Momaha Magazine - October 2019

momaha.com

VOLUME 10 · ISSUE 10 OCTOBER

2019

EYES ON HALLOWEEN

Monstrously fun makeup, crafts + treats

NURSERY DÉCOR Baby’s room is swimming in cuteness

FALLING FOR PUMPKIN Autumn’s favorite flavor, three ways

F ee Newborn Free Ne born Expo E po with Boys Town Pediatrics Saturday, October 12th Car Seat Check: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Expo: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Boys Town National Headquarters 14100 Crawford Street (on the Boys Town Campus)

• Newborn Care Seminars • Pampering Services • Gift Bags • Hourly Prizes • Keepsake Photo Station • Car Seat Giveaways

Grand Prize Newborn Photography Session donated by Brandy Miller Photography

Image provided by Brandy Miller Photography

BoysTownPediatrics.org

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KILEY CRUSE

CONTENTS

2

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

4 Editor’s Column 6 On Our Radar 9 Momaha Bookshelf 30 Emoji-Speak 31 Get Organized 36 Baby Room Painting 40 Be Well

12 Halloween Pretzels

October 2019

16 Pumpkin Recipes 19 Halloween Makeup 28 Halloween Crafts 34 Switch Witch

SPONSORED FEATURES 7 Huntington Learning Center 10 The Rose Theater 14 Boys Town Pediatrics 26 YMCA of Greater Omaha 32 Mangelsen’s 35 University of Nebraska Medical Center 38 Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 10 . ISSUE 10 . OCTOBER 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

Fall Into Swim Lessons register noW for once-A-Week sWiM lessons Ages 6 Mos. & older.

copy editors SHELLEY LARSEN PA M R I C H T E R

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

Morning, Afternoon, evening & sAt. Morning

contributor AMY TOKOS

cover photo KILEY CRUSE

account manager L AURE N MILLE R lauren.miller@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, entertainment editor for the Omaha World-Herald.

Mom to Sam and Elliott.

Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH

OCTOBER, MY LOVE

“I

’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

I have always loved this quote from “Anne of Green Gables.” And it’s so true.

We’d miss out on so many wonderful things without Octobers.

Fall is my favorite season. I love that it’s still warm but not crazy hot, and that it gets cool at night but we aren’t yet dealing with the freezing temperatures of winter. It’s such a nice in-between place.

I love that it’s time for wearing sweaters and enjoying warm beverages by the fire and soups and stews in the Crock-Pot. I love decorating my house in the reds, oranges and yellows of the season. I revel in taking trips to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins and go on hayrack rides with the kids.

And I especially love celebrating Halloween.

It’s been my favorite holiday since I was a kid. Every year when my birthday rolls around in early October, I have a Halloween-themed cake. I can’t even begin to tell you how many pairs of Halloween socks I own. My Halloween dish towels stay out year-round. And I still dress up in a costume on Halloween.

In this issue, you’ll find all kinds of ways to celebrate this wonderful month: pumpkin recipes, Halloween sweets and crafts, a facepainting tutorial. We even introduce you to the Switch Witch (think Elf on the Shelf, only for one night.)

I hope you have a spooky good month ahead of you. Happy fall!

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October 2019

TWITTER @momaha_owh PINTEREST /momahaowh INSTAGRAM /momaha_owh

When children are your everything, Anything can be.

At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. We provide the very best in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for children, families and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child.

To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

Education

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Research

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Advocacy

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ON OUR RADAR MARJIE DUCEY

HASSLE-FREE COFFEE Steeped is a low-hassle, highflavor coffee with a tea-like brewing method. Steeped’s beans come pre-ground in single-serve filter bags so there’s no mess. At about $1 per cup, it’s not quite the value of bags on the store shelf, but the singleserve approach − with no plastics − seems more environmentally friendly than the K-Cup approach. $30, steepedcoffee.com

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

HAPPY TRAILS Harper loved the Horse Club Caravan! The first-grader was able to assemble most of the pieces by herself for hours of imaginary play.

The accessories and little details made it special — like the décor for the living space (pictures for the wall and ribbons to display), the table, chair and umbrella for the top deck, and the hidden space under the couch. So fun! $59.99, www.schleich-s.com/en/US

COLORS OF THE RAINBOW Kiss your boring silverware goodbye. As one fan said, this Berglander flatware is the best gift ever for the unicorn lover. Durable stainless steel with a high-quality titanium gold coating for formal or everyday use; well-balanced in your hand. $20.99 for a set for four, amazon.com.

PRETTY PUPPY Y’Art was one of ASTRA’s 2019 Best Toys for Kids (Arts and Crafts, 7+). The messfree, oops-proof product lets you lift the yarn and reposition it if you make a mistake. The age recommendation is important; our 6-year-old reviewer was frustrated trying to put the project together. $14.99, www.yart-studio.com

SNACK FOOD AU NATURAL Bubba’s Fine Foods grain-free snacks are nearly void of artificial ingredients and low on sugar. Ungranola was a staff favorite. The sweet taste and the crunch was satisfying and mixing it with yogurt took it to a new level. The buffalo-flavored banana chips were good, too, in moderation. $13.99, bubbasfoods.com

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October 2019

SPONSORED FEATURE HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

Progress check

6 things to pay attention to on your child’s first report card of year

C

hildren have been back in school for a month or two by now, which means there’s an important milestone coming up: the first report card of the year.

“Parents should give the report card much more than a glance,” says Gwen Gwyn Morris of Omaha Huntington Learning Center. “This early ‘checkup’ shares a lot about how children are progressing in all subjects and how ready they were or weren’t for the grade.”

As you review your child’s first report card of the year, Morris suggests paying careful attention to these six things:

1. The grades Grades are the most obvious sign of how your child is doing in school. Look at both the grades themselves and the change in grades from last year. Did your child end sixth-grade math with an A but now has a B- at the start of seventh grade?

2. Teacher comments about behavior Read all remarks about your child’s academic attitude and classroom behavior. Does the teacher mention concern about responsibility, selfcontrol, ability to work well with others, aggressiveness or anything else? Does the teacher commend your child for his or her work ethic, attitude or team effort?

3. Areas of strength Remember that the report card isn’t just a tool for identifying problems. Take note of positive comments about your child as well. Your teacher gets to know your child on a different level, after all. He or she might notice aspects of your child’s personality and performance that are special or exceed expectations.

STOCK.ADOBE.COM

4. Marks or comments about study habits and organization Good study skills are essential, and the further your child progresses in school, the more important they become. Look for any indicators about your child’s study habits and organizational/time management skills (or lack thereof ).

5. Areas of progress It’s only the first report card of the year, but the teacher might have included measurements about your child’s progress toward grade-level standards for the year or the semester.

6. Notes about potential Straight As looks great, but you must read between the lines on report cards as well. Did your child forgo honors English for regular English, receiving an A+ on the report card? Just as you do not want your child to be overly challenged in

school, you don’t want your child to lose opportunities to reach his or her potential.

A conversation with the teacher might help you better assess whether your child is being appropriately pushed.

Morris says reminds parents that the report card is just one tool to help them support their children. “Being involved as a parent and communicating frequently with teachers is absolutely critical,” she says. “It’s also vital that you establish a good working relationship with your child regarding school. Set expectations and support your child as a student by asking about school often. And when questions about the report card do come up, have an open conversation with your child as well as any teachers or guidance counselors.”

School problems rarely go away, Morris says. “The longer they’re ignored, the harder it is for children to catch up and rebuild their self-esteem.”

ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center specializes in customized instructional programs for students of all ages. 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 and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com or call 1-800 CAN LEARN.. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

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October 2019

MOMAHA BOOKSHELF MARJIE DUCEY

Hot off the presses THE TALE OF THE TIGER SLIPPERS

By Jan Brett Follow the adventures of a tiger cub and his slippers, which enable him to do great things growing up in an exotic land. But as an adult, he’s embarrassed by the worn shoes and tries to give them away, each time with negative results. Finally, his son comes up with the perfect solution. India’s national parks and a huge lion there inspired Brett’s rich artwork. Ages 4 to 8.

DINNER FOR EVERYONE

By Mark Bittman This book provides 300 recipes, including three ways to cook similar dishes.

There are quick meals for busy weeknights, plantbased fare for vegans and impressive dishes perfect for entertaining. The classic spaghetti carbonara has just six ingredients, including salt and pepper. Then it morphs into creamy bucatini with chickpea crumble. The guest version is spaghetti carbonara with champagne zabaglione. We can’t wait to try the pizza bianca for vegans and the doubledipped fried chicken and waffles with peach butter.

THE WOLF AND THE WARLANDER

By Chip Davis, Mark Valenti and Mannheim Steamroller A three-book story about a horse named Ghost, a Friesian prized for his strength and agility, and the wolf that he rescued as a colt.

Despite their differences, they both love adventure, share a fascination with nature and push through boundaries. These two unlikely friends face all kinds of trials as they grow up and follow their own paths; set against the music of Mannheim Steamroller.

Children and young adults.

BACH TO THE RESCUE!!!

By Tom Angleberger The rich dude who couldn’t sleep woke the village every night with his yells for his musician Goldberg, who had to carry his harpischord up the stairs to play. But the rich dude hated lullabies and anything else that Goldberg tried to play, leaving him cranky and the entire village, too. Then Bach, the greatest composer of all time, appears. He mashes up several types of tunes into the Greatest Music Ever Written Ever, and finally the rich dude and the town can sleep. Ages 4 to 8

CHICKS RULE!

By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen Nerdy Chick has been preparing all week for the Rocket Club meeting, but when she arrives, she learns that no chicks are allowed.

She won’t let that stop her, gathering chicks of all types to help her. When even that doesn’t work, they form their own group, where everyone is allowed. With each chick doing her part, they build a rocket that can reach the stars. Chicks can conquer anything! Pre-K to third grade.

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SPONSORED FEATURE THE ROSE THEATER

BACK IN THE DAY Howie D, middle school norms and catchy musical forms

F

issues that a lot of kids ans of the Backstreet go through nowadays, Boys can now share including worrying and their love of the being shy, feeling small, boy band with a new being in somebody’s generation, thanks to a shadow, monsters in family musical theater your head, bad dreams,” production making its Dorough says of the world premiere at The Rose storyline. “I was definitely in 2020. always trying to find my The show, written by place and where I am and band member Howie how I fit in with people.

Dorough (aka Howie D) Eventually I did find my with Tor Hyams and Lisa St. place, and I’m very proud Lou, is a semi-biographical that I stuck to my ground of account of Howie D’s knowing that I was a true middle school years, his entertainer.” introduction to music and “Howie D: Back in the his path to finding his voice.

Day” joins a 2019-20 lineup “Howie D: Back in the at The Rose that’s intended Day” follows the life of to inspire, educate, and, of middle-school-age Howie course, entertain children (long before his fame of all ages. with the Backstreet Boys).

Artistic Director Matthew Dorough, who will appear Gutschick hopes shows like in The Rose debut, is “Howie D: Back in the Day” navigating Lakeview Prep, will encourage families to managing bullies, his big see the world through new sister and his enthusiastic eyes, to delve further into parents. It soon becomes educational topics and to clear that he must separate enjoy the magic of the arts.” what others want for him And if a show inspires a from his own hopes and new love for a certain boy dreams. band?

The journey incorporates “That’s just one more musical forms and middle COURTESY THE ROSE THEATER Howie Dorough is coming to Omaha to star in The Rose Theater debut way for parents and school norms, vibrant of “Howie D: Back in the Day.”The musical tells the story of those their children to share a characters and catchy, formative middle years. connection,” Gutschick says. never-before-heard-music That special bond performed live by Howie D, it became clear that together, they through theater might be one of the best considered by Digital Journal to be “one ” says Dorough.

“These revealed my story, reasons to bring kids to “Howie D: Back of the most underrated male vocalists of songs are about a kid who conquers a in the Day.” our time.” myriad of his own fears and learns to The production runs Jan. 31 to Feb. The score includes select songs accept himself for the unique person he 16 with performances Fridays at 7 p.m., from Dorough’s new children’s album, really is.”

Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and “Which One Am I?” — praised by People The soundtrack of this powerful, Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 with magazine, the Los Angeles Times, thought-provoking production is sure reserved seating. Members receive BuzzFeed and Entertainment Tonight — to leave families singing and dancing in discounted tickets. For more information, and his celebrated anthem, “The Me I’m the aisles. visit www.rosetheater.org. Tickets are Meant to Be.” “I went through a lot of common available now.

“When I started writing these songs, 0000069647-01

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October 2019

Halloween Celebrate

at your favorite Omaha Public Library location!

spooky stories • costumes • crafts • games • treats • science experimentts • haunted houses & more!

Visit omahalibrary.org for a complete schedule of events.

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Rose Members Rock!

Discover the best entertainment value in Omaha!

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

(Additional packages available for larger families.)

2019-20 Member Shows

Go, Dog.G o!

AnneFrank THE DIAR Y OF

A NEW MUSICAL

Corduroy

Rose Members Receive...

«Four FREE tickets to each regular season show listed above that’s 24 free tickets!

JoinToday!

«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: Howie D: Back in the Day, Elf the Musical and The Sound of Music.

WW W. ROSE TH EATE R. ORG

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NO-TRICK PRETZELS These sweet-and-salty treats are frightfully easy and quick to make STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY by Kiley Cruse

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October 2019

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iming for best mummy on the block? These chocolate-dipped cuties will scare up smiles faster than you can say, “Boo!”

Pumpkin Pretzels • Mini pretzel twists • 1½ cup orange candy melts • Green M&M’s • Wax paper

1. Place orange candy melts in a glass bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute to melt. Let sit in the microwave for an additional minute. Stir gently, then return to the microwave for 15 seconds, if needed.

2. Dip pretzels, one by one, into the melted coating. (A dipping tool makes this process easier.) Gently tap pretzel against edge of bowl to release excess coating, then lay pretzel on wax paper. Place one green M&M sideways into the top indent of the pretzel, to create a green stem. Let cool until solid.

3. Repeat the process until you have the desired number of pumpkin pretzels, reheating the candy melts as necessary. Store in an airtight container to save.

Adapted from butterwithasideofbread.com

Alien Pretzels • Mini pretzel twists • 1 cup white chocolate chips or white candy melts • ½ teaspoon coconut oil (or shortening) • Lime green gel food coloring • ¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips • Small, round chocolate candies, optional • Wax paper

1. Place ¾ cup white chocolate chips in a glass bowl along with coconut oil.

Microwave on high for 1 minute to melt.

Let sit in the microwave for an additional minute. Stir gently, then return to the microwave for 15 seconds, if needed.

Note: If using candy melts, omit the coconut oil.

2. Add green coloring to the melted chocolate and stir gently. Note: We used lime green candy melts from Mangelsen’s.

If you use green candy melts, you will still need ¼ cup white chocolate chips or candy melts for the eyes.

3. Dip each pretzel into the bowl of melted chocolate, gently tapping the edge of the bowl to release excess chocolate. (A dipping tool makes this process easier.) Lay the covered pretzel on wax paper. Use a

small knife to clear the chocolate from the bottom hole of the pretzel, for the alien’s mouth.

4. Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a small baggie. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until melted. Cut the corner of the bag and pipe chocolate into the top two pretzel holes, filling in the alien eyes. Place round candies on top of chocolate. (If you don’t have small round candies for the eyes, use an alternate color of candy melt.) Repeat this process with the remaining white chocolate chips. You can leave them white and use this chocolate to fill in the eyes of the green alien pretzels. Let completed pretzels cool to set.

5. Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of alien pretzels, reheating the chocolate as necessary. Store in an airtight container.

Mummy pretzels • Mini pretzel twists • 1½ cup white chocolate chips or candy melts, divided • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or shortening) • Candy eyeballs

1. Place 1 cup white chocolate chips in a glass bowl along with coconut oil.

Microwave on high for 1 minute, to melt.

Let sit in the microwave for an additional minute. Stir gently, then return to the microwave for 15 seconds, if needed.

2. Dip each pretzel into the bowl of white chocolate, gently tapping the edge of the bowl to release excess chocolate. (This process is easier with a dipping tool.) Lay

the covered pretzel on wax paper. Place candy eyeballs in the top two cavities of the pretzel. Let cool until solid.

3. Place remaining ¼ cup white chocolate chips in a small baggie. Microwave for 45 seconds, or until melted. Add in remaining chocolate from the dipping bowl.

4. Take the baggie of white chocolate and snip a corner. Pipe crisscrossing lines of white chocolate onto the top of each coated pretzel, being careful to go around each eyeball. Let cool until solid.

5. Repeat the process until you have the desired amount of mummy pretzels, reheating the chocolate as necessary. Store in an airtight container.

How to melt chocolate in the microwave Melting chocolate in the microwave is easy if you go slowly. Always use a glass or ceramic bowl and chocolate that isn’t old.

To melt 1 cup of chocolate chips, begin with 1 minute in the microwave. After 1 minute, let chocolate sit for 2-3 minutes.

Gently stir and see if the chocolate begins to melt smooth. If it’s still solid, add 20 seconds in the microwave, then let it sit again. Often chocolate looks like it’s not melted when it really is, and you don’t know for sure until you gently stir it. If your chocolate melts, but it’s too thick to work with, stir in ½ teaspoon coconut oil or shortening. Chocolate that’s microwaved too long or gets too hot will become grainy. Once that happens, you have to start with a fresh batch. Err on the side of shorter cooking times and warm the chocolate as necessary as you’re decorating your pretzels.

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SPONSORED FEATURE BOYS TOWN PEDIATRICS

Baby & you Parenthood, from a pediatrician’s perspective

T

he road to becoming a parent is exciting, heartwarming and, admittedly, a little scary. It doesn’t matter how much training you have.

In this interview with Megann Sauer, M.D., a pediatrician at Boys Town Pediatrics, we talk about becoming a parent for the first time and share details about an event that’s focused on baby and you.

Q. What was your biggest concern during pregnancy?

A. My biggest concern Megann was that my kids would Sauer, M.D. be healthy. I had twins, so I was worried about delivering them too early. I conquered my fear by listening to my doctor’s advice. I took care of myself by following a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest.

Every parent has concerns, but no one is alone. Doctors are here to help you through every part of the journey, so it is important to find a doctor that you trust and can easily access.

New and expecting parents are invited to attend the Boys Town Pediatrics Newborn Expo to meet some of the Boys Town Pediatrics pediatricians. At this free event, pediatricians will give short presentations on popular topics like breastfeeding and sleep patterns, allowing parents to learn and see how the pediatricians interact with patients.

Boys Town Pediatrics also offers free meet and greet appointments so parents can ask important questions about insurance, medical philosophy, after-hours care and more.

Q. What has been the most unexpected joy of being a parent?

A. The unconditional love given to me by my kids.

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October 2019

CHRIS HOLMES

Boys Town Pediatrics Newborn Expo and Car Seat Check includes massages for new and expectant moms.

There is a lot that goes into parenting — shopping for clothes, providing support as your child develops, and so much more. Fortunately, the Omaha area is filled with resources to help with these everyday tasks so you can enjoy building a relationship with your child.

The Boys Town Pediatrics Newborn Expo is a one-stop shop for parenting resources with information on educational activities, nutrition and home safety – just to name a few.

Q. What is your advice for expecting parents?

A. Be good to yourself when you are pregnant. Do things that help you relax.

Recharge yourself and surround yourself with supportive and positive people.

Parenting is a lot of work, but it’s also joy-filled. Enjoy each stage – it all goes by very quickly!

Wellness is key for parents. Parents can start off on the right foot at the Boys Town Pediatrics Newborn Expo with massages, spa treatments, a photo booth and lots of giveaways.

Not to mention, parents can walk away with peace of mind after attending the free car seat check being held in conjunction with the Expo.

IF YOU GO What: Boys Town Pediatrics Newborn Expo When: Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Car seat check, 9 a.m. to noon.)

Where: Boys Town National Headquarters Building, 14100 Crawford St. Details: BoysTownPediatrics.org or Facebook.com/BoysTownPediatrics 0000069601-01

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You’re invited to schedule a free meeting to get to know one of our pediatricians and staff.

Boys Town Pediatrics offers: • 24-hour nurse helpline • 24-hour appointment scheduling • Extended evening and Saturday hours • Same Day Pediatrics for sick appointments • Five convenient Omaha locations

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Pumpkin,

3 ways

Canned purée will get you thinking outside the box for your next meal STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY by Kiley Cruse

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October 2019

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hen it comes to food and fall, we can’t resist a pumpkin spice latte. That got us thinking about adding pumpkin to everything! Here’s an entire meal with pumpkin purée (from a can!) as the starring ingredient. The verdict from our Momaha taste-testers: Yes, please!

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Yields 2 cups

For the brownies

• 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

••

• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

2/ 3

cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2½ cups sugar

• 1 lemon juiced (2 tablespoons)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• 3 large eggs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the pumpkin cheesecake

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room

• Water, if needed • To garnish: chopped parsley, sesame seeds, paprika, extra virgin olive oil

1. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

2. Add olive oil or water, if purée is too thick.

3. Taste and adjust seasonings.

4. Place the savory pumpkin hummus in a shallow bowl, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, garnish with sesame seeds, chopped parsley and paprika (optional).

5. Serve immediately with pita bread, crackers or veggie sticks or cover and refrigerate for up to four days.

temperature • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon ground ginger • ½ teaspoon kosher salt • ¾ cup sugar • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves • 2 large eggs • 1 cup pumpkin purée, canned • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract ••

1/ 3

cup heavy cream

1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid to thin sauce.

2. Heat the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. Add the pumpkin and heavy whipping cream. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan and salt, and stir to combine.

3. Toss the pasta in the sauce and thin as needed using the reserved cooking liquid. Top with additional Parmesan and season to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes: A few sage leaves or rosemary sprigs can take this recipe to the next level. Add with the garlic and pull out just before the pumpkin and cream are added.

As the pasta sits, it will thicken. Simply add a splash of water to keep it creamy and loose, if necessary.

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Generously butter or oil a 9-by13-inch baking pan.

2. For brownie batter, melt together the butter and unsweetened chocolate in a medium-sized pot over low heat, stirring until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Add vanilla. Beat in the eggs by hand, one at a time, stirring quickly so they don’t have a chance to cook before they are blended in. Stir in the flour.

4. Scrape about three-fourths of the thick batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Set aside the pan and the remaining brownie batter (about 1 cup).

5. Make the pumpkin cheesecake batter: In a large bowl beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the cinnamon, ginger, salt, sugar and cloves. Beat, scraping down the sides of bowl, until wellcombined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then beat in the pumpkin, vanilla and heavy cream until smooth.

6. Spread the pumpkin cheesecake batter over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a tablespoon to dollop remaining brownie batter over the top in spots. Use a dull knife to swirl the mixtures together, making sure to leave it very streaky, and not blend too much.

7. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the brownies comes out clean.

8. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cut into 24 squares.

Adapted from pinchofyum.com

Source: themom100.com

Source: aseasyasapplepie.com

5-Ingredient Pumpkin Alfredo • 12-16 ounces fettuccine pasta • 2 tablespoons butter • 5 garlic cloves, minced • 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) • 2½ cups heavy whipping cream • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese • ½ teaspoon salt

Notes: Use 100% pumpkin purée and NOT pumpkin pie filling. Libby’s Pumpkin Purée will give you a brighter orange than the store brand we purchased. If you want a more vibrant orange color in your final product, use the name brand.

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TREETOP VILLAGE AT ARBOR DAY FARM TREE ADVENTURE

Spend a day in the trees.

You’ll treasure the memories.

Three acres up in the trees, 11 treehouses, all connected with elevated bridges and walkways.

This one-of-a-kind, fun-for-all-ages adventure will spark imagination and joyful laughter in everyone.

Make your way from treehouse to treehouse without ever touching the ground. Bounce sky-high on the giant WonderNet and race down a 50-foot slide. It’s fun for hours. Then round out your day with a stay at Lied Lodge.

It’s all waiting for you to explore. Find it — and opening weekend details — at arbordayfarm.org.

2611 Arbor Avenue | Nebraska City, NE 0000069675-01

L VE IS OUR MISSION 3601 Burt Street Omaha, Nebraska 68131 DuchesneAcademy.org 0000069610-01

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October 2019

StrokeS of geniuS Face-painting tricks anyone can master.

TEXT Chris Christen PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse STYLING Amber Trujillo and Deb Beck

“B

e bold. Be out-of-the-box,” Amber Trujillo always tells her drama club students at Dundee Elementary School when it comes to their on-stage personalities.

The same advice applies to Halloween — the most theatrical holiday of the year.

Here, Trujillo shares ideas for making your trick-or-treater the most memorable character in the neighborhood.

Your magic tool: Soap-based face paint sticks for drawing lines, circles and squiggles. (It’s that easy!) Stumped on a character? Let your child’s imagination be your guide.

“Part of theater is improvisation,” Trujillo says. “Look around your house. What do

you have that can be a prop or a costume for a character? Build from there.”

Deb Beck, the drama club’s co-adviser, echoes her daughter’s advice.

“I had a student who was ‘Confused.’

He was layered with so many props and costume pieces, even he was confused about his identity. It was brilliant.”

The penny-pinching duo loves Halloween and shops thrift stores for transforming elements. “You can build a costume for less than $3 if you scavenge,” Beck says.

WHAT YOU NEED • Soap-based face paint sticks (featured: black, white, brown, pink, red, purple, green) • Black eyebrow pencil • Small paint brushes • Comb • Cotton swabs • Makeup sponges • Hairspray • Baby powder • Temporary spray-on hair color • Baby wipes

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BaBy doll to scarecrow baby doll

1. Create big, rosy cheeks with pink face paint; blend with makeup sponge.

2. Using a small brush, create pink kewpie doll lips.

3. Apply pink to eyelids. Finish eyes with five quick downward strokes of black to create “lashes.”

4. Draw on black baseball-like “stitches” on either side of kewpie mouth.

5. Dress in baby-doll or girly-girl dress or top and skirt. Accessorize with fingerless white lace gloves and ribbon bows.

Find makeup and similar props for these tutorials at David M. Mangelsen’s.

Laine Trujillo, 10

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October 2019

scarecrow

1. Follow baby doll instructions for cheeks, eyes and mouth.

2. Using small paint brush, apply orange paint in triangle shape to nose.

3. Add black “stitches� to corners of eyes and cheeks.

4. Dress in overalls and a plaid shirt and accessorize with a straw hat, rafia cuffs and collar (get the look with fringed yellow construction paper), crow and colorful flower.

Tip: Put on your costume before makeup application to avoid smears or other damage to finished makeup.

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Kitty, cheetah + cruella de Vil black cat

1. Gather black, red and purple paint sticks.

2. Apply black paint to small paint brush and draw on cat eyes, working from inner bottom lids to outer bottom lids. Apply fat line of black to upper lids.

3. Draw on black whiskers, triangle nose and black dots between upper lip and nose.

4. Apply purple paint as eye shadow, fully covering upper lid in half-moon shape.

5. Apply red paint to lips.

6. Apply black paint to fingernails for the look of claws.

7. Accessorize with kitty-ear headband.

Lola Trujillo, 9

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October 2019

cheetah

1. Follow instructions for black cat.

2. Intensify the black around the eyes.

3. Add 10-12 cheetah spots to one side of forehead. Use brown paint and small brush to create random circular spots on forehead and temple; dip fine paintbrush in black and outline each spot.

4. Add four to six faint black dots to either side of nostrils; dab area with white paint, smudging dots slightly.

5. Accessorize with animal-print top and cat-ear headband.

Cruella de vil

1. Follow instructions for black cat eyes.

2. Draw on thick black eyebrows in high arch; color in lids with purple paint, reaching to eyebrows.

3. Apply red lip color.

4. Add Cruella wig or improvise by ratting hair all around with comb and applying white and black temporary hair dye or just baby powder if your child has dark hair.

5. For costume, dress in black from head to toe. Accessorize with black fingerless gloves (fishnet stockings will give you the same look); stuffed Dalmatian; long cigarette holder (available at hobby stores).

23

Pirate to zombie Pirate

1. Outline eyes using soap-based black face paint stick. Start about Âź inch away from eye to guard against any irritation from the soap in the paint. Paint lids. Smudge paint with fingers.

2. Using eyebrow pencil, draw curled mustache.

3. Create goatee with a series of straight lines in a fanned-out V on chin.

4. Accessorize with clip-on hoop earring, bandanna or scarf, eye patch, hook or sword, and stuffed parrot.

Sy Wehbe, 10

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October 2019

Zombie or swamp man

1. Follow instructions for pirate eyes.

2. Using sponge or fingers, apply white paint all over face. Work haphazardly, leaving some areas of skin exposed. Using three fingers, smear black from bottom of eyes down cheeks.

3. Smear streaks of green paint from bottom of eyes down cheeks.

4. Apply red paint to small brush to create blood running down face from forehead, eye and nose.

5. Run fingers through hair to mess it up, tease with comb and apply hairspray.

6. Drape head with dark, distressed gauze or torn and frayed rags in a dingy color.

TO MAKE RUNNY BLOOD Mix together: 1 cup corn syrup 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup Red food coloring TO MAKE A SCABBED WOUND Mix the above with 1 cup oatmeal, uncooked Bonus: It tastes good and washes out easily.

25

SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

.

Jazlyn Gamble with Noah, 9, and Brooklyn, 6.

Values to live by Single mom embraces inclusion, family community at YMCA STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Watkins

T

he YMCA is much more than a job to Jazlyn Gamble.

It’s a valuable source of family and inclusion.

As an employee, family comes in the form of the thousands of members who pass through the doors of the Downtown Y Welcome Center each month. Gamble, a greeter, has come to know many by first name.

As a mother, family comes in the form of engaging son, Noah, 9, and daughter, Brooklyn, 6, in the many activities and opportunities at the Y. She enrolled them in the Downtown Y’s childcare center when she first began working there six years go. Today, Noah and Brooklyn take swimming lessons and are involved in basketball and gymnastics.

“I wasn’t a Y member as a kid, but it was important to me to get my kids

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October 2019

involved,” Gamble says. “I love everything about the Y. I can’t imagine a better place for me and my kids.”

Gamble says she’s proud to be engaged with and employed by an organization that has a strong connection to community. YMCA scholarships for families who might not have the resources to pay for memberships is something she admires and is very proud of as an employee.

“I love how inclusive the Y is ... regardless of income,” she says. “This goes back to the core value of the Y to care ... That’s very important to me, especially as a single mom.”

At the top of Gamble’s own core values is being mom to Noah and Brooklyn and providing them with opportunities they enjoy.

She says she has great regard for the sports programs and the values

of sportsmanship, opportunity and teamwork that are instilled by the staff in their young charges.

She knows that these same values carry into other parts of their lives – school, friendships and relationships, in particular – and are what they will value most as they grow up.

“Those values started when they were in the childcare program at the YMCA and continue with the Y sports teams,” she says. “I love how everyone gets a chance to play, the coaches are great with the kids, and there are sports programs for younger kids who may not otherwise get the chance to participate.

“Just as I’ve had the opportunity to create long-lasting friendships with staff and members, my kids have had the chance to do the same through their relationships. Everyone wins at the YMCA.”

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27

Eye-spy Halloween fun For little goblins, these favors are almost too cute to handle

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October 2019

A

dd some silly fun to your Halloween party with these googly-eye crafts.

CANDY BAR MUMMY

Here’s a riddle, just for giggles: What do you call a Hershey bar in a fullbody wrap?

A yummy mummy.

WHAT YOU NEED • Full-size Hershey candy bars • White crepe paper streamers • Black card stock • Googly eyes, 25 mm • Glue dots • Scissors

WHAT YOU DO

1. Cut card stock into 2-inch-by-5¼-inch strip. Using glue dots, secure two googly eyes to the upper section of each strip.

2. Cut crepe paper into 6-foot length, approximately.

3. Cut down the center of the streamer to create two 6-foot lengths. This does not need to be precise; just eyeball it.

4. Use a glue dot to secure card stock strip to the front of the candy bar.

5. Put a glue dot on the back of the Hershey bar wrapper. Stick streamer

to the glue dot and start wrapping streamer around the bar, making sure to overlap each layer.

6. Continue wrapping the candy bar until you get to the eyes. Leave a little peek hole or gap and finish wrapping.

7. Secure the crepe paper with a glue dot and use scissors to trim any excess.

Source: Scraplifters.com

FRANKENSTEIN PAPER CUPS

This craft will have everyone doing the “Monster Mash.”

WHAT YOU NEED • Green 9-ounce paper cups • Black card stock, 11 inches wide • Googly eyes, 25 mm • Glue • Glue dots • Mini marshmallows • Pinking shears • Black permanent marker

WHAT YOU DO

1. Cut 1-inch-wide strips of black card stock. Trim one long edge of paper with pinking shears.

2. Use glue dots to attach paper strip to

top of cup. Start at the seam of the paper cup; this will be the back of your design.

3. Use glue dots to attach two googly eyes to the cup, just below the paper strip.

4. Draw a smile with the marker.

5. Glue marshmallows to each side of the cup for neck bolts. Note: Glue dots do not work for the marshmallows.

Source: robert-mahar.com

BAT DRINKING STRAWS

Guests of all ages will go batty for these!

WHAT YOU NEED • 1½-inch-wide wire-edged black ribbon • Straws • Googly eyes, 8 mm • Glue or glue dots • Pinking shears

WHAT YOU DO

1. Cut an 8-inch strip of ribbon.

2. Tie ribbon around top of straw.

3. Glue googly eyes to back of knot.

4. Trim wings with pinking shears.

Source: robert-mahar.com

Find supplies for this tutorial at David M. Mangelsen’s.

STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY by Kiley Cruse

29

EMOJI-SPEAK

How a T-shirt is helping my nonverbal son to communicate STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Jamie Sumner / The Washington Post

I

looks similar to an iPad, was at Target shopping was a tougher transition. for jeans. But as it It is more complex and is with all things adaptive, which he needs, shopping-related, I came but it also requires more away with more than I intended. The jeans alone patience, which he doesn’t were a big deal. always have. He tends to My 7-year-old son, resist tapping from screen Charlie, has cerebral palsy to screen to piece together and wears braces on his the sentence in his mind. legs. The skinny-jean This is why the emoji shirt phenomenon is not for is so empowering for him. us. The material matters It’s right there. as well. If it is stiff, he finds Sometimes I get it difficult to bend his weighed down in the legs and maneuver in his minutiae of every wheelchair. Charlie also day — the heft of the wears diapers. Therefore, wheelchair, the traffic the more complex the on the way to speech composition of buttons therapy, the Individualized and zippers, the harder his Education Program goals day is. met and unmet. But Because of all this, I have then something like this become a jean connoisseur. happens and I remember The Cat & Jack adaptive how miraculous it is that jeans are a miracle in Charlie is even here. pant-form. They’re soft, Born 10 weeks Jamie Sumner’s 7-year-old son, Charlie, points to an emoji on his shirt. with an elastic waist and premature, he lived his first snaps at the bottom to year with a tracheotomy I picked him up from camp, I asked him accommodate leg braces. and a feeding tube. He had how his day was and he pointed again to I was buying a second pair (because several excruciating surgeries. when you find jeans that work, you double the sunglasses face and then the snoozing And now, here he is, talking with his one with all the Zs. I’m always afraid to up) when I came across a bright blue shirt shirt, using whatever tools he has at his put words in Charlie’s mouth for fear of covered in emojis. It was on sale. My first disposal, like a little MacGyver. I would thought: This is hilarious. My next thought: misinterpreting him, but when I didn’t never have thought to use that shirt in this speak right away he pointed again in the It’s soft and cheap. Naturally, I bought it. way. But he did. And each time he does, same order.

The first time I dressed Charlie in his it reminds me that though he can’t speak “It was awesome and now you’re tired?” new shirt, he was getting ready to attend out loud, he communicates like a champ.

I said finally. And he nodded. his special needs summer camp. I was As his mother, I fight for him to be I stood there for a minute in the hot telling him what they would do and which understood and included at places like sun in the parking lot as Charlie waved friends he would see, because he likes me school and camp. Moments like these, goodbye to fellow campers, and I let it sink when he does it all on his own, are the to talk him through the story of his day in. He was using the shirt to talk. He had before it starts. As I pulled on his shirt and ones that let me know he will be just fine, found a way to communicate his feelings described the trip they would take to the even when I am not by his side. in that moment using the material he had pool, he looked down and pointed to the He has since started pointing to the on hand. I was stunned that he could be so “curious” emoji, the one with the glasses, emoji with the sunglasses, the one that resourceful. said “awesome” under it. when he has a question, and the “dizzy” But perhaps I shouldn’t have been.

I laughed. Charlie is mostly nonverbal emoji when he doesn’t feel well. He’s Charlie has always been tactile and quick and uses a speaking device, but his growing proficient in shirt-speak. to express himself. He thrived with PECS, go-to for communication has always Margaret Atwood wrote that “Touch the communication system that uses been pointing. I said, “Yeah, Charlie, it is comes before sight, before speech. It is the picture cards and Velcro storyboards. He’d awesome.” first language and the last, and it always flip through those cards like a blackjack I thought it was a fluke. He was digging tells the truth.” dealer until he found what he needed. But the bright yellow faces on his shirt If that is indeed the case, then Charlie is moving on to his speaking device, which because they were fun. But later, when speaking the truest language there is.

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October 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.

For the love of warm clothes

T

he season is changing and with it our wardrobe.

It is time to put the shorts away and bring out the sweaters. If you have a big closet you might just need to put the summer stuff in the back and bring the winter stuff forward.

If you’re working with a smaller space, you might need to do a total switch.

Either way, now is a good time to go through all your stuff and decide if it has a future in your closet.

PLAN YOUR WARDROBE FOR NEXT SUMMER

Most people have different types and styles of clothing in their closet. You have the classic clothes and the trendy clothes.

You have foundation pieces and accessories.

A season switch is a great time to review all of your favorite items and decide if you will wear them again next year. Do your classics need to be renewed? Are all your summer whites still white?

Take advantage of the sales on summer clothes to replace your worn-out classics. That will put you ahead of the game next summer.

CLEAN OUT BEFORE YOU PACK AWAY

As we make the switch, it’s a good time to remove all the items you didn’t wear this summer. The general principle that applies to our closet is the Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule. It states that we wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. To beat these numbers, you have to be very intentional about what you have in your

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

closet. If you don’t love it or really need it, then get rid of it.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT STORAGE

Clothes need to breathe. Linen bins with lids are perfect for closet shelves. You can fold or roll your summer-only items and put them up high and out of the way for the winter.

If you decide to store some off-season clothes away from your closet, be sure to keep them in a dry, dark, cool and dust-free space. You can find linen-covered garment racks that work nicely.

The good thing about having all your summer clothes together for the winter, is the ease of packing if you travel somewhere warm.

SET UP YOUR WINTER WARDROBE

How you choose your clothes is a guide to how you should arrange them in your closet. Do

you pick out clothes by color, by style or by outfit? If you pick by color then you should have like colors together. If you pick by style (short sleeve vs. long sleeve) then put all your short-sleeve garments together, etc. If you pick by outfits then keep outfits together.

Move all your winter items to the prime real estate areas of your closet. Anything summer-related needs to move to a less accessible space.

As you’re setting up all your clothes, turn all hangers backward. After you wear something with a backward hanger, you can turn the hanger the correct way. This will help you be intentional about what you wear throughout the cold weather season by helping you identify what you haven’t worn. And, if a hangar remains backward by the end of winter, dontate the item hanging on it.

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SPONSORED FEATURE MANGELSEN’S

Readymade fun

Spook yourself silly at a Witches Tea, then countdown to Christmas

C

rafts, carnival games and a costume contest with prizes are brewing for little zombies, goblins and ghouls at David M. Mangelsen’s annual Witches Tea. The hobby store’s Halloween experts are stirring up family fun for The Great Halloween Haunt at The Durham Museum, too. Then it’s on to Thanksgiving and the December holidays, when the elves at Mangelsen’s join those at The Durham for Christmas at Union Station.

42nd Annual Witches Tea Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

David M. Mangelsen’s, 3457 S. 84th St. This is one of Omaha’s longest-running family-friendly Halloween events, according to Brandy Sage, director of marketing for Mangelsen’s. “And best of all, it’s free.” Activities include Halloween-themed crafts and games, a bounce house and a costume contest.

The costume contest — for all ages — starts at 1 p.m. and no preregistration is required. Age categories are 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17 and older. Winners in each category will receive $30, $20 and $10 gift cards to Mangelsen’s. Food will be available for purchase from vendors, as well as from Farm House Cafe & Bakery adjacent to Mangelsen’s.

The Great Halloween Haunt with ManGHOULsen’s at The Durham Museum Oct. 22, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Join us for for a frightfully fun evening!

Come in costume and trick-or-treat with historical characters throughout the museum. Make a craft with the ManGHOULsen’s Crew and tour the Haunted Train and Cobweb Caboose — if you dare! Stop by the Swanson

32

October 2019

MANGELSEN’S

one of Omaha’s most beloved holiday traditions: the annual tree lighting ceremony the Friday after Thanksgiving.

After the community countdown, head for David M. Mangelsen’s Craft Corner for holiday crafts; enjoy live music by school and community groups; plus visit with Santa. Admission is $11 for adults; $8 for seniors; $7 for ages 3 to 12; free for ages 2 and younger and museum members.

Bring a nonperishable food item for donation to the Food Bank for the Heartland through Conagra Brands’ Shine the Light on Hunger campaign.

MATT DIXON/THE WORLDHERALD

“Ghoulery” for a ghostly good time playing Boo Bowling, the Witch Hat Toss and Frankenstein Operation. Visit the Creepy Curator’s lab and have a blast doing spooky experiments with Dr. Oxygen. End the night with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s dance troupe, The Moving Company, and a costume conga line.

Christmas at Union Station & Mangelsen’s Craft Corner Nov. 29 The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Christmas at Union Station begins with

Family Night With Santa Dec. 3, 10, 17 The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. During the busy holiday season, The Durham makes it easy for families to create special memories. Drop by to share your child’s wish list with Santa and say hello to his trusty reindeer, create a kid-friendly holiday craft at the David M. Mangelsen’s Craft Corner, and enjoy live performances by local choirs and ensembles. Family Night With Santa is included with regular museum admission and free for museum members. Watch for details at durhammuseum.org and mangelsens.com.

0000069615-01

fun

FALL Lil’ Sprouts: Spiders* October 9 or 10 | times vary

Step into the Spotlight with the Stepper-ettess w

Read and Grow: In My Pond October 11 | 10 a.m. | FREE program Family Workshop: Pumpkins* October 19 | 10 a.m.

Ghoulish Garden Adventure October 27 | noon to 4 p.m.

Family Workshop: Turkeys* November 2 | 10 a.m. *registration required

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha (402) 346-4002

www.lauritzengardens.org

Fall Sports are almost oveR! Join us in october in time to be a part of our Holiday PRoduction!

Register at www.stepperettestudios.com

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Witches T ea Event Oct 12 th Halloween-tHemed crafts and games bounce House costume contest for all ages - starts at 1 p.m. no preregistration is required.

free! free! free!

all costumes 30% -75% off!

winners receive Gift Cards *food will be available for purchase.

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33

THE MAGIC TRADE Candy haul need thinning? The Switch Witch can help with that!

TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Christen

M

om blogger Emily Freeman isn’t big on Halloween.

Growing up, her family celebrated Reformation Day instead. But her favorite Halloween tradition, the homeschooling mother of three told her Instagram followers at @homesweetschool, is the Stitch Witch.

After trick-or-treating, each child gets to choose a few pieces of candy to keep. The remaining sweets are left on the hearth for the Switch Witch, who comes in the night for the stash. In exchange, she leaves each child a toy.

“My girls were so excited to see what the Switch Witch would bring them,” Emily told her followers. Last year, it was a Lite-Brite activity set and Play-Doh. Several of Emily’s followers chimed in with their own Switch Witch tales. (Could she be the Tooth Fairy’s evil twin?)

34

October 2019

@Sarahmkinnard exchanges her kids’ candy for healthy snacks and treats. She has two children with food allergies, so that’s part of her motivation. “The other part is I just find sugar has a long list of bad results in our family.” Sarah was reminded by her son that the Switch Witch left a toy last year. “So I guess the Switch Witch is coming” again this year.

Instead of a toy, @casquibb’s Switch Witch leaves her kiddos a nickel per piece of candy surrendered. “And they seem OK with that!”

As Emily notes, “Cold, hard cash is always motivating.”

And what does the Switch Witch do with all of that Halloween candy she collects? The unconfirmed report is that she feeds it to her black cat, Zoom.

SPONSORED FEATURE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER

A ‘Cautionary Tale’ HPV cancer survivor to parents: Spare your kids; get them vaccinated STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Watkins

M

ichelle Shkolnick is proud that she has kicked cancer twice in two very different but effective ways.

Almost two decades ago, she fought her way through breast cancer and emerged stronger than she was before.

In 2013, she was diagnosed with a second cancer – this one caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV.) She unknowingly carried the virus for more than 30 years before her symptoms showed up. It took her a while to recognize that she was once again battling cancer.

“My father had recently passed away, and in addition to working full time, I bought a house,” she says. “I was very tired but figured it was just stress and normal life.”

She developed an earache that radiated to her jawline. When antibiotics and steroids didn’t help and a mass developed at the back of her throat, Shkolnick realized something was very wrong.

“When you have been through the cancer rodeo once, you remain very vigilant and take nothing for granted,” she says.

While the HPV vaccine is available and recommended for adolescents and young adults today, Shkolnick, 54, grew up at a time when little was known about HPV and the vaccine wasn’t offered.

“Treatment for HPV was much different from the radiation and chemotherapy I went through for breast cancer. This was much more aggressive over a much shorter amount of time,” she says. Her treatment took place at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

“I first went through seven weeks

of radiation concurrent with three rounds of chemo. I never knew how bad it could get.

“I’d make it through a bad day and tell myself, ‘If this is as bad as it gets, I can do this.’ And then the next day would be a little bit worse. But I’m a fighter. If that’s what it was going to take to beat it and survive, I was ready to do it.”

Next month, Shkolnick will be six years cancer-free. But she takes nothing for granted. She gets checked regularly and doesn’t take chances.

She also has overcome her initial concern about telling such a deeply personal story due to HPV being a sexually-transmitted infection.

She says if sharing her experience convinces parents to vaccinate their children or helps someone with symptoms seek medical attention, she knows she has done a good thing.

“If a vaccine had been available when I was young, I would have wanted my parents to get me vaccinated. But my generation didn’t have that option,” says Shkolnick, who has shared her story often on behalf of the American Cancer Society. “So now when I speak about HPV-related cancer, I make a point to urge the parents in the room to get their children vaccinated.

“Parents might object because they see the vaccine as giving their kids permission to be promiscuous or careless, but that’s not the case.

I believe just like you get your child vaccinated against the measles, you should want to keep your child from acquiring HPV and potentially cancer.

I’m definitely a cautionary tale that anyone can get HPV. “

MIKE WATKINS

Michelle Shkolnick, HPV cancer survivor.

YOU SHOULD KNOW • There are more than 150 types of HPV, and HPV infection is very common.

• About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV every year.

• HPV is so common that almost every person who is sexually active will get HPV at some time in their life if they don’t get the HPV vaccine.

• The HPV vaccine can protect people from getting the types of HPV infections that cause six different types of cancers – that’s 90% of all HPVrelated cancers.

• Girls and boys should ideally begin getting vaccinated at age 11 or 12.

• HPV causes about 31,500 new cases of cancer in men and women each year.

• Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. • There is no test to find out a person’s “HPV status.”

Sources: American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control 0000069658-01

35

An ocean-themed nursery that the writer and her mother painted over one weekend.

Painting your baby room So easy, even the artistically challenged can do it.

STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Alia Conley

P

icking a nursery theme for my first child was easy.

I wanted to have an ocean room because my husband is from a coastal city, that’s where we met, and, of course, we currently live as far away as humanly possible from either ocean.

Plus, the walls were already painted a calm, light blue.

No big painting project! Or so I thought.

As a birthday gift, my creative mom offered to paint

36

October 2019

the room full of colorful ocean animals. (She’s had plenty of experience, since nearly all of my childhood birthdays, Halloween costumes and bedrooms featured handmade, inventive decorations.)

At first I was worried the small room would be an explosion of ocean stuff in every crevice and look too junky. And, nowadays, all you see on Pinterest are minimalist nurseries.

But we pulled paint colors from an octopus crib mobile to tie things together, and I was selective on which creatures to feature and where, based on the furniture layout. It took us most of a weekend (my mom doing the heavy lifting) but we ended up with a vibrant, playful, adorable room I love to spend time in and enjoy even while soothing a screaming baby (well, maybe).

Not an artist? I’m not either. We used an easy trick to make the room come alive. Here’s how to do it: 1. Find a physical or online drawing you want to copy. We used simple coloring books for easy doodles and bold lines.

2. Get your hands on an old overhead projector, use a new projector or look up a YouTube video on how to make one that can mimic and magnify your phone or computer to the wall. My mom still has an old overhead projector from her teaching days in the ’80s, so we had to trace the drawings onto clear paper. Projecting an image from your device onto the wall is even easier.

3. Shine the image on the wall and fit the drawing to the space you want by going either closer or farther away.

4. Trace the drawing on the wall in pencil.

5. Paint your drawing! We also outlined our animals using thick black paint marker, so the lines were clean and straight.

Trust me, I am not an artistic person. (I fare better with words.) But even I could paint between the lines of a giant gray whale or mix green colors to create a patterned turtle shell.

The room turned out so well, I plan on keeping it as our family grows!

SPEND A DAY AT MARIAN See what it’s like to be a Marian girl - we’ll match you with a current student. Shadow visits begin Sept. 16. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman at 402.571.2618 ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org.

7400 MILITARY AVENUE • OMAHA, NE 68134 MARIANHIGHSCHOOL.NET 0000069622-01

37

SPONSORED FEATURE KANSAS CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

Explore & learn Indoor-outdoor museum connects kids, nature

C

hildren can explore Kenya, move grain through a simulated grain elevator, search the banks of a gentle stream and take a tricycle down a yellow brick road at Kansas’ largest children’s museum.

The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka features more than 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibits and a novel 4½-acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom.

The museum is built to encourage educational play, both indoors and out.

The education team is led by an engineer and an early childhood educator who work together to make science, math and technology concepts fun and engaging for young children. Programs complement the museum exhibits, which explore science, financial literacy and art.

Outside, children can take a tricycle on paved trails that wind through 4½ acres, climb into a giant treehouse or aboard a pirate ship.

“Our outdoor space, which is really unique among children’s museums, is designed to allow young children to learn about the natural world,” says Dene’ Mosier, president and CEO of the Discovery Center. “They can find fish in the stream, harvest vegetables in the garden, and explore our tallgrass prairie and pollinator habitat with their families.”

The traveling exhibit “Kenya’s Kids,” which opens Sept. 13, highlights what life is like for children in Kenya, a country both technologically-advanced and filled with longtime traditions.

Visitors will travel through five immersive environments, including a rural home, where water conservation is practiced.

At a school, children can learn Swahili using touchscreen notebooks just like students in Kenya.

Visitors can also convert dollars to shillings and “shop” in an outdoor market and at a duka, tiny shops found throughout Kenya, as they learn about the country’s advanced phone-based

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October 2019

KANSAS CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

At the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, children explore the banks of a lazy stream, above, and become keepers at an elephant orphanage in Kenya’s Kids.

financial system called M-Pesa.

At the national reserve, children can become a ranger and drive a safari vehicle. They can also become a keeper at an elephant orphanage that cares for abandoned baby animals and learn about animal conservation.

Life-size sculptures of native African animals, created by artisans in Nairobi,

are integrated into the exhibit. Using tablets to snap photos of the animal sculptures, an augmented reality experience triggers a 3D rendering of the animal in its habitat.

“Kenya’s Kids,” originally created by The Magic House in St. Louis, runs through Jan 4. Topeka is less than a three-hour drive from Omaha and has reciprocity with the Omaha Children’s Museum, among others nationwide.

The Discovery Center is nestled inside Topeka’s historic Gage Park, another memorable family destination.

The 160-acre park is home to a minitrain that takes visitors on a mile-long scenic course to a carousel, Animaland playground and the Topeka Zoo. All attractions are within walking distance of each other with plentiful parking.

Learn more at kansasdiscovery.org.

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Visit Omaha's Latino Museum!

El Museo Latino offers students K-12 an opportunity to visit the museum to learn about Latino culture, history and arts. Tours are offered year-round and feature permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Guided tours are available in English, Spanish, and Bilingual.

3 Convenient Locations:

Temporary Exhibitions Huipiles: Indigenous Textiles from Guatemala Day of the Dead/ Día de Muertos Frida Kahlo’s Garden

4701 SOUTH 25TH STREET • OMAHA, NE 68107 www.elmuseolatino.org • (402) 731-1137

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VISIT EL MUSEO LATINO Nebraska’s Only Latino museum

180th & Dodge Full and 402-932-2922 Part Time 192nd & Child Care Pacific 402-991-0696 91 0696 178th & Pacific 402-452-3057 Contact us to enroll or for more information enrollment@smallmiraCleChilDCare.Com

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39

BE WELL MARJIE DUCEY

KIDS AND FOOD Guide, don’t chide, when it comes to kids and what they’re eating

C

arrie Miller would never tell her children they’re fat.

“That is setting them up for eating disorders and insecurities about their bodies,’’ she says.

There are better ways to approach the issue if you are concerned, says Miller, a registered dietitian with the Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

It’s important to teach kids to love the body they have, she says, and to make sure that they are fueling it properly.

Children who are overweight aren’t necessarily unhealthy. It depends on whether they’re eating a well-balanced diet and are physically active most days of the week.

Here’s how to get your child started on a healthy relationship with food. » Emphasize that there are no good or Carrie Miller bad foods. It’s just that some foods should be eaten more often; others, less often.

“Sometimes foods’’ and “all-the-time foods’’ is the way Miller explains it. The only exception is if a child has an allergy; then of course that food should be avoided. » Set a good example by having a positive attitude toward food and about your own body image; model appropriate eating. “If you want your children to eat a variety of food from all different food groups, you need to eat them, too,’’ Miller says. » Expose your child to different foods. But don’t pressure them to eat new things or they’ll resist. It may take multiple times for some children to accept new foods. “Make it fun.

Be creative,’’ Miller says. » Include your child in meal planning. Look at recipes together and shop together. Have your child help prepare dinner. Studies show that just having your youngest kids set the table, wash produce or even put an item in the grocery cart will make them more willing to try different foods when they get home.

Miller says her children don’t have weight issues. But they are very different in what they like, so what to serve is something she has to consider every day.

She makes sure they eat the appropriate portion sizes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Having your children help prepare dinner is one way for them to develop a healthy relationship with food.

and keeps them on structured meal times as much as possible. Her kids also know the importance of snacking so they don’t binge at the end of the day.

“Once again, set examples and good habits at home,’’ she says. “When they are younger, they will listen. Tweens and teens are becoming more independent thinkers, so hopefully you set the foundation when they were young.”

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October 2019

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Now Playing!

Raisee th he curtain and light the lights!

T The Rose Theater welcomes you to the 70th season of children’s theater in Omaha!

Based on the book by Dr. Seuss.

Originally produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain.

Adapted and originally directed by Katie Mitchell.

Dr. Seuss text, characters and images TM and © 2009 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

Sept 27 - Oct 13, 2019

Fridays at 7 pm · Saturdays at 2 pm & 5 pm · Sundays at 2 pm

TICKETS: $20

Rose Members receive FREE tickets

Get your tickets today!

Coming Soon:

Oct. 25 - Nov. 10

Nov. 29 - Dec. 22

2001 Farnam Street · Omaha, NE 68102

WWW.ROSETHEATER. ORG

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