august 2012
tally ho!
tC polo Club builds community of horse enthusiasts {page 20}
Snapdragon Seeds founder Steve Sanders {page 46}
bAck to
school Read on for cool products, great savings, and good books!
hoStinG An eXChAnGe StUdent How little ones can learn from a new big “brother” or “sister” {Page 16}
PoLiCe offiCerS in the SChooLS? Let’s call them what they really are: peace officers {Page 36}
Augus g Features
16 iT’S a SMaLL WOrLD Hosting an exchange student By Julie Kendrick
20 SaDDLE UP! Twin Cities Polo Club by Kelly Jo McDonnell 36 POLiCiNG THE MiDDLE Resource officers in middle and elementary schools are watchful, helpful By Jennifer Rogers
4 August 2012
st
departments
8 CHaTTEr 10 TWEEN SCENE The birthday treat culture
12 GrOWS ON TrEES Back to school buys 14 FiGHT LESS, LOVE MOrE Learn how to apologize properly 41 HOT STUFF Back to school cool
41 BOOK SHELF It’s elementary!
46 rEaL LiFE Real dad Steven Sanders
calendar 24 OUT & aBOUT
August 2012 5
from the editor
Choosing forgiveness I am not one to spend a lot of time watching videos on YouTube, but I did, however, navigate to YouTube to view the mid-June viral video of Greece, N.Y. middle school children harassing bus monitor Karen Klein. Because my job involves a healthy dose of writing and researching the behavior and predilections of children, I felt it was important to see this—despite that I knew it would harsh on my mellow. A while back, I worked with a preeminent wolf biologist and I learned a lot about pack behavior, alphas and betas, how animals can turn on each other—and also how they can work together toward a common goal, such as taking down prey. I see no difference between wolves and deer and those boys on the bus, harassing a woman who could have been my mother, or your gramma. Reading accounts online, excerpts from news interviews, it’s clear that all involved believe their lives are forever changed. One parent says the event will “scar our family for life.” I hope this isn’t the case. At some point, all involved will have to dig down deep, ascertain the motivations that led them to this event, and then make a decision to forgive. Forgiveness is not about pardoning the action itself, but accepting that what happened is past and cannot be changed. The only next step is to look to the future, and do better. The boys involved have newly entered a difficult and delicate life stage: puberty. The misfiring hormones, the lack of a fully developed frontal lobe, all of these factors coupled with the event’s fallout are working against them, in essence, in regard to moving forward with confidence into adulthood. I worry that depression will set in, that certain self-destructive behaviors so many teens and tweens struggle with, will be intensified. As your children head back to school, take some time with them. Connect. Look them in the eyes; let them know you are there for them, but also make them aware of the behavior you expect when they hop on the bus, or interact with teachers and other adults in authority. I am convinced that we can’t always spare our kids from bullies, but we can do our due diligence in making certain our kids aren’t going to be the sorry subject of the next YouTube video.
Kathleen Stoehr Editor
6 August 2012
Vol. 27, issue 8 Co-Publishers Janis Hall jhall@mnpubs.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mnpubs.com General manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 • cdamlo@mnpubs.com editor Kathleen Stoehr kstoehr@mnpubs.com Contributing Writers/Photographers Julie Kendrick Kelly Jo McDonnell Kara McGuire Laurie Puhn Joy Riggs Jennifer Rogers Production manager Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnpubs.com Senior Graphic designer Valerie Moe Graphic designer Amanda Wadeson Sales manager Melissa Ungerman Levy 612-436-4382 • mungermanlevy@mnpubs.com Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 • kmanson@mnpubs.com Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnpubs.com interns Valerie Turgeon Stephanie Johnson Kelsie Klaustermeier Classified Advertising 612-825-9205 • sales@mnpubs.com Printing Brown Printing
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August 2012 7
In brief The Paint Pub, an art studio café that allows
you to sip a beverage (even alcoholic) and paint, has opened in Maple Grove. Paint the featured art of the night, or enjoy a Sunday afternoon family class, which includes all materials and instruction. For more info, go to the-paint-pub.com; Como Zoo in St. Paul unveiled its newest permanent exhibit featuring nature’s “super dad” — the seahorse. Located in the Aquatics building, the exhibit features a 300-gallon display with 12 lined seahorses and 15 other species of aquatic animals. More will be added throughout the summer; Open Table recently named the top 75 kid-friendly restaurants: two are located in Minnesota. They are Parasole’s Burger Jones restaurants in Burnsville and Minneapolis and Buca di Beppo, which opened first in Minneapolis in 1993 and has since grown to be a nationwide chain owned now by Planet Hollywood International Inc.; TheBump. com has launched a new series of events called “The Bump Bring Your Baby Matinee”: on the first Tuesday of each month, parents can enjoy movies in a baby-friendly environment without worrying
about baby making too much noise, no place to breastfeed, or room to park the stroller. AMC movie theatres in Eden Prairie and Maple Grove will participate. Go to tinyurl. com/7fffu5a for more information on the next event. Upcoming is The Amazing Spider-Man on the 7th at noon; Congratulations are extended to high school students Emily Nies of White Bear Lake and Daniel Piering of Wayzata who represented Minnesota at the National High School Musical Theatre “Jimmy” Awards in June in New York City; Tony Jaksa Sr., subject of our “Real Life” back page in May, recently launched a new website and blog on kidssafetysquad.com; Valleyfair has launched a mobile app that can be used to locate the park’s rides, shows, food, restrooms, and attractions, plus you can purchase tickets and view hours of operation, among other things. Download the app by searching for Valleyfair on your smart phone; Want to eat out and not have to pay for the food your kid picks through and ultimately may not eat? Go to outtoeatwithkids.com or mykidseatfree.com to find those places advertising a free kid meal with purchase of an adult meal; The Salt Cave, a new business utilizing all natural salts to aid
Minnesota Parent Tested
The Great Zazoo Does your child wake you up way too early, because he or she is too young to be able to tell time? Behold the Zazoo photo clock, a great answer for your early riser. Preloaded photos (or add your own) alert your child when to stay in bed and when to get up. Our parent tester Kristin set it up in son Ollie’s room, and says, “This clock has been fabulous! We set it to a picture of an ‘awake dinosaur’ when my son should be up and a ‘sleeping dinosaur’ for when he should be in bed. After a couple of weeks of using it, bedtime and naptime are no longer a struggle. He stays in his bed until the dino is awake in the morning … and comes running into our room saying, ‘dino’s awake! dino’s awake!’ Hooray!”
Minnesota Parent Tested
Do the Chicken Dance! The Luv Chicken booster cushion is a great solution for hiking little ones up to the table. Made from kid-safe coated fabric, the lightweight cushion is easy to wipe clean. A non-slip bottom keeps the seat in place, handy carry handle makes it easy to tote. A variety of cool patterns too. Luv-chicken.com, about $45
those suffering from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments, has opened in southwest Minneapolis at 48th and Nicollet. Up to eight guests at a time can relax and rejuvenate in the hand-crafted Salt Cave, which utilizes a generator to micronize pharmaceutical-grade salts known to reduce symptoms of respiratory distress. The unique aesthetics include hand-carved lamps from Pakistan, a salt-covered floor, and walls that are decorated with rich, pink Himalayan salts fossilized with age. Visitsaltcaveminnesota.com for more information.
zazookids.com, about $90 The Salt Cave
8 August 2012
today’s average of 20 ounces. If that’s not enough to give you pause, consider these additional statistics from Let’s Move!:
Challenging the culture of birthday treats
I By Joy Riggs
t’s an embarrassing moment from childhood that I’ve tried to forget: In fourth grade, I took a tin of homemade candy cane cookies to school to share with classmates on my birthday. As I handed them out, I discovered I’d miscounted and didn’t have a cookie for each person—I was two or three short, and I was mortified.
I don’t remember how I resolved the dilemma. I only remember the burning sensation as my cheeks turned pinker than the limited-edition cookies. By the time my three kids came through elementary school, rules about treats had changed. Homemade cookies? Not permitted. Store-packaged birthday treats? Usually permitted, depending upon the teacher. Healthful options? Certainly, but avoid anything with nuts. Now that my youngest child has moved on to sixth grade, freeing me from elementary snack dilemmas, I’ve noticed that the sharing of birthday treats in many schools is becoming a thing of the past—a direct result, no doubt, of a federal law requiring districts participating in the national school meals program to have a local wellness policy. Our district’s policy, for example, states:
10 August 2012
Classroom snacks and celebrations should reinforce the importance of healthy choices and portion control. Some parents may question whether we want to live in a society that forbids the occasional high-fat, loaded-with-sugar birthday treat. I can understand the emotional reaction, but I also think it’s crazy to hope that our kids will learn moderation while they’re constantly bombarded by unhealthful food choices and messages. The website of Let’s Move!, the antiobesity initiative led by First Lady Michelle Obama, notes that kids 30 years ago ate just one snack per day; now they eat an average of three snacks totaling 200 extra calories, with one in five kids eating up to six snacks a day. Portion size also has expanded from the 1970s; the average sugar-sweetened drink then was 13.6 ounces compared to
• Americans eat 31 percent more calories than 40 years ago, including 56 percent more fats and oils and 14 percent more sugars and sweeteners. • An average American now eats 15 more pounds of sugar a year than in 1970.
Promoting good nutrition Schools alone can’t solve the problem of unhealthful eating habits and rising obesity rates, but they can play an important role in promoting good nutrition, which is linked to better academic performance. According to Action for Healthy Kids Minnesota, meals and snacks at school “can provide one-third to one-half of a child’s daily nutritional needs.” With so much at stake, it’s not surprising that many schools in Minnesota are finding creative ways to promote healthier eating habits—schools like Fair Oaks Elementary in Brooklyn Park, which has a diverse population and a high
Resources Action for Healthy Kids Minnesota Guidelines for Good Nutrition at School tinyurl.com/7htarng Center for Science in the Public Interest Healthy School Celebrations tinyurl.com/8ymym47 Connecticut State Department of Education Healthy Celebrations tinyurl.com/73zm9as Let’s Move! Facts about childhood obesity letsmove.gov
number of kids who are eligible for free or a reduced-price lunch. When Fair Oaks implemented a nutritious snack initiative two years ago, it eliminated the practice of students bringing treats to school in honor of their birthdays. Ana Markowski, the school’s volunteer coordinator, says this was a difficult change for parents and
e nativ n o i Alter t ra celeb ideas
students—particularly because celebrating birthdays is an important part of the culture for many of the ethnic groups represented in the school. “I had a Hmong father come in with a cake, a birthday hat, and napkins. He didn’t speak English, and I didn’t speak Hmong,” Markowski says. “He kept saying, ‘Why, why?’ It took me a long time
• Give children extra recess time instead of a class party. For birthdays, let the birthday child choose and lead an active game. • Instead of food, ask parents to purchase a book for the classroom or the school library in the birthday child’s name. Invite the child’s parents to come in and read it to the class.
• Create a “celebrate me” book. Have classmates write stories or poems and draw pictures to describe what is special about the birthday child. • Instead of a party, organize a community service project. Involve parents in planning the project and providing needed materials. From the Connecticut State Department of Education
to explain [the policy] to him. I thought, why not have a day when we celebrate all the birthdays?” School employees organized a “Celebrate Your Birthday with Dr. Seuss” evening, where cake and punch was served, and it was so popular, they organized it again last spring, this time expanding it to include literacy activities. “We opened the whole school—the media center, the lunchroom, the gym. It was like an open house, with cake and drinks. It was outstanding. We had over 300 people,” Markowski says. The popularity of the event demonstrated a Dr. Seuss-like message that my 10-year-old self would have benefited from hearing three decades ago, as I recovered from my cookie embarrassment: birthday celebrations aren’t about the treats, they’re about the people. They’re about building family and community. What could be more healthful than that?
August 2012 11
Back to school bargains
school, including discounts on dance lessons and other after school activities.
Be patient
Use those teachable moments
It is tempting to fulfill the entire school list as soon as the advertisements sprout. But being patient can pay off. Retailers will spread the best deals
This idea came to me when my second grader brought home a worksheet calculating school supply prices. Why not get my kids more involved in the
or deal-seeking parents, back to school is a season second only to holiday shopping. Retailers start offering deals on backpacks, glue, and designer jeans in July. Competition is fierce. And if you play the game right, you can score several products for next to nothing. Here are some tips for the determined back-to-school shopper.
Dig through last year’s supplies The crayons may be down to little nubs, but do you really need to buy new scissors each year? Mine last year’s supplies for any reusable items before heading out to shop.
Use ‘deals’ sites Local money-saving site pocketyourdollars.com is one of many websites that track deals by store and matches coupons. Southernsavers.com, a site useful to even those of us without a drawl, already has a back to school guide with target prices. For example, the site estimates that a great deal on spiral notebooks will set you back 15 cents each. When you find the deals, don’t wait. Get to the store early in the week to reduce sell-out risk. Also, keep an eye on Groupon and other daily deals sites. My guess is it will have several offers related to back to
12 August 2012
Keep receipts If you subscribe to the “two dry erase markers in hand...” philosophy, you may want to purchase items you think are great deals, keep the receipts, and return them if better deals reveal themselves later on. Or use the aforementioned price guide. An even more important reason to keep receipts: Tax savings. In Minnesota, most school supplies can be counted toward the refundable K–12 education credit or the K–12 education subtraction. Revenue.state. mn.us has more information on who can take advantage of these tax breaks and what expenses qualify.
F
By Kara McGuire
throughout the summer. While most teachers expect all school supplies at the beginning of the year, clothing is another story. Say your son’s pants look like my six-year-old’s—holey, faded, and hanging three inches above his ankle bones. Buy a pair or two to start the year. But the remainder of clothing needs can wait for the steeper discounts that come in September.
purchasing of their school supplies? Of course, bringing a child into the school supply aisle needs some coaching (“No, we are only buying what’s on the list”) and a lot of resolve (“No, the super cute puppy folder is not on the list”). But explaining how to compare prices, use coupons and budget are valuable money lessons to teach your children. If your child is old enough to care about designer jeans, they are also old enough for a clothing allowance. What better opportunity to talk to your child about wants versus needs, how much you are willing to pitch in for certain status items, and how to earn money in the neighborhood or around the house?
Time is money Last year, exhausted by a busy work schedule and three young kids, I chose convenience over cost and spent five minutes shopping for school supplies. I purchased ready-made school supply kits through our elementary school. They cost more than I would have paid driving all over creation looking for free No. 2 pencils. Or did they? I love a good deal and the thrill of the hunt, but after considering how much money I’d spend in gas, and how much time I would expend compiling two school supply lists from a dozen stores, I decided the easy route wasn’t that much more expensive. Before you start Mama or Papa’s school supply marathon, consider the value of your time and sanity. Also remember that many stores price match and others offer specials online. Kara McGuire is a personal finance expert and mother of three living in St. Paul.
RESOURCES pocketyourdollars.com southernsavers.com groupon.com revenue.state.mn.us
August 2012 13
How to give a perfect apology
H
By Laurie Puhn
ave you ever heard the words, “I’m sorry,” and instantly thought, “Oh no you’re not.” You knew the apology sounded insincere from the moment your spouse opened his or her mouth. Or maybe you were the one who put your foot in your mouth when you criticized your spouse during dinner with
friends. Perhaps you revealed something personal to your parents that embarrassed your spouse. Whatever your error, don’t allow it to ruin a nice evening or a good relationship. When a simple “I’m sorry” isn’t enough, it’s time for you to use the perfect three-step apology, which will give you the forgiveness you want in five minutes or less.
Step 1: make a mountain out of a molehill While it’s our natural instinct to minimize our mistakes by saying, “I didn’t really mean it,” or “It’s no big deal,” doing so will only aggravate your partner. Instead, if you go big and maximize your error with a comment like, “I made a huge error,” or “It was really awful of me to do that,” then your mate would be relieved knowing that you get how wrong you were, and that sentiment will go a long way toward reducing the anger.
14 August 2012
Step 2: Use the “because” clause When someone is mad at you for your wrongdoing, it’s because they feel disrespected, insulted, hurt, or ignored. What seems like a small thing, such as telling your children about your husband’s flaw (like his forgetfulness), is more than that to your husband. It’s disrespectful and rude to put him down to your children or anyone for that matter.
“while it’s our natural instinct to minimize our mistakes by saying, ‘i didn’t really mean it,’ or ‘it’s no big deal,’ doing so will only aggravate your partner.”
So dig deep and say you’re sorry for the deeper value that was undercut. Use the word “because,” to share exactly how you hurt your mate, as in “I’m sorry I talked negatively about you to our children because it was disrespectful of me and it makes them think they can put you down too.”
Step 3: Prevent and repair This is the crucial part of a perfect apology. Without this step, you won’t win forgiveness. Complete your five-minute apology conversation by explaining to your mate how you will fix the damage done or offer a plan of action to prevent the mistake from recurring. For instance, if you opened your big mouth to your children, you can’t fix the damage. But you can assure your mate that in the future you will share your frustrations directly with your mate, not with the kids. Plus you can grant your mate permission to interrupt you and remind you of your agreement, if you say something negative about him/her. But what if you’re not the guilty party and instead, your mate is? Since that person doesn’t know the three steps in a perfect apology, you can coach him or her into telling you what you need to hear. Tell the wrongdoer that a quick two-word “I’m sorry” doesn’t work for you and that you need to know exactly what he or she is sorry for. After he or she lists some reasons, ask how this mistake can be prevented from happening again. You will probably need to offer some suggestions here. Once your mate agrees to a practical prevention plan, bury the mistake and move on to enjoy your time together. Use this perfect apology strategy to fight less, love more and keep your homefront a peaceful, loving place. Laurie Puhn is a Harvard-educated lawyer, couples mediator, and bestselling author of Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship Without Blowing Up or Giving In, who frequently appears on CNN, “Good Morning America,” and “The Early Show.”
August 2012 15
from dent, Anna (center), es with exchange stu The Foss family pos Parma, Italy. Sub mit teD image
It’s a small world What hosting an exchange student can teach your young kids By Julie Kendrick
“T
here are more cultures in the world than just ours, and more ways that people live than just our way.” That, succinctly, is what Lisa Foss says her children learned
when their family hosted a teenaged exchange student. Foss and her husband, who live in Tonka Bay, hosted a 17-year-old girl from Parma, Italy last year, when their sons, Sawyer and Kristian, were five and seven years old. 16 August 2012
Foss is just one of many local parents who think that perhaps the perfect time to add a teenager from another country to their family is while their kids are still young. “I’ve noticed that they asked her a lot of questions about what happens in her country, and for me that’s a good indicator that they’re interested in something more than themselves,” she says.
Finding a fit Steve and Rebekah Adams hosted 12 consecutive exchange students in the Twin Cities, beginning when their children were seven and three years old. Says Steve, “We initially asked our kids, ‘How would you feel about a big brother or sister?’ and it just sort of went from there. We’d ask again every year and they always said they’d like to host another student. We looked for someone who indicated a preference for little kids, was comfortable with pets, and enjoyed sports, because we all do. We figured the rest was negotiable, and we were always open to boy or girl.” One family rule was never to host from the same country twice. “We figured it would help us avoid comparisons, and we got to learn more about the world that way,” he says.
Globe in the living room Foss says that her family registered for an exchange student through American Field Service (AFS). One benefit of the program, she felt, was the participation of a liaison, a volunteer who conducts periodic checks on the progress of families. Sheila Todd, an AFS liaison who lives in Minnetonka, says her role is to be intermediary and safety net for hosting families and exchange students alike. “I’m the ‘American aunt’ for them,” she explains. It’s a role she’s been filling for about 10 years, since her son was small. While the Todds have never hosted a student themselves (“Our house is just too small,” she confesses), their family has been able to capitalize on the chance to travel vicariously. “We keep a globe in our living room, and whenever we hear about the home country of a kid we’ve known, our son, Will, races to the globe
to check it out. He’s met people of all different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, and I think it’s helped him become a more compassionate person as a result,” she says.
Benefits on both sides One benefit in hosting, says Steve Adams, is that the exchange students they hosted were often academically and competitively oriented, which, he said, “made them good role models for our younger ones.” And there are benefits that extend in the other direction, as well. A house with younger children can often provide a warmer atmosphere for a far-from-home exchange student. Jennifer Niemeier, an AFS Chapter Coordinator, was herself a teen exchange student. She touts the benefit of hosting when your own kids are young. “I think younger kids are generally more accepting, so you won’t hear snarky comments like ‘You’re wearing that?’ or ‘You talk funny.’ Younger kids have lives that are changing all the time, anyway, so they’re more likely to go with the flow,” she observes. Her own family hosted a French exchange student, and within weeks of the girl’s arrival, she reports, her small boys were drawing family pictures that included their “new big sister.” Todd says, “It can be more comfortable to come home from school and chat with little kids, because then the students don’t need to keep up that ‘cool’ façade or feel that they’re competing with another teen. They can read books or play video games with those younger kids, and learn English while they’re having fun. Some of the best success stories I’ve seen have come from families with younger children. The exchange students will tell me, ‘I came here to make teenage friends, and I feel so lucky that I got an American family, too.’”
Parenting practice run Todd also notes that having a small child and a reason to connect with teens in her neighborhood has provided benefits for her own parenting, too. “It’s what I call ‘a selfish silver lining,’” she says. “It’s good to meet parents whose kids are a little
August 2012 17
older than your own, because it can really expand your network.” Foss agrees, saying, “I never would have had a reason to go into our local high school if we hadn’t hosted a student, but now I’ve seen it in action and I’ve been impressed.” She adds, “I’ve been able to tap into a network of parents with older kids, and I’ve learned how parents talk about issues and keep in touch these days.” Steve Adams also praised the “practice run” aspect of hosting a teen. “Any issue we had with our exchange kids, our younger kids saw us work through it, so they realized that problems can be dealt with and resolved. We all learned that no matter what country they were from, teens everywhere shared ups and downs.”
drive time downside Of course, there can be challenges to accepting a new person into your home, and teenagers are, after all, teenagers. Most exchange programs offer orientation sessions and frequent networking opportunities, so you’ll have an idea how to set expectations and work through any difficulties. When asked about the biggest drawback to hosting a teenage exchange student, the answer came through loud and clear from many families: more driving. Most programs prohibit students
from driving in the U.S., so host families find that their drive time can increase significantly, especially with a busy teenager. But families have found solutions, including starting up their own carpools with other parents for afterschool events and activities, or by insisting that teens arrange their own transportation for outings. Steve Adams, the 12-time host dad, says, “We always taught them how to start making calls to friends and figuring out rides right away.” But transportation difficulties aside, he insists that it’s all been worth it. “The biggest advantage has been that our kids learned a great deal of patience with people who are different. They looked at the world in a different way, and they were a lot nicer with everyone they met,” he says. •
Then: This 1995 Adams family photo includes Giorgio Saccoia (far back)— the first of 12 AFS exchange students the family hosted. SubmitteD image
18 August 2012
Now: Steve Adams and his wife, Rebekah pose with their children, Ian and Rachel—and their recent Finnish exchange student, Paula Lipsanen (far left), in Paris, France. SubmitteD image
Getting started Jennifer Niemeier, AFS Chapter Coordinator, says that there are usually year-round chances to host a student, including second-semester students who arrive in January. Before selecting an organization, she recommends ensuring that they are on the advisory list of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). While every organization is different, you should expect to complete an application, have an in-home interview and criminal background check, and then review student profiles with a local volunteer once your application has been approved. To get started, she suggests contacting an organization and requesting that you be allowed to sit in on a chapter meeting and talk with other hosting families. She also recommends that everyone in your family, including young kids, are given a chance to talk about why the family wants to host a student, including pros and cons. (csiet.org) AFS: afsusa.org A nonprofit international exchange organization for students and adults that operates in more than 50 countries, AFS-USA works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership. Rotary Youth Exchange More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs. Youth for Understanding: yfuusa.org Youth for Understanding (YFU) is a nonprofit international educational organization with programs in 64 countries. Working in partnership with governments, corporations, foundations, school, and educators worldwide to create global learning opportunities, YFU promotes international understanding and world peace. Compass USA: compass-usa.net If you’d like to start with a shorter time commitment, then you might want to consider Compass USA. This organization specializes in short-term summer homestays that last from 10 days to six weeks. “A summer stay can be a great way to test the waters and see how your family adjusts to a new person in the house,” says Kevlin Catalano, Compass USA’s managing director of group operations. “Although short-term homestays are not regulated by the CSIET, the process for becoming a host family is similar, and includes family interviews and background checks.”
•
August 2012 19
The Polo Classic in August features kids from age 12 and up, with adult competitions as well.
sAddle
uP!
Polo is the sport of kings...and kids! By Kelly Jo McDonnell Photos by Cy Dodson
When someone brings up polo, one may have visions of sleek horses thundering down the grassy fields in London, England. The sport is associated with kings—not kids, right? So, it came as a surprise that we have our own Twin Cities Polo Club in Maple Plain, complete with Polo Classic match with the proceeds going toward a wonderful cause—the Leatherdale Equine Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. And double surprise—I saw numerous kids’ events on the roster. I was sold. 20 August 2012
Explaining our outing to my nine-yearold son, Hayden, was something else. “We’re going to a polo match!” Hayden stared back blankly. I continued. “It’s a game played on horses, and they hit a ball around with a mallet. It’s like hockey on horseback.” He seemed to accept that explanation. “Is it like the guy on those shirts?” he asked. Ah—Ralph Lauren. At least he was catching on. While the polo matches are played May through September, we caught the 22nd Annual Polo Classic at the end of July 2011 (more on the 2012 event in our sidebar). It was a hot one, with temperatures in the low 90s and muggy. But the drive was beautiful, and the polo field wasn’t hard to find among the sprawling pastures. Hayden enjoyed watching the players prep their horses, while I grabbed bottles of water from the horse trough.
Beyond horses There were many activities to keep the kids entertained: face painting, a bouncy tent, and a horse-drawn carriage tour of the grounds. If your kids are into equines, this is the place to be. Several retail tents peppered one side of the field; St. Croix Saddlery, Pink Equine, and Refuge Farms. There was even a Ralph Lauren “Big Pony Collection” cologne booth full of bright colored bottles with taglines such as “Be a winner! Be part of the team!” Hayden sprayed himself with several of the samples before I could stop him. The schedule of events seemed foreign to us, but sounded fun all the same. Gates opened at 11:00 a.m. and the Twin Cities Polo Club Youth Match began at noon. Hayden loved seeing kids from age 12 and up on the field warming up the polo greens. “It is wonderful,” said Craig Robbins, Polo Classic co-chair, “Our youth polo group, ages 12 up to 20, play in the youth program. The kids learn about the sport, and the youth polo match showcases some of the kids that play. It gives them an opportunity to show what they can do!” I was pleased to see several long ponytails streaming in the wind behind a few of the players helmets. I poked Hayden. “Those are girls!” I exclaimed. He rolled his eyes. “They haven’t scored yet, Mommy.” As if on cue,
August 2012 21
one of the girl players thundered past us and chucked a ball right into the goal. After the youth match, we witnessed the Long Lakes Hounds Demonstration at 12:45. The Long Lake Hounds club was founded in 1959, and is Minnesota’s only hunt. No worries—it’s a “drag” hunt, meaning it doesn’t hunt or involve live fox; instead, a fox scent is dragged on horseback to simulate the path a pursued animal might take over the fields or through the woods. Hayden enjoyed watching the numerous hounds being corralled by riders around the field. The opening ceremony was at 1:45, and as Hayden put it, “it was time for the big guy polo.” The announcer proclaimed, “The polo gods are smiling on us!” Smiling? It was 94 degrees. But I suppose that meant that it wasn’t raining. We were learning. “It’s a fun community event,” Robbins explained, directing us to the large Equine Center tent. “It gives you a chance to meet one another, and helps build that community effort.” We nestled ourselves in the shade of the large tent, which had great
About Polo • Field is 300 yards long; 200 yards wide • Goals are 24 feet wide • Match is divided into six chukkers (periods) • Each chukker is 7.5 minutes long • Each polo team has four players (numbered 1-2-3-4) • A common foul in polo is “crossing the line of the ball” (think a car driver cutting into someone else’s lane). Hooking and other controlled means of physical contact are legal and very much part of the game • Game balls are hard plastic, and similar to size of a baseball • Players use the side of a mallet to strike the ball • Polo ponies are prepped for matches by having their legs wrapped in special bandages to protect from mallet and ball hits and their tails are braided to prevent entanglement • Polo ponies are equipped with English-style saddles and tack
22 August 2012
seats along the side of the polo field. It was organized with tables of information on the Equine Center’s programs, which are for teaching, research, clinic care, and community outreach for advancing the health, well-being, and performance of horses. The Center boasts a 60,000-squarefoot facility that supports the growing University of Minnesota equine program. Home to nearly 500 state and local
ResouRces Polo Classic Sunday, August 12 Adults $25; kids ages 12 to 18, $10 The Polo Classic benefits the University of Minnesota’s Leatherdale Equine Center. For more info: Twin City Polo Club 6755 Turner Road Maple Plain, MN 55359 763-479-4307; thepoloclassic.com
horse clubs, Minnesota has more than 155,000 horses—the ninth-largest horse population in the U.S.! The polo match was fast paced and downright exciting, even though we were still learning the rules of the game. Hayden thought it was a blast to run out on the field at half time for the divot stomp. (I reminded him to stay clear of steamy divots.) I was impressed with the athleticism of the riders; and the agility of the polo ponies was equally impressive. It’s not uncommon for the horses to reach speeds of 35 mph while still being able to turn on a dime. By the end of the match, Hayden announced that he thought polo was “cool.” I could still smell the faint scent of Polo in the air as we drove home. I reveled in the feeling that my son and I had enjoyed something completely new and learned a thing or two along the way. The polo gods had indeed smiled on us. •
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12
5
Family Day at the Mia Peace Games: Inside/Out
Seussical closes @ Stages Theatre Company
august 2 to 19: Showdown @ Circus Juventas august 3–5
Family Fun tuesdays
15 ———————— Put your feet up: ———————— It’s National ———————— Relaxation Day! ———————— ———————— ————————
irish ceili dance 7:00 @ College of St. Catherine
The Toonies @ Woodbury Lakes, 10:00 a.m.
7 8 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
13 14 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
6 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
Powderhorn Art Fair
Loring Park Art Festival
Uptown Art Fair
Minneapolis art Festival Triple Play
1 bloomington Jazz Festival 7:00 p.m.
Ethan Bortnick @ Burnsville Performing Arts Center
3
16 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
Sat
11 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
4 ———————— Happy 51st ———————— birthday, President ———————— Barack Obama! ———————— ———————— ————————
Huzzah! Minnesota renaissance
17 18 ———————— Continental Divide ———————— Music & Film Festival ———————— & Puppet Pageant in ———————— New York Mills ———————— ————————
9 10 ———————— ———————— ———————— The Wizard of Oz ———————— @ Burnsville ———————— Performing Arts Center, ———————— through August 12th
165 different plays in 10 days! Minnesota Fringe Festival, 2nd to 12th
2
Fri
f eze t out o Sque f fun o s p er! dro summ
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs
out About out Pull Ave! s And he last
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Women’s Equality Day to recognize the signing of the 19th amendment
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Free 3rd Sunday @ Minnesota Children’s Museum
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National Marshmallow Toasting Day
29 30 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— Make a S’More! It’s
august is National Family Fun Month!
» » » » » » » » » through September 3rd
31 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
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National Banana Split Day
Festival opens
24 25 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
12 Days of FUN! Minnesota State Fair » » » » » »
22 23 ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ———————— ————————
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27 28 ———————— ———————— ———————— arty Pants ———————— Your Tuesday Playdate ———————— @ Walker art Center ————————
20 21 ———————— Family Fun Tuesdays Z Puppets ———————— rosenschnoz @ Caponi ———————— art Park sculpture garden, Eagan ———————— ———————— ————————
okee dokee brothers @ caponi Art Park
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Out About
Kidical Mass: Mississippi River Ride
Red House Barnfest ÎÎRed House Barnfest will feature a whole day of the finest folk, bluegrass, Americana, and blues music with main stage performances by Lucy Kaplansky, Bill Staines, Drew Nelson, Natalia Zukerman, The High 48’s, Black Audience, and more. The expanded KIDFEST will include special children’s activities and a family stage with performances by Open Eye Figure Theatre, Jayanthi Kyle and The Crybabies, and Bill Staines. Hearkening back to the days of Red House’s Summerfolk festivals, this will be a fun familyfriendly event in a beautiful farm setting. When: Saturday, August 4 from 1:00 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Hobgoblin Music Outdoor Amphitheater, Red Wing Cost: 12 and under FREE; $25 advance, $30 at gate all others Info: redhouserecords.com/barnfest.html or 651-644-4161
Ongoing Showdown ÎÎKick up your heels and lasso up a posse of friends: Circus Juventas, North America’s largest youth circus, proudly presents a Wild West adventure with non-stop action including somersaulting outlaws, lasso-twirling cowboys, aerial spinning Dance Hall belles, contorting card players, and the most calamitous bank heist shootout/parkour extravaganza on the wall trampoline ever staged under a big top. In the tradition of Cirque du Soleil, Showdown features traditional circus acts by advanced-level students. When: August 2 to 19 at various times Where: Circus Juventas, St. Paul Cost: $13.50 to $30 Info: circusjuventas.org or 651-699-8229
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ÎÎJoin the official Bike Walk Move event on this family biking event that celebrates and creates awareness of the growing presence of kids and families on bikes. Meet at Farview Park for a Mississippi River Ride that will end at the North Mississippi River Park playground. Rides are typically three miles in length at a 5-6 mph pace on quiet residential streets. Riding is done as a group and will travel as fast as the slowest riders. Helmets are required for all riders. When: Saturday, August 18 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Meet at Farview Park, 621 29th Ave. N in Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: minneapolismn.gov/bicycles/events or 612-333-3410
Looney Days
ÎÎThe biggest event in the small town of Vergas every year, Looney Days includes a loon calling contest, dancing on main street, parade, bingo, kid’s games, and more. When: August 9 to 12 Where: Vergas, in northwest Minnesota Cost: FREE Info: facebook.com/vergaslooneydays
Seussical ÎÎThis musical extravaganza includes everyone’s favorite characters: the Cat in the Hat, Horton, Mayzie La Bird, the Whos and Gertrude McFuzz who will teach an unforgettable lesson about loyalty and the power of community. When: Through August 5
Where: Stages Theatre Company at Hopkins Center for the Arts Cost: Prices vary depending upon age (from $0 to $15) Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111
Renaissance Festival ÎÎCelebrating its 42nd season, the Minnesota renaissance festival is a long-standing tradition with themed weekends, free entertainment, parade, marketplace, jousting, and more. New this year: wiener dog races, artisan appreciation weekends, and new secret garden featuring fairy houses. When: Weekends beginning August 18 through September 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Where: Two miles past the intersection
of 169 and Hwy 41 in Shakopee Cost: Discount coupons available; buy in advance discounts, prices vary—see website Info: renaissancefest.com or 952-445-7361
Minnesota State Fair ÎÎThe Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting nearly 1.8 million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always Twelve Days of Fun. When: August 23 through September 3, 6:00 a.m. to midnight Where: 1265 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 Cost: Under 5: Free; 5 to 12 and 65 and over, $10; 13–64: $12 Info: mnstatefair.org or 651-288-4400
Sparky the Sea Lion Show “Zoolympics” ÎÎThis year, in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Sparky the Sea Lion is competing in her own version of the games, the Zoolympics. Sparky will test her skills in competition against sharks, puffins, and even jellyfish in events that highlight the natural behaviors of the oceans’ inhabitants! When: 11:30 p.m. daily; add’l show at 3:00 p.m. weekends and holidays Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE; voluntary donation Info: comozooconservatory.org or 651-487-8200
Renaissance Festival
and St. Paul Cost: $4 admission button, then each show is $12; 12 and under $5, no button required Info: fringefestival.org or 612-872-1212
DINOSAURS!
ÎÎFifteen larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs, including the popular Tyrannosaurus Rex, Giganotosaurus, and Brachiosaurus, will take up residence along the Minnesota Zoo’s Northern Trail this summer. Pre-historic adventure awaits! When: Through September 3 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Two and under, free; $12 to $18, all others. Parking, $5 Info: mnzoo.org or 952-431-9200
Minnesota Fringe Festival
Real Pirates
ÎÎFor 11 days, over a thousand artists present works in every discipline and genre. A lottery determines which of nearly 400 applicants win production slots in the festival. 165 different theatrical productions, each no longer than 60 minutes.
ÎÎAhoy, landlubbers! Hollywood’s glamorous and adventure-packed portrayal of pirates has captured our imaginations for generations. But what was life on the high seas really like during the Golden Age of Piracy? You’ll find out in Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship.
When: August 2–12 Where: 15 stages throughout Minneapolis
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Out About When: Through September 3 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Tickets are timed and dated, cost varies from $12 to $25 Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444
Preschool Playdate ÎÎEach Tuesday, the Science Museum offers preschool appropriate activities that will keep little hands busy and little minds buzzing. A Preschool Playdates ticket includes admission to the exhibit galleries, take-home science experiment, preschool perfect Science Live performances and science demonstrations, and various discounts. When: 10:00 a.m. to noon Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Under five, FREE; $13 for adults Info: smm.org/playdates or 651-221-9444
Wee Wednesdays ÎÎWee Wednesdays have plenty to see and do for toddlers and their families. Free, educational programming geared toward children five and under; also features handson activities and more. When: Every Wednesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org or 612-872-4041
Family Night at the Global Market ÎÎFree live music, a children’s play area, and free balloons for the first 50 children. Businesses will validate your parking (for up to three hours) with purchase if you park in the 10th Avenue parking ramp. When: Every Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org or 612-872-4041
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1 Wednesday The Toonies ÎÎAn hour of kid-focused, interactive fun and music at Woodbury Lakes. When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, outside Cost: FREE Info: woodburylakes.com or 651-251-9500
Adventures of Katie Tomatie ÎÎOriginal family-friendly live puppet theater’s Driveway Tour. Katie Tomatie is the most well-known and popular of the Driveway Tour shows. When: 7:00 p.m. Where: Lacey driveway, 1508 Memorial Parkway, Minneapolis Cost: Pay-as-able (suggested $5 for adults $2 for kids) Info: openeyetheatre.org
2 Thursday Bloomington Jazz Festival ÎÎA premier jazz event with Steve Clarke and the Working Stiffs at 7:00 p.m. and
About the Calendar Minnesota Parent welcomes information about events for families throughout the state of Minnesota. Calendar listings are FREE and can be submitted online at mnpubs.com; click on Events > Submit an event. You can submit a listing at any time, but the deadline for possible inclusion in the print publication is six weeks prior to the month of publication. (For example, June 15 for the August issue.) All events are subject to change. Be certain to check with the event sponsor either by visiting the website or calling, to ensure the featured event is still viable. Events taking place for more than one weekend in length will be listed in our “Ongoing” area, space permitting.
George Maurer Big Band at 8:30 p.m. When: 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Where: Normandale Lake Bandshell, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: ci.bloomington.mn.us or 952-563-8877
Davina and the Vagabonds ÎÎBring the family and a blanket to lie on while you enjoy music and grilled fare from Lakes Tavern & Grill. When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, outside Cost: FREE music Info: woodburylakes.com or 651-251-9500
The Adventures of Juan Bobo ÎÎOriginal family-friendly live puppet theater’s Driveway Tour. Juan Bobo is a perennial favorite and is performed in English and Spanish. When: 7:00 p.m. Where: Mounds View Park, 10 Mounds Blvd., St. Paul Cost: Pay-as-able (suggested $5 for adults $2 for kids) Info: openeyetheatre.org
3 Friday Ethan Bortnick “It’s All About Music” Tour ÎÎEleven-year-old musical sensation Ethan Bortnick will appear with special guests, The Kidz Bop Kids. When: 7:00 p.m. Where: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, Burnsville Cost: From $24.50 Info: burnsvillepac.com or 952-895-4685
Uptown Art Fair ÎÎThis three-day fine arts festival allows you to browse both professional and youth artist’s booths, watch live art and kidfriendly acts on the performance stage,
enjoy activities at the family imagination station, nosh on festival food and beverages, participate in family activities, win prizes at the Uptown booth and more! When: noon to 8:00 p.m. Where: Lake St. and Hennepin Ave. intersection, Minneapolis Cost: FREE info: uptownartfair.com
thomas the tank engine Î Take a 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. Games and activities, meet Sir Topham Hatt, storytelling, video viewing and live music by Mr. Billy. When: Trains depart hourly between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Where: 506 West Michigan Street, Duluth Cost: $18 plus tax for ages 2 and up info: thomasandfriends.com/dowt or 218-722-1273
4 SAtUrdAy free 1st Saturdays at the Walker Art Center: Garden Quest Î For the summer season, the Walker’s monthly family day gets some fresh air and invigorating ideas. Enjoy outdoor adventures designed by practitioners, thinkers, and makers from a variety of disciplines. This August, live action roleplaying (LARP) transforms the Garden into a land of mythical heroes and foes. When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (family activities until 3:00) Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600
red house Barnfest Î See description, Parent Picks, page 26 When: 1:00 to 7:30 p.m.
thomas the tank engine Î See description, Friday, August 3 When: Trains depart hourly between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
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Out About Art Festival Triple Play ÎÎWith free Metro Transit rides to keep you moving between events, you will have your choice of the Uptown Art Fair at Hennepin/ Lake, Loring Park Art Festival at Oak Grove/Hennepin, and Powderhorn Art Fair at 35th and Chicago. When: Uptown: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Powderhorn and Loring Park: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Where: See above Cost: FREE Info: uptownartfair.com; loringparkartfestival.com; powderhornartfair.com
Saturday Live! Woodland Puppets ÎÎA variety show that plays host to a constantly changing line-up of acts. You never know who you’ll find on stage—and sometimes the MC’s not sure either! Enjoy a fabulous puppet show for all ages. When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/grade-school/visit/ saturday-live or 651-266-7034
Free Family Flicks: Coraline
7 Tuesday Family Fun Tuesdays: Postcards of South America: Nicolas Carter ÎÎDiscover the dramatic landscapes of South America, try out new dance steps, perform Carnival music with percussion instruments, and meet characters from these distant places. Puppets, live music and visual images will expand everyone’s understanding of the geography, culture and people of South America. When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Caponi Art Park sculpture garden, Eagan Cost: FREE; $4 per person suggested donation to support the park Info: caponiartpark.org or 651-454-9412
8 Wednesday Mr. Jim ÎÎAn hour of kid-focused, interactive fun and music at Woodbury Lakes. When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, outside Cost: FREE Info: woodburylakes.com or 651-251-9500
ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com
5 Sunday Art Festival Triple Play ÎÎSee description, Saturday, August 4 When: All fairs: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thomas the Tank Engine ÎÎSee description, Friday, August 3 When: Trains depart hourly between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
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Free Family Flicks: Coraline
Irish Ceili Dance ÎÎA ceili (pronounced KAY-lee) is a traditional Irish gathering of fun, fellowship and laughs. Music by Barra with dance caller Ann Wiberg. All are welcome! When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Where: Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine, St. Kate’s, St. Paul Cost: $5 child admission; $10 adults Info: stkate.edu/Chautauqua or 651-690-6666
9 Thursday Alison Scott & Kevin Bowe ÎÎBring the family and a blanket to lie on while you enjoy music and grilled fare from Lakes Tavern & Grill. When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center, outside Cost: FREE Info: woodburylakes.com or 651-251-9500
10 Friday The Wizard of Oz ÎÎFeaturing the music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score along with its beloved characters, the entire family will be captivated as they travel down the yellow
brick road for an unforgettable experience at the theater. When: 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Where: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, Burnsville Cost: $12 to $14 Info: burnsvillepac.com or 952-895-4685
11 Saturday Saturday Live! Dakota Wild Animals ÎÎMeet some reptiles and small mammals in this entertaining and educational program for all ages. When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/grade-school/visit/ saturday-live or 651-266-7034
Free Family Flicks: Home Alone 2 ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com
The Wizard of Oz ÎÎSee description, Friday, August 10 When: 7:00 p.m.
12 Sunday Family Day at the MIA: Peace Games: Inside/Out ÎÎExplore exteriors and interiors, and design something fabulous for your home. Be inspired by works created by local kids with artist Wing Young Huie. Then get outside and enjoy Peace Games. When: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
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Out About Cost: FREE Info: 612-870-3000 or artsmia.org
The Wizard of Oz ÎÎSee description, Friday, August 10 When: 1:00 p.m.
14 Tuesday Arty Pants ÎÎActivities for adults and youngsters ages three to five. Art projects, films, gallery activities, and story time. When: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE with gallery admission; Walker members and kids ages 12 and under are always free. Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600
Family Fun Tuesdays: Okee Dokee Brothers ÎÎPrepare for a hoe-down with witty lyrics, off-the-wall humor, strong musicianship, and a unique folk/ bluegrass style! When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Caponi Art Park sculpture garden, Eagan Cost: FREE; $4 per person suggested donation to support the park Info: caponiartpark.org or 651-454-9412
17 Friday Continental Divide Music & Film Festival ÎÎFriday events include a corn feed, a large scale street puppet pageant, and a festival of short films. Music performances, food booths, and artist displays during the day; Puppet pageant at 6:00 p.m.; Film festival after the puppet pageant. When: 4:00 to 10:30 p.m. Where: New York Mills Cost: FREE Info: kulcher.org or 218-385-3339
18 Saturday Saturday Live! Snapdragon Seeds ÎÎUpbeat, fun educational children’s music, with the idea that anyone can be creative. Come and join the fun. When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/grade-school/visit/ saturday-live or 651-266-7034
Kidical Mass: Mississippi River Ride ÎÎSee description, Parent Picks, page 26 When: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
15 Wednesday Ice Cream Social with Paul Imholte ÎÎMusical stringman Paul Imholte sings and plays nearly a dozen traditional instruments including the hammered dulcimer, fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, harmonica, jaw harp and spoons. When: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Where: Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine, St. Kate’s, St. Paul Cost: $5 child admission; $10 adults Info: stkate.edu/Chautauqua or 651-690-6666
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Free Family Flicks: McKenna Shoots for the Stars ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com
Continental Divide Music & Film Festival ÎÎSaturday concerts include Haley Bonar Band, the Pines, Erik Koskinen Band, and the Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, Tim Sparks, Larry Long, Cactus Blossoms, Curtis & Loretta. Concerts begin at 12:30 p.m. and continue to 10:00 p.m. When: 11:00 a.m. gates to 10:00 p.m. Where: New York Mills Cost: $20 adults; age 13 to 18, $10; 12 and under FREE. Purchase at brownpapertickets.com Info: kulcher.org or 218-385-3339
19 Sunday Free 3rd Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum ÎÎVisitors can roam the Museum free of charge every third Sunday of each month. When: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000
Monroe Crossing Bluegrass ÎÎAn electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. Their airtight harmonies, razor sharp arrangements, and on-stage rapport make them audience favorites. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Caponi Art Park Theater in the Woods, Eagan Cost: FREE; $5 per person suggested donation to support the park Info: caponiartpark.org or 651-454-9412
21 Tuesday Family Fun Tuesdays: Z Puppets Rosenschnoz ÎÎA hilarious take on the historical call and response hand-puppet tradition. When a baby goes missing Mr. Punch sets out to rescue him, unleashing mischief and mayhem all along the way.
When: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Where: Caponi Art Park sculpture garden, Eagan Cost: FREE; $4 per person suggested donation to support the park Info: caponiartpark.org or 651-454-9412
23 Thursday Berry Special Bedtime Stories: Alligator Baby ÎÎA fun, interactive story hour including reading, songs, and games. Each child will receive a complimentary gift bag filled with items that tie into the book’s theme. Plus, children wearing PJs will receive a kid-sized Berry Smoothie. Bring your favorite blanket! When: 7:00 p.m. Where: Dunn Bros. Coffee at Smith Douglas More house, Eden Prairie Cost: FREE Info: edenprairiewest.dunnbros.com or 952-934-1045
25 Saturday Saturday Live! Musician Ross Sutter ÎÎEnjoy children’s music from America and Northern Europe played on the guitar, accordion, dulcimer, and Irish drum. There’s a lot of audience participation-singing, dancing, and playing instruments. When: 11:15 a.m. to noon Where: St. Paul Public Library, Central Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/grade-school/visit/ saturday-live or 651-266-7034
Free Family Flicks: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ÎÎEnjoy a free movie at the Mall of America. First-come, first-served to theater capacity. When: 10:00 a.m. Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com
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Deputy Mike Dold outside of Oak View Middle School. Submitted image
Policing the middle Resource Officer Mike Dold bridges the gap between youth and law enforcement By Jennifer Rogers
36 August 2012
August 2012 37
Amidst the shuffling sneakers, multi-colored hair, and fervent chatter at Oak View Middle School stands a man dressed in full police uniform. He’s not there to intimidate. In fact, he prefers just the opposite. “The kids will come up to me and ask me about my Batman Belt,” says Oak View Middle School Resource Officer, Deputy Mike Dold. Deputy Dold began work as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Oak View in 2007. “This is the best job I’ve had in law enforcement out of my 12 years,” says Dold.
The SRO position is core to a strategic partnership between the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office; its function is to serve as a liaison between law enforcement and the school district’s students and families, as well as the community at large. The idea behind the position is that frequent interaction is the key to dispelling the anxiety a child might feel when seeing a uniformed officer.
A typical day for Deputy Dold Deputy Dold is present at Oak View almost every day that school is in session. He begins his day by planting himself in the main hallway as the students filter in. “It’s kind of a general information gathering every morning,” he says. By being present and simply observing, Dold is able to determine if something is amiss. He can tell if a student might have a bit more going on than just an off day, merely by the look on the child’s face, general posture, or even a disheveled appearance. Friday afternoons and Monday mornings are key days for him to be extra alert to student cues. When he does notice something wrong, he discreetly follows up with the student. Dold spends much of his day walking the building and checking the doorways, hallways, and parking lots. He notes that he has “learned how many paces it is from one door to the next” because he’s walked
38 August 2012
the halls often. Dold works with Oak View staff to identify safe areas in each classroom, and to update them on building security changes and training scenarios for potential incidents. The lunch hour is one of the deputy’s favorite times of day. The casual passerby would never guess by looking at his tall stature and slim frame, but he admits to being known for occasionally pushing himself to beat his own personal lunchtime eating record. “They think I’m man versus food around here,” he says. Dold’s primary goal is to maximize his availability to the students and staff. When he is not patrolling the school grounds, he likes to make impromptu classroom visits. According to seventh grade algebra teacher Sarah Valley, her students “get really excited to see him in my room…he has a really good relationship with the students.” At end-of-day dismissal, Dold can be found on the front sidewalk, where he says goodbye to the students while
gs 5 thiindn’t d you ow k n S RO s t abou
observing for unusual behavior or traffic issues. “Many parents are appreciative that we have him as present as we can out in the parking lot for mornings and afternoons,” says Oak View Principal, Gary Lundeen. Once students are safely on their way home, Dold checks in with at least one of his three assigned elementary schools each day, with the intent of visiting each at least twice per week.
His other SRO duties If the deputy has a twinkle in his eye, he’s likely speaking about his educational presentations. He incorporates numerous videos, photos, and fun, playful interaction as a means of positively engaging students. Dold also fields special requests for presentations, such as a day-long program to third graders on general safety issues. At the middle school level, Deputy Dold works closely with the health and physical education teachers on topics
1. Nearly 70% of all national public middle schools have at least one assigned SRO. 2. The SRO prototype was first introduced in Michigan during the mid-1950s. 3. Some Minnesota SROs can choose to wear civilian clothes while on school patrol. 4. The role of the SRO is often more preventive than reactive. 5. Approximately 95% of SROs nationwide carry a firearm.
such as alcohol, narcotics, and tobacco awareness and prevention. He prefers a practical approach to his presentations. With a narcotics presentation, for example, he gives students current information about the most common drugs in Anoka County. He shows corresponding photos of the drugs, how they are made, where they source from, and how to identify paraphernalia. Dold frequently updates his presentation to go with currently trending drugs, such as bath salts, synthetics, heroin, and prescription medications. He also discusses some of the more common reasons why people get involved with drugs and demonstrates relatable, scenario-based avoidance strategies, should students find themselves in a risky situation.
Keeping busy At the elementary school level, Dold works primarily with fifth graders at Andover, Rum River, and Crooked Lake Elementary schools. During his regular visits to these schools, he lays the groundwork for establishing a long-term relationship with the students. “They remember him from the elementary [level],” says Principal Lundeen. “In fact, a lot of the kids that stop [and] joke with him in the hallway are kids that remember him from doing presentations in the elementary school.”
school sAFety ResouRces FoR PARents Healthychildren.org Safety on the way to school tinyurl.com/6prjzke Kidpower.org Safety issues and prevention strategies on numerous topics tinyurl.com/6v8l4p2 National Crime Prevention Council School safety ncpc.org/topics/school-safety National School Safety and Security Services Parents and school safety schoolsecurity.org/faq/parents.html
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According to Dold, he encounters the most issues at the seventh grade level. Between sixth grade and seventh grade, “They go home for summer vacation, and they come back as seventh graders, and it’s like the cocoon just opened. And now they want to get into everything,” he says. Issues occur with both boys and girls, and each requires a different type of counseling due to the nature of how they deal with conflict. Dold says, “Girls hold a grudge; boys beat each other up and are friends the next day. They’re obviously at that age right now where not all decisions are the best decisions that they make. Seventh or eighth grade level, they want to get into that experimentation mode.” Deputy Dold believes the younger age groups talk with him more than highschool age students would. He understands the middle school kids are at an age where teaching proactive thinking skills and preventative education has a significant impact on their choices.
SRO significance One of the most rewarding parts of his job is the sincere appreciation he receives from students following a long presentation. “A few days later, I’ll get an envelope from one of the elementary [schools] just full of thank-you letters,” he says. By contrast, Dold notes one of the more frustrating aspects of his position is “dealing with difficult parents” who deny their child’s involvement in an incident. “I’ve had some to the point where I’ve called for backup cars and escorted them out of the building,” he says. At the end of the day, if relatively few criminal issues are present in Oak View middle school, why is this job so important? He feels his role is essential for the purposes of bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement, establishing safe relationships built on trust, and protecting students and staff from themselves and their environment. “It’s another route for the kids to go to. You can be a disciplinarian, you can be somebody that’s got a lot of advice, and you can be a friend at the same time,” he says. •
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l o o h sc l o o c is By Kathleen Stoehr
Raskullzy packs Head back to school with the coolest 3D toy-inspired backpack ever. Raskullz take the “boring” out of an everyday pack and put the animal in. We want all of them, they’re so ridiculously cute. This is the deal: when we can find a product kids need to have and see that it has been turned into something kids want to have — well, what’s better than that? Solid construction, too. Available at Target and raskullz.com; about $27
Keep it cool
Mini drive
PVC free, this cute soft insulated lunch bag incorporates Microban to provide antimicrobial protection and inhibit bacterial odors and stains. Plenty of colors and sizes available. Padded handle with attachable Swing Clip.
Can’t afford to get your 16-year-old a fancy sports car? Who are we kidding? But with these 8GB USB 2.0 flash drives shaped like an Aston Martin, Volkswagen Beetle, Mini Cooper, Lamborghini, and Porsche, all built with 8GB memory space, we can assuage the need for speed. The headlights even light up when plugged into the USB port.
Amazon.com or
Available at Staples stores and Staples.com; about $15
The new lunch box
californiainnovations.com; about $17
Locker luv
Dump paper lunch bags forever with functional and fun Dabbawalla lunch bags. One hundred percent biodegradable, yet sturdy enough to last from song circle to sixth grade, these cute lunch bags will insulate for hours and are free of toxins, are reusable, stain resistant, and are (yay!) machine washable. Multiple styles available for every personality.
Yes, decorating the locker is big business. This cute shag rug is inexpensive enough, however, that it won’t take a bite out of your back to school budget. Available in four bright colors, it’s designed to fit a standard locker size. Non-skid backing holds it in place. Available in one size (10.75” x 11.5”) in pink, blue, purple and black.
Dabbawallabags.com;
Staples.com; about $6
Available at Staples stores and
starting at $25
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ABC, 123 Some kids will miss the sun and fun of summer, but get them excited and ready for a new school year by reading these books! By Valerie Turgeon
hands off, harry By Rosemary Wells
dinosaur Starts School By Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illustrated by Debora Allwright Albert Whitman & Company, $6.99
— Dinosaur has some typical first day of school jitters. With the help of his good friend, Dinosaur finds that he didn’t need to be so afraid.
HarperCollins Children’s Books, $14.99
— Harry just can’t keep to himself, but one of the students comes up with an idea to help Harry learn how to respect others. Bright illustrations and textured alligator skin on the cover make it so kids can’t keep their hands off of this book!
Unlikely friendships By Jennifer S. Holland Workman Publishing Company, Inc., $7.95
— We like to think these books will help your child make his or her own unlikely friendships: No one would expect that two such disparate animals could ever get along. This book series highlights different real life animal friendships with stories of how they came to be so close, along with pictures that will make you say, “awwww.”
Zapato Power: freddie ramos Zooms to the rescue By Jacqueline Jules, Illustrated by Miguel Benitez Albert Whitman & Company, $4.99
— A purple squirrel, silver goggles, and a possible train wreck are all part of a typical school day for Freddie Ramos. This chapter book will inspire imagination and keep kids zooming through the pages of Freddie’s unusual adventures.
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Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus By Barbara Park, Illustrated by Denise Brunkus Random House Children’s Books
— It’s the 20th anniversary of Junie B. Jones and to celebrate, there is a new full-color edition with 14 pages of neverbefore-seen material. The most beloved kindergartener shares her tale of the first day of school, riding the bus, her best friends, and using crutches.
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44 August 2012
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“I want my songs to open up a child’s mind to wonder and encourage them to ask questions about the universe.”
educational music. In 2010 I started realizing there was lots of opportunity to perform in other parts of the city and I recognized that there is a need for music education in the community.
How do you keep the balance of work and family life?
I have a full-time job with keeping up Snapdragon Seeds, but it has part-time availability so I can still stay at home with my kids—my son, age two, and one-yearold daughter. Two days a week I have a babysitter so I can go to gigs, and work on running the business. I get the most of both worlds. I travel around Minnesota for gigs, but I don’t want to go coast to coast. Right now my family is my main focus. But, there’s still always music around the house. My wife plays classical piano and my son has a little guitar and likes to bang on the piano. photo by romy akerberg
real dad
Steven Sanders “Twinkle Twinkle Satellite, miles away and still in sight.” Wait—those aren’t the correct words to the popular children’s song! Indeed they aren’t. Steve Sanders, owner and lead songwriter for Snapdragon Seeds, changed the lyrics. Founded in 2011, Sanders’ business focuses on creating educational music for children. After leaving his real estate marketing job of 15 years, Sanders decided to make his passion for music into a full-time job. Steve has big goals for Snapdragon music, but he still knows what’s most important—family. While balancing a life of songwriting, traveling around the state for performances, and promoting his music, he still puts family first and is able to be a stay-at-home dad to his two children. — Valerie Turgeon
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Q&A What influenced you, or inspired you to start Snapdragon Seeds Music?
I’ve always been passionate about music, but I did choose to work in a business setting for most of my career and be a musician just part-time. In 2004 I started volunteering at the Children’s Museum with two programs: Draw in the Music and Music on the Move. That’s when I started getting seriously involved with kid’s
What are your songs about?
I want to stress the educational message of my music. There are bands who create music for kids that is fantastic and is very professional, and it helps kids expand their imagination, but it’s not as educational as it could be. My music doesn’t have a particular theme, but I want my songs to open up a child’s mind to wonder and encourage them to ask questions about the universe. For one song I took the traditional nursery rhyme Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and gave it new verses. I want kids to know that when you look up at the sky, there aren’t just stars there, but there are other things like moving satellites. It’s not just typical “Wheels on the Bus” kind of music.
What’s been the biggest reward?
At one show recently, at the end of the song, the kids finished the lyric. That shows that the kids aren’t only listening and having fun with the music, but they are remembering the ideas. That was one of the happiest moments of my music career. For more information, visit Snapdragonseedsmusic.com.