Fargo-Moorhead’s Biggest Family Events Calendar February/March 2012
Planning a Family Garden
14
Valentine's Day Traditions
Indoor Walking in the F-M Area
Collaborative Divorce
Essentia Health
YOUR FAMILY z from the editor February/March 2012 Vol. 16, No. 1 Publisher The Village Family Service Center Gary Wolsky Tammy Noteboom Editor-in-Chief Kelly Lynch Graphic Design & Layout Jared Zimney Advertising Sales Manager Joy Ryan Advertising Sales Madalyn Pezalla Food & Fun Editor Shayna Hendricksen Copy Editor Shayna Hendricksen The Village Family Service Center Board of Directors Carrie Bjorge, Lyman Edds, Matthew Hallaway, Dr. Richard Hanson, Matt Leiseth, Dale Mowry, Michelle Powers, Joy Query, Dan Ulmer, Shane Waslaski
For advertising information, call (701) 451-5000 For editorial comments or questions, please call 701-451-4937 or email magazine@TheVillageFamily.org Printed by Forum Communications Printing, Fargo, N.D. ©2012 The Village Family Magazine.
How many of you have cast aside healthy eating and exercise as the cold winds of winter have darkened your door? If you’re like me, a low-calorie, veggie-filled salad is no match for a steaming hot bowl of meaty chili topped with gooey, melted cheese when the furnace is humming in the background and daylight is limited. Comfort food tends to be laden with calories and that’s just half the battle. What about exercising? I think you’ll agree, it’s really not too difficult to motivate yourself to get out into the warmth of the spring and summer sunshine for a brisk walk. It’s a bit more challenging to lace up your shoes and go for a walk when the wind chill is 20 below, or your favorite walking path is snowcovered or slippery. I am basically lazy. I’d rather pull out my Kindle and exercise my brain with a good book than flex any major muscle groups. But, I know that’s the wrong attitude. Believe me, I know. Walking has so many benefits. I try to incorporate extra steps into my regular routine whenever possible. I always park far away from my destination when it involves a large parking lot. This drives both my husband and my sons absolutely crazy. They will travel around a parking lot two or three times searching for a spot close to the door. Not me—the outskirts of the parking lot, away from other vehicles and potential door dings is the way to go. Every extra step helps. I also try to use the stairs when I find myself in buildings with elevators—always on the way down, but I’ll even take the stairs up if it’s not further than half a dozen floors. Walking is my exercise of choice. It’s inexpensive, requires little coordination (I’m sorely lacking in coordination), and you can do it nearly everywhere. A regular walking routine will give you energy, build stamina, and lift your mood. It tones muscles, strengthens bones, and helps you burn calories (you’ve got to find some way to burn off that cheesy chili). Studies show walking can lower your risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the mental health benefits of walking abound. In addition to boosting your mood as I already noted, walking is believed to slow mental decline, improve sleep, and lower Alzheimer’s risk. If you’ve got the motivation to incorporate a walking regimen into your life, where do you go in mid-winter? In our feature article, “Indoor Walking,” we outline a number of indoor walking tracks and venues throughout Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo. You could choose one that’s a good fit for you and stick with it until spring, or mix it up and try a variety of locations to keep the surroundings fresh. It won’t be long until April showers will usher in May flowers and we’ll be able to trek along snow-free sidewalks in the sunshine. Until then, Happy (indoor) Trails.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Village Family Magazine is a registered trademark. The Village Family Magazine does not necessarily endorse content of advertising. The mission of The Village Family Magazine is to broaden the ability of The Village Family Service Center to improve the quality of people’s lives. In each issue, articles and features will educate and encourage families to develop and maintain positive, constructive relationships.
About the Cover Photo Noah, Age 3 Photography by Skyloft Photography (see ad on page 30)
Mail correspondence to: The Village Family Service Center ATTN: Family Magazine 1201 25th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103
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February/March 2012
departments z wellness
6 The New Weight Loss Rules
Implement these subtle, yet realistic lifestyle changes to improve your health and lose weight sensibly. Motivation and moderation will get you there. z feature
15 Indoor Walking
Don’t let a little winter weather undermine your walking routine. Explore the array of indoor walking venues available throughout our community. z consumer
18 Learning to Love Legal Music
Do you know how your kids are getting their music? Find out about free, legal ways to download tunes. z money
22 Identity Theft
Children, adolescents, young adults, adults…no one is immune to identity theft. Be aware of some of the latest scams and what you can do to protect your family. z do-it-together
34 Planning a Family Vegetable Garden
Summer will seem that much closer if you sit down with your kids, sort through seed catalogs together, and plot and plan for spring planting. Get tips from community experts on creating your own vegetable garden in whatever space you have available. z change
38 Collaborative Divorce
Contributing writer attorney Michael Gjesdahl explains this “no litigation” method of divorce, which focuses on negotiation and keeps families out of court. z parenting
42 14 Valentine's Day Traditions
Celebrate the day! Show your loved ones how much you care by transforming February 14th into an entire day of love-filled gestures and traditions.
in every issue z gary’s opinion........... 9
z events calendar........ 24
z books & movies....... 10
z food & fun................ 45
z mom’s view.............. 12
z words & wisdom...... 46
z dad’s view................ 13
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The Weight Loss Rules By Sandra Gordon
Whether you’re trying to shed some post-baby pounds or just get back in shape, losing weight has never been easier. “We know so much more about dieting—and keeping the weight off—than we did five years ago,” says Susan Head, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in weight management in Durham, North Carolina. The latest studies prove that a weight-loss plan doesn’t have to be strict and unforgiving to work. Experts now believe that helping dieters adopt small lifestyle changes is more effective than forcing them to radically overhaul their eating habits. Want a taste? Try these ten proven principles. Rule 1: Get Really Psyched If you’re not mentally prepared before you dive into a diet, you’re more likely to mount a halfhearted effort and suffer the inevitable consequence: regaining the weight. Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Yale University, recommends asking yourself two questions: “Compared to the last time I dieted, how motivated am I now?” And, “Do I see myself being committed for the weeks, months, or years it will take to reach my goal?” If you can honestly answer “Very!” and “Yes!”—youʼre on the right track. Lacking motivation? Head suggests listing the cons of staying at your present weight, such as low energy, not fitting into your favorite jeans, or feeling winded when you exercise. Still, enthusiasm only goes so far. “It doesn’t matter how motivated you are if your new diet and exercise changes don’t match your current
values or lifestyle,” says Head. Before deciding to walk to work every morning, for example, ask yourself why you didn’t do it before, and anticipate how this change is going to affect your life. Will the extra time it takes disrupt your work schedule? If so, maybe you should consider exercising after work or during lunch. Rule 2: Set Modest Goals Aim to lose just 10 percent of your body weight by burning 3,500 to 7,000 calories (the equivalent of one to two pounds) per week more than you consume. And give yourself a minimum of six months. Even clinically obese patients are advised to stick to that humble objective. “It’s just not possible for most people to lose more,” says Gary Foster, Ph.D., clinical director of the Weight and Eating Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. “Even if you could, studies suggest you’ll be more likely to gain it back.” Losing so little over such a long time may seem like a small achievement, but “healthwise, it’s a major
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improvement,” says G. Ken Goodrick, Ph.D., director of the Weight and Energy Program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “It reduces your risk of a host of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some cancers.” Experts also advise maintaining the new weight for six months before deciding whether you want to lose more. Rule 3: Eat! When it comes to weight loss, “many people still think eating as little as possible is best,” says C. Wayne Callaway, M.D., an associate clinical professor of medicine at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “They skip breakfast and have a light lunch, then have trouble controlling their hunger at night,” he says. To break the binge cycle, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day at regular times, even if you’re not hungry (you soon will be). And make sure those meals are nutritionally adequate. “Your goal should be to eat enough protein, fat, and fiberrich complex carbohydrates at each meal so that you don’t feel deprived,” Dr. Callaway says. (Think a palm-size serving of fish, skinless chicken breast, or lean red meat with vegetables and whole grains filling the rest of the plate.)
and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Her most recent study, published in The International Journal of Obesity, found that people who followed a portion-controlled moderate-fat diet maintained their weight loss longer than those who got only 20 percent of their calories from fat. The type of fat you choose is essential. Opt for hearthealthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in olive oil, nuts, avocado, and seafood. Rule 7: Snack Judiciously David Levitsky, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition and psychology at Cornell University, has found that snackers eat the same amount at meals as nonsnackers, so they end up eating more total calories by day’s end. Small snacks—about two per day, each under 200 calories—do help ward off hunger, making them an essential part of any diet, but snacking on a whole box of cereal while struggling to meet a deadline or passing the time with your toddler isn’t a good idea.
Proof Stamp Date: ____
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Rule 4: Seek Support Stress management techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, meditation and/or exercise are extremely helpful weight-management tools, says Goodrick, especially if you tend to overeat when you’re depressed, stressed, or bored. Experiment until you find a method that works for you. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family is also important. “They can help you solidify your commitment and avoid diet pitfalls,” says Goodrick. If your relatives, friends, or officemates know you’re dieting, for instance, they’ll be less likely to push their bag of potato chips. Even after you’ve reached your goal, a support network can keep you on track. Rule 5: Keep Moving “In study after study, people who exercise maintain their weight loss longer,” says Holly Wyatt, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver. In fact, in one study of 3,000 people who lost at least 30 pounds and kept them off for a year or more, 90 percent said they were using exercise as a way to maintain their newfound weight. An hour a day was the norm. Sound like a lot? The good news is that everything counts— taking the stairs with a basket of laundry, running after a twoyear-old, etc. The bad news? “Studies also show that exercise alone doesn’t help you slim down,” says Dr. Wyatt. In other words, you’ll still need to count calories and watch portions. Rule 6: Fat is Your Friend “Most people can’t stick to a very low-fat diet for long,” says Kathy McManus, R.D., director of nutrition at Brigham family
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The Weight Loss Rules Continued
Rule 8: Indulge Moderately In her book, “Eating Thin for Life,” which surveyed the diet habits of 208 people who lost an average of 64 pounds, Anne Fletcher, R.D., found that successful dieters didn’t deprive themselves of foods they craved or loved. “But they have control systems for preventing an all-out binge,” Fletcher says. What strategies seemed to work? Keeping the sweets and other treats out of the house so you’re not facing continual temptation, buying bite-size candy to limit caloric damage, and budgeting your calorie intake over the course of a day or even a week to allow for unexpected indulgences. Rule 9: Replace a Meal A recent study published in the “Archives of Internal Medicine” found those who used low-calorie meal replacements in addition to following a balanced diet lost
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more weight and kept it off longer than those who didn’t. Meal replacements work because portion sizes and calories are controlled, say researchers. Look for shakes or bars that offer no more than seven grams of fat, at least 300 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbs, plus some fiber. And remember, they’re meant to replace meals, not to be consumed with meals or as on-the-go snacks. Rule 10: Keep Your Scale “Weighing yourself weekly is key for long-term success,” says Wyatt. “It helps clue you in to any relapse.” If you gain five pounds or more, she advises immediate action. “Identify where you may have slipped—and lose those few extra pounds within the month,” she says. Sandra Gordon writes about health, nutrition, parenting, and consumer issues for leading magazines and websites.
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YOUR FAMILY z gary’s opinion
Character-based Mindset Long Overdue By Gary Wolsky, President/CEO The Village Family Service Center Dr. Steven Covey’s “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” makes some interesting observations about where he thinks our culture has, in my words, “gone off the tracks.” After reviewing 200 years of success-related literature, he suggests that around 70 years ago we began moving from Wolsky a “character-based” to a much shallower “personality-based” society. When he references character he suggests things such as integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty, and the Golden Rule. This began to change after WWI. It takes a good bit of commitment and constant work to live the character traits described above. People began to find it “easier” to drift from them. It became common place to be more focused on “public image” techniques and other clearly more shallow approaches to issues. Read: shortcuts to more instant gratification. If we translate all of this to issues of politics/sound leadership that impact our culture, we seem to have a boatload of examples that would validate Covey’s premise. For example, we hear daily about something in the neighborhood of $1.2 billion that can’t seem to be found in a company called MF Global, run by former New Jersey Governor John Corzine. He simply can’t find it. We all recall Bernie Madoff who now resides in a prison somewhere repenting for his inability to find lots of money, as well. Then there’s Enron—you get the idea. These examples are business leaders, but it is no better in the political world. While there have always been dishonest and corrupt individuals who clearly suffer from character issues, it seems at the moment that much of our business and political landscape is littered with them, particularly on a national scale. If there is an exception to this, I would point to the “bubble” that we live in here in the Midwest. While we’re clearly not immune from periodic bouts of bad judgment, stupidity, and character
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problems, I think we have reason to boast that we are in a far better place than some. If you agree that, as many have said, we are financially sitting on the edge of a cliff and mortgaging the future of our kids and grandkids, then you’d probably agree that this has to stop. Politicians, all of them, have done a pathetic job over many years of managing our finances. This is obviously so as of late. A resurgence of a “character-based” mindset when it comes to success/leadership, and life in general, is long overdue. Last week, I ran across a quote by Edward R. Murrow, and I believe it is worth repeating, “A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.” I’m not pessimistic about our future, but I am convinced that if we’re going to back away from this cliff it will be a result of more citizens getting involved and speaking their mind—and the more this reflects bedrock solid character attributes, the better. Our country has a long history of being able to self-correct, but it seems that only happens when “we the people” keep the reins of oversight in our hands and watch very carefully how outcomes develop. When we authorize—by virtue of our vote—either business leaders or politicians to act on our behalf without proper oversight, we do this at our peril. We, as citizens/owners, must remain the final and ultimate authority. After all, if we’ve allowed ourselves to become a nation of sheep—shame on us. Perhaps you could say we’ve gotten what we deserve; or, on the other hand, we can take back the control and responsibility that has always been ours and DEMAND better leadership based on the values we all know need to govern our business and political world. The opinions expressed in this column are strictly those of The Village Family Service Center CEO. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization, staff, or boards of directors.
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YOUR FAMILY z m vies
Davis Steen is a sophomore studying broadcast communications at North Dakota State University. In his free time, Davis is working his way through the book “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.”
© 2011 Lions Gate Film Inc. All rights reserved.
TM & © 2011 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
by Davis Steen
“The Hunger Games”
PG In Theatres Feb. 10 “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is a sequel to the 2008 hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” This 3D family adventure starts with a 17-year-old boy named Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) who receives a coded distress signal from an island—an island that until now, no one knew existed. Sean’s stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), is unable to stop Sean from responding to the distress signal, so he joins the quest. With the help of a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), Sean and Hank set out to the island filled with strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and quite a few secrets. They discover the island is about to sink into the sea, so the crew sets out to rescue its lone inhabitant before the island is lost forever.
PG-13 In Theatres Mar. 23 “The Hunger Games” is adapted from the book of the same name by Suzanne Collins, the first book in a trilogy that has attracted a massive worldwide following. “The Hunger Games” follow Katniss in a post-apocalyptic North America. The country is run by evil forces that require an annual contest known as the “Hunger Games.” Each of the twelve districts must send one highly trained boy and girl, known as tributes, who has been training his or her entire life for this event. The tributes are pitted against each other in the games. Katniss is forced to use her sharp instincts and the training from her bum-of-a-mentor in order to survive. Eventually she is forced to make impossible choices in the arena—choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
“The Pirates! Band of Misfits” PG In Theatres Mar. 30 From the producers of “Chicken Run” and “Wallace and Gromit” comes the Claymation movie “The Pirates! Band of Misfits.” Hugh Grant voices the boundlessly enthusiastic, but somewhat unsuccessful, Pirate Captain. Along with his crew of pirates, the captain sets out to pursue his seemingly impossible dream of beating his bitter rivals, Black Bellamy (Jeremy Piven) and Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek), for the much coveted pirate-of-the-year award. The adventures take them from the exotic Blood Island all the way to the foggy streets of Victorian London. Along the way they battle with the fiendish queen (Imelda Staunton) and pair up with a naïve young scientist (David Tennant), but they never lose sight of what pirates love best: adventure! © Sony Pictures Animation /
Columbia Pictures
“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” PG In Theatres Mar. 2 “The Lorax” is a classic Dr. Seuss book about a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. In the movie, 12-year-old Ted (Zac Efron), sets out on a journey to win the heart of Audrey (Taylor Swift), the girl of his dreams. In order to do this, he must discover the story of the Lorax (Danny Devito), a grumpy yet charming creature who is fighting to protect his world. From the creators of “Despicable Me,” “The Lorax” also features the voice talents of Ed Helms as the enigmatic Once-ler, Rob Riggle as the financial King O’Hare, and beloved actress Betty White as the voice of Ted’s wise Grandma Norma.
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© Universal Pictures / Illumination Entertainment
“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island”
Book Reviews Courtesy Barnes and Noble, Fargo
Baby & Preschool “The Wizard of Oz Scanimation: 10 Classic Scenes From Over the Rainbow” by Rufus Butler Seder We’re off to see the wizard! The magic of Scanimation meets the wonderful Wizard of Oz, bringing to life ten memorable scenes from the movie that’s enchanted generations of viewers. With equal parts love and skill, Seder has created ten compelling Scanimations, taking us over the rainbow. A glittering, ruby-red cover is the final, delectable touch.
Teenagers “You Have Seven Messages” by Stewart Lewis It’s been a year since Luna’s mother, the fashion-model wife of a successful film director, was hit and killed by a taxi in New York’s East Village. Luna, her father, and her little brother, Tile, are still struggling with grief. When Luna goes to clean out her mother’s old studio, she’s stunned to find her mom’s cell phone there—charged and holding seven unheard messages. As Luna begins to listen to them, she learns more about her mother’s life than she ever wanted to know…and she comes to realize that the tidy tale she’s been told about her mother’s death may not be the whole truth.
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Ages 4 to 8 “The Man in the Moon” by William Joyce The infant Man in the Moon (nicknamed MiM) is hidden away by his parents in order to escape the nefarious Pitch, “the King of Nightmares,” renowned for “plundering planets, extinguishing stars, and scuttling every airship that crossed his path.” Without his parents, MiM grows up, round-faced and nattily dressed, orbiting Earth in a derelict clipper. Learning of the hopes and dreams of Earth’s children, he gathers a team of fellow guardians to protect and console them. Joyce combines elemental fairyland themes—a cloistered heir, secret powers, mysterious good deeds—into a tale that’s warm and fuzzy, swashbuckling, and dazzlingly inventive all at the same time.
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Ages 9 to 12 “A Year Without Autumn” by Liz Kessler The author of the best-selling Emily Windsnap series spins a gripping tale about a girl who stumbles into the future—and must change its course to save a friendship. Jenni Green’s family vacation has finally arrived, and she gets to spend a week with her bestest friend in the world, Autumn. But twelve-year-old Jenni’s world turns upside down when she takes an old elevator to visit Autumn and discovers that everything has changed: Not only is her friend in a different condo, but tragedy has struck Autumn’s family, and everyone is a year older. When Jenni realizes that the elevator caused her to skip a whole year, she tries to go back, but soon finds that fixing things won’t be as easy as pressing a button. How can she alter the past and keep her family and Autumn’s from falling apart? With honesty and insight, Liz Kessler explores how the bonds of family and friendship can endure through time.
Adults “Shelter Puppies” by Michael Kloth What could tug at the heartstrings more than a puppy looking for a home? Whether he’s exploring eagerly with his littermates or winning you over with his doleful stare, a puppy is quite irresistible. In this delightful new book, photographer Michael Kloth captures the canine spirit at its floppy-eared, tail-wagging best with over 60 endearing portraits of shelter puppies. From chihuahuas and poodles to pit bulls and Labradors, and all kinds of mixes in-between, the puppies enchant with their curiosity, playfulness, and all-round lust for life. By documenting the unique characters and stories of some of the puppies he has encountered in his volunteer work, Kloth raises awareness of animal rescue causes, and especially the need for more adoptive homes.
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YOUR FAMILY z mom’s view
Excuse me, do you speak Pokemon? New hobby leads to bilingual boys.
12 February/March 2012
Jack: “Seriously? That’s cool. Okay, then that guy is knocked out. Then I’ll put my 60 damage on you and now you’re knocked out.” Me: “How does each Pokemon get knocked out, and what’s up with all this damage you keep talking about?” Jack (sounding a little exasperated at having to give me the “Pokemon for Dummies” crash course): “You have to do the math, Mom. You take your Pokemon health number and minus the damage.” Adam: “But don’t forget you also have Trainer cards that can help your Pokemon boost up his health after getting damage and stuff like that. Then the other Pokemon you’re battling will faint before you do.” Me (nodding as if I understood a single word they just said): “Oh, I get it. Cool game.” Then I fled the room so they wouldn’t find out that all this Pokemon stuff still sounds like Portuguese to me, even though it has become so easy and natural for them. Though I don’t understand it, I’m amazed by the vast amount of knowledge kids can soak up when they deem it “cool.” There are 649 fictional characters in the Pokemon world along with lots of details about each one of them. Kids not only memorize the card information but they also remember exactly how they got that card, as in “I got this one from Jacob on the bus when I traded him my Samurott water type for his Wormadam fighting type! Awesome trade.” If teachers could just give mathematical concepts different names and personalities and let them “do battle,” I bet kids could master advanced calculus in the second grade. Gradeschoolers could probably even solve our economy’s complex financial problems if we’d just give each of the major issues special fighting skills (like poison claws) and the ability to duke it out with other menacing issues. The kids could negotiate, persuade, convince, and swap cards around until the budget was balanced, fiscal “damage” was repaired, and economic “health” was boosted— just in time for an after-school snack. Illustration by Trygve Olson
By Gwen Rockwood When my kids first started school, I hoped that one day they’d learn a second language, and now they have. But they didn’t learn it in the classroom or from after-school tutors. They learned it at recess and lunchtime and during the bus ride home. And the only people who understand what the heck they’re saying are other kids who’ve also immersed themselves in this unique second language known as “Pokemon.” For the record, Pokemon is not an actual language. It’s a kid’s video game invented by a Japanese designer, and it first hit the market back in 1996, selling a cumulative 200 million copies around the world. Since then, the video game morphed into cartoons, books, toys, and trading cards. The weird name is actually a combination of the words “Pocket Monsters.” When the boys started asking if we would buy them Pokemon trading cards, I said no. I’ve been around long enough to know that kids stick to toy trends about as long as they stick to a shoe size. It can go by in a blur, and, before you know it, you’re putting a whole collection of toys—that your kids just HAD to have—into your next garage sale for the whopping price of a quarter each. Having been burned on “must have” toy fads before, I told the boys they’d have to use their own money to buy Pokemon cards. So they saved up their “paychecks” from weekly chores and went to Wal-Mart with their dad to buy their first pack of trading cards. Since that day, I’ve overheard lots of Pokemon conversations between the boys and their neighborhood friends. To me, the dialogue sounds like gibberish. Just to prove it, I jotted down notes today when the boys played a round of Pokemon cards after school. Here’s that conversation: Jack: “I use my 50 attack card and you take 10 damage to your bench Pokemon.” Me: “What’s a bench Pokemon?” (Jack gestures toward the row of cards laying in front of them, and I notice an unmistakable expression of “Duh, Mom!” in his eyes.) Adam: “Okay, hmmm. I’ll do my Scolipede, the evolver of the Whirlipede, and I put 80 damage on you. Awesome! Scolipede has poison claws! By the way, did you know that a Pignite evolves into an Ember?”
Gwen Rockwood is a regular contributor to The Village Family Magazine. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and three kids. Send comments to her at rockwoodfiles@cox.net.
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YOUR FAMILY z dad’s view
The Ultimate Chaperone A Valentine Report
Illustration by Trygve Olson
By Rick Epstein “Can we talk a minute?” I asked. I was standing in the foyer of a big house wanting a few words with Mr. Smith. He’s the father of my daughter’s boyfriend, Romeo. (His parents didn’t name him; I did.) Mr. Smith said, “Sure,” as Wendy and Romeo, both 15, disappeared into the Smiths’ cozily finished basement, which is exactly what I wanted to talk about with Dad. He was mystified as we sat down on opposing couches in a perfect living room. “When Wendy is visiting here,” I said, “I wonder if you could keep them out of the basement.” His eyes narrowed and I stumbled on, “The basement is too private. I just don’t want them getting too comfortable down in the love nest.” He frowned and said noncommittally, “I’ll see what I can do.” He had the air of someone who does not think his son will get pregnant no matter where he entertains his young ladies. Nor did he want the awkward and unpleasant chore I was giving him. “Thanks,” I said. I felt strange making the request because I remembered my own teenage years, wishing my girlfriend’s family would quit parading through my make-out zone (their living room). I relate more readily to my furtively ardent 16-year-old self than to my responsible killjoy 55-year-old self. I sometimes look in the mirror to remind myself which one I really am. Lately I’ve been looking like Moses and that helps. The trouble with the Smiths’ basement is that it’s not on the way to anywhere an adult could plausibly want to go. Probably the whole idea of finishing it and furnishing it with a couch and a TV set was to get the kids out of the way. Wendy later reported that the Smiths had kept the lovebirds upstairs and chatted with them the whole evening. She said it was weird. When Wendy and Romeo return, my wife and I surrender That level of adult effort proved unsustainable, and the next the living room and the TV to them and read books in our time I came to pick Wendy up, I had to wait for her to climb up room, finding a reason to come noisily down the stairs every from the Love Cave. I gave Mr. Smith a bruising look that he 45 minutes or so. It’s no fun, but that’s OK. We are committed may not have noticed. Since then, I haven’t let Wendy go over to encouraging young love, but discouraging young sex. Our there, except in a group. So Romeo comes to our house. Our strategy consists of hospitality mixed with obstacles, resistance, basement has no couch and TV. It has rusty mouse traps and and interruptions. hopping bugs. Yesterday, Wendy asked, “Can you take me over to Romeo’s So the kids go out on the town (population 1,600). Our town on Saturday?” offers a pizzeria, a coffee shop, a convenience store, and a “No way,” I said. “His parents won’t keep you two out of the playground that’s supposed to be off-limits after dark. A quartermile bridge across the river to the next state makes for delightful Love Cave.” Wendy said, “Dad, the basement is trashed. Remember when strolling. it rained for a week? The basement got two feet of water and Many years ago, it was an old-fashioned covered bridge. An everything is soaked with mud and fuel oil. Even the walls came old lady once confided to me, “When I was young, that bridge down.” was a dandy place for smooching. It was dark and quiet, day “Hallelujah!” I said, “The Man Upstairs has been offended.” and night. No one in town could see you, and there wasn’t much “He sure has,” Wendy said. “Mr. Smith traffic. When an automobile or wagon would rumble onto the says it’ll take him a year to get it fixed up nice planks, it sounded like thunder. That gave you time to compose again.” yourself and start walking like you were headed somewhere. If Maybe the next time I ask Mr. Smith to do headlights shined on you, you’d just give ‘em an innocent smile, me a favor, he will tremble and obey. like butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth. My father told me to stay out of there, but I never listened. It was a sad day when the Rick Epstein is a regular contributor to The Flood of ’33 washed that bridge away.” Village Family Magazine. Have you read the Old Testament? That is SO God! family villagefamilymag.org February/March 2012 13
A Gift From The Heart will feed kids at Nokomis Child Care Centers
Ethan, Age 4
On Thursday, Feb. 14, donate $10 or more online to Nokomis Child Care Centers of The Village at impactgiveback.org, and Dakota Medical Foundation will match the first $4,000 given to The Village. For more information, call Tasha at 701-451-4956
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Hosted By: www.impactgiveback.org
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Indoor Walking YOUR FAMILY z feature
T
By Logan Little he American poet Henry David Thoreau once mused, “It is a great art to saunter.” As an ardent naturalist, it was a passion he would unremittingly embrace, walking at least four hours a day through the hickory and oak woodland that gracefully cradles the tranquil shores of Walden’s pond. Of course, everyone knows the health benefits of walking: lower blood pressure, better cardiovascular endurance, reduced risk of disease. It doesn’t take a 19th-century transcendentalist to confirm that walking is good for you. But while Thoreau encouraged his readers to walk not by paths or trails but according to “the subtle magnetism in Nature,” we offer some more pragmatic alternatives to all of you winter-locked walkers, looking for some new digs to fit your stride.
The following is a list of great indoor locations that are free to the public and welcoming to walkers. So grab a friend, lace up your tennis shoes, and saunter away! West Fargo Veterans Arena 1201 7th Avenue East West Fargo Call: (701) 433-5370 Walking Hours See: www.wfparks.org/topmenulinks/schedules/walkingtrackschedules.php The recently-renovated Vets Memorial Arena is a large, multi-purpose facility offering resources for a host of recreational opportunities, including a new track for walkers. The 1/8-mile, three-lane track loops around a skating rink that may be flush with practicing Packers, so be sure to call ahead for availability. In the meantime, you’re welcome to warm up on a treadmill in the fitness center, free for anyone 18 and older. A parking permit is required for walkers and is available at the front office for no charge. Fargo South Sports Arena 17th Avenue and 20th Street South Fargo Call: (701) 241-8153
Fargo North High Gym and Track 801 17th Avenue North Fargo Call: (701) 241-1350
Walking Hours Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday: Noon–9 p.m.
Walking Hours Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday: Noon–4 p.m. Sunday: Noon–8 p.m.
The Bill Schlossman Walking Track at the Fargo South Sports Arena is a five-lane track surrounding a skating rink. The track is fairly large—nine laps to a mile—and the hours are very accommodating. According to the Fargo Park District this arena is Fargo’s “most diversified recreation facility.” During the winter months, the facility does take a distinctive bend toward hockey. It smells like hockey, it feels like hockey, and there may be some puddles of water from the artificial ice on the track. Nonetheless, it’s always a popular spot for walkers who enjoy the easy parking, courteous staff, and invigorating music to accompany their morning march. Make sure to bundle up before you go because it gets chilly in there. family
The Fargo North track is somewhat unique to the other indoor tracks the Park District offers, in that it’s staged on its own level, so you don’t have to worry about obstructing other activities while you walk. Climb a few stairs and begin your stroll on a 1/13-mile track overlooking the Spartan basketball court, with coat racks and rest room facilities located on the spot. Front-side parking is free with permit (available at front office) and is open to everyone after 4 p.m. Just look for the designated signs.
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Minnesota State University Nemzek Hall 1104 7th Avenue South Moorhead Call: (218) 477-2309 Walking Hours Call to confirm Welcome to the Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse, home of MSUM Dragon basketball. The 1/13-mile, four-lane track encircles home court, scaling the interior of this expansive, 4,000fan capacity arena. The facility is shared by both menʼs and women’s sports departments, so availability to the public is limited. Moorhead Sports Center 324 South 24th Street Moorhead Call: (218) 299-5353 Walking Hours Monday-Friday: 5 a.m.–9 p.m. Weekend hours vary The Moorhead Sports Center is a padded walkway that curls around the perimeter of two skating rinks. The unconventional layout has its advantages; one mile around both rinks is only six laps and some change. Brightly lit, modern, and cool (but not too cold), the Moorhead Sports Center is a great place to skate and a fine place to walk.
Downtown Fargo Skyway Downtown Fargo Access Points: • Civic Center • Firestone Tire • Radisson Hotel • US Bank • Metro Drug • Black Building Walking Hours Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. What better respite from oppressive railroad crossings and unshoveled sidewalks than a stroll above downtown Fargo? A wide, climate-controlled walkway connects pedestrians to a number of parking, retail, and restaurant locations, from the Civic Center to the Elm Tree Square. Convenient multiple access points bring you out of the frigid city streets and into a charming urban ambiance bustling with busy professionals.
TWO WEEKS FREE UNLIMITED TANNING FREE 24-HOUR ACCESS
A FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION
Walking in Fargo-Moorhead “Walk this Way” is a community walking program designed to promote walking among the citizens of the Fargo-Moorhead. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at a variety of locations throughout the spring, summer, and early fall. Learn more at www.fmwalkthisway.com. The “Wellness Walk” program began when a few “Walk this Way” participants wanted to continue walking together throughout the year. The group meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m.—now through spring they meet at the Minnesota State Technical College, Southwest Commons area. Show up for the “Wellness Walk” on a Tuesday and you can ask to be added to an email reminder that will keep you informed of the location (once the weather turns nice the group walks outside whenever possible, and the location can vary from week to week).
FREE GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
South Fargo
1801 45th St. S. 701-277-5040 North Fargo
2614 N Broadway 701-239-1781 Dilworth
1710 Center Ave. W. 218-227-0010 Barnesville
602 Front St. 218-354-7155
Stay on top of your New Year’s Resolution
Logan Little is a local writer and marketing professional who specializes in online branding strategies. When not behind the keyboard, he enjoys volunteering and spending time at the lake.
valid through March 2012
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Shop while you walk
West Acres Shopping Center I-29 and 13th Avenue South Fargo Call: (701) 282-2222
Moorhead Center Mall 510 Center Avenue Moorhead Call: (218) 233-6117
Walking Hours Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. (Shops open at 10 a.m.) Sunday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Shops open at noon) More information: http://www.westacres.com/visitor-information-mall-walking-guide. php
Mall Hours Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.
In the Fargo area, it’s an obvious choice. And why not? As the largest mall in North Dakota, West Acres Shopping Center is an ideal facility for walkers, offering plenty of space and scenery for anyone who likes their exercise with a little window shopping on the side. You’ll stroll the .82 miles of walking distance unencumbered and crowdfree during the early walking hours, while taking in the variety of limited-time regional artwork displays adorning your surroundings and enhancing your walk experience. And while these pieces are frequently rotated to avoid monotony, there are some collections you can always look forward to when you walk West Acres. Permanent components of the mall’s regional showcase include the aquarium court, featuring a 1,000 gallon, freshwater tank brimming with beautiful African cichlids; the Buffalo Court, home to the “Buffalo Path” and a life-size, multi-colored bison sculpture; the Fountain Court, with the familiar “Fountain of Abundance” sculpture and fountain; and of course, West Acre’s hallmark exhibit, the Roger Maris Museum, which contains a treasure trove of priceless memorabilia from one of North Dakota’s most celebrated sons. Couple these attractions with the usual amenities you expect from a shopping center and you’ll agree, this mall was made for walking.
Like West Acres, the Moorhead Center Mall offers plenty of retail rubbernecking for walkers, perhaps looking to take advantage of zero percent sales tax on clothing and shoes. But where West Acres is the clear winner when it comes to walking distance, accommodations, and panache; a relaxed, low-traffic atmosphere and great parking make the Moorhead Center Mall an agreeable alternative. Dark brown cobblestones line the path as you stroll by a variety of unique, locally-owned businesses that remain a celebrated feature of the mall’s 38-year history. -Logan Little
Practice Good Manners While Walking in Public By Leann Zotis
Much like the well-publicized concept of road rage, there is also an element of society that falls victim to “sidewalk rage.” Just like the name implies, sidewalk rage can occur anytime someone exhibits bad manners or aggressive behavior while out walking. The best way to exhibit good manners while walking in public is to follow some basic guidelines of good manners you probably learned at your motherʼs knee—watch out for the other guy and treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you encounter elderly, physically impaired, or otherwise slower moving foot traffic, display patience and kindness in your interactions. Politely excuse yourself if you have to pass around someone in order to move on at your own pace. If, by some unforeseen circumstance, you do bump into someone, offer sincere apologies for the mishap. And donʼt over-react if someone bumps into you or crosses your path unexpectedly. Good manners usually encourage others to behave in similar fashion. Try to be the one who brings out the best in everyone. Look for opportunities to help someone as you walk along in public. Did an elderly man drop something as he was walking along? Reach down and pick it up for him, saving him the effort of expending energy he may not have to spare. Donʼt walk along with your eyes fixed to the ground or staring blankly ahead of you in zombie-like fashion. Take a moment to smile at anyone approaching you; offer a cheery greeting if it seems appropriate. The world is full of enough sullen malcontents; do your part to brighten someoneʼs life as they walk through their day. Walking in public provides a great opportunity to stretch your horizons. You have new opportunities to meet and greet your fellow man here on earth while making your way along the pathway of your life. Do it with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. family
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YOUR FAMILY z consumer
Learning to Love
Legal Music By Carolyn Jabs
Young people are passionate about music and parents are, understandably, worried about what’s appropriate for young ears. Today, however, parents need to look beyond lyrics to think about how kids are getting their music. Downloaded music is so readily available that teens can easily slip into behavior that is both unethical and illegal. The issue of music piracy is serious enough to have inspired the Stop Online Piracy Act, a law that was supposed to update rules about copyright and fair use. Congress failed to pass the bill, so it continues to be up to parents to keep kids on the right side of laws that were admittedly designed for simpler times. The basic rule is that artists are entitled to compensation for what they do. This is confusing territory because some musicians—especially those who don’t have lucrative record contracts—are perfectly willing to give their music away. And many websites lure kids in with claims that the music they provide is free and legal. Unfortunately, most of the websites that claim to offer “free” music are actually peer to peer (P2P) file sharing sites. Downloading the software on these sites allows your child to rifle through what’s on the computers of others—and vice versa. This isn’t necessarily illegal because some of what people share through these sites is in the public domain. Much of the material, however, is copyrighted, so it’s being distributed without authorization from the people who own it. Downloading music without permission from the artist is a form of theft, pure and simple. Point out to your kids that they show respect for the artists who create the music they love when they download files in a way that works for those artists. Perhaps the best analogy is a supermarket where it’s perfectly OK to take the free taste of lasagna or the sample cookie being offered by the bakery because the store decides to make these freebies available. It’s not OK to eat a package of cookies before you get to the checkout, and it’s certainly not OK to steal those cookies even if you intend to share them with your friends. Parents need to help kids understand that music is free only when the artist decides it should be free. Otherwise, people need to pay for the privilege of listening to what other people worked hard to create. With 18 February/March 2012
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that in mind, parents can guide kids to legitimate sources for 20% of the downloaded files include nasty code that will mess their favorite tunes. Here’s a list of alternatives from least to most up your system and may give others access to information that expensive: shouldn’t be shared. For all these reasons, P2P sites are much Public library. Some libraries subscribe to Freegal, a service more expensive than they seem, and they should be off limits for teens. that allows patrons to download music legally. The program is controversial because it violates the traditional idea of a library as a place where people borrow materials and then return them. Still, if your local library offers the service, get your kid a card.
Getting music legally online is much easier than it used to be. As Music United points out, there are now 400 legal music sites compared to 50 in 2003. (A helpful list of some of those sites is available at http:// The best way to be sure the artist www.musicunited.org/6_legalsites. Direct from artists. Many has authorized distribution of the aspx.) Talk about which online musicians are perfectly willing to format best matches your child’s music is to go directly to his or distribute music for free because tastes and budget. If possible, they figure that, if they can build her website or blog. provide a music allowance or help a fan base, they will earn money your child figure out how to earn the from sales of tickets and merchandise. money needed to purchase music legally. This is especially true for independent Teaching your child to do the right thing will artists, though sometimes even the big names take more effort and money, but it’s every bit as release free tracks to their fans. The best way to be important as keeping track of which songs include X-rated lyrics. sure the artist has authorized distribution of the music is to go directly to his or her website or blog.
Streaming. Some websites function like radio stations by streaming music from their files to your speakers. Lastfm.com, Pandora.com and Spotify.com make it possible to legally listen to thousands of songs without actually downloading them. Like radio stations, the free versions of these websites play commercials. For a few dollars a month, you can give your child access to nothing but music.
Carolyn Jabs, M.A., is the mother of three computer-savvy kids. She has been writing about families, technology, and ethics for over twenty years. Other Growing Up Online columns appear on her website, www.growing-up-online.com.
Subscription. At subscription sites, a monthly fee allows your child to listen to anything on the website. The music can’t be burned to a CD, but it can be downloaded to an MP3 player. Once a month, the player must be synched to the website and, if you end your subscription, the music goes away. Some subscription services like Napster also offer a fixed number of downloads per month. This can be an ideal solution for teens because they can listen to as many songs as they like, but they have to be choosy about what they actually download. Pay-Per-Song. Sites like iTunes or Amazon sell licenses for music that becomes a permanent part of your child’s personal collection. The price per song varies depending upon two factors. First, you pay a little more for higher quality which is measured in kbps—a higher number means better fidelity. Second, cost increases as you buy more rights.Digital rights management (DRM) determines the number of times a song can be copied, and you pay more for unlimited copies. Peer To Peer. Most adolescents aren’t savvy or patient enough to figure out how to use P2P sites legally and safely. These sites evade the law by claiming that they don’t distribute anything. They do, however, make it possible for people to share unlimited copies of files that don’t belong to them, so they put those who use them in legal jeopardy. P2P sites are also notorious for passing on viruses and other malware. By some estimates, over family
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Ask the Expert
COUNSELING
Senior Living
MS, LP, LPCC The Village Family Service Center
Senior Executive, Bethany Retirement Living
Nadine Hillesheim
Joyce Linnerud Fowler
spouse says I’m depressed, but I don’t believe in using anti-depressant medication. What else can Q:IMy do to manage my depression?
all the living options available for seniors, how Q:With will I know when my family member is ready for Assisted Living?
A:
Assisted Living is a great option for seniors for many different reasons. What many people may not realize is that Assisted Living can be a terrific choice for a senior who simply wants to benefit from the amenities a provider offers. Many seniors who choose Assisted Living remain very independent.
If you are feeling suicidal, I recommend medication along with counseling. If you are not feeling suicidal, you have several good alternatives to consider. These include counseling, mindfulness training, improving your sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Counseling can be helpful when depression stems from life stressors that have piled up or have not been resolved. Depression can also come from a long-standing pattern of negative or self-critical thinking. A counselor can help you learn different ways of thinking and set healthier expectations for yourself. Group therapy can also be very helpful in treating depression. Try the alternatives for one to three months. If you don’t improve, reconsider the possibility of medication. It can be helpful in jump starting the recovery process.
A:
The notion of taking advantage of prepared meals, cleaning services and social events is appealing. Add to that the availability of personal care and nursing services and Assisted Living is an option that provides a great peace of mind for the senior—and for their family, as well! The best way to find out if you or your family member is ready for Assisted Living is to check out a few providers. Make some calls, set up tours and see what you think.
Bethany on University 201 University Dr. S, Fargo 701-239-3000 Bethany on 42nd 4255 30 Ave S, Fargo 701-478-8900 www.bethanynd.org
The Village Family Service Center 1201 25th Street S., Fargo, ND 1401 8th St. S., Moorhead, MN
1-701-451-4900 • 800-627-8220 www.TheVillageFamily.org
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Fridays, February 24, March 2 and March 9 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. West Acres Bowl–Fargo (Evening events are Cosmic Bowl)
Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraising event, is a great way to help kids right here in the Fargo-Moorhead community and to have fun at the same time. Whether you are a bowler or a sponsor, your support helps Big Brothers Big Sisters reach many more children through quality one-to-one mentoring.
Register today by calling Big Brothers Big Sisters at 701-451-4875, or register online at www.BBBSFargo.org and click on the Bowl For Kids’ Sake link.
YOUR FAMILY z money
By Madalyn Pezalla
ID Analytics, a consumer risk management company, conducted a study of 290 million Social Security numbers and discovered that 40 million of them had more than one name attached to them.
One day last fall, Riah Roe, a student at Concordia College, Moorhead, checked her online bank account and noticed purchases from a number of stores she had not visited. Despite the fact that Roe and her credit card were in Moorhead, all the purchases were made on the east coast.
College students at high risk College students are often less guarded with personal information they provide online, putting them at high risk of identity theft. However, even those like Roe, who are careful, find themselves victims.
Roe was a victim of identity theft—the nation’s fastest growing crime.
“I quickly called my bank, the police, and Visa and cancelled my card,” Roe says. “Sadly, after weeks of searching, investigations, and phone calls, the case was closed and we never really figured out how Many children won’t they got my card number.”
Identity thieves gather information in a variety of ways: stealing credit card numbers online, using fake ATM scanning pin numbers, and know there is something creating mock websites for popular online wrong until they get a companies such as Amazon or Paypal (where call from collections, the crooks lure you in to what you think is or see the report years a reputable site and then steal the personal down the road. information you enter). One of the newest methods criminals use is called SMiShing, which uses text messaging to phish for credit card or debit card numbers. This technique involves a text informing you that you have won an item, or that there is a problem with your bank account. The thieves direct you to a website where you can “claim your prize,” or “resolve the issue.” You enter your personal information and the criminals have everything they need to steal your identity. The growth of technology, and its ease of use, has resulted in a surge of identity theft crimes. Jim Martin, vice president and Bank Secrecy Act/fraud officer at State Bank and Trust, recalls attending a security conference where the presenter created a full, realistic mock up of Wachovia Bank’s website in five minutes. 22 February/March 2012
Roe was confused as to how the scammers got her information. “Some theorized it was done by a physical skimmer attached to an ATM and then copied to make a duplicate card that was sold online. We never really will know,” she says.
There is often a stigma attached to those who become victims of identity theft. “For some reason, we imagine that all ID theft victims were careless or foolish, spreading their information all over the Internet,” says Roe. “But in most cases this just isnʼt true.” Scammers now targeting children College students aren’t the only victims of identity theft. Now, in addition to their typical parenting responsibilities like helping with homework, getting their children to activities on time, and monitoring Internet activity, parents need to monitor activity on their children’s Social Security numbers. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University revealed that roughly ten percent of the 42,000 children sampled have
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had their identity stolen. Of that ten percent, roughly seven percent were under the age of five. Fraudulent loans and credit accounts in a child’s name were the most common issues found. According to Rachelle Martin, lead personal banker at Alerus Financial, West Fargo, children 11-18 years old have their identity stolen more than any other age group. “The impact on the childʼs future is substantial, and [the theft] can inhibit their chances of getting a loan, a job, or even clearing a background check to get a place to live,” Rachelle Martin says. Because a child’s Social Security number typically goes unused for a number of years, children are an attractive target. In many cases where a
child’s Social Security number is stolen, Jim Martin says the parents and/or child don’t know there is something wrong until they get a call from collections, or look at their credit report years down the road. It can often go unnoticed until the child is 18 and starts applying for college admissions and loans. By this time, thieves may have had years to sell a child’s Social Security number under fake names used to establish credit opportunities. Monitor your child’s identity One way to monitor a child’s Social Security number is to get a free child scan available at www.allclearid.com. This scan searches through credit records, criminal records, medical accounts, and employment records. Another resource for monitoring a child’s identity is available online through TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus. TransUnion has a parent-friendly process with an online application specifically for children. After registration, the parent will receive an email indicating whether or not there is a credit report for the child. If no credit report exists, your child’s identity is most likely safe.
However, if there is a credit report, you will want to also request reports from Experian and Equifax, the other two major credit bureaus. It is important for the technologyimmersed kids of today to understand how privacy settings work on social networking sites, and the importance of only letting friends and family have access to profiles, posts, and photos. Identity theft is different from any other crime because it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It’s not just an issue of advancing criminal technology, it’s also an issue of remembering to keep personal information personal. While we can’t be certain that we will never be victims of identity theft, we can take measures to protect ourselves by guarding our personal information and taking action if we ever find our identities compromised. Madalyn Pezalla, a student at Concordia College, Moorhead, was an intern at The Village Family Service Center when she wrote this article. She now works at The Village Family Magazine as an advertising account executive.
Tax Preparation
What to do if Your Identity is Stolen I f you are a victim of identity theft, take the following steps: • Contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your file. www.TransUnion.com www.Experian.com www.Equifax.com • Contact creditors immediately to close any accounts that have been tampered with. • File a police report. • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline at 877-438-4338.
$35 OFF Present this coupon to your tax preparer and Liberty Tax Service will prepare your return to your satisfaction, guaranteed. Good at participating locations for new clients. Not valid with any other offer. Valid until 3/31/12 The Village Family Magazine
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Calendar of Events
To include an event in our family-friendly calendar, email shendricksen@TheVillageFamily.org. Deadline for the April/May calendar is March 1, 2012. Due to space restrictions, we are not able to include all submissions. Although we strive to be as accurate as possible, it is a good idea to call ahead to check times and locations and to see if the event requires registration. Event fees may apply.
FEBRUARY 2012 EVENTS 2.1 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com 2.3 Friday • Wear Red Day. Support the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red. Visit www.goredforwomen. org for more information • Fire & Ice Festival. See giant snow sculptures lit by luminarias. 4:30-6:30 p.m., outside Memorial Union, NDSU, Fargo, 701-232-3821 or www.plainsart. org • Frozen Fantasy. Bring the whole family out to this semi-formal dance affair. 7-9:30 p.m., Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www.fargoparks.com
• Monster Jam. Monster truck show and demolition derby. 7:30 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-2419100 or www.fargodome.com • Fargo Force vs. Omaha Lancers. 7:35 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www. fargoforce.com 2.4 Saturday • Winterfest Basketball Tournament. Call 701-499-6060 or visit www. fargoparks.com for more information • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes
24 February/March 2012
and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • FM Adopt-A-Pet Adoption Days. View pets available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PETCO, 1126 43rd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-232-5856 • Monster Jam. Monster truck show and demolition derby. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www. fargodome.com • American Heart Association’s Red River Valley Heart Ball. Social gala featuring dinner, a live and silent auction, and dancing. 5 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-212-3995 or www. redrivervalleyheartball.org • Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe/Hike. Minnesota ski pass (required) can be purchased at event. Skis of all sizes and a limited amount of snowshoes can be rented at the park. Event will be cancelled if poor weather or snow conditions. 6-9 p.m., Buffalo River State Park, Glyndon, 218-498-2124 • FM Derby Girls Home Teams Bout. 7 p.m., Fargo Civic Center, 207 4th St. N., Fargo, www.fmderbygirls.com • Pops & Popcorn Concert. 7:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 2.5 Sunday • Winterfest Basketball Tournament. Call 701-499-6060 or visit www. fargoparks.com for more information • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-461-8902 2.8 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Valentine’s Concert with Darin Henze & Friends. Noon, Plains Art Museum, 704 1st Ave. N., Fargo, 701-232-3821 or www.plainsart.org
2.10 Friday • “Annie Jr.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701235-6778 or www.fmct.org • Fargo Force vs. Tri-City Storm. 7:35 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www. fargoforce.com 2.11 Saturday • Winterfest Broomball & Volleyball Tournaments. Call 701-499-6060 or visit www.fargoparks.com for more information • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Awesome Art Afternoon. 1-3 p.m., RDJ Rec Center, 1104 2nd Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www. fargoparks.com • 4 Luv of Dog Rescue “Meet the Dogs.” Visit dogs available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PetSmart, 1630 13th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-205-0190 or www.4luvofdog.org • Teen Pool Party. 6:30-9 p.m., Fargo South Indoor Pool, 1840 15th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www. fargoparks.com • Jazz Festival Concert. 7 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-2317969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts • F argo Force vs. Tri-City Storm. 7:05 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www. fargoforce.com • “Annie Jr.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701235-6778 or www.fmct.org 2.12 Sunday • Winterfest Broomball & Volleyball Tournaments. Call 701-499-6060 or visit www.fargoparks.com for more information
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• Hearts & Smiles. Make a valentine and check out your smile with the Tooth Fairy. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm, 1201 28th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-232-6102 • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • 4 Luv of Dog Rescue “Meet the Dogs.” Visit dogs available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PetSmart, 1630 13th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-205-0190 or www.4luvofdog.org • Family Day at the Dike. 1-4 p.m., Dike West, 310 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-499-6060 or www.fargoparks.com • Destination Anchor Island. Music, water games, and prizes. 1-5 p.m., Fargo South Indoor Pool, 1840 15th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www.fargoparks.com • “Annie Jr.” 2 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org 2.14 Tuesday • Giving Hearts Day. Support Nokomis Child Care Centers of The Village by logging on to www.impactgiveback.org and donating to Nokomis. Dakota Medical Foundation will match all online donations of $10 or more, up to $4,000, received for Nokomis. Call 701-451-4956 or visit www.impactgiveback.org for more information See ad on page 14 • Regional Science Center Open House. 9-11 a.m., MSUM Regional Science Center Buffalo River Site, Glyndon, 218-4772904 • “Cyrano.” 8 p.m., Lab Theatre, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-3314 2.15 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • “Cyrano.” 8 p.m., Lab Theatre, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-3314 2.16 Thursday • Little Black Dress for MS Luncheon. Features keynote speaker Chris Linnares and a silent auction. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-235-2678 option 2, 800-344-4867 or www.littleblackdressforMS.org • “Annie Jr.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Cyrano.” 8 p.m., Lab Theatre, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-3314 2.17 Friday • Games Galore “Fight the Frost.” Inflatable games and laser tag. 4 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-2419100 or www.fargodome.com • “Annie Jr.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Cyrano.” 8 p.m., Lab Theatre, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-3314 2.18 Saturday • Games Galore “Fight the Frost.” Inflatable games and laser tag. 9 a.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-2419100 or www.fargodome.com • Saturday in the Sky for Kids. 10 a.m.-noon, Fargo Air Museum, 1609 19th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-293-8043 or www.fargoairmuseum.org
family
• Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • FM Adopt-A-Pet Adoption Days. View pets available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PETCO, 1126 43rd St. S.W., Fargo, 701232-5856 • 15th Annual Celebration of Women & Their Music. 6:30 p.m., Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway, Fargo, www.debjenkins.com/ celebrationofwomen.html • “Annie Jr.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Cyrano.” 8 p.m., Lab Theatre, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-3314 2.19 Sunday • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • Games Galore “Fight the Frost.” Inflatable games and laser tag. Noon, Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-2419100 or www.fargodome.com • “Annie Jr.” 2 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Cyrano.” 2 p.m., Lab Theatre, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-3314 • Concordia Band Home Concert. 4 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515
THE BOOM: 1945 - 1960 in Clay County
Opens Jan. 27, 2012 These years are sometimes called “the Quiet Years,” but they transformed America into the country we live in today.
Feb. 4
through March 26
2012
The sheARTS Project:
Art Hats for Breast Cancer Awareness Floral in Red & Purple Ruth R. Morton, Moorhead MN Cotton Blend, 2007 Future Cancer Patient Gift
Photo by Meg Luther Lindholm
EXPLORING NOW: 365 Days to 50
Photos Chronicling the Art of Living in the Moment 125/365 by Claudia M. Pratt Sparklers and fireworks! We’ve started this tradition of a bonfire and fireworks around and near the 4th and that has been fun. It’s always fun to watch the fire and fireworks dance in the dark. Hjemkomst Center 202 1st Ave. N, Moorhead | 218.299.5511 | hcscconline.org
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February/March 2012 25
2.20 Monday • Children’s Storytime. Special guest Thomas Jefferson. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-2811002 or www.bn.com 2.21 Tuesday • Symphonic Band Concert. 7:30 p.m., Buxton Hall/Hanson Hall, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 2.22 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com 2.23 Thursday • “Harvey.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Wokashi: A Program of Classic Japanese Kyogen Comedies.” 7:30 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 2.24 Friday • RRV Home & Garden Show. 3 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • “Harvey.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Wokashi.” 7:30 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts • Fargo Force vs. Omaha Lancers. 7:35 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www.fargoforce.com
Saturday, March 17 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hjemkomst Center 202 1st Ave N, Moorhead
Brittany • Cornwall Isle of Man • Galicia Ireland • Scotland • Wales
Free Admission 2 Entertainment Stages Heritage Presentations Arts & Crafts Celtic Foods & Treats Interactive Booths & Shopping 701-499-7788 • www.fargoparks.com Support for this project is provided by the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo through The Art Partnership.
26 February/March 2012
2.25 Saturday • Unglued Craft Fest. Craft fair and bazaar with local and regional vendors, music, and craft workshops. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Plains Art Museum, 704 1st Ave. N., Fargo, 701-232--3821 or www.ungluedmarket.com • Sugar Valley Toy Show. Exhibitors display antique and collectible toys, tractors, trains, and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Hartl Ag Building, RRV Fairgrounds, 1201 W. Main Ave., West Fargo, 800-533-8293 or 701-282-6410 • RRV Home & Garden Show. 9 a.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. Special guest Cookie Mouse. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Youth Ice Fishing Derby. 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Woodhaven Pond, 4802 Woodhaven Dr. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www. fargoparks.com • 4 Luv of Dog Rescue “Meet the Dogs.” Visit dogs available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PetSmart, 1630 13th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-205-0190 or www.4luvofdog.org • “Harvey.” 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • Claudia Pratt’s 50th Birthday Bash. A celebration of Claudia Pratt’s work and fundraiser for the Art Heals Fund. Tickets at www.FargoStuff.com and at the door. 7 p.m.-midnight, Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead, 218-299-5511 or www.hcscconline.org • “Wokashi.” 7:30 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 2.26 Sunday • Sugar Valley Toy Show. Exhibitors display antique and collectible toys, tractors, trains, and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Hartl Ag Building, RRV Fairgrounds, 1201 W. Main Ave., West Fargo, 800-533-8293 or 701-282-6410 • RRV Home & Garden Show. 11 a.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • “Harvey.” 2 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • “Wokashi.” 2 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 2.27 Monday • University Band. 7:30 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 2.28 Tuesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Jazz Lab Band & Jazz Ensemble. 7:30 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts
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MARCH 2012 EVENTS 3.1 Thursday • Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show. 5 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • “Wokashi.” 7:30 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 3.2 Friday • Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show. Noon, Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • “Wokashi.” 7:30 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts • Wind Symphony Concert. 7:30 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts • Fargo Force vs. Waterloo Blackhawks. 7:35 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www. fargoforce.com 3.3 Saturday • Saturday in the Sky for Kids. 10 a.m.-noon, Fargo Air Museum, 1609 19th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-293-8043 or www. fargoairmuseum.org • Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show. 10 a.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. Dr. Suess stories. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www. bn.com • FM Adopt-A-Pet Adoption Days. View pets available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PETCO, 1126 43rd St. S.W., Fargo, 701232-5856 • FM Derby Girls vs. Sioux City Roller Dames & Grand Rapids Iron Range Maidens. 7 p.m., Fargo Civic Center, 207 4th St. N., Fargo, www.fmderbygirls.com • Fargo Force vs. Waterloo Blackhawks. 7:05 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www. fargoforce.com • “Wokashi.” 7:30 p.m., Askanase Auditorium, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts • University Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts • James Sewell Ballet with the Arsenal Trio. 7:30 p.m., Hansen Theatre, MSUM, Moorhead, 218-477-2271 3.4 Sunday • Annual North Dakota Picnic. Food, music, conversation, and door prizes. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Pioneer Park, 526 East Main, Mesa, Ariz., 701-451-4957 • Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show. 10 a.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902
family
3.6 Tuesday • Faculty Showcase Concert. 7 p.m., Centrum, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 • Percussion Ensemble. 7:30 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 3.7 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • “Clue: The Musical.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org 3.8 Thursday • “Clue: The Musical.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org 3.9 Friday • “Clue: The Musical.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org 3.10 Saturday • Saturday in the Sky for Kids. 10 a.m.-noon, Fargo Air Museum, 1609 19th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-293-8043 or www. fargoairmuseum.org • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Awesome Art Afternoon. 1-3 p.m., RDJ Rec Center, 1104 2nd Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www.fargoparks.com
Check out our Baby Connection classes! Bring your baby and learn, grow and play together with other families.
Look for the 2012 Winter/Spring Parenting Press featuring our spring ECFE classes.
218-284-3400 https://communityed.moorhead.k12.mn.us A Community Education Program of the Moorhead Area Public Schools
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3.10 Saturday cont'd • 4 Luv of Dog Rescue “Meet the Dogs.” Visit dogs available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PetSmart, 1630 13th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-205-0190 or www.4luvofdog.org • Fargo Ice Revue. 7 p.m., Coliseum, 801 17th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-499-6060 or www.fargoparks.com • “Clue: The Musical.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • FM Ballet & Gasper’s School of Dance Present “Coppelia.” 7:30 p.m., Hansen Theatre, MSUM, Moorhead, 701-477-2271 • Jazz Ensemble Concert. 8 p.m., Anderson Commons, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515
Proof Stamp
3.11 Sunday • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-461-8902 • “Clue: The Musical.” 2 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org • Fargo Ice Revue. 2 p.m., Coliseum, 801 17th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-499-6060
Date: ____
OK__ Changes__
or www.fargoparks.com • Chamber Music Concert Series: Ben’s Farewell/8th Street String Quartet. 2 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 650 2nd Ave. N., Fargo, 218233-8397 or www.fmsymphony.org • FM Ballet & Gasper’s School of Dance Present “Coppelia.” 7:30 p.m., Hansen Theatre, MSUM, Moorhead, 701-477-2271 • Concordia Choir Home Concert. 4 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 3.14 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • “Pop Goes the Rock” by Cirque Dreams. 7:30 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome.com 3.16 Friday • Bouncin’ Bash & More. Inflatable games, volcano climb, laser tag, and more. 4-9 p.m., Veterans Memorial Arena, 1201 7th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-433-5360 or www.wfparks.org • Moorhead Ice Show. 7 p.m., Moorhead Sports Center, 324 24th St. S., Moorhead, 218-299-5340 • Monroe Crossing Concert. 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct. org
Signature________________ Become a
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
• Outstanding opportunities in the healthcare industry • Designed for those entering a nursing career or working in a long-term care facility • New classes begin every 6 weeks
1305 19th Avenue North
ndscs.edu/fargo
701-231-6900
February/March 2012 1428 August/September 2011
3.17 Saturday • Bouncin’ Bash & More. Inflatable games, volcano climb, laser tag, and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Veterans Memorial Arena, 1201 7th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-433-5360 or www.wfparks.org • Celtic Festival. Entertainment, activities, informational booths, and traditional food. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead, 218-299-5340 See ad on page 26 • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 10 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-461-8902 • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • FM Adopt-A-Pet Adoption Days. View pets available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PETCO, 1126 43rd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-232-5856
• Concordia Trumpet Ensemble Concert. 4 p.m., Buxton Hall/Hanson Hall, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 • Moorhead Ice Show. 7 p.m., Moorhead Sports Center, 324 24th St. S., Moorhead, 218-299-5340 • FM Derby Girls Home Teams Bout. 7 p.m., Fargo Civic Center, 207 4th St. N., Fargo, www.fmderbygirls.com • Masterworks Concert Series: Ravel, Haydn & Bartok. 8 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 218-2338397 or www.fmsymphony.org 3.18 Sunday • Kids Dream Winter Film Series. View a family flick for $2. 11 a.m., West Acres Cinema, 4101 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-461-8902 • Moorhead Ice Show. 1 p.m., Moorhead Sports Center, 324 24th St. S., Moorhead, 218-299-5340 • Cosmic Bowling. Groups of 4 or 5 preferred. 1-3 p.m., West Acres Bowl, 3402 Interstate Blvd. S.W., Fargo, 701499-6060 or www.fargoparks.com • Masterworks Concert Series: Ravel, Haydn & Bartok. 2 p.m., Festival Concert Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 218-2338397 or www.fmsymphony.org • Chapel Choir Home Concert. 4 p.m., Centrum, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 3.21 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com 3.22 Thursday • Regional Science Center Open House. 9-11 a.m., MSUM Regional Science Center Buffalo River Site, Glyndon, 218-477-2904 • “Nunsense.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701235-6778 or www.fmct.org 3.23 Friday • El Zagal Shrine Circus. 7 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www. fargodome.com • Butterfly Ball. Dads, uncles, and grandpas: Bring your little princess, ages 4-12, to this semi-formal prom. Tickets required and available for purchase starting Feb. 28. 7-9:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www.
villagefamilymag.org family villagefamilymag.org family
fargoparks.com • “Nunsense.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701235-6778 or www.fmct.org • Fargo Force vs. Des Moines Buccaneers. 7:35 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www.fargoforce.com 3.24 Saturday • El Zagal Shrine Circus. 10 a.m., 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www. fargodome.com • Teddy Bear Tea Party. Come dressed for tea and bring your favorite teddy bear. Pre-registration required. 10-11 a.m., Rheault Farm, 2902 25th St. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www.fargoparks.com • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Red River Dance Competition Company Showcase & Carnival. Carnival begins at noon, show at 3 p.m., Shanley High School, 5600 25th St. S., Fargo, 701-280-0004 or www. redriverdance.com • 4 Luv of Dog Rescue “Meet the Dogs.”
Visit dogs available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PetSmart, 1630 13th Ave. E., West Fargo, 701-205-0190 or www.4luvofdog. org •B utterfly Ball. Dads, uncles, and grandpas: Bring your little princess, ages 4-12, to this semi-formal prom. Tickets required and available for purchase starting Feb. 28. 7-9:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 4351 17th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-499-7788 or www.fargoparks.com •F argo Force vs. Des Moines Buccaneers. 7:05 p.m., Scheels Arena, 5225 31st Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-3672 or www.fargoforce.com • “Nunsense.” 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701235-6778 or www.fmct.org •S enior Honors Concert. 7:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 3.25 Sunday •E l Zagal Shrine Circus. Noon & 4 p.m., Fargodome, 1800 N. University Dr., Fargo, 701-241-9100 or www.fargodome. com • “Nunsense.” 2 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-
family
6778 or www.fmct.org • Three Choirs Concert. 4 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 3.27 Tuesday • American Diabetes Alert Day. Take the Diabetes Risk Test and learn your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 701-2340123 or www.diabetes.org 3.28 Wednesday • Children’s Storytime. 10 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • Brass Chamber Night. 7:30 p.m., Beckwith Recital Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts 3.30 Friday • Red River Zoo Wildlife Film Festival. Family-friendly films of animals found at the Red River Zoo and North Dakota. 3:30-5:30 p.m. & 6-8 p.m., Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway, Fargo, 701-2779240 or www.redriverzoo.org • Faculty Recital: Virginia Sublett, Soprano. 7:30 p.m., Beckwith Recital Hall, NDSU, Fargo, 701-231-7969 or www.ndsu.edu/finearts
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Skyloft PHOTOGRAPHY
Documenting Life
3.31 Saturday • Children’s Storytime. 11 a.m., Barnes and Noble, 1201 42nd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-281-1002 or www.bn.com • FM Adopt-A-Pet Adoption Days. View pets available for adoption. 1-3 p.m., PETCO, 1126 43rd St. S.W., Fargo, 701-232-5856 • Red River Zoo Wildlife Film Festival. Family-friendly films of animals found at the Red River Zoo and North Dakota. Reception to follow last film. 3:30-5:30 p.m. & 6-8 p.m., Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway, Fargo, 701-277-9240 or www.redriverzoo.org • Percussion Ensemble Concert. 4 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Concordia College, Moorhead, 218-299-4515 • Plays in a Day. Students from the tri-college write, direct, rehearse, and perform plays in a 24-hour period. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m., The Stage at Island Park, 333 4th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-6778 or www.fmct.org
PUBLIC LIBRARIES Call or visit the library for more information. Pre-registration may be required.
218.779.0470 skyloftphotography.com
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Fargo Public Main Library 102 3rd St. N., Fargo, 701-241-1492, 701-241-1495 or www.fargolibrary.org • Winter Read-A-Thon. Ends Feb. 25 • Weekly Spring Storytime. Schedule available online or at the library • Baby Rhyme Time. Lapsit storytime for babies, birth-18 mos. Feb. 2 & Mar. 1, 6:30 p.m. • Teen Crafts. Feb. 9 & 23, Mar. 15, 4 p.m. • Chemistry Matters! Celebrate chemistry and science with safe, handson experiments. For kids in grades 4-6. Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. • Mardi Gras Madness. Games, Cajun treats, and a parade float craft. Grades 4-6. Feb. 13, 4-5:30 p.m. • Pajama Jamboree Family Storytime. Kids are encouraged to wear their PJ’s. Feb. 13 & Mar. 12, 6:30 p.m. • Flicker Tale Readers Book Club. Grades 2-4. Feb. 14 & Mar. 13, 4 p.m. • Storytime for Toddlers & Preschoolers. Feb. 18 & Mar. 17, 10 a.m. • Paws for Reading. Emerging readers can sign up to read to a therapy pet. Feb. 18 & Mar 17, 1-3 p.m.
• Fargo Force Visits the Library. Hear stories and meet Fargo Force players. Feb. 21 & Mar. 20, 6:30 p.m. • Star Wars Party for Tweens & Teens. Star Wars-themed crafts, games, trivia, and snacks. Grades 3-12. Feb. 28, 4 p.m. • Happy Pig Day. Games, stories, and crafts. Grades K-3. Feb. 29, 2 p.m. • Hunger Games Challenge. For teens. Mar. 1, 2 p.m. • Seuss-tastic Celebration. Special storytime featuring books by Dr. Seuss. Mar. 2, 11 a.m. • Crafts for Teens & Adults. Mar. 29, 6 p.m. Dr. James Carlson Library 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, 701-476-4040 or www.fargolibrary.org • Winter Read-A-Thon. Ends Feb. 25 • Weekly Spring Storytime. Schedule available online or at the library • Baby Rhyme Time. Lapsit storytime for babies, birth-18 mos. Feb. 2 & Mar. 1, 10 a.m. • Pajama Jamboree Family Storytime. Kids are encouraged to wear their PJ’s. Feb. 9 & Mar. 8, 6:30 p.m. • Free Friday Movies. Feb. 10 & Mar. 9, 1 p.m. • Storytime for Toddlers & Preschoolers. Feb. 11 & Mar. 10, 10 a.m. • Teen Crafts. Feb. 14 & 21, Mar. 20, 4 p.m. • Magic Tree House Book Club. Feb. 19 & Mar. 18, 2 p.m. • Seuss-tastic Celebration. Special storytime featuring books by Dr. Seuss. Mar. 1, 2 p.m. • Crafts for Teens & Adults. Mar. 31, 1 p.m. Northport Branch 2714 N. Broadway, Fargo, 701-476-4026 or www.fargolibrary.org • Winter Read-A-Thon. Ends Feb. 25 • Weekly Spring Storytime. Schedule available online or at the library • Storytime for Toddlers & Preschoolers. Feb. 4 & Mar. 3, 10 a.m. • Sweets for the Sweet. Make a valentine and a sweet to take home. Ages 4-10 yrs. Feb. 14, 4 p.m. • Northport Classic Book Club. Feb. 15 & Mar. 21, 6:30 p.m. • Seuss-tastic Celebration. Special storytime featuring books by Dr. Seuss. Mar. 1, 10 a.m.
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West Fargo Public Library 109 3rd St. E., West Fargo, 701-433-5460 or www.westfargolibrary.org • Children’s Storytime. Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. • Knitty Giddy. Adult group, bring your own supplies. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Ham Radio Group. All adults welcome, children must attend with an adult. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. • Friday Morning Movies. For preschoolers and caretakers. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. • New Movie Release Showing. Feb. 4 & 18, Mar. 10 & 24 • Genealogy. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. • Valentine Celebration. Create a card or decorate a heart ornament or cookie. Feb. 9, 7-8 p.m. • “I Do” Share a Wedding Story. Bring and share pictures or items from your personal, family, or friends’ weddings. Feb. 13, 7-8 p.m. • Mardi Gras Masks. Make and take project, supplies provided. Feb. 18, 1-1:30 p.m. • Gaming at the Library. Mario Kart Racing and Kinect Sports. Feb. 12 & 26, 2-4 p.m. • Hawaiian Luau. Fresh fruit, music, and paint sun catchers. Open to all ages. Feb. 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Early Garden Workshop. Seedling and planting workshop, supplies provided. Feb. 29, 7-8 p.m. • Carry Out a Good Book Reading Program. Call for more information. Mar. 1-23 • National Goof Off Day. Create and keep a treasure chest and leprechaun bookmark. Mar. 22, 7-8 p.m. • Computer Classes. Call for class descriptions, dates, and times Moorhead Public Library 118 5th St. S., Moorhead, 218-233-7594 or www.larl.org • Scrabble Night. All ages and skill levels welcome. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. • Chess Night. All ages and skill levels welcome. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. • Storytime. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. & Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. • Family Craft Night. Tuesdays following Storytime • Wii Wednesday. Feb. 1 & Mar. 7, 6-8 p.m. • Baby Bounce Storytime. For parents & babies, up to age 2. Thursdays, 10 a.m.
• Zumba! Bring the whole family. Feb. 4, 2 p.m. • Lego Club. Feb. 9 & Mar. 8, 6 p.m., Feb. 11 & Mar. 10, 2 p.m. • Origami Club. Adult and youth folders, all experience levels. Feb. 6 & Mar. 5, 6:30 p.m. • Peace Corps Stories. Feb. 6, 13 & 27, 7 p.m. • Jane Austen Book Club. Feb. 21 & Mar. 20, 7 p.m. • Saturday Movies. Feb. 25 & Mar. 31, 2 p.m. • Yoga for Kids. Mar. 3, 2 p.m. • L eprechaun Traps. Make a leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day. Mar. 8, 2 p.m. • Anna Dee Olson, Growing Up Amish. Mar. 13, 2 p.m. • Brain Awareness Week. Learn about the brain and how it works with hands-on family activities. Mar. 13 & 15, 6:30 p.m. • Homeschooling Resources at Your Library. Mar. 19, 6:30-8 p.m. & Mar. 21, 2-3:30 p.m. • P ete Hautman, Young Adult Author. Mar. 21, 4 p.m. • Show & Tell: Dolls. Adults and kids bring your favorite dolls. Mar. 24, 2 p.m. • Computer Classes. Call for class descriptions, dates, and times
CLASSES Call for information. Pre-registration may be required. The Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm 1201 28th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-232-6102 or www.childrensmuseum-yunker.org •S uper Science Saturdays • Yunkie Club Early Childhood Family Education Probstfield Center for Education, 2410 14th St. S, Moorhead, 218-284-3400 or https://communityed.moorhead.k12.mn.us •B aby Connection (Birth-12 mos) •B arnyard Bash (Birth-kindergarten entry) •B each Party USA (Birth-kindergarten entry) •B ig and Messy Art (Birth-kindergarten entry) •C ircus (Birth-kindergarten entry) •C ooking with Kids (2 yrs-kindergarten entry) •F amily Fun (Birth-kindergarten entry) •F amily Fun Feelings & Friends (Birthkindergarten entry)
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Early Childhood Family Ed. cont'd • Family Fun Make & Take (Birthkindergarten entry) • Family Fun With Little Ones (Birth-3 yrs) • Game Night (4 yrs-kindergarten entry) • Gym Dads (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Gym Fun (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Jumpin’ in the Gym (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Make It, Take It (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Marvelous Mud (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Monday Fun-day (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Music & Movement (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Ones & Twos (12-36 mos) • Planes, Trains & Automobiles (2 yrskindergarten entry) • Splish! Splash! Indoor Version (Birthkindergarten entry) • Storybook Science (Birth-kindergarten entry) • Terrific Twos (24-36 mos) • Thrilling Threes (36-48 mos) • Weird, Wild, Wacky Art (2 1/2 yrskindergarten entry) • Wonderful, Wobbly Ones (12-24 mos)
Essentia Health OB Education 3000 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, 701-364-8100 or www.essentiahealth.org • Basic Training for New Dads • Birthing Center Tour • Car Seat Safety • Developing the Art of Breastfeeding • Great Expectations • Lamaze • Mom’s Helpers • Tender Transitions F/M Communiversity 218-299-3438 or www.fmcommuniversity. org • February & March Classes. A diverse selection of courses for learners of all ages to choose from Fargo Park District 701-499-7788 or www.fargoparks.com • Adaptive Tae Kwon Do • Aspiring Artists • Fencing League • Life Guard Certification • Water Safety Instructor Course Fraser, Ltd. 2902 University Dr. S., Fargo, 701-2323301 or www.fraserltd.org • CPR • First Aid Healing Arts Chiropractic 3240 15th St. S., Fargo, 701-451-9070 or info@healingartschiropractic.com • How to Stay Young the First 100 Years The Home Depot 4700 17th Ave. S.W., Fargo, 701-2822078 • Kids Workshop Lowes 5001 13th Ave. S., Fargo, 701-433-2160 • Build & Grow Clinics Plains Art Museum 704 1st Ave. N., Fargo, 701-232-3821 or www.plainsart.org • Adult & Youth Art Experiences • Kid Quest Parenting Resource Center 701-241-5700 or www.ag.ndsu.edu/ casscountyextension/home-and-family. Visit website for dates and times • Love & Logic • Nurtured Heart Approach • Together4Kids Red River Zoo 4255 23rd Ave. S., Fargo, 701-277-9240
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or www.redriverzoo.org • Pint-size Explorers Sanford Health 1711 S. University Dr., Fargo, 701234-5570, 877-234-4240 or www. sanfordhealth.org • Baby Signs • Better Choices, Better Health Workshop • Breastfeeding Beginnings • Caring for Your Newborn • Car Seat 101 • Embrace Education Series • Family & Friends—CPR • Heartsaver CPR for Day Care Providers • Infant Massage • Lamaze • Our Family is Having a Baby! • Your Labor Experience—What to Expect U of M Regional Extension 218-236-2005 • Parents Forever The Village Financial Resource Center 1201 25th St. S., Fargo, 701-235-3328 or www.HelpWithMoney.org • Bankruptcy Education • Homebuyer Education • Tenant Education
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS Call for additional information. Concordia College Cyrus M. Running Gallery 901 8th St. S., Moorhead, 218-299-4623 • Annual Faculty Art Exhibition. Ends Mar. 11 • Senior Art Exhibition. Begins Mar. 27 Fargo Air Museum 1609 19th Ave. N., Fargo, 701-293-8043 or www.fargoairmuseum.org Gallery 4, Ltd. 114 Broadway, Fargo, 701-237-6867 or www.gallery4fargo.com Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N., Moorhead, 218-299-5511 or www. hcscconline.org See ad on page 23 • The Boom: 1945-1960 in Clay County • EXPLORING NOW: 365 Days to 50. Feb. 4-Mar. 26
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• The sheARTS Project: Art Hats for Breast Cancer Awareness. Feb. 4-Mar. 26 • The Flood of 2009. Ends Mar. 6 • Seeds of Victory! Begins Mar. 15 MSUM Art Gallery Roland Dille Center for the Arts, MSUM, 1104 7th Ave. S., Moorhead, 218-477-2284 or www.mnstate.edu/art/Gallery.shtml MSUM Planetarium Bridges Hall, MSUM, Moorhead, 218-477-2920 • The Little Star that Could. Ends Mar. 5 Plains Art Museum 704 1st Ave. N., Fargo, 701-232-3821 or www.plainsart.org • Witness to Life: A Photo Journal of Hospice Care. Ends Feb. 4 • Jubileum! Illustrations by Amy Jo Hendrickson Flattum. Begins Feb. 16 • School Spirit: Celebrating Youth Art Month. Begins Mar. 1 • School Spirit Artist Reception. Entertainment and art by students from across the region. Mar. 4, 1:30-4 p.m. • Birch Bark, Clay, Pixels, Paint: New Work in the Museum Collection • Art on the Plains XI The Rourke Art Gallery & Museum Museum: 521 Main Ave., Moorhead, Gallery: 523 S. 4th St., Moorhead, 218-236-8861 or www.rourkeart.org The Spirit Room Art Gallery 111 Broadway, Fargo, 701-237-0230 or www.spiritroom.net • Home is Where the Art is. Ends Feb. 4 with auction of artwork, 6:30-9:30 p.m. • Great Winter Crow Show. March 3-30
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YOUR FAMILY z do-it-together
Planning a Family Vegetable Garden By Amanda Peterson
“One of my favorite memories is the joy, delight, and astonishment on our kids’ faces when they pulled carrots out of the ground for the first time. They had not realized where carrots grow.”
T
essa Moon Leiseth is delighted telling of her family’s gardening joys! Vegetable growing is a family affair at the Leiseth home in Moorhead. When Tessa and her husband, Jon, decided several years ago to transform part of their backyard into a veggie patch, they took their two kids, Isaac and Sophia, along for the ride. They planned, planted, and all enjoyed amazing produce. The Leiseths are not alone in their efforts to get closer to the source of their own food. For Tessa, it was Barbara Kingsolver’s book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” that convinced her. For others, it’s a family tradition, hobby, a desire to know a food’s origins, or sometimes a money-saving venture. Right now is an excellent time to begin planning your own summer garden. For one thing, it gets us dreaming of warmer times, which can be fun in and of itself. In addition, the cold months are perfect for research, discussion, and mapping out how your backyard, or even your front step, can be transformed. Involve your children in the entire process. Even the youngest ones can weigh in on their favorite veggies and page through seed catalogs or online gardening sites. Choose a Garden Location and Style Most of us have limited options as to where our garden can be, but think creatively. Consider container gardening in one or two large flower pots. This can be done indoors at a sunny window or even on a small patio or balcony. Nola Storm, an avid gardener who helped create south Fargo’s Growing Together Garden with new Americans, suggests rather than planting a traditional garden, try a salad garden in a pot. “Plant a variety of garden greens in a large flower pot in a sunny location,” Storm says. “Keep it watered and snip off a salad almost every day. It looks pretty and tastes great.” If you’re interested in a slightly larger garden, many people enjoy square foot gardens. This gardening method, described in detail in Mel Bartholomew’s book “All New Square Foot Gardening,” uses a special nutrient-rich soil in a raised garden bed to grow many plants in a very small area. The loose soil, dense plants, and raised bed lead to very little weeds, and all areas of the small bed (typically four-by-four feet) can easily be reached by gardeners. The Leiseths use this method for their gardens. 34 February/March 2012
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“I grew up on a farm and there were times when we had very large gardens,” Jon says. “I remember them as more of a chore. One aspect of the backyard gardening we’ve done in Moorhead is that the scale is very manageable. The major work is in building the beds and figuring out how to protect the plants from rabbits and other hungry critters.” Raised beds can also be created on a larger scale with regular soil and compost. You can build them off the ground with everything from simple boards to beautiful pavers. Raising your garden off the ground several inches can be beneficial through more loosely packed soil, better moisture drainage, and room for more plants.
gardeners emphasize keeping it small. You’ll appreciate having less to weed, water, and tend to during your first season. It will keep the entire project more manageable and allow your family to test out what works best for you. Jean Sando, whose family grows vegetables every summer at its Moorhead home says, “Do a little this year and then a little more. Don’t till up your whole backyard unless you’ve had some experience.” Stick to just a few vegetables in pots or a small raised or in-ground garden. Go into the project knowing that you can always plant more in following years. Know What You Like As you begin thinking about what to plant, make a list of the vegetables each of your family members already like. What do you use most often in meals? What do you have a hard time keeping enough of in your fridge? What do you want to try more of?
Starting a garden right in the ground is also a bit of work initially, but it is a very common method, especially with larger gardens. “The ground has to be well prepared,” Storm says. “The spot must be staked out, grass removed, and compost added in the soil to make it richer. This all takes some sweat equity.”
Sando and her husband, Paul, always plant plenty of beans and peas, along with broccoli, herbs, tomatoes, carrots, beets, chard, and celery. They know their whole family will eat them and they grow well in their yard. Some years they try out other vegetables, as well.
Regardless of the garden style, it will fare best in full sun. Select a location you can easily access, which will prove helpful when it’s time to weed, water, and harvest. Near a rain barrel or hose connection, as well as your back door or patio, will also be handy. Plant flowers nearby to attract bees, essential for pollination.
“We added cucumbers and radishes this year because my daughter loves them so much,” Jean says. “It is true that they love to eat anything they’ve pulled from the garden, but my daughter’s radishes were all the more special because she planted them herself.”
“Keep your garden away from a neighbor who sprays a lot for dandelions and other weeds, too,” cautions organic gardener Noreen Thomas. “They could accidentally kill your crops.” Keep it Simple As you begin planning your first garden, successful
The Leiseths follow a similar plan. Every summer, they grow carrots, beets, tomatoes, herbs, peppers, beans, and spinach because they are family favorites. “Each year we try something as an experiment,” Jon says. “This year’s experiment that surprised us was sweet potato plants. They produced quite well and they were delicious.” Storm suggests trying a small salsa garden featuring Roma tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and cilantro. An indoor or
Good First Garden Crops According to local gardening experts, these plants grow well in our soil: Beans Beets Brussels Sprouts Carrots Cucumbers Greens like lettuce, spinach, cabbage and kale Onions
Peas Pumpkins Radishes Raspberries Strawberries Squash Tomatoes Zucchini
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Along those lines, the gardening experts are quick to mention that excess harvest from your garden—including greens and radishes—should never be thrown. Share with a neighbor, friend, homeless shelter, or food shelf.
Benefits of a Family Garden Local gardening experts offer these reasons for planting a backyard garden: Kids are more likely to eat what they have grown. It’s excellent physical activity. Kids who grow up with a garden are more likely to have one later in life. Gardening can be a needed downtime for busy children and adults. The garden is a place of learning—cooking, science, new vocabulary, etc. It helps you connect with nature.
Gardening together can help deepen family connections. A garden can help set better eating habits for life. It can save you money and deter you from hopping in the car to eat out. Excess harvest can be donated to those in need. Youʼll feel a sense of satisfaction. Youʼll be able to enjoy some of the freshest and healthiest food.
outdoor herb garden is also a good starter project. Storm keeps her herbs in a small garden near her front steps. “It gets the most sun and I can walk out of the front door and pick tomatoes and herbs,” she says. “I mix in flowers so it looks pretty and attracts butterflies and bees.” Learn What Grows Well Create a separate list of what plants or varieties grow especially well in our region. While it doesn’t hurt to try any vegetable, it’s rather encouraging to plant something that has a better chance of flourishing. Ben Kragnes, of Kragnes Family Farms CSA near Kragnes, Minn., encourages every family to plant radishes because they are so easy to grow. “Even if you don’t really care for them as a food, they are really rewarding to grow,” he says. “They only take four or five days to emerge from seed and another 20 to 25 to mature. They can grow in any weather, too.” Kragnes also suggests growing cutting lettuce. “It is a great answer for the small garden because it produces so well,” he says. “It also has a long window for harvesting, about three weeks. Lettuce is also one of the easiest plants to save seeds from.” Any green is great for a first garden, adds Abby Gold, who works for both the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University Extension services. “Greens are especially healthy and hearty in the colder weather during spring and fall,” she says. 36 February/March 2012
The big win is when you match your two lists and find those vegetables that made both your list of favorites and list of easygrowers. Those are your best bets for a family starter garden. Map it Out When you know what you want to grow, map it out. Planning your garden now will make it easier come planting time this spring. Draw out your garden (even if it’s just a pot) on a piece of paper and pencil in where you can see your different vegetables fitting. Remember they still have to fit when they are full size. Keep larger plants to the back and pay attention to climbing plants, including some beans and peas, which will require supports. If possible, consider adding a few pumpkin plants around the edges to keep out animals. (Though keep in mind that pumpkins are large, spreading plants.) Sando spends every winter shopping online for seeds and planning out her garden. “I always make a map and some years I even stick to it,” she jokes. The Leiseths also find mapping to be helpful. “I draw out the space for the raised beds and then list all of the possibilities of what might go in the spaces,” Tessa says. “Then, I narrow down what will go where. If I’m lucky, I get to order some seeds to fill in the empty spaces.” While mapping, pour through seed catalogs for specific plants, ideas, and to start assembling your collection. Recommended companies include Seeds of Change, Jonny’s Seed Catalog, and Seed Savers. Stop by local nurseries to browse seed selections and ask for help, too. Talk it Up If, even after helping to plan the garden, your children are a bit reluctant, use the winter to talk up the garden. Explain how they will be able to plant the seeds and watch the plants peek out of the ground. Read stories about plants and gardening. Share what you are most looking forward to or memories you have of gardening as a child. “The time spent with kids in the garden builds life memories,” Thomas says. “Picking strawberries with my parents is still a fond memory.” Let kids pick out their own gardening gloves and a pair of rubber boots, Thomas suggests. You can also find them affordable gardening tools, such as spades and mini watering cans, at big box stores or nurseries. Talk about how these tools will help them take care of the plants. She encourages giving each child a section of the garden to be responsible for weeding. Talk about this before the garden is planted and show your excitement in their new responsibility. “Have them offer a tour to their grandparents or a neighbor,” she says. “They can show off their part of the garden. It’s a good motivator for getting the weeding done, too!”
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Learn the Down and Dirty Growing things is a lifelong learning process. Just ask any farmer. Once you get the “bug” for gardening, there is no end to the information and resources available. For your first year, start by gathering more information about the crops you’ve chosen and gardening in general. You will improve your odds of success as well as your confidence going into the new project. Word of mouth is an excellent way to learn more about gardening. Visit with neighbors with successful backyard gardens, ask friends and family for their tips, and chat with vendors at farmer’s markets. Most people are eager to share their love of gardening, and their expertise is invaluable. “I get most of my advice from an experienced neighbor, my mom, and books and magazines,” Sando says. The county Extension Services are another excellent source. The extension offices and master gardeners can help with everything from testing your soil for nutritional needs to recommending plant varieties and growing tips. You can reach Clay County Extension at mnext-clay@umn.edu and Cass County Extension at NDSU.Cass.Extension@ndsu.edu. Local nurseries, such as Baker’s, Levi Runion’s, and Shotwell’s, are usually very happy to help, as well. There are a tremendous number of gardening magazines, books and websites. Head to the Fargo or Moorhead public libraries and find the gardening section, or browse the shelves of the local bookstore. Ask to borrow books from your gardening friends or check out their favorite websites. Each June, Thomas hosts a Day on the Farm through Moorhead Community Education. She welcomes dozens of visitors to her farm near Kragnes, Minn., to meet with master gardeners and other experts. The day-long event lets people of all ages try homegrown vegetables, learn about a variety of gardening topics, and ask plenty of questions along the way. You can sign up this spring at https://communityed. moorhead.k12.mn.us/.
“It’s something that we do together with the kids,” he says. “Both kids enjoy checking out how the plants are growing, and they were thrilled by pulling carrots out of the garden. Isaac ran down the sidewalk to share with a neighbor.
Amanda Peterson is an award-winning writer with a love for the Web, social media, and magazines. She lives in Moorhead with her husband and two children. family
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YOUR FAMILY z feature
Collaborative Divorce: L e av i n g i n Pe a c e By Michael Gjesdahl
St. Paul resident Bonnie P. had every reason to think her divorce would be an all-out war. She and her surgeon husband had three children and complicated finances. Throughout the marriage, Bonnie had been a homemaker. To become selfsufficient, she’d need substantial maintenance to meet her living expenses and attend college. Her circumstances were the usual powder keg that, more often than not, explodes into a mushroom cloud of litigation. But that’s not what happened. Thankfully—for Bonnie, for her husband, and for their children—no one lit the fuse (by serving papers and starting a formal divorce action). Luckily, Bonnie was involved with a counselor who told her about “collaborative practice,” a “no litigation” method of helping families pass through the divorce gauntlet in peace. Equipped with that information, Bonnie and her husband traveled a different divorce path. With the help of neutral professionals, they worked out their own parenting schedule and financial solutions. They worked through hard topics, while continuing to respect one another. By avoiding litigation, they saved tens of thousands of dollars. So, what is “collaborative practice?” The collaborative approach began approximately 20 years ago in the Twin Cities. Burned out by scorched-earth litigation 38 February/March 2012
tactics, divorce attorney Stu Webb wanted to quit practicing law. Instead, he searched out colleagues who felt the same way, and they weren’t hard to find. In time, he and his like-minded colleagues developed and honed a new and useful method of helping families through divorce. What did they do? Well, they abandoned the traditional divorce process altogether. Traditionally, divorces play themselves out through two separate, but related, processes that unfold at the same time. One party usually starts a legal action: The dispute then involves a judge, trial lawyers, and a courtroom (the litigation process). Somewhere along the line, before that case reaches its trial, the dickering begins, often in a mediation setting (the negotiation process). In other words, divorce negotiations usually occur under the threatening shadow of looming litigation. There, negotiations can be hampered by: (1) the negative emotion spawned by hardball litigation tactics; (2) a reluctance to share information that might be used against one in the litigation environment; or (3) an unwillingness to school the other in the weaknesses of his or her case. The key premise of collaborative law is to disconnect the two processes, to sever the negotiation of a family dispute from the litigation process.
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By severing the negotiating from the litigating, collaborative law: • replaces an adversarial process with a problem-solving approach; • prevents, rather than promotes, litigation; • preserves family assets; • promotes, rather than destroys, post-divorce relationships; • places children at the center of the dialogue, rather than the middle of the fight; and • achieves more durable, lasting, agreements. The collaborative approach creates these improvements in a simple, but radical, way. It requires all involved—the husband and his lawyer, and the wife and her lawyer—to sign an amazing contract: All four must agree, in writing, that neither party will serve and file the divorce action! There will be no litigation. Instead, all of the parties’ and their lawyers’ resources and energies will be devoted to negotiating. Exactly none of their resources and energies will be devoted to litigating. Freed from the dynamics of hostile litigating, the parties’ negotiations are liberated, less guarded. They are less adversarial and more…well…collaborative. There is a special term in the parties’ collaborative agreement that goes far to assure these goals: If either party chooses to abandon the collaborative approach—by serving and filing the divorce action—both attorneys must withdraw. In other words, the collaborative lawyers are prohibited from also serving as the parties’ trial lawyers. They must be replaced. Likewise, any experts (eg., accountants, counselors, psychologists) the parties have jointly retained to help them during the collaborative negotiations are barred from becoming involved as witnesses in the divorce litigation. Thus, the deeper the parties progress in their collaborative negotiations, the greater their stake in continuing, rather than abandoning, the process. The same is true for the lawyers. In a traditional divorce, a lawyer gains when negotiations stall and the parties choose to try their case: Trials are time-consuming and expensive, so the lawyer’s fees skyrocket. With the collaborative approach, when parties choose to litigate, lawyers lose their clients and, with them, their source of income. People who are interested in resolving their divorce through the collaborative method may follow these seven steps: Step 1: Find and hire a collaborative attorney. You don’t become an astronaut by simply calling yourself one. Likewise, you don’t become a collaborative lawyer by self-anointment. Instead, a “collaborative attorney” is one formally trained in the collaborative process, then committed to its use. If you are looking for a collaborative lawyer, ask about his or her training and experience with the process. In this area, a collaborative lawyer will likely be a member of both the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and the International Academy of Collaborate Professionals. At this time, there family
are only three trained collaborative law attorneys in FargoMoorhead and the surrounding region. They are myself (Michael Gjesdahl); Leah DuCharme, from Gjesdahl Law; and Krista Andrews, from Anderson, Bottrell, Sanden, and Thompson Law Firm. The first collaborative attorney contacted provides the client the identity and contact information of other collaborative lawyers. The client shares the list with his or her spouse, who then selects one of the other listed attorneys. Step 2: Start the process. Once collaborative lawyers are hired, the next step is a four-way conference involving the parties and the two attorneys. During this meeting, the ground rules of the collaborative process are established. Everyone then commits to those ground rules by signing a Participation Agreement. Step 3: Take care of immediate problems. The beginning of most divorces is an anxious time, often fraught with emergencies, both real and perceived: Will we remain under the same roof or separate while the divorce is processed? How will we share time with the children? Who will have use of which assets and property items? Who will pay which bills? Will he or she gut our accounts? Will he or she run up balances on our joint credit cards? In the collaborative process, the parties will focus first on issues like these. Step 4: Gather information. No one should enter an agreement without being fully informed. Accordingly, most litigated divorces begin with months of formal “discovery,” a process where the attorneys send one another lengthy requests for information and documents. Responses, tailored for litigation purposes, are often evasive and uninformative. To the contrary, the collaborative process requires a commitment to transparency. Both parties promptly share required financial and other information. The process plays out more quickly, more cheaply, and more thoroughly. Step 5: Share experts. Divorcing parties often need the assistance of experts: Appraisers or auctioneers may be hired to value assets; accountants to appraise businesses or assess tax effects; psychologists or counselors to help determine parenting schedules. In a litigated divorce, both parties hire their own experts, thus doubling expenses. In the collaborative process, the parties employ experts jointly, the experts remain neutral, and the parties save dollars. Step 6: Negotiate the settlement. In a litigated divorce, the parties do not interact with one another. Proposals are communicated between the lawyers. When they negotiate under the same roof, the parties are usually in separate rooms. In the collaborative process, the parties and their attorneys negotiate face-to-face, at a single table. In addition, collaborative attorneys are trained to move past “positional” negotiating in favor of “interest-based” bargaining. Positional bargaining is a trading of offers where there is often a “winner” and a “loser” (imagine buying a used car). Interestbased negotiation drills deeper—it is a method of solving common problems together and to generate win-win solutions.
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Step 7: Obtain the Final Decree. Only once the parties have settled their case and signed an agreement is a formal divorce action commenced. A court file needs to be opened to file the agreement, gain the court’s approval, and receive a final divorce judgment and decree. These are the steps Bonnie and her husband followed to avoid what might have been a self-inflicted blood bath. Instead, she describes her relationship with her ex as “healthy” and “spectacular.” “We went through an awful time for our family…without being hurtful to each other,” Bonnie says. Because of the collaborative approach, Bonnie’s divorce was about problem-solving, not retribution and retaliation. Since Stu Webb conceived the collaborative method, it has traveled to no fewer than 46 states, as well as found its way to Europe, to Asia, to Africa, and to Australia. It recently reached the Fargo-Moorhead area when three local attorneys underwent extensive training in Minneapolis. In time, as it has everywhere else, the collaborative approach will reduce the need in this area for families to resolve their disputes in a trial setting. More disputes will be resolved by agreement, more families will save money, and more children will avoid the scars inflicted by warring parents. Michael Gjesdahl is a Fargo-Moorhead family law attorney. He can be reached at Mike@Gjesdahllaw.com
Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression • Parenting Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stres Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relations You don’t •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting have to Autism • Children’s Children issues • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Stress • Children’s issues • Relationships • Stress go it Relationshipsalone. • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Autism • Children’s issues • Relationships • • Stress • Children’s issues • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting Relationships • The Village Counseling Services Depression •Divorce • Parenting Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationshi is here to help. •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • For online individual Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depressio or relationship counseling, Parenting • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Div go to www.thevillagefamily.org Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depressio Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stres Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Relationships • Stress •PsyAnxiety • Depression •Divorce • Parenting Autism • Children’s issues • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Stress • Children’s issues • Relationships • Stress Relationships Depression •Divorce • Parenting • Autism • Children’s issues • Relationships • 1201 25th•St.Stress S., Fargo •Anxiety • 1401 8th St. • S., Moorhead 701-451-4900 • Stress • Children’s issues • Relationships www.TheVillageFamily.org Autism • Children’s issues • Relationships • Stress •Anxiety • Stress • Children’s issues • Relationships • Stress Ronald M. Burd, M.D. Psychiatrist
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Sanford Heart Doctors to Women: ‘Listen to your Heart’
W
hen Sanford Heart Cardiologist Dr. Susan Farkas talks with women about heart disease, she often begins with one simple question: “You know your bra size and your body weight, but do you know your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure?” If statistics are correct—like the American Heart Association’s 2006 claim that only half of all U.S. women believe heart disease is their No. 1 killer—it’s likely many women continue to fixate on maintaining a dress size of 8 over maintaining a blood pressure of 120/80. “Unfortunately the way the media portrays heart attacks isn’t accurate, so people don’t always realize they’re having one,” says Sanford Heart’s Dr. Roxanne Newman, the region’s only female cardiothoracic surgeon. As statistics show, heart disease is not just a man’s problem, yet this generalization damages our understanding of real-life heart event symptoms, especially in women, according to Farkas. Fargo-based Sanford Heart Cardiologist Dr. Christina McDowell agrees. “These disparities in heart disease between men and women underscore the need for women’s heart programs that can deliver gender-specific and comprehensive cardiovascular care to the tens of millions of women who are at risk and those already afflicted,” she says. Detection Knowing symptoms and risk factors seems crucial in preventing and treating heart disease. However, because of a lack of research and awareness about women and heart disease, health care providers often attribute cardiac symptoms in women to psychological conditions such as anxiety, panic or stress. Dr. JoEllen Kohlman-Petrick, an
Sanford Heart is home to four highly specialized female cardiac doctors. Together, these women are redefining women’s heart care for patients in Fargo, Moorhead and the surrounding area. From left: Sanford Heart Cardiothoracic Surgeon Roxanne Newman, MD; Cardiologists Susan Farkas, MD, Christina McDowell, MD; and Interventional Cardiologist JoEllen Kohlman-Petrick, MD.
interventional cardiologist at Sanford Heart in Fargo, believes improving outcomes in women who have heart disease begins by looking at heart symptoms and conditions based on gender. “More times than not, physicians are looking for male-pattern disease, when we need to start looking at female patterns,” she says. Though many men do experience “classic” signs of a heart attack— crippling chest pain, sweating, difficulty breathing—women often report experiencing an entirely different set of symptoms and warning signs, including: • nausea and vomiting • chest tightness • upper back pain • shortness of breath • lightheadedness • unexplainable fatigue “If a woman is having chest pain when she exerts herself, becomes fatigued really easily, or has shortness of breath, she is experiencing common female heart attack warning signs,” Farkas says. “The longer you wait, the more dangerous it is,” says Newman, who believes that no matter if it’s a heart attack or not, women should never ignore symptoms. “Even if you’re not sure, get it checked out. No one is going to criticize you for showing up in the ER.”
This Medical Update was brought to you by Sanford Health. For more information about women and heart disease, visit heart.sanfordhealth.org.
Prevention Farkas says research and awareness is providing better discoveries for heart disease prevention in women. For example, the recommended 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise may prove to be inadequate to stave off heart disease in some women. “You need to sweat. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes, but this should include some higher impact exercise where your heart rate increases to 75 percent of your maximum,” says Farkas. The Women of Sanford Heart Collectively, Farkas, Newman, Kohlman-Petrick and McDowell make up the only female team of heart experts in the area, and each day they are making groundbreaking discoveries in women’s heart health right here at Sanford Heart in Fargo. While this team continues to make great strides in the way we treat and prevent heart disease in women, the group urges everyone to take a proactive role in their own health. “Pay attention. Listen to your heart. Eat well. Exercise smart,” Farkas says. “Be a part of your overall thinking and say ‘I’m doing this for my heart.’ ”
YOUR FAMILY z parenting
14
Valentine's Day Traditions By Kerrie McLoughlin
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G
rowing up, I always looked forward to Valentine’s Day. I loved making valentines for my friends at school and decorating a shoebox to collect them in. When I got home from school I could always count on chocolates from my mom and a small gift from my dad. Cards had come in the mail from grandparents and aunts. I was definitely made to feel special on Valentine’s Day. I think everyone should get the chance to feel special on this sweet day full of love, so check out the 14 traditions below and give a few a try.
You’ll definitely make someone’s day!
1. 2. 3.
It doesn’t matter if your child is in school, is homeschooled, or is too young to be in school, decorating a container for Valentine’s Day goodies is a must for holding fun stuff from the day. A cardboard shoebox works great, as does a large plastic ice cream bucket. Just cut a hole in the lid big enough to handle cards, notes, and treats, and go to town decorating it with colored crepe paper, glitter glue, and more!
While your child sleeps, decorate his bedroom door with heart-shaped sticky notes in the overall shape of a wreath that says all of the things you love about him. Older kids may act like this is dorky, but inside, they’ll be glowing. Cards and heart-shaped notes are a must on this day. Of course you’ll buy or make some for your own kids, but don’t forget about nieces, nephews, the friends of your kids, your spouse, the children of your pals, and more. Everyone loves to get mail!
4. 5. 6.
A heart-shaped breakfast is a fun way to start the day. Think heart-shaped pancakes, eggs, biscuits, or toast with strawberry jelly, using a metal, heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Getting dressed should be extra special today with the color scheme being pink, red, purple, and white. Or just go extra fancy!
family
Break out that heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a heart-shaped sandwich for your child’s lunch. Why not write a silly love poem to your child and pop it in their lunchbag? Roses are red; Violets are blue; I love you; Yes, I do, do, do!
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7.
I can’t think of Valentine’s Day without also thinking of chocolate. Set out some red, pink, and silver Hershey kisses in a heart-shaped bowl for a sweet treat.
8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Make a Valentine Tree for each member of your family. Simply draw the trunk of a tree and cut out heart-shaped leaves. Then write different reasons why you love each person and glue the leaves to their tree. Tape it to the bathroom mirror or somewhere in their bedroom as a daily reminder of your love.
This is a great day to surprise your child with a small gift like a book, stuffed animal, stickers, or craft supplies—wrapped with heart wrapping paper, of course!
Sugar cookies are a must today. Drag out the baking supplies (or I like to buy the cookie dough in a roll), the frosting, and the sprinkles and make a mess together in the kitchen.
Flowers in February brighten up anyone’s day. If you don’t expect to receive any, buy them for yourself! If your child is old enough to enjoy a flower instead of eat it, place one pink or red carnation or rose in a bud vase in your child’s room.
On the menu for dinner: heart-shaped pizza. It’s easy to shape the dough in a large heart and add the toppings your family loves. Or, even easier, stop by Papa Murphy’s and pick up one ready-to-bake.
Don’t forget about your pets. You can order a heart-shaped food/water bowl at Amazon.com for just a few bucks and show your pet some love all year.
End this lovely day with “A Charlie Brown Valentine: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” or some other cute Valentine’s Day show with a character your child loves.
Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com) and her family are in love with this holiday!
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YOUR FAMILY z food & fun Red Velvet Cookies A box of red velvet cake mix ½ cup water Ÿ cup oil 1 egg Parchment paper Mix all ingredients together using hand mixer. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoons of batter onto parchment paper. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 2 to 3 dozen.
Tissue Paper Shamrock Green construction paper Green tissue paper Scissors Pencil with eraser Glue Cut a shamrock shape from construction paper. Cut one-inch squares from tissue paper. Squeeze a line of glue around the edges of your shamrock. Press eraser end of pencil into the center of a tissue paper square. Twist tissue paper up and around the pencil. Press tissue paper down into glue with pencil. Continue gluing tissue paper squares around the edge of the shamrock.
Valentine Treat Box Small paper mache box (any shape) Red or pink paint Ribbon Hot glue gun Paint inside and outside of paper mache box and let dry. Hot glue ribbon around bottom of box. Decorate box top with a bow or loops of ribbon. Fill with treats for your Valentine!
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YOUR FAMILY z words & wisdom Mutually caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in other’s achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain. We need to accept the fact that it’s not in the power of any human being to provide all these things all the time. For any of us, mutually caring relationships will also always include some measure of unkindness and impatience, intolerance, pessimism, envy, self-doubt, and disappointment. – Fred Rogers, “The World According to Mister Rogers” The Boston Bruins were playing the New York Rangers, and I was in charge of the penalty box. Directly behind me on a special ramped section, I spotted a boy of four or five seated in a wheelchair, frantically waving a Bruins banner. After the pre-game warm-ups, Ranger Phil Esposito caught sight of the boy and stopped to chat. “If you’re still here at the end of the game, you’ve got my stick,” I heard him say. I could see how excited the boy was, and he stayed that way throughout the game. The final buzzer sounded, and in seconds Esposito was up at the ramp, handing the lad his stick and offering words of encouragement. That night the Rangers lost the game, but Phil Esposito won two lifetime fans. – John Hollingsworth
If there is any one
secret of success,
it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from his angle as well as your own. – Henry Ford Abraham Lincoln, who was one of the most generous and kind-hearted of men, often said that there was no act which was not prompted by some selfish motive. He was riding in a stage from Springfield, Illinois, to a neighboring town and was discussing this philosophy with a fellow passenger. As the stage rumbled past a ditch which was filled with mud and mire, the passengers could see a small pig, caught fast in the muck, squealing and struggling to free himself. Many pepole in the stage laughed heartily, but Mr. Lincoln, then a lawyer, asked the driver to stop for a few moments. Leaping from the stage, he walked to the ditch over his shoetops in mud and picked the little animal up, setting it on solid road. “Now, look, here,” said the passenger with whom he had been talking, “you cannot say that was a selfish act.” “Extremely selfish,” said Mr. Lincoln. “If I had left that little fellow in there the memory of his squealing would have made me uncomfortable all day. That is why I freed him.” – From “The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln,” edited by Anthony Gross ©1994 Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes. – Author Unknown
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched...
but are felt in the heart. – Helen Keller
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How to Be Charitable in an Uncertain Economy Feeling a bit uncertain? Even if you’re still doing well, working hard, taking care of your family and enjoying life’s pleasures, the present economic climate has probably shaken your confidence. You want to continue giving to charitable causes, but you have a lower risk tolerance and want to keep a bit more cash on hand. That’s understandable. Fortunately, there are ways to support The Village without interrupting your current lifestyle.
Why should I give right now?
First consider your goals in supporting our work. These questions will help you think about what you would like to achieve. Would you like to… • Help sustain The Village during this critical time period? • Have control over where your assets go and how they are used? • Feel confident about your estate plans? • Set up a secure income stream? • Increase your charitable donation deductions? • Reduce estate taxes? Depending on the charitable giving plan you choose, you can receive all of these benefits and more. Stocks, life insurance, real estate and personal property all provide various tax benefits to you while filling a need for the people served by The Village. Call Janet Zinke at 701-4515036 for more ideas on how you can help.
How can I make sure the gift will fit my needs?
Making a gift in your estate plan not only allows you to maintain your standard of living, it also can increase your sense of security. Here are a few of the many options available. Tailor the plan to your own circumstances. We can help you explore the plan that best fits your needs—please give us a call (at no obligation).
If you want to make sure you take care of everyone you love, you can:
Use your will or living trust. These documents clearly communicate your intentions for how you would like to provide for your loved ones and favorite causes. You can make a bequest of a specific item, an amount of money or a percentage of your estate. You can also
make your gift contingent upon certain events. • How you benefit: Putting all of your wishes in writing reduces the risk of misunderstandings among your loved ones and relieves your worry about providing for the people and causes that benefit from your care. You can feel secure knowing you will maintain control of your assets until after your lifetime and that your bequests are revocable so you can change your mind at any time. Also, structuring your assets correctly can allow them to bypass probate and, with charitable bequests, eliminate estate taxes.
If you would like to receive a fixed, steady stream of income, you can:
et up a charitable gift annuity (CGA). In S exchange for a gift of cash or assets to The Village through a CGA, you will receive fixed payments annually for the rest of your lifetime, and if you desire, the rest of one other person’s life as well. • How you benefit: This strategy provides you with an immediate income tax deduction and tax-favored, stable payments. It also reduces future estate taxes. Form a charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT). By putting assets into a CRAT, you and other beneficiaries receive fixed income for the rest of your lives. Anything left in the trust after payouts are complete goes to the charitable organization(s) you name as beneficiary. • How you benefit: A CRAT provides an immediate income tax deduction, helps avoid up-front capital gains taxes and reduces future estate taxes payable.
If you would like to reduce your income taxes, you can:
Donate financial assets. If you have stocks, bonds, CDs, money market funds or any other financial assets that you no longer need, you can donate them directly to us. • How you benefit: For donations of assets you’ve owned for more than one year that are worth more than their original cost, you typically receive a charitable income tax deduction for their full fair market value—not the price you paid for them. Plus, when you give financial assets directly to a charity such as The Village, neither of This is an advertisement
us have to pay any capital gains taxes. Transfer real estate. You can give your home, vacation home, or other property directly as an outright gift. Or, you can give the title of your home now and retain the right to live there for life. While retaining the life estate, you can even rent your real estate after you’ve given us the title. • How you benefit: If you make an outright gift of appreciated real estate you’ve owned for more than one year, you can usually take an income tax deduction equal to its current fair market value. If you deed your property to a charity while retaining a “life estate,” you can receive an immediate tax deduction for a portion of the fair market value but still enjoy using it for the rest of your life.
If you would like to make a gift without affecting your lifestyle, you can:
Designate IRA assets. If you’re at least 70 ½ years old, you can make tax-free charitable gifts of $100,000 or less from your IRA directly to a qualified charity through 2012. Another smart strategy is to name The Village as the beneficiary of your IRA, which gives you flexibility. • How you benefit: Leaving part or all of your IRA to charity after your lifetime dramatically increases tax efficiencies. Naming a charity as a beneficiary can eliminate income and estate taxes that can consume up to 65 percent of your plan. We Can Help These options allow you to meet your charitable goals and provide for those who depend on your care. Right now is the perfect time to plan your giving so your wishes come to pass and you maximize the impact of your resources. Contact Janet Zinke at 701-451-5036, or Gary Wolsky at 701-451-4929 if you have any questions.
www.TheVillageFamily.org 701-451-4900