October 2011 Family Spectrum Magazine

October 2011

featuring Wildlife Safari Park’s

Haunted Safari

VIDEO GAME STRATEGY

and young teens

teen voices:

mother of the year stories

my first glimpse

Pr ov id i Ca ng re Sa t fe o a Ch nd ild L re ov n in g

halloween for teens

www.NCHS.org

live•love•grow

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

W

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.

2 • content

• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

Have You Thought About Becoming a Foster Parent for Nebraska Children’s Home Society?

A child in your area is in need of temporary care from a family who can offer security, stability and guidance. Could that be your family?

If you have considered parenting a child in need of foster care, we invite you to contact us.

We can provide you the information needed to make an informed decision. Training, ongoing support and 24-hour access to quality staff is provided.

Nebraska Children’s Home Society is a statewide, private, licensed nonprofit agency focused on providing safe and loving care to children of all ages.

Please contact us to learn more.

Contact Andrea von Rein at (402) 451-0787 or avonrein@nchs.org

Nebraska Children’s Home Society 4939 S. 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137 3549 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha, NE 68104

www.nchs.org

editor’sletter Volume 7 • Issue 2

F

all in Nebraska is Fall at its best!

Family time can blossom while picking out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, tak-

ing a bike ride, sitting around the fire pit making

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

s’mores, or simply watching Nebraska football.

This time of year is perfect for families to connect

Art Director • John Gawley Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson

and spend quality time together.

This issue of Family Spectrum offers a little bit of everything. With trick-or-treating being on everyone’s mind, our cover story, featuring the Wildlife Safari Park, offers the Haunted Safari with a spooky ride through the park and roasted marshmallows around the campfire. This is sure to get everyone is the mood! Deb Fuller also addresses how to make Halloween less scary for the little ones while our Teen Voices contemplate leaving Halloween’s rite of passage behind.

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 Principal Photography • minorwhite studios, inc Bill Sitzmann, Scott Drickey Advertising • Omaha Publications, (402) 884-2000

Although it feels a little early, Family Spectrum has partnered with Operation Christmas Child to spread the word about their mission. It’s a worthy cause and is sure to teach your children about giving during the holidays. We also share in the success of the Scheopners. Their daughter is a local hero featured on billboards all over the community. Jules and her family are extraordinary. Family Spectrum’s partners also give much needed advice on kids and smartphones, video game boundaries, and a new twist on the reward system.

Is it just me, or is parenting becoming more and more challenging?

I hope you enjoy this issue and all the pleasures that October brings!

Sincerely,

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

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.

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

On the Cover A big thank you to Cambell, Lincoln, and Harper Keber, this issue’s cover models, and Wildlife Safari Park operated by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

live.love.grow 4 • editor’sletter

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

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CONTENTS october 2011

coverfeature

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24 Wildlife Safari Park’s

Haunted Safari

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9

10 11 12 13

14 15

be aware of the dangers of teens posting photos from smartphones methodist hospital ranks as high performing in three u.s. news & world report categories early oral habits: timing is key putting the children first: divorce mediation video game strategy and young teens scarcity drives value: a business principle behind the creation of free rewards family spectrum’s family success story operation christmas child: teaching children the joy of giving

atschool 18

family spectrum writer’s corner

19

young hero: johnny gunn family spectrum’s teacher of the month snack station: potato chips teen voices: halloween for teens

20 21 22

atplay 24 26 27

28 29 30

12

22

28

wildlife safari park’s haunted safari what’s on your mind? october 2011 event calendar concussions in youth sports mother of the year stories: my first glimpse on the go: fall festivals abundant across nebraska

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

content • 5

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• • • • October 2011

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Be Aware of the Dangers of Teens Posting Photos from Smartphones

T

hese days, it seems many teens can’t function without Facebook, Twitter and smartphones. Intertwined with the social networking phenomena is this young generation’s need to document their lives by posting photos of their day-to-day activities online. Smartphones have made it so easy for our children to snap, download and instantly post photos to their social networking accounts. A teenager’s Facebook is filled with silly photos of friends goofing around at the pool, the mall, or in front of the mirror at a friend’s house.

Here is where the dangerous part comes into play. The photos teens post online are putting their privacy and safety at risk. As soon as a photo is posted from a smartphone, anyone in the world can find out the time, the date and the exact location the photo was taken. It’s called GeoTagging, and it means that a picture doesn’t just have a smile attached to it anymore!

In fact, photos taken from smartphones actually identify the exact longitude and latitude of the photo so anyone can pinpoint your child’s whereabouts within 15 feet.

For example, your son is out after the football game having pizza, and he posts a picture messing around with his friends. Or your daughter is at the mall and wants her friend’s opinion on a skirt before she buys it, so she posts a picture on Facebook.

Anyone can figure out exactly where your children are the minute they post a picture from their smartphones, opening them up to danger. And it does not take a computer expert to figure out all of this information. Just about anyone who can log onto a computer can figure it out!

So best advice: no posting photos online, period. In reality, it may be difficult to convince your teen to stop posting photos on Facebook (and actually have them

comply). It would be like taking away his or her best friend, literally! So, what can you do?

• Sit down with your child and explain GeoTagging.

Most teens don’t even know that GeoTagging exists. Explain that he/she can still post photos, but NOT from his/her smartphone. Only allow photos to be posted from a digital camera that does not have a GPS chip.

• Disable the GPS function on your child’s smartphone.

The GPS chips installed in smartphones allow for GeoTagging to occur. These chips are installed for 911 and navigation purposes. It is possible to disable the GPS function; however, it does not guarantee that GeoTagging will not occur. Most phones have an option to keep GPS on only for 911 calls, but you can consult the manual for more detailed information.

• Most importantly, pay attention to what your kids are doing online.

Monitor what they are posting – both photos and messages!

They may not like you for it, but they will be a lot safer if you do.

familySPECTRUM

By: Jason C. Bruce, M.D., Boys Town Pediatrics

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

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Methodist Hospital Ranks as High Performing In Three U.S. News & World Report Categories

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ethodist Hospital has been ranked as high performing in the specialties of gynecology, orthopedics, and ear, nose and throat in U.S. News Media & World Report’s 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings. The rankings, published annually by U.S. News & World Report for the past 22 years, will also be featured in the U.S. News Best Hospitals guidebook.

The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide.

Each is ranked among the country’s top hospitals in at least one medical specialty and/or ranked among the best hospitals in its metro area.

“Any time you’re recognized at the national level, it is an honor,” said Methodist Hospital President and CEO Steve Goeser. “This is a positive reflection of our entire hospital, including our physicians, nurses and support staff at Methodist Women’s Hospital.”

Covering 94 metro areas in the U.S., the regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. The regional rankings are aimed primarily at consumers whose care may not demand the special expertise found only at a nationally ranked Best Hospital or who may not be willing or able to travel long distances for medical care. The U.S. News metro rankings give many such patients and their families more options of hospitals within their community and in their health insurance network.

The core mission of Best Hospitals is to help guide patients who need an especially high level of care because of a difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age.

Hard numbers stand behind the rankings in most specialties—death rates, patient safety, procedure volume, and other objective data.

Responses to a national survey, in which physicians were asked to name hospitals they consider best in their specialty for the toughest cases, also were factored in.

“These are referral centers where other hospitals send their sickest patients,” said Avery Comarow, U.S. News Health Rankings Editor. “Hospitals like these are ones you or those close to you should consider when the stakes are high.”

The rankings cover 16 medical specialties and all 94 metro areas that have at least 500,000 residents and at least one hospital that SPECTRUM performed well enough to be ranked.

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

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Early Oral Habits: Timing is Key

M

iS YOUR CHILD...

Thumb sucking can develop in infants in utero. The sucking reflex is a natural response and necessary for survival; however, the thumb habit soon becomes a method to calm and soothe, and is often a coping mechanism for stress in the very young. Like most habits, the thumb starts as nurturing and helpful, but eventually can cause developmental dental problems of protruding teeth, skeletal open bites, and corresponding tongue thrust swallowing patterns.

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any parents ask their health care professionals about early oral habits their infants develop, potential harm that might result, and when to stop. Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common culprits.

There are differing degrees of thumb sucking pressure and technique that can increase or minimize detrimental results, but as a rule the habit should be addressed between four and six years of age and terminated before the permanent front teeth erupt. Your family dentist, pedodontist, or orthodontist can assist you in this process.

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A pacifier acts in a similar way to affect tooth eruption and speech patterns. It functions to relax as the name implies, but should also be stopped in the time frame mentioned above to prevent unwanted side effects.

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Now Enrolling 402-614-9074 WWW.PLAINSMONTESSORI.ORG • • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

athome Written by: Bailey Hemphill

During the session, the mediator walks both parties through the creation of the parenting plan. The mediator—and, in an ideal situation, a co-mediator—attempt to keep the parties on track by establishing an interest-based mediation model where they go over what the parties are trying to do and what their interests really are. The parenting plan process, on average, is a three-hour mediation session.

Putting the Children First: Divorce Mediation

D

ivorces are often messy. Irreconcilable differences, spousal abuse, financial trouble— whatever the problem may be, it’s difficult for two people to cooperate and negotiate when they no longer want to be together. But what about when children are involved?

“In Nebraska, when there is a divorce with children, it is required that they have a parenting plan at the end of the process. When the parents cannot agree on what goes into the parenting plan, they are directed to mediation as a way to resolve those disagreements,” says Jim Shaul, J.D., who co-owns Shaul Mediation and is starting the non-profit Sarpy Mediation and Family Services with his wife, Stephanie.

A mediator is a third-party neutral who facilitates discussion and designs a setting and process that will produce the best possibility for there to be an agreement and a resolution between two disputing parties. Shaul says that the five big issues that mediators deal with are: legal custody, physical custody, regular parenting plan, holiday parenting time, and vacation time. Typically the parties take a state-mandated parenting class before mediation, and therefore come to mediation with a general knowledge of the process and the requirements.

In the first step, the mediator meets with both parties separately in private sessions to get the basic background of the family, understand the dynamic of the disputing parties’ relationship, and screen the individuals with a standard set of questions. This is where the mediator and the parties build a connection so that the parties can feel safe while discussing confidential information. If, during this time, the mediator determines that there has been recent and substantial partner abuse—be it physical, verbal, or emotional—the mediator must designate an SADR case (Specialized Alternative Dispute Resolution). If the case is an SADR case, it is considered a higher-conflict case, which then must be handled by mediators trained in SADR mediation, and the parties will not meet in a joint-session in order to maintain physical and emotional safety during negotiation.

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

Generally, mediation takes less time and is less expensive than the traditional divorce law process. Most divorce attorneys have to talk with their client and then with the other party’s attorney to establish the positions and exchange evidence, which can take several months or years—and with divorce attorney fees ranging from $125-400 an hour, it also means a lot of money over the course of those months or years. Most mediators have a sliding fee that is established by the local court system; the typical mediation fee will be from $20-150 an hour.

Research indicates that parenting plans created by the parents result in going back to court less often because it encourages parental cooperation and puts the child(ren) at the center, which often establishes a good foundation for build long-term stability in the parents’ relationship.

The legal system is historically a system of adversaries, but mediation is a system of people working together. “People don’t get divorced because they have legal problems. They get divorced because they have personal problems,” Shaul adds. Mediation helps divorcing parties emotionally explore those personal problems as they work together to maintain a strong relationship with their children, despite the separation.

For more information on mediation, visit www.supremecourt.ne.gov

familySPECTRUM

Jim Shaul

live•love•grow

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Video Game Strategy and Young Teens

A

s I sat at my son’s baseball game recently, I overheard another mom say, “Hey—he may not be the world’s best player, but I figure anything I can do to pry the video controller from his hands is a good thing…”

That’s not the first time I’ve heard something similar from fellow parents of 12-13 year old boys. No matter how well they do in school, how many sports they play, or how many books they read, when it comes down to it, if most of these boys can choose their activity, they are going to pick video games – preferably something involving shooting something.

Even researchers don’t fully agree on the impact of boys playing video games. Just google “Boys and Video Games,” and you’ll see what I mean. There is a consensus that parents should seriously limit screen time for younger boys, because their brains are still very much in development. And violent video games should definitely be a no-no.

But as they get a little older, things shift a little. As I learned from talking to my own 13-year-old, it’s not so much about the game itself. It’s more about hanging out with friends. “It’s something to do when you are bored over the summer,” he says. “I like to play games and talk with my friends from school. In fact, I don’t really like the single-player games that much.”

With X-Box Live and PlayStation, people can now “hang out together” online. At this age, kids are too old for summer youth programs, but too young to drive. Connecting by video game allows socialization — especially in the summer — that might not happen otherwise. Really, the exact opposite of the concerns about teenage boys locking themselves in the basement with Halo and staying there Bev Carl son

12 • athome

alone for days. While it may not be the perfect scenario, I have to venture that online interaction is better than no interaction at all, or just parking it in front of a marathon of Two and a Half Men. Ryan Suhr, Clinical Supervisor for Lutheran Family Services, says balance is important. “There are guidelines on ‘screen time’ for developing brains, and exposure to violence (real or dramatized) does have an effect on aggression and sensitivity to violence,” he says.

“If basic needs and responsibilities are being neglected, then you may have a problem that needs to be addressed.” The most telltale signs of trouble? Choosing gaming over adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and opportunities to spend time with friends in person.

So what is a parent to do? Suhr believes video games are fine for the pre- to early-teen crowd, as long as they are part of a balanced routine that includes school and work, family and community (church, scouts, youth group, baseball team, etc), and real-life friends.

The best news I’ve heard on the topic is that for most boys, this seems to be a phase. Several parents tell me that the appeal of spending hours on any video console seems to fade the closer boys get to the age of 14. Of course, that generally coincides with their discovery of girls, which is a whole other topic….

familySPECTRUM

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

live•love•grow

• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

athome

erful rewards out of freely available “material” abundantly present at home.

For example, for younger children, bedtime is a limit on their personal freedom that they virtually always want extended. To create a large batch of free rewards, parents merely need to establish an early and firm bedtime that is an hour or so earlier than the latest one the parents could actually accept. Then the time between the established bedtime and the later bedtime becomes batches of minutes (e.g., 15-minute units) parents can use as rewards.

Scarcity Drives Value: A Business Principle Behind the Creation of Free Rewards

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carcity drives value. This is a time-honored maxim in business and it could— and in my opinion should—achieve a similar status for parents raising children.

This summer I was interviewed by momaha.com about ways to motivate children to pursue free summertime activities rather than those that are costly. The simple answer is to make the “free” activities less available. When activities are less available, their value to children increases. This does not mean that Brussels sprouts will become children’s most preferred food if we substantially reduce their availability.

But it does mean that the value children place on things they do like will increase.

There are other easier and much more obvious examples where parents could apply the principle of scarcity to determine value. For example, parents are often puzzled about how to best reward their children without surrendering time and money to commercial enterprises to do so. They need worry no further. They can create pow-

For older children, curfew is the personal freedom limit they always want extended. To create a batch of powerful rewards for free, parents merely need to set an early and firm curfew, one that is an hour or two earlier than the latest one parents could actually accept. Like in the bedtime example, the time between the established curfew and the later one produces batches of minutes (e.g., 30-minute units) parents can use as rewards.

In both situations, children will work to obtain these units. And parents can use them efficiently because they cost nothing, do not clutter the house, and don’t go out of style.

More generally, parents can use this same strategy by surveying their child’s daily landscape for goods, services, and privileges that are freely available, and then make them less available, thereby increasing their value and enlarging their potential role as motivating rewards for their children.

Sometimes in running a home well, parents find that using well-established business principles can pay big diviSPECTRUM dends.

family

Pat rick C. Frim an,

By: Patrick C. Friman, M.D., Boys Town Clinical Services

M.D.

Does your teen have you on an

EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER? Understand that “crazy” behavior with Boys Town’s entertaining DVD. Order yours today from the the Boys Town Press by visiting www.boystownpress.org or calling 1-800-282-6657.

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ng.org www.parenti • readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

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athome Written by: Bailey Hemphill

Family Success Story The Scheopners

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eet the Scheopner Family—Jason and Jessica, and their children William, Juliana, and Jonathan of Dundee! Jason and Jessica are celebrating 17 years together and are thankful for their beautiful children, who are students in the Omaha Public Schools district.

The Scheopners’ daughter, Juliana—who goes by the nickname “Jules”—has been named Nebraska’s ambassador in the 2011 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions program. But the title didn’t come without a little struggle on Jules’ or the family’s end…

On a Sunday afternoon, when Jules was not quite three, she was playing on a slide when she complained of severe back pain. The Scheopners immediately sought medical attention. The X-ray revealed not one but multiple fractures in her vertebrae, which led to more tests. Through a chain of events that can be accurately described as a miracle, she came to be diagnosed with mild osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), which is a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily; it is also known as “brittle bone disease” and affects the person throughout his or her lifetime. According to Jessica, it is only because the family went to Children’s Hospital—where some of the top experts in the world practice—that she got a correct diagnosis from the coincidental accident. “Had this happened almost anywhere else, she would almost certainly have gone undiagnosed, and consequently, untreated,” says Jessica. “Because of her diagnosis, she has a very different life than she would have had if this diagnosis had been missed.”

Jules receives bisphosponate treatments at Children’s, which have decreased her fractures, increased her bone density, and relieved her of the chronic bone pain that she had come to know as normal for the first three years of her life. During her appointments, she puts on her beloved horse slippers and settles in for the five-hour intravenous treatment. After watching a movie, eating lunch, doing crafts, and enjoying alone time with her mom, Jules is freed from the IV pole and takes a “victory lap” around the hallway, galloping past nurses and other caregivers.

14 • athome

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From left: Jason, Juliana (Jules), Jonathan, Jessica, and William

The Scheopner family was initially shocked when they learned of Jules’ disorder, but they all stepped up to the challenge and surrounded her with their love and support.

In fact, the family has even made changes to their own lives to make Jules’ lifestyle of fracture prevention and care easier. Jessica explains that they choose swimming over activities with physical contact, and they help Jules keep up with her brothers on the playgrounds by spotting her and keeping her from falling. But for the most part, Jason, Jessica, and the boys try to give Jules the freedom of a normal, eightyear-old life. “They told us to let her be a child,” Jessica says. “They have helped us to see the OI as just one small part of who Juliana is and not let fear about breaks keep the rest of her from growing and being healthy.”

Jules’ diagnosis introduced her family to a special group of people they lovingly refer to as their “fragile friends.” In the year Jules was diagnosed, Omaha hosted the bi-annual OI Foundation conference where the Scheopners made their first connections with other OI families. Now the family serves as unofficial ambassadors to outof-town families who travel to Children’s in Omaha for world-renowned care. “We’ve sat in the surgery waiting room with moms, and we’ve held hands and prayed with a mom who was scared sick,” Jessica says. “We’ve enjoyed numerous meals, visits to hospital rooms, and special outings to the zoo and museums. And it’s so wonderful that the children get to spend time with other children who face similar challenges.”

Jessica says her family has been successful and able to thrive in this situation because of the support from those who love them and their faith in God. “We are so thankful for the many people who have come alongside us in this journey. We have been blessed by a community of people who pray for us, who have helped us in many practical ways…and by a group of parents and their children with OI all over the country who have become an online family, able to answer questions and help us as we’ve processed what it means to live life fully and with joy in light of this diagnosis SPECTRUM one day and one decision at a time.”

family

• • • • October 2011

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Operation Christmas Child Teaching Children the Joy of Giving

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amaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love. Operation Christmas Child is one of the many international relief projects of Samaritan’s Purse. Kicked off in 1993 with just 28,000 shoebox gifts donated, the project has grown and hand-delivered more than 86 million shoebox gifts to needy children in more than 130 countries.

Last year, the United States collected around 5.5 million shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, with 19,159 boxes coming from Eastern Nebraska alone. This year, the goal for the Eastern Nebraska area is 20,308 boxes.

Operation Christmas Child is a great way for parents to teach their children about generosity and compassion through a simple, affordable, and fun family activity. Children tend to focus on themselves and the items they hope to get during the holidays, but saving, shopping, and sending a note in a shoebox teaches everyone that true holiday happiness comes from giving to others.

This Halloween, as the ghouls and goblins fill the streets, feed your family some dressed up beef!

Try our Monster Mash Meatball Soup with black olive bats, Parmesan cheese ghosts and creepy croutons.

Monster Mash Meatball Soup Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes Serves: 4 1 package (16 ounces) 1 can (14 to 14-1/2 frozen fully-cooked ounces) ready-tobeef meatballs serve beef broth 1 cup frozen vegetable 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) mixture, such as diced tomatoes with broccoli, cauliflower roasted garlic and carrots 3/4 cup uncooked Hal2 cups water loween pasta shapes 1. Combine frozen vegetables, water, broth, tomatoes and pasta in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 8 minutes or until pasta is just tender.

2. Meanwhile microwave meatballs according to package directions. Add meatballs to soup; simmer 3 minutes or until meatballs are heated through. Garnish with spooky decorations, as desired (www.beefitswhatsfordiner.com).

Families can wrap and pack empty shoeboxes with simple items most people take for granted, including toothpaste, toys, and school supplies. The shoeboxes are then hand-delivered to hurting children around the world.

Nutrition information per serving: 483 calories; 3 g fat; 4 mg cholesterol; 1776 mg sodium; 36 g carbohydrate; 17 g protein; 8.3 mg niacin; 0.2 mg vitamin B6; 1.7 mcg vitamin B12; 2.2 mg iron; 4.2 mg zinc.

If needed, local volunteers are available to provide: • ideas on how to pack a box • free materials to share with family, church, and community groups, co-workers • informational programs, DVDs, PowerPoint presentations • creative ways to integrate OCC into your mission work

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

National Collection Week is Nov. 14-21. Drop-off sites are at these locations: Benson Baptist Church (6319 Maple St.), Westwood Church (113056 Atwood Ave.), or First Baptist Church – Family Life Center (206 E 23rd Ave., Bellevue).

For more information on how to participate, visit www.samaritanspurse.org SPECTRUM or call Kim Bunton at 660-744-4729.

family

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com live•love•grow

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Please support these businesses Family Connections: Making Families Better Offering your family Therapy, Counseling, Coaching, Education, & Self Betterment 11330 Q Street Omaha, NE 68137 402.740.8203 familyconnectionsnebraska.com

16 • content

Ear Tubes Can Help Reoccurring Ear Infections.

Watch this Ear, Nose and Throat video at the Knowledge Center at boystownhospital.org.

Health videos, podcasts and articles are online at boystownhospital.org/ knowledgecenter.

BOYS TOWN

National Research Hospital

• • • • October 2011

®

familyspectrum •

live•love•grow

The best choice for your child’s health A note from our Editor:

www.firsteyeomaha.com

Do you ever wish you had a guide that told you who the best person to care for your child was? Well, look no further!

Family Spectrum is now highlighting pediatric healthcare professionals who we feel give our community great care and service. We join with these professionals to give you the best choices for your child’s health.

From Family Connections, who offers not only counseling but tutoring and coaching, to Corpuz Dentistry, Pearson Chiropractics, First Eye, Huerter Orthodontics, and Boys Town—we celebrate these family-oriented businesses!

If you would like to feature your pediatric healthcare business in Family Spectrum, please contact paige@omahapublications.com. We are currently accepting new advertisers for inclusion in our Pediatric Professional guide.

FIRST EYE

A S S O C I AT E S

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

552-2300

Thanks For Voting Us Best of Omaha!

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

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

4242 Farnam St., Ste. 247

Ask us about Invisalign Teen Today!

content • 17

atschool Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner

Proudly Presented by:

Grace

Grace, 10, attends Concordia Academy. She likes riding horses, walking her dog Darby, and golfing with her grandpa. She has an older sibling named Sydney.

G rac e

Things to do on a Rainy Day

by Grace It’s rainy, it’s rainy, What shall I do?

I could play in the puddles, Or blow on my kazoo.

I could give a hug or a kiss, But instead decided I would go write this.

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

ATTENTION YOUNG WRITERS! Submit

your

original

short

stories

and/or

poems

to

Bailey@OmahaPublications.com, and we may choose YOURS to feature in our next issue! Submission of a story or poem automatically gives Family Spectrum publishing rights to publish in whole or in part. Family Spectrum will notify writers of intent of use prior to publishing.

Family Spectrum Magazine

Lifelong care for generations of women

Dr. Carlson OB/GYN

Omaha’s first medical campus dedicated to women’s health is trusted by women of all ages. It’s comprised of a women’s center that offers all-encompassing treatment options and individualized care. A women’s hospital nationally ranked in the top 10 percent for patient satisfaction. And a name that has been, and will continue to be, passed down for generations to come. Methodist. That’s the meaning of care. bestcare.org ©2011 Methodist Health System

18 • atschool

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• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

atschool By: Bailey Hemphill

Young Heroes proudly sponsored by:

Young Hero: Johnny Gunn Jo h n n y G

unn

W

hen a doctor told Tina Gunn that her son, Johnny, might have autism at two, she refused to accept that he was autistic. “I said ‘We’re not going there,’ and they dropped it for a while,” she explains. But eventually, when Johnny was seven, he was diagnosed with autism. Today, Johnny is 12, and his mom considers him to be a young hero.

At first, school was really hard for Johnny. He was non-verbal until he was six, he struggled trying to make friends, he didn’t know how to act in social settings, he’d throw up whenever he got anxious, and he’d spend recess walking around the perimeter of the playground. Unfortunately, Johnny’s school was unable to meet his needs, so Tina thought it was a good time to change school districts. The Gunns settled in the Gretna school district where Johnny received his own paraprofessional to help him with frustrating subjects. The counselors also helped Johnny get into a “circle of friends.” The circle meets twice a month to get advice from the counselor on how to help Johnny, and they also take turns playing with him at recess and sitting with him at lunch and at assemblies. As soon as Johnny joined the circle, the anxiety at school stopped.

Tina believes Johnny is a hero for many reasons. She says after the difficult deck of cards he’s been dealt—not being able to speak,

struggling in school, anxiety attacks—he stays strong, caring, and compassionate, and he has a positive outlook on life. “When you’re given struggles, you don’t stop. You learn to deal with them,” says Tina, which is why she thinks Johnny has such a great sense of humor. “He’s funny.

He can make other people laugh. I look at him and know that, if he can do it day to day, then I can do it.”

Johnny has a special passion for helping animals, especially cats. “He believes everyone should have a cat,” Tina laughs. He also has a nine-year-old sister, Sophie, who the Gunns adopted from Korea. Tina says Sophie doesn’t always understand why Johnny can’t do certain things, but she does a really good job of trying to educate others about her brother.

Johnny and his family went to New York in August to meet his favorite author, Nick Bruel, who writes the Bad Kitty series, all thanks to the SPECTRUM Make-a-Wish Foundation.

family

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

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

atschool • 19

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

Nominated by: Beals Elementary School Principal Dr. LeDonna York

Have a Giant Screen Outdoor Movie Party!

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.

RefReshi ngly PeRsonal

ac a d e m i c a l ly RigoRous concordia academy

grades K-6 | 1821 N. 90th Street | Omaha

402-592-8005

Awesome New Party Idea!

402-317-5225 www.FunFlicks.com

$25

OFF your MOVIE EVENT!

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

Exp. 12/31/2011

seRi ously chRistian concordia Jr/sr high

grades 7-12 | 15656 Fort Street | Omaha

402-445-4000

w w w.concordi ao maha.or g

Teacher of the Month

Erin Grove

Omaha Public SchoolsBeals Elementary School

E

rin Grove received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central College in Pella, Iowa. After graduating, she spent time teaching at an army base in Baumholder, Germany, before moving to Omaha. She has an endorsement in reading as well as a recently attained English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. Her family consists of her husband, Nick, and their “spoiled” dog, June.

Her husband and her mother-in-law also teach in the OPS district. “Having family work in the same profession has been a great source of both support and ideas,” she says. When she’s not in the classroom, Erin spends most of her time with friends and family. She also enjoys seeing live music in the area, trying new local restaurants, golfing, and walking her dog around the neighborhood and park. This is her third year at Beals Elementary where she teaches second grade.

“Erin Grove is a very distinguished classroom teacher…[she] is a life-long learner who critically reflects on her daily teaching, and she is very intentional in her instruction, focusing on each students individual needs,” says Principal LeDonna York. “Mrs. Grove is a blessing to the students, staff, and families of Beals Elementary, and this was one way that her dedication, hard work, and commitment could be shared with the SPECTRUM greater community!”

family

20 • atschool

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• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

atschool Photo by: Katie Anderson

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.

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

Let us take you there…

Healthy School Snacks: Potato Chips

P

otato chips are not always the healthiest snack option to send with your kids to school. And, unfortunately, kids love them. But what if there was a way that you could still let your kids eat potato chips for snacks without all of that nasty grease? Well, there is! You can make your own healthier version of potato chips in your microwave—it’s that simple!

Ingredients: 1 Russet potato sliced paper thin salt (optional) parchment paper

Tuesday, November 8 7pm – 9pm Arbor Hall 14040 Arbor St.

Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit a plate.

Lay thin slices of potato on top in a flat layer, not touching. Sprinkle layer with salt, if desired.

Cover with another sheet of parchment paper.

Microwave for 5-6 minutes. Take plate out of microwave (with oven mitt) and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Slices will have become lightly-browned potato chips.

(one block north of 141st and Center)

Omaha, NE

RSVP by: Monday, October 24 On Stage Alaska presents the wonders of Alaska through…

• Live performances by Alaska experts • Stunning film footage of Alaska and Yukon • Knowledgeable consultants with first hand experience

Space is limited! RSVP today to plan your Great Adventure!

2120 S. 72nd St., Suite 150 Omaha, NE 68124 402.399.4555

www.tandtvacations.com • readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

Tip: Use sea slat for great flavor, or test your culinary skills and add a different spice for a new flavor.

Test your culinary skills and add some garlic salt for a new flavor.

Source: Deb Perelman, smittenkitchen.com

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atschool • 21

atschool

Teen Voice: He Said/She Said Halloween for Teens

W

hat is one thing that all kids need nowadays? That’s right, it’s money. And that’s what adults should be handing out to teenagers as they come knocking on their doors on the last day of October. Candy is so “yesterday.”

All jokes aside, when a child becomes a teenager, that’s when they should start thinking about whether or not they should be trick-ortreating every year on Oct. 31. I think the ideal age to stop trick-or-treating is either 14 or 15 (I have chosen this age because that still allows me one more year to go out and trick-or-treat myself). The age difference between the teenagers and the rest of the kids hitting the streets on Halloween is very apparent. You can still dress up with friends and be creative, but just don’t take that creativeness out on the streets.

      



By the time you’re a teenager, numerous parties usually replace the interest of trick-or-treating anyway. Parties or small gatherings are a great alternative to the usual activity of knocking on doors in search of treats. When you choose to not go trick-or-treating, this positively affects your reputation in the community because you are not running through neighborhoods and begging for candy from adults. Your elders might take this as a sign of immaturity and not think of you as highly.

Overall, I think Halloween is a great time for younger children to have fun and collect candy. For teenagers though, it is a time for being creative with costume parties and enjoying the company of all of your friends and family.

familySPECTRUM

C onnor

 

22 • atschool

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• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

atschool Written by: Halston and Connor

4 PAWS ONLY All Grooms Include

T

he thrill of Halloween was something I adored as a kid. I loved every aspect of Halloween. What was there not to love? For one night a year, you could be anything. You could be a vampire, witch, goblin, anything! The scarier the better! Plus, the free candy was nothing to complain about. The goal of Halloween is to get as much candy as possible in one night. Then you have to eat as much of it as you can in the same night. Those were the unofficial rules of Halloween.

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Pet Sitting Also Available Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Search Family Spectrum Magazine on Facebook.

Once you get older, you come to an understanding that you are too old to go trick-or-treating.

To me, it’s a sad thought. To think I’ve been trickor-tricking since I was two or so, that’s a huge amount of time. Giving it up is something I don’t want to do. I would love to hop in with all the little kids and go knock on doors for candy. I know I can’t. I mean, it would be a little weird to see a 15-year-old towering above a whole bunch of five year olds.

Instead of trick-or-treating, I’ve decided that I would just sneak some candy from my sister’s basket (shh). Since I won’t be dressing up, I can still go out. My friends and I will probably attend some Halloween party or just stay at home, watching the classic horror flicks. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to pass out some candy to all the little kids?

I will miss Halloween dearly. It’s just like my childhood flew by in a blink of the eye. I remember when I was a skeleton, a witch, and so on. All of those memories are still fresh in my mind.

Then again, this is now.

And I’m excited for what my friends and I have planned for Halloween night. And that’s what’s important.

familySPECTRUM

NOW - Jan. 8, 2012

t- S o - S c a r e No y Th D UNTE HOUSE HA

October r 1- 30

Ghouls, Ghosts & Growls

This Halloween season, come see all that’s kooky, spooky, a tiny bit scary and just a tad hairy at Omaha Children’s Museum. Kids can enjoy the not-so-scary haunted house and the roaring robotic dinosaurs and Ice Age mamamals in Dinosaurs: Dawn of the Ice Age! Presented By:

H a ls to n

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

live•love•grow

atschool • 23

atplay

Wildlife Safari Park’s Haunted Safari

F

lutter, flutter through the night.

What will you see under the moonlight?

Meet owls, eagles, spiders and more. It’s time to discover and explore at Haunted Safari at Wildlife Safari Park from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 15! Haunted Safari is a safe and fun family event great for children of all ages. Little ghouls and goblins are invited to go on a haunted hike illuminated by glowing pumpkins, take a spooky ride through Wildlife Safari Park, enjoy a hot dog dinner, roast marshmallows around the campfire and participate in ghostly games. The crisp fall air, a dark sky full of stars and the sounds of wolves howling at the moon add to the Halloween atmosphere. Make sure to register for

24 •atplay

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• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

atplay Submitted by: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

Haunted Safari since it’s the last event before Wildlife Safari Park closes for the season. Wear your costume, but dress warm as this is an outside event. The cost for the evening is $15 per person and reservations are required.

Wildlife Safari Park is a four-mile, drive-through North American wildlife adventure. Feel as if you are on an actual safari coming face-to-face with North American plants and animals such as elk, white-tailed deer, bison, pelicans and waterfowl. Take a break from the drive and check out the up-close view of wolves and black bears at Wolf Canyon. Join keepers at Wolf Canyon at 1:30 and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for animal enrichment activities and a special keeper talk about gray wolves and American black bears.

Explore the Visitor Center and measure up to North American’s largest bronze bison herd sculptures. Wildlife Safari Park also offers a unique Sacred Hoop Garden and Aviary with small animal exhibits.

Wildlife Safari Park is not all about driving; it’s also perfect for hiking. Choose from two different trails: the Wolf Canyon trail is ideal for the beginning hiker while the Lake trail is great for a more advanced trekker.

Wildlife Safari Park is owned and operated by Omaha’s Henry

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

Doorly Zoo® and is located off Nebraska’s I-80, Exit 426 near Strategic Air and Space Museum, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and Quarry Oaks Golf Club. Open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. April through October. Admission prices for Wildlife Safari are Child (3-11) $4.50, Adult (12 & over) $6.50, Senior (62 & over) $5.50. Omaha’s Zoo members receive $1 off admission. For more information, or to make a reservation for Haunted Safari at Wildlife Safari Park, please call 402-738-2092 or visit www.omahazoo.com.

familySPECTRUM

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atplay • 25

atplay Submitted by: Deb Fuller, Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling

What’s on Your Mind?

Preparing Young Children for Halloween

F

or some, Halloween means carving pumpkins, picking out costumes, and eating lots of candy. But for the little people in your life, Halloween can be just plain scary. How can they be excited about a Tootsie Roll when all they see is the haggard one-eyed witch trying to give it to them?

Before attending any Halloween events, talk to your kids about what they might see. Kids truly want to believe monsters aren’t real, but sometimes masks are extremely ghoulish and realistic. Help them understand that it’s just a regular person inside the mask.

Come in out of the cold and join us for a magical theatrical production full of holiday spirit!

Beautiful Dancing Traditional Holiday Songs Holiday Cheer & Joy

Presented by Heartland Youth Ballet and Robin Welch Dance Arts Scottish Rite Theater j December 3 & 4

Call 402/237/8801 for information or go to heartlandyouthballet.org

Try going trick-or-treating earlier in the evening, when it isn’t as dark. As you walk through the neighborhood, if your little ones say they don’t like scary houses, just skip those. There is no need to go to those houses just so you can prove that they really are safe.

At night, frightening images can be magnified in a child’s mind. Spend extra time together at bedtime if your child expresses fear about being alone after seeing something scary. With all the lights on, help them look around their room, under the beds and in the closet so they can see no monsters are hiding out. When the lights are off, look at the shadows and help discover together what is making them. Having an extra light on or playing soft music can help calm fears, as can making sure your child has a special blanket, stuffed animal or doll to cuddle with. Set an animal or two on the bed to “stand guard” during the night, and remind your little one that you are there and will keep them safe.

Keep in mind that being scared is a natural response, so telling kids there is nothing to be afraid of can be confusing. Validate your child’s fears and let him know it’s okay to feel afraid sometimes, even if it’s not a good feeling. After all, some of those Halloween decorations and eerie music might even give you the creeps!

If you have any parenting questions that you would like Deb to answer in her next column, please e-mail bailey@omahapublications.com.

familySPECTRUM

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De b Fu lle r

• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

atplay

October 2011 Event Calendar sunday

monday

Don’t miss the fun! Clip and put on your fridge.

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wednesday

thursday

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friday 30

saturday 1

Scary Acres Through Oct. 31 • 172nd & Giles Road La Vista, NE (402) 896-9666

Pumpkin Festival Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 30 • Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm Avoca, NE (402) 267-4104 • bloompumpkinpatch.com

Get ready to be scared! It’s 20 acres full of terror and fright, including the Masters Castle, the House on the Hill and the Haunted Woods. Visitors can warm up at several bonfires and enjoy live entertainment while waiting in line.

Bring the family out to this pumpkin patch and educational farm for hayrack rides, farm animals, nature trails, agriculture exhibits, activities and food. Experience a big dose of fall fun with an emphasis on the agricultural side of autumn.

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Do Something Nice Day

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8 World Smile Day

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch Fall Events Through Oct. 31 • 11001 S. 48th St Papillion, NE (402) 331-5500 • bellevueberryfarm.com There is something for everyone during the Great Pumpkin Roundup. Daytime activities include pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrack rides, tours of the ghost town and a fun play area featuring slides, zip lines, climbing nets and swings. The real haunts come out at night! The Ranch of Terror has been updated with new themes in 2011 to bring you two hours of fright-filled thrills.

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Columbus Day

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Hallowfest Oct. 15 • Ponca State Park Ponca, NE (402) 755-2284 • outdoornebraska.org Enjoy the great outdoors at the park’s annual autumn event featuring haunted hayrack rides, pumpkin rolling and carving contest, campsite decorating contest and more. Consider staying in one of the camp’s mini-lodges, rustic log cabins or straw bale construction cabins, and exploring some of the 20 miles of trails.

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Bologna Day

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31 Halloween

1 2 Night of the Great Pumpkin Oct. 27 • Downtown Beatrice, NE (402) 223-3244 • mainstreetbeatrice.org

Bring the whole family out for this fun event. Free pumpkins to all children in Halloween costumes. Visit the witch’s kettle for free treats, ride a pony, play games, enter the scream contest and do some trick-or-treating.

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

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

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atplay • 27

atplay Submitted by: Jennifer Peterson, National Safety Council

Concussions in Youth Sports

T

he Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that concussions account for one in 10 sports injuries for young people ages 15-24. With more than 7.5 million high school students playing school sports each year, an average of 21 percent of student athletes suffer concussions on the field, either during practice or competition. The highest rates of concussions occur in football and boys’ and girls’ soccer; however, concussions are not just an issue in high-impact sports, but in low-impact sports as well.

A concussion is a brain injury that affects how the brain works. It is caused by a bump or blow to the head, or a jolt or blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a mild bump can be serious. Although most people who experience a concussion have a full recovery, the effects of the concussion can last weeks, months, or longer.

It is estimated that 41 percent of concussed athletes return to the playing field too soon. Sixteen percent of football players reported returning to play the same day they lost consciousness, even though young athletes are advised not to return the same day because their brains and skulls are immature and heal slower than adults. The consequences of returning too soon can be dire.

In some cases, playing with a concussion can lead to death from second impact syndrome (SIS), a condition in which the brain swells, shutting down the brain stem and resulting in respiratory failure. The American Academy of Neurology’s established guidelines say that an athlete must be symptom-free for a week before returning to play. The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on

28 •atplay

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Sports Medicine and Fitness recommends that a physician clear an athlete with a concussion before he or she returns to play.

Parents, coaches, and players must work together to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to a concussion. Everyone must be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Remember, you can’t see a concussion, and some symptoms differ with each person and with each injury, and may not be noticeable for hours or days. Common symptoms include: • Headache • Confusion • Difficulty remembering or paying attention • Balance problems or dizziness • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy • Feeling irritable, more emotional or “down” • Nausea or vomiting • Bothered by light and noise • Double or blurry vision • Slowed reaction time • Sleep problems • Loss of consciousness Parents and coaches must encourage student athletes to report symptoms in themselves or a teammate immediately. They should not try to tough it out. It’s better to miss one game than the whole season. Parents and coaches who notice concussion symptoms should remove the athlete from play and have them evaluated by a healthcare professional. When in doubt, sit them out!

Excellent resources for parents, coaches and players are available SPECTRUM at www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/resources.html

family

• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

atplay By: Lisa Jensen

Mother of the Year Stories: My First Glimpse

T

he first time I witnessed a Mother of the Year moment, I didn’t have children and was pretty convinced there were good parents, bad parents, and nothing in between. My lifelong friend, Marie, had her first child, and my husband and I went to visit when he was 15 weeks old. We expected to sit around their house all weekend in sweats and just let them sleep while we fawned over baby Andy. But being in wine country at harvest time, they wanted to take us wine tasting. Lack of sleep clouded their judgment, and my husband and I didn’t know enough to object.

At the first winery, we sat in the quiet wine bar catching up. While Andy slept, new mommy/designated driver Marie filled me in on all sorts of things I never wanted to know about childbirth, breastfeeding, sleepless nights…things that made me want to drink more wine!

When Andy needed a diaper change, her husband Buddy was happy to leave the conversation and took Andy to the car to change him.

After about 10 minutes, we began to wonder what was taking Buddy so long and went out to the car. We found Andy wrapped in a blanket and Buddy with a look of despair on his face. No diapers! With that, we drove about 20 minutes and stopped at the first convenience store we saw. Buddy came out of the store with size 3 diapers! Deciding to use them anyway, Marie unwrapped the blanket “diaper” and Andy gave her a waterworks show all over the backseat. Exhaustion wins - there’s nothing to do but laugh. Marie is one of the best moms I know, and I bet she’s never had another moment like this. But thanks to her, I’ve never left home without a full diaper bag!

familySPECTRUM

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

New Blog : motheroftheyearawards.blogspot.com

• readonlinenow.com October 2011 • • • •

Pack a shoe box with toys and small gifts, and join us in delivering God’s love and the joy of Christmas to hurting children around the world.

NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK NOVEMBER 14-21 Area Drop-Off Locations Benson Baptist Church First Baptist Church 6319 Maple St., Omaha 206 E. 23rd Ave., Bellevue Westwood Church 13056 Atwood Ave., Omaha

First Lutheran Church 3200 E. Military, Fremont

www.samaritanspurse.com Kim Bunton, Eastern NE Area Coordinator, 660-744-4729

Meet magical forest characters on a search for the Great Pumpkin!

Entertaining, educational and not-too-scary For families with children ages 3-10 A new group begins every 15 minutes: Friday, October 21 6:00-8:30 pm Saturday, October 22 5:00-8:30 pm $6 per FNA Member / $12 per non-member

Th e Je n se

n Fam il y

Reservations required: 402-731-3140 x226 www.fontenelleforest.org Fontenelle Forest Nature Center 1111 Bellevue Blvd. North Bellevue, NE 68005

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atplay Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism

E

On The Go! Fall Festivals Abundant Across Nebraska

at. Laugh. Dance. Learn. Watch. Listen. Clown around! No matter what type of activities you prefer, you’ll find an ample supply of fun things to do at Nebraska’s many events. And with fall festivals in full swing across the state, now is a fantastic time for a family vacation in Nebraska.

GET STARTED AT THE YMCA Let the Y help you GET STARTED on the path to a healthier life.

When you join any YMCA of Greater Omaha location, you’ll get 3 FREE sessions of individualized wellness coaching as part of our new GET STARTED program.

Use promo code FAM1011 to waive the joining fee. Expires 10/31/11. Online purchases only. www.metroymca.org

The All Hallows Evenings at Grand Island’s Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer may just trick the kids into learning something about history while they’re having fun. On Oct. 14 and 15, the ghosts of Railroad Town will welcome you to this family-friendly evening. Grab some candy on the treat trail, bob for doughnuts, or get a fun fright in the haunted field.

If you’re looking for an unusual way to celebrate Halloween, you can’t beat Scream on the Square in York on Oct. 21 and 22. Find out who has the most blood-curdling scream during the National Scream Contest, or join the costume contest. There will be trick-or-treating, food, music and scary fun for the entire family. This year’s new Troll Stroll invites the public to check out the trolls along a portion of York’s Trail System.

Fans of the Night at the Museum films won’t want to miss Fright at the Museum in Lincoln. Families can don costumes and visit the University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History after hours to explore Morrill Hall’s spook-tacular exhibits. The celebration includes music, haunted hallways, candy, and hands-on activities Oct. 26 and 27.

Of course, fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival. This harvest-time destination near Gretna is definitely designed to create lifelong memories. You can take a hayrack ride to pick your own pumpkins, enjoy the sounds of Scarecrow Band and watch as the Pumpkin Chuckin’ Cannon launches orange ammo up to half a mile. Naturally, a trip to Vala’s must include a caramel apple, kettle corn, and some homemade fudge.

Want to add a little more adventure to your fall festivities? Then check out Nebraska’s many corn mazes. Outside Denton, you’ll find Benson Farms—home to one of the largest corn mazes in the world.

The network of twists, turns, and dead ends is carved into more than 50 acres of corn.

For a complete list of fall festivals, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, go to VisitNebraska.gov.

familySPECTRUM

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• • • • October 2011

familyspectrum •

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! Sunday, October 9, 2011 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites, La Vista Join us! It’s fun and educational for all ages!

• Fire Trucks and Rescue Vehicles • Free Food and Refreshments (while supplies last) • Safety Clubhouse - Win Prizes!

• Safety Education • Tai Chi Demonstration for Older Adults • Self Defense Mini Class • Stage Shows • And much, much more!

Call 402-898-7356 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more information!

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 October 22, November 12, December 12 Tuition $58, Includes Lunch Class includes: • First Aid and CPR • What to do in case of an illness or injury • Evaluating emergency situations and calling 911 • Changing diapers • Feeding (bottle and spoon) and burping • Games and activities to keep youngsters happy

Students receive a Certificate of Completion good for two years!

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

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: 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!

ChildrenThat’s ArewhyUnpredictable 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 Hospital Road

on the Boys Town Campus

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

facebook.com/BoysTownPediatrics and twitter.com/BoysTownPeds

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics

®

boystownpediatrics.org

27 pediatricians at 6 convenient locations.