Family Spectrum September 2011

September 2011

featuring Fontenelle’s

Ice Age: The Real Story

Back to school issue myplate

the four food group chart Orthodontic

timing and tidbits

mother of the year stories

big yellow school bus

live•love•grow

Jules will ride someday. She feels it in her bones.

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Imperfecta, a rare, often crippling condition, and designed an innovative combination of surgeries and treatments.

Because of their global expertise in orthopedics, specialists at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center diagnosed Osteogenesis

Now, five years later, Jules anticipates the day she can ride the animals that are her passion. She has no doubt it will come.

Her doctors will make it so.

hen Juliana was three, a trip down a slide changed her life. There was pain, then X-rays that revealed multiple fractures in her vertebrae.

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.

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• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

When life changes, we’re there for you.

Contact our Omaha representatives for affordable health insurance.

1-877-280-2583

nebraskablue.com Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

editor’sletter

A

Volume 7 • Issue 1

hh, Back to School…what do

those words mean to you? To some they mean things return to normal.

To others, they mean rigid structure and the end to fun. To me, they mean both. It brings back the soccer mom schedule, but also puts an end to me wishing my kids were as tired as I am by 9:30 at night. Summer fun is a blast, but work awaits in the morning. Back to School for Family Spectrum brings change.

We are happy to introduce an abundance of new features and writers. We hope our magazine will not only inform and educate you about the things Omaha has to offer, but we want to add an element of hope and be a resource for Omaha families.

Maybe you will feel a glimmer of hope while reading what other families have endured in our Family

Publisher • Todd Lemke Vice President • Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Managing Editor • Corey Ross Family Spectrum Contributing Editor • Paige Edwards Editor • Linda Persigehl Assistant Editor • Bailey Hemphill Art Director • John Gawley Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Stacey Penrod, Paige Edwards Sales Assistants • Vicki Voet, Alicia Smith Hollins Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer Principle Photography • minorwhite studios, inc Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey

Success Stories, or catch yourself laughing along with the Mother of the Year Stories. Deb Fuller’s What’s on your Mind? is gladly awaiting your questions about parenting….let’s face it, we all have

Advertising • Omaha Publications, (402) 884-2000

questions. Jarell Roach will keep us informed about the Hot Topics our kids are dealing with in Parent Watch. Teen Voices has also become a He Said/She Said with a high school girl and boy giving their

Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com

opinion on the same topic. Look for the honored Teacher of the Month as we recognize their efforts, and as usual, Family Spectrum loves your involvement. Whether you have a young writer, a young

Please send contributions to bailey@omahapublications.com

hero, or parent questions for Deb, we welcome your submissions.

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

Sincerely,

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

Look for this sticker to find our new features starting this issue.

On the Cover A big thank you to Beth Smith (mom), Jack, age 8, and Paige, age 4, this issue’s cover models (along with the saber-toothed cat).

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

The Smith family are members of the Fontenelle Nature Association and frequent visitors of the nature center.

live.love.grow 4 • editor’sletter

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

Back to School Great Books for Great Kids!

Tuesday | Sept 27

Safe search made for kids. Find facts about animals, famous people, health and much more. All you need is Internet access and your OPL card.

Go to omahalibrary.org and select Resource Center. Click on the category Kids. Click on Kids Search. You may be asked to type in the 14-digit barcode number printed on the back of your library card.

KidSpot

live•love•grow

Children Are Unpredictable That’s why there’s

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

Location:

Boys Town National Research Hospital 14000 Boys Town Hospital Road on the Boys Town Campus

(139th & Pacific Street)

For pediatric tips check us out on facebook, twitter and youtube.

boystownpediatrics.org

facebook.com/BoysTownPediatrics and twitter.com/BoysTownPeds

28 pediatricians at 7 convenient locations.

6 • content

• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

CONTENTS

live•love•grow

september 2011

24

coverfeature

24

Fontenelle’s Ice Age: The Real Story

athome 9 11

12 13 14 15 16

13

providing enough calcium methodist hospital offers new atrial fibrillation procedure orthodontic timing and tidbits preventing prescription drug abuse ten years after 9/11: new york to nebraska myplate: the four food group chart family spectrum’s family success story

20

atschool 17 18

family spectrum’s teacher of the month teen voices: moving up to high school

19 20 22 23

young hero: sydney yost school days: reading, writing, and organizing family spectrum’s writer’s corner what’s on your mind?

atplay 24 26

27 28 29 30

29

fontenelle’s ice age: the real story let’s put fun and sportsmanship back into youth sports september 2011 event calendar on the go: 2011 nebraska state fair mother of the year stories: big yellow school bus family spectrum’s creative corner: airbrushed book covers

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

content • 7

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Call (402) 898-7760 3549 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, Nebraska 68104 Now enrolling children 6 wks - 5 years old.

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athome

One cup of milk has 300 mg of calcium. Children ages one to three should have 2-3 cups of milk per day. However, if your toddler drinks much more than three cups of milk a day, it may decrease his appetite and not leave enough room in his stomach for other essentials foods his body needs.

Although parents should encourage their child to drink milk, some children will not drink enough milk or will refuse it completely.

Several other foods can provide significant amounts of calcium.

Other Great Sources of Calcium: •_ 1 ounce natural or processed cheese - 200 mg •_ 1 cup yogurt - 300 mg •_ 1/2 cup green, leafy vegetables - 100 mg •_ 1/2 cup calcium-fortified orange juice - 160 mg

Providing Enough Calcium is a Common Worry for Many Parents

C

alcium is one of the most important elements in a child’s diet. It is necessary for the healthy development and maintenance of the body.

However, parents commonly worry that their child is not getting enough of this essential mineral.

Calcium is found in a variety of foods, including dairy products, meat, eggs, peanut butter, breads, cereal, pasta, green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified orange juice. Typically, a child receives the majority of his or her calcium from dairy products, such as milk and cheese.

How much calcium a child needs each day depends on his or her age. As a child gets older, more calcium is necessary to develop strong bones and teeth, as well as help other basic bodily functions perform properly.

Daily Calcium Recommendations: Ages 1 – 3 need 700 mg Ages 4 – 8 need 1000 mg Ages 9 – 18 need 1300 mg

Parent Tips: Find subtle ways to incorporate dairy products in your child’s diet to increase calcium intake, such as: • Add flavorings to milk such as strawberry or chocolate powders • When serving cooked cereal, soups, and gravies, use milk instead of water • Add powdered milk when cooking (i.e., add 1/2 cup powdered milk to ground beef and water, add 2 tablespoons powdered milk to each cup of casserole) • Blend milk with fruit, such as bananas and strawberries, to make fruit smoothies • Make desserts that contain calcium, such as custard, pudding, and cheesecake A child who is not getting enough calcium, even after substituting calcium-rich foods in his or her diet, can take calcium supplements.

Supplements come in the form of tablets, wafers or chewables.

Talk with your child’s pediatrician before giving supplements. Your doctor can tell you what dose of the supplement to give your child, based on the amount of calcium your child already consumes.

If you think your child is not getting at least 200 milligrams of calcium a day or you suspect dairy allergies, contact his or her physician. For more pediatric articles, visit www.boystownpediatrics.org

familySPECTRUM Nat han G. Ash er, M.D .

By: Nathan G. Asher, M.D., Boys Town Pediatrics

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

athome • 9

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• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

athome Submitted by: Methodist Hospital

Dr. Matthew Latacha

Methodist Hospital Only Omaha Facility Offering Cooler Procedure For Atrial Fibrillation Cryoballoon Ablation Safer, Less Painful For Patients

C

ardiologist Matthew Latacha, M.D., made history on Tuesday, May 24th, when he performed Methodist Hospital’s first cardiac CryoAblation procedure on a patient suffering from atrial fibrillation.

Methodist Hospital became the fourth hospital in the Midwest, and the only hospital in Omaha, to offer the Arctic Front Catheter used to conduct the procedure on those plagued by atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. According to the American Heart Association and Medtronic (the Arctic Front manufacturer), atrial fibrillation is the most common and one of the most undertreated heart rhythm disorders in America. Approximately 3 million Americans have the disease, and about 40 percent don’t exhibit symptoms and may be underdiagnosed.

the catheter to adhere to the tissue during ablation, allowing for greater catheter stability and more complete ablation.

“Earlier technology, which required us to burn the area around the veins, was very tedious and you were always at risk of causing damage to the patient’s esophagus. Plus, it was a very time consuming procedure,” Dr. Latacha said. “This new technology allows us to insert the catheter directly into the base of the vein and freeze each of the four veins. There is very little chance of causing damage to the esophagus, the procedure is much safer and technically it is much easier.”

During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two small upper chambers quiver instead of beating in rhythm. As a result, blood does not get pumped completely out of chambers, so it may pool and clot. If a piece of a blood clot in the atria leaves the heart and becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, a stroke results. About 15 percent of strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Latacha received training for the procedure and equipment at Medtronic, Inc., in Minneapolis. The Artic Front Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December.

The CryoAblation technique is a significant improvement over more recent methods of treatment. The balloon-based technology is novel because it ablates or blocks the conduction of atrial fibrillation in cardiac tissues through the use of coolant rather than heat, which is delivered through a catheter. The freezing technology allows

The Methodist Hospital cardiologist said he has a large number of patients that suffer from atrial fibrillation, and this landmark technology and procedure will bring great relief to those battling SPECTRUM the condition.

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

family

live•love•grow

athome • 11

athome Submitted by: Dr. Tom Huerter, Huerter Orthodontics 

         ∗ 

Orthodontic Timing and Tidbits

∗ 

∗ 



  

 

S

ometime after the invention of the mirror, but no later than 1000 B.C., ancient Greeks began using base metals and cat gut in a determined effort to take the smile provided by nature and make it better.

Today, gifted orthodontic specialists shape dazzling smiles while creating optimal form and function. Your orthodontist can improve most tooth and jaw alignments at any age, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children see an orthodontist NO LATER THAN AGE SEVEN. The reasons for seeing an orthodontist are varied and individual but include the following: • Early or late loss of baby teeth • Difficulty in chewing or biting • Mouth breathing • Finger sucking or other oral habits • Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth • Speech difficulties • Biting cheeks or biting into roof of mouth • Protruding teeth • Teeth that meet in abnormal ways or not at all.

• Facial imbalance or asymmetry • Grinding or clenching of teeth.

An orthodontist can treat patients of any age with a degree of sophistication and compassion that makes the journey to a perfect smile a smooth SPECTRUM ride.

family

  



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12 • athome

live•love•grow

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but by experiences in the environment.” ~ Maria Montessori

• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

athome

By Jarell Roach –“He That Has An Ear” presentations

New Feature

Parent Watch Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

R

emember those prescription drugs tucked away in your medicine cabinet or drawer?

Or what about in that shoebox under the bed? Right! They expired months ago… some even last year. Let’s get rid of em’, shall we? But how?

Easy access to prescription drugs is a major contributor to their wrongful use (i.e. getting high, selling them, or sharing them with others) in our state. The easiest way to reduce these abuses is to reduce access. Call your local law enforcement agency to inquire about local organizations that participate in prescription drug disposal programs, which allow you to drop your unused or expired drugs off for safe disposal. Or if you prefer to properly dispose of them yourself, there are a few easy steps that you can take: first, remove them from the bottle and crush the product; second, mix the crushed product with coffee grains or kitty litter; lastly, place the mixed product in a separate bag and toss it in the garbage. Easy enough, right? A couple of options, with a few easy steps can cause you to be an agent of change in our communities.

I work as a Drug Demand Reduction Educator throughout Nebraska, and our team of educators speaks to nearly 10,000

students annually. One question we ask the students is, “Have you had the ‘drug-talk’ with your parents?” Well…have you? If not, it’s worth having. Statistics show that 51 percent of teens say their parents have never talked to them about prescription drug abuse1, while 2,500 teens abuse a prescription drug for the first time every day. On the contrary, studies show that teens that learn about the risk of drugs from their parents are 50 percent less likely to use drugs1.

Our youth want to have the drug-use conversation…they just don’t want to be talked down to or aggressively preached at by their parents.

Honestly, youth want to know what adults think, but they desire to receive that information at a level that they can understand and relate to. By all means, make the conversation as creative and fun as you like. Still, it can be a tough conversation to begin. But who knows how to relate to your family better than you?

For more information on the storage and disposal of prescriptions, as well as how you can get involved in the efforts to keep families safe, contact the LiveWise coalition at www.regionsix.com/livewise/index.htm or visit www.drugfree.org as a terrific online resource for both parents and youth.

Be part of making the difSPECTRUM ference!

family

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Study on Drug Use and Health, 2007. www.drugfree.org

1

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

Jarell Roach

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AND MAKE A CHANGE FOR GOOD Whether it’s starting an exercise routine, trying a new class or meeting new friends, the Y is here to help you meet your life goals.

Join today at www.metroymca.org.

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live•love•grow

athome • 13

athome

says the tour guide. Every lesson learned from the structural failure of the towers has been applied: redundant exits and extra-wide stairwells, enhanced fireproofing, and blast-resistant windows. It will be magnificent when completed in 2014.

At its base are the memorials to the thousands who died, including a park winding around the footprints of the original towers and a 9/11 museum. You can’t get very close to the site itself anymore. It’s full of cranes and building equipment, so visitors are guided through glassed-in skywalks and pathways on the fringes of the construction.

Ten Years after 9/11 New York to Nebraska

I

was looking at Ground Zero when the phone rang.

In New York for a conference, my hotel was actually one in the blast zone in 2001. I walked out intending to…well…just to see it. Ten years ago, I mourned what happened here to people I didn’t know. I, like everyone, was pierced to the core -- watching our buildings fall-- just because we were Americans. I’ve never felt so vulnerable.

As I stood there, trying to make my brain to align reality with 10 years of memories, the phone rang.

My editor asked if I knew what I would write about this month. I thought, “No, not this. What does this have to do with the work we do in Nebraska?”

I walked away, through the World Financial Center across the street, to Battery Park, and along the lovely walkway along the edge of New York Harbor. And as I walked, I looked across the harbor and froze.

There stood the Statue of Liberty; and right next to it, Ellis Island. I had never seen it like this before and never in such clear context. For this Midwestern patriot, who has only studied or seen pictures of these powerful American symbols, it was a powerful moment. Past to present to future—all within one hour.

Ellis Island -- the past welcoming mat for millions of our immigrant ancestors; presently, the site of the worst terrorist attack on American soil; and no doubt in the future, the symbol of new hope for those who will bring their dreams of a new life in the United States.

But suddenly, it began to make perfect sense…

New York is a city of stunning diversity. As my tour guide said, people from 90 countries died that day.

Although for some, the end was mercifully quick, others had time to realize what was happening—and far too many had to choose. Should I jump, or should I just wait? And I know, for those who clustered in stairwells or under office furniture, at that moment no one cared where you were from or what color your skin was. During those final moments, they were all just people desperately trying to survive and help each other.

I was truly standing on holy ground…

That ground is now being transformed. Near where the Twin Towers once stood, a building officially called “One World Trade Center” is being constructed It will be the tallest building in the country and one of the tallest in the world. “The base is made from the strongest concrete ever created,” Bev Carl son

14 • athome

While Ellis Island is currently closed, the welcome continues. Across the country, organizations like Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska are working to help new citizens find their way and proudly become self-sufficient Americans.

From helping the refugee families who are escaping persecution to guiding immigrants on the path to citizenship, we, as Americans, still stand ready to welcome the “poor, the tired and the huddled masses yearning to be free…”

I am very proud and lucky to be an American.

familySPECTRUM

By: Bev Carlson, APR, Director of Public Relations, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska

live•love•grow

• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

athome Submitted by: Nebraska Beef Council

Sumptuous Steak Stir Fry Total Recipe Time: 20-30 minutes

My Plate: The four Food Group Chart

T

he Food Pyramid is out and the four-food group chart is history.

The new nutritional guide visual icon released this summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), entitled MyPlate, offers simple and actionable steps to build healthier diets. This straightforward visual gets back to the basics, illustrating how to create a healthful plate with a balanced mix of nutrition from a variety of foods.

The simpler nutritional guide is depicted by the image of a plate, which illustrates the recommended mealtime servings of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein per meal. In addition, a circle suggests an accompanying glass of milk to serve as the meal’s serving of dairy. MyPlate is easy for adults and kids alike to understand the recommendations and it gives Americans a goal for what they should be consuming.

MyPlate is definitely a step in the right directions as it gives families another opportunity to re-introduce common sense eating habits.

Food fads come and go, but the notion that most of our diet should be vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein won’t change.

It’s a reminder we all need once in a while — load up half your plate with veggies and fruit, switch to low-fat dairy and choose lean proteins and avoid too many refined grains.

We all must rethink what’s in our cabinets and on our plates, follow the advice of your healthcare professionals and prepare healthy meals for our families. Selecting nutritious foods is one of the easiest ways to improve your health and the health of your family!

1 pound beef top round steak, cut 1-inch thick 1 small yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1 cup broccoli florets 2 medium carrots, sliced ½ cup fresh snow peas, trimmed 1 stalk celery, sliced ½ cup frozen shelled edamame, defrosted

2 cloves garlic, minced, divided ¼ cup water 1/3 cup sesame-ginger stir-fry sauce ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper 3 cups hot cooked brown or white rice, prepared without butter or salt Dash of salt

1. Combine vegetables, half of garlic and water in large nonstick skillet; cover and cook over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender, adding additional water if pan becomes dry. Remove vegetables; keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, cut beef steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick strips. Combine with remaining half of garlic.

3. Heat same skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of beef mixture; stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. (Do not overcook.)

Remove from skillet; season with salt, as desired. Keep warm. Repeat with remaining beef mixture.

4. Return all beef and vegetables to skillet. Add stir-fry sauce and crushed red pepper, as desired; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve over rice.

Makes 4 servings Cook’s Tip: Your favorite stir-fry sauce may be substituted for the sesame-ginger flavor.

Nutrition information per serving: 233 calories; 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 2 g monounsaturated fat); 61 mg cholesterol; 779 mg sodium; 14 g carbohydrate; 3.0 g fiber; 32 g protein; 6.0 mg niacin; 0.6 mg vitamin B6; 1.5 mcg vitamin B12; 3.4 mg iron; 32.0 mcg selenium; 5.2 mg zinc; 117.2 mg choline.

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

The new visual icon ‘MyPlate’ shows people how to build a healthful plate using protein-rich foods like lean beef, as well as vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy Try this recipe to fill ‘your plate’ with healthy foods!

familySPECTRUM

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

athome • 15

athome Written by: Bailey Hemphill

New Featur e

Family Success Story The McIlnay’s

M

eet the McIlnay Family—Family Spectrum’s first featured successful family—Shawn and Tonya, and their children Parker, Britt, and Maren of Bennington! Shawn is a middle school teacher/coach at Bennington Jr./Sr. High, and Tonya is a veterinarian with her own practice. The family also has two pets: Abby, a golden retriever, and Skeet, a retired quarter horse.

From left: Tonya, Maren, Parker, Shawn, Britt, with Abby

Shawn and Tonya are celebrating 15 wonderful years together. They say their marriage has successfully formed their family because they believe in having a strong marriage and being united in their family values and in how they raise their children.

she thought it could have been benign. Instead, she waited to tell him the day before her biopsy, the diagnosis, she says, “hit him like a truck.” Once they knew she had breast cancer and had established a plan, they told the kids that mommy needed treatments. Fortunately, the kids were young enough that they didn’t understand the severity of the situation completely, but they still knew Tonya was sick. She went through eight treatments of chemo for 16 weeks, and then almost seven weeks of radiation. But she and Abby struggled through their cancers together and today are proudly in remission.

A couple of years ago, Tonya noticed that Abby was acting differently during one of their daily runs together. Tonya took Abby into her office and did a physical where she found a ruptured intestine caused by a cancerous mass. Abby had to go through six months of chemo, which made her lose her whiskers, and surgery performed by one of Tonya’s colleagues. But Tonya says that Abby fought through it: “Dogs handle it better than people.” Little did Tonya know that all of the work she was doing to help her dog battle cancer was preparing her for her own encounter with cancer.

Tonya believes her biggest supports were faith and her family and friends. “Just knowing that it’s out of your hands—that a plan was set a long time ago—that takes the worry away.” Her friends, veterinary colleagues, and family participated in a head-shaving party for Tonya, and Shawn even shaved his head so that she wouldn’t feel self-conscious. Although the kids didn’t want to be bald, they chose to wear bandanas in support as well.

In January 2010, Tonya was diagnosed with breast cancer. She initially found the lump during a selfcheck but didn’t tell Shawn right away because

16 • athome

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The best outcome of the cancer was that it made Shawn and Tonya’s marriage stronger and their kids more caring and aware of their parents’ lives. Also, it brought Tonya and Abby closer together. Tonya says that Abby is already very protective of the family, but after fighting cancer alongside Tonya, she has become more intuitive and always knows where Tonya is in the house. The family has learned not to take things for granted, to truly see the people around them, and to not stress the little things.

They have also realized how important it is to have life insurance and finances in line because, when something life-changing happens, everyone needs to be on the same page.

“Any time you can turn something that is a challenge into something positive, it makes everyone grow SPECTRUM stronger together,” Tonya says.

family

• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

New e r Featu

atschool Nominated by: Kiewit Middle School Assistant Principal David Hemphill

May 28, 2011 through January 8, 2012 ravel through the tropics and the tundra as roaring robotic dinosaurs and growling Ice Age mammals invade Omaha Children’s Museum this summer!

Teacher of the Month

Kevin Keller Empowering Girls to Succeed as Confident, Independent, Thinking Leaders scholarships and TuiTion assisTance are available For more inFormaTion abouT marian, conTacT recruiTmenT direcTor molly adams Woodman ‘97, aT 402.571.2618 exT 161 or mWoodman@omahamarian.org

Millard Public Schools – Kiewit Middle School

K

7400 Military avenue OMaha, ne 68134

www.marianhighschool.net

evin Keller grew up in Eustis, Neb. and attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he received a degree for elementary and secondary education. Keller says his fifth grade teacher and his high school science teacher were his inspiration when choosing to go into education. “I could see that they were making a difference in the lives of many students, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.” He has been married to his wife Kimberly for four years and enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and watching Husker football. This Atfourth Marian, women prepare year will be his yearyoung with Kiewit Middle School where and he currently teaches eighth grade edu beyond, through superior Science and Pre-Algebra and coaches boys basinspiring opportunities and a foun ketball, wrestling, and track.

Empowering Girls to Succeed as Confid of self-discovery.

Scholarships and Independent, L “He’s good about incorporating Thinking technology into the classroomassistance to engage hisare students.

He really available! cares about the kids and is involved in the extracurricular activities at the school,” says Assistant SPECTRUM Principal David Hemphill.

family

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

atschool • 17

atschool Written by: Tiffany, and Derek, Class of 2015

Teen Voice: He Said/She Said Moving up to High School

F

or most teens, summer means freedom. It’s a time to have fun with our friends, fall in love, and just have fun.

But summer is coming to an end and high school is right around the corner. When you think of high school, you think of big buildings, new people, and how the heck am I going to get through this? Well, the concept of high school is a very scary one at that.

Some people say high school is the best four years of their life. I guess I will find out really soon.

Most kids in high school go out and want to party because that’s the only “fun” they know. What we should be doing is having fun but without the dangers of alcohol, drugs, or bad peer pressure. Handling this is definitely easier said than done. In the world we live in today, you see drinking and teen drug use all over…on the cover of magazines, the messages in music, and on television shows, too.

There also is another important aspect to high school— friends and relationships. The friends you have now (and you think they would stick by you in any circumstance) could quickly become someone else and turn their back. You never know. It also comes into perspective during your junior and senior years that your boyfriend/ girlfriend could be your “forever,” if there is such a thing.

Sports are also another big part of our high school years. They can influence our college decisions and determine our futures. You can get sports scholarships to colleges all around the country, if you are good enough. But sports also open up new friendships and motivate us to work hard, knowing that coaches are watching.

In conclusion, high school can be the time of our lives if we walk into it with a good attitude. New buildings and people are scary to some, but I find it exciting.

All of us kids are starting a whole new chapter in our lives, starting on the path to our futures. So go make these four years the best of your life.

familySPECTRUM

18 • atschool

H

igh school: It’s supposed the best time of our lives, but who knows? Times have changed since our parents went through. What they experienced might be completely different from what we will. Then again, it might not be. Only time will tell.

So far my experience with high school has been enjoyable, but there hasn’t been anything to simulate what my actual day will be like. With football and all honors classes, I sometimes wonder how I’ll be able to make it through a day, with any time left for socializing. Throw in other activities, and I start to feel a little overwhelmed.

Luckily, all the upperclassmen I’ve met so far have been kind to me (or just indifferent), but that’s a lot better than say, getting beat up by them. So I was able to check that off my list of worries. So, that left me with trying to figure out who belongs in all the social cliques. There seems to be all your social archetypes: the jocks, the popular kids... but if high school is anything like middle school, then there is a lot of mingling between the other groups.

While I’m on the subject, I didn’t have any problems with middle school either, but I know other people that did. My hope is that high school eliminates the need to one-up everybody, or face becoming irrelevant. Because of everyone’s supposed advanced maturity, I hope that won’t be a problem, but I’m guessing that at least a little bit of that will stay with us.

I don’t know what the next four years hold for me, but hopefully they will be a blast. I realize now that I hope for a lot of things about high school, but if I just let it play out, it will probably SPECTRUM be a smooth ride.

family

De re k

Tif f a ny

live•love•grow

• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

atschool By: Bailey Hemphill Photo by: Cherie Phelps

Young Heroes proudly sponsored by:

Young Hero: Sydney Yost os t S ydne y Y

M

elissa Yost has always had a close-knit family and a social work background, so she is familiar with unique relationships; but it wasn’t until she started taking in foster kids that she found a young hero and someone who changed her life— her daughter Sydney, who she says is a “dropdead beautiful kid inside and out.”

Sydney came to Yost in foster care with her 16-year-old biological mother. The teenage mother went into foster care because she and her family had had issues with drugs, alcohol, and imprisonment; an environment in which Yost knew the then 19-month-old baby Sydney could not be raised. When the teenage mother aged out of the foster care program, Sydney stayed and was eventually adopted by Yost on National Adoption Day in 2003 at age 5. “We both wanted to adopt each other,” says Yost, explaining that Sydney always felt like she belonged to Yost’s extended family as she was growing up—she even looks and acts like Yost’s sister.

Yost believes Sydney is a hero because she has a heart of gold. After spending time with her cousin with Angelman Syndrome (who was also recently featured in the July 2011 Young Heroes) and volunteering at the National Walk for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Sydney decided she wanted to become a special education teacher. “She doesn’t see people with disabilities as people with disabilities,” Yost adds.

Sydney has an inner light that shines through, which makes Yost know there is something very good and pure about her. She is a great role model because she makes good choices and is constantly encouraging and helping others.

Above all, Yost is amazed at how Sydney has grown up, especially knowing what her life could have been like had she stayed with her biological family. But Yost proudly states, “She’s nothing like that.” Sydney knows her biological family’s background and strives to find friends that will not lead her down a similar path.

familySPECTRUM

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

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

atschool • 19

atschool It’s time for your sports/school physicals!

Have a Giant Screen Outdoor Movie Party!

New Feature

School Physicals Exámenes físicos para la escuela

Sports Physicals Exámenes físicos para deportes

Call (402) 734-4110 to schedule an appointment.

Para hacer una cita, llame a OneWorld en (402) 734-4110.

Not Your Ordinary

swim lesson

Awesome New Party Idea!

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

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OFF your MOVIE EVENT!

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

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

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

Now registering for Fall Fall Session

September 1st - December 19th Classes available daytimes, evenings and saturdays FREE t-shirt when you register for Fall and mention this ad!

Break out of the bowl today! | (402) 496-SWIM (7946)

School Days Reading, Writing, and Organizing

Swimtastic Swim School

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

I

t’s all about developing systems that work for you and your family, and of course, keeping up with your “homework” on a daily basis!

Thanks For Voting Us Best of Omaha!

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

Ask us about Invisalign Teen Today!

SHOPPING Clothes and Shoes: • Get rid of items that don’t fit, have holes or stains, or that the child doesn’t like • Make a list of what your child needs (let them choose a few things, so they feel a sense of ownership) • Remember to limit the number of similar items purchased (how many t-shirts/pairs of jeans can your child actually wear before the next laundry cycle—even if they are really cute and 60 percent off!).

School Supplies: • Buy the necessary items like glue and crayons, but allow your child to pick notebooks, folders, etc.

• Purchase extra pencils and glue sticks to have on hand while they’re on sale— your child will need more throughout the year, and you’ll be one step ahead!

Sh e il a Ta

y lo r

20 • atschool

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• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

atschool

by Sheila Taylor, FreshlyOrganized.com

It’s not about where you’re starting, it’s about where you’re going Call us for free confidential counseling if you are behind in your mortgage payment, credit card payments, or struggling to make ends meet. We are your local community service agency.

We Can Help!

402-333-2227 www.cccsn.org

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

Your gift is making a difference in the lives of children and families everY daY.

SCHEDULING/FAMILY MEMBERS’ ACTIVITIES • Post a calendar in a central location for everyone to see. Color-code each person’s commitments. Review weekly so all responsibilities are covered.

• Use color-coded magnetic clips on the fridge to post spelling words, homework assignments, game/treat schedules, chores, etc.

BEFORE SCHOOL • Post routines using picture cues and/or words • Limit reminders to one word (i.e. instead of repeating “Go get your shoes,” just say “Shoes!”)

AFTER SCHOOL • Have spots to place coats, backpacks, and shoes • Go through backpacks immediately! Complete forms and put back in bag, transfer dates onto calendar, display favorite pieces of artwork, and store other papers in a clear plastic tote.

• Have a time and place set up for completing homework that’s free of distractions EVENINGS • Plan weekly menus for dinner • Limit number of nightly activities and meetings— everyone needs time to relax and be home • Before going to bed, clean up play areas, lay out clothes for tomorrow, etc.

• Establish consistent bedtime routines If you would like assistance with any of the above areas or with other organizing needs, please feel free to contact Sheila Taylor or Amy Tokos at SPECTRUM www.freshlyorganized.com

family

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

We know you can’t see it, but we wish you could. We can see it in their eyes: a traumatized soldier finally at peace – an abused and neglected child thriving in her new, adoptive family – a young mother gaining the confidence to parent with love. Thousands of lives changed every year simply because you cared enough to help.

You have created a future of hope.

www.LFSneb.org

Falling

for Nature

Early Fall is the Perfect Time for natural resources Education Apple Prints ■ Caterpillar Searching ■ Geo-caching ■ Leaf Preserving ■ Carving Pumpkins ■ Prairie Grass Exploring ■ Tree Climbing ■ Bulb Planting ■ Animal Shelters ■ Seed Hunts ■ Nature Art ■ Hiking ■ Leaf Piles ■ Nature Bracelets ■ Watching Animal Winter Preparations ■ Bark Rubbings ■ Enjoy!

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts & Schools: The NRD provides environmental education for students, teachers, schools, families and groups in Sarpy, Douglas, Washington, Thurston, Burt and Dakota Counties.

www.papionrd.org

402.444.6222

live•love•grow

atschool • 21

atschool Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner Gabby

Gabby, 6, attends St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. She likes to dance, swim, and paint. She has a sister, two brothers, and a dog.

G a bby

Unicorn

by Gabby

Proudly Presented by:

Andrew

Andrew, 10, attends Pine Creek Elementary. He likes to ride bikes, swim, and play computer games and Wii. He has an older sister, Olivia, and two dogs, Jaxon and Maddy.

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

Clown

by Andrew

“I have a unicorn and it ate an apple that had a worm in it. She accidentally swallowed it and she got sick. She went to the doctor. The doctor gave her medicine and she felt much better. She learned that you should look at the apple before you eat it!”

There was a clown that made me frown.

He threw a pie and I started to cry.

It was the start of the fair but I didn’t care.

I ran home to get some rest.

I couldn’t sleep so I started to weep.

My mom asked what was wrong when she came to my bed.

I said, “I don’t like clowns! In scary movies, clowns make you dead!”

Family Spectrum Magazine

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! In addition, all featured work will be awarded with a gift certificate to The Bookworm bookstore.

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

Comprehensive cancer treatments for new hope

Lisa, Radiation Therapist

What does hope mean to a cancer patient? It means treating brain tumors once thought inoperable. Detecting lung cancer at its earliest and most curable stages. Offering access to clinical trials for better chances of survival. Because every patient deserves hope. And this is where you find it. Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center. That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org ©2011 Methodist Hospital, an affiliate of Methodist Health System

22 • atschool

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• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

atschool Deb Fuller, Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling

New e r Featu

COME BACK TO SCHOOL WITH US! Back-to-school blahs? Lose 'em fast with Robin Welch Dance Arts!

Ballet ･ Pointe ･ Tap Jazz ･ Musical Theater Adult Ballet ･ Acting For just-for-fun students & aspiring professionals alike!

Home of Heartland Youth Ballet Call for audition information robinwelchdance.com - 402/237/8801

What’s on Your Mind?

W

hile any transition offers its own challenges, back-to-school doesn’t have to mean “back-to-stress.” Be proactive by staying aware of the emotional aspects of this transition for your family.

Before school starts: Spend one-on-one time with your children to provide opportunities for them to express their feelings about the beginning of school and the end of summer. No interrogations necessary; just ask a few open-ended questions and let the conversation go from there.

If your children bring up any fears, you don’t necessarily need to “fix” them. Simply listen and validate what your children are feeling. Try to stay away from telling your children they shouldn’t be scared or nervous. Sometimes, they just need you to say it’s okay to be scared.

Pick out school supplies together. Be patient if it takes a while to find folders and notebooks with just the right pictures or colors. This process may not seem significant to you, but it can be very important to children and one of the few things they actually feel some control over.

Begin getting everyone back on a routine of waking up and going to bed at school hours instead of summer hours. Slowly adjusting times is much easier than suddenly facing the reality that you have to get up earlier.

When school starts: Establish routines from day one, keeping in mind your children’s temperament and learning styles. If your children have trouble sitting and focusing on homework right after school, before they sit down to study, designate 15-30 minutes for your children to unwind first.

After school, you may be excited to hear about the day, but asking lots of questions can simply result in frustrated kids. It’s not that they don’t love you; some kids just need a break from thinking and being in “school mode”.

The first few weeks back at school, your children may be extra irritable or short-tempered.

Be patient, and keep in mind that you might be extra irritable, too.

No matter how busy life gets, give your chilSPECTRUM dren time to play.

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

family

live•love•grow

De b Fu lle r

atschool • 23

atplay

Ice Age: The Real Story

S

lide into an extinct world to discover an Ice Age flowing with much more than snow and ice. Imagine a sunrise 20,000 years ago…mammoths graze across what is now West Omaha, their colossal forms casting larger-than-life shadows across the prairie. A saber-toothed cat lurks nearby, hoping to find its own tasty breakfast. A few miles away in the lush forest foliage, a mastodon lifts its long trunk to trumpet a warning call…he has just caught the scent of a giant short-faced bear.

Now through September 30, visitors to Fontenelle Forest Nature Center will experience Ice Age: The Real Story. Was the earth covered with snow during the Ice Age? Were all mammoths woolly? Did mammoths roam with dinosaurs? Explore these questions and more during a chilling Ice Age expedition.

The Ice Age experience begins indoors and meanders into the shade of towering oak trees along a stroller-friendly Riverview Boardwalk.

Along the way, visitors investigate the life of a saber-toothed cat, meet a baby mummified mammoth, tap into prehistoric life at the Creativity Cave, take a forest walk to play on a life-size glyptodon, uncover artifacts at a fossil dig, explore PaleoIndian huts and touch genuine Ice Age fossils.

Ice Age: The Real Story combines a traveling exhibit from Lost World Studios in Missouri with interactive pieces from Chicago’s Field Museum, North Sea Fossils in Holland and Omaha’s Dolphens Design and Sign. Together, these installations offer once-in-a-lifetime exploration experiences for Omaha’s families.

24 • atplay

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• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

atplay Submitted by: Fontenelle Forest Nature Center

4 PAWS ONLY All Grooms Include Lots of TLC Gentle Handling Individual Attention Bath & Blow Dry Brush Out Nail Trim Hair Cut Ear Cleaning

Dog Grooming Salon

$5.00 off de-shedding treatment with mention of this ad!

Reduces your dogs shedding by up to 80%!

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Pet Sitting Also Available

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Licensed, Bonded & Insured

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FIRST EYE

A S S O C I AT E S Curious kids and adventure-seeking families can attend regularly scheduled nature programs throughout the year. From outdoor photography and wildlife to geology and history, these programs offer something for everyone. Each Sunday, a guided walk or interactive station is available at 1 p.m.

Raymond Crossman, M.D. Carol Darake, M.D. Stephanie Meyers, M.D. Richard Maw, M.D. Andria Louis, O.D. 2953 168th St.

330-5000

8111 Dodge St.

354-8110

It is really good for families to “unplug” from electronics to go outside in nature. The nature center is truly unique in the Omaha area – families can explore at their leisure and really customize their experience to their time and interests…so if you like hiking, grab a trail map and let the kids decide your path. If you’re a mom with young, energetic children, you can come and just play in Acorn Acres (an outdoor playscape that has areas for music, building, digging and climbing). An adventure at the facility really feels like you’re on vacation!

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center is one of Nebraska’s five National Natural Landmarks.

Just four miles south of the Omaha Zoo, this 1,400-acre wildlife sanctuary offers 19 miles of walking trails, a one-mile Riverview Boardwalk, a beautiful nature center facility and indoor and outdoor play areas for children. It is open daily, year round. Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue and Neale Woods in Omaha are owned an operated by Fontenelle Nature Association, a non-profit conservation and education organization serving the Omaha metro area since 1913. Visit www.fontenelleforest.org.

4242 Farnam St., Ste. 247

552-2300

September 22-25, 2011 www.rivercityrodeo.com

FREE Event Admission • Loads of Family Fun Kids Activities • Parade Rodeo & Concert Tickets As Low As $15 Thursday Rodeo

Friday Rodeo & Concert

Clay Walker

Saturday Rodeo & Concert

Tracy Lawrence

familySPECTRUM

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

atplay • 25

atplay Submitted by: Boys Town Clinical Services

“That was a facemask! You’re blind, ref!”

“Get her out of the game and put in Michelle!”

“You can’t guard me; you stink!”

Let’s Put Fun and Sportsmanship Back in to Youth Sports

A

s fall sports get underway, consider these numbers. More than 40 million children sign up for youth sports programs every year. But 70 percent will quit by age 13, and never go back. Those who decide to stop playing say sports isn’t fun anymore, their coaches played favorites, or it was too much pressure. When you add in incidents like assaults on officials, parents berating coaches and players, and trash talking between players, kids’ games can quickly become unpleasant places to be.

Boys Town is trying to turn the tide in youth sports. Competing with CharacterSM offers an innovative and exciting approach that teaches everyone – coaches, parents and players – how to participate with good sportsmanship and character while still playing hard and being competitive.

The main goal of Competing with CharacterSM is for athletes, parents and coaches to learn a variety of skills that help them to fulfill their roles. Kids learn how to win with class and lose with dignity. Coaches learn how to understand the big picture of why kids want to play sports. Parents learn to support coaches and players and model appropriate behavior.

Athletics can play a powerful, positive and supportive role in helping to shape our kids and communities.

For more information about Competing with CharacterSM, visit www.parenting.org/competing-with-character.

familySPECTRUM

Get Your Team to

COMPETE WITH CHARACTER Get tips and techniques from Boys Town’s Coach Kush on teaching players, coaches and parents to win with class and lose with dignity.

Get your copy at parenting.org/cwc today!

SAVE $3.00 S11 Use code: CKF 1101-014-04

26 • atplay

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• • • • September 2011

familyspectrum •

atplay

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

sunday 28

monday

tuesday

29

30

wednesday 31

thursday 1

friday

saturday

2

3

9

10

16

17

23

24

29

30

1

6

7

8

21st Annual Kite Flight Sept. 3–5 • Foster Smith Field Callaway, NE (308) 836-4416 • callawaykiteflight.com Named by USA Today as a top 10 place to fly a kite, Callaway is the Kite Flight Capital of Nebraska. Join amateur and professional flyers from 25 states and 14 nations as they gather for the 21st year at Foster Smith Field. The three-day event is great kite-flying fun for the whole family!

4

5

6 Labor Day

7

8

Read a Book Day

43rd Annual AppleJack Festival Sept. 16–18 • Citywide Nebraska City, NE (402) 873-6654 • nebraskacity.com There is something for everyone at the weekend-long AppleJack Festival. Well-known for its apple orchards, Nebraska City has been hosting this citywide event for 43 years. Enjoy attractions including a craft show, food vendors, and children’s activities. Pick your own apples, run or walk in the AppleJack Fun Run, and listen to live bands perform. A family weekend in Nebraska City sounds pretty good!

11

12

13

14

15

Grandparents Day

18

Make a Hat Day

19

20

21

22 Elephant Appreciation Day

7th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo Sept. 17–18 • Ponca State Park Ponca, NE (402) 755-2284 • outdoornebraska.org Bring the family out to one of Nebraska’s most beautiful state parks for hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, and activities on camping, hunting, nature art, outdoor cooking, fishing, conservation, hiking, wildlife viewing and more. For those looking to get outdoors and learn some fun new skills, this is an excellent opportunity.

25

26

27

28

Johnny Appleseed Day

2

3

4 5 Harvest Festival Sept. 24 • Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer Grand Island, NE (308) 385-5316 • stuhrmuseum.org

Enjoy a full day of family fun with activities focused on the harvest and food. There will be live music, dancing, specialty food, a grass maze, apple activities, wagon rides, and dozens more activities throughout the day. The Stuhr Museum’s popular Railroad Town will be giving hands-on living history demonstrations. It’s a fun way to learn about the state’s agricultural heritage!

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

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

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atplay • 27

atplay Submitted by Nebraska Travel and Tourism

TIME TO VOTE! Best of Omaha® 2012

On The Go! Get Ready for the 2011 Nebraska State Fair

T

he Nebraska State Fair returns for a second big year at its Grand Island location on Saturday, Aug. 27-Sept. 5. With midway rides and games, parades, concerts, agricultural exhibits, and more, there’s something for everyone in the family to get excited about.

Free daily concerts highlight the 2011 Nebraska State Fair Entertainment Series with performances by chart-topping artists including LeAnn Rimes, Cheap Trick, Crystal Gayle, Jeremy Camp, and The Band Perry. Headlining acts include Larry the Cable Guy and Willie Nelson. See statefair.org for important details about the wristbands required for entry into the free concerts and ticket prices for headliners.

The fair will feature daily parades with floats, company mascots, tractors, entertainers, and marching bands from across the state. In addition, the state’s top competitors of all ages will compete in a full schedule of equine and livestock competitions. Daily barn tours will offer opportunities for fairgoers who didn’t grow up on a farm to learn about the state’s agricultural heritage and the animals of Nebraska’s farms and ranches.

Expect to see a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits and displays at the fair, including home and fine arts, photography, gardening, and more. Check out the Pepsi MAX NASCAR simulator in the 4-H & FFA Building; art, essay, and science displays in the Grandstand Concourse; ag equipment, antique farm machinery, and pedal combines and tractors in the Marketplace; and a fiberglass milking cow exhibit in the Exhibition Building. Or take a ride on a camel or pony at Hedrick’s Educational Petting Zoo, located in the Kidz Zone.

Of course, no Nebraska State Fair would be complete without the gasoline-fueled thrill of motorsports, and this year’s fair won’t disappoint. It kicks off with lawn mower races Sunday, Aug. 28.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, engines will roar and the ground will shudder as the action heats up with a tractor pull. Finally, fans of action-packed excitement will love the demolition derby on Monday, Sept. 5, the final day of the fair.

Go Vote Win Prizes Voting ends September 30th www.BestOfOmaha.com

For a complete schedule of events and concerts, as well as information on special discounts and SPECTRUM advance ticket purchases, visitstatefair.org.

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atplay w Ne ture a Fe

By: Lisa Jensen

GE A ETheReal ICThe Story Real Story This exhibit melts away after Sept 30 Slide into the extinct world of mammoths and mastodons with indoor & outdoor exploration stations for all ages.

Meet Ice Age creatures Investigate the life of a saber-toothed cat Discover a baby mummified mammoth Uncover artifacts at the fossil dig Explore a bone hut & creativity cave Open Daily Fontenelle Forest Nature Center 1111 North Bellevue Blvd Bellevue, NE 402-731-3140 fontenelleforest.org

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

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

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• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

Mother of the Year Stories: Big Yellow School Bus

I

t’s 2:10 pm. I can hear a school bus in the distance. For a second I put down my book, check the clock and think…hmm… seems early for school buses. Whatever...I go back to reading unphased since my son attends another school within the district, but dismissal isn’t until 3:30. With kids piling off the bus, I wonder why they are out earlier than my son today, as every other day of the year they have the same schedule. I dive back into my book then PANIC! I leap from my cozy spot in the sun, rip my sleeping baby from her peaceful slumber and peel out of the driveway. It’s Wednesday; and like every other Wednesday, school is out at 2! I call the school as I hurl down the street and am greeted calmly.

“Hello, Mrs. Jensen. Don’t worry. Your son is in the office with me, and you’re not the first to forget.” I mumble apologies, my heart fighting its way to my throat. Congratulations! Mother of the Year award again. How is it possible to keep winning awards for a contest you don’t enter?

I’d been overstressed and this stay-at-home mom with a colicky baby dared to take some needed “ME” time. I wanted to enjoy an hour sitting in front of a sunny window in a quiet house. Before I sprawled in front of the window with a good book, I had set the alarm on my cell phone for 2:45 just in case I fell asleep. But that day, the bus and pure adrenaline beat the Blackberry to the job!

As I arrived to pick up my son, I noticed 5 other “forgotten” ones. I realized I wasn’t the only MOTY award winner that winter day.

What was my MOTY prize this time? A son who will never let me live this day down and a very grumpy 2 year-old..

familySPECTRUM

Th e Je n se

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

New Blog : motheroftheyearawards.blogspot.com

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Creative Corner

Airbrushed Book Covers G

et rid of those boring brown paper bag book covers! With white craft paper, stencils, airbrush markers and your imagination, you can cover your books in style!

Materials: • Roll of white craft paper or large sheets of colored paper • Newspaper • Airbrush markers (found at any craft supply store) • Thin cardboard or stencils • Scissors • Tape Instructions: Cut white or colored paper in oversized rectangle; fold into book covers, taping edges.

Cut stencil shapes from heavy paper or cardboard, retaining all of the cut pieces. (Some airbrush markers come with stencils.)

Lay out newspaper in work area. Tape stencils in place on book covers.

Prepare an airbrush marker according to the package instructions; then point the pen straight down about 4 or 5 inches over the stencils and blow.

Either draw freehand or use the stencils to design your book cover. Mix and match markers for a colorful scene.

For this and other great kid-friendly crafts, visit www.familyfun.go.com/crafts

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Tips: Never spray airbrush markers toward anyone, and be sure to cover any fabrics or materials that you don’t want to color.

• • • • September 2011

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live•love•grow

We Are Leading The Way With

SAFETY Driver Education

Students Learn: • • • • • • • • • • •

The consequences of distracted driving Defensive driving Proper scanning skills Identifying hazards Traffic and regulatory signals Residential, city, business and interstate driving Sharing the road with pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and trucks Dealing with emergency situations Driving in inclement weather The adverse effects of alcohol/drug use when driving How to handle peer pressure

Babysitting Classes

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

2011 Babysitting Class Schedule

All classes held on Saturday 8:00AM-4:00PM September 17, October 22, November 12, December 10 Tuition $58, Includes Lunch Class includes: • First Aid and CPR • What to do in case of an illness or injury • Evaluating emergency situations and calling 911 • Changing diapers • Feeding (bottle and spoon) and burping • Games and activities to keep youngsters happy

Students receive a Certificate of Completion good for two years!

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

Sign Up Today!

For more information:

SafeNebraska.org “Safe Driving” or call 402-896-0454.

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

Combo Standard (Adult) & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Schedule

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

Time 8:00-11:30 12:30-5:00 8:00-5:00

Tuition $50 $60 $69

2011 Saturday Class Dates: September 3, October 8, November 26, December 26 All classes held on Saturday, at our location 11620 M Circle (120th & L St.)

Call 402-896-0454 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more informaton or to register!

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

• readonlinenow.com September 2011 • • • •

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