Moms & Dads Today July 2019

TRAIN 'EM WITH KINDNESS

Tips for teaching your four-legged family members

PG 8

Understanding fetal alcohol exposure

Questions to ask on back-to-school night

Top spots for birthday parties

Explore the culinary science of seeds

ON THE COVER: Diane Craig with

to our readers

This issue of Moms & Dads Today gives a shout-out to our four-legged family members. Kasha Stoll writes about teaching our cats and dogs to behave. What matters most, it turns out, is how well we owners are willing to learn! Even more learning is on the horizon as summer turns to fall. We offer tips about surviving parent pickup and communicating with your child’s teacher. Andrea Novel Buck takes an important look at Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Add to the mix fun recipes using seeds, a craft using bleach, a travel destination with a giant fish, birthday parties and more, and we hope there’s a little something for everyone. Happy reading!

group publisher

Neal Ronquist

executive editor

Rick Lubbers

advertising director

Megan Wedel

advertising sales manager

Kathleen Pennington

DAVID

Andrea Novel Buck

Andrea Busche

Darlena Cunha David Ballard Photography

Ted Dintersmith

ANSWERS: Spot the Difference, Kids’ Corner photos on Page 42.

1. Box flap removed 2. Blue tummy on pink mouse now a pattern 3. Top stacking ring changed from pink to red

4. Airplane's jet engines swapped places 5. Dots on tiger's snout removed 6. Stripe on tiger's left paw extended 7. A shark was added to the box of toys

8. Train engine's emblem gone 9. A stripe was added to purple car 10. Bear now has paw prints

her 11-year-old Border Collie, Quinn. Craig owns Dog Dynasty Duluth and has been teaching dog obedience for 52 years. Quinn has won 46 championships for obedience and agility.

BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Tired, hungry kids and pick-up traffic

A veteran's guide to the after-school witching hour

BY DARLENA CUNHA

It will soon be that time again. We had our little angels in our care 24/7 for a couple of months, or put them in summer camps or child care while we went to jobs. Then they’ll be back in school, where other people take care of them for six hours a day so we can breathe, and they can learn things and grow up.

It's a marvelous time full of wonder and joy and excitement. It's also a sad time because, if you're like me, you got used to those little buggers always being around or at least being on a more relaxed schedule. More important, we got used to not having to force them into the car at ungodly hours of the morning, and back into the car at the end of a full day of being required to act logically and keep quiet. That means they are saving all their pent-up angst and energy to unleash on you.

Mom: "Hi, kids, how was your — "

Kid 1: "Horrible! First I — "

Kid 2: "No, I'm going first, and I had a good day!"

Kid 1: "That's only because you stole my pencil and — "

Kid 2: "Did not!"

Kid 1: "Did too!"

Mom: "OK, no one is talking again until after we get home."

Or maybe you've got an only child, or children who don't pretend to hate each other all of the time, and you ask how their day was and you get a "good" and then silence. Or perhaps you don't even get to see your kids until they've been out of school for hours, after being deposited at home by bus or supervised in after-school programs, because someone somewhere decided it made sense for school to get out right after everyone's lunch break but well before anyone can clock out for the day. Seeing them just before dinner is an extra special treat, because they've had more time to build up angst, hunger and frustration.

Whatever your case may be, we can all agree that getting to and from school is one of the most harrowing transitions of our back-to-school season.

My twins are 10, which makes me a bit of a veteran when it comes to minimizing the drama and the time wasted during the school-time shuffle. I have some suggestions for anyone looking for a new way to approach this daily battle.

Can you walk the whole way? Do it!

For a couple of years, we lived close enough to the school that the kids could walk in the mornings, avoiding the long car line. Even on their best days, though, I wouldn't have dreamed of walking them home after school. I tried it a few times, but after they hit age 7 or so, they were too heavy to carry when they decided they weren't going to walk anymore. I'm not a huge fan of trying to drag them around like a sack of potatoes, so after that, we drove home.

Leave 10 minutes after the final bell rings

This time is not set in stone; it depends on how far you live from your school. My home is about seven minutes away from the school, counting typical backup. School gets out at 1:45 p.m., so if I leave at 2, I'm there by 2:07, and I join the end of the car pickup line without having to stop and go for those 20 minutes. Remember: The line doesn't even start moving until a few minutes after that bell rings, so why wait out in the street, blocking traffic behind 200 of your fellow parents when you could cruise in at the tail of the line once it's already moving?

Make sure you are taking a right turn into the school

If I were driving the direct route to the school, it would put me in the position of having to cross gummed-up school traffic to take a left into the school driveway. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to get across the lanes as car after car of right-turners who got there way after you did laugh and wave, while easily turning in. To avoid this, I take an alternate route so I can do the right-turn laughand-wave at my peers instead.

Park just outside school grounds and walk to meet your kids

I like to make sure my kids have zero unsupervised time outside of a vehicle (because of that whole sackof-potatoes thing), so I go all the way around the line and teachers usher them into my car. But if you have children who can handle it, sign them up as walkers, then pick them up at a designated location just outside the madness. My kids' school has a pedestrian walkway in the back that leads to a neighborhood that is not mine. You can bet that when I'm feeling confident in their preteen walking abilities, I will park my car in that neighborhood and meet them halfway.

Go old-school and use the bus

Despite being an expert in the art of school pickup, last week I signed my kids up to ride the bus home only. For them to take it in the morning, we'd have to be at the bus stop at 6:30 a.m., requiring an effort that is not worth it to anyone in this family. But on the ride home, they reach my house at 2:15 p.m., which is the time we'd get home if I sat in the car line. Depending on your work schedule, it may be much easier for you to get the kids to the bus stop than driving them to school in the morning, and have them dropped off near home later on.

Have a snack on hand

Walk, car ride or bus, make sure you have food you can shove in their faces immediately. So many times, schools feed kids at 9:30 a.m. and call it lunch. And you can bet, even if lunch was last period, they didn't have time to eat it, and they are coming to you hungry. If you are the first one to see your children after that bell rings, you want to be armed with travel packs of mini-cookies, day-warmed juice boxes and enough string cheese for a small army. If you see them just as dinner is supposed to be starting, they likely still will need a quick snack. Figure out a quick bite of food they can grab without ruining that meal for everyone involved.

After-school programs

We've used after-school care because, who are we kidding, no working person is usually available at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. In this case, ignore all the previous rules. Get there nice and early to avoid the line (if you can). You'll get charged by the minute if you're late, and they might even throw you out of the program after three times, depending on their rules. And that, unlike most of this article, is no joke. — MDT

Darlena Cunha is a mother of twins, journalist, novelist, editor, and owner of parentwin.com.

Youarealwaysthereforyourkids.AndEssentiaHealth isthereforyouwithsame-daycare andeasyscheduling. Becausehere,wetakecareofeachother.

Schedule aprimarycareappointmentanytimeat EssentiaHealth.org.

Diane Craig with her 11-year-old Border Collie, Quinn. Craig owns Dog Dynasty Duluth and has been teaching dog obedience for 52 years. Quinn has won 46 championships for obedience and agility.

DAVID BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

TRAINING dogs & cats

The process is more about what the owner can learn

BY KASHA STOLL SIT. STAY. SHAKE.

For some pets, learning these tricks is easy. For others, well, not so much. According to local experts, the difference usually lies with the trainer. The real trick, which is often the hardest, is teaching yourself to understand how a dog or cat thinks. Once you do that, the rest is fairly easy.

Dogs: Establish a Clear Alpha

“Dogs have an innate understanding of who or how a leader acts in a pack,” said Diane Craig, owner and operator of Dog Dynasty Duluth. “We are human, and we tend to make ourselves subordinate. If you do that with a dog, you are in trouble.”

Before you say, ‘I don’t do that,’ consider this question: What direction do you move when a dog jumps on you or invades your personal space? The human tendency is to back up and allow the dog to fall off you. For a dog, that signals submission.

“The dog is asking, ‘are you going to allow me to enter your bubble when I want to?’” Craig said. You need to “push into the dog and make the dog go backward. Dogs must ask permission to enter your personal space at all times. Period.”

How does this translate into training? If it is mealtime, and your dog jumps on you and barks, the dog is demanding that you put food in the bowl. Craig said you should use this opportunity to prove to the dog that you are the alpha. Walk

away from the dog and the food. Wait until the dog settles down, then go back and try again. Repeat the process as many times as is necessary.

“Dogs are great at problem solving,” Craig said. “They learn by cause and effect. They think: ‘Every time I go near her, she goes away. What happens when I stay back?’ Problem solved, and I didn’t have to utter a single word.”

Craig said if a dog pushes boundaries, it is usually because the owner has not provided a clear answer as to what is acceptable.

“If dogs don’t have a black-and-white answer to the questions they ask, they are confused. They don’t know what is allowed,” she said. “If they know, they are fine and settle in.”

Admittedly, some dogs have a strong personality and are harder to train than others. Dogs that want to be the alpha can be quite tenacious, stubborn and independent. Craig said it is important to assert yourself and maintain control.

“What happens when you have no control over your dog?” she asked. “They become aggressive.

FIND YOUR SUPERIOR

They think: ‘If you allowed this, mom, then will you allow this (other thing)?’ If you have no boundaries, you will have a very aggressive dog. Many people don’t have the chutzpah to stand up and be a good leader.”

Craig said it is also important for dog owners to understand that dogs cannot think in the past or future. They only understand the present.

So, what happens if you come home from work and the dog has piddled on the rug? To the dog, that happened in the past. It is over and done and no longer relevant to anything. The dog is happy that you are home. If you suddenly get mad, the dog can’t understand why. It can only connect your reactions with what it is doing at the time.

“You must give a consequence at the time they are doing the naughty behavior,” Craig said. Otherwise, “they have no idea what you are doing. They begin to distrust you as an owner.”

Since dogs can’t learn to think and reason like a human, Craig said dog owners must change the way they think.

“If you can’t understand dog’s behavior, you are dead in the water,” she said.

D’AndreRobinson Class of 2018 CommunicatingArts and Sociology

Diane Craig, owner of Dog Dynasty Duluth, works with Quinn, her 11-year-old border collie, on basic obedience commands. DAVID BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Cats: Use positive reinforcement

“Most people don't even realize that you can train cats — even people that have owned cats all their lives,” said Heather Alvey, owner of Felidae Behavior in Minneapolis.

Alvey said cats can be trained to do fun tricks like “sit” and “high five.” They can also be trained to not scratch on the furniture or jump on the counters. The key is working with your cat’s natural tendencies and providing positive reinforcement.

“When training your cat, you need to find something that the cat is willing to work for,” Alvey said. “Usually that is an amazing treat that they only get during training time. For the cats that aren't food motivated, that could be a favorite toy, a pet

said. “Hold the treat in front of their nose and move it up and back. The cat's bottom will naturally go down as they follow the treat. Click and reward as their butt goes down. Once they will do this regularly, you can add the verbal cue SIT. Repeat the hand motion with the verbal cue. Eventually you can remove the hand cue and just use the verbal cue SIT.”

Once your cat understands clicker training and can sit on command, Alvey said it is easy to expand the training to other tricks and desired behaviors.

“All it takes is one or two 5-minute sessions a day, and your cat will learn,” she said.

One word of warning, though. Alvey said you should never punish your cat.

“Cats have a reason for everything they do, so they don't understand punishment,” she said. “The only thing punishment will accomplish is to degrade the cat-human bond. Using positive reinforcement to teach your cat an alternative behavior will lead to a more successful outcome.”— MDT

Kasha Stoll is a Duluth freelance writer. She writes about pets in every issue of Moms & Dads Today.

Dr. Lori DeFrance Pediatrician Section Chair of Pediatrics, Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic

Essentia Health pediatrician answers questions about measles

By Connie Wirta Essentia Health

Recent outbreaks of measles have parents asking questions about the disease that was once declared eradicated in the United States. With international travel and low vaccination rates in some areas, the viral disease has made a comeback.

Dr. Lori DeFrance, section chair of the Essentia HealthDuluth Clinic’s Pediatrics Department, answers some common questions from parents and caregivers.

HOW CONTAGIOUS IS THE MEASLES?

My fellow pediatricians and I say that measles is the “most exquisitely contagious” viral infection that can be prevented by a vaccine. If a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes in a room, the virus can live for two hours in the air and infect any susceptible person who comes in contact with it.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’VE HAD THE VACCINE AND ARE IMMUNE?

If you have an immunity, you can’t get the measles or spread the measles. We need to have 95 percent immunity in a community to prevent measles from spreading. This is called “herd immunity.”

WHY ARE WE HAVING OUTBREAKS?

High vaccination rates allowed us to declare measles eradicated in the U.S. in 2000. Since then, every outbreak in the U.S. can be linked to international travelers who were exposed to the virus in other countries. The disease was able to get a foothold because we have pockets of low vaccination rates in some communities.

WHAT DO YOU TELL PARENTS ABOUT THE MEASLES, MUMPS AND RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINE?

The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and saves lives. There’s been misinformation about the vaccine and that’s created fear. That fear has led to under-vaccinated populations. Instead of relying on the internet, I recommend parents talk to their pediatrician, family doctor or health care provider. Another reliable source of information is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website, HealthyChildren.org.

WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MMR VACCINATION?

Children should get their first vaccine at 12-15 months old with a second dose between ages 4 and 6, or at least 28 days after the first dose. If you are planning international travel with a baby between 6 and 12 months, you should get an MMR and then follow-up with the two routine vaccinations. The vaccine isn’t effective on babies younger than 6 months. They also don’t have immunity passed on from their mothers.

Students in college or trade schools who don’t have documentation of measles immunity need two MMR doses, with the second dose administered at least 28 days after the first one.

For adults, people born before 1957 should have immunity because measles was a widespread childhood disease before the vaccine became available in 1963. People born during or after 1957 who do not have documentation of immunity should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. If you don’t have your vaccination records, you can get a blood test for measles immunity but it’s probably cheaper and easier to simply get another vaccination. There is no harm in getting one, even if it is your second or third MMR immunization.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE MMR VACCINE?

One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93% effective; two doses are approximately 97% effective.

HOW CAN I CHECK IMMUNIZATION RECORDS FOR MY FAMILY?

Contact your health care provider, who can look up your medical records. If you’ve moved or changed providers within Minnesota, you or your provider may be able to track down records in the Minnesota Immunization Information

Connection, which is offered by the state health department. If you’re an Essentia Health patient and have enrolled in MyHealth, you can log in and find the list of immunizations in your medical records.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?

The most common symptoms are a fever, cough, red eyes and a runny nose – which can be many illnesses. A red rash can also be many things, so I always ask where the rash began. In measles, the rash begins on the scalp and head and works its way down the body. It’s like a bucket of red spots was poured over the person.

HOW DO YOU TREAT MEASLES?

We don’t have a medicine to treat measles, we can only treat the symptoms. We can’t treat measles with antibiotics because it’s a virus and we don’t have an anti-viral medicine for measles.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS FROM MEASLES?

Measles can be a serious illness for all age groups but children younger than age 5 and adults older than 20 are more likely have complications. Ear infections occur in about 1 out of every 10 children and can result in permanent hearing loss. Severe complications are pneumonia and encephalitis, which can require hospitalization. As many as 1 out of every 20 children gets pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death from measles in young children. About 1 child out of every 1,000 will develop encephalitis (a swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with an intellectual disability. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die from it.

WHY IS THIS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE?

We need to think about not only protecting our own families but protecting our community and those most vulnerable. Measles is a great example of a public health success in that we didn’t need to think about for a while in the United States. But now we have to again.

NO safe amount Advocates spread the word that drinking alcohol while pregnant is poison

BY ANDREA NOVEL BUCK

Brenda Caya helps people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and their families connect with resources they need to function in life. The Behavioral Health/FASD Family Advocate for The ARC Northland also works to educate health care providers, teachers and others about the need to talk to women of childbearing age about the damage alcohol can cause during pregnancy.

During her 18 years with The ARC Northland, the scope of the disorder has become better understood, the science regarding the stage of fetal development and damage caused at the time a pregnant woman drinks alcohol more exact, and the risk proven.

Even though the medical community doesn’t always say it strongly, Caya does: “Alcohol is a poison that goes through the mother into the developing fetus.”

About 1 in 10 pregnant women report alcohol use, which equates to about 7,061 babies born each year in Minnesota with prenatal alcohol exposure, according to Proof Alliance, formerly MOFAS. The organization runs a “049” campaign with the goal that all women know there is no safe level of alcohol and no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Caya reports that the Northland tends to be higher in diagnosed cases of FASD than other regions in the state. “We’re pretty at risk. People here tend to drink to party and get the inebriated effect.”

Brenda Caya

FASD and its consequences

Caya pulls out a copy of her educator’s Power Point presentation as she talks bluntly: “FASD is brain damage caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol … It’s lifelong. It’s permanent. They will have FASD all of their life.”

Physically, a person with FASD may have eyes more wide-set, ears that are lower, a philtrum that’s less pronounced (the dent above the top lip), or several other facial variances from their genetics. They may have a lower birth weight and a slower growth rate. They may have physical damage to other organs.

The huge impact is the brain is affected, Caya said. Primarily, a person’s cognitive processing is impacted — their ability to take in information, to process information, to apply information, and to remember information.

“They have a hard time connecting the dots,” said Laurie Berner, executive director of The Arc Northland. “They have a hard time learning cause and effect.”

Caya uses the example of a 3-year-old girl with FASD who is standing in a corner, her punishment for misbehaving. The girl has been told she can leave the corner once she says she is sorry. The girl can tell you that she can leave the corner when she says she is sorry. But she can’t make that connection to actually say she is sorry.

“They aren’t being defiant, but it looks very defiant,” Caya said of people with FASD. “Their brains can’t make connections. They can tell you what they need to do, but they can’t do it.”

At the low end of the spectrum, a person with FASD may have poor short-term memory. At the far end, a person’s functional ability will be half their chronological age, Caya said.

Proof Alliance runs a “O49” campaign – zero alcohol for nine months – in its effort to eliminate Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Helping FASD clients and their families

Often, communities work with individuals with FASD without knowing it — through special education services, mental health services, judicial proceedings. “A lot of people do not get diagnosed early on,” Caya said.

Assessment is important. “If you are aware of the challenges, the matches can be better.”

If someone suspects they or a loved one has FASD, The ARC Northland is a good place for referrals to diagnostic assessment, information, services and some direct help.

That help begins with the individual’s needs at that moment. The spectrum is so wide and so varied, Caya explained. One person may need little boosts such as a routine that helps them remember or coping strategies for their behavior. While another person may need supported employment or housing.

The ARC Northland runs a social support group called YAC where FASD youth, ages 14 to 25, can work on social skills, communication, money management, meal planning and other skills. It runs extreme parenting groups for parents and caregivers of children with emotional/behavioral disabilities and FASD specific parenting groups. Advocates help parents work with schools on their child’s education plans.

Parenting a child with FASD takes a lot of patience. “A lot of children with FASD don’t behave in ways that reciprocate love. The emotional pieces are disrupted. There’s no motivation to please parents,” Caya said. “We normalize behavior with FASD. We don’t give up. We do it in a different way.”

100 percent preventable

One of the toughest parts of Caya’s work — perhaps, what should be the easiest — is prevention. The ARC Northland has seen funding from the

1990s and 2000s drop off — even though nothing has changed about the disorder.

“Prevention is very hard to fund,” Berner said.

FASD is 100 percent preventable. And yet, 1 in 5 Minnesota women did not receive any message about alcohol use from their doctor or were told they could drink lightly or in moderation, according to 2013 statistics cited by Proof Alliance.

“We would like for people to know that there is a risk,” Berner said.

Caya said imparting that risk is much easier with mothers who are planning a pregnancy. But for young mothers, such as high school or college students, who weren’t planning a pregnancy and are already three months along, it’s difficult. She has shared her FASD Power Point to high school health teachers and sometimes even talked directly to eighth-grade students.

“The stigma, the shame is so great,” Caya said when a mother learns her child has FASD. “It’s so hard, the idea a mother could have done this damaging hurt to their child.”

— MDT

Andrea Busche, a professional journalist for 25 years, is a Duluth freelance writer and Youth Education Director at Temple Israel.

1 in 10 pregnant women report alcohol use, which equates to about 7,061 babies born each year in Minnesota with prenatal alcohol exposure

Laurie Berner

St. Luke’s provides care from anywhere

St. Luke’s provides care from anywhere

eCare connects you to St. Luke’s providers online for help with minor medical issues

eCare connects you to St. Luke’s providers online for help with minor medical issues

By Claire Kiger St. Luke’s

uring the busy summer months, between travel plans and seasonal activities, the last thing most people want to do is sit in the waiting room at a doctor’s office. That’s why St. Luke’s offers eCare, an online clinic

DDuring the busy summer months, between travel plans and seasonal activities, the last thing most people want to do is sit in the waiting room at a doctor’s office. That’s why St. Luke’s offers eCare, an online clinic

By Claire Kiger St. Luke’s

that helps diagnose and treat minor health concerns.

that helps diagnose and treat minor health concerns.

ONE MOM’S EXPERIENCE WITH ECARE

St. Luke’s. “But after I heard about St. Luke’s eCare, I decided to try it.”

St. Luke’s. “But after I heard about St. Luke’s eCare, I decided to try it.”

“I’m kind of old-school and I’d always prefer to see a doctor in person,” said Amy Benson, local mother of three and lifelong patient at

ONE MOM’S EXPERIENCE WITH ECARE

“I’m kind of old-school and I’d always prefer to see a doctor in person,” said Amy Benson, local mother of three and lifelong patient at

When Amy’s daughter started experiencing common cold symptoms, Amy began to worry that it was the beginning of a sinus infection.

Not wanting to make a

visit to urgent care, Amy logged in to slhduluth.com/ eCare and completed a brief survey about her daughter’s health history and answered a few questions about the current symptoms she was experiencing. She submitted her request and waited for a provider to respond.

When Amy’s daughter started experiencing common cold symptoms, Amy began to worry that it was the beginning of a sinus infection.

Not wanting to make a

visit to urgent care, Amy logged in to slhduluth.com/ eCare and completed a brief survey about her daughter’s health history and answered a few questions about the current symptoms she was experiencing. She submitted her request and waited for a provider to respond.

Medical care for minor concerns without ever having to leave your home.

“All eCare visits are answered by a St. Luke’s Q Care or Urgent Care provider,” explained Camille Ingle, PA-C, at St. Luke’s Q Care. “On any given day, there are usually about five providers monitoring eCare visits. When a request comes in, we all get a notification.”

“All eCare visits are answered by a St. Luke’s Q Care or Urgent Care provider,” explained Camille Ingle, PA-C, at St. Luke’s Q Care. “On any given day, there are usually about five providers monitoring eCare visits. When a request comes in, we all get a notification.”

A response from a St. Luke’s provider is guaranteed within one hour of the eCare request every day of the week between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. If it takes longer than that, the patient will not be charged for the visit.

A response from a St. Luke’s provider is guaranteed within one hour of the eCare request every day of the week between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. If it takes longer than that, the patient will not be charged for the visit.

Amy received a response from a provider within 10 minutes.

Amy received a response from a provider within 10 minutes.

“I didn’t even have to leave my house,” she said. “It turned out that the symptoms weren’t anything serious. I was really relieved.”

If medication is needed,

“I didn’t even have to leave my house,” she said. “It turned out that the symptoms weren’t anything serious. I was really relieved.”

If medication is needed,

the prescription can be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy. Each virtual visit costs only $30 and is payable by credit, debit or health savings card. This online service is available to anyone with internet access – even to those who are not current St. Luke’s patients.

the prescription can be sent electronically to the patient’s pharmacy. Each virtual visit costs only $30 and is payable by credit, debit or health savings card. This online service is available to anyone with internet access – even to those who are not current St. Luke’s patients.

WHEN TO USE ECARE

WHEN TO USE ECARE

“It’s a great tool to have during the summer months when people are travelling out of town or extra busy,” explained Ingle. “It’s also helpful to those who are more homebound.”

“It’s a great tool to have during the summer months when people are travelling out of town or extra busy,” explained Ingle. “It’s also helpful to those who are more homebound.”

thing we do to provide access to great medical care.”

thing we do to provide access to great medical care.”

Amy is grateful that St. Luke’s offers this service and plans to continue using it.

While eCare is not meant to take the place of a primary care provider, urgent care or the emergency room, it serves as a convenient way to access medical help for minor needs.

While eCare is not meant to take the place of a primary care provider, urgent care or the emergency room, it serves as a convenient way to access medical help for minor needs.

St. Luke’s eCare can address conditions like seasonal allergies, cold and flu symptoms, pink eye, female urinary tract infections and minor skin concerns including athlete’s foot, rashes or tick bites.

St. Luke’s eCare can address conditions like seasonal allergies, cold and flu symptoms, pink eye, female urinary tract infections and minor skin concerns including athlete’s foot, rashes or tick bites.

Patients can use St. Luke’s eCare using their smartphones, tablets or computers

Patients can use St. Luke’s eCare using their smartphones, tablets or computers

Any medical issues that require a physical exam, tests or X-rays must be done in person. If an eCare user can’t be helped online, they are referred to a higher level of care and not charged for their e-visit.

Any medical issues that require a physical exam, tests or X-rays must be done in person. If an eCare user can’t be helped online, they are referred to a higher level of care and not charged for their e-visit.

“I definitely recommend it and I would use it again,” said Amy. “It’s a good thing to have in my back pocket – kind of like I can take a St. Luke’s doctor with me wherever we go!”

Amy is grateful that St. Luke’s offers this service and plans to continue using it. “I definitely recommend it and I would use it again,” said Amy. “It’s a good thing to have in my back pocket – kind of like I can take a St. Luke’s doctor with me wherever we go!”

In emergency situations, patients still need to call 911 or go to an emergency room.

In emergency situations, patients still need to call 911 or go to an emergency room.

ST. LUKE’S CARES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

ST. LUKE’S CARES FOR OUR COMMUNITY

“The fact that St. Luke’s offers services like eCare shows that we’re innovative and keeping up with the needs of our community,” said Ingle. “It’s just one more

“The fact that St. Luke’s offers services like eCare shows that we’re innovative and keeping up with the needs of our community,” said Ingle. “It’s just one more

To learn more about St. Luke’s eCare or to use this service, visit slhduluth.com/ eCare. In addition to eCare, St. Luke’s offers many other points of access to medical care including Primary Care, Q Care, Urgent Care and Emergency Care. To learn more about what can be treated at each option, visit slhduluth.com/WhereToGo.

To learn more about St. Luke’s eCare or to use this service, visit slhduluth.com/ eCare. In addition to eCare, St. Luke’s offers many other points of access to medical care including Primary Care, Q Care, Urgent Care and Emergency Care. To learn more about what can be treated at each option, visit slhduluth.com/WhereToGo.

Te big fsh and beyond beyond

Hayward has points of interest for the whole family

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATHLEEN MURPHY

Is your child into fishing or outdoorsy things? No? Regardless, they will probably still enjoy the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Hayward. Parents will too, more than likely.

More than just a building that displays fishing rods and taxidermied fish, the museum greets visitors with an enticing parklike setting long before the entrance to the actual museum is reached. The manicured gardens are beautiful, as are the neatly-kept walking paths.

But all of that pales in comparison to the real prize, and the main reason to bring the kids: The Shrine to Anglers. Known across the region as “Big Musky,” the shrine is a giant, lifelike statue of a muskellunge (the fish we more commonly refer to as a musky) leaping out of the water, looking all the more realistic because of its location over an 88,000-gallon pond.

Above: A view of "Big Musky," towering over his 88,000 gallon pond. The platform in Big Musky's mouth is four and a half stories high.

Big Musky is half a city block long and four and a half stories tall. This would be impressive enough if the musky were simply for viewing, but this fish holds a secret: Its fiberglass body holds a hidden staircase that delivers people to a platform inside the musky’s gaping jaw. Once there, the view of Hayward and Lake Hayward can be enjoyed through the spindly teeth of a musky, which is weirdly entertaining even for adults, even more so for kids. Fortunately, the enlarged fiberglass versions aren’t as sharp as the real thing.

During the summer, the pond under the musky is stocked with fish. Kids used to be allowed to cast a pole into the pond and try their hand at fishing, but now the museum has set up a casting range instead, where kids of all ages can grab a pole and see what it takes to hit a target. A playground can be found on the museum grounds, but parents and their kids can also burn off all their restless energy from the car ride by walking the grounds and finding all the “lesser” fiberglass fish statues. They aren’t Big Musky, but they make the museum grounds turn into a treasure hunt.

The museum itself is larger than expected, with so many hidden rooms and surprises that a family could spend a few hours. The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame

is found inside the museum, where any achievement that is related to freshwater sportfishing is recorded and displayed. Kids will enjoy seeing a replica of the largest musky ever caught — a monster at 69 pounds — as well as seeing the records and replicas of the largest fish ever recorded for all of the freshwater species in North America.

The view from the mouth of "Big

in Hayward, Wisconsin. The deck is four and a half stories tall.

We’rebullish on your goals.

There are a huge number of taxidermied fish in the museum — about 300 — but other North American taxidermied animals are on display, too, making the experience much more exciting for the younger set (who may, after all, have a difficult time distinguishing between the types of fish). Keep an eye out for Bigfoot!

Over 50,000 lures, rods and reels are displayed in the museum, a colorful and varied assortment that never seems to become less interesting. For the kids who are a little older and have a mechanical interest, the museum has a room full of more than 1,000 vintage outboard motors. Interesting gems that give homage to the history of outdoorsy life are interspersed throughout the museum. The kids will find something unexpected to pique their interest at every turn.

For fossil-loving kids, the Hayward Fresh Water Fishing Museum has a replica of a coelacanth, a fish famous for once being thought extinct, only to be re-discovered in 1938.

IF YOU GO

Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum 10360 Hall of Fame Dr. Hayward, WI 54843 715-634-4440 freshwater-fishing.org

Hayward Wilderness Walk Zoo and Recreation Park 9503 N State Road 27 Hayward, WI 54843 715-634-2893

Open May through Labor Day wildernesswalkhaywardwi.com

Fred Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows 15642 County Hwy B Hayward, WI 54843 715-634-6923

scheerslumberjackshow.com/index.html

• Dr. Paul K. Hodapp

• Dr. Scott K. Varland

• Dr. Nathan A. Jarnot

Ruth’s Marinara Sub

A super quick, simple yet delicious meal that is perfect for families!!

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Serves 5

Ingredients

1 package of Ruth’s Vegetarian

Gourmet Original Meatless Balls

1 jar of marinara sauce

1 package of sub rolls

Parmesan or mozzarella cheese as desired

Directions

Heat Ruth’s Gourmet Vegetarian Balls and marinara sauce as instructed on package. Slice bun, add vegetarian balls, pour sauce over vegetarian balls, add cheese and enjoy!

HUNTER’S PARK KITCHEN REMODEL

When Ceridwen

NEW, OPEN CONCEPT ACCOMMODATES FAMILY, FRIENDS & A GUINEA PIG NAMED GUNTHER

BY ANDREA BUSCHE

PHOTOS BY THREE IRISH GIRLS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAUREEN’S LLC

Christensen and Richard Mueller bought their Hunter’s Park home in January 2018, they knew there would be some work in store. The Federalist-style home, which was built in 1914, definitely needed some TLC.

“There was water damage in the kitchen, and all of the kitchen elements were kind of tossed together,” Christensen said. “The sink wasn’t centered under the window, and the over-the-stove hood wasn’t connected to anything.”

The timing of both the sale and the remodel was fortuitous. The couple, who are new to Duluth, bought the home in January, but didn’t move in until June. This in-between time allowed them to tie up all of their loose ends in the Twin Cities before relocating.

They hired Will Abene, owner of Chester Creek Construction, who is a longtime family friend, as their general contractor. Abene then recommended Brian Timm from Maureen’s, LLC, as the project’s designer.

While the family packed up, the team got to work. And, the Christensen-Mueller family was fortunate to avoid living through the construction phase of this total kitchen remodel.

REMODEL WITH FAMILY IN MIND

In addition to repairing the water damage, this kitchen remodel was done with family togetherness in mind. Christensen and Mueller are parents to two children, Leo and Aster. The family also has two cats, a dog, five chickens (who live in the backyard), and a guinea pig named Gunther.

The former kitchen setup, last remodeled in the 1940s, wasn’t conducive to family time. Its closed concept and fully-framed in walls kept the kitchen completely separate from the rest of the living space. “It was very awkward for socialization,” Mueller said.

Timm created a design for a new, open-concept kitchen with plenty of seating for family and guests. The kitchen was ripped apart, down to the studs, and reconstructed from scratch.

Old flooring was completely torn out, down to the subfloor. And, new flooring, counters, lighting, appliances, and cabinetry were all installed. A special cabinet for Gunther’s habitat was even included in the kitchen design.

A FEW SURPRISES IN STORE

During this project, as is common with many old homes, a few surprises popped up.

“There were multiple layers of flooring, and we had to replace the original subfloor,” Abene said. “And, the floor in the kitchen was 1 ¾ inches out of level, so we had to straighten that out. These kinds of issues are par for the course, due to Duluth’s clay soil, which drains poorly, and our extreme temperature differentials, which can cause the foundation to shift.”

Additionally, when the kitchen’s

wall was torn down to create a clear line of sight, it was discovered that radiator pipes were located within the wall. The wall was also determined to be load bearing. So, an engineer was called in (Northland Consulting Engineers), to help plan the addition of a support header.

Lastly, the homeowners preferred natural gas appliances, and the kitchen was only wired for electric. So, the city of Duluth was brought in to run a natural gas line to the kitchen.

Once these issues were addressed, it was time for the fun to begin, including the selection and installation of all the new kitchen elements.

APPLIANCES, FLOORING, LIGHTING, CABINETS AND MORE

The cabinets were constructed in a beautiful walnut, and finished with a combination of chrome pulls and rock knobs. The backsplash was finished with white subway tile. Sleek, stainless-steel appliances were selected, including a fridge, gas stove with a hood, dishwasher, and drawer microwave – a wise, space-saving recommendation from Timm.

Striking, but utilitarian, granite countertops in a sandy color scheme were installed.

“The nice thing about the counter is the installer told us we can put hot things on it, and even cut directly on its surface,” Mueller said. This comes in handy for the family’s “pizza Wednesdays,” and Christensen’s affinity for making homemade cookies and pie crusts.

continued on page 28

REMODEL

REMODEL

continued from page 27

continued from page 27

DURABILITY AND MULTI-USE SPACE

DURABILITY AND MULTI-USE SPACE

Durability for family life was the name of the game throughout this remodel. Italian porcelain floor tile in neutral tones was chosen, along with a highly resilient white porcelain sink.

Durability for family life was the name of the game throughout this remodel. Italian porcelain floor tile in neutral tones was chosen, along with a highly resilient white porcelain sink.

“We have dogs and children. Our kitchen has to be virtually indestructible, and not show much dirt,” Christensen said.

While most of the kitchen is outfitted in neutral shades, pops of blue and teal were incorporated into the space through the paint color and glass pendant light fixtures.

“We have dogs and children. Our kitchen has to be virtually indestructible, and not show much dirt,” Christensen said. While most of the kitchen is outfitted in neutral shades, pops of blue and teal were incorporated into the space through the paint color and glass pendant light fixtures.

a fantastic, multi-use space

In the space which was once a wall, the lengthy kitchen peninsula is now a fantastic, multi-use space. The kids use it to complete homework, and Christensen uses it as a makeshift office for her work as a freelance writer. The peninsula was thoughtfully equipped with electrical outlets, so the family’s air fryer, malt maker, panini grill and other implements can easily be used.

In the space which was once a wall, the lengthy kitchen peninsula is now a fantastic, multi-use space. The kids use it to complete homework, and Christensen uses it as a makeshift office for her work as a freelance writer. The peninsula was thoughtfully equipped with electrical outlets, so the family’s air fryer, malt maker, panini grill and other implements can easily be used.

But, perhaps most important is the extra seating. The kitchen peninsula is now able to accommodate the entire family, for dinners or family conversations.

But, perhaps most important is the extra seating. The kitchen peninsula is now able to accommodate the entire family, for dinners or family conversations.

“The bar countertop area is really the heart of the house,” Mueller said. “Everyone spends a lot of time sitting there.”

“The bar countertop area is really the heart of the house,” Mueller said. “Everyone spends a lot of time sitting there.”

A special cabinet was constructed inside the peninsula for Gunther the guinea pig, who helps the family’s “green efforts” by consuming some of their food scraps. He is also a beloved family pet. “He brings a little bit of life into the kitchen,” Christensen said.

A special cabinet was constructed inside the peninsula for Gunther the guinea pig, who helps the family’s “green efforts” by consuming some of their food scraps. He is also a beloved family pet. “He brings a little bit of life into the kitchen,” Christensen said.

A SATISFACTORY PROJECT

A SATISFACTORY PROJECT

The homeowners couldn’t be more pleased with their brand-new kitchen. Their new space allows them to more comfortably entertain guests, and also relax and dine together as a family.

The homeowners couldn’t be more pleased with their brand-new kitchen. Their new space allows them to more comfortably entertain guests, and also relax and dine together as a family.

And Abene is pleased with the results, as well.

And Abene is pleased with the results, as well.

“There was a huge transformation with this house,” he said. “The kitchen was tiny, and this family loves to entertain. We really opened it up, and as a result it works very well for their lifestyle.”

“There was a huge transformation with this house,” he said. “The kitchen was tiny, and this family loves to entertain. We really opened it up, and as a result it works very well for their lifestyle.”

birthday party options for your Twin Ports kid

BY ANDREA BUSCHE

PHOTOS BY DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE

From lively activities such as roller skating and bowling to visiting animals at our zoo or aquarium, the Twin Ports are chock-full of fun, exciting activities for all ages. Whether your kids like to run and play or learn and explore, there’s bound to be a venue they’ll love for their next birthday party.

Lake Superior Zoo

The Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont St., is a wild place to have a child’s birthday party. Zoo parties include admission to the zoo for up to 20 guests, a birthday gift for the child, two-hour indoor pavilion rental, table decorations and discounted admission for any additional guests.

Extra amenities are available, including tickets for the zoo train. A special animal visit to your party also can be arranged. Stokke’s pizza, soda, popcorn, cotton candy and party favors are available for purchase.

Outside food, including cake, cupcakes, cookies or ice cream may be brought in. However, there may not be refrigerator or freezer space available, and no actual cooking may be done. There is limited access to electrical outlets.

Zoo parties can be held year-round, and zoo employees recommend reserving your party at least one month in advance. Spring and summer are the zoo’s busiest seasons, and usually require more than one month’s notice.

Call 218-730-4500, ext. 217 or email rpeacock@lszoo.org. lszooduluth.org

Walt Kostrzewski, 1, of Hermantown pets a goat during the dedication of the Lake Superior Zoo's updated barnyard exhibit in 2013.

Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Drive, is a fun and educational place for a child’s birthday party. Birthday packages include a two-hour reservation for a private, decorated party room accommodating up to 28 guests. The party package includes admission to the aquarium for all guests. Guests also have the option of attending floor program offerings during the party.

An aquarium gift is provided for the birthday child, and they will receive a personal greeting by staff. Similar to the zoo, an animal encounter may be arranged for an extra fee, where the kids can meet a skunk, snake or giant African millipede. Available party times are 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.

Contact Emily Wartman at 218-740-2000 or ewartman@glaquarium.org. glaquarium.org

Two young visitors to the Great Lakes Aquarium watch as Jeff Hofslund feeds a sturgeon in one of the aquarium’s fish tanks.

Bowling parties

Bowling parties allow a little friendly competition into the mix. Twin Ports lanes offer an entertaining place for a kids’ party. With bumpers available, everyone from parents to the littlest bowlers can have a great time. Party packages offer different options for the length of time you’d like to bowl, and whether or not you’d like pizza and soda served.

Incline Station

601 W. Superior St. 218-722-2695

inclinestationbowling.com

Skyline Lanes 4894 Miller Trunk Hwy. 218-727-8555

skylinelanes.com

Country Lanes North 2327 Mountain Shadow Dr. 218-722-1741

countrylanesnorth.com

Village Lanes 6419 Tower Ave. 715-394-4436

bowlvillagelanes.com

Legacy Toys

What child wouldn’t want to have their birthday party at a toy store? Legacy Toys in the Miller Hill Mall is a great place for a children’s party, accommodating up to 25 guests.

New to Legacy Toys is their TARDIS time machine. The TARDIS, famous for its key role in the British science fiction TV show “Doctor Who,” has now been installed at the Duluth location. Upon entering the TARDIS, you find yourself in Legacy Toys’ newly finished event and party room. The room is available to host birthday parties and other small gatherings.

Party packages range from basic use of the room to a fully-themed and staff-managed party. Some of the party themes available at Legacy Toys include Lego, Baby Shark and Unicorn Makeovers.

Book online at legacytoys.com.

Isyss Limoseth, 7, of Duluth tosses her ball down a lane at the Incline Station in 2010.

Kayla Litel, 3, checks out a motion-activated T. Rex inside Legacy Toys at Miller Hill Mall in 2015.

Planet 3 Extreme Air Park

Planet 3 is a fun and exciting trampoline park located at 101 North 46th Ave. W in Duluth. In addition to regular trampolines, there is a ninja course, dodgeball, trapeze, a slack line, a rock-climbing wall and battle beams.

Event Coordinator Edelyn Codera explained that all birthday packages include a 1-hour “flight pass” (access to the trampoline park) for all guests, and use of a party room for 45 minutes after flight time. Pizza and soda are also included: one large Pizza Hut pizza and one 2-liter bottle of soda are provided for every five jumpers.

Additionally, every jumper in the party will receive a pair of Planet 3 grip socks, and the birthday child will receive a T-shirt. A party host is available to assist with all setup; plates, etc., are included. Guests are welcome to bring any themed paper goods or decorations, along with any party food or drinks, excluding alcohol.

World of Wheels Skate Park

Planet 3 would make a great party place for young, school-aged children, up to and including teens. “All ages are allowed at Planet 3, as long as the child can walk on their own,” Codera said. “But I would say age 6 and up would be a really good age for a birthday party here.”

Guests are allowed to utilize all of the games and activities in the

Superior’s World of Wheels Skate Park, at 1218 Oakes Ave., advertises its parties as, “Fun for the kids. Easy for mom and dad.” A multitude of party packages are available, which all include guest admissions, roller skate rentals, and a T-shirt for the birthday kid.

Many extra amenities can be added on to the party, including pizza, soda, popcorn, hot dogs, light sticks, laser finger beams, party favor bags, and upgrading to roller blade rental. Bonus: your kiddo and all their friends are bound to be seriously tuckered out after all that exercise. Call 715-392-1031 or visit wowskatecenter.com.

trampoline park area during the party. “Our birthday parties are awesome, and this place is so much fun,” Codera said. There are so many things to do in the park, and guests can use all of our attractions. Most of our customers want to come back.”

Call 218-481-7667 or visit planet3duluth.com.

World of Wheels has a party area by its roller rink and arcade. Facebook photo

BY KEN ROBINSON AND TED DINTERSMITH

With the new school year upon us, parents will be attending a back-to-school night at their child's school. Many ask us, "What questions should I be asking?" Here are seven you might explore with your child's teachers and principal. We hope they'll shed light on what to expect during the coming year and provide constructive food for thought for you and your school's educators.

In what ways will my child's learning be connected to the real world?

Too often, students don't see how school assignments relate to their lives outside school. Their engagement can soar when they see how those assignments help with other activities they enjoy. If they love singing, for example, how can writing exercises help them with composing lyrics? If they love sports, how can math assignments help them create interesting team statistics? What's even better is if your school gives children the opportunity to collaborate on practical projects that they know will make their world better.

How will my child be assessed?

Assessment is meant to inform and support your child's learning and development. That's less likely to happen if the school's assessments are only in the form of numeric or letter grades that hinge on a child's ability to commit material to shortterm memory. To what extent will your child be assessed on creative or analytic written work, in-depth exploration of intellectual interests, completing complicated projects, or generating thought-provoking questions? Will assessments encourage a student to take risks and make productive mistakes, and allow them to produce original work of which they're proud?

To what extent will my child be setting their own goals?

Students who set their own goals can develop a sense of personal agency and responsibility that will serve them well as adults. And they're likely to be more motivated as learners. Even children in the earliest grades can rise to this challenge. Explore whether your school is open to letting students set their own goals, and take part in wider discussions about how the school is run and the activities it provides.

Dr . Ve rn a Th or nTon , oB /GYn

health services for ever y woman

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Sp ec ialTi eS in :

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No referral necessary. Free, convenient park ing available. ap po in Tm en TS call 218-878-7626

Go online to cloquethospital.com for more info.

How important is student engagement in this class/school?

Bored students are less likely to learn well. Teachers know this and want their students to find school interesting. But how will your school determine whether students are engaged? Would they be willing to periodically poll students anonymously to gauge their interest in specific classes and activities or excitement about coming to school? Would the school be willing to change its approach - in teaching, curriculum and assessment - based on that information?

What skills and mind-set should my child be developing in this class? During this school year?

The saying "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there" applies to education. Ask teachers and principals about the skills and mind-set they want students to develop. Consider how you would answer this question, as well. Do you want your child to be a creative problem solver? To be a good communicator? To be able to work on a team? To be able to figure out complicated, ambiguous problems? To have empathy? To be on a path to responsible citizenship? Make your own list before back-to-school night. How will the coming school year help your child develop these skills and attitudes? How will your school know that progress is being made?

METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS

In any environment, including school, unhealthy dynamics can unfold. And social media can turn small issues into huge crises – to the point of putting lives at risk. How is your school thinking about social and emotional learning? What do educators look for as early warning indicators? What are the respective roles of educators and parents when an unhealthy dynamic starts to unfold? It's far better to clarify these issues before they arise, when no one is emotional or defensive and when preemptive measures can have a positive impact.

How much time will my child spend preparing for and taking standardized tests?

Unfortunately, education in the United States still largely revolves around standardized tests. Do not blame your teachers for this. The tests are imposed by state and federal mandates, not by teachers. There is a lot of criticism within the education community about the value, impact and validity of these tests. Educators know the

flaws of the assessments and struggle with being held accountable by them, and with their impact on students and their families. If you share their concerns, ask how parents can play a constructive role in reducing the impact of these tests. Parents can have more influence than teachers with state legislators, so encourage your parent community to call members of your state legislature, particularly those on the education committee. Tell them, "If you're going to determine how my child is assessed, and hold their teachers accountable for the results, we need to understand what's being tested and why." If they argue that the tests are essential and well-founded, you might challenge them to take the tests themselves and publish the results. If they refuse, press them to say why. After all, good chefs should always be willing to eat their own cooking.

Finally, keep in mind that parents should be supportive and helpful to a school's educators, but they can also be disruptive and negative. Stay positive. Recognize how hard the great majority of teachers work, how much they care about their students and how – all too often –they're struggling to make financial ends meet. You're not necessarily helping when you only complain about your child's grades or that your child's school experience is different from yours (it probably should be). Elevate the discussion and work as a team to ensure that your child is learning what really matters, in a safe and supportive environment. — MDT

Robinson is the author of "You, Your Child and School: Navigate Your Way to the Best Education." Dintersmith is the author of "What Schools Could Be."

Hands On

BLEACH is the secret ingredient for these cute T-shirts

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY MARY RASCH

Iremember being at a music festival as a teenager and complimenting a friend on the T-shirt she was wearing. I was entirely shocked when she said she had made it herself! Using a bleach-soaked Q-tip she drew an Eiffel Tower on the front. It was adorable! Fast-forwarding more years than I want to admit, I have finally taken this project off of my “I’ve got to try that” list. Here is my twist to her idea and my results.

We have a rabbit, hedgehogs and a dog so we decided to make petthemed shirts as we are super-fans of our furry (and spikey) friends. My shirt has a hedgehog on it with “hedgie life” on the back and my daughter’s has a rabbit on the front. I have yet to find a yorkie stencil but when I do … This project can be done for your kiddos or by a trusted teen, but I’m sure you won’t want to hand a spray bottle of bleach over to your little one. So give your child the day off on this project, or at least authorize

LSYC’s Summer Sing Camps

Available to grades 2-5 | Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Registration: $150 | First Lutheran Church

July 29 - August 1, 2019 August 12 - 15, 2019

Summer Sing participants receive an LSYC water bottle, t-shirt, and drawstring tote bag. Lunch and snacks provided daily.

www.lsyouthchorus.org/summersing

a few minutes of Netflix until the shirts are dry. For ventilation and overspray an outdoor location is the best working area.

MATERIALS:

• Solid Color T-shirt

• Cutting Board (or Cardboard)

• Stencil

• Spray Adhesive

• Spray Bottle

• ¼ Measuring Cup

• Liquid Bleach

• Washing Machine

DIRECTIONS:

Make sure your shirt is wrinkle free and flat on your working surface.

Place a cutting board inside the shirt to protect the back from the bleach that could soak through.

After spraying your stencil with adhesive, according to the product’s directions, place it carefully in the desired location. Pour ¼ cup of bleach in a spray bottle and lightly spray once over the stencil. Wait to see how the bleach works on the fabric.

Not much is needed. However, if more contrast is desired, lightly spray once again. Let the t-shirt dry then remove the stencil and cutting board or cardboard. Wash your shirt the first time alone but after that you can wash as normal.

Spin-off Ideas

Try using doilies or lace as a stencil on the shirt with to create a beautiful design. Create silhouettes of your favorite characters against the night sky. Create a skyline across the bottom or chest of the shirt.

Need personalized T-shirts for a family gathering or sports team? Cut out adhesive vinyl lettering or cardstock with spray adhesive for each person’s name. You can have everyone in your party identified and easily found if you pick a uniform color.

Learn from my mistakes

Stay away from drawing on your T-shirt with a gel bleach pen — my fun trendy arrows turned into long blobs due to the bleeding of the liquid in the gel.

Too much spray will soak the shirt, and you will lose the stenciled design.

If it’s windy outside, your shirt will fold over on itself, and bleach will be everywhere.

Wind can also cause your bleach spray to fly right back at you, bleaching the shirt you are wearing instead of the one that you are stenciling.

Wear gloves when spraying the adhesive, unless you like the feeling of gooey fingers. —

MDT

Mary Rasch is a Duluth artist and mother of two. Her book, "Fleece Hat Friends and Playful Hoodies," is available on Amazon.

Kids in the Kitchen

Plant the seeds of healthy eating

BY BONNIE AMBROSI PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA AMBROSI

Ilike it when simple kitchen projects expand our awareness of life in some way, and that is my intention with this column about seeds.

Seeds fascinate me. Did you know that every seed came from a flower? Flowers and seeds are two parts of the same process. Every seed is a tiny packet of life, and information in suspended animation, containing all the nutrients necessary to feed a baby plant. This makes seeds highly nutritious for animals, birds and humans as well.

Edible seeds come in an amazing variety. Why not go on a seed hunt with your children, searching your own pantry and freezer and the grocery store to see how many kinds of edible seeds you can find? Hint: don’t overlook the seeds included in crackers, breads and salad dressings. Here are some seeds to look for:

Seeds to eat raw, toasted or popped: sunflower, sesame, popcorn, pumpkin (pepitas), hemp, chia

Seeds that are spices: allspice berries, caraway, poppy, coriander, cumin, dill seed, fennel, mustard, peppercorns, Seeds to sprout: alfalfa, broccoli (some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods Co-op, sell seed-sprouting supplies — another fun project!)

Seeds you might have in the freezer: peas

Whole grains are essentially seeds: buckwheat, oats, quinoa, rice, wheat berries, wild rice

Some fresh fruits and vegetables we eat, seeds and all: strawberries, figs, tomatoes, cucumbers

Not all seeds are edible! Here are some fruit and vegetable seeds we don’t eat: apple, pear, melon, peach pits, apricot pits, cherry pits, avocado pits

More seed activities

After your seed hunt, here are additional interesting things to do with seeds.

Compare seeds. Spread out several types of seeds — edible or inedible — on paper towels. Notice that seeds can range from very large (avocado pit) to very tiny (chia seeds). They can be black, brown, red, or white. They can be round, or flat, or long and thin (wild rice), or even triangular (buckwheat). Every seed, big or small, came from a flower, and was formed with all the life and information needed to make a new plant.

Sprout garden seeds. Any seed that you would plant in your garden can be pre-sprouted indoors. Place several seeds on a damp paper towel. Fold the towel over or cover with another damp paper towel and place the entire thing inside a plastic bag. Put this seed bag in a warm — not hot — place and check it after 3 or 4 days. Keep the paper towel damp by spritzing it with room temperature water if needed. Different seeds sprout at different rates, so don’t give up. When your seeds sprout, examine them closely — use a magnifying glass if you like. Then carefully plant the little seedlings in the soil, taking care not to break the tiny roots. It’s okay to tear off part of the paper towel along with the seed — better to do that than break the root. Hint: This is fun to do with any seed, but beans are the biggest and easiest to observe.

These Scarlet Emperor beans have sprouted roots and are ready to plant.

Activities in the kitchen can help kids explore nature, too

Pan-toasted Pepitas

½ cup or more raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Pinch of salt, optional

In a skillet on the stove top, toast pepitas over medium-low heat for about three minutes, stirring gently, until most seeds are golden brown. If desired, sprinkle on a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and allow to cool before eating. Note: you can prepare raw sunflower seeds the same way.

Chewy Sesame Bars

¾ cup raw sesame seeds

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup maple syrup

¼ tsp salt

Toast sesame seeds and coconut in a large pan over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until seeds and coconut turn golden — just 2-3 minutes. Pour the mixture into a bowl so it doesn’t continue to toast, and set aside. Combine maple syrup and salt in a pan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, until the syrup thickens a bit. Pour the syrup over the seed-coconut mixture and stir to combine. Spread this mixture onto lightly oiled parchment paper on a baking sheet, using a spoon or wet hands to pat it out flat, whatever thickness you prefer. Use a table knife to score the mixture into bars, then allow to cool. Refrigerate to set more quickly and firmly.

Caramelized Sunflower Kernels

1 cup raw sunflower seed kernels

¼ cup brown sugar

In a skillet on the stovetop, heat sunflower kernels over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the seeds are golden brown. Stir in the brown sugar, stirring gently for about 3 minutes more, until the sugar melts and kernels are coated. Turn out onto waxed paper to cool. Store cooled seeds in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. This recipe is from the National Sunflower Association.

Here are three simple, kid-friendly seed recipes that I like.

Caramelized sunflower seeds cool on waxed paper.

Family Events Calendar

Chester Creek Concert Series

Free concerts are every Tuesday all summer at Chester Bowl, 1801 E. Skyline Parkway, from 7-8:30 p.m. Free admission; bring a lawn chair; food sold on-site. chesterbowl.org

Coming up:

July 16: Taj Weekes & Adowa (reggae)

July 23: Tacky Annie (alt-pop)

July 30: The Hillions (country rock)

Aug. 6: Big Waves and Bonfires (folk), 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 13: Honest Maude (alternative), 6:30 p.m.

Zoo La Palooza

July 18

Join the Lake Superior Zoo for a family-friendly after-hours party featuring live music, food trucks, beer, games, silent auction and more. Experience

KIDS' CORNER SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

There are 10 changes for you to find. Answers are on page 3.

Q: What kind of stories do frogs like?

A: Ones with hoppy endings!

Q: When is a door not a door?

A: When it’s ajar!

Q: How do you keep a dog off the road?

A: Put him in a barking lot!

Q: What do you call two bananas?

A: A pair of slippers!

Q: Where do sheep get a haircut?

A: The baa baa shop!

the zoo at night and interact with some of your favorite animals. Adults: $20. Children 17 and younger are free. Visit lszooduluth.org for more information.

Spirit Valley Days

July 31-Aug. 3

The West Duluth Business Club started this event to bring friends, neighbors and people outside the area together to celebrate what West Duluth has to offer. The festival features a parade on Thursday, music, car show and events for families to enjoy. Saturday will be a community Block Party) for everyone. This includes fun activities for kids, street vendors, food, sidewalk sales, music and a pet parade. Visit spiritvalleydays.com

“Much Ado About Nothing” and “Xanadu Jr.”

Aug. 8-18

The Duluth Playhouse Teen Summer Intensive performances switch between two iconic shows. Student performers are onstage while student crew members run the show. Then they switch places.

Beatrice and Benedick are locked in a battle of wits, but share a mutual disdain for love. The Shakespeare classic in onstage Thursdays and Saturdays at 7.

Xanadu Jr. follows Clio, the lovely and precocious Greek muse who decides to put on some roller skates, legwarmers, and an Australian accent in order to help a chalk artist. This musical on skates is Fridays at 7, Sundays at 2. Tickets $15-$17. Call (218) 733-7555 or visit duluthplayhouse.org.

SOURCE: LIVEANDLEARN.COM