FAMILY Magazine May 2012

COMPLIMENTARY • PRICELESS • FREE

M A G A Z I N E S

O F

M I C H I A N A

Time for an update?

Easy tips for a Mommy Makeover

Dining Out with the Kids Tips from seasoned servers on how to dine out with kids

Keep Kids in the Game for Life Preventing Overuse Sports Injuries in Your Child

Mothers and Sassy Tween Girls Encouraging Their Spirits While Taming the Sass

May 2012

Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles • Edwardsburg • Middlebury • Plymouth

Congratulations!

To the talented February Coloring Winners.

Contributors Publisher & Editor-in-Chief:

Betsy Tavernier Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com EXECUTIVE Editor: Kerri Hagens Kerri@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com FAMILY MAGAZINES Advertising Account Manager: Jessica Marietta Jessica@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com FAMILY MAGAZINES Advertising Account Manager: Tiphanee Vegh Tiphanee@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com FAMILY & LAKESIDE MAGAZINES Advertising Account Manager: Brianna Armato Brianna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com Creative Director: Jena Bontrager Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com Fashion Editor: Kathy Friend Kathy@MMProd.com

Abbigail – Age 5p Grace – Age 7 u Patrick – Age 1 1 q

Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Managers: Richard Cox – St. Joseph, Cass & Berrien Counties Wes Bontrager – Elkhart County Joe Dixon – St. Joseph County

Michiana Family Magazines would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Media@Michianafamilymagazine.com Michiana Family Magazines 5230 Beck Drive Suite #3B Elkhart, IN 46516 PH: 574.293.FAM1 (3261) • FX: 574.217.4700 www.michianafamilymagazine.com Michiana Family Magazines May 2012 Established in 2006.

All rights reserved.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication.

Bringing Home Baby • Summer Fairs and Outings

If you would like your business and/or service to be included in the next issue, call The FAMILY Magazines at 574.293.FAM1 (3261) to reserve your space. Space is limited.

The FAMILY Magazine is a proud member of PMA

2 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Read The Family Magazines online each month!

Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way!

Volume 6: Number 5

www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research. Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family. The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research.

The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Magazines LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors.

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The FAMILY Magazine: Live Your Best:

7 Find the Acorn Contest 8 The FAMILY Month Calendar

Kids Book Review: 10 The Devil’s Artithmetic Reviewed By Ryan

Book Review:

10 Dark Souls: A Novel

Reviewed By Helen Cawley

Family Safety:

12 The Pressure to Drink

Prom and Graduation Safety Tips for Teens and Parents

By Sgt. William Redman

14 Getting Ready to Roll!

Bicycle Safety for Kids

By Evelyn Kirkwood

16 Keep Kids in the Game for Life

Preventing Overuse Sports Injuries in Your Child

By Dr. Henry Kim

Frugal Fun:

18 Ahoy, Lego-Lubbers

LEGOLAND Chicago prepares for a pirate invasion

By Meagan Church

Family Boomers:

20 On Creativity and Aging with the ‘Renaissance Man’ Christopher Lowell

By Tricia Gorden

In honor of Mother’s Day, a very special thank you to our beautiful creative director, Jena, with her fabulous mom and grandmother. We love our three-generation cover photo and can’t wait for the arrival of Baby Bontrager to add a fourth generation to this shot in the future.

Thank you, ladies!

22 Elder Abuse

It’s a Bigger Problem than You Think

By Paige Popovic

SPECIAL FAMILY FEATURES 30 Time for an Update?

Easy tips for a Mommy Makeover

By Kathy Friend

32 Mothers and Sassy Tween Girls

Encouraging Their Spirits While Taming the Sass

By Michelle Wegner

34 Alone Time: Fact or Fiction

Tips for moms on making alone time a reality

By Meagan Church

36 Dining Out the Kids

Tips from seasoned servers on how to dine out with kids

By Meagan Church

38 Quick Weeknight Meals for Busy Moms

By Amy Allen Clark

40 The Swap

Staying Healthy While Eating Out

By Stephanie J. Salisbury

Calendar of Events:

42 Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com for tons of additional family events – updated daily!

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MiChild Magazine: Special Parenting Resource Section

MiCorner:

62 Make it a FAMILY Movie Night!

64 Protecting Your Kids from Accidental Medication Overdoes

Expecting:

Lakeside FAMILY Magazine:

Special Feature Section targeting St. Joseph, Stevensville, Bridgman, New Buffalo and surrounding communities.

LAKESIDE LIVING:

48 Gus Macker is Coming to Town!

50 Fresh and Festive Wedding Celebration Recipes with Mangos!

66 Ten Eleven Things No One Will Tell You About Pregnancy, Childbirth, and After…

BOOK REVIEW:

Mommy & Daddy:

LAKESIDE PETS:

By Laurie Puhn

Helpful Tips for Kitty Bliss!

By Sorah Stein and Shanti Bradley

68 The Over-Reactor in All of Us

49 Grandpa Green

Reviewed By Sarah Eisele

52 The Happy Cat

By Dr. Ed Blesy

70 Platypus Mothers UNITE!

By Jane Suter

Play Dates:

72 Fun things to do with your kids this month!

LAKESIDE PARENTING:

54 I Am a Mother. But First, I Was Just Me.

By Meagan Francis

56 On the Hunt...

For Beach Glass!

By Marcy Blesy

LAKESIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

58 Go to www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.com for tons of additional family events – updated daily!

We have it all more at &

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School!

New for 2012-2013!

K-8 Spanish Program and 4-5 year old Pre-K Program.

• Outstanding Academics • Safe Environment • Excellent ISTEP Scores • SMART Board Technology • Before and After School Care • Christian Family Atmosphere • Community Service Activities and Involvement • Specialty Classes: Art, Music, Computer, Physical Education • Extracurricular Activities ranging from Sports, Band, Scouting, Drama & More!

• 21st Century Learning Facility Recently Renovated and Expanded St. Thomas the Apostle School is Catholic in character, but open to all faith traditions.

Approximately 12% of our current enrollment is non-Catholic.

Please call our school office at 574.264.4855 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Visit us at www.stselkhart.com or www.stthomaselkhart.com!

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School 1331 North Main Street • Elkhart, IN 46514

6 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Things We

Competition.

How do you teach your kids about competition? Do you tell them that they are winners simply by participating? Do you tell them that they need to win, win win? Do you tell them that they need to be more aggressive? Do you tell that they need to be less aggressive?

Do you let them quit early? How you approach these questions and what you teach your kids about competition will become evident when they are both on and off the field.

My kids are involved in a few different sports and activities and they are five and nine years old. My husband and I feel pretty strongly about them only participating in one major sport or activity at a time which we feel allows them to focus on one interest and to do their best at it. With the five year old, it’s all about participating, doing his best, learning the rules of the game, being a good winner and being a good loser. With the nine year old, it’s all about doing his best, doing better each time he plays, being a good winner, being a good loser, being a leader on the team and advancing to the next level – making the cuts.

It seems most extra-curricular activities are getting more and more competitive, earlier and earlier. I started playing Little League when I was eight – my boys started playing when they were four. Times have certainly changed in this arena and we are growing fierce competitors much younger these days. I’m not sure that is such a bad thing as long as our kids can still be kids and have time to ride their bikes, get dirty, eat dinner with the family, do homework at a decent hour and just be … kids. Instilling a good balance in our kids’ schedules and focus also grows healthy competitors.

Where I get all bundled up on the competition topic is when certain arenas make everyone a winner. Yes, this is a nice concept and makes most feel warm and fuzzy for a while. But, how does this teach our kids that hard work and dedication is usually what is needed to advance in band, dance, gymnastics or sports.

I was recently at a youth basketball game (9-10 year olds) watching my son’s buddy play and his team was ahead of the other team by quite a bit so in the middle of the game, the officials stopped the clock and scoreboard and started over so that the losing team didn’t feel so bad. What?! At five years old, this may be fine. At ten years old, this is concerning and misleading.

Again there needs to be a balance but I don’t want my kids to think that life makes everyone a winner simply by sitting back, watching or participating a little bit. The real world is extremely competitive and great parenting starts with how we coach our kids in their chosen interests and activities. I could go on and on with this topic because I am in the midst of watching it all unfold and trying to figure out how to coach or parent my kids to doing their best, being well-rounded and earning their way to a higher level of activity if they so choose.

Play Ball! Break a Leg! Goodluck, fellow parents … these are tough parenting issues and how we coach our kids will eventually lead to real-world scenarios like getting into college, getting the job they desire, having confidence and leadership skills and simply experiencing personal satisfaction and achievement.

(at FAMILY)

Love

Right Now!

1. Raindrops 2. Lilacs 3. Jeans with Flip Flops 4. Kindergarten Round-Up 5. Spring Soccer & Baseball 6. TJ Maxx Deals 7. Gerbera Daisies 8. City Plaza – Home of our New Office!

9. Chopped Salad 10. Cobalt Blue 11. A Kind Spirit 12. Family Movie Nights 13. Bon Fires 14. Fresh Mulch

Have a wonderful May with your family and try not to get crazy on the ref at your next game.

The kids are watching how you compete also.

Betsy & Family

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Congratulations to Lydia Stevens of Mishawaka for being the April Acorn winner! (Page 34).

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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live your best

The FAMILY Month Calendar 8

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National Teacher Day

Call Your Mom! It’s Mother’s Day!

• Happy Cinco De Mayo!

• Walk MS Michiana 2012 at IUSB

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Remem b e r ing mem o r ia l d ay Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was known for a time, came about due to the massive losses sustained during the Civil War. In May 1868, General Logan, who led an organization of Union veterans, issued an order declaring the 30th of May as a time to remember and decorate the graves of those who died during the war. It is now celebrated as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, giving us that three-day weekend. Be sure to take the weekend to remember those who so bravely served and sacrificed for our country!

THE BEST ADVICE YOUR MOM EVER GAVE YOU Courtsey of Our Facebook Fans jill: To this day, my mom is famous for her “take a deep breath, it will all work out.”

I find myself often saying the same thing to my boys and to myself when things aren’t going exactly how I want them to. jessica: Take care of yourself because if you don’t, no one else will get the chance to.

A M U S T H A V E FOR A N T I - A G I N G Did you know that one of the best things you can do for your skin is to wear sunscreen and to moisturize? For your face, consider using a moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 30 that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. We recommend Mario Badescu’s Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 which combines lightweight moisture, UVA and UVB sun protection and reparative antioxidants! It’s formulated with antioxidant green tea to help repair environmental damage by destroying free radicals and St. John’s wort and aloe vera to calm and soothe skin.

8 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

ariane: Always be a lady!

Q U O T E S J U S T FOR M O M A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan All mothers are working mothers. ~Author Unknown Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

ELLE: Do your best to get yourself put together and looking decent in the morning, but once you leave the house, you’re done.

Heather: Choose your battles! Does it really matter if your child wants to wear these particular shoes to the park that don’t really match what they wear? You get the idea. donna: My grandmother (bushia, in Polish) used to tell us, “Let the people talk because when they are talking about you, they are leaving someone else alone.” She never let what anyone said bother or hurt her.

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• Armed Forces Day • Grand Opening of Edible Arrangements from 2 to 4 PM at Heritage Square

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Memorial Day!

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Friends of Granger Paths 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Family Fun Run

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Happy Birthday Clint Eastwood!

Two Rivers Meet 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 15K Run

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fun gift ideas for teachers!

National Teacher Day is this month, so if you’re thinking about getting your kids’ favorite teacher a special gift, here are some unique ideas to consider!

Dear Teacher, Instead of buying something your teacher might already have or may not need, try doing something a bit more personal. Have your child write a thank you note expressing why they love their teacher!

Gifts from the heart last a lifetime.

The Gift of Choice!

You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate! Treat your teacher to a fabulous dinner out or a gift card to a larger store that allows them the flexibility to purchase what they really need or want.

Sugary Goodness, We all have a sweet tooth! See if your supersleuth of a kid can figure out their teacher’s favorite sugary treat and then fill a nicely decorated jar or goodie bag up to the brim. With as much running around as your kid’s teacher does, he or she could use the sugar rush!

FESTIVE RECIPE IDEA!

Image of not actual recipe.

Add some festive flavor to one of your meals this week by trying this Mexican inspired dish, courtesy of Diane Fisher, owner of Catering By Design, LLC! Mexican Black Bean Salsa/Salad Makes 6-8 servings

1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed and drained 1 cup white beans, cooked, rinsed and drained 2 cups mandarin oranges (whole pieces), papaya or mango, diced 2 red peppers cut into small dice 1 red onion, cut into small dice 2-3 jalapenos, minced 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger 1/4 cup olive oil 2 limes, juiced 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 teaspoons salt or to taste Combine all ingredients and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for two hours before serving to allow flavors to mingle.

R E M I N D E R : You know how great your kids are, but have they

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 2012 Michiana Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium & Luncheon Are you taking good care of your heart? Many don’t realize how prevalent heart disease is among women. The Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium mixes education, passion for the cause and fun! Celebrate the successes of participants in the BetterU Makeover Challenge, hear the latest in health information in the sessions and hear a keynote speaker over a heart-healthy lunch. The “Purse-inalities” silent auction is always a fun experience.

Please join the American Heart Association and make it your mission to fight heart disease in women and save lives! The event will be held Thursday May 3 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn-Gillespie Conference Center, South Bend. $50. For more info, visit michianagoredforwomenluncheon. org.

An Intimate Evening with Trace Adkins It might be time to break out those cowboy boots you’ve been itching to wear! Country music superstar Trace Adkins will be playing at The Morris Performing Arts Center while on his Spring 2012 tour! Tickets start at $39.75. Orchestra pit tickets are $103.00 and include a meet and greet with Trace Adkins! Grab your tickets fast as they sell out quickly. From 8 to 10:30 PM on Friday, March 11.

For more info, visit morriscenter. org or call 574.235.9198.

heard it from you recently? Take a few minutes to sit down with your kids to let them know what you appreciate most about them.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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live your book reviews best

Dark Souls: A Novel

By Paula Morris

Helen Cawley Reference Librarian Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Miranda can see ghosts. Ever since the tragic car accident that killed her friend, Jenna, Miranda can see spirits. It doesn’t bother her too much until Miranda and her family visit York, England, where there seems to be ghosts everywhere. With the help of a strange new friend named Nick, Miranda must solve a dangerous mystery involving a 200-year-old ghost and his deadly mission.

New Zealander Paula Morris has lived in York and has been able to create the ancient atmosphere of this historical city in England. Her characters are well-developed and believable. Although this is essentially a ghost story, it is more in the mystery genre than in horror, mixed with a little romance; Miranda has accepted the fact that she can see ghosts, but in the course of the book, she discovers that they sometimes want or need her to help them, or that they may cause great harm to living people. And who is Nick anyway? Where did he come from? Is he a ghost, too?

Highly recommended for teens of all ages, this book will be of interest to readers who appreciate a good ghost story, as well as those who like history, romance and mystery.

The Devil’s Arithmetic

By Jane Yolen Reviewed by Ryan Six million Jews died during the massive genocide that was World War II. “The Devil’s Arithmetic” is slow starting but an entertaining page turner about a teenage girl named Hannah who has no interest in the dangers her relatives went though until she is transferred back to World War II and experiences a concentration camp.

The book begins with a teenage girl named Hannah going to her family’s Seder (a Jewish ceremonial meal).

While she is there, she finds herself transported back in time to a Jewish community under the care of her aunt and uncle, around the beginning of World War II. A wedding party is quickly stopped and soon she finds herself and the rest of the community being sent to a concentration camp. The trip was brutal; some died while others became sick.

Hannah arrives at the camp. They cut her hair, and she loses her memory of what she did in the future and what is about to happen to them. During Hannah’s time in the unnamed concentration camp, she meets a girl named Rivka who teaches her the rules of survival among other things. Some of the rules are, for example, that people don’t die – they’re processed; they’re not murdered – instead, they’re chosen. And if you do your work hard and fast and do exactly what the Germans command, you will be chosen and processed.

In conclusion, I believe this was a good book though with minor flaws. It uses clichés such as amnesia and time travel, and it also has a very slow, uneventful beginning in which readers could lose interest and never get to experience this wonderful story. That said, this is a great book with a good storyline and great examples of events that occurred during World War II, such as the horrors that happened at the concentration camps. The characters are well-rounded and well-developed; you can see how much more care Hannah has for her relatives after she experienced the horrors they went through. It also shows good examples of the psychological effects the concentration camp had on certain individuals, such as people losing the will to live. Next time you find yourself itching for a good read, pick up “The Devil’s Arithmetic.” You’ll enjoy it.

Ryan is an 8th grader who enjoys many things such as music, (mainly classic rock) cars and football.

10 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Want to be a BetterU? Discover more at the

Michiana Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium & Luncheon Emcee Cindy Ward of WSBT 22 Guest Speaker

Paqui Kelly, co-founder of Kelly Cares Foundation, believes that being proactive with your health will improve your overall quality of life and increase your chances of success if you are faced with a serious illness.

BetterU Educational Sessions Menupausal Symptoms - Masking Heart Disease, presented by Physicians Hospital System Less Financial Stress leads to a BetterU, presented by TCU Your Eyes are the Windows to Your Heart: Literally, presented by Boling Vision Center Eat Your Heart Out lunch & program 12-1:30pm

Artwork by Theresa Thompson

Thursday, May 3, 2012

locally sponsored by

Gillespie Conference Center at the Hilton Garden Inn

10:00am-1:30pm Valet Parking courtesy of Gurley Leep

To reserve your seat, visit www.MichianaGoRedForWomenLuncheon.org, or contact Laura Guy at 574.274-1783, laura.guy@heart.org

local media sponsors

Š2011, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund.

TM Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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family safety

The Pressure to Drink Prom and Graduation Safety Tips for Teens and Parents

In the United States, ninety percent of alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 is in the form of binge drinking. This statistic from the Centers for Disease Control is alarming to say the least.

Not only are our kids consuming alcohol while underage, but they are drinking a large amount of alcohol and placing themselves in serious danger of alcohol poisoning or even death.

With the end of the school year upon us, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming prom and graduation season. Young men and women throughout our community will be planning to attend their school prom followed by graduation celebrations, both for themselves and their friends.

As parents, it is our responsibility to continue to enforce rules that encourage our kids to make good choices. Our young people are faced with an alarming amount of peer pressure. We must remind our teens about the consequences they face from participating in risky choices with all drugs, including alcohol.

To help tackle this responsibility, here are some tips to consider – for both teens and parents. As a parent, make sure you have your teen read this article, or sit down and discuss these talking points with them.

For Teens

Plan Ahead and Stick To It!

As a teen, you might think adults have little concept of the peer pressures you face. But we really do understand that the pressure is constant and all around you. That said, we don’t want a moment of peer pressure to change the course of your life. When planning for prom and graduation celebrations, make sober celebration plans in advance and stick to them.

Don’t give into peer pressure. In the long run, it’s never worth it.

12 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

By Sgt. William Redman

Yes, Make That Phone Call

Call an adult you trust if you get into a situation you know isn’t safe. Make the call no matter what time it is and no matter where you are.

The Consequences are Real…

Remember that, until you hit 21, it is illegal to drink. The law doesn’t care that it’s your prom night or graduation celebration.

And the law doesn’t take into consideration that “everyone’s doing it.” Drinking or having alcohol in your possession will result in criminal and civil liabilities such as court costs, jail, loss of scholarships, school consequences, a suspended driver’s license and much more.

Remove Yourself From the Situation

If you find yourself at a party where alcohol is being served, find a safe way to leave. Don’t be afraid to make up an excuse like “I don’t want to miss my curfew” or “I have another party I promised to check out.” Do what’s necessary in order to get out of the situation.

Don’t Get In that Car!

Don’t get into a vehicle with someone you know has been drinking. Again, the pressure to seem “cool” with what’s going on around you is intense, but getting into a car with a drunk driver is dangerous and deadly. And of course, never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.

For Parents

Have a Real Conversation

You might think that your teen knows better, but don’t underestimate the peer pressures they face when you’re not around. You need to sit down and have a real discussion with your teen about underage drinking laws and the rules you have set as a family.

Encourage that Phone Call

Your teen needs to know that they have an out, so encourage him or her to call you immediately if the get into a situation that isn’t safe, no matter what time it is and no matter where they are. Emphasize this so they know that they can rely on you if ever they need to.

Binge Drinking

Hopefully, you’ve sat down with your teens and talked candidly about the consequences of drinking. But in a worst case scenario, here are some tips on what to do if you find a teen who has had too much to drink and is in danger.

If alcohol poisoning is suspected:

Don’t Be the “Cool” Parent

Don’t mistakenly think that it’s better if your teen and their friends drink under your careful supervision. It not only sends mixed messages – it also comes with severe consequences.

Providing alcohol to minors could result in criminal and civil liabilities. Homeowners potentially could lose their homeowner’s insurance as a result of hosting an underage party.

Get Creative

Discuss with your teen ways to celebrate these special occasions other than participating in underage drinking.

Be an Enforcer

Set a curfew for your teen and enforce it. Yes, prom and graduation nights are special times in their lives, but it’s still crucial to have rules and guidelines in place to ensure they are safe and making smart decisions.

Seek medical attention immediately (Call 911).

If the person is vomiting, make sure he or she is sitting up.

If the person is unconscious, do not leave him or her alone.

If the person is conscious, you may call the Poison Control Center at 1.800.222.1222 or local authorities at 911.

SUDS

If anyone has information regarding an underage drinking party, you may call or text this information to our area SUDS (Stop Underage Drinking and Sales) tip line at 574. 217.5150. *This article was prepared by me on behalf of the Drug Free Community Council Prevention Committee.

Ask Around

With prom and graduation, chances are your teen will be attending parties at their friends’ homes. If teens are planning an event at another home, contact those parents to make sure they will be supervising and that no alcohol will be present.

Sgt. William Redman is a 17-year veteran police officer, a patrol officer, a 14-year DARE officer, and public information officer with the St. Joseph County Police. He is married to Kim and has four daughters, Kenzie and Kait (19 year-old twins), Kara (18), and Kami (13).

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www.goodwill-ni.org THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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family fun

Getting Ready to Roll!

Bicycle Safety for Kids

“Be safe.”

Those are two words Judy Lee repeats over and over when teaching kids tips for riding a bicycle. Judy, and her husband Bill, have a passion for riding and for making our communities more “ride-able.” For many community biking events, such as this month’s Bike the Bend in South Bend and Bike for Hospice in fall, they are avid volunteers. But of all the two-wheel activities in which Judy is involved, she is most committed to teaching kids about bicycle safety.

Around third grade, children begin riding their bikes independently, and Judy is on a mission to keep them safe.

Speaking at area schools, youth groups and Scout organizations, she starts with a basic mantra: “Always wear a helmet.” Judy should know, she’s taken a tumble or two on her own road bike and knows her helmet saved her from severe injuries.

A bike shop can help you fit a helmet properly. It should sit snugly and squarely on your head and not be tipped back. You should be able to fit two fingers under the latched chin strap. In fact, Judy, with help from Bike Michiana Coalition and Michiana Bicycle Association, work to raise funds to provide free helmets for kids at many of her presentations.

14 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

By Evelyn Kirkwood

Follow The Rules of The Road

Bikes need to obey the same rules as cars when riding on the street.

That means stopping at stop signs, red lights and signaling turns.

Judy suggests practicing riding with one hand, so you can signal turns with your left arm: a bent arm in the upward position for a right turn, a straight arm to the side for a left turn. If kids aren’t quite steady enough to use hand signals, have them call out their turns. That alerts other bicyclists and nearby drivers.

“Perhaps the most important rule is that bicycles ride in the same direction as traffic,” reminds Judy. She adds, “Stick to the side of the road or use designated bike lanes. Don’t ride two or more abreast.”

If your kids are not ready for riding on roads, utilize an empty parking lot or one of the great bike paths in our area. Judy also offers one critical tip for parents: be a model for bicycle safety yourself. “Parents should wear their helmet, use hand signals and follow rules of the road, too. It’s the best way to impart to children the significance of bicycle safety.”

Parents should also remind kids when gearing up for riding that bicycle gears are fond of “eating” long pants and shoe laces. A rubber band around the ankle and double tying shoe laces will prevent that.

With all the recent emphasis on the health benefits of getting kids outdoors, Judy notes bike riding is a great family activity that gets you moving, so she urges, “Be safe, and get out there and ride!”

More Bike Safety Tips

• Bright clothing helps make you visible to vehicles.

• A bell lets other hikers and bicyclists know you are approaching.

• A simple flashing white front light, and a rear flashing red light, add visibility, even in daylight.

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• Put emergency contact info inside your helmet.

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To donate money for kids’ helmets, or to volunteer to help with bicycle safety education for kids, contact the Bike Michiana Coalition at 574.586.3472.

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Want to know when and where to ride? Here are a few area familyfriendly bike paths and events!

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THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

15

family safety

Keep Kids in the Game for Life Preventing Overuse Sports Injuries in Your Child

By Dr. Henry Kim

Can there be too much of a good thing? As parents, we naturally think of limiting our kids’ exposure to sugary snacks and activities like videogames and television. But sports? As it turns out, just as you don’t want your children to eat too many sweets, overspecialization and year-round athletic activities are not always healthy for children either.

health care providers about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend, teaching proper prevention techniques, and the need to keep young athletes healthy. You can visit STOPsportsinjuries.org to learn more.

Kids sustain two types of injuries when playing sports: acute and overuse.

Acute injuries are usually the result of a single, traumatic event. Some common examples include wrist fractures, broken arms, twisted ankles, shoulder dislocations and hamstring pulls. Overuse injuries are more subtle and occur over time, making them challenging to diagnose and treat.

This old saying is so true when it comes to preventing sports injuries. The preventative measures listed below can help your young athlete to avoid injury.

Overuse injuries are the result of micro-trauma to the tendons, bones, and joints and affect different parts of the body, depending on the sport. You may have heard of some of them: Little League elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, jumper’s knee, Achilles tendinitis and shin splints. Although adult athletes, including professionals, can experience similar problems, younger bodies have a higher risk of developing issues.

There is a growing epidemic of preventable youth sports injuries that are affecting kids’ athletic hopes and dreams at an early age. Over the last 10 years, more and more young athletes have been showing up at doctors’ offices complaining of problems like sore shoulders and popping knees, symptoms associated with overuse injuries.

But what are the main causes of overuse injuries? The two main factors are overspecialization and not taking breaks. The repetitive motions of only playing one sport, and often only one position, combined with yearround multi-league play are stressing these young bodies and not giving them time to heal and rebuild.

I believe these statistics can give you an idea of the size of the problem.

According to Safe Kids USA, 30 million children and over 7 million high school students participate in organized sports. Every year there are around 3.5 million sports injuries suffered by kids under 14, and for middle school and high school students, overuse injuries account for half of all sports injuries.

Now that I’ve scared you from ever letting your child play sports, don’t worry – there is good news. Overuse injuries are easily preventable and there is a national program dedicated to stopping these types of injuries.

The STOP Sports Injuries program was created by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics and other national health care organizations to help prevent youth sports injuries. Sports medicine practices around the country, like South Bend Orthopaedics, are participating in the program to help reverse the tide of strained and broken young bodies.

I have worked with world-class college athletes at the University of Notre Dame most of my medical career, but my passion is promoting the safety of young athletes. That is why I am so excited about this program. It provides educational resources for athletes, parents, trainers, coaches and 16 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Add Variety Due to hectic daily schedules and the pressure to excel, we have developed a culture of one sport specialization. It is no longer common for kids to play different sports during different seasons of the year. It is not uncommon for 13 year olds to be on two baseball/softball teams, a recreational league, school team, and an elite traveling team. This could mean four to six games each week.

This focus on one sport is leading to overuse injuries because the young athlete is repeating the same motion over and over again in the same area of the body. They are stressing one part of the body all the time as opposed to participating in different sports where they’re putting the stress on a different part of the body during different seasons.

Take a Break Athletes that play sports year-round are more likely than others to experience overuse injuries. They are not giving their body a chance to rest and recover. Encourage your child to play different sports during the year to avoid continuous use of the same muscle groups, but to also take a season off.

Probably the biggest risk factor, from a physical standpoint, is fatigue.

Remember, even professional athletes don’t play all year round. There are mandatory rest times for most pro sports leagues.

Because young athletes’ bones are still growing, they are vulnerable to problems in the growth plates, which are areas of soft tissue near the joints. These growth plates are the weakest part of a skeleton and injuring them can cause a bone to grow improperly. Fortunately, most growth plate fractures heal and do not leave permanent damage, but the alarming increase in overuse injuries has me concerned about how – and how much – our kids are playing one type of sport.

Pre-Participation Physical I strongly encourage an annual pre-participation physical exam. It allows for the screening, prevention and treatment of any conditions before they become a problem during the season.

Proper Training and Technique Training errors are the most common cause of overuse injuries. Proper technique is critical in avoiding these types of injuries. Even a slight change in form may be the culprit. If they are not being taught the correct form or being given an appropriate stretching exercise, these kids may be developing chronic strain injuries. Coaches and trainers are there to help teach proper technique. This helps not just with improving your child’s

skill at a sport, but also to avoid injury. Before beginning any training program, consult with a sports medicine physician or athletic trainer to make sure the program won’t cause chronic or reoccurring problems.

Athletes need to learn to listen to their bodies.

Remember that “no pain, no gain” does not apply here. The 10 percent rule is very helpful in determining how to take things to the next level.

Basically, do not increase training activity by more than 10 percent per week. This allows the body ample time for recovery and response.

Proper Warm-up and Cool-down Warming up before an activity helps bring the heart rate up from the resting level. A low-impact exercise like jogging in place is great for this.

Athletes should stretch their muscles to release tension and help prevent injury. Stretching involves going just beyond the point of resistance and should not include bouncing.

You should have your kids cool down after an activity as well. This allows the heart rate to gradually return to a resting level. And stretching may be helpful to avoid injury.

Proper Fitting Equipment Make sure your child’s equipment is in good condition and fits properly. If your kids are like mine, they grow like weeds. Last year’s baseball cleats or gymnastic shoes may not fit this year, so do an equipment check before each athletic season.

Drink Enough Water Young athletes often forget to hydrate, which is essential for the body to run well. Hydration allows muscles to work properly and avoid cramps and spasms. Make sure your child takes water breaks every 30 minutes or more often based on the activity level and temperature. Remember, sugar-based drinks don’t work nearly as well as water to hydrate your child’s body.

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Finally, if your child experiences sharp, stabbing pains, he or she should stop the activity immediately. Playing through pain may make the injury worse and probably cut your child’s season short. If you have concerns that your child may be injured, schedule an appointment with your physician as quick as possible.

The sooner an injury is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated and the sooner your young athlete can return to play.

Henry Kim, M.D. is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with South Bend Orthopaedics, with fellowship training in sports medicine and joint replacement.

South Bend is his hometown and Dr. Kim feels it is an honor and privilege to play a role in the health and well-being of the lives of Michiana residents.

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UChoose Loyalty Rewards are not available with the Plain Checking Account. Loyalty points are awarded within 45 days following month end. Subject to credit approval.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

17

family fun

Ahoy, Lego-Lubbers

Legoland Chicago prepares for a pirate invasion

By Meagan Church

In January, Andrew Johnson read an article that said Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg, Ill., was seeking a new model master builder whose job would basically be to play with Legos all day long. Intrigued, he went to the website to find more info. He discovered that applications were due the next day, so he quickly sent in a YouTube video, along with his resume.

Much to his delight, he was one of the eight finalists chosen by Legoland. Instead of a typical job interview, the finalists were to participate in a build-off. The ultimate prize was the coveted position of model master builder.

The build-off consisted of three rounds with various themes and time limits. The first one lasted half-an-hour and the contestants had to build something Chicago-themed. Johnson chose to 18 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

replicate the Picasso statue at Daily Plaza downtown. During round two, each person had to create a mini-model in one hour using only 20 to 40 pieces. The end result had to be something that guests would enjoy. Johnson created the Lorax. Guests suggested themes for the final round. Thirty seconds before the round began, the theme of music was chosen. Johnson set out to create a violin and a hands-free harmonica that fit around his neck.

In the end, Johnson got the gig and became the new model master builder. “The contest was a lot of fun. There was definitely a little bit of pressure going on, but it was an awesome experience,” he says.

He now holds the master title, which belongs to only seven others in the entire world. “I have guests ask all the time, ‘How do you become

a master model builder?’ Keep your hands on Legos and don’t ever give it up.”

Since winning the contest, Johnson has been busy building as the center prepares for a special themed weekend.

This Memorial Day weekend, pirates will be invading Legoland Discovery Center.

Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28, guests will have the chance to hunt for lost treasure chests, take part in piratethemed build challenges, participate in a scavenger hunt, join in building a giant Lego model, and much more.

People of all ages are encouraged to come and participate. “I would say anyone who is from age 3, up to whoever is bringing them, will have a good time,” Johnson says.

“I know I’m going to enjoy myself.”

Guests are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing up like pirates. Johnson said he will also be sporting some pirate attire. “The staff is going to dress up.

That will make things interesting.”

While not all the details have been set, Johnson did give a few sneak peeks of things he hopes to accomplish for the weekend, including the possibility of pirates and skeletons battling it out at Navy Pier in the Chicago Miniland exhibit. “For the big event weekends, we always deck out the Chicago Miniland.

I’m not sure what material I’m going to be working with yet, but I’m seeing pirate ships battling over Navy Pier.

Hopefully I’ll have some skeleton figures to work with, too. Pretty much Chicago is going to be overrun with pirates.”

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THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

19

family boomers

On Creativity and Aging with the ‘Renaissance Man’ Christopher Lowell

By Tricia Gorden

Many of us have watched television personality and interior decorator Christopher Lowell transform drab rooms into lively spaces that we all envy. He is a trailblazer of the how-to décor and lifestyle format, which began in the late 90s. He proved to TV networks that the genre, combined with inspiration, sketch-comedy and story arcs, was viable on a commercial level.

On May 10th, Christopher will be visiting Michiana as the keynote speaker for the 16th Annual Age of Excellence awards, an event from REAL Services, Inc./Area 2 Agency.

He was kind enough to sit down for an interview where we discussed everything from design to caregiving.

Q:

How can someone spruce up a homebound person’s home and bring life into a fixed-income household?

CL: It is not that much different than what most people should do with their homes. We ask them to really take a look at how they’re living in their home right now, and then make some decisions about how they would like to live in their home. Throw away any conventions. Don’t create a home you think your neighbors are going to love – they don’t have your issues; they aren’t going to be in that house; it is really your home.

20 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Throw out all traditions.

Seven out of 10 American homes are drowning in clutter.

If you haven’t used it in a year, you are not going to use it. Pay it forward. Give those things to a young couple who are having their first party. Do not decorate with your ego; decorate with your heart and with your mind.

Q:

Have you seen any trends in how older adults prioritize their decorating to meet the challenges of staying at home?

CL: Do not replicate the life you thought you had in miniature – take a look at the life you will have for the next 10 years. What you are doing is getting rid of the life you thought you had to make room for the life you didn’t think you’d get.

Q:

Where do you see the correlation between one’s health and one’s living space?

CL: Talent is reserved for the top 1% of people. People come with

that software loaded already, and it’s not necessarily available to all of us. Personal creativity is. It is like breathing – part of our mechanism. When we came on national television, our goal was to raise self-esteem – get people to think about small changes that could impact their house. The mental interior and the physical interior always match. When you change one, the other changes, too.

Q:

Can you talk about any experience you have had caregiving for your parents or older family members?

CL: We have a long history of caregiving in our family in a lot

of very creative ways…My mom was diagnosed with cancer, and she was really amazing at inviting her kids to share in her dying process. She talked about how she was feeling. She talked about how faith and empathy were the things that she clung to.

She talked about [us] volunteering and about how the ritual of volunteering would change our lives, and that’s where we got the spiritual peace that we now seek in our lives.

Q: Were there any useful services or anything you wished

that was out there to help your mom through that process?

CL: One of the things that I have found is that human touch and

human empathy actually heals more than anything. Sometimes our job is to just make sure that as people transition out of this world they feel a sense of having accomplished something while they were here. And that’s about communication and understanding that the human touch, the ability to hear

somebody, is oftentimes far more powerful than making sure someone got their meds.

Q:

Have you or someone you know experienced age discrimination?

CL: I’m on television, are you kidding me? We see a lot of that in the media, and it is amazing how cruel we are – we don’t let them age! It is not just age discrimination in the workplace anymore. We are beginning to see older women [now] starting to sell glamour products – a huge breakthrough.

Q: What is the oldest item in your possession?

CL: I inherited a priceless collection of early Majolica. It’s a

hand-glazed pottery. People knock them off all of the time. They look like big cabbage leaves. I have the originals, and they go back – part of them actually came over on the Mayflower. Some of them are from the 1600s, and they’ve been passed down to three generations through both sides of my family.

If you would like to hear more about Christopher Lowell, hear him speak at the 16th Annual Age of Excellence awards. This event is brought to our community by REAL Services, Inc./Area 2 Agency. Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center is the premier sponsor for the event. Tickets are available to the public and can be purchased at realservices.org.

Tricia Gorden is the director of training and community resources at REAL Services, Inc. (Area 2 Agency on Aging) in South Bend. She is a certified Medicaid Waiver Case Manager and a Volunteer Counselor under the auspices of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Tricia was designated a Certified Senior Advisor in December 2009.

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21

family boomers

Elder Abuse

It’s a Bigger Problem than You Think

By Paige Popovic

As a loving daughter to my mom who is struggling with serious health issues and a granddaughter who recently lost her beloved grandmother, it is difficult for me to imagine anyone taking advantage of the elderly. Not that I consider my mom to be elderly, just older than me. I was raised to respect my elders, as old-fashioned as that may sound. This is why I struggled a bit when the Gerontology Consortium of Michiana, of which I am an active member, selected elder abuse as the focus for their annual conference coming up on May 31. I found myself doubting the decision, wondering if the problem was big enough in the communities we serve.

I’m sorry to say that I couldn’t have been more wrong. According to the Center of Excellence on Elder Abuse & Neglect at the University of California Irvine’s School of Medicine, “nearly two million older Americans are believed to experience abuse each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Administration on Aging. But only one in five cases is reported.”

22 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

As we have been working on the conference, I have become more aware of the issue and listened to stories in the local news highlighting that the problem is here in our community as well – stories that I may not have previously noticed. I found myself asking, how could I have missed this? Will the conference do enough to make people aware?

This is the fifth year for the annual conference held at Holy Cross College, and we usually have about 200 health care professionals, family caregivers and community members in attendance. As an educational event that lasts all day, the conference only appeals to a certain audience, and I worried that we might not have a large enough impact. Luckily, another opportunity was presented to us. The Gerontology Consortium of Michiana is going to host the Indiana premier of a documentary starring Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney the night before the conference. Mr. Rooney provided testimony about his personal experience before the Senate Special

Committee on Aging last year which sparked national attention for this issue.

The film examines the exploitation and victimization of the elderly. It was inspired by recent true-life events in the life of writer and producer Pamela Glasner, whose life savings were embezzled. In Glasner’s frustrating and ultimately futile struggle for justice, she learned just how prevalent these crimes are and how safe from prosecution the perpetrators are. She felt she had to do something, and so “Last Will and Embezzlement” was born.

“Our world is facing the largest transfer of wealth from one generation to the next in history,” Glasner warns, “putting into harm’s way more than 500 million Baby Boomers as we march headlong into old age ourselves – not to mention our adult children and our already aged parents.”

Glasner will be traveling to town for the Indiana premier of her film and will be available to answer questions at the event. The premier will take place on Wednesday, May 30 at the O’Laughlin Auditorium on the campus of Saint Mary’s College. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the film will begin at 7:00 p.m.

A dessert reception with cash bar will be offered. The event is open to the public, and there will be no charge to attend due to a sponsorship provided by the Golden LivingCenter in Elkhart. Please call 574.239.8364 or email padams@hcc-nd. edu to RSVP for the event.

The conference, featuring Keynote speaker Paul Greenwood, will occur the following day, May 31st at Holy Cross College from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Mr. Greenwood is the head of elder abuse prosecutions in the San Diego County District Attorney’s office. Information about the conference and online registration is available at the Gerontology Consortium’s website at gcmichiana.org and on the Holy Cross College website at hcc-nd.edu. Click on the Gerontology Conference link on the left side of the site.

Meet me at the Falls!

Hear Vyagra Falls on theFalls! island Meet me at the at the Century Center Hear Vyagra Falls on the island Friday, 1, 5-9 p.m. at the June Century Center $10 Admission Friday, June 1, 5-9Cashp.m.

Food & Drink availableBar $10 Admission Benefit for Ronald McDonald Charities Advance tickets call: 647-7868 Food & Drink availableCash Bar

Benefit for Ronald McDonald Charities Like us on Advance tickets call: 647-7868 Facebook Like us on Facebook

Paige Popovic is the marketing specialist for Memorial Home Care. She enjoys working on projects with the Gerontology Consortium of Michiana and presenting on topics related to home care nationally. She is also the proud mom of two sons.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

23

Memorial Hospital’s Spirit of Women programs help women make positive changes in their lives by providing access to quality health care, education and screenings.

Throughout the year, Memorial sponsors various women’s activities and health screenings that are free and open to the community. For more information, please call Memorial’s Health Discovery Center at 574-647-1801 or visit www.qualityoflife.org/hdc

Memorial Hospital of South Bend Women’s Services include: Cardiovascular health Breast health Bone health Menopause education Mother and child care Childbirth center Fitness and wellness Sports medicine Domestic violence and sexual assault Home care

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29

family features

All About Mom

Time for an Update?

Easy Tips for a Mommy Makeover

By Kathy Friend

Would you agree that most moms spend more time on their families than on themselves?

And would you also agree that when you take time for yourself, look amazing in a new outfit, have a fresh haircut and color, you feel better about yourself – and are generally in a great mood?

Then why is it so hard for moms to merge those two thoughts?

Most will say “time.” But I’m here to argue that after some initial planning, it doesn’t take any more time to pull on a pair of great fitting jeans, a trendy top and a to-die-for jacket than it would to put on a pair of sweat pants, t-shirt and baggy sweater.

Looking your best doesn’t mean that you should become some kind of narcissist who completely ignores the needs of your family – though I realize that is how it might feel. So to help you discover your guilt-free pass to look and feel your best, here are some things to consider:

1.

I read an article recently that spoke about love languages.

The article said that most men feel love from their wives if she looks nice (pulled together, clean clothes, a little makeup) when he gets home from work. Is it so unbelievable for us to conceive that our husbands prefer us to look nice over the house being tidy and dinner waiting on the table?

30 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

2.

When we look nice, when we take some time on our appearance and are getting compliments on the way we look, we stand taller and are more able to effectively handle daily problems; we have more energy and feel better about ourselves overall.

3.

The most important person in the life of a little girl is her mother. Her thoughts, feelings, life patterns and attitudes toward herself and others will be affected by those of her mother.

Wow. It is a mindbender to think that taking care of ourselves and keeping up on our appearance can be part of showing love to our families and teaching our children how a woman looks and behaves.

Have I convinced you yet?

I’m sure you are wondering how to get started. Let me give you some tips to become your own makeover story!

Makeover Your Clothing

Clothing is one area that can quickly date you, making you appear older. A cost effective way to put some life into your wardrobe is to simply wear colors you look good in. A lot has been said about knowing if you are a “spring” or “winter” with your coloring, but it is so much easier than that. Wear a color that is close to your eye color. How easy is that?

Evaluating the style of your clothing is step two to your makeover. Go through catalogs, magazines and websites to find things you like, not things you think you would look good in, but things that draw your eye. Tear out those pages (or print if you are online) and keep them in your style file. You will soon see a pattern – things you like. That is your style. Now go to your closet. Do you see anything that looks like those details? If not, head to the mall and pick up a few pieces in your new “style” and incorporate them into your wardrobe.

I say this to clients constantly: dress for your body shape. Really know what your shape is and show off your best features. If you have great legs, show them off by wearing skirts and heels. If your best attribute is a long neck, then bring attention to it with v-neck tops and jewelry.

Makeover Your Hair

It’s easy to get stuck in a hair rut.

According to the experts, a good rule of thumb is to change something about your hair each season, with a big change every three years. This could mean color, adding bangs, letting the length grow out, or cutting it shorter. A great service most salons offer is a free consultation service. Call your favorite salon and make an appointment for a consultation with a stylist (be sure to clarify whether or not the service is free). They can give you ideas on how to update your look and offer some cost options to achieve the look you’re going for.

Makeover Your Eyebrows

Eyebrows can make a huge different in appearance. The properly shaped eyebrow can lift the visual line of your eyes, making you look more awake and youthful. Improperly shaped brows can make you look angry or upset. Splurge and have your brows done professionally at least a few times a year. It will cost between $5 and $20 and is well worth the time and money!

Kathy Friend is a fashion expert, image consultant, speaker and writer. She is a regular on the WFRN Morning Show and on WSBT-TV. She is also the fashion expert for Goodwill stores. She is joyfully married to Marty, and a mom to one little fashionista in training.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

31

family features

SASSY &

All About Mom

Mothers

Tween Girls

My entrance into this world was loud and celebrated. On my dad’s side of the family, I was the first girl born in more than six decades. My grandmother raised a slew of boys in the 40s and 50s, then a slew of grandsons in the 60s and early 70s. She was tired of boys. She loved them, but she wanted a little girl to dress up so badly. So when the announcement of my birth was made to my grandmother at a church brunch one warm, May afternoon, there was much cause for celebration.

However, I grew up with brothers, meaning I was destined to be a tomboy.

My grandma made it her duty to try and turn me into a girl – and she had her work cut out for her! I wore my brothers’ hand-me-downs and happily sported the boy haircuts my mom gave me in an effort for her to save time – she would cut all four of my siblings’ hair along with mine as though we were in an assembly line.

Much to my mortification, my grandma took it upon herself to try to fix that. She brought me to her beauty salon and ordered them to make me look like a girl. I came out looking like a 65-year-old version of Annie, the fashion icon of that time. I hid my head under my pillow for weeks, sobbing, wanting my boy haircut back. I never did understand refinement or dresses or girls my age who wanted curly hair like Annie.

I played soccer, punched boys, got punched back by them, and joyfully outran and outswam all the boys in the neighborhood.

As I matured, I slowly developed my own sense of my feminine self, grew up and got married to a really great guy. Our own babies made their entrance into the world five years later.

I tell you all of this to say that God has a sense of humor. He inserted three very girly girls of my own into my all-boy world. From the moment I heard my daughter’s first angry cries in the nursery at the hospital, I knew I would experience a huge learning curve. After our second girl was born, I knew my learning curve had doubled. And three years later when a third sister was born, and I was already drowning in Polly Pocket shoes and beaded necklaces, 32 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Encouraging Their Spirits While Taming the Sass By Michelle Wegner

I knew I should surrender defeat to all things girlie. Funny thing is – I’m having the time of my life! I’m still learning, but I’m getting better at this mother-daughter thing.

The one part of raising girls that has been the most difficult for me is dealing with their very many and ever-changing emotions. I was an even-keel kind of girl, probably because if I wasn’t, one of my brother’s would have slugged me. When hysterical laughter turns to tears, or a best friend at 1 p.m. becomes the worstest enemy ever in the history of the world by 7 p.m., Rob and I just look at each other in wonder and scratch our heads. We encourage, help, fuss over, and give the girls lots of hugs in those difficult times. But, when those emotions turn against us or become destructive to the girls or those around them, it’s time to play referee and redirect and refocus their precious little hearts.

I am definitely not the mom-daughter relationship expert, but here are some things I have done to keep the peace in our home:

I try not to play off their emotions.

Responding to emotion with emotion is usually cause for a disaster. I play it cool when one of my girls happens to be riding an emotional rollercoaster. I allow them to feel what they are feeling without adding to the complexity of their emotions by adding my own. I let them know that I’m here for them always, and once they are ready to talk, I’ll be ready to listen.

I realize that conflict is not bad.

How conflict is handled can lead to a good or bad outcome. The truth is that sassiness is a part of a girl defining her own sense of self and who they will be in the future. Sassiness and strong opinions are important tools a girl can use to lead others and eventually her own family. We encourage our girls to have strong opinions while maintaining an attitude of respect for others.

Embrace their pace.

I spend time with each of our girls individually, on their turf. For Belle, our youngest, we go to the park and swing, slide and run. Whitney’s comfort zone is right before bed. We talk about all sorts of things – she may just be stretching out her bed time, but we have had the best conversations during the 30 minutes before she falls asleep. Maddie and I like to go places together and find bargains. She loves to shop.

Time with her doing what she loves puts me into her world and gives us opportunities to talk and really have fun together.

I remember that she’s my baby, not my BFF.

I love her, dote on her, spoil her sometimes, but I know she’s not my best friend.

As young girls turn tween then teen, sometimes the relational lines between moms and daughters get fuzzy. For a short season, your tween

girl needs to know that you are the one in charge, not her. You are the rule maker, and she is the rule follower. This inevitably leads to conflict, but it is so important for that sweet little girl to have someone that is ahead of her in maturity, leading her to make great choices that she (and you) will be proud of. After you help her through the turbulent tween and teen years, your relationship will be strong, steady and established, and without a doubt you will have a best friend for life.

Raising girls is the hardest, yet most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. When we are walking along somewhere and she reaches out for my hand without thinking, when a conversation brings light to her eyes and joy to my soul, I am grateful for the swarm of lovely young ladies that have taken over my life.

And for that reason, I won’t ever take them to get an Annie perm. Ever.

Michelle Wegner is mom to three spirited little girls, Maddie-12, Whitney-10 and Isabelle-6. Her husband is a pastor at Granger Community Church, and they have been married for 17 years.

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South Bend • Mishawaka Plymouth • LaPorte THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

33

family features

All About Mom

Alone Time: Fact or Fiction

Tips for moms on making alone time a reality

By Meagan Church

“We used to want it all. Now we just want to pee alone.”

So goes a quote currently floating around Pinterest. Alone time can be a rare thing for a mother, especially the mother of young children, such as Dawn Payne, local mother of four.

“Alone time on a daily basis does not exist unless my kids don’t notice that I have snuck into the bathroom to pee,” says Dawn.

“I feel guilty just sitting down for some quiet alone time when dishes need unloaded and clothes need folded.”

If alone time comes at the end of a task list, the likelihood that it will happen is pretty slim. Even still, taking time to relax, unwind, hang out with friends, share some laughs and just mentally check out for a while is important to every mom’s well being. But when floors need swept and Junior needs to make it to soccer practice on time, what is a mom to do? The following are a few ideas from real moms about how to carve out some leisure time:

Check in.

While Dawn does not always have alone time each day, she does set aside two weekends a year when she gets away with her girlfriends. She and a group of friends find a hotel and spend three or four days scrapbooking, catching up and sharing laughs. For the past six years, she has set aside this time to be with friends, even if that meant leaving a nursing baby at 34 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

home: “One time Reid was about 4 months old, so I was still pumping every three to four hours, but that was my only option if I wanted to get away for some grown up time.”

For Dawn, working out the logistics is worth it. She says, “I feel like getting away actually gives me an opportunity to focus on me. I don’t have the day-to-day worries by getting away from the house. Come Sunday, I miss my kids terribly, and I get a new appreciation. If a mom has a husband who is willing to pick up the slack, I definitely advise this. Go away with friends and play and have a blast. It reminds me of my college years!”

Take off.

Stephanie Rizk took a similar approach as Dawn, but instead of a weekend with the ladies, she and her husband packed their bags and headed out. They didn’t just go to a local hotel. They headed out of country on one occasion.

“My husband and I have actually gone on two vacations alone, a feat we had never managed to achieve prior to having children since we always vacationed with friends and family,” Stephanie says. “I think this was even more important after kids than it was before kids because for me it takes more than a few hours to really separate myself from the responsibilities of motherhood.

Otherwise I’m usually thinking about how I’ll be back to being mom bright and early the next day and, for example, how I can’t

have that second glass of wine or I’ll pay for it.”

To accomplish this, the Rizks enlisted the help of family, which can sometimes seem daunting and imposing, but what they discovered was that family actually enjoyed the time as much as they did: “My husband’s mom really appreciated having the opportunity to watch my son for four or five days on both occasions, since she lives far away and doesn’t get to see him on a consistent basis,” notes Stephanie. “I had to get past the idea that it’s a burden for other people to care for my child and realize they may actually enjoy being with them as much as I do!”

Cuddle up.

Sometimes a grand vacation isn’t possible, but a smaller approach is. For Andrea LeSeure, she enjoys kid-free time with her husband in a simpler, more accessible way. “My husband and I put the kids to bed early every night so we can watch TV or a movie together.”

Nicole Cox and her husband do the same: “We purposely put the girls to bed early so that Jeremy and I can have some together time. We usually hang on the couch and watch a movie or TV.”

month to do just that. “I attend a women’s Bible study twice a month that’s a nice evening alone and with friends. A few of us purposely go to Bible study early to get a coffee and just chat before it starts.”

Work out.

Naptime can be a glorious thing for a mom, even if she’s not enjoying a nap of her own. For Joanna Azar, mother of three little ones, she prefers to spend naptime doing the opposite of sleeping. “I have kept my alone time sacred,” she says. “Six days a week, I work out on the elliptical and watch shows on the iPad. The older two are always napping during this time and the baby usually is, or else he is playing on the floor near me. Without this time, I would never have a break.”

Kid-free time can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a passport-required escape or an afternoon spent in the home gym, this time away helps rejuvenate and renew. Regardless of the size and scale, nothing can happen without prioritizing and scheduling. So the next time you’d like a bathroom break to yourself, perhaps try putting it on the family calendar. And then be sure to lock the door.

Study on.

Scheduling a regular and consistent time to be with friends can go a long ways to saving a mom’s sanity. Nicole sets aside a few evenings a

Meagan Church is a writer and mother of 2.5 kids. Her current projects include DefiningMotherhood, and Unexpectant where she explores the realities of modern motherhood for her book project.

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THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

35

family features

Dining In & Out

Dining Out

with the

Kids

Tips from seasoned servers on how to dine out with children By Meagan Church

You know the scene; it’s dinnertime and instead of staying in, you want to go out, but not to some kid-themed fast food restaurant. You want to be able to sit down together as a family and enjoy a meal. It seems simple enough, and it can be just that easy. Or, it could turn into an embarrassing and stressful scene for you, your child and the restaurant staff. So what can you do to help ensure everyone has a good time? Here are some tips from seasoned servers on how to make the experience better for everyone involved.

Schedule Accordingly

“Don’t set yourself and your kids up for failure,” warned server Jessica Daney. “Kids naturally act up and are more ornery when hungry, so waiting until they are at their point of no return to go to a sit-down restaurant is a meltdown waiting to happen.”

Beyond considering just your child’s schedule, Michelle Soike, who has 18 years of restaurant experience, said to also think about the restaurant’s schedule. “Bringing in small children works best before the restaurant gets busy. Then if they are loud or are crying, nobody else is looking at the parents like, ‘Do something with your kid.’”

Choose Wisely

As much as you would always like to enjoy a nice, relaxing sitdown meal at your favorite restaurant, you do need to consider who all will be dining with you. Jessica suggested, “Choose a place that’s kid friendly. Save the wine and dine for date night.”

36 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Prepare Ahead

Planning ahead can go a long ways in helping keep your child occupied. Before heading out, grab some activities and distractions to keep your child focused, while waiting for her food to come. “I would suggest bringing activities or other toys for smaller children for the waiting period,” said Tara René Rosas. “Not all restaurants have coloring pages for children.”

Travel games, coloring materials, a few toys and books can help entertain her while she waits.

Order Early

Waiting for food can be difficult for anyone. That’s why several servers suggested ordering the child’s meal to come out early.

Speaking from experience as both a server and a mom of a baby and a toddler, Michelle agrees with this tactic. “Ordering the child’s meal to come out before the parents’ I think helps. I do it for Colby. It seems to help keep him busy a little longer because he’ll munch off our plates also.”

Be Mindful

Bonnie Simpson Brummett has seen a lot in her 18 years as a server. One thing she advised has more to do with safety. She said to choose wisely where your child sits. “Of course the perfect place for the high chair if sitting at a booth is at the end; however, it makes it very difficult for the server to serve the food. Most times the very hot food or pans are being placed on the table by lifting it over the baby. People need to consider their children’s safety everywhere. You are also placing your

child in the walkway for the servers when you place them at the end of a booth. So not only do you need to worry when a server is serving your food, but you also need to worry when a server is walking by because your baby is directly in the path if something were to drop or spill.”

Clean Up

If there is one consistent pet peeve of servers, it’s when more food ends up on the floor than in your child’s mouth – and then it stays there. “Let me say that the worst thing ever is when a parent pays no attention to what the kid is doing and there is food everywhere,” said Michelle. “I’m talking the floor, windows, seats, table cracks. Oh, it’s just crazy how someone will leave a table. I think to myself, ‘Who cleans this at your house?’”

Stephanie Beam, who has eight years of serving experience, agreed: “I remember when my daughter was not even a year old and my husband thought I was crazy when I was picking up her food mess off the floor by hand at a restaurant. And I remember telling him, ‘She’s my daughter, not our server’s, and it’s their job to serve us our food, not clean up after our child!’”

Teach Them

Even though dining out with kids can create stress and extra work for everyone involved, it is also a great opportunity to teach

them lessons on politeness, respect and how to act in public.

“Kids are not predictable or controllable, so some may think you should not go out with them because it may ruin it for others, but I believe that children need these learning experiences, so that they learn how to get along in public and know how to act in public when they are grown,” Stephanie said. “I would rather be in the presence of an unruly child than a rude adult.

Therefore we need to give our kids these experiences.”

Sherri Wilson, who has 20 years of experience, felt the same way.

“Eating out is a good opportunity to teach your children many things. Let your children be involved in this process. Involve them as a family to decide what to pick from the menu. When the waitress comes to the table, it is a great time to teach manners.

Have them respond with a ‘thank you’ when she brings your food or a refill, or when clearing some of the plates. When it is time to go, have your child hand the waitress the tip and explain the reason behind tipping. And very important, when leaving the table, teach your child to pick up the floor if it is extremely messy.

That nice lady was your waitress, not your slave.”

Meagan Church is a writer and mother of 2.5 kids. Her current projects include DefiningMotherhood, and Unexpectant where she explores the realities of modern motherhood for her book project.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

37

family features

Dining In & Out

Quick Weeknight Meals for Busy Moms

By Amy Allen Clark

Amy Allen Clark: Foodie. Bookworm. Novice photographer. Java junkie.

Knitter & hot glue gun toting extraordinaire. A lover of the simple and family-centered life. Happily living this contented existence within a penny-wise budget and showcasing it on momadvice.com.

If there is one thing that I have mastered, it’s getting great food on our table quickly. With two kids in school and countless after-school activities on our calendar, it’s important to me that I can prepare healthy weeknight meals under thirty minutes that provide nutritional value to my family’s diet. I wanted to share with you four weeknight winners that our family absolutely loves! These dishes are fast, simple and delicious.

Tilapia Pitas

Presto Pesto Pasta Con Pollo

Tilapia is one of my favorite types of fish, and I’m always on the lookout for fresh ways to prepare it. This is a fun cross between a gyro and a fish taco. Of course, the best part is that this dish is so fast to prepare and a perfect way to spice up your usual taco night.

This dish replicates the flavors from my favorite meal at one of our favorite local Italian restaurants. With the simple addition of sautéed mushrooms, spinach and sun dried tomatoes, this easy dish becomes an elegant meal with minimal effort. Of course, no dish is complete without my signature addition of lemon zest and a squirt of lemon juice to freshen and lighten the flavors. The best part about this dish, in my opinion, is that it incorporates items I already have in the pantry and can easily be pulled together with leftovers in the fridge. Leftover chicken, vegetables and any type of pasta can be pulled together for a dinner that is worthy of an evening with friends and family around the dinner table.

Serves Six

1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste 1 pinch salt 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 pound tilapia fillets Old Bay Seasoning (a generous sprinkle) 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped 6 pita breads, cut in half

Directions: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing and your feta cheese. Season with cayenne pepper (optional), black pepper and salt. Mix until well blended, then set aside. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tilapia fillets in the skillet, and season with Old Bay Seasoning, salt and pepper. Sauté until browned on each side and fish flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 7 minutes. Warm pita breads in the toaster or in the microwave to soften. Open from the cut side to make pockets. Fill pita bread halves with tilapia fillets, then spoon in some of the feta cheese sauce. Serve with your favorite fruits and vegetables for a yummy fresh side dish.

38 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Serves Six

2 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced 8 ounces bow tie pasta 1 jar of pesto sauce (8.1 ounce) 2 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, cut into thin strips 2 cups fresh baby spinach 1 lemon (zest and juice) Salt & Pepper to taste Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional) for topping

Directions: In a 4-quart Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions.

In a large sauté pan, cook mushrooms in olive oil (approximately five minutes) and season them to taste. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. In a small bowl, mix together the pesto and the 1/2 cup of pasta water to make a sauce. Sprinkle spinach on top of the mushrooms in the sauté pan and pour the hot pasta on top to help wilt the spinach. Add to the pasta mixture, the sundried tomatoes, rotisserie chicken, zest and juice from a lemon and pesto sauce over the pasta. Give the mixture a gentle toss to combine. Season the pasta to taste. If desired, serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Italian Turkey Sliders Serves Four

Rosemary Chicken Serves Four

Sliders are not only highly fashionable for entertaining, but they also are fantastic for little ones who will appreciate your small burger efforts as a way to make the dinner hour more fun. We declare it, “Diner Food Night,” and we dine on these sliders with a package of store-bought French fries that I bake in the oven with our mini burgers.

Rosemary Chicken is my go-to dish that can be made with a couple of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. If you don’t have fresh rosemary on hand, you can substitute with dried rosemary instead. This quick chicken dish makes for fantastic leftovers that you can put in tortilla wraps to send to school with your children, or it can make a fantastic addition to a delicious salad.

16 ounces lean ground turkey 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated 1 clove garlic – minced 1/2 teaspoon basil, dried 1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 9 dinner or slider rolls (we selected a wheat variety)

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast, 6 to 8 ounces each 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 stems rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped, about 2 tablespoons Salt and coarse black pepper 4 cloves garlic, cracked away from skin with a whack against the flat of your knife

Directions: Combine ground turkey, cheese and all seasonings. Mix together well. Shape turkey into nine small patties. Place patties on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until cooked through. Be careful not to cook too long or they will become dried out. Place on rolls and top with your favorite toppings.

Directions: Coat chicken in balsamic vinegar and then olive oil. Season chicken with rosemary, salt and pepper and let stand 10 minutes. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cracked garlic to the pan. Cook chicken 12 minutes, or until juices run clear, turning occasionally. The balsamic vinegar will produce a deep brown, sweet finish on the chicken as it cooks.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

39

family features

Dining In & Out

The Swap Staying Healthy While Eating Out

By Stephanie J. Salisbury

Many of us are on a perpetual quest to diet, to lose weight, to fit into clothing that probably went out of style ten years ago. Over the years, it has been humbly suggested by more than one health guru that the only way to make a real difference is not to diet, but to make some lifestyle changes that will have a lasting impact on how you view your dining habits and your health in general.

It’s fairly simple to make these changes in your home – out with the bad, in with the good – deleting junk food from your dietary vocabulary and introducing fruits, veggies and lowcal snacks to have on hand so you won’t be tempted. But what happens when we go out into the real world? Dining out can be hazardous to your new habits if you’re not fully prepared.

We’ve asked some “real world” gals who are current and former Weight Watchers members to give some tips that have worked for them over the years when presented with the temptations of dining out with friends.

Food for Thought

“I go out to eat for the fellowship instead of the food,” says Vickie Grathen. She suggests to “plan ahead” and says, “I go for salad. I don’t do drinks, and if I do dessert, we share, and I only have a bite or two.”

Instead of a high-fat, high-calorie treat that you’re bound to regret later, Vickie also suggests fresh fruit for dessert if you do choose to finish your meal with something sweet.

Kathy Gruver also enjoys salad, but suggests that you always skip the cheese and add fruit if it is available. “I plan ahead, too,” she says. “I order first and stick to my order, [and am not] influenced by others. I try to drink water before I go, or fruit, to make me feel full. I also add lemon and Splenda to water to make me feel refreshed.”

Deborah Onyon has a plan, too. “I almost always have an idea of what I am going to order before I sit down. I’m not impulsive and generally try to make the healthier choice even under the pressure of dining out.

40 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

I never just wing it. That makes for bad choices,” she warns.

Another major suggestion she has is about our liquid calorie intake.

“We don’t realize how many calories are in drinks. For my coffee, I usually bring my own organic creamer or have it in my cup. I do not drink soft drinks because they are all poison, and I used to be an addict, so I know you can change. Soft drinks are just a chemical potpourri. I’ve learned to drink iced tea without sugar.”

She agrees with the dessert sharing policy that Vickie has, too.

“The first bite is the memorable one, so if possible, stop after that first bite and give the rest away.”

Swapping

Swapping out one food for another is a great idea. Sometimes alternatives are available that you might not even have known about, so always ask the wait staff to check with the chef in case there are healthier choices than what the menu shows. Jennifer Lemler, sous chef and head chef at Fernwood Botanical Gardens Café has some great ideas: “Some easy things would include getting mustard on a sandwich instead of mayo, and choose a light salad dressing or oil and vinegar,” Lemler suggests. “Try a salad or wrap instead of a burger or fried chicken sandwich. Choose soup or salad instead of fries or chips. Vegan and vegetarian options are often healthier. Lowering dairy and saturated fat content is a big one. Using things like balsamic vinegar, pesto and hummus to add bold flavors without adding a lot of unhealthy fat is something I like to do at my place.”

Lemler also realizes that sometimes vegetables can be boring, but she’s quite adept at putting together something fantastic to make you forget you’re eating them because your meal is so heavenly.

“Honestly, I am always trying to find ways to make veggies more desirable,” she says. “For example, adding a thick slice of tomato to a burger while leaving off the cheese and mayo helps lower the calorie count by over 100 while adding moisture and nutrients.”

Just by swapping out a few simple things, like mustard instead of mayo, or broth-based soup instead of cream-based – like Kathy is fond of doing – can help you save hundreds or even thousands of calories a week. If you plan ahead, don’t drink your calories, and swap out less healthy options for more filling, low-fat and low-calorie options, you can make a big difference in your lifestyle in almost no time. One thing all the girls agree on – avoid fast food if at all possible, and, if you are completely stuck and have no other option, definitely choose a salad.

Greasy, fried, salty foods will immediately combat all of the good choices you’ve made all week long, so don’t fall into the trap. Keep some healthy snacks in your purse for just such occasions, so you can skip the fast food and eat something fulfilling and good for you.

Stephanie J. Salisbury, University of Michigan graduate, has published two books and maintains a well-followed inspirational blog. She and her husband sing, act, direct and work together.

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THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

41

MAY 2012 Sunday

Drop-in Craft Day Imagine That! Toy Store, Mishawaka

Every Sunday enjoy “Drop-in” Craft Day from 1 to 5 PM. All ages are welcome and an adult must accompany children. Pay $5 for the craft of the day to create and then take home with you! Call 574.254.1600 for more information and for a schedule of upcoming classes also available at the store.

Monday

Storytime Sampler Bittersweet Branch Library, Mishawaka

Storytime Sampler is held every second and fourth Monday of the month from 10:30 AM to 11 AM. This fun library time provides a sampling of the materials used in the preschool and toddler programs. Registration is not required.

Call 574.259.0392 for more information.

Tuesday

Storytime at Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore

Every Tuesday near the fireplace in the bookstore, join story time with books, interactive songs and an art project or other activity for young children. Story time is at 11 AM and 1 PM and lasts 45-60 minutes.

Check out the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore Facebook page for an upcoming list of readings (click on the ‘Storytime’ tab).

Storytimes Francis Branch Library, South Bend

Every Tuesday at 10 AM, enjoy stories, music and movement that build early literacy skills and help your young child prepare for future learning success while developing a love of books.

Open to children ages 5 and younger; families welcome. Call 574.282.4641 for more info.

Lapsit for Prewalkers

Calendar of Events Toddlertime St. Joseph County Public Library, Storytime Room

Every Wednesday at 10:10 AM and 11 AM, enjoy early literacy activities for children ages 2 to 3 ½, including stories, songs and games. Pre-register at www.libraryforlife.org or at 574.282.4607.

Storytime at the Library 10:15 AM– Centre Township Branch, South Bend; Lakeville Branch, Lakeville 10:30 AM – South Bend Branches: River Park, Tutt, LaSalle, German Township

Every Wednesday enjoy stories, music, and movement that build early literacy skills and help your young child prepare for future learning success while developing a love of books. Open to children ages 5 and younger; families welcome.

Visit www.libraryforlife.org for more info.

Drop-in Craft Day Imagine That! Toy Store, Mishawaka

Every Wednesday enjoy “Drop-in” Craft Day from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. All ages are welcome and an adult must accompany children. Pay $5 for the craft of the day to create and then take home with you! Call 574.254.1600 for more information and for a schedule of upcoming classes also available at the store.

Mom and Baby Exercise Class Thomson’s Physical Therapy, Niles, Michigan

Come get that pre-pregnancy body back while you stimulate your child’s development and learning. Classes are offered every Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM, and free childcare is provided for toddlers during the class (for mothers with more than one). Call for pricing info. For more info call 269.687.9110.

Thursday

Storytime at Hammes Bookstore & Café on Eddy Street

Every Tuesday at 10:10 AM, enjoy books, songs, finger plays and fun for children up to two years who haven’t yet mastered walking on their own. Pre-register online at www. libraryforlife.org or at 574.282.4607.

Every Thursday at 11:30 AM, join story time with books, interactive songs and an art project or other activity for young children. Story time is at 11 AM and 1 PM and lasts 45-60 minutes.

Check out the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore Facebook page for an upcoming list of readings (click on the ‘Storytime’ tab).

Wednesday

Drop-in Craft Day

St. Joseph County Public Library, Storytime Room

Lapsit

Francis Branch Library, South Bend

Every Wednesday at 10 AM enjoy books, songs, finger plays and fun for children up to two years. Call 574.282.4641 for more info.

42 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Imagine That! Toy Store, Mishawaka

Every Thursday enjoy “Drop-in” Craft Day from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM. All ages are welcome and an adult must accompany children. Pay $5 for the craft of the day to create and then take home with you! Call 574.254.1600 for more

information and for a schedule of upcoming classes also available at the store.

Friday

Downtown South Bend’s First Fridays

The first Friday of each month explore downtown South Bend from 5 PM-9 PM. Visit www.dtsbfirstfridays.com for a listing of events taking place, including activities and experiences for kids, adults and families.

Saturday

Family Programs at Curious Kids’ Museum Curious Kids’ Museum and Discovery Zone, St. Joseph, MI

Every Saturday from 12 PM – 4 PM, the museum hosts family-friendly programs that are fun for all ages. Check out the new Discover Zone (for children ages 3 and up); also hosting Saturday family programming at the same time. Call 269.983.2543 for more information. Admission fee or membership to museum is required.

Ongoing May Events Baby Boot Camp

Central Park, Mishawaka on Mondays Granger Community Church, Wednesdays and Fridays

Baby Boot Camp stroller-based fitness classes are designed specifically to help moms get fit.

Classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills. Pilates, yoga and abdominal exercises help improve core strength. The stroller, resistance tubes (and even your child!) are used as an integral part of the workout. Starts at 9:30 AM. Free! For more info visit babybootcamp.com.

Cage Fitness STAR Martial Arts, Elkhart

Cage Fitness is tested and designed by 9-time Welterweight Champion, Matt Hughes.

However, unlike MMA, there is no contact and no partners! Cage Fitness is designed to work out your entire body in only 25 minutes! Come try a free class before you decide you love it!

For more information call 574.522.5425.

Wednesday, May 2

The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes Edison Lakes, Mishawaka

All are invited to visit Michiana’s only accredited Montessori school, The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes. The Montessori Academy

*Please be sure to call ahead to confirm times and information.

Have an event you’d like to submit? Visit www.michianafamilymagazine.com! at Edison Lakes has been serving children Toddler through Junior High for over 40 years.

Enjoy coffee on the beautiful Mishawaka campus and learn about the state-of-the-art, brain-based curriculum. Tours begin at 9 AM. For more information call 574.256.5313 or visit aneducationforlife.com.

Thursday, May 3 Spring Stroller Walk

Bendix Woods County Park, New Carlisle

Spring is a wonderful time to share the wonder of nature with a child! Bring your baby or toddler (up to 3 years old) in a stroller or baby carrier, to experience one of the most beautiful spring wildflower spots in the county. The program will include songs, stories, snacks and a guided walk.

Registration is required by May 1. From 10 to 11:30 AM. $3 per child. For more info, call 574.654.3155.

2012 Michigana Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium & Luncheon

Hilton Garden Inn-Gillespie Conference Center, South Bend

The Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium mixes education, passion for the cause and fun! Celebrate the successes of participants in the BetterU Makeover Challenge, hear the latest in health information in our breakout sessions and hear a keynote speaker over a heart healthy lunch. The “Purse-inalities” silent auction is always a fun experience.

Please join the American Heart Association and make it your mission to fight heart disease in women and save lives! From 10 AM to 1:30 PM. $50. For more info, visit michianagoredforwomenluncheon.org.

Lakeland HealthCare Free “Fall Prevention and Medication Safety” Class Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles

“Fall Prevention and Medication Safety” is a free class that will help you reduce accidental falls, identify ways to make your home safer, and help you understand medication safety. Interactive Wii Fit software will help demonstrate balance skills and encourage exercise while improving muscle tone and strength. From 6 to 7 PM. Free event. To register call 269.556.2808.

Friday, May 4

Ancestral Skills through the Ages Woodlawn Nature Center, Elkhart

Historians will demonstrate skills such as weaving, spinning, porcupine quill work,

book making, rope making, cooking, and flint knapping. Historians will be set up in a primitive encampment around Woodlawn Nature Center demonstrating these skills.

This is geared to hands on activities for children of all ages. Friday is open to all students and Saturday is family oriented day.

From May 4 to May 6, 9 AM to 5 PM. $2 per person. For more info, call 574.206.3277.

Your Business Needs Fans Facebook Training Trine University, Mishawaka

Want to learn more about how to bring Fans to your Facebook page? Need a little help in turning Facebook Fans into clients? Curious as to how to make the new Facebook Timeline work for your business? Want to be sure your business image is best represented on Facebook? Join us for this hand-on training, big screen demo, “live” on Facebook. Bring your laptop and apply what your learn right during the workshop. From 9:30 AM to 12 PM. $30.

Visit facebook.com/YourBusinessNeedsFans Events tab for more info.

Saturday, May 5

Walk MS Michiana 2012 IUSB, 1700 West Mishawaka Ave, South Bend

Walk to end MS! Form a team or join one.

Cost is free. From 8 to 11 AM. Check out the website, nationalmssociety.org/ini for more information on how to become involved!

Monday, May 7 Treetop Tales

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch

Children of all ages are invited to listen to stories, sing songs, and participate in fingerplays at Treetop Tales on Mondays, May 7 and 21 from 1:30 to 2 PM. Registration is not required and all ages are welcome. An adult caregiver must attend with children aged 7 years and younger. For more information, inquire at the Children’s Services desk of the Harris Branch Library or call 574.271.3179.

Friday, May 11

An Intimate Evening with Trace Adkins Songs and Stories Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend

Country music superstar Trace Adkins will be playing smaller, more intimate venues with great acoustics such as the Morris on his Spring 2012 tour. Tickets start at $39.75.

Orchestra pit tickets are $103.00 and include a meet and greet with Trace Adkins. Grab your

tickets fast as they sell out quickly. From 8 to 10:30 PM. For more info, visit morriscenter. org or call 574.235.9198.

Monday, May 14

Embroiderers’ Guild of America Meeting Prince of Peace Church, South Bend

Join the group on the 2nd Monday of each month at 9:30 AM at Prince of Peace Church or the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at Harris Branch Library in Granger. It is not necessary to be an accomplished stitcher. They welcome everyone that is interested in learning or furthering their knowledge of needlework.

Free of charge for the first two meetings. For more info email Beate at blies@att.net.

Mother/Daughter Book Club Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Harris Branch

The Mother/Daughter Book Club for junior/ senior high school students and their mothers will meet at the Harris Branch Library at 7 PM to discuss “Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister” by Gregory Maguire.

Mothers and daughters will read the same book and discuss it with others. New readers are always welcome. Meetings will be the second Monday of each month from 7 to 8 PM. For more information contact Billie Clements at the Harris Branch Library or call at 574.271.3179.

Tuesday, May 15 Kids Garden Club

Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Branch

How does your garden grow? Children entering grades 1-6 are invited to join library staff and a master gardener for gardening tips and fun at 4 PM. Space is limited.

Registration is required and begins May 1.

For more information, contact Children’s Services at the Bittersweet Branch Library, 574.259.0392.

Saturday, May 19

Bonneyville Millers Vintage Base Ball Match Ox Bow Park, Elkhart

Come see your Elkhart County Vintage Base Ball Team take on the Mississinewa Silver Heels in a “gloveless” game of historical base ball. The “ballists” will dress in Civil War Era game attire and use rules from the 1860s! Fan participation is welcome. Fun for the whole family! Free event. From 2 to 4 PM. For more info, visit ElkhartCountyParks.org/bonneyvillemillers.htm.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

43

THANK YOU

to our monthly distribution partners Allied Pediatrics Chic-Fil-A Clay Preschool & Church Debbie Werbrouck School of Dance & Music Early Childhood Development Center at Notre Dame Elkhart General Hospital Eye Site Optical Family Sports Time Pub Friends Preschool & Daycare Granger Community Church Growing Kids Learning Center Gymnastics Michiana Kumon Learning Center Menno Travel Midwest Orthotics Mutual Bank Notre Dame Federal Credit Union Once Upon a Child Soccer Zone South Bend Clinic South Bend Medical Foundation St. Thomas the Apostle School Strikes & Spares Traditions Photography Trinity Lutheran School Victorian Pantry YMCA of Elkhart If you would like to receive The FAMILY Magazine at your familyfocused business or organization each month, please email your request to: media@michianafamilymagazine.com.

44 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Sunday, May 20

Friends of Granger Paths 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Family Fun Run Harris Township Library, Granger

Join Friends of Granger Paths for our 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Family Fun Run on Sunday May 20th, 9:00 am at the Harris Township Library. Friends of Granger Paths is raising funds to build a multi-use path from Mary Frank and Northpoint Elementary schools to the Harris Township Library. This multi-use path is the first phase of a 21-mile plan that will allow Michiana families to safely walk, run, and ride their bikes to schools, shopping, places of interest, and other neighborhoods. For more information about FGP and to sign up for this great event go to: grangerpaths.org.

Tuesday, May 22

Craft of the Month Group Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library, Bittersweet Branch

Get ready for Memorial Day at the Bittersweet Branch Library anytime between 4 to 6 PM and make a patriotic stars and stripes door decoration or bracelet while supplies last. This program is also open to teens and adults. Children aged 7 and up may attend with an adult helper. Registration is not required. For more information, call the Bittersweet Branch Library at 574.259.0392.

Saturday, May 26

Two Rivers Meet 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 15K Run Elkhart Civic Plaza, Elkhart

Two Rivers Meet is a Kids Fun Run (approx. 300 yards in the park) Walkathon (distance up to you) 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles), 10K Run (6.2 Miles) and 15K (9.3 miles) fitness event. All courses begin in downtown Central Park in Elkhart and go through small parks and along the rivers. The walkathon stays close to the base, so there is always access to facilities, great music and refreshments.

Walkathon participants can have their friends and family support them through pledges. We will even collect the pledges for you!

From 8 to 11 AM. $10-$35 depending on date sign up and race.

Monday, May 28

Audubon Society Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary, Mishawaka

Start your Memorial Day with pancakes! Enjoy a pancake breakfast in a rustic setting at the Audubon Society’s wildlife sanctuary on 59395 Clover Road, just outside Mishawaka city limits. After enjoying plain, blueberry and pecan pancakes, take a walk through the sanctuary.

The 40-acre sanctuary features forested and grassy areas, as well as ponds and streams. Cost: Goodwill offering. Proceeds from the breakfast support the local Audubon Society and the sanctuary.

Please bring your own tableware. From 7:30 to 10 AM.

Upcoming June Events Friday, June 1

Jerry Seinfeld Back by Popular Demand Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend

Due to popular demand, America’s premier comedian Jerry Seinfeld is hitting the road in a return to his first love – standup comedy. Recently hailed as “the master stand-up comic of his generation” and “the best comedian of our time” in a Washington Post article by Tom Shales, Seinfeld has an uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. From 7 to 9 PM. Tickets start at $44.40.

For more info, call the Morris at 574.235.9190.

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THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

45

FA M I LY T I M E I S A L W AY S B E T T E R N E A R T H E L A K E

Special Section Fresh and Festive Wedding Celebration Recipes with Mangos!

Gus Macker is Coming to Town!

The Happy Cat Helpful Tips for Kitty Bliss

I Am A Mother.

But First, I was just Me. On the Hunt...

For Beach Glass!

MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

lakeside living

Gus Macker

is Coming to Town!

America’s Largest 3-on-3 Basketball Tour Stops Here in July!

Gus Macker-Bridgman announced that the 2012 Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball All-World Tour will be making a stop in Bridgman on July 14th and 15th, 2012!

The founder of the “Woodstock of Basketball,” Scott McNeal started this tournament in his driveway in Lowell, Michigan in 1974 and turned it into a touring charity event in 1987 with five cities greeting the All-World Tour. Since 1987, the Macker Festival has expanded, holding tournaments in over 75 cities and with over 200,000 players and 1.7 million spectators enjoying 3-on-3 competition and family fun each year.

The site for this year’s Bridgman Gus Macker will be through downtown Bridgman on Lake Street and several side streets and parking lots.

The two day basketball festival will be a part of the annual Celebrate Bridgman event that takes place every year mid-July.

You won’t want to miss this exciting, fun, family-friendly weekend in Bridgman: Teen Dance, sidewalk sales, Fireman’s Dance, 5k run/ walk, car show, farmers market and a sand sculpting contest are just some of the events taking place. And we can’t forget beautiful Weko Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan where the gorgeous sunsets are always free.

Basketball will officially tip off on Saturday morning with Opening Ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. First-Round games will begin at roughly 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and continue throughout the day. Play will resume again on Sunday at roughly 8:00 a.m. There will be a three-point shot contest, free throw contest, slam dunk contest, and Bridgman will also host Dream Court at their event. Dream 48 LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Court is a special event introduced into the 2000 season of the Gus Macker tournament, and not every city gets the chance to experience it! Macker officials randomly select teams to visit this specially designed red, white and blue All-American themed court which includes bleachers, synthetic court surface, team benches and sound stage. The goal is to provide the ultimate fun, family environment focusing on the nicknames and personalities of the players and spectators.

Registration is now available for the Bridgman Macker on the official Macker website, macker.com. Entry fees are $100 for 18 and under and $128 for those 19 and above per four-person team (the fourth person can rotate in and out of the 3-on-3 match). The Macker is for everyone with male and female divisions, as well as junior divisions for kids ages 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18, plus the highly competitive open division. Gus Macker also has special divisions for the 30 and over players. Whether you’re just a beginner, seasoned pro, a weekend warrior, or an ageless amateur, the Macker is for you!

The Bridgman Gus Macker is a joint effort between Bridgman Public Schools, the City of Bridgman and Lake Township and is truly a community project. All proceeds from this charity event will be given to various youth, schools and non-profit organizations.

Currently, those that will be benefitting from this event include: Bridgman High School National Honor Society, Post Prom 2013, the football team, basketball teams, pom squad, and band boosters, The Bridgman Public Library, Boy Scout Troop and Pack #540, Bridgman American Legion Post 331, Bridgman Youth Baseball, Bridgman Elementary School, and Immanuel Lutheran Church.

lakeside

book review

8,000

SUBSCRIBERS AND COUNTING...

Thousands of local parents are connected to The Lakeside FAMILY Magazine through Facebook, Twitter & E-Blasts.

Reviewed by Sarah Eisele Maud Preston Palenske Memorial/St. Joseph Public Library Many years ago, he was a farm boy with chicken pox (though he didn’t catch it from the chickens). He loved gardens and growing things and planned to study horticulture, but when he graduated from high school the whole world was at war, so he became a soldier and went to Europe. He met and married the woman with whom he would spend his life laughing and loving – and never, ever fighting (to hear him tell it). He was a father, a grandfather and then a great-grandfather. The events and choices of his life are displayed in his beloved topiary garden. Now that he has begun to forget, his great-grandson lovingly tends his grandfather’s cherished memories.

Noted children’s book creator Lane Smith, a New York Times bestselling author and recipient of Caldecott Honors, weaves gentle humor and charm throughout his story. In Lane Smith’s inimitable style, “Grandpa Green” explores concepts of aging, memory and the bonds of family stretching across generations while relating the simple history of a man’s life. Grandpa Green’s life story is familiar, nothing very out of the ordinary, and yet made infinitely special by his great-grandson’s love and pride as he takes up the task of nurturing the memories his great-grandfather is beginning to lose. The story of a family passes into a new generation.

Alternately tender and fanciful, “Grandpa Green” is engaging and the artwork enchanting. Smith’s words and pictures work together to create a whole very much greater than the sum of its parts, each enhancing the other and producing a book that is satisfying, meaningful and charming. Background trees, animals, even the characters of Grandpa Green and the little boy are drawn in muted earth tones, the reality of the moment a subdued contrast to the lush, verdant topiary garden that depicts the milestones and memories of a man’s life in myriad vibrant shades of green. Ideal to help children discuss and begin to understand concepts of aging, memory and family, “Grandpa Green” is also a refreshing, engaging story to simply read and enjoy, its gently bittersweet tones softened by Lane Smith’s winsome artwork and his warmth, whimsy and humor.

WHY? To connect with other parents, get instant updates on fun things to do and parenting news, enter Facebookonly prize giveaways and more.

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LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

49

lakeside living

Fresh and Festive Wedding Celebration Recipes with Mangos!

Between engagement parties, bridal showers and brunches with new family and friends, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the happy couple. Each of these elegantly simple recipes is inspired by the color, texture and sweet, slightly exotic flavors of mangos — and you won’t need to hire a caterer to pull it off.

When choosing mangos, don’t focus on color. Instead, gently squeeze. A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe peach or avocado.

To get more fresh recipe ideas for wedding celebrations — and everyday occasions — visit mango.org. And you can get more hosting ideas and helpful entertaining tips by visiting culinary.net.

Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Mango Buttercream Makes 48 mini cupcakes Cupcakes 1 15.25-ounce box vanilla cake mix 1 Cup water 1/2 Cup vegetable oil 3 Eggs

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line mini muffin tins with cupcake liners. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and mix until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in pans for 5 minutes then cool completely on wire rack.

Mango Buttercream 2 Large mangos (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced 2 1/2 Sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature 5 Cups powdered sugar 2 Tablespoons white sparkling sugar sprinkles (optional) Purée 1 1/2 diced mangos in food processor or blender until smooth, set aside (will yield about 3/4 cup). Reserve remaining diced mango for garnish. In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed, until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing between each addition. Add 3/4 cup of mango purée. Increase speed to high and beat until incorporated, about 2 50 LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

minutes. Transfer buttercream to a pastry bag or a large zip top bag fitted with a pastry tip. Top cooled cupcakes with buttercream. Top with 1 piece diced mango and sparkling sugar, if desired.

Frost Cupcakes Like a Pro It’s easy to create these Mini Vanilla Cupcakes with Mango Buttercream. With a few simple tricks, they’ll appear as though you selected them from a professional bakery. Just follow these simple steps from the kitchen pros: • Use a large, star-burst piping tip in a pastry bag or large zip top bag.

• Set the bag over a tall glass or measuring cup, and fold the bag edges into a cuff over the rim of the glass.

• Scoop frosting into the bag using a rubber spatula. Fill it about two-thirds full.

• Take the bag out of the glass and twist the top closed.

• Hold the bag just barely above the top of the cupcake at a 90 degree angle.

• Squeeze the bag to pipe a spiral of icing, starting at the outer edge and working inward.

• Stop squeezing and pull the tip straight up.

Roasted Shrimp and Mango Salad

Serves 8 to 10 2 Pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 Teaspoons paprika Salt and pepper 2 Tablespoons lemon juice 1 Tablespoon honey 6 Cups mixed baby lettuces, washed and dried 2 Large mangos (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced 1/4 Cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese Directions: Preheat oven to 400째F. On large rimmed baking sheet, toss shrimp with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast until pink and cooked through and beginning to lightly brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to bowl to chill in refrigerator. In large bowl, whisk together remaining 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and honey. Season with salt and pepper. Toss lettuce, mango and chilled shrimp in olive oil lemon juice mixture. Divide among plates, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Goat Cheese, Bacon & Mango Crostini

Makes about 30 pieces 1 Baguette, sliced crosswise into1/2-inch pieces 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Salt 1 Pound bacon, chopped 1 Cup balsamic vinegar 3 Tablespoons sugar 8 Ounces goat cheese, softened 2 Large mangos (about 2 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced 3 Green onions, sliced thin (about 1/3 cup) Directions: Preheat oven to 400째F. Place sliced baguette on large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through baking. Set aside.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove from pan and drain on paper towel lined plate. In small nonreactive saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and sugar over medium heat until reduced by half and balsamic is thick and syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

To assemble, spread toasted bread with 1 1/2 teaspoons goat cheese, top with diced mango, sprinkle with cooked bacon, and drizzle with cooled balsamic syrup.

Top with sliced green onions. Note: Balsamic syrup can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.

LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

51

lakeside pets

The Happy

Cat

Helpful Tips for Kitty Bliss!

Cats are unique creatures. In fact, I feel each cat has a unique personality. If you have ever lived with a cat, you know what I mean.

I “sold” the idea of my newest cat, Luna, to my wife by explaining that she would be a wonderful lap cat.

Luna proved me wrong.

Because of her independent personality, she will only occasionally lie on one’s chest. We still love her high energy nature, though!

Regardless of their varying personalities, there are basic needs that all cats have. If these needs are met, it will help ensure a wonderful relationship between you and your cat.

Food and Water

Talk with your veterinarian about dietary choices for your cat or kitten.

Recommendations pertaining to diet have changed since I first became a veterinarian. There has been a shift in recommendations from 100% dry kibble foods to higher protein, lower carbohydrate and canned diets.

When it comes to food, keep in mind that cats are not small dogs.

Their carnivorous digestive systems have different requirements. In nature, felines will eat a meat-based, high-protein and moist, low carbohydrate diet. Cats have a low thirst drive as well, but felines in a natural setting have prey that is near 70 percent water. I believe some of the medical problems I see, such as urinary tract issues, could be avoided just by feeding the cat a higher moisture canned food.

Litter Boxes

To help avoid inappropriate elimination problems, review some basic litter box recommendations before even considering a cat.

The common rule is at least one litter box per cat. Some cats do not like to share. It’s also important to keep the box clean.

52 LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

By Dr. Ed Blesy

I believe cats prefer to use a clumping type litter. Scoop the box out once to twice a day. Dump and wash out the box about once a week.

Size does matter with litter boxes. I recommend that the larger the box, the better. Also, I do not suggest a covered box. I know it helps with keeping the scattering of litter to a minimum, but it’s not natural for a cat to climb into a small covered area to eliminate.

Finally, find a low-traffic, quiet area for the box. Cats do not like to be startled while eliminating.

Scratching

A common reason for cats to lose their homes is destructive clawing.

Be prepared before that new cat comes home.

Learn ways to encourage a cat to scratch a certain area. You can start by encouraging them to use scratching posts, which can be done through the use of treats and catnip. Discourage furniture scratching with the application of foil, plastic, repellent sprays or double stick tape. Squirts from a water bottle may help as well.

Other options to prevent damage to your furniture include nail trimming and the application of plastic caps called Soft Paws.

Declawing may be elected by those unable to train their cat. Discuss this procedure with a veterinarian.

Health Care

Contact a veterinarian as soon as you acquire a cat. Preferably, the cat should be seen before having access to many areas of your home or to other cats you may already have. Parasite control and vaccinations should be updated as soon as possible. All new cats and kittens should be tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency viruses.

Resting Area

Cats like to feel safe when sleeping. Try and provide a quiet and comfortable area for your cat to sleep. When I brought Luna home, her quiet spot was in the cat carrier on a soft blanket.

Play Time

Do not forget to play with your cat daily. You may have to figure out what kind of toy your cat likes best. Both of my cats love a simple inexpensive toy called the Cat Dancer. It is basically a wire with cardboard pieces at the ends.

Do not let cats chew on string, yarn or thread-like material if not observed. This can lead to a life-threatening intestinal blockage if ingested.

Be sure to do your research before you bring a cat into your family. If you’re looking for more information about cats, check out this helpful website: indoorpet.osu.edu.

Dr. Ed Blesy graduated from veterinary school in 1997, and later moved with his family to practice in beautiful southwest Michigan. In January of 2006, Dr. Ed opened St. Joseph Animal Wellness Clinic, PC in St. Joseph, Michigan.

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LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

53

lakeside parenting

I Am a Mother.

But First, I Was Just Me.

By Meagan Francis

I’ve been thinking all day about a blog post written by my friend Kyran Pittman, a mother of three and author of the book “Planting Dandelions: Field Notes From a Semi-Domesticated Life,” which is a memoir about marriage, motherhood and family life.

In the post I read, Kyran explores the idea of what keeps us going as we age, as the people we have loved and lived for – both our children and others – grow up and go away, get old and die: “My children feel like my passion and my purpose, but their childhood will pass, and is passing, like all things. My husband is the love of my life, but our eventual parting is written into our marriage vows. What will one or the other of us live for, then? There’s truth and wisdom in the refrigerator magnet maxim that what might be remembered 100 years from now is making a difference today in the life of the child. But I think it sometimes gets misused as a license to bury our gifts. To keep from making something that is truly our own. Maybe the difference we make in the life of a child is one made by example and inspiration as well as a nurturing presence. Perhaps our own lives can be object lessons in how to stay full, whatever hardships may – and will – come our way.”

While reading Kyran’s words, I found myself nodding in agreement while also feeling a little bit “busted.”

Right now, my life is so wrapped up in my family and home that it would feel natural, and true, to say I live for and around and through my children.

And I like the idea of living a life of service to others – that life is about more than just me and what I want and need, but is also about the people around us. Raising a family is a great way to get outside of yourself, to learn about perspective and patience and discipline and self-denial.

But the kids, the family, can’t be the whole picture.

Kyran’s right: eventually children grow up. At some point, the people who are most important to you move away or die. Even the activities and hobbies you enjoy may pass by the wayside. Define yourself by what you have right this moment, and when you no longer have those things, well, then what?

I think the key is realizing that everything is temporary – that our children aren’t ours to keep, 54 LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

and that this intense period of our lives, along with the stresses and wonders it brings, will pass. But the parts of ourselves that we now apply so fervently to our role of “mother” will remain.

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And those essential pieces of us will need new outlets – outlets that we would be wellserved to begin seeking and nurturing now, even in the thick of motherhood, whether we are natural leaders or thinkers or artists; whether we have outside-the-home jobs or stay home or something in between. It doesn’t have to be a full-time job or even a half-time hobby. It’s more a state of mind, an understanding of our true selves and being in tune to our inner lives.

Holistic Health Services

Maybe we fence ourselves in too much; we too narrowly define ourselves by the roles we’re playing right now. At my heart, I’m a nurturer and a creator and an artist. All of those play a part in how I experience motherhood, and motherhood plays a part in how I express all of those things. But being a mom isn’t the whole of me, even though it’s the most important role I’m playing right now.

Pamper Mom

The day is coming, perhaps sooner than I can imagine, when I will no longer have children at home. Maybe then I’ll get a cat.

Two cats. Almost certainly I’ll still write. And I hope that I’ll be doing all kinds of new things that I don’t have the time or energy or money for right now.

But underneath it all, I’ll still be me.

I don’t think it’s wrong or misguided to say that motherhood fulfills us. We just have to be careful to remember that we were women and people before we were mothers, and we’ll still be women and people long after our kids take off to start their own adult lives.

In the meantime, I try to walk that line between embracing my role as “mother” and letting it completely consume me, letting myself get a little lost in family life without actually losing the person I have always been and always will be. Because I totally agree with Kyran that in setting up my own life as an example of richness and fullness and fun and joy, I am giving my children an important gift.

Maybe, as I’ve said before, the best kind of mom is the one who is true to herself.

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Meagan Francis is a mother of five and lives in St. Joseph, Michigan. She is also author of “The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets To Enjoying Motherhood.”

5865 Sawyer Road • Sawyer, MI 49125 • 269-426-8810 • sawyergardencenter.com LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

55

lakeside living

On the Hunt...

For Beach Glass!

By Marcy Blesy

Photos from Bette Mallen

56 LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

W

hen I was expecting my first child, the Lamaze teacher told me to imagine a calming place, that go-to place in the mind where your senses engage in the most relaxing way to help lessen the pain of contractions. For me, that mental place was the beach. There is something about the gentle rolling waves lapping along the shore, the way your feet sink into the sand, the warm wind making sounds distant and muted, a kind of white noise.

My child is now 9 years old, and the beach is still my go-to spot for stress relief. Only now we throw a little friendly competition into our visits, for the landscape of the Lake Michigan beaches completely tempt us with the promise of beach glass.

What is beach glass?

When we first moved to Michigan ten years ago, I had never heard of beach glass. It wasn’t until many years later and my kids were old enough to be near the water without me having to watch them like a hawk that I first noticed the people shuffling along the shore of Lake Michigan with their heads turned down. They were looking for beach glass.

Pat Underwood, parks naturalist at Love Creek Nature Center outside of Berrien Springs, explains how this sought after glass is formed: “When a glass item is tossed into the water, it eventually gets broken up by rocks and the current and waves. Then after months or years of constant moving and tumbling in the sand and rocks, it becomes smooth and frosted with soft rounded edges.”

them sitting along the beach, like they’ve been waiting for me to come along (and not those annoying people who had the audacity to pass me up and search right in front of me in the direction I was walking first, but I digress…).

What colors of glass can you expect to find? “The most common color of glass is white/clear, dark green, and brown,” says Underwood, “thanks to beer bottles. Medium abundance (beach glass) is dark blue, lime green, and amber. Rare abundance (beach glass) is red, yellow, and orange.”

Steffey’s favorite find was a large light blue piece while Mallen has found cobalt blue, lavender, yellow, and red glass over her thirty years of searching. One of my favorite pieces is a large clear piece with the word “Coca-” written on it.

What do people do with beach glass?

It has been my experience that most people I know display their beach glass in some way. Steffey has seven large clear jars where she displays her glass along with a wide bowl in her living room, so people can easily see the variety of her finds.

“I have the beach glass in display jars on my book shelves,” says Mallen. “My new favorite wine is Sea Glass Sauvignon Blanc. The glass looks cool in those bottles. I have given away bottles to friends for their beach glass.”

How can you increase your chance of finding beach glass?

Some people, however, are even more creative with their use of beach glass. Vicki Cook, a local artist, finds beach glass along Lake Michigan from Lions Park beach to Hagar Shores. Using her own finds or those of clients who commission her services, Cook designs earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and other jewelry items.

Mallen explains, “By evening, the good stuff is gone as far as beach glass is concerned. It is especially good hunting after a storm or strong waves.”

“Each piece of beach glass is unique in shape and dimension, so I have to design a new setting for each piece of glass,” Cook says. “I start with a strip of silver and form it around the edge of the glass, then braze the ends together. This forms a complete band (called a bezel) to fit around the outside of the glass. Next I braze this band to a sheet of silver, saw out an opening behind the glass and around the outside of the bezel. There is a lot of drilling, filing and sanding involved in between all those steps.”

Bette Mallen of Stevensville has been collecting beach glass along Lake Michigan shores since 1981. Though she will look for glass any time of day, she finds the early morning to be the best time for picking up glass.

Kelley Steffey of Sawyer has been collecting beach glass for eight years: “I find that early spring, late fall and after a storm are the best times to find glass.”

“If the waves are big, nothing along the water’s edge is available,” says Mallen.

“And in the summertime, beaches are more crowded with a lot of people looking for beach glass which makes it harder to find,” says Steffey.

What does beach glass look like?

My collection of beach glass is pretty pathetic, but even the small pieces of clear glass glistening in the sun make me giddy when I spy

Cook’s work and commissions are available from her studio and in several local galleries. To learn more, visit her website at VCMetalworks.com.

Whether a hardcore collector, an artist using nature’s elements to craft with, or a casual beach grazer, finding beach glass along the shore of Lake Michigan is both rewarding and relaxing. So take your bucket, head down to the shoreline, use the sun’s rays to look for reflections, and pick up that sparkling beach glass. It’s waiting for you.

Marcy Blesy is a mother, teacher, and freelance writer. She is the author of the upcoming picture book “Am I Like My Daddy?” which will be published in fall 2012.

LAKESIDE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

57

MAY 2012

Lakeside FAMILY Calendar of Events

Mondays Baby N Me

Bridgman Public Library, Bridgman

A program for parents, caregivers and their babies from newborn to 24 months. Parents guide their babies through creative movement, songs, dance, story-time and more with the help of instructor Teri Sue Wines. Parents will have the opportunity to interact with their babies, meet other parents and give their babies a chance to play with others. Registration is required. Free event. From 10:45 to 11:15 AM. For more info, visit bridgmanlibrary.com.

Bedtime Story Time Lincoln Township Library, Stevensville

Stories, songs and crafts for preschool and early elementary ages. Free event.

From 7 to 7:30 PM. For more info, visit lincolntownshiplibrary.org.

Tuesdays Baby Laptime

New Buffalo Township Library, New Buffalo

Enjoy a special time for songs, stories and lap rhymes for you and your baby, ages 3 to 18 months. This is a free event. From 11 to 11:30 AM. For more info, call 269.469.2933.

Story Hour Bridgman Public Library, Bridgman

Come join Teri Sue for lots of fun as she reads stories and sings songs. Make great crafts and have a snack, too! Registration is required.

For 2-5 year olds. Free event. Starts at 10:30 AM. For more info, call 269.465.3663.

Toddler N Me Bridgman Public Library, Bridgman

For parents, caregivers and their child from 2-5 years old. Parents guide their toddlers through the joys of toddlerhood with creative movement, songs, dance, finger plays and more with the help of Teri Sue Wines. Parents will have the opportunity to engage one on one with their little one, meet other parents and give their little one a chance to play with others. Registration is required. Class offered 9:30 to10 AM or 11:30 to 12 PM. Free event. For more info, call 269.465.3663.

Story Time St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, St. Joseph

Story Time for kids up to age 3 and story time for ages 3-5 are held in two locations within the library at the same time. Free event.

10:30 AM. For more info, call 269.983.7167 or visit youseemore.com/maudpreston

Wednesdays Story Time

St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial 58 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012 Library, St. Joseph

Story Time for ages up to age 3 and story time for ages 3-5 are held in two locations within the library at the same time. Free event.

10:30 AM. For more info, call 269.983.7167. youseemore.com/maudpreston

Wee Discovery Curious Kids’ Museum on the Bluff, St. Joseph

Preschool story and hands-on discovery activities. Free with admission of $4 per person or your membership. 10:30 AM. For more info, visit curiouskidsmuseum.org.

Mom and Baby Exercise Class Thomson’s Physical Therapy, Niles, Michigan

Come get that pre-pregnancy body back while you stimulate your child’s development and learning. Classes are offered every Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM, and free childcare is provided for toddlers during the class (for mothers with more than one). Call for pricing info. For more info call 269.687.9110.

Thursdays

Walk-in Story Time Lincoln Township Library, Stevensville

Enjoy stories and songs for preschoolers.

Free event. From 10:30 to 11 AM.

Fridays

Storytime Fun New Buffalo Township Library, New Buffalo

A program designed for preschoolers, bring your child and enjoy stories, songs and crafts! From 10:30 to 11:15 AM. Free event.

For more info, call 269.469.2933.

Fun Friday Lincoln Township Library, Stevensville

Stories, songs and take-home crafts for preschoolers. Free event. From 10:30 to 11 AM. Visit lincolntownshiplibrary.org.

Saturdays Free Crafts!

Lakeshore Learning Store, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, Lakeshore Learning Store offers free craft activities for kids ages 3 and up at all of their locations! Please visit lakeshorelearning.com.

Thursday, May 3

Lakeland HealthCare Free “Fall Prevention and Medication Safety” Class

Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles “Fall Prevention and Medication Safety” is a free class that will help you reduce accidental falls, identify ways to make your home safer, and help you understand medication safety. Interactive Wii Fit software will help demonstrate balance skills and encourage exercise while improving muscle tone and strength. From 6 to 7 PM. Free event. To register call 269.556.2808.

2012 Michigana Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium & Luncheon Hilton Garden Inn-Gillespie Conference Center, South Bend

The Go Red For Women BetterU Symposium mixes education, passion for the cause and fun! Celebrate the successes of participants in the BetterU Makeover Challenge, hear the latest in health information in our breakout sessions and hear a keynote speaker over a heart healthy lunch. The “Purse-inalities” silent auction is always a fun experience.

Please join the American Heart Association and make it your mission to fight heart disease in women and save lives! From 10 AM to 1:30 PM. $50. For more info, visit michianagoredforwomenluncheon.org.

Saturday, May 5

Rip Current & Water Safety Bridgman Public Library, Louise Christensen Community Room

Our area is prime for rip currents. Please come to our program and learn what you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe.

From 10 to 11 AM. Visit bridgmanlibrary.com to sign up and for more information.

Tuesday, May 8

Morning Book Discussion Lincoln Township Public Library, Stevensville

Come and discuss “Birds of East Africa” by Nicholas Dryson. Copies of the book are available at the library. This is a free event. From 10:30 to 11:30 AM. For more info, call 269.429.9575 or visit lincolntownshiplibrary.org.

Lakeland HealthCare Free “Act In Time...To Heart Attack Signs” Class Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph

“Act In Time...To Heart Attack Signs” is a free program that will cover vital information about the warning signs of a heart attack, what to do if you or a loved one experiences heart attack symptoms, and the importance of rapid treatment of a heart attack, and how to reduce your risk of heart disease. From 6:30 to 7:30 PM. To register, call 269.556.2808.

Happy Trails Dancers Lincoln Township Public Library, Stevensville

The Happy Trails Line Dancers will perform and give the audience a chance to learn a dance. From 7 to 8:30 PM. This is a free event. For more info, call 269.429.9575 or visit lincolntownshiplibrary.org.

Wednesday, May 9 What Lies Beneath

Lincoln Township Public Library, Stevensville

The Michigan Under Water Drives Club will be at the library to talk about the near 1,000 shipwrecks that occurred on Lake Michigan, focusing on the southwestern Michigan

*Please be sure to call ahead to confirm times and information. area. This is a free event. From 7 to 8:30 PM. For more info call 269.429.9575 or visit lincolntownshiplibrary.org

269.556.7197 or visit lakelandhealth.org.

Thursday, May 10

Knit n Yarn

Spring Spa Open House

Women’s Health Center/Medical Spa Services, St. Joseph

In honor of Mother’s Day, the Women’s Health Center at Southwestern Medical Clinic in St. Joseph will host a spa-themed Spring Open House. Thank your mom by pampering her with the latest skincare products and a free treatment. Every guest who brings their mom will earn her a complimentary skincare treatment. From 6 to 8 PM. For more info, visit swmc.org or call 269.429.8010.

Friday, May 11

An Intimate Evening with Trace Adkins Songs and Stories Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend

Country music superstar Trace Adkins will be playing smaller, more intimate venues with great acoustics such as the Morris on his Spring 2012 tour. Tickets start at $39.75. Orchestra pit tickets are $103.00 and include a meet and greet with Trace Adkins. Grab your tickets fast as they sell out quickly. From 8 to 10:30 PM. For more info, visit morriscenter.org or call 574.235.9198.

Monday, May 14

Breastfeeding Class for Moms and Dads at Lakeland HealthCare Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph

Breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for your baby and is a special time for mothers and babies to bond. The class will cover the benefits of breastfeeding, how to know when your baby is hungry, proper latch-on methods, checking your baby’s input (feeding) and output (dirty or wet diapers), how to prepare to return to work, weaning. Parents should attend the class prior to their baby’s birth.

From 6 to 8:30 PM. Cost is $30 due at registration. For more info, visit lakelandhealth. org/breastfeeding or call 269.556.2808.

Lakeland HealthCare Free “Look Good...Feel Better” Class

Marie Yeager Cancer Center at Lakeland Health Park, St. Joseph

“Look Good...Feel Better” is a free class presented in cooperation with the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association for women who are currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Cosmetologists provide cosmetic advice, information on skin care, and suggestions for the use of wigs, turbans, and scarves. Participants receive a free makeup kit valued at $300 from the Personal Care Products Council. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Starts at 5:30 PM. For more info, call

Tuesday, May 15 Bridgman Public Library, Louise Christensen Community Room

The Knit N’ Yarn group is currently making hats, socks, booties and blanket buddies for the Musoma Children’s Home in Tanzania, Africa. They have also started working on their annual donations for the Bridgman Cares program. This group receives no funding and does these projects because of a desire to give someone knitted love. The group welcomes anyone who does needle crafts of any kind. If you would like to join, the group meets every Monday and Thursday from 1 to 3 PM and the third Tuesday of each month at 6 PM. It doesn’t matter your level of expertise.

For more info, visit bridgmanlibrary.com.

Wednesday, May 16 Evening Book Discussion

Lincoln Township Public Library, Stevensville

Skype with Mardi Link, author of “Isadore’s Secret: Sin, Murder, and Confession in a Northern Michigan Town.” Copies of the book are available! From 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Free event. For more info, call 269.429.9575 or visit lincolntownshiplibrary.org.

Friday, May 18

New Buffalo Spring Sidewalk Sales Downtown New Buffalo

Get a sneak peek at the new summer trends of clothing and accessories and enjoy some endof-the-season bargains which you’ll find outside.

Many participating businesses throughout town.

Look for giant blue flags! From 10 AM to 6 PM. For more info, visit newbuffalo.org.

Commencement Celebration Dinners Morris Bistro Restaurant at Morris Performing Arts, South Bend

Graduates, family and friends can celebrate commencement in grand style with dinner at the Morris Bistro Restaurant located within the historic Morris Performing Arts Center.

The event will feature four course dinners with choice of appetizer, salad or soup, entree and dessert. Dinner prices range from $40-$50, depending on entree choice, plus beverages, taxes and gratuity. A full cash bar including top shelf liquor and specialty wines will be available. For more info, visit MorrisCenter.org.

Saturday, May 19

Lory’s Place “Run, Walk, Rock” Edgewater Area of St. Joseph

Proceeds for the Lory’s Place 8th annual “Run, Walk, Rock” will support Lory’s Place, the grief healing and education center of Hospice at Home, a Lakeland HealthCare Affiliate. Event begins at 8:30 AM. The timed 5 km run/walk course will take runners and walkers through

the old and new areas of the Edgewater Development. Entry fees: $20 postmarked by May 14 or dropped off May 16 before 12 PM; $25 after 12 PM on May 16 and through race day. Online registration closes on May 17 at 7 AM. Family Rates available. For more info, call 269.983.2707 or go to lorysplace.org.

Thursday, May 24

Lakeland HealthCare Free Bone Density Screenings Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles

The Margaret Beckley Upton Center for Health Enhancements will offer free osteoporosis health screenings (bone density screen). The Achilles Express uses ultrasound to evaluate bone status in the heel, providing a T-score for determining bone density. From 4 to 6 PM. Appointments for the screenings are preferred; please call 269.556.2808 or 866.2607544.

Saturday, May 26 Saturday Nights ALIVE Whittaker Street, New Buffalo

The New Business Association brings you live music every Saturday night throughout the summer on the corner of N. Whittaker and Merchant Streets. Enjoy jazz, country, reggae and more from 6 to 8 PM, free of charge. For more info, visit newbuffalo.org.

Thursday, May 31

Don’t Let Depression or Bipolar Disorder Own You--You Can Own It! Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph

Michael S. Larson, MD, Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at Lakeland HealthCare will provide an overview on depression and bipolar disorders including local resources available for recovery. Refreshments will be provided.

Cost is free. From 6 to 8 PM. For more info, call 269.556.2808 or visit lakelandhealth.org.

Upcoming June Events Friday, June 1 Jerry Seinfeld Back by Popular Demand Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend

Due to popular demand, America’s premier comedian Jerry Seinfeld is hitting the road in a return to his first love – stand-up comedy. Recently hailed as “the master stand-up comic of his generation” and “the best comedian of our time” in a Washington Post article by Tom Shales, Seinfeld has an uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.

From 7 to 9 PM. Tickets start at $44.40. For more info, call the Morris at 574.235.9190.

THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

59

The Local Parenting Resource for Expectant Parents and Families with Younger Children

Special Section

Make it a Family Movie Night

Protecting Your Kids from Accidental Medication Overdoses Ten Eleven Things No One Will Tell You About Pregnancy, Childbirth, and After...

The Over-Reactor In All of Us Platypus Mothers Unite!

Play Dates

MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

M i C H I L D • S P E C I A L PA R E N T I N G F E AT U R E S E C T I O N

Story Time

Make it a FAMILY Movie Night!

Grab the entire family and enjoy a fun movie this month.

Here are some great films to consider!

Films Reviewed by Linda Hickman – Media Services Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library

Puss in Boots

Animated action propels Puss in Boots as he teams up with his childhood friend Humpty Dumpty and cat burglar Kitty Softpaws in a comedic adventure to steal magic beans from scheming Jack and Jill and end up with golden eggs. Twists in classic fairy tales add to the fun as the life of Puss in Boots in the years before he met Shrek unfolds in this PG-rated family film.

Hugo

Orphaned Hugo’s discovery of a secret left by his late clockmaker father reveals a mystery, sending Hugo on an adventure. Set in 1930s Paris, Hugo’s quest transforms people around him and leads him from living in the walls of a train station to a safe and loving place. Rated PG, this family film contains spectacular 3-D effects.

The Rainbow Tribe

Morgan Roberts, middle-aged and dealing with a personal crisis, reunites with his best friend as he returns to work as a counselor at the summer camp of his youth. Comedy reigns as he rides herd on his unruly 10-year-old campers while trying to reclaim a miracle. Can they each overcome their personal problems to become a team? This inspirational family film is rated PG.

The Three Investigators in the Secret of Skeleton Island

An invitation to South Africa leads the Three Investigators – Jupiter, Pete, and Bob – on a life-threatening investigation to rescue a young girl, chase an evil treasure hunter and battle a terrifying mythological creature while uncovering the secret of Skeleton Island.

Based on the best-selling “The Three Investigators” series of children’s adventure novels, this PG-rated action adventure is the most dangerous and exciting case the Three Investigators have ever had!

Hop

Destined to become the next Easter Bunny, all teenaged E.B really wants is to become a rock star drummer! He meets Fred, an out-of-work slacker who cannot keep a job, in Hollywood. Discovering they each have disappointed their fathers, they team up to follow their lofty dreams. Encountering hilarious misadventures along the way, they help each other realize the importance of family. Animation and live action are deftly combined in this PG-rated family film.

62 MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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M i C H I L D • S P E C I A L PA R E N T I N G F E AT U R E S E C T I O N

mi Corner Our tips, picks, news and advice.

64 MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Protecting Your Kids from Accidental Medication Overdoses While it may seem like common knowledge to store medications and vitamins out of the reach of children, each year one of every 150 two-year-olds ends up in an emergency room for an unintentional medication overdose, most often after getting into medicine while their parents or caregivers were not looking, according to Dan Budnitz, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s Medication Safety Program. Annually, more than 60,000 children age 5 or younger are treated in emergency rooms for accidental ingestion of household medicines.

Use these tips and resources to make sure your child is always protected:

“Parents may not be aware of the danger posed by leaving medications where young children can reach or see them,” said Budnitz. “A few simple steps – followed every time – can protect our children.”

• Never tell children medicine is candy so they’ll take it, even if your child does not like to take his or her medicine.

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) PROTECT Initiative, CDC and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation created the Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program to help parents understand how to best store and safeguard the medicines they use at home so young children can’t access them.

Returning medicines to a safe storage location every time they are used can help prevent the accidental ingestions that drive many avoidable emergency room visits by young children each year.

“Children are curious and can quickly get into medicines or vitamins when parents and caregivers aren’t looking. Our goal with Up and Away and Out of Sight is to emphasize to parents the importance of making sure medicines are safely stored in the home in ‘up-and-away’ places, rather than on bedside tables that kids can easily reach or in purses that kids love to rummage through,” says Emily Skor, vice president of Communications and Alliance Development at CHPA.

• Never leave medicine or vitamins out on a kitchen counter or at a sick child’s bedside, even if you have to give the medicine again in a few hours.

• Always relock the safety cap on a medicine bottle. If it has a locking cap that turns, twist it until you hear the click.

• Tell children what medicine is and why you must be the one to give it to them.

• Remind babysitters, houseguests, and visitors to keep purses, bags, or coats that have medicines in them up and away and out of sight when they are in your home.

• Program the poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) into your home and cell phones so you will have it when you need it.

For more information on Up and Away and Out of Sight, safety tips, and resources, visit UpandAway.org and pledge to keep medicines and vitamins up and away and out of sight in your home.

Families should practice safe medicine storage year round.

Whether it’s during the winter when cough and cold season is at its peak, or in the spring and fall when many of us rely on allergy medications to treat our symptoms, always remember to remove vitamins and medicines from any areas that children could possibly reach; instead, put them up and away and out of sight every time they are used.

MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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Expecting M i C H I L D • S P E C I A L PA R E N T I N G F E AT U R E S E C T I O N

Ten Eleven Things No One Will Tell You About Pregnancy, Childbirth, and After...

By Sorah Stein and Shanti Bradley

Ah, the joys of motherhood! The moment those around you learn you’re expecting, you’ll be inundated with words of encouragement assuring you that you’re in for one of the most precious experiences of your life.

But, what those well-intentioned friends and family often won’t tell you is what we’ve listed here! As magical as pregnancy and childbirth can be, you’re also in for a ride of unexpected twist and turns. Here are our top things we think you should know that you might not have been told already.

1. You will not leave the hospital wearing a size 4 or whatever size you wore before you conceived. You will, however, leave the hospital wearing your maternity clothes and still looking about five months pregnant. Wearing the baby on your hip will help deter questions about when you are due until your belly shrinks back down.

2. In the later months of your pregnancy, everything stretches and shifts. Your pelvic bones shift, too. This is to accommodate the baby’s head. It is also rather uncomfortable.

3. Epidurals relieve pain. They do not relieve pressure. Everything you feel at the very last moments of labor and delivery is pressure.

Having an epidural will not ensure you feel nothing.

4. Your abs seem to get lost for a few weeks after childbirth. It can be very hard to find and use them.

5. Watching “A Baby Story” on TLC is not a good substitute for a childbirth education class. Take the time and learn from experts. This will not only teach you what to expect, you’ll likely also feel more confident and prepared about the whole process.

66 MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

6. Your doctor will not be in the delivery room to hold your hand. Your doctor is there to help the baby enter the world safely.

There will also be many other people in the room, most of whom you will not have met before and likely will never see again – except at the grocery store. Oh, and at PTA meetings.

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8. Pregnancy and childbirth are very different experiences for every person.

Don’t waste your time comparing notes with your mother, sister, cousin, sister-inlaw, best friend, coworker, UPS delivery person or hairstylist.

9. Despite what the bookstores tell you, there really isn’t one book, or even several books that can adequately prepare you for everything. These books are interesting and informative, but are not substitutes for proper medical care for you or the baby, or for good educational classes.

10. Despite the phase “sleeping like a baby” and the fact that babies sleep quite a bit, they don’t necessarily do it when you want them to. For the first several weeks, your little one will have his or her nights and days mixed up. This means you will be up all night and all day. On the bright side, walking the floors helping him or her learn when to sleep helps with losing the baby weight.

11. Yes, it’s true. There is such a thing as love at first sight. And you will recognize it about 34 seconds after they hand you a little, squirming, screaming bundle who looks at you with shining eyes, and you realize for the first time that this little thing is real – and doesn’t come with a receipt.

Congratulations to the Bradley family and welcome Garrett Bradley, born March 16th.

Shanti Bradley, BA, CD, CLS, lives in South Bend with her husband and two children. She is available for prenatal informational support, continuous labor support, postpartum care and education.

Sorah Stein, MA, BCBA, CSE, lives in South Bend with her husband and three children and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Sexuality Educator, working primarily with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Program begins June 7 and ends when the children return to school.

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MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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M i C H I L D • S P E C I A L PA R E N T I N G F E AT U R E S E C T I O N

Mommy & Daddy

Over-Reactor The

in All of Us

By Laurie Puhn

Okay, so you think you’re a

perfectly reasonable and logical person. But sometimes, when your mate says or does something that makes you feel criticized, ignored or disrespected, you shout out your defense and soon find yourself in a full-blown war of words. You know the situation is out of control, but you don’t know what else to say to get your (totally reasonable!) point across.

68 MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

For instance, a friend of mine was playing with her 4-year-old daughter in her bedroom while her husband was watching TV in the living room. My friend was having a nice time playing with their daughter until suddenly she looked up and saw her husband in the doorway, shutting the bedroom door. Annoyed, she got up, pushed the door open, walked straight to the living room and yelled loudly enough for her daughter to hear, “You’re so rude!”

Her husband replied, “Well, I didn’t want to hear the noise you two were making on the toy piano.”

“Noise?” she countered. “The sound of your daughter playing is noise to you? If you cared about your daughter, you’d shut off the TV and come play with us!”

My friend’s anger was understandable, but yelling at her husband for such a small thing and within earshot of her daughter? That’s inappropriate. And connecting his shutting the door to the notion that he might not care about his daughter? Overreaction.

The Red Flag Moment

It’s easy for me to look from afar and declare my friend in the wrong, but I’ve walked in her shoes, and I know it’s a lot harder to bite your tongue in the moment. What I’ve learned, and taught others, is that an overreaction can actually be a good thing. It can serve as a red flag that something is missing…

As a general rule, overreactions happen when there is a gap between how we feel and what we say. In my example, my friend didn’t explain to her husband that she felt that their daughter was missing out on special father-daughter time. She wasn’t upset about the door, but rather about that fact that even on the weekends when her husband was home, she was still saddled with the full responsibility of finding activities for their daughter. She was frustrated and jealous because she felt that her husband used TV time to escape from family time, and she wanted to have some escape time herself. All of these points were reasonable, but they weren’t articulated in the heat of the moment. And even a pretty good husband and father is not going to be a mind-reader.

Say What You Mean, and Mean What You Say

When we overreact and then push the issue under the rug, the storm of the battle passes quickly, but the hangover leaves its mark. Rather than being embarrassed by our overreactions or continuing to justify them, we should apologize and use them to jumpstart deeper thought about the gap between what we are thinking and saying. Once you’ve filled in the blank in your own head, go to your mate, ask him or her to sit down with you a few minutes so you can apologize and explain what you really meant. That kind of talk leads to solutions. Happy couples do fight, and they also know how to make up.

Laurie Puhn is a Harvard-educated lawyer, couples mediator, relationship expert, and bestselling author of “Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship without Blowing Up or Giving In,” who appears on Good Morning America, 20/20, Fox News and CNN. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother to two young children. Visit her interactive site at www.fightlesslovemore.com.

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MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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Parenting

Platypus Mothers

Unite!

By Jane Suter

R

aise your hand if you’re sick and tired of hearing how Asian moms corner the market on rearing prodigies. And to make matters worse, it seems one American mom moved to France and recently wrote a new book, “Bringing up Bébé” about how the French are now the latest sage child-rearers. To both of them I say, “Hooey!” All of this Tiger mothering and Bébé boasting is really burning my Spanx-ensconced buns! And it all came to a head for me last week when my German-born mom friend told me she allows her almost 9-year-old son to walk to the park – by himself! I almost had a heart attack because, as we all know, there are pedophiles and child-abductors around every corner. After explaining how bat crazy she is, she said, “Oh, you American mothers! You’re all so overprotective.”

Was she right? Are we coddlers? No, it can’t be true. After all, I live in the greatest country ever! So, I decided to start my own movement. That’s right! I’m gonna’ do a little flag waving here and tell the world how we American moms are far superior to every other sister-mother around the globe. This is war ladies!

So, sit back other nations and prepare to have your minds blown by our awesomeness!

70 MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

What you may not know is that we American mothers have a uniquely innovative, transformative child-rearing style which I have aptly named “The Platypus Mothers Superlative” or P.M.S. for short. You see, a platypus is an unlikely mix of duck, beaver and otter. It is also only one of five mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth. It is, in its truest sense, an enigma – just like my fellow USA baby mommas. Allow me to give you some examples of our superior parenting style.

American children are raised to overcome any obstacle or perplexing situation they encounter. They are masters of decisiveness. Offer them the choice of playing a DS game, surfing the web, virtual bowling on their Wii system or selecting a DVD from their home library, and they will give you a definitive answer. No shrinking violets here – our kids know what they want! We even allow them to negotiate once in a while. For instance, last night my son wanted to stay up an extra half hour to watch the new “Johnny Test” movie on Nickelodeon. His argument was pure poetry. It went something like:

“But Moooooommmm, all my friends get to watch it. Pleeeezzz …”

Ah yes, I have taught him well. His critical navigation of the facts and debating acumen will propel him to the top one day.

Our offspring also have grit. No matter how many times we strap them into helmets and safety gear, they persevere. When they fall off the monkey bars onto the 12 inches of state legislated, rubber mulch padding, they pop right back up with a smile. We Yanks even have a five-second rule for dropped food. Now that’s what I call maverickmaking. And the result is a hearty stock of kids you won’t find anywhere else on earth.

Speaking of food, the French fall all over themselves bragging about how diverse their children’s diet is. They claim their kids eat anything they put in front of them. Well Baguette Bébés, feeding our charges is a breeze, too. A Platypus Mother enforces the one bite rule and offers food choices in colors not even found in nature. So take that! I’ll bet you a case of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and a fistful of Flavor Blasted Goldfish that my child eats more than yours does. So there!

As for self-esteem, American children have bucketfuls. We ensure this by handing out ribbons and awards for showing up and dole out spools of “Great Job!”stickers just for trying. And, in case we forget to tell our angels how perfectly amazing they are, we have a dancing purple dinosaur and a street by the name of Sesame on PBS to tell them so.

American procreators are also honest with themselves. Unlike those delusional Tiger and Bébé moms, United States mothers actually “get” the fact that we’re winging it.

Of course, we have no idea if we’re doing everything perfectly; we just trust our gut and pray we make it to bedtime without a tantrum. Sure we screw up – more often than we’d like to admit, but we brush ourselves off and continue on, vowing to do it better tomorrow. And that’s what makes us so entirely cool and so enigmatic. You see world, by embracing our imperfections and shortcomings, we ultimately give ourselves, and our children, permission to improve.

By accepting ourselves, we accept others.

And, due to this insightfulness, we clearly see that all mothers have a little Platypus in them – whether they admit it or not.

Jane Suter is an award-winning writer and mom of two very energetic boys, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade.

Born in Chicago, she is proud of her Midwestern roots.

MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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P lay Dates

P lay Dates

Whether you and your family love getting active outdoors, or even if chowing down on a pancake breakfast is more your speed, we have some kid-friendly activities you and your whole family will love. Here are our top picks for this month’s best play dates!

72 MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Hit the Pavement

If warmer weather inspires you to run for joy in the streets, well, here’s your opportunity! Bring the kids, and your running shoes, and head on over to the Elkhart Civic Plaza for the Two Rivers Meet 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run and 15K Run. The Two Rivers Meet is a Kids Fun Run (approximately 300 yards in the park) Walkathon (distance up to you) 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles), 10K Run (6.2 Miles) and 15K (9.3 miles) fitness event. All courses begin in downtown Central Park in Elkhart and go through small parks and along the rivers. The walkathon stays close to the base, so there is always access to facilities, great music and refreshments! Walkathon participants can have their friends and family support them through pledges.

The run benefits Lifeline and lasts from 8 to 11 AM. Prices vary, $10-$35, depending on date sign up and the race.

Vintage Base Ball

Yeah, you heard us! It’s base ball – old school base ball. You might not be aware, but our area has a vintage base ball league where players and their fans dress in vintage uniforms and attire and follow the sport’s original rule book.

On Saturday, May 19th, you and the entire family can check it out by seeing an actual game. Cheer on your Elkhart County Vintage Base Ball Team as they take on the Mississinewa Silver Heels in a “gloveless” game of historical base ball. The “ballists” will dress in Civil War era game attire and use rules from the 1860s! Best of all, this is a free event! The game is from 2 to 4 PM at Ox Bow Park in Elkhart. If you want to learn more about this very unique game, visit ElkhartCountyParks.org/ bonneyvillemillers.htm. You can also read an article we did last year on this unique base ball team by going to our website and searching for the article “A League of Their Own.”

Ronald McDonald Show

This might be a June event, but when it comes to planning to meet Mr. McDonald himself, we’ve learned it’s best to plan ahead! Families are invited to join the fun with America’s beloved clown, Ronald McDonald, who will visit the downtown Mishawaka Library on Friday, June 8 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are required and will be available starting Friday, May 25. Ronald’s next stop will be the Harris Branch Library on Wednesday, June 13 at 11 AM. Tickets for the Harris Branch showing will be available beginning Friday, June 1. For more information, please inquire at the Children’s Services desk at any location or call the downtown Mishawaka Library at 574.259.5277 or the Harris Branch Library at 574.271.3179.

Smell the Pancakes!

What’s better than sleeping in on Memorial Day? How about digging in to a delicious pancake breakfast! Load up the car, bring some dishware and on Monday, May 28, head on over to the Audubon Society Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast. You and the kids can enjoy a pancake breakfast in a rustic setting at the Audubon Society’s wildlife sanctuary on 59395 Clover Road, just outside Mishawaka city limits. After enjoying plain, blueberry and pecan pancakes, take a walk through the sanctuary. The 40-acre sanctuary features forested and grassy areas, as well as ponds and streams. The cost is a goodwill offering to benefit and support the local Audubon Society and the sanctuary. The breakfast lasts from 7:30 to 10 AM.

MI CHILD MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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Thank You!

to our Annual Advertising

Magazine Partners

who support FAMILY and our Magazine every single month!

These annual advertising partners make it possible to produce this magazine and offer it for free to Michiana Families. Please support these local partners in Michiana!

Elkhart General Hospital South Bend Clinic Midwest Orthotics Notre Dame Federal Credit Union MutualBank Once Upon a Child Menno Travel Gymnastics Michiana Early Childhood Development Center at Notre Dame South Bend Medical Foundation

Advertiser Index: 32 Pearls Family Dentistry

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Novabella Inc.

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Early Childhood Development Center,Inc.

15

Once Upon a Child

67

Physicians Hospital System

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Elkhart General Hospital Friends School and Day Care

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Premier Arts

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Gymnastics Michiana

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Pulse FM/WHME

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Heritage Square Mall

21

Ronald McDonald House Charities/Vyagra Falls 23

Horizon Bank

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Sally & Co.

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Kangeroo Klippers

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Sawyer Home and Garden Center

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Kids’ Kollection

55

South Bend Clinic

35

Lakeland HealthCare

75

South Bend Clinic

41

Lakeland HealthCare

Back Cover

South Bend Medical Foundation

29

March of Dimes

63

South Bend Orthopaedics

33

Mathnasium

53

Southhold Dance Theatre

39

Matthys Farm Market

19

St Mary of the Lake School

53

Memorial Hospital

24

St. Thomas the Apostle School

6

Menno Travel

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The American Heart Association

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MomAdvice.com

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The Kroc Center

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MutualBank

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Wellness Center

55

Xtreme Fun Party Company

29

Notre Dame Federal Credit Union

74 THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

Back Cover

3

Health Speaker Series

Free Dinner and Seminar

Women Protect Yourself: Ensure Good Bone Health for Life  Thursday, May 31 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (dinner optional) 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (lecture) Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles

 Thursday, June 7 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (dinner optional) 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (lecture) Frederick S. Upton Education Center, Rooms 2 and 4

Kenneth Edwards, MD has seen firsthand the negative effects osteoporosis can have on women. He is a local practicing orthopedic surgeon and Medical Director of Surgical Services at Lakeland HealthCare who is sharing his tips with women of all ages, on how they can improve their overall bone health.

Dr. Edwards will explain why it’s important to keep moving and how to prevent falls, both for yourself as you grow older and to help your parents or grandparents.

Join us for dinner before the talk, or just come for the presentation. To learn more or reserve your seat, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544. www.lakelandhealth.org/ortho THE FAMILY MAGAZINE | MAY 2012

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20

C S URGE

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Trust your heart to Elkhart General Hospital.

12 # R AN 1

A place that provides collaborative care, and always has. A place that’s the leader in the region for clinical research of the heart. A place with diagnostics on par with anything you’ll find at a major university. These are the things that should be important to you. This is your heart we’re talking about.

To learn more about the only hospital rated #1 for Cardiac Surgery in all of Indiana, visit egh.org.

600 East Boulevard • Elkhart, Indiana 46514