Welcome to summer! Take a break from scrambling for the school bus, homework, and all the rest. Allow some later bedtimes to enjoy stargazing on blankets in the backyard and get in some swimming, swinging in hammocks, and whatever else you love to do in summer.
Our cover article highlights Jonesville Community Schools, sharing insights from each of the three principals and
the superintendent about how the district views its mission and how that mission is implemented at each level.
We have a great set of recipes for you . . . popsicles! Create some homemade treats that everyone—kid to adult—will love. You’ll find our regular book recommendations feature, an article about nine Michigan waterparks that might include some you didn’t know about, and what a dad with all daughters has learned about being a father to girls.
Don’t miss the information about the Great Start Collaborative’s Safety Fair that’s set for Tuesday, June 18! It will be held at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the event is free. Simply Hers is proud to be a co-sponsor of this fair that’s devoted to helping area parents.
We hope you will browse the ads along with the articles because the support of area businesses makes this publication possible. Remember that our local resources will only be here if we patronize them!
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, wonderful summer!
by Melissa McCance
strong, effective school district takes more than filling buildings with teachers, students, and supplies and adding a curriculum. It requires thought, planning, and—above all— people who care about the students and do their best for them with commitment and intention. Jonesville Community Schools typify these standards. .. Read more on page 6.
Hillsdale
Hillsdale
Parenting
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Melissa McCance
Dakota Harding
Cyndi Young
Hannah Sayles
Sherry Sheffer
Melissa McCance
Elyse Apel
Molly Mason
Developing Responsible Citizens for information on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw at (517) 320-9235 or email sales@simplyhers.net
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Astrong, effective school district takes more than filling buildings with teachers, students, and supplies and adding a curriculum. It requires thought, planning, and—above all—people who care about the students and do their best for them with commitment and intention. Jonesville Community Schools typify these standards.
Williams Elementary School encompasses kindergarten preparation through fifth grade. “We have a whole-child focus,” explains Principal Ryan Grimm. “Academic, physical, and emotional.” They have a balanced program that includes longer recesses and lunch periods than many elementary schools in recognition of younger children’s needs.
Assistant Principal Steve Zigray detailed the programs that enhance and complement classroom time. “We have a top-notch physical education program with a rock wall, as well as music, art, and STEM content including introducing students to coding. And we have an excellent librarian along with library resources.”
Their approach has yielded solid results: Williams Elementary is justifiably proud of being rated 4 (the highest possible) on the M-STEP test for the last two years.
“Sometimes less is more,” says Grimm. “If our classroom instruction is really clear and structured, we can give up a little academic time to focus on other aspects of the students for their well-being.”
As a PBIS school (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support), there are systems in place to reward students for the good things they’re doing as well as offering guidance to those who need more help. Besides individual prizes, the rewards program encourages classes to work as team to earn bigger, often experience-based rewards for the whole class.
Both Grimm and Zigray spoke enthusiastically about the experienced staff at Williams. To encourage staff input and problem-solving, the school holds monthly curriculum and leadership meetings which allows everyone to address small issues before they become big problems.
“We also have great community support,” adds Grimm. “Family nights usually have 350 or more in attendance, many supplies are donated, and we had to go to two Christmas concerts in order to accommodate everyone who wanted to come.”
Despite the stereotype of middle schoolers being very difficult, the staff at Jonesville Middle School doesn’t find
that to be true. Principal Emily Ramirez explains why:
“First of all, the staff wants to be here—they want to teach middle school. We understand this life stage and we know you have to roll a bit with the ups and downs. But we are proactive. We teach behavior expectations and we utilize the PBIS model to help our students be their best.”
Having a solid staff is essential. At Jonesville, all the staff are highly-certified in the core subjects they teach—not always the case these days. In addition, the school has a guidance counselor, a behavioral interventionist, and a social worker.
Ramirez describes the overall approach as wanting to meet all needs of all the children. They emphasize getting to know the students and building relationships. The WIN (What I Need) class gives every student an adult they get to know well and can reach out to when needed. They have that teacher all year, and time may be spent in mini-lessons on needed social skills, team building, and problem solving.
Middle school can be a wonderful time of exploration and discovery when students start discovering their particular gifts and interests to be developed further in high school and beyond. Jonesville offers a wide range of opportunities through nineweek electives. These classes include microbiology, small engines, Comets in Action (community service), robotics, STEM, history through literature, band, and art.
In addition to the electives, the middle school has a varying after school enrichment program. Among recent and ongoing offerings are a library club, an eclipse viewing party this past April, tailgate parties, and a very popular annual ski trip. The athletic program includes cross country, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, football, track, and cheerleading.
Once Jonesville students reach high school, even greater opportunities await. When asked about the school’s strengths, Principal Katie Griffiths immediately answered, “The depth of our programming, our solid staff, our ‘whole student’ focus, and our restorative approach to dealing with problems.”
The school offers AP classes in biology, English, U.S. history, and calculus as well as CLEP options for algebra and precalculus. There’s a well-developed industrial arts department, a music program (and the band just earned a 1 rating under the new band director!), and a public speaking course that prepares students to be poised and effective when speaking before a group. Jonesville High School participates in the dual enrollment program which allows high school students to take college classes.
The FFA agricultural science students have had success at the state and national level, and one student is the state FFA president. A recent grant allowed expansion of the barn to accommodate larger animals all year round.
Jonesville High School has a strong special education program that is moving from the traditional pull-out model with students taught in a separate classroom to a push-in approach where the special education teachers come to the classroom. The program also provides life skills education and guidance for integration into adult life after graduation.
Students needing additional help in English, math, science, history, and Spanish can utilize the Comet Success Program. This low-key tutoring program operates during the lunch period from Monday through Thursday, and students simply sign up whenever they want some extra coaching in a subject that’s giving them trouble.
Jonesville students can participate in a variety of sports. The program includes cross country, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball, golf, softball, and track. Added to these more usual sports are a clay target shooting team and an equestrian team.
Superintendent Erik Weatherwax offers this summation:
“Jonesville Community Schools leads because we are student- and excellence-focused. We are always looking to improve our student experience and strive to lead whether it’s in academics and programming, athletics, or extra-curricular offerings. We are a small district with the aspirations and offerings of a big district.” Facebook: Great Start Hillsdale County.
Substance
Every family is different! Learn tips to help you and your family:
Strengthen the positive bond you have with your child. Get along with your children and argue less. Set family routines and rules that everyone can follow and respect! These are just a few; there is so much more!
Triple P doesn’t tell you how to be a parent. It offers clear and simple ideas to help you manage the problem or prevent them from happening!
Email: TriplePHillsdale@gmail com
Founded just before the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) service trained World War II pilots to patrol the coast from Maine to Texas looking for U-boats. Today, as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP provides emergency services, aerospace edu cation, and cadet programs as a national nonprofit organization.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) focuses on building leadership skills; inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers; and building strong character in America’s teenagers. The Hillsdale chapter of the CAP was founded in 2018 under the direction of Squadron Command er Heather Tritchka. “My daughter became a cadet through the Jackson chapter and I saw for myself how great this program was for teenagers,” said Tritchka. “I wanted to bring this opportunity to Hillsdale and our squadron has grown through the ongoing support of this community.”
“I think people can be misled when they hear Air Force Auxil iary. It’s not as scary as some kids expect it to be,” said Dalilah McKimmy, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant and Cadet Commander of the Hillsdale squadron. “The skills we learn in CAP get you ready not only for a military career if you choose but also more prepared for situations in real life. I think CAP pro vides a really valuable experience for teens you can’t find anywhere else.”
As the Hillsdale squadron grew, it began a partnership with Hillsdale College’s Great Opportunities for Assis
tance and Leadership (GOAL) program. The college also provides meeting space for the squadron in the Margot Biermann Athletic Center. “As a member of the GOAL program, we receive one student assistant each year to serve as a mentor, direct the meetings, and lead our drills,” said Tritchka. “The chosen intern receives a scholarship through the college and typically has previous CAP experience.”
in color guards, flag ceremonies, parades, officer installments, and other events in the community. Each cadet receives free orientation flights as part of the program and will also be trained and certified in First Aid/CPR for both adults and infants.
Each summer, the cadets attend a weeklong training camp at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, a Michigan Air National Guard training facility. In addition, the cadets also practice search and rescue at an overnight camp on the campus of Hillsdale College. “Our annual Bivouac event is one of the kids’ favorite events,” said Tritchka. “It’s held in a wooded area and the cadets have to make their shelters out of tarps and paracord. They search for a downed pilot while evading the enemy forces, often played by Hillsdale College football players. Their goal is to return the pilot safely to camp without being captured and they always do a great job evading the enemy.”
While cadets are not obligated to enlist in a branch of the military, those who do can earn the Mitchell Award, earning an advanced pay grade (E-3). CAP also offers college and flight scholarships.
“No matter what your goals are, there are going to be so many people encouraging you and helping you get where you want to be,” said McKimmy. “There’s a great sense of community in our program and it’s a very valuable program for young people to be in.”
Students aged 12 to 18 are invited to join. Participation in the program is flexible, allowing cadets to participate in other extracurricular activities without having to leave the program. Accommodations may also be made for participants with special needs. The cost to enroll is only $30 per year per cadet as the Air Force supports the program financially. If you’re interested in learning more about the program, contact Squadron Commander Heather Tritchka at 517960-1334.
We all know that getting some exercise is critical for better physical, mental, and emotional health. But, when your life is packed and you have children at home, it can be hard. This is the first of a two-part article in which five parents share how they fit it in!
Real parents dish on how they find time to work out with hectic schedules, clingy toddlers, tight budgets, chronic sleep deprivation, and zero athletic talent.
When it comes to reading advice about staying fit as a parent, the best experts are the parents making it happen. These fit parents find a way to work out even when it seems impossible.
Read on to learn their secrets and best exercise tips.
Jennifer Mazzoni is a mom to Rose, 3, and Grace, 18 months. “During my pregnancy with my second daughter, Grace, I had a lot of pelvic pain and had to stop practicing yoga, which I’d been doing for years,” says Mazzoni.
“I really missed it and planned to start back up as soon as possible, but the pain took a long time to subside. When I was finally ready, getting to an early-morning class at a yoga studio was impossible since my girls woke up at 6:40 a.m.”
Why I make time
“I do have mornings when I think, ‘Ugh, I’m too tired!’ But most days, I push myself,” she says. “I enjoy my time with my girls more when I’ve had ‘me time’ early in the morning.”
How I worked it out
“Every morning, I get up at 5 a.m. and practice yoga in my bedroom,” says Mazzoni. She also goes to bed early—9 p.m.—to ensure she gets enough rest.
“I set up a calming meditation space with my yoga mat, yoga props, and flameless candles. I practice to different YouTube videos so I don’t get bored, and then I meditate for 20 to 30 minutes.”
Her top tips:
• Find your space at home: “It should be private and quiet, even if it’s a corner in your bedroom. A decorated space is also a great visual reminder.”
• Start small: “Meditate for just one minute each morning or evening for a few days, then slowly increase your time. It’s less overwhelming.”
Get guidance: “Until you feel comfortable practicing yoga and meditating on your own, it’s helpful to follow a guided practice. The Insight Timer app has free meditations, and I love trying out new yoga videos on YouTube.”
Alena Gerst is mom to Gracie, 5, and Clark, 3. “I didn’t have to prioritize exercise until I had kids—before then, it was just how I lived my life. I biked to work, jogged and played tennis with my husband, swam regularly, and took at least one yoga class a week,” says Gerst.
“But after kids, parenting sapped my energy to do most things beyond working and dealing with all my obligations at home.”
Why I make time
“My parents are in their 70s, and they still hike, swim, practice yoga, and cycle. I want my kids to see me making that same effort to take care of my body and have fun while doing it,” she says.
“Plus, if I skip more than two days of working out, I’m irritable. Caregiving is rewarding, but it’s also demanding.”
How I worked it out
Gerst put a foldable treadmill in her bedroom and watches TV on the treadmill. “I have absolutely extended workouts because I didn’t want to stop watching The Crown,” she says.
“When I discovered a Pilates studio in my office building, I began scheduling a weekly class between clients. I also often use my lunch break to get in a quick swim at a nearby pool.”
Her top tips:
• Be with the kids first: “I try to get on the treadmill after we’ve spent a lot of time together. That way, they’re less likely to come looking for my attention.”
• Go with the flow: “Even if I’m very tired from the rigors of parenting and life, I just get in the pool and keep moving, no matter how slow I need to go.”
• Keep your sense of humor: “Once I paid for a Pilates class but forgot a change of clothes, so I did it in my work clothes. No big deal!”
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Cultivating language and literature, math and science, and moral and civic responsibilities.
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Summer is a time for active fun, but there are also those lazy afternoons and later bedtimes that are perfect opportunities for reading! Although these books are all highly-rated by parents and educators, you know your children best. We recommend reading (or at least skimming) the books to ensure they’re appropriate for your kids. Reading some online reviews can help you decide, and, for the books shown for grades six through eight, detailed synopses are usually available online.
the more that you READ the more things you’ll KNOW the more that you LEARN the more PLACES you’ll go.
` Dr. Seuss
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
When a dachshund has had ENOUGH of walking with its owner to run errands in a hot, crowded city, he plops down and refuses to move. His sympathetic owner sees the problem and gets the two of them where they can enjoy some time in nature. This book won the Caldecott medal for its illustrations and has rave reviews from many parents and grandparents.
The Hidden World of Gnomes by Lauren Soloy
This charming book doesn’t have a regular plot—it’s structured like a reference guide to . . . gnomes! Children will learn about where they live, the work they do (fluffing squirrel tails, babysitting robins’ eggs, etc.), their names, and more. Fun to look at as much as to read!
Harry’s Mad by Dick King-Smith
Many of us are familiar with Babe, the sheepherding pig. But, did you know the movie was based on a book by author Dick King-Smith? He’s written several wonderful books, including Harry’s Mad. “Mad” is short for Madison, an African Gray parrot young Harry inherits from his great-uncle. Harry’s disappointed at first, but it turns out Mad is no ordinary parrot. He’s a chess expert, a walking dictionary, and a great friend.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Instead of a person lost on a deserted island, how about a robot? Robot Roz finds “herself” in just that situation. At first it’s technology versus nature, but, over time, Roz befriends the animal inhabitants of the island. That is, until her mysterious past comes back to haunt her. This is the first book in a series of three, so, if your child enjoys this one, there are two more to read!
Mystery on Mackinac Island by Anna W. Hale
A series of bike thefts would be bad enough, but on Mackinac Island where are there are no cars and bikes are a primary means of transportation, it’s a really big deal. Thirteen-year-old Hunter Martineau is a year-round resident of the island, and he’s determined to solve the mystery. Along the way, he discovers things about himself, grows closer to his father, and faces some danger!
Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor by Michael Burgan
This book combines the photographs of Lewis Hine with straightforward text to acquaint middle schoolers with the history of one aspect of child labor in the United States: sorting coal down in the mines. Hine wanted to effect change by showing people the reality of what life was like for the young boys and girls who worked long hours—often at dangerous tasks—for very little pay. His work, along with that of others, roused public opposition against child labor and helped start the movement to abolish it.
For many families, over-scheduling has led to the near-disappearance of eating dinner together. This information from The Family Dinner Project highlights why bringing back regular family dinners is important for children and adults alike. If you’d like to learn more and get helpful tips and information, visit their website: thefamilydinnerproject.org.
Our belief in the “magic” of family dinners is grounded in research on the physical, mental and emotional benefits of regular family meals.
Over three decades of research have shown that regular family meals offer a wide variety of physical, social-emotional and academic benefits. While some of these benefits can be gained through other activities, eating together is the only single activity that is known to provide all of them at the same time.
We recommend combining food, fun and conversation at mealtimes because those three ingredients are the recipe for a warm, positive family dinner — the type of environment that makes these scientifically proven benefits possible.
Some of the specific benefits of family dinners are:
• Better academic performance
• Higher self-esteem
• Greater sense of resilience
• Lower risk of substance abuse
• Lower risk of teen pregnancy
• Lower risk of depression
• Lower likelihood of developing eating disorders
• Lower rates of obesity
• Better cardiovascular health in teens
• Bigger vocabulary in preschoolers
• Healthier eating patterns in young adults
There are also benefits for adults, including:
• Better nutrition with more fruits and vegetables and less fast food
• Less dieting
• Increased self-esteem
• Lower risk of depression
HELPFUL REFERENCES
If you’d like to know more about the research behind the benefits of family dinners, Dr. Anne K. Fishel’s Food for Thought blog is a great place to start. These reports and articles are also good references:
Eating Family Meals Together at Home
Comprehensive discussion from JAMA Pediatrics on the research detailing the importance of regular family mealtimes for pediatric patients
The Conversation: Science says: eat with your kids
Summary of research on the academic, nutritional, and mental health benefits of family dinner
NY Times: How to Have Better Family Meals
Great overview of family dinner
The Conversation: Dinnertime storytelling makes kids voracious readers
Summary of research about storytelling at mealtime
The Importance of Family Dinners
Report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
Every child in foster care deserves to have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we run completely off of grants and donations. We do not charge for our services. You can help us in this quest by providing critical financial support.
Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are needed now more than ever. For more information please contact Heather Upton by calling (517)797-6020 or email casaofhillsdale@gmail.com.
#changeachildsstory
A daughter’s first real love is her father. From tea parties to meeting your daughter’s friends, your active involvement is vital. A study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that girls are less likely to engage in dangerous peergroup activities, experiment with drugs and participate in promiscuous sex when their fathers are more involved in their lives. They also perform better academically. You can’t wait until your daughters are teens before you step up and assume your role as a father. Forge and strengthen this relationship throughout your daughters’ lives.
(but be able to fix when it’s necessary)
Encourage your daughter to talk to you. Get to know your daughter’s peer groups. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what is going on in her life. You are going to have some potentially awkward discussions with your daughters as they enter the different stages of their lives. Establishing a comfortable level of communication early on will make the difficult topics much easier to deal with.
The best way to teach is by example. A well-known quote says, “The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” You want the young men in your daughters’ lives to treat them with kindness, courtesy and respect. When you treat your daughters’ mother in this fashion, you show your daughters what qualities they should look for in the young men that they date and spend time with.
It’s good that your daughters know how to check fluids and change a flat tire on an automobile. But it’s more important for them to develop selfconfidence and decision-making abilities. A vital concept that you should instill in your daughter is to forge her own identity and not have it be defined by peer groups or the person she chooses to marry.
azcentral.com
On June 18, the Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative is co-hosting a community-wide event with Simply Hers focused on teaching families how to prioritize safety. The second annual Hillsdale County Free Family Safety Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds.
“The goal is to provide education and resources around a wide variety of safety topics that impact kids and families in Hillsdale County,” says Stefanie Rathburn, director at Great Start.
All Hillsdale County families are welcome to attend this free event.
“Free lunches will be available to the first 150 kids under 10 to sign in,” Stefanie says. “Additionally, Cottage Inn, Lawless’s BBQ, and Kona Ice will be on-site with food and drink items available for purchase.”
Market House Supermarket is helping to sponsor the free lunches.
Many other organizations will also be present at the event. Last year, over 40 different local agencies were on-site and Stefanie says Great Start hopes to see similar participation this year.
“A number of agencies have already committed to being on-site this year but we expect many more to register between now and the event,” Stefanie explains.
Representatives from the community agencies and organizations will be present to share information and resources on many different safety topics.
“Topics anticipated to be addressed by agency partners include: firearms safety, child safety items in homes, emergency preparedness, safe sleep, school bus safety, car seat safety, bathtub/water safety, pet/animal safety, pool and
lake safety, internet safety, safe driving, fire safety, suicide prevention, agricultural safety, banking safety, medication safety, and much, much more,” Stefanie says.
So far, over ten agencies are signed up, including Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness (CAPA), Greater Hillsdale Humane Society, Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center, and Domestic Harmony.
Local schools and emergency services will also use the Safety Fair as an opportunity to get out into the community.
“We anticipate fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, a school bus, and more to be on-site,” Stefanie says.
There will also be a wide variety of activities for kids and adults, free giveaways, and car seat inspections.
“There will be an opportunity for families to have their car seats inspected to ensure they are properly installed,” Stefanie says of the car seat inspections.
In addition to car seat inspections, free car seats will also be given out to those in need.
“Children must be present and in a motor vehicle in order to participate,” Stefanie says. “New seats will be available, free of charge, to Hillsdale County children in need of one. Pregnant moms within one month of their due date are also eligible.”
Stefanie says she is excited that Great Start can serve the community by holding the event.
“The intent is to provide a fun atmosphere for families to come spend some time while receiving education that can support all families,” she says. “In addition, ensuring families know where to go or who to call to access necessary support . . . is a priority for the event!”
Is your family looking for a wet and wild adventure? With a number of exciting indoor water parks right here in our state, there’s no need to travel far for some fun. Whether it’s a day trip or a full weekend getaway, nothing brings families closer together than a Pure Michigan water park adventure.
Experience the ultimate family adventure at Michigan’s largest indoor water park. Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain is an 88,000-square-foot water playground, the largest in Michigan. Enjoy five water slides, a lazy river, hot tubs, interactive play structure, wave rider surf pool, and climbing wall. Boyne Mountain also offers guests a menu of activities including Michigan’s finest downhill skiing, amazing golf, and a pampered retreat at the Solace Spa. Lodging options include hotel rooms, chalets, and charming Austrian-themed
Treat your family to an unforgettable weekend at Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark. The family favorite, just one mile from downtown Frankenmuth, offers 30,000 square feet of aquatic adventures. The huge dumping buckets pour out 400 gallons of water and there are two, four-story tube slides; a lazy river; toddler area; water geysers and sprays; and a hot tub. The 146-room hotel also offers a game arcade, snack bar, and dining for breakfast and lunch. After splashing around, experience some of Frankenmuth’s many other offerings – including Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, located just next door to Zehnder’s.
Traverse City offers the Great Wolf Lodge, a premier family resort. With over 38,000 square feet of splash-loaded rides, slides, and pools, you’re sure to find a favorite. The water park features eight waterslides, five unique pools, a multi-story interactive tree house, and a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket. And, when you’re ready to dry off, the fun continues outside the water park. Grab a wand and battle a dragon in MagiQuest or get an ice cream-themed manicure at Scoops Kid Spa before gathering your family in the Grand Lobby for nightly fireside Story Time. There’s plenty for mom and dad, too, with a full-service spa, fitness room, and plenty of shopping and dining options.
Northern Michigan also offers an indoor water park at Lakeside Resort in Houghton Lake. This 9,000-square foot water park offers water slides, a lazy river, kid’s pool, and a hot tub. Boaters can dock nearby and take in a round at one of five golf courses.
5. Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark – Rothbury Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury is home to a 60,000-square foot Gold Rush Indoor Waterpark. Guests can play water basketball, try out the water slide, float down the lazy river, and venture into the wave pool or water fort. Take a thrill ride on the whitewater raft, a choice of tubes, and Michigan’s tallest indoor waterslide. There’s an indoor/outdoor family hot tub and one just for adults. Visitors not staying at the ranch can purchase day passes to the water park which is open weekends for winter months. Call ahead for exact times and dates.
6. Bavarian Inn Lodge – Frankenmuth
The Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth offers two types of water adventures. At the Bavarian Inn Lodge, guests can dip into five indoor pools and three whirlpools. One pool features a waterfall and another is just for adults. A special pool is designated for toddlers and there is a two-story children’s play village. Kids and parents can play a round of indoor miniature golf or more than 100 arcade games. The lodge offers dining, 350 rooms and suites, and several packages for families, groups, and special occasions. The inn overlooks the Cass River and it’s a short walk to the Bavarian Inn restaurant and Main Street shops.
7. Splash Universe Water Park Resort – Dundee
Splash Universe Water Park Resort in Dundee is the perfect destination for your family’s next adventure. Splash Universe is a 25,000 square foot water park that offers over 100,000 gallons of water park fun. Enjoy the outdoors, indoors year round at Splash Universe Dundee, including an indoor water park featuring water slides, adventure areas, a Ripplin’ River, and an interactive play structure perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a birthday destination, a weekend getaway, or just a day of family fun, Splash Universe has you covered.
8. Soaring Eagle Waterpark & Hotel – Mt. Pleasant
At Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel in Mt. Pleasant, you will find a 45,000-square-foot indoor waterpark designed for toddlers, tweens, teens, and adults! This family-fun waterpark features a wave rider, body slide, bowl slide, rock climbing wall, lazy river, children’s play area, and a private adult pool, hot tub, and sauna.
If you are heading to the Upper Peninsula, reserve a stay at the Fairview Beachfront Inn & Water Park in Mackinaw City. Water cannons, geysers, dump buckets, and more fun fill our indoor, 5,000-square-foot Cast-away Bay Waterpark. Adults can enjoy a huge 25-person Jacuzzi. Day passes and packages are available and the inn is only minutes away from the Mackinac Island ferries. During summer months, the private sandy beach is perfect for picnics and a view of Mackinac Island.
make the transition as easy as possible for you and the puppy.
Like toddlers, puppies can get themselves in a lot of trouble very fast. You’ll want to protect your dog (and your home) from potential trouble spots. Scan the qr code with your phone to find our handy puppy-proofing checklist and get everything in order before beginning the puppy home. The checklist is also available at akc.org.
Buy or borrow a crate. A dog crate provides a secure place for a puppy to rest and sleep. It also acts as a safe place should you need to leave him alone for brief periods. A crate can prove useful in housebreaking because a dog won’t soil his crate unless the owner fails to take him outside to relieve himself. The crate should be large enough to allow the dog to stand in it and turn around.
If you’re planning on limiting the puppy’s access to parts of the house or to certain rooms, buy or borrow baby gates. Since this is probably temporary, consider gates that use tension to attach to the walls.
A collar and leash are essential. Your puppy will love to go for walks outdoors and you will need to be in control. Of course, your puppy can go off-leash in a safe area, such as an enclosed backyard. A leash is also needed when training your dog to obey basic commands
diet. He might need a special food for allergies or weight management. You’ll also need a good supply of healthy treats, which will come in handy when you begin to train your puppy.
Whether in a crate or out and about, your puppy will need his own dog bed. Soon enough he’ll learn that this is his special sleeping and napping spot. There are probably as many dog bed styles as there are mattress options for humans, so you should have no trouble finding something suitable.
Buy grooming supplies. Your choice of long-hair or short-hair breed will dictate the types of brushes and combs you might need. Dog shampoo and conditioner, cotton balls or gauze for ear cleaning, nail clippers, and dog toothpaste and toothbrush are also items to add to your shopping cart.
Face it, you’ll need supplies to clean up puppy accidents. Stock up on paper towels, cleaning cloths, and commercial cleaners designed to clean up typical dog messes.
Don’t forget the fun stuff, toys! Your new puppy will be curious and active, and toys are an excellent outlet. Hard rubber toys, rope toys, and flavored synthetic bones are particularly good for unsupervised play. Soft-stuffed toys and tennis balls are fine, as long as you keep an eye on your puppy. A determined puppy can tear into a soft toy or a tennis ball and might swallow pieces. The AKC shop has some toy packages specifically designed for puppies,
Most puppies are eager learners, but they’re not going to learn if the rules change every minute, if one day they’re allowed on the furniture and the next day they’re not. Or if you think his nipping at you today is cute, but tomorrow decide it’s annoying. The most important points are consensus and consistency, so the whole household should sit down together to come up with the house rules for your new puppy.
As excited as you are, you’ll make the puppy’s transition easier if you start slowly. Introduce family members one at a time, if possible, and give your new pet time to explore his surroundings. Show him his sleeping spot, outdoor potty place, crate, and water and food bowls. Most fun of all, introduce him to his toys. During these first few days and weeks, keep an eye on your puppy at all times and make sure that he’s supervised or, at the very least, in view.
Now’s also the time to decide which family member is responsible for what: who will do the last night potty walk, who will feed him, whose job is it to clean up accidents, etc. You might want to create a schedule for feedings, potty, and walks, which will also serve as a helpful reminder when it comes to everyone’s responsibilities.
It’s never too early to start reinforcing good behavior with treats and rewards and to gently correct undesirable behavior. But keep in mind that puppies chew, they piddle, they cry, and they can unwittingly put themselves in harm’s way. With attention, supervision, rewards, and time spent together, you’re creating a bond that lasts a lifetime.
• Set up regular appointments with your veterinarian for checkups.
• Be sure to follow the schedule of vaccinations. Puppies do get some antibodies from their mothers, but vaccinations and follow-up boosters are essential to protect
him from serious diseases.
• Your vet will probably recommend preventative steps you can take for diseases like Lyme Disease and heartworm. These are usually topical repellents for fleas and ticks and chewables to protect against heartworm. Help yourself remember when to apply by adding this to your calendar.
Learn the health risks that are specific to his breed. Your vet will advise you on how to prevent them and to recognize the onset of any diseases or conditions.
Here’s a quick daily checklist that will help you maintain your puppy’s good health:
1. Check his skin and coat by running your hands over him. Check for ticks, fleas, other insects, and, in general, anything that’s not supposed to be there.
2. Notice if he’s scratching or rubbing his ears excessively.
3. Check his paws for cuts or abrasions.
4. His eyes should be clear, with no discharge or redness.
5. Look at his feces for anything undigested or for a change in consistency or frequency.
6. Many symptoms of illness could be something serious or just a minor upset. As a general rule of thumb, the following should be monitored and, to be safe, checked by your vet:
o Diarrhea
o Vomiting
o Unusual tiredness or lethargy
o Any discharges from eyes or nose
o Fever
o An extreme change in feeding, such as loss of appetite
Along with the joy of owning a puppy comes the responsibility for his health and well-being. Taking a few minutes each day to check your puppy’s health should be part of your daily routine and can save a lot of heartache down the road.
Find more information about your puppy’s first vet visits and the canine vaccinations your pup needs at akc.org.
If this all sounds like a lot of work, it is! Your new pup is in a new place with a new “pack” and it’s your job to ease him in. But it’s also fun, exhilarating, and immensely rewarding to care for this young addition to your family.
akc.org
Refreshing popsicles made with fresh bananas dipped in a thin layer of chocolate. An easy, healthy, 3ingredient frozen banana treat.
6-7 bananas, peak ripeness, about
2½ to 3 pounds
12 oz. chocolate chips—dark, milk, or semi-sweet, whichever you prefer
if you desire a softer chocolate shell
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients
1
Creamy and delicious creamsicle popsicles made with fresh tangerine or oranges and zucchini! It's refreshing and wonderful, and your kids ask for them over and over!
1 pound tangerines (mandarin orange), about 5-6, seedless (oranges work too!)
1 whole zucchini
¾ cup coconut milk or your favorite milk - plus more, if needed
¼ cup pure maple syrup, or any sweetener of your choice - plus more, to taste
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract foodsocial.io
puzzles!
Help the girl reach the sea to join her friends.
Start here
Count each object and write down the correct number in each box.
