Kidz Zone

Did you know that two of America's greatest leaders, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, were born in February. Washington's birthday is February 22 and Lincoln's birthday is February 12. Some states honor other American Presidents on this day and call the holiday President's Day. This year we will celebrate Presidents day on February 18. See how much you know about Washington and Lincoln by taking this true or false quiz.

Donald Kyle is the Children's Editor for The TowneLaker. He is in Mrs. Scherich's second grade class at Bascomb Elementary. Donald is also the son of Gina Carr Kyle and Don Kyle.

February is also the month we celebrate Valentine's Day. Here is a fun recipe for some delicious sweet treats. Some baking is necessary, so ask an adult to help. Have fun and enjoy!

CHOCOLATE SPOTS

What You Need:
Vanilla wafer cookies
Round pretzels
1 bag of Hershey's chocolate Kisses®
Candy hearts
M&M® candies

Instructions for cookies:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place vanilla wafer cookies 1-inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Set a Hershey's chocolate Kiss on the center of each cookie. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and gently press an M&M candy or a candy heart into the center of the softened Hershey's Kiss. Allow to cool completely to let the chocolate harden again.

Instructions for pretzels:
Preheat over to 200 degrees. Place pretzels 1-inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Place a Hershey's chocolate Kiss in the center of each pretzel and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently press an M&M candy or candy heart into the center of the softened chocolate. When pressing down you may need to wiggle the chocolate around a little to fill in any gaps between the chocolate and the pretzel. This will help the chocolate stick to the pretzel. Allow to cool completely same as above.

1. President's Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February.

2. It honors two great Presidents, President Washington and President Clinton.

3. President Washington was the first American President.

4. President Washington is the only President to have a state named after him.

5. President Lincoln's first name was George.

6. Pictures of both Presidents heads can be found on U.S. Paper Currency.

7. President Lincoln wrote the U.S. Constitution.

8. Both Presidents were assassinated.

9. President Lincoln helped end slavery in the United States.

10. President Washington was born on February 9th.

Answers:

1. True
2. False - President Washington and President Lincoln
3. True
4. True
5. False - It was Abraham
6. True - Washington ($1), Lincoln ($5)
7. False - James Madison authored the U.S. Constitution
8. False - Only President Lincoln was shot
9. True
10. False - Washington was born on February 22