Momaha Magazine - July 2019

momaha.com

FRUIT SUSHI Small bites, sweet surprises

VOLUME 10 · ISSUE 7 JULY

2019

GET ORGANIZED Campers, assemble your packing lists

SUMMER SCHOOL A new spin on hands-on learning

When sneezes and runny noses aren’t simply colds, Boys Town Allergy & Asthma is here to help.

Sometimes kids need

extra special care.

Find a Boys Town Allergy & Asthma specialist at any of the following locations:

72nd Street Clinic 7205 W Center Rd, Ste 103 • Omaha, NE 68124 • (531) 355-7676

Lakeside Clinic 16929 Frances St, Ste 101 • Omaha, NE 68130 • (531) 355-5125 R

boystownhospital.org

Pacific Street Clinic 14080 Boys Town Hospital Rd • Boys Town, NE 68010 • (531) 355-6930

KRUZ

Age 6, Allergies Kruz is a kid who fires on all cylinders, racing from baseball to art to music. The only thing slowing him down? A serious case of allergies. That’s why his “pit crew” includes the highly trained team of pediatric lung specialists at Children’s. Now that we’re cruisin’ together, this energetic first grader can really shift into fifth gear.

Experienced, unparalleled care for a full spectrum of pediatric lung disorders brings families from across the Midwest to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha.

Our pulmonology program specializes in treatment for asthma, allergies, cystic fibrosis, sleep conditions and other respiratory diagnoses.

For a pediatric pulmonology specialist, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org/Pulmonology.

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CONTENTS

KILEY CRUSE

Learn to make these friendship bracelets, Page 20

REAL MOMS + ADVICE 4 Editor’s Column 5 On Our Radar 7 Momaha Bookshelf 23 Get Organized 29 Be Well

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SEASONAL 12 Crafting Inspiration 13 Easy Quilting 14 Needlepoint 16 Fruit Sushi 26 Kid’s Cooking Classes 32 Craft Box

SPONSORED FEATURES 10 YMCA of Greater Omaha 15 Huntington Learning Center 18 Omaha Children’s Museum 24 The Rose Theater 30 Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council

momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 10 . ISSUE 7 . JULY 2019 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034

copy editor SHELLEY LARSEN shelley.larsen@owh.com 402-444-1143

momaha.com editor ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

content contributors AMY TOKOS HEIDI HOFFMAN L I N D S AY D U C E Y

cover photo HEIDI HOFFMAN

account manager L AURE N KRUGE R lauren.kruger@owh.com 402-444-1261

account executive DEBORAH FERNSELL deborah.fernsell@owh.com 402-444-1209

account executive E M I LY M A R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive M A R I LY N M A R T I N marilyn.martin@owh.com 402-444-1405

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.

Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2019 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

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MOMAHA.COM EDITOR ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

SUMMER LIVING

A

h, summer.

It’s my second-favorite season next to autumn.

The best thing about summer is spending time outside.

My kids are 2 and 5, so we’re able to do more outdoors together this year.

Summer was always tough when my kids were babies. They never enjoyed the heat, and carrying them everywhere made the heat unbearable for mom and dad.

So, we’ve taken full advantage of this current season of life.

Sam played T-ball, and we had a blast.

We enjoy hiking, camping, checking out community celebrations, visiting our local library, going on scavenger hunts, swimming and more. We’re even planning a mini vacation before school starts in August.

In this issue, you’ll find plenty of great ways to celebrate summer as a family and learn something new together. We even have some delicious recipes for you and the kids to try.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you’re having the best summer yet.

GET SOCIAL FACEBOOK /momahacom

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TWITTER @momaha_owh PINTEREST /momahaowh INSTAGRAM /momaha_owh

ON OUR RADAR MARJIE DUCEY

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH A mash up of Tag and sword fighting old game, new twist Capture the Flag REDUX by Starlux Games was a popular choice with kids and adults during a recent get-together.

While the game is meant for ages 8 and older, it’s still fun for ages 2 to 7, who will have a great time chasing one another, trying to grab the glowing “flag” and getting thrown in jail. It was a fun blastfrom-the past for the adults, who all played capture the flag as kids. The best part: It glows, making it an especially fun after-dark game. starluxgames.com, $59.90.

weird science The Beaker Creatures Whirling Wave Reactor comes with two Beaker Creatures, tiny aliens in the vein of Shopkins. Discover which Beaker Creature is in the Reactor Pod (an egg-shaped ball) by using water to dissolve the pod. The Whirling Wave Reactor gives kids a chance to learn about chemical reactions just by turning a crank. Five-year-old Graham really liked learning about acids as vinegar ate away an eggshell, and it was pretty fun and gross to play with the egg that remained! “This was a fun activity for us to do together,’’ mom says. Book of experiments included. learningresources.com, $14.99. Extra reactor pod,$9.99.

playing scientist Half the fun for kids is wearing the Beaker Creatures lab coat and goggles.

A big bonus: Our 5-year-old tester could put them on by himself. The coat has a kid-friendly snap closure. learningresources.com, $19.99.

Available as an add-on to Capture the Flag REDUX or as a stand-alone game, Glow Battle by Starlux Games features 10 foam wands that light up blue or green. The object of the game is to tag opponents with your glowing wand. It’s a fun mash up of tag and a sword fight. We played with adults and kids, who all had fun chasing and tagging each other around the yard. starluxgames.com, $49.90.

keeping cool The Built NY Small Welded Cooler was perfect for a daylong canoe trip on the Niobrara River. It held food and drinks for two and kept everything well-chilled.

The durable fabric and snap-close construction was waterproof. Made with tough shell fabric, similar to whitewater rafts, the cooler will wear well, unlike some vinyl versions that crack after a few uses. The built-in bottle opener is a nice bonus. amazon.com. $79.99.

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MOMAHA BOOKSHELF MARJIE DUCEY

Hot off the presses These cookbooks will keep your kids busy, and you well-fed this summer

BETTY CROCKER KIDS COOK Half the fun of this book is the names of the dishes and the colorful illustrations.

Who doesn’t want to try Lunch-Time A-B-C Soup or Banana Split Chocolate Mug Cake?

The author shares 60 simple recipes for every meal of the day, from Camp-In Pizza Burgers to DanceParty Yogurt Root Beer Floats.

SANDWICHES! More Than You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Making and Eating America’s Favorite Food

by Alison Deering and Bob Lentz Find 50-plus recipes for five skill levels and hundreds of tips. Your kids will be making paninis in no time!

There’s even a history of the BLT. Adults will enjoy this one, too.

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS NEW JUNIOR COOKBOOK This book looked good from the start, with instructions on how to measure correctly and what cooking terms mean. Like grease and coat. The Bebop Mac and Cheese looks yummy, and most kids are going to love the Fly-A-Waffle-Fry Pizza Bake. Written for ages 6 to 10.

THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS

by America’s Test Kitchen This sold so well at Christmas that The Bookworm had a hard time keeping it in stock. It contains more than 100 recipes for every meal of the day and drinks, too. A neat twist: Each recipe includes a few reviews by youngsters. While none of the recipes looks difficult, this book appears best for older children.

COOKING STEP

BY STEP

DK Publishing We liked this one for the pictures of each step of a recipe. Plus some good tips, like watch for the bubbles when making fluffy pancakes. The Sticky Chicken is all you would need for dinner, and it cooks in one pan. The large photos, especially for things like the meatball ciabatta, make you want to get cooking so you can start eating.

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AND TODAY’S ADVENTURE IS ...

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

W

e all have good intentions of planning memorable summer activities and outings for the kids, but you can’t beat spontaneous adventure. A game of “What shall we do today?” is twice the fun when it’s a surprise to everyone.

WHAT YOU NEED • 3 empty containers • 3 colors of paper • Tape or glue • Markers • Scissors

WHAT YOU DO

1. Together with your kids, brainstorm activities to fill the summer. Create categories for your ideas or copy ours: Let’s Eat!; Oh, the Places We’ll Go!; Games &

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Activities. Designate a paper color for each category. Write or type and print off your ideas on slips of corresponding colored paper. Cut and fold the slips, then place in jars by category/color.

2. Make simple labels for the jars that color coordinate with the paper you printed or wrote the activities on. Tape or glue labels to the jars.

3. Have your kids draw a piece of paper from one or all of the jars and see what adventures await!

Examples: Let’s Eat: Make popsicles, s’mores, or a rainbow out of food or cupcakes.

Oh, the Places We’ll Go!: Go to a museum, swimming pool, movie or library.

Games & Activities: Fly a kite, blow bubbles, make slime or build a fort. www.thecraftingchicks.com

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SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

‘A healthy example’ Mom grateful for all the ways the YMCA provides support to her and her family STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Watkins

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t one time, Angelique Hercinger and husband Pat wanted a big family – lots and lots of kids calling them mom and dad.

And while that still may happen, she knows they are more than blessed to have sons Jaden, 7, and Noah, 3, to call family.

A registered nurse at an Omaha urology clinic, Hercinger says her life is more than full with all that she has on her plate – and she loves the extra assistance she receives weekly, sometimes daily, from the Downtown YMCA. “Being a nurse is good, but being a mom completes me,” says Hercinger, who admits the best compliment she can receive from her husband is when he calls her “supermom.”

“My boys are the best thing that have happened. Parenthood is definitely the most difficult responsibility, but it’s so rewarding.”

Hercinger says she knew even as a child that she wanted to be either a teacher or a nurse, largely due to the support and example she saw from her parents, who raised her in a way to care for others.

Her road to becoming a nurse also was influenced by her husband’s mom and grandma, who are both nurses.

Her family’s connection to the Downtown YMCA originated when she and her husband were looking for a preschool for Noah.

Once he started attending the YMCA Early Learning Center and was able to join older brother Jaden in the Y’s Childwatch after school, Hercinger says she was able to start working out more and take better care of herself.

“I think it’s important to set a healthy example for my kids to be active,” she says.

“I think it’s obvious to my kids how much I enjoy my workouts because when I don’t feel like it, Jaden will say, ‘Mommy, you have to work out; you like it,’ so my boys

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are my motivators.”

Because of its proximity to the Omaha Children’s Museum and The Rose Theater, the YMCA’s Early Learning Center takes regular outings downtown to enrich the life experiences of the kids.

Jaden likes going to the gym to play at the Y. Hercinger says he’s naturally athletic and competitive, which is fun for the family to watch and good for him.

She knows it won’t be long before he gets involved with more organized sports through the Y, and he’s scheduled to attend Summer Day Camp at the Y for a couple of weeks.

And then there’s Parents’ Night Out. Every third Friday night of the month, the kids are welcome at the Y for a few hours so mom and dad can have an evening to themselves.

Hercinger says the YMCA of Greater Omaha has provided so much value and

reward for her family that she has been looking for a way to say thank you.

“I thought about bringing in doughnuts or cookies for the staff, but it didn’t seem to be enough,” says Hercinger, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis seven years ago and knows maintaining her health is important to managing her condition.

“I have realized how much help the Y gives to my family in so many different ways. It’s important to me to let everyone there know that.

“For us, the Y is about community and positivity, health and activity, caring and making Omaha better and stronger. It’s also taught me that it’s OK for people – moms in particular – to ask for help. It doesn’t make you a failure.

It really does take a village, and that started with my family, friends and neighbors and also includes the YMCA.”

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Grandma started her on path to creativity with one stitch STORY + ILLUSTRATION Lindsay Ducey

M

y grandmother had the most beautiful collection of embroidery thread.

In my mind, the box contained every color imaginable, and when she would open the box for me to choose one, the opportunities were endless.

I would pick my favorites, and she would help me thread the needle and set up my embroidery hoop. Then she would patiently teach me chain stitches and French knots, sharing her own tips for how to embroider the detail-heavy flowers I was hesitant about doing.

Eventually she would move to her own chair and pick up her crochet needles and the two of us would create, together, with Glenn Miller playing in the background.

My grandmother, Darlene

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Ducey, was always creating.

She would crochet, quilt, knit, embroider, paint and make Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.

She taught herself woodworking and carpentry, making a beautiful glider, where she would relax and enjoy her garden and the birds.

Her walls were full of her own paintings and projects, all next to photos of her children and grandchildren, whom she adored.

I was lucky enough to spend Saturdays with my grandma for many years growing up. It created a special and strong bond between us.

But it also helped foster my own creative abilities and helped me discover my passions. I pursued a creative degree in fashion design, spending many hours sketching and sewing to

create my own dresses.

After completing my master’s, I was able to move to New York and achieve my dream of working in the fashion industry.

After seeral years in that field, I have discovered a new passion for illustrating and design.

Like my grandma, I, too, have become someone with a passion to create.

As she got older, it became more and more difficult for her to do many of the activities she loved, but her desire to create never stopped.

We spent our last moments together before she died painting some clay ornaments she had made for Christmas.

I will always remember those moments we had together and know that her creative spirit lives on in me.

Harper and Archer with their place mats/wall hangings. Harper drew the family and Archer’s was a self-portrait.

FREEHAND QUILT Place mat or wall hanging, it works for both STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Marjie Ducey

“S

ewing School Quilts” by Amie Petronis Plumley and Andria Lisle will inspire any youngster wanting to learn how to quilt. It covers fabrics and stitches and gives step-by-step instructions for all kinds of fun projects. We love this easy personal place mat, which also would work as a wall hanging.

What you need • ½ yard or fat quarter of lightcolored fabric for the top • ¾ yard fabric for backing • ½ yard batting • Scissors • Fabric markers • Iron • Straight pins or sewing clips

• Sewing machine and thread

What you do 1. Cut your top fabric to desired dimension. Our example measures 16 inches by 20 inches.

2. Use fabric markers to draw a design on top fabric.

3. Cut batting the same size as top fabric.

4. Cut the back fabric 4 inches wider and 4 inches taller than your top fabric.

5. Place bottom fabric right-side facing down on a flat surface.

6. Lay batting on top, with 2 extra inches on every side. Put the top fabric, good side facing up, on top of the batting, squaring the edges and making a sandwich.

7. Fold in the shorter sides of the backing fabric so the edges of the

backing fabric and top fabric just meet.

Press the folds. Do the same with the top and bottom of the backing fabric.

8. Fold just the short sides over again so the backing fabric covers the edge of the place mat top. Iron and pin or clip the folds in place.

9. Stitch down the self-binding along the sides of the place mat. Line up the sewing machine foot on the fold where the self-binding meets the top fabric.

10. Fold the top and bottom so that the backing fabric is covering the edge of the place mat. Iron and pin the folds in place.

11. Line up the pressure foot on the fold where the self-binding meets the top fabric. Stitch down the self binding along the place mat’s top and bottom borders.

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Heart canvases, $57 each, plus threads, available at Village Needleworks.

SEW COOL

Needlepoint kits feature fun designs for kids STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Christen

I

t’s good for kids to see the adults in their lives learning new things.

Needlepoint is a craft that young and old (and notso-old) can get the hang of together.

Mary de Souza of Village Needleworks in Countryside Village carries kidappropriate needlepoint kits for that very reason. A kitty, fire engine and ballerina are just a few of the simple canvas designs for age 5 and older.

An economical way to show off a completed design is to frame it with wooden needlepoint stretcher bars and brass tacks, de Souza says. The bars are about $8

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each, and come in threefourths-inch and half-inch widths — good proportions for small projects.

Simply size the stretcher bars to fit the piece, then paint and-or decorate the wood. Lay the frame rightside down on a flat surface, position the canvas as you would a photo, stretching the edges across the bars and tacking the canvas into place.

Trim any excess canvas flush with the edges of the frame.

Another idea from de Souza is to applique the finished needlework to a tote bag or backpack.

Kits start at about $32 for a finished design of roughly 6 inches square.

SPONSORED FEATURE HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

Create a great resume Huntington Learning Center offers tips on how students can showcases their strengths

I

f your teen is starting to think about college, it’s also a good time to work on developing a resume. As Gwyn Morris of the Omaha Huntington Learning Center explains, resumes are valuable for many reasons. “Teens can use the resume to prepare for college interviews, to share with people writing them letters of recommendation and much more.”

What should teens include on their resumes? What should be avoided? Morris offers these tips: 1. Make it brief. Even the most involved, standout high school junior or senior should limit the resume to one front-and-back page.

2. Format well. A resume should be scannable and easy to read. It’s important to divide it into sections (separated by headers) and make use of bullets, bolding and italics where appropriate.

3. Focus on the most important elements. For a high school student, the education section of the resume should be the primary focus, but don’t leave out other important content. Here’s a possible template: • Contact information – Name, address, phone number, email address • Education section – Graduation date, weighted grade point average and SAT/ ACT scores • Valuable skills section – Software proficiency, foreign languages, etc.

• Extracurricular activities – Any sports, clubs, activities or volunteer work • Work experience – Any for-pay work experiences, including employer name, job title, responsibilities and recognition 4. Highlight character traits and work ethic. The purpose of a high school resume is to augment, not repeat, the college application. Thus, teens should highlight their skills, passion, work ethic

and leadership skills through the jobs and other activities they list.

5. Highlight accomplishments. Again, it is important for teens to use the resume to showcase their strengths to colleges as well as teachers/mentors writing recommendation letters. That means including any achievements, awards or other recognition on the resume (e.g. not just Chess Club, but Chess Club, four-time district champion, 2016-2019).

6. Show course work not on a high school transcript. That includes any college prep courses, college courses, academic camps or training programs, certifications or similar achievements.

7. Consider a summary section. This section calls out a teen’s goals and best traits/assets and can be a great resume addition.

Lastly, Morris shares with parents that the resume helps teens reflect on their high school careers and prepare for the next step in their lives. “As teens get closer to college, it is so important that they put their best foot forward and feel confident talking about their strengths and assets,” she says. “Encourage your teen to invest the time into developing a great resume, as it will help him or her get into ‘professional mode’ and prepared to show colleges his or her very best.”

ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence and motivation to help students succeed. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities, please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

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A TWIST ON SUSHI 3 sweet and simple snacks for summer PHOTOS + RECIPES Heidi Hoffman

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Something fishy is going on. It’s a trick — to get kids to try something new and nutritious.

STRAWBERRY CHIA ROLL • 1 cup short-grain white rice • 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced • ¼ cup chia seeds

1. Cook the short-grain white rice until soft and sticky. Allow to cool completely.

2. Using a sushi roller mat, flatten out rice and top with sliced strawberries.

3. Roll the rice and cut into 1½-inchthick slices.

4. Top with thinly sliced strawberries and a sprinkling of chia seeds.

PINEAPPLE KIWI ROLL • 1 cup short-grain white rice • ½ pineapple, cubed • 1 kiwi, thinly sliced • Coconut flakes, optional

1. Cook the short-grain white rice until soft and sticky. Allow to cool completely.

2. Using a sushi roller mat, flatten out rice and top with pineapple and kiwi.

3. Roll the rice and cut into 1½-inchthick slices.

4. Top with kiwi, pineapple and coconut flakes, if using.

BANANA NUT ROLL • 1 banana, ripe or slightly under ripe • ¼ cup chopped nuts • ¼ cup milk chocolate morsels

1. In a small bowl, melt chocolate morsels.

2. Peel banana and trim ends. Roll banana in melted chocolate and chopped nuts. Let cool to harden.

3. Slice banana into 1-inch-thick sections and serve.

Variation: Create a peanut butter roll with ½ cup smooth peanut butter, warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds to make it spreadable.

Fully coat banana with peanut better, then roll banana in chocolate morsels and nuts. Slice in 1-inch sections and serve.

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SPONSORED FEATURE OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Magical experience Reading gets royal treatment in new exhibition STORY Dan McCann

L

ike a child traipsing through C.S. Lewis’ magical wardrobe, you climb the familiar blue stairs in the middle of the Omaha Children’s Museum. The playful bustle of the ground floor grows fainter – step-by-step – as you come upon something unique, something inviting, something … enchanted.

A young dragon, Peri, welcomes you to this place, this kingdom, which counts among its inhabitants Peri’s bookloving grandmother, Thistle; Sampson, a hardworking stone grinder (who’s made of stone); and one self-assured unicorn.

“If anyone is going to wear the studded Harley jacket, it’s Bentley,” says Hillary Saalfeld, the museum’s director of education.

The museum’s education team conceived the idea for and designed the Enchanted Kingdom exhibition, including the animatronic cast of characters — proof that children aren’t the only ones letting imagination run wild at 20th Street and St. Mary’s Avenue.

“I’ve been here almost four years, and I’ve loved everything we’ve done, but this exhibit has my heart and soul,” Saalfeld says.

Activities abound — from the lush, hedge-inspired mirror maze to Sampson’s puzzle-focused Family Smithy, the Alchemy Alcove and Bentley’s Botanical Wonders, where kids can create hybrid crops. At the heart of it all is a quest — not simply to entertain but also to enhance literacy among the kingdom’s young visitors.

“We like to encourage literacy in everything we do throughout the museum, but we really wanted to focus on it here,” Saalfeld says.

Under the watch of head-librarian Thistle — glasses perched on the bridge of her nose — the kingdom includes a reading room “castle” filled with books, including “Tabitha’s Tale,” a story written by the museum’s education team to promote inclusivity and to celebrate the characters

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OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

of the Enchanted Kingdom. The castle’s goal is to encourage family reading time.

“We found that 30 minutes each day of reading, sharing stories or singing really helps to develop vocabularies,” Saalfeld says.

Even those enchanted activities that might not seem to focus on literacy — do.

“Mazes have been shown to increase reading skills because they encourage scanning of future possibilities. Puzzles, the same concept,” Saalfeld says. “You need to think ahead about where you’re going and that can help build literacy skills.”

The undercurrent throughout this exhibit — and the entire museum — is the proven connection between dramatic play and learning.

“You’re developing your own story, and there is this added element of doing it as a character. You need to speak as the character would speak, which helps increase new terminology and vocabulary words,” Saalfeld says.

To help enhance that literacy and early language development in the Enchanted Kingdom, the museum summoned the expertise of the Omaha Public Library in their most extensive collaboration to date. (The two regularly work hand-inhand through the Library Partnership Pass

program.)

“The Omaha Children’s Museum has a similar mission: They really want to educate children through creative play, and that is a very big component to early literacy. We support them in that,” says Julie Humphrey, youth and family services manager at W. Dale Clark Main Library.

The Association for Library Service to Children’s “Every Child Ready to Read” initiative says parents can help develop their child’s literacy skills through five simple activities: reading, singing, talking, writing and playing.

“The one that always throws people is playing,” Humphrey says. “Studies have shown that play is really critical. … Even younger children can learn through play — simple things like matching and sorting can help with pattern recognition, which they’ll need when they start learning to read and write.”

Saalfeld, who helped write the “story” of Enchanted Kingdom, hopes there will be chapters to come: “I’d love it if, later on, I find out that some little one came up with a whole new story of Peri that continues where we started; if these characters lived on for them” – and inspire new literary adventures in Narnia, Hogwarts or enchanted kingdoms of their own design.

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A SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

The modern popularity of friendship bracelets started in the 1970s. The bracelets were originally made by tying knots with embroidery floss or yarn to create intricate patterns. Today, they are made using jewels, metals and many kinds of string or materials.

As tradition goes, one gives a friendship bracelet to someone who has a wish. They then wear the bracelet until it’s worn out and falls off, at which point, the wish is said to come true.

Bead bracelets any way you like Kids will love braiding these friendship bracelets for their friends. They’re super simple and quick and can be customized in many ways. Bonus: They’re the perfect DIY project for a day you are cooped up inside.

WHAT YOU NEED • Braiding cord • Mini pony beads or other small beads that will easily slide on cord

WHAT YOU DO

1. Cut an 18-inch length of cord. This will be plenty to work with; you’ll trim the lengths to fit the wearer’s wrist after finishing the closure.

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2. Tie a knot at about the center. Slide on your beads and secure them with another knot.

3. Shape the bracelet into a circle and wrap the ends around each other so they stay together.

4. Cut a cord for your closure.

The length depends on how many knots you want to tie.

Ours are 12 to 14 inches (better to have too much than not enough).

5. Now you’re ready to start tying square knots. Pick up the cord on the right side and lay it over the bracelet cords, forming a loop. Then pick up the cord on the left side and pass it over the right cord and then under it and the bracelet cords and then up through the loop and back over the right cord.

6. Pull both cords until a knot forms. Don’t pull it too tight.

This is the first half of the square knot.

7. To tie the second half, the steps are the same, only this time make the loop using the cord on the left side. Then pick up the cord on the right and, as in step 5, go over, under, up through the loop and over.

8. Pull the cords gently to form the completed square knot.

To tie more square knots, just repeat steps 5 through 7.

9. Keep tying square knots until the closure is the length you want, and then tie another overhand knot. Check to see if the closure slides nicely at this point, while you still have a chance to fix it.

10. Apply a dab of glue or clear nail varnish to the overhand knot to seal. Once the glue is dry, cut off the excess cord.

You can add more glue to the knot if you want it to be extra secure. If you are using nylon cord, adults can melt the ends with a lighter.

11. You can now finish your bracelet cord ends. To make sure that they can’t slide all the way out of the closure, thread on a matching bead or just tie a simple knot at the end. Also check before cutting that the ends are long enough so you can pull open the bracelet wide enough to slip it on. www.heywandererblog.com and www.cutoutandkeep.net

noon

4 p.m.

Step 5

For little hands, string bracelet is easy to manage Friendship bracelets can be hard for little hands because the strings tangle. If that has been your youngster’s experience, try this round braid bracelet.

After initial setup, it’s one simple step repeated over and over resulting in a complex-looking braid.

WHAT YOU NEED • Lightweight cardboard (cereal box or paper plate works well) • Drinking glass or cookie cutter about 3½ inches in diameter • Ruler

Step 7

• Marker • Embroidery floss – up to 7 colorss

WHAT YOU DO

Step 10

Step 11

1. Using the glass or cookie cutter, trace a circle onto the cardboard and cut out the shape. Using the ruler, draw four lines to divide the circle into eight equal sections. Cut ¼-inch slits at each of the 8 lines. Use the sharp end of your scissors to poke a hole in the center of the cardboard.

2. Cut 7 or 14 lengths of embroidery floss. To determine length, wrap floss around wrist three times as a guide.

Doubling up the floss (using 14 pieces) makes a thicker braid and goes faster.

3. Knot together all the embroidery thread at one end, leaving a tail.

4. Carefully thread the ends of all threads through the center hole so that the knot is on the back side of the cardboard template. Begin laying a strand of thread (2 strands if you’re using 14 pieces of floss) into each slit, making sure the fit is snug.

5. Turn the template so that the empty slit is pointing at noon if it were a clock. Take the strand from the 4 p.m. slit and place it into the empty slit at noon.

6. Turn the template counterclockwise so that the empty space is again pointing to noon and repeat.

7. Keep your thumb gently over the hole in the middle of the template to hold the bracelet in position while you’re moving the threads around. You’ll also want to run your fingers through the threads underneath the template from time to time to prevent the threads from getting tangled.

8. The bracelet will begin to take shape under the template.

Keep weaving until you’ve reached your desired length. Tie off the end and finish off as you please. You can add a clasp so the bracelet is easily removable, or you can keep things simple and just tie the two ends of your bracelet together. dabblesandbabbles.com

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July 2019

GET ORGANIZED AMY TOKOS Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

C

A-CAMPING WE WILL GO

amping is a great family activity for summer.

It will create some amazing memories, not to mention fun.

I grew up camping, but as a mother of four, I must say it took me many years (10 to be exact) to overcome the daunting task of planning a camping night with my family.

Yes, I said night, just one single night.

Our first camping adventure was one night and only 45 minutes from our house. It took a lot of planning to pull it off. Our kids declared it a success, and camping became a regular summer event.

I learned from experience that the most important aspect of camping is what you do the week leading up to the trip. Here are a few tips to get you started.

meal to your packing list.

Figure out your meal plan. Start with two pieces of paper. One will be your shopping list, and one will be your packing list. Go through each meal and note the ingredients on your shopping list. While you do this, add the pots, pans, utensils, spices and pantry items for each

Use bins to store your camping gear.

When it’s time to pack, pull the bins out of storage, double-check the contents against your packing list and add any necessary items. The bins can then be packed in your car. When you get home, clean the bins, refill with your gear and

Complete your packing list.

Everything you can think of needs to be listed. Even the obvious, like the tent. If you are not sure what you need, do a web search for “camping supply list” and adjust it to your needs. Don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen. After you build your list, save it digitally for your next trip.

Make food ahead. Anything you can slice and dice is great to put in zipclose bags. Walking Tacos is our favorite camping food (see recipe). I prepare the taco meat at home and freeze it until it’s time to pack the cooler. The frozen meat helps keep the cooler cold, and all you have to do is heat to serve. Easy and delicious.

store.

You will probably forget something, but you’ll make do. Just be sure to add any forgotten items to your list when you get home. On our first trip, we brought the coffee and coffee pot, but we forgot the coffee cups. Ugh. I made sure that got on my list for the next trip.

Walking Tacos • 1 pound ground beef • 1 packet taco meat seasoning

Prepare meat according to package directions.

If taking camping, freeze the prepared taco meat.

• 6 single serving bags of Doritos • Lettuce • Tomato • Cheese • Sour cream • Salsa • Other taco toppings as desired

To assemble, open the chip bag, add warm meat and other toppings. Stir and eat from the bag.

23

SPONSORED FEATURE THE ROSE THEATER

Why the arts matter The Rose Theater can transform your children’s lives

W

hen your family visits The Rose for a night of live theater, you expect to be transported to another world: a world of imagination, laughter, fun and quality time with loved ones. But experiencing theater with your children is about more than just entertainment. It can be something that children remember for the rest of their lives!

In today’s world, theater and arts education are more important than ever. Taking your family to the theater is an exciting experience that not only entertains, but also helps educate kids and teaches them important skills.

Here are six reasons why children’s theater and the arts are so important.

CREATIVITY

The arts teach kids to express themselves in creative ways. A recent Washington Post article explained: “In an arts program, your child will be asked to recite a monologue in six different ways, create a painting that represents a memory or compose a new rhythm to enhance a piece of music. If children have practice thinking creatively, it will come naturally to them now and in their future career.”

IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The creativity discussed above also spills over into academic achievement. A report

by Americans for the Arts found that young people who participated regularly in the arts (three hours a day, three days each week for one full year) are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair, or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not participate.

CONFIDENCE

Participating in the arts can boost confidence. Performing on a stage in front of a thousand people – or even just a dozen – gives kids a chance to step outside their comfort zone. As they see their own progress, their self-confidence will continue to grow.

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July 2019

DECISION-MAKING

Problem-solving and critical thinking are important life skills – and they are precisely the skills artists use every day in the theater. From decisions about expressing themselves through dance, deciding how to play a character, choosing a design for a costume or set, and more, theater students learn to look at problems in creative ways, develop multiple solutions and evaluate which one is the best option. Learning how to make decisions will carry over into their education and other parts of life, and it is certainly a valuable skill in adulthood.

FOCUS

As a student perseveres through painting or singing or learning a part in a play, focus is imperative. And certainly focus is vital for studying and learning in class as well as doing a job later in life.

COLLABORATION

Theater requires people to work together. They must share responsibility and compromise to achieve their common goal. Kids in the performing arts learn that their contribution to the group is integral to its success – even if they don’t have the

solo or lead role.

Whether your children are taking their first steps on the stage or commanding the spotlight in a starring role, The Rose has classes and programs that will help them find their inner performer. Classes are available for students ages 3 to 18 in acting, dance, voice, musical theater and creative drama. Test the waters in an eightweek drama class or dive right in with a yearlong class that culminates with an on-stage performance with lights, sound, sets and costumes.

Rose classes are instructed by professional teaching artists with college and graduate degrees in theater arts and education. They are the same actors who perform in The Rose’s main-stage productions, and in theater productions throughout Omaha and beyond.

Rose students can be found everywhere theater is being produced in our area.

From community theaters to school stages, dance productions and even Broadway, “Rose Kids” are making their mark on the world through the performing arts.

For more information, visit www. rosetheater.org or call 402-345-4849.

25

METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Metro Community College offers cooking classes for all ages.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Make your own calzone or bake and decorate a cake STORY Marjie Ducey

Do you have a budding chef in the family? There are all kinds of cooking classes for kids this summer. Here’s a taste of dishes your kids could be making for you!

HY-VEE Stores hold classes for preschoolers on up. They range from basic cooking skills and nutrition to rolling sushi.

Schedules vary by location.

Check your Hy-Vee store’s website or Facebook page for class schedules and pricing.

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July 2019

WHISK + MEASURE SPECIALTY BAKERY Kids ages 10 and older learn how a professional kitchen works and kitchen safety, along with preparing recipes to take home. They’ll build, frost and decorate their own 6-inch cake, too! Kids Baking Camp is July 10, 17 and 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Cost is $200. Call 402502-0004.

WILLIAMS SONOMA The junior chef cooking camps are a blast. Where else can you make a cake explosion during one session and a Star Wars cookie in the next? The July 8 to 11 class is all about Italy.

Kids make cheesy calzones one day, a lasagna dish the next with fresh mint ice cream for dessert, followed by a tortellini alfredo. There’s a pizza party on the final day. It’s $125 for ages 8 to 13. Classes, some just one day, are held two to three times a month. Call 402-3913824.

METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE All kinds of cooking with science courses are scheduled this summer for all age groups.

Students will use elements such as matter and solar power and do other fun projects.

Come hungry and ready to do a taste test! Call 531-622-2620.

Classic Pasta Carbonara • 1 pound linguine, spaghettini, fedelini or other long noodle • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 6 thick bacon slices, chopped • 4 large eggs • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional) • Salt and freshly ground pepper • Freshly grated pecorino romano or Parmesan cheese for serving

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta, and cook according to the

Pretzel-crusted chicken tenders

• ¼ teaspoon ground black •

oatmeal • 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes • 2 cups sliced almonds • ½ cup milled flaxseed

pepper

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/3

• 2 tablespoons ground

cup egg substitute

cinnamon

• 12 boneless skinless chicken breast tenders, about

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

1¼ pounds

• ¼ cup unsweetened

1. Heat oven to 400 F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside.

2. Combine pretzel crumbs, dip mix and pepper in resealable food storage bag. Place egg substitute in shallow dish. Dip each chicken tender in egg substitute, then place tenders in bag and shake to coat pieces with crumbs. Remove tenders, tap to remove excess crumbs.

3. Place coated tenders on baking sheet; spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until no longer pink in centers (165 F) and browned.

Courtesy of Hy-Vee

Courtesy Williams Sonoma

• 4 cups old-fashioned

• 1 tablespoon ranch dip mix

bacon over medium heat and add the pasta.

Using tongs, thoroughly toss the pasta with the bacon and fat and season to taste with salt.

5. Remove the pan from the heat, add the egg mixture and quickly toss with the hot pasta to thicken the sauce without scrambling the eggs. If the sauce seems dry, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water and toss again.

6. Divide the pasta among warmed shallow bowls, grate the cheese and coarsely grind pepper over each bowl. Serve.

Mixed Berry, Almond and Cinnamon Granola

• 2 cups pretzel twists, crushed into crumbs

package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.

2. While the pasta is cooking, in a saute pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp, 3-5 minutes.

3. Pour off all but 1½ tablespoons of the fat. Set aside the pan with the bacon and reserved fat. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a fork to loosen them, add the nutmeg (if using) and season to taste with salt.

4. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Warm the pan with the

applesauce •

1/3 cup

honey

• 1½ cups dried mixed berries

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix together oatmeal, coconut flakes, almonds, flaxseed, chia seeds and ground cinnamon.

3. In medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, applesauce and honey until combined. Pour applesauce mixture into oatmeal mixture and stir well to coat.

4. Pour mixture onto prepared sheet pan and bake 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until granola is evenly browned.

5. Remove granola from oven and allow to cool,

stirring occasionally. Stir in dried mixed berries.

Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Courtesy of Hy-Vee

Rock Candy • 5 cups white granulated sugar • 2 cups water • Cake pop sticks or wooden skewers • Food coloring

1. Dip one end of cake pop stick or wooden skewer in water and then roll in granulated

white sugar to cover 2-3 inches of the stick.

Let dry completely. These are the seeds for the sugar crystal growth.

2. Boil 2 cups water and 5 cups sugar until sugar is well-dissolved and mixture is the consistency of syrup. This is your supersaturated sugar solution.

3. Let mixture cool and then pour into tall glass cylinder. Add food coloring and stir.

4. When colored syrup is completely cool, place the sugary end of sugar-seeded cake pop or skewer into the syrup and let sit until hard, about a week.

5. Remove rock candy from cylinder and serve or place in cellophane bag and close with twist-tie or ribbon.

Courtesy of MCC instructor Jill Langhorst

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CHECK OUT MARIAN’S SUMMER CAMPS For camps for girls in K through eighth grades, go to marianhighschool.net/camps.

7 4 0 0 M I L I TA RY AV E N U E • O M A H A , N E 6 8 1 3 4 MARIANHIGHSCHOOL.NET 0000048822-01

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July 2019

BE WELL MARJIE DUCEY

Safety is most important ingredient for Fourth of July

W

ith all of the colorful fireworks, the Fourth of July is one of the most exciting holidays of the

year.

But the fun can quickly sour if you’re careless about the safety of both children and pets.

For families, pediatrician Shannon Godsil of Children’s Physicians recommends attending a community fireworks show.

“You sit, you enjoy and watch the show from a distance, knowing you won’t end up in the emergency department later that night,’’ she says.

“This ensures both a safe and fun holiday.’’

But keep your pets at home, advises Pam Wiese of the Nebraska Humane Society. “Fireworks are terrifying for a lot of dogs and cats because they don’t have any idea what’s happening.

When you add heat, crowds and a party atmosphere, that can be enough to send the most docile dog over the edge. Cats run and hide, so they can end up locked in someone’s garage, or getting hit by cars as they blindly sprint away from what’s scaring them.’’

Children’s Physicians and the Humane Society share these holiday safety facts and tips.

FOR CHILDREN

Never allow children to ignite or play with fireworks.

• No firework is safe. Even the smallest fireworks can cause injuries.

• Sparklers can reach 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause serious burns. Use glow sticks instead.

• The most common injury from fireworks is burns. Fireworks can cause blindness, scarring or even death.

• Poppers contain gun powder, which can cause burns.

• Wear safety goggles or safety glasses during fireworks shows, either professional or in the neighborhood.

•

MATT DIXON/THE WORLD-HERALD

Leave fireworks to the professionals by watching a community fireworks show. This scene is at TD Ameritrade Park.

•

Never use homemade or illegal fireworks, always have a fire extinguisher nearby and be aware of your surroundings.

FOR PETS

Don’t take pets to firework displays.

Heat, crowds and noise can make even the most social dog uncomfortable.

• Keep your dogs and cats indoors.

Turning on some soft music and moving your pet into an interior room or lower level space with no windows can be helpful.

• A quiet place, such as a crate, may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort. Or let your pet hole up wherever he is most comfortable (The bathtub is sometimes the area of choice because it’s cool, calm adn had no windows.

•

Treat toys like Kongs filled with their favorite food may help distract them from the fireworks.

• Use a leash if you must go outside with your pet to keep it from running off, which is a common response to stress and fear.

• Practice fire safety! Keep pets away from matches, open fires and fireworks. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks, and pet hair can easily catch fire if they get too close.

• Take pets for a walk before the fireworks begin. Some pets are too frightened to go out once the fireworks are popping.

• An anxiety vest like a thunder shirt may work in some cases. If you don’t have one, try a snug-fitting T-shirt.

• Make sure your pet’s ID is current and on him in case he does get out and bolt.

•

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SPONSORED FEATURE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, MID-AMERICA COUNCIL

On my honor ...

Eagle Scouts acquire traits that set them apart throughout life, exec says STORY Kevin Warneke

D

an Hunt recalls a Scouting-related conversation with a corporate client: “He found out I was an Eagle Scout, and we had a tighter bond.”

The president of HunTel Communications corrects himself: “It’s not ‘was’ an Eagle Scout. I am an Eagle Scout.”

Hunt says he’s proud to carry Scouting’s highest honor with him. So is John Shores, regional director for Farmer Brothers Coffee. Shores includes the achievement on his resume.

“I’ve had people suggest I remove it. I’ve kept it there because it’s so important to me.”

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout sends a powerful message, says Chris Mehaffey, Scout executive for the Mid-America Council in Omaha. “It immediately sets you apart. It shows perseverance, leadership.

It shows you can work collaboratively with others. You’re goal-oriented.”

An independent study conducted

by Baylor University found that Eagle Scouts, when compared to men who weren’t involved in Scouting, were more likely to have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, network with others, volunteer, and serve in leadership capacities at work or in their community.

Shores says his Eagle honor and Scouting, in general, helped him become more considerate and adaptable. He leads a Scouting troop of 120 and a professional team of 75. “At the end of the day, I lead people and I lead change.”

Eagle Scouts are required to earn 21 merit badges in such areas as communication, first aid, personal fitness and citizenship in the community. In addition, Scouts working toward their Eagle serve in a leadership role in their troops, live the Scout Oath and Scout Law (www.scouting.org), and complete a service project that benefits a religious organization, school or community.

Just 4% of all Scouts — 50,000 worldwide and 300 locally — become Eagle Scouts each year, according to

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July 2019

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

If you ask most Eagle Scouts, they will say that the most rewarding part of their journey toward Eagle was their Eagle Scout Service Project.

LEARN MORE

Business and military leaders will discuss the merits of an Eagle rank at a Mother & Scout Eagle Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 10, at Soaring Wings Vineyard in Springfield. The event also will feature tips for staying track to earn an Eagle rank. For information or to register, contact Sherry Brady at sheryl.brady@scouting.org or 402-514-3029.

Mehaffey. Eagle Scouts grow up to be lawyers, electricians, physicians and farmers. They’re also collegiate basketball coaches.

Former Creighton basketball coach Dana Altman says he enjoyed his time in Scouts. Working with his friends to earn their Eagle Scout was especially gratifying.

“It still means a lot to me.”

Megan Wright has two children who are working to become Eagle Scouts. She says she has seen a transformation in both. The first area, she says, is that they are more active. The second pertains to leadership.

Ethan, who just finished eighth grade, is taking a leadership role in his former Cub Scout pack, helping to plan and run pack meetings. “He’s responsible for working

out the details and putting them into action,” his mother says.

Sixteen-year-old Rebecca (girls were welcomed into Scouts BSA earlier this year) is gaining self-assurance. At first, she and her Scout mates were shy about taking the lead during activities, her mother says. “Now, they’re taking charge.

They’re making all the decisions. The growth we’ve seen in them is amazing.”

Hunt says he applies the principles he learned in Scouting to his life — personally and professionally. He then recites the Scout Law: “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”

“I still remember those 12 points. They mean something to me.”

100 Bancroft Street | Omaha, NE | (402) 346-4002 | lauritzengardens.org 0000048606-01

31

A box of crafting fun Crayola packages come with supplies and easy instructions STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

C

rayola has joined the growing market of subscription box services.

The Crayola CIY Box delivers monthly and contains two crafts suited for kids of all ages.

Reviews have said they’re easy enough for preschoolers, but the box we previewed also kept my teen engaged. It was the perfect activity to fill a rainy afternoon.

The box came with supplies for two crafts with easy-tofollow, step-by-step directions.

We also searched #crayolaciybox on Instagram for inspiration.

Our preview box from

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July 2019

crayolaciybox.com included Model Magic clay in four colors to make pinch pots and paints and components to make a wooden paint-pour clock. There were a few extras — sticky notes

and a marker (although my marker arrived dried out). There were ample supplies to make the crafts. We used all the clay and made four pinch pots. We had paint left over after making the clock.

Tip: If it’s a humid day, the clay and paint will take longer than the recommended 24 hours to dry.

Order month-to-month or purchase a three-, six- or 12-month subscription. Prices range from $32.99 to $40.98 per box, depending on the plan you choose.

SMALL SWIMMERS

Big lessons Classes start weekly

88-degree pool

Small class sizes

Sign up today at diventures.com or call 402-933-6251

2148427-01

Season Spotlight!

2019-20 Season Shows Benefits Begin Sept. 2019!

Family members receive four FREE tickets to each of these shows!

(Additional packages available for larger families.)

Go, Dog.G o!

A NEW MUSICAL

AnneFrank

Corduroy

THE DIAR Y OF

JoinToday!

Rose Members Receive... « Four free tickets to each regular season show listed above that’s 24 free tickets! « Great discounts on classes, camps and costume rentals. « Discounts on tickets to The Rose’s FIRST STAGE shows, A Bucket of Blessings and The Little Engine That Could, as well as the premium and special event shows:

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HOWIE BACK In the

DAY

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WW W.ROS E T H E AT E R. ORG