May 2011 Family Spectrum

May 2011

featuring Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s

Sand in the City®

summer fitness

for kids

may is

bike safety month

what teens really think

about texting and driving

In whose hands will you place her?

Intensive Care for Newborns Children’s is the only hospital in the region with 24/7 access to a full complement of pediatric specialists. All dedicated to give the highest level of care to the most fragile newborns. Whatever they need. Whenever they arrive. We’ll be waiting up.

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.

OMAHA



Kickoff Parties It’s a small world with big excitement.

Explore it with us this summer!

Sat, May 21, 2-4 PM North America at Benson Park Sun, May 22, 2-4 PM Australia at Lake Zorinsky Mon, May 23, 6-8 PM Europe at Tahazouka Park Tues, May 24, 6-8 PM Antarctica at Gene Leahy Mall Wed, May 25, 6-8 PM Asia at Miller Park Thur, May 26, 6-8 PM South America at Hitchcock Park Fri, May 27, 6-8 PM Africa at Standing Bear Lake

Start an amazing summer journey with OPL at one or all of our destinations—get a taste of the tales and culture of countries around the world and find out more about the places you’ll go.

Visit omahalibrary.org for more details.

editor’sletter Volume 6 . Issue 9

A

h May, one of my favorite months.

My birthday is on the 24th (the big 40), the weather is finally cooperating, and who doesn’t like to see the flowers and sunshine on a regular basis? It is funny though, I always thought turning 40 would be a kind of odd milestone for me, where I would be worried about wrinkles and gray hair. Turns out, I am not as vain as I imagined, and turning 40 has a different set of challenges for me.

It is with mixed feelings that I have to let you all know that this will be my last issue of Family Spectrum. I was super excited to join the team at Omaha Publications, and have really enjoyed the time I was able to devote to this incredible magazine. But there has been a change in my family circumstances, and my husband and I, and our son Andrew, will be moving north to Minneapolis to be closer to family. I know they will find a great new editor, and hope to keep up with all the exciting happenings for families and parents here in Omaha by checking out future issues on readonlinenow.com. Omaha is the only home my son has known, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. We leave behind great friends, the best daycare provider on earth, and some pretty amazing co-workers. But as I said, we are leaving to be closer to family—so the adventure is worth the crazy-fast move, and the stress of leaving a beloved home.

This issue is filled with all kinds of reasons why family is so important. Check out the cover story on page 20, and learn more about The Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundations’s awesome Sand in the City® event in June. The event itself is a great destination for family fun, and the organization is an awesome example of people working together to help families learn and grow. And don’t miss the article on summer fitness on page 9. We can all use reminders to get out and move—our kids will thank us for it! Just be sure to check out the bike safety tips on page 23, so you are safe when you get out and play.

Also, we want to extend a big thank you to Cullen Chollett and his son, Bentley, 14 mos., for being our cover models. Chollett and his ConAgra teammates will be participating in the NCHS’s Sand in the City®, so if you’re downtown for the event, be sure to stop by and say you saw him and his adorable son on Family Spectrum!

Wishing you all an awesome summer—one filled with laughter, smiles and much family fun. Now get out there and play!

Sincerely,

Publisher . Todd Lemke Vice President . Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Managing Editor . Corey Ross Family Spectrum Editor . Heather Heier Lane Assistant Editor . Linda Persigehl Art Director/Graphic Designer . John Gawley Graphic Designer/Art Director . Matt Jensen Photographers . Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey, Colin Conces Account Executives . Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Stacey Penrod Sales Assistants . Vicki Voet, Alicia Smith Hollins, Dara Rene Newson Technical Advisor . Tyler Lemke Distribution Manager . Mike Brewer Advertising .

Omaha Publications, (402) 884–2000 Editorial Comments . Linda Persigehl, linda@omahapublications.com Please send contributions to linda@omahapublications.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

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 your 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

Heather L. Heather Heier Lane, Editor, Family Spectrum heather@omahapublications.com

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editorsletter

Family Spectrum Magazine ••••

May 2011

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www.LiveGreenThinkBlue.com

TM

M E T R O P O L I TA N U T I L I T I E S D I S T R I C T

GRAND OPENING JUNE 2011

editor’sletter

The Durham Museum’s 2011 schedule of summer camps includes many favorites and some new programming too! Each week, a new subject will be featured including history, art, science, popular culture, tness, and health.

With innovative curriculum taught by certied teachers, you will be sure to nd a camp that interests your child.

Camps are available in three age groups including 5 to 6 year-olds, 7 to 8 year-olds and 9 year-olds and up. Camps are $75 for museum members and $85 for non-members. Before and after care as well as lunch is available for an additional charge.

For more information and the camp schedule, please visit www.durhammuseum.org or contact The Durham’s education department at (402) 444-5027.

Hurry, reservations are required and camps ll up fast!

801 South 10th Street • Omaha, NE 68108 • (402) 444-5071 • www.durhammuseum.org

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CONTENTS may 2011

live .love .grow 20

coverfeature 20 . The Nebraska

Children’s Home Society’s Sand In the City®

athome 9 11

12 13

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summer fitness for kids methodist women’s occupational therapy launches driver rehabilitation program orthodontic advancements for teens family spectrum’s family table mexican market coleslaw the north omaha center for healthy families - a hand up

atschool 16

17 18 19

what do teens really think about texting and driving young hero: cassidy family spectrum’s writer’s corner youth programs are a turning point

atplay 20

23 24

27 29 30 •

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the nebraska children’s home society’s sand in the city® may is bike safety month on the go! 2011 passport offers new stops, prizes, adventure may 2011 event calendar boys town foster care: a new dimension of love grab your bike and get ready to ride

readonlinenow.com May 2011

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content

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athome

Children Grow Best in Families…Become a Foster Parent

1-877-KVC-4-KIDS www.kvc.org

Thanks For Voting Us Best of Omaha!

CREATING MEMORIES

YMCA DAY CAMPS

Trust the Y to keep your kids safe and active this summer.

• Camp Pokamoke • Summer Fun Club • Teen Discovery Join the Y and create memories. www.metroymca.org

Huerter Orthodontics 2410 South 73rd Street • Omaha, NE 68124 402.397.4226 • www.drtomortho.com

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Ask us about Invisalign Teen Today!

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Summer Fitness

for Kids

P

hysical fitness has its benefits—­lower cholesterol and blood pressure, decreased body fat, increased blood and oxygen flow...the list seems endless. And exercise is even more beneficial for children. It teaches them about taking care of their bodies while creating stronger, leaner muscles. Exercise also protects against osteoporosis and diabetes. Starting a fitness program at an early age can help your child get a jump-start on a lifetime of healthy habits.

With summer just around the corner, children will have more time to devote to physical strength and cardiovascular fitness. Children should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. The physical activity should elevate the heart rate enough to create perspiration. Examples of cardio exercises include participating in physical sports, such as soccer or baseball, jumping rope, playing tag or riding a bike.

For the child’s safety, parents should make sure that physical activity is age-appropriate. Sports should be played with children who are the same age and size. Rules and playing levels should also be ageappropriate so your child does not get discouraged.

Do not push your child to play or engage in an activity he or she does not like. When children feel pressured, the activity becomes a chore and is no longer fun. This can create negative emotions about exercising, and even result in long-term sedentary behavior.

Children learn by example, so why not show your child the importance of an exercise program by being active together? Parents who exercise are more likely to have children who engage in physical exercise. Family bike rides, community fun runs and picnics at recreational parks are just a few summer fun activities that do not seem like exercise.

Remember that any physical activity can be exercise—walking to the neighborhood pool, riding bikes and playing hide-and-go-seek.

These bursts of energy will keep kids healthy and fit all summer long.

For more than 9,000 pediatric tips, visit the Pediatric Advisor at boystownpediatrics. org.

familySPECTRUM

By: Michael L. Grush, M.D., Boys Town Pediatrics •

readonlinenow.com May 2011

••••

Mich ael L. Grush, M.D.

live .love .grow athome • 9

athome Meeting the big needs of our smallest patients

Ivette, RN

Sometimes our smallest patients have very big needs. From a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit designed with features to help babies get stronger, to experts with more than two decades of experience caring for babies born prematurely. We deliver what babies need during their most delicate times. And what parents need to feel most assured. Methodist Women’s Hospital.

That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org ©2011 Methodist Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Methodist Health System

• Help with children’s behavioral problems • Youth mental health referrals • Trained counselors available 24x7

Give your concerns a voice.

And give your family hope.

A SERVICE OF THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

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1-888-866-8660 www.nebraskafamilyhelpline.ne.gov/ ••••

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athome Provided by: Methodist Hospital

Pictured L to R: Kelina, Mary and Melissa, Driver Rehabilitation Program Driving Specialists

A

vision two years in the making

recently became reality thanks to the efforts of the Methodist Hospital Rehabilitation Center’s Occupational Therapy Department and Methodist Hospital Foundation.

The hard work of both resulted in the unveiling of a new driver rehabilitation program on April 4.

The program is designed to assist anyone with risks associated with driving, such as individuals with orthopedic, neurological, cognitive, or visual impairment, as well as those with diminished driving abilities due to aging.

“The need for this program was brought to us by both physicians and therapy staff,” said Kelli Eaton, OTR/L, director of therapy services, wound and diabetes centers at Methodist Hospital.

“Our programs focus on the skills people need to complete activities of daily living and driving is a piece of that. There are many components

Methodist Occupational Therapy Launches

Driver Rehabilitation Program

associated with driving which include, but are not limited to vision, strength, range of motion, cognition and the ability to multi-task. Driving is a habitual process and because of that, we simply don’t think we aren’t capable.”

The program became a reality thanks to funding from Methodist Hospital Foundation. The vehicle, nicknamed Ruby, has been adapted with a passenger-side brake for the occupational therapist, various styles and functionality of hand controls, spinner knobs, and the ability to modify the gas and brake pedals, which are all key elements to meeting individualized needs.

The program, which includes both a clinical and behind-the-wheel evaluation process, is overseen by three Methodist Hospital occupational therapists. The clinical is comprised of a battery of standardized tests that assess various skills required for safe driving. The behind-the-wheel evaluation involves driving the adaptive vehicle, progressing from low distraction situations to those that are increasingly challenging. Physician referral is required for program participation.

“A person’s ability to drive shouldn’t come down to an all-or-nothing situation,” Eaton said. “Our job is to help that person work toward being able to drive safely. If they are not able to do so, then we have conversations about what we can do to adapt their daily life so they can still be active and independent.”

The new program is just the third of its kind in the Omaha area and one of only 362 nationwide.

According to Eaton, waiting lists for the existing programs are as long as two months.

“We knew there was a real need for this program,” Eaton said.

For more information call (402) 354-4605.

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readonlinenow.com May 2011

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familySPECTRUM

live .love .grow athome • 11

athome

Subscribe Today For more than 20 years, Omaha Magazine has brought you stories of the city’s most fascinating people and interesting places.

Every great city has its own distinctive flair for living and Omaha is no exception.

Every two months our award-winning writers, photographers, columnists and designers bring you captivating stories on home and garden, leisure life, food and dining, style, the arts, entertainment and travel, as well as compelling features on the area’s most interesting people and places.

If it’s Omaha, it’s in Omaha Magazine.

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NEW TrachaNoids diNosaurs

discoVEr ThE PoWEr Get Your Trachanoids dinosaurs, chapter book, coloring/activity book and Trading card Game at

www.trachanoids.com Also available at Amazon.com

Orthodontic

Advancements for Teens

T

raditional orthodontic treatment for the teenage patient has evolved a great deal in the last 20 years. Heavy form-fitting bands of metal have given way to tiny glue-on metal brackets or aesthetically pleasing tooth-colored porcelain in an ongoing attempt to improve comfort, cosmetics and treatment efficiency. The result was greater acceptance, fewer tears and shorter treatment.

In the last 10 years, INVISALIGN technology, which uese a series of customized clear plastic trays to move teeth, has gained in popularity and quality for adults, but was previously unavailable to actively growing patients. Today, with the introduction of a clinically viable INVISALIGN TEEN modality, many of our younger patients enjoy the option of choosing invisible tray technology to align poorly fitting teeth. The obvious advantage for most teens is the invisible nature of the orthodontic correction. However, eliminating broken brackets poking wires, and emergency visits, while enhancing oral hygiene access has made INVISALIGN TEEN an invaluable tool for today’s orthodonist.

Choosing conventional appliances or INVISALIGN TEEN, the objective remains the same—straight, healthy teeth, a structurally sound bite and a bright, SPECTRUM beautiful smile.

family

Meet the Author/Illustrator at: -Rockbrook Village, May 7, 10am-5pm -Midwest Trade Days, 17272 Giles, July 9 & 10; Aug. 13-14

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Dr. Tom Huerter

Submitted By: Huerter Orthodontics ••••

May 2011

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familySPECTRUM

Photo by: John Gawley Submitted by: Suzanne Arney

Explore your potential and feel the exhilaration of performing through our Summer Stock Performance Camps! It’s a fantastic training-ground for kids and teens! Join us...and perform!

Workshops, classes and rehearsals all culminate in performing the classical ballet, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and "Alice The Musical." For students of all ages and levels. Call and register now!

Recipe Mexican Market Coleslaw Dressing:

- - - - -

1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup fresh lime juice Zest of one lime 1 to 2 Tbsp salsa Fresh, minced cilantro to taste

Instructions:

Stir together dressing ingredients and set aside.

Alice The Musical

A Midsummer Night's Dream

This fun musical will be performed August 5 & 6 at Heartland Hall. This show brings "Alice in Wonderland" to life!

The enchanting classic ballet full of fairies, love and mischief, will be performed on June 25th at the new Sumtur Amphitheater.

Also... Free Alice The Musical Workshop!

Meet the director and explore the musical...for free!

Call 402-237-8801 for details

Salad:

RobinWelchDanceArts - 402/237/8801

- 1 (16 oz) bag shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix) - 1/2 colorful bell pepper, diced - 1/2 to one whole can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed - 4 tomatillos, sliced in thin crescents - 3 scallions, thinly sliced

Mix salad lightly, then add dressing. Garnish with orange slices and cilantro.

Offer crushed red chilies on the side.

Recipe enjoyed by: Kate, 11, Chloe, 9, Mom and Dad Kristi and Rob

FREE WORKSHOP

Got Belly Fat?

Hoping you’ll someday lose weight?

Learn how! Call for available dates. 402-502-6999

Smith, grandparents Suzanne and Roger Arney.

n Learn HOW to burn stomach fat, not merely a few temporary water weight pounds. n Learn WHY many people EXERCISE with ZERO results. n Learn WHAT is really behind a resistant metabolism. n ONLY 2% of overweight people are successful—FIND OUT WHY!

About the recipe: All you really need for coleslaw is cabbage, mayonnaise, and a vivid imagination. Choose a theme and go from there.

Be creative—there are no limits! For Asian Coleslaw, add snow peas and pickled ginger. For Birthday Coleslaw, surprise the birthday person with all her favorite veggies. (Don’t forget the candles stuck in cherry tomatoes on top!) I started making coleslaw when I was 9, and so far I’ve had no disasters. I make dressing with mayonnaise and something acidic—there are lots of vinegars to try or use citrus juice. Chloe is a great food stylist.

Suzanne’s p.s.: I am lucky enough to be able to spend lots of time

with my wonderful granddaughters. From the time they could eat table food, whenever we go to the grocery store or market, they each could choose one item of produce—whatever they wanted. Watermelon in winter, or an exotic squash? Fine with me!

They also love things fresh from the garden, especially tomatoes and sorrel.

readonlinenow.com May 2011

www.drcromworkshops.com There will be a demonstration of the treatment and patient testimonials at the end of the workshop.

You Will Learn: The basic BODY SHAPES and how hormones can distort the bodyblocking weight loss even when Diet and EXERCISE don't work.

How the body's FAT BURNING hormones get triggered. Find out the biggest mistake people make with exercising.

Learn the 4 different causes of belly fat.

How hormones affect what you crave. How Chronic Pain and SLEEPING PROBLEMS relate to your body type. n

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Submit your recipe to linda@ omahapublications.com.

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Call 402-502-6888 to sign up today!

Limited seating - only RSVP admitted! • Spring Ridge Chiropractic speaker Dr. Nick Crom.

FREE Body Analysis 402-502-6888

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Th e Smith s ••••

live .love .grow athome • 13

athome Now, fewer than six months later, Linda is preparing to begin her studies at Bellevue University. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree and will soon be able to get an apartment to share with her young son. And this spring, she begins an intensive 16-week “Nurturing Parenting” class, which is a nationally recognized curriculum endorsed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska created the new North Omaha Center for Healthy Families, based on models of successful Centers in Council Bluffs and Fremont. The objective for all is the same—early intervention and prevention programming that reduces the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. The Centers were founded on the belief that when given the essential skills and support, highly stressed parents and caregivers with limited resources would create healthier environments for their children.

Because of the unique needs of the neighborhoods served by the North Omaha Center, specialized programs are available to meet those needs.

Approximately 80 percent of Center clients are pregnant or parenting teens, so through a partnership with Building Bright Futures, these young parents can continue or re-engage the process of obtaining their high school diploma or G.E.D. The Center has special programming and therapies that reach out to young fathers, to children who have experienced trauma, and to teens who have been diagnosed with behavioral health issues.

The North Omaha

Center for Healthy Families — A Hand Up

W

hen all you have is bedroom slippers for shoes, it’s hard to take care of yourself, much less a child. And forget about going to the job interviews.

When Linda* came to the North Omaha Center for Healthy Families last November, she was struggling to make ends meet on less than $75 a week. For a variety of reasons, family ties were strained, and Linda and her 3-year-old son were homeless.

The staff at Lutheran Family Services’ North Omaha Center for Healthy Families assessed Linda’s needs: First, manage the immediate crises of housing and clothing by connecting with appropriate community resources; Second, create a long-term plan for parenting success.

Staff members determined Linda’s eligibility for Center programming, and then—among other things—helped guide Linda through online job applications, college applications, and the necessary clothing for job interviews.

Bev Ca rl

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The North Omaha Center is located in the Urban League building at 30th and Lake Streets. Tom Warren, the President and CEO of the Urban League (and former Omaha Police Chief) is a strong proponent of the work of the Center. Says Warren: “The investment in Early Childhood Development will pay significant dividends as we equip the program participants with the skills that are necessary to become effective parents.”

Warren says he’s excited about the long-term impact the Center will have on the lives of North Omaha’s children.

To learn more about the Center for Healthy Families, you can visit www.lfsneb.org.

familySPECTRUM

*Not real name.

so n

By: Bev Carlson, APR – Director of Public Relations, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS)

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May 2011

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atplay EXPERIENCE

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June 6 - August 5 No camp the week of July 4

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FIRST EYE

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readonlinenow.com May 2011

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4242 Farnam St., Ste. 247

552-2300

live .love .grow atplay • 15

atschool

What Do Teens Really Think About Texting and Driving?

“Beep. Beep. Beep.” The simple sound coming from a cell phone can turn a quick glance down into a lifetime of regret. Text messaging while driving is not only a bad habit, it also contributes to the increase in fatal accidents involving teenage drivers.

Being teenagers, we understand that teenagers live in the moment and don’t think about consequences for their actions until the action is already done.

If our parents caught us texting and driving, they would probably ground us and take our phones away—which we’re sure plenty of other adults would do, too. These are examples of minor consequences of text messaging while driving. One of the more major consequences would be getting pulled over, since it is against the law. And while these seem bad, they are not the worstcase scenario of texting while driving.

MONTESSORI iNTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE PLAINS

Junior & Senior High School

Where education makes sense

Now Enrolling for Fall 2011 ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENT * INTEGRITY * LIFE OF PURPOSE

The National Safety Council has reported that around 28 percent of car crashes, or 1.6 million accidents per year, happen because of the driver text messaging while at the wheel. Students don’t realize that making this tiny mistake could lead to a major injury, or even death. It wouldn’t be fair to innocent people to have to be put through this trauma because of another human’s mistake.

We reached out to teenage students to get their thoughts. “While traveling the size of a football field going only 35 miles per hour, many things can happen in a second. Don’t text and drive. It might save your life,” PapillionLa Vista South senior Hayley Wagster said. Elkhorn South junior Taylor Martin adds, “If you wouldn’t read a book and drive, then you should never text and drive.” Driving can be fun at times, but you need to take it seriously because it is a bigger responsibility than people realize.

We understand that it’s hard to resist having a social life for a few minutes, but everyone, not just teens, needs to think about the consequences before they make careless decisions. When you’re on the road, the actions you make in your car not only affect you, but also affect everybody else around you. Think before you act. “One text is not worth the lifetime of injury,” Papillion-La Vista South sophomore Jake Bousquet said.

Contact us:

“Beep. Beep. Beep” The phone rang again. “Don’t answer it!” her conscience cried. By making the choice to not answer it, she just saved herself from a lifetime of guilt and the risk of causing an accident. Next time your phone goes off while driving, take a quick second to think about how it will affect your life—and possibly somebody SPECTRUM else’s.

www.plainsmontessori.org

Written by Shelby and Alexa, Photo by Shelby, students at Papillion South.

“Education is a natural process carried out by the human 7020 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68144 individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, 402.965.1412 but by experiences in the email: misp@plainsmontessori.org environment.”

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~ Maria Montessori

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May 2011

Shelby & Alexa

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Young Heroes proudly sponsored by: Submitted by Amy Carey, Cassidy’s Mom

• She couldn’t catch a ball. It would appear to come toward her, then back, then to her again.

• Water at the lake flashed. She didn’t know the flashes were waves in the water.

• Flashes between words, numbers, music lines and anything with an ‘o’ in it flashed.

Example: PpDdBbRQqag • Dyslexic with b,d,p, and q and some numbers because it flashed.

• When words or numbers are listed in a row, the white paper around it flashed.

• Sometimes I’d tell her to pick something up in front of her, and she couldn’t see it. because things flashed all around her.

Young Hero:

Cassidy

M

y daughter has had trouble

with reading, writing, math, dyslexia, concentration, anxiety, and frustration since she was in first grade. A teacher mentioned another child with the same learning difficulties, and he had these colored lenses that helped him.

She told me more about these glasses and said the problem was diagnosed as Irlen Syndrome. Finally, I found something promising to help my daughter!

Here are some of the signs Cassidy reported seeing:

• Colors looked dirty. Examples: black looked like gray, white looked dusty, fish tank looked dirty.

• Whatever sunlight hit was cut in half on the top. Examples: houses, trees, campers, decks, and stairs.

• The waxed floors at school flashed. She didn’t know it had little squares on the floor. Couldn’t see uneven ground, hills, and slopes.

• Furniture, curtains, or any type of material that had lines on them flashed. She didn’t like to look at them.

• Chalkboard was blurry, even if she sat in the front wearing her prescription glasses.

We first tried the transparent colored overlays that she laid over the pages as she read. After seeing the effects of the overlays on her reading, we got the glasses for her. She got her glasses on my birthday, May 14, 2008. It was the best present I will ever get! The first thing Cassidy said after putting them on was, “I feel like I was in a cage and now I’m free.” I got tears in my eyes. She sat in the back seat of the car and just smiled, looking at the world that was ‘flashed out’ for 10 years and 11 months of her life. Many thanks to Anne Francis and Bonnie Bartels who tested her for this, and for giving her the ability to see things the way she should.

Every day, it amazes me how different her world looks through her colored lenses. She has more confidence with them and everything is so much easier for her. She is now 13 and has A’s and B’s on her report card. She’s three points away from being in Advanced Reading. She has worked so hard to get where she has in school. I am so proud of her and thought others should hear about Irlen Syndrome a.k.a Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome/ Visual Perceptual Disorder. It’s hard to think of all the struggles she had as a child, and to think of how her life could have been if she wasn’t diagnosed! With the proper tools, she was able to reach her full potential. That is why she is my hero!!!

If you have a child that has any of these problems, for their sake, please look up Irlen Syndrome, have them checked out, and let them get out of SPECTRUM their flashing cage!

family

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

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live .love .grow atschool • 17

atschool Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner

Proudly Presented by:

Ethan

Ethan is 9 years old and in 3rd grade at Anderson Grove Elementary. He likes to play football, basketball, baseball and loves to read. His favorite subject in school is math.

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

His brother Jake is 7 and sister Audrey is 4.

Blue by Ethan

Blue is the sky and the ocean below…

That swirls with blue fish that always flow y e r d u And blue is the color of eyes, And blueberry pies… a n, A h t E , e k Ja That bubble in the oven while kids have bright eyes.

Blue is a slide at the park, A place to play before it’s dark.

Blue is the feeling that is cold. Blue stands up bright and bold!

Blue is fireworks at the fair that burst up in the midnight air, And cotton candy, too.

It melts on my tongue and turns it blue And that’s when people start to stare.

Blue!

Experience the freedom first hand by registering at Swimtastic this Summer.

Easy registration, flexible class times, small class sizes, a professional teaching staff, warm water pool, water slide and palm tree shower are a tempting escape from the confines of ordinary swim programs.

ATTENTION YOUNG WRITERS! Submit your original short stories and/or poems to Linda@OmahaPublications.com, and we may choose YOURS to feature in our next issue! In addition, all featured work will be awarded with a gift certificate to The Bookworm bookstore.

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.

Now registering for Summer

Escape

Ordinary

the

Summer Session

May 31st - August 22nd Classes available daytimes, evenings and saturdays Swimtastic Swim School

2920 N 118th Street Omaha, NE 68164 402-496-SWIM (7946) | www.swimtastic.com

WOODHAVEN COUNSELING ASSOCIATES Specializing in Mental Health, Psychological, SpecializingPsychiatric in Mental Health • Psychological, Psychiatric Services Services and Substance Abuse Evaluations Substance Abuse Evaluation • Collaborative Divorce Services ADULTS • CHILDREN CHILDREN • COUPLES FAMILY ADULTS COUPLES • FAMILY 11319PPStreet, Street,Suite Suite One 1, Omaha, Nebraska 11319 — Omaha NE 68137 68137 Voice:402 402592-0328 592-0328 •—Fax: Voice: Fax:402 402592-4170 592-4170 www.woodhavencounseling.com

Have a Giant Screen Outdoor Movie Party!

Awesome New Party Idea!

402-317-5225 www.FunFlicks.com Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FunFlicksKansas

$25

OFF your MOVIE EVENT!

We bring a Giant Inflatable Movie Screen & all Equipment to your location. The Kids will LOVE it, the parents, too!

Exp. 12/31/2011

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atschool Submitted by: Turning Point

Youth Programs are a

Turning Point

T

urning Point is a youth ministry center located in the heart of North Omaha at 45th Street and Bedford Avenue.

The main objective of the organization is to provide a safe, clean, well-maintained campus as a resource for local Christian churches and organizations that are developing and implementing programs that endeavor to meet the increasing emotional, spiritual, mental and physical needs of young people in the community.

Even though Turning Point does not offer its own youth programs, they strive to rent or lease facilities at an affordable rate to organizations conducting programs and activities that are geared toward meeting the needs of children and youth. Currently, Turning Point is the home of youth outreach clubs, mentoring and discipleship, child care services, educational services, summer programs, mission trips, counseling services, and Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering.

To learn more about the ministries on campus, visit www. turningpointomaha.org. To inquire about renting or leasing office space, a youth outreach program or an event, call 402-457-6025 ext. 101.

Old School vs. New School Basketball Fun & Game

Saturday, May 28th Turning Point Gymnasium Contact: Gail Ross at 402-457-6025 ext. 101

Nothing But Net Summer Youth Leadership Camp

Monday thru Friday, May 31 thru August 5 Times: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Primus Jones at 402-905-7759

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live .love .grow atschool • 19

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cover feature

Photos courtesy of NCHS

By Tricia Kushman Anderson and Heather Heier Lane

The Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s

Sand In The City Providing Family Fun and Hope for Nebraska’s Children In Need

T

he Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s Sand in the City® is a weekend event centered around family and fun. With

350 tons of sand and 17 local corporate teams, as well architects and professional sand sculptors from around the nation—all gathering together to build elaborate sand sculptures—this is definitely the place to be June 3-5. Join the fun and head on down to the parking lot of Omaha’s Qwest Center to see what can be done with sand. Be prepared to be amazed.

What makes the event special is that from top to bottom it is about family. Organizers work tirelessly to raise funds for Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) programs, which directly benefit children through pregnancy, parenting, and adoption services and family planning.

Corporations pay for teams to compete with the sole purpose of beating the competition and winning bragging rights with the grandest sculpture.

Many individual team participants spend over 40 hours conceptualizing,

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prepping and crafting the elaborate sand sculptures—all while working as a team with co-workers, local architects and various artists. Why do they do it? You could say it is a bit like sibling rivalry, with a blend of competition and curiosity. While they are pumped to make the best sculpture and see what the competition comes up with, in the end the corporations and team members do it for one reason—to raise money that will directly benefit children and families.

Cullen Chollett, co-leader of the ConAgra corporate team, started participating when he was a husband—now he is also a father. He and his wife, Marilyn, adopted their son, Bentley, through NCHS about a year ago. Certainly it would seem Cullen has a vested interest, but he and his ConAgra co-leader, Jamie Wagner, both agree they would find a way to participate in this incredible event even if their company did not sponsor a team.

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May 2011

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atplay Both Chollett and Wagner believe that Sand in the City® brings the community together to raise awareness for NCHS, but more importantly, they feel that being a part of this team fills something within your soul. “I wish I could do more,” says Chollett. All NCHS asks people to do is donate time, talent or treasures, adding, “We work really hard, but really have fun!” Wagner elaborates on that point and says, “I get to spend a day away from work having fun through a group effort, and seeing what a difference NCHS has made in my friend Cullen’s life has been amazing.” This is her way of helping an organization that gave her friend the greatest gift he could ever receive.

Sabrina Ahern is another event participant who would never dream of not participating. As an architect with Leo A. Daly, she has worked with other teams for the past three events, and this year will be working with her firm’s own corporate team. Ahern says it’s easy to want to volunteer her time and says, “This is a great cause that has become more and more dear to my heart.”

In the years since her first time as a volunteer, Ahern has had a friend adopt a child through NCHS, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law have now become foster parents, with the hopes of adopting, through the NCHS foster care program. “Everybody wants the same thing: a family that is gonna love them,” says Ahern. She is grateful to help everyone find that kind of love.

And don’t forget about the sand. Sure, teams compete for bragging rights, and spend a lot

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of time and energy helping the event be successful, but without the sand there would be no event. The sculptures are built with precision and presented to the public with great pride. Now don’t be fooled and think this is easy, that you can build the same stuff at a local park. “I was schooled pretty quick when I used the term castle!” says Wagner. “Think less castle and more sculpture!” she adds with a laugh. You can literally watch the transformation of sand to sculpture take place over the weekend.

Sand in the City® truly focuses on a family fun weekend.

Opportunities for fun include viewing the sculptures and voting on your favorite display, a Kid Zone featuring interactive games for kids of all ages, face painting, prizes, a main stage with family-focused entertainment, food vendors—and to top it all off, a gigantic sand play area for kids, and the kid in all of us. For more info visit www. sandinthecityomaha.com.

About the Nebraska Children’s Home Society

Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s services are centered on creating healthy environments for kids and families. All Nebraska teens and women who are pregnant, or believe they may be pregnant, have access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to professional staff who can provide confidential services that help ensure their well-being and that of their unborn child. Through 10 statewide offices, NCHS staff provides services that include teen pregnancy prevention, education on parenting or adoption options, assistance to parents who are overwhelmed and children at risk for abuse or neglect, early childhood education, and outreach education to schools, medical staff and the community. NCHS recruits, trains and ^Courtesy of the Omaha Camera Club supports adoptive and foster parents who can provide safe and loving care to children of all ages, including children that are medically fragile.

NCHS builds families through adoption and provides lifelong support that equips parents and children to lead happy, healthy lives. NCHS continues to be the ONLY agency in the United States that has not charged fees for its adoption services for more than 115 years. The majority of its funding is provided by private contributions. The mission of Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) is to provide safe and SPECTRUM loving care to children of all ages. Learn more at www.nchs.org.

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So much for the whole family to do!

MidwestKidsFest.com check online for special

Where families can laugh and learn together!

• • • • • • • • •

TONS of shopping!

Magician Kids Activities Door Prizes Live Entertainment Bounce House Moonwalk Pony Rides Reptile Zoo

Family 4-Pack

• Petting Zoo • Cutest Kid Contest • Face Painting • Kids Characters • Games • Bouncers • And MUCH MORE! TONS of great resource information for parents!

Play for a chance to win

k $50,000 k

in college scholarships!

k or

SUV!

Omaha’s re hunt A treasu

k

a

3

Bigwheels 2 Butterflys

y t i n r e t a M

Buy and sell new to nearly new maternity clothing.

Now Op

en

ok

G u ide b o

012 r 2011/2 dated fo

Up

more

Find your

way to . .

.

Nature

AHA E OF OM ities LEAGU JUNIOR ding better commun Women buil

o

Enature.inf

www.MOR

Get ready to explore and play in Omaha with the upcoming 3rd and last edition of GO! Play Adventure. This program takes your family all over the greater metro area to experience all kinds of outdoor fun. Finish the book and earn prizes!

NW corner of 72nd and 370 1219 Applewood Dr. Ste. 103, Papillion

Free books at all Omaha Community Centers • Mahoney State Park • Papio NRD • call the NRD at 402.444.6222

(402) 991-1030 • www.bigwheels2butterflys.com

www.papionrd.org 22

next treasure

etro Are

maha M

reater O

in the G

make crayon rubbings & play! turn in book for prizes!

10am-5pm • Omaha Qwest Center

Sign up to WIN cool prizes and coupons at www.MidwestKidsFest.com/Omaha Check out our website to see ALL of the fun we’re stirring up for families!!

Hunt starts in June!

Starting Father’s Day:

use clues to find posts

August 6 & 7

discount pricing!

Check out website for ALL the details! www.midwestkidsfest.com “Like” us on FB at www.facebook.com/midwestkidsfest.com for all the insider discounts and deals!!

get the book at Community Centers

Don’t miss out! Visit website for details!

•

www.MOREnature.info

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M-F 10am - 7pm . Sat. 10am - 6pm . Sun.12pm - 5pm

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atplay Boys Town National Research Hospital

Submitted By: National Safety Council, Greater Omaha Chapter

MEMORIAL DAY RUN

May Is Bike Safety Month

S

pring is here, and it’s time to finally haul the kids’ bikes out of the garage. Dust

2011

Monday, May 30 on the historic Boys Town campus

a few spiderwebs off the helmets and they’re off, right? Except over the winter, while they were busy outgrowing their shoes and coats and everything else, they also outgrew their bikes. Yikes!

As a parent himself, Jim Carvath of the Bike Rack can empathise. “Everybody wants to get their child a bike that will fit them as long as possible, but if it doesn’t fit your child, you’ll pay for that too. They won’t ride it at all, or it won’t be safe, or even if they do ride it, it won’t be fun so they won’t ride as long.” One solution could be a bike with an adjustable handlebar and pedal placement.

If the bike does still fit your child, Carvath recommends giving it a quick safety check. Put it into a rack, or hold it off the ground, turn the crank and spin the pedals to make sure the gears work smoothly. If the chain needs to be oiled, he highly recommends bike lubricant. “Don’t use WD-40 or something from the hardware store. Many of those will just attract dirt and grime, which builds up and results in a more expensive tune-up in the long run.”

He recommends simply throwing the bike in the car and taking it to a bike shop for a yearly tune-up. Like a car, a little regular maintenance will improve safety and head off expensive repairs down the line. “After sitting for a long time, the tires will be flat, they always are,” Carvath says. “Checking the air pressure regularly makes for a fun, easier ride. Low tires also don’t corner well, which can result in a spill.”

Now that the bike’s in shape, are you ready to hit the road? Not quite. The Safety Council stresses the importance of teaching children bicycle safety, including the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet and learning hand signals.

• Children need to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short. Accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. When you ride your bike, wear your helmet.

• When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standard.

• A helmet protects your child from serious injury and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.

• A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forward or backward. The strap should be securely fastened, and should not move in any direction.

More Tips for Safe Bicycling: • Children should not ride bikes at night.

• Obey traffic rules. Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists. This includes signaling turns half a block before the intersection. In case you forgot: left arm straight out for left turn, forearm up for right turn.

• Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Bicycling two abreast can be dangerous, even on designated bike trails.

• When sharing the road, stay as far right as possible, but watch for sewer gratings, debris and opening car doors.

• Make safe turns and cross intersections with care. Motorists do not expect you—you must watch out for them!

• Be seen by wearing bright clothes.

• Equip your bicycle with proper safety equipment. This includes: a red rear reflector; a white front reflector; a red or colorless spoke reflector on the rear wheel; an amber or colorless reflector on the front wheel; and pedal reflectors.

familySPECTRUM

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You can walk, run or even stroll . . . just

Get in the Race!

• • • • •

400-Meter Kids Run 1-Mile Walk/Run 5-Mile Walk/Run Food, Awards, Prizes, Music!

All ages and fitness levels will enjoy the walk, run and family friendly courses.

Something for everyone! FUN!

Presented by: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Performance Automotive Group, Copic Insurance and TD AMERITRADE.

Register online at

MemorialDayRun.com or call 498-6729 for more information

live .love .grow atplay • 23

atplay Submitted By: Nebraska Travel and Tourism

Embrace Foster Children There are thousands of kids in foster care in Nebraska. Many

are victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect. Many have problems that interfere with their ability to succeed in traditional foster care. Many need specialized family settings.

All of them need help and hope.

On The Go!

R

2011 Passport Offers New Stops, Prizes, Adventure

tly Curren riety a va seeking ilies for of fam r and Foste ve Adopti n!

Childre

ediscover the road trip with the 2011 Nebraska Passport. It’s your family’s chance to get out and explore the

state, have fun along the way, and take home great prizes.

The 2011 program features 33 attractions throughout the state. Get your passport stamped when you visit as many as you can before Sept. 30 to be eligible for prizes. You’ll receive a new prize for every 11 attractions you visit: 11 stamps, 2011 Nebraska Passport t-shirt; 22 stamps, $25 GROW Nebraska gift card; and 33 stamps, Bushnell binocular digital camera.

In addition, a grand-prize drawing for an Apple® iPad™ valued at approximately $800 will be held at the conclusion of the program in October 2011.

Children Services Center | (800) 267-9876 | (402) 661-7100 | www.lfsneb.org

“Building & Strengthening Families”

In your family’s quest to collect as many stamps as possible in your passport, you’ll find that the real reward is the adventure of exploring the state—getaways filled with interesting stops, fun-filled days, and unforgettable moments.

You’ll also have a chance to share your adventures at www.NebraskaPassport. com. Tell the world about the hometown hospitality, surprising landscapes, and hidden gems you discover during your travels. Plus, when you submit a story about your family’s passport experience, you’ll get an additional entry into the grand-prize drawing.

10 AM - 5 PM

A tremendous journey awaits your family this summer! So load up the car, pack some snacks, and discover where your Nebraska Passport can take you.

10 AM - 4 PM

You can pick up your passport at any of the following 33 participating attractions:

Alotta Brownies, Arbor Day Farm - Tree Adventure, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, Boys Town, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, Carhenge, Corps of Discovery Welcome Center, Elkhorn Valley Museum, Farm And Ranch Museum, Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine, Harold Warp Pioneer Village, Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, High Plains Homestead, Homestead National Monument of America, Indian Cave State Park, Lake McConaughy Visitor/Water Interpretive Center, Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Nebraska Firefighters Museum & Education Center, Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center, Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse, Petrified Wood Gallery, Ponca State Park, Pony Express Station, Potter Sundry, Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center, Sheldon Museum of Art, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Strategic Air & Space Museum, Too Far North Tasting Room, Wessels Living History Farm, and Wildcat Hills Nature Center.

Learn about more destinations across the state on the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division’s website— VisitNebraska.gov. You can also view and order a copy of the 2011 SPECTRUM Nebraska Travel Guide.

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Or call (402) 346-8003 The 2011 Omaha Health Expo is the largest health event pertaining to wellness, fitness, mind & body. Learn how to improve your lifestyle, ways to live longer, better, and happier. Learn from the Experts and ask them about the benefits. Over 50 Health Seminars will be going on both days. Participate in the Walk held on Saturday and the Bicycle ride and Run on Sunday, both will start and finish at the Expo.

Don't miss this year’s kick off to a Healthier Lifestyle !

Dr. Garland Landrith

Psychologist, Health and Nutritional Advisor

CU Coach Ed Servais Creighton Baseball Coach

Andrew Myers Psychic Andy

••••

CU Coach Elmar Bolowich Creighton Soccer Coach

May 2011

Laura Binetti

Personal Fitness Trainer

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Travel through the tropics and the tundra as roaring robotic dinosaurs and growling Ice Age mammals invade Omaha Children’s Museum this summer!

Celebrate the museum’s 35th anniversary with the all new exhibit Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age open May 28, 2011 through January 8, 2012.

y, S at u r d a

Maya.m2. 8

Details and FREE registration at ocm.org

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City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Department

Spring Into Summer!

May 14th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fun for the Entire family at

Elmwood Park 802 So. 60th Street

Keep Active This Summer!

Live Music!

Purchase Swimming Pool Passes Climbing Wall Bounce House Register For: Rec’s Kids Club Hummel Park Day Camp Program Youth Learn To Play Tennis For Information:

www.CityOfOmaha.org/Parks 444-4FUN (4386) 26

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May 2011 Event Calendar sunday Don’t miss the fun! Clip and put on your fridge.

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Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs April 9 – July 10 • The Durham www.durhammuseum.org Created by the Newseum, Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs, is a dramatic display of award-winning Pulitzer photography. From the poignant shot of an ailing Babe Ruth watching his number being retired at Yankee Stadium, to the U.S. Marines raising an American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, the photographs illustrate the enduring power of the still image. Features some graphic images, not recommend for children under 12.

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International Migratory Bird Day May 7 • Fontenelle Forest Nature Center (402) 731-3140 • www.fontenelleforest.org Explore the world of migrant birds with interactive activities and birding walks. Bring your binoculars for a springtime adventure.

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Mother’s Day

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Mid-America Pinewood Derby May 7 • King of Kings Church, 11615 I Street www.mid-americaderby.com Races will be run on a brand-new 6-lane aluminum track with an electronic start gate and precision electronic timing with LED readout and computer interface. Races will be managed and times will be recorded using the latest computer software. Race statistics and video will be projected on screens throughout the building.

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day April 29-May 15 • The Rose www.rosetheater.org Alexander is having a bad day. It’s a terrible day. It’s a horrible day.

To be quite honest, it’s a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

America’s feistiest storybook character wakes up with gum in his hair; his mom forgets to pack him dessert; and just when the day can’t get any worse, his best friend decides he’s not his best friend anymore!

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Golf For Our Kids, A Special Benefit For The Partnership For Our Kids May 16 • Omaha Country Club 402-930-3026

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission May 21 • Statewide (402) 471-0641 • www.outdoornebraska.org

18-Hole Scramble w/ Shotgun Start, Golf Clinic with Omaha Country Club Golf Pro, Lunch on the Grill, Sports Fan Raffle Give-Away, Team Awards. For more information or to reserve a spot for your foursome, call 402-930-3026.

Take advantage of your chance to go fishing or visit a state park area in Nebraska without having to buy a permit. All other fee requirements, laws, and regulations will be in effect. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host Family Fishing Day events at several locations across the state including Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, Chadron State Park, and Fort Robinson State Park.

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Omaha Children’s Museum Children’s Parade May 28 • Omaha Children’s Museum http://bit.ly/OCMchildrensparade Kick off summer and join Omaha Children’s Museum in celebrating 35 years of imaginative play with the first ever Omaha Children’s Museum Children’s Parade. Dress up your bike, trike, stroller or wagon and march down south 20th St. and end at he museum for a 35-soda geyser salute to kick off our summer exhibit Dinosaurs:Dawn of the Ice Age. Parade is FREE but registration required: http://bit.ly/OCMchildrensparade.

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Memorial Day Memorial Weekend at the Zoo May 28-30 • Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (641) 733-8401 • www.omahazoo.com Experience family-friendly and educational activities including entertainment and animal presentations.

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

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atplay Submitted By: Boys Town

“We talked with them about how blessed our family is, and how whenever the boys needed something, we were able to provide it,” said Janet. “Then we talked about wanting to provide that same thing to a child in need. We’re very blessed that both boys…were okay with the decision, though it certainly took some adjusting.”

While caring for babies is a unique challenge, the Orcutts know they can always count on the support of Boys Town’s Foster Family ServicesSM. The Orcutts had previously fostered for a forprofit agency, and searched out Boys Town on the recommendation of a friend.

Boys Town Foster Care:

A New Dimension Of Love

W

hen Michael and Janet Orcutt took in their first foster child, a newborn with

drugs in her system, their hearts were never fuller.

“When we provided a home for that first baby, both Michael and I believed it happened for a reason,” said Janet. “We were able to help a family in need and we both knew it was something we were going to continue to do for many years.”

That was five years ago. Since then, the Orcutts have provided a home for eight foster children, all babies, as foster parents. One of those children, Hattie, now 2, they officially adopted into their family.

Because Janet is a stay-at-home mom and they had two sons of their own—Gunnar, 15, and Jackson, 12—the Orcutts chose to specialize in foster care for babies. Like any other family, they already had a full schedule of baseball practice and school events. That’s why the decision to become a foster family included their boys.

“Boys Town is a for-children organization,” said Michael. “If we ever need to get a hold of anybody, we can at anytime. Because if we’re in need of something, they know that’s because a child needs something. They’re available to us 24/7 and that’s invaluable as a foster parent.”

Making sure every member of the family gets the love and attention he or she needs requires many late nights and a lot of extra effort in the Orcutt home. But Michael, Janet and their sons can’t imagine their lives being any different. And they have a message for anyone who is thinking about becoming a foster parent: “We’re all going to be dealing with these kids in foster care later on if we don’t help them now,” said Janet. “So experience what God has for you and give your unconditional love to a child in need. Just give it SPECTRUM a try.”

family

HELP A CHILD

BEComE A Boys Town FosTEr PArEnT! » » » »

24/7 on-call support Competitive reimbursement On-going training Access to leading care strategies and research

Call 402-498-3018 or visit boystown.org/foster-family-services 1101-14-02

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By Tricia Kushman Anderson

June 13-17, 9am-12 Daily Children Age 4-5th Grade FREE EVENT

Covenant Presbyterian Church 15002 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68116 402.498.9000 - www.cpomaha.org

meet your new

best friend at horse camp!

Grab Your Bike

and Get Ready To Ride

L

ooking for a fun way to spend time with friends and family? Mark your calendar

for Sunday, May 1. Get some exercise and help promote the bike trail development of Omaha.

Rain or shine, come join the fun. The ride starts and finishes at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, and the event is open to individuals and clubs/companies are encouraged to form their own clubs. There are awards for the club levels based on participation, and proceeds from the bike ride will go to Eastern Nebraska Trails Network (ENTN), benefiting trail development in eastern Nebraska and greater Omaha.

Late registration will be available on the day of event. There are two start times depending on which route you choose.

43—mile Ride, Fort Atkinson Route

• 9:00 a.m. Registration and Late Registration • 9:30 a.m. Start

9—mile & 15—mile Ride Meets Mon, Wed & Fri / 9am-1pm SESSION I Jun 6 - Jun 24

SESSION II Jul 11 - Jul 29

Open to ages 8-16. To register please call (402)453-4000. Download a complete Summer Camp Brochure at poncahillsfarm.com

• 9:30 a.m. Registration and Late Registration • 10:00 a.m. Start

There are also three routes to choose from with something for everyone: Carter Lake (CL) Route-9 miles

This short morning ride beckons you with its beauty. On this extremely flat and scenic route, riders cross the Nebraska/Iowa border into Carter Lake Park, and then return to the Mancuso Convention Center at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.

Viking Park (VP) Route-15 miles

Amid beautiful scenery, cyclists will ride where historical trails and memories were made. The tour takes you through scenic Carter Lake Park and along the Pershing Drive before turning around at Viking Park (located by the OPPD plant).

Ft. Atkinson (FTA) Route-43 miles

The longest, most challenging tour features lake and river valley scenery, beautiful Boyer Chute, rolling hills and a stop at the first military fort established on the Missouri River, Ft. Atkinson. Ft. Atksinson is the turn-around, then one travels through the historic city of Ft. Calhoun. The course returns on Omaha Trace Road to the Mancuso Covention Center at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. devoted to children, horses & learning since 1965

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For more info visit www.omahahealthexpo.com.

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May 2011

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CycleFest, May 15 ic Free Pnutb!l Eve

Driver Education Scholarships Available

CycleFest teaches safe bike riding skills to children and adults in a fun and interactive environment!

Sunday, May 15, 2011 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Chalco Hills Recreation Area 156th & Giles Rd • Bike and Trike Rodeo • Free Bike Helmets* • Bike Safety Checks* • Prizes & Face Painting • Free Food (While supplies last.)

Needs-based scholarships provided by:

*Free bike safety checks to those 15 and younger. *Free helmets to those 15 and younger (while supplies last).

Must bring your bike to be eligible for a free helmet.

For more information:

SafeNebraska.org “Safe Driving” or call 896-0454.

Babysitting Classes

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

2011 Babysitting Class Schedule

All classes held on Saturday 8:00AM-4:00PM May 21, June 11, July 16, August 13, September 17, October 22, November 12, December 12 Tuition $58, 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!

Adult and Pediatric FA/CPR/AED Combo Classes Every Parent, Grandparent and Caregiver Should Learn These Lifesaving Skills!

Combo Standard (Adult) & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED 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 8:00-11:30 12:30-5:00 8:00-5:00

Tuition $50 $60 $69

2011 Saturday Class Dates: May 21, June 25, July 2, August 13, September 3, October 8, November 26, December 26 All classes held on Saturday, at our location 11620 M Circle (120th & L St.)

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

Call 896-0454 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more informaton or to register!

A not for profit 501 (c) (3) organization

June is National Safety Month - Watch for special community events!