May 2012 Family Spectrum Magazine

Be Safe Around Water Daycare, preschool, and Kindergarten

Guide

Heroics inspired by the heart of a hero.

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

editor’sletter Volume 7 • Issue 9

M

ay brings a smile to my face…it’s

very close to being the perfect month.

The outdoors has awakened with all of its smells and beautiful colors, the temperature is near perfect, and sandals grace my feet. The pending idea of a looser schedule with the kids is especially welcome, and it’s a month of celebration with all the graduations that never seem to end.

May also is the last month of the school year that Family Spectrum will be in your child’s backpack.

If you want to pick up a June, July, or August issue, look no further than your local Baker’s or Kmart.

We will also be at endless recreation centers, public libraries, daycare centers, camps, and most children’s destinations—like Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha Children’s Museum, and SkateDaze. If you ever want a copy, just e-mail me, and I will tell you how to get a current issue.

In this issue of Family Spectrum, we feature the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras on our cover. OAYO has both audition and non-audition orchestras for students in the Greater Omaha area and teaches students how to be a part of an ensemble while refining their techniques and giving them an opportunity to make new friends. We also have great reminders about swimming safety from DiVentures and our Mother of the Year Stories. And Michelle Stephenson, our Mommy Makeover subject, is back again this month, working on Phase 2 of her exercise and nutrition plan.

The next time I’ll see you will be in September’s Back to School issue, and we’ve got some new things planned, so keep a lookout!

Publisher • Todd Lemke Vice President • Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Editor • Linda Persigehl City Editor • Sandy Lemke Family Spectrum Editor • Bailey Hemphill Family Spectrum Contributing Editor • Paige Edwards Editorial Intern (#21) • K.J. McKercher Art Director • John Gawley Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Production Artist • Mike Bruening Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Greg Bruns, Stacey Penrod, Paige Edwards Sales Assistants • Vicki Voet, Alicia Smith Hollins Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer Principal Photography • minorwhite studios, inc Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey Jess Ewald Advertising • Omaha Publications, 402-884-2000 Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com

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

Please send contributions to bailey@omahapublications.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

On the Cover Thanks to (front from left) Aviva Segall, Isabella Amador, Avery Thomas, Richard Cho, Elizabeth Agner, (back from left) Kiara Rodriguez, Amelia Ashley, and Matthew Herald of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras for being on this issue’s cover!

Photo by Jess Ewald.

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.

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

402.884.2000.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

content • 5

JUNE 2 - 3, 2012 10th St. and Capitol Ave., Downtown Omaha Saturday, June 2 10am - 8pm Sunday, June 3 11am - 5pm

FREE Admission!

t n e v E 1

! s s i M o t t n a W t ’ n o D You

View amazing 15-ton sand sculptures built by local corporate and community groups. Watch master sand sculptors carve a 40-ton sculpture before your eyes. Enjoy great local food and live entertainment.

Play in the interactive Kid Zone featuring two GIGANTIC sand boxes, bouncy houses, face painting, cookie decorating and much more!

Support your favorite team by voting online at www.SandintheCityOmaha.com!

live•love•grow

CONTENTS may 2012

coverfeature

18

18 Omaha Area Youth Orchestras:

Instilling a Lifelong Love of the Arts

13 9 10 11 12 13

common warts new moms and nursing the mommy makeover chronicles what’s on your mind? bikes, boards, and blades

14 14 15 16 17

mother of the year stories: help! growing need for foster parents in our community life lessons from bernice on what matters young hero: brandon collins

26

18

omaha area youth orchestras: instilling a lifelong love of the arts

21

family spectrum’s daycare, preschool, and kindergarten guide

22 24 26 28 29 30

be safe around water family spectrum’s 2012 summer camp guide

annual summer reading program teen voices: how google changed the world may 2012 event calendar on the go: celebrate the homestead act’s 150th anniversary

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

content • 7

8 •

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• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Never try to treat a wart on an infant or young child without the supervision of a physician. If your older child has a wart (and a physician has confirmed it is indeed a wart), you may want to try one of these approaches:

Common Warts

C

ommon warts are local growths on the skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, also known as HPV. If your child has a wart, you will notice a hard, tiny bump on the skin. The bump can be white, pink, or brown, and the inside may appear to have a black dot or speck that looks like a hair.

It is common for warts to appear on the hands, fingers, arms, and feet, but can show up anywhere on the body. Generally, warts are harmless and do not cause any pain. However, warts on the feet (planter warts) can be very painful.

Children are more likely to get warts than adults. Those who bite their fingernails and hangnails and those who have weak immune systems are even more prone to getting the virus.

Treatment of Warts Warts eventually go away on their own. However, they may cause children to be self-conscious about their appearance. If your child appears to have a wart, you should have a physician look at it to determine that it is, in fact, a wart before beginning any type of treatment. The physician will also want to look at the wart to ensure it is not a cancerous growth.

• Leave the wart alone. A wart may disappear without treatment. Some may last two to three years.

• Try over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

Lotions, plasters, and ointments are sometimes effective. Never use OTC medicines for warts on a child under 6 years of age.

• Cover the wart. Use a piece of adhesive tape or duct tape to cover the wart. By depriving the wart of air and sun, it may die on its own.

• Visit a doctor. Your child’s doctor may remove the wart by freezing.

Warts are contagious. You can help your child prevent the spreading of warts by encouraging them not to pick at the wart. Explain to your child that warts on the hands can spread to the face, mouth, and nose when they bite fingernails or pick their nose.

When to See a Doctor • If warts develop on the feet, genitals, or face • If new warts develop after two weeks of treatment • If the warts are still present after eight weeks of treatment • If you have other concerns or questions, contact your child’s physician.

familySPECTRUM

Written by: Katherine E. Penny, D.O. Boys Town Pediatrics Dr. Katherine Penny practices at the Boys Town 88th Street Pediatric Clinic, 2801 S. 88th Street, 402-391-7684.

She is Board Certified in Pediatrics. To find a pediatrician near you, visit www.boystownpediatrics.org.

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

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• ­9

issues such as good breastfeeding positions, latching on, engorgement, or tenderness.”

A

New Moms and Nursing

dvice comes from every camp when you’re expecting a baby. Friends and family alike offer opinions on everything from diapers and pacifiers to whether you should nurse.

While breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both baby and mother, it is an individual decision.

“There’s no doubt that breastfeeding can provide solid advantages for babies. Mom’s milk provides the perfect nutritional balance, but ultimately mom needs to be the one who believes in it and is willing to work at it,” says Dr. Erin Loucks, Children’s Physicians pediatrician and certified lactation consultant. “Those first nursing experiences can be challenging.”

Dr. Loucks says the more relaxed and confident mom feels the more successful breastfeeding will be for her and the baby.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s so much going on with a new baby at home, many adjustments that are being made…Talk with your doctor, your pediatrician, or a lactation consultant. We can help with

Nursing has many benefits for babies, including lower risk for ear and respiratory infections, allergic skin disorders, intestinal infections, type 2 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Beyond infancy, research shows that children breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight during adolescence.

Moms benefit, too, with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Breastfeeding also helps to speed up post-pregnancy weight loss.

Dr. Loucks says nursing mothers should eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids. Continuing to take prenatal vitamins will help provide optimum nutrition for baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for the first year of life; however, a mother may choose to breastfeed for several weeks, months, or even years. Moms who work outside of the home often breastfeed twice a day, before and after work, and supplement these feedings with a bottle of breast milk SPECTRUM or formula during the day.

family

Written by: Dr. Erin Loucks Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Dr. Erin Loucks is a pediatrician and mother. She is also an internationally board-certified lactation consultant. Dr. Loucks sees patients at the Children’s Physicians Dundee office in Omaha.

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• • • • May 2012

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Submitted by: Nebraska Elite Sports & Fitness Complex

The Mommy Makeover Chronicles

W

hen Michelle Stephenson began her mommy makeover at the beginning of the new year, she was unable to perform a body weight squat, lunge without stumbling, or perform a plank for longer than 10 seconds. Today, Michelle can lunge with great body control, perform a body weight squat without compensating, and can plank for almost 60 seconds. She now has the ability to live functionally with minimal pain and the strength to participate in most activities.

Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute

Welcomes

D. Richard Kang, M.D.

Michelle has officially begun Phase 2 of her workout program. During Phase 2, we will perform an active and resting metabolic test, begin nutrition consultations with a registered dietician, utilize heart rate monitors during training, perform a tanita body composition assessment, and start tracking workouts with Garmin Connect. Phase 1 created a foundation so Michelle can now achieve and maintain her goals.

Dr. Kang specializes in pediatric ear, nose and throat conditions, including:

Hearing Loss Cochlear Implants Recurring Ear Infections Sinusitis Head and Neck Masses Dr. Kang is recognized as one of America’s Best Doctors by U.S, News & World Report and America’s Top Physicians by Consumer’s Research Council of America.

Boys Town Medical Campus Downtown Clinic 555 North 30th Street Omaha, NE (402) 498-6540

Stages for Goal Achievement Phase 1: Functional Foundation Phase 2: Integrating Science

and Nutrition Phase 3: Goal Achievement Phase 4: Active Living and

Maintenance

D. Richard Kang, M.D. Pediatric Otolaryngologist Co-Director, Cochlear Implant Center

Boys Town Medical Campus Pacific Street Clinic 14040 Hospital Road Boys Town, NE (402) 778-6800

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

BOYS TOWN

National Research Hospital

boystownhospital.org

®

Many people start exercising without a purpose and often get lost in the process. They lack the accountability and the resources to be successful.

Weekly check-ins with a trainer can provide accountability. A Nationally Certified Personal Trainer has specialized expertise to assist in program design. A Registered Dietician can provide meal plans and nutritional advice. Tools such as New Leaf Metabolic Testing, Garmin Heart Rate Monitors, and online workout tracking can provide the path to help you achieve your goals.

Michelle is very committed to her goals! Working full-time, being a single parent, and balancing workouts seem impossible. It’s NOT! The key is taking the right approach, utilizing scientifically proven techniques, and seeking the right resources. There are many fads in the world of weight loss.

Millions of dollars have been spent on research and one thing is clear: diet, SPECTRUM exercise, social support, and accountability are key!

live•love•grow

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• ­11

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What’s on Your Mind?

We recently moved and our four children started in new schools, which we expected would be difficult. Three of our kids have settled in pretty well, but our 7-year-old daughter doesn’t seem to be adjusting. Is this normal, and how can we help her?

— A.L.

I

t is absolutely normal to see changes in mood and behavior when kids experience a significant life change. It’s good that you noticed that your daughter is still struggling. Ongoing changes that negatively affect her life in multiple areas (school, family, interests, etc.) can be a signal of something more serious, such as depression.

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It’s often difficult for kids to express what they are actually feeling, simply because they don’t have the emotional vocabulary of adults. They may not know the words that would accurately describe what they feel…they just know they don’t feel good! Some children internalize and “stuff ’ their negative feelings, becoming quiet and withdrawn. Others are more likely to express their feelings outwardly in ways such as acting out, irritability, vocal outbursts, and/or excessive crying. Additional symptoms that could signal depression include changes in sleep and/or eating patterns, stomachaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sadness that won’t go away.

This list isn’t exhaustive, nor is it meant to diagnose your daughter. But if you see more than one of these things going on, talk to her doctor about your concerns. You could also take your daughter with you to meet the school counselor to help her if she needs to talk to someone during the day. If additional counseling is needed, ask her doctor or the school counselor for recommendations. Having the opportunity to process her feelings with someone can make a big difference in her adjustment to the move, as well as teach her skills to help her successfully cope with future life changes.

It might also be helpful for your daughter to spend some one-on-one time with you. This time could offer the opportunity for her to learn how to use you as her support system. You don’t have to know all the right things to say—just be present and listen.

And finally, don’t blame yourself if your daughter is experiencing depression. Kids, just like adults, respond to situations differently. The important thing is that you noticed something isn’t right and SPECTRUM you are seeking help.

family

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

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live•love•grow

Formerly the Westroads Club

A new and completely renovated Fitness & Sports Complex.

Also the home of youth Elite Volleyball and Basketball Programs, and Y2E, Youth to Elite Sports Training.

1212 North 102nd St. Visit 2b-elite.com for more information or call 402-706-4109 • • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Submitted by: Ann Freestone for National Safety Council, Nebraska

Bikes, Boards, and Blades

F

eeling cooped up? Join the crowd. It’s a welcome relief to be able to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. There are many more of us, young and old, who are utilizing bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades as part of recreation and physical fitness. While these activities are a great form of exercise, they are also are the cause of many unintentional injuries.

Wear a Helmet According to the National Safety Council Injury Facts, there are more than 700,000 injuries sustained every year by people utilizing bikes, skateboards, and rollerblades. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent. Riders who don’t wear helmets are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. Riding close to home is no excuse not to wear a helmet. Most bicycle/ vehicle-related crashes occur within one mile from home. Proper fit of the helmet is key. It should sit on top of your head in a level position and cover the forehead and not rock any direction. The straps should form a “V” beneath each ear and remain snug underneath the chin. Also when purchasing a helmet, look for the ASTM, SNELL, ANSI, or CPSC certification.

Fit the Bike Another thing to consider when riding a bike is the fit. A bicycle that doesn’t fit properly will be difficult to control and more likely to lead to an accident. A person should be able to stand comfortably over the top bar of the frame. When seated, adjust the seat to touch the balls of your feet on the ground. Next, adjust the reach of the handlebars and brake lever to grip them comfortably.

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

PPE for Boarders The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says more than 15,600 people need hospital emergency room treatment each year for injuries related to skateboarding. Irregular riding surfaces cause more than half of the skateboarding injuries. Wrist injuries are most common. Personal protective equipment (PPE)—such as closed, slip-resistant shoes and specially designed padding—can reduce the number and severity of cuts and scrapes. Padded jackets, shorts, and padding for hips, knees, and elbows are available. Wrist braces and special skateboarding gloves also help absorb fall impact.

Also, skateboarders should: • Never ride in the street • Obey the city laws regarding areas to skate • Not skate in crowds of non-skaters • Never hitch a ride from a car, bicycle, etc.

Proper Fit and PPE for Bladers Before you begin, ensure the following: your brake is not loose or worn out; wheels are free of dirt, grime, or oil; wheels are not loose or wobbly; axles and nuts are tight; and you’re wearing safety gear. You also need the right skates. Skates that are too big don’t support the ankles and are difficult to control. In addition to helmets, protective equipment—such as wrist guards— will help absorb the shock of fall. Elbow and kneepads can help reduce cuts and scrapes. Learning how to stop with the brake can also reduce injuries and crashes.

Follow these additional safety tips when bicycling, skateboarding, and rollerblading: • Ride or skate on the right, pass on the left • Yield to pedestrians when skating on sidewalks • Stay alert and aware of conditions around you • Don’t cycle or skate at night or when visibility is low • Wear bright or reflective clothing for visibility • Avoid leaves, water, and loose gravel SPECTRUM • Look ahead for obstacles

family

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• ­13

Molly Maid clean is now green!

Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly, people are guaranteed to notice!

5 For a Cleaning Plan designed around your home and your lifestyle Call your Local

Reasons why it makes sense.

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It’s healthier for my family, the products are all natural cleaners and disinfectants, I don’t worry about fumes, residue or build up.

Mother of the Year Stories:

3

Help!

4

heard the cries from the pool. It was the first time that I had not gone into the pool with my 6-year-old son. It was after Labor Day. The pool at the club was practically empty. I was pregnant but still hiding it from my friends. My two friends had let their kids go in the pool without them—one of my friends didn’t even put her suit on!

So, after a moment of contemplation, I chose to sit this one out and watch him swim from a chair poolside and catch up with my friends.

He’d been swimming so well all summer and since it wasn’t crowded, I figured it was time to let him go on his own.

5

I

I’m doing my part to help the environment.

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

MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS

Molly Maid’s “Small Efforts. Big Results.” brochure provide additional information about creating a more green friendly home.

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

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Finally, a place where they can

kick and scream all they want.

Well, wouldn’t you know it? The ONE time I let my guard down, my son somehow ends up in water too deep for him. Instead of using all the skills he learned in swim lessons, he panicked. My friend jumped up and started swimming out to him. I did, too, only to slip and fall hard in the zero entry side of the pool. The lifeguard was on his perch socializing. Definitely a MOTY moment. First, I’m horrified that my child was so scared and didn’t have the swimming skills that I thought he had (he wasn’t far from the side at all). Second, I felt like a complete failure as a mother. The one time I chose to be selfish and chat with friends, all the time “keeping an eye on him,” I put my child in danger.

Why am I sharing such a personal story? I don’t want it to happen to YOU! With swim season coming up, just keep this story in mind. Your child might not be as competent a swimmer as you think; and as we SPECTRUM know, we can’t rely on anyone but ourselves.

Jamie Olson Photography

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Discover all the power punching, rebel yelling, board breaking, fast kicking fun of true taekwondo!

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I

O

E

D

T A

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

New Blog : motheroftheyearawards.blogspot.com

HA EL

•

Submitted by: Lisa Jensen

A

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• OM

family

K W O N

850-5551

• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Submitted by: Boys Town Foster Family Services

The Ostdiek Family: (front from left) Shannon, foster child Matthew, 7, family dog Chloe, and Ken, (back from left) Matthew, 17, and Ethan, 14.

Growing Need for Foster Parents in Our Community

N

ebraska has one of the highest rates in the nation for children placed in out-of-home care—children who need a safe place to call home.

Ken and Shannon Ostdiek know all too well the growing need in the Omaha community for foster parents. They’ve seen the look of relief on a foster child’s face when they walk through their door.

“The lives of these kids have been completely shook up,” explains Ken, who serves as a trainer at Lutheran Family Services. “[Foster care] is not about you, it’s about providing what they need.”

The Ostdiek family has provided a safe home to 10 boys, including three living with them right now.

It’s an atmosphere that their two biological children, Matthew, 17, and Ethan, 14, thrive in. Acting as big brothers, Shannon says Matthew and Ethan are happy to share their mom and dad with others who need that healthy home environment. “When we decided to become foster parents, it was a family decision,” said Shannon, who also works full-time at First National Bank.“Matthew and Ethan wanted to help as much as we did.”

Of course, some days are more difficult than others in their home, but the Ostdieks know they can always reach out to Boys Town. The nonprofit serves as their foster care provider, but more importantly, provides 24/7 support to Ken and Shannon. Boys Town also provides foster parents with professional training and competitive reimbursement. “We knew with Boys Town we’d have support mechanisms to help us be successful,” explains Shannon.

“When you’re working in foster care, that’s vital. It’s a big change for your family and you need someone to help you through it.”

If you’ve thought about foster care, the Ostdieks encourage you to pick up the phone. “You’re performing a service for another family when you become a foster parent,” says Ken. “Your goal is to help another family be successful and there’s nothing more rewarding.”

To learn more about foster parenting, please call Boys Town Foster Family ServicesSM at 402-498-3018 or visit boystown.org/fosterSPECTRUM family-services.

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

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

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• 15

how to handle the situation. Today, my brother and I both have a comfortable relationship with our father that probably would not have been possible had my mom handled things differently. Words matter, especially what you say to your children.

Bev’s mother, Bernice

Life Lessons from Bernice on What Matters

T

he older I get, the more I find myself channeling my mom. I’ll say things to my children and—in a moment of complete déjà vu—realize that it was something my mother said to me. Only now, I’m seeing things from the mom’s view, not the child’s. While it’s a bit unsettling, if I’m going to channel anyone, I think my mother actually would be my first choice. I’ve learned so much from her. Surprising things that really never clicked at the time. Things that I hope I pass along to my children…

Self-Reliance Matters My parents divorced when I was in high school. It probably should have happened sooner, but—as was the generally the case in the ‘60s and ‘70s—my mother had punted her career to get married and have children. At the time, she was not prepared to leave a bad marriage and support us. So she went back to school and finished her nursing degree. I remember so many long nights of doing my homework while she did hers. A few years later, when she was financially able, she finally walked away, knowing she could take care of us. Her message to me was very clear: Whatever path you choose, be able to support yourself and your children. This gave me a career focus that has greatly benefited my family.

Words Matter About that divorce…it wasn’t pleasant for any of us, but it could have been so much worse, and the long-term damage could have been far more severe. It wasn’t, largely because of a choice my mother made early on. She did not speak unkindly about my dad. She did not use my brother and me as sounding boards when we were already hurting. I’m sure she spent many hours venting to her siblings and friends about the situation, but when it came to her kids, she chose her words very carefully. We were old enough to understand why the divorce was necessary, but Mom has always taken the high road. Still does. This allowed my brother and I to freely develop our own opinions about

Friends Matter Invest in your friendships. I can rarely catch my 73-year-old mother at home. Weekend nights are hopeless. She’s always out with friends. If she’s not on the phone “checking on someone,” someone is checking on her. Or she’s taking someone to the doctor. Or she’s headed out to volunteer. Or take someone a casserole. The last time she visited us in Nebraska, my husband was astounded at how often Mom’s cell phone rang. Just another friend calling to see what Bernice was up to. And it’s not just old friends. She’s always making new ones. Rather than stew in the fact that her only grandchildren live 1,000 miles away, she’s chosen to invest in her friendships. I can only hope I’ll have as many quality friends as she does when I’m in my 70’s.

Health Matters And finally, Mom keeps moving. Despite a few health issues, she goes beach dancing a couple of times a week, and she just started taking classes in ballroom dancing and line dancing.

She likes to be outside and take walks, and rarely do I catch her spending a lot of time curled up on the couch. Her ability to stay active now and tomorrow didn’t just happen overnight. As a nurse, she’s always practiced and encouraged healthy eating and fitness. It’s taken me a long time to really get this—but I finally do. It allows her to get on an airplane and visit her grandkids. You will reap later what you invest in your SPECTRUM health today.

family

Thanks, Mom. For always putting us first. For setting a great example. For just being you. Keep dancing, Mom. You’re the best, and I love you dearly. Happy Mother’s Day. - Bev

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.

16 •

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• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill

Young Hero: Brandon Collins

COMPANY PICNICS ALL YOU CAN EAT

B

randon Collins is an inquisitive, passionate, and happy 10-year-old who goes to Willa Cather Elementary. He has two older brothers: Patrick, a freshman at Millard West High School, and Tyler, a seventh grader at Millard North Middle School. “Brandon can one minute be his older brothers’ antagonist and the next minute their greatest fan. He loves to spend time with them,” says his mom, Melissa.

When Brandon was in first grade, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, one of the most rapidly growing forms of human cancer. “Within days of discovering a small lump on his neck, the tumor had tripled in size,” says Melissa. Brandon was started on an aggressive chemotherapy that used drugs in high doses and spent the majority of the following four months in the hospital or at the oncology clinic at Children’s Hospital. Amazingly, Brandon stayed positive throughout the experience. “The oncologist told me numerous times how impressed she was that Brandon never complained. He always decided that he would have fun while at the hospital for our extended stays, and he always did.” And although Brandon couldn’t go to school, he worked at home with a teacher and continued learning. “[Cancer] is a scary word for everyone, including children, but Brandon was sure in his faith and never doubted God’s healing hands or God’s plan for him, even as a 6-year-old,” says Melissa.

Through his dealings with cancer, Brandon became even more empathetic toward others than he already was. “He really has a heart for others that are feeling pain, physically or emotionally.”

Melissa believes Brandon is special because of his zest for life. “Talking with people comes natural for him, and he has a way of easily becoming comfortable around others. He can charm anyone with his smile and dimples.” According to her, Brandon has always been a natural leader in a positive and constructive way, which makes him a good role model for other kids. “He likes everyone and enjoys having fun; but, at the same time, he follows the rules, and everyone just naturally follows.”

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Brandon inspires Melissa because he has dealt with a hardship at a young age, and yet he manages to stay positive and passionate for life. “Someday, he wants to be a cryptozoologist. I have no doubt SPECTRUM he will make that happen!”

family

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

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

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• 17

Omaha Area Youth Orchestras Instilling a Lifelong Love of the Arts

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usic plays a unique melody in many lives. For some, it is a relaxing hobby to be enjoyed during downtime. For others, it is a meticulous field of study that must be mastered. But for the student musicians of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras, music is both of these things and much, much more.

The Omaha Area Youth Orchestras (OAYO) was created in 1958 through a joint effort between the metro public schools and the Omaha Symphony Guild to inspire and educate young musicians by providing a rigorous and challenging orchestral experience.

Musicians with OAYO become part of an active musical community that fosters discipline, cooperation, and leadership, and they achieve goals through the encouragement of parents, teachers, and schools throughout the Omaha area.

OAYO consists of six ensembles—Youth Symphony, Youth Philharmonic, Youth Conservatory Orchestra, Youth Chamber

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Front from left: Isabella Amador (violin), Avery Thomas (viola), Richard Cho (violin), Elizabeth Agner (harp). Back from left: OAYO Music Director and Principal Conductor Aviva Segall, Kiara Rodriguez (horn), Amelia Ashley (clarinet), and Matthew Herald (trombone).

Strings, Honors Orchestra, and Elementary Strings—that provide instruction and performance opportunities for over 550 students each season from over 100 schools in the Omaha area. Overall, the orchestras are made up of grades 4-12 and offer different levels of difficulty from introductory ensembles, which refine techniques necessary in a full orchestra, to highly proficient ensembles, which perform masterpieces from an advanced orchestral repertoire.

Students audition annually for positions within the four more challenging ensembles or may be recommended by their school or private instructor for positions within the two non-audition orchestras. Although only some of these students will continue on to a professional music career, all of the students are provided with the skills to enjoy the arts as volunteers, teachers, and concert attendees.

Aviva Segall has been with OAYO for 13 years as the music director. She conducts the top two orchestras and is responsible for overall music direction. Segall received a master’s in orchestral conducting from Northwestern University under Victor Yampolsky, • • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Montessori International School of the Plains Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photos by: Jess Ewald

Where Education Makes Sense We offer a unique environment for the adolescent.

Aviva Segall, OAYO’s Music Director and Principal Conductor for the last 13 years

who was the conductor for the Omaha Symphony at the time; and she also worked on the conducting staff of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Her main instrument is the cello—which she studied with Ronald Leonard, former principal cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic—but she also plays the bassoon and the piano. Segall says she has to demonstrate for the students every once in a while. “They all wince because I’m not in quite as good of shape as I used to be,” she laughs.

Segall believes OAYO provides many opportunities for youth in the community. “A lot of the orchestras aren’t full orchestras in the [school] districts. OAYO is a full orchestra. The students can expand what they do because of that. We want to prepare them for professional careers in music, teaching, and a lifelong love of the arts. They get the opportunity to work with members of the Omaha Symphony, UNO or UNL faculties, guest artists for Omaha Performing Arts, and Opera Omaha.” Segall jokes that, although the kids don’t get to work with Beethoven or Bach, the students get the chance to work with their composer equivalents today.

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MISP

Student-Led Community Meetings Entrepreneurship Internships Community Projects Personal Development Philosophy Ethics & Physics Intergenerational Studies

Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potential. ~ Maria Montessori

851 N. 74th St. Omaha, NE 68114 402.614.9074

Language Arts * Cultural Studies * Mathematics * Personal World * Natural World * Social World * Communications Art

WWW.PLAINSMONTESSORI.ORG

MISP does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.

“If you want to have faith in the future of our community, spend less than five minutes with any of the musicians from OAYO,” Segall says of the OAYO students, who are also active in their school music programs and the community. “They are engaging and interesting young people who know how to ask good questions, pay attention, and give things their all.”

Arthur Masyuk is an alumna of OAYO. He started in Elementary Strings and moved his way through almost all of the orchestras, spending his last four years of high school in the Youth Symphony. Masyuk has been playing violin since he was seven. “I like it because it has a really passiveactive relationship. I control the violin 100 percent, so I’m in control of what I do with my music. As a kid, I loved just making it play; but now it’s more of an intellectual quest.”

Currently, Masyuk is pursuing a degree in violin performance at Indiana University Bloomington’s Jacobs School of Music. He believes that his time with OAYO prepared him well for his studies and career path—and for an upcoming performance of one of Strauss’ largest and most difficult operas, Der Rosenkavalier. “Without the experience, I wouldn’t be in the best orchestra [at my school]. OAYO and Aviva taught me so many skills…it’s very good prep for any musician.”

Continued on next page >>

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

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• 19

GroominG • DoG Daycare • accessories

Mention this ad to receive 15% off retail

Check Out Bark Avenue Inn & Daycare 13706 C Street • 402-933-4007 We moved to 15504 Spaulding Plz. (N. of Centris on 156th & Maple) 402-496-4005 • www.barkavenueomaha.com

2012 Spring Into Summer Event April 28th 1 – 4 p.m.

Lake Zorinsky 156th & ‘F’ Street • Live Music!

• Climbing Wall/Bounce House • Rec’s Kids Clubhouse Program • Summer Swimming Programs • Hummel Park Day Camp Program • Youth Learn to Play Tennis • Junior Golf Program • Omaha Park Foundation For more info visit our website

www.cityofomaha.org/parks This event is in conjunction with The Zorinsky Lake Re- Opening.

OAYO student Elizabeth Agner plays the harp

Masyuk recommends the symphony for any kid who wishes to continue on a music path in college. “I think [orchestral playing is] necessary. It will prepare you for chamber music. But if you just like to play music, and you don’t feel strongly about continuing, I would still recommend it. It’s a great outlet for making friends with kids your age. I came for the music, but the friends make it that much better.”

Yasmeen Bora is a junior at Millard North High School and concertmaster of the Youth Symphony. As concertmaster, she tunes the orchestra before rehearsals and performances and works on bowings and articulation. She’s been playing the violin for 12 years and has been with OAYO since fifth grade. “I started in Elementary Strings, then the Youth Philharmonic, and now I’m in the Youth Symphony,” she says. Bora believes other students from around the city should get involved with OAYO because of the shared love for music and development of friendships OAYO offers. “It’s a great opportunity to play music with other people who are as passionate about music as you are. Some of my best friends are SPECTRUM there.”

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OAYO’s final concert of the 2011-2012 season is a Side-by-Side Concert, featuring the Youth Symphony alongside members of the Omaha Symphony. The concert will be held at the Holland Performing Arts Center (1200 Douglas St.) at 7pm on May 6. Tickets are $14 for adults.

For more information, visit www.oayo.org or call 402-238-2044.

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• • • • May 2012

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Trying to figure out where to send your children to daycare, preschool, or kindergarten is a stressful decision. Not only do you worry about the quality of learning that your children receive, but also about the people who will be an influence on your children. In the Daycare, Preschool, and Kindergarten Guide, Family Spectrum features three top-notch programs that are sure to meet both of the qualifications that matter.

&

Daycare Preschool Kindergarten guide Alleluia! Preschool and Alleluia! Kindergarten now taking registrations for fall 2012 Preschool morning session is from 9 - 11:30 a.m. (both campuses) Preschool afternoon session is from 12:15 - 2:45 p.m. (West Campus only) Half-day kindergarten is from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. (West Campus only) Questions: Director Patty Pecoraro, 402-333-4444 or 402-578-6385 East Campus: 2617 S. 114th St., Omaha, NE 68144 West Campus: 1200 N. 181st Court, Elkhorn, NE 68022

“Building strong foundations for a lifetime of learning” • Caring, friendly environment • Half-day and extended half-day programs for 3-5 year-olds • Curriculum linked to local school districts, fostering the growth of the whole child

16909 Blondo Street, Omaha 402.884.0888

www.AcademicAdventuresOmaha.com Now taking enrollments for fall 2012 in our new addition!

Mention this ad for ½ off the first two week’s tuition if you enroll for fall by July 3rd • State of the art security system and camera monitored classrooms

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• Full and Part-time enrollment available for childcare and preschool

Call today at 402-614-5400

2949 N. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022

hearthacademy.com • readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

• Transportation to and from area elementary schools • Child tested, teacher approved curriculum for infants-Pre K • Indoor and outdoor play areas • Fun filled summer club for school-age children with daily field trips (weather permitting)

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Submitted by: DiVentures

Be Safe Around the Water

Leisure Lifestyle Health Home

Women Weekend riors WDr.ar Siob han Bower,

Da y Mo the r’s ove r

make mom + art duo + day out with mom

mou ntai n bike r er + wom en on wat tri + wom en’s

h He rHe altatio n orga n don

ern ati ves Sug ar Altswe eten ers sort out the

2012

•

www. herom aha.c

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Most water-related accidents can be prevented.

Parents should teach children to never go near the water alone. Once in the water, parents must actively supervise children. The best way to do this is to get in the water and stay within arm’s reach of children.

om

W h xc at u ’s s e? Y o p ur a g e

1

2

April/May

S

ummer is quickly approaching, and as the weather turns warmer, everyone will want to be in or near the water. Between having fun and soaking up the sun, most people don’t think much about water safety—but they should. For children between the ages of 1 and 4, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death.

1

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y 2012 Her Living • April/Ma

, ne 68137 CirCle • OmaHa ne • 5921 S. 118tH OmaHa magazi eNow.com

PERMIT NO. 5377 DENVER, CO

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

www.ReadOnlin

Omaha’s own HerLiving read it online at readonlinenow.com or pick up your FREE copy at any Baker’s location.

If supervising from outside the water, parents can designate a “water watcher.” Water watchers must pledge to focus only on the pool area and should avoid using cell phones and drinking alcohol.

Accidents don’t just happen in in-ground pools; be cautious around inflatable pools and hot tubs. Know what to do in an emergency and remember they can happen anywhere.

Enrolling your children in swim lessons is a lifesaving move. DiVentures offers year-round swim lessons for ages six months through adults, featuring small class sizes, 88-degree water, and certified swim teachers.

Make this a safe and fun summer. Talk to your kids about the dangers of water and repeat this simple guideline as often as possible, “Never go SPECTRUM near the water without an adult.”

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• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Summer Time = Grilling Time!

Caribbean Flank Steak with Coconut Rice Marinade Time: 6 hours or overnight Total Recipe Time: 45 to 60 minutes • Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients

1 beef flank steak (about 1-1/2 pounds) 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple Marinade 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning

Coconut Rice 2 cups water 1 cup uncooked brown rice 3 tablespoons shredded coconut, toasted 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Wanna WOW your family or guests? This colorful dish will make mouths water and stomachs growl!

2012

1. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup juice for Marinade; discard excess juice. Reserve crushed pineapple for Coconut Rice.

2. Combine marinade ingredients and reserved pineapple juice in small bowl. Place beef steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.

3. Prepare Coconut Rice. Combine water and rice in medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 35 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat. Stir in reserved pineapple, coconut, almonds and cilantro. Season with salt, as desired.

4. Meanwhile, remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Place steak on grid over medium, ashcovered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 16 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 16 to 21 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.

5. Carve steak across the grain into thin slices. Serve with rice.

Also, follow our grilling guidelines (BeefItsWhatsForDinner. com/grilling.aspx) and you’ll have a guaranteed delicious steak for that special summer meal.

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com

Boys Town National Research Hospital

Memorial Day Run Monday, May 28 on the historic Boys Town campus

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.

Register online at MemorialDayRun.com or call 498-6729 for more information Presented by:

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

BOYS TOWN

National Research Hospital

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®

• 23

Our inaugural guide to Metro activities to keep your kids learning, creating and on the move all summer long!

2012 Summer Camps Offering 3 Summer Baseball Camps

 Mack’s Mites  ages 5-7 • 8-week instructional league  All Star Camp  ages 7-14 • 3 levels of instruction  Advanced Summer Camp  ages 10-15 • taking the game to the next level

402.398.1238 Register online at www.StrikeZoneOmaha.com Many Locations to choose from!

Players are grouped according to age and skill level.

Offering 2-day camps from 9-2 each day with extended time for Sandlot Games

Experience FUN, HANDS-ON, AWESOME activities, like: -helping train dogs -bathing & grooming dogs -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

Now Accepting Registrations!

or call (402)444-7800 ext.470

ROCK OUT THIS SUMMER! Eagle Run “For Kids” • Par 3 and executive courses perfect for the young golfer.

• Omaha’s Largest Youth Golf League & youth instruction.

• Kids Equipment and Apparel.

• Visit Web site for dates & fees.

3435 N. 132nd St., Omaha 498-9900 • eaglerungolf.com 24 •

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Summer camps forming now!

We Teach: GUITAR KEYS BASS VOCALS DRUMS

>Rock 101 Camp & >Song WritingRecording Camp

Inspiring kids to rock on stage and in life.

www.SCHOOLofROCK.com/omaha • • • • May 2012

13270 Millard Ave.

familyspectrum •

2012 Summer Camps School’s Out! The is the place to be!

Omaha’s outdoor treasure hunt lasts

One More Month!

Go! Play Adventure runs through May 31

gEt ThE BoOkS oNlInE; SeE BeLoW uSe ClUeS To FiNd pOsTs ArOuNd OmAhA mAkE CrAyOn rUbBiNgS & PlAy! tUrN In BoOk FoR pRiZeS By MaY 31!

OUTDOOR POOL • CAMPS • FITNESS 333 S. 132 nd St. | Omaha, NE 68154 | 402-334-6426

Jewish Community Center

www.jccomaha.org

www.papionrd.org www.MOREnature.info

summer 2011

at Chalco Hills Rec Area

50% off

JCC 2012 Annual Membership Fee! Call 402-334-6426 to schedule a tour!

Exp: 9/1/12 For new members only.

Limit one coupon per customer.

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

Girls in the wild July 30 - Aug. 1 9-3 PM $95

canoe, hike, fish and discover the great outdoors in this all-girls Day camp. Ages 9-13.

live•love•grow

Registrations are available at www.papionrd.org for more information.

These spots fil quickly, so register NOW. Camps are taught by natural resouces experts.

Backyard Explorers June 4-8 9-12 AM $75

Enjoy nature play, animal explorations, bugs, hikes and outdoors fun Day camp. Ages Pre-K; 4-5

• 25

Junior Golf 9 hole Season Pass $125

Unlimited access to all City of Omaha managed 9-hole courses 7 days a week

Submitted by: Omaha Public Library

For more information call City Golf Office at 402-444-5953 www.cityofomaha.org/parks/recreation/golf

Deaconness Institute c. 1900

Annual Summer Reading Program

Fremont Orphanage c. 1893

www.LFSneb.org

120 Years of service

G

Thank you for your support of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.

ot summer plans? Omaha Public Library wants you to “Dream Big” during the annual Summer Reading Program (SRP). SRP kicks off this year during the first weekend in June when each of Omaha Public Library’s 12 locations will host a party to celebrate a season of reading for fun. Parties will feature entertainment, refreshments, and an opportunity to register for SRP. All ages are invited to participate in programs throughout the summer that are both educational and entertaining. In addition to storytimes, game events, and crafts, Omaha Public Library will offer opportunities to learn magic, meet exotic animals, and pick up a few new skills.

Summer Reading Programs continue to be one of the core services of public libraries around the country. They provide fun events and exciting incentives with useful giveaways and coupons to some of your favorite local establishments. There’s also some brainpower behind all of the fun. Studies continue to demonstrate that kids who read during the summer perform better in school in both the short and long term, and return to school in the fall ready to build on what they have learned, not having to spend time re-learning what has been forgotten. The unique combination of fun programs and events with reading and literacy activities is a fantastic remedy to the summer blues.

familySPECTRUM

May 26, 10 a.m.

ocm.org 500 S. 20th Street

Register for a spot in the parade at ocm.org

26 •

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402-342-6164

To learn more about SRP at Omaha Public Library, visit www.omahalibrary.org.

• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

familySAVINGS

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

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402-884-2000 • readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

content • 27

Teen Voice: He Said/She Said How Google Changed the World

G

oogle: a common word used every day by everyone. This search engine seems to have all the answers for pretty much anything—past, present, and future. Most kids my age don’t know a life without Google, but back before September 1998 there was no such thing as the infamous search engine. People had to find their information in actual books. To our society today, Google is the answer for anything.

In all honesty, I actually googled “the history of Google” while doing some background research for this article. Google has made people tremendously lazy in the fact that they use this website as a crutch for finding out everyday things instead of picking up a newspaper or a book.

The search engine has also robbed us of our privacy. I could go to Google Earth and look up anyone’s house with the help of satellite images. Also, the company just launched a new privacy setting where everything anyone searches for on Google is pooled together with their searches and stored. If you got in trouble with the law, the government could go back and look through your Google stockpile and find something against your case.

The immense impact that Google has had on the world is unfathomable. It has changed the culture and mindset of the world, and it probably will keep changing SPECTRUM it in the future.

family

Submitted by: Tiffany Class of 2015

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T

he internet is arguably one of the greatest inventions of all time. Nobody has utilized this format in a better way than Google. If I want to find information on almost any subject, all I have to do is google it. That’s right… “google” is a verb. The search engine giant has literally shrunk the world. But how exactly has it changed our lives? Well, if you want to find out, all you need to do is look around, or just google it.

The internet is basically inseparable from Google. People all over the world are on the internet constantly since the invention of the smartphone. Google has become an unstoppable juggernaut in the world of instant information. This fact can be proved easily by looking at the number of searches in a single day—two billion worldwide. This huge amount of traffic has helped Google stay on top, and knock down any competitors (like Bing).

Since Google is so useful to so many people, and is used all the time, they have been able to do several things that were risky, and have ended up extending the usefulness of the internet. They bought YouTube, for example, in 2006 for $1.6 billion, and that deal has paid off significantly. Just look at the exposure that it has brought with several people becoming celebrities because of YouTube. Also, in the expansion of Google, the way in which YouTube can provide information is supportive of Google’s end goal, which is to provide information for everyone on the internet.

In my opinion, they are well on their way to doing so with the services they provide, and future ways they can innovate it.

Google looks to be the forum of the future, and I don’t see anySPECTRUM thing stopping it from becoming exactly that.

family

Submitted by: Derek Class of 2015

• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

May 2012 Event Calendar sunday Don’t miss the fun! Clip and put on your fridge.

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monday 30

tuesday 1

wednesday 2

thursday 3

friday 4

saturday 5

May Day

Cinco de Mayo

James and the Giant Peach April 27-May 13, Fri/7pm; Sat/2 & 7pm; Sun/2pm • The Rose Theater 2001 Farnam St., Omaha, NE (402) 345-4849 • www.rosetheater.org Tickets: $16, free for members.

When young James steps inside a giant larger than life magical peach, it breaks from its stem and tumbles to the sea, sending him on a great adventure.

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School Nurses Day

5th Annual Midlands Pirate Festival May 5-6 • Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, NE (402) 331-5500 • www.midlandspiratefest.com Admission: $10 adults; $6 kids; free 3 & under Come join in the family fun at the Midlands Pirate Festival! Watch staged entertainment, learn nautical history, and participate in hands-on activities.

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Mother’s Day

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10th Annual Nebraska Renaissance Faire May 12-13 • Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, NE (402) 331-5500 • www.nebfaire.com Admission: $12 adults; $6 kids; free 2 & under Nebraska’s best family festival is back to immerse you into the past! Discover what life was like during the Renaissance with dungeons, dragons, castles, and knights!

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Lucky Penny Day

Nebraska Chautauqua & 150th Commemoration of the Homestead Act May 20–25 •Homestead National Monument of America 8523 W. NE Hwy 4, Beatrice, NE (402) 223-3514 • www.nebraskachautauqua.org Get ready to have fun and learn! Scholars will present first-person historical portrayals of prominent figures including Mark Twain, Willa Cather, Standing Bear, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and more. See the actual Homestead Act of 1862 while you’re there!

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28 Memorial Day

29 30 CycleFest 2012 May 20, 11am-3pm • Chalco Hills Recreation Area 154th & Giles Rd www.safenebraska.org

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2 Tell a Story Day

CycleFest teaches safe bike riding skills to children and adults in a fun and interactive environment with a bike and trike rodeo, face painting, prizes, and food and drinks.

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Memorial Day Run May 28 • Boys Town Campus 14100 Crawford St., Boys Town, NE (402) 498-1111 • www.memorialdayrun.org

Willa Cather Spring Festival May 31–June 2 • Willa Cather Foundation 413 N. Webster St., Red Cloud, NE (402) 746-2653 • www.willacather.org

Come join the Memorial Day Run at Boys Town! Kids Fun Run at 8am. One-mile run at 8:15am. Five-mile run at 8:45am.

Enjoy a lively celebration of poets and poetry with exhibits, readings, performances, discussions, and more!

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

• readonlinenow.com May 2012 • • • •

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Have a Giant Screen Outdoor Movie Party!

Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism • Photo provided by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism

Awesome New Party Idea!

402-317-5225 www.FunFlicks.com

$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!

Facials

Spa Packages Waxing Up-Do’s Color Manicures Facials

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If you haven’t visited this national monument, now is the time to make the trip. Your family can follow in the footsteps of the children who lived on the first homesteads. Kids can dress in homesteaders’ clothes, visit a one-room schoolhouse, and go inside a log cabin where ten children grew up—and no one got their own bedroom!

Immerse yourself in the homesteaders’ stories through the national homesteading museum, interactive games, and an award-winning film. Or discover where modern technology meets history by going on a GPS walk. Check out a GPS unit at the Education Center, and then it’s up to you to navigate through the tallgrass prairie without getting lost!

Pedicure

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The Homestead Act gave individuals the opportunity to claim free government land. Tens of thousands of people rose to the challenge, and 270 million acres were claimed and settled under the act.

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Venture back to the days of the pioneers at Homestead National Monument of America outside Beatrice.

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Exp. 5/30/2012

ust four pages led to four million claims and a permanent change in the landscape of America. This year marks the 150th anniversary of those four pages—the Homestead Act of 1862. Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice is a place where the magnitude and worldwide impact of the Homestead Act of 1862 is told.

Your visit won’t be complete without viewing the actual Homestead Act of 1862. The four-page document, signed by President Lincoln, will be on view at the Heritage Center through May 28.

“During the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act, we thought it was important to share the document which is at the heart of the story we share with every visitor to Homestead National Monument of America,” said monument Superintendent Mark Engler. “We believe that this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many Americans to see this historic document.”

Homestead National Monument has many exciting events planned for 2012. The whole family will enjoy living history demonstrations, the Monumental Fiddling Championship, Homestead Days, the Junior Ranger program, and much more. Find the full schedule of events at www.nps.gov/home.

The monument is located four miles west of Beatrice and admission is free. And if you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway, you can find lodging and other area attractions at SPECTRUM VisitNebraska.gov.

live•love•grow

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• • • • May 2012

familyspectrum •

Join Us for Biking Safety & Fun!

CYCLEFEST

May 20, 2012 • 11am-3pm • Chalco Hills The CycleFest is a free, fun and educational event! It is a great way for families to learn ‘rules of the road’ while enjoying safe cycling. Children will learn safe riding by navigating the Trike or Bike Rodeo, learning hand signals and recognizing traffic signs. Free bike helmets and fittings will be offered, as well as free helmets to those 15 and younger who don’t already own one (while supplies last). Plus there will be free food, face painting and interactive displays!

We hope to see you there!

FREE USB Drive!

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

Nebraska

($10 value) Offer good while supplies last.

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

Babysitting Class Schedule

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

Students receive a Certificate of Completion good for two years!

Family Spectrum May 2012

Driver Education Summer Sessions allow you to complete Driver Education in two weeks!

Check our website for Summer dates! Classes are held at Safety Council (120th & L), Omaha Northwest, Omaha Central, Benson, Omaha North and Elkhorn.

Call today for more information!

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

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

Nebraska

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

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Parent TALK

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

Location:

Boys Town National Research Hospital 14000 Hospital Road

on the Boys Town Campus

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

facebook.com/BoysTownPediatrics and twitter.com/BoysTownPeds

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics

®

boystownpediatrics.org

27 pediatricians at 6 convenient locations.