self ’s Assists Foundation in June, 2006 with a goal of positively affecting the health and wellness of youth in Lawrence and Kansas. The Foundation is actively reaching out to organizations and agencies that are committed to improving the lives of youth throughout the State of Kansas. Scholarships are awarded to numerous students so they may attain higher educational goals. The funds are provided by an endowed scholarship fund supported by the Assists Foundation. The Foundation awards upwards to $30,000 in grants and scholarships annually. “Regardless of their passionate work with the Foundation, Bill and Cindy are two of the most gracious people I’ve met,” says Erin Zimney, Executive Director of the Foundation. “What they do with the foundation is an extension of their willingness to help in whatever way they can.” Zimney is the Foundation’s sole full-time employee and the work done by the organization is governed by a Board of Directors. Committees independent of Coach Self and Cindy are tasked with awarding the grants and scholarships. The fact that the couple have no direct say in who may or may not receive funds is deliberate. “There is nothing that is done that Cindy and I specifically help select,” Coach Self says emphatically. “We have people on our board or committee that select people. That way nobody can ever say, ‘Well you gave this to this person because you knew them’ or whatever. We don’t even know who applies for the grants.” Cindy echoes Bills thoughts. “We have no idea who will be awarded the money each year,”
Cindy says. “But we are both always excited to learn about the people who will benefit. So many people have been very generous and we are happy we can help the youth of our area.” Coach Self made a splash when he announced the Foundation’s pledge of $1 million to kickstart a new wellness center. The gift was the launching point for what has now become known as the $25 million Rock Chalk Park, which is to be built northwest of Lawrence. Though the initial plan was smaller and didn’t directly involve the University of Kansas, Coach Self is thrilled with the plans. “I’m excited about the potential possibility on the west side of town, because you’ve got a generous guy that’s going to give
some land and you’ve got a generous guy that’s willing to build and do something.” Coach Self says excitedly. “Now we’ve got KU tied into it and it doesn’t cost tax payers money. I can’t believe that it wouldn’t be positive for everybody. It’s going to save families money in town because they don’t have to travel everywhere. It’s going to give kids more opportunities and it’s going to also give adults in town opportunities. And it’s going to do wonders for the economy because it’s going to be nice enough to draw interest from other areas and host other events. I’m so excited about it. Our role will be minimal, but if this is something that is going to be such a positive for the kids in town, we do definitely want to have a role.” For Coach Self and his Assists Foundation, the excitement is driven by what Rock Chalk Park will mean for the youth of Lawrence. “Our long-term goal is to provide kids opportunity and help them have a healthier lifestyle,” Coach Self says. “I think that is a realistic goal. How many kids right now are living on their computer or watching TV or playing video games? When I was growing up we rode our bicycle everywhere. How many kids even have bicycles anymore? I don’t even see kids playing ball in the driveway. You look around now, that isn’t happening. And it doesn’t have to be basketball. How many kids play catch or practice grounders by throwing the ball up against the side of their house? You take the ball, whip it against a brick wall and practice fielding grounders. Nobody does that. And to me, that’s sad. Now, the opportunities we do have, parents have to drive and at $3.50 a gallon? People can’t do that three nights a week. So I think something has to be done in our community and i’m really excited about the potential. Cindy and I are both thrilled to be a part of it.” LK
THE BOND OF SHARED SOLITUDE excerpted from The Nature Principle, by Richard Louv childrenandnature.com and richardlouv.com
Boredom has its benefits. So does solitude, that lost art in the age of wall-to-wall media. To occasionally be alone not lonely, but alone - is an important part of parenting and of marriage. cont.
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ne time, my wife Kathy rented a room at the beach, and spent a weekend with no electronic interruptions, no demands for time or attention — just the sound of the waves and gulls. She came home looking even younger than she usually does.
A few years ago, facing a book deadline, I drove to the Cuyamaca mountains. My friends, Jim and Anne Hubbell, had invited me to house sit a magical little Hobbit house on their property, and I planned to spend a whole week there, alone. I realize taking work on a retreat is a contradiction, but even with work at hand, solitude is elevating. I had done this once before, spending a week in a bunkhouse made from an abandoned railroad car in Mesa Grande, had worked during the heat of the day and then wandered at dusk through the hills. This was mountain lion country. I always felt watched. I carried a walking stick made of light, strong yucca. Each evening, as it turned dark, I would stop at an open watering tank to wash up, then head back to the boxcar. This time, the accommodations were better, a charming little house with windows of stained glass — I even had electricity, and a comfortable bed to sleep in. In the gray dawn on my first morning there, I opened my eyes to see a coyote standing next to an open window. It stared at me. I blinked. It was gone. I got up, made coffee, and went to work. During these days of solitude, moving clouds and lifting wind would begin to bring voices — of a father and a mother, now gone, and of my wife and children. On the fourth day, Kathy and the boys, Jason and Matthew, arrived for a visit. In solitude, even for a few days, a person changes subtly; the familiar phrases and patterns seem odd, somehow. So our first minutes together felt a little awkward. But this is why taking a retreat, as a husband or wife or parent, is a good thing. Familiar patterns can shield us from true familiarity. At the end of their visit, Kathy took me aside and said that Jason had commitments at home, but Matthew would like to stay with me for my remaining three days. He was terribly bored at home, and needed a break from his brother (and his brother needed a break from him). Of course, I said, as long as he understands that I need to work, and he’ll have to entertain himself. cont.
At 11, Matthew was in the between time, in the gap between childhood and adolescence. This is a particularly magical stage in a boy’s life, a time when it’s good to take a break from familiar patterns — to spend some time in silence. My wife and older son drove off, and Matthew and I went through the house to look for books for him to read. There was no TV in the little house and no radio. Not a single electronic game, either. He picked out a Tolkein novel and another book about a boy who adopts a wolf cub. He sat on an old couch behind me, and respecting my need for quiet, began to read. Three hours later I realized he had not said a word. I turned around. He was asleep, holding Tolkein like a stuffed bear. That evening, we walked up the hill and swam together in a round, tiled pool under a quarter moon, and later, we listened to the wind come up and the coyotes jabber in fits and starts. For the next three days, we talked only occasionally, usually in the pool or at dinner. He was usually a voluble boy, so I was surprised that silence came so easily to him.
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The absence of electronics (except for my laptop computer) helped. So did the wildness of the land around us. So did the fact that his father was there, but quieter than usual. I asked him to take charge of feeding the cats and dog. He gave names to the cats, who followed him around the property, scrambling up the oaks to show off for him. In the evenings we swam or walked, and he took his camera, and snuck up on the deer that wandered through an orchard at dusk. Matthew and I moved into a new rhythm. I got to know him better during those days, and perhaps he came to know me better, not because we talked, but because we didn’t. As a parent, you capture such quiet moments when you can, in the loudness of time. Richard Louv is a Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Children and Nature Network. He is the author of eight books, including “The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age” and “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.” He is also a graduate of The University of Kansas.
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Lawrence Kids 5 Winter Must-Dos Okay, so by now you’ve scouted the best sledding hills in town, perfected your cup of hot cocoa and enjoys a few KU Basketball games. That’s a good start, but winter in Lawrence can be long and tedious. Here are 5 things your family must do before Spring comes ‘round.
1. PLAY BOARDGAMES
2. PLAY IN THE SNOW what you need: snow snow pants snow boots jackets hat and mittens sled targets for snowballs
3. KU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL what you need: tickets time to park a decorated sign passion cash for treats crimson and/or blue jacket camera for pic with Big Jay photo by KU Athletics
4. HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS what you need:
a heart 10 extra minutes a shovel a hot meal topics of conversation
5. PLAN 2013 what you need:
a calendar time to think list of goals dreams ideas
Reuse Lawrence Kids photos by Rebecca Dunn
Thanks for reading the Winter issue of Lawrence Kids. Now, instead of just putting it down and walking away, use it for another fun art project! The incomparable Rebecca Dunn created these fantastic snowflakes using her well-read copy of Lawrence Kids. Dunn, a “full-time stay-at-home-mom by day, part-time youth librarian by night and on weekends,” has pages and pages of creative ideas for seasonal fun on her beautiful blog (www.sturdyforcommonthings.com). Almost all of her kid friendly (she’s a mom to a darling daughter) creations have reading suggestions (she’s a librarian, remember) that complement the topic.
1. Tear a colorful page out of Lawrence Kids. Fold in half, width-wise. 2. With the crease facing you, fold to make a crease marking the middle. 3. Fold the bottom right hand corner (B) up so that it crosses over the middle. 4. Fold the bottom left hand corner (A) so that the fold meets with the right side’s edge. 5. Fold in half. 6. Cut off the top 2-3 inches so that you’re left with a triangle. 7. Cut shapes into the triangle. 8. Open and you have a snowflake!
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