jackie - March 2012 by The Examiner

VOLUME: 4

MARCH 2012

jackie

ISSUE: 5

The Examinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Women & Family Magazine

n Caring for an aging dog p8 n Take a family walk px n Potato gold p4

kristen may rocks on p10

calendar Independence

“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES, demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, at Community of Christ Temple on even weekends; the Auditorium on odd weekends, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Independence. Free. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire/recitals.asp or call 816-833-1000. TODDLER TOWN – for ages 5 and younger, 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Children will enjoy an indoor playground in the gym and a craft project on Wednesdays. (Closed when Independence schools are not in session). Cost, $1 per child. Call 816-325-7370. TAX HELP FOR SENIORS, 9 a.m. Mondays and Fridays through April 13, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. AARP Tax-Aide representatives will assist seniors with moderate incomes with tax questions and tax return preparations. Free. To register, call 816-252-7228. GATHER INN, for retired people, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Community of Christ Stone Church Education Building, River Boulevard and Lexington Ave., Independence. Activities: 9:30 a.m. blood pressure checks; 10 a.m. Bible study; 11 a.m. program; noon lunch ($3.50). 254-2211. “DRESS FOR SUCCESS,” March 1 through 4, Dressbarn, 20050 E. Jackson Drive. Donate your gently-used suits, pants, shirts, skirts, shoes and other professional items during the 10th annual “Send One Suite” event. Help give underprivileged women the ability to walk into a job interview with confidence. Call 816-795-1498. “THE CREEPY CREEPS OF PILGRIM ROAD,” presented by the Children’s Performing Theatre, 7:30 p.m. March 2, 3, 9 and 10; 2 p.m. March 4 and 11, Powerhouse Theatre, inside the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Tickets are $7; $6 for seniors; $3 for children 12 and under. For reservations, call 816-325-7367 or 816-325-7370. PARENTS UNIVERSITY, presented by the Coalition for Child Safety, March 3, Pioneer Ridge Middle School, 1656 Speck Road. Topics range from “How to raise a money-smart child” to “Internet safety for parents.” For a $5 registration fee, choose three topics that interest you. Register online at www.coalition4childsafety.org/ParentsUniversity.html. BUILD A BLUEBIRD HOUSE, 10 to 11 a.m. March 3, George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road. Class includes building a bluebird house, learning where to place it, ecology, nesting and critical needs for bluebirds. Cost, $15 per house. Call 816325-7115 to register. FREE GARDENING CLASSES, Fruit trees and berries, 6:30 p.m. March 5, Independence Heath Department, 515 S. Liberty St.; Raised bed gardening, 6:30 p.m. March 12, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Learn what you need to get your garden off to a good start. For details, call 325-7185. “THE OREGON TRAIL” with historian and lecturer Jim Howk, 7 p.m. March 6, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Howk will describe the process of getting ready, organizing wagon trains, daily routines, landmarks and more. Free admission. Call 816-325-7575 or visit www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org. CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE FUNDRAISER, 4 to 7 p.m. March 6, Fairmount Community Center, 217 S. Cedar Ave. Enjoy all-you-can-eat for $15; children under 5 eat free. Proceeds go toward the needs of the center. See the receptionist at the front desk for tickets and information, or call 816-254-8334, ART IN THE PARK: Robert Elton Tindall Exhibit, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays March 7 through 29, George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road. Receptions where artwork will be sold are March 10 and 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Robert E. Tindall Scholarship Fund. Visit www.independenceartassociation.org or call 816-325-7115. PROPERTY TAX BALLOT ISSUE CITIZEN INFORMATION MEETINGS. Citizens’ questions will be answered regarding the

JACKIE

Casting Crowns will appear at the Independence Events Center on March 22.

{EDITOR’S PICK}

Casting Crowns

castingcrowns.com

he ‘Come to the Well Tour’ will be at the Independence Events Center on March 22. The Atlanta-based Christian group has been around since 2003 and has won 14 GMA Dove Awards, three Grammy awards and an American Music Award. Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert are available at www.ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Ticket prices vary. The Events Center is at 19100 E. Valley View Parkway.

April 3 property tax ballot issue for police services. 6:30 p.m. March 8, The Salvation Army Fellowship Hall, 14700 E. Truman Road; 6:30 p.m. March 20, Midwest Genealogy Center, Northeast Hall, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road.. RED, WHITE AND BLUE: Military Records – for adults, 9 to 5 p.m. March 10 and 1 to 5 p.m. March 11, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Lectures including finding military resources from the Revolutionary War to the present. Cost, $15 due by March 8. To register, call 816-252-7228. TALKIN’ TRUMAN: Tracing the Trumans – The making of an exhibit, 11 a.m. March 10, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Guest curator Claire Jerry will take you “back stage” into the world of exhibit design. Free with regular admission, $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org. BALLROOM DANCE, 7 to 10 p.m. (lessons 6 to 6:45 p.m.) March 10, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Fees: Lessons are $2 per person; the dance is $8 per person or $15 per couple. For details, call 816-325-7843. FINDING CONFEDERATE RECORDS – for adults, 10 a.m. March 13, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. To register, call 816-252-7228. ST. PATRICK’S DAY DINNER, 2 to 7 p.m. March 16, American Legion Post 21, 16701 E. U.S. 40. Enjoy corned beef/cabbage or roast pork, new potatoes, carrots and marbled rye bread for $7. Open to the public. Call 816-373-0221. ENGLEWOOD ART WALK, 5 to 9 p.m. March 16, 10900 E. Winner Road. Seven galleries in the Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue, open their doors to art lovers. See artists in action, demonstrations, and enjoy live music. Free. Call 816-252-3372.

25TH ANNUAL “A SPRING FLING” FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON, noon to 2:30 p.m. March 17, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Cost, $25. Call 816-461-3491 or www. bwestate.org to register. MUU MUU MAMAS ST. PATTY’S DAY PARTY, 7 to 11 p.m. March 17, Jackson County Shrine Club, 120 1/2 S. Pleasant St. Dance to the sounds of “Downward Spiral Band.” There will be a silent auction and opportunities for drawings. Snacks and liquid refreshments available; but you may bring your own beverages. Wear your green. Admission, $8 per person; $15 per couple. Proceeds go to LOSNA Special Projects-Lokomat Therapy and Shrine Kids Camp. For details, call 816-695-8368. CONNECT WITH YOUR ANCESTORS THROUGH GRAPHOANALYSIS – for adults, 7 p.m. March 22, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Get to know your ancestors by analyzing their handwriting to learn more about them on a personal level. To register, call 816-252-7228. “WORKING” A MUSICAL, presented by the City Theatre of Independence, 8 p.m. March 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31; 2 p.m. March 25 and April 1, Powerhouse Theatre inside the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Cost, $12; March 24 is a dinner theatre and is $25. For reservations, call 816-325-7367. “WAGON HO” – suitable for elementary students, 10 a.m. March 24, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. See the film, “West,” tour the exhibits, pack a prairie schooner and make a craft. Cost, $7.50. To register, call 816-325-7575. “THE SNOW QUEEN” puppet show, with puppeteer Monica Leo of Eulenspiegel Puppets, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 24, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. This miniature marionette show follows Gerda on a journey to save Kay from the Snow Queen. The $5 cost includes a finger puppet. For reservations,

MARCH 2012

call 816-833-9777 or visit www.hazelle.org. ALLEGRO COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CHOIR, 4:30 p.m. March 25, Community of Christ Temple, 210 S. River Blvd. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.allegrocc.org/concert-schedule. php. For information, call 816-833-1000 or visit www.CofChrist. org. WATERMARK UNIVERSITY CLASS: Luck of the Irish, 1 p.m. March 27, The Fountains at Greenbriar, 2100 S. Swope Drive. Book Club leader Linda Hopkins will highlight an Irish author and give background on the Emerald Isle. To register, call Sarah Albin at 816-257-5100. GRIEF SEMINAR FOR PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVERS, sponsored by Speaks Family Legacy Chapels, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 28, Hilton Garden Inn, 19677 E. Jackson Drive. The program, “Grief Care: Exploring the Special Features of Sudden Death and Suicide, and helping Children and Teens Cope with Grief,” will be presented by Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt. Cost, $20. To register, email david.speaks@speakschapel.com. CIVIL WAR IN JACKSON COUNTY – for adults, 7 p.m. March 29, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Learn how the Civil War affected the people of the Jackson County area. To register, call 816-252-7228. “GONE WITH THE WIND” Informal Tea Party and Fashion Show, 2 to 4 p.m. March 31, Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St. Cost, $25. For reservations, call 816-229-8293 or visit www. vailemansion.org. MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING has grief survivors meeting second Monday in Independence. Help for bereaved or injured victims, volunteers accepted. For time and location, call Michelle Fordemwalt, 816-295-1545. LA LECHE LEAGUE, Jackson County A.M. Group, 10 a.m., second Thursday, Trails West Public Library. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 816-254-5992. WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association, 6:30 to 8:30 Mondays. For locations, call Karen Costa, 816-252-8388, ext. 16. WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-4046460 or 257-2335.

Blue Springs

AARP SIMPLE TAX FORM ASSISTANCE – for those 50 and older, 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through April 12, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Call 816-2280181 for an appointment. GYMNASTICS – for ages 6 to 12, 5 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 1-22, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $22. Call 816-2280137 to register. ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER BUTTERFLY BALL, 6 p.m. cocktails; 7 p.m. dinner followed by a live auction and dancing, March 3, Adams Pointe Conference Center. Proceeds will help purchase critical medical equipment. Tickets are $125 per person. For reservations, call 816-655-5363 or visit stmaryskc.com. CLOGGING II – for ages 7 and older, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays March 5-April 9, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $39. Call 816-228-0137 to register. RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE SYSTEMS (RAD) TRAINING – for women ages 15 and older, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 10 and 11. Learn realistic self-defense tactics from the Blue Springs Police and certified RAD instructors. Cost, $25. Call 816-228-0137 to register.

MORE ON PAGE 12

Cover photo by karen Hacker at The Portrait Gallery, 124 S. Main St., Independence, 816-461-5400.

home preparedness

Jackie Contact Us Phone: 816-350-6365 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising) Publisher: Stephen Wade stephen.wade@examiner.net Editorial: EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Sheila Davis sheila.davis@examiner.net MANAGING EDITOR: Karl Zinke karl.zinke@examiner.net Advertising: Director of Advertising: David T. Lammers dave.lammers@examiner.net Director of Marketing: Sharon Dankenbring sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net New media: New Media Manager: Ginger Kuftack ginger.kuftack@examiner.net Web Site: www.examiner.net FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/examiner.net Jackie is created monthly by GateHouse Media Inc., The Examiner's parent company. © 2012 gatehouse media • All rights reserved

Stocking an emergency kit Simple preparation can make a big difference in urgent situations

whistles. A road map can come in handy to guide rescue workers to you. Have your cellphone, with a solar or car charger, to communicate with family members and rescuers. Flashlights can signal rescuers as well as help your family move about in the dark. Keep a whistle on hand to alert rescue crews as they come near your home.

By Sherry Phillips American Profile

reparing an emergency kit can put your mind at ease and help you handle an urgent situation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends stocking a basic home emergency kit with the following items:

First aid kit. To treat burns, cuts and wounds and to prevent infection, stock a first aid kit with bandages, sterile dressings, soap or antibiotic towelettes, burn ointment and antibiotic ointment. Also include two pairs of latex or other sterile gloves, eye wash solution, a thermometer, and any prescribed medications or medical equipment, such as blood glucose or blood pressure monitoring supplies Wrench or pliers. They’ll come in handy to shut off utilities. Sanitation supplies. Have moist towelettes and plastic bags for personal use. Keep your supplies dry with plastic sheeting. Use dust masks for air filtration.

Food and water. Store 1 gallon of water per person per day for hydration and sanitation, as well as enough nonperishable food for everyone in your family for three days. If you stock canned food, be sure to pack a can opener. Don’t forget food and water for your pets.

Radio. A battery-powered radio with extra batteries will let you receive weather alerts and emergency broadcasting messages.

Maps, cellphones, flashlights and stock.xchng photos

MARCH 2012

JACKIE

food

A double-baked Westmeath potato and garden peas – appropriately green – make a delightful dish for St. Patrick’s Day. FOODSTYLING AND PHOTOS BY MARGARET MAPLES/GHNS

Pots o’ gold Stuffed potatoes hearty alternative for St. Patty’s Day By Margaret Maples | GateHouse News Service

Is crème fraiche Irish?

or this St. Patrick’s Day, we decided against corned beef and cabbage. And soda bread. They’re delicious, but how about double-baked Westmeath potatoes instead? We adapted the recipe here from “Elegant Irish Cooking,” a longtime favorite by Noel C. Cullen. The recipe seems too good to be true. So quick, so doable, so … wait a minute. It sounds so American. We checked the Internet and – yes – similar recipes from American chefs popped up. So we’re using Westmeath potatoes to celebrate St. Patrick in Irish-American style. The recipe calls for shrimp, mushrooms, scallions (we used green onions) and cheddar, all ingredients that Americans consume by the plateful at sports parties and family gatherings. In “Elegant Irish,” a little vermouth and crème fraiche nudge the dish upscale. But the recipe is quite open to your family’s favorite spices and cheese. And if you don’t eat shrimp, substitute chunks of chicken instead. JACKIE

MARCH 2012

Rich, thick and a little less tangy than sour cream, crème fraiche originated in France and now lends sophistication to entrees and desserts in many countries. It’s sold in the U.S., but not in all supermarkets. With a little help from the Internet and a 12-hour head start, you can make your own. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit (close to body temperature). To this, add 2 tablespoons of buttermilk. Pour this mixture into a glass bowl, cover it and let it sit at room temperature (75 degrees) for about 12 hours. It’ll thicken to a smooth, luxuriant consistency. With a serving of peas, Westmeath potatoes make a lovely dinner for St. Patrick’s Day. But your family and guests will welcome it any time.

continued on next page ››

food DOUBLE-BAKED WESTMEATH POTATOES • 4 large baking potatoes • Shortening to grease potatoes • 3 tablespoons butter • 1/2 cup finely diced onion • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 1 cup dry white vermouth • 2 cups of cooked shrimp • 3 green onions, chopped fine • 1/2 cup crème fraiche • 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

To create a flavorful filling, onions, garlic, mushrooms and shrimp are sautéed, then cooked with vermouth. A little crème fraiche is added, and the mixture is combined with the baked potato pulp.

Garnish: more diced green onions; 12 small tail-on shrimp, coated with mesquite mix, red curry powder and ground oregano, or your favorite seasoning, and sautéed in oil or butter. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash unpeeled potatoes and pat dry. Grease each one with shortening and pierce the skin with a fork. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced. Remove from oven. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with foil; set aside. Let the potatoes cool slightly. Slice the top off each

potato lengthwise, 1/2 inch from the top. Carefully, without tearing the skin, scoop the potato pulp into a bowl. Hand-mash the potato pulp, crumbling all the lumps. Reserve the shells. Melt the butter in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, add vermouth and bring to a boil. Stir frequently over high heat until almost all the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the chopped shrimp and green onions. Stir in crème fraiche and remove from heat. Combine the shrimp mixture with the reserved mashed potato. Correct the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Add heavy cream as needed to make the mixture easily spoonable. Spoon or pipe the potato mixture into the reserved skins. Sprinkle grated cheese on top. Place on the prepared sheet pan. Return the refilled potatoes to the oven and bake again until the cheese begins to bubble. Season more tail-on shrimp with mesquite mix and oregano; sauté in oil. Drain on paper towels. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Top the potatoes with sautéed shrimp and more green onion bits. Makes four large potatoes.

THE SEA KISSES EVERY SHORE. WE TAKE THE RELATIONSHIP EVEN FURTHER. The sea is calling. It whispers your name, inviting you to a place more beautiful than anything you’ve seen. Where light dances on the waves, and the gentle sound puts you at ease. Where you can enjoy a piña colada, a massage, ice skating and rock climbing all in one place. Only Royal Caribbean International® delivers the one vacation that’s a full sea of possibilities. For Reservations and Information, Please Contact Your Professional Travel Agent:

Mary House 816-796-9400 mary@hav2cruise.com

RESERVE WITH US TODAY! MARCH 2012

JACKIE

the cutting edge

Sexy, Spring revival hairstyles

arch usually ushers in the Spring, and Spring time for me is all about renewal. For fashion and beauty, 2012 is a year for renewal and revival. Stylist are putting a modernist twist to time honored classics, making them fun and fresh for this year. On top of the list is the bob, but close behind are cropped pixies cuts with an edgy twist and for longer locks, side or centered parted wavy, long, layered locks are in. Here are the top styles I find will warrant a look-see â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The bob. The Pixie. Long loose fluffy layers. Side or middle part with retro waves. Braids, buns and ponytails. All together now! Bobbed, wavy, curly retro layers &with this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest hair accessorya side barrette!

JACKIE

MARY COSTANZO-SCHWALLER The bob

The Pixie

Long, loose, fluffy layers

The retro, waved look

Braids, buns, ponytails

All together

She s got it all! I am fond of all of this years hot hair trends. They are easy, sexy and classic. Maybe you should call you favorite hairstylist up and give one a try!

Mary

MARCH 2012

technology

What is a smartphone? How it’s different from traditional cellphones ByAvery Mann | American Profile

T DUNCE

he smartphone has become a very popular and, in many cases, standard piece of equipment for millions of consumers. While the term “smartphone” can include a number of technological features, a few traits distinguish the smartphone from other cellphones that have been on the market for several years and only provide voice, text messaging or limited Web applications.

Historical progress The smartphone essentially combines the personal data assistant, the cellphone and the portable music player. While each smartphone has different functions, the general idea is for the user to have the ability to communicate, run programs and carry various types of media such as pictures and music. Rather than have several devices, the smartphone is capable of allowing you to have everything on one compact device.

Software and interface All cellphones have software, but the smartphone is equipped with an operating system, much like a standard desktop or laptop computer. This makes the device faster and able to be upgraded in the future. Rather than be restricted to a limited number of functions, the smartphone is designed to be customizable to the user. In addition, many smartphones come with a touchscreen or a slide-out keyboard that allows for easy navigation.

GHNS photo illustration

Apps and functions One of the distinguishing features of the smartphone is “apps,” which is short for applications. This is another word for software programs. These compact programs provide a number of functions: Games, maps, entertainment guides, news and weather reports, and money management are just a few examples. The apps are produced by a host of companies, so users have ample opportunities to find just the right program for their needs. Some apps are free to download, while others have a small fee. MARCH 2012

JACKIE

pets

stoc k.xc hng ph

oto s

Caring for aging dogs 5

tips to keep Fido happy, healthy and comfortable

By Sherry Phillips | American Profile

As dogs age, they need increased attention and care. When your canine companion reaches his senior years — for most breeds that’s after age 7 — follow these tips.

Provide quality veterinary care

“Ideally, senior dogs should be evaluated by a veterinarian every six months throughout their senior years” says veterinarian Stephanie Sosniak, of the Northwoods Animal Hospital in Minocqua, Wis. Each exam should include blood tests to monitor organ function, she says.

Establish a dental care program

Periodontal disease and other dental problems can plague older dogs, yet “many pet owners are unaware that their dog has a tooth problem,” Sosniak says. A veterinarian can perform a dental assessment, professionally clean your dog’s teeth and teach you how to care for them. JACKIE

Watch for changes in behavior

“Make sure that you keep an eye on your dog’s level of activity,” Sosniak says. “Continually watch for changes in behavior, appetite or thirst.” If you notice something unusual, schedule a checkup. Early assessment and diagnosis of problems can be vital to your dog’s health and happiness during his golden years.

Closely monitor your dog’s weight

Obesity is common in elderly dogs. Unnecessary additional weight causes increased wear on joints and can accelerate the development of arthritis.

MARCH 2012

Keep exercising your pooch

Your senior dog may not have the boundless energy she had years ago, but that doesn’t mean she should become a canine couch potato. Daily exercise — in the form of a walk or a gentle game of fetch — will promote strong muscles and general well-being.

MARCH 2012

JACKIE

cover story

Kristen

A girl and her music By ADRIANNE DeWEESE adrianne.deweese@examiner.net

I don’t wanna deny my heart its chance to feel I don’t wanna deny my soul something real These lyrics tell the story of a young woman looking for something in the world that might satisfy her. Their author and singer, Kristen May, knew in her teenage years more than a decade ago at Blue Springs High School that music was more than just her hobby. It was her passion, the way she would one day make a living. Kristen, a 2001 Blue Springs High graduate, led a nationally known band with three male bandmates, including one who would become her husband, for most of the last 10 years. Now, six months before her 30th birthday, she’s determined to put out her best work to date – and hopefully share it with an international audience – all while doing the one thing that seems impossible in the entertainment industry these days: remaining true to herself. IGNITING THE SPARK From playing soccer to making music Kristen May grew up combining the arts with athleticism by taking dance lessons and playing in soccer leagues. “When I was a kid, I had so much energy,” says Kristen, who grew up the middle child with two brothers. Her family moved to Blue Springs when Kristen 10 JACKIE

MARCH 2012

was in middle school. “I think parents probably, at first, just put me in (soccer) to kind of run my energy out.” Like athletics, music started early for Kristen. She remembers browsing her parents’ vinyl collection. Her father, Greg, played tunes of the ’80s through vintage speakers and a record player. He also played the drums and guitar while Kristen’s mother, Beth, sang. “There was something so sacred about the rows of vinyl and boxes of tapes my family listened to constantly,” Kristen writes on her Tumblr biography. “We were always playing music around the house.” Back and forth from dance or choir rehearsals, Kristen and her mother would sing together. Beth also remembers her daughter singing in the shower and singing in front of the mirror, using a hairbrush as a microphone. “I just thought everyone did something musically,” Kristen says, laughing. Everything changed for Kristen at age 17 when Greg gave his daughter a guitar. Many of her friends were playing in bands, and Kristen, inspired at that time by the guitar-heavy sounds of grunge music, wanted a part of that experience, too. “A spark was ignited inside of me,” Kristen says. “I just learned a couple of chords from (my dad), and then started to write my own music.” But then came a difficult decision. Kristen had gone out for the Blue Springs High musical her junior year but received just a small singing role. But in her senior year, she auditioned for “Guys and Dolls” and landed the role of nightclub singer Adelaide, one of the lead characters. “It was amazing. It was so thrilling to be up on stage in that way,” Kristen says. “I was writing music then, too, so I was kind of like, ‘Man, I can’t think of anything else I want to do with my life than this.’ “When it came time to apply for colleges, all I could think about was music.” In her senior year, the all-around tal-

ented soccer player who had done well as a goal scorer and midfielder had to quit the sport so she could focus on “Guys and Dolls.” It wasn’t easy, Kristen says, as she loved the camaraderie of sports and Blue Springs High School soccer coach Doug McLagan. “But, you know, I just felt like there was something telling me that music was what I was supposed to do with my life,” Kristen says. Or, instead of going to college, Kristen says she thought about just moving to New York or to Los Angeles, “and doing it myself, trying it without college.” She didn’t have time to get scared about making a living out of her passion for music. “I was just excited. I was just ready for what was next,” Kristen says. “High school was amazing ... but I was just so ready to go try something new.” FORMING A BAND AND FALLING IN LOVE After graduating in 2001, Kristen attended one year at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where she studied classical voice techniques and music business. The experience was good, Kristen says, but she also felt confined with the music theory studies and schoolwork. “For me, it was all about the music I was writing,” she says. Kristen moved back to the Kansas City area, itching to find a band to join so she could try out her own material. She knew only of her brothers, Rob and Pat, and a familiar face from the past would soon join as second guitarist. Brian Little. Kristen had met Brian in passing because Kristen’s older brother, Rob, and Brian used to jam together. Kristen also was on the dance team at Blue Springs High, and she occasionally saw Brian since he played trumpet in the Golden Regiment Marching Band. Kristen and Brian had a crush on each

cover story

May other in high school without the other one knowing about it, but they didn’t date then. “When he came back into my life, I was pretty blown away,” Kristen says. “It was the first time that I really felt connected to someone without really knowing them – it’s kind of hard to explain.” She laughs. “I was never one to put myself out there, but with Brian, I put myself out there – I couldn’t help it.” The couple began dating and formed their band around the same time. That group, known as Red Authentic, marked Kristen’s first experience with a four-piece band. Red Authentic played several rock clubs in Kansas City, as well as at Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival and at Lake Tapawingo Clubhouse. The band disintegrated after Kristen’s brothers expressed that they only wanted to play music as a hobby. Brian Little’s brother, Drew, and Jason Douglas – also Blue Springs High School graduates – joined “and just picked up right where Red Authentic left off,” Kristen says. Known as Veda, the newly reorganized musicians recorded a six-song EP, “This Broken City,” in the summer of 2004, using leftover studio time that Red Authentic had secured. A year later, Veda released its first fulllength album, “The Weight of an Empty Room,” on the Kansas City-based label Second Nature Recordings. (The band changed its name in 2006 because of a dispute with Vaeda, another group whose name was pronounced the same.) And then began touring across the United States. Following the Kansas City circuit, Vedera’s manager got the group gigs throughout California and soon secured a booking agent. “Oh my goodness,” Kristen says, laughing, of her first tour experience. “It was a blast. It was crazy, but I’m so grateful that I’m not a super prissy girl because I never would have made it.” With a van and a trailer, the band either slept in the van after a gig ended – or they would ask random show attendees if they could stay at their place for the night, “which I would never do in a million years now,” Kristen says, smiling. “Overall, people were really cool and were just genuinely inter-

Kristen May, right, a 2001 Blue Springs High School graduate, stands with Blue Springs High soccer coach Doug McLagan. Photo courtesy of Kristen May

ested in our music and wanted to put us up in their places.” A BALANCING ACT An artist remains true to herself while balancing the personal and professional aspects of her music Vedera, a pop-rock group, toured with nationally known commercial acts like The Fray, Augustana and Jason Mraz and had its music showcased on the popular MTV reality show “The Hills.” “Stages,” the band’s second full-length album and its first through the major record label, Epic Records, was Vedera’s “music-business boot-camp album.” “It was very different from when we did everything grassroots, by ourselves,” Kristen says. “I don’t like waiting for someone at the label to decide when I need to do something. I don’t even really like the label having any input on what I do, but I understand to get my music out there to a broader audience, you’ve got to have a relationship in that way.” When Vedera started, Kristen says she didn’t care much whether their music would sell or gain popularity among listeners. But when the group signed to Epic Records, that’s when Vedera was bombarded with pressure on sales charts, appealing to different demographics – and what Kristen should wear. “For me, there’s definitely an excitement in the experience of signing to a major label and doing all of these things for the first time,” Kristen says. “I think the balance I need to find is making sure that I kind of keep myself in all of that, that I don’t get lost in the excitement of the experience.” Because their personal and professional lives intertwined, Kristen says rough moments took place in she and Brian’s relationship – and they still occur, such as when one doesn’t agree with the other’s opinion of the sound of a guitar or the melody of a song. “That’s just always going to be there, I think,” Kristen says, “but we’ve really learned how to handle it better and how to take it for what it is and not take it personally.” Kristen and Brian, now married for five years, also struggled to find a balance in work and their relationship. Although they were together all the time while touring, the relationship often took the back burner because every moment was focused on playing MARCH 2012

live or doing a radio interview. “It’s kind of a push and pull for both of us because we’re so invested in the music,” Brian says. “...Sometimes, the relationship, I wouldn’t say necessarily suffers, but we don’t focus on it as much because we’re both 100 percent in the music.” ––– Even with her determination, three experiences throughout the past eight years stand out in Kristen’s mind as moments she wanted to give up. While on tour in Detroit, Vedera’s van and trailer, along with instruments, clothes and Brian’s first engagement ring for Kristen, all were stolen. Though Vedera continued on the tour, Kristen says she felt “stripped” and “a little bit out of her element.” “But looking back, I would definitely say that made me feel stronger,” she says. Driving home from another tour, Vedera was in a bad car crash after skidding on some black ice. The first two shook Kristen up, she says, but they didn’t break her passion for music. Things got more difficult when Vedera and Epic Records had their struggles. The band had experienced three different presidents at the label. Vedera had started recording “Stages” in October 2007, an album that wasn’t released until two years later. “We worked our first single, and we were kind of promised things that we thought were going to happen, and then they didn’t happen,” Kristen says. “So, when it was time to release our second single, (the label) was kind of over it.”

Vedera ultimately left Epic Records, feeling a bit shunned. “We tried our hardest. There wasn’t anything more we could have done,” she says of herself and her bandmates. “I think there was just, like, some deep emotional damage there that I didn’t realize, just because I didn’t realize all these expectations I had set for myself in this process. I got further and further away from my passion, which was making music and going on the road and sleeping in a van and not caring about the next day. “Somehow, along the way, I had lost that.” Kristen remains motivated, though, says her Chicago-based manager Steve Smith, who also managed Vedera for about five years. She is constantly pushing herself and others to reach that goal in their musicmaking, “and always in a fun and a creative way,” Smith says. ON HER OWN Not far from 30, a solo musician aims to make her own album – and stay true to her values Vedera is on hiatus. After seven years together, the members have different goals, so Kristen is moving forward on a new electronic-pop album with Brian. Most days, she works on her songs, whether it’s jotting something into her iPhone, writing in her journals or listening back to some recordings she’s made, as well as working part-time at Hi-Hat Coffee in Westwood Hills, Kan. She and Brian have a makeshift recording studio with several computers and instruments in the basement of their West Plaza apartment in Kansas City. Kristen and Brian traveled to Los Angeles recently, where they worked with a producer from Warner Bros. That relationship is in the beginning stages, Kristen says, as the couple is determining whether they’d like him to produce their new project. From Kansas City, they send the producer homegrown recordings of their work. Kristen isn’t officially signed for her solo album, but she’s released some new demos “for fun” on SoundCloud, an online audio site that allows musicians to collaborate, promote and

MORE ON PAGE 13 JACKIE

calendar FROM PAGE 2 SALE-ING INTO SPRING INDOOR 50-PLUS GARAGE SALE, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Seniors can register for booth space to sell their treasures and the public can drop in to find bargains. A 10 x 10 booth space is $22. Call 816-228-0181 for details. NATURALIST ON CALL: Timber what? – for all ages, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 10, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. An informative learning table will be set up in the nature center featuring the elusive Timberdoodle, also known as the woodcock. Discover how to experience their aerial courtship display. Walk-ins welcome. CLOGGING CLASSES – for ages 7 and older, clogging I, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; clogging II, 7:35 to 8:35 p.m., Mondays March 12-April 16, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $39. Call 816-228-0181 to register. START SMART BASKETBALL – for ages 3 to 5, 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, March 14-April 25, Moreland Ridge Middle School, 900 S.W. Bishop Drive. Cost, $60. Call 816-228-0137 to register. NATURESCAPING WORKSHOP AND NATIVE PLANT SALE – for adults, 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. March 17, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Beautify your landscape with some of Missouri’s best natural resources, native plants. Learn how to save time, money and create wildlife habitat with educational sessions on native rock gardens, wild edibles, rain gardens, invasive species and more. The Native Plant Sale is open from 12:45-1:15 p.m. for workshop participants and 1:15-3:45 p.m. for the public, while supplies last. Call 816228-3766 to register for the workshop. MAD SCIENCE CAMP: Secret Agent Lab Work, 9 a.m. to noon March 19-23, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Step into the

12 JACKIE

shoes of a detective and uncover the science involved in evidence gathering and analysis. Cost, $90. Registration deadline: March 12. Call 816-228-0137 to register. BELLY DANCE INSTRUCTION, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays March 19-April 23, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $60. Call 816-228-0137 to register. BELLY DANCE TECHNIQUE, 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays March 19-April 23, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $60. Call 816-228-0137 to register. HOT SHOT CONTEST, 8:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. contests begin, March 24, Blue Springs Freshman Center, 2103 N.W. Vesper St. Divisions: 8-9 years, 9 a.m.; 10-11 years, 9:45 a.m.; 12-13 years, 10:30 a.m. Boys and girls compete separately. Shoot from 7 locations in two 1-minute timed rounds. Free. Call 816-228-1037 for details. BLUE SPRINGS ART SHOW, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 24 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Admission is free to the public; the cost per artist is $35. All entries must be preregistered. For an entry form, call Teddy Jackson at 816-224-4634 or JoAnne Sutherland at 816-697-2908. INTRODUCTION TO TURKEY HUNTING – for ages 10 and older, 10 a.m. to noon March 24 and 7 to 10 a.m. March 31, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. During this two-part class, you’ll explore the basics of turkey hunting, including locations, equipment, techniques and more during Part I. Part II, it’s time to hone your skills by venturing out early in the morning to listen for turkeys, find a good location and set up for a practice hunt. Call 816-228-3766 to register. CERAMICS FOR KIDS, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays March 27-April 17, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Kids will create their own pottery and learn to glaze their stoneware. Cost, $30. There is an additional $30 supply fee for clay, glaze and tools needed for this class. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING FOR YOUTH, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays March 27-April 17, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Students learn a variety of watercolor techniques and how to apply paint with additional tools or materials for different textures. Cost, $50. Call 816-228-0181 to register. KNITTING CLASSES, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays March 27-April 17, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Learn to make beautiful personalized items. Cost, $35. Call 816-228-0137 to register. BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES: Night Club Two Step – for adults, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays March 29-April 12, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $21. Call 816-228-0181 to register. “REMNANTS” QUILT SHOW, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 31, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. More than 80 handmade quilts will be on display. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Quilters interested in displaying their art, call Jan Roberts at 816-229-6868. FEED THE CRITTERS on exhibit at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center at 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 816-228-3766. WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-2201007. TOUGH LOVE Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesdays, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200. MOM TO MOM LUNCH CLUB, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m., first and third Tuesday of each month, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. Call 816655-5585. LA LECHE LEAGUE of Blue Springs, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Parkview Church. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 816-833-0250.

MARCH 2012

Buckner

LAKE CITY SHOOTING RANGE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER, Landahl Park, 28505 E. Truman Road. Range hours: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. The following programs are free, but registration is required. Call 816-249-3194 NRA HOME FIREARM SAFETY – for adults, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 2. Learn how to identify, load and unload various firearms, types of ammunition, cleaning and storage. There will be hands-on experience with the most common types of handguns, rifles and shotguns. BEGINNING ARCHERY – for ages 12 to 17, 9 to 11:30 a.m. March 7. Learn the fundamentals of shooting archery, such as a proper stand draw technique, equipment and follow through. DISCOVER HUNTING: Firearm Safety for Women – for women 18 and older, 8 to 11:30 a.m. March 17. Topics include introducing a firearm into the home, basic marksmanship and laws regarding ownership of firearms. INTRODUCTION TO SHOTGUN RELOADING – for adults, 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 23, or 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 24. Reduce the cost of shooting trap or skeet by reloading your own shotgun shells. Learn about the basic equipment needed in reloading, which shotgun hulls to use and safety precautions when reloading. You’ll also be able to trap range and try out your reloaded ammunition.

Lee’s Summit

TAX HELP FOR SENIORS – for adults, 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 12, Colbern Road Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library, 1000 N.E. Colbern Road. An AARP Tax-Aide representative will assist seniors with moderate incomes with tax questions and tax return preparations. To register, call 816-525-9924.

cover story

SPECTRUM/ kristen may Highest high:

Lowest low:

My Achilles’ heel:

Smartest thing I ever did:

I get a high every time I step on stage, but for me one of the biggest highs was probably when I sang with (American singer-songwriter) Jason Mraz. I sang “Lucky” with him for two shows. I looked up to him as an artist, so sharing the stage with him was a pretty mind-blowing experience. The second biggest high was probably when we played on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” I didn’t think I was nervous until the very end, when I walked off stage and just felt a rush of relief that it was over, but also, I felt some major adrenaline and I wanted to go right back and do it again!

I would say the lowest low was when we had our van and trailer stolen in Detroit on one of our earlier tours. It was pretty devastating to have our home on the road and all our belongings taken from us.

My Achilles’ heel would probably be bad press. I think that I am strong and don’t care what people think about me, but when I read a negative review of my work, it always stings.

The smartest thing I ever did was take vocal lessons. With all the singing I do on the road, I’m glad I know how to properly take care of myself and my voice. I took classical training from a lady named Lori Pinnell in Blue Springs and continued with more training in Nashville.

Most important mentor: I’d say my most important mentor is my manager, Steve Smith. He has been with our band and me since our second album and really helped us through the highs and lows. He’s more than a manager, too – he’s my friend. I can talk to him about a lot of stuff I can’t talk to other people about.

Greatest moment of epiphany: I knew I wanted to play music when I received my first guitar at age 17. I love writing, and I love getting my emotions out that way. It is the best form of therapy.

Dumbest thing I ever did: Hmmm. I guess I kind of regret blowing off my music theory classes when I was a freshman in college. It would probably take me less time to finish a song if I knew exactly where to go next. But then again, I always liked to go by feeling and not be confined to what the structure should be.

What I thought I’d be doing at this point:

I’m not a big longtime planner, so this is a hard question for me. I figured I would be doing something in the arts and probably be married, so... I guess that’s what happened!

What I still really want to do:

I want to keep doing what I’m doing. I feel really blessed to be where I am right now.

Potential letdown rekindles musican’s spirit from page 11

distribute their material. Whether she’s signed to a label or it’s selfproduced, Kristen says her goal is to release an album by the end of 2012. Kristen wants to be the headlining act, leading a tour where fans are coming out to just see Kristen and her accompanying musicians. She wants to tour overseas. Kristen lowers her voice to nearly a whisper. “Going and winning a Grammy wouldn’t be a bad thing, either.” But don’t expect her to change her values or who she is in order to make it big. Kristen’s mother, Beth, says her daughter’s career is important to her, but she also believes in marriage and family. By staying true to herself, Kristen sets a good example for young girls, Beth says. For example, at the end of Vedera’s “Satisfy” music video, industry officials suggested that Kristen not have much clothing on as she entered the ocean. Kristen, her mother says, refused and left on her bathing suit and a tank top. “I’m just so glad that she’s out there, and that it’s not all about how much skin you show and sex. It can be about something good,” Beth says. “I’m just really proud of her because she has all of her priorities in

the right place. I don’t ever worry about her. I know she’s going to make the right decisions and that she’s going to set the right example.” Some female musicians use their looks or other gimmicks to sell the product, Brian says. Not Kristen. “She’s doing this because this is absolutely what she was born to do,” Brian says. It would’ve been an easier route to success, he says, to have Kristen dress sexier, “but that’s not our way of doing things. That’s not the way we would like to have things perceived, and it cheapens the music a little bit when you do that, unfortunately.” Smith, who’s been a manager for 14 years, agrees. “She’s never compromised herself as a person. Kristen being Kristen is a great role model,” Smith says. “In this business, people are willing to change their looks and value system – she decided early on that she wasn’t going to compromise, and I think that’ll pay off huge for her in the end.” Two years ago, worn down, Kristen asked herself, “Do I have it in me to keep doing this?” But as Kristen approaches turning 30 on Sept. 28, she feels a “rekindling in her spirit,”

a sense of not feeling any older than she did at 21. “I set goals for myself, but I set loose goals, because I don’t ever want to not enjoy the ride. I try to keep a healthy perspective of what I’m doing because I don’t want to lose my priorities. I really just want to be able to make art for a living. “For me, it’s just so much about the experience. I just feel like so much of living is the experience and putting yourself out there. My job kind of allows me to put my money where my mouth is. I just want to keep creating, and whatever that means, I just want to keep pushing forward. As much as it gets hard, it’s what I love the most.”

MARCH 2012

Photo on Page 10 and here by Karen Hacker/The Portrait Gallery

JACKIE

parenting

Nurture your kids’ creativity Tips for kids of any age to engage By Sherry Phillips American Profile

Give them the tools. The latest educational toy with all the electronic bells and whistles has its place. But for cultivating creativity, it’s hard to beat old standbys such as building blocks, modeling clay and crayons. “With open-ended toys, kids have to figure out, ‘What could this be?’” Reznick says. “They get a chance to stretch their minds and pretend.”

Give them the time. Between school, band practice, karate class and youth group, some kids have a packed schedule. “Lack of free time is a creativity killer,” says Susan Smith Kuczmarski, an educator and social scientist in Chicago. “Kids need what I call hammock time: an opportunity to daydream and get lost in their thoughts.”

Get out of the way. It’s wonderful to teach kids how to play a song, build a model or sew a banner. But it’s equally important to step back afterward and let them experiment with new skills on their own. “Overcontrol by parents is another creativity crusher,” Kuczmarski says.

Creative ideas for every age The best creative activities are ones that match your child’s interests and maturity level. Try these ideas geared to kids of different ages: Preteens and teenagers. At this age, young people are learning about themselves and making big life decisions on their own for the first time. Show them how creative thinking can help. One method: Give them a pen for each hand. First they write a question with their dominant hand. Then they write the first answers that come to mind with the other hand.

Toddlers and preschoolers. Encourage young kids to playact the role of their favorite character from a book, movie or TV show. “Young kids learn through physical activity,” Reznick says. Meanwhile, trying out changes in the storyline exercises budding imaginations.

Elementary-school kids. “At this age, kids start worrying about coloring inside the lines and making a duck yellow, not red,” Reznick says. While social rules are important, so is originality. Give kids permission to break the rules in art. “I have children draw self-portraits using colors and abstract shapes instead of actual features,” Reznick says.

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14 JACKIE

While all children are born with creative potential, their experiences growing up shape how they use it — or lose it. That’s where parents can make a big difference:

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andi Wingate always is looking for fun ways to spark her sons’ creativity. One favorite activity of Trent, 11, and Tyson, 5, is using sidewalk chalk to draw elaborate mazes for their bicycles “By choosing how they draw the paths and where they put the dead ends, they can change up the game in an infinite number of ways,” says Wingate, 40, of Norfolk, Neb. “It’s so simple, yet so creative. “They also love golf, so they invent games where the objective is to hit a golf ball from here to here to there,” Wingate says. “On rainy days, they do things like creating silly hats out of cardboard and gluing on everything from pieces of candy to newspaper clippings.” Children are naturally creative, says Charlotte Reznick, a child educational psychologist in Los Angeles and author of “The Power of Your Child’s Imagination.” “Some say, ‘I’m not creative because I can’t play the guitar,’ or ‘I can’t draw faces.’ But there are many ways to express creativity,” Reznick says. For instance, a child who’s not musically inclined may be a Lego whiz. Parents can nurture their children’s creativity by encouraging them to use original ideas and imagination, whether through storytelling, painting, singing, dancing, playing dress-up or other activities.

3 keys to creativity

MARCH 2012

the family car

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16 JACKIE

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family fitness

Walking for

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Fitness begins by putting one foot in front of the other By Sherry Phillips | American Profile

eady for school, 9-year-old Eric Kvam sees a group of walkers approaching and skips toward the street to join them after his mother, Wendy, hugs him goodbye on a frosty fall morning in Columbia, Mo. “Thank you!” Wendy shouts to Katie Obermarle, 21, who greets Eric as she leads a dozen children on a mile-long jaunt to Fairview Elementary

18 JACKIE

School. “Kids are naturally inclined to be physically active, so it’s ironic that we’ve created a culture in which only about 10 to 15 percent of our children walk or bike to school, down from 50 percent a generation ago,” says Ian Thomas, 49, executive director of Columbia’s PedNet Coalition, which launched its walking school bus program in 2003 and supervises 500 children who walk to 11 schools. “We’ve created a car culture that boxes children in, even though kids are very open to the idea of walking or biking to school.”

MARCH 2012

family fitness

Good medicine From growing concerns about obesity and chronic illnesses to rising gasoline prices, the reasons to walk more and ride less are becoming too clear to ignore, says Dr. Bob Sallis, a family physician and sports medicine expert at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center in Fontana, Calif. And getting started is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other, says Sallis, 52, who advises his patients to walk 30 minutes a day. “The magic is in its simplicity. Exercise is the best medication there is, and physical activity as simple as walking can have a profound effect,” says Sallis, citing significant improvements for patients strugMORGUEFILE.COM gling with diabetes, heart disease, asthma and depression. Walking to school is an ideal way to build physical activity into the daily routines of children, who should engage in 60 minutes of exercise at least four days a week, according to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. In addition, scientific studies show that physically active children perform better academically, and educators report that regular exercise can reduce behavioral problems.

Even so, since the 1970s, U.S. students increasingly have ridden to school in cars or on buses because of factors that include traffic and crime concerns, lack of sidewalks, and working parents unable to supervise walks. In Columbia, home to three colleges, most of the city’s walking school buses are chaperoned by college students who receive class credit for volunteering. “If this had been available when I was their age, I would have loved it,” says Lynne Eggimann, 21, a University of Missouri health sciences major who escorts students to school four days a week. During their walks, Eggimann hears chatter about everything from pet crabs and favorite teachers to birthday parties and school crushes. “These kids love to talk,” she says with a smile. “They have to sit still pretty much all day at school, and I think this wakes them up.” For logging miles on foot, the children earn prizes such as pencils, erasers and shoelaces. More importantly, they build muscles, get their hearts pumping, and “get the wiggles out” before the school bell rings. “I just like to get up and exercise,” says Eric, striding with his classmates to school.

tips to get started Exercising, getting fit and staying fit don’t require expensive equipment, gym memberships or personal trainers. “The data about the benefits of walking continues to be astounding,” says Sallis. In his 20 years as a practicing physician, Sallis has observed a correlation between a lack of exercise and chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma and depression. Walking, he says, is an appealing fitness routine because of its access, simplicity and effectiveness. “You actually can draw a direct linear relationship between the number of minutes a person walks with the quality of their health. The more minutes you walk, the better your health,” he says. Walking strengthens the heart and lungs and, unlike prescribed medications that often are ac-

companied by unpleasant side effects, the byproducts of walking are virtually all positive. “Walking makes you feel less stressed, less hostile,” he says. “You feel better, you look better, and there’s a host of evidence that indicates you’ll live longer, too.” And it’s free. Sallis, 52, is chairman of Every Body Walk!, a national campaign launched in 2011 by Oakland, Calif.-based health-care organization Kaiser Permanente. “Our goal is to encourage adults to do 150 minutes a week of moderate or greater exercise, such as walking,” says Sallis, citing guidelines and recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine. MARCH 2012

Dr. Sallis’ tips to get started Get comfortable. Invest in quality cotton socks, padded shoes and workout clothes. “If you feel like you look good and feel comfortable, you’re more likely to get out there and walk,” Sallis says. Build up. If necessary, start walking in 10- or 15-minute increments and gradually challenge yourself. “We know that three 10-minute periods of exercise give us the same benefits as 30 minutes of solid exercise,” he says. “So if you can’t go 10 minutes without getting winded, then start by walking to the end of the driveway and back. The next time, try to walk a little further. Once you get going, it will become easier and easier, and you’ll feel better and better.” For stronger walkers, add resistance training to your workout by carrying 5- to 10-pound weights to strengthen your bones. Stretch out. Finish walking with light stretching exercises for the shoulders, lower back and hips. Set a goal. Try to walk 30 minutes a day — more if you can — so that by the end of the week, you’ve logged at least 150 minutes of walking. Find an exercise partner. “It helps when you’re being held accountable,” Sallis says. “On the days when you don’t feel like exercising, you’ll do it anyway when that person comes knocking at your door.” Adopt a dog. “People who own dogs are much more likely to take walks,” he says. “We need to combine the need for dogs to find homes with the need for people to exercise regularly.” Identify an event. Sign up for a 5K, 10K or fun walk with a group of individuals or some of your friends so that you’re training together with a goal in mind. “Sometimes having something on the calendar can provide that extra motivation,” Sallis says. Use a pedometer. “Keep in mind that 10,000 steps a day is typically the goal,” he says. “A pedometer is a good way to measure just how much you’re walking in the course of a day.” Set your pace. The scientific way to measure the intensity of your workout is to measure your maximum heart rate, but Sallis recommends a less complicated approach called the “sing-song test.” “You should walk fast enough so that you’re too winded to sing while you’re walking, but not so fast that you can’t talk. So if you’re able to sing while you’re walking, you’re probably not pushing yourself enough,” Sallis says. Walking is truly the best medicine there is, according to Sallis, who says health care should begin with healthful lifestyle choices that include regular exercise and proper nutrition. “We’re spending too much money on pills and not paying enough attention to our behaviors,” he says. “Walking is a good first step.” JACKIE

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