RAD DAD

Kurtis Karn Age: 40, Fargo, N.D.

RAD DAD

Story by | April Knutson O ne day Kurtis Karn may slow down, but that day won’t be in the near future. His passion for people fuels his busy life as a dad, music performer and successful leadership and talent developer. A quick smile, genuine warmth and infectious energy, leaves every person he meets with a “Let’s do this!” attitude.

In fact, in the seventh grade, he confessed to his mom, “I think I’m just going to focus on getting to know my classmates instead of focusing on actual school.”

While earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Jamestown, he jokes he would have changed his major to “talking to people” if he could.

This honest fascination with people and what moves them also fuels his lifelong love of music, resulting in starting a pop-punk band, At the Emporium, with his friends more than 12 years ago. Now that he and some of his bandmates have kids, they play less often — but he still loves to perform as the band’s singer and frontman whenever possible.

As a husband to Katie and dad of two to 8-year-old Kingston and 3-year-old Kendrix, Karn says he is most passionate about helping his kids (and those he meets) to become “awesome humans.” Besides his family, he works toward this goal at Discovery Benefits and Wex Health as their manager of talent acquisition. This year, as the co-creator of Sunshine&79 with Nicole Turchin, he develops and presents on a variety of topics that will resonate with every human, on every team, in every organization, to partner in the creation of a world of awesomeness and humor. I would describe my childhood as… I don’t know how to describe it, but I always remember the sunshine. My mother was an elementary teacher, so I remember the summers and being outside. There was also a lot of music in my house growing up, so there was a lot of dancing and singing.

The soundtrack to my teenage years are these albums… When I was 16, I inherited my brother’s car which only had the radio and an 8-track. The two 8-tracks were Journey’s album “Escape” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” But I also had glorious AM radio…so I am a HUGE sucker for ‘80s pop songs. I LOVE one-hit wonders, but basically everything from the early to mid-’80s. My dad also had a ‘50s and ‘60s cover band so I can sing basically any hit from those two decades as they probably played it!

My hidden talent is… clapping my feet. (Don’t ask).

The thing I always hope to do someday is… sing one of my own songs on “Saturday Night Live.” That was always the highest platform for music for me growing up.

My favorite thing when I have free time is… I love listening to music with my kids!

The go-to meal my kids love is… mac and cheese or pizza.

The best part of my job is… I love watching a person grow in their position, both personally and professionally! People continually impress me every day.

Karn says he loves listening to music with his kids. He is pictured with his son Kingston. | Photo courtesy of Lindsay Kaye Photography

What I love about public speaking is… being able to connect with someone in the audience so they want to go out and take action to make themselves or someone else better in some way! It is extremely difficult to motivate humans to take action, that is why I love that challenge!

I like to teach my children about... empathy and confidence. Both of my kids are very empathetic and I love that about them. I am also trying to instill confidence as something that will carry you a long way.

If your wife described you in three words, she would say… ”please stop moving.”

Being a parent and creating music requires… trial and error. No two children are the same or will react to the same situation. Also when you first become a parent, you just figure it out… people give you all this advice, wanted or not, but you have to do what works best for you and your family.

The secret to balancing a career, a consulting business and At the Emporium with family time is… energy drinks. (I’m just kidding.) I am not sure I have this figured out just yet… you just try to do your best and make time for the things that you need at that point in your professional and personal life. Each section goes in ups and downs, so just making sure you are staying on top of what needs it most at that time. I just try and do my best for

my families, both at home and at work. I wish I had this all figured out, because I would then write a book on the subject and make a bunch of money…

I want to teach my children to… find the line between confidence and humility. I think both qualities are so important, but finding the balance is hard to do.

I’m happiest when… It is different types of happy. I think about times when I find myself smiling and laughing:

• On the couch watching movies with my family.

• Making my wife laugh so hard she snorts.

• When my kids make me laugh so hard my face hurts.

• On stage speaking or performing.

• Running with my headphones in.

• Connecting with another human on some level.

• Making other people laugh so hard their face hurts.

Karn says he's the happiest "When my kids make me laugh so hard my face hurts." He's shown here with his daughter, Kendrix. | Photo courtesy of Lindsay Kaye Photography

JANUARY EVENTS

7 MSUM Planetarium Where: MSUM Planetarium, 700 11th St. S., Moorhead When: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Price: $6 for adults and students, $3 for senior citizens and children 12 and younger Info: Take a tour of our night sky and learn about current events in astronomy. https://www.mnstate.edu/planetarium/ YMCA Swim School Where: Fercho YMCA, 400 First Ave. S., Fargo When: Sessions run weekly, Jan. 6-March 7 Price: $67.50 for YMCA members, $135 for non-members Info: YMCA Swim School Classes are held once a week for 30 minutes. Families that wish to swim more than once a week are encouraged to do so by signing up for additional lesson days. The YMCA also offers private, one-on-one lessons for an additional cost. For more information, including class times, age groups and private lesson pricing, visit ymcacassclay.org/programs-camps/ youth-teen/swim-school/

9 UnCork Club Where: Cork ‘N Cleaver, 3301 S. University Drive, Fargo When: 5-7 p.m. Price: $15 yearly membership Info: The “UnCorked Club” meets every Thursday night for wine tasting and appetizers. LEGO Club Where: Moorhead Public Library, 118 Fifth St. S. When: 6 p.m. Price: Free Info: People of all ages and ability can come make their own LEGO creation. Supplies provided.

10-12 Fight the Frost Where: Fargodome, 1800 North University Drive, Fargo When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Daily inflatable tickets: $12 for ages 6 and older, $7 for children 5 and younger; Daily access passes to inflatables, archery tag and blacklight games: $15 Info: Games Galore and the FARGODOME are again teaming up for three full days to Fight the Frost. Families with children of all ages are invited to enjoy more than 30 inflatables — including eight obstacle courses, archery tag, blacklight games, dodgeball, nine-square and mini golf. There’ll even be a designated kiddie land for children 5 and younger. Parking and admission is free, with inflatables and other games being pay to play. Concessions will also be available for purchase. http://fightthefrost.com/fargo/

10 Fargo Famous Talent Show Where: The Stage at Island Park When: 7:30-9 p.m. Price: Free Will donations accepted Info: Third annual live event highlighting the incredible talent in the F-M area. Support the talent in our community, as well as the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre.

11 Pancake Breakfast Where: Moorhead Masonic Family Center, 1815 11th St. N., Moorhead When: 7-11 a.m. Price: $8 Info: All you can eat buttermilk and swedish pancakes, sausage and eggs.

Not Another Teen Book Club Where: Moorhead Public Library, 118 Fifth St. S. When: 3 p.m. Price: Free Info: Discussion of historical fiction novel “The Downstairs Girl” by Stacey Lee. Treats provided. Space Quest Live Where: MSUM Planetarium, 700 11th St. S., Moorhead When: 10-11 a.m. Price: $6 for those 13 and older, $3 for seniors and children 12 and younger Info: Take a space adventure where you are the guide! Shows run weekly at the MSUM Planetarium. For more information, visit https://www.mnstate. edu/planetarium/.

12 PJ Masks Live! Save the Day Where: Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo When: 2-4 p.m. Price: $29.50 to $59.50 Info: Catch this new superheroic live musical show; buy tickets at ticketmaster.com.

13 Kids’ Graphic Novel Book Club Where: Moorhead Public Library, 118 Fifth St. S. When: 6:30 p.m. Price: Free Info: Monthly book club for kids that will focus on the world of four graphic novels by Kazu Kibuishi. The Arc Minnesota Dances Where: Ellen Hopkins Elementary School, 2020 11th St. S., Moorhead When: 7:15 p.m. Price: Free Info: Come dance and socialize at this event sponsored by The Arc Minnesota, West Central Region.

16 Baby Bounce Where: Moorhead Public Library, 118 Fifth St. S. When: 10:15 a.m. Price: Free Info: Songs, stories and poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers. Program lasts about 30 minutes.

18 Cardboard Sled Race Where: Mickelson Park & Softball Fields, 901 Oak St. N., Fargo When: 10-11:30 a.m. Price: Free Info: Create your own cardboard sled and face off against other racers or vie for most creative sled. Visit fargoparks. com for full rules and age categories. Paw Patrol Live Where: Fargodome, 1800 N. University Drive When: 2 p.m. Price: $45-$500 Info: Live performance with the characters of the popular children’s show “Paw Patrol.”

20 S’mores & More Where: Roosevelt Park, 1220 Ninth St. N., Fargo When: 5-7 p.m. Price: Free Info: Gather at the park for s’mores, hot chocolate, music and outdoor skating. Bring your skates, and the rink and warming house will be available during this event.

21 Story Time Where: Moorhead Public Library, 118 Fifth St. S. When: 6:30 p.m. Price: Free Info: Kids of all ages can come enjoy stories, songs and poems plus a craft project. Program lasts about 60 minutes.

25 Winter Birding Festival Where: Forest River Park, 500 Forest River Drive, Fargo When: 9 a.m. to noon Price: Free Info: Open to birders of all levels; a limited number of binoculars will be provided.

27 S’mores & More Where: Clara Barton Park, 1451 Sixth St. S., Fargo When: 5-7 p.m. Price: Free Info: Gather at the park for s’mores, hot chocolate, music and outdoor skating. Bring your skates, and the rink and warming house will be available during this event.

31 Monster Jam Where: Fargodome, 1800 N. University Drive When: 7 p.m. Price: $10-$65 Info: Adrenaline-charged entertainment for the family includes trucks, racing, wheelies and more. Ages 2 and older require a ticket, and costumes are not permitted for guests ages 14 and older.

1 Frozen Fortress Where: Hjemkomst Center, 202 First Ave. N., Moorhead When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: Free Info: Enjoy the Minnesota Business Association’s Snow Sculpture Contest, free cross-country skiing and snowshoe rentals, indoor and outdoor games, a hot chocolate station and more.

3 S’mores & More Where: Longfellow Park, 20 29th Ave. N., Fargo When: 5-7 p.m. Price: Free Info: Gather at the park for s’mores, hot chocolate, music and outdoor skating. Bring your skates, and the rink and warming house will be available during this event.

7 Sweetheart Dance Where: Rustad Recreation Center, 601 26th Ave. E., West Fargo When: 6-8:30 p.m. Price: $30 Info: A special evening including a grand march, dancing and music for girls 4-12 and their father, grandfather or other male role model.

8 Undie Run Where: Fargo Civic Center, 207 Fourth St. N. When: 4 p.m. Price: $15 in advance or $20 the day of Info: Brave the cold in just your knickers for this fun run. Sweetheart Dance Where: Rustad Recreation Center, 601 26th Ave. E., West Fargo When: 4:30-7 p.m. Price: $30 Info: A special evening including a grand march, dancing and music for girls 4-12 and their father, grandfather or other male role model. Ronald McDonald House Charities Sweetheart Ball Where: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 1635 42nd St. S., Fargo When: 6-11:30 p.m. Price: $75 for an individual ticket Info: 31st annual event featuring dinner, dancing, auctions and more.

10 S’mores & More Where: Centennial Park, 4101 25th St. S., Fargo When: 5-7 p.m. Price: Free Info: Gather at the park for s’mores, hot chocolate, music and outdoor skating. Bring your skates, and the rink and warming house will be available during this event.

15 Fargo Kiwanis Pancake Karnival Where: Fargodome, 1800 N. University Drive, Fargo When: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: $7 in advance or $8 at the door; kids 2 and under eat free Info: Enjoy food and fun at the 62nd annual event that benefits youth groups in the area. Coffee & Cocoa Crawl Where: Various locations throughout downtown Fargo When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Price: $15; includes a mug and samples of coffee and cocoa Info: Bundle up for a stroll through downtown Fargo and enjoy warm beverage samples at more than 20 places.

20 Belles & Blooms Where: Fargo Country Club, 509 26th Ave. S. When: 7-10 p.m. Price: $60 Info: Second annual fundraiser for Hope Blooms will feature fun, food, drinks and beauty.

21 Cold Cinema: A Winter Movie Night Where: Rheault Farm, 2902 25th St. S., Fargo When: 6-8 p.m. Price: Free Info: Bring a blanket and a friend and enjoy an outdoor movie in a covered shelter. This is part of Frostival; www. frostival.com. Unglued Craft Fest Where: Plains Art Museum, 704 First Ave. N., Fargo When: Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22 Price: Free Info: An inspired weekend of creative fun and celebration featuring modern handmade makers, artists and crafters. www.ungluedmarket.com

22 Winter Trails Day Where: M.B. Johnson Park, 3601 11th St. N., Moorhead When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: Free Info: Learn how to snowshoe, snowshoe or cross-country ski during this event that’s a part of Frostival. Youth Ice Fishing Derby Where: Woodhaven South Park & Fishing Pond, 4802 Woodhaven Drive S., Fargo When: 1:30-3 p.m. Info: Registration at 1:30 and derby from 2-3 p.m.; bring your ice fishing rod and tackle and adult supervision or enjoy free hot cocoa and giveaways.

28 & 29 2020 Red River Valley Home & Garden Show Where: Fargodome, 1800 N. University Drive When: 3-9 p.m. Feb. 28 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 29; also 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 1 Price: $6 in advance or $10 at the door; free for kids 18 and younger when accompanied by an adult Info: 59th annual event showcases available products and services and puts consumers in touch with professionals.

Do you have an event that you would like to add to the On The Minds of Moms print calendar for its next issue? Email info@onthemindsofmoms.com.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

&HonoringOurTradition Reimagining Our Future

Make sure you receive important school district information. Register your pre-kindergarten child at https://communityed.moorheadschools.org and select Community Census or call 218-284-3400. 2020 Kindergarten Registration begins at 8 a.m. February 4 www.moorheadschools.org/enroll

DivorceCare for Kids 13 week session for kids ages 6 and up at Hope Lutheran South Campus – Call for session dates 701.235.6629.

Pregnancy, Parenting and Adoption Services [PPAS] The PPAS program provides decision-making counseling, parenting support and adoption services to those facing unintended pregnancies. For expectant parents who choose to parent their child, PPAS provides resources to help them prepare for their new baby. For more information, call 701.235.4457, email info@catholiccharitiesnd.org, or visit www.catholiccharitiesnd.org.

Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota PCAND is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America that is dedicated exclusively to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. PCAND, formerly known as the North Dakota Committee to Prevent Child Abuse and Parents Anonymous, has been working to prevent child abuse and strengthen families in North Dakota since 1978. For parenting education, support and materials, visit www.pcand.org.

FM Busy Babies Connecting parents with information, insights, and activities. FMBB also hosts events with the goal of giving back to our community. For more information, visit www.fmbusybabies.com.

Post Adopt Support Group Any ND adoptive family or any ND family providing guardianships are invited to attend this group meeting. If you have questions, please email postadopt@pathinc. org or call 701.551.6349. Visit our website [www.ndpostadopt.org] for meeting times across the state of North Dakota.

Jeremiah Program Empowerment. Education. Success. It is what Jeremiah Program was built on, what participants strive for and what the program helps participants achieve. At Jeremiah Program, low-income single mothers make a commitment to completing a post-secondary education, launching a successful career and creating stability and prosperity for their children—all while living in our affordable, safe housing environment. For more information, call 701.361.3873, email fargomoorhead@jeremiahprogram. org or visit www.facebook.com/ JeremiahProgramFargoMoorhead.

Up With Downs Supporting families of Down syndrome. For more information, contact Kara Jones, 701.446.8056 or karaljones@gmail. com, or Liz St. Louis, 701.212.7877 or estlouis4@gmail.com.

Hands & Voices Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing without bias around communication modes or methodology. What Works for your Child is What Makes the Choice Right™ Contact us for more information at 701.484.1605, contact@ndhandsandvoices.org, or visit www.ndhandsandvoices.org.

Red River Moms Of Multiples 2nd Tuesday of each month. For more information visit wwww. rrvmothersofmultiples.weebly.com.

Children's Consultation Network Provides access to early childhood mental health screening, assessment and consultation, develops and distributes children's mental health resources, provides community education, seeks to diminish stigma, and facilitates collaborative efforts related to children's mental health services, especially for children ages 0-8. For more information, 701.526.1565 or www.rvcscc.org.

Gigi’s Playhouse A Down syndrome achievement center providing resources, specialized teaching, and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. All programs are free. For more information, call 701.551.7529 or visit www. gigisplayhouse.org/fargo.

Adults Adoption Special Kids [AASK] The AASK program is North Dakota's program providing adoption services to children in foster care and the families who adopt them. The program is a collaborative effort of Catholic Charities North Dakota and PATH ND, Inc. For more information, call 701.235.4457, email info@catholiccharitiesnd.org, or visit www.catholiccharitiesnd.org.

Parent Professional Learning Network The Parent Professional Learning Network is a Parent Navigator Team with Family Voices of North Dakota offering an opportunity for parents of children with special needs and the professionals who work with them to come together to learn and grow. For more information email parentproflearningnetwork@ gmail.com.

The Compassionate Friends 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:00pm at Faith Lutheran Church [127 2nd Ave E, West Fargo]. Offering grief support after the death of a child. For more information email chapterleader@tcffargomoorhead. org, call 701.491.0364 or visit tcffargomoorhead.org/.

Tender Transitions Every Tuesday and Friday from 1pm to 3pm at Essentia Health South University 6th Floor Conference Room. For all new moms in the FM area. For questions, call 701.364.8066.

La Leche League of Fargo-Moorhead 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm. For more information visit www. lllofmndas.org/fargo-moorhead.html.

MOMS Club of Fargo/Moorhead IR, ND Provides monthly activities, playgroups, special projects, and support for local moms. This group is open to moms and their children in the F-M area. For more information contact momscluboffm@gmail. com or visit www.facebook.com/ MomsClubFargo.

Harlynn’s Heart Providing multiple services, resources, and comforts to parents, families, and friends who have or will experience perinatal loss. For more information, visit www.harlynnsheart.org or email info@harlynnsheart.org.

North Dakota Reading Corps The North Dakota Reading Corps is a regional initiative to help every child become a successful reader by the end of 3rd grade. The program places AmeriCorps members as literacy tutors in the Fargo, Jamestown, and West Fargo school districts to implement researched-based, early-literacy efforts to help struggling readers. All AmeriCorps members receive free training and work 1-on-1 with K-3 students. A living allowance is provided, dependent on amount of hours chosen to work (15-20 or 20-25 per week). Hours fall during school hours, run five days a week August – May, and must be on a set schedule. An education award is also available upon completion to pay qualified student loans or tuition expenses. For more information, visit www.ndseec.com/readingcorps or contact Jolene Garty at 701.446.3173 or gartyj@ndseec.com.

Catholic Charities ND Counseling Professional and confidential counselors provide services to individuals, couples and families dealing with relationship issues, stress or anger management and a variety of other issues. We work with most insurances, EAP’s and have a sliding fee scale for those that don’t qualify for other resources. For more information, call 701.235.4457, email info@catholiccharitiesnd.org, or visit www.catholiccharitiesnd.org.

Child Asperger Support Group Every Tuesday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Olivet Lutheran Church [1303 S University Dr, Fargo]. For additional information visit www.rrvan.org

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Group Hospice of the Red River Valley [www.hrrv.org], in partnership with Harlynn’s Heart [www. harlynnsheart.org], offers an ongoing pregnancy and infant loss support group, meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm-8pm at the Hospice of the Red River Valley [1701 38th St S, Fargo]. Please use the west door. This is an ongoing support group for anyone who has experienced the death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or in the first year of life. The purpose of this group is to provide compassionate grief support, understanding, and resources to bereaved parents while allowing them to share their grief in a safe place with others who are experiencing a similar journey. This group is free and open to the public. For more information or questions, call 800.237.4629 and ask for the bereavement department.

Marine Moms Support Group If you are the Mother of a Marine, [or any other branch of the military], then you are one of the family! Join other Marine Moms from Sub-Station Fargo [Sub-Station Fargo, ND covers west to Valley City, ND, east to New York Mills, MN, north to the Canadian Border & south to the South Dakota state line] once a month for: Support, Hugs, Advice, Praise, Tears, Love, Stories, Laughter, Inspiration, Encouragement, Experiences, Insight, Information, Motivation, Pictures & more at 1:30pm the 3rd Saturday of each month. For meeting location and more information contact Ruth Danuser at 701.799.8946 or ruthddanuser@ gmail.com. OORAH!

Beyond the NICU Doors A community support network for parents who have experienced time in a NICU. Monthly gathering starting in September will be the 4th Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:30pm at the Anne Carlson Center located behind Subway on the corner of 13th Ave S and 25th St S in Fargo. Gatherings include a speaker and children are welcome as there are toys and space available. This is open to all NICU families regardless of