Moms & Dads Today September 2018

The incredible perks of volunteering

Support for eating disorders

First Witness stands with kids

Barnum teen publishes book Take the family to Madeline Island

september • october 2018

september • october 2018

to our readers

Being a mom or dad means being a caregiver, of course, but parenthood isn’t the only way people take care of each other. In this issue, you can read about teenage volunteers who help run summer programs. Read about advocates who help people overcome eating disorders or recover from childhood abuse. We have some nice examples from the world of education, too: a publishing company gives voice to teenage authors; an award-winning Denfeld High School student finds support from her teachers; and young adults help high school students prepare for college. Many of us care for pets, too, and one Northland veterinary clinic is taking part in a national program to put their needs first. Here’s to all the ways we let our nurturing sides shine.

group publisher

Neal Ronquist

executive editor

Rick Lubbers

advertising director

Megan Wedel

advertising manager

Eric Olson

features editor Beverly Godfrey marketing

contributors

Bonnie Ambrosi

Ayla Androsky

David Ballard Photography

Andrea Novel Buck

Andrea Busche

Tracie Clanaugh

Samantha Erkkila

B. Scot Hart, CNM

Kathleen Murphy

Jack Nissen

Mary Rasch

Amy Rutledge

Tyler Schank

Kasha Stoll

Madeleine Surges

Connie Wirta

Add your event to our calendar at Duluth.com

MAIL CORRESPONDENCE TO: Moms & Dads Today 424 West First Street Duluth, MN 55802 magazines@duluthnews.com

ON THE COVER: Ben Flotten, a volunteer with the Incredible Exchange program, picks up Ava Wood and carries her during a game of “World Cup Soccer” at Chester Bowl this summer. DAVID BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

ANSWERS: Spot the difference, Kids’ Corner photo on Page 42.

1. Umbrella in the sky is missing.

2. Added spire to top of stage

3. Dark hat instead of light colored hat on lady in yellow chair, lower right 4. The word "Vikings" is missing from a pink chair (lower left)

5. The Dumpster is missing 6. Signage on Pier B Resort now says Pier P Resort 7. White tent near stage now yellow

8. Helicopter on top of resort 9. Flag on top of Pier B 10. Lower left, Queen seated in green chair

Incredible summers

Teens volunteer in community for experience, fun and perks

BY ANDREA NOVEL BUCK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Take this seriously,” Sam Luoma told a group of junior counselors attending orientation at the start of Chester Bowl’s summer day camp. “For many of you, this is your first job experience.”

Luoma, Chester Bowl’s programoperations manager, outlined his expectations:

• Show up on time. “When you say you’re going to be here, we need to know you’re going to show up.”

• Sign in on the time sheet.

• Check in with the counselors about what you will be doing for the day.

• Interact with the campers. “When they’re playing, my expectation is you’re in the action with them. … Eat lunch with the kids. Sit with someone you don’t know, talk to them, get to know them.”

• Have a good attitude about whatever you’re doing. “Don’t go, ugh! We’re doing tie-dye.”

• Be prepared. Bring a lunch, a water bottle, sunscreen, water shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Dress in layers. “We are going to be outside every single day.”

Shea Bradley, a volunteer with the Incredible Exchange program, tells a story during a break to Rachel Schubert, Monty Casperson and Sofia Eastvold at Chester Bowl.

Jack Eastvold, a volunteer with the Incredible Exchange program, plays “World Cup Soccer” with William Baumgarten-Leveille (left) and Finley Baumgarten-Leveille at Chester Bowl.

Shea Bradley, a volunteer with the Incredible Exchange program, carries Sofia Eastvold down a path at Chester Bowl.

Most of the junior counselors at Chester Bowl this summer were part of the 4-H Incredible Exchange, a program that helps teens, ages 13 to 15, build job skills. The program also encourages teens to volunteer in the community, creates positive mentoring relationships between teens and adults, and gives teens access to recreational and cultural activities.

HOW IT WORKS

Interested teens first need to join 4-H, then apply for the Incredible Exchange online. Qualified applicants must be 13 by the April 30 application deadline and residents of South St. Louis County.

Once selected, teens attend a session where they interview with mentors from the various community organizations seeking summer help.

“They learn how to present themselves and answer questions,” said Katie Ecklund, 4-H program

coordinator, who works with 55 to 60 teens and mentors from 18 community organizations over the summer. The program is offered through the University of Minnesota Extension.

“I look for maturity, how serious they’re taking it,” Luoma said. “If they’re staring at a phone or laughing about something on the Internet, they won’t get placed with me. I’m looking for someone who will watch the kids.”

The teens rank their three top sites, while mentors rank the teens as candidates. Placement is determined from those rankings.

“Usually it’s their top choice,” Ecklund said.

The teens go through an orientation at their work sites. They are required to log a minimum of 25 service hours. In addition to gaining work skills and experience, they can earn $100 to $200 ($4 an hour, up to a maximum of 50 service hours) vouchers that they can put toward ski or golf passes, art

classes, dance, music or horseback riding lessons, YMCA passes, or other approved activities.

ON THE JOB

At Chester Bowl, the “Incredibles,” as the teens are dubbed, set up and run the games campers play, assist the camp counselors and campers with activities such as hiking or crafts, keep an extra eye out for the campers, and help clean up at the end of the day. Most of this year’s bunch were former campers or were involved in Chester Bowl’s ski program.

Luoma, who was an Incredible many years ago at Portman Community Center, gives teens room to learn through experience, including from their mistakes. “They get a fair amount of responsibility,” he said. “I’ll tell them to go set up a game — Capture the Flag or dodgeball or something.” Some of the teens, especially at first, will get distracted and not have the

Jack Eastvold, a volunteer with the Incredible Exchange program, talks with Henrick Spenningsby during a break of blob tag at Chester Bowl.

game ready, he said. Rather than yelling at them, which is the way he remembers learning on one of his first jobs, he gives them opportunities to do it again and get it right.

Early one summer morning, a handful of Incredibles played soccer with the campers who already had arrived. A couple escorted campers to and from the Chalet for water or to use the bathroom.

“I like hanging out with kids and being outside. It’s fun,” Ben Flotten said, while kicking a soccer ball back into play. Moments later, he was retrieving another ball before it landed in Chester Creek. “And it’s hard because you have to do stuff you don’t want to do,” he said, identifying his least favorite activity as cleaning bathrooms at the end of the day.

Shea Bradley held the hands of campers as they walked across a slack line and walked the line herself.

“I need to set an example for the kids and make sure I’m behaving right so they do,” she said. She was a camper for four years before becoming a junior counselor. “It’s basically the same,”

she said, “Except we help out more, and we clean at the end of the day.”

“The most important job is to help the campers and keep them safe,” Storm Krause said. “Cleaning up and carrying stuff around is just a normal part of the job.” Storm planned to work as a junior camp counselor all summer, well beyond the maximum service hours for a voucher. “I hope to

Community Memorial Hospital announces the opening of CMH Family Clinic. We now o er a full spectrum of care for patients of all ages, including family medicine physicians who specialize in women’s health and focus on obstetrics.

get more courage in myself and more leadership,” he said, noting that one day he wants to be hired as a camp counselor at Chester Bowl. — MDT

Care for the whole family

cloquethospital.com

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

Jack Eastvold, a volunteer with the Incredible Exchange program, chases after Henrick Spenningsby while holding hands with Kai and Ravi Ramrattan during a game of blob tag at Chester Bowl.

Finding support, feeling strong

Dietician shares her own struggles with eating disorder to help others

BY KASHA STOLL

When Jillian Lampert was 15, the simple goal of losing a few pounds rapidly spiraled into a full-blown eating disorder.

“It was like a cliff,” she said recently. “I was fine, and then boom — I was totally off the cliff.”

Even though she knew she was sick, Lampert hid her disease and suffered alone for three years. It wasn’t until she left for college and returned home for a visit 10 pounds lighter that her mother realized there was a problem. Her parents didn’t know how to best handle the situation, though, and it was another four years before Lampert received the help she needed.

Jillian Lampert is a registered licensed dietitian and the Chief Strategy Officer for The Emily Program. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Today, Lampert is a registered licensed dietician and chief strategy officer for The Emily Program, a privately-owned, for-profit treatment program for people with eating disorders. She shared her story to raise awareness and understanding of the disease, and to help parents know how to help their sick child.

AN UNEXPECTED CLIFF

Sadly, Lampert’s story is typical and is being repeated, at least in part, by more than 57,000 Minnesota adolescents ages 10-17. According to The Emily Project, that number includes almost 39,000 girls and more than 18,000 boys.

Like many teenage girls, Lampert was concerned about her weight and started eating less.

“I was immediately reinforced at school,” she said. “I wasn’t noticed for anything other than being smart. So, when I lost a little bit of weight, people said: ‘Wow, you look great. What are you doing?’ I had never heard that. I had never heard a comment about me

that wasn’t about my academic skills.

“I thought, if losing a little bit of weight is good, then losing lots is better.”

Lampert said most people who lose weight do not develop eating disorders. However, some, like her, become mentally preoccupied with food and control. Lampert described her reaction as the “biology of the illness.” She wanted to continue losing weight and hid her disease because she didn’t want anyone to make her stop.

MISGUIDED EFFORTS

When Lampert’s family and friends finally realized there was a problem, they were understandably concerned. However, they didn’t know how to help, and some of their efforts did more harm than good.

To begin with, her parents didn’t know how to broach the subject. They enlisted the help of her boyfriend and did a surprise intervention when she came home for Thanksgiving. That fell flat and created tense feelings all around.

WARNING SIGNS

• Restricting more and more food groups

• Significant weight change

• Repeated extended stints in the bathroom. Especially with the water running, bathroom spells may conceal purging (vomiting), part of the binge and purge cycle of bulimia

• Excessive exercise

• Repeatedly avoiding activities when food is involved. Begging off friends’ pizza parties or family meals around the dinner table (“I’ll eat in my room,” or “I’m not hungry, because I had a big lunch,”) may disguise a food-avoidance habit

“That is not something I recommend parents do,” she said.

Lampert said her parents also let her bargain a lot. They wanted her to get help, and she said she had already found a support group. They wanted to call the doctor, and she said she would do it. They believed her, and she was fooling them.

Instead of bargaining, Lampert said her parents should have taken decisive action.

“If I had a fever, my mom would put me in the car and say you are going to the doctor,” Lampert said. The same rules should apply to an eating disorder. Parents should take their child to a doctor, or ideally, to a specialist, and get an eating disorder assessment.

“What is the worst thing that could happen?” she said. “The worst thing is that they will say your kid doesn’t have an eating disorder. Then your child says, ‘See, I am fine,’ and you will work through that.

“The best thing that could happen is

WHEN WORDS HURT

Lampert did eventually see her family doctor in Hibbing. However, he didn’t know how to help, either. Like her parents, the doctor encouraged Lampert to stop.

“That’s like saying, ‘when are you going to stop having your leg broken?’” she said. “I felt as able to stop having an eating disorder as I was to stop having a broken leg. Would you tell someone with cancer to stop having cancer? I didn’t know what to do with that, so I said I have stopped.”

Other well-meaning people also asked what Lampert describes as frustrating questions: Why don’t you just eat? Why are you crying about food? Why would you do that to yourself?

“I felt really blamed for having an illness I didn’t mean to cause or get,” she said. “I am sick and a little afraid that I am going to die, and you are telling me it is my fault. OK.”

Lampert said she doesn’t blame the doctor or her family and friends. At the time, which was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there wasn’t much known about eating disorders.

Some of the most helpful words Lampert heard came from friends who freely admitted they didn’t know what to do.

“They would say, ‘I don’t understand anything about this, but how can I help you?’” Lampert said. “It acknowledged that I wasn’t doing it on purpose.”

Staff and clients at the Emily Project post their goals and affirmations on a door in the Duluth office, which is located at 26 East Superior St., Suite 315.

“I felt as able to stop having an eating disorder as I was to stop having a broken leg. Would you tell someone with cancer to stop having cancer? I didn’t know what to do with that, so I said I have stopped.”

GROUP EFFORT

Brenda Schwerdt, a clinical dietician at St. Luke’s hospital, said treatment requires a group effort.

She said people with eating disorders think they are eating well. Parents may disagree and can share their concerns with a physician.

A physician will diagnose the disorder and oversee the treatment plan. A dietician will help with food choices, and a psychologist or psychiatrist will address the mental health aspect.

Schwerdt said parents can also help by monitoring their own speech and eating patterns.

“Food and emotions are closely related,” she said. When parents focus on food, the child immediately pulls away. Therefore, Schwerdt said parents should focus on providing emotional support.

Instead of saying, “You need to eat,” parents can ask, “Are you feeling strong today?” Instead of saying, “You look weak,” they can say, “Do you feel weak?”

Schwerdt also said parents should be aware of how often they talk about food.

“It might be a time to look at your diet as well,” she said. “Where is your child getting their behaviors?”

Finally, parents should understand that recovery can take a long time. She

used the analogy of drowning in a river with rapids.

“You grab a log that takes you down the river,” Schwerdt said. “When it is calm, people on shore will yell at you to let go of the log. But that log was your safety. It will take you a long time to drop that log and swim to shore.”

People with eating disorders often use food as a way of exerting control over their lives. Relinquishing that control is difficult and painful. Schwerdt said a person is never cured of an eating disorder; they go into remission. — MDT

Kasha Stoll is a Duluth freelance writer and editor.

Kirsten Nielsen, a licensed registered dietitian, looks into the group therapy room in the Emily Program facility in Duluth. The group therapy sessions focus on education and follow a skillbased curriculum.

Keep your family healthy by getting annual flu shots for everyone

BY CONNIE WIRTA

One simple way to keep your family healthy is to make sure everyone — from babies to grandparents — gets an annual flu vaccination. Your family’s youngest and oldest members have the greatest risk of complications from the flu.

“Getting a vaccination can protect you from getting the flu or, if you get it, having a less severe case,” explains Dr. Lori DeFrance, a pediatrician at the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic. “That means less time missed from work and school, fewer doctor visits and less risk of health complications.”

Get your flu vaccinations as soon as they are available in September and October, before the flu starts to spread, Dr. DeFrance recommends. The pediatrician stresses that the flu vaccine has been proven both safe and effective.

“You can’t get the flu from a flu shot because it is an inactivated virus,” she says.

“You may get side effects, like a fever or body aches.”

An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone older than 6 months. That

includes pregnant women and nursing women who pass some protection on to their babies.

When getting the flu vaccine for the first time, children ages 6 months to 8 years old need to get two doses at least four weeks apart. “This optimizes the result and boosts their immune system,” explains Dr. DeFrance.

This year, the vaccine is available as a shot and as a reformulated nasal mist. Like the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. DeFrance recommends children receive the injectable form since it has been shown to be more consistently effective. However, the nasal mist is a better choice than no vaccine at all, the pediatrician says. She notes the nasal mist is not recommended for any child under age 2 or children with chronic medical conditions like asthma.

Protecting your family also helps protect your community, especially those who cannot get the flu vaccine due to underlying health conditions, Dr. DeFrance points out. Since the flu vaccine cannot be given to infants under the age of 6 months, their families and caregivers need to be vaccinated to protect them, she says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported 171 children died from flu-related causes during the last flu season.

Excluding pandemics, that ties the record set in the 2012-13 flu season. About 80 percent of the children were not vaccinated, the CDC says, and about half had a medical condition that placed them at high risk of developing serious

Dr. Lori DeFrance

flu complications.

Some people are more vulnerable to serious flu-related complications, including children younger than age 5 and especially those younger than 2 as well as any children with certain longterm health problems, such as asthma or other lung disorders, heart disease, or a neurologic or neurodevelopmental disorder, explains Dr. DeFrance. People over age 65 also have a higher risk of complications and even death.

While flu vaccine can vary in how well it works each season, a CDC study published in Pediatrics in 2017 showed flu vaccination can save children’s lives. The study of four flu seasons between 2010 and 2014 found that vaccination reduced the risk of fluassociated death by 51 percent among children with underlying high-risk medical conditions and by 65 percent among otherwise healthy children. —

MDT

Connie Wirta is an editor for Essentia Health marketing. She wrote this for Moms & Dads Today.

GET A FLU VACCINE

To help busy families get their flu vaccinations, Essentia Health offers several options.

Flu vaccines are available during any regular appointment with your family medicine physician or pediatrician. You also can walk-in without an appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays in the Pediatrics Department on the third floor of the Duluth Clinic’s First Street Building. Appointments with a pediatrician are also available at Essentia’s Hermantown Clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday.

These Twin Ports clinics will offer walk-in flu booths from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 1-5 and Oct. 8-12:

• Lakeside Clinic, 4621 E. Superior St., Duluth

• West Duluth Clinic, 4212 Grand Ave., Duluth

• Hermantown Clinic, 4855 W. Arrowhead Road, Hermantown

• Superior Clinic, 3500 Tower Ave., Superior These Urgent Care Clinics will offer flu booths during these hours on Oct. 1-14:

• West Duluth Urgent Care, 4212 Grand Ave., Duluth: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily

• Third Street Urgent Care, 400 E. First St., Duluth: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

• Hermantown Urgent Care, 4855 W. Arrowhead Road, Hermantown: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Superior Convenient Care, 2202 E. Second St., Suite 377, Superior: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Duluth Clinic’s First Street Building at 420 E. First St. has walk-in flu booths available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 15-19, Oct. 22-26 and Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.

‘I STAND WITH KIDS’

First Witness Child Advocacy Center has been advocating and supporting our children for 25 years

BY TRACIE CLANAUGH

The distinct scent of color crayons, the sound of the binder clasps snapping and unsnapping, and the feeling of the crisp, fall air make for reminiscent childhood memories for most of us. As the memories come flooding back, we also start shifting

from the hustle and bustle of tourist season, to the flurry of back-to-school planning. As parents, you want to be sure you have prepared your children to have the best possible start to a new year. You purchase new backpacks, shoes and supplies, you talk about bus safety and to be on their best behavior for their teachers.

It’s a little different for us here at First Witness Child Advocacy Center, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Sure, we are preparing for your children, too. We are polishing up our classroom presentations and planning our presentation dates at the schools. But in actuality, we didn’t take a summer break.

Fundraising events will support First Witness Child Advocacy Center, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. "Stand With Kids" is a month-long-campaign held in September.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The reality is, child abuse never takes a break. It happens when a family least expects it. Accordingly, September is significant for us as we prepare for “I Stand With Kids” month. This month serves as a time for us to help re-focus our communities on the importance of child abuse prevention and education.

“I Stand With Kids” month-long campaign serves as a way to engage the community, schools and parents around issues of child abuse in a positive and proactive way.

Child abuse education and prevention is severely underfunded. If we as a community don’t raise money to support education, the incidence of abuse will increase. “I Stand With Kids” campaign helps raise money throughout August and September through fundraising events and activities.

In August, we held the second annual Bike for Kids in Duluth. It didn’t matter if you had a motorcycle, car or pedal bike; the point was for the community to come together in

unity to raise money for educational programming.

Throughout September, community members are encouraged to support First Witness efforts by purchasing a “Blue Kid,” which represent thousands of children abused in Minnesota each year. When you purchase a lawn figure, you are helping give children a safe place to talk about their abuse. And you are helping to spread awareness of child abuse and more importantly inspire prevention. The blue color symbolizes Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to purchase a “Blue Kid,” ranging in price from $20-$50. All Sponsored Blue Kids figures will be displayed at the Valley Youth Center (Laura MacArthur School) on “I Stand with Kids Day,” Tuesday, Oct. 2. Ultimately, the fall fundraising and education efforts help provide money that supports the Safe and Strong Child© Program. First Witness staff deliver this training consistently in classroom presentations to children,

parents and teachers. This gives both children and adults the education, tools and resources that are available to help children and families within our community. The program is extremely underfunded, which is why I Stand With Kids Month is so important.

Last school year, First Witness staff impacted our community by:

• Delivering prevention education to more than 3,152 kids within Duluth and surrounding area schools in grades preK-6 Delivering 34 community presentations to reach over 428 people within our community about ways we can work together keep kids safe.

ABOUT FIRST WITNESS

First Witness Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is a safe, child-friendly place for victims of child sexual and physical abuse. Forensic interviewers work with a team of investigative professionals in response to allegations of abuse.

HOW TO START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT BODY SAFETY WITH YOUR CHILD

It’s never too late or too early to start talking to kids about body safety. Often these conversations don’t have to be rehearsed; rather it’s as a caregiver being comfortable knowing how to respond to certain situations or using teachable moments that your child gives you to insert body safety messaging.

Let your child set boundaries for their body:

• Allow your child to decide how to say hello and goodbye to family and friends.  If your child doesn’t want to hug or kiss, that is OK.

• If your child doesn’t like tickles or back rubs, teach them it is OK to say no to these touches from anyone, including adults.

• Speak up when you see inappropriate behavior between adults and children.

• Set and respect family boundaries. All members of the family have rights to privacy in dressing, bathing, sleeping and other personal activities. If anyone does not respect these rights, an adult should clearly enforce the family rules.

• Demonstrate boundaries by showing in your own life how to say “no.” Teach your children that their “no” will be respected, whether it’s in playing or tickling or hugging and kissing.

• Use the proper names of body parts. Just as you teach your children that a nose is a nose, they need to know what to call their genitals. This knowledge gives children the

correct language for understanding their bodies, for asking questions and for telling about any behavior that could lead to sexual abuse.

• Be clear with adults and children about the difference between “OK touch” and inappropriate touch. For younger children, teach more concrete rules such as “talk with me if anyone — family, friend or anyone else — touches your private parts.” Also teach kids that it is unacceptable to use manipulation or control to touch someone else’s body.

Don’t feel like these conversations have to be a sit-down rehearsed conversation either. Our children gift us with moments to bring up body safety all the time.

“Blue Kid” signs can be sponsored to support children in Minnesota. They’ll be displayed at the Valley Youth Center (Laura MacArthur School) on "Stand with Kids Day," Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Through our advocacy program, we believe every child deserves ongoing safety and opportunities to become stronger in the wake of abuse.

Since its inception, First Witness has been driven by innovation. We opened our doors as one of the first CACs in the nation. Our community recognized a need for a stronger response to child abuse and organized to meet it. Guided by the families we work with, we are always learning how to better serve our community. We accomplish this by identifying and strategizing for small and large-scale changes to bridge gaps. We share our model of comprehensive programing and making systems change through hosting and speaking at conferences and providing trainings across the nation.

Our dream is to create a fair and equitable systems response for families when their child has been abused. We want to build safety into all communities, to support both individual and community resilience to trauma. — MDT

Tracie Clanaugh is executive director of First Witness Child Advocacy Center. She wrote this for Moms & Dads Today.

For more information about how you can ‘Stand with Kids’ and support our communities response to child abuse, please contact First Witness at (218) 727-8353, visit us at firstwitness.org, or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/firstwitness childadvocacycenter.

APPLY NOW FOR 2018-19

This is your opportunity to apply for enrollment for your child, Kindergarten-8th grade. Students applying for kindergarten must be five years old by September 1, 2018, and Minnesota residents.

To apply, visit www.duluthedison.org

Keeli GUSTAFSON

Denfeld student takes top prize in mapping competition

BY ANDREA BUSCHE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AYLA ANDROSKY

With each passing year, more women are entering the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Often, their interest in these areas begins in their formative years, with the encouragement of parents and other mentors.

Keeli Gustafson is one such young woman. A Duluth Denfeld student entering her senior year, she recently took home a national prize for the ArcGIS online mapping competition. As a result of Gustafson’s big win, she was scheduled to present her award-winning entry in July at the 2018 Esri Education Summit in San Diego.

Sponsored by Esri (the Environmental Systems Research Institute), the competition was open to middle and high school students in the U.S. who could successfully analyze, interpret and present data via an ArcGIS Online web app or story map.

The Esri website provides some interesting demographics: In 2018, competitors came from 28 states. Of the 306 total submissions, one-third came from Minnesota.

Keeli Gustafson won a national prize for the ArcGIS online mapping competition.

Gustafson became aware of the competition through her Advanced Placement world history class. “I originally got involved through an extra credit project in my sophomore year,” she said. “However, what started as a simple mapping project grew into a passion for sharing the history of my town, and my project quickly grew more complex as I became more interested in it.”

Gina Hollinday, Gustafson’s history teacher at Denfeld, acted as her mentor and adviser.

“GIS stands for Geographic Information System,” Gustafson said. “It is a geography-based system that deals with gathering, using and analyzing data.” She shared that this system requires computer savvy, research skills and knowledge of the analytical features available within GIS.

“GIS Mapping uses computer-based analysis to address questions in fields such as historical and environmental research,” she said. “My project was created by using ArcGIS Online, a completely cloud-based system which allows users to edit their projects from any computer with internet access.”

Gustafson’s award-winning presentation focuses on Duluth’s Morgan Park neighborhood. “I focused on Morgan Park because I was able to combine my passion for history with geographical change, and share a story that I feel needs to be told within my community,” she said. “Also, I have lived in West Duluth my whole life, and I thought it would be fun to research a topic that was a very much a part of the community I consider my home.”

Gustafson’s presentation won top honors at both the state and national levels. She shared her thoughts on what made her submission successful.

“I think my project was successful because of the way it combined the technological aspects of GIS with the historical elements of Morgan Park. I really tried to make insightful connections between the industrial origins of the area, the community’s growth during the 20th century,

Keeli Gustafson (center) has enjoyed the support of her parents, Don (left) and Tammi (right) for various school activities.

the environmental concerns and challenges that we respond to and deal with today.”

Gustafson explained the specifics of her submission. “The presentation consists mainly of what is called a story map, featuring text alongside with visuals, such as photographs and maps. My story map covers Morgan Park, specifically the relationship between the neighborhood and the U.S. Steel plant. The town and plant have a complex interdependent relationship, which I came to appreciate as I explored this history. In the beginning, the story map took precedence. I then added new maps, which were more focused on the environmental and geographical change of the area.”

Gustafson created five maps for this project:

A reference map of the plant’s location

• A map of the plant’s environmental impacts on the water table through contaminated water flow

• A georeference map of the plant in 1948 and today, showing the change in the Mud Lake area

• A map showing the geological change and its effects on the area’s wetlands, and

• A map of the Native American historical site, Spirit Lake, and how it was impacted by contaminants from the plant.

Gustafson is active in a variety of organizations, including the Denfeld girls’ swim team, speech team, key club, National Honor Society, concert band, pep band and band board student government. She will be team captain for the swim and speech teams this year. When asked which was her favorite, Gustafson said, “I don’t know if I can choose a favorite, but I appreciate that GIS mapping challenges me in different ways than the other activities.”

When she’s not in school, Gustafson enjoys reading and swimming. She is a member of the Lutheran Youth Organization Board and sings with the choir at Grace Lutheran Church. She also works as a lifeguard for Duluth’s Lake Superior Swim Club.

After graduating from Denfeld next spring, Gustafson plans to attend college. While she is still figuring out the details, one thing is for certain: she plans to focus her efforts in a STEM-related field. “In terms of what I will study, I think it’s probable that technical and computer skills, such as the ones involved in GIS mapping, will play a role in my future career,” she said.

Gustafson’s family, including her mother, Tammi; father, Don; and older sister, Kali; are supportive of her endeavors.

“We are very proud of Keeli’s accomplishments in the ArcGIS mapping contest and all of her other activities,” Tammi said. “Whether it’s on the speech team, the swim team, or in her academic projects, she always strives to produce her best work.”

Gustafson’s hard work has paid off, and she is pleased with the results. “There were so many incredible submissions, and winning the Minnesota state contest was thrilling,” she said. “I never imagined that I would win the national contest. The whole experience has been amazing. Even if I had not placed, I would have been proud of my project and the work that I put into it.” —

MDT

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer and frequent contributor to Moms & Dads Today.

Keeli Gustafson views a map titled 'Environmental Consequences,' which displays the soil drainage and water flow of the Morgan Park Steel Plant.

Making every birth a celebration Introducing St. Luke’s newest midwife

BY B. SCOT HART, CNM –MIDWIFE

Having a baby should be a celebration. Whether things go strictly according to a family’s birth plan, or there need to be adjustments and revisions along the way, as a midwife, my goal is to make certain that sense of celebration is never lost.

It’s the reason I became a midwife, and it’s the reason I joined St. Luke’s. Because they understand, as I do, that there’s nothing more special than being a part of bringing a new life into the world.

THE PATH TO PASSION

I discovered this belief — and this professional passion — a little later in life. I started out in the Peace Corps post-high school, working as a business volunteer in Morocco. I worked with Moroccan women who were trying to provide for their families by sewing rugs, and with school teachers to improve business educational programs. My efforts were focused on training and education, but I’m certain they taught me more about life and compassion than I taught them about business.

After my time in the Peace Corps, I joined the Army. My father was a naval doctor before transitioning out of the service and into pediatrics, and from him I learned not just a love of medicine, but a love of service as well. I served two tours in Iraq and was proud to facilitate medical missions for people in that country who

didn’t have access to medical care.

After leaving the Army, I went looking for my life’s next natural step. And, once I focused on my passion for service, and took a close look at the way in which I was raised, my profession became clear — medicine and midwifery.

JOINING THE FAMILY BUSINESS

The transition to medicine was as natural for me as it was for my father. Perhaps even more so, as my mother was also a nurse practitioner before earning her Ph.D. to train the next generation of nurses. Medicine is, quite frankly, the family business, so I attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, which completed my transition from Army soldier to caregiver.

At school, I developed my care philosophy. The program at Penn helped me discover ways to put the focus on the patient, and work with them to achieve their desires and goals. After graduating, I went looking for a health care system that shared my philosophy.

With a passion for compassionate care that’s patient-centered, St. Luke’s was the natural fit for me. Here, in collaboration with St. Luke’s midwife Amanda St. Aubin, we strive for the most family-centered care possible. That means our focus as midwives is not just on the care of the woman having the baby, but on the partner, and the woman’s other children as well.

THE ROLE OF MIDWIFE

Midwives provide holistic nursing for the mother and the entire family. That means we treat the whole patient, and provide care for the entire experience. We can prescribe medication, serve as your principal OB, and be by your side for every moment of delivery.

As a midwife, my goal is to do everything I possibly can to customize your childbirth experience to your family. Whether that means walking you through conception, health literacy or getting you exactly what you need middelivery, I’ll be there.

Most importantly, I’ll remember throughout every

step of the process that bringing a new life into the world is always cause for celebration. — MDT

B. Scot Hart is a Certified Nurse Midwife for St. Luke’s. He wrote this for Moms & Dads Today. To schedule an appointment with Scot or another midwife at St. Luke’s Obstetrics & Gynecology associates, call (218) 249-4700.

Raising Children Newborn essentials for the new mom

BY SAMANTHA ERKKILA

As a first-time mom, deciding what to include on my registry was like learning a foreign language. I knew I needed an endless supply of diapers and wipes, a crib, maybe some toys and clothes, but after that, I had no idea what a baby needed. Turns out, they don’t need much. Aside from the essentials like a car seat and baby shampoo, here are a few other items this new mom found super useful in the first three months postpartum:

HAAKAA SILICONE BREAST PUMP

It’s more or less a suction cup rather than a pump for collecting breast milk. The electric pump was intimidating for me at first, but this pump is easy to use and a great initiation into the world of pumping. When baby is nursing on one side, just attach the Haakaa to your other breast, and the suction will slowly collect anything that may leak out. After I had a few ounces, I started to slowly build up a little freezer stash for when I returned to work. A small manual pump was also handy for road trips or for relieving the pain of a clogged milk duct. Haakaa.co.nz

MOBY WRAP OR OTHER SOFT WRAP BABY CARRIER

Who knew there were so many ways to wear a baby? It took a few video tutorials and a couple live demonstrations from friends before I was confident enough to wear my little one around the house, but once I got a hang of it, it changed my life. Your arms are free, and the baby will love the closeness. Mobywrap.com

NOSEFRIDA

The days of the old snot sucker ball

are gone. Enter the NoseFrida — a long tube where your baby’s nose is on one end, and your mouth is on the other. Sounds gross, I know, but it works wonders. Don’t worry, the boogers never get anywhere near your mouth. And for whatever reason, babies actually kind of like it. Fridababy.com

VELCRO SWADDLES

Velcro and swaddles go together like peanut butter and jelly. I don’t know how my mom and grandma ever kept me wrapped up like a burrito in a receiving blanket. The velcro version is super easy and keeps baby nice and snug all night long — well, for the 2-3 hours they sleep at a time, anyway. I basically only use my receiving blankets as a rug when I play with baby on the floor. Summerinfant.com

PJ’S THAT ZIP FROM THE TOP DOWN

After unwrapping (or un-Velcroing) a swaddle, the last thing you want to do is completely strip your baby just to change their diaper in the middle of the night. Register for a few pairs of pajamas that zip from the top down, and nighttime diaper changes will be a lot easier. And make sure you get a few in different sizes. Babies seem to grow overnight.

PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUPS

Technically not something to register for, but these groups have been — and continue to be — very valuable to me. Because the unsolicited parenting advice can be overwhelming at times, I’ve found comfort in closed and private Facebook groups where I can ask questions and not fear judgey responses. Honestly, the moms who have responded to my questions about breastfeeding, c-section recovery, bedtime routines and postpartum

exercise have been super helpful. No mom-shaming here. There are groups for all types of moms: working, pumping moms; Duluth moms; athletic moms; military moms; etc. Find your group(s) and start feeling the encouragement and support.

I know as a new mom you will have lots of advice thrown your way, and you may not find any of my suggestions helpful. And that’s OK. Find what works for you and your baby, and don’t take the tags off everything all at once. You may want to return a few things. —

MDT

Samantha Erkkila is a first-time mom to a smiley little girl who everyone says looks just like her daddy. She also is the multimedia producer for the Duluth News Tribune.

A father’s battle, a daughter’s story

Barnum student gets story of father’s cancer fight published

BY MADELEINE SURGES

Tiffany Lonetto is like every other soon-to-be senior in high school. The Barnum teen enjoys camping, kayaking, hanging out with friends, and is a published author. Yes, a published author. At age 17, she wrote her first book, “No Ordinary Summer.” It is inspired by her experiences and emotions after finding out her dad had stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma this past November, and how she handled everything moving forward.

“It all started with a creative writing class,” Tiffany said. “I had always enjoyed writing and reading as a kid, but never thought my hobby would go as far as it has.”

Her English teacher at Moose Lake Community School, Sarah Haasis, has been an encouragement over the past four years.

“The final project for the class was a 20-page story, and my teacher told me to use my emotions as a fuel for this assignment,” Tiffany said.

Haasis encouraged Tiffany to extend her story length and send it in for publishing consideration.

“I wasn’t even contemplating it, but I could get an extra 10 points for the assignment if I sent it in, so I did,” Tiffany said.

When she received the email that publishing company Sigma’s Bookshelf wanted to move forward, she and her family were shocked.

“I couldn’t believe it!” Tiffany said, smiling ear to ear. “I had no expectations after I sent it in. In fact, I didn’t really want to be in my creative writing class to begin with. I gave it a little bit of time and discovered I really enjoyed it.”

When asked about her writing process, Tiffany laughed.

“I don’t really have a specific one,” she said. “I throw in my earbuds, put on some Post Malone and if I am inspired, I write.”

As a published author, she offered advice to future teenage writers.

“Go for it. You’ll always wonder, if you don’t. I didn’t think this would happen to me, and now I am working on a sequel to my first book. Anything can happen,” she said. “If there is one thing I want from this experience, it is to help someone out there that may have lost someone to cancer or is going through something similar. I want them to be able to be comforted through the emotions I experienced, and not feel alone.”

Although e-books and digital readers are becoming the primary reading source for many people, Tiffany chose to publish a paperback, which is available on Amazon for $8.99.

“I like the feel of books,” she said. “It’s refreshing to read something that isn’t on a screen after using my computer for school all day.”

Tiffany Lonetto holds a copy of her book, “No Ordinary Summer,” which was published by Sigma's Bookshelf, a company that works only with teen authors.

PHOTO BY MADELEINE SURGES

The people who made her book publishing dreams a reality were Rachel Anderson and her son, Justin Anderson. It was Justin who came up with the idea for starting up Sigma’s Bookshelf in April 2017 after enjoying tremendous success with his first published book. His parents helped him self-publish “Saving Stripes: A Kitty’s Story” when he was 14. Since its release in the summer of 2015, almost 350 copies of the book have been sold for $10 each, with 100 percent of the profits being donated to S.O.S Rescue Relief Inc., which helps prevent euthanasia in adoptable animals.

“The success of the ‘Stripes’ book led to the idea of creating Sigma’s Bookshelf. I didn’t want to be the only person my age I knew of with a published book,” Justin said. “I wanted others to be able to do the same thing.”

Among the 10 authors Sigma’s Bookshelf has published, the company has sold more than 530 copies, with 60 percent of the profits going directly back to the kids and the other 40 percent staying at Sigma’s Bookshelf to help fund the next project.

“The reason it’s not an even 50-50 is because writing a book is really hard, and we want the kids to know we understand that,” Justin said.

All of the services the company offers, which include manuscript review, editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting and marketing, are 100 percent free for the authors whose books are selected for publication.

The company is intertwined with family. Rachel does most of the editing and proofreading, while Justin reads every book that is submitted and gives his opinions as to what many teens may want to read. Justin’s dad, Jamie, does the graphic design work. The company has had 60 submissions and accepted 11.

“The most common reasons we do not accept submissions is lack

of backstory/context or historical incorrectness,” Rachel said. “Just because it’s a fiction book doesn’t mean it can be historically inaccurate. Readers will call you on that.”

With every rejected submission, the teen receives a personal email as to what they can do to improve their book and are given words of encouragement to pursue their writing careers.

Rachel and Justin were fans of Tiffany’s book from the beginning. When Rachel started editing it, she said, “it really didn’t need too many changes.” She worked with Tiffany to bring more dialogue into the other characters in the book and used her Floridian background to give Tiffany geographical accuracy for the story.

“This is really about giving a kid a book they can be proud of,” Rachel said.

Sigma’s Bookshelf can make a huge difference in the lives of many teenagers who feel they must be older to successfully publish their books. Rachel really wanted to drive home what Sigma’s foundation was built upon.

“We are all about empowering kids,” she said. “You don’t have to wait until you turn 18 to get a book out there. We’re not just publishing anything that comes through the door, either. We are bringing really good books from young authors to the market.”

A majority of these books are in school libraries around Minnesota to show teens it is possible to be published while still in school. If you are interested in helping other teens become published authors, you can make a tax-deductible donation to Sigma’s Bookshelf via their GiveMN page, which can be accessed at sigmasbookshelf.com/donate. — MDT

Madeleine Surges is a Duluth freelance writer.

If there is one thing I want from this experience, it is to help someone out there that may have lost someone to cancer or is going through something similar. I want them to be able to be comforted through the emotions I experienced, and not feel alone.

TIFFANY LONETTO

Where to Shopfor the Family

J

(218) 722-3794

394

Yellow Ribbon Forest honors military

Minnesota Power’s Rajala Woods initiative and the company’s commitment to military families are coming together this year with creation of the Yellow Ribbon Forest near Camp Ripley in central Minnesota.

Al Hodnik, ALLETE chairman, president and CEO, announced the first-of-itskind forest during an Earth Day event at Camp Ripley on May 16.

The forest, located on 60 acres of Minnesota Power land along the Gull River, will be planted with red and white pines and formally dedicated as a Yellow Ribbon Forest, in recognition of the nation’s service members.

Hodnik and a group of Minnesota Power employees were on hand in May to plant trees and pick up litter at various sites around the base as part of Camp Ripley’s Earth Day celebration.

“Like Camp Ripley and the Minnesota National Guard, ALLETE and Minnesota Power believe in being active stewards of the lands where we operate,” Hodnik said.

— Amy Rutledge, manager of corporate communications for ALLETE/Minnesota Power.

Employees of Minnesota Power and ALLETE join other volunteers in planting seedlings at Camp Ripley.

fun for

families

found on Madeline Island

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHLEEN MURPHY

It might be easy for a Twin Ports parent with small children to overlook Madeline Island as a place to take their kids for a day trip. For some, the island brings up thoughts of art studios, quaint downtown restaurants and bike rides to the beach.

Though these are popular activities, it would be a shame to miss the wonders of Madeline Island because of this notion. The Island has many options aimed at families, even after the busy outdoor summer season has come to an end. Though chances are good that the water at the beach will no longer be warm enough to swim, an autumn day trip to Madeline Island will keep a family busy from the moment they step off the ferry.

One of the most exciting activities for kids, however, happens before they even step foot on the island. Ferry boats have been transporting passengers to and from Madeline Island for almost 150 years.

Today that job is performed by the Madeline Island Ferry Line. Take the kids to the ferry’s upper deck for the ride and watch the island grow closer, making sure to wave at the passing ferry that’s heading back to Bayfield. The trip takes only 25 minutes, just the perfect amount of time for the kids to enjoy themselves.

Once on the island, walk over to the Madeline Island Museum, located just one block off the ferry dock. Their exhibits are packed with interesting artifacts and housed in historic buildings such as the old town jail and the last remaining structure from the American Fur Company post. They have an interactive area where kids can try on period costumes, as well as an authentic wigwam kids can step into and a gigantic block of sandstone from the Basswood Island Quarry, both found in the museum’s stockade yard.

The Nichevo II sits at the ferry dock on Madeline Island on Aug. 6. There has been a ferry named Nichevo carrying passengers between Bayfield and Madeline Island since 1929; this one was built at Superior’s Frazier Shipyards in 1964. Nichevo is a Russian word that means “No matter.”

A few blocks away, find the trailhead for the 1.2 mile Casper Trail, a beautiful walk through the woods that includes several sitting areas, an observation deck, and a spot created specifically for storytelling. The true magic on this trail, however, isn’t on the trail at all. Encourage children to carefully explore past the circle of

Even in the cooler autumn months of September and October, a trip to Madeline Island wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach, even if it is just to play in the sand or dip in a foot. Joni’s Beach is located on Main Street within walking distance of the ferry dock, and the Beach Club restaurant has beachfront with patio tables just a few steps away. If a car is available, a drive out to Big Bay State Park (or the adjoining Big Bay Town Park) is worth the effort and can take an entire day to explore — even on cooler days. Trails allow hikers to explore the sizeable lagoon hidden behind Barrier Beach, as well as the surrounding woods and sandstone outcrops. Many of the trails are short and easily accessible.

Even when the end of October draws near, Madeline Island isn’t done charming its guests. The third weekend in October hosts the annual Family Fall Fest on the island. Not to be confused with the Bayfield Apple Festival a few weekends before, the Madeline Island festival has a different feel. “It’s kind of our end-of-the-season hurrah,” said Sharon Zanto, director of the Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce. “Family Fall Fest on the island is smaller and easier to navigate with kids.”

Though there is plenty to see and do for parents, such as an end of the season farmer’s market, sidewalk and vendor sales featuring local artisans, and a wine and cheese tasting at Mission Hill Coffee on Middle Road, the festival is packed with free (and a few almost free) activities for children.

“Last year, our biggest draw was the bicyclepowered apple press,” said Zanto. “Kids were lined up to take a turn, and everyone got to enjoy a cup of the apple cider pressed from island apples.” Also appealing to kids is the pumpkin pie eating contest, free s’mores in front of the Bell Street Gallery, and a children’s costume parade. Adventure Vacations hosts one of the almost-free activities ($5 per participant to cover the cost of the material) by throwing a tie-dye party so the kids can take home a souvenir. New this year, one of the island’s residents is planning an antique car show.

When everyone is tired and it’s time to go home, wrap up your perfect island day with a treat. Kids can enjoy an ice cream cone for a $1.50 at Grandpa Tony’s, just a few doors down from the ferry dock, and the adults can try a wapple from a street venor — waffles filled with apple cheesecake and caramel sauce. — MDT

Kathleen Murphy is a freelance journalist who lives in Duluth and always enjoys a day on an island.

Photos courtesy of Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce.

HOT DIGGETY DOG!

BY BONNIE AMBROSI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA AMBROSI

For decades, hot dogs have been a favorite kid food. When I was growing up half a century ago in rural Indiana, we called them wieners. I recall many family wiener roasts, especially in the fall.

Sometimes my father built a small fire on our gravel driveway, but more often we walked down into the woods to a pretty spot next to the creek. There, Daddy had made a little stone ring especially for this purpose. He would cut slim tree branches for us and sharpen one end with his pocket knife to serve as skewers. My mother would have carried down a picnic basket with the paper plates, hot dogs and buns, ketchup and marshmallows. Standing by the fire roasting a hot dog on a stick, I felt perfectly happy.

Both my parents have been gone now for many years, and these memories are heartachingly sweet to me. But times and tastes change. In 2012, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health found consumption of red meat, particularly processed meats such as hot dogs, associated with a significant increase in cancer and cardiovascular disease. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an arm of the World Health Organization, made headlines by declaring processed meats carcinogenic.

If this information prompts you to rethink your approach to wiener roasts, one option is to try a plant-based frank. There are several brands available, including LightLife Smart Dogs, Loma Linda Big Franks and Field Roast Grain Meat Frankfurters. “Grain Meat”

refers to wheat gluten, sometimes called “wheat meat.” It is a common plant protein in vegan meat substitutes, so if you are gluten intolerant, read the labels. Smart Dogs are made with soy and pea protein, Big Franks with soy and wheat germ.

Food should be fun and safe! You can serve plant-based hot dogs on buns with fixings just the way you would oldfashioned hot dogs. Slice them into baked beans and mac and cheese. Or take a more playful approach. Here are two hot dog tricks that I learned when I was a kid in 4-H, oh so many years ago. Whatever kind of hot dog you choose, the love with which it is prepared and served is the most important ingredient! Enjoy! — MDT

Bonnie Ambrosi lives in Duluth and is an organizer of The Vegan Cookbook Club which meets at 11:30 a.m. on the first Thursday of every month at Mount Royal Branch Library. Contact Ambrosi at bonnieambrosi@gmail.com.

X O HOT DOGS (KISSES AND HUGS)

For the X: After cooking the hot dog, carefully slice almost halfway down one side lengthwise, and then the other side, leaving a portion in the middle to keep them connected. Spread out the four “arms” on the plate.

For the O: After cooking the hot dog, carefully make slices almost all the way through one side of the hot dog. This will allow you to curve the hot dog around on the plate to make a circle.

Serve with a kiss and a hug.

Show older children how to cut the hot dogs themselves, using a table knife, not a sharp knife.

Please remember that hot dogs are a choking hazard for children younger than 3. Do not give small children a whole hot dog to hold and bite, or cut the hot dog into round “pennies.” Instead, cut the hot dog into smaller pieces.

A plant-based hot dog, whole wheat bun and organic ketchup are a healthful twist from a classic children’s favorite food.

Critters come ALIVE

Dump out your craft supplies for some fun homemade creatures

BY MARY RASCH

Try this. Place a bunch of crafting materials in front of you and your children. Bring out the glue gun, the googly eyes, the pipe cleaners. Bring out the paint, too! It’s amazing to see what happens. Fuzzy friends begin popping up all over the place! If you need some inspiration, take a look at these pictures. For those that need a little direction on how these simple critters are made, the material lists and instructions are provided below. Let the constructing begin!

Monkey Materials:

3 brown pipe cleaners

1 wooden bead with drilled hole

Brown and red Sharpie marker OR brown and red paint and paintbrush

Scrap of natural-colored paper

Scissors

Hot glue gun or glue

2 googly eyes

Instructions:

1. Start by twisting the middle of three pipe cleaners together as shown in the picture. Using four of the six ends, form two feet and two hands. You can do

this by folding each limb in half, bending back the ends toward the body, using the bend as the feet and hands. Twist one of the last unused ends into a tail and the other into a nub in order to place the monkey’s head.

2. Paint the wooden bead or use a dark brown Sharpie marker. You can leave the mouth section natural wood and draw in the smile with a red Sharpie marker or red paint.

3. Cut two paper ears from natural colored paper. Create dimension by folding them in half before gluing them onto the sides of the bead.

4. Glue two googly eyes in place where desired.

5. Glue the head onto the nub created on your pipe cleaner body.

Tennis Ball Guy

Caterpillar

Materials:

Fuzz balls

Needle and thread

Popsicle stick

Hot glue gun or glue

Googly eyes

Instructions:

1. Have your child create a pattern using the fuzz balls.

2. Adults, thread a needle and knot the end of one end of the string. Connect the balls by easing a needle and thread through the middle of each.

3. Guide the needle up through the head and leave a longer section of thread to be tied to the Popsicle stick. Attach another string around the midsection. Tie both strings to a Popsicle stick.

Thanks to SnacksthePegasus. blogspot.com, the fealties.blogspot.com, frugalfun4boys.com and onelittleproject. com for our inspiration! — MDT

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

Dinosaur

Materials:

2 green pipe cleaners

The only thing you need to do with this guy is be creative in your bending. Start with the head and wrap the pipe cleaner around a few times in order to create a little ball, let the neck go along with a little bend and started the body. You will run out of pipe cleaner on the front part of the body. By twisting in the second pipe cleaner, you can create the legs, tail and fill in the body.

Bees

Materials:

1 black pipe cleaner

1 yellow pipe cleaner

Scissors

Scrap of lace

1. Hold both your yellow and black pipe cleaners next to each other and begin wrapping them three times around your scissors.

2. Twist the scissors to round out the bee’s body. Remove the scissors and cut any excess pipe cleaner. Tuck the loose ends into the body.

3. Take a short scrap of lace and pull it down into the midsection to hold the “wings” in place.

4. Repeat to make as many bees in your hive as your heart desires.

'FEAR FREE' clinic has all the tails wagging

North Shore Veterinary Hospital trains staff to put animals first

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MADELEINE SURGES

Does the idea of bringing your pet to the vet scare you as much as it may scare your animal? If so, you’re not alone. Many animals — and owners — experience anxiety during medical exams. In some cases, the mere motion of getting out the cat crate or grabbing the leash for the car ride may send the animal into a panic. And if anxiety weren’t enough of a worry, the reason for the visit also can make the situation difficult for pets and owners alike.

The trauma can create a vicious cycle that leaves owners wondering if it’s even worth it to continue going. If owners could calmly explain to their pets what was going to happen, it would solve many problems. But of course they can’t, meaning for many pet owners, it continues to be a traumatic experience, and the vet clinic continues to be a place the animal hates.

Duluth’s North Shore Veterinary Hospital is attempting to reduce or prevent this anxiety with a specific, nationwide program. “Fear Free” was founded by Dr. Marty Becker, who has been deemed “America’s Veterinarian” on various popular talk shows. Fear Free provides online and in-person education for pet owners, veterinarians, groomers, trainers, veterinarian technicians, assistants and other professionals.

The North Shore clinic was the first in the Northland (and seventh in North America) to have a fully Fear Free certified clinic. Owner Dr. Michael Hargrove is one of the seven fulltime veterinarians on staff. He was delighted that his staff completed this training and received the certification.

“It’s really exciting to be the first fully certified clinic in Minnesota,” he said. “My staff and I have worked really hard for this, but in the end, we want all animals to be happy and healthy wherever they get their treatment from. Getting this certification doesn’t mean all the other clinics aren’t practicing wonderful medicine. In fact, I hope that more clinics in our area become fully certified, so all animals can have that benefit.”

North Shore Veterinary Hospital completely remodeled its clinic to take on this new status. Along with expanding the physical space, the staff also had to change their daily practices from the beginning of the visit to the end.

“From floor to ceiling, we were thoughtful of the pet’s experience,” Hargrove said. “We have non-slip flooring, so dog’s nails won’t catch and cause them to slip as they become more anxious.”

The clinic features separate dog and cat wings so the animals won’t come into contact with each other, soundproof insulation in exam rooms, windows that allow natural light, and mobile tables so animals don’t have to be lifted to be examined.

Walking into the clinic, patients are greeted by a peaceful fountain on the wall, friendly staff, and no waiting area. Animal are taken directly into exam room with little-to-no contact with other animals.

Dr. Michael Hargrove gives Jasper, a 3-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, a treat for his good behavior.

“It’s all about making the animal feel safe, and a waiting room allows animals who may not get along to become agitated and stressed. We wanted to eliminate that,” Hargrove said.

Becoming a Fear Free certified clinic wasn’t easy. Each member of the staff had to go through training on their own time. Lisa Wenholz, one of the NSVH veterinary technicians, said she’s pleased with how Fear Free has changed the way she and her co-workers practice medicine.

“Fear Free adds more positivity to our patient’s experience,” she said. “The addition of pheromones being diffused into rooms and sprays has assisted in creating a calming environment. We have had many owners comment on how their pet seems much less anxious than in the past.”

The clinic provides a house call service for pets who have severe anxiety or may not be able to travel well. They also perform euthanasia for pets in whatever place is most desired by owners during that difficult time.

“After my dog was hit by a car, I was really worried, and didn’t know where to go,” said Tally Gruetzmacher, who brought her dog Nala in after the accident. “Living in Lakeside, NSVH was closest to me. They handled the whole situation very calmly, and I was really impressed given the stressful environment that comes with emergencies. They were very kind, in a genuine way, and made me feel at ease.”

Kyia Plummer, a former vet tech who has been certified through the program, brings her animals to NSVH.

“The overall atmosphere is great,” she said. “Working in the veterinary field for over five years, I have visited a lot of clinics, but NSVH is truly one that puts the animals first.”

But what can people do when their specific practices may not offer a Fear Free approach? Educate themselves about pet anxiety, Hargrove said. He suggested that pet owners do as much of the calming on their own as they can, for example, by leaving the cat crate out a few days before a visit.

This waterfall and zen cat and dog sculpture greet guests as they walk into NSVH, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The cat exam rooms all have built-in benches directly in the sunlight for the patients to feel at ease.

The exam rooms of North Shore Veterinary Hospital feature natural light for animals.

Pernelle, a 6-year-old cat, enjoys the specialized cubbies that NSVH has remodeled specially for cats.

NSVH offers house calls to their patients, which is convenient for older animals, or those who are incredibly anxious to travel.

“This isn’t something I want to just have at NSVH,” Hargrove said. “I love that we are the first in Minnesota, but I want this to be a common thing for all practices, so pets are getting the least stressful, loving care they can.”

Tips can be found at fearfreehappyhomes.com. This forprofit website offers different levels of membership and educates pet owners. From acquainting a new animal with their home, to trimming nails, to helping senior animals with comfort, the website provides knowledge to all pet owners and vet clinics, certified or not.

“The reality is, we can do all of our low-stress and Fear Free techniques, and the pet may still be stressed and anxious. Our No. 1 goal is to take care of animals, and their owners,” Hargrove said. — MDT

Madeleine Surges is a Duluth freelance writer.

‘Pomp and circumstance’ times FIVE High school hits hard, then leaves suddenly when siblings graduate together

BY KATHLEEN MURPHY

The day I picked up graduation announcements, I thanked the printer, went out to my car, put it in gear, then sat there and cried. The grad announcements were in my hand, but I was thinking about birth announcements and how they looked so similar, almost like a bookend.

I expect most parents have a similar moment when their child graduates from high school. Maybe it’s their teenager posing for graduation photos that prompts the waterworks, or maybe it doesn’t hit until “Pomp and Circumstance” is played. At some point, we all get hit with the feels.

My husband and I have been blessed with five children and have weathered the necessary chaos that raising five children entails. But in a twist few expect, they all graduated from high school this year. Five different children, with five different personalities and five different sets of dreams — all graduating seniors. There are no

younger siblings waiting in the wings for me to try this again. No one still young enough to snuggle with me while I read out loud their favorite book, or even young enough to beg me to take them out to practice their driving.

My oldest four are a set of quadruplets, three boys and a girl. That in itself stops most people short, but that’s not even the most shocking part. The real kicker was my surprise pregnancy when the quads were a mere nine months old. It turns out that the constant repeating of the sleepdeprived phrase “I have quadruplets” is not adequate birth control.

I know. I was surprised, too. Our youngest son was born just a few days before the quads turned 18 months old. He’s our “fifth quad.” He never thought he was anything else, and we never treated him as though he was. It almost felt cruel to single him out as younger when he wanted so badly to just be one of the gang.

So when we moved to Duluth in 2012 and a few years later decided it was

time to be done homeschooling (and yes, I know that statement just added an entire tanker truck full of fuel to the opinion that I am crazy), we enrolled all five children into the ninth grade. Together. Technically, because of where their birthdays lie, the quads should have been considered for 10th grade and the youngest for eighth grade. But it seemed practical to allow them each to begin high school at the same place every other student does — at the beginning.

I’m not going to lie. It was not an easy four years. As anyone who has ever had a high school student knows, there is a lot of uncertainty in a teenager’s life. They are trying to figure out who they are while at the same time holding down that compulsory full-time job of “student.” Sometimes they even have an actual, paying job on the side. Their lives are complicated, messy, and full of sharp turns, and as their parent, we are invited along for the ride. Having a carload of teenagers all at one time was an intense experience.

But there were so many joys, as well as life lessons learned. They made friends, they joined clubs, and they went to dances. Love interests bloomed, then sometimes faded. Some of my kids struggled through algebra, others through history. All of them, for some reason, struggled through Spanish. My own high school Spanish teacher, were he to find and read this, would probably snort and feel a renewed justification in his belief that the apple doesn’t always fall far from the tree.

My relationship with my children changed. They had their own lives and their own agendas to keep. Often that agenda included little more than sleeping in as late as possible before running to catch the last bus that would get them to work on time. I had to be available, but not any more invested in their lives than was absolutely necessary. The high school years are a time of learning for parents, too.

Overall, I would guess my kids felt their high school years were stereotypical, aside from the fact that they collectively took up almost 10 percent of their class at their small charter school.

As their parent, however, I never really felt I had control of the vehicle. If I can stick with the

full car analogy, I pulled onto a random highway and immediately began careening. We missed a bunch of turns, struggled through too many expensive breakdowns, and often slammed on the breaks so we could all gape at a scenic overlook. Sometimes we laughed together when their dad came up with a particularly terrible dad joke, but often the kids fought in the back seat. The GPS steered us wrong more often than right. I’m not sure we even arrived at the destination we’d been planning on. One day the car just slammed to a stop in the middle of the road, and the kids got out. I realized it was never my destination in the first place.

A parent’s tears are a complicated thing. We all feel it. But we give those graduates a hug, remind them of how proud we are, and get back into the car. — MDT

Kathleen Murphy is a freelance journalist who lives in Duluth with her husband and five children. She is a frequent contributor to Moms & Dads Today and Duluth.com magazine, publications of the News Tribune.

• Dr. Paul K. Hodapp • Dr. Scott K. Varland • Dr. Nathan A. Jarnot

KIDS’ CORNER

Kids’ Corner is sponsored by these fine businesses:

We’ve had some fun with Photoshop and this picture taken at the City on the Hill Music Festival at Bayfront Park on Aug 3. Can you spot 10 differences? Answer on page 4.

PHOTO BY TYLER SCHANK / DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE

Never Settle

For the ultimate Cambria® experience, visit our Cambria Premier Dealer showroom. We have the widest selection of Cambria designs with elegance, movement, and flow found nowhere else. You’ll also find innovative displays to inspire your imagination and knowledgeable experts to answer all your questions and help bring your new dream kitchen or bath to life. Stop by today!

4504 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807 | 218-481-7323 | MaureensLLC.com

Never Settle

For the ultimate Cambria® experience, visit our Cambria Premier Dealer showroom. We have the widest selection of Cambria designs with elegance, movement, and flow found nowhere else. You’ll also find innovative displays to inspire your imagination and knowledgeable experts to answer all your questions and help bring your new dream kitchen or bath to life. Stop by today!

4504 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807 | 218-481-7323 | MaureensLLC.com

SKARA BRAE ™ Marble Collection™

SKARA BRAE ™ Marble Collection™