July 2012 Family Spectrum Magazine

FISH,

FOSSILS, and FUN at OMAHA’S

HENRY DOORLY ZOO SAFE CYCLING for Kids and Adults THE AMERICAN

Dream Now TEEN VOICES

Going Behind the Wheel

A mean fastball and a surgeon’s skill put Adam back in the game.

At Adam Folsom’s first game as a pitcher, he began to stumble.

When tests uncovered a tumor hidden among vital organs, Dr. Shahab Abdessalam performed the difficult surgery. One of only two surgeons in the country with formal training in both pediatric surgery and surgical oncology, Dr. Abdessalam was uniquely qualified for the case. Now, three years later, he is Adam’s hero, friend, and biggest fan.

Shahab Abdessalam, M.D., and Adam Folsom

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

J

Volume 7 • Issue 11

uly is a time of contemplation.

We reflect on our freedom and try to teach our children how privileged

they are to be Americans. I do not take this task for granted. That is the best part about being a parent. While I am teaching my children about the foundation of our belief system, I am reminded how special we are to have the freedom of religion, thought, and decision. I am grateful to the men and women of courage who have fought for those freedoms. And I take a few minutes to honor you…Thank you!

Family Spectrum is all about summer this month. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo—a great place for a summer outing with the kids—is featured on our cover after having claimed the #1 spot for best zoo in the U.S. and having seen the immense success of their recently renovated Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium. If you haven’t gotten around to go see what’s new at the aquarium, check out our story…and then head to the zoo!

This month, we feature the Peterson family in our Family Success Story. They have proven that, with hard work and commitment, any family can fight the odds. We also have great tips on bike and swimming safety, a patriotic craft for the kids, and a quick and easy recipe for a mini-pizza snack!

My Best,

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 Interns • Toni Furmanski (#22)

• Lyndsey Hrabik (#23) Art Director • John Gawley Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Intern Graphic Designer • Scott McIntyre Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Greg Bruns, Stacey Penrod, Paige Edwards, Vicki Voet Sales Assistants • Alicia Smith Hollins, Jessica Linhart Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer Principal Photography • minorwhite studios, inc Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey Advertising • Omaha Publications, 402-884-2000 Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com Please send contributions to bailey@omahapublications.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

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

On the Cover Thanks to Brylie Ream, for being on this issue’s cover.

Photo by minorwhitestudios.com

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.

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.

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

live•love•grow

Summer Reading Program June 1– July 31

Kids’ Program Read or listen to 10 library books, audiobooks, magazines or kits; OR read or listen for four hours . Get a prize or drawing entry for each set of 10 items or four hours read .

Clowns

Teens’ Program

Sign up at omahalibrary.org.

Join us for entertaining and educational programs!

Read or listen to three books, audiobooks or magazines . Get a prize or drawing entry for each set of three you read .

Adults’ Program Theater

For every three books you read, you will be entered to win gift certificates and memberships to area entertainment venues .

Balloons

Reptiles

Wildlife Encounters

Raptors

Kids’ & Teens’ Prizes Prize 1 – Keychain wallet or messenger bag Prize 2 – Coupon sheet Prize 3 – Storm Chasers vouchers (for 8/5 or 8/6)

When: Where: Prizes available while supplies last.

Time:

& 1 CoCo Key voucher (exp. 10/28/12) Prize 4 – Drawing entry for a gift card Magic

The Wizard of Oz

Clifford Visits June 29 June 30 July 3 July 5 July 7 July 10 July 11 July 12

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

10:30 am . . . . . . . . W .C . Swanson 10:30 am . . . . . . C .B . Washington 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florence 10:30 am . . . . . . . M .R . Abrahams 10:00 am . . . . . . . . . Saddlebrook 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . W . Dale Clark 10:30 am . . . . . . . . A .V . Sorensen 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benson

Presented by two actors in 45 minutes.

Sat | July 14 11 am

W . Dale Clark Main Library 215 S . 15th St . | 402 .444 .4800

4 pm Millard Branch 13214 Westwood Ln . | 402 .444 .4848 Special meet & greet and photo opportunity one hour prior to each performance!

omahalibrary.org content • 5

editor’s letterthe Nurturing

of a Child.

Wonder & Development Nebraska Children’s Home Society Early Childhood Education

open 6:30am-6:00pm * experience staff * low child to staff ratios * kindergarten readiness caring teachers * beautiful facilities Two Omaha Locations: 4939 S 118th Street and 3549 Fontenelle Blvd.

Contact Us. Learn More. 402.451.0787 www.nchs.org

6 • editor’sletter

• • • • July 2012

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CONTENTS july 2012

coverfeature

20

20 Fish, Fossils, and Fun

at Omaha’s Henry

Doorly Zoo 13 9 10 11 12 13 14

swimmer’s ear easy lifestyle changes to look and feel better safe cycling for kids and adults stress water safety with children snack station: mini-pizzas what’s on your mind?

17 15 16

17 18 19

the american dream - now mother of the year stories: pyrotechnics, parties, and…plants? make family mealtime more enjoyable family spectrum’s family success story young hero: caleb tay

30 20 25 26

fish, fossils, and fun at omaha’s henry doorly zoo family spectrum’s writer’s corner

27 28 29 30

family spectrum’s teacher of the month teen voices: going behind the wheel july 2012 event calendar on the go: celebrate nebraska athletes olympic-style

family spectrum’s creative corner

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

content • 7

TIME TO VOTE! ® Best of Omaha 2013

New Family Categories this year!

Baseball Sports Club Basketball Sports Club Child Party Provider Children’s Attraction Children’s Golf League

Dance Studio Family Dentist Family Therapy Gymnastics Kids Summer Camp

Laser Tag Music Lessons Pediatrician Preschool Soccer Sports Club

Voting Starts July 1, 2012

Sports Camp Student Tutoring Swim Lessons Volleyball Sports Club Youth Athletic Organization

www.BestOfOmaha.com MEDIA SPONSERS

S

Swimmer’s Ear

wimmer’s ear is a painful condition that occurs when moisture

trapped in the ear canal causes the canal to become infected. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear may be mild at first but can quickly progress.

The symptoms may include: • Discomfort or pain • Redness inside ear • Excessive itching of the ear • Fluid drainage from the ear • Fullness feeling inside of ear • Decreased or muffled hearing

How Did I Get Swimmer’s Ear? The outer ear has glands that form a thin, water-repellent film on the skin inside the ear. Excessive swimming can cause the wax coating to diminish, allowing water to enter and remain. Although called ‘swimmer’s ear’, swimming is not the only cause. Prolonged exposure to a moist environment, humid weather, and heavy perspiration can also cause the condition. In addition, several other factors may cause swimmer’s ear and can include: • Skin conditions or allergies • Improper cleaning of the ear • Swimming in contaminated water • Scratches inside the ear canal from a cotton swab or object • Too frequent cleaning of the ear

Prevention Swimmer’s ear can be prevented. It is important to swim wisely and remember to take days off from the activity. Boys Town National Research Hospital recommends the following to help prevent swimmer’s ear: • Keep ears as dry as possible • Avoid putting foreign objects into the ear • Prevent irritants such as soaps, bubble baths, hairsprays, and shampoo from entering the ear • Remove water from the ear by gently drying ears with towel and wiggling head from side to side • Place two drops of white vinegar in the ear canal once a week when swimming frequently When to See a Doctor Swimmer’s ear can be treated. If you have symptoms of this condition, schedule an appointment with a physician to determine the cause and to receive proper treatment. A physician may clean the ear using eardrops, possibly prescribe infection-fighting eardrops, and suggest pain relievers. It is important to not let swimmer’s ear progress. Temporary hearing loss, widespread infection, and tissue SPECTRUM and cartilage damage can occur if left untreated.

family

Written by: David Chait, M.D. Boys Town Ear, Nose & Throat Institute Dr. Chait practices at the Boys Town Medical Campus Downtown Clinic, 555 North 30th Street, (402) 498-6540 and Boys Town Medical Campus Pacific Street Clinic, 14040 Hospital Road, (402) 778-6800. Find up-to-date health articles, podcasts, and search for a physician at www.boystownhospital.org.

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• ­9

ind

Submitted by: Andrew Wehrli, Nebraska Elite Sports & Fitness Complex

Family Spectrum and be sure to

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At work: • Park as far away from work as possible and walk.

• Replace a coffee break with a trip up the stairs.

• Keep some dumbbells at work so you can do tricep extensions, shoulder presses, or bicep curls every time you take a break from your computer work.

• Lunge to the bathroom.

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At home: • Push the baby in a stroller up a hill.

• Walk up and down the soccer or softball field sidelines while watching the kids play.

• Carry the trashcans to the curb instead of wheeling them.

• Do 10 bicep curls every time you get a glass of milk.

• Do stretches, exercises, or pedal a stationary bike while watching TV. • Mow the lawn with a push mower.

• Exercise to a workout video.

• Do 10 squats before sitting down.

Up-Do’s

As a trainer, I hear women talk about increased muscle mass as a bad thing. I’m not talking about getting bulky. I’m talking about getting long and lean muscles. Unfortunately, most people struggle to find time, aren’t motivated, don’t know where to start, or even dislike exercising. Everyone can begin resistance training in some form or another immediately. Start by increasing your physical activity through the normal things that you do every day.

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Facials

those results are attainable. But are they sustainable? Research indicates that managing weight is a combination of diet and exercise. If you stick to your diet, you will probably lose weight. However, you probably won’t maintain the weight loss without continued dieting. No one wants to diet for the rest of their life!

Manicures

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veryone wants to look good and feel good! Many diets promise incredible results, and

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Easy Lifestyle Changes to Look and Feel Better

www.ravesalon.com • • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

Submitted by: Ann Freestone for National Safety Council, Nebraska

According to Matthew Worm, an Omaha police officer and international police mountain bike association (IPMBA) instructor, very young kids should be under adult supervision. Kids under age 10 should be on sidewalks. Remind kids to watch for hazards, such as vehicles turning into and backing out of driveways.

Before older children use the roads, they should understand traffic laws because, once off of the sidewalks, they apply.

Safe Cycling for Kids and Adults

T

he reason Marty Shukert can share his knowledge about bike safety

today is because he was wearing a helmet. When he was out for a ride, he hit a huge crack in the pavement, flew over the handlebars, and landed on his head. Without the helmet, his story would have had a very different ending.

Shukert, a principal at RDG Planning and Design, gives bike safety classes through Live Well Omaha. His helmet provided full protection on the day of his accident.

He often sees parents out riding on a trail with their kids, and the parents won’t be wearing a helmet.

“For kids to wear a helmet, you need to wear one, too,” Shukert said. A helmet that’s approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission must be level, should be quite tight but not painful, and should not move. Other equipment includes eye protection and gloves for better grip. Not only should the helmet fit, but the bike should as well. Sometimes parents buy a bike that a child can grow into, which is dangerous. To make sure the bike is road-ready, Shukert recommends the ABC Quick Check from the League of American Cyclists (www.bikeleague.org): • A is for air pressure. Too little air can cause you to lose control of the bike, and too much air can cause the tire to blow up.

• B is for brakes. Make sure the brakes aren’t worn. If there is less than ¼” of the pad left, it’s time to replace them.

• C is for crank. If you hold the pedals and try to shake the bike, the crank should not move.

• Quick is for quick release. Be sure the quick release is engaged so wheels don’t fall off.

• Check is for check it over by taking a short ride before you leave so the bike feels right.

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

Tips for cyclists include the following: • Always ride to the right in the direction of traffic.

• Check for a break in traffic and use hand signals for turning.

• When the light turns green, don’t assume the driver sees you.

Make eye contact before entering the intersection.

• Watch for road hazards and go to the right of them to stay out of traffic.

• Don’t carry passengers.

• Don’t use headphones or cell phones because you need your ears as much as your eyes for safe riding.

• Roll up pants and double-knot shoelaces so they won’t get caught in the bike.

• Wear bright-colored clothing.

Brush up on Traffic Laws As gas prices rise, more people may consider commuting. To stay safe, you don’t have to take major streets as a motorist would, but rather, you could choose ones that run parallel. No matter the route, Worm said, all cyclists must follow the rules of the road and share it with motorists, so always be predictable and be seen.

Don’t weave in and out of traffic, but rather stay to the right as much as practicable; and don’t be where motorists won’t expect you to be, such as traveling against traffic or in the middle of two lanes. To be seen, Worm said to wear high-visibility yellow or orange clothing; and if you have to commute at night, illuminate the bike with lights, reflectors, and reflective tape.

“The take-away message is it is a safe activity but requires special skills and attention,” Shukert said. “That means equipping yourself properly, making sure your bike is a safe vehicle like you make sure your car is a safe vehicle, using road etiquette practice, and following the rules of the road as amended for cyclists.”

familySPECTRUM

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• ­11

Stress Water Safety with Children

W

ith summer here and swimming pools busy, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

stresses the importance of water safety. In 2011, the hospital admitted nine children for treatment as a result of near-drowning experiences. One of the children died.

“Any backyard pool is a significant risk. Community pools can pose a danger. We have also seen young children who have drowned or nearly drowned in the bathtub,” says Thomas Deegan, M.D. Dr. Deegan reminds parents that situations like these are largely preventable.

“Supervision is a necessity at all times, even for children who know how to swim,” he says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children as young as 1 year of age based on evidence that children ages 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have received formal swimming instruction. The academy goes on to say that all children over the age of 4 should know how to swim.

Statistically, preschoolers are the age group most likely at risk in swimming pools. They can wander out of the house and slip into a pool without a parent’s knowledge. They may fall into the water while bending over, and they don’t understand the danger.

Additional safety precautions include the installation of fencing around the pool, a pool alarm, or an automatic pool cover on underground pools.

“If you have an above ground pool, take the ladder out. Also, with all pools, remove water toys or any other temptations, keep the pool covered when not in use, and make sure your gates are locked,” reminds Dr. Deegan.

Even without a swimming pool, there are other household water risks. A child can drown in as little as an inch of water. Supervise all bathtub time, and after a day of rain, be sure to empty buckets, wading pools, and other items that collect water.

Dr. Deegan also encourages all parents and caregivers to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can reduce the severity of injury and improve the chance of SPECTRUM survival.

family

For more information on safety risks for children and preventing accidental injury, visit www.KohlsKeepsKidsSafe.org.

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, with support from Kohl’s Department Stores and the Maple Street Y, is providing scholarships for swimming lessons to keep children safe around water. Families in need of financial assistance to enroll their children in swimming lessons at the Maple Street Y can call 402-393-3700 for more information.

Written by: Thomas Deegan Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Dr. Thomas Deegan is an emergency department physician and co-director of the trauma program at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center.

12­ •

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• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

Photos by: Katie Anderson

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Healthy Snacks: Mini-Pizzas

T

rying to find a healthy afternoon snack that appeases your

kids can be difficult. But fear no more! Here’s a delicious snack that is quick and will keep your hungry little ones satisfied!

Ingredients • Small corn tortillas or tortilla chips • Salsa • Shredded cheddar cheese Instructions • Mound a little salsa and cheese on each tortilla.

L

Orde Now r

• Cook on foil-lined tray in oven or toaster oven until cheese has melted and is browned on the edges.

Tips To make it more fun, have your kids assemble their own mini-pizzas before cooking. Also, a layer of refried beans under the salsa, cilantro for garnish, or a dollop of light sour cream will make these treats even SPECTRUM tastier.

family

Source: Deb Perelman, www.smittenkitchen.com Showcasing all the special moments and memories you hold near and dear to your heart.

See a preview of photos and order online at

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• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• ­13

“Building strong foundations for a lifetime of learning” • Caring, friendly environment • Half-day educational programs for 3-5 year-olds

What’s on Your Mind?

Life Lessons from Play-Doh

I

t’s okay to let go a little and relax…if colors get mixed, oh well. Life will not end, and some-

times you create an even better color. Focus too much on keeping Play-Doh perfect and you won’t enjoy it. Life is the same way.

Some problems can be helped by squeezing something really hard. It’s even better if the thing you’re squeezing is meant to be squeezed…then no one gets hurt. Some messes are easier to clean up if they sit awhile. Dried out Play-Doh is easy to sweep up…try too soon and it just gets messier. Same goes for relationships…take time to cool off before trying to work things out.

The more mess you make, the more fun Play-Doh is. Messes are fun, especially when making them with your children. Teach your kids that fun doesn’t need a purpose…it can be just about having fun. Playing creates memories. It’s okay to make mistakes. Play-Doh is forgiving. If it’s not right the first time, just squish it and try again. Don’t give up.

New Play-Doh is more moldable. Our children are that way, too…pay attention to how you are shaping them. The older they get, the harder it is to make an imprint in their lives. In the eyes of a child, the finished Play-Doh creation is a masterpiece. Don’t grow up and forget how to be proud of your accomplishments.

No matter how appealing it may look, Play-Doh does not now—nor will it ever—taste good. There are times in everyone’s life when Mom is right. Stick together…everyone needs someone. It’s the little pieces of Play-Doh hanging out on their own that dry out and get thrown away.

A lump of Play-Doh is just a lump. A little pressure makes it something beautiful. In the hands of the Master, it becomes even more beautiful. Everyone can look at the same rolled out piece of PlayDoh and see something different. Is it a worm? A snake? A noodle? No one is wrong or right…it’s all about perspective. In a disagreement, what does the other person see?

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Play-Doh is Play-Doh, no matter what color it is. Every color is beautiful, every color is important.

Just like people. A new can of Play-Doh holds infinite possibilities, limited only by your imaginaSPECTRUM tion. Life, too, holds infinite possibilities. What will you make of it?

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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14­ •

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• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

but actual resettlements always fall far short of that maximum. Lutheran Family Services is the largest resettlement organization in the state, bringing in approximately 500 individuals and families each year with the help of two national organizations (Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and Church World Service).

Bhutanese refugees arrive in Omaha (April 2011) and are greeted by Mayor Jim Suttle and LFS CEO Ruth Henrichs.

The American Dream — Now

I

had the privilege recently of spending a few precious days with my brother Ken, a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4) in the U.S. Navy. This well-educated man, who has literally lived all over the world, asked me a question that made me realize we have some communicating to do.

He asked why Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska resettles refugees—or for that matter, why anyone does? With all of the problems in our country, he asked, why do organizations make refugee resettlement a priority?

As we talked, it became very clear that many people nod when they hear the term “refugee resettlement,” but few really grasp its importance.

Refugees are people who have been forced from their homes, usually suddenly and violently, and most often as a result of war, famine, or other civil conflict. But the bottom line is that refugees do not carry that title by choice. Many were professionals or craftsmen in their own country; but, as they escape their community, they leave with nothing. Many face horrors most of us cannot imagine as they seek safety.

After they finally make their way to the relative security of a refugee tent camp, they wait for the bloodshed to abate. Often it doesn’t. They wait for the United Nations to arrive and give them new options, like resettlement. If they are among those lucky enough to apply for refugee status, they wait again. It’s not unusual for the process to take a decade or more. And as they wait, they live. They take spouses; they have children.

According to the United Nations High Council on Refugees 2011 Statistic, of the 10.5 million refugees in the world, a mere 12 percent (128,000) are approved by the United Nations for resettlement each year. Of the few countries who accept refugees, Canada, Australia, and the United States resettle 90 percent of those eligible. In 2012, President Obama opened the door for just 76,000 refugees,

The criteria for resettlement can be daunting. If a refugee already has family here, their chances are better. And although they don’t get to choose, people in the camps dream about where they would like to go. They hope to go where they may have friends, or where there are others who share their nationality and heritage. This is why so many Sudanese live in Omaha, creating the largest Sudanese community outside of Sudan.

Refugees come based on where the turmoil exists in the world. If you see long-term civil unrest on the news, the chances are good that people will be driven from their homes, and refugees will result. The short answer to Ken’s question is “because it’s the compassionate and right thing to do.” We stop and help stranded motorists. Refugees are simply stranded elsewhere. The refugees who come to Nebraska are seeking not just a better life for themselves and their children, but simply a life that they can live in peace and safety.

Next month: What refugees face when they arrive in Omaha, the power of what they bring with them, and why friendships and kindness SPECTRUM are so important.

family

Because of the federal funding timetable, the summer is by far the busiest time of the year for refugee resettlement. LFS can use the help of families, churches, and other groups who want to sponsor or provide supplies for arriving refugee families. If you would like to help, please email info@LFSneb.org.

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.

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 15

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Dinner was a success. The kids were having a blast with all the new toys, and we were all having fun watching them. After dinner, the moms went inside while the dads went down to the yard. That’s when I heard it—“Riley, NOOOOO!” My husband ran across the yard to stop our son from putting something in his mouth. Too late. He was enjoying the fresh taste of hosta leaves. My husband took the leaves from my son and ran into the house. My first and only thought was, “Are they poisonous?”

I was on the line with Poison Control while my husband was Googling to find out if they were. As Poison Control was telling me not to worry, my husband started laughing. Turns out, not only are hostas not poisonous, they’re a delicacy in parts of Asia.

family

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Once I had finally calmed down, the sun was setting, and it was time for fireworks. But I had already had mine for the day. As I settled into my chair to watch the show, my husband handed me a beer and sat down next to me with my son safely in his lap. “Another lesson learned,” he SPECTRUM told me. And another case of MOTY!

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familyspectrum •

conversation. Also, don’t use mealtime to nag or punish your child for behaviors that aren’t related to mealtime.

• Establish a set of mealtime rules for your child.

For example, he or she must stay seated, must eat at the table, must use his or her silverware, cannot throw food, etc.

• Limit your child’s eating time to 20 minutes.

If your child is going to eat, he or she will do so in the first 20 minutes of the meal. If your child finishes before that time, give praise and let him or her leave the table. (This decision depends on your mealtime rules.)

Make Family Mealtime More Enjoyable

• Give your finicky eater small but reasonable portions of preferred foods along with very small amounts of non-preferred foods. Tell your child that he or she must eat the nonpreferred foods in order to have seconds of the preferred foods. Do not force your child to be a member of the “clean plate” club or to eat the non-preferred foods.

D

o you often find yourself suffering from “short-order cook syndrome,” preparing different menus at mealtime to appease a finicky eater? Mealtime should be a pleasant family time and a positive learning environment for all family members. If you find that mealtimes usually end in arguments about how much your child should be eating, follow these guidelines.

They’ll help you cope with your picky eater and make family mealtime more enjoyable.

• Make an appointment with your family pediatrician and share your concerns about your child’s appetite and eating habits. Ask the doctor to weigh and measure your child, and have him or her show you how to plot out a standard growth chart. Assess your child’s growth and development over time, taking into consideration genetics and family body types. If your physician has no concerns, you can move on to mealtime strategies without worry.

• Establish rules for a sit-down, family-style meal where everyone sits together to eat. Turn the television off. Focus on conversation that includes all family members, limiting adult-only

• Plan your menus in advance. Include your picky eater by letting him or her help plan the family menu, encouraging them to try SPECTRUM something new.

family

Learn more about this and many other topics at www.boystownparenting.org.

Written by: Julie Almquist, MS, LIMHP Assistant Director of the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health Almquist is the Assistant Director of the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health, a large outpatient clinic for children living in Omaha who exhibit troubling or challenging behavior. The clinic is located on Boys Town’s campus and is open for new appointment. If you have questions, please call (402) 498-3358.

parenting.org from

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Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photo by: Larry Peterson

Family Success Story The Petersons

M

eet the Petersons—Jason and Katie, and their children Andrew, Alaina, and Kayleigh of Bellevue!

Though the family lives in Bellevue, the kids attend school in the Papillion School District.

Jason and Katie have been married for 13 years, but it didn’t come easy.“Our marriage had a very rocky start,” Katie says. Both Jason and Katie had been very carefree people when they started dating. They worked, went to school, and partied with friends every night. But a few months into their relationship, Katie had gotten pregnant and didn’t know it until she was around 9-10 weeks along. “By the time I figured it out, we had broken up with no desire to see each other again,” she says. Katie told her mom first, which she explains was very emotional and hard to do. “I felt very ashamed and very lost as to what I was going to do.

I knew from the start that I was keeping my baby. I just didn’t know what that was going to look like or how my life was going to work out.” Both Jason and Katie’s parents were in shock, but they all voiced that they didn’t want them to have an abortion because they knew, with help, they could make it work.

Katie ended up moving back home with her parents, as did Jason with his parents so he could afford the child support payments.

“We never had to reach the point where the courts scheduled out shared custody or visitations.” Katie brought Andrew, their first-born, over to Jason’s parents’ home on Sundays; because the drive between their homes was somewhat far, she often stayed to hangout with Jason and the baby. During those visits, they reconnected and became friends. “I still really struggled with being able to trust Jay and his motives, but we did end up getting married when Andrew was one-and-a-half-years-old,” she says.

The first five years of Jason and Katie’s marriage had lots of ups and downs. “I would automatically go to the point of telling him to get out and leave because I just knew it was coming anyway whenever we would have a fight.” But Jason always promised that he wouldn’t leave. Having a strong commitment to stick around through the good times and the bad is what Katie thinks saved their marriage.

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Left to right: Andrew, Jason, Alaina, Katie, and Kayleigh

To work through their problems, Jason and Katie attended several marriage classes at their church and read books such as The Five Love Languages and The Five Languages of Apology. “Any kind of class, seminar, couples group, or counselor we could get our hands on, we did.” She explains that the love and grace given to them by God really helped them overcome their issues. Deciding what kind of life and morals they wanted to instill in their children also helped Jason and Katie with their marriage because they knew they needed to live as an example of a healthy relationship for their children. “We wanted to raise them to be people that other people wanted to be around. We both knew the choices and decisions that we had made prior to and at the beginning of our marriage; and if it was going to work or last, we needed to make some changes.”

Today, Jason and Katie and their three kids work together to keep family a priority. They bond with family camping trips and mini-vacations; Jason and Katie still take time on the weekends just for themselves to make sure they are connecting and taking care of their marriage. “The key to going to all of these classes isn’t just to show up to the class, but to apply what you have learned.”

Katie believes her family is a success because she and Jason applied themselves as they grew as spouses and as parents; and their kids have done exceptionally well in school and in their activities. “Andrew just finished up his freshman year at Papillion South High School with great grades while playing football and soccer; Alaina just finished up her seventh grade year at Papillion Junior High with excellent grades, and she volunteers as an aide to the three-to five-year-olds at our church; Kayleigh just finished up third grade with excellent grades and a great SPECTRUM group of new friends.”

family

• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill

MUSIC WEEKEND

AUGUST

24&25

Young Hero: Caleb Tay

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24

C

aleb Tay, 9, attends Millard Core Academy at Cather Elementary School. His mom, Kirsten, describes him as a funny, sympathetic, and inquisitive kid. “Caleb has a terrific sense of humor,” she says. “He has great comedic timing, and he’s always looking for a good joke. He is also very caring and concerned about people when he perceives that there has been some injustice. And he is always asking thought-provoking questions. We often have great conversations that begin from questions he asks about subjects from biology to paleontology to politics to what life was like when I was a child.”

At one time, Caleb had a baby brother; but unfortunately, his brother died as a result of injuries at the hands of a daycare provider. Although Caleb still asks to hear stories about his brother from time to time, he now has a close, almost sibling-like relationship with the family’s cats, Gabby and Mandy, and dog, Sophie. “He loves having the dog and cats around, and they love him right back,” says Kirsten.

The true test of Caleb’s character came when he was 8, when his dad became very sick around Thanksgiving. As his dad’s health continued to deteriorate, Caleb stayed strong for both his parents.

“On the morning that Caleb’s dad lost his battle with cancer and passed away, Caleb and I agreed that we are a team; and if we stick together, we would make it,” says Kirsten. After the funeral, Caleb sought out his mom and reminded her that they were going to be okay because they had each other.

It’s been nearly a year since he lost his dad, yet Kirsten believes Caleb has shown great resilience and grace as they’ve worked through all of the changes.

Though Kirsten thinks her son has been dealt some very difficult cards, she knows he’s a good role model for other children because he strives to help and encourage his classmates and teammates.

“As a kid who has lost someone so close to him and so very special to him, he has demonstrated great character as a student, as a member of his baseball and football teams, and as a member of our SPECTRUM family,” says Kirsten. “I could not be more proud of him.”

family

6:35pm

CONCERT UNCLE KRACKER

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 6:35pm

BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

presents

Faith & Family Night

Jonny Diaz

PLUS FIREWORKS AFTER EACH GAME

402.738.5100 Family Spectrum and Omaha Storm Chasers would like to honor your Young Hero. Send nominations to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com.

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

live•love•grow

• 19

Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photos by: minorwhitestudios.com

Brylie Ream, 3 and Ty Sitzmann, 4 enjoy the view of the new aquarium renovations.

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• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

FISH,

FOSSILS, and FUN at OMAHA’S

HENRY DOORLY ZOO

O

maha’s Henry Doorly Zoo has had a good start to the summer season. In May, the zoo earned the No. 1 rank among the U.S. zoos after reviews by visitors were submitted on the world’s largest travel website, TripAdvisor; and all of the new features— including the recent renovation of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium—have been drawing in crowds from near and far.

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

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• 21

At the Tide-Pool Touch Tank, visitors can hold and touch anemones, starfish, and sea urchins with the help of aquarium staff.

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• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

Photos by: Katie Anderson

Opened April 5, 2012, the newly renovated Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium continues to feature naturalistic displays of aquatic habitats from polar, temperate, and tropical regions; however, visitors can expect to experience 10 new exhibits during their visit. The aquarium received a $6.5 million dollar facelift with new carpets, air-handling systems, ceilings, wall finishes, flooring, interpretive graphics, and digital monitors. Special lighting, curved wave walls, and wider paths help usher visitors through the exhibits with each area having its own specific sound represent the natural environment.

The renovation also included a completely redesigned gift shop, kids coral reef area with multiple learning opportunities, and a hi-tech digital infrared projector that re-creates the ocean floor, including ocean fish that react to visitors’ movement. Mitch Carl, Curator of Aquatics at the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, has received many positive responses from guests to the aquarium so far. Some of the responses were: “The new aquarium is amazing!...The jellyfish were absolutely beautiful…I loved how there were so many different shapes, colors, and movements of the jellies…It looks like a brand-new aquarium!” Here are some of the new and expanded features at the aquarium: • Tide-Pool Touch Tank: a 500-gallon touch tank featuring anemones, starfish, and sea urchins with staff for hands-on viewing • Open Oceans: a 40-foot racetrack tank with schooling fish • Ocean Birds: an above- and below-water exhibit featuring a 20-foot-high cliff nesting site for tufted puffins and common murres; a 60-foot-long, 25-foot-high window with above and below water viewing of Antarctic penguins, including Emperor King, Gentoo, Macaroni, and Little Rockhopper • Cold Pacific Waters: featuring Japanese giant spider crabs, coldwater fish and invertebrates, swell sharks, horn sharks, and several species of rockfish • Tropical Beaches: featuring brightly colored fish, live coral, and invertebrates typical to Sulawesi Beach in Indonesia • Staff Picks: six tanks featuring animals that the staff have chosen because of their specific interest • Shark Reef: an oval-shaped, 70-foot-long tunnel at the bottom of a 17-footdeep exhibit containing 900,000 gallons of circulating salt water that allows visitors to experience being on the ocean floor with sand tiger sharks, zebra sharks, and stingrays • Ocean Drifters: featuring five species of jellyfish, including Pacific sea nettles, Lion’s mane, moon, upside-down, and East Coast sea nettles • Saving the Reef: an area highlighting Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium’s conservation work with Caribbean corals with dozens of reef fish • Eel Reef: featuring honeycomb eel, undulated eel, green moray eel, and purple mouth eel • Scuba Reef: seven exhibits featuring octopus, bowmouth guitarfish, garden eels, seahorses, cow-nosed rays, bonnet head sharks, and brightly-colored reef fish (expanded 30 percent from the previous area) • Amazon River: a freshwater tank, which now includes stingrays, piranhas, armored catfish, pacu birds, and special lighting Also recently updated and expanded was the Red Barn Park. The goal of the park is to provide visitors with an interactive animal experience. For example, visitors can now view the goats demonstrating their natural agility by executing trained behaviors on cue. The area showcases how training and environmental enrichment help to enhance the daily lives of the animals and how visitors can apply CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

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• 23

the same techniques they see at the zoo to their animals at home. The Red Barn Contact Yard features exotic and domestic farm animals— such as chickens, goats, zebu, donkeys, and others—giving children an up-close view of their favorite farm animals. The Education Barn on the complex houses a number of electronic displays, including a life-size replica of a dairy cow demonstrating the milking process, “Cal-C-Um” showing milk’s importance to bone growth, and other hands-on activities.

New to the Red Barn’s complex is the Prehistoric Play Park and Fossil Dig, which opened in May. In cooperation with the University of Nebraska State Museum, the site is a replica of Nebraska 12 million years ago when it was a savannah similar to present-day Africa. The area has two main features: a fossil bed and a play park. The Fossil Dig is an interactive 20-foot by 30-foot active excavation area where kids can discover over eight replicated skeletons of animals (whose fossil have been found in Nebraska) using tools just like a paleontologist would on a real fossil dig. These tools include brushes, small shovels, small brooms, magnifying glasses, and more. A fossil bone guide will assist kids in identifying the bones they find.

The Prehistoric Play Park displays life-size sculptures representing animals, which originate in the region’s fossil history. The Diatryma is a six- to seven-foot-tall cassowary-like bird; the Teleoceras is a fourfoot-tall barrel-bodied rhino; the Hesperotestudo is an approximately five-foot-long giant tortoise; and the Barbourofelis is a seven-foot-tall sabre-toothed cat. Also included in the play park is a five-foot-tall bronze mammoth skull with four-foot-long tusks and a large map of Nebraska, indicating where visitors can visit real fossils across the state (with specific information on Morrill Hall, Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, and Trailside Museum of Natural History at Fort Robinson).

familySPECTRUM

Don’t forget to check out the great events going on at the zoo this summer: • Moo at the Zoo (through July 1, 9am-5pm): a fun-filled country and agriculture-themed event with pie eating contests, delicious country cooking, and games; free with regular paid zoo admission • Tour de Zoo (Aug. 2, 6:30-8:30pm): a family fun event, formerly known as the Critter Ride, with bike riding, dinner, and special animal encounters; registration required ($15 for members, $20 for non-members) • Back to School Bash (Aug. 11, 9am-3pm): an event for kids right before they head back to school where they can hang out with mascots and learn new things without sitting in a desk; free with regular paid admission For more information about events, admission prices, or special exhibits, visit www.omahazoo.com or call 402-733-8401.

24 •

Montessori International School of the Plains

live•love•grow

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

• • • • • • • •

MISP

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

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 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.

• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner

Proudly Presented by:

Jennah

Jennah, 11, attends Pawnee Elementary. She likes riding her bike with her mom after school. She also reads a lot of books at night before she goes to bed.

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

Je n n ah

Seasons

by Jennah Spring is the time when nature is being reborn. The plants are blooming, and the animals are thriving. The birds begin to sing again and the light rain showers drip and drop. You can jump in the shallow puddles after the sky has cleared. You can fly a kite in the pelting breeze.

Summer is the time when the sun is scorching hot. You can swim in a river, or in a public pool. You can slurp on ice cream, any millions of f lavors.

You could go on a vacation, all around. With no school, summer is a world of possibilities.

Autumn is when the wind is blowing furiously. School starts again, a grade higher. The trees turn colors and soon the leaves start to fall. Plants begin to die, no more allergies for you!

Winter is when the world becomes white. Snow falls from the sky. The temperatures dramatically fall. Blizzards blow. You can build friendly snowmen, or skate on the frozen lake. Once frozen and cold, you can drink a delicate drink or hot cocoa.

Once the year ends, another one follows. Spring begins again, summer following. Winds bring autumn. And the cycle continues year after year.

ATTENTION YOUNG WRITERS! Submit your original short stories and/or poems to Bailey@OmahaPublications.com, and we may choose YOURS to feature in our next issue! Submission of a story or poem automatically gives Family Spectrum publishing rights to publish in whole or in part. Family Spectrum will notify writers of intent of use prior to publishing.

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

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• 25

Creative Corner

Patriotic Pom-Poms C elebrate the Fourth of July by recycling those plastic shopping bags and making a red, white, and blue pom-pom!

Materials • Red-and-white plastic bags (Target bags work best) • Stapler • Scissors • Dowel or stick (around 3/8” wide and 8” long) • Blue painter’s tape, electrical tape, or duct tape Instructions • Stack four or five red-and-white plastic bags in a neat, flat pile.

• Staple the bags together several times along the bottom edge, positioning the staples so that they run parallel to the sides of the bags.

• Trim off the handle sections and the bottom folds.

• For the fringe, cut 3/4”-wide strips into the unstapled end of the bags. Stop your cuts about an inch or so from the stapled edge.

• Cover a dowel or stick with blue painter’s tape. Wrap the stapled end of the bags around one end of the dowel SPECTRUM and use more blue tape to secure it.

family

Source: Disney’s Family Fun. For this craft and other ideas, visit Disney’s Family Fun website www.familyfun.go.com.

Photo by: Katie Anderson

26 •

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• • • • July 2012

familyspectrum •

Nominated by: Drew Persigehl

Now Open 7 Days a Week in One Pacific Place!

A locally owned children’s hair salon for parents and their kids.

402-933-3700 Deaconness Institute c. 1900

Teacher of the Month

Kathy Gates

Fremont Orphanage c. 1893

www.LFSneb.org

120 Years of service

Grace Abbott Elementary— Millard Public Schools

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

K

athy Dickinson Gates has been a Millard Public Schools teacher since August 1986. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s in elementary education and was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. In May 2012, Kathy was nominated as Millard Public Schools’ Employee of the Month for her work at Grace Abbott Elementary School, where she has been teaching first graders how to read, spell, use proper handwriting, and math for the last 26 years. She tries to instill a love of learning and how to make good choices as independent thinkers through her “Beary Good Jar” and “Gates’ Goodies.” No child ever leaves school at the end of a long day without a hug from Kathy.

Kathy has been married to Jim Gates, a P.E. teacher at Cody Elementary in Millard for 23 years. The two met at Grace Abbott. They have two children: Ryan, 21, and Hannah, 18. Ryan is a student at UNO, and Hannah is headed to UNL in August. Kathy enjoys exercising, going for long walks, shopping with her daughter, and going out with her sisters and girlfriends. “I feel very blessed to have taught so many wonderful children over the years at Abbott and have gotten to know the fantastic families who are so kind and supportive,” she says.

“Mrs. Gates always had lots of energy and purpose teaching first grade. She was never afraid to give a hug or help with a problem. She made learning fun,” says former student Drew Persigehl.

familySPECTRUM

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Teen Voice: He Said/She Said Going Behind the Wheel

O

f all the perks of being a teenager, I was most looking forward to being able to drive. The endless possibilities that it opened up made my eyes go wide from an early age. Think of all the things I could do! I could go to movies, hang out with friends, and most importantly, my parents wouldn’t be the ones driving me to go do those things!

T

urning 15 opens a whole new world: the world of driving or learning how to drive.

To most kids my age, driving equals freedom. It gives us a whole new responsibility to handle on top of our everyday lives. We are allowed to go anywhere our hearts desire—or how far our gas tank would let us. Driving gives us some control over an object and over our lives, somewhat.

Shortly after I turned 15, my mom and I made the trip to the DMV, got my learner’s permit, and I was on my way up—nothing could stop me now! Then I realized how huge a responsibility driving was. You have to pay attention to so many things at once that the exhilaration of being able to control the places you go was downgraded a little bit.

For parents, it’s a huge step in their kids’ lives. It means we are no longer their “little girl.” In my instance, when my dad wants to go out and teach me, I get really stressed because he is loud and demanding. On the other hand, my mom is patient, and I prefer driving with her; but I’m more likely to crash into things because she’s not as alert.

Learning to drive in and of itself was not a major challenge for me. The concept isn’t that different from that of a go-cart. Dealing with your parents having to teach you something new every five seconds was a whole different story. I had to trust that they knew more about driving than I did, even when some things seemed contradictory to what I believed. That, and not being able to drive by myself, also lessened the amount of fun I’ve had up until this point.

The scariest part about driving is crashing and hurting myself or someone else. There is such a huge potential for it to be lifethreatening. In 2011, 800 teenagers were involved in a serious crash. Sixty-six percent of the errors discovered in those 800 crashes were due to a critical teen driving error, such as speeding or being distracted. Texting and driving is a huge factor in this statistic. Wanting to be on our phones all the time causes us to be distracted when changing our music or texting our friends back. Today, they say texting while driving or trying to change the music on our iPod is equivalent to drunk driving. Knowing this, some people are still willing to risk their lives just to see what is happening on social networking sites.

That said, driving is still a blast, and starting up the engine gives me a kick every time. There is just something about the ability to drive—maybe it’s the newly gained freedom—that makes becoming a teenager worthwhile. Even though we have to go through high school, acne, drama, and everything that goes with the territory, driving still balances out all those negatives.

And, come December, I’ll be able to drive without one of my parents in the car.

So make sure you get off the streets before then, or have your insurance agent on speed dial, because there will be one more teenager driving the streets of Omaha.

familySPECTRUM

Submitted by: Derek Class of 2015

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Driving to teenagers means that we will be able to live our own lives; it means that, in a few years, we can be out of the house and on our own. It’s one of the first big steps in being independent SPECTRUM and finding out life on our own.

family

Submitted by: Tiffany Class of 2015

• • • • July 2012

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

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monday

tuesday

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wednesday 27

thursday

28 Making the Right Friends July 14, 10am-11am • Boys Town Hospital 14080 Hospital Rd., Boys Town, Neb. Register at www.boystownpediatrics.org

friday

saturday

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Is your child hanging with the right crowd? This one-hour Parent Talk class will provide parents with creative strategies on how to help your child develop and maintain positive and appropriate peer relationships.

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Independence Day

Railroad Days July 14-15 • Various locations in Omaha (402) 444-5071 • www.omaharailroaddays.com All aboard for a fun-filled weekend. Five area railroad-themed attractions will showcase some influential railroaders dating from the Civil War to modern day. Join the fun at Lauritzen Gardens, the Durham Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the Historic General Dodge House, and RailsWest Railroad Museum.

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12 Pecan Pie Day

Nebraska Star Party July 15-20 • Snake River Campground - Merritt Reservoir, Valentine, Neb. (402) 491-3502 • www.nebraskastarparty.org The whole family will love camping beneath the stars, and special midweek children’s programming features pop bottle rocketry, solar viewing, crater study, celestial mechanics, and construction projects. Astronomers of all experience levels are welcome, and beginner’s classes are even available.

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Cox Music & Movies – The Muppets and The Betties July 20, Music at 7:45pm, Movie at 8:45pm Holland Performing Arts Center • 1200 Douglas St. (402) 345-0606 • Free admission Enjoy live music from The Betties followed by an outdoor screening of The Muppets (2011) on the Holland Center East Lawn. Grass seating is available, and blankets and chairs are welcome. Concessions will be provided. No outside food, drink, or pets permitted.

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23 Parents Day

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Amelia Earhart Day

Nebraska’s Big Rodeo and Garfield County Frontier Fair July 25-28 • Rodeo grounds, S. NE Hwys 11 & 19 Burwell, Neb. (308) 346-5010 • www.nebraskasbigrodeo.com Saddle up and explore Western heritage at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, which has been going strong for 89 years. The excitement includes professional rodeo clowns, riders, cowboys, a wild horse race, chuckwagon racings, dinner bell derby, a wild horse race, chuckwagon races, and a dinner bell derby.

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3 2 Surviving the First 6 Months July 21, 10am-11am • Boys Town Hospital 14080 Hospital Rd., Boys Town, Neb. Register at www.boystownpediatrics.org

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Expectant and new parents, grandparents, and caregivers are invited to learn helpful tips on surviving the first six months. Boys Town Pediatrics will lead conversation on sleep patterns, feeding, dealing with a fussy baby, colic, and more. Bring your own newborn questions!

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

• readonlinenow.com July 2012 • • • •

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• 29

Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism • Photo provided by: All-Star Sports Photography

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

S

OMAG COVER • art • Dining

May/June

Always Local, Always Beautifu l

2012

Looking Great,

Feeling Great Drawn to Fashion

Mary Mitchell

Backyard Challenge “Band of Brothers” WAtkins

A Public

ation

of

CUrt

ULtim

Ate

Hofe

r Con

strU

Ctio

n

Magazine Omaha’s Business-To-Business

J a n Ua ry / F e B r Ua ry

2012

PERMIT NO. 5377 DENVER, CO

PAID

Spanning The Globe

Kate Dodge

Omaha magazine • 5921 S. 118th CirCle • Omaha, ne 68137

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Eating For Success

NEI Global Relocation

tEn Laws of ChiLdhood

Diversity Built A Railroad

Law Number One

Union Pacific

CrEativE CornEr

How I Roll, Bruce Simon’s

Winged Wonders

Celebrate Nebraska Athletes Olympic-Style

The Cornhusker State Games offer athletes of all ages and skill levels a chance to compete in 60 competitive sports from July 20-29. Last year, more than 11,500 people from ages 5 months to 87 years participated in events such as archery, basketball, boxing, darts, chess, and martial arts.

The festival kicks off with Olympic-style pageantry during the Opening Ceremonies at 8pm July 20 at Seacrest Field (7600 A St., Lincoln, Neb.). The spirit of the Games will fill the air as thousands of participants march into the stadium in the Parade of Athletes and flags representing all 93 Nebraska counties circle the stadium.

The ceremony will include a mascot obstacle challenge, skydivers, fireworks, a National Guard chopper fly-in, the Oath of Athletes, and an appearance by Miss Nebraska Amy Spilker.

Headline entertainment will feature a high-flying trampoline exhibition by the Skyriders, fresh off their nationwide tour of NCAA and NBA basketball halftime performances, and a mini-concert by the popular cover band D*Funk.

w w w.O ma ha P u bl ic ations.com

OMAG COVER

On The Go! ome of the nation’s best athletes competed and won spots on the 2012 U.S. Olympic swim team during the recent trials in Omaha. If your family has Olympic fever—but traveling to London for the Summer Olympics is out of the question—you can keep that Olympic spirit alive by celebrating amateur athletes at the 2012 Cornhusker State Games in Lincoln.

Now you can read Omaha Magazine, Omaha Home Magazine, B2B Omaha Magazine, The Encounter Omaha Magazine, Her Omaha Magazine and Family Spectrum online!

Faces • style • Home • events

Former Husker kicker Alex Henery lights the torch for the 2011 Cornhusker State Games.

fisker karma

U.S. $3.25

Summer 2012 0 4>

0

74470 63856

8

w w w. b 2 b o m a . c o m

PERMIT NO. 5377 DENVER, CO

CirCle • OMaha, ne 68137 OMaha Magazine • 5921 S. 118Th

Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without the lighting of the caldron when the Mystery Torchlighter is revealed and the 2012 Cornhusker State Games begin. The 2011 Mystery Torchlighter was former Husker football standout and current Philadelphia Eagles kicker Alex Henery.

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As the ceremony concludes and the fireworks finale begins, you’ll feel a great sense of pride for an event that is truly something special for all Nebraskans. This year, discover a passion for local amateur sports and cheer on our homegrown athletes. And next year, get out and participate in the 2013 Cornhusker State Games.

Find dates, times, locations and more information at www.cornhuskerstategames.com.

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• • • • July 2012

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Your Safety.

Our Priority.

Be Creative! Be Safe! Win Prizes!

Fireworks Safety Contests

Parents, teachers, caregivers –use this great opportunity to educate.

Invite those you know to participate and Celebrate Safety!

Coloring Contest: Ages 6 to 11, May 1 to June 30 Theme: Our Family Celebrates Safely!

Prize: $50 Visa gift card (15 prizes awarded) Poster Contest: Ages 12 – 15, May 1 to June 30 Theme: Using Fireworks Safely!

Prize: $50 Visa gift card (15 prizes awarded) Essay Contest: Ages 12 – 15, May 1 to June 30.

Theme: How to Be a Role Model for Fireworks Safety Prize: $50 Visa gift card (15 prizes awarded) Fireworks Story Contest: High school student. May 1 to June 30 Write a story about fireworks safety. • Prize: $100 Visa gift card

Public Service Announcement Contest: All ages, Develop a 30 second video PSA on fireworks safety, May 1 to November 16. Winning video could be part of the 2013 Fireworks Safety Campaign reaching thousands of people. Individuals or teams are encouraged to submit!

For coloring sheet, official rules and entry forms go to www.SafeNebraska.org Fireworks are fun, especially when used safely and with a little bit of planning.

1.

2.

Here are 12 Tips for Fireworks Safety for all ages!

Consider attending one of the many free public shows available.

If you hold your own show, choose fireworks that are legal. Anything you buy from a vendor in Nebraska will meet this requirement.

3.

Choose fireworks that are age appropriate. Young kids should never handle any fireworks, including sparklers.

Teens should be supervised.

4.

Don’t allow running or horseplay by anyone near fireworks.

5.

Don’t try to relight duds. Wait at least 20 minutes before handling; then soak in water before disposing.

6.

Plan your show to avoid having fireworks come down on people, houses and cars. Remember, the winds often change direction.

7.

Have at least a bucket of water available; and a garden hose on and ready to go.

8.

Have a first aid kit nearby – just in case.

9.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lighting fireworks.

10. Wear close fitting clothes and sturdy shoes or sneakers.

11. Use a “designated shooter” who is alcohol free and wearing safety glasses! Light one device at a time and keep a safe distance once a firework is lit.

12. Never light fireworks in containers.

Remember to clean up when you are done.

For more information, visit our website www.SafeNebraska.org!

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