Northland Family - May 2015 by Marty Novak

Find out what makes Northland moms so special Book Buzz: Magical & Mysterious reading for all ages Ask an expert about bullying

May 2015 LIBERTY TRIBUNE THE KEARNEY COURIER GLADSTONE DISPATCH THE SMITHVILLE HERALD

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Dive into swim lessons

By Corey Edwards

With summer right around the corner, children of all ages will be flocking back to the pool in hopes of beating the summer heat. But when is the right age to begin teaching children the basics of swimming? According to swim instructor Daniel Roberts, there is no time like the present. Roberts said that waiting too long to teach children the importance of swimming can cause them to fear the water, making it much more difficult for instructors to teach fundamental skills. “It varies a lot by kid, but I do generally say the earlier the better,” he said. “If you wait too long, they can develop a fear of water. It can just be based on something like they saw a scary movie like ‘Jaws’ when they were too young — that kind of phobia that kids develop. So earlier is better. Little kids have no fear of water. There is no natural fear there, so they take to it a lot easier.” Daniels, however, warns that teaching children at too young of

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an age without follow-up lessons can also be problematic. “They don’t retain as much if they start too early,” Roberts said.“You want them at an age where they have not learned to be scared but they are also old enough to understand an instructor to really learn what is being said.” Roberts said he thinks between the ages of 4 and 6 is an ideal time to begin lessons, but he has also taught teenagers with no previous experience. He added that it depends on the specific child whether private of group lessons are the best learning environment. “Some kids do so much better in private lessons just because they love having that one-on-one attention. Others do better in group lessons because they have to show off in front of other kids,” Roberts said. “If there is another kid to show off in front of or impress, you will get way more out of that situation. It really depends on the psychology of your kid.” Roberts suggests first teaching young swimmers how to float on their backs and stomachs, and also how to tread water.

NORTHLAND FAMILY IS A SPECIAL SECTION PUBLISHED THE FIRST WEEK OF EACH MONTH BY LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY COURIER, GLADSTONE DISPATCH AND THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, DIVISIONS OF NPG NEWSPAPERS, INC. MAILING ADDRESS: 104 N. MAIN ST., LIBERTY, MO 64068 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 816-781-4941 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: NORTHLANDFAMILY@NPGCO.COM

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Gardening has been an activity enjoyed by parents and their children for decades, and it doesn’t take much to get started. While it can be larger, Clara Hanks, one of the owners of Windy Ridge Greenhouse in Plattsburg, suggests a basic 6-foot-by-6-foot raised garden bed to keep things manageable. “You want to brainstorm with the child on what vegetables they like to eat,” Hanks said, adding that it’s an opportunity to try some new vegetables. After that, she said its time for a trip to a greenhouse or lawn and garden center to get your seeds and plants. Once the crops are in the ground, Hanks said parents need to take time to explain the difference between a plant and a weed. Plants also don’t need to be staggered to extend the life of the garden. “The tomatoes and peppers will take care of that,” Hanks said. Other vegetables drawing her recommendation for Northland soil, without incorporating numerous additives, include green beans, lettuce, small melons and cucumbers. When the harvest is ready, the time has then come to prepare what has been grown.

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Ask An Expert

Vicky Ward, manager of prevention services at Tri-County Mental Health Services, answers Northland Family’s query about bullying.

What’s the best way to “bully-proof” your kids?

Children learn how to behave by watching and emulating the adults in their lives. Consider how you solve problems, control your anger and disappointment, and stand up for yourself and others without fighting.

Eye’s on Bullying has a great toolkit to prevent bullying in children’s lives. Included in that toolkit are recommendations and strategies for adults to prevent bullying. They include:

Help children to critically evaluate media violence. Intervene when you see children imitating media violence in their play or social interactions.

Intervene when children are young by encouraging cooperative behaviors such as sharing, helping, problem-solving, and by preventing aggressive responses such as hostility, hurting and rejection. Teach youth how to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors; how to stand up for themselves and others; and when to turn to an adult for help. Pay attention to warning signs and to children most at risk. Make sure that children know that bullying will not be tolerated and that you will work with them to make bullying stop. Encourage empathy. Children who can empathize understand that bullying hurts and are less likely to bully and more likely to help others who are bullied. Teach by example — be an effective role model.

Provide opportunities for children to learn and practice the qualities and skills that can protect them from bullying. Children are less likely to be bullied and more apt to respond effectively when they are: • Confident and have courage and inner-strength; • Assertive and know how to react in an effective and non-aggressive way; • Able to establish positive friendships; and • Able to problem solve. Encourage children to talk about and report bullying behaviors and listen and be patient when they do. Tell your children: • Bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated; • If bullying bothers you, it’s OK to stand up for yourself, walk away, or ask a friend or adult for help; • Respond to bullying by fighting back doesn’t usually work — and may make matters worse;

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• It is important to report bullying when you see it and when you hear about it; and • Bullying does not have to happen. Develop strong connections with children in your care. These children will be less likely to want to disappoint you by engaging in bullying behavior and more likely to confide in you when they experience bullying behaviors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has wonderful “conversation cards” about bullying, available online at http://www.hhs.gov/. Using their suggested question can open up the line of conversation about bullying. — Chris Geinosky

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May 2015

Families should reach out when children need help By Dale Garrison For parents concerned with children and teens, Laura Ellison has one suggestion: reach out. As the new child and youth services manager for Tri-County Mental Health Services, Ellison knows that children are often challenging. But if serious behavioral issues persist, the most important step a parent can take may be contacting a mental health care provider. In Clay, Platte and Ray counties, nonprofit Tri-County is available even for families for whom finances are an issue. “Parents should reach out,” Ellison said.“We can help with referrals to other groups that focus on the issues they face. We can reach out to groups that can help and people in their schools. We talk with counselors and hospitals. Help is available.” Although May 3 to 9 is Children’s Mental Health Week, Ellison says the issues are a year-round concern. Na-

tionally, some 75 to 80 percent of young people with mental health needs will not receive treatment. Major depression affects one in 12 young people and, of those, one in 14 will commit suicide. Young people can be baffling. Serious behavioral issues such as low self-esteem, mood disorders or thoughts of suicide can be confused with childhood temper tantrums or teenage angst. “Kids will act out,” she said.“They will be depressed. But if it continues, that’s when you should really pay attention. Two weeks is often a good point to begin worrying.” Additional clues often involve a persistent drop in grades, loss of interest in things that once interested the child, and sleeping much more or much less than usual. Combinations of these are especially significant. Tri-County provides services at the organization’s main office on the Metropolitan Community College- Maple

Woods campus and throughout Clay, Platte and Ray counties in satellite locations and with private therapists who form Tri-County’s provider network. Champion’s Club offers after-school and summer counseling and programs to help teach coping skills and more. There’s also a growing Healthcare Home initiative that addresses physical health, which is increasingly recognized as impacting mental health. “We’re not just a medication place,” Ellison said.“We have a range of programs that can help. Sometimes kids and adolescents just need interaction with someone.” While the work focuses on children and teens, parents are critical. “Parents come in and they feel everything is wrong,” she said.“You can see it on their faces — they’re at the end of their rope. We get in there and help.” Children and families come to Tri-County through several avenues. Educators and law enforcement person-

nel may make a recommendation, but the largest source is a phone call. The first steps are surprisingly simple. “We talk,” Ellison said.“We find out what we have that can help them. Our idea is to give the family the information so they can make an informed decision.” A big effort involves in-home case management, talking to both parents and children to understand their concerns. “It’s a matter of listening and learning what’s going on,” she said.“Then we work to develop a program that suits their situation.” Getting people to seek help remains a problem, however. A big reason is the age-old stigma that surrounds mental health. “There’s still such a stigma,” Ellison said.“No one would think twice about seeking treatment if they had cancer or question someone who did. We should view mental health the same way.”

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Book Buzz: Magical and Mysterious There’s an element of surprise in Newsbee’s May

You’re sure to enjoy stories about a sandwich that

Book Buzz Picks, which are a bit “Magical and

disappears, a whistle heard for miles and a brother

Mysterious.” What better way to escape down-to-

able to soar to great heights. Making the ordinary

earth duties than to dive into books that stretch the

extraordinary is the order of the day with these

imagination?

creative titles. Page on!

So you had a yummy sandwich all ready to eat. But it vanished without a trace? In “The Bear Ate Your Sandwich” by Julia SarconeRoach, the narrator, an adorable Scottie, offers a play-by-play account of a missing ham on rye, or was it a PB and J? Whatever — it’s gone. The trouble begins when a curious bear catches the scent of some berries in the back of a pickup truck. What’s a growler to do but answer the call of the wild rumblings in his tummy? He fills up and falls asleep in the truck, waking up in a “new forest,” a city bustling with cars and people. The bear puts his climbing skills to the test, and investigates trashcans for goodies before he finds himself in a lovely park — and there it is — “Your beautiful and delicious sandwich. All alone.” The rest, as they say, is history, or in this case trickery, in a book awash with sunny watercolor illustrations.

Mama Seeton’s Whistle “Mama Seeton’s Whistle” by Jerry Spinelli features a mother with a unique gift — the ability to whistle for her children, the sound carrying for blocks, and eventually around the world. “The first whistle happened one day when Skippy Seeton was just 2 years old.” It was suppertime and Mom couldn’t find her boy in the yard. Without

realizing it, she issues forth a whistle like no one’s ever heard before. Time passes and little Skippy gets two brothers and a sister. Mothering four provides Mama with opportunities aplenty to pucker up and call them home. As the children grow bigger, their ventures take them further away, but Mama’s whistle “found the Seeton kids wherever they were.” Sad to say, this changes when they grow up and move out; Mama is lonely, until she figures out a way to use her signature talent to gather her loved ones round her skirts again. Detailed vintage illustrations by LeUyen Pham return readers to the more simple days of yesteryear.

Agnes Early, who put a spell on the Fowler family. Another mystery holds Sidwell in its clutches — its citizens believe a monster is on the loose. Items disappear, and graffiti fangs and faces show up accompanied by the words,“Don’t take our home away.” As if this isn’t enough to stomach, the town’s cherished Montgomery Woods are in danger of being destroyed, chopped down for a housing development. If that happens the miniature owls, unique to Sidwell, will lose

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Nightbird Fantastical “Nightbird” is Alice Hoffman’s first book for young readers. Its main character, 12-year-old Theresa Jane Fowler,Twig for short, lives in Sidwell, Massachusetts, with her mother Sophie, an accomplished pastry chef. Twig’s father hasn’t been around since the family moved to Sidwell after her grandparents died.Twig is lonely, forced to “live in the corners of everyday life … tucked so far in to a corner … (she) was just about invisible.” She and her mom are good at keeping secrets.They have to be because the Fowler family suffers from a curse that’s wreaked havoc on Twig’s older brother. For his own good, James lives in the attic and isn’t allowed to go out during the day. No one in Sidwell knows he exists. That changes when neighbors begin fixing up the old Mourning Dove Cottage, where a witch once lived,

their homes. Into this cauldron, Hoffman drops her characters, embodying them with enough burgeoning strength to muscle their way out, and find a way to exist, each in their own way, putting to rest the notion that being different can be dangerous.

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May 2015

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an app for that With the rise of smartphone applications, the opportunities available for digital learning grow wider by the day. But with so many apps, parents and guardians may not be sure where to start.To serve as an introduction, Northland Family asked digital technology educators from several Northland districts to share some of their favorite educational apps. A sample of their responses is presented below. Evernote â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Evernote takes note taking into the digital age. With the app, users can compose and organize notes, schedule reminders for events and store web articles and photos. The system can also be synced with a home computer or tablet.

EasyBib â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Using a barcode scanner, EasyBib can instantly draft citations for research papers and bibliography pages. The system includes settings for MLA, APA and Chicago formatting styles. Skitch â&#x20AC;&#x201D; As a digital notepad, Skitch combines photography, drawing and labeling to share information.The app can be used to diagram images and create virtual flashcards. Vocabulary Spelling City â&#x20AC;&#x201D; With a free and paid version, Vocabulary Spelling City can turn any

spelling list into practice games. Eight different games are offered through the free version.

its name. The programs cover the latest news regarding science, technology, engineering and math topics.

Visual Anatomy Free â&#x20AC;&#x201D; This app provides visual and interactive models of human body systems for review. More than 500 feature points can be highlighted to access labels and descriptions. Features include a search function to identify anatomy terms.

Quizlet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; As a study assistant, Quizlet can keep notes in a digital form, allowing for studying anywhere. Students can create their own flashcards or access sets created by others and create study games.

Science360 Radio â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Operated by the National Science Foundation, Science360 Radio has a library of more than 100 sciencerelated radio shows and podcasts to

EMD PTE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; This app lets users keep a digital version of the periodic table at their fingertips, with specific information about each element listed. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ryne Dittmer

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Pasta salad makes weeknight dinner

quick and healthy

Now is the time for diners to transition palates to lighter and healthier meals, especially those packed with fresh, satisfying ingredients. Whether serving dinner at home or heading out to a picnic, Lemony Peas and Pasta Salad is a snap to make, with few steps and minimal preparation time. It’s also packed with colorful fresh vegetables. Start by preparing the pasta according to package directions. Dreamfields penne rigate is premium pasta made from durum wheat semolina that has the taste and texture of traditional pasta but with a healthy twist. A one-cup cooked serving provides 5 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein. While the pasta is in its final minutes of cooking, add two of nature’s wonderful gifts: fresh sugar snap peas and green peas. A dressing of lemon zest and juice whisked into olive oil adds just the right amount of zip when tossed with the drained pasta and peas. Then, add in crisp young greens such as arugula or spinach — the two can be blended, if desired. Once you’ve added a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top, it’s ready to serve. Have a taste for fresh herbs with your pasta salad? You can choose anything from chopped mint to chives to parsley, or pick your own favorite to sprinkle on top. For the best flavor and texture, be sure to prepare the pasta salad on the same day as it is served. This recipe yields enough for the whole family — including vegetarians — to enjoy. It’s an easy way to make life just a little bit healthier. Dreamfields can be found in the pasta aisle of supermarkets nationwide — just look for the black box. For more information and pasta salad recipes, visit www. dreamfieldsfoods.com.

Lemony Peas & Pasta Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6-8

1 box Dreamfields Penne Rigate 2 cups sugar snap peas 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons lemon zest, plus extra for garnish 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups baby greens (arugula, spinach or blend) 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (optional) Parmesan cheese, shaved Cook pasta according to package directions, adding sugar snap and green peas during last 3 minutes of cooking; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Place in large bowl. Meanwhile, combine lemon juice, zest and salt in small bowl. Whisk in oil. Toss with pasta and peas. Gently toss

in greens and herbs, if using. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and additional zest, if desired. Note: For herbs, use one or a combination of chopped mint, thyme, chives, basil, parsley or other favorites. Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 328 calories; 8 g total fat (1 g saturated fat); 12 g protein; 56 g total carbohydrate; 9 g total dietary fiber; 0 mg cholesterol; 218 mg sodium. — Family Features

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May 2015

Summer’s a season for

safety One of the best times of the year, summer is full of backyard barbecues, swimming, sports and other outdoor recreation. With all of the summer fun, though, comes many hidden dangers. But with a little extra planning and

Registered Nurse Carolyn Wells, manager of trauma and emergency preparedness at Liberty Hospital. “Everything will be interactive for the kids, and there will be safety information for the whole family, too.” Below are some more summer safety tips provided by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, representatives for which also will be at the Fun With Safety & Health event:

Backyard barbecues

prevention, your family can minimize your risk of injury this summer.

Riding bicycles

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Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle — even in the family’s driveway — can prevent serious head injuries, according to Liberty Police Officer Robert Bratcher. The Liberty Police Department and Liberty Hospital will conduct a bicycle safety course from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, during Fun With Safety & Health at Liberty Hospital. Children must bring their own bikes and helmets to participate in the bike safety course. “Fun with Safety & Health allows kids to learn about important issues regarding emergency preparedness, nutrition, fire safety, etc. in a safe and exciting way,” said

Summer is peak grilling season, so make sure your grill is ready. • Move it away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches, according to the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org). • Clean it to remove the grease from the grills and trays. • Always check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it the first time each year. • Never walk away from it or leave children unattended while grilling.

Thunderstorms

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For more information about Fun With Safety & Health, go to www.libertyhospital.org.

What child can resist summertime water fun? • Wear a life jacket. For ages 7 and younger, it’s the

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law when they are on a boat unless they are in the cabin area of a house boat or cruiser. All jet ski and personal watercraft users are required to wear life jackets. • Swim away from electric-powered boats and docks. Improperly grounded electrical circuits or frayed wires beneath a boat’s on-board generator can lead to shocks or electrocutions to anyone in the water nearby, according to SafeElectricity.org.

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Spring and summer bring stormy weather, and that means the potential for downed power lines. • Be aware that a power line does not even need to be touched in order to put a person in danger. High-voltage electricity can jump to anyone who gets too close. The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends staying at least 10 feet away from power lines and their connections. • Storms also can bring lightning. Be sure to move everyone indoors when lightning is visible.

— Liberty Hospital

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LIB E R T Y T R IBUN E , T HE KE A R N E Y COU RI ER, G L A D S TO NE D I S PATC H, THE S MI THV I L L E HERA L D

Dr. Avery Abernathy, a family medicine physician at St. Luke’s North Hospital in Smithville, answer’s Northland Family’s questions about heat-related illnesses.

Ask An Expert What are the different types of heat-related illness and what are the symptoms of each one?

The three types, from least to most severe, are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat cramps: Cramping in the legs and lower body. Other symptoms include dry mouth, getting flushed and

light-headedness. Signs of heat exhaustion: Child becomes nauseous, develops a headache or diarrhea. Signs of heat stroke: An ongoing fever (102 to 104 degrees) that persists after

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May 2015

providing first aid. Rapid heart rate, a loss of appetite, confusion and seizures are other indicators.

What should I do if my child is showing signs of heat-related illness? Get them out of the environment that they’re in, move them into a cool place and remove them from the activity. If they’re developing cramps, you want to make sure you get them off of their feet. Remove any excess clothing, apply a cool cloth to their skin. Having access to a fan can also help them cool off. Make sure they get immediate hydration and have them drink water or a sports drink. If child shows signs of heat stroke, take them to a hospital or call 911.

What steps should I take to prevent heat-related illnesses? “I think that’s the most important aspect to consider is more of the preventative measures,” Abernathy said. “I think it’s

something folks don’t think too much about, getting kids gradually acclimated to a warm environment.” On the first few hot days of the year, limit continuous activity to shorter stretches, allowing the body to adjust to warmer environments. Provide appropriate amounts of sunscreen and incorporate rest periods between stretches of physical activity. Wear light-colored and comfortable clothing. Avoid any kind of energy drink or beverages with caffeine in them. Consuming water or sports drinks is the better alternative.

Do you think there’s been an effort to educate parents and coaches about the dangers of heat-related illnesses? “I definitely think so,” Abernathy said. “I know when I came up in high school and college, we were doing two- or three-a-day practices during the hottest part of the day. I just don’t think anyone’s doing that anymore. “There are more breaks. There’s more access to water than there used to be, and there’s a cautious approach to these illnesses.” — Andy Meyer

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LIB E R T Y T R IBUN E , T HE KE A R N E Y COU RI ER, G L A D S TO NE D I S PATC H, THE S MI THV I L L E HERA L D

you march around various body parts — your back, back of the legs, chest and arms. If any mole, growth, sore or skin discoloration appears suddenly or appears to change, you need an evaluation by a skin cancer specialist.” If a mark bleeds or is rough and scaly and is in a sun-exposed location, Darling said, the spot should also be checked by a professional. “You should do a regular skin check once a year unless you have a family history of cancer. Then you should do them at least twice per year or with every season change,” he said.

Skin care solutions

EXPOSED By Amanda Lubinski As the days get longer and hotter in summer, many families spend more time outdoors. While catching rays may be enjoyable to family members of all ages, prolonged exposure to the sun brings a higher chance of developing skin cancer. The American Cancer Society, which has an office in Kansas City at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., says skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. “More skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined. The number of skin cancer cases has been going up over the past few decades,” the society says.

Types of cancer

The National Cancer Institute reports there are multiple types of skin cancer. “Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin,” the institute’s website,

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/ types/skin, reports. Most cases of skin cancer are related to direct sun exposure, ACS says, but some may come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds and sun lamps. “The good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer, or catch it early so that it can be treated effectively. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays,” the ACS website, www.cancer.org, states. “Over exposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Other less important factors included repeated medical or industrial X-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns and family history,” Scott Darling, a dermatologist at Skin & Vein Center of Kansas City, located in Liberty, says. “Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent type of skin cancer. The second is squamous cell, which can look like a bump or red patch. That form is the most common in those with fair skin.”

Detection

If detected early, Darling said, most cases of skin cancer are treatable. “Early detection is the surest way to a cure or the best way to a cure,” he said. “You want to develop a regular routine to inspect your body for any skin changes, and by that you stand in front of a bathroom mirror with a hand-held mirror and

Prevention

METRO CREATIVE

Dermatologist Scott Darling of Liberty says sunburns like this one can be prevented by avoiding sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and by wearing and re-applying sunscreen throughout the day.

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Darling said lowering your risk of developing skin cancer can be done by doing the following: • Seek shade between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. • Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and re-apply often. • Limit time in water and re-apply sunscreen often while in and out of water as “water causes reflection of sun rays and makes people more at risk for sunburn,” Darling says. • Wear sunscreen every day regardless of weather conditions.

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“She puts me before herself.” — Natalie McDonald, daughter of Amy McDonald

“I am the youngest of eight, and I love knowing she is always just a phone call away, even though she lives 350 miles away.” — Clare Brummer, adult daughter of Maureen Brummer

“She sings to me and colors with me.” — Ryllie Saip, 5, daughter of Misty Saip

What makes your mom special? “She puts up with me when 99 percent of the world doesn’t know how to.” — J.J. Jennings, son of Janelle Jennings

ON THE COVER “Mom plays trains with me.” — Ethan Schloegel, 2, son of Michelle Schloegel

“She’s my best friend. She wants the world for me and always pushes me to get it.” — Chiarra Franklin, daughter of Lisa Franklin

“She does a lot for me. She does laundry, the dishes and cooks dinner.” — Zoe Elan, 7, daughter of Tiffany Elan

L I B E RTY T R I BU N E, T H E K EA RNEY CO URI ER, GLAD STO NE D I SPAT CH, T HE SM IT HVILLE HE R A LD

“My mom isn’t just special to me. Mother’s Day celebrates not only what mothers do for their kids, but what they’ll do for the other people they love. My mom isn’t just a mother. She’s a daughter, a cousin, a wife, a sister, a pet owner — and a mother on top of all that.That’s right, she puts up with all of those people in her life. Not just puts up with them, but loves them and values them with all her heart and always looks for a way to make them happier. “In addition, on any given day she is a talented chef, a safe cab driver, an observant therapist, a strict parole officer, a secretly terrified driving instructor (oops), an allsubject-knowing teacher, a varsity debater, a maid that works herself ragged, an iron fisted queen and a life-long companion. “Mothers do all of the jobs that would earn her buckets of money out in the real world for free. “Not all mothers do this, but when I was first born, my mother selflessly quit her job so she could provide adequate child care for her children, which turned out to be herself. She did the same for my sister. She has sacrificed her career for over 15 years to make sure my sister and I came out of this house as great citizens destined to do great things.Thanks, Mom.Thank you for bearing the weight of family, responsibility, and saving our bacon since the day we became yours. — Grace Gammon, daughter of Angela Gammon (also pictured with Elizabeth Gammon in this old photo)

May 2015

“When people ask me what I want to be when I grow up, I say,‘just like my mommy.’ My mother is such an incredible woman. She always has a bright smile on her face no matter what the circumstance. She is a hard worker and has a kind heart. My mother is my best friend, my rock, and has been my support system when no one else was there. Through the laughs and tears, she will always be my biggest fan. I am proud to call her my mother.” — Ashley Johnson

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