Tag Magazine - October 2012

Advertising Supplement | October 31, 2012 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News

FRISBEE GOLF

Flights of Fancy PAGE 3

GETTING KIDSTO VOLUNTEER Spending quality time with elderly relatives is one way for children to learn the value of giv-ing their time.

PAGE 4

A Kids-Eye View of the Palouse

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A Kid’s-Eye View of the Palouse | Tag2 | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 | MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS

FORMER TRACK STAR TRIES HER HAND AT THE STAGE PAGE 12

FOR THE WEEK

OF SEPT. 27-

OCT. 3, 2012

MOVIES * FOOD * DRINK * MUSIC * ART * STAGE * BOOKS * KIDS * FAMILIES * FAIRS * FESTIVALS

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Dan Rather to speak at WSU PAGE 6

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Tag | A Kid’s-Eye View of the Palouse MOSCOWPULLMAN DAILY NEWS | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 | 3

Abandon all rule-following, ye who enter here. I mean, abandon all the rules you want to abandon.

“We don’t care, we don’t keep score,” my friend Marilyn said, explaining what her family likes about Frisbee golf, more officially known as disc golf. “Half the time, Jackson (her younger child) takes my Frisbee and walks off with it. It’s just a good excuse

to go for a walk and have a really fun time and not take it seriously.”

That all sounded good to me, so on a recent Friday after school I rounded up my friend, Kim, and an assortment of kids and discs and headed over to the University of Idaho’s nine-hole disc golf course.

Like Marilyn, who enjoys playing with free discs from pizza places, we were glad to use whatever round potentially flying objects we could get our hands on. I was thrilled when, along with cloth Frisbees and plastic plates, this happened to include two official disc golf discs, courtesy of my friend, Kirsten.

Thus equipped, our merry band set off, the children immediately running and throwing their selected discs in the opposite direction of the actual course.

The kids had a few questions before we got started, for example: “Is it like you throw a Frisbee at a golf ball and hope the Frisbee knocks the golf ball into a hole?”

Upon reaching the course, I noticed that we were not alone.

“Is it polite to bean other players on the head?” I asked the kids, thereby imparting to them via the Socratic method the full extent of my knowledge of disc golf.

We soon made several discoveries, not all of which were pleasant. Golf discs are smaller than regular Frisbees, with harder rims, which makes them fun to throw, but not much fun to catch. As my younger child, Benji, said after catching one, “They hurt your hands big-time.”

We also learned that players stand on a tee (at the UI course, large flat rectangular slabs)

and aim for a metal pole basket typically hundreds of feet away, and not necessarily in one’s line of sight.

Thus, although we had a map, it was not immediately obvious to us which tee was as-sociated with which pole basket.

“This is confusing,” one influential group member said as we tried to locate the second tee and basket. And a few minutes later, the dreaded words rang out: “I hate Frisbee golf!” And so, the group’s debut round of Frisbee golf soon came to a halt.

And yet, friends, I still consider our foray into Frisbee golf a success. The five kids – 11-year-olds John and Lee, 10-year-olds Jonna and Lena, and 8-year-old Benji – proceeded to amuse themselves for the next two hours playing and inventing a wide array of Frisbee-using games: a Freeze Tag variation, in which players hold up their Frisbee when tagged; a Duck, Duck, Goose variation in which Frisbees sit in the center stew pot rather than actual players; tea party; Capture the Frisbee (like Capture the Flag, except that the cap-tured Frisbee can than be thrown back over the line); and bomb making, an activity in which the three boys stacked various Frisbees in various ways and flung them into the air and watched them fall, adding pine needles and pine cones to the stack for variety.

Considering the possibility that Friday afternoon after a week of school was perhaps not the optimal time for structured activity, I brought Benji with me to the 18-hole course at Sunnyside Park in Pullman on Sunday afternoon.

While I felt that our having two actual

golf discs was a huge coup, we learned here that more advanced players often carry disc golf bags that typically hold a dozen or more discs, each particularly suited for different types of throws.

Afterwards, Benji and I both agreed we’d had a lot of fun, and I wondered aloud about why. Was it the fact that this time we each got to use an actual golf disc? Was it the beautiful and varied setting of the park? Was it the way the game could go much faster with only two of us? What was the crucial factor?

“The obstacles,” Benji said. Ah, yes. More than once, I found myself

attempting to fling my disc between the branches of a large tree. But the obstacle to which Benji referred was far grander than any tree branch, an obstacle I remembered only too late, as his disc was already rolling downhill toward it: the water feature!

In my memory, Benji and I are standing high on the hill in the sunshine, aiming our discs at a pole basket far below.

He lets his fly, and as it hits the ground and veers dramatically to the left, only then do I remember the fearsome pond that lies in wait below.

By the time I too fling my disc toward the pond and run to the bottom of the hill, Benji is kneeling at the edge of the water. Kneeling near him with his arm submerged is Washington State University student Ryan Jeska, kindly fishing around for Benji’s yellow disc.

Soon I notice that Ryan’s two friends, Kimo Kainoa and Logan Hill, are also kneeling and trying to coax a disc to shore.

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ABOUT TAGTag is published regularly by the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.Three issues are planned for 2013. For more information on how to advertise, please contact Lisa Smith-Horner at [email protected], or Kristen Whitney at [email protected].

UNPLUGGEDbY JudY sobeloff

Frisbee golf: Soaring, sinking

“Our favorite games are the ones we don’t understand!”

– Calvin,in “The Indispensible Calvin and

Hobbes” by Bill Masterson

Judy Sobeloff(Left) Benji Sobeloff-Gittes, the author’s 8-year-old son, prepares to throw his disc from the riskiest tee on the course at Sunnyside Park in Pullman. (Right) Washington State University student Ryan Jeska fishes Benji’s disc out of the pond.


As I watch, a man emerges from the bushes wearing a wetsuit and carrying a large net. “Hey, I’ll get your disc for five bucks!” he offers, to all.

This man, I hear from other players, lost five discs in the pond earlier that day and has returned to reclaim them. Moments later we see yet another player swimming — not wad-ing, but swimming — to get a disc.

Two things dawn on me: First, the prospect of one’s Frisbee landing in this pond seems not just likely but pretty much inevitable. (Maybe this is the real reason for the disc golf bag?)

Second, if you’re not the one entering the water, playing here seems well worth it.

A final thought: As the season progresses, Frisbee golf in the snow also seems like it could be fun, if you could avoid the water. And, a demographic observation: Of the thirty or so other people we saw out there playing during our two trips, all of them were male.

When we leave the park, the man in the wetsuit is still standing in the water, probing the bottom of the pond with a stick. “That pond is the stinkiest thing ever,” Benji says. “It would have been worth at least eight dollars.”

Judy Sobeloff is a teaching artist and freelancewriter who lives with her family in Moscow.

FRISBEE GOLF 411SUPPLIES: Golf discs are sold locally at HyperS-

pud and Tri-State in Moscow and Ricoshay in Pull-man, for approximately $9-25 a piece. UI students can borrow discs from the UI Student Recreation Center; community members can pay $6 for a day pass and check out discs from the equipment room.

RULES: Rules and information about the history of the game are available from the Professional Disc Golf Association at pdga.com.

GETTING THERE: Directions and course maps are available from the Course Directory of www.pdga.com. (See www.pdga.com/course_direc-tory/course/university-of-idaho and www.pdga.com/course_directory/course/sunnyside-park-0.) Information and maps are also available from the UI Campus Recreation Web site and the City of Pull-man Web site. Maps of the Sunnyside Park course are available at Ricoshay.

PARKING: The UI course is on Poultry Hill near Sixth Street, Perimeter Road, and Stadium Drive, west of the Hartung Theater. Visitors to UI can buy temporary parking permits for $2/day from Park-ing Services. Some parking is free on evenings and weekends. The first tee is west of a grove of trees near the Aquaculture Institute, across from the Kib-bie Dome parking on the north side of the road.

For the Sunnyside Park course, use the parking lot off of Old Wawawai Road. The first tee is above the large wooden steps at the far end of the lot.

Getting kids to volunteer

Metro Editorial

Volunteering is a great way for people to give back to their communi-ties. It’s also a great way

for parents to instill character in their children.

When kids volunteer, they learn lessons about responsibility while also learning how enjoyable it can be to help the less fortunate. Kids who volunteer early in life are more likely to do so throughout their lives, and that lifetime of service can be invaluable. The right vol-unteering opportunity for a child often depends on the child’s age, as some opportunities are better suit-ed to younger children while others are tailor-made for teenagers. The

following are a few age-appropriate ideas that can help get kids excited about volunteering and giving back to their neighborhoods.

Elementary school children

When kids reach elementary school, parents should introduce them to volunteering. Volunteer-ing activities for school-aged kids should be simple, such as ac-companying their parents to food banks where kids can help feed the homeless and less fortunate. Kids with grandparents living in assisted living facilities can read to residents at the facility or bring them home-made arts and crafts or even foods they helped prepare (just be sure to clear any items with the facility’s

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Metro EditorialSpending quality time with elderly relatives is one way for kids to learn the value of volunteering.

medical staff before distributing). These tasks are simple, and kids won’t feel nervous when accompanied by Mom and Dad.

Middle school children

When kids reach middle school, they might not feel it’s necessary for Mom and Dad to tag along as much. This is perfectly alright, and it’s a great time for kids to branch out and choose some volunteer activities of their own. Instead of accompanying kids to the food bank, let them work a shift on their own. Kids who have been volunteering since early childhood might have some volunteer-ing goals of their own by the time they reach middle school, so don’t insist they continue with current activities if there’s something else sparking their interest. Kids might want to help an elderly neighbor around the house, such as shopping for groceries or taking care of their property. Encourage such ideas, and expect kids to want to exercise some indepen-dence when they reach middle school.

High school students

High school students tend to have busy schedules, but those who have been volun-teering since childhood will likely find a way to continue doing so. Teenagers tend to have more specific interests than younger children, and parents can encourage teens to incorporate those interests into their volunteering. For example, kids who love sports might be able to work with the local sports and recreation center to coach younger athletes. Or kids who excel in the classroom

can tutor younger students. Volunteering can look good on a high school student’s resume when the time comes to apply for college, but parents should be careful that their high school-aged children don’t stretch themselves too thin with extracurricular activities. En-courage volunteering but not at the expense of schoolwork.

Many children embrace volunteering, espe-cially when given the chance to choose how they want to give back to their communities and the less fortunate.

Metro Editorial

The only thing scarier during the holidays than the tally on a credit card bill come January is the idea of a child getting lost or abducted

while out shopping. Safety tips can keep children by your side or help caregivers find kids fast should they wander off.

These are a busy few months at the mall, with many people packed into stores in search of the perfect gifts. Confusion and the sheer volume of shoppers can increase the chance that a child will get lost.

A lost child can create panic parents and caregivers. However, keeping a level head is more beneficial than running off to find the child. Although preventing a child from wandering off is the best method of protec-tion, being prepared for what to do should the child go missing is equally important.

l Talk about what to do. Sit children

who are old enough down to help them understand and set up a plan of action if they become separated from you. In familiar stores, you can establish a meeting spot to go to, such as near the cash register. Instruct children to seek a security guard or store employee and ask for help.

l Dress boldly. Part of the problem when holiday shopping is being swarmed by different people all dressed similarly. Designate brightly colored clothes that both you and your children can wear to be more visible. Most small children only have the vantage point of seeing from the waist down. Consider wearing flashy shoes or a bandana tied to belt loops to help you stand out. Children can wear a bright shirt or hat so you can see them at all times.

l Dress-up strollers, too. Many strollers are identical in appearance. Set yours apart by tying a ribbon or balloon to it. This way you will be able to notice if someone is wandering

off with your stroller -- and your child!l Carry a recent photo. Take a picture

of your children with your mobile phone before leaving the house so that you will know exactly what he or she was wearing and will have the most recent photo available for identification. In addition to taking a head shot, take a photo of the child’s shoes, too. In events of child abduction, kidnappers may have a change of clothes ready for children, but rarely will they be able to change kids’ shoes because of sizing issues. Those shoes can prove an invaluable method of identifica-tion.

l Give children identification. You can create a personal ID card with basic information to help reunite you with your child. This may include only the child’s first name and an “I’m Lost” message with a phone number to “Call Mom.” Because even an ID card can go missing, some inventive parents are using methods like temporary tattoo IDs like those from SafetyTat(R).

l Hold hands and stay connected. Keep your children within reach and do not let them stay in one aisle while you shop in another. Holding hands keeps

children within reach. Although many parents frown on the use of a child leash, if it means the difference between a child running off or staying put, it might be a good idea.

l Reinforce positive behavior. Should a child wander off and follow safety tips, reward that behavior with praise when you are reunited. Wait until another time to talk about why he or she got lost and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Children tend to wander off out of curios-ity or by following the wrong person. During the busy holiday season this can happen more frequently. By heeding tips, children can be kept safe whenever the family is in a crowd.

Prevent lost children while holiday shopping

Metro EditorialIn a sea of legs, it can be easy for a child to follow the wrong person and become lost.

MAMAS PAPAS A supportive group for moms + dads + wee ones.


Metro Editorial

Gadgets often top the list of desired gifts for the holiday season. Adults and children alike fawn over the latest technology, and

giving a loved one a new phone, portable video game console, tablet or e-reader for the holidays is sure to please.

When providing children the latest tech gifts, parents typically ask themselves if a child is mature enough to handle the responsibility of having his or her own mobile phone. There is no clear-cut answer to this question, and it is up to the gift-giver to assess the maturity levels of the gift recipient as well as his or her behavior when considering giv-ing the gift of a mobile phone.

Today’s cellular phones are much differ-ent from the ones that flooded the market 10 to 20 years ago. Although the concept of a mobile phone has been in place since the late 1940s, it wasn’t until 1983 that mobile phones became commercially available in North America. Phones once did little more than just dial a call, and even then service was spotty. Now phones are mini-computers, able to make and receive calls, take photos, access

the Internet, download photos and text, pro-vide GPS positioning, give directions, check e-mail, and so much more.

Such cell phones can be invaluable, but their accessibility often makes parents and guardians think twice about gifting children with a mobile phone. Those who are carefully considering purchasing a phone as a holiday gift for a tween may want to consider the following.

l Reliability: How well does the child take care of his or her belongings? Are keys constantly being lost? Are you often replac-ing items that were just purchased? If so, the child may not be ready for a cell phone. Although many mobile phone companies of-fer promotional prices on phones this time of year, buying a phone can still be a consider-able expense. Adding insurance to that phone will cost even more. Cell phones may only be for children who have a good track record of caring for and keeping important belongings.

l Maturity level: Some children seem to be born wise beyond their years. Others are eternal Peter Pans. It is unwise to base a cell phone purchase simply on age alone. Parents typically have a grasp of their child’s maturity level, so it should be easy to determine if they

are mature enough to handle the responsibil-ity of a cell phone.

l Features: Mobile phones, particu-larly smartphones, offer a bevy of different

The right age to give children mobile phones

Metro EditorialWhen providing children the latest tech gifts, parents typically ask themselves if a child is mature enough to handle the responsibility of having his or her own mobile phone.

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features. From social networking to mapping physical locations, these phones can make children widely accessible from a communi-cations standpoint. It can be quite easy for a child to take and share a photo with someone inappropriate, and vice-versa. Find out the reasons behind why your son or daughter wants the phone. Is it simply for texting, or is it to have emergency contact with home? Knowing the reasons why a child wants the phone may make the decision easier.

l Safety: Cell phones make it easier for parents to monitor their children when they are away from home, providing some peace of mind.

l School rules: In many institutions, cell phone use is prohibited during school hours or phones may not even be allowed on school property. This is something to keep in mind before purchasing.

l Accessibility: A child does not need a smartphone, so parents should buy a phone that doesn’t offer all of the bells and whistles. Not only will this cut down on the cost, it could help prevent irresponsible behavior as well.

Many children want their own cell phone, in part because they see their parents and oth-ers on the phone. But it’s wise to consider the pros and cons of giving children cell phones before telling children they can have one.

Metro Editorial

Everyone wants to get the perfect gifts for people on their holiday shopping lists. Shopping for a child with special needs can

make gift-giving a bit more difficult. After all, buyers want to ensure the gift is practi-cal as well as thoughtful. However, there are many great gift ideas for special needs children.

Buying gifts for kids with a disability or other special needs make take a little more time, but shoppers who consider a child’s developmental readiness as well as personal interests can still find the perfect gift.

l Consult with parents and caregivers. Parents often know best when it comes to their own children and will make the most reliable source as to which gifts to buy for special needs children. Parents may have a list of items a therapist or teacher has suggested, and these learning tools could make good gifts, particularly if parents’ own budgets are stretched. If you’d like to make the gift a surprise for everyone involved, go directly to a therapist or teacher and ask for suggestions. There may be classroom aides that can be bought to continue the learning

experience at home.l Assess developmental level. When it

comes to special needs children, age does not always dictate the proper developmental level. A pre-teen with special needs may not be on the same level academically and so-cially as his or her peers, while some special needs children may be more developed in a particular area than other special needs kids their age. Assess a child’s developmental level to help you select toys that he or she can play with. For example, a nonverbal child with autism who likes marine life may benefit from a colorful picture book where he or she can point to the animals.

l Think about interests. Most children gravitate to certain types of toys and have specific interests when it comes to play. A music lover may enjoy a learner’s guitar or keyboard. Those who like to build would probably like a Lego® or Mega Bloks® set that can be transformed into cars, trucks or even space stations. Most children benefit from art sets where they can explore their creativity and also master greater dexterity and imaginative thinking.

l Consider making a financial dona-tion. Some children with special needs

require the use of specialized equipment, such as braces or wheelchairs. Such equip-ment can be expensive, and the child’s family might benefit from a financial gift. A mon-etary gift to be put toward medical supplies, travel, gear, or even a charitable donation to an association would make fine gifts.

Special needs children are just like others in that they look forward to the bounty of holiday gifts. Choosing presents that pertain to their interests, needs and developmental readiness can ensure that this holiday season is a happy one.

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Tag Magazine - October 2012