Joshua Nadler
Class of 2010
And the award for distinction goes to Durango High School senior Josh Nadler. He’s expressive, he’s talented, and he’s not afraid to stand in the spotlight and lay it all on the line. A champion of individuality, his own luminous character shines in all that he does. Whether he’s gracing the stage, arguing for the sake and future of the arts, or standing up for what is right by himself and others, his stellar performance reflects the true inner workings of a leader, an artist and a progressive thinker. Striving for perfection with each thoughtful action, Josh Nadler is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.124
Activities/Clubs:
- DHS Theatre, 2006-10, 11 Productions
- Starring Role–DHS Production of Grease, 2009/10
- Starring Role–DHS Production of Alice in Wonderland, 2009/10
- Starring Role–DHS Production of A Mid Summer Night”s Dream, 2008/09
- Director–DHS Production of Cinderella ”89, 2008/09
- Drama Club President, 2009-Present
- Student Council, 2006-Present
- Student Body Publicist, 2009/10
- Junior Class Representative, 2008/09
- Freshman Vice President, 2006/07
- Gay-Straight Unity–President, 2007-Present
- Broadcast Journalism, 2006-Present
- Invisible Children United–Vice President, 2009-Present
- National Honor Society, 2008-Present
- Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum, 2009
- Young Democrats, 2008-09
- Principal”s Advisory Committee, 2008-09
- Junior Counselor–S. Mid Level Conference, 2009
Awards/Community Service:
- Best Actor–DHS Theatre, 2008/09
- Best Junior–DHS Theatre, 2008/09
- Best Supporting Actor–DHS Theatre, 2006/07
- Nevada State Thespian of the Year, 2006
- Aids Walk, 2010
- Community Beautification, 2009-10
- Three Square Foundation Canned Food Volunteer, 2009
- School Clean Up, 2008-10
- Grant Sawyer Middle School Carnival Volunteer, 2008-10
- Grappler”s Quest Volunteer, 2008
Goals & Aspirations: “I intend to move to Los Angeles after graduation. My goal would be to continue with my education as well as to work towards pursuing my acting career. I aspire to one day walk the red carpet and receive an Academy Award.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of saving the theatre program at Durango. Theatre has always been an important part of my life, and my fellow peers and I truly restored a lot of what was taken away due to the budget cuts of last year.”
Josh Looks Up To: “I look up to three strong females. My mom, my sister and Lady Gaga. My mom truly raised and molded me into what I am today. My sister has always been the person to push me and stand by my side. Lady Gaga, although a strange choice, truly is a beacon of individuality and uses her voice to spread tolerance and acceptance.”
Kylie Cassandra Lawrence
Durango High School
Class of 2010
Amidst a generation easily influenced by pop culture icons of questionable integrity, meeting a strong-minded student like Durango High School senior Kylie Lawrence is a rarity. Standing firmly behind her convictions, success for Kylie is about making choices and sticking with them. Sometimes that choice is a personal promise of faith, other times it is to excel in academics or athletics, or put all her enthusiasm into dazzling feats of dance, leadership or volunteerism. No matter the course of action at hand, Kylie’s choice to be the best she can be, and still go the distance to help others, is what guides her to – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.123
Sports/Clubs:
- Volleyball, 2006-09
- Varsity Dance, 2008-10
- Varsity Swim, 2007-Present
- Swimming Sunset Regionals, 2007-10; State Championships, 2009
- National Honor Society, 2009/10
- College Club, 2010
- Student Council, 2006-10
- Freshman Representative, 2006-07
- Sophomore Representative, 2007-08
- Junior Vice President, 2008-09
- Senior Representative, 2009-10
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
- Channel 8 News Outstanding Student Award, 2010
- Scholar Athlete Award, 2008-10
- Aaron Harvey Scholarship Recipient
- Prom Court, 2010
- Fellowship and Beautification Missions–Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada, Mexico, 2005-08; Philippines, 2009
- Calvary Downtown Outreach Volunteer–Feeding the Homeless
- Voice Foundation Volunteer–Feeding the Homeless
- McCain Campaign Volunteer, 2008
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Volunteer
- Make-a-Wish Volunteer
- Project Playhouse Volunteer–HomeAid of Southern Nevada, 2010
- Blood Drive Volunteer, 2006-09
Goals & Aspirations: “A goal of mine would be to make it to the state championships for swimming this year. Along with that, I want to complete four years of college at Biola University majoring in business. This is going to help me reach my number one goal of becoming an event planner.”
Kylie is Successful Because: “The most important thing would be my family. With family support, I’ve gained confidence. Confidence is key in succeeding because it enables you to be outgoing and reach for the stars without worrying about what others think of you. One last thing that makes me successful is my faith in God. Through faith, I can accomplish all.”
Kylie is Stronger and Wiser Because: “My first mission trip in the seventh grade changed my life. It was during spring break, and my dad decided that our family should go to Mexico with part of our church. It made me realize how good I have it. I have a loving family, a roof over my head, and the ability to have three meals a day. It made me more grateful for what I have and made me want to help out my community more.”
Evan Louis Salcido
Palo Verde High School
Class of 2010
Palo Verde High School senior Evan Salcido is nothing if not disciplined. Having learned the lessons of responsibility early on, through scouting and emulating those he admires most, his determination to get maximum results from maximum effort ensures that all he strives for is easily within his reach. With all the integral aspects and qualities in place–academia, creativity, prowess–Evan’s well-intentioned plan for the future is in full effect. For choosing a path of hard work, honor and respect over mediocrity, Evan Salcido is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.6
Sports/Clubs/Activities:
- Football & Wrestling, 2006-08
- Air Force Junior ROTC, 2006-Present
- National Honor Society, 2007-Present
- Mentoring Club, 2010
- National Hispanic Youth Initiative Medical Seminar, 2009
- Gifted and Talented Education/Highly Gifted Program, 2002-Present
- Boy Scouts/Eagle Scout, 2005-Present
- Order of the Arrow Inductee–Boy Scouts, 2007-Present
- Junior Assistant Scoutmaster–Boy Scouts, 2007-Present
- Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference & World Congress, 2008
- United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar, 2009
- Nevada Boys State Selectee, 2009
- AFJROTC Honors Camp–Joint Operation: Navy Sail Academy, 2009
Awards/Community Service:
- National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, 2009
- National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, 2009
- AP Scholar, 2009
- Three Congressional Nominations for U.S. Service Academies, 2009
- Offer of Appointment to United States Naval Academy, 2010
- 2-Time PVHS Student of the Month, 2007
- 3-Time Cadet of the Month–PVHS AFJROTC, 2006/07/08
- Cadet of the Quarter–PVHS AFJROTC, 2008
- Outstanding Citizenship Award–PVHS AFJROTC, 2007-09
- Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Medal, 2007
- American Legion Scholastic Award, 2008
- Air Force Association Award, 2009
- Aerospace Science Instructor Leadership Award, 2009
- Catholic Charities Soup Kitchen Volunteer & Thrift Store Clerk
- Summerlin Library Aide
- Walk for Life Annual Walk
Goals & Aspirations: “I aim to graduate high school with an honors diploma, graduate college in four years with a double major in Chemistry and English Literature, and obtain a Ph.D. to become a professor of chemistry while writing fiction on the side.”
Evan is Successful Because: “I keep my eyes on the big picture, and when I suffer a minor setback, I simply take the hand I’ve been dealt and move on with life. I’m also very tenacious; when I see something that I really want, I don’t give up until it’s mine.”
Evan Looks Up To: “I look up to my parents. They grew up with next to nothing in a small New Mexico mining town with very few prospects in life. Through hard work, boundless self-discipline, and each other’s support, they overcame adversity to become successful. Their story has taught me the value of an education and the importance of relentlessly following my dreams; I am very proud to be my parents’ son.”
Ryan Alexander Bartholomew
Faith Lutheran High School
Class of 2010
Faith Lutheran High School valedictorian Ryan Bartholomew’s list of accolades point out a certain truth; that he’s a young man of high intelligence and outstanding athletic ability. But a closer look reveals there is much more to discover. Ryan harnesses power from within to create and pursue original paths of study to excel, rather than simply achieve. At the top of his class and bookin’ it to the finish, Ryan Bartholomew is – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.9
Sports/Clubs/Activities:
- Varsity Track, 2006-Present
- Varsity Cross Country, 2006-08
- National Honor Society President, 2007-Present
- Senior Class President, 2009-Present
- National Student Council Leadership Conference Delegate, 2009
- Sun Youth Forum Delegate, 2009
- Varsity Mock Trial, 2007-Present
- Junior Statesman of America President, 2009-Present
- Varsity Quiz, 2009; Captain
- Key Club, 2006-Present
- Drama, 2009; Starred as Lord Arthur Godalming in Dracula
- Mellow Dramatists, 2004-08
- Lip Sync, 2006-09; Director, 2009
Awards/Community Service:
- 3A 800 Meter State Champion, 2009
- 3A 4×400 Meter Relay State Champion, 2008
- MVP Witness Award–Mock Trial, 2008/10
- National Merit Scholar Finalist, 2009/10
- National Hispanic Scholar, 2009/10
- Wendy’s Heisman Award State Winner, 2009/10
- AP Scholar, 2009/10
- United States Achievement National Mathematics Award, 2009-10
- Nevada All-State Academic Team–Track & Cross Country, 2006-10
- Summerlin Hospital Teen Volunteer 100 Hour Award, 2007-08
- Helen J. Stewart School Peer Tutor, 2009
- Operation Christmas Child, 2006-09
- American Lung Association Teen Teacher, 2010
Goals & Aspirations: “I will probably attend Duke in the coming fall. I am looking into molding my own major, blending neuroscience, psychology and philosophy. I plan on either entering the realm of research of the mind or medicine. I plan on working towards a successful and happy career coupled with a family someday.”
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “Last year I found myself at the Nevada State Track Meet. I edged out the returning state champ and took 1st in the 800m state race. Unlike other accomplishments which came about through the efforts of many, winning state in the 800m came about as a result of self motivation and perseverance.”
Part of the Solution: “With so many technological conveniences, it seems as if there is little motivation for young adults to make strides to go farther than their parents did. By helping to find ways to motivate and push our generation to greater heights, I can help to be part of the movement to improve our world.”
Terry Fator
By Callie Thomas
Apparently, amazing things can happen when you hear voices. Or rather, listen to the voice within yourself. Very often that voice in the back of your head leads you through life’s challenges and spurs you on to realize your greatest dreams. 89135 resident Terry Fator knows a thing or two about listening to his inner voice—or in his case, voices. Millions witnessed a dream come true when he won the hit entertainment reality show, America’s Got Talent by sharing his special brand of humor and bringing his puppet co-stars to life with hilarious celebrity impressions and extraordinary ventriloquism feats. Terry tickles everyone’s funny bone nightly as the headliner at the Mirage. It would appear that Terry has listened to his inner choir for some time. It’s guided him in developing his passion for performing and for utilizing his talents to help those in need throughout our community.
“I started doing ventriloquism when I was ten years old,” says Fator. “I spent much of my younger days performing for senior citizen homes and charities. It gave me the opportunity to work on my craft in front of a live audience and help others at a very young age.” As Terry’s success as a performer grew, so did the number of charitable organizations that he’s become associated with over the years. Whether it is giving his time and talents through fundraising performances or organizing and influencing a group of his entertainer peers to take the stage as a means of giving back, Terry is always happy to offer a hand. A few of the organizations that can count Terry Fator as one of their most cherished friends are the Ronald McDonald House, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Child Haven, Make A Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Keep Memory Alive and the National Arthritis Foundation. “My sister has rheumatoid arthritis so that’s why I chose to work with them and the others are programs that I’ve gotten involved with through friends and family,” Fator said.
But perhaps what has resonated most significantly within Terry are opportunities to assist the military, particularly organizations that recognize and give comfort to former and present service men, women and their families. “I have a profound respect for organizations that assist those in the military and who have given their lives for our country,” he said. “As a kid I remember listening to stories from friend’s relatives who were in the Air Force and about their experiences during the Vietnam War and in POW Camps. I have always involved myself as much as I can in helping out organizations like Wounded Warrior, or Twilight Brigade.”
The sole purpose of Twilight Brigade is to provide bedside volunteers who give comfort, reassurance and compassionate support for those veteran service men and women in their final days and hours of life. The group assures that all our veterans are allowed to pass in peace and dignity. “I was able to do a show recently for a lot of kids who had a parent killed in the current fights in Afghanistan and Iraq and the experience was truly humbling. Seeing a lot of children laughing and enjoying themselves made me feel like a million bucks. I truly saw how powerful laughter can be to a hurting heart.”
Terry Fator has been fortunate to realize his dreams and continually envisions new ones to achieve. Giving back to the community is part of those aspirations and allows Terry to feel like he is a part of something bigger than himself. All in all, Fator is living a life much like his favorite quote by Willy Wonka: “Remember what happened to the boy who suddenly got everything he wanted? He lived happily ever after.”
April Swartz
By Callie Thomas
“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius
They say beauty is only skin deep, but “they” must not have taken into account the heart and mind of resident April Swartz. Like a breath of spring, April has a vivaciousness and charm that transcends her natural good looks. In fact, the wife and mother, who also represents the state of Nevada as the reigning Mrs. Nevada-America 2009, is a firm believer in helping those in need and is a proponent and motivator in encouraging others to lend their time through community service.
April was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Her many years with American Airlines as a flight attendant provided an opportunity to travel all over the states as well as five other countries. She and her husband Paul survived a long distance relationship for six years over four different states. April moved to Las Vegas seven years ago. After deciding she needed less time in the air and more time on the ground, Paul and April decided to start their family. Late last year, an acquaintance told April she should enter the Mrs. Nevada-America competition. “I had never participated before in a pageant,” says Swartz. “I decided to go ahead and jump full force into the competition. I could not believe it when they announced my name that I won. I was in shock for 2 1/2 weeks!”
The judging is based on three categories, beauty and poise, physical fitness and interview skills. April aced them all and in particular, her interview skills revealed her passion for community service and her aptitude in encouraging others to volunteer, which has become her platform as Mrs. Nevada-America. “This experience alone has helped me grow as a woman and opened doors I never thought possible,” says Swartz.
The Mrs. Nevada-America pageant is a proud supporter of the Susan G. Komen organization. The group is the global leader of the breast cancer awareness movement. The grassroots effort combines breast cancer survivors and activists to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care and energize the sciences to find a cure. Swartz found a personal connection with the non-profit organization. “My mother-in-law was diagnosed in 2007 with early stage breast cancer and lymphedema, so I happily volunteered with the organization. I have volunteered for various events and spoke about early detection and awareness and started a team to run/walk in the Race for the Cure.”
A love of shopping was the inspiration of a charitable event that April founded in 2008 called the Fashion Swap Charity Event. ‘I have a self-proclaimed black belt in shopping, a passion for fashion and a love of charity work,’ adds April. Several ladies were invited to bring articles from their closet to swap with one another. The event has also included a silent auction. Proceeds are donated to the Susan G. Komen organization.
Swartz has also been involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters for several years. She was matched up with a bright six year old. Now at thirteen, the girl is still a part of their family. April has also gone through training with the Red Cross in order to help Katrina survivors when it struck the southern coast. “I helped out at the Dallas Reunion Arena where hundreds of displaced people were taking shelter in the arena,” she said.
April continues to stay active as a wife and mother, opening their new business, Gigi”s Cupcakes, as well as giving back to the community. ‘It never feels like a responsibility to me or an obligation. There”s no better feeling at the end of the day than when I have spent my time doing community service.’
Mike Yoder
By Callie Thomas
Resident Mike Yoder has spent decades developing computer software, products and writing programs that are geared toward the integration of computers and evolving technology. While it may seem that Mike is in tune with non-human methodology on a daily basis, Yoder is intent on reaching out and lending a human hand to seniors in need throughout our community.
The sixteen year resident started his career as a software developer consultant with his brother Frank in Virginia in the late 1980s, creating their company, Advanced Information Systems, and relocating it to Las Vegas in 1995. “We built a full-service IT consulting and software development firm,” says Yoder. “As small businessmen, we quickly became involved in the local business community and eventually in community organizations.”
With a compassionate heart as well as an expertise for detail and organization, it was a natural fit for Mike when he had the opportunity to apply those attributes as a board member of the Helping Hands of Vegas Valley organization. “When the opportunity to join the board came up a few years back, I was honored to participate,” Yoder said. “Helping Hands was the first board I’d ever served on.”
Mike serves as the Vice President on the Board of Trustees for Helping Hands and also donates his time and services to take care of all the technical support needed by the organization. The group is a community service organization that provides essential services for seniors age 60 and over in the Las Vegas valley. “We provide three main services: a pantry to supplement groceries for low-income seniors; transportation for seniors who cannot get to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, complete errands, etc.; and respite care vouchers to allow care givers a much-needed break so that they may return refreshed and continue to provide the care for loved ones over longer periods of time,” Mike said.
As a board member, Mike is part of a team of trustees that advises, governs, oversees policy and direction as well as assists with the leadership and promotion of Helping Hands of Vegas Valley in order to support the core mission and needs of its recipients. “I’ve seen positive experiences reflected in the faces of appreciative seniors over the years in each of these programs,” he said. This month the group will hold its 15th Annual Cars, Stars and Guitars event, with this year’s festivities to be held in conjunction with the Motorhead Festival Poker Run. The event is a spectacular display of exotic cars, hotrods, classics, trucks, bikes, race cars, boats and more. Proceeds of the event benefit the Helping Hands organization.
Yoder also lends his time and support as a board member for Technology Business Alliance of Nevada (TBAN) which provides benefits for technology companies in the valley. It provides the optimum arena for Mike to give other small tech businesses a leg up. The group fosters high-tech growth in the state and is dedicated to assisting technology start-ups in finding the talent, customers and financing needed to succeed. “Giving back gives me a sense of being a contributing member of the community,” says Yoder.
The growth of both the Helping Hands and TBAN organizations are key aspirations Mike has for the future. Mike Yoder’s positive attitude and strong work ethic are just part of the reason he has been successful in business and in helping others throughout the community. He enjoys spending time with his wife Diann and their four children in their backyard oasis with friends and family, as well as making a difference in the community. “Giving back allows me to become more familiar with individuals I normally would not have an opportunity to meet. Hopefully, in some small way, I can have a positive impact on their lives.” For information on the Cars, Stars and Guitars event, visit www.carsstarsguitars.com.
Jennifer Rogers
By Callie Thomas
“Time is a wheel in constant motion, always rolling us along.
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone. And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance….”
– Martina McBride
We’ve all heard it before; live life every day as if it were the last. It’s not always easy to remember as the challenges of the day ensue and responsibilities pile up in an unending heap. Thankfully, we do get reminded from time to time, particularly when an ordinary person lives their life extraordinarily and makes an indelible mark on those around them. That reminder comes in the form of 89148 resident Jennifer Rogers.
The three and a half year resident is a special education teacher at Faiss Middle School where she teaches English Language Arts. That in and of itself would seem to be a selfless career choice, but Jennifer has gone beyond the day to day to nudge along programs that have far reaching affects for those students with special needs as well as create a motivated student body that is eager to assist their fellow classmates. “I began the Best Buddies program at our school,” says Rogers. The Best Buddies program pairs up a student with a disability (buddy) with another student without a disability (peer buddy) based upon interest, hobbies and personality. While the program had been around for many years, and was originally founded internationally in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, it had not been implemented at Faiss Middle School. The result of the collaborations not only benefits those with disabilities, but has created a “pay it forward” mentality for those without disabilities.
Rogers also coaches cheerleading at her school for basketball. The cheerleading and Best Buddy program have seemed to meld into one. “Our cheerleaders come to all of our charity events off campus to cheer for the Best Buddies Program,” Rogers said. “Many of our cheerleaders are peer buddies also. There have been so many students interested in the program that I have associate members to help out at the events.” Some of these events include the Santa Run at Town Square, Festival of Friendship at the District, and the group will be joining the Youth Global Service Day to fix up the Explore Knowledge Academy. “We are also planning a fashion show with Patty’s Closet on June 27 to raise money for our program. Our buddy pairs will be walking down the runway, and hopefully it will raise awareness to spectators.”
Jenny keeps her dance card full on a regular basis because she is also integrally involved with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HD). Jenny was diagnosed with the genetic disease last summer. “There is no cure for this disease, so I have been raising money for research since I was about 21 years old. I also joined clinical studies so that they could use me as their guinea pig to test brain activity and possible treatments. I want to be a part of finding a cure for HD so that the next generation does not have to deal with this disease,” she said. Jenny also filmed a documentary, which is on YouTube, about her childhood and the disease.
Jenny Rogers wakes up every day with a mission. She is in the process of earning her Ph.D. in clinical psychology so that she can open up a practice to continue working with children. She wants to be a part of finding the HD cure and support HD patients in Vegas. Every day she looks forward to seeing the smiling faces of her students and offers this advice: “Make the best of the time you have in this world and put a permanent stamp on someone’s heart. Live life from your heart, share from your heart, and your story will touch and heal people’s souls.”
The Perfect Mix – A Balanced Schedule for Summer Break
By Michelle Vessel
Ready or not, summer is here, and that means the kids are outta school and ready for some fun. Although the first couple of weeks are usually a honeymoon period when the little free birds delight in their unfettered independence from the classroom, it’s generally not too long before they’re spending massive amounts of time playing video games, watching TV or chatting on the Internet. What’s a parent to do?
Scheduled Chaos
While you may feel that kids are overloaded with stressful, sometimes overscheduled activity during the school year, making up for it by allowing unlimited downtime can actually do more harm than good. Research has shown that kids need a schedule during the summer months to help keep them motivated, disciplined and ready to return to the next school year with an attitude for learning.
This doesn’t mean you need to cram every minute from sunup to bedtime with organized activities; this gives kids little opportunity to develop the ability to entertain themselves. What is important is that downtime is balanced by structured bed and wake up times, chores or activities that instill responsibility, as well as play time that releases energy, provides exercise and stimulates the noggin! Evaluate the needs of your family, keep the schedule realistic and varied, and be flexible without becoming a pushover. Remember, this is summer vacation, so letting the kids stay up late for popcorn and a movie is perfectly okay from time to time.
Stave Off Summer Boredom
Once the chores are done and the allotted video or computer time limit has expired, you’re probably staring down a long, hot afternoon with a whole lot of nothing on the agenda. Here are some fun activities to pencil in on your child’s summer vacation schedule.
- Pool fun with a purpose. Marco Polo can get old. This year, develop a repertoire of games to keep your kids occupied in the pool. A quick Google search for fun pool games offers suggestions from squirt gun football to nose pushing beach ball races. For a take-along guide in handy book form, try 101 Cool Pool Games for Children: Fun and Fitness for Swimmers of All Levels, by Kim Rodomista. Alternately, outfit your crew with snorkels, masks and inexpensive trinkets for treasure diving, or check out pool supply or specialty stores like Brookstone for floating ping pong or pool tables.
- Stoke their competitive spirits. Humdrum childhood games are infused with a new level of intensity when you’re pitted against a sibling or neighborhood pals in a heated battle. Bump it up this summer by turning your kids’ favorite activities into tournaments. Competitions might include ping-pong, jump rope, checkers, stacking cups, Go Fish or Old Maid, Wii sports games, bike races, or even classic field-day games like the sack race or three-legged race. Visit www.blankplayoffbracket.com[AW1] for customizable brackets that make it official. Take turns with a few other mom friends and alternate activities at different houses, creating a play date with purpose. Don’t forget to schedule a spa day when your turn is up!
- Get your geek on. Spend some time talking to your child about subjects they’d like to know more about, and then invest a few hours picking up books, research materials and resources at local libraries and hobby shops. Set up a “learning lab” where your child can spend time doing research, whether it’s building a volcano or dinosaur model, investigating ancient cultures, tending to an ant colony or practicing sewing or knitting techniques. Check out www.pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/ or www.tryscience.org for ideas and inspiration.
- Encourage goal-directed play. Have your child identify two or three goals they’d like to achieve by the end of the summer. Some examples include learning how to ride a bike, perfecting a tricky skateboard maneuver, playing a song on a musical instrument, memorizing a dance routine or landing a cartwheel. Schedule practice time for at least 20-30 minutes a few times each week. Have them perform their newly acquired skills at an end-of-summer party or barbecue.
- Get crafty. Whether you like to keep it simple or create elaborate projects that would make Picasso proud, summer is the perfect time to cultivate your child’s burgeoning creativity. Check out designer Todd Oldham’s 2009 book Kid-Made Modern for some easy, surprisingly attractive projects. Sign the kids up for age appropriate classes at a variety of pottery shops, Michael’s or neighborhood recreational facilities.
- Jot it down in a journal. Buy each of your kids a spiral-bound notebook to use as a summer journal. Have them write a brief blurb about what they did each day, and spice things up from time to time with creative writing assignments. You can find a treasure trove of fun writing prompts for kids at www.tooter4kids.com/journal_writing.htm.
By scheduling prearranged fun and free time in just the right amounts, you’ll get the best of both worlds: activities and chores that will lend a sense of purpose and structure to the summer, and downtime that lets your kids relax, without being lax!
Recession-Proof and Green…It’s a Family Affair
Hooray for the recession! What? What good could come out of a recession? Quite simply, the answer is family time. Not ‘family in the minivan heading to the mall’ time, but ‘family finding things to do together at home’ time. With looming cuts in overtime giving moms and dads more hours to spend at home, while budget woes require eliminating expensive extracurricular activities like Tae Kwon Do or piano lessons, finding fun and affordable activities to fill those time slots requires a bit of creativity. Here’s how you can make the most of this time with budget and eco-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy.
Project Time
Pursuing a project together reaps a variety of benefits, including stronger bonds.
- Compost. From decisions on what to compost, to where to put your composting pile, to building your own container, this can be a green family project involving everyone. For more information on this, check out The Good Compost Guide at DoItYourself.com.
- Plant a garden. Everyone in the family can take part in the planning and care of the garden. Round up the kids to help build a container garden, plant seeds, make plant markers, water and weed. By avoiding chemical fertilizers and pest control products, your family can enjoy healthier vegetables all summer long.
- Scavenger hunt. Set the family lose in the attic, garage, basement or wherever unused stuff gets stored. The goal here is to see who can come up with the most creative use of forgotten junk. For instance, an old door can become a workbench when placed atop two old dressers.
TV Time
In today’s modern family, it’s not unusual for three or four televisions to be on at the same time. Mom’s watching HGTV, Dad’s tuned in to ESPN, and the kids are watching separate shows in their rooms. Between the televisions and the lights, that’s a lot of energy being used. Try planning one night a week or more where everyone has to gather in the family room and watch the same programs or DVDs. Tell the kids it’s all about being environmental; they’ll jump on that quicker than if you use the ‘family time’ excuse.
Game Night
Better yet, unplug entirely for one night a week. Turn off the Wii™, don’t worry about who said what on Facebook, forego tweeting, stash away the handheld video games and enjoy an eco-friendly night of entertainment. The kids may moan and groan at first, but they’ll be having fun in no time. If you’re really adventurous, bypass lights altogether and spend the night playing board games or cards by the light of lanterns or soy-based candles.
Suppertime
Get the whole family involved in meal planning. One way to do this is to let everyone have a turn at picking a meal that will fit into any of the following suggestions.
- Give up cooking one day a week. That got Mom’s attention, didn’t it? Don’t get too excited, though. The alternative to firing up your stove is not hopping in the car to go out to eat. Rather, plan on eating one cold dinner a week…cold as in sandwiches and salads made from as much local produce as possible.
- Cook out. Cooking outside doesn’t necessarily mean grilling. On really hot days, instead of heating up the kitchen and making the A/C work even harder, plug in your slow cooker out on the patio or deck.
- Use your toaster oven. Whenever possible, opt for the less-energy-consuming toaster oven over the conventional one.
Go for the Green!
Post-Olympic fervor doesn’t have to die out completely. Why not host your own Eco-Olympic games? Include extended family, friends and neighbors to make an even bigger impact. The goal is to go for the Green, not the Gold. See who can come up with the most innovative way to make their home environmentally-friendly. Nearly everyone recycles, but is there a better way? Is there a greener way to get to work or school safely? Who can cut down on the most waste? Could someone organize a community fundraiser or event for the environment? Choose non-partial judges (co-workers, church members, etc.) and create a clear set of rules. When it’s podium time, have metals available in Forest Green, Pea Green and Lime Green. You never know how big your own personal Eco-Olympics could become! Let’s just hope the news coverage isn’t on your ‘Turn off the T.V. night!’
For more ideas on eco-friendly activities for your family, check out a variety of creative ideas at Kaboose.com. Earth Day doesn’t have to be limited to a day in April. Enjoy the recession by making every day Earth Day in your home, develop healthier relationships within your family, and create memories that’ll last as long as the planet.
