Moms & Dads Today January 2018

today&Moms Dads ®

Companies to Classrooms: Where teachers shop for free

BOOT CAMP for STUFFIES at the BONG CENTER

Fun ideas for sub-zero days

A family built on HEART

GLENSHEEN MANSION treats the whole family

Same magnificent property, new stuff for kids!

BY ANDREA BUSCHE

Glensheen Mansion is filled with “grown up” history. It’s Duluth’s most famous historic estate, built by the esteemed Congdon family. It features 27,000 square feet, 39 rooms and 12 acres of land. It was built using exquisite architecture, fine craftsmanship and only the most premium materials of its day.

But Glensheen leadership recently decided they need to do more to appeal to their youngest customers. After all, if the kids are happy visiting, Mom and Dad are more likely to bring them back! Here’s a little bit about the mansion’s new initiatives that cater specifically to children.

Glensheen Mansion i is operated as a historic house museum by the University of Minnesota Duluth. (CLINT AUSTIN / CAUSTIN@DULUTHNEWS.COM)

THE SIMPLE WONDER OF A CHILD

Glensheen Director Dan Hartman is himself the father of four. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are parents to twins Logan and Amelia, 4; son Liam, 3; and 1-year-old daughter Olivia. Hartman’s children have always loved visiting Dad at work, but he said at first, he wasn’t sure the museum appealed so much to other kids. Turns out, he was wrong.

“Internally, it’s always been a bit of a joke in Duluth that Glensheen was primarily of interest to older adults,” Hartman said. “And we’ve been finding that really isn’t the case. We are really surprised by the number of kids who love Glensheen.”

Kids love exploring all the nooks and crannies of the house and marveling at its sheer size. While they definitely pick up a historical detail or two during their visits, their enjoyment mostly comes from simply being “in the moment” at Glensheen.

“Most of our customers are 35- to 50-yearold moms who bring their kids along when they visit,” Hartman said. “We at Glensheen recently had a bit of a wake-up call. Kids love it here!”

CHANGING FACILITIES, ‘EYE SPY’ GAMES AND MORE

When starting to dream up plans for making Glensheen more family-friendly, Hartman drew upon his own experience.

“I was changing my son Liam in a coffee shop in the Twin Cities and noticed that they had a really nice changing table in the restroom, similar to what you’d have at home,” he said. “The lightbulb went off that we could do a lot to make Glensheen a lot more convenient for kids and their parents.”

Hartman and the Glensheen staff decided to make the restrooms more convenient for families. They purchased sturdy, freestanding changing tables and stocked them with extra diapers and wipes. While these are relatively minor changes, they have been effective.

“That was a really easy thing for us to be able to do, but it really makes a difference for families visiting with young children,” Hartman said.

Another new initiative is a treasure book game kids can play when they visit.

continued on page 8

Jayden Rowe of Poplar and Jack Puhl of Maple can't wait to get pictures of Edward Congdon's darkroom at Glensheen Mansion. BOB KING/ RKING@DULUTHNEWS.COM

Nolan Fuzzey (right) shoots out his hands to steady a rock sculpture he and Griffin Markham were building at the beach at Glensheen Mansion. The boys were part of a group of 5th graders in Duluth for a field trip. BOB KING/ RKING@DULUTHNEWS.COM

Lexy Allison, 7, of Cologne, Minn., pets Sophie, a llama with the petting zoo, during the Duluth Winter Village, a holiday market at Glensheen. CLINT AUSTIN / CAUSTIN@DULUTHNEWS.COM

Education

continued from page 7

“My own kids are just obsessed with ‘eye spy’ stuff,” Hartman said. “So we created a treasure book with something in each room for the kids to look for. In the summer, the book is ‘narrated’ by Tim the Fox, and in the winter, by Eve the Elf.”

HOLIDAY MAGIC AND SELF-GUIDED TOURS

The holiday season is a magical time at Glensheen. The home is decorated with 25 glowing Christmas trees, appearing just how the Congdons would have decorated them more than 100 years ago.

A new wintertime detail Glensheen has recently added for kids is an elf hunt. Children are tasked with locating 25 elves that are hidden throughout the mansion.

Another treat is the addition of the self-guided tour, offered only during the summer and around Christmas. This is an option that is especially great for families.

“It’s hard to take a 1-year-old on a formal museum tour,” Hartman said. “With our self-guided tours, if

your kids have a meltdown, you can leave, take them to cool down for a bit, and pick up right where you left off. That’s a huge benefit for families. And, the self-guided tours are still very educational, since there are several tour guides on-site, and you can ask them plenty of questions.”

SUMMERTIME AT THE MANSION

Glensheen is a wonderland in the summertime, too. Guests can stroll the grounds, walk down by Lake Superior, and visit the expansive gardens. The Wednesday evening Concerts on the Pier are a great opportunity for families to get out for a fun evening together. Featuring live Minnesota bands, food trucks and ice cream vendors, the kids can run and play while their parents enjoy live music and a cold beer.

Glensheen is also proud of its relatively new partnership with Hartley Nature Center. Kids begin an excursion at the top of Tischer Creek, learning about the local watershed, eventually making their way down to Glensheen, where they can see the exit point for the creek on the Lake Superior shore.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Hartman said he hopes for more children’s programming in the future

that would make use of the stately home, which was donated by the Congdon family in 1979 and now functions as a museum managed by the University of Minnesota at 3300 London Road.

Museum staff would love to offer a half-day history camp for kids, where they could learn more about the Congdon home and family, sample some of the veggies grown on-site, and more. Its exterior grounds feature gardens, bridges and a private pier jutting into Lake Superior, so there is plenty to work with. Hartman wants the public to know that he welcomes any and all suggestions for future children’s events.

In 1905, Glensheen cost $854,000 to build. Today, it is a near priceless jewel, inspiring pride and awe in locals and visitors alike — of all ages.

“People are proud of how we’ve responded to family needs,” Hartman said. “Plenty of parents have told us that our new initiatives have made their experience here at Glensheen much more enjoyable.” — MDT

For more information about Glensheen, including hours, special programming and family membership options, visit glensheen.org. Please note that Sundays are a great option for families to visit Glensheen, since it is usually a slower day.

Two visitors to Glensheen tour one of the estate’s gardens. STEVE KUCHERA / SKUCHERA@DULUTHNEWS.COM

Hartman

Where to

Family Health

WASH your HANDS

Physicians offer tips for teaching kids

BY CONNIE WIRTA PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK MONTGOMERY

At age 3, Blaise Groeschl has had professional training in washing her hands.

Her dad is a surgeon. Her mom is a family doctor. So the preschooler already knows the hand-washing routine. When Blaise climbs up her step stool, there’s no quick

8th Annual Husband & Wife Dinner Dance

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Tickets available at Will-Call the night of the Event

Dinner choices:

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Dessert included - Wine & beer available for purchase. e evening will begin with an upli ing Christian message. Followed by a wonderful dinner and a night of dancing until 11:00pm.

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splash and dry. She lathers up and rubs her palms together. She sweeps the back of her hands and then weaves her fingers together to clean between them. With a little prompt, she remembers to rub her fingernails on her palms and soap up around her thumbs before reaching for a rinse and towel.

Foaming soap that makes a quick lather and a colorful step stool that makes it easy to reach the sink are part of the routine at the Groeschl home. “Having a step stool out all the time lets kids feel independent, and they can do it themselves,” says Dr. Nicole Groeschl, a family medicine physician at the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic.

“You need to make it fun,” says Dr. Ryan Groeschl, an Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic surgeon. “Blaise is more willing to wash her hands if there’s a Minnie Mouse hand towel.”

January is the time when Dr. Nicole sees lots of patients with colds and flu. Families gather for the holidays and share germs along with all that love. “We’ve been together with our big families, and it’s a big germfest,” she says with smile. “Then we return to day care and school, and we’re exposed to all those germs from everywhere.”

The common cold is one of the top three reasons children visit their doctor, Dr. Nicole says. “I tell my patients there are three things they can do: Drink plenty of fluids, rest and wash your hands,” she explains. “Washing your hands frequently helps clean bacteria and viruses off your hands

Dr. Nicole Groeschl reminds her daughter, Blaise, to rub her fingernails on her palms while washing her hands. Dr. Groeschl is a family medicine physician at the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic who teaches her young patients the importance of washing their hands.

and helps stop them from spreading to other people.”

Dr. Nicole talks to her young patients about the importance of frequent handwashing. “I explain that we all share our toys and games, and we also share our germs,” she says. “The best way to stay healthy is to wash our hands — before and after we eat, after we use the potty and any time our hands look dirty.”

Dr. Nicole suggests getting children into a routine for handwashing. Make it part of waking up, preparing to eat and going to the bathroom. She and her husband started teaching hand-washing while potty training Blaise. “We don’t leave the bathroom without washing our hands,” she says.

Hand sanitizers and baby wipes are backups for cleaning hands when you’re on the go. The Groeschls say they’ve got them stashed everywhere. However, getting dirty while playing outside doesn’t prompt an immediate clean-up response.

“Dirty hands from an outdoor hike are probably not harmful to your health, but the invisible bacteria and viruses on your hands that may have spread there from body fluids or other people can be,” says Dr. Ryan.

Dr. Nicole says she and her husband make a point of washing

their hands with Blaise or when she’s around them. “We want to model behavior that’s healthy, just like being active and eating healthy foods,” she says.

If you haven’t been an avid hand-washer, being a parent is a good reason to start. “We’ve

all got to start somewhere, so why not start now?” Dr. Nicole suggests. — MDT

Dr. Nicole Groeschl cares for children and adults at the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic. To make an appointment, call (218) 786-3500. Dr. Ryan

Groeschl, a surgeon at the Duluth Clinic, specializes in caring for patients with cancers and noncancerous tumors of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract. To make an appointment, call (218) 786-1234.

Where teachers SHOP FOR FREE

Nonprofit Companies to Classrooms provides needed supplies for schools

BY ALISON STUCKE

Whether it’s preschool, high school or somewhere in between, teachers can spend a good deal of their own money to keep their classrooms stocked with supplies. Because of budget cutbacks, most teachers find it necessary to buy basic supplies such as crayons, pencils, markers, notebooks, art materials — even printer paper and ink.

So it’s good to know there’s a place in Duluth where local teachers can “shop” for supplies and get them at no cost. Companies to Classrooms, a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization at 2307 W. Superior St. in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, accepts donations of just about anything that can be used in a classroom. All donations are tax-deductible. The nonprofit invites teachers to stop in once a month, grab a shopping cart and select up to 15 items for their classroom (“one” item could be 200 pieces of large paper or 12 pencils).

“It’s a simple concept with profound results,” said Mary Streufert, chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Companies to Classrooms. “We are taking goods that aren’t needed and recycling them to teachers and classrooms. Let’s say a business is downsizing or making changes, and they have supplies they no longer need, like three-ring binders, paper clips, or pens. Instead of putting those items in landfills, they can bring them here. Teachers, who have a miniscule budget, then have access to materials they can use.”

Streufert has served on the board

of Companies to Classrooms for the past four years. She has worked at the store for the past year, and heads up fundraising and grant writing. She sees the gratitude of teachers as they get the products they need for students.

“One teacher told me that she had absolutely nothing for her classroom,” Streufert said. “She went to shop, and she came back saying, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ She was all choked up.”

The warehouse-like building is full of shelves holding a wide variety of goods, including papers, staples and paper clips, bulletin board supplies, writing tools, even tables and chairs.

“We’re panhandlers for teachers who have almost no supplies,” says Carolyn Schroeder, a retired kindergarten teacher who now serves as store manager. “We serve 16 school districts, including Alborn, Barnum, Carlton, Cloquet, Duluth, Esko, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Hermantown, Maple, Northwestern Wisconsin, Proctor, Solon Springs, Superior, Two Harbors and Wrenshall.”

Companies to Classrooms serves public, private, parochial and charter schools, as well as preschools and home schools. The need is great to keep schools well-stocked and students engaged.

continued on page 14

Mary Beth Kjolhaug, former owner of Explorations, and Mary Jo Jauert, executive director of Companies to Classrooms for more than five years.

The Companies to Classrooms storefront. PHOTO BY CAROLYN SCHROEDER

continued from page 13

“One teacher told us she had $100 to buy supplies for her classroom for the whole year,” Schroeder said. “I feel especially sorry for young teachers starting out. A wooden puzzle costing $20 would take a fifth of her budget.”

Donations of all types have come from a variety of sources. People whose kids had grown up and moved out donated a painted bookshelf and a beanbag chair. A Canal Park hotel gave 12 high-top square tables. A local restaurant donated tables and wooden chairs. All of these items were picked up by thankful teachers.

“The day an amplifier came in, a music teacher of electric guitar players came in, asking for one,” Streufert said. “Teachers are so thankful when they find what they need here.”

Schroeder even visits the WLSSD Recovery Center to scout for usable items, like the plastic sandbox and metal file cabinet she found there.

“We’re very thankful if donors can bring their items here to us,” Schroeder said. “We operate on a shoestring budget, so every little bit helps.”

Operational funding comes from private financial donations, business sponsorships and foundation grants. Donations of money are used to keep the store running.

Companies to Classrooms was opened in Duluth in September 2012 by Mary Beth Kjolhaug after she retired from her work at Explorations toy store, then located in downtown Duluth. Explorations specialized in educational toys and teacher resources, and Kjolhaug wanted to do something positive with some of the stock. She and Mary Jo Jauert created an organization similar to the original Companies to Classrooms, Inc., in Bloomington, Minn., and it’s been going strong ever since. Schroeder said she is especially thankful to Kjolhaug and her husband, Jeff. “Mary Jo worked tirelessly for 5-plus years as executive director. The store is a great success thanks to their energy, perseverance and

commitment.”

“We figure last year we had over 800 shopping trips,” Streufert said. “Some shoppers come every month. Some come once or twice a year. We reach quite a few students and many educational programs.”

Items that are especially needed currently at the store include Scotch tape dispensers, binder clips, early childhood toys, staplers, staples, white boards and rubber bands. — MDT

For more information on Companies to Classrooms, visit their website at companiestoclassroomsduluth.org or the store’s Facebook page.

Donate Now!

There are a few high-demand items that are rarely donated such as washable markers, crayons, colored pencils, binder clips, filler paper, rubber bands and spiral notebooks. The generosity of supporters helps keep these items in stock. If you have surplus items in your home (new or gently used), please consider a donation to Companies to Classrooms, Duluth.

Supplies Needed

Companies to Classrooms, Duluth accepts a variety of supplies in new or gently-used condition. Examples include: art and craft supplies; binders and binder clips; chairs; children’s books; colored pencils; markers; paper; pencils; small tables; staplers; tagboard; tape and dispensers; and WhiteOut.

If you have an item that’s not listed but think it might be acceptable, call (971)258-4304 or send an email if you have questions. The mission is to reuse, repurpose, recycle.

Donation Schedule

Supplies can always be dropped off during store hours. Outside those hours, please call or send an email.

Location

2307 W. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55806

(971)258-4304

c2cduluth@gmail.com

Hours 2:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

Closings and holidays follow the Duluth Public School yearly calendar

Mary Streufert, board chairwoman (left) and Carolyn Schroeder, store manager.

PHOTO BY CAROLYN SCHROEDER

A family built on heart

Abby and Michael Larson thrive under the demands of raising 10 children

BY ALISON STUCKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AYLA ANDROSKY

Abigail (Abby) and Michael Larson’s tale is a love story of a woman, a man, and 10 children. Eleven, if you count their granddaughter. Yes, they have 10 children, from ages 4 to 22. Their house is hopping busy and bursting with love every day.

But if you call Abby a “Supermom,” she’ll quickly and modestly respond, “I have lots of help, and I couldn’t do it without that support.” Yet she truly does seem super as she gives love and care to her large family and keeps track of everyone’s daily schedule.

The three oldest children are Michael’s, and the younger seven are Abby’s (three are her biological children, three are permanent foster children, and one was adopted).

“We try our best to always refer to them all as ‘ours’,” Abby said.

HOW THEIR STORY STARTED

Their story began in 2003 when Abby and Michael were both on active duty in the Army and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Abby is a nurse, and Michael is a nurse anesthetist. They were part of a group of six friends who met every evening to eat together, and they celebrated holidays together.

“When you’re in the service, you create your own family with other service people where you’re stationed,” Abby said.

Both Abby and Michael were married to other people at that time. They stayed in touch sporadically over the next 12 years. At Christmastime 2015, Michael sent Abby a message asking if her Facebook photo of a multitude of Christmas stockings hung

on the fireplace were for her and her husband’s children. “Do you really have that many children?” Michael asked. Abby messaged back that they were, indeed, her children’s

Christmas stockings, but that she and her husband had divorced. Michael informed her that he, too, had divorced since they last communicated. It was the start of something new.

Abby and Michael Larson lead busy lives raising 10 children, who range in age from 4 to 22.

“Ever since we got together, we’ve been inseparable. It was a whirlwind romance — very fast,” Abby said. “We were engaged after 10 months, and we married six months later in May 2017.” Their new family counted 12 members.

THE CHILDREN

Amazingly, five of the eight children are within 18 months of each other in age. Abby lists off the children’s ages:

• A son, 22, in college with a 2-year-old daughter

• A daughter, 19, in the Air Force, stationed in California

• A son, 12, in seventh grade

• A son, 12, in sixth grade

• A daughter, 11, in sixth grade with special needs

• A son, 11, in fifth grade

• A daughter, 11, in fourth grade with special needs

• A daughter, 8, in third grade

• A daughter, 5, in kindergarten with special needs

• A daughter, 4, in pre-K with special needs

And don’t forget Winston, Michael’s service dog.

“The house is either very loud or very quiet,” Abby said. “The children are super independent and good at selfentertaining, but they enjoy playing together equally as much.”

UNITING AS A FAMILY

So how did they combine two families to make one big, happy family? Abby and her children moved from the Twin Cities into Michael’s five-bedroom home in northern Minnesota. Michael’s three children made the adjustment to being in a much larger family; Abby’s children easily adapted to include more siblings.

The family is diverse in many ways. Their foster and adopted children have developmental, neurological and medical special needs. Michael is in a wheelchair from a diving accident he sustained in 2004 while on active duty.

“The children are very accepting of each other,” Abby said. “They have never not known what it’s like to be around people with special needs, so they don’t even see it in others. The children without delays are so patient with the children with delays. It’s a real blessing.”

Even though they’re a diverse group, they are a unified team when it comes to being a family.

“Michael guides the children step by step, providing for them in many ways.” Abby said. “He shows an incredible amount of patience, love and support.”

ORGANIZATION IS THE KEY

“You would think it would be very crazy and overwhelming, and at times it is,” Abby said. “But if we stay organized and things are status quo, it kind of just flows.”

They couldn’t function, Abby said, without the detailed calendar that sits on the counter. It tells who needs to be where, at what time, and with what gear. It keeps track of all activities, medical appointments, basketball games and practices, gymnastics classes, etc.

“If it’s not in the book, it doesn’t happen,” Abby said, laughing. “I can’t mentally keep track of everything on the schedule.”

Abby’s days are also mapped out on the calendar. Some days, she said, she’s booked from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. with appointments and activities for the children. She starts her day at 6:30 with a cup of coffee and waking up children so they can get ready for school, and she ends her day around 11, usually falling asleep as she plays word games on her phone so her mind doesn’t think about what she needs to do the next day.

continued on page 19

Eight of Abby and Michael Larson's 10 children make a show of unity recently.

Organization of chores is also a must in running a household this large.

“You have to be organized with 10 children,” Abby said. “We keep chore charts and a laundry schedule. Every child has their own laundry basket. We grocery shop in bulk. Everything is plan ahead, buy ahead.”

Abby does all the cooking. Michael is a “foodie,” so he’ll come up with recipes to try, and Abby prepares them. Recipes are always doubled or tripled to make enough for everyone.

SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS CRITICAL

Abby said she and Michael couldn’t possibly get everything done without the help of family members, friends and professionals, including their daughters’ patient care assistants and nurse.

“We have a lot of help,” she explained. “Plus, we have support from both sides of our family, including mine and Michael’s parents. Family support and family acceptance are critical. Without that, doing what we do would be very difficult. And without coffee, it would be impossible.”

ABBY’S LOVE FOR CHILDREN

It was through a big heart that Abby was the mother of seven children before marrying Michael.

“Growing up, I always loved children,” she said. “I babysat for everyone I could since I was 10 years old, and I worked in the church nursery.”

Abby always dreamed of having six children. “Five boys and one girl, in that order,” she said.

When Abby was pregnant with the first of her three biological children, she worked in pediatric home care. “It was something I didn’t even know existed. I ended up working in a medical foster home, and decided it was something I wanted to do.”

She became a licensed foster care provider for children with medical needs. She has taken in 19 foster children over the past 10 years, all with some form of medical, neurological or developmental challenges. She found her three permanent foster children and her adopted daughter through that experience.

“People would ask me, ‘Isn’t it sad that the children are sick?’ But the children and I don’t see it that way. This is their life, and they make the best of it. Why not celebrate every day and give them all the love you can?”

LOVING THEIR NEW LIVES

Abby loves her busy days with her family. Michael and the children are also glad they’re all together as one big family.

“I am so blessed to have my husband and our children,” Abby said. “They’re great children, and they truly are amazing. They make me a better person.” — MDT

Eight of Abby and Michael Larson’s 10 children line up recently for a group photo. The children came to find love and support in their home by a variety of paths, from birth to adoption to foster care.

How Millennials can get a good start on retirement planning

Some simple steps may make a major financial difference over time

BY ED GRONDAHL

If you are younger than 35, saving for retirement may not feel like a priority. After all, retirement may be 30 years away! If your employer does not sponsor a retirement plan, there may be less incentive for you to start.

Even so, you must save and invest for retirement as soon as you can. Time is your greatest ally. The earlier you begin, the more years your invested assets have to grow and compound. If you put off retirement planning until your 50s, you may end up having to devote huge chunks of your income just to catch up, and this will happen at a time when you may have to care for elderly parents, fund college educations, and pay off a mortgage.

Do your part to reject the financial stereotype that the media places on millennials. Are you familiar with it? According to the mainstream media, millennials are wary of saving and investing; they are just too indebted, pessimistic and scared to get into the market after seeing what happened to the investments of their parents during the Great Recession.

In truth, savers of all ages were traumatized by the 2007-09 bear market. Recently, Gallup asked American households if they had any money in equity investments; just 52 percent said yes. That compares to 65 percent in April 2007. In 2014, Gallup asked Americans if investing $1,000 in equities was a good idea or a bad idea. Fifty percent of those surveyed called it a bad one.1

A recent study from HowMuch.Net

found that 52 percent of Americans ages 18-34 have less than $1,000 in savings. Well, guess what — another study from Go Banking Rates reveals that 62 percent of all Americans have less than $1,000 in savings.2

Now is the time to take some crucial financial steps. According to a poll taken by millennial advocacy group Young Invincibles, only 43 percent of people ages 18-34 without access to a workplace retirement plan save consistently for retirement. Whether your employer sponsors a plan or not, though, you can still make some wise moves before you turn 40.3

MAKE SAVING A TOP PRIORITY

Resolve to pay yourself first. That is, direct money toward your retirement before you do anything else, such as pay bills or spend it on needs or wants. Your

INVEST SOME OR MOST OF WHAT YOU SAVE

Investing in equities is vital, because it gives you the potential to grow and compound your money to outpace inflation. With interest rates so low right now, ultraconservative fixed-income investments are generating very low returns, and most savings accounts are offering minimal interest rates. Thirty or 40 years from now, you will probably not be able to retire solely on your savings. If you invest your retirement money in equities, you have the opportunity to retire on the earnings and compound interest accumulated through both saving and investing.

THE EFFECT OF COMPOUNDING CAN BE PROFOUND

For example, suppose you want to retire with $1 million in savings. (By 2050, this may be a common goal rather than a lofty one.) We will project that your investments will yield 6.5 percent a year between now and the year you turn 65 (a reasonably optimistic assumption) and, for the sake of simplicity, we will put any potential capital gains taxes and investment fees aside. Given all that, how early would you have to begin saving and investing to reach that $1 million goal, and how much would you have to save per month to reach it?

If you start saving at 45, the answer is $2,039. If you start saving at 35, the monthly number drops to $904. How about if you start saving at 25? Only $438 a month would be needed. The earlier you start saving and investing, the more compounding power you can harness.4

STRIVE TO GET THE MATCH

Some companies reward employees with matching retirement plan contributions. They will contribute 50 cents for every dollar the worker does or, perhaps, even match the contribution dollar-for-dollar. An employer match is too good to pass up.

INVEST IN A WAY YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH

In the mid-2000s, some Wall Street money managers directed assets into investments they did not fully understand, a gamble that contributed to the last bear market. Take a lesson from that example and avoid investing in what seems utterly convoluted or mysterious.

REALIZE THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY MAY NOT KNOW IT ALL

The people closest to you may or may not be familiar with investing. If they are not, take what they tell you with a few grains of salt.

GETTING A DOUBLE-DIGIT ANNUAL RETURN IS GREAT, BUT THE MAIN CONCERN IS STAYING INVESTED

The market goes up and down, sometimes violently, but there has never been a 20-year period in which the market has lost value. As you save for the long run, that is worth remembering.2 — MDT

Ed Grondahl may be reached at (218) 336-1825 or Edward. Grondahl@cunamutual.com.

Citations.

1 - gallup.com/poll/1711/stock-market.aspx [4/28/16]

2 - usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2016/02/04/7-ways-millennials-can-get-jump-start-retirement-planning/78310100/ [2/4/16]

3 - marketwatch.com/story/the-real-reason-many-millennials-arent-savingfor-retirement-2016-02-17 [2/17/16]

4 - tinyurl.com/zmncqz6 [4/27/16]

Favorite things brought to life

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY RASCH

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens; bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens; tiny button bikes and hearts on a string, these are a few of my favorite things! Here some of my latest creations that might inspire you and your crew to dig into your crafting supplies. They are cute and sweet, but it just might be the fact that they are ridiculously easy to create that makes me like them even more.

BUTTON BIKE

If there is a biker in your life, they are going to love this bitty button artwork. You’ll need three things: wire, needle-nose pliers and two buttons. There is no wrong way to create the bike. You are basically sculpting with wire. I started with one wheel, twisted it and moved on to creating the body of the bike, handlebars, seat and finally the second wheel … and if you know any unicyclists, this gets even easier!

FELTED HEARTS

There is something about felted wool, and a sweet, homemade garland of felted wool hearts makes my heart happy. Here is what you will need: 12-inchsquare sheets of 100 percent felted wool, twine, a large needle, a sewing machine, thread and scissors. Slice your wool sheet in half, stack the sections on each other and sew along the long edge. Flip the project so the seam that was just sewn is now on the inside and sew along the other long edge. Cut the heart tube into sections 1.5 inches wide to create the hearts. Next, thread the twine through your large needle and connect the hearts as shown in the picture.

Hands On

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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CREATE YOUR OWN HAIR TIES

Standing in the sewing isle of a local discount store, I was amazed by the assortment of darling buttons. My daughter picked out a pair of angel buttons, but I was at a slight loss as to where we could put them so that she could enjoy them often. Finally, it dawned on me: hair accessories! Here’s what you need: two buttons (with a plastic ring on the back instead of button holes) and two matching, thin hair ties. Simply slide the hair-tie into the ring on the back of the button so that there are two even loops on either side of the ring. Put one loop through the other loop and pull it through until the loop is tight against the ring.

“LOVE-LY” TEA-TOWELS

Your kids will love their involvement with this project. Think of a message you would like printed on a tote bag, pillowcase, or dish towel. We picked out tea towels and decided where my daughter’s message to her nana and papa should go. We folded it exactly how someone would hang it over a towel rack, in three sections. She wrote her message in pencil in the center section toward the bottom edge of the towel. When she was finished, I traced over her handwriting with sharpie markers that are made for fabric. This is the simplest way to do this project, and it looks great. However, if you are good at embroidery, it would be great to go over the writing with stitching. Either way, I definitely I want my kiddos to make these towels for me so I can keep their little messages for years to come! —

TWO local boys, TWO award-winning recipes, ONE Super Bowl

Duluth boys among finalists in state cooking contest

BY ANDREA BUSCHE

Have you ever hosted a Super Bowl viewing party? If so, how creative were you in the kitchen when it came to feeding your hungry crowd?

Most of us have a few go-to dishes in our repertoire, maybe meatballs, wings or taco dip. But these humdrum recipes often get a little stale and repetitive year after year. And if you’ve resolved to partake in a healthier New Year, typical Super Bowl party fare probably isn’t your best bet.

THE SUPER SNACK CHALLENGE

Well, consider this: Recently, the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee held the Super Snack Challenge, a cooking contest for Minnesota kids. The rules required that the kids create an original, healthy, Super Bowlappropriate recipe from scratch. The recipes would be judged, and the finalists would present their dish to a panel of celebrities and participate in actual Super Bowl tailgating activities.

On Nov. 16, out of hundreds of submissions received, 52 participants across the state were named as finalists, including two young men from Duluth. Each finalist has been invited to attend the Kids Tailgate Party, which will take place during the 10-day Super Bowl festival in Minneapolis, starting Jan. 26 and culminating with Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4.

On Nov. 28, the Top 10 “All-Pro Chefs” – including Duluth’s DJ Compere — were invited to make their recipes in front of a celebrity panel of judges, including Andrew Zimmerman,

Gavin Kaysen and Lachelle Cunningham. The ultimate winner of the Super Snack Challenge will be announced at the Super Bowl Tailgate party, and will receive $25,000 to donate to the charity of his or her choice.

We are proud to introduce you to Duluth’s two winning chefs: DJ Compere and Elijah Harding!

TWO LOCAL CHEFS

Daijon (DJ) Compere, 13, is a freshman at Duluth East High School. Elijah Harding, 11, a sixth-grader at Lincoln Park Middle School. Out of the hundreds of recipes that were thoughtfully created and

submitted, DJ was a Top 10 finalist, and Elijah was in the top 52.

Both boys are participants in the Neighborhood Youth Services after-school program at Duluth’s Washington Recreation Center. When organizers at NYS heard about the contest, they knew it would be a great learning opportunity for kids in the program.

They learned about the contest when NYS received a phone call from the Super Bowl Host Committee, which wanted to make sure there was representation

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DJ Compere scoops yogurt into his snack creation for the Super Snack Challenge. STEFFENHAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

DJ Compere

Elijah Harding

Kids in the Kitchen

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from across the state. NYS staff talked to the youths in their program about their favorite healthy foods and snacks. The kids worked with NYS staff to develop their own recipes. Representatives from the Super Bowl host committee visited Duluth in October to help get the kids excited about the event.

“It has been so much fun to see the youth prepare their snacks,” said Tonya Land, marketing specialist for The Hills Youth and Family Services. “They all took great pride in making something healthy for the Super Bowl Committee. We are so proud to have these great boys representing both NYS and Duluth!”

NYS staff said there was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for this contest, and they ultimately had 10 children submit recipes for the Super Snack Challenge.

Thankfully, the boys’ recipes aren’t top secret, and they were willing to share. These tasty snacks are perfect for a family get-together, Super Bowl party, or any type of gathering!

Celebrity judge Andrew Zimmer speaks to the crowd gathered for the Super Snack Challenge. STEFFENHAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Super Snack Challenge is part of the host committee’s Legacy Fund’s efforts to leave a lasting legacy of improved health and wellness for Minnesota children by encouraging healthy eating and creativity.

If you’re hosting your own Super Bowl party this year, consider trying these two kid-created, awardwinning recipes. They both offer nutritious ingredients, easy assembly, and are plenty of fun to eat. — MDT

SUPER SNACK

Parfait Mountain of Flavor

Ingredients:

3 cups fat-free yogurt

2 tsp vanilla extract

8 walnuts

10 strawberries

8 blueberries

10 peanuts

Instructions (written by DJ): Mix vanilla extract with yogurt. Add walnuts, peanuts and mash up the fruit. Then put it on the yogurt and then add the fruit around it.

PARFAIT MOUNTAIN OF FLAVOR

DJ’s recipe is rich in nuts and berries. It’s a great way to sprinkle some fiber, healthy fats, vitamin C and protein into your diet. “I chose to use peanuts because they are a source of protein,” DJ said.

The Perfect 12 Mix

Ingredients:

12 Chex (choose your favorite)

12 almonds

12 honey-roasted peanuts

5 apples, cut into bits

Cinnamon to taste

15 pieces of popcorn

20 sunflower seeds

THE PERFECT 12 MIX

SUPER SNACK

Instructions (written by Elijah): Mix all nuts together and cut up apples into bits. Add cinnamon to taste and then don’t mix the apples. Get something like a spoon to eat it with. I don’t like hands in my stuff.

Elijah’s recipe has a hint of salt and sweet. It’s a great snack to enjoy by the handful … without any guilt!

They all took great pride in making something healthy for the Super Bowl Committee. We are so proud to have these great boys representing both NYS and Duluth!

Tonya Land marketing specialist for The Hills Youth and Family Services

Dancing with the fifth-graders

Duluth’s Raleigh Academy kicks off new ballroom dancing program

BY ANDREA BUSCHE

At the start of this school year, Raleigh Academy students undertook an industrious challenge. They proudly became Duluth’s first school to partner with Heart of Dance, a Minnesota nonprofit that brings the benefits of ballroom dancing to fifth-graders through the global program Dancing Classrooms.

For 10 weeks last semester, all Raleigh fifth-graders danced their hearts out, becoming proficient ballroom dancers along the way.

DANCING CLASSROOMS

While ballroom dancing is wildly popular today, we’ll need to back up a bit in order to understand the full story. Back in 1994, Dancing Classrooms was launched in New York City by world champion Latin dancers Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau. A nonprofit project of the American Ballroom Theater Company, Dancing Classrooms is an arts program teaching ballroom dance to the upper elementary and middle school students of participating schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

It is simply amazing to watch these young people learn elegance and teamwork through dancing. For this and many other reasons, the program continues to succeed today.

2005 WAS A GREAT YEAR

Moving along the continuum of interest in ballroom dance, the award-winning documentary “Mad Hot Ballroom” was introduced to the world in 2005. This enlightening film highlights the impact that Dancing Classrooms has on its students, showcasing the transformation that occurs from the first day of class to the final competition.

Continuing the 2005 theme, the wildly popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars” premiered in 2005 and is still going strong today. This show has been successful in introducing millions of viewers to this elegant and classy sport.

DANCING AROUND THE GLOBE

From Hollywood to New York City and everywhere in between, it seems the entire world has become besotted with

Raleigh Academy students put their ballroom dancing skills on display in November. (RALEIGH ACADEMY FACEBOOK PHOTOS)

dancing. There are 30 sites across the globe participating in Dancing Classrooms. Minnesota became the 30th site when Heart of Dance became the licensee for Dancing Classrooms in Minnesota. Duluth and Rochester are the newest Minnesota cities this year.

HEART OF DANCE

In 2015, two Twin Cities-based women, Ember Reichgott Junge and Andrea Mirenda, joined efforts to create Heart of Dance. An amateur ballroom dance student, as well as a former attorney and Minnesota state senator, Reichgott Junge has a business-oriented background. Mirenda is a professional ballroom dancer, educator and coach. While the women clearly have different backgrounds, they both share a passion for ballroom dancing.

“From my time as a state senator, I have worked to improve academic opportunities for children,” Reichgott Junge said. “I have always supported the arts, as well. I’ve seen how dance can bring new life to people with mental health challenges, or joy to those confined in wheelchairs. And, as an amateur ballroom dancer myself, dance has been a great addition to my own life.”

Together, Mirenda and Reichgott Junge remain co-presidents of Heart of Dance.

DULUTH CONNECTION

Recently, Duluth connected with Heart of Dance, and now has a program of its own. Andrea Kuzel is a passionate dancer and dance advocate living in Duluth. She has owned and operated Superior Ballroom Dance Studio for the past five years. When she heard about the Dancing Classrooms program, Kuzel dreamed of incorporating it right here in Duluth.

“I really wanted to bring Dancing Classrooms to schools in Duluth,” she said. “Thankfully, I was able to convince Ember and Andrea that Duluth needed a program.”

Kuzel’s dream came true in 2017, when Raleigh Academy became Duluth’s first participant.

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EVERY FIFTH-GRADER, TWICE A WEEK

Kuzel is known as a “Teaching Artist,” which is Dancing Classrooms’ term for dance instructor. Last semester, she and her partner, volunteer assistant Sonja VogenBaertsch, traveled to Raleigh on Mondays and Wednesdays, where they taught back-to-back classes of 25 students per class. This meant that every one of Raleigh’s 50 fifth-graders participated in the program.

Best of all? There is no cost to the child or their family, and all instruction is built right into the school day.

Kuzel and Vogen-Baertsch taught their students the Merengue, Tango, Rumba, Foxtrot, Waltz and Swing during the 10-week, in-school residency. They also helped classroom teachers coordinate the dances with other subjects, such as social studies, math, English and art, so it fit seamlessly with the rest of the curriculum.

GENDER RESPECT A PRIORITY

While many of the children don’t enjoy the dancing at first, most of

them grow to love it. You’ll often see them practicing their steps on the playground, or proudly showing their parents what they’ve learned.

During instruction, the children are referred to as “ladies and gentlemen,” to reflect the behaviors expected of them. Above all, the program stresses inclusivity and gender respect. Students are considered teammates, and there is no “leading or following” done by either partner. If a child identifies differently than their birth gender, that is respected, too.

The three overarching goals for the kids include respect, teamwork and elegance, but they often absorb so much more. “Through building confidence, getting to know each other, reaching a goal and having fun, dancing makes their lives better in so many ways,” Kuzel said.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

Reichgott Junge shared some statistics included in the most recent Annual Report of Heart of Dance:

92 percent of principals and 81 percent of teachers saw a positive change in the way the children treated each other during the program

75 percent of parents saw positive

changes in how their children felt about themselves. 82 percent of parents would recommend the program.

HOPEFUL FOR EXPANSION

Everyone involved in Heart of Dance has big dreams for growth and expansion. And this includes Duluth. “My goal is to have every single fifth grade in Duluth signed up,” Kuzel said. “I want to make Duluth the Ballroom dance capital of the world.”

While further expansion would certainly require the addition of more Teaching Artists, Kuzel will always be remembered as the person who brought the program to Duluth. “Dancing Classrooms would not be in Duluth without Andrea Kuzel,” Reichgott Junge said. “It was her passion and perseverance that brought us to Duluth, and we are just thrilled to be here.” —

MDT

For more information, please visit heartofdancemn.org, email Andrea Kuzel at andrea@superiorballroomdance.com or Ember Reichgott Junge at emberrj@ heartofdancemn.org. Interested parents or teachers are encouraged to contact Ember and speak to their principals about the program.

Recognized for supporting moms and babies

St. Luke’s earns ‘Baby-Friendly’ designation

The term “Baby-Friendly” can be confusing. Of course, you hope every birthing center is friendly while caring for babies and their families. But to become a designated Baby-Friendly facility and be recognized by BabyFriendly USA is a huge accomplishment. It means a hospital has made a significant effort to support the way babies and moms are set up for success when it comes to feeding, bonding and sleeping. After four years, and with the help of a guiding committee and the entire staff, St. Luke’s earned its BabyFriendly designation in September. The designation goes through 2022.

“We’ve always taken great care of moms and babies but this initiative gives us the opportunity to better educate and support our moms, increasing their confidence and skills to care for their baby before leaving the hospital after delivery,” said Lori Swanson, RN, Maternal Child Health Nurse Manager.

According to Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body for the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, “Becoming a Baby-Friendly facility is a comprehensive, detailed and thorough journey toward excellence in providing evidence-based maternity care with the

goal of achieving optimal infant feeding outcomes and mother/baby bonding.”

“This initiative is helpful in giving moms the best support we can to breastfeed their baby, which is certainly not always an easy thing to do,” said Dr. Amanda Webb, a St. Luke’s pediatrician. “Moms need encouragement in order to not get easily frustrated and want to give up.”

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global program launched by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund. Swanson and Webb were part of the committee that helped guide St. Luke’s

St. Luke’s was recognized as being a Baby-Friendly Hospital because of its exceptional support of moms and babies.

through this initiative. Some of the steps taken to earn the Baby-Friendly designation include educational learning for all Birthing Center care providers, a hands-on workshop, training, updated policies and practices, and adding personal support in a number of ways including a free breastfeeding support group. There is also more education offered in any clinic setting during prenatal visits to support moms in making the decisions best for them. St. Luke’s is now equipped to offer more opportunities, education and support for our new families.

“We now offer an after-care clinic that St. Luke’s moms can visit for free any time and as many times as needed, breastfeeding support groups for moms, and on-staff lactation certified nurses,” Swanson said.

Another major shift is keeping mom and baby together after delivery, and getting them skin-to-skin as soon as possible (including after a cesarean section). Keeping baby nearby helps both mom and baby sleep better, and helps mom identify feeding cues early on.

“The whole idea is to promote cuebased feeding, which means mom recognizes when baby is hungry and initiates on baby’s schedule rather than watching the clock,” Webb said. “We know that if you initiate feeding when baby is showing early signs of hunger, then that feeding and getting back to sleep after will be more successful.”

According to Baby-Friendly USA, recent studies have shown that women who breastfeed experience decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis. Breastfed children have far fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including a reduced risk of SIDS, childhood cancers and diabetes.

Already, Webb is noticing the positive influence of incorporating Baby-Friendly ideas into the care St. Luke’s provides. She’s seeing an increase in patients who are exclusively breastfeeding when bringing babies home and in how long breastfeeding continues. Both milestones provide important benefits to babies.

“As a pediatrician, I really want to emphasize health and wellness early, and prevent a problem before it begins,” Webb said. “Breastfeeding provides not only a lot of health benefits for the baby — such as a lower chance of obesity and infection — but there’s also important bonding that happens.”

Webb also acknowledges that breastfeeding isn’t the easiest thing in the world, so offering the guidance and support no matter what is a big part of her care.

Combined with the new St. Luke’s Birthing Center that created a warm, open environment, earning this designation is another step toward making sure families are comfortable and supported in their birth experience and beyond. — MDT

According to Baby-Friendly USA, recent studies have shown that women who breastfeed experience decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.

Breastfed children have far fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including a reduced risk of SIDS, childhood cancers and diabetes.

What’s the Difference?

There are four things different between picture A and picture B. Can you find them?

ACCOMMODATION

ADD-ON

ADVENTURE

AFFILIATE

AGENT

AGGREGATOR

BARGAIN

BED AND BREAKFAST

BLACKOUT

BOOKING

CHARTER

COMMISSION

CONCIERGE

CRUISE

KIDS’ CORNER

CURRENCY

CUSTOMER

DEALS

DESTINATION

ESTABLISHMENT

EVENTS

EXCURSION

FARE

GUIDE

HOSTEL

INDUSTRY

INVOICE

KEYCARD

LEISURE

MERCHANT

OVERBOOKING

PASSENGER

SIGHTSEE SUITE

TOUR

TRIP

VACATION

KIDS’ CORNE R

Stuffie Boot Camp will put ‘best friends’ to the test

Superior’s Bong center to host fun children’s event

BY ALISON STUCKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY AYLA ANDROSKY

It’s going to be the best stuffie sleepover ever! Stuffie Boot Camp at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center will be a fun and educational event for children ages pre-K through fourth grade, or for anyone who loves stuffed animals. The event begins March 30, when children can bring and leave behind their favorite stuffed animal, who will have an “overnight adventure” in the museum.

Throughout the evening, stuffies will be put through various “boot camp” activities set up in the museum gallery, including a vigorous gummy worm crawl where the stuffies crawl over a path covered in gummy worms. Photos will be taken throughout the activities, so each stuffie’s owner will get to see evidence of all that his or her stuffie accomplishes.

“The stuffie will get drafted into service,” explained Hayes Scriven, executive director of the center. “The stuffie’s owner will bring the stuffie here to get enlisted. The stuffie will go through fun and cute boot-camp activities. The following day, the owner returns for the stuffie. The child will get discharge papers telling what the stuffie did, and individual photos of his or her stuffie as evidence, plus customized dog tags for the stuffie and child, and admission for the child and an adult to wander through the museum.”

Hayes got the idea for the event from his 9-year-old daughter, Aneliese, who participated in a stuffie sleepover in their hometown, Two Harbors.

“This will be our first foray into programming for young children,” Hayes said. “It’s a family-friendly event that will get kids excited about history and aware of how military is involved in their lives.”

“It’s going to be a cool way for kids to learn about the museum and the armed forces,” said Carys Jeffrey, a history major at the University of Minnesota Duluth who is interning at the center. “The main story in the museum gallery is the Richard I. Bong story — his growing up, combat tour and untimely death. And there’s a plethora of other veteran stories, plus a bunch of cool vehicles to see.”

Bong flew a fighter plane during World War II and was called “The Ace of Aces.” He grew up in Poplar. The veterans center is dedicated to preserving and telling the story of America’s heroes who served our country from World War I to today. Each exhibit at the center provides a personal perspective on service and sacrifice. Bong’s fighter plane also is on display.

For more information on the Stuffie Boot Camp and more, visit www.bvhcenter.org or call (715) 392-7151. — MDT

invites you TO OUR SECOND ANNU AL COCK TA

IL

Recognizing Women as a Driving Force

HOUR & SY MPOSIUM Recognizing Women as a Driving Force

are mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends; pilots, writers, receptionists, teachers, police officers and sculptors. The women of our community are a driving force and we want to recognize them for what they bring to our unique culture. The Woman Today is hosting a Recognizing Women as a Driving Force cocktail hour where we will celebrate who we are, what we do and how we touch those around us.

We’re looking to you, our readers, to help us celebrate those among us who drive us forward. If you would like to nominate a special woman you know please send us a 100 word proposal describing their contributions to the region. We will honor those in the following categories:

t ed – Do you know someone who goes above and beyond and works tirelessly in the region for the of us all?

someone be rk tirelessl gion good

Silent Advocate – This category encompasses those women who silently help their communities and their ighbors.

To nominate a woman who is a driving force fill out the online nomination form at thewomantoday.com

Deadline for nominations is Februar y 28th.

For questions please contact Ali 218-428-2929

Leadership Award – Presented to women who esent outstanding achievement in their field of deavor.

ship represent outstanding endeavor.

Advo –encompasses those women their neighbors. gets stuff done!

The Spirit Award – Presented to a young woman who has shown exceptional courage and determination.

Awa

The Mentor Award – This award is given to a woman among us who has acted as an experienced and trusted adviser to those around her.

among us who has acted as the men during World War many of whom munitions war These women new the were as symbol of women’s economic power. woman know who

The Rosie Award – Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American men who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were sent off to war. Rosie the Riveter is used as a symbol of feminism and women’s economic power. This award is presented to that woman we all know who simply

sponsored by

Family Events Calendar

Calendar of Arts and Events – January – February 2018

Decorate a Heart for West Duluth library contest

Through Feb. 2

This contest is for anyone who wants to craft a heart from any lightweight material for a chance to win a prize. Ideas include paper, cloth, paint, mixed media, etc. Get creative! Bring the heart to the West Duluth Branch Library through Feb. 2. Hearts will be judged and prizes awarded in age categories: 6 and younger, 7-10, 11-14, and 15 and older. Judging will take place the first week in February. Hearts will be displayed at the West Duluth library through February, which is American Heart Month. Entry forms are available at West Duluth library, or can be downloaded from duluthlibrary.org.

Courage Kenny Ski and Snowboard program

Through March 8

Courage Kenny Ski and Snowboard offers one-to-one instruction in adaptive skiing and snowboarding techniques that accommodate people with a variety of disabilities. Priority will be given to students who need adaptive equipment.

This may include those with physical disabilities, sensory impairments and visual impairments. Lessons take place at Spirit Mountain, Giant’s Ridge and Lutsen Mountain. Lesson times vary. Contact Mark Hanna at (218) 726-4834 ext. 1, or mark. hanna@allina.com.

Celebrate Marvin Pattison’s birthday at Fairlawn Mansion

Jan. 17

Join Fairlawn Mansion as it celebrates the 177th birthday of historic lumber and mining baron Martin Pattison. Celebrate with cake, cookies and tea in the Fairlawn gift shop, 906 E. 2nd St., Superior. The celebration will be 12-4 p.m. Call (715) 394-5712 for more information.

Great Lakes Aquarium presents river otter enrichment

Jan. 20

Find out what it takes to survive as a river otter! Learn the life story of otters Agate and Ore while these playful predators engage with on-exhibit

enrichment. This event runs from 3-3:20 p.m. in the aquarium’s Otter Cove exhibit. Visit glaquarium. org.

The Duluth Playhouse’s Theater for Young Adults presents ‘The Jungle Book’

Jan. 20-Feb. 4

The Duluth Playhouse’s Theater for Young Adults presents “The Jungle Book.” Mowgli is a boy raised by wolves, guided by Bagheera the panther, befriended by Baloo the bear and hunted by Shere Khan, the ferocious tiger. On an outrageous and exciting journey back to human civilization, Mowgli finds that the strangest animal of all is man. Presented on the Depot stage. Visit duluthplayhouse.org or call (218) 733-7555.

The Duluth Public Library presents

Read to a Dog

Jan. 22

Kids are invited to read a story to a good listener with big ears! One-on-one read-aloud sessions with therapy dog Tanzy and her owner, Carolyn,

are a great way to practice reading in a comfortable, low-stress environment. This event is 4-5 p.m. at Duluth’s Mount Royal Branch. Visit duluthlibrary.org.

Duluth Edison Charter Schools’ band and choir

concert

Jan. 22

Continue celebrating the joy of the holiday season with music! Join the Duluth Edison Charter Schools for their winter band and choir concert in the DECC’s Symphony Hall. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Visit duluthedison.org.

Metal tooling with the Duluth Art Institute

Jan. 25

Create unique, colorful and textured artwork by tracing designs and patterns onto thin metal sheeting before coloring with permanent markers. Watch your design emerge and transform as you express your inner artist through this simple yet striking project. Great for gift giving or personal mementos! This event is appropriate for teens through adults. Runs 6-7 p.m. at the West Duluth Library’s Senior Center Meeting Room. With only 20 spots available, please register in advance! Duluthlibrary.org.

Northland Figure Skating Competition

Jan. 25-28

Enjoy the strength and beauty of figure skating. The 38th annual Northland Figure Skating Competition will be at Amsoil Arena. Featuring a compulsory/short program, test track and synchronized skating, there will be plenty of jumps, spins and more! For more information, visit duluthfsc.org.

The Duluth Public Library Presents

Read to a Dog

Jan. 26

Kids are invited to read a story to a good listener with big ears! One-on-one read-aloud sessions with therapy dog Tanzy and her owner, Carolyn, are a great way to practice reading in a comfortable, low-stress environment. This event is 4-5 p.m., at Duluth’s West Duluth Branch. Visit duluthlibrary.org.

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Jan. 26-28

Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. World-class mushers compete in the nearly 400-mile event, which runs up Minnesota’s North Shore. The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. Visitors and spectators are welcome. All checkpoints and road

crossings are easily accessible to the public and provide many opportunities for photographers, winter camping or quality time around a campfire. Beargrease.com

Father Daughter Ball

Jan. 27 and Feb. 3

The mission of the Father Daughter Ball is to provide a quality, memorable and wholesome event for fathers and daughters of all ages. The event is hosted by Christ Lutheran Church and will be held at the DECC’s City Side Convention Center. For more information, visit fatherdaughterballduluth.org.

Great Lakes Aquarium presents shark tank feeding

Jan. 31

The Mediterranean Tank in Great Lakes Aquarium’s Shipwrecks Alive! exhibit is home to several fascinating animals, representative of the Mediterranean Sea. Watch as staff feed the stingrays, eels, zebra shark and pufferfish. An educator will narrate the feeding in front of the tank. Event runs from 1-1:20 p.m. Visit glaquarium.org.

Vegan Cookbook Club

Feb. 1

Visit the Mount Royal Library Branch’s Blue Room for a lesson from the Vegan Cookbook Club! Do you want to eat more plant-based meals because it’s good for your health? It’s good for the environment? Your child is vegan, and you have no idea what to feed them? Whatever your reasons, share great recipes and meet new friends! Contact facilitator Bonnie Ambrosi at bonnieambrosi@ gmail.com. Event runs from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

UMD Theatre presents ‘Charlotte’s Web’

Feb. 1-4 and 8-10 Wilbur the pig is headed to the butcher, and only the spider Charlotte can save his life. A magical, heartwarming tale of friendship and sacrifice, based on the beloved children’s book. Reserved seating. Run time is 50-60 minutes. Held in Marshall Performing Arts Center-Mainstage Theatre on the University of Minnesota-Duluth Campus. Call (218) 726-8561 or visit tickets.umn.edu.

The Duluth Playhouse presents ‘Mamma Mia!’

Feb. 1-18

The regional premier of the Broadway blockbuster Mamma Mia! opens the NorShor Theatre with the songs of ABBA and a colorful cast of characters gathering on a Greek island for a wedding. The young bride, Sophie, has invited three men from

her mother’s past, hoping to figure out which one is her father in time for her to walk her down the aisle. How will her mother, Donna, react to seeing these men? Luckily, her friends are there to cheer her up in song and dance in this splashy musical, ringing in a new era at the NorShor! Visit duluthplayhouse.org or call (218) 733-7555.

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Revelations — The Beethoven Project’

Feb. 3

The DSSO continues The Beethoven Project with this performance and live recording of Beethoven’s Symphony No.6, his Pastoral Symphony. As the first composition to include a poetic program behind the music, it inspired generations of composers and opened the door for the creation of a new genre, “Program Music.” Held at Symphony Hall inside the DECC, 350 Harbor Drive. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Visit dsso.com.

Minnesota Ballet’s Celebrity Dance Challenge

Feb. 8

You’ll want to be in the audience for this performance because you get to vote for your favorite celebrity and Minnesota Ballet partner. It’s a hoot! Dance styles range from slinky tango to peppy swing to regal waltzes, plus showy costumes combine to give local celebrities striking new images. While audience votes are counted, enjoy the Ballet’s lively dance sampler. (218) 5293742 or minnesotaballet.org.

Elegant Valentine Dinner Dance

Feb. 9

Enjoy a splendid evening of dining and dancing with the Elegant Valentine Dinner Dance! Held Friday, Feb. 9, at the Historic Greysolon Plaza Ballroom, 231 E. Superior St., Duluth. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner served at 7. Kick up your heels from 8-11 p.m. to the sounds of the Dean’s List, who will provide Big Band music. Advance ticket deadline is Feb. 1, and limited to 100 couples. For more information, call (218) 722-0662, visit facebook.com/ElegantValentineDinnerDance, or email chartman5@q.com.

Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace

Feb. 10, March 10

At the Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Market, you’ll be treated to free coffee, cookies and door prizes, lively music and a friendly atmosphere. Browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and more.

Family Events Calendar

Artists are on hand as personal shoppers to help you select just the right one-of-a-kind gift for every occasion. Held at the Lakeside Lester Park Community Center, 106 N. 54th Ave. E., Duluth from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit nicegirlsofthenorth.com for more information.

Paw Patrol Live!

Feb. 10-11

Using their unique skills and teamwork, the Paw Patrol pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving as they make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Purchase tickets at the DECC ticket office, (800) 745-3000 or at ticketmaster.com. Shows at DECC’s Symphony Hall on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. Visit decc.org/event/paw-patrol-live.

Isle Royale trout feeding at the Great Lakes Aquarium

Feb. 11

Watch an aquarium staff member feed the trout in the Isle Royale 1 tank, the largest tank in the aquarium! The huge trout circle around the top layer of the tank in excitement when it’s feeding time. You will be surprised at how quickly they gobble up the pellets as they sink! Feeding is 5-5:30 p.m. in the St. Louis River exhibit. glaquarium.org.

Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show + Northland Outdoors Deer Classic

Feb. 14-18

The Great Outdoors is headed indoors with the Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV show! Stop by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s World Class taxidermy display. Experience live racing action at the Great American Duck Race. Attend the Ultimate Outdoor Cooking show with Mac and the Big Cheese. Attend daily seminars and see live animals. Held in the DECC, 350 Harbor Drive. Visit shamrockprod.com.

Freeway the American Crow at the Great Lakes Aquarium

Feb. 20

This program is a unique look at Great Lakes Aquarium’s American Crow; his name is Freeway! Watch as Freeway and his trainer work together to solve puzzles, identify colored objects and take ‘Freeway Bucks’ out of your hand through a slot in Freeway’s mailbox! Event is 2-2:30 p.m. at the

aquarium’s Otter Cove exhibit. Glaquarium.org.

The Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Roots’

March 3

Joined by the fantastic DSSO Chorus, the DuluthSuperior Symphony Orchestra is pleased to offer three works that reach back in time for inspiration. Featuring the folk music roots of Grieg’s “Symphonic Dances,” to the Old Testament texts of Stravinsky’s “Symphony of Psalms,” and finally Ravel’s incredible setting of the ancient Greek story of “Daphnis and Chloe.” Concert at 7 p.m. at the DECC Symphony Hall. Visit dsso.com.

Duluth Women’s Expo

March 3

Whether shopping, meal planning, choosing the family car or making important financial decisions, women know that having the right information is key! The Duluth Women’s Expo brings you all the information you need to make educated decisions, all under one roof. This event is the perfect place to learn how to feel healthier, more beautiful or just plain appreciated! This event will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the DECC. For more information, visit duluthwomensexpo.net.

Marshall School open house

March 3

You are invited to visit Marshall School during their open house! This is a great opportunity to learn more about what Marshall School offers for your child’s education. This open house experience is designed to allow exploration of Marshall School (1215 Rice Lake Road) in a way that is meaningful for you. There will be teachers, current parents and students, and members of the school’s administration available for tours and questions. RSVP at marshallschool.org. Open is 1-3 p.m.

The Lake Superior Youth Chorus presents Honor

Choir 2018

March 4

Join the Lake Superior Youth Chorus for its 4th annual Honor Choir. This event brings together performers in grades 4-6 from Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin for a memorable day of choral music alongside LSYC singers and directors. This event will take place at Duluth East High School. The time is still to be determined, so stay tuned to lsyouthchorus.org/performances for final details.

First annual Stride, Ride, Glide Tri

March 4

Get the most out of these amazing Superior Municipal Forest trails as you run, bike, and ski them during resurrection of the Stride, Ride, Glide Tri! Similar to the Pole, Pedal, Pant of years past, the event will be a 5k-ish run on a flat, snowcovered dirt road, a 10k-ish bike on a very scenic snow-covered dirt road with a few hills thrown in, and a 10k-ish ski on a mix of wide, flat and hilly trails. All proceeds will go toward new grooming equipment for the trails. This event can be done as an individual or a team! If Mother Nature provides no snow, the event will go on as a run-bike-run event. Pre-registration required. zapevent.com/ reg/event/13297

Regional FIRST Robotics Competitions

March 7-10

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, FIRST Robotics Competition is often called the ultimate “sport for the mind.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of 20 or more students are challenged to raise money, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. This event takes place at Duluth’s DECC. For more information, visit mnfirst.org.

Little Big Town — The Breakers Tour

March 16

See an exciting performance of country superstars Little Big Town, featuring special guests Kacey Musgraves and Midland. AMSOIL Arena, 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth. Purchase tickets at the DECC ticket office, call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7:30. More information at decc.org/ event/little-big-town.

The Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra presents Green Grass of Home

March 17

Join the DSSO as they collaborate with heritage groups and artists from Duluth, including Gaelynn Lea, winner of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, to celebrate the “Apostle of Ireland” on St. Patrick’s Day. Music and dancing from Ireland and other Celtic countries will fill the hall. Concert at 7 p.m. at the DECC Symphony Hall. Visit dsso.com.

P ros perous Ne w Y ear

Wishing you a Happy & Pros perous Ne w Year

It’s

Front: Michelle Peterson, Mikayla Rendall, Chloe Olejar, Amanda Broman, Emilie Slattengren Row 2: Carol Carlson, Kristin Pilon, Katie Robinson, Chelsea Davidson, Deb Messina, Nicki Conrad, Karen Reed, Amy Olson, River Rockenstein

Row 3: Mary Beth Nevers, Valarie Lake, Sherri Pearson, Liz Kidd, Brenna Fahlin, Gage Hartman, Dee Furo, Casey Scrignoli, Julie Carlson , Carrie Dittmar, Alicia Lokke

Back row: Frank Messina, Jarett Mickelson, Eric Sams, Jim Gruba, Jeff Leusman, Mike Messina, Jason Rindahl, Jason Watters, Steve Carlson, Kevin O’Brien, Megan Gagner, Cheryl Ekstrand, Julia Shepersky

Not Shown: Deanna Bennett, Deena Shykes, Wendy Deibele, Luke Hansmeyer, Ken Leiviska, Chad Jones

got to be real.

As we star t 2018, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible . It is in this spirit that we say...Thank you!