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By Diane Wetzel The North Platte Telegraph The Denny household in Stapleton is a busy one. Bob and Katy moved to Stapleton two years ago, right after their youngest child Brody was born. On a recent afternoon, Katy was supervising the filling of the family wading pool while Kaylee, 6, Clara, 4 and Brody, 2 clambered to get wet. "It's wild around here," Denny said, shepherding her children inside for a group photo. "We are both North Platte natives and moving to a small town like Stapleton was a big change for us," she said. "Being part of Midwest Mommies was a big help to me." Midwest Mommies, formally known as Lincoln County Mommies, was founded by Denny's sister Lori Hansen. "My oldest child, Karlee (now 6) was an infant when I became involved with the group," Denny said. "I would have joined even if my sister wasn't the founder. I was a young mother of a newborn, and who best to get advice from but a group of young moms?" Denny has been a stay-at home mom for the past five years, just recently returning to work in the treasurer's office at the Logan County Courthouse. "Brody was an emergency c-section," she says matter of factly. "Plus shortly after he was born we moved here. I had some issues recovering from his birth and battled with some post-partum depression. I owe the other mommies a big thank you for helping me get through that time." Hansen founded the group as part of the national Mommies network, an online forum with message boards. With the evolution of social networking, the group has moved onto Facebook, where Midwest Mommies is a private group. New members must be invited to join and approved by the site manager. The group does schedule face-to-face play dates and mom's night out, but with the complicated schedules of all the members, the online connection is vital. The group helped Denny adjust to small town living.
Above and Cover Picture: LincMOM of the Quarter Katy Denny with, from left, Karlee, 6, Brody, 2 and Clara, 4, at their home in Stapleton.
"I was struggling," she said. "I didn't know how to get out in the community. Another mommy told me to get out of the house and get involved in the community, and that's what my husband and I did. We are very active in our church, and I was secretary of the PTA this year. I will be president during the upcoming school year. It's a busy time for a young family, and having the support of the Midwest Mommies has meant a lot for me." The Denny's enjoy camping and fishing and other outdoor activities. "It's been a real support system for me," Denny said. "It's for new moms, old moms, grandmoms, any mom." What's the one food item that is always in the Denny family refrigerator? "Pickles," she said laughing. "We all really like pickles."
PUZZLES & COLORING 3
COLOR ME!
4 FITNESS
Children's Classics By Tresa Erickson Adbuilder.com Summer is a great time to be outdoors. However, there is only so much bike riding, tire swinging and sandcastle building kids can do before they start complaining they are bored. Put their complaints to rest this summer with these classic children's games. Flashlight Tag - For this game, you will need a flashlight and a large open space, preferably outside when it is dark. Find a volunteer to be "It" and give them a flashlight. Then have them count to 50 while everyone else hides. When they have finished counting, "It" should start looking for the others and shine their flashlight on the first person they find. That player will then become "It" and resume the search, while the player that was "It" will hide. Play continues in this fashion until everyone has had a chance to be "It." Hide 'N' Seek - For this game, you will need a large open space. Designate a spot to serve as home base and find a volunteer to
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• Janet E. Bernard, M.D. • Joseph J Kezeor M.D.
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308-534-4440
be "It." Then have them count to 50 while everyone else hides. When they have finished counting, "It" should start looking for the others and try to tag anyone they come across before the person reaches home base. Anyone tagged is out of the game. Play continues until only one player remains. That person is the winner. Horse - For this game, you will need a basketball and a basketball goal. Choose a player to go first. That person should decide how they are going to shoot the ball-layup, free throw, etc.-and let everyone else know. If they miss, their turn is over, they receive an "H" and the next player in line announces their shot. If they make a basket, the next player in line must attempt to make the same shot. If that player succeeds, the ball goes to the next player in line for their attempt at the shot. If that player fails, their turn is over, they receive an "H" and the next player in line announces their shot. Play continues in this manner, with any player who spells out the word "Horse" eliminated from the game. The player remaining wins. Red Light, Green Light - For this game, you will need a large open space. Find a volunteer to be "It" and have them stand at the finish line with their face forward. Line up everyone else on the starting line about 20 feet back. When ready to begin, "It" should yell "Green Light," signaling to the other players to move toward to the finish line. "It" may yell "Red Light" at any time thereafter, signaling to players to stop. Any players "It" catches in motion after they turn around must start over. The first player to reach the finish line wins. Red Rover - For this game, you will need a large open space. Divide the players into two teams and have each team link hands to form a chain facing each other. Then select a player to go first. That person should select someone from the other team to try to break through their chain and say, "Red Rover, Red Rover, send PERSON'S NAME right over." The player selected should then try to break through the team's chain GENTLY. If they succeed, they return to their team's lineup with another person from the opposing team. If they fail, they must join the other team's lineup. Play continues until everyone is on the same team. These are just five variations of some popular classic outdoor games for children. There are many more variations of many more games, including kickball, hopscotch and tag. Think back to the outdoor games you liked to play as a child and use them to help your kids stay active this summer.
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011 July 11, 2 Dailey • y n ile n a a D y in R b Kora ck & Ro ro B f: o r Daughte Arnold
Madelyn Gra ce Reed • Ju ly 22, 2011 Daughter of: Christopher & Keila Reed North Platte
Williams n Marie a e J a n Lore 011 April 22, 2 illiams & Kailin W ia ic tr a P f: o r te h tte Daug North Pla
Brekkyn Bake r • June 22, 20 Daughter of: 11 Tanner Baker & Haley Smith North Platte
Kalissa Mae Hagan • May 21, 2011 Daughter of: Bryce & Mary Hagan North Platte
Elyn Bargman n • March 22 , 2011 Daughter of: Kaily Crawford & Tracy Bargm ann North Platte
1 h 28, 201 n • Marc so k c n ri o E hea s Ericks Paislee R r of: Amy & Jame Daughte North Platte
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11 ust 25, 20 ns ns • Aug Lyo lin it a C Lucy Lyo & y r of: Tomm tte Daughte North Pla
WINN
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Colton Alan Dean Way January 7, 2011 Son of: Jamie Tines & Patrick Way North Platte
Gavin Chris Gartrell • Fe bruary 17, 2011 Son of: Josh & Johna Gartre ll North Platte
These two lucky babies have won a
$
100
SAVINGS BOND! Olivia Rae Sw edberg • Oct ober 3, 2011 Daughter of: Brock & Laures sa Swedberg North Platte
Thank you to all of our participants!
WINN 11 ber 29, 20 • Novem r Sommer n Somme e o n a n M a e Sh & Brynle van Tolle o n o D f: o e Daughter Arapaho
31, 2011 • January eal l a e V n lissa V Karso ate & Me Son of: N h Platte rt o N
ER
Emsley Jo Golter December 7, 2011 Daughter of: Blair & Traci Golter Gothenburg
Zoey Fedder sen • Septem ber 22, 2011
Daughter of: Jeremy
Feddersen & Amy Munson
Cozad
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Crayton Carson • December 8, 2011 Son of: Colby & Maggie Carson North Platte
0, 2011 ctober 1 use • O se lo u C lo . C L n mara Braede olan & Ta e N f: o n o tt S North Pla
Maxx R yan Mille Son of: R r • November 1 6, 2011 enee & Ju st Sutherlan in Miller d
Austin Kraus • April 18, 2011 Son of: Todd & Shana Kraus Grant
011 May 26, 2 Nelson • n Nelson r e p o o C my & Joh Son of: A tte North Pla
EASY TO MAKE RECIPE 9
Ingredients: • 1 cup sugar, divided • 1 pkg. (3 oz.) Lime JELL-O • 2 cups boiling water, divided Ice cubes • 1 cup cold water, divided • 1 pkg. (3 oz.) Strawberry JELL-O
• 3 Tbsp. miniature chocolate chips • ½ pkg. (4 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened • 1½ cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
Directions:
Photo & recipe courtesy of kraftfoods.com
Total Time: 4 hr 35 min Prep Time: 35 min Servings: 16 servings
MIX 1/3 cup sugar and lime gelatin mix in medium bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to 1/2 cup cold water to measure 3/4 cup. Add to lime gelatin; stir until ice is completely melted. Refrigerate 25 min. MEANWHILE, repeat Step 1 using strawberry gelatin mix and omitting the refrigeration step. Pour into 16 (3-oz.) paper cups. Freeze 20 min. Stir 1/2 tsp. chocolate chips into gelatin in each cup. BEAT cream cheese and remaining sugar with mixer in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in COOL WHIP; spread over gelatin in cups. POUR lime gelatin over cream cheese mixture. Insert wooden pop stick into gelatin in center of each cup. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Remove pops from cups just before serving.
Kraft Kitchen Tips Look for wooden pop sticks in craft or hobby stores. If you don't have pop sticks, you can use plastic spoons for handles instead. How to Easily Remove Frozen Pops from Cups: Dip cups in warm water for 15 sec. Peel off cups.(Do not twist or pull pop sticks.)
Ingredients: • 14 OREO Cookies, divided • 1pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened • ¼ cup sugar • ½ tsp. vanilla
• 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed • 4 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted
Directions: LINE 8x4-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Cover bottom of pan with 8 cookies. Crumble remaining cookies. BEAT cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in medium bowl with mixer until well blended. Stir in COOL WHIP. Spoon 1-1/2 cups cream cheese mixture into medium bowl; stir in melted chocolate. SPREAD remaining cream cheese mixture over cookies in pan. Sprinkle with crumbled cookies; press gently into cream cheese mixture with back of spoon. Top with chocolate mixture. Freeze 3 hours or until firm. REMOVE dessert from freezer 15 min. before serving; invert onto plate. Discard foil. Let dessert stand at room temperature to soften slightly before cutting to serve.
Photo & recipe courtesy of kraftfoods.com
Total Time: 3 hr 30 min Prep Time: 30 min Servings: 12 servings
Kraft Kitchen Tips: Drizzle serving plates with additional melted BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate for a spectacular, yet simple, dessert presentation.
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Date
Time
Event
Location
Contact
9:30, 10:30, 1:30
Preschool Story Time
North Platte Public Library
308-535-8036
9:30 a.m. & 10:00 am
Wee Read
North Platte Public Library
308-535-8036
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Shrine Circus
Lincoln County Fairgrounds
June - Mondays Wednesdays
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Summer Reading - for those who finished kindergarten Summer Reading- those who finished 1st & 2nd grade Summer Reading- those who finished 3rd - 5th grade
North Platte Public Library North Platte Public Library North Platte Public Library
308-535-8036 308-535-8036 308-535-8036
June - Sundays
2:00 p.m.
Summer Waterfront Days - Enjoy water fun in the sun.
Maranatha Camp
308-582-4516
Art in Abstraction (Art & Craft Show)
Art & Gift Gallery - North Platte
npartandgiftgallery.com
Movies in the Park - Showing: Tangled
Cody Softball Fields
308-535-6772
June 9 & 10
Heritage Festival Touring Antique farm implements and practices used in making a home by the first pioneers of the area.
Lincoln County Historical Museum
308-534-5640
June 9 - 23
NEBRASKAland DAYS Concerts, Rodeos, Parades, Food! Celebrate our western heritage in North Platte!
Throughout North Platte
nebraskalanddays.com
Tuesdays 1st & 3rd Wed May 31
June 1 - 6 June 8
8:00 p.m.
July 4
9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
North Platte Optimists Annual Firework Show
North Platte Fairgrounds
308-582-4513
July 4
Begins at 6:00 p.m.
Maranatha Independence Day Celebration Waterfront open, Sweetshop, BBQ Line, Evening Entertainment, Fireworks Show
Maranatha Camp
308-582-4513
July 13
8:00 p.m.
Movies in the Park - Showing: Secondhand Lion
Near Cody Park Pool
308-535-6772
Lincoln County Fair 4-H, rough stock rodeo, kids’ fun day, demolition derby, stock car races
Lincoln County Fairgrounds
lincofair.com
Movies in the Park - Showing: Despicable Me
Memorial Park
308-535-6772
August 18
Maxwell Heritage Day parade, feed, team races, horse pull obstacle course
Throughout Maxwell
308-582-4324
August 25
Hershey Fall Festival 5K run, kids games, BBQ, parade and other activities
Throughout Hershey
308-368-5840
July 25 - 30
August 10
8:00 p.m.
TO SUBMIT AN EVENT FOR THIS CALENDAR Email events to: megan.dietz@nptelegraph.com Please include event name, date, time, place & contact information.
No phone calls please. The Telegraph reserves the right to edit and/or omit all or portions of events.
SAFETY 11
Safety First By Tresa Erickson Adbuilder.com America is turning another year older, and the skies will soon be filled with showers of lights. Depending upon where you live, you may be able to put on your own fireworks display. Just make sure you're careful and follow these safety tips Check local ordinances Most areas have rules in place regarding fireworks. Find out what is permitted in your area and abide by it. If fireworks are not allowed where you live, go someplace where they are or check out an area show. Buy from a reliable retailer If fireworks are permitted in your area, make sure you purchase them from a good source. You don't want to end up with a bunch of duds or illegal fireworks. Steer clear of any fireworks that appear suspicious and never attempt to make your own. Set up a good launch site Choose a large, open area outdoors to launch your fireworks. Have a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand just in case a fire should break out. Have a first aid kit on hand should an accident occur.
Use fireworks properly Read the manufacturer's directions on the packaging and follow it. Never alter or combine fireworks. Never light fireworks in glass containers or in your hands. Wear safety glasses and stand back when lighting fireworks. Supervise the use of fireworks Fireworks can cause serious injury-even sparklers which can get hot enough to melt metal. Have a responsible adult on hand to supervise all firework activities involving kids and teens. Encourage kids to never point fireworks at each other. Keep young children away from the launch site. Insist that teens follow the manufacturer's recommendations when lighting fireworks. Dispose of fireworks properly Never attempt to relight fireworks. If they are duds, douse them with water and dispose of them in the trash. After a firework has been lit, give it time to cool, douse it with water and dispose of it in the trash. Never leave the disposal of fireworks to young kids. They could pick up something when it is hot and burn themselves. Every year, hundreds of people wind up in the emergency room due to a fireworks injury. Don't let it happen to you. Put safety first, follow the tips above and err on the side of caution at every turn!
How do soft drinks affect dental health? Answer: Soft drinks can contain 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar per serving. So, when you drink a soda you are essentially bathing your teeth in liquid sugar. The bacteria that naturally live on your teeth feed on that sugar and produce acid. Without proper care, the acid dissolves the surface of your teeth and creates a cavity. Acids from soft drinks (especially diet sodas) wash over your teeth, affecting the entire tooth structure. Over time, they erode the hard, protective enamel, causing your teeth to get thinner and expose the sensitive dentin layer inside your tooth. As your teeth continue to get thinner, the edges can crumble and lose their natural shape. When the enamel is worn away, it exposes the dentin layer to both decay and pain. This is not a problem only for adults. Children and teens can have frequent access to soft drinks. Because their teeth are still forming, the damage to them can be great. Colas (regular and diet), sports drinks, energy drinks, vitamin waters, fruit juices, lemonades, teas, and blended coffee drinks all contain the sugars that can damage your teeth. Your best choices for beverage are milk, and of course, fluoridated water.
Lannae Phelps, D.D.S.