It's also a time of learning, as in learning to walk, learning the alphabet and learning to ride a bike. And before long, those early and simpler lessons give way to the more complex, as in solving mathematical equations, conducting science experiments and writing compositions.
As much as we may not want to admit it, the innocence of our children's youth passes much too quickly, and as parents it's never too soon for us to help them prepare for their future - especially when it comes to saving for their education. A few of your savings options are introduced here.
UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act)
- A custodial account that allows you to transfer or gift assets to a minor without setting up a trust.
- The custodian can make withdrawals from the account for any purpose, and isn't limited in using the funds.
- Friends and family may contribute (up to $12,000 a person each year free of gift tax) to the child's account.
Coverdell Education Savings Account
- Coverdell ESAs allow you to invest $2,000 per year, per child up to age 18, to save for educational expenses.
- Other family members can set up Coverdell ESAs in your child's name.
- The funds may be used to cover costs associated with attending elementary or secondary school, be it public, private or religious. Covered costs include uniforms, computers and transportation.
Section 529 College Savings Plan
- There are no income restrictions on the account owner, and you - and anyone else - may contribute regularly in any amount you choose until a maximum balance per beneficiary is reached.
- With the annual $12,000 gift tax exclusion (or $24,000 in the case of a married couple) relatives or friends can donate substantial amounts to your 529 account without incurring any gift tax.
- Earnings and qualified withdrawals on your account are federal income tax-deferred, enabling your money to potentially increase faster than a comparable taxable account. State and local taxes may apply.
Please remember that the investments inside of these savings options involve risk, including the possible loss of principle.
Miss Carlotta, her daughter, Shelly Sika Palmer, and granddaughter, Leah Palmer, are helping other teachers and assistants pass along the benefits of dance to young and old at the West Giles Road facility.
Miss Carlotta's first husband, Buddy Sika, was a professional dancer, touring the country playing hotels and nightclubs and performing on TV. He and his partner were named one of the top 10 tap teams in the country. He decided to settle down in 1958 to teach in Montague. "When he came home I met him for the first time, we joined up, we started teaching together, married and had two kids," said Miss Carlotta.
In 1975 Sika School of Dancing outgrew the Montague studio and moved to the current West Giles Road location. Buddy passed away in 1982. Miss Carlotta continued to teach and married George Hutch in 1985.
Sika is a busy place, but Miss Carlotta has no intention of expanding. "I like being able to live where I teach. I guess I'm just happier being smaller, but being totally busy. It works out really well for us and we have everything we need," she said. "Many people come in and say it is like the studio they grew up in, it's so homey."
New this year are Social Dance classes where students will be taught to fox trot, swing, waltz, cha cha, tango and salsa dance.
Sika's certified professional instructors also teach preschoolers at three and a half years through adults ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and gymnastics. "All of our teachers have grown up in our studio and I am so proud of what wonderful young women, and dancers, they have become."
The school registers students in August and the culmination of that season's classes is a large production at the Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon each year. The yearly performance is open to the public.
Because of the 50 year milestone, Miss Carlotta is looking for past Sika students to be in the program. "Even if all you can do at this point is walk, or be wheeled across the stage, we want them to celebrate with us," said Miss Carlotta.
Miss Carlotta is an advocate of dance instruction as a way to build young minds and bodies. "Dance gives children much more than another costume or trophy. The kids who dance are off the street and focused on an art form that can only make them better people. Through dance they learn self discipline."
Sika instruction is more important than ever to children's development, Miss Carlotta explained. "When we started, kids were very physically active and well disciplined. Now, the kids aren't usually as active when they start their dancing classes, and the self discipline grows within them as they come to class and go through the year."
What hasn't change is the strong friendships formed with teachers and fellow students. Second and third generation pupils are showing up at Sika. "That's what makes it extra fun. I have grandmothers now, coming in with their grandchildren and a few years ago they were bringing their own daughters to class."
When parents are looking for a dance instructor, it is important to ask about training, she said. "Dance teachers do not have to have any sort of degree. So it is really important that the dance teacher people choose belong to dance organizations like Dance Masters of America." This year is a milestone, but not a destination. Miss Carlotta, her daughter and granddaughter will continue teaching. "As dance teachers we create beauty through work, we can inspire others to achieve greatness and have the opportunity to guide them to a brighter tomorrow."
The Muskegon/Oceana Consortium Michigan Works! Agency has six Workforce Development Centers (WDCs) located throughout the two counties to provide services to employers and workers right within their own neighborhood. All WDCs offer a full array of employment and training services.
If you need assistance with employment recruitment, screening, or referral services a local WDC can help. Each WDC is a full service employment center, which also provides access to the Michigan Talent Bank. Each WDC offers assessment, testing, job counseling, tax credit screening, TAA/NAFTA services, and job placement assistance.
If you are in need of training for your workforce, or you are an individual looking to upgrade your skills, the WDC can help. All WDCs offer access to On-the-Job Training (OJT) Services, basic and remedial education, and skilled training. If you need a customized training program for your workforce, the WDC can arrange that for you too.
Generally, services are at no charge to employers or job seekers and are supported, in part, by funding from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, through your local Workforce Development Board and County Board of Commissioners.
Visit or call your nearest WDC.
- Family Services WDC, 1516 Peck Street in Muskegon, (231) 726-2626.
- Goodwill WDC, 950 West Norton Avenue, Suite C in Muskegon, (231) 739-9010.
- Muskegon Heights WDC, 160 E. Barney Street in Muskegon Heights, (231) 830-3382.
- Oceana Employment and Training WDC, 195 N. Michigan Avenue in Shelby, (231) 861-2073.
- Orchard View WDC, now at 2389 E. Laketon Avenue in Muskegon, (231) 760-1999.
- White Lake WDC, 541 E. Slocum Street in Whitehall, (231) 893-1091.