Rev. Mark Keefer of Traer United Methodist Church, right, visits with a youngster during Kids Shopping Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Peace Church in Gladbrook. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

GLADBROOK – For the second year running, Gladbrook’s beloved Kids Shopping Day took place amid a significant winter storm. But not even intense snowfall and cold temperatures could stop more than 170 children from attending (with their caregivers) the 13th annual event held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Peace United Church of Christ in order to pick out gifts for their loved ones this Christmas season.

While attendance (171) this year was down slightly from years past, organizer Jeanne Paustian, who chairs Kids Shopping Day as a member of the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth Committee, said everything went well.

“I was happy so many (still) came. But I know if we have it, parents or grandparents are going to get them here.”

Kids Shopping Day has grown tremendously since it first began back in 2011 but still manages to remain true to the original intent – allowing children to more fully experience the joy that caring for others brings. The idea behind that very first Kids Shopping Day originated with now-retired Gladbrook kindergarten teacher Becky Fish, Paustian said.

“She came and asked me one day if I thought Gladbrook would support a Christmas store where kids could shop for their loved ones – no parent help and at no cost. And I said, well, I think we could do that. It was all Becky’s idea.”

As eager children accompanied by their caregivers look on from the sidewalk, Kids Shopping Day committee chair Jeanne Paustian unlocks the doors of Peace Church. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

In the early years, the event was held at the Gladbrook Memorial Building before quickly outgrowing the space. Today, Kids Shopping Day takes place over practically the entire two floors of Peace Church, including in the sanctuary where caregivers wait for their children as they “shop” downstairs. Without parental help, it requires an army of volunteers to orchestrate the event each year.

“We have a lot of different volunteers to help the children, including high school students – the little ones love going with them to shop. It takes about 82 people to make it all work,” Paustian said.

In addition to members of the Gladbrook Legion Auxiliary, Paustian receives volunteers and/or donations from almost all the area churches and organizations, including the Gladbrook Corn Carnival Corp., the Gladbrook Commercial Club, the Gladbrook Women’s Club, the Gladbrook Lions Club, the Legion, and many more.

“We wouldn’t stay afloat if we didn’t have all the organizations that supply volunteers and financial donations.”

It also takes roughly $3,500 a year to finance the massive endeavor despite about 75% of the items being donated outright. Cash donations are used to shore up tables.

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“We always have to beef up toys and the men’s gifts. We [receive donations] all year long. As soon as Christmas is over, we’ll see stuff start coming in the door again.”

Following the shopping day, many of the leftover items are taken to Westbrook Acres for residents to shop for their own loved ones and for themselves, Paustian said.

“We’ll also take a few things that we know they like – such as puzzles – to Independent Living. We also make a donation to Trinkets & Togs [Thrift Store in Grundy Center].”

Trinket & Togs is part of the non-profit agency The Larrabee Center. All proceeds from Trinkets & Togs sales support services for persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Kids Shopping Day: 2025

Barb Bereczki, left, a member of the Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Children & Youth Committee, assists a young boy during the 13th annual Kids Shopping Day held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook. Despite a winter storm that descended on the area earlier that morning, more than 170 children attended the event to “shop” for their loved ones. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Last Saturday, Dec. 13, as snow piled up on the sidewalk outside Peace Church’s south entrance, children were lined up down the street well ahead of Kids Shopping Day’s 9 a.m. start which kicked off with Paustian unlocking the church’s double doors. Once inside, attendees were greeted at the check-in table by volunteers Sherri Denbow and Becky Fevold who handed out gift lists and pencils.

After checking in, children proceeded upstairs to the sanctuary to deposit their coats (and their caregivers) before filling out their gift list with the names of family members for whom they would like to “shop.” Once their list was completed, they moved to the gift tag tables which were strewn with 100s of beautiful tags handmade by volunteers using discarded and/or past holiday cards.

From there, children ventured downstairs for the main event – shopping in the Christmas Store. At the entrance to the store’s large room, children were given a clipboard for their list plus a red or blue shopping basket. Preschoolers and kindergarteners received assistance from a volunteer as they perused the many tables. Once finished, children moved on to the wrapping stations – situated on the room’s periphery – where their selections were expertly prepared for gifting. They were then zoomed back upstairs (with their gifts) by elevator to a room located behind the chancel for a quick chat with the “People of Bethlehem.” This year’s cast featured Rev. Gideon Gallo of Gladbrook United Methodist Church, Rev. Mark Keefer of Traer United Methodist Church, Kay Lowry, Sue Storjohann, and Sierra Wiebensohn.

“Children can’t shop for themselves [at Kids Shopping Day], so they receive a nativity Christmas card and a nativity ornament (from the People of Bethlehem). They also tell them about the reason for the season,” Paustian explained.

Then it was time to find their caregivers in the sanctuary – or have a committee volunteer make a phone call – and head home with their bounty of carefully-curated gifts. This is the part Paustian said she loves the most as she hears about it later from parents and grandparents following the event.

A young girl selects gifts for family members on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the basement room of Peace Church in Gladbrook as part of the 13th annual Kids Shopping Day. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

“It’s really sweet – how they put them under their trees. They might rearrange them under the tree 100 times. They’re just so proud of their gifts. … It (really does) make you cry. I helped one little girl (on Saturday), she didn’t say one word to me. But she was so proud.”

And while the event takes place in the heart of Gladbrook, Paustian said children from far beyond the local community attend. On Saturday, there were children present from throughout Tama County as well as Reinbeck – including Gladbrook-Reinbeck Superintendent Caleb Bonjour’s children – and even Marshalltown.

But no matter how big it gets, Paustian said the committee has no plans to stop.

“It is a Gladbrook Christmas tradition that we plan to continue for years to come.”

Mark your calendars now – and hope for better weather! – Gladbrook’s 14th annual Kids Shopping Day is set for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.

An early scene from the 13th annual Kids Shopping Day held last Saturday at Peace Church in Gladbrook. The basement Christmas Store room, ringed with wrapping stations staffed by volunteers, was bustling with children shortly after the event’s 9 a.m. start. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !

Jeanne Paustian, committee chair of Kids Shopping Day, assists a young girl during the 13th annual event held last Saturday at Peace Church in Gladbrook. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

A young boy has his picture taken last Saturday morning in front of the nativity scene set up inside Peace United Church of Christ’s sanctuary during Kids Shopping Day in Gladbrook. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Volunteers with the 13th annual Kids Shopping Day pose for a group photograph on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, just ahead of the event which took place at Peace Church in Gladbrook. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of former deputy Zach Cash, who died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.

Obituary: Davidson Funeral Home

Cash served with the Sheriff’s Office from November 2008 through April 2009. Authorities said that while his tenure with the agency was brief, his presence left a lasting impact on colleagues and the Davidson County community.

Those who worked alongside Cash remembered him as a dependable squad mate and someone they could rely on in difficult situations. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, Cash quickly built strong relationships with fellow deputies and staff.

Outside of his official duties, Cash was also known for his involvement in department activities, including helping the Sheriff’s Office’s “Law Dawgs” softball team secure several wins.

After leaving law enforcement, Cash chose to focus on his family and community. Authorities said that although the Sheriff’s Office lost a dedicated deputy, Davidson County gained a committed coach, leader and mentor.

Cash became deeply involved in youth athletics, where he worked with hundreds of families and helped guide young men and women through sports. His influence extended well beyond the field, with many in the community crediting him for shaping character, discipline and teamwork in those he coached.

Authorities said it would be difficult to find another community member who accomplished as much in such a short time as Cash did in his 40 years.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Cash’s family, friends, former teammates and the many lives he touched. Officials said that while the community grieves his sudden loss, Cash’s legacy will continue through the people he mentored and supported throughout his life.

Memorials may be directed to The Cash Family College Fund at First National Bank in Lexington, honoring Zach’s legacy by investing in the future of his children.

Gwen Vanderheyden of Rockton has turned into a bit of a star on the ice when it comes to speed skating, but she’s set to watch the Olympics with the rest of the country, beginning on Feb. 6.

The difference between Vanderheyden and the rest of the world? Most of us won’t ever get anywhere near competing in the Olympics. Watching is the closest the rest of us will ever get.

Vanderheyden may get there as a competitor someday.

“The Olympics would be great, that’s what you shoot for,” Vanderheyden, 14, said. “I’m pretty sure that in four years from now, I’m going to want that Olympic spot. That’s my dream.”

And Vanderheyden is on pace for just that.

Why speed skating?

A little over three years ago, Gwen was watching the Winter Olympics with her father and mother, Russell and Cari Vanderheyden, when she exclaimed that speed skating was “the coolest things I’ve ever seen.”

She quickly learned to skate at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park. She first tried the figure skating route, but then quickly pivoted back to speed skating.

Youth sports are often celebrated as pathways to confidence, discipline, and teamwork. For many children, athletics begin as a source of joy and self-expression. However, as competition intensifies and expectations grow, passion can quietly transform into pressure. Burnout in youth sports has become an increasingly visible issue, raising questions about how early ambition, adult involvement, and institutional systems shape young athletes’ experiences.

What Burnout Looks Like in Young Athletes

Burnout in young athletes rarely arrives as a dramatic breaking point. More often, it develops quietly, masked by routine and normalized stress. What begins as dedication can slowly turn into emotional and physical exhaustion, leaving athletes disconnected from a sport they once loved.

One of the earliest signs is a loss of enthusiasm. Practices that once felt energizing begin to feel draining. Young athletes may express reluctance to attend training sessions or competitions, offering excuses or showing emotional withdrawal. This shift is often misinterpreted as laziness, when it is more accurately a response to sustained pressure without adequate recovery.

Emotional symptoms are frequently accompanied by physical ones. Chronic fatigue, recurring injuries, and unexplained aches become more common as the body struggles to recover. Performance may plateau or decline despite increased effort, further fueling frustration and self-doubt. Sleep disturbances and changes in appetite can also signal mounting stress.

Psychologically, burnout can manifest as irritability, anxiety, or a sense of hopelessness. Young athletes may become overly self-critical, fearing mistakes or judgment. The joy of play is replaced by a constant concern about outcomes, rankings, or approval from adults. In severe cases, athletes experience emotional numbness, feeling detached rather than disappointed.

Social withdrawal is another indicator. Burned-out athletes may pull away from teammates, friends, or family, particularly if their social world revolves around sport. When identity is tightly bound to performance, struggles can feel isolating and deeply personal.

Importantly, burnout does not mean a lack of talent or commitment. It is often the result of prolonged imbalance—too much demand, too little autonomy, and insufficient rest. Without recognition, burnout can lead to complete disengagement from sport, sometimes permanently.

Recognizing burnout early allows for meaningful intervention. When adults listen carefully to changes in mood, motivation, and behavior, they can help restore balance. Addressing burnout is not about lowering standards, but about protecting the well-being that allows young athletes to thrive both in sport and beyond it.

The Role of Early Specialization

Early specialization occurs when young athletes focus on a single sport year-round, often excluding other athletic activities at an early age. While this approach is sometimes promoted as a pathway to elite performance, it carries significant risks for burnout, particularly when driven by external expectations rather than a child’s intrinsic interest.

One major concern is physical strain. Repetitive movement patterns increase the likelihood of overuse injuries, especially in developing bodies. Without seasonal variation or cross-training, muscles and joints are subjected to constant stress, limiting recovery and increasing long-term injury risk. Physical pain can quickly erode enjoyment, turning participation into obligation.

Psychologically, early specialization narrows a child’s sense of identity. When one sport becomes the primary source of validation, setbacks feel disproportionately devastating. Losses, reduced playing time, or injury may be interpreted as personal failure rather than part of development. This pressure intensifies anxiety and undermines confidence.

Specialization also reduces opportunities for unstructured play, which is essential for creativity, social learning, and emotional resilience. Playing multiple sports exposes athletes to different coaching styles, peer groups, and movement skills, fostering adaptability and broader athletic literacy. Without this diversity, sport becomes repetitive, increasing mental fatigue.

Research increasingly suggests that early diversification does not hinder long-term success. Many elite athletes participated in multiple sports during childhood, specializing later when motivation and physical maturity were stronger. Delayed specialization allows passion to develop organically rather than being imposed prematurely.

Importantly, not all specialization is harmful. When athletes choose to focus on one sport out of genuine interest, with appropriate rest and support, specialization can be positive. The risk arises when choice is replaced by pressure, and development is measured solely by outcomes rather than well-being.

Understanding the role of early specialization requires nuance. Success in youth sports should prioritize growth, health, and enjoyment over early achievement. By allowing children the freedom to explore, rest, and decide for themselves, adults help protect long-term engagement and reduce the likelihood that passion will give way to burnout.

External Pressure from Adults and Systems

External pressure plays a significant role in youth sports burnout, often emerging from well-intentioned adults and institutional structures. Parents, coaches, schools, and competitive systems frequently emphasize performance outcomes, unintentionally shifting the focus away from enjoyment, learning, and personal growth. Over time, this pressure can distort a young athlete’s relationship with sport.

Parental involvement is one of the most influential factors. While encouragement and support are essential, constant evaluation, comparison, or future-oriented thinking can create emotional weight. Conversations centered on rankings, playing time, or scholarships may communicate that success defines worth. Even subtle cues—disappointment after losses or excessive praise tied solely to winning—can reinforce this message.

Coaching environments also shape pressure. Coaches operating within competitive systems may prioritize results to secure funding, recognition, or job stability. When training becomes rigid and mistakes are punished rather than used as learning opportunities, athletes may develop fear-based motivation. This atmosphere discourages risk-taking and undermines confidence, increasing emotional strain.

Beyond individuals, structural pressures intensify burnout. Year-round leagues, travel teams, early talent identification programs, and constant tournaments reduce recovery time and increase psychological load. The commercialization of youth sports further amplifies expectations, framing participation as an investment rather than an experience. Athletes internalize these stakes, feeling responsible for justifying time, money, and effort spent on them.

Social comparison, often fueled by social media, compounds the problem. Highlight reels, rankings, and public evaluations create a sense of constant scrutiny. Young athletes may feel they are always being measured, even outside competition.

The most damaging aspect of external pressure is the loss of autonomy. When athletes feel they cannot say no, rest, or explore other interests, sport becomes compulsory. Motivation shifts from internal enjoyment to external approval.

Reducing burnout requires adults to reassess their roles. Support should emphasize effort, learning, and well-being over outcomes. Systems must allow flexibility, rest, and athlete voice. When pressure is replaced with trust and support, young athletes are more likely to sustain both performance and passion.

Identity and Self-Worth

For many young athletes, sport becomes more than an activity—it becomes a central part of identity. While this can foster confidence and belonging, it also creates vulnerability when self-worth becomes tightly linked to performance. When success defines who an athlete is, setbacks can feel like personal failure rather than temporary challenges.

This identity fusion often develops subtly. Praise from adults, recognition from peers, and structured routines reinforce the idea that athletic achievement is the primary source of value. Over time, young athletes may internalize the belief that they are respected, supported, or noticed mainly because of how well they perform. This makes sport emotionally high-stakes.

When injuries, losses, or reduced playing time occur, the impact extends beyond disappointment. Athletes may experience shame, anxiety, or a sense of worthlessness. Because their identity is narrowly defined, there is little psychological space to absorb adversity. Stepping away from sport—whether temporarily or permanently—can feel like losing oneself entirely.

Burnout intensifies when athletes feel trapped by this identity. They may continue participating despite exhaustion or loss of enjoyment because quitting feels like letting others down or abandoning who they are supposed to be. This pressure often goes unspoken, particularly in environments that celebrate toughness and persistence above emotional well-being.

A strong athletic identity is not inherently harmful. Problems arise when it crowds out other aspects of self—friendships, academic interests, creativity, or rest. Balanced identity allows athletes to see sport as one meaningful part of life rather than its sole foundation. This balance acts as a protective factor against burnout.

Adults play a crucial role in shaping this perspective. When parents and coaches praise effort, character, and resilience rather than results alone, they help decouple self-worth from performance. Encouraging interests outside of sport reinforces the idea that value is multifaceted.

Supporting healthy identity development means affirming athletes for who they are, not just what they achieve. When young athletes feel secure in their worth, they are better equipped to face challenges, recover from setbacks, and sustain a positive relationship with sport over time.

Preventing Burnout

Preventing burnout in youth sports requires intentional balance between development, performance, and well-being. While competition and challenge are valuable, they must be paired with autonomy, rest, and emotional support to sustain long-term engagement. Burnout is not inevitable; it is often the result of misaligned priorities rather than excessive effort alone.

One of the most effective protective factors is athlete choice. When young athletes feel they have a voice in decisions about training intensity, competition schedules, and participation, motivation remains internal rather than imposed. Feeling heard fosters ownership and reduces the sense of obligation that fuels burnout.

Rest and recovery are equally critical. Physical recovery supports mental health, and both are often overlooked in youth sports structures. Scheduled breaks, off-seasons, and limits on year-round competition allow athletes to reset physically and emotionally. Encouraging unstructured play and time away from organized sport helps preserve joy and creativity.

Multisport participation remains a key strategy. Exposure to different sports reduces overuse injuries, builds diverse movement skills, and prevents monotony. It also reinforces the idea that athletic identity can be flexible rather than singular. Even for athletes who eventually specialize, early diversification supports healthier development.

The role of adults cannot be overstated. Parents and coaches set the emotional tone of sport. Emphasizing effort, learning, and teamwork over outcomes reduces performance anxiety. Open communication creates safe space for athletes to express fatigue or loss of motivation without fear of disappointment or punishment.

Education also matters. Teaching young athletes to recognize stress, set boundaries, and value rest empowers them to care for their own well-being. Normalizing conversations about mental health reduces stigma and encourages early intervention.

Ultimately, preventing burnout means redefining success. When success includes enjoyment, growth, and health—not just wins or rankings—sport becomes sustainable. By aligning systems with the developmental needs of young athletes, we ensure that passion is protected, resilience is built, and sport remains a positive force rather than a source of exhaustion.

Conclusion

Youth sports should cultivate resilience, joy, and lifelong movement—not exhaustion and fear. Addressing burnout means realigning priorities, preserving play, and remembering that passion thrives best when pressure is managed with care.