March 2012 Family Spectrum Magazine

Family Mealtimes TEen Voices: Cell Phones

Heroics inspired by the heart of a hero.

I

saac entered this world with a complex heart defect, resulting in only one functioning ventricle, the second chamber all but missing.

scarred and damaged tissue was repaired, and a patch positioned in his heart, directing blood flow to grow the underdeveloped ventricle.

In a revolutionary, new open-heart surgery pioneered by cardiac specialists at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center,

Two years later, Isaac is ready to face all foes, a caped crusader with the heart of a hero.

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

editor’sletter

B

Volume 7 • Issue 7

eing the editor of a family maga-

zine is fun on so many levels. I hear about upcoming events ahead of

time, and I get to rub shoulders with people who are passionate about family issues; but mostly, I love that I get to be reminded about great ways to parent all while doing my job. A lot of the advice scattered throughout these pages has become second nature to me now. The truth is I need all the help I can get being a mom. It’s not an easy job, nor is it for the faint of heart. I’m a single mom and that adds a whole other layer to my kids’ emotional and logistical needs. I’m

Publisher • Todd Lemke Vice President • Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Editor • Linda Persigehl City Editor • Sandy Lemke Family Spectrum Editor • Bailey Hemphill Family Spectrum Contributing Editor • Paige Edwards Editorial Intern (#20) • Liz Stratman Art Director • John Gawley Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Production Artist • Mike Bruening Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Greg Bruns, Stacey Penrod, Paige Edwards Sales Assistants • Vicki Voet, Alicia Smith Hollins

thankful that Omaha families are able to have resources like Family Spectrum to make it easier.

Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer

This month, we celebrate the Stepper-ettes on our cover. They’re the largest baton twirling and

Principal Photography • minorwhite studios, inc Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey

dance organization in the Midwest, rooted right here in Omaha—and their senior twirling corps is headed to Switzerland in April to compete in the world baton twirling championship.

Advertising • Omaha Publications, 402-884-2000

Our Family Success Story is about the Pfanstiel-Duin family, who shows that a successful divorce is possible. On the surface, those two words shouldn’t go together, but this is a family that

Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com

found a way to work together. Also, check out our stories on properly storing medicine away from children, how to get your kids to listen the FIRST time, and the benefits of family meals.

Please send contributions to bailey@omahapublications.com

As March brings us closer to the end of winter, grab a blanket, start a fire, and read this issue

Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

cover to cover. You’ll be glad you did.

Paige Paige Edwards, Contributing Editor, Family Spectrum paige@omahapublications.com

On the Cover

The information contained within Family Spectrum is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be used to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult with you physician. Family Spectrum is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of Omaha Publications, 402.884.2000.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Thanks to Rachel Foehlinger, Jayden Henry, and Jayda Turner of the Stepper-ettes for being on this issue’s cover! Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

live.love.grow 4 • editor’sletter

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

CONTENTS

live•love•grow

march 2012

coverfeature

20

20 Stepper-ettes: Twirling Champs

Headed to Switzerland

8 7 8 10 11 12

be careful, that’s hot! up and away and out of sight the mommy makeover chronicles what’s on your mind? i’m hungry, what can i eat?

17 14 15 16 17

the framework of free society family mealtimes mother of the year stories: i quit dinner getting your children to listen the first time

18 19

family spectrum’s family success story young hero: caleb wagner

28 20

stepper-ettes: twirling champs headed to switzerland

25 26

family spectrum’s writer’s corner family spectrum’s teacher of the month

28 29 30

teen voices: cell phones march 2012 event calendar on the go: natural wonder unfolds in nebraska

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

content • 5

Photo by: Katie Anderson

• 3rd degree (severe burn); Medical treatment is necessary right away. The skin may appear white, brown or charred with blisters. Even if there is no pain, seek medical attention.

• 4th degree (life-threatening); Seek doctor or hospital immediately. 4th degree burns penetrate through the skin to muscle and bones. These burns may be accompanied with serious complications and may be life-threatening.

Anna of Omaha

Be Careful, That’s HOT!

M

ost burn injuries occur in the home. Common daily functions, such as running hot

bath water, boiling a pot of water or heating food in a microwave can be dangerous for toddlers and young children. Boys Town Pediatrics has the following suggestions to help decrease burn injuries in your home: • Teach your child that irons, ovens, burners and grills are very hot and that he or she should never touch them.

• Use the back burners whenever possible. If you need to use a front burner, turn pot handles toward the back and never leave utensils in the pot.

• Do not hold your child while cooking.

• Use microwave-safe containers for heating food and always test the temperature of the food before giving it to your child.

• Test bath water temperature with your forearm before placing your child in the water. Keep hot water heater set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

• Use a cool-mist humidifier instead of a steamer or hot-water vaporizer for upper respiratory congestion to avoid steam burns.

Treating Burns Even with lots of warnings and careful supervision, your child may still find a hot spot. To treat a burn you must first recognize the type of burn. There are four degrees of burns: • 1st degree (minor burn); Appears red and is sore, but will heal quickly.

• 2nd degree (serious burn); Requires immediate medical attention and may include blistering, swelling and pain.

If you cannot tell the severity of your child’s burn, seek medical advice. Always seek medical attention for anything more than a minor burn. Electrical burns should receive medical treatment right away, even if there is no pain involved. Electrical burns have the potential of being life-threatening.

Caring for Burns For advanced burns, call 911 and follow these guidelines until help arrives: • Cool the burn. Run cool water over 1st and 2nd degree burns. For 3rd degree burns, place cool, wet dressings over the burn. The cool water helps to bring down the swelling and stop the burn from spreading.

• Remove burned clothing. Be careful to only remove clothes that are not stuck to the skin. Remove any tight jewelry or clothing that may become stuck from swelling.

• Cover the burn. Place dry dressings over the burn to prevent bacteria from setting into the burned skin.

• Care for the victim. Talk to the burn victim, let them know what is going on and that help is on the way. You may cover unburned areas with a blanket to keep the victim’s body temperature steady.

familySPECTRUM

Written by: Kelli J. Shidler, M.D. Boys Town Pediatrics Dr. Shidler is Board Certified in Pediatrics and practices at the Boys Town Pediatrics Lakeside Clinic, 16929 Frances Street, Suite 101, (402) 758-5125.

To find a physician near you or for more pediatric health tips, visit boystownpediatrics.org.

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 7

Submitted by: Ann Freestone for National Safety Council, Nebraska • Photo by: Katie Anderson

Ensure Safety • More than 60,000 young children end up in emergency rooms every year because they got into medicine while their parent or caregiver was not looking. Children are curious; to keep them safe, parents and caregivers must practice safe medicine storage.

• Pick a place children cannot reach. Store medicines in a safe location too high for children to reach or see.

• Put medicines and vitamins away every time. Never leave medicines or vitamins out on a kitchen counter or a sick child’s bedside, even if you have to give the medicine again in a few hours.

• Hear the click to make sure the safety cap is locked. Always relock the safety cap on a medicine bottle. If it has a locking cap that turns, twist it until you hear the click.

Anna of Omaha

Up and Away and Out of Sight

A

merican families take medicines and vitamins to feel well or stay

well. However, any kind of medicine can cause harm if taken in the wrong way or by the wrong person, even medicine and vitamins you can buy without a prescription. The “Up and Away and Out of Sight” educational program was created to remind parents and caregivers to always put medicine and vitamins up and away and out of a child’s reach and sight—every time they are used.

Take Action • Parents and caregivers need to know the steps necessary to make sure medicines are safely stored, and most importantly, what to do in case of an emergency.

• Be prepared in case of an emergency.

Program the poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) into home and cell phones so you have it when you need it.

Build Knowledge In recent years, the number of accidental overdoses in children increased by 20 percent. To help keep children safe through proper medicine storage, “Up and Away and Out of Sight” educates parents and caregivers by providing them with information to store medicine safely and protect the health of their children. In addition to practicing safe medicine storage on a daily basis, it is also important to: • Teach children about medicine safety. Tell children what medicine is and why you must be the one to give it to them. Never tell children medicine is candy so they’ll take it, even if your child does not like to take his or her medicine.

• Tell guests about medicine safety. Remind babysitters, houseguests, and other visitors to keep purses, bags, or coats that have medicines in them up and away and out of sight when they are at your home.

familySPECTRUM

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• • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

Nurturing the Wonder

of a Child.

& Development

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• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 9

Submitted by: Nebraska Elite Sports & Fitness Complex • Photo by: Paige Edwards

Andrew Wehrli and Michelle Stephenson Follow Michelle’s progress on her blog: getfitmichelle.blogspot.com

The Mommy Makeover Chronicles

L

ast month, we introduced you to Michelle Stephenson, who

is looking to get back into shape after the stress of divorce, her job, and years of putting others’ needs before her own have resulted in added pounds. This month, Michelle and trainer Andrew Wehrli of Nebraska Elite Sports & Fitness Complex took time to do a fitness Q&A.

What are you using as inspiration?

Michelle: My kids’ smiling faces are my main inspiration. When I hear my son Riley tell me “Mom, you look happy,” it makes me giggle.

Do you have advice for working moms trying to get back into shape?

Michelle: I work eight-plus hours a day in media advertising, and I’m always connected to my iPhone. Put your phone away, and take time for YOU. If YOU aren’t healthy, then you can’t fully be there for your kids. It’s all about portion control and exercise. Don’t buy into all those “Fad Diets.”

Write a diary of everything you eat. Being a single mom means “fast food” sometimes, so order off the kids menu. During lunch, go work out. Have healthy snacks at your desk and car. Drink lots of water. Make time to get eight hours of sleep a night.

How long does it take for someone to start seeing weight loss?

Andrew: Weight loss can begin the first week of a workout. I believe that it’s important for clients to only check their weight once a week.

Psychologically, it’s important to set goals and benchmarks for weight loss with the understanding that our weekly check-in will provide our roadmap to goal achievement. When a client is constantly checking their weight, it can result in giving up.

How important is diet and exercise?

Andrew: You can’t have one without the other. If you diet to lose weight, the weight comes back the moment you stop. If you aren’t watching your diet while exercising, you’ll never achieve your goals. Long-term solutions SPECTRUM for weight loss need to include both diet and exercise.

family

10­ •

live•love•grow

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Even the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time.

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People always notice how clean and fresh my home is, now I’m proud to tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green Home!

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What’s on Your Mind?

My 7-year-old son lives with me but stays with his dad every other weekend. When it’s Dad’s weekend, my son starts acting up, saying he doesn’t want to go. We deal with this every visit, and it just seems to be getting worse. I know he is safe with his dad, so what do I do?

S

ince safety isn’t a concern, try doing a little detective work with your son. What time

does he leave to go with Dad? Is he missing an after-school activity on Fridays or a favorite cartoon Saturday mornings? It seems trivial, but it may be that simply adjusting the transition time could help.

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Does your son sleep with a nightlight or music? Make sure he has them at Dad’s, too.

What does he do at his dad’s house? He might be bored if Dad doesn’t have many toys or activities at his house. If your son is really into video games, let him pick out one or two new ones to play with only at Dad’s house. Other ideas are books, action figures, or Legos. It doesn’t matter what you decide on; the key is that your son knows it’s special just for Dad’s. They can be left at Dad’s house or kept packed in a bag set aside for visits.

Does he miss you? With your son’s help, pick out one of his favorite stuffed animals to be his travel buddy (you could also buy or make a new one, but it isn’t necessary). A phone call can also help when your son misses you. Talk to Dad to arrange a time for a goodnight call.

How do you feel about the visits? Be aware of your own mood and what you say when he leaves. It could be that your son doesn’t want to go because he is worried about YOU being alone. Talk positively about his weekends with Dad (just don’t go overboard and sound like you can’t wait for him to be gone).

Remember that your son is looking at his visits to Dad’s house from a different perspective. When children consistently behave a certain way, asking yourself some questions can help you identify SPECTRUM what they are feeling so you can better understand the situation.

family

Submitted by: Deb Fuller Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling Questions? Write to me with ‘Family Spectrum’ in the subject line at reallifecounseling@cox.net

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

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1212 North 102nd St. Visit 2b-elite.com for more information or call 402-706-4109

live•love•grow

• 11

Photo by: Katie Anderson

• For color and crunch, use a variety of raw vegetables as sandwich toppers, including sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, or zucchini.

• Pretzels are virtually fat-free and make a good substitute for potato chips.

From left: Zoey, Jett, Jovi, Justin and Chelsea of Elkhorn

A

I’m Hungry, What Can I Eat? sk anyone who takes care of children—feeding kids right can be quite a challenge.

This is especially true during the school year, as parents struggle to provide nutritious, yet delicious, lunches and after-school snacks.

Good, as well as bad, nutrition habits often begin at home, says Dr. Patrick Specht, a pediatrician at Children’s Physicians Dundee office.

“Although many things influence what children eat, adults are still the most important role models when developing healthful eating and lifestyle habits,” explains Dr. Specht. “It’s important for parents to buy and offer only the foods they want their children to eat.”

Parents should also remember that while they can be the best judge of what the children eat, the kids can best judge how much of the food to eat, or even whether to eat at all.

Lunches Children who help make their lunches are most likely to eat them. Try these brown bag tips to make your child excited about a sack lunch: • Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun, interesting shapes.

• Most regular lunchmeats like bologna and salami are very high in fat. Choose turkey breast, ham, chicken or roast beef as a healthier alternative.

• Try an old sandwich favorite with a new twist; for example, top peanut butter with raisins, bananas, or apple slices.

When packing lunches, remember the golden rule of safety: keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. While there’s no refrigerator at school to store a lunch, most lunch packs today are insulated to keep food cool. Store the bag in the fridge or freezer before packing, and include a freeze pack, if needed.

After-School Snacks Experienced parents will say that, if you want children to eat healthy snacks, don’t tell them the food is good for them. Here are some healthy after-school snack ideas: • Apple slices with peanut butter topped with crispy rice cereal • Milkshakes or smoothies with fruit or instant breakfast mix • Peanut butter sandwiches and applesauce • A cored apple stuffed with peanut butter, raisins, wheat germ, and granola • Celery with cream cheese or peanut butter, topped with raisins • Popcorn mixed with dried fruits, bran, seeds, and nuts • Hard-cooked eggs By following these simple suggestions, parents can help please even the fussiest eaters enjoy a SPECTRUM meal.

family

Written by: Dr. Patrick Specht Children’s Hospital & Medical Center A Children’s Physicians pediatrician for more than 10 years, Dr. Specht sees patients at the Dundee office, 4825 Dodge Street. He enjoys getting to know families and helping them develop healthy habits.

12­ •

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• • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

live•love•grow

The Best Choice For Your Child’s Health

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• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

content • 13

Photo courtesy of: Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska

Omaha Immanuel Deaconess Institute, circa 1900

The Framework of Free Society

H

uman care organizations are a little like the framework of a house. You don’t really think about them unless you need them.

At a recent event, University of Nebraska – Lincoln Athletic Director Dr. Tom Osborne talked about the importance of non-profit organizations—especially human care institutions. He joked that he didn’t learn much during his time in Congress, but he did learn that the private sector, particularly faith-based groups, “…do things better than just about anybody when it comes to serving people.

If you want to do things cost-effectively, if you want to make a difference, these are the people you turn to.”

Osborne went on to talk about how this makes the United States unique in the world, not just now, but almost from its beginning. He cited French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville, who visited the United States in the 1830s and reported on how the States were different; with their established and growing network of social support (eventually tagged “little platoons”).

As Osborne says, this assistance network still sets us apart in the world. We are the only country with such substantial investment from the private sector and individuals. Just think for a second how different our society would be without faith-based organizations like the Salvation Army, the YMCA, or the many other organizations that began within the various religious communities— Catholics, Baptists, and of course, Lutherans—all have deep roots in social service outreach.

We are digging back into history a little bit because Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is excited to mark 120 years of service this year. LFS started as two orphanages in 1892, just a

mere 25 years after Nebraska gained statehood. Lutheran pastors in Fremont and Omaha both found themselves in charge of families of orphans, and their efforts to care for and find homes for the children began a movement that evolved into what LFS is today—one of the largest human care organizations in the state.

Those homes for children led to adoption and foster parenting programs, family support services, and 31 statewide initiatives. On any given day, LFS has open files on over 2,000 children in programs ranging from behavioral health to refugee services. LFS therapists work with children who have been sexually abused, or adults learning to parent or overcome addictions. While the services have changed to reflect community needs, one thing has never changed—the organization’s commitment to serve all of God’s people.

Just like the America Tocqueville discovered in 1830!

Thousands of people across Nebraska have either worked or volunteered with LFS, or supported the work in other ways. There are families across the state created because of connecSPECTRUM tions made by LFS.

family

Please share your LFS story with us over the next year! You can just email Bev Carlson at bcarlson@lfsneb.org. You can also mail a letter to Bev at 124 S. 24th Street, #230, Omaha, 68102.

Written by: Bev Carlson, APR Director of Public Relations, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska You can contact Bev with comments or story ideas at bcarlson@lfsneb.org or 402-978-5646.

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• • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

Submitted by: Nebraska Beef Council

S

Family Mealtimes

ometimes, a seemingly simple action can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being. Research shows that eating meals together as a family can have an astounding impact to your overall health. The benefits of family mealtimes go far beyond the actual food on the table. Long-standing research shows that enjoying more meals as a family offers numerous health benefits—physical, mental, and emotional—to children.

Research suggests that five or more family meals per week are probably best for kids. Families can enjoy healthful meals together morning, noon, or night at home, in a restaurant, or as a picnic in the park. Wherever they eat, families can use mealtimes to talk more, listen more, and help kids problem-solve the hot-topic issues in their lives. Enriching family mealtimes is a simple way to ensure good food and good food for thought— and to obtain these substantial benefits:

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Family benefits • Positive mealtimes help to bring a sense of unity to family life. The table is a place where families build a sense of identity and commitment to one another—a loving place that provides children with a sense of safety and security.

Educational benefits • The Importance of Family Dinners III 2006 survey by the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse showed just how important family meals can be to success at school. Young people who reported eating dinner with their family five or more times per week were much likelier to report receiving either all As, or mostly As and Bs in school.

Behavior benefits • Many studies have also confirmed a link between family meals and behavior issues during the teen years. The more often that families eat together, the less likely teens are to smoke cigarettes, use illegal drugs, abuse alcohol, become depressed, develop eating disorders, or get pregnant.

Nutrition benefits • For teens, more regular family meals mean fewer fried foods and soft drinks. These adolescents also have higher intakes of key nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamins A, B6, C, E, and folate, as well as fiber.

familySPECTRUM

live•love•grow

• 15

75 Junior Olympic Medals Photo by: Katie Anderson

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16 •

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Where Education Makes Sense

familySPECTRUM

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While many dinners cause my husband and I stress—and we can’t wait for them to end—one family dinner was particularly comical, at least for us. We had finally convinced our son Riley to eat his dinner when our daughter Ruby began eating something, put too much in her mouth, and decided to spit it out. To avoid a mess, I pushed her plate in front of her to catch the mashed-up food. She gagged and vomit covered the plate. My son watched in horror as he was eating his meal. He suddenly got up, ran to the bathroom, and vomited. Josh and I were sitting there in disbelief as I cleaned up Ruby’s plate and got her a new one…she was still hungry! Riley came out of the bathroom, lied down on the couch groaning, and after about five minutes declared, “I quit dinner” in this weak, defeated voice. Josh and I burst out laughing and couldn’t stop. The irony of Riley’s statement is, we had wanted to “quit dinner” almost every night when they were acting out. But the way Riley said it, the complete defeat in his voice from watching his sister get sick at the dinner table, was a moment we will never forget. When life hands you lemons...

Full-time working mom to son Riley, age 7, and daughter Ruby, age 2.

New Blog : motheroftheyearawards.blogspot.com

D

E

I

•

• OM

HA EL

T A

R

emember all those perfect images of family dinners on Leave it to Beaver or The Cosby Show? Well in my house, dinnertime feels more like something out of a Simpsons episode. The kids are rowdy, and while one might be a perfect angel, the other is declaring another food he doesn’t like—tonight’s food, milk.

What? Who decides that he doesn’t like milk when he just had two glasses earlier that day at lunch? My son, that’s who!

A

TE

Mother of the Year Stories: I Quit Dinner

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• • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

Getting Your Child to Listen The First Time

P

oor listening is one of the most common concerns expressed by parents of toddlers and school-age children. Parents often say that they need to repeat requests, raise their voice, or threaten to get their child to do what they have asked. Behold, a few simple changes in the way you teach your child to listen can make a big difference.

Sending Signals You are the traffic light for your child. Real traffic lights go predictably from green to yellow to red. When you make a request, your light is green and children are given the signal to “GO” and complete a task. If they listen, then make their efforts pay off! Provide them with praise and attention. This will get them GO-ing, and they will eventually learn the sooner they follow your request, the sooner they are back to having fun.

If your child doesn’t listen, then your light goes to yellow, warning of an upcoming consequence: “If you don’t do this, then this will happen.” If you have given one request followed by one warning and your child still doesn’t listen, then your light goes to red, meaning you give a negative consequence like timeout or a privilege loss. Once the consequence is given, go back to green and repeat the instruction (it still needs to get done!).

Teaching Your Child to Listen Teaching your child to listen is a process that relies heavily on communication and consistency. Boys Town Behavioral Health Care offers the following tips to help you successfully teach your child the importance of listening: • Stay calm – Be calm and firm at the same time. Use a neutral tone of voice instead of yelling.

• Be direct – A direct command leaves no question in the child’s mind what he/she is being told to do. For example, “Pick up your toys” instead of “Mommy likes it when you pick up your toys.”

• State commands positively – Tell your child what to “GO” do instead of what not to do. Avoid the use of “no,” “don’t,” “stop,” “quit it,” etc. For example, “Keep your feet on the ground” instead of “Stop climbing on the furniture.”

• Give one command at a time – Children have a hard time remembering more than one thing at a time. Avoid stringing commands together. For example,“Put your toys in the bin” instead of “Put your toys away, wash your hands, and come to dinner.”

• Give age-appropriate commands – Commands should be things that the child is developmentally/physically capable of doing. Remember that many tasks have multiple steps. Children may need you to help them break down the command. For example, “Put the clothes on the floor in the hamper” instead of “Clean your room.”

• Give brief rationales – For example, “We are going to the store, so put on your coat.” A longer rationale is not needed and only creates confusion.

• Be physically present – Instead of yelling across the room or house, get directly in front of your child, make good eye contact, and show them what you want.

• Ask the child to repeat the command – This will ensure that there is no question as to whether your child heard the command.

• Reward compliance – Immediately acknowledge that your child has completed a command by using praise, attention, and affection.

• Make sure you meant it – Never give a command that you do not intend to see followed through to its completion. Use timeout or gently guide them through the task as necessary.

familySPECTRUM

Written by: Thomas Reimers, Ph. D. Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health offers a range of services for children and adolescents to address a number of behavioral, emotional and educational issues. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 402-498-3358.

from

1101-014-07

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

e od use c

Get tips and tools for parenting your toddler from Dr. Reimers, Boys Town Psychologist. Order “Help! There’s a Toddler in the House!” today at parenting.org/toddler.

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SP 2i ECT RUM31

• 17

Written by: Bailey Hemphill Darin Duin and Jenny Pfanstiel-Duin

Family Success Story The Pfanstiel-Duins

M

eet the Pfanstiel-Duins — Darin and Jenny, and their children Demi, Paige, Payton, Ty, Chaise, Tristan, Tag, and Chance of Millard! Darin and Jenny have been married for four and a half years, and their blended family is what they call their “Brady Bunch.” Jenny Pfanstiel-Duin’s success story has two parts; the first is of divorce and surviving as a family, and the second is of the adventures of remarriage and blending a new family.

Getting divorced is never easy. Not only do you lose a spouse, in-laws, and sometimes the children, but you also have to relearn routines and lifestyles as a single parent. “Divorcing after 10 years of marriage with three small children [and] demanding careers definitely presents the obvious challenge [of] ‘How are we going to come through this and all be okay?’” says Jenny.

“Neither I, nor my ex-husband [Chris] had ever been through a divorce as both of our parents were still together, so there was a lot of uncertainty for all of us.”

The biggest concern for Jenny and Chris was how they were going to make sure the kids were okay. They wondered if the divorce would ruin their kids’ views and abilities to be in a healthy relationship and marriage of their own someday. Jenny reached out to every resource she could get her hands on and continually saw the same message in all the books and articles—if the parents can maintain a good relationship with one another during the divorce and post-divorce, the kids would be fine.

To do so, Jenny and Chris established rules right away about family values that were important to each of them that they wanted to maintain in their individual households. For example, “One thing that was important to each of us was that, when we were both ready to move back into the dating world, if a longterm relationship was evolving with a significant other, I or my ex-husband would have the chance to meet the significant other before the children. That has worked out very well as [Darin] and my ex-husband are now friends, and I can honestly say my

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From left: Chance, Tag, Tristan, Chaise, Ty, Payton, Paige, Demi

ex-husband’s significant other is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and my children are blessed to have her example in their lives.”

Obviously, Jenny and Chris have kept a good relationship throughout the struggles of their divorce and the transition into new families—in fact, Chris even nominated Darin and Jenny for this Family Success Story. Jenny thinks the key to making divorce work is an open and high-level of communication and putting the children’s needs first. “Our children didn’t get divorced—we did.”

Darin and Jenny had both been divorced before they got married, so they understand that divorce is a continuous process of cooperation between ex-spouses, new spouses, and children; but they also had a new challenge when blending their families with their remarriage. “Combining our families was a huge adjustment for ALL of us,” says Jenny. “We worked really hard prior to actually moving in all together to prepare and take out as much of the guess work as possible, but there are so many unknowns until you’re in the middle of it, you don’t know what you don’t know.”

The family really is a “Brady Bunch.” Darin has Demi, Paige, Ty, and Tristan from a previous marriage, and Jenny has Payton, Chaise, and Tag from a previous marriage—together, they have Chance. Jenny thinks she and Darin have adjusted very well, especially with combining their children. In fact, they’ve done so well creating a traditional family from a blended family that she says people get confused all the time about which child belongs to which parent, and which children are natural siblings versus step-siblings.

Jenny believes her family is a success because, after going through a life event as traumatic as divorce, they have come out, not just okay, but better. “Our children now have five additional siblings, who they see just as their brother or sister, not as their step-sibling or half-sibling, along with another set of grandparents who bring enrichment and support to their lives.

“They say it takes a village to raise a family, and I agree.”

familySPECTRUM

• • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill

Young Hero: Caleb Wagner

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aleb Wagner, 15, is a freshman at Bellevue East High School. He has a younger sister, Samantha, who was adopted when he was seven. “They’re very close,” says mom Amy. “He’s very protective of her. They fight like brother and sister, but they love each other.” Caleb also has a Miniature Schnauzer, Champ, who he’s had since he was five. “[Champ] is Caleb’s best friend.”

Amy describes Caleb as focused, determined, and loyal. “He’s extremely focused and knows where he wants to go in life,” she says. “He doesn’t let things bother him, and he’ll push through, whatever the circumstances. He sets his sights high and strives to get good grades. He hasn’t chosen a college yet, but he knows he wants to be a marine biologist.” Amy says that Caleb has been an animal lover since he was young and is very passionate about conservation—he was even recently selected for an internship program at the zoo. As for Caleb’s loyalty, Amy says, “It takes a lot to get on his bad side.

He will do everything he can to save a relationship. He always defends his friends and the people around him. He’s just that kind of kid.”

Caleb’s determination and modesty are what make him unique. When he wants something, he doesn’t let his parents pay for it. “He wanted a computer, which we were going to put on his Christmas list, but he wouldn’t let us. He wanted to pay for it himself.” Amy says Caleb did chores around the house and whatever else he could do to raise the money, and after a few months, he bought the computer himself. There was even a time for Father’s Day when Caleb wanted to get his dad a fishing pole, so he did chores and worked for neighbors and grandparents to get enough money to buy the gift. “He’s always been that way…and he’s the same way with clothing.”

“He saves a lot of money,” Amy says. “He has a huge coin jar in his room that he’s been putting everything in because he wants a digital camera. But he actually gave the entire jar to an overseas youth mission group called Speed the Light. He truly cares for others. We sometimes have to tell him ‘You can only do so much’…he’s just so generous.”

Amy says Caleb has faced some adversity though as a bi-racial kid, but he takes it all in stride and with grace. “He’s always trying to figure out what he can learn from his problems. He’s a peacemaker and a problem solver, which makes him a great role model for other kids his age.” As for inspiring Amy, she says, “When I’m stressed, Caleb will stop me and say ‘Really, Mom? Is it that bad?’ He SPECTRUM makes me look at the bigger picture.”

family

Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com.

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

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• 19

Stepper-ettes: Twirling Champs Headed to

Instructor Sue Foehlinger believes the Stepperettes are on big family. “Little kids look up to the big kids...the big kids look up to the instructors...there’s a real bond there.”

Written by: Bailey Hemphill Photos by: minorwhitestudios.com

Switzerland A

local baton twirling and dance organization—the Stepper-ettes—has gained a popular following in the last few years, as they’ve become topics of national and world news. From their appearance on NBC during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to their upcoming trip to Switzerland in April to compete in the world baton twirling championships, the Stepper-ettes are a fun and sporty force to be reckoned with, thanks to their leader Sue Foehlinger.

Left: Susie Hart, who has been involved in early childhood education for over 20 years, plays with Addy, 2, developing motor and social skills that Addy will use throughout her life.

Above: Hart’s teaching partner Linda Hirth watches Colton, 4, build a tower through pattern recognition, which will fortify math concepts for years to come.

Sue Foehlinger began taking baton and dance lessons at the age of seven, and eventually became the twirler at Ralston High School. In 1973, 14-year-old Sue was asked to prepare 12 girls to march in the Ralston 4th of July Parade, forming the first group of Stepper-ettes.

Following the parade, the girls decided to take lessons from Sue; and before she knew it, Sue was doing baton twirling and dance recreation programs in La Vista with over 200 students.

As an adult, Sue completed seven additional years of training and became accredited as a baton-twirling judge, which led her to judging many state, regional, and national competitions.

In 1997, Stepper-ettes Studio opened with Sue’s husband Bob Foehlinger as the business manager, allowing Sue more time and space to take on more students for her twirling classes. Since then, Sue’s entire family has gotten involved in helping out at the studio. Daughter Tami co-directs full time; daughter Tina, who was a twirler for the Nebraska Huskers and Miss Nebraska 2001, flies in often to help with choreography; daughter Rachel, the current twirler for the Huskers, also helps instruct; and son Ryan helps move props and take out trash. “It’s really a family affair,” says Sue. Sue has been teaching for 38 years. She says the hardest part of being an instructor is that she Continued on page 23

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

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• 21

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Top: (from left to right) Jayden Henry (11), Rachel Foehlinger (21), and Jayda Turner (4) strike a pose in their Stepper-ettes warm up suits.

Middle: Sue Foehlinger shows her students proper twirling technique.

Bottom: The Stepper-ettes have performed at over 500 area events and won over 80 national titles.

$10.00 off any service mention ad at time of booking appointment

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• • • • March 2012

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has to occasionally put out fires and cover for other instructors while continuously trying to produce new choreography. “I will literally be at the studio at 7:30 in the morning, and I’ll get home at 10 at night.” But her hard work has paid off. In 2003, she was inducted into the Baton Twirling Hall of Fame.

Since its inception, the Stepper-ettes have grown to be the largest baton twirling and dance organization in the Midwest, serving ages 4 to college age with baton twirling, pom, and tumbling classes. Sue has over 400 students at her studio, all spread across a twirling recreation program, a pre-competition team, a competition team, and a national team. Members of the Stepper-ettes have gone on to twirl for their high schools and colleges, become members of their high school dance and cheer teams, and compete in pageants and talent competitions.

Lyndsey Thompson is a student at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo., and started twirling when she was 11. She has been with the Stepper-ettes for 10 years, eight of which have been spent as part of the national team. “[Sue] has

always been a good role model and wants her students to work hard and succeed as both a team member and an individual,” says Lyndsey. Her mother, Sherry Thompson, agrees, saying, “I really admire Sue. She gives so much of her time and energy to the national team, and as a parent, I really appreciate that and respect her.”

Being a parent of a twirler can require a lot of time and involvement at the studio, but Sherry believes it’s important to stay supportive of the team and of her daughter, which means traveling to regional and national competitions and participating in fundraisers. “There’s a great camaraderie between parents, as Stepper-ettes has been such a big part of our lives over the years,” she says. “It’s always fun to watch the creative routines her teams perform, and I’m proud that she is a part of such a talented group of young women. It’s been rewarding to watch her grow and mature as a twirler and to see the confidence she has developed.”

Throughout her time with the Stepper-ettes, Lyndsey believes she has met amazing women who have helped her shape her goals. “Twirling has given me the opportunity to learn how to work hard in order to achieve a goal. I have also gained a lot of self-confidence through twirling both as a member of the team as well as a twirler for both my high school and university.”

Continued on page 24

Take a trip this summer to the puzzling world of Mindbender Mansion from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. A place full of brain teasers and interactive challenges that is sure to test the brainpower of kids of all ages.

Kids will learn about math and science by testing their skills with individual and team challenges!

The Durham’s summer schedule also includes camps focusing on history, art, science, popular culture, and health. All camps are taught by certied teachers in three age groups with age-appropriate curriculum. Before and after care is available for an additional fee. Visit www.DurhamMuseum.org or call (402) 444-5027 for more information.

801 South 10th Street • readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

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www.DurhamMuseum.org

• 23

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The Stepper-ettes performed a Christmas-themed routine at the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in front of 3.5 million people lined along the streets of Manhattan.

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According to Lyndsey, there are also many opportunities to travel with the Stepper-ettes.

In November 2010, the Stepper-ettes marched and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “One of our finest moments was getting to perform in the Macy’s Parade,” says Sue. “We got a lot of local TV coverage, and then we were televised on NBC. I was getting phone calls from all over the nation from twirling coaches, congratulating me for representing our sport.

Who would have ever dreamt that we would go to the Macy’s Parade? It was the highest point in my career.”

The Stepper-ettes have performed at over 500 area events and won over 80 national titles; and they’ve traveled to England, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany for world competitions and performances. After winning nine national awards this year at the National Baton Twirling Association competition in Indiana, the Stepper-ettes senior twirling corps qualified along with three other U.S. teams to represent the United States this April at the world baton twirling championships in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. “At that point, we’re no longer the Stepper-ettes, we’re the USA team,” says Sue, who will be taking 28 senior twirlers to Switzerland, including Lyndsey.

The Stepper-ettes will be competing on Easter Sunday against 12-14 other countries from across the globe. “We won the world competition in Belgium, so now we’re defending our SPECTRUM title.”

family

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• • • • March 2012

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Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner

Proudly Presented by:

Opposites

by Ritika

What’s the opposite of poor? Oh, that’s rich, What’s the opposite of nice? That’s a witch.

Do you know the opposite of light, it’s dark, Meow is the opposite of a bark.

The opposite of no more is a huge stock, The opposite of silent is to talk.

R it ik a

Ritika

Ritika, 11, studies at Willa Cather Elementary School in the Millard District.

8702 Pacific St., Countryside Village (402) 392–2877 www.bookwormomaha.com

ATTENTION YOUNG WRITERS!

The opposite of waste is to reuse, Gain is the opposite of lose.

Submit your original short stories and/or poems to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com, and we may choose YOURS to feature in our next issue!

Submission of a story or poem automatically gives Family Spectrum publishing rights to publish in whole or in part. Family Spectrum will notify writers of intent of use prior to publishing.

Black is an absolute opposite of white, Being blind is opposite of having eye-sight.

Being smart is nothing like being dumb, Chewing rocks is nothing like chewing gum.

Running slow is the opposite of fast, Feeling fine is the opposite of being in a cast.

Help Your Family Enjoy the Benefits of Eating Together!

Wild West Beef Hash

Ingredients

Total Recipe Time: 40 to 45 minutes • Makes 4 Servings

1 pound ground beef (95% lean) 3 cups frozen potatoes O’Brien Salt and pepper 1 jar (15 to 16 ounces) prepared thick and chunky salsa

Toppings

1 cup frozen corn ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Reduced fat dairy sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, niacin, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc; and a good source of fiber.

1. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium heat until hot. Add potatoes; cook 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet. Keep warm.

2. Brown ground beef in same skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up into ¾-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove drippings. Season beef with salt and pepper, as desired. Stir in salsa, corn and ¼ cup cilantro; cook 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in potatoes; sprinkle with cheese. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

3. Serve with toppings, if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

392 calories; 9 g fat (4 g saturated fat; 3 g monounsaturated fat); 82 mg cholesterol; 1109 mg sodium; 44 g carbohydrate; 3.8 g fiber; 35 g protein; 8.4 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 2.4 mcg B12; 4.6 mg iron; 24.1 mcg selenium; 7.2 mg zinc

Cook’s Notes

Serving Suggestion: Serve with salad of romaine lettuce, baby carrots, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and slivered red onion from the supermarket salad bar and favorite reduced fat or fat free dressing.

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com • readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

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• 25

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Elkhorn Public SchoolsManchester Elementary School

K

im Miller grew up in Cedar Rapids, Neb., and attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She later completed her master’s degree in instructional technology at Peru State College. Kim has been teaching for 20 years—six of those years in Catholic schools—and has taught fifth grade for 15 years. This is her 14th year with Elkhorn Public Schools, where she currently teaches fifth grade at Manchester Elementary. She is also a co-sponsor of Student Council for grades 3-5, a co-social studies elementary curriculum chair, and enjoys incorporating a variety of technology into the classroom. “I love working with children to reach their highest potential. I always want students to see what I see in them and more. I’m proud to be part of the Elkhorn school system and greatly appreciate the supportive parents and administration,” she says.

Kim and her husband Bob have three boys together: Brook, Peyton, and Blake. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking, working with technology, and reading.

“Mrs. Miller makes learning fun and is good at preparing us for tests. I know exactly what to study and have many options for studying like our packet, textbook, in partners, and myeLearning website with online practice tests.

She uses technology a lot and in a fun way,” says fifth grader and current student Nic Murcek.

“Mrs. Miller made my last year of elementary school the best. I never wanted fifth grade to end,” says eighth grader and former student SPECTRUM Jaclyn Murcek.

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• • • • March 2012

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familySAVINGS

live•love•grow This month, Family Spectrum is bringing your family great deals from our advertisers. Feel free to remove the coupons you would like to use and show your support of Family Spectrum!

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• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

content • 27

Photo by: Katie Anderson

From left: Maev and Moira of Elkhorn

Teen Voice: He Said/She Said Cell Phones

I

n our society today, cell phones are such a vital part of our lives. We are all in constant communication with each other. This can be a wonderful thing in emergency situations, but it can also cause problems in our everyday lives. Most everyone uses their cell phone to communicate with friends to find the latest scoop, but parents are beginning to wonder if cell phones are shaping kids to become more anti-social.

I see it as being more social with the people I am talking to. On the other hand, my mother says it makes kids anti-social with the people they are physically with—not the people in the box of your cell phone. To parents, the cell phone is becoming more of a burden than an advantage, since having to make rules and restrictions on the amount of time just causes fights with their kids. Also, for working-class Americans, people pretty much have all their work with them on their phone. This means that you are constantly working. This takes away your time with the people you care about and puts your focus on something that’s half as important as family.

On the contrary, cell phones can be a great source of motivation and punishment. For example, if your child has gotten himself or herself into trouble, take away their phone. I know from personal experience that it’s hard to be without your phone for long periods of time.

With parents getting their kids cell phones at earlier and earlier ages, they need to be sure their children are mature enough to have one because with a cell phone comes danger and temptation to break the rules and overstep the line. But cell phones are necessary with our generation, as they have been woven into our lives. We always have to make sure cell phones aren’t consuming our lives, whether it’s work or play. You just need to turn it off and have a SPECTRUM cell phone-free day.

family

Submitted by: Tiffany Class of 2015

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C

ell phones have been changing the way teens communicate since their inception. Calling and texting on the go is convenient for any teenager who needs to communicate with their friends and parents at any given time. The purpose of the cell phone has changed over the years that they have been available, mostly for the best. But, smartphones now reign over people’s lives and make a once simple service more complex.

Teenagers in particular seem to focus on the newest, shiniest smartphone, each technological advancement drawing them like moths to a light bulb. This can create an entitlement, which makes wants feel like needs. But, as cell phones advance, kids younger and younger seem to feel entitled to a smartphone. These kids don’t really need a smartphone—they just want one.

My advice is not to buy little Timmy a $300 smartphone to play Angry Birds. You can do that on a computer. Smartphones are made for people that actually know how to use them. If your kid is smart enough to figure out how to find what he’s looking for on smartphone, and uses enough of its applications to justify the purchase, then go ahead; but if not, I can’t find a reason to let younger kids have smartphones.

Instead, they should receive an age-appropriate phone around the time they turn 13. At that point in their lives, they’re mature enough to not think of a phone as a toy, and not lose it as soon as they receive it. If they resort to whining about why they can’t have a phone, then they’re obviously not mature enough to own one.

As a whole, cell phones increase communication between people, and that isn’t a bad thing. The picture of a stereotypical teenager nowadays is that of a boy or girl hunched over their phone, fingers racing as they fire off a text. We need to work to change that percepSPECTRUM tion for the better.

family

Submitted by: Derek Class of 2015

• • • • March 2012

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March 2012 Event Calendar sunday

monday

Don’t miss the fun! Clip and put on your fridge.

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tuesday

wednesday

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thursday 1

friday 2

saturday 3

Old Stuff Day

Parent Talk: Discipline March 10, 10am-11am • Boys Town Hospital 14080 Hospital Rd, Boys Town, NE Register at www.boystownpediatrics.org All toddlers will test their boundaries. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are invited to learn effective ways to discipline their child, including how to handle public meltdowns, teaching a child how to listen, controlling temper tantrums and aggressive behavior towards others. Come learn age-appropriate techniques that work.

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Speaking of dogs, don’t miss the latest musical production at The Rose Theater. Join the adventure as 8-year-old Iris sneaks her dog along on a family trip to the Enchanted State Park.

Celebrate the annual migration of 500,000 sandhill cranes with hands-on, family-friendly activities. Discover live birds of prey, snake demonstrations, paper crane folding, bird band bracelets, animal masks and much more.

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No Dogs Allowed March 2-18 • The Rose Theater Omaha, NE (402) 345-4849 • rosetheater.org

2012 Rivers & Wildlife Celebration’s Wild Experience March 17, 10am-4pm • Holiday Inn 110 Second Ave., Kearney, NE (402) 797-2301 • nebraskacranefestival.org

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Daylight Savings Time

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Incredible Kid Day

17 St. Patrick’s Day

White Pelican Homecoming Celebration and Spring Fling March 23-31 • Harlan County Lake and citywide Alma, NE (800) 762-5498 • harlantourism.org Join businesses, residents and visiting wildlife watchers to welcome the American white pelicans back to Nebraska. Events will include the Alma Chamber Spring Fling, the Paradise on the Prairie Art Show and Silent Auction, speakers, indoor sidewalk sales, a Nebraska wine tasting and more.

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First Day of Spring

Crane Watch Festival March 23-April 1 • Communitywide Kearney, Minden and Gibbon, NE (800) 652-9435 • cranewatchfestival.com Enjoy 10 days of fun-filled education, family activities, entertainment, and communitywide events during the inaugural Crane Watch Festival taking place in Kearney, Minden and Gibbon. Come join in the celebration of central Nebraska’s first sign of spring.

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Waffle Day

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Parent Talk: Baby Sign Language March, 31, 10am-11am • Boys Town Hospital 14080 Hospital Rd, Boys Town, NE Register at www.boystownpediatrics.org Come discover the developmental benefits of introducing sign language to your newborn, toddler or young child, and learn a few helpful signs that you can begin teaching your little one at home.

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A Touch of Japan at Springfield Artworks Feb. 15-March 31 • Springfield Artworks Springfield, NE (402) 301-9162 • springfieldartworks.com Discover what day-to-day life is like for Japanese families as you explore this exhibit.

This unique Springfield gallery offers workshops and bold contemporary art.

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Rowe Sanctuary’s Family Crane Carnival March 24 • Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, NE (308) 468-5282 • rowesanctuary.org Learn about the sandhill crane migration and take part in educational activities with the family. Explore touchable exhibits, face painting, coloring and stamping, origami and an outdoor activity trail.

To learn more about events from around the state, go to www.VisitNebraska.gov. Click on “Things to Do.”

• readonlinenow.com March 2012 • • • •

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• 29

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Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism

Family Spectrum and be sure to

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FREE Child’s Hair Cut

Spa Packages

Rave Salon and Spa Retreat is an ethics based , values-driven organization dedicated to wellness and wholeness for our team and guests; the empowerment of team members to achieve career success; uncompromising, exceptional legendary customer service; and the creation of an environment where all these elements can combine in harmony and balance .

Waxing

Up-Do’s

Up-Do’s

Color

Color

Aramotherapy

18101 R Plaza, Omaha, NE S.W. Corner of 180th & Q St. 402-891-0018

Manicures

Pedicure

while you’re there

On The Go! Natural Wonder Unfolds in Nebraska

B

undled in layers of winter gear and huddled together for warmth, your family members may wonder what they are doing in the middle of Nebraska in the predawn of an early spring day. Then, as the sun peeks over the horizon, thousands upon thousands of sandhill cranes awaken and begin calling to each other in a sound that builds to a quiet roar. Soon, throngs of the majestic birds take to flight, darkening the early morning sky. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that can only be truly appreciated in person.

Each spring, more than half a million sandhill cranes descend on the Platte River Valley in central Nebraska to rest and recharge en route to their summer breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. The cranes—a species in existence for more than nine million years—are drawn to the valley’s abundant food and shelter from predators. The cranes, in turn, draw thousands of spectators from around the world.

A crane tour will likely involve some brushes with wintery weather and early-morning hours, so it may be more appropriate for a parent getaway or an outing with older children. However, don’t think this trip is only for serious birders. The migration is a chance to marvel at the wonders of nature and can include as much, or as little, birding as desired.

A visit to the Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center near Grand Island offers guided blind tours, guided sunset tours on its footbridge, nature trails, and a 35-foot-tall observation tower. Guided blind tours can also be reserved near Kearney at the Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, which includes an indoor viewing area. An old railroad bridge at Fort Kearney State Recreational Area allows you to watch the cranes as they fly overhead.

Daytime excursions offer the opportunity to see the cranes feeding, preening and dancing in the fields. Or check out nearby attractions such as the Great Platte River Road Archway, the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, KidZone - Kearney Area Children’s Museum, or the Children’s Museum of Central Nebraska in Hastings.

The Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism website—VisitNebraska.gov—has everything your family needs to plan your crane trip. You can also order the 2012 Nebraska Travel Guide while you’re there. And, as you plan your trip, remember that the sandhill crane migration is more than a tourist attraction; it’s essential to the birds’ survival. Disturbances can leave the cranes in poor health, so they shouldn’t be approached.

Now, start packing your warmest boots, your camera, and your spirit for adventure as you prepare SPECTRUM to experience one of the world’s natural wonders unfolding in central Nebraska.

live•love•grow

family

• • • • March 2012

familyspectrum •

Don’t Leave Safety to Luck!

Take an Adult & Pediatric FA/CPR/AED Combined Class!

2012 Schedule

Certificate: First Aid 3 Years, CPR/AED 2 Years Saturday Daytime Classes Adult and Pediatric First Aid Only Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Only Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED

Time 8:00-12:00 1:00-5:00 8:00-5:00

Tuition $60 $65 $75

2012 Saturday Class Dates: March 17, April 21, May 26, June 23, July 7, August 18, September 1, October 6, November 17, December 29 All classes held at National Safety Council, Nebraska 11620 M Circle (120th & L) Call 402-896-0454 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more informaton or to register!

FREE USB Drive!

Bring this coupon to FA/CPR, Babysitting or Driver Ed class, with your paid registration. We will trade it for 128mb USB drive.

Nebraska

($10 value) Offer good while supplies last.

Babysitting Classes

Prepare your pre-teen or teen to care for infants and young children!

Babysitting Class Schedule

All classes held on Saturday 8:00AM-4:00PM 2012 Dates: January 14, February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8 Tuition $65, Includes Lunch Class includes: • First Aid and CPR • What to do in case of an illness or injury • Evaluating emergency situations and calling 911 • Changing diapers • Feeding (bottle and spoon) and burping • Games and activities to keep youngsters happy

Students receive a Certificate of Completion good for two years!

Family Spectrum March 2012

Driver Education The Best Drivers Start with a Great Education!

Driver Education Class Dates Available for March, April and May. Classes are held at Safety Council (120th & L), Omaha Northwest, Omaha Central, Benson, Omaha North and Elkhorn.

Call today for more information!

Call 402-898-7369 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org. to register!

Nebraska

Register online: Register by mail: Register by fax: Registration staff: Driver ed staff:

www.SafeNebraska.org 11620 M Circle, Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 896-6331 (402) 898-7361 (402) 898-7371

ChildrenThat’s ArewhyUnpredictable there’s

Parent TALK

Presented by Boys Town Pediatrics If you’re expecting or have little ones at home, Parent Talk is for you! Join Boys Town Pediatrics for a one-hour informal presentation by one of our pediatricians on hot pediatric issues that parents need to know. The session includes food and prizes and is always free.

Location:

Boys Town National Research Hospital 14000 Hospital Road

on the Boys Town Campus

(139th & Pacific Street) For weekly pediatric tips check us out on facebook and twitter.

facebook.com/BoysTownPediatrics and twitter.com/BoysTownPeds

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics

®

boystownpediatrics.org

27 pediatricians at 6 convenient locations.