featuring
SCHOOL OF ROCK SUMMER CAMP
Guide
MOM ON THE ROCKS
A Black Thumb
The besT place for kids.
Malicka, age 5 Tricuspid Atresia
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
H
ave you ever had a lack of
Volume 8 • Issue 8
ideas as to what to do with your kids all summer long? Well, this
year, Family Spectrum has done the work for you! Our annual Summer Camp Guide is full of activities for every type of kid—outdoorsy, Natalie Jensen Photography
theatrical, athletic, or academic. We’ve got Camp Rivercrest, Doodle Cakes, The Rose
Theater, SNJ Music, and more. If your child is physically active, don’t forget to check out Best of Omaha® winner The Volleyball Academy, where your can get personal instruction. Or learn some football technique from former NFL player Steven Warren at the Warren Academy. Trust us—there’s plenty for your kids to do this summer! My kids will be spending a big part of their summer at School of Rock! For the first time, they are straying from sports to try something new. If you’ve never heard of School of Rock, check out this issue’s cover story on page 20. This unique school is popping up all over the country, as well as in Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. And it blows away the standard, 30-minute music
Publisher • Todd Lemke Vice President • Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Editor • Linda Persigehl Family Spectrum Editor • Bailey Hemphill Family Spectrum Contributing Editor • Paige Edwards Assistant Editor • Chris Wolfgang Editorial Intern • Mary Quinn (#26) Art Director • John Gawley Senior Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Junior Graphic Designer • Paul Lukes Director of Photography • Bill Sitzmann Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Greg Bruns, Paige Edwards, Vicki Voet, Sandy Besch Sales Assistants • Alicia Smith-Hollins, Jessica Linhart, Catherine Kruse Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer
lessons we’ve all grown accustomed to. Advertising • Omaha Publications, 402-884-2000
Also featured in this issue are stories on helping your child adjust to a new baby, combating distracted driving, exercising as a family, and learning through hands-on adventures.
Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com
My Best~
Please send contributions to: bailey@omahapublications.com
Paige
Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.
Paige Edwards, Contributing Editor, Family Spectrum paige@omahapublications.com
On the Cover Thanks to teacher Jessica Moore, Sheridan Macy, Samantha Ramler, Ian Marcus, Nathaniel D’Agosta, Garrett Zaporowsk, and Omaha School of Rock for being on this issue’s cover. Photo by: Bill Sitzmann.
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,
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we the women
live.love.grow 4 • editor’sletter
Find us on www.Womego.com, an integrated online community that gives women access to a great wealth of content from the journalists, bloggers, and community leaders you already know and trust.
Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
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Music • Entertainment
live•love•grow
CONTENTS april 2013
coverfeature
20
20 s chool of rock: kids learn and perform the music from their parents’ youth
12 9 10 11 12 13
helping your child adjust to a new baby a letter to my daughter young hero: jonathan halstead mom on the rocks: a black thumb ten laws of childhood: law number five
18 15 16 17 18
what’s on your mind? april is distracted driving awareness month project harmony: protecting omaha youth exercise as a family: take a hike or ride a bike
38 19 family spectrum’s writer’s corner 20 school of rock: kids learn and perform the music from their parents’ youth 24 blue ribbon group 25 2013 summer camp guide 36 teen voices: role models 37 april 2013 event calendar 38 on the go: make learning fun with hands-on adventure • readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
content • 7
ho waits kids w education a ps! They will nd a e ur nt r cam f adve A summer o ham Museum’s summe d in “Durham un ur D fo r e Th ve xe ition, attend largest T. Re er’s blockbuster exhib e th ut o b a m m . su learn is um e th aturing Field Mus Dinosaurs” fe ed Sue from Chicago’s m a N ditional A T. Rex range of ad lture, e id w a rs also offe popular cu The museum g history, art, science, n activities and o in sups topics includ ll camps include hand ree age gro care A th h. lt in rs e ch a r and hea e te fore and aft by certied are taught ropriate curriculum. Be p with age-ap r an additional fee. fo le is availab .org or call amMuseum rmation. rh u .D w w Visit w re info 027 for mo (402) 444-5 camps ll up fast! Hurry
8 01 SOUT H 1 0 T H ST R E E T O M A HA , NE 6 8 10 8
(4 02) 4 4 4 -5 07 1 WWW. DURH AMMUS E UM .OR G
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8 • content
• • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
ways you can prepare your firstborn for the arrival of a little brother or sister. Boys Town Pediatrics suggests: • Reinforce his new role as big brother by referring to your baby as “his little brother or sister” instead of “the new baby” or “mommy’s baby.” • Involve him in the preparation of baby’s arrival by letting him help choose the baby’s name and coming home outfit, helping to decorate the nursery, and helping pack mom’s suitcase for the hospital. • Tell him about his first days as a newborn. Talk about who first visited him in the hospital, gifts he received, how mom and dad cared for him. • Look through photo albums of him as a baby. Show pictures of him sleeping, mom feeding him, dad playing with him. • Let him tag along on prenatal visits so he can hear the baby’s heartbeat or see images of the baby during the ultrasound. The Big Day While you are at the hospital, be sure to keep in touch with your older child as much as you can. It will reassure him that everything is okay and that you will be coming home as soon as possible. When he visits the hospital, be sure baby is in a bassinet so that your hands are free to give him a big hug. Let him wear a nametag while there that says, “Hi, I’m the big brother.” Take a picture of him holding the baby in the hospital that he can show his friends at playgroup or school.
Helping Your Child Adjust to a New Baby
T
he thought of sharing Mom and Dad with a baby brother or sister can be unsettling for a young child. After all, your little one has had your full attention for some time now. By helping your toddler adjust to a new baby, it will help ease any mixed emotions or questions he has before the baby arrives. Sharing the News The best time to tell your child the exciting news is when your belly becomes noticeably larger or about two months before the baby’s arrival. There are many
Arriving Home Once baby comes home, it is important to show your older child that he holds just as special a place in your heart as his little brother or sister. You or your spouse can do this by: • Giving him as much love and attention as possible. Sing songs to him while changing baby’s diaper, tell him stories while feeding baby, and play games while baby is sleeping. • Making or buying a special gift from baby to your older child and letting him unwrap it when baby comes home. • Placing a picture of both your baby and your older child by your bedside. • Creating a special place in your house that is for your older child only. Respect this place by making baby stay clear of that area. • Giving your child love whenever you notice signs of jealousy SPECTRUM or regressive behavior.
family
Written by: Heather L. Zimmerman, M.D. Boys Town Pediatrics – Pacific Street Clinic Heather L. Zimmerman is a Board Certified pediatrician who practices at Boys Town Pediatrics – Pacific Street Clinic, 14080 Hospital Road, (402) 778-6900. Visit Boys Town Pediatrics online where you will find up-to-date pediatric health articles, videos, and event information at www.boystownpediatrics.org..
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
live•love•grow
• 9
enough to say so if we think you are making a bad one. So take that to heart. Whether it’s the dress you pick for a dance or the young man you pick for a boyfriend, please take it seriously if one of us (especially if it’s all of us) worry that you are making a mistake. Always remember that our motive is our love for you, and who knows you better? Because of what I do, you’ve heard how tough some kids have it. You are blessed to know how very much you are loved. Oh, and one other thing? When the time comes, please don’t settle too far away.
A Letter to My Daughter
M
y daughter, Ashley, is a Millennium baby. Born in the year 2000, remembering her age will always be easy. And this year, 2013, she becomes a teenager. Since she’s my youngest, that’s pretty unnerving. It is one of those subtle life changes that came way, way too soon.
My daughter is beautiful, both inside and out. She has a lovely, gracious, and compassionate spirit that I admire, and she is a smart and independent thinker. I look forward to seeing how these traits will evolve as she enters young womanhood. There are so many things I want to tell her and the other delightful young friends with whom she surrounds herself. Things I’ve learned since I was 13 (Yes, I once was. Really). The kinds of things, I guess, that you hope you can share, and by doing so, give your child a shortcut. Maybe a way to step around a painful choice or a foolish decision. So please, allow me to take a few lines here and share a nugget or two of hard-earned wisdom. May it make the exciting journey ahead a little smoother. • Continue to love yourself. This isn’t an ego thing. It’s all about self-respect and making sure that you make your decisions on what’s best for you. Not your best friend or your boyfriend. Or even me. Know and love yourself well enough to continue to question choices that make you uncomfortable. Learn to step away and look at situations objectively and move forward cautiously. What advice would you give yourself as your own best friend? • Continue to be brave. Nurture your spirit of adventure. As you get older, you’ll have more and more chances to mark things off of that bucket list that you’ve already started. Keep adding to that list. Keep looking for new challenges and new ways to grow as a person. Keep seeking the new adventure. • Cherish your family. We will always be your #1 cheerleaders. Always. Your dad, your brother, and I, will always want the best for you. We’ll want you to be happy with your choices, and we love you
• Cherish your health. You are young and so beautiful, but most importantly, you are healthy. Don’t take that for granted. Continue to eat nutritious food, and go light on the sweets. Find a way to enjoy breaking a sweat every day. Take care of your skin. Keep your medical appointments. Don’t ever put gross stuff into your body—like smoke or drugs. Please think more than twice about tattoos. I promise 20 years from now you’ll be so glad you’ve made these lifetime habits. • Cultivate your spiritual life. Don’t neglect to take time every day to “center yourself ”. That moment or two that you take for prayer, meditation, and study will bring balance to your being and will impact the way that you approach your day and the people in your sphere of influence. • Cultivate your passions. Find those things, my darling, that make you so excited that you can’t sleep in your anticipation of being involved in them. These will be the things that you need to embrace and learn and one day, turn into your life’s work. My sweet Ashley, you are an incredible young woman with such a bright future ahead of you. I’m so blessed to be your mother. Enjoy the teenage years, sweetheart. I’ve got your back.
familySPECTRUM
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.
10 •
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• • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
Written by: Bailey Hemphill
Young Hero: Jonathan Halstead
J
onathan Halstead, 15, goes to school at Millard West High School. His mom, Kim, describes him as caring, funny, and helpful.
“Jonathan cares about everyone he meets,” she says. “He builds many relationships with people of all ages…[from] older men who have taught him to hunt, and fix cars [to] younger boys who look up to him as role model or a big brother.” Kim adds that Jonathan is also very close with his older sister, Stephanie, who goes to college at Grace University. “They are best friends. They both were voted No. 1 counselors at church camp last summer [because] they’re hilarious together.”
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According to Kim, Jonathan is a young hero because he always puts other people first. “He does what needs to be done, even if that means he has to sacrifice something,” she says. Last summer, Jonathan was a volunteer camp counselor and was asked to supervise 10 boys, including some with special needs. By the end of the camp, the youth director was amazed with Jonathan’s leadership skills during his time working with the boys. “It was obviously a job for many counselors, but he took care of them and always maintained a positive attitude.” Kim recalls another good example of her son’s helpfulness from a year ago when a pastor from a North Omaha church asked Jonathan to light a prayer garden with white Christmas lights. “He single-handedly organized this project, asking people from our church to donate lights and volunteer to help him hang the lights. It was beautiful.” With this same North Omaha church, Jonathan eventually organized and planned his Eagle Scout project. For his project, he ran a weekend camp experience for boys who had never been camping. “He wanted to build relationships between the North Omaha boys and scouts from the Millard area. He took the boys out from a camping experience to do work and have fun together.” After seeing her son’s dedication to helping others, Kim believes her son is a good role model for others. “He is very grounded in his Christian faith. He chooses to go to Bible study and other church activities rather than choosing non-productive or harmful activities.” Kim says that Jonathan inspires her because of his work ethic in school, his positive attitude in life, and his constant desire to help people. “He wants to make a difference in the world,” she says.
familySPECTRUM
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
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live•love•grow
• 11
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L
ast spring, in a quest for healthier eats and local produce, my family signed up as CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members at Wenninghoff ’s Farm. The goal was for my kids to see where food comes from. And it worked. The kids got involved and interested. But one day, when they didn’t want to go pick up our CSA share because of the trek to the farm (even though it’s not any further than church, dance class, or football practice), Max suggested out of desperation to keep playing his video game, “Can’t we just grow that stuff here?” Sigh. Well, we could, son, if your mom didn’t have such a black thumb. I once killed a Chia Pet in college. A cactus died on my watch. I take pictures of plants in my yard and text them to my shamed mother to ask things like, “Is this a plant or a weed? Should I pull it or keep it? And if it’s a plant, what is it?” My mom, who lives in the tropics of Houston, Texas, always does her best to answer, knowing that I’ll kill it anyway. Still, Max had a great point. I mean, if I want my kids to know where the food comes from, we could plant a garden in our backyard. It is, after all, heavily fertilized by our beautiful mutt, Maybee.
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So, this spring, we’re going to build a multi-level upright garden. It has to be upright so that Maybee doesn’t eat it. My hope is that my kids are at a great age to help keep a garden alive and edible—that, and the great hope of success rather than the anticipated failure of a dead garden. Maybe then instead of hauling the kids to the farm, I’ll only interrupt their video games with, “Go pick a couple of squashes from the garden.” It SPECTRUM was his idea any way.
family
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12 •
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• • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
The presence of rewards has the opposite effect. It expands a child’s behavioral choices and gives them more options for responses. Why? Because a child wants to get in on the reward and will increase his or her behaviors to obtain it. Children, humans, and mammals in general tend to exhibit much more behavior in the presence of reward than in the presence of punishment. Watching the end of a long race (e.g., a 10K or a marathon) provides a good example. Toward the end of the race, runners are slowing down due to fatigue and exertion. But when they are in sight of the finish line and the cheering crowds, they pick up the pace. Why? Because abundant social and material rewards await them at the finish line. Another example is the behavior of a crowd whose team has just won compared to a crowd whose team has just lost. Winning is rewarding and leads to exuberance. Losing is punishing and leads to suppression.
Ten Laws of Childhood Law Number 5: Reward is a Better Motivator than Punishment
W
hen children misbehave, the natural response of many parents is to mete out some form of punishment. But punishment is not always an effective motivator; it actually can be a “demotivator.” When children think they are going to be punished, they tend to freeze up. This is actually true for all mammals. In the presence of punishment, they do not exhibit much behavior. Why? Because they are afraid of the punishment. So they don’t take many chances. With punishment, children have limited options for changing their behavior, which makes it less likely that their negative behavior will change at all.
I am not suggesting that parents avoid using punishment all together. Sometimes it is necessary. For example, punishment of some form is almost always in order when teaching children not to use really dangerous behaviors, such as running into the street. But I am suggesting that parents use punishment sparingly and use rewards abundantly. By rewards, I mean all things rewarding, including affection, approval, and praise, as well as money, prizes, and toys. I recommend a simple ratio of “5 to 1”—five rewarded behaviors for every one punished behavior. So for every time a child is disciplined or punished for something bad, he or she should be praised or rewarded at least five times for doing something good. This formula can motivate children to refrain from bad behavior and to abundantly exhibit good behavior. Why? Because when motivating children, the carrot SPECTRUM gets much better results than the stick.
family
Written by: Patrick C. Friman, Ph.D., ABPP Director of the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health Dr. Friman is the Director of the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health, a large outpatient clinic for children living in Omaha who exhibit troubling or challenging behavior. The clinic is located on the home campus at Boys Town and is open for new appointments. For questions, please call (402) 498-3358.
parenting.org from
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
live•love•grow
• 13
Information and resources to bring peace to your family Trained counselors, 24x7 Provided by Boys Town
Bring peace to your family. A SERVICE OF THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1-888-866-8660 nebraskafamilyhelpline.ne.gov
Have your cake. And eat it, too. Dining. Family. Fun. Health & Beauty. Household. Retail. Services. Transportation. 14 •
live•love•grow
• • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
“Combining original theatrical elements with high-tech illusions, The Spencers bring the age old art of magic into the 21st century!” —The Chicago Tribune
What’s on Your Mind? Perspective of a Worrier
E
mily, 19, wrote the following after beginning to identify and
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put into words how anxiety has affected most of her life. Although she continues to experience anxiety, it is to a lesser degree as she is learning how to not let challenges and fears keep her from moving forward. “Looking back at high school, there is one piece of advice I wish someone would have explained to me in a way that I could understand. I have always been a worrier. I worry about virtually everything, from what I am going to eat to my future job. I wasted so much time having mental breakdowns about that one late homework assignment or getting stuck in traffic on my way to practice. There is no joy in looking at each new day as a breeding ground for constant disaster and crisis. I’ve learned that nothing is as big of a deal as people make it out to be. Things will go wrong, but for every problem, there is a solution and that solution is probably not as difficult as it seems. When caught up in the daily activities of life, everything feels like the end of the world. But it’s not. The world keeps turning. People are laughing, having fun, and hanging out with friends. Why not go join them, instead of feeling embarrassed that you spilled coffee on yourself in front of your peers? Have a laugh about it and move on with your life, because there is more to life than the homeroom drama of spilling your coffee. Mistakes are a part of life; you can take them personally and aim for unattainable perfection, or you can learn from them, laugh, and keep moving forward. Problems will be worked out. In the meantime, stop SPECTRUM worrying and enjoy life.”
family
Pick up a free copy at more than 150 locations throughout the Omaha area or subscribe and have them delivered to your door for a nominal $5.95 per year for 6 issues.
Submitted by: Deb Fuller Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling Send in your questions to Deb, and she might answer them in this column. Submit them to reallifecounseling@cox.net with ‘Family Spectrum’ in the subject line.
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
live•love•grow
• 15
Submitted by: Mikki Chullino, National Safety Council, Nebraska
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
D
rivers encounter endless distractions while behind the wheel. In
fact, distractions now join alcohol and speeding as the leading causes of fatal and serious injury crashes, according to the National Safety Council. Many distractions, like our children, we cannot turn off and store in the glove compartment until we have reached our destination. However, that is exactly what we can do with our cell phones. The National Safety Council estimates 21 percent of all crashes in 2010 involved drivers talking on cell phones. This accounted for 1.1 million crashes that year. A minimum of three percent of crashes were estimated to involve texting while driving. Why are cell phones so dangerous behind the wheel? A cell phone not only takes your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel, but it also takes your brain off your driving. This brain distraction, also called cognitive distraction, can impair the part of the brain used to judge distance between objects and can increase the amount of time needed for a driver to react to traffic situations. According to research by University of Utah psychologists David Strayer and Frank Drews, driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. Cell phone use can lead to a driver having inattention blindness, in which a driver can look directly at road conditions but not really see them because the brain is distracted by a phone conversation. Inattention blindness can reduce what a driver sees by up to 50 percent. Often times, that can lead to a driver not seeing a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or stop sign until it is too late.
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Is a hands-free device safe to use while driving? A hands-free device may help to keep your eyes and hands free of distractions but does nothing to eliminate the cognitive distraction of the brain. The safest way to eliminate cell phone distraction is to turn off the phone while driving. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a great time to examine your safe driving practices. Do you talk on the phone or text while driving? Do you use the phone while driving with your children or other passengers in the car? If so, not only are you putting yourself and others at risk, you are also modeling unsafe driving habits. In a recent survey by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), 91 percent of teenagers reported seeing a parent talk on a cell phone while driving. In return, 90 percent of those teens reported talking on their cell phone while driving. The survey also reported that two-thirds of parents lived by a different set of rules, asking teens to practice safe driving habits that they did not practice themselves. Children start learning about driving before they even get behind the wheel. You can model safe driving behavior by turning off your cell phone, wearing your seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and remaining calm in stressful driving situations. More Distracted Driving Awareness Month information at SPECTRUM www.safenebraska.org.
family
• • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
Omaha Conservatory of Music
Summer Institute July 14-20, 2013
Be Inspired! Register online
www.omahacm.org 402-932-4978 3504 S. 108th St Omaha • NE 68144
Project Harmony: Protecting Omaha Youth
I
f you drive by the corner of 120th and Q streets this month, you will
pass a display of over 2,000 pinwheels, one for each child helped in the Project Harmony Child Protection Center during one year’s time. Since 1996, Project Harmony has provided protective services to children who have been victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
LOCATIONS
14460 West Maple Rd.
14303 U St.
402.493.0443
402.895.0181
2609 S. 132nd St.
1919 N. 90th St.
402.334.6933
402.391.2072
10770 Fort St. [NEC]
4840 Dodge St.
402.493.3257
402.558.2000
8315 West Center Rd.
1701 S. Galvin Rd.
402.393.2557
402.292.2685
Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE
6901 S. 84th St. LaVista, NE
402.339.1090
Bellevue, NE
Project Harmony works with local law enforcement and therapy centers to ensure that each child is given the help and protection they need. However, protecting children often begins within the community. Project Harmony provides a hotline that all Nebraskans can call if they suspect a child they know is being abused or neglected. The hotline employs trained Child Protective Service Workers, who take detailed reports from callers regarding the child’s well-being. The caller can choose whether to give their name or remain anonymous, and every phone call is documented and kept on file. Cases are then classified as a priority 1, 2, or 3, depending on their severity, and Project Harmony will make referrals to other agencies to get the child the assistance they need. So how do you know when to report? Project Harmony professionals advised that when you notice a child has been hurt and their explanation seems inconsistent with the injury, or when there are noticeable differences in a child’s behavior that are worrisome, a citizen should call the hotline and let the Child Protective Service Worker know. People should also call if they notice a child has regular poor hygiene, is underweight or asking for food, or is not getting the medical treatment they need. It is important to remember that a person does not need concrete proof to call the hotline. A suspicion of child abuse or neglect is enough to place the call and allow the proper personnel to investigate further. To report child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, call the hotline at 1-800-652-1999. For more information about Project Harmony, visit SPECTRUM www.projectharmony.com.
family
Written by: Deborah Gleich-Bope, M.S. Ed, Graduate Assistant, UNO Educational Administration and Supervision Department. Deb is currently working toward her doctorate degree after 15 years as a teacher and school counselor.
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
live•love•grow
• 17
Submitted by: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
Exercise as a Family: Take a Hike or Ride a Bike
E
xercising together as a family is a great way to establish healthy
habits that will last a lifetime. Two of the best ways families can enjoy being active together are hiking and biking.
Healthy Kohl’s Kids encourages you to plan regular hiking and biking outings with your family. Healthy Kohl’s Kids is a partnership between Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Kohl’s Department Stores focused on educating children and families on the importance of good nutrition and fitness. Hiking and biking are two of the simplest ways to exercise, and the health benefits from each are endless. Hiking and biking improve cardiovascular fitness and build and strengthen muscles, bones, and joints. Both forms of exercise are a great way to burn calories. Each burns more than 300 calories per hour in the average person. The more you walk or bike, the more stamina you will build. You’ll really start to notice that stamina over time as you and your family can tackle longer distances each time out. Regular exercise from walking and biking comes with great long-term benefits for you and your children, such as improving healthy weight; reducing chances of developing risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes; and reducing risks for osteoporosis and arthritis.
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Regular exercise has also been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and depression and improving self-esteem. You might even see it translate to your children’s grades. Studies have shown that children who are physically fit are likely to score higher on standardized tests measuring reading and math abilities. For more ideas and tips about how you and your family can live healthier together, visit www.healthykohlskids.com. The site features up-to-date fitness and nutrition information and advice for children and parents. The site also contains an extensive library of healthy recipes with how-to videos of young chefs making nutritious meals and snacks.
Happy Trails! The Omaha metro area has plenty to offer in terms of trails and recreation areas for hiking and biking outings. Plan your next journey at one of these local trails or recreation areas: • Omaha Riverfront Trail, Downtown Omaha along the Missouri River • Turner Boulevard and Field Club trails, Midtown Omaha • Keystone Trail, north central Omaha to Offutt Air Force Base • Big Papio Trail, Tranquility Park to Seymour Smith Park • Zorinsky Lake Recreation Area, West Omaha • Standing Bear Lake, Northwest Omaha • Chalco Hills Recreation Area, south of Millard • Walnut Creek Recreation Area, Papillion • Bennington Lake, Bennington SPECTRUM • Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Council Bluffs.
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• • • • April 2013
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Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner
Proudly Presented by:
Fauzan
Fauzan, 8, is a 3rd grader at Aldrich Elementary School. He likes drawing, reading science books, and playing outdoor with his older brother and friends. He also enjoys swimming, playing racquetball, and tennis. Fauz a n
Fire by Fauzan
Importance: Fire gives warmth to you in cold areas. If you are stranded or on a camping trip, you will need light and fire provides light. You also can use fire to cook meals. Fire burns down old trees so new trees can grow. I am related to fire: I need fuel and oxygen to survive, just like fire. I grow as fast as fire when it spreads. I am as quick as fire. I even have warm feelings just like fire.
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
8702 Pacific St., Countryside Village (402) 392–2877 www.bookwormomaha.com
ATTENTION YOUNG WRITERS! 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.
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• 19
School of Rock Kids Learn and Perform the Music From Their Parents’ Youth
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Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photos by: Bill Sitzmann
I
n the upper rooms of a retired elementary school building in old Millard, there’s a school that operates under the inspiring lyrics of Australian hard rock band AC/DC: “For those about to rock, we salute you.” And rocking out is exactly what kids do in the aptly named School of Rock. For more than a decade, School of Rock has been encouraging kids of all ages to rock onstage and in life. It began as a single music school in Philadelphia, Pa., but it has since grown into an international franchise with over 100 schools in cities throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Drummer and general manager Dave Campagna opened the Omaha School of Rock in November 2010 after he saw one in Miami and fell in love with the concept. “I grew up with the public school jazz and classical material that the kids still play today, so I know they aren’t really engaged with the music at school,” he says. “But you can learn how to be a really good musician if you can master what McCartney, Lennon, Hendrix, and Page did back in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. [School of Rock] is an education in rock ‘n roll that kids won’t get at the school system. We’re more free-spirited with what they learn.” Campagna says that School of Rock’s setup is definitely better than the traditional music lesson. “Rather than working with an instructor, going home to practice, and then returning the next week to show the instructor the improvement, the kids sit with the instructor, and the instructor shows them the skills they need to play a song. Then, the kids will go into an hour-and-a-half rehearsal with other kids to play that song together.” The belief at School of Rock is that the best way to learn music is to play music. Students learn how to play guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, or drums through a combination of weekly private music lessons and group band rehearsals that prepare them to take the stage in front of live audiences in an authentic concert setting. By taking the focus off of the individual student and creating a team dynamic, School of Rock students enjoy a more motivating environment.
School of Rock students Olivia Klein, Nick Brdicko, Sheridan Macy, Rebecca Fisher, Garrett Zaporowski, Jenna Ellis, and Chris Bell practice together during group rehearsal. • readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
Campagna thinks that the kids at School of Rock learn so much faster than students in regular music lessons because there’s also some competition. “We don’t even insist that they practice at home because we know they’ll practice to get better. They don’t want to look bad in front of their peers in group rehearsals, and they want to be just as good or better than their peers.” >>
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<< It helps, too, that the 12 School of Rock instructors are all Omaha-based musicians who play out in the community on a regular basis, which Campagna adds is a requirement for employment. One of the best examples of Campagna’s talented staff is School of Rock’s music director, Keith Fertwagner, who plays with local rock bands Beat Seekers and The Fonzarellies and has recorded a lot of music. “He’s the ‘real deal,’ as far as his recordings,” says Campagna. Fertwagner plays guitar, drums, bass, and sings, so he’s able to work with the kids on many levels. “I mainly deal with directing shows and teaching lessons,” he says. “A lot of what I do varies from student to student. Each one is different and has different needs. Just being there when they need you is a big part of [it].” Aside from private lessons, Fertwagner says that he tries to get his students onstage as soon as possible because the group-work benefits them musically. “There are real goals for them to try and meet…not only in the musical sense, but also for them socially. I’ve watched a lot of kids go from being very introverted to being the loudest one in the room, and it’s a great thing to experience. [Playing] builds their confidence and makes them happy, and that makes me happy.” Throughout the year, School of Rock offers multiple programs. Students can learn the fundamentals of their instruments in a fun and relaxed environment with an instructor in the Rock 101 program, which includes weekly private lessons as well as a 90-minute group rehearsal. “First, they work on what they’ll play in rehearsal with the group, but the rest of the lesson is up to them,” says Campagna. “If they’ve got their iPod, and they say, ‘Hey, I want to learn this Green Day song,’ then they’ll learn that. It’s not what the teacher wants them to play; it’s what they’re interested in.” If the students work hard in Rock 101, they can progress to the Performance Program, where they’ll play live shows at Omaha venues. “The instructors cast the show just like a director would a play. Then, the kids rehearse the set list for three to four months before their show…We’ve played everywhere it seems like. The Waiting Room, Two Fine Irishmen, Pizza Shoppe, Shamrock’s—anywhere we can book.” Campagna adds that these local venues love it when School of Rock kids come to play because they bring in huge crowds. “We haven’t had a clunker show yet.” For the most advanced students, however, there is an opportunity to play with the School of Rock National All-Stars, a group which invites the best students from all of the School of Rock locations and sends them on a tour around the U.S. Campagna is proud to have had a student from his school make the All-Stars, and he has a few prospective candidates this year who he hopes will get in. But School of Rock isn’t just for pre-teens and teens. The school also has an adult program and a child program. “Parents always tell me that they wish they had a program like this when they were younger, and now they do,” laughs Campagna. The adult program currently has 12 adults between ages 20 and 50 that show up on Tuesdays and play just like the
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Nick Brdicko, Landon Falcone, Samantha Ramler, and David Ward combine their individual parts during group rehearsal.
kids. For smaller children, there’s Little Wing, which is a new addition to School of Rock for 4- to 6-year-olds. “It’s a 45-minute lesson once a week in a group setting where they can learn how to play instruments for the first time. The feedback I’ve gotten is tremendous.” School of Rock also has several summer camp sessions offered each year in June and July. This year will include three one-week Rock 101 beginner sessions, where kids will practice and then put on a show for family and friends at the end of the session; a two-week Songwriting & Recording intermediate to advanced session, where kids will work with Fertwagner on writing and recording their own original music; and an iPod Shuffle intermediate to advanced session, where kids can come in with music they want to learn and play that music with a group. “The best thing about School of Rock is that there isn’t that big dropoff that you see with other extracurricular activities,” says Campagna, who ran the Millard Athletic Association for several years. “I saw all of these athletes drop off after a while because they couldn’t keep up, or they just didn’t want to do it anymore. But every kid at School of Rock is here because they want to perform.” Parents often tell Campagna that their kids are coming out of their shells and are much more active after starting lessons with School of Rock. “It’s because they can be creative and express themselves, and they can’t always do that at school or with other activities. We’re not going to cut any kid. We’re going to let people who want to perform perform. If it’s sports, academics, music…whatever that activity is, you’ll stay engaged and do well in school. The minute you don’t have anything going for you, that’s when you get lost. Every child needs to have something. [School of Rock] is for the musically inclined.”
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Fertwagner adds, “Even if [the kids] aren’t lifelong musicians, they get the experience of getting onstage and playing in front of people, and that’s something they’ll be able to carry with them forever.” School of Rock is located at 13270 Millard Ave., open Mondays through Thursdays 3:30-9pm. For more information about lessons or summer camps, visit www.omaha.schoolofrock.com or call 402-691-8875.
familySPECTRUM
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
Find available smoke-free housing at RentSmokeFree-Tenants.org This project is supported in part by Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare through funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
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• 23
Deaconness Institute c. 1900
Story by: Bailey Hemphill • Photo by: Bill Sitzmann Fremont Orphanage c. 1893
www.LFSneb.org
120 Years of service
Thank you for your support of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.
Blue Ribbon Group
L
ast April, Omaha saw its first English-style horse jumping competition at the CenturyLink Center. And the event is back this year with even more activities that will make for an educational experience for all ages. With interactive displays and a national traveling pony exhibit in the equine expo, there’s a lot going on. If you have kids interested in horses, however, find the Blue Ribbon Group!
Beyond Great Haircuts
Family Time
An experience as great as the styles Attention that makes you feel special A time to regroup and reconnect No Appointment Necessary!
One Pacific Place• 10351 Pacific Street, Omaha, NE 68114 402.933.3700 • pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/omaha
©2012 Pigtails & Crewcuts
“We have a group of students, who make up our Blue Ribbon Group,” says Susan Runnels, executive director of the Omaha Equestrian Foundation. “[They] volunteered to put together an exhibit with seven different breeds of horses [and] lead tours through the gallery, allowing visitors to pet the horses while teaching about nutrition, uses, and care.” Runnels thinks the group is essential to the expo because it “gives young people an opportunity to give back to their community and learn valuable presentation skills” while bringing in a younger crowd to the show.
Summer Day Camps are for boys and girls 5-12 years old and are filled with structured activities such as: sports, games, arts & crafts, gym play time, movies, swim, and more. Campers must supply their own lunch / snacks / drinks. A $10 Membership fee applies to each student who does not have a 2012-2013 Premier Membership. OPTIONS 1st Child Sibling Rate
Mallory Huggins, 17, is part of the group. “I’ve been riding for eight years. I started out riding Western style, and I made a switch to English three years ago,” she says. “[The group] meets once a month and coordinates what’s going to be in the gallery. We’re finding people to bring their horses to the [expo] and planning how the horses will be presented to educate the public.” The International will take place on April 12-13 at CenturyLink Center Omaha. For more information, visit www.worldclasshorseshows.com.
familySPECTRUM
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Full Week (40 + hrs. / week)
$150
$125
Full Day (8:00am - 5:pm)
$40
$35
Less than 40 hrs. / week
$5.50/hr.
$5.00/hr.
When you purchase 10 weeks of ‘Full Week’ camp.
live•love•grow
• • • • April 2013
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2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
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2013 Summer Camps
Fine Lines
and Vacation Bible School
For questions contact:
David Martin
fine-lines@cox.net 402-871-3682
June 1o-14 8:30-12:00
For more information visit:
Creative Writing Summer Camp #14
Beveridge Middle School 1616 South 120th Street, Omaha
www.finelines.org
All supplies will be provided Grades 4-12, College, and Adults
Camp with
GIRL SCOUTS!
Everyone welcome.
GirlScoutsNebraska.org
Adventure is closer than you think! Visit our website for all our summer programs:
www.CityofOmaha.org/parks 402-444-4FUN (4386) 26 • content
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2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School Experience FUN, HANDS-ON, AWESOME activities, like: helping train dogs making pet biscuits & crafts • exploring animal careers • seeing veterinarians in action • and so much more! • •
a camp for animal loving kids! For more information, go to:
www.nehumanesociety.org or call (402)444-7800 ext.470
Now Accepting Registrations!
ROCK OUT THIS SUMMER!
s p m Summer Camp Line Up: a c r ! > Rock 101 e w m o Sumrming n > iPod Shuffle fo > Song Writing and Recording Camp [two week camp]
**Dates and detailed information online!**
We Teach: GUITAR KEYS BASS VOCALS DRUMS
Inspiring kids to rock on stage and in life. School of Rock Omaha
www.schoolofrock.com/omaha • readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
13270 Millard Ave. | Omaha content • 27
2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
Five full days of fun each week. Cub Scouts will have a BLAST as they build on skills and adventures. Details can be found at www.mac-bsa.org/CubScoutCamp. Location: Sioux City, Iowa Omaha, Nebraska Columbus, Nebraska Council Bluffs, Iowa
n ore fu r m d n i F on ou s e i t i v i act r at calenda a.org! ac-bs www.m
Dates: June 3-7 June 3-7 June 10-14 June 24-28
Multiple Summer Sessions Available! Visit thevolleyballacademy.com for up to date information.
All Skills Camps
Setter School
3-8 grade
5-12 grade
Setter/Hitter Camps
Hitter School
5-12 grade
5-12 grade
Competition Camps
DS/Libero School
7-12 grade
5-12 grade
402.213.4644
thevolleyballacademy.com 28 • content
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2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
Live your dream.
Learn to ride!
EQUESTRIAN DAY CAMP SESSION 1 / June 10 - June 28 SESSION 2 / July 8 - July 26 OPEN TO AGES 8 -16
Space is limited. Call 402.453.4000 Or download registration at poncahillsfarm.com
Riders, horses & learning since 1965.
Summer
CampS June 10 - August 9
Weekly DAy CAmps & speCiAlty CAmps Ages 2- 8th grADe
the place tO be fOr all Of yOur Summer fun! A fun summer time experience with horseback riding, archery and more for boys ages 7-14.
Sessions begin June 16
Basketball, Volleyball, tennis, soccer, Art, theater, Dance, swim team, Field trips, swimming, Before & After Care program and more!
Contact Camp Director 402.289.2541 | camp@mountmichael.com
TM
“Cake Boss” Camp!
3 Sessions: Session 1: June 10-14 Session 2: June 24-28 Session 3: July 22-26 Decorating Projects • Crafts • Etiquette Lesson • Games www.DoodleCakes.com
Rock Star Camp!
1 Session: July 8-12 Karaoke • Dancing • Crafts • Games • End of the week Talent Show RockParadiseOmaha.com
Teaching Edible Art for Kids! Birthdays, Field Trips and more
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
To register call: 402-697-8702 14732 Grover St. Just South of 147th & Industrial
Open tO the entire Omaha cOmmunity! To recieve more information call Corey Kirshenbaum at 402-334-6409. www.jewishomaha.org/jcc/camp
333 S. 132nd Street • Omaha 68154 content • 29
SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING
MATH
www.SASMuseum.com
Fun and Learning at Strategic Air & Space Museum’s
Summer Camps Robotics 101 (Ages 8-17) June 3-7 Robotics 201 (Ages 10-17) June 10-14 and July 15-19 Robotics 301 (Ages 12-17) July 22-26 Astronaut Academy (Ages 12-16) June 17-21 The Sky Is The Limit (Ages 12-16) June 17-21 Mad Scientist (Ages 14-17) July 29-Aug 2 Johnson Space Center Travel Camp (Ages 14-17) July 28-Aug 2
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28210 West Park Highway Ashland, NE 68003 402.944.3100
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2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
June 10-14, 9am-12 Daily Children Age 4-5th Grade No Fees Covenant Presbyterian Church 15002 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68116 402.498.9000 - www.cpomaha.org dan@cpcomaha.org
• Par 3 and executive courses perfect for the young golfer. • Omaha’s Largest Youth Golf League & Youth Instruction. • Kid’s Equipment and Apparel. • Visit Website for dates & fees.
FOR KIDS WITH DIABETES, AGES 6-18
Held at YMCA Camp • Boone, IA Teen Week [Ages 13-18]: June 23rd-29th Kid’s Week [Ages 6-12]: June 30th-July6th
Mini Camps Ages 6-7 during Kid’s Week, 3 days & 3 nights Swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, rappelling, archery and many more activities, PLUS education about diabetes management. Expert medical staff and experienced counselors.
Register Online: CampHertkoHollow.com Questions?
402.498.9900 eaglerungolf.com 3435 N. 132nd Street, Omaha
855.502.8500 or 515.897.8264 • readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
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2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
Thanks for checking out the Summer Camp Guide! CHECK BACK TO SEE WHAT’S NEW IN THE
MAY ISSUE’S SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
This Summer’s Hottest Camp
Is your dream to ride horses? Live your dream and ride in Western and English. Learn to care for horses in grooming, tacking, bathing, first aid - and much, much more!
Registration going on now! REGISTER BY APRIL 30 & RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT.
CAMP WEEKS:
REGISTRATION elkhornequestriancenter.com CALL KELLIE 402-238-2027 LOCATION 20915 BENNINGTON ROAD ELKHORN, NE 68022
JUNE 3~7 JUNE 10~14 JUNE 17~21 JUNE 24~28 JULY 8~12 JULY 15~19
Summer School Program Intensive Reading, Spelling, & Math
July 8th - August 2nd 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. K - 8th Grade | All Ability Levels Space is limited / Small class sizes Certified Teachers / Our 23rd year
• • • • •
Our Program is Great For: Retaining what was learned in school Getting a jump start on next year Mastering phonics Reading Comprehension & Fluency Mastering math facts and concepts through pre-algebra
Register Today: 402-390-0556 or phoenixacademyomaha.org Phoenix Academy
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|
Register by April 26th for a $25 discount.
1110 N 66th Street Omaha, NE 68132
|
402-390-0556 • • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
UNO Jazz Camp
Now offering a summer cheerleading camp for boys and girls of all ages! Campers will learn about all aspects of cheerleading:
Featuring the Jim Widner Big Band
cheers, stunting, tumbling, dance and jumps
JUNE 16TH-21ST, 2013
For enthusiastic musicians grade 7 through adult! Jazz ensembles, improvisation, jazz history, masterclasses, and nightly concerts! Learn from the pros!
Dr. Pete Madsen, Professor of Music, Dir. of Jazz Studies/Trombone Teacher University of Nebraska at Omaha Strauss Performing Arts Center 222 6001 Dodge St, Omaha 402.554.2297 e-mail: petermadsen@unomaha.edu
At the end of the Camp Session the group will perform a routine for the parents and have the opportunity to stay for a Parent’s Night Out Open Gym. Our affordable registration will include: T-shirt • Shaker Poms • Hair Ribbon • Community Performance Visit exathleticsnebraska.com for dates and prices throughout the summer!
www.unojazzcamp.com
1258 Royal Drive • Papillion • 715.829.2671
Football Camps & Clinics All Ages - All Skill Levels
Fundamental Skill Development • Position Specific Training • Speed, Agility & Quickness
May • June • July
LEAD. TRAIN. PERFORM.
Camp Director: Steve Warren / (402) 206-4733 / swarren@warrenacademy.com / www.warrenacademy.com
With over 50 years of Christian camping experience! Camp Rivercrest has modern lodging, trained college aged summer staff, amazing worship and fun activities for all ages like:
Paintball, zipline, high ropes, giant swing, airboat rides and so much more! Located along the forested hills of the Platte river just outside Fremont NE. Register online at www.camprivercrest.org or call 402-628-6465 • readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
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2013 Summer Camps and Vacation Bible School
We are Papillion’'s Public Library, the of the community! June & July: DIG INTO READING Children, Teen and Adult Summer Reading Programs See our hours and event calendar at www.sumplibrary.org
phone: 402.597.2040 | 222 North Jefferson Street | Papillion, NE 68046 Papillion Recreation Department Summer Kids Camps
June 17 - 21
Vacation Bible School Choices Kingdom Rock Where Kids Stand Strong for Christ June 10 - 14 / West Campus
Lutheran Church of the Master / East Campus Open to grades 3 – 8 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday – Friday Performance 7 p.m. Friday
Both meet 9 - 11:30 a.m. VBS registration, information 402-333-4444 www.churchofthemaster.com
Playgrounders Half Day Kids Camps Open to kids ages 7-12
Cost: *$150 ($5 sibling discount)
June 3-28 (4 Sessions)
Cost includes T-shirt; please bring a lunch. Register: www.kidshineonline.org/register.html Questions: 402-333-4444
Butterfly Half Day Kids Camps
*Add $25 for registrations received within 30 days of camp.
Athens Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth July 15 - 19 / East Campus
Escape…Grow…Connect…Play…
Open to kids ages 4-6
June 3-July 11
NEW All Day Kids Camp Two Locations: West Campus: 1200 N. 181st Court, Elkhorn East Campus: 2617 S. 114th St. Omaha
Open to kids ages 5-12
July 15-26
Little Kickers Soccer Camp Open to kids ages 4-7
June 4-July 25 (4 Sessions) Baseball Rookie Camp Open to kids ages 4-7
June 1-July 27 (2 Sessions) Tennis Camps
Open to kids ages 5-14 For more information or to register, please visit www.papillion.org/recreation.cfm.
For Camp Dates & More Info:
www.campeastersealsne.com | (800)650.9880 34 • content
Papillion Recreation Department 1100 W. Lincoln Street, Papillion, NE 68046 Open Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 402-597-2041 www.papillion.org/recreation.cfm www.Facebook.com/PapillionRecDept • • • • April 2013
familyspectrum •
Now SchEduliNg for SummEr ThEraPy
Physical Therapy | Aquatic Therapy | Occupational Therapy | Speech Therapy Bring this ad in and receive a ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL*
ca ll uS To day
New students only, expires 6/30/2013
402-932-2782 Sign Up Now for Summer Camps • friendship camp: Social skills groups for pre-school and school age children (June 3-July 13) • food friendzy: Feeding groups for picky eaters and problem feeders (June 4-August 8) • fit kids: Improve strength and coordination while learning new activities (Dates TBD)
10791 S. 72nd Street, Suite 103 Papillion, NE 68046
www.ptcne.org
TAEKWON-DO | HAPKIDO | BOOT CAMPS PERSONAL TRAINING | BELLY DANCE FIT MASSAGE THERAPY AND MORE...
402.215.6 003
www.omahabluewaves.com
14205 U St. Omaha, NE 68137 *Offer is only good for martial arts or fitness classes.
Camps for ages
4 -8
closes April 14!
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
details & registration
ocm.org
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Teen Voice: He Said/She Said Role Models
R
ole model (noun): A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated. People often look to celebrities or historical figures for their role models. For myself, I look right at home. My mom is my role model. Sometimes, parents are not looked at as role models because all their child sees are rules and someone who wants to make their life hard. With my mom, I see someone who has helped guide me through my life. She has shown me how to “pick yourself up by your bootstraps,” as she likes to say and carry on whenever life gets me down. She has taught me to never give up on love, even though it can be a lot of work. Finally, she has taught me how to be a better and more courageous person and to stand up for myself when it is necessary. Being a role model is something I really hope I can be in other people’s lives. I try to always be there when other people are hurting. I have been told advice giving is my strength. My mom taught me to always put others first. That is what I want to do in my life. I need to take the focus off myself and help others who need it more. I also realize I am a role model for my brother and my sister, whether I want to be or not. They see how I handle situations and tend to copy what I do. This is a lot of pressure and makes me feel like I can’t just be a kid instead of an example. I am sure that someday I will see the benefit in it. Overall, when I die, all I want to be able to say is that I made a difference in someone’s life; then my life would have SPECTRUM had purpose and been fulfilled.
family
Submitted by: Tiffany Class of 2015
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E
veryone needs someone to look up to, someone to strive to be like. Our role models help define our personality traits, our beliefs, and, in short, who we are. These people who shape the lives of many can be anyone. For many people, a parent or a close relative is the person they look up to the most. For others, a famous figure or an athlete provides a glimpse of the right way to live your life. But it’s my belief that it’s not who your role model is—it’s what you choose to act like that truly defines you. For example, both of my parents are role models to me. Does that mean that I should want to be exactly like them and strive to do exactly what they do? No, and I shouldn’t. My choices are my choices, and regardless of the fact that they are wonderful people and I love them (It never hurts to suck up!), I would hope my parents feel the same way. Nevertheless, I would like to take this part of the article to thank my parents thoroughly for raising me the way they have. From the beginning, they’ve taught me right from wrong, and have always encouraged me to do the right thing. Sure, they push me in school, but it’s because they know what I’m capable of. Neither of them drink alcohol or do drugs and have thankfully instilled me with a fear of what would happen if I touched either. I can honestly say that I couldn’t have a better set of role models for parents. That said, I dream that one day I can inspire someone in the way that my parents have inspired me. I do still think that everyone should make their own choices, but putting someone on the right path in life should be something everyone strives for; and I SPECTRUM hope I can be a role model for that.
family
Submitted by: Derek Class of 2015
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April 2013 Event Calendar sunday 31
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8 9 10 2013 Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival Metric System Day April 5-7 • Calamus Outfitters Burwell, Neb. (402) 345-4849 • calamusoutfitters.com
National Pet Day
Head to this festival for birding excursions to see the greater prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, eagles, and other area birds. Plus, you’ll find live entertainment featuring local musicians and poets, ranch tours, educational seminars, and great food. 14
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17 18 Teddy Bear Weekend April 6-7 • Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium 3701 S. 10th St. (402) 733-8401 • omahazoo.com
Bring a stuffed animal and receive X-rays, heart, ear and eye exams and, if needed, a trip to the ER. Guests can also enjoy music and activity stations. Free for members and children (ages 3-11) with a stuffed animal.
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Earth Day
Morse Code Day
Party for the Planet April 20 • Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium 3701 S. 10th St. (402) 733-8401 • omahazoo.com Join Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium as we celebrate Earth Day and discover ways you can help save our planet at Party for the Planet. There will be family fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Free for zoo members or with regular paid zoo admission. 28
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National Dance Day
2013 Springfest April 21 • Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning Hastings, Neb. (402) 463-0565 • prairieloft.org Celebrate the planting season with agriculture and nature activities for all ages. Visit farm animals, plant your lunch, meet the Nebraska Dairy Princess, and go on a nature scavenger hunt. 5
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Bargain Buyway April 26-28 • Communities throughout northeast Nebraska Lynch, Neb. (402) 893-2880 • bargainbuyway.com Shop ’til you drop during this weekend of treasure hunting and sightseeing in northeast Nebraska. This ultimate road trip will take you to 22 towns along a 250-mile loop as you hunt for antiques, books, crafts, quilts, food, and more.
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A Year with Frog and Toad April 26 – May 12 • The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam St. (402) 345-4849 • rosetheater.org Frog and Toad are best friends. Together, have picnics, bake cookies, rake leaves, tell scary stories, and race down snowy hills in a sled. Come join Frog, Toad, Turtle, Mouse, Lizard, Snail, and the birds as they sing about the best way to spend your year: with a friend. $18 general admission, free for members.
To learn more about events from around the state, go to www.VisitNebraska.gov. Click on “Things to Do.”
• readonlinenow.com April 2013 • • • •
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Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism • Photo provided by: Nebraska Tourism
Stop by the Dinosaur Museum and Heartland Haunt to check out more than 65 life-size dinosaurs, a movie theater, fossil dig, mirror maze, and more.
On The Go! Make Learning Fun with Hands-on Adventure
B
e quiet. Don’t touch. Those are the usual rules for kids in museums, but Nebraska is home to several spots where visitors are encouraged to interact with displays and learn by doing. Gather the family for hands-on exploration at these one-of-a-kind places and tell your kids, “Have fun.” Is there a budding mad scientist in your family? If so, Aurora’s Edgerton Explorit Center is the perfect place to concoct your next adventure. Named after Dr. Harold Edgerton, inventor of the stroboscope and pioneer of flash photography, this museum moves science beyond the classroom with interactive experiments and live demonstrations. Learn about electricity, the science of bubbleology, and the freezing power of super cold substances. There’s even a life-size version of the board game Operation. At the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History in Lincoln, you can meet the big man on campus. Measuring in at 14 feet, the world’s largest elephant skeleton (nicknamed Archie) dates back to the late Pleistocene era. Investigate weird science at the new “Bizarre Beasts” exhibit featuring some of the strangest creatures ever to inhabit Earth, including an armored fish, a giant flying reptile, and an ancient helicoprion (a fossil shark with teeth arranged in a spiral like a buzz saw).
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If your kids can’t get enough of dinosaurs, venture to Milford’s Dinosaur Museum and Heartland Haunt just 10 minutes west of Lincoln at I-80 Exit 382. You’ll find 65 life-size dinosaurs, a fossil dig, a mirror maze, a haunted house, and more. Head outdoors for adventure where elk and bison roam at Kreycik Riverview Elk Ranch near Niobrara. This working ranch offers weekend covered wagon rides through bison, elk, and deer herds. The whole family will enjoy hand-feeding the elk and buffalo. Buffalo calves are born in May, so make plans to see the young ones frolicking in the grassy pastures. For something completely different, visit a working orchard for a day of family fun and education. Hike the scenic trail through the orchards and vineyards or browse the gift shop’s unique selection of Nebraska products. And while Mom and Dad may want to sample Kimmel Wines at the tasting bar, the kids will enjoy a stop at the Kimmel Kitchen for homemade apple pie, cider slushes, apple cider donuts, and other tasty selections. Learn more about these and other unique destinations at SPECTRUM VisitNebraska.com.
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Your Safety.
Our Priority.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month April 27 is Cell-Off Day!
Celebrate Cell-Off at the Omaha Police Department Safety Expo, April 27, 10a.m.-3p.m. at Westroads Mall. National Safety Council, Nebraska invites all Nebraskans to take the challenge to drive with cell phones turned off. Powering off your phone while driving eliminates the temptation to answer incoming calls, emails or texts. This includes handheld and hands free calls, because both are a major cause of cognitive distraction behind the wheel. Take the challenge and work to break a deadly habit! For more information about Distracted Driving Awareness Month, visit SafeNebraska.org!
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 2013 Dates: April 13, May 4, June 22, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 5, November 9, December 21 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! Call 402-898-7369 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org. to register!
Adult & Pediatric FA/CPR/AED Combined Class! 2013 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
2013 Saturday Class Dates: April 20, May 11, June 8, July 20, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 7 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!
Preparing for Your Newborn with Boys Town Pediatrics
Saturday, April 27, 2013 Car Seat Installation 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Meet our pediatricians and tour our clinic. • • • • •
Car Seat Installation Pampering Services Newborn Seminars Gift Bags Desserts and Prizes!
Newborn Expo 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Boys Town Medical Campus Pacific Street Clinic 14040 Hospital Road 139th & Pacific
BOYS TOWN
Pediatrics
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Grand Prize!
Newborn Photography Session
Boystownpediatrics.org