PT&T June & July

parenting

From Homeroomto HomepageTracking Cyberbullying in the Tri-States

The Holistic Approach of Unified Therapy Services

PROPS TO POPS

MEDIA MOMENT

Family Snapshot

DAYTRIPPING!

Wholesome Living

June/July 2011 Free! Volume 1—Issue 1

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One way give every child in Dubuquea chance at life is to make an investment in theirchildhood...it matters...And it’s as simple asmaking a contribution toThe Children’s Trust.

you can help

A giving circle of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Invest in their future.

700 Locust Street, Suite 195 Dubuque, IA 563-588-2700 www.dbqfoundation.org

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parenting: TODAY & TOMORROW 1

Welcome to the premier issue of parenting: TODAY & TOMORROW. We are excited and enthused to be part of the area communities, and look forward to playing our part as contributors to those area places we call “home.” As we say in our mission statement parenting: TODAY & TOMORROW is here to help you “navigate the rough and calm seas of parenthood.” Our first issue does just that with a wide range of articles on fatherhood, infant swimming lessons, latchkey situations, and the effects of cyberbullying. You also are introduced to our standing columns: Wholesome Living, nutrition and healthful living facts and tips; Media Moment, entertainment reviews; Daytripping, cost-effective trips for the entire family; Family Functions, events calendar; and Family Snapshot, a look at families like you. So sit back, relax and enjoy.

Andrea BednarAmanda Kloser Natalie DeutmeyerSandy Hancock Kelly Burtis

TODAY TO ORROWparentingAndrea

Publisherparenting: TODAY & TOMORROW

Managing EditorAndrea Bednar

Associate EditorAmanda Kloser

Creative DirectorNatalie Deutmeyer

Layout/DesignNatalie Deutmeyer and Sandy Hancock

Web MasterJohn Kinsella

4135 Pennsylvania AvenuePO Box 714Dubuque, IA 52004-0714tel 563.584.0500fax 563.584.0633www.shepherd-inc.com

Claims and contents of advertising and editorial are not necessarily those of par-enting: TODAY & TOMORROW.

Copyright (©) 2011 by parenting: TODAY & TOMORROW. All rights reserved. Any or all material may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Send your questions, ideas, or comments to: [email protected],

Please support our advertisers.

Thank you to our cover models Stella and Maura Lawler.

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CONTENTS

Family Snapshot 4

Props to Pops 5

Splash into Safety 7

Passing the Key 9

Opening the Door

to Responsibility

The Holistic Approach 13

of Unifi ed Therapy Services

From Homeroom

to Homepage 16

Tracking Cyberbullying

in the Tri-States

2 June/July 2011


JUNE/JULY 2011

Media Moment 20

Wholesome Living 22

Daytripping 24

Family Function

Calendar 25



A ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, once the country’s population

reaches the 300-million milestone some-time in October, the average family size in the United States will reach an all-new low of 2.6 inhabitants.

Shattering that average is the seven-mem-ber Lessears family. Meet Andre and Ericka Lessears, and their five children: Andre Jr., 10, Mackenzie, 6, Erick, 5, Zoe, 4 and Alyssa, 2.

Both natives of Ohio, Andre who has a BA in history from Walsh University, is the training and workforce development coor-dinator for the city of Dubuque. Erika has a BA in communications from Walsh Univer-sity and is a Section 8 inspection secretary for the city.

This isn’t the first time the family has called Dubuque “home.” Andre previously held the position of multicultural affairs director at the University of Dubuque from 2006–2007. Another job opportunity took the fam-ily to Texas until 2009 when, at the urging of friends, Andre applied for a city post and was hired.

So how do two working parents and five energetic kids strike the balance chord? “It’s a miracle some-times,” joked Andre.

Both Andre and Erika agree that being family cen-tered, having a kid-friendly environment and a close group of friends help to keep things on an even keel. “We’re all similar in age and educational back-ground. Most of us have kids or are about to, and we’re all transplants. We all celebrate Thanksgiving together,” Andre said.

Each parent spends special time with the children. Andre “riles” up the boys with wrestling lessons and takes the girls to get their nails done once a month. Erika likes to take the children to the bookstore. They read to the children at night and make time for one-on-one conversations. But it’s not all fun. Each child has jobs to do around the house. Television is allowed only on weekends and there is limited com-puter use, and an 8 p.m. bedtime is nonnegotiable.

Andre Jr. is a math whiz who enjoys art, cooking and football. Mackenzie is in the talented and gifted pro-gram and is involved in Girl Scouts. She also sings and is a budding songwriter whose favorite genre is “girlie pop songs.” Both children are readers and keep journals. Erik is a charming chap who enjoys art, and Zoe and Alyssa are into Dora the Explorer.

Erika and Andre’s expectations are high when it comes to scholastics, and they stay involved. “We expect them to do well. We don’t want to be sur-prised by anything at school. We want to be part-ners with school,” Andre said. In addition to staying in touch with teachers, Andre coaches football and serves on the school’s site committee.

Along with home life and all that it entails, Andre is a member of the Masonic Lodge, volunteers at the Multicultural Center mentoring middle school boys in resume writing and career readiness classes, is involved with the Washington Neighborhood Devel-opment Corporation, and both Erika and Andre are involved in Distinctively Dubuque, a newcomers group through Greater Dubuque Development Cor-poration that is facilitated by NICC.

In spite of, or because of it all, Erika and Andre make time for each other, too. They meet daily for lunch and make sure they schedule a monthly date night. “We balance each other,” Erika said. “It’s a really good balance. We have a sense of each oth-er’s needs . . . and I’m constantly flirting with her. You have to keep it fresh,” Andre said.

Meet Erika and Andre Lessears who have found bal-ance. By giving to their children, their community and each other, their presence adds strength to the fabric and texture of the city they call “home.”

by Andrea Bednar

The LessearsTop row left to right: Zoe, Andre, Erick, Ericka, and AlyssaBottom row: Andre Jr. and Mackenzie

4 June/July 2011


PopsPopstoProps

by Amanda Kloser


WITH THE WARMER WEATHER AND PROMISING SUMMER CONDI-

TIONS born from earlier spring months comes the one day a year when Ameri-can families sit down and appreciate key members of their family structure. For some, we simply call him “Dad,” “Papa,” “Pop,” or, perhaps rather unflatter-ingly (but always affectionately), “the old man.” Others may refer to him as “Granddad,” “Uncle” or, in some cases, “Mom.” Father’s Day celebrations often inspire barbecues, picnics and perhaps some copious monitoring of sporting events, but the most critical element of this day is the time we take to celebrate “Dad,” whomever that means for us.

Nick Kamp with son Joe.


6 June/July 2011

There is little doubt that the face of “Dad” has changed over the past few decades, both metaphorically and literally. With social evolution comes a redefinition of the roles we all play in our family struc-ture as we expand our understanding of family, family life and who participates in these groups.

And our family structure certainly has changed. The 2010 United States census reveals that roughly three million chil-dren are living with individuals other than their biological parents; of these children, nine hundred thousand are living with a set of grandparents, seven hundred thou-sand are living with one grandparent, and a little over two million are living with other relatives. With nearly five percent of our nation’s children living with rela-tives other than their biological parents, it is safe to say that our understanding of “family,” and what it means to effectively parent, is shifting. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, single mothers, foster and adoptive parents and even older siblings are now being recognized as fathers as family dynamics shift with divorce rates, parental absence, the suffering economy, unexpected pregnancy and a multitude of other social factors.

In this multifaceted understanding of who fathers are, however, it seems that the importance of a parental role model has not changed. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children without a fatherly role model are more likely to experience poverty, neglect, abuse and emotional struggle as compared to children raised with a paternal figure throughout the duration of their child-hoods. This presence becomes more and more important as rates of childhood and teenaged drug use, crime, and pregnancy become increasingly prevalent in our national profile. Having a paternal figure in a child’s life serves not only as another adult a child can approach with cares and concerns, but communicates to the child that there exists yet another person inti-mately invested in their lives.

It appears, however, that children aren’t the only beneficiaries in a paternal

relationship. Sociologists David Egg-ebeen and Chris Knoester contend in the May 2001 edition of the Journal of Mar-riage and Family that men who identify themselves as fathers are more likely to feel healthier and more successful in life as compared to men who do not. These sociologists postulate that inherent feel-ings of responsibility for someone other than themselves promote prudent deci-sion making and lifestyle choices, thus improving the quality of life for everyone involved in the relationship. While this may have many area dads muttering to themselves, “Well, duh,” the results of this research add volumes to the precious little that is recognized about social pat-terns and paternal relationships.

To say that parenting is a stressful—and often thankless—job is a gross understate-ment. Our children depend on us to guide them today to a more promising future tomorrow, just as we depended—and sometimes still depend—on our parents. The elements of this relationship that don’t change, however, are the critical importance of establishing and maintain-ing these links with our children as our world becomes an increasingly compli-cated place. So, this Father’s Day, take an extra minute to appreciate the children who might call you “Father” and to tell Dad “Thank You,” whomever that might be for you.

Nick Kamp reads with his son Hunter.



Children laughing and splashing in neighborhood pools is a sure sign summer has finally arrived. For parents there can be a little anxiety about their child’s safety in the pool.

Thankfully Dubuque has several resources available to help the youngest children begin to learn about water safety and help parents understand the steps they can take to keep their child safe. No matter how strong of a swimmer a child is, there is no such thing as a “drown-proof” child, so it takes parents and the community working together to make a fun outing to the pool or river a safe experience.

The Dubuque Community Y offers swim-ming courses for children starting at 6 months of age. Of course a 6 month

old is not going to be swimming laps, but the infant can become comfortable in the water. Crista Koch, Y aquatics director, said a lot of the class is for the parents’ comfort level. Seeing a child put her head under water and come up crying or coughing can be a frightening experience for all involved. Dubuque Leisure Ser-vices also offers classes for toddlers and their parents.

The Y’s Parent Tot class is aimed at children ages 6–24 months. Mom, dad, grandma or grandpa have to get in the water with the infant, and the group works on teaching water skills to the infants in fun ways. Koch said the instructors use familiar nursery rhymes and songs with a little modification to make dunking a

baby’s head fun instead of scary. While the time in the pool looks like it is all fun and games as children use their “ice cream scoops” and “airplane arms,” the tots are actually learning some basic skills needed to learn how to swim, such as floating, kicking and dunking their heads.

An informal survey of parents with chil-dren taking classes at the Y revealed three main reasons for starting their child swimming at such a young age. The num-ber one answer for most of the parents is safety. The program stresses safety and teaches children to respect the water.

With the Mississippi River in our back-yard, many families spend time on the water during the summer so it is important

splash intosplash into

SAFE T YSAFE T Yby Kelly Burtis

Maria Fry splashes around in the pool with sons 3-year-old William and 13-month-old Jonah


for even the youngest family member to be safe. A big part of swimming lessons is safety. Children are taught why they should never swim a lone and why they need to wear a flotation device. Koch pointed out that even lifeguards don’t swim alone, so no one else should either. With children who are a little older, Koch said they talk about what items float that the child could throw to someone who is in trouble, but stress that they need to get help and not go in the water themselves.

If you have a child who is not afraid of the water and wants to jump in imme-diately, the safety talk needs to start at home says Janna Beau, Dubuque Leisure Services aquatic director. Your child is

less likely to be listening once they are standing

next to the water, so parents need to set

the rules before t h e y l e a v e home. Parents should cover the basics: no

running, staying close to a parent

and wearing a flo-tation device. Koch

suggests a flotation device the child cannot remove by themselves.

To emphasize safety, the Y also uses a book titled “Josh the Baby Otter,” which was written by a family whose son drowned. The book stresses why a baby otter can’t go in the water alone and why he needs “floating” lessons.

In the end it is the parents’ responsibil-ity to keep their children safe, so keep your eyes on them at all times. A small

For information regarding

swimming lessons contact:

City of Dubuque Leisure Services: Visit www.cityofdubuque.org or call 563-589-3371.

Dubuque Community Y: Visit www.dubuquey.org or call 563-556-3371. You do not need to be a member to take swimming lessons.

8 June/July 2011

Chris Fry and 13- month-old Rowna.

backyard pool poses dangers just like a large pool, so don’t leave the chil-dren alone. A child can drown in a small amount of water in a very short time. Koch added that parents should drain a backyard pool when not in use because no one wants to be responsible for a neighbor kid who finds that water tempting when no adults are around.

The second reason parents want their children in lessons at such young ages pairs well with the first. Many parents say they want their children to enjoy the water rather than be afraid of it. Par-ents cite the smaller heated pool and small class sizes in helping their children become comfortable in the water. Koch said tears are common on the first day of class, but before long the children can’t wait to get in the water and demonstrate their new skills.

Finally parents list quality family time, some one-on-one parent/child time and exercise as the third reason for swimming lessons. In addition the parents feel more comfortable taking their children to the pool after they have had formal swim-ming and safety instruction.

Many parents also feel their children learn faster at younger ages and have fewer fears to overcome. “If you start them young they will thrive,” said Koch. Adding that by the time a child is five years old, he can swim on his own.

Children are never too young to start seeing water safety in action whether in a public or backyard pool, or even the bathtub. The bottom line is not to fear the water, but give it the respect it deserves.

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563-583-2789

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Protecting what’s important to you, your family, and your business!

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880 Locust Street

Dubuque, IA 52001 (877)580-7066


Deciding when your child is ready to be left at home alone is a difficult

task and can be frightening for children and parents alike. What is the right age? Well, it depends.

The unspoken standard seems to be about 11 or 12 years old. In Dubuque County 73 percent of 6th graders who partici-pated in the Iowa Youth Survey in 2008 said they spend at least an hour or two each week on their own. In the state of Iowa 65 percent of 6th graders said they are unsupervised for at least an hour each week.

Some states have laws stating how old a child must be before being left home alone. In Illinois the child must be 14. Wisconsin doesn’t have a law, but the state does offer parents a guideline of 12 years old. Iowa has no law or guideline. Many experts agree that you cannot make

a decision of this importance based on a calendar date.

The first consideration for parents should be maturity. Not all 5th graders are the same, said Mike Cosgrove, Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School guidance counselor. Some 11 or 12 year olds can handle the respon-sibility with no issues, but others simply are not ready to be left on their own.

Dan Lane, youth program specialist with Dubuque County ISU Extension agrees. “I personally feel that it is small experi-ences that build to that point” of being left alone, said Lane. He added that the strong Midwest values the area is known for are taught at a young age, so that helps.

“I think you need to give them oppor-tunities to show responsibility,” said Cosgrove. Starting children with small chores when they are young is a good way

to begin. It can be as simple as making the bed, but it lets children know that they are part of the family team that makes the house function, and others are relying on them to do their part. As the child ages the child can be given more chores as an opportunity to show that he/she can meet family expectations.

Another consideration is whether the child is going to be asked to care for younger siblings. This is considerably more responsibility, and could lead to some sib-ling disputes over who is in charge and how much power the oldest really has. At the same time the children might feel safer having someone else with them.

It may help to have the preteen or teen take a babysitting or safety class in prepa-ration of handling an emergency. ISU Extension in cooperation with the city of


“Home Alone” can conjure up many funny thoughts of a memorable movie, but in reality it is a topic that needs to be handled with forethought to prevent the worst-case scenarios that could be a parent’s nightmare.

Passing the Key:Opening the Door to Responsibility by Kelly Burtis


10 June/July 2011

Dubuque offers such classes throughout the year. The Red Cross and The Finley Hospital also offer similar classes.

Parents should talk to their children about being left alone. Cosgrove and Lane agree, if the child is fearful it isn’t the right time. Cosgrove said a babysit-ting class may help a child who is fearful even if she/he isn’t going to be watch-ing younger children, because the classes teach how to handle an emergency and can empower a hesitant child.

Be sure to establish the house rules. What can or can’t the tween do when parents are away? (See Home Alone Checklist.) Parents should discuss these items over

time because a child will likely forget if all information is given at once.

Help make staying home alone a gradual transition. The first few times only leave the child for short periods while running a quick errand. Be sure your child has a phone number in order to reach you even if you will be gone only a few minutes. “We have the ability to have instant con-tact,” said Lane. The use of cell phones “establishes a level of confidence for par-ents and the child.”

Cosgrove also suggests these first short trips be taken during the day because it may be more frightening for a child to be left home alone the first time at night. As

parents and children become more com-fortable with the arrangement, extend the amount of time. If you are going to be away for some time, call home peri-odically and let the child know you are thinking of him/her, but be cautious not to do too much of this because it could raise the child’s fear level.

Remember that it takes a village to raise a child, and this would be a good time to ask the village for a little assistance. Lane suggests setting the tween up with a “community buddy.” Let a trusted neigh-bor know that you are going to be leav-ing your child alone and ask the neighbor to keep an eye out for anything unusual happening at your home. Give your child the buddy’s phone number and let him/her know it is okay to call when he/she simply feels anxious or has a problem.

Lane said having a support system in place is very important. On the Internet you can find companies, that for a fee, offer automated services to call your home and make sure your child made it home safe. Cosgrove and Lane said this service is better than nothing but they think most

Computer Use When You’re Away

When talking to your child about being home alone, one item of contention may be computer use.

Parents could simply say no computer while they are away. However, there are games that the tween can play to pass time while parents are away. Dan Lane, Dubuque County ISU Extension youth specialist, suggested one possible approach is to remove the Internet cord, giving kids access to the games on the hard drive, but not risking access to the Internet. For wireless connections par-ents can set up a password that only they have to dissuade Internet use.

While we stress Internet safety for chil-dren, parents need to take some respon-sibility too, said Lane. Think about what you are posting on social networking sites. Your child being home alone is not something to advertise because many times you don’t really know who your “friends” online are.

Stress this safety precaution to your tween as well. A tweet saying you are home alone or walking to the store alone is not a good idea.

0 20 40

Percentage

Percentage

60

Total 1,141 surveyed

566 surveyed

565 surveyedFemale

Male

28%29%26%

42%39%44%

19%19%19%

8%7%8%

34%32%36%

38%37%40%

17%19%16%

6%7%5%

4%5%3%

4%5%3%

0 Hours

1–2 Hours

3–5 Hours

6–10 Hours

11+ Hours

0 Hours

1–2 Hours

3–5 Hours

6–10 Hours

11+ Hours

0 20 40 60

Sixth Graders—Dubuque County Results

Sixth Graders—State of Iowa Results

Total 32,264 surveyed

16,289 surveyed

15,595 surveyedFemale

Male

On the average during the school year, how many hours per week do you spend outside of school with no adult supervision?



Before leaving a child home alone some items to discuss might be:

• Phone use• Who can they call• When is it appropriate to call mom or dad at work• How to handle calls for parents while they are away

• Answering the door• When to call 9-1-1

• What to do if there is a fire• Review basic information the child would be asked

• How to use the first aid kit• Severe weather• Power outages• Computer use• Kitchen use

• Stove• Knives• Microwave• Snacks—what can they or can’t they eat

• Alcohol that might be in the home• Firearms that might be in the home• Having friends over• Playing outside• Expectations of chores or homework being finished

Home Alone Checklist• Watching television• Playing video games• A schedule

• What time should the child be home?• When will an adult be home?• Be sure to alert the child if there is a change in that

scheduleThis list is not meant to be all-inclusive because there may be other issues specific to your home that warrant discussion. The Iowa State University Extension has many brochures available on its web site at www.extension.iastate.edu that include more details and suggestions.For more information on area babysitting classes contact:

The American Red Cross of the Tri-States: 563-583-6451 ext. 303 or visit its website www.arcdbq.org

The City of Dubuque Leisure Services: http://activenet.active.com/dbqparkrec, or visit offices at 2200 Bunker Hill Road, Dubuque.

The Finley Hospital: www.finleyhospital.org or call 563-589-4899.

families could devise a plan that is more personal, even if it is a phone call from grandma in Florida each day.

In addition to the help from “the village,” it is important to keep unsupervised chil-dren busy. Cosgrove said statistics show that unsupervised children are more likely to get into trouble. He and Lane suggest getting tweens involved in after school and summer activities where there will be an adult around, so while they are on their own, there is some supervision. The Dubuque area offers a plethora of activi-ties through the ISU Extension office, City of Dubuque Leisure Services, Boys’ and Girls’ Club, scouts, multicultural center, church groups and the library, to name a few.

Despite being a serious topic and need-ing to address the possible dangers, Cos-grove said it is important to make the experience a privilege or reward. Be sure to express your gratitude to the child for living up to your expectations while you were away.

At the same time, it also is important to have some consequences if established rules are broken while parents are away. “When they are held accountable they will be better kids,” said Cosgrove.

“Stay away from the lecturing,” said Cos-grove. Keeping the discussion simple is best. The child knows a mistake was made, and most likely will turn a deaf ear to a lecture. He adds that for preteens and young teens the most effective con-sequence is grounding or loss of phone and computer privileges because at this age they are very focused on their social lives. Everyone makes mistakes, so once the punishment is served it is impor-tant to give the tween a chance to earn back privileges. What seems like a seri-ous offense today will likely be something that everyone will look back on and laugh at tomorrow.

One teen shared her most memorable experience of being left in charge of her younger siblings. Her sister wanted to make a banana boat “Girl Scout” style.

Lacking a campfire, she wrapped the banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips in aluminum foil, and placed it in the microwave to toast. By the time the teen realized what had happened, the banana stem was on fire, but the banana was the only casualty.

Another tween left in charge of younger siblings shared a mishap with some scis-sors in the hands of a younger brother who wanted a haircut. Not wanting mom to see what he had done, the tween used her own babysitting money and walked him down the street for a proper haircut. All the mom could do was laugh when she found out what happened.

More than likely there will be ups and downs as a tween navigates the path to independence and responsibility, but with open communication, trust can be built. Then it may be time for parents to trust they have done their part in raising a responsible individual and remember to find humor in the mishaps along the way.


12 June/July 2011

of Unified Therapy Services

12 JJuunene/J/Julullulyy y 20202 11

A WISE HIGH SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY COACH ONCE SAID, “If we were all cut from the same cookie cutter, this world would be a very boring place.” While this coach in par-ticular was often offering advice and adages to her adolescent athletes—some that fell on deaf ears and others that rang a bit more true—this statement has undoubtedly often served her former athletes well in interacting with friends, classmates, coworkers and roommates as they ran bigger proverbial races.

12 June/July 2011

by Amanda Kloserbby Amanda Kloser

The Holistic ApproachThe Holistic


All photos courtesy of Unified Therapy Services

The Holistic Approachc Approach



14 June/July 2011

The staff and professionals at Unified Therapy Services couldn’t agree with this statement more. While they serve a vast array of individuals, families and chil-dren with special needs, there is a strong understanding that these needs only make an individual just that: an individ-ual. Conceived in 2005 as a solution to disjointed communication and treatment options for patients with special needs,

Blean and Heysinger decided to call Dubuque home for their new and innova-tive organization.

Since that day in 2005, the company has expanded from three employees to 23 and serves roughly 200 individuals and their families. While Unified Ther-apy Services tends to be based in pedi-atrics, it also treats adults for outpatient therapy. It uses an array of therapies and services that treat conditions from mild articulation disorder to autism spectrum disorders to cerebral palsy—including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, therapies focusing on sensory perception, social group therapy and interactive metronome listening therapy. These therapies are developed out of a concerted utilization of physi-cal (focusing on gross motor skills), speech/language (feeding, language and cognitive communication skills), and occupational (fine motor skills and daily activities) therapy. The company employs a staff of Sensory Integration Based Therapy (SIBT) certified thera-pists. Therapies and approaches are consistently updated as technology and understanding of these special needs evolve. Heysinger explains, “We grow with the needs of our patients and the skills of our employees.”

While Unified Therapy Services pro-vides a gamut of treatment options and therapies in-house, it also makes it a mission to help families of children with special needs aware of the many treatment options and resources avail-able elsewhere. Heysinger said that many parents feel there are “never enough hours in the day” and that financial resources and lack of educa-tion about their childrens’ needs often inhibit a family’s ability to explore the full breadth of resources available. She said that parents “have to want to fight the fight” to find where resources are. Unified Therapy Services makes that part of its mission through educating families and caregivers.

Gina Blean and Kelly Heysinger sat down to reformulate treatment and how thera-pists, doctors and patients experience it. “Current trends [in therapy centers] were tending to focus on productivity rather than the patient, and when you’re work-ing with kids, that doesn’t work,” said Blean. After considerable research and positive interaction and guidance with the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce,


Perhaps one of the most unique elements of Unified Therapy Services is how it provides the therapies and services it offers. Rather than shifting a patient from one medical professional to another, the staff at Unified Therapy Services fosters a close, interactive and collaborative relationship with local doctors, ortho-tists, prosthetists and even an optom-etrist who specializes in vision therapy, to gain a holistic understanding of a patient’s treatment in addition to offer-ing the most efficient, effective therapy possible. “All professionals have goals” for their patients, Blean says, but actively and collaboratively “focusing on what the patient wants” makes for a more success-ful therapeutic experience. By educating parents and caregivers and setting small goals among medical professionals, the staff at Unified Therapy Services found patients are more readily able to obtain larger, long-term goals, such as walking after previously being unable to crawl. “The most important part is being able to achieve the patient’s goals, no matter how small they may be, because that can make all the difference in his or her expe-rience,” Heysinger said.

Of course, the education that takes place within the walls of Unified Therapy Ser-vices doesn’t end there. Unified Therapy Services is a leader in promoting aware-ness and understanding of the prevalence of special needs in the community, par-ticipating regularly in the Department of Human Services’ Community Partner-ships—Protect Children conferences and hosting its “Make a Difference” 5K Run/Walk with most proceeds going directly back into the community. Unified Ther-apy Services also has teamed up with Loras College, Jumpin’ Jane’s and Camp Albrecht Acres to sponsor social events, activities and programs specifically designed for children with special needs. Much like its belief in fostering a close relationship with individual patients’ doctors and other medical affiliates, Uni-fied Therapy Services believes in active community participation to foster more


widespread and accurate understanding about special needs and its effect on the community at large.

It is this understanding that the staff at Unified Therapy Services suggest be passed along to our children. In order to defeat the all-too-often applied ste-reotypes concerning children with spe-cial needs, parents need to encourage their children to cultivate conversation and understanding about special needs with their classmates, teachers and other school personnel. Heysinger said that teaching acceptance when chil-dren are young, particularly promot-ing the fact that children with special needs “are still people” and that their

needs are what “make them unique,” is a very affective tool in reversing the social ostrasization that often occurs when typically developing children are allowed to react out of their fear and lack of exposure to kids with disabili-ties. With open lines of communication about special needs, wider understand-ing can be fostered and acceptance can grow where stereotypes once rendered prejudice and exclusion. So it seems that we can all stand to learn a little from that cross-country coach and her adage about cookie cutters; we may not all be shaped the same, but are certainly worthwhile and, most importantly, individual.


16 June/July 2011

TO HOMEPAGEFROM HOMEROOM

Tracking Cyberbullying in the Tri-States

by Amanda Kloser

@111

The final bells have rung, the last assign-

ments have been turned in, and the final

grades distributed. Another school year

has come to a close, ushering in a long,

lazy summer far removed from the social

pressures of the classroom.

Tracking Cyberbullyingiiinnn ttthhheee Tri-States

by Amanda Kloser

The final bells have run , the last assign-

mementnt been turned in, and the final

grades distributed. ttheherr scschohoolol yyear

has come to a close, ushering in a long,

l f d f h i llazy sum r removed from the sociallazy s d from the social

pressures of the classroom.


!parenting: TODAY & TOMORROW 17

W hile this scenario might already have some parents rolling their eyes in exasperation

(for many, summer heat is often twinned with count-less school-aged summer activities), many students in the greater Dubuque area also understand that sum-mer can be far from an idyllic scene. For many, social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twit-ter, in tandem with the epidemic popularity of com-munication via text message, often spell something far more sinister than planning the next trip to the mall.

Bullying has introduced itself as an unwelcome social element of these networking tools and is becoming all too prevalent as teens and young adults traverse the already treacherous social realms of middle and high school. The Dubuque Community School Dis-trict strictly prohibits “harassment, bullying, hazing, initiations, or any other victimization” via “any com-munication involving the transmission of information by . . . electronic mail, Internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies” in its official student and parent handbook. However, how can students protect them-selves and others from the technological wrath of their classmates when this already threatening behavior extends from the hallways to the home pages?

The solution is varied and complicated. While school-year instances of bullying may be more readily monitored by students and faculty members, the sum-mer months introduce more independently organized activities and encounters between students without the guarantee of an official policy policing bullying. In a survey conducted by nonprofit organization i-SAFE on 1500 students in grades 4–8 during the 2003–04 school year, 42 percent of respondents have experi-enced cyberbullying with an astonishing 35 percent citing that they have been threatened while com-municating on the web. Perhaps most alarming is the 58 percent of victims nationally who have remained silent about their online harassment.

The victims of these encounters are getting younger and younger as social networks adjust their registra-tion requirements. Facebook requires users to be 13 and older while Myspace has set its age limit at 14, far younger than the college-aged demographic these sites originally targeted for participation. Twitter, however, has set no official age limit. As communi-cation becomes more electronic and instantaneous and users register on these social networking sites—whether legally or otherwise—social issues follow students home and online, magnifying the damage incurred by preexisting school-based social conflicts.

THE EPIDEMIC SPREADSWhile i-SAFE conducted their surveys almost 10 years ago, the recent rash of teenaged suicides as a result of cyberbullying indicate this strain of online harassment has only become more threatening and widespread. Though the widely publicized April 2010 death of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince has been com-pounded by the cyberbullying related deaths of Ryan Halligan (2003), Megan Meier (2006), Carl-Joseph Walker Hoover (2009), and, most recently, Tyler Clementi (2010), anti-bullying legislation and the strength of its protections remains varied as laws are passed by individual states.

The tides may be changing, however, as members of Congress review a bill proposed by New Jersey sena-tors that would require all colleges and universities receiving federal aid to tighten their anti-bullying policies. Named for Clementi, a Rutgers University student who ended his life after learning that intimate details of his sexual activity were broadcasted online, the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harass-ment Act would require colleges and universities to make their anti-bullying policies more prevalent and inclusive while increasing student awareness of counseling and other mental health services provided on campuses. While many colleges and universities already have such policies enacted, this bill may guar-antee more universal protection for students against bullying while class is in session.

In other areas of the country, cyberbullying is already being recognized as a criminal offense. In mid-April two preteen girls from Issaquah, Washington, faced charges of cyberstalking after fabricating and posting lewd photos of a classmate on Facebook. In addition to posting photos, the girls were also accused of pos-ing as their “friend” and making propositions, which included personal contact information, to boys for sexual acts via the instant messaging system on Face-book. All three girls are sixth graders.

The Iowa Department of Education also has taken a strong stance against all forms of bullying. The Department enacted an anti-bullying policy that pro-hibits any harassment or bullying based on 17 differ-ent traits, which was officially adopted in September of 2007. While this policy guarantees protection for students as long as they are on campus or attending school-related functions, there is little protection from cyberbullying that occurs off school grounds.

And there is little doubt that cyberbullying has arrived in the Dubuque area. According to a local


18 June/July 2011

middle school student, “Emma,” cyber-bullying occurs more often than par-ents and school administrators realize. Though, this student contends, bullying is a subject often confronted head-on and prevalently in schools through guidance counselor discussion and video presenta-tion, online harassment is still finding its way onto Facebook home pages and text messages.

Perhaps what is more discouraging is Emma’s contention that there is more to be done to stop cyberbullying. While she feels fairly safe about communicating online, she also states that cyberbullies can get away with it during the summer months because there are three months of freedom without the constraints of close teacher and parent monitoring. Addition-ally, she acknowledges that there is noth-ing you can do even when using privacy restrictions because bullies can find a way around them, including making the harassing statements more private by using the Facebook chat application rather than wall posting because it is a more hidden, less permanent means of communication.

FACING THE PROBLEMLocal pediatric clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Gould sheds some light on the causes and consequences of cyberbully-ing, pointing out that one of the most important steps to guarding your children

against cyberbullying is to prepare them for its appearance. “Opening the discus-sion” on cyberbulling before it begins can help “arm and prepare your child” for this particularly aggressive and intimidating form of harassment they are otherwise “not equipped to cope with on their own.” Gould contends that cyberbullying has become more aggressive and preva-lent in the tri-state area as cell phones and social networks inch closer to becom-ing primary sources of communication for increasingly younger kids. “Instant com-munication has decreased impulse con-trol” for many area kids as they post their comments without taking the time to reflect on the impact of their words. The anonymity and indirect nature of this communication leads kids to go beyond the limits of what they would say and do face-to-face with their victims. This is further compounded by the difficult and, sometimes, complete lack of adult moni-toring of social networking sites and text messaging.

This addiction to communicative instant gratification has grave psychological results. Gould lists anxiety, depression and lack of self worth as psychological tolls of cyberbullying. “There is varied fallout depending on the type of harass-ment,” she says, also noting that the threat of ostrasization is one of the most damaging and powerful tools cyberbul-lies use on their victims, serving to both prevent a victim’s “coming out” about the abuse and ensure that the victimization continues.

Unlike physical bullying, cyberbullying shows far more subtle outward signs of harassment. Emma contends that, while physical bullying “hurts on the outside, cyberbullying hurts on the inside, espe-cially if you can’t share your feelings well.”

While Gould encourages parents to take action if their child begins to “withdraw from friendships” or exhibits “anxiety, depression and an increasing struggle to go to school” along with headaches and stomachaches, she also points out that par-ents shouldn’t expect their child to come forth with a bullying complaint. Victims remain overwhelmingly silent, usually due to “the fear of further retaliation and the shame they feel in addressing the flaws their bullies have chosen to attack,” often

Dr. Mary Gould, psychologist

inspiring victims to delete any evidence of the abuse, including harassing mes-sages. Additionally victims are repeatedly harassed by the cyberbully, further solidi-fying the emotionally damaging nature of the relationship.

BREAKING THE CYCLESo, what would lead a child to lash out so violently against a peer? Gould contends that cyberbullies have most likely been victimized and bullied themselves, con-tinuing a cycle of violence. They have learned to see relationships as competition rather than mutually respectful partner-ships, spurring them to use their victim to make themselves feel more in control of the relationship. The anonymity and distance provided by the online and cel-lular environments serve as a fertile breed-ing ground for cyberbullies because they are able to convince themselves that their abusive behavior doesn’t count; they are not bullying their victim face-to-face.

Given the potentially toxic nature of the online and cellular environments, one of the best ways to prevent cyberbully-ing, Gould says, is to set rules with your children as access to media increases. Parents should “begin media experiences with ground rules and monitoring and ask themselves, is your child really ready to go solo?” Although, as Emma said, “kids don’t

We support cyberbullying prevention! Join us in our campaign to end cyberbullying by checking out www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov for tips on identifying, talking about, and intervening in bullying, along with activities, webisodes and games that help raise awareness and open lines of communication about cyberbullying.

Together we can Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now!

PARENTING EXTRA


Though cyberbullying has certainly made its way to tri-state area childrens’ and teens’ Myspace and Facebook pages, Tweets, and text messages, increased awareness of and involvement in cyber-bullying prevention will help put an end to tragedies like that of Phoebe Prince and Tyler Clementi. We can only hope that this form of harassment will stop. “If you want to be that person, you go ahead and be that person. But I don’t want to stoop down—that’s [cyberbullying] pretty low,” Emma said. So our local school-aged children understand the dangers and repercussions and, most importantly, the harsh cruelty involved in cyberbullying. As parents and adult allies of local chil-dren, we can present a united front and send our own clear message to those who participate in this vicious, brutal, and even fatal social practice: Don’t be that person.

• Discuss online activity with your children.

• Talk openly and honestly with your children about cyberbullying, and explain that reporting a bullying instance to an adult will not result in limiting access to technology.

• Encourage your children to report all instances of bullying—both their own and others.

• Fully explain the consequences for participating in cyberbullying and the importance of Internet courtesy.

• Establish privacy boundaries, but clarify that parents have a right to monitor online activities if they have reason to believe that cyber-bullying or other dangerous activity is occurring.

• Install parental control settings, but be aware that these programs are not foolproof.

like it when parents monitor your Face-book account.” Gould states that advis-ing your children to be “thoughtful and careful about their online presence” and “not responding to diffuse an argument” are great tools with which to arm your children. As children becomes more flu-ent and emotionally capable in handling the online environment, restrictions and monitoring can ease, but remaining aware of teachable moments and keeping open lines of communication about cyberbully-ing is critical.

In efforts to raise awareness on this increasingly prevalent issue, organiza-tions such as Stop Bullying Now! pro-vide a vast array of tips on recognizing, addressing, stopping and, most impor-tantly, preventing cyberbullying. Stop Bullying Now! suggests the following tips on preventing your child from being vic-timized by this cruel practice:

• Keep all Internet-capable devices out of children’s bedrooms.


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It is nearly impossible to ignore the reputation the likes of which Marshall Mathers III, aka Slim Shady, aka Eminem has gleaned for himself and prevent it from preceding—or perhaps more likely spoiling—the rapper’s latest efforts. Indeed, Mathers has built an entire career on raising the eyebrows of parents across the nation and turning the stom-aches of critics with his often disturbing, profane, homophobic and misogynist lyrics. It seems, how-ever, that one of America’s most hated rappers is finally growing up and out of this lyrically repugnant pattern as he reflects on the consequences of his personal decisions and career with his latest effort in 2010’s “Recovery.”

Eminem’s “Recovery” smacks of all of the elements of this particular genre that many parents despise; rife with profanity, aggression and moments of potty humor, misogyny and homophobia, “Recov-ery” easily competes with many of its predecessors in Eminem’s discography for music you’d likely much rather your children didn’t listen to.

Before completely pulling this album from your teenager’s iTunes playlist, however, there are redeeming qualities to Eminem’s beats and rhymes that are worth considering. Shady delves into top-ics that have been relatively unaddressed in his previous albums, particularly in his point-blank confessionesque description of his addiction to painkillers and subsequent recovery in “Not Afraid.” This track nears anthem status as Slim Shady proclaims he will no longer be controlled by his addiction and will face his responsibilities as a father. Shady attempts to answer for the masquer-ade involved in the rap industry and steps above the smoke and mirrors to reveal an empowered, honest revelation as he comes to terms with what really matter in his life: his daughters. In this sense, Eminem approaches the status of role model as he tells his audience: “I’m not afraid/ to take a stand/ everybody/ come take my hand/ we’ll walk this road together/ through the storm/ just let that you

know that/ you’re not alone/ holla if you feel that you’ve been down the same road.” In “25 to Life,” the rapper lays out his personal and ethical com-plaints with the rap industry that has provided him with so much fame and fortune, revealing a more human and vulnerable side to Eminem.

Mathers tackles the unsavory issue of domestic abuse in his widely played track featuring pop singer Rihanna in “Love the Way You Lie.” Rather than romanticizing domestic abuse, “Love the Way You Lie” illustrates the appearance of an abusive relationship and the multifaceted reasons why victims are so reluctant to leave them, also serving to open up lines of commu-nication between you and your teenaged child about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Perhaps most poignantly addressed in this album is how Eminem deals with his recovery. Tracks such as “Going through Changes” and “Talking to Myself” present an honest, unromanticized, and gritty portrayal of addiction gained in the wake of severe grief, once again providing a great discus-sion point for parents and teenaged children.

There is little doubt that “Recovery” has unsavory elements that may justifiably be enough to turn par-ents off to this latest hip-hop effort by the real Slim Shady, it appears that, at long last, he has finally stood up. While older teens should be armed with enough emotional maturity to digest this album, younger teens may want to wait a year or two or explore Eminem’s latest work in tandem with con-siderable discussion with parental guardians. The bottom line: your older kids will like it, but you may not. However, giving the album an open listen may end up opening valuable lines of communica-tion between you and your teen about the material Mathers addresses.

ALBUM EMINEM: RECOVERYAftermath Entertainment/Shady Records

20 June/July 2011


BOOK HOOTCarl Hiaasen’s “Hoot” (Knopf Books for Young Readers: 2002)

From the prolific pen of journalist and novelist Carl Hiaasen comes “Hoot,” an adventurous tale about three ’tweenagers fighting against pancake mongering corporate giants to preserve the natu-ral habitat of some very weird birds. Set in Coconut Cove, Florida, the novel circulates around the story of Roy Eberhardt, a young man transplanted from his beloved home in Montana due to his father’s mysterious job in government law enforcement. As Roy becomes more acquainted with his new, more tropical and—to his dismay—less mountainous surroundings, he encounters some new friends, a particularly brutish enemy in the hulking school bully and a whole new reason to appreciate the world around him: saving the burrowing owls that currently occupy the soil at the future site of Coco-nut Cove’s very own Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House.

Roy soon finds himself in situations much more wild than the foot of Montana as he and his two activist friends fend off Mother Paula’s site fore-man, a particularly ambitious police officer and Roy’s own split conscience between doing what’s legal and doing what’s right (and maybe even the possibility of finding some overlap between the two).

The recipient of the Newberry Book Honor, “Hoot” presents a gambit of early ado-lescent issues in Roy’s adventures, includ-ing: school bullying, anxiety about moving to a new home, the pressures of friend-ship and fitting in, and minor rule (and law) breaking. Given a

few instances of mild language and some adoles-cent angst and rebellion, “Hoot” is best presented to kids entering the “tween” years: ages 10–12. However, the environmentalist message is gently delivered amidst the poignant—and often hilari-ous—situations Roy finds himself in thanks to his and his friends’ preservationist efforts, making for a good lesson learned in a read without being preachy. This book also has enjoyed a recent transi-tion to the silver screen (New Line Cinema/Walden Media: 2006), featuring big name actors such as Luke Wilson, Brie Larson and none other than envi-ronmental enthusiast Jimmy Buffett. The bottom line: “Hoot” is sure to entertain your tweenaged crowd while carrying an important message about preserving the resources that cannot be renewed: our environment and all the creatures that inhabit it.



A t the risk of dating myself, I grew up in a small, Midwestern town that didn’t see

its first fast-food joint until the early ’80s. We all had vegetable gardens in our backyards. No one knew what a “slider” was and we had no concept of “fused” meat. The closest thing to fast food we had was our open-only-in-the-summer, eat-in-the-convenience-of-your-car, once-in-a-blue-moon-attendance root beer stand, and even then the meat on the menu came from the owner’s father’s butcher shop.

Fast forward to the 21st century. According to a My Health News Daily (Nov. 8, 2010), online survey, 40 percent of kids under the age of 12 request fast food at least once weekly and a staggering 84

percent of their parents succumb to the pressure and ease. Add to that a daily bombardment of advertis-ing campaigns from the fast-food sector aimed at our youth, and we have a recipe for long-term, bad habits resulting in numerous health issues.

Megan Dalsing, a registered and licensed dietician at Hy-Vee–Asbury, says continuing that lifestyle places our kids in a “pay now, pay later” situation by sacrificing our children’s health with high sugar and salt and nothing for nutritional value. When we drive through we “get food that isn’t even all food. It’s filled with additives and preservatives that are questionable. It’s unfortunate we see so many 20 year olds with heart disease, low concentration, weight issues and hypertension. There’s no nutri-tional value for disease fighting, brain development and performance building for both the classroom and the field,” she said.

OK, so that’s the bad news. The good news is that you can make a difference and take responsibil-ity for instilling healthy eating choices in your kids. Dalsing advocates making food shopping and

Not So Fast, Mom & Dad

by Andrea Bednar

22 June/July 2011

wwwh

Megan

Dalsing


preparation a family affair. She said, “Get the kids involved early in shopping and definitely get them involved in the kitchen at an early age, and serve as a role model by eating the same foods. Research websites and be the detective for all the hidden ingredients in food.”

She said once kids are involved in the food shop-ping and preparation and once they have their hands in it, the interest in eating the food itself is greater. Dalsing knows this first hand. Every Thurs-day she works with local culinary experts in con-junction with Dubuque Community Schools and Gary Olsen, executive producer, to produce the television show “Kids in the Kitchen” from the Hy-Vee–Asbury kitchen studio. Through Hy-Vee and in partnership with Steve’s Ace Hardware, the City of Dubuque, Iowa State Extension Office,

Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency and Dubuque schools, she is involved with area youths and their parents in The Garden Organic, a 1-acre, total organic gar-dening experience where kids actually reap what they sow. “If you get them excited, kids will eat tofu, eggplant and kale. When they grow it, touch it, pick it, clean it, prepare it and taste it, it’s one step closer to loving that food and making healthy choices.”

Dalsing suggests making healthy substitutes like

whole grain raisin bread in lieu of less healthy breakfast options. For lunch try making a quesa-dilla with a whole grain tortilla stuffed with veg-gies and tuna, chicken or chicken sausage. Rather than french fries, cut sweet potatoes in wedges. Rub them with a little olive oil and add your family’s favorite spices. Bake 30–35 minutes in a 400-degree oven. Turn after 15 minutes.

For more information regarding “Kids in the Kitchen,” The Organic Garden and healthy recipes visit www.dubuque.k12.ia.us.

If you don’t have a healthy cooking cookbook try a web search for your kids’ favorite fast foods. This author Googled “healthy chicken nuggets” and was surprised at how many easy recipes appeared.



hackberry and willows. Several species of shrubs and a variety of hardwoods and conifers have been added to a prairie area near the garden to nurture other wildlife as well.

In the same parking area as the butterfly garden, it’s worth a walk over to the South Bluff Nature Cen-ter, where visitors can view and learn from displays on the plants, animals and geology of the park. If hiking is your forte, the park hosts an array of scenic trails not far from the butterfly garden; one in par-ticular, appropriately named Overlook Trail, offers a spectacular view of Bellevue and Lock and Dam 12.

If all this works up your appetite, a picnic shelter is located near the garden area if you brought your own eats. If you didn’t, a short drive down the bluff to Riverview Street will lead you to several differ-ent options such as Richman’s Café or Grandpa’s Parlor for an ice cream treat to cool down. Happy daytripping!

HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:The butterfly garden is free and open to the public during park hours on a self-serve basis.

The nature center is open seasonally and offers a variety of programs in the summer. The nature center is open 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (other times by appointment). Hours may vary depending on volunteer and staff availability.

For more information on the Bellevue State Park/Butterfly Sanctuary:

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: http://www.iowadnr.gov/parks/state_park_list/butterfly_sanc.html

Address: The Nelson Unit24668 US Highway 52Bellevue, IA 52031Phone: 563-872-4019

HOURS AND COONTACT IINNFFORMAATION:TThe butterfly gardden is free aaandnd openn to the ppublic during parrk hours onn a sself-seerve bbasis.

TThe nature centerr iss open seseassonallyy andooffers a variety off pprogramss i n tthe summmer. TThe nature centerr iss open 1:1:0000 p.m.––4:000 pp.m on Saturdayss, Sundays s aannd holiddayys ((other times by appppointmenntt). . Hours maay vvary depending oon volunteeerr aand staaff aavailability.

FFor more informattioon on the e BeBellevuee StatePPark/Butterfly Sancctuary:

EE-mail: Bellevue@@ddnr.iowa.a.ggoovv

WWebsite: http://wwwww.iowaddnnr.r gov/paarkss/sstate_park_list/bbuttterfly_saanncc.html

AAddress: TThe Nelson Unit224668 US Highwaayy 52BBellevue, IA 520331PPhone: 563-872-440019

Be One with Nature in Bellevue, IAby Natalie Deutmeyer

PPhPPhonone:e: 5 56363 887272 4444400100199

Sometimes you just want to get away . . . for a day. With the warmer temperatures upon us, there are a lot of opportunities for 1-day getaways that your fam-ily can enjoy together. In fact there might be some daytrip destinations within a 30-mile radius that you might not realize even exist. For instance, did you know Bellevue hosts a butterfly garden that is one of only a handful of such gardens in the United States?

Pack up the family for a sunny drive to the Nelson Unit of Bellevue State Park, which sits atop a 300-foot limestone bluff in picturesque Bellevue, Iowa. (The campground Dyas Unit of the park is 2 miles farther south on U.S. 52.) The small town of Belle-vue, nestled along the Mississippi 23 miles south of Dubuque, features a sanctuary garden within the Nelson Unit specific to some 60 species of but-terflies. The garden’s numerous nectar-sweetened plants, from zinnias to forget-me-nots, attract vari-ous colors and sizes of the insects, from monarchs to swallowtails.

Upon entering the garden on a gravel pathway, you’ll make your way to the open

center area featuring a pond and patches of flowers where children can enjoy trying to catch the colorful creatures while parents catch some R&R on a sunny bench or take advantage of great photo opportunities. The center pond area branches off into grassy pathways leading to

other butterfly-attracting plants within the garden, such as

cottonwoods, wild cherry,

3, pIofooot limeesstone bluff in picttuuresquue BBellevue, m(TTThe cammppgrouund Dyyas Unnitt of thhe pparrk is 2 Bfaarther ssouth oon U.SS. 52.) TThe smmall towwn of sovuuue, nesstlled aalongg tthe Missssissipppi 223 miles wofff Dubuuqque, ffeatuurees a ssaanctuaary gaarden wof thhe Nelson Uniit speccific to ssome 60 speecies oeteteerflies. The gaarden’’s nummeerous necctarr-sweect plants, ffroom ziinniaas to forgget-mee-notts, attracnaouus coloorss andd sizeess of thee inseccts, ffromm mon

tooo swalloowwtailss.

grUpon eentering the gardden on a ge oppathwway, yyoou’ll maake your wway to theatccenter arreaa featuurring a ponnd aand paeof flowweers wheere chhildrrenn can

attryying too catch the coloorfuul crea&Rwwhilee parentss catch ssomme R&nta suunnny bennch or take advas. of ggrreat phhooto oppoortuunitiesescentter poonnd arrea brrancheininntoo grassy patthwaayss leadiplootther buuttterflyy-atttraccting pchwwithin the ggarddenn, suchecottttonwooodss, wwild c

24 June/July 2011


Kennedy Mall Story Time, Kennedy Mall, Dubuque—June 2, 10:30 A.M. Not only does Carnegie-Stout Public Library offer Kennedy Mall drop off and reserve pickup of materials, the library also presents Story Times. Take a break from your shopping or plan a trip to join library staff in this unique setting. On the first Thursday of the month, in partnership with Kennedy Mall and The Finley Hospital, they offer wellness-themed stories and songs at The Finley Play Area between Sears and Younkers. Story Times are free and open to the public. Generals’ Cruiz-in Car Show, Galena—June 2–5Check out some classic and crazy cars at Galena’s first annual “Generals’ Cruiz-In Car Show.”Summer Farm Toy Show, National Farm Toy Museum and Beckman High School, Dyersville—June 3, noon–6 P.M. and June 4, 9 A.M.–4 P.M. A perfect event for the family farm toy enthusiast. Check out farm toys from national vendors, hop onboard for the tractor ride and get the perfect seat for the tractor parade.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—June 4, 7 A.M.–noonStretching from the area around City Hall at Iowa and 13th Street down Iowa Street to 11th Street, the market features entertainment and special events on Saturdays. More than 90 vendors sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, quilts, wreaths, dry flowers, handmade jewelry, and quilts.Camp Albrecht Acres Open House and Pancake Breakfast, Sherrill—June 5, 7:30 A.M.–noonAll you can eat eggs, meat, toast, beverages. All areas and buildings of the camp are open for tours.Downtown Friday Night, Downtown Dyersville—June 10, 6 P.M.–9 P.M.Gather in downtown Dyersville for some family activities, food and good company.America’s River Festival, Port of Dubuque—June 10–12 Meet up with friends, live music and local vendors for some fun by the river at America’s River Festival. This three-day event will be the perfect area kick-off to summer.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—June 11, 7 A.M.–noonFor details see June 4 posting.Reading with Rover, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 11, 10:30 A.M.–11:15 A.M.Dogs love stories, but can’t read to themselves. Reading with Rover is a partnership of the Dubuque Regional Humane Society and Carnegie-Stout Public Library for kids in grades K–3. Kids will get the opportunity to read to a pet, or they can just listen to a pet story along with some canine companions. Please do not bring your own dog. A Dubuque Humane Society volunteer will provide a group of kid-friendly dogs each month. No registration is required.Grandview Gallop 4-mile/Junior Gallop 1-mile Race, Murphy Park, Dubuque—June 11, 8 A.M.Grab your trusty pair of running shoes and run/walk for a good cause. Registration: $30/adult, $20/child; registration is from 6 A.M.–7 A.M. day of race.Crafts Around the World: Japan—Paper Origami, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 13, 3:30 P.M.–4:30 P.M.Here is your chance to be creative and learn a little about another culture with local artist Justina Reish. For ages 7–12 in the 1st floor Story Hour Room. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.

Photography Camp, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—June 13–17, 4 P.M.– 5:30 P.M.For youth entering 3rd–8th grades. Learn to use digital cameras, ten tips for taking the best pictures and how to print photos and design an album. Led by Meredith Schmechel. Fee: $5. Call to register.Movies at Comiskey Park presents: “Mulan,” Comiskey Park, Dubuque—June 14, 8:45 P.M.The Carnegie-Stout Public Library, the Multicultural Family Center and Mindframe Theaters will bring you an evening of fun and entertainment at Comiskey Park. Join us as we turn the park into your own outdoor theatre. Free admission.Switchback—Irish Musical Duo, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 17, 10 A.M. and 2 P.M.Switchback will present a program of traditional Irish music and folklore. The group will share the evolution of Irish music, once immigrants landed and began living in their new country. Come listen to the transformation of Irish music into today’s western, bluegrass and jazz. The resurgence of Irish and Celtic music, dance and culture is also examined and discussed. The program is for all ages in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Dubuque . . . And All That Jazz!, Town Clock Plaza, Dubuque—June 17, 5 P.M.–9:30 P.M.Head downtown for the best of Dubuque’s jazz, blues and salsa scene.10th Annual Great Galena Balloon Race, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, Galena—June 17–19Looking to participate in a time-honored tradition that’s bound to appeal to family members of all ages? Check out the Great Galena Balloon Race. This event features local musicians, food and, of course, some hot competition between hot air balloons. Admission: Gate donationSummer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—June 18, 7 A.M.–noon.For details see June 4 posting.Crafts Around the World: India—Rangoli Art, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 18, 1 P.M.–2 P.M.A welcome symbol made of small objects like dried noodles, seeds and beads. Here is your chance to be creative and learn a little about another culture with local artist Justina Reish. For ages 7–12 in the 1st floor Story Hour Room. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Juneteenth & the End of Slavery, Comiskey Park, Dubuque—June 19, 3 P.M.–4 P.M.For youth entering 7th–12th grades. This program is offered at no cost in partnership by the African American Museum of Iowa and the Multicultural Family Center. The Emancipation Proclamation ended African American slavery throughout the United States in 1863 . . . or did it? Discover the origins of Juneteenth. Registration required.Film Camp, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—June 20–24, 4 P.M.–5:30 P.M.For youth entering 2nd–6th grades. Learn to use a flip video camera by creating a video demonstration on “how to” such as sports, cooking, art, etc. Led by Meredith Schmechel. Fee: $5. Call to register.Mississippi River Life, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—June 21, 2 P.M.–3 P.M.For youth entering K–4th grades. This outreach program is offered by the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. What does a river otter eat? How do frogs and toads swallow their food? What does an eagle sound like? The answers to these questions and more will be uncovered as we explore the animals living in and along the Mighty Mississippi

JUNE



47th Annual Fourth of July Ice Cream Social, Mathias Ham House, Dubuque—July 4Take a step back in time with this Dubuque area tradition. Come enjoy ice cream and plenty of old fashioned patriotism at this famed historical site. All events are subject to change. Call ahead to 563-557-9545 or visit www.rivermuseum.com to confirm details.Patriotic Concert, Sinsinawa Mound, Sinsinawa—July 4, 2 P.M.–4 P.M.Enjoy the patriotic musical stylings of the Sinsinawa Strings Orchestra as the color guard features flags from the United States and 15 other countries.Kennedy Mall Story Time, Kennedy Mall, Dubuque—July 7, 10:30 A.M. Not only does Carnegie-Stout Public Library offer Kennedy Mall drop off and reserve pickup of materials, the Library also presents Story Times. Take a break from your shopping or plan a trip to join library staff in this unique setting. On the first Thursday of the month, in partnership with Kennedy Mall and The Finley Hospital, they offer wellness-themed stories and songs at The Finley Play Area between Sears and Younkers. Story Times are free and open to the public. Dr. Carver’s Lab, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 7, 2 P.M.–3 P.M.For youth entering 1st through 5th grades. George Washington Carver influenced people all over the world, but he considered himself to be a “cookstove chemist,” using household materials to complete most of his experiments. Students will hear about Dr. Carver’s accomplishments then assist with some cookstove experiments of their own. Registration required. Fee: $2 (scholarships available).The Bell Tower Theatre presents Charlotte’s Web, Bell Tower Theatre, Dubuque—July 7–17Support aspiring area actors ages 7–16 in this musical adaptation of E. B. White’s classic novel. Tickets: $9. For more information call 563-588-3377.STARLAB, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 8, 9 A.M., 9:45 A.M., 10:30 A.M., 11:15 A.M., 1 P.M., 1:45 P.M., 2:30 P.M., 3:15 P.M., 4 P.M.The Grout Museum of Waterloo will be bringing the STARLAB, a portable planetarium, to the library for a day of exploration, education and fun. See presentations on constellations, moon phases and weather as well as Greek and Native American mythology. There will be six different presentations at various times throughout the day. The STARLAB can accommodate audiences of 25–35 kids per presentation. This program is for ages 6 and up who are comfortable in a dark space without a parent. The program will be held in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Downtown Friday Night, Downtown Dyersville—July 8, 6 P.M.–9 P.M.Gather in downtown Dyersville for some family activities, food and good company.

River by touch, sight and sound. Be prepared to get up close and personal with one or two live specimens.Family Reading Night, Multicultural Family Center—June 23, 5:30 P.M.–7 P.M.This fun reading program is open to families with children in K–5th grades. The program begins with dinner, then story time, followed by parent/children activities. When the program is over, the children get to select a book to take home and add to their own libraries. Dinner is provided, registration required.Native American Dancer, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 24, 10:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M.Come feel the beat of the drums, experience the hypnotizing power of dance and enjoy the rhythm of the music as we share the cultural history, traditions, ways, beliefs and spiritual importance of the Native American people. For all ages in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd Floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—June 25, 7 A.M.–noonFor details see June 4 posting.Crafts Around the World: Mexico—Ojo de Dios, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 25, 1 P.M.–2 P.M.God’s Eyes, Star weaving for your child made of Popsicle sticks, yarn and feathers. Here is your chance to be creative and learn a little about another culture with local artist Justina Reish. For ages 7–12 in the 1st floor Story Hour Room. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration, Downtown East Dubuque—June 26, 3 P.M.–duskCelebrate Independence Day with some good old-fashioned fun in East Dubuque. Come for the food, music and games—stay for the fireworks.Dan Wardell and the Reading Road Trip, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—June 27, 1:30 P.M. and 2:30 P.M.Dan Wardell, host of Iowa Public Television (IPTV) Kids Clubhouse, will once again hit the road to visit libraries across Iowa as part of his 4th annual Reading Road Trip. Be part of Dan’s travels as he crosses the state to encourage kids to keep reading this summer. The program is for all ages in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228. “Become an Author” Camp, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—June 27–July 1, 4 P.M.–5:30 P.M.For youth entering 3rd–8th grades. Become an author by writing and illustrating a fiction or nonfiction story. Led by Meredith Schmechel. Fee: $5. Call to register.

Planet Patrol, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—June 28, 5:30 P.M.–7 P.M.This Family Environmental Program includes dinner so registration is required. Tonight’s topic: Follow That Trail (littering and illegal dumping).

Make Your Family Tree, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 1, 1 P.M.Gather up everything you know about your family and heritage and bring it with you to this special program. Use your names and information to create your family tree to take home. If using photos, please bring ones you are able to cut out. For ages 10 and up in the 1st floor Story Hour Room. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Fourth of July Celebration and Shenandoah Days Rodeo, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, Galena—July 1–2Grab your cowboy hat and spurs and saddle up for the Fourth of July Celebration and Shenandoah Days Rodeo in Galena. This two-day event features fireworks after the rodeo each night. Tickets: $12/adult, $7/child in advance, $15/adult, $10/child at the gate, kids under 5 are free.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—July 2, 7 A.M–noonFor details see June 4 posting.Crafts Around the World: Philippines—Wind Chimes, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 2, 1 P.M.–2 P.M.Wind Chimes for tranquility made of tree sticks, fishing line and seashells. Here is your chance to be creative and learn a little about another culture with local artist Justina Reish. For ages 7–12 in the 1st floor Story Hour Room. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Bellevue Heritage Days, Bellevue—July 2–4The Bellevue Heritage Days Celebration is an annual event, which brings families and friends from several states together to celebrate the Fourth of July. The activities are spread over two days and offer a variety of attractions and venues for the celebration. Call 563-872-5830 for more information.Independence Day Celebration, Commercial Club Park, Dyersville—July 3Come celebrate our nation’s independence in historic Dyersville with music, food, family events and, of course, fireworks.Fireworks on the River, Kerper and Hawthorne, Dubuque—July 3, 9:45 P.M. (air show from 5:45 P.M.–8:15 P.M.)Experience one of the largest fireworks displays in the tri-states. Parking in Jaycees’ lots: $10/car.

JULY

26 June/July 2011


Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—July 9, 7 A.M.–noonFor details see July 2 posting.Author and Musician—Darrell House, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 9 , 10 A.M.Darrell’s in the House. Self-described as one of the biggest kids you’ll ever meet, musician and author Darrell House will present original and traditional children’s songs as well as humorous poetry and silly stories in this special program. He’s also the author of “Miller the Green Caterpillar” and he has three music CDs of original songs and poetry. Using his songs, poetry, music and storytelling, Darrell encourages kids to learn, read more, and use their imagination to help make their dreams come true. The program is for all ages in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Reading with Rover, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 9, 10:30 A.M.–11:15 A.M.No registration is required.Crafts Around the World: Ukraine—Ukrainian Eggs, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 9, 1–2 P.M.Decorative eggs to display for good health to your family made of hollow eggs, paint and glitter. Here is your chance to be creative and learn a little about another culture with local artist Justina Reish. For ages 7–12 in the 1st floor Story Hour Room. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Music in the Park Festival, Asbury Park, Asbury—July 9, noon–12 A.M. Bring the whole family to Asbury Park for music, games, inflatables and food and beverages from local vendors. Enjoy the music all night.Music on the March, Dalzell Field, Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque—July 10, 7 P.M.–10 P.M.See Dubuque’s own Colts drum corps as they compete with drum corps from across the nation.Spanish Camp, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 11–22, 4 P.M.–5:30 P.M.For youth entering 3rd–6th grades. During this two-week camp, youth will learn the basics of the Spanish language. Fee: $5. Call to register.Rockin’ Reptiles and Awesome Amphibians, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 12, 2 P.M.–3 P.M.For youth entering K–6th grades. This outreach program is offered by the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Do you know the difference between a reptile and an amphibian? Be a herpetologist and explore hands-on the world of herps (collective name for reptiles and amphibians). You won’t want to miss it.

Movies at Comiskey Park presents: “Ratatouille,” Comiskey Park, DubuqueJuly 12, 8:45 P.M.The Carnegie-Stout Public Library, the Multicultural Family Center and Mindframe Theaters bring you an evening of fun and entertainment at Comiskey Park. Join us as we turn the park into your own outdoor theatre.Magic Tree House Program, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 15, 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.Jack and Annie explore many cultures during their tree house adventures and so can you. Join us for games, crafts and fun for this hour-long program. The program is for ages 6–9 in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Dubuque . . . And All That Jazz!, Town Clock Plaza, Dubuque—July 15, 5 P.M.–9:30 P.M.Head downtown for the best of Dubuque’s jazz, blues and salsa scene.Antique Town Rods Run and Car Show, the River Front, Galena—July 15–16, 7 A.M.–3 P.M.Check out some classic, pre-1949 cars as they tour the area. Admission: $12/participant, $2/observer.Ding Darling Day, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque—July 16Conservation partners join us for free exhibitions in the Boat Yard Plaza. Hands-on activities include fish printing, sun printing, and other animal programs. All events are subject to change. Call ahead to 563-557-9545 or visit www.rivermuseum.com to confirm details.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—July 16, 7 A.M.–noonFor details see July 2 posting.Planet Patrol, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 19, 5:30 P.M.–7 P.M.This family environmental program includes dinner so registration is required. Tonight’s topic: The Case of the Broken Loop (importance of recycling and proper disposal).World of Science—Many Countries from Mad Science of Iowa, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 22, 10 A.M. and 1 P.M. This program is dedicated to famous scientists from around the world and the stories behind their success. The program is for ages 6 and up in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—July 23, 7 A.M.–noonFor details see July 2 posting.

Tamil Class, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 23, 10 A.M–noonDrama Camp, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 25–August 5, 4 P.M.–5:30 P.M.For youth entering 4th–8th grades. Learn the basics of theater and performance. Youth will prepare and perform a short play at the end of the two-week camp. Camp held at the MFC, 1157 Central Avenue. Fee: $5. Call to register.Nepali Dance, Multicultural Family Center, Dubuque—July 25, 5 P.M.–6 P.M.58th Annual Dubuque County Fair, Dubuque Co. Fairgrounds, Dubuque—July 26–31Whether you’re from downtown or Balltown, there’s something for everyone at the Dubuque County Fair. Enjoy food, local arts and crafts, championship livestock and music from chart-topping artists. Family Reading Night, Multicultural Family Center—July 28, 5:30 P.M.–7 P.M.This fun reading program is open to families with children in K–5th grades. The program begins with dinner, then story time, followed by parent/children activities. When the program is over, the children get to select a book to take home and add to their own libraries. Dinner is provided, registration required.Springer’s Martial Arts, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Dubuque—July 29, 10 A.M. Come see a demonstration of different forms of martial arts from Master Ben Springer, a 6th degree black belt. Learn about the benefits of exercise, increased coordination and improved cardio from being involved in the martial arts. Learn the basics such as respect and self-discipline along with the history, background and culture of the many forms of martial arts. The program is for ages 6–11 in the Aigler Auditorium on the library’s 3rd floor. Please register one week in advance by calling the library at 563-589-4225 and ask for the Youth Services Help Desk at extension 2228.Summer Farmers’ Market, Iowa/13th St. Iowa/11th St., Dubuque—July 30, 7 A.M.–noonFor details see June 4 posting.



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