October/November 2018 issue of Live it! Magazine

Families home school for a variety of reasons Snacking is a great American pastime Flannel makes a fashion statement

October/November 2018 | FREE ISSUE

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Choices...

In my early days as a student, there were still a few country schools open, but they closed over the coming years. That meant, back in the day, pretty much everyone in your community, neighborhood and district went to the same school.

(I know I’m dating myself again!)

Unless there was a private/parochial school in your area, there was basically only one option – the public school system where you lived.

As times grew difficult for the more rural public schools, they looked to share programs and pair athletics with neighboring districts, and many soon consolidated. Times were changing.

It was no longer just the Raymond Hornets – my high school alma mater – but for my younger sister they were the CCR (Clara City/Raymond) Cavaliers for some combined sports. Our neighboring Clara City Blackhawks also shared with the Maynard Eagles to the west for other sports and were the Midwest Minnesota Rebels.

The three districts eventually became the MACCRAY Wolverines.

Things changed even more when open enrollment became an option in Minnesota some 30 years ago. Parents and students had options.

They could enroll to go to another public school in a nearby district.

Today there are several options parents may consider when enrolling children in school – the local public school, apply for open enrollment to another district, private school, charter school, online school, home school – are now all viable options.

In this issue Carolyn introduces us to two families who home school their children, for varying reasons, and the home school cooperative in which they participate, which adds another layer to the mix. The co-op provides opportunity for building social relationships and much more.

There are so many choices and decisions to be made as to what works best for the parent(s) and the student(s) and the family as a whole. What works best for one may not be the best for another. In some cases, students within a family even go to different schools.

It is definitely a world of choices!

In addition, our resident foodie shares snack options for school students or anyone who enjoys a snack to fend off the hungries, and Erica takes us into fall with the comfort of flannel.

If you have a topic you’d like to see in Live it!, send your story ideas to liveit@ wctrib.com. We love to hear from our readers. You can also “like” us on Facebook or send us a tweet @Liveitmag.

Life in west central Minnesota … it really is a beautiful thing …

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Watch for our next issue out Dec. 7, 2018.

May we publish your letter?

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Prayers to Marlys and the family.

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Boy that article is so true. … thanks for the article Jodi love you guys.

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Brouwer Berries, Raymond

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2208 W. Trott Ave., Willmar MN 56201 Volume 7, Issue 5

Copyright Š 2018 West Central Tribune Live it! magazine All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained.

Cover Story Children like hands-on learning

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October/November 2018, Volume 7, Issue 5

WHAT’S INSIDE

FEATURING 6

12

Families choose home school option

12 Cooperative helps grow relationships 16 Story sharing with songwriter in residence 17 Inexpensive ways to stay organized

DEPARTMENTS 3 READER’S MAILBAG

What we hear from our readers

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12 Q&A:

GRACE features a faith-based platform

14 STYLE IT!

Break out the flannel

15 MONEY MATTERS

Sharing your abundance

16 READ IT!

Fall spooktacular on tap

17 DIY

17

Mason jar organizers keep it together

18 SPIRITS

Home schooled in another sort of way

19 LIFE HAPPENS

A daughter’s prayers are answered

20 SNACK ON IT!

Feeding the hungries

22 WHAT’S HAPPENING? Mark your calendars

20

HOME schooling

Families enjoy benefits of flexibility (and so much more)

By Carolyn Lange clange@wctrib.com

Photography by Erica Dischino

edischino@wctrib.com

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Y

ellow buses that deliver students to According to the Minnesota Department classrooms in brick-and-mortar schools are of Education, there were 12,927 students the norm for most Minnesota children. home schooled in the 2016-17 school year.

But for some kids, going to school means doing That represents about 1.5 percent of the total science experiments at the kitchen table, reading kindergarten through 12th-grade students enrolled in public education in that year. history books in a comfy chair in the living room, Nationwide, there are an estimated 1.7 million mastering algebra by logging onto an online home schooled students, according to data curriculum program or learning about the life available from the U.S. Department of Education’s of bees by caring for hives in the backyard and National Center for Education Statistics. That’s harvesting honey in the fall. about 3 percent of the total of K-12 students.

“I like all of my school,” said 4½-year old Josiah Families make the decision Nelson, as he runs to a room to home school for a variety in is parents’ rural Pennock farm home and returns with I really like the schedule. of reasons. Concerns about a workbook that’s part of his … I get a lot of time school environment and having children learn from home school curriculum. to spend time with a religious-based curriculum “I like this, and this and family.

It’s just fun to get are a couple of the top this,” said the mile-a-minutetalker as he flipped from together and do school. reasons cited by families in the National Center for page to page to page in the -10-year-old Caleb Nelson Education Statistics survey. book.

His three older brothers FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE feel the same about learning Winton and Christi Johnson – who maintain at home. homes in Willmar and Princeton – decided to “I really like the schedule,” said 10-year-old home school their nine children because it allows Caleb Nelson, when asked what he likes about them the flexibility to have family time with being home schooled by his parents, Gina and Winton’s complicated work schedule.

Josh Nelson.

The family has ownership and operational “And I get a lot of time to spend time with responsibilities at the Culver’s restaurants in family. It’s just fun to get together and do school,” Willmar and Cambridge and the family splits Caleb said. their time living, working and learning in both The number of parents who home school their communities. children continues to grow in Minnesota.

Home schooling allows the children, ages 2-16,

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You can either read about bees in a book, or you can go out and you can care for them and you can feed them and you can treat them for mites and you can harvest the honey and see all those things. That’s the type of learning I love.

- Gina Nelson

to learn wherever they’re at, said Christi.

“One of the best parts for our family is with Winton’s schedule. He has always worked odd hours. It’s different every week and often evenings and weekends,” she said.

“So with home schooling, the kids are home when he’s home and we can just take the morning off and do fun things with dad. If he works in the evening, they can do their school work in the evening. It works well with our crazy schedule to have a very flexible home school.”

With a wall full of books and baskets of supplies and another wall featuring a bank of school lockers for each kid, most of the home school learning at the Johnsons takes place at their Willmar home.

Between the two houses, there are six computers for the kids to use with their faith-based curriculum. “Wherever we are they can hop on and go to school,” Christi said.

Like many home school families, the Johnsons don’t take a summer break from classes but keep up on studies yearround.

Because the restaurant business is slower in the winter, they can take family vacations in February without the kids missing important classes and losing academic ground.

The same is true for the Nelsons, who have a familyowned construction company and also buy and remodel houses as a side business flipping houses. Because their four boys study and learn year-round, it’s not a problem to vacation during the winter, when work is slow, said Gina.

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Along with a robust curriculum, the Nelson boys, ages

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4-12, also get a hands-on learning by working alongside their parents, learning the various skills needed to remodel a house.

“They have basic knowledge of how things work,” Gina said. “The kids have some really good life skills.”

The Nelson kids also raise pigs and chickens and used their own money to purchase bee hives, which provide lessons in the science of how bees reproduce and how the queen bee manages the hive.

“You can either read about bees in a book, or you can go out and you can care for them and you can feed them and you can treat them for mites and you can harvest the honey and see all those things,” said Gina.

“That’s the type of learning I love.”

With hopes of making a profit by selling the raw honey, the venture also provided a tough lesson about entrepreneurship.

During a rough winter, the bees died and the boys had to use money from honey sales to buy replacement bees, resulting in a financial net loss.

“That’s how they learn about business,” Gina said.

“Sometimes you make money. Sometimes you lose money. That’s such a hard lesson.”

The four oldest Johnson kids also work in the family business, going with Winton to his Culver’s stores to clean tables, work the counter and fill orders, providing another aspect of their education. Each child in the big family is also assigned daily chores, including doing laundry and caring for the yard.

Both families incorporate community service into

One of the best parts for our family is with Winton’s schedule. He has always worked odd hours. It’s different every week and often evenings and weekends. It works well with our crazy schedule to have a very flexible home school.

-Christi Johnson

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their home school experience. One day the Johnson’s whiteboard was filled with lists of people and numbers in a simple math problem to show how many cookies they needed to make, package and deliver as gifts.

The service is part of their Christ-centered life and home school curriculum, said Christi.

It’s one thing to be “book smart,” Gina said.

But graduating top of the class doesn’t mean much if you aren’t a “blessing to those around you,” she said, adding the home school schedule gives their family time to help others. “It’s good for your kids to see that you serve,” she said.

PACE OF LEARNING

The Johnsons and Nelsons say home schooling allows children to learn at their own pace.

Children who excel in a subject don’t have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up. Likewise, families can slow down if a child needs more time to grasp a topic.

“We have the freedom to wait until they get it,” Gina said.

“If some are struggling to understand, we can slow it down and allow them to go at their own pace. And if somebody is really excelling, we’re not holding them back either,” Christi said. “We have kids on both ends of the spectrum and home schooling works really great for everyone.”

Both families had children with dyslexia, but by taking time to respond to that disability, the kids are now reading and learning at grade level.

“We probably do as much as normal people do in

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CO-OP LEARNING

Availability of home school curriculum – both online and text books – has made it easier for families to home school.

But still there can be challenges.

“In the beginning, when I was just learning how to even be a mom and try to be a teacher, it did feel really overwhelming and I felt like I was never doing enough,” said Christi.

But managing two houses and teaching nine children has gotten easier as the kids have gotten older.

“I guess now that I have an almost 17-year-old, and I have a few extra years under my belt, I’ve realized that you don’t have to stress out so much about everything,” she said. “And they’re turning out awesome. I have teenagers who are like proof that it works because they’re smart and they’re kind and they’re hardworking.”

Home school kids also learn by helping younger siblings learn.

“If Winter has a question, she will ask Nathan before she asks me because she’s learned that he’s better at explaining and knows more of the answers,” Christi said.

“Or if Annabelle has questions, she can ask Jayden.

Basically the kids will ask anybody older than them if they’re handy,” she said. The peer learning allows her time to work with the littlest children.

Some families get their kids involved with public schools for programs such as music or sports.

The Nelson boys play sports with the New London-Spicer School District. “NLS has been very supportive as far as home schooling,” Gina said. “We’ve had nothing but positive

interactions with the school.”

Both families are also members of the Willmar-based GRACE home school cooperative that provides opportunities for kids to learn and play together, and for parents to support each other.

Parents volunteer to teach classes or conduct programs during the three-hour sessions that are held twice-a month at the Living Hope Church in Willmar. (See Q&A for more information on the GRACE Co-op).

“I’ve always belonged to a co-op and I would never want to home school without a co-op because I love co-op that much,” Christi said.

“They do many fun things and we have so many friends there, and it relieves a lot of the pressure for me as a mom to not have to teach every single thing always,” she said.

A co-op is a “happy medium” that offers “a little bit of that school experience and it provides extracurricular activities and field trips for the kids that we wouldn’t be able to do on our own, or at least maybe not as well on our own.”

Carolyn Lange is a features writer for Live it! Magazine, and a reporter with the West Central Tribune in Willmar.

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school, and I can do it in less than four hours. It doesn’t have to take me seven hours,” said Isaiah Nelson, 12. “We get done what we need to get done and then we go play outside.”

“It’s fun to be able to work around the schedule and be able to do things we probably wouldn’t be able to do if we were in school,” said Winter Johnson, 15. “We can go to the beach in the middle of the day or go bowling and do extra school work the next day.”

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Q A and

LEARNING GRACE Homeschool Co-op brings families together for time of learning and social interaction

By Carolyn Lange clange@wctrib.com

H

ome school families typically include parents with skills to guide their children through academically challenging curriculum and students who are motivated to learn and explore independently.

But it’s tough for home schooled kids to put on plays or have physical education classes at home. And sometimes it’s tough for parents to be responsible for multiple aspects of their child’s education.

That’s why many home schooled families join cooperatives, or less formal activity groups, that bring families together several times a month when students can participate in group classes taught by a parent, have PE, put on plays and just have fun.

One such organization is called GRACE Homeschool Co-op, based in Willmar. GRACE is an acronym for Growing Relationship And Cultivating Enrichment.

Members of the volunteer board of directors answered questions had about home school cooperatives.

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: What is a home school cooperative?

GRACE: Home school cooperatives are organizations made up of home schooling families who join together to provide academic and extracurricular opportunities for their children.

Many co-ops have a Christian faith-based platform that they base their operation and values on. However, there are also similar organizations that are secular in nature. These organizations provide academic-based classes/experiences, as well as physical education, music, art and drama, which are sometimes more of a challenge to provide in a home setting.

Co-ops differ from home school support groups in that they often require more of a commitment from parents and focus more on academic enrichment. Co-ops often include field trips and off-site activities to give families additional relational opportunities.

How does a typical home school co-op function and who makes it happen?

GRACE: In home school co-ops, parents are asked to volunteer in various capacities, including teaching classes if parents have experience or background in a particular area.

GRACE operates entirely on volunteerism, while there are other co-ops that hire teachers to teach some of their classes.

Co-ops have leadership teams or a board of directors that provide the structure and framework for the organization and are responsible for the “behindthe-scenes” planning and carrying out the year’s activities and meetings. Parents are the “hands-on” help on the co-op meeting days.

What are the benefits to home school families that belong to a co-op?

GRACE: The top three benefits of a home school cooperative are the relationships that are formed between parents and between kids from shared experiences and time spent together. Secondly, the tremendous support network and encouragement that is shared throughout the year with topics such as parenting, marriage, teaching styles and routines, curriculum and faith. Third, is the academic support that is shared, especially in areas where parents might feel less adequate.

What is the history of GRACE Co-op?

GRACE: GRACE is a Christian home school cooperative that grew out of a small, local cooperative that was started about 20 years ago. About 13 years ago there was a transition of leadership and GRACE re-started with about 12 families and 30 children ages 0-12.

Today, GRACE has about 75 families and 245 kids ages 0-18.

In the most recent years, the middle school and high school groups have grown to about 50 in each group and each of these groups of students are given the opportunity to choose from 12 different electives that are of interest to them.

Most GRACE families come from communities within a 30-mile radius of Willmar. GRACE meets twice a month from September to April, concluding with a large spring celebration program for friends and families to attend.

: What does a typical GRACE Co-op meeting look like for parents and students?

GRACE: Children are divided into age groups based on birth dates. We have two nursery-aged groups, two preschool classes, four classes of elementary-aged children, a tween group (10-12 years old) and a teen group (13-18).

The preschool children have a preschool-type experience with playtime, story/lesson time, art, music, PE. The elementary-age classes have four afternoon classes that include music, PE, guest/community speakers and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).

The two older groups of students choose electives like art, choral music, robotics, career investigation, personal finance, English/writing, Spanish, photography and many more.

The three-house co-op session, which is held twice a month during the school year, consists of four class periods in which student pass from one class to the next.

What do kids say about the co-op classes?

GRACE: Parents say their kids “love co-op” and have made most of their friends there.

“It gives them a chance to play large-group games like dodgeball, Nukem, kickball, etc., that is hard to offer at home,” said one parent. “While co-op is not our main source of schooling, it is a huge supplement and benefit to our home school.”

Another said their kids are “always so excited for GRACE days and the variety of topics to learn, field trips to participate in, friends to visit with and the anticipation of what is coming up at the next meeting.”

What is the future for home school co-ops?

GRACE: As more and more parents begin to understand what home schooling is and how it can work for their families, the need and desire for organizations such as home school co-ops will continue to grow as well.

There is a tremendous amount of flexibility and resources available for those families that choose home schooling, and co-ops serve as one of those valuable resources and support organizations.

To contact GRACE Homeschool Co-op email: obby@tds.net

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Style

Flannel for fall

Ways to wear flannel this season

By Erica Dischino

edischino@wctrib.com

F

lannel isn’t just for lumberjacks anymore. The fabric, which is made out of wool or cotton, is typically worn for warmth. After it made a come back in the ’90s, flannel now is not only practical, but fashionable. It’s perfect for the October/November weather for its versatility and you can wear it to your favorite fall activities. So, break out your flannels for this fall for a chic look that’s comfortable too!

WAYS TO WEAR FLANNEL OVER A GRAPHIC TEE Pair your favorite band T-shirt with a flannel for an edgier fall look. Layering is always a plus for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.

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TUCKED IN Who says a flannel has to be casual? Tuck in your top to a skirt for a more defined silhouette. Dress it up even more with a pair of tights and booties!

UNDER A VEST Add a vest over your flannel for extra warmth. It’s a perfect fall outfit that can work for both carving pumpkins and in the office. Add a watch and some dark wash jeans for more of a smart casual look.

AROUND YOUR WAIST Bring back the ’90s and unbutton your flannel and tie the sleeves around your waist.

WITH DISTRESSED JEANS Break out your favorite light wash jeans to wear with your flannel for a more relaxed look. You’ll be both comfy and cute!

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- Money Matters -

How to share financial ‘abundance’

T

Submitted By Jeanne Ashburn

hanksgiving is almost here. Ideally, this day should be about more than football and the imminent arrival of Black Friday mega-sales. After all, the spirit of the holiday invites us to be grateful for what we have and for the presence of our loved ones.

But it’s important to look beyond just one day in November if you want your family to take part in your “abundance.”

If you want to ensure your financial resources eventually are shared in the way you envision, you will need to follow a detailed action plan, including these steps: IDENTIFY YOUR ASSETS. If you haven’t done so already, it’s a good idea to take an inventory of all your financial assets – your retirement accounts (401(k) and IRA), other investments, life insurance, real estate, collectibles and other items.

Once you know exactly what you have, you can determine how you would like these assets distributed among your loved ones.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP. To ensure your assets go to the right people, you will need to create some legal documents, such as a will and a living trust.

The depth and complexity of these instruments will depend a great deal on your individual circumstances, but in any case, you certainly will need to consult with a legal professional because estate planning is not a “do-it-yourself” endeavor.

You may also need to work with a tax professional and your financial adviser, as taxes and investments are key components of the legacy you hope to leave.

PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE. If your own financial resources were to become endangered, you clearly would have less to share with your loved ones, and if your financial independence were jeopardized, the result might be even worse – your adult

children might be forced to use their own resources to help support you.

Consequently, you will need to protect yourself, and your financial assets, in several ways.

For one thing, you may want to work with your legal professional to create a power of attorney, which would enable someone – possibly a grown child – to make financial decisions for you, should you become incapacitated.

Also, you may want to guard yourself against the devastating costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. Medicare typically pays very little of these expenses, but a financial adviser may be able to suggest techniques or products that can help.

COMMUNICATE YOUR WISHES. Once you have all your plans in place, you’ll want to communicate them to your loved ones. By doing so, you’ll be sparing your loved ones from unpleasant surprises when it’s time to settle your estate.

And, second, by making your plans and wishes known to your family well in advance of when any action needs to be taken, you’ll prepare your loved ones for the roles you wish them to assume, such as taking on power of attorney, serving as executor of your estate, and so on.

And you’ll also want to make sure your family is acquainted with the legal, tax and financial professionals you’ve chosen to help you with your estate plans.

Thanksgiving comes just once a year. Taking the steps described here can help ensure your family will share in your financial abundance as you intended.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Jeanne Ashburn is a financial adviser with Edward Jones in Willmar.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estateplanning or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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Read Spooktacular

fall events for all

By Syrena Maranell

T

he fall season will be a busy one at the Willmar Public Library.

PUMPKIN DECORATING The library is hosting a pumpkin decorating contest in October.

Use your creativity to decorate a pumpkin as your favorite book or book character.

All ages are welcome to participate and prizes will be awarded in four categories: 12 and under, 13 -17, 18 and up, and team (any ages).

Drop off your pumpkin from Oct. 22-26. The public will vote for their favorites from Oct. 27 – 30, and winners will be announced on Oct. 31. Go to willmarpubliclibrary.org or stop at the library for complete rules and entry form.

IN COMMON WORKSHOP Share your stories through songwriting and poetry in these workshops led by Kashimana Ahua, the In Common Willmar composer and songwriter in residence. Introduction to songwriting using spoken word and rap will be Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No registration is necessary – invite your friends to attend. Ages 8 and up.

TEENS Teen Librarian Samantha Plessel, along with the Teen Advisory Board, has planned a spooky night of fun for teens. Prepare to be scared at the Teen Halloween Lock-In Spooktacular on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. The lock-in is for teens ages 13 and up, and a permission form must be signed before attending. Space is limited, so register early.

Activities will include a costume contest, scary film, Trivia murder party, horror VR games on the HTC Vive, Ghosts in the Graveyard; food, drinks, candy and scares will also be provided.

KIDS Children ages 6 and older are invited to come draw, paint and learn about art history. Creative Kids Art Club will help to promote creative thinking and creative expression. No registration is required and art supplies are provided for the projects. You may bring your own projects and art supplies to work on after completing the assigned artwork. Check willmarpubliclibrary.org/children.html for specific projects and dates. Come share art ideas and projects with other creative kid artists.

Syrena Maranell is the Adult Services Librarian at the Willmar Public Library. For more information on these audiobooks, swing by the Willmar Public Library. The librarians are there to help you find your new favorite author.

Kashimana Ahua

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ADULTS Have you ever wished that you could go back to the fun and simple days of preschool? Join us at Preschool for Adults upstairs at the library at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17. Preschool activities especially for adults will be featured such as scratch art, sensory play, games and snacks. Everything but nap time!

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Organize

Do- -yourself Mason jar organizers Ideal for craft and school supplies

By Carolyn Lange clange@wctrib.com

M

y good friend Lyn is an artist-at-heart who, along with her husband, Craig, have turned their gorgeous century-old barn near Buffalo Lake into an art studio. I was lucky enough to learn how to do glass mosaic from Lyn recently and marveled at her graceful ease with fostering a positive, creative and uncluttered art space.

One item especially caught my eye.

Always looking for inexpensive ways to organize the studio, they used left-over wood, Mason canning jars and metal clamps from the hardware store to create an attractive and useful way to store arts and craft supplies.

A Mason jar organizer is a perfect project for families. It takes minimal time and skills, and provides a great way to keep paint brushes, scissors and pencils in a central location.

Not a crafter or homeschooler?

These organizers could also find a home in the bathroom to store cotton balls and toothbrushes or in the kitchen to grow herbs or display fresh flowers.

Materials:

• Select a piece of wood that fits your space and style.

Weathered barnwood, old window frames with chipped paint or new lumber stained or painted are a few options.

• Pint jars or jelly jars • Picture hangers • 2-inch x ½-inch mending plates, found near hinges in hardware stores • 4-inch galvanized steel clamps for pint jars and 3-inch clamps for jelly jars. Clamps are typically found in the plumbing section • Screws • Drill and screwdriver

How to:

1) Cut wood the length to fit the space you have 2) Attach picture hangers on the back 3) Measure and mark equal distance to space placement of jars and attach mending plates at each spot. Secure the top hole of the mending plate with a screw, then slip the clamp underneath and insert a screw in the bottom hole of the plate.

4) Put clamp around jar and tighten.

Carolyn Lange is a features writer for Live it! Magazine, and a reporter with the West Central Tribune in Willmar.

Magazine

17

Spir s M

y emotions were all over the place.

They were steady, shaken and satisfying. It's like tasting a new beer – you're quite sure you know what to expect from the new tasting experience, then you taste the newbie and your beliefs are shaken. Yet, you find the newness satisfying.

Let me tell you about a recently deceased friend of mine whom I shall name Leok.

I attended his funeral and was overwhelmed with feelings – they were steady, shaken and satisfying. Leok was my father's brother's wife's brother and I have no idea what kind of familial name would be appropriate for this type of relationship but I know Leok home schooled me.

He lived directly across the road from us and he became the older brother I never had. He was about a dozen years older, but we never thought too much about that age difference. In many ways, he was my friend, mentor, partner, relative and equal.

Was he a saint? No. Too many times when a eulogy is given, the recently departed person sounds like a saint. Leok was a normal human being and, in my tiny world, he was a good man.

Because of our age difference, we never shared a beer or any alcoholic beverage together. But we did share a lot of coffee and Kool-Aid. During those years together, Grain Belt and Hamm's were the big brews and I expect he tasted them – once in awhile. At least, I can recall him referencing them during our times of working together.

He never took me aside to teach me reading, writing and arithmetic. Rather he worked beside me and taught me life skills, fortitude and the wonder of laughter. And, once in awhile when my father wasn't around, we cursed together.

We both loved to read. He had his Reader's Digest condensed version books and I had my western novels. We didn't discuss our readings but we both knew of that commonness and we embraced it. I liked his condensed version books – they were easy to read and short. I don't know if he enjoyed western stories but he smiled when I talked about them.

As we aged our paths diverged, but here's what he taught me.

He taught me about life – the good, the bad and the ugly of it – but always letting me know that life is good, work is hard and one's reward is in the fulfillment of a job well done.

He taught me the value of good hard labor. We used to bale hay together and during those thousand bale days, we did a lot of sweating. Hard labor was what it was – no use complaining about it so just get the job done as well as you can. Many times, my father and Leok enjoyed a cold Hamm's beer after a hard and

18

Magazine

Not your usual home schooling

By Ron Skjong

hot day of baling. I got to drink Kool-Aid. It was what it was.

He taught me to laugh. For example, when we were baling hay and if he had to go to the bathroom (we didn't call it that – just use your imagination), he had a way of grabbing his posterior that was humorously unmistakable in what he had to do and right now. Also, he milked cows and sometimes his cows would show up around our milk cows – meaning they got out of their pens and came across the road to visit us. We chased them all over the area and after finally getting them back into their pens, we would look at each other and … laugh.

He taught me to love the land. His respect for Mother Earth, for animals and for his fellow human beings flowed into me. Again, he wasn't a saint but he was so real.

He taught me to be there for each other. After a blizzard, our driveway and yard would be full of snow. At the time, we didn't own a tractor with a scoop or a snow blower but he did have an old Case tractor with a scoop on it. After opening his yard, he would open our driveway and yard. He just appeared – never expected anything in return. It was the right thing to do.

Well, as I previously mentioned, at his funeral, my emotions were all over the place as I sat in that pew and thought of Leok and what he meant to me in bygone days and what he means to me today.

Did we sit down in a room so he could teach me the ABC's? Of course not. He taught me about life and no matter what it throws at you, to stay true to yourself, to be steady, to work hard, to read and to laugh. And, he did all of this while at my side – never in front of me – always at my side.

It's my hope that whenever he enjoyed his last beer, it tasted as refreshing as it did after those long hard days of baling hay. Some things never change.

Leok was of German heritage and I like to think he inherited the best of that Teutonic group of people. From my perspective as a young boy working beside this vigorous young man, he was special but, again, not a saint and I liked him for that.

I can think of no more fitting tribute than this: I am going to buy some Grain Belt or Hamm's beer and raise a glass in salute to him. Until then, a glass of August Schell's Pilsner will do the trick.

Here's to you Leok. Thanks for the memories.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!

Ron Skjong writes primarily about the wonderful world of wine but likes to explore various spirits and beers, too. He is married and has four grown children. While stationed in Germany, he was introduced to German wines and from that introduction, a lifelong pursuit developed to find that perfect bottle of wine.

Life Happens A blessed child, indeed

By Claudette Larson, LICSW

companions along with a sweet Cocker Spaniel mix named Maggie who would sit under her wheelchair as she read the morning paper.

My mother recently marveled when she turned 80 stating that she never thought for a million years she’d live to see the day. Well she did.

What she didn’t know was that this little girl in that little Cape Cod on Long Island would go to bed each night and pray just the way she taught me. I would ask God to take care of my mother and please don’t take her away from us because she meant the world to me.

Mom was 82 years old when she passed last month. I would say my prayers were answered.

Ti amo Mamma.

Claudette Larson, LICSW, RPT, is owner of Willow Creek Counseling in New London and has enjoyed working with children, teens and adults for the past 16 years.

Where your best memories ever begin!

101 28th Ave. SE, Willmar 320-235-5267 • www.elmquistjewelers.com

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9:30-7:00, Fri. 9:30-5:30, Sat. 9:30-3:30

Magazine

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I

grew up off the Great South Bay on Long Island.

I can still remember my devout Italian-Catholic mother volunteering me to participate in a Girl Scout faith project through our parish church when I was about 8 years old.

Little did I know, I would be stuck sitting at the dining room table gluing pictures of Jesus and our Blessed Mother to scrapbook pages with titles like, “5 Ways I Can Show Love to The World.”

I was not happy, but my mother saved that scrapbook and many more similar treasures of my childhood.

It was the closest I ever came to be homeschooled. My brother and two sisters would have been a delight to teach at home but I’m pretty sure by the time my mother got to me, she would have been to confession on a weekly basis.

My mother was a stay-at-home mom. When we left for school, she was there. When we came home from school, she was there. But in between she went to Mass and volunteered and did all the work that running a house of six requires.

I didn’t know that I was a blessed child because I just expected it. Now I know that I was one lucky kid.

After school time was spent around the television with mom watching her favorite soap opera, “General Hospital” and homework time started when the opening music to the “Oprah Show” began.

Dinner was on the table at 6, and like many New York Italians, every Sunday was macaroni and meatballs. Our friends couldn’t wait to be invited for dinner.

Through the years we went off and followed our different paths, but our parents’ house was always “home.” We married, and grandchildren came.

Mom had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis many years ago when I was just a toddler, but it only hindered her when she became unable to drive and do so much of what she truly loved – taking care of her family and her home.

In her later years, her faith and my father were her constant

19

Snack on Reach for a snack to chase away hunger

By Anne Polta

apolta@wctrib.com

W

hen hunger calls and mealtime is still a long way off, reach for a snack to power you through

your day.

From the after-school pick-me-up to the traditional midnight snack, snacking is one of the great American pastimes.

By some estimates, nine out of 10 Americans snack at least once a day, a number that has been steadily rising in recent years.

Snacks were once defined as something eaten between meals. This distinction is becoming blurred as snacking increasingly takes the place of a sitdown meal, especially among younger eaters. Snack choices have exploded into a spectrum that encompasses packaged chips and cheese puffs on one end and fresh fruit on the other.

But whatever their snacking style, most people seek the same thing: something that’s portable, quick and satisfying.

This trio of recipes stars a range of craveable flavors – smooth/creamy, sweet, and salty/spicy. With minimal time and effort, they’re ready to come to your rescue to tame the hungries.

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Magazine

Snack inspiration

Fresh apple or pear slices and almond butter Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey Dried fruit with pistachios and squares of dark chocolate Aged cheddar cheese with toasted walnuts Crackers topped with cheese and a spoonful of pepper jelly Whole wheat avocado toast

White Bean Hummus

This twist on traditional hummus made with chickpeas can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The taste can be adjusted to your liking with the addition of more garlic or lemon or changing the proportion of tahini and olive oil. You may need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to thin the texture to the right consistency.

For extra flavor, pour a swirl of olive oil over the top before serving, or sprinkle with za’atar. Serve with raw crisp vegetables and/or pita chips.

1 15-ounce can white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon 1 clove garlic, minced Coarse salt, to taste Combine ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth. Makes 1 ½ cups.

Peanut Butter Power Balls

Kids will enjoy helping make these – and eating them afterward. You can use either quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for an hour or two until it becomes firmer.

Store these in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer.

3/4 cup natural peanut butter, at room temperature 1¾ cup oats 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips Mix ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, form dough into 24 bite-sized balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Spiced Nuts

Touted for their health benefits, nuts have risen to new heights of snack popularity. Although they need few additions to be tasty, introducing some zest can make for an unexpected change of pace.

2 tablespoons butter 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Dash of hot pepper sauce 1 pound mixed nuts (3 to 4 cups) 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Preheat oven to 33 degrees F. In a small skillet, melt butter. Add salt, garlic powder and pepper sauce and stir to blend.

Place mixed nuts in a medium-sized bowl, pour over the butter mixture and stir well to coat. Spread nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce and bake another 15 minutes or so, continuing to stir occasionally. Watch closely to make sure they don’t burn.

Store in an airtight container.

Makes 12-16 servings.

Anne Polta may be reached at apolta@wctrib.com or follow her on Twitter @AnnePolta

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21

Check

Out

W hat’s happenin’?

October-November 2018

MUSIC CONCERTS AND MORE MEANDER

Oct. 5-7 Minnesota River Valley, five-county Upper Minnesota River art crawl, self-guided tour of 37 individual artists and 33 studios in and near the western Minnesota communities of Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, Dawson, Montevideo and Granite Falls.

BROTHERS2

Oct. 5 Watson, 7 p.m., Watson Town Hall; Midwest Hall of Famers Don and Lee Kanten present a fun night of music

LAUREN K CARLSON

Oct. 6 Dawson, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium; the Dawson-Boyd Arts Association presents Lauren K Carlson in the premiere of her new work “A Life on the Prairie: Poem, Story and Song from Lac qui Parle.”

KAI ROBERT JOHANSEN

Oct. 11 Dawson, 7 p.m., Memorial Auditorium; the Dawson-Boyd Arts Association concert by Kai Robert Johansen.

MID-MINNESOTA BAND

Oct. 14 Litchfield, 2 p.m., Litchfield Opera House; the Mid-Minnesota Band playing show tunes, polka, Beatles tribute, waltzes, singa long and more.

‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’

Oct. 21 Dawson, 3 p.m., Memorial Auditorium; the Dawson-Boyd Arts Association the ballet “Sleeping Beauty”; adults $15, students $5; call 320-3122311 or at the door.

WILLMAR AREA SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA

Nov. 3 Willmar, 7 p.m., WEAC; fall concert commemorating the events of 1914-1918 with two works created during and in memory of World War I.

WEST CENTRAL CONCERT SERIES

Nov. 9 Willmar, 7:30 p.m., WEAC; the West Central Concert series presents “Life in Motion” by the Cashmore Marionettes.

PRAIRIE WINDS CONCERT BAND

Nov. 18 Willmar, 2 p.m., WEAC; Prairie Winds Concert Band presents a fall concert.

ARTS/DRAMA LITTLE THEATRE

Oct. 11-13, 18-21 New London, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 11-13, 18-20; 2 p.m.

Oct. 21; The Little Theatre presents “Never Too Late.”

CHILDREN’S THEATER

DANCES JULIE LEE

Oct. 21 Glenwood, 4 to 8 p.m., Lakeside Ballroom; the Lakeside Dance Club presents Julie Lee’s White Rose Band; dance open to all.

O’HAGAN COMBO

Nov. 18 Glenwood, 3 to 7 p.m., Lakeside Ballroom; the Lakeside Dance Club presents the O’Hagan Combo; open to all.

MISCELLANEOUS WILLMAR FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday through Oct. 13 Willmar, 6:30 a.m. to noon, YMCA parking lot,

SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday through Oct. 27 Willmar, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kandi Mall east side parking lot.

MIDWEEK FARMERS MARKET

Every Wednesday through Oct. 31 Willmar, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Kandi Mall east side parking lot in Willmar.

Marketplace

Oct. 26-27 Willmar, 7:30 p.m., The Barn Theatre; the Hayloft Players presents “The Enchanted Bookshop.”

THE BARN THEATRE

Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Dec. 6-9 Willmar, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8; 2 p.m., Dec. 2 and 9, The Barn Theatre; “Charlie Brown Christmas”; 320-235-9500 or thebarntheatre.com.

To list your event, email liveit@wctrib.com

If you are not interested in working that’s your business.

However, if you are interested in working that’s our business!

APPLY ONLINE: www.rtamn.com

320-382-4010