April 2014 HerFamily

April 2014

New Beginnings Spring and (re)Birth Social Media Tips for Moms

Code Crush Girl Power in IT Careers

HF0414.indd 1

2/21/14 3:08 PM

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Diego, age 8 Kearney, NE Critical Aortic Valve Stenosis

HF0414.indd 2

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.

2/21/14 3:08 PM

1

When bees visit flowers to get food, pollen from the flower sticks to their body.

3

HF0414.indd 3

Pollen on the bee rubs off on other flowers that it visits.

2/21/14 3:08 PM

on the

inside april 2014

features 7 12 14 41

Are Immunizations Safe?

When Hurting Parents Need Help Meet the Smiths Code Crush—An Immersive IT Experience for Middle-School Girls

Volume 1 • Issue 10 PUBLISHER Todd Lemke OMAHA MAGAZINE EDITOR David Williams HER FAMILY EDITOR Chris Wolfgang EDITORIAL INTERNS Josie Bungert CREATIVE DIRECTOR John Gawley DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERACTIVE MEDIA

columns 34 Music Education: Tailoring Your

14

51 53

Learning Environment Teen Voice: Wrapping Up Senior Year Mom on the Rocks: My Mom Ruins My Social Media Vibe

departments 8

Activity: Face Time Equals Quality Time 10 Health: A Kidney Donation Story 33 Young Hero: Klayton Hammer 36 Lifestyle: New Beginnings 54 Calendar of Events

Bill Sitzmann SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER & WEB CONTENT MANAGER Kristen Hoffman ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Marti Latka CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bev Carlson • Sarah Dunsmore Allison Janda • Karla Leriger • Cherie Lytle Brittany Mascio • Ruth Meints • Stefanie Monge Leslie Murrell • Kara Schweiss • Meghan Townley.

Alyssa Zarack • Heather L. Zimmerman, M.D. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Gwen Lemke • Greg Bruns • Gil Cohen George Idelman • Vicki Voet ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Sandy Besch Matson ACCOUNT ASSISTANTS Alicia Smith Hollins • Jessica Linhart Dawn Dennis • Sydney Stander OPERATIONS Tyler Lemke ACCOUNTING

33

Jim Heitz WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Mike Brewer

For a one-year subscription (12 issues), send $9.95 to

@omahamagazine

P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208.

@omahamagazine

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

www.omahamagazine.com

omahamagazine

Spring is a time of (re)birth and new beginnings for three young couples in this month’s Lifestyle shoot on page 36.

On the cover: Sarah Tvrdik Photo by Bill Sitzmann.

4 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 4

The information contained within HerFamily is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be used to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult with your physician.

HerFamily 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

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:08 PM

Hand-raising Results The Learning Academy helping children achieve acacdemic success '( '%!&$& ( % ' (at Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health specializes in helping children attain academic success through the use of innovative, research-supported interventions.

'( %&( '" ( # !( $" ( $ • '% $& ( # !' '& $#&

•

'""$& (%& ( ' #!$ % $#&

• % ( !# "' (

•

!$ $& (%& ( !% %!( $"" (

%""(

( #( ' "'(%&(% #$& '&

Together, helping children find success in the classroom.

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics ÂŽ

# # & ' $% !$ #!

HF0414.indd 5

2/21/14 3:08 PM

RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN Sunday One $15 bottle of wine off select menu Monday Moscow Mule Monday’s $5 Mule’s Tuesday 1/2 price lunch for one with wine or beer purchase Wednesday One free appetizer under $10 Thursday Happy Hour pricing all day long in the bar area Friday Flat bread Friday I# I C" À':(8+'*9H :=5 6+8 <5;).+8 omaha-west.itex.com 402-541-7963 Connect. Trade. Save.

Saturday Free appetizer with bar drink purchase (anywhere in the restaurant)

We take you back to the classic American dining experience: Food that blends flavors from so many cultures, from all corners of the melting pot that is the United States.

(402) 493-4743 | www.railcaromaha.com 1814 N 144th St. | Omaha, NE 68154omahamagazine.com

6 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 6

2/21/14 3:08 PM

feature story by Heather L. Zimmerman, M.D. - Boys Town Pediatrics

EXPLORE YOUR WORLD

Summer Camp Now Enrolling.

An exciting adventure for children ages 6-12 years.

Where the learning never ends.

Contact Beverly for tours and availability 402.614.2722

Are immunizations safe?

O

FTEN,

2020 N. 72nd St. Omaha, NE PARENTS

ARE

CON -

about the number of vaccines an infant or child may be given at one time. Extensive studies have shown that even a small infant’s immune system is safe with multiple exposures at the same time. Of course, the number of actual injections an infant or child receives is reduced by using combination vaccines. These have been studied thoroughly and are just as safe as giving each component individually.

Childhood immunizations protect against harmful and serious diseases caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses, like polio, measles, and bacterial meningitis. Though these diseases are now controlled by vaccinations, the harmful bacteria and viruses still exist.

Unprotected individuals are still at risk of developing disease. Keeping your child’s vaccinations up-to-date will ensure your child’s safety if he or she comes in contact with an unvaccinated individual or if exposed to a disease outbreak.

There are side effects to vaccines. A mild fever the day or two after immunizations and a sore, tender area at the site of the injection are common. More serious side effects are possible, so if a severe reaction occurs, your child’s physician may choose not to give further doses of a specific vaccine.

CERNED

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 7

Many parents are surprised to find that having a mild viral illness, even if it includes fever, is not a reason to postpone immunization. It’s more important to immunize your child according to the recommended schedules set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice.

If you have concerns about a vaccine recommended for your child, definitely discuss this with your pediatrician. Skipping or delaying vaccinations leaves your child vulnerable to disease. Often, infants and small children suffer more from complications due to communicable disease than do adolescents and adults. Vaccine-preventable diseases can cause serious complications, including seizures, brain damage, and even death. The safest way to ensure your child’s protection against communicable disease is to visit your pediatrician regularly and keep up with immunizations.

Up-to-date information for parents is available at any time at boystownpediatrics.org.

Click on the Knowledge Center for physician articles, videos and podcasts. Visit the Pediatric Advisor health library for more than 9,000 pediatric topics.

Simplif y your life by selling your less needed items.

Posh Peacock

Consignment Gallery Furniture & Home Decor ph: 402.933.9666 poshpeacock.net

Bel Air Plaza #704, 12100 W Center Rd.

HerFamily • April 2014 7

2/21/14 3:08 PM

activity story by Meghan Townley photos by Bill Sitzmann

PJ Feinstein with son, Levi.

FaceTime equals family time.

8 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 8

W

ALL KNOW THAT chatting with family and friends through a computer screen is not the same as sitting down face-to-face. But if your loved one lives cross-country, why not keep in touch via video chat? PJ Feinstein, local blogger and creator of bunnyanddolly.com, video chats to stay in touch with family from New Jersey, Ohio, and Georgia.

Feinstein and her toddler son have a daily video chatting routine. They chat with her parents or his baby cousin over lunch and his other grandparents before dinner.

“We mostly talk with family, and I totally credit video chatting with letting him form relationships with grandparents that he only sees a few times a year. Frequently interacting with them over FaceTime has made it less awkward when we see them in person; we haven’t had to reintroduce family members to him,” Feinstein says.

Feinstein believes that video chatting has a much more personal element than staying connected over the phone. “I’ve never been much of a phone person, but video chatting feels so much more intimate—almost E

like I’m having an in-person conversation with somebody.”

Feinstein occasionally uses Skype but finds FaceTime much more convenient because she can connect anywhere there is Wi-Fi, not just on her home computer. Another huge perk for Feinstein is the ability to see family and friends on a daily basis without paying for a plane ticket.

Good lighting is key. Feinstein recommends not sitting with your back to a window or lamp because it will be hard for your companion to see you. “And cell phone etiquette still applies even if you’re video chatting: When in public, talk quietly and wear headphones instead of listening on speakerphone,” she says.

Video chatting is very simple now that most devices have built-in cameras, no longer making it necessary to hook up external cameras. “The process goes a lot smoother, whether you’re using FaceTime, Skype, or Google Hangout,” says Feinstein.

The only downside of FaceTime is getting those early morning chat requests. It is completely acceptable to deny a 6 a.m. FaceTime call. No one wants to see your bedhead. omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:08 PM

Many Problemsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;One Solution!

Problematic homes have these symptoms: Mold, Ice Dams,

We are the most experienced, full-service, family-owned real estate company in America.

Condensation/Frost, Hot/Cold Upstairs, Insulation Failure, Higher Bills, Ceiling Spots.

#ALL FOR A &2%% (OME&)4NESS %VALUATION s

Attic Ventilation )NSULATION s 2OOlNG *FIT-Fully Integrated Thermodynamics: Truth is most homeowners suffer with year round issues caused by: Lack of Attic Ventilation, Insulation and Proper Watershed Management resulting in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;weak performingâ&#x20AC;? home. All of this can be resolved by bringing the â&#x20AC;&#x153;gymâ&#x20AC;? to your home. Oh! You thought you were going to learn about ďŹ tness? You did! You just learned that a healthy, efďŹ cient, HomeFIT Home...is a Happy Home! Think about that next time you are at the gym :)

12965 West Center Road ¡ (Montclair Shopping Center) ¡ 402.778.0650

Divorce with Dignity 3URYLGLQJ IDPLOLHV LQ FRQĂ LFW ZLWK D SHDFHIXO GLJQLĂ&#x20AC;HG DQG UHVSHFWIXO DOWHUQDWLYH WR WKH WUDGLWLRQDO GLYRUFH SURFHVV.

Nebraska Collaborative Divorce

402.991.3424 www.collaborativedivorcene.com w

npdodge.com bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 9

Never cut what can be untied

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Chinese Proverb

HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014 9

2/21/14 3:08 PM

health story by Leslie Murrell • photo by Bill Sitzmann

From me to you A Kidney Donation Story Leslie Murrell and Jen Rabine

I

MOTHER’S DAY 2012. My friend Jen Rabine thought she was having an unbearable migraine. Her husband, Chris, drove her to the doctor.

“My blood pressure was 265 over 170,” Jen recalls. “That’s stroke level.”

She was rushed to the hospital where she spent twelve days. Eventually, the prolonged high blood pressure affected her kidneys; she was told they were functioning at 10 to 15 percent. She was constantly cold, her feet, ankles, and legs swelled, and the fatigue was overwhelming.

Jen received her first round of dialysis on her 40th birthday. The next day, she was finally able to go home to Chris and her three kids, Morgan (17 at the time), AJ (10), and Kiel (9). The hope was that the dialysis would restart her kidneys.

However, Dr. Alexander Maskin, Assistant Professor of Surgery on the Kidney Team at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, equates kidneys on dialysis to a car that breaks down all the time. “It can kind of get you where you’re going, T WAS

10 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 10

but it needs repair a lot.”

The dialysis didn’t do the trick, and six months later, Dr. Maskin recommended that Jen sign the papers to get on the kidney transplant recipient list.

“I didn’t tell a lot of people what was going on,” Jen says, “because it’s my health issue, and I didn’t want people talking about my health, especially when I wasn’t there.”

We football moms started to miss our friend at practices and games. I knew what was going on, but few others did. Out of respect for Jen’s privacy, we said nothing.

“Chris is my best friend, and I just wanted to keep it between us,” Jen says of her husband. “It put a lot on his shoulders. I’d do the same for him.”

One day in June of 2013, Chris confided in my husband (also a Chris) and me that Jen needed a kidney.

I’ve lost people in my life that I wish I could have done something for. Here was an opportunity to do something for my friend. After prying the number out of Jen’s husband, I made the call to see if

I could be a match.

A transplant nurse coordinator took it from there. A coordinator’s job is to protect the donor and make sure you understand every aspect of the donation process. Should you ever have any reservations, she’s like your big sister (the good one)—she’ll back you up and support you, no questions asked.

For example, my coordinator is Connie Lykke. I say “is”, and not “was”, because even after donation, she keeps in touch and continues to answer any questions or concerns I may have pertaining to my kidney donation.

I started with a blood draw, and then there was the tissue match test. After a couple of visits to the UNMC lab and a few phone interviews, I eventually got the call: I was a kidney donor match for Jen. Jen and I had the blood, and then the tissue matches. We had one genetic marker match, out of six possible matches.

But according to Lykke, “A zero antigen (marker) match with a living donor is still way better than a perfect match with a cadaveric donor.” omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:08 PM

health

Dr. Maskin explains further: “A living donor is a better quality kidney. It takes minutes to transplant as opposed to hours, and it lasts twice as long.” According to Dr. Maskin, a living donor kidney transplant lasts 15-20 years, maybe longer. A cadaver kidney transplant typically lasts 6-10 years.

I wanted to tell Jen immediately because I wanted her to know she had a match. I wanted her to just feel some relief.

On a rainy day at Mama’s Pizza, at a long table of adults, coaches, and kids, I leaned over to my friend and quietly said, “Um, hey, I’m a match for your kidney.”

Jen’s reaction was a mixture of shock, confusion, gratitude, and speechlessness.

My twins, Max and Lucy, are 11 years old. Old enough to understand what was happening. We encouraged them to ask any questions or talk over any concerns. They were excited to be included in the process.

On a Tuesday last October, Jen and I went in for transplant surgery. Hours later, my kids assessed my state, swollen from the surgery, and were concerned. When I kissed bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 11

them goodbye for the night, they cried. That was difficult, but we talked through it.

I was home and in my own bed by Thursday. Jen was home on Friday. I’d wake up achy about 6 a.m., and my husband would jump out of bed to bring me toast, coffee, and a large water. I’d eat that so I could take my pain pills, then go back to sleep for a bit.

I’d work hard to get out of bed—I had no idea you use abdominals that much to get out of bed, but you do. Within a week, I was still tender, but the severe abdominal pain was gone. I was healing.

Hours after her surgery, Jen’s swelling had gone down. Jen giggles and says, “The boys said, ‘Hey Mom, your Fiona feet are gone!’”

A week after that, I was back at the football stadium, surrounded by our football family, watching our boys win a game. I returned to work after two and a half weeks.

Though the UNMC Transplant team prepared me to have pretty good fatigue for at least eight weeks, my only restriction was to lift no more than 10 pounds for six weeks. It actually took me nine weeks to get

my normal energy back.

Eight weeks after surgery, Jen and her husband traveled to Hawaii. Ten weeks after surgery, my husband and I took Max and Lucy to Mexico.

Someone asked a friend of mine, “How could she do that? She has young kids!”

I donated a kidney because I have young kids. I’m trying to teach them to look out for themselves by looking out for others, to be kind and smart, and help people.

There’s also the added benefit of the thorough physical I received to assure my safety during the transplant process. My dad died of heart disease, and I have a family history of cancer, so I got some peace of mind thanks to the detailed examination of my lungs, heart, kidneys, spleen, and bladder.

Jen and I are closer after the surgery but don’t get to talk every day. I gave her my kidney so that she could go back to busy mom life. We couldn’t be happier for each other that we’re both back to the busy life of a mom.

HerFamily • April 2014 11

2/21/14 3:08 PM

feature story by Bev Carlson, APR, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska

When Hurting Parents Need Help

J

AMIE* SIMPLY DIDN ’T KNOW what to do. She couldn’t find a job. Had no money. Really didn’t care anymore. It was easier to just lie on the sofa and sleep. If she could find a few bucks, she could get a bottle of bourbon— which would help her block out the reality of her disappointing life. After all, her kids could fend for themselves, right? They didn’t really need her.

Abuse is not the only reason children are removed from their homes. Often, the home simply isn’t safe. Their single parent isn’t working. The utilities have been turned off—no running water, electricity, or heat. Dangerous substances are consistently left within a child’s reach—drugs, alcohol, cleaning solutions.

In this particular case, this severely depressed mother had five children and the oldest, at age 12, is doing what she can to take care of her brothers and sisters. By the time social services became aware of this family’s plight, the mother was months behind on her utility bills. Their apartment was cold. The children lugged water in jugs, and there was little food in the kitchen, none of it

12 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 12

fresh or healthy. Although this mother truly did love her children, she needed someone to care enough to help her out of her despair.

If conditions weren’t improved immediately, the children would be moved into foster care for their own safety.

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) can become involved in cases like this in a number of ways. Sometimes, LFS caseworkers become engaged through the schools, as in the Learning Community Family Liaison program. LFS Family Liaisons are in 14 Omaha schools, working alongside parents to help determine if home issues are impacting a child’s ability to learn and excel.

Family Liaisons have worked through problems as simple as helping a child get glasses to as serious as preventing a family from becoming homeless.

LFS also becomes involved through referrals from the courts or from other providers.

Through LFS Safety and In Home Services programming, caseworkers intervene with families in crisis—with the primary goal of creating a peaceful home where the children are safe. In Jamie’s case, the caseworker was able to work with her to find a full-time job,

daycare for her children, and resources to get the family’s utilities back on. The caseworker also directed Jamie to an LFS therapist who was able to prescribe medication for her depression. This particular program, Intensive Family Preservation, is usually involved with a family from three to four weeks but no more than two months. Other services within Safety and In Home Services include Parenting Time for children who have been removed from their home but are now allowed supervised visits with their biological family members, and Family Support, where clients learn appropriate social and parenting skills, develop self-esteem, or get help in finding community resources.

The overarching goal of these programs is to build and strengthen families by developing self-sufficiency. Most client/parents struggle with the day-to-day reality of extreme poverty. It’s not that they don’t love their children. They just need compassionate guidance in learning to provide and care for them safely—skills that many have never seen modeled in their own lives. LFS is committed to helping them get there. *Name has been changed for privacy. omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:08 PM

&6RRLOPPRQ Go Green!

Seed eed LLibrary ee

Gear up for gardening season by learning about: •

Seed saving

•

Planning your garden

•

WƵƫŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ƐĞĞĚůŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ground

dŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ă ƐĞƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ŝŶƚĞƌĂĐƟǀĞ workshops, learn how to:

MONEY SMART NEBRASKA .

•

ƌĞĂƚĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚĂůůLJͲ ĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJ ĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ƐƵƉƉůŝĞƐ

April 5-12

•

ƌĂŌ LJŽƵƌ ŽǁŶ ďŽĚLJ ƐĐƌƵďƐ ĂŶĚ ďĂƚŚ ƐĂůƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƐŝŵƉůĞ ŚŽƵƐĞŚŽůĚ ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ

'Ğƚ ŵŽŶĞLJ ƐŵĂƌƚ ďLJ ĂƩĞŶĚŝŶŐ one of our programs!

•

'Ğƚ ŵŽƌĞ ƵƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ LJŽƵƌ ŝƚĞŵƐ ďLJ ĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌŝŶŐ ǁĂLJƐ ƚŽ ƵƉĐLJĐůĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ƚŚĞŵ

WWW.MONEYSMARTNEBRASKA.ORG

Topics include: •

ŽƵƉŽŶŝŶŐ

•

ƵĚŐĞƟŶŐ Θ ŵŽŶĞLJ ŵĂƩĞƌƐ

Check out seeds from our seed library and get growing!

•

WĞƌƐŽŶĂů ĮŶĂŶĐĞ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂůƐ

ZĞƐĞƌǀĞ ƐĞĞĚƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ĐĂƚĂůŽŐ ĂŶĚ ƉŝĐŬ ƚŚĞŵ ƵƉ Ăƚ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂǀŽƌŝƚĞ KW> ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ͘

•

ZĞƟƌĞŵĞŶƚ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ

•

/ĚĞŶƟƚLJ ƚŚĞŌ

^ĞĂƌĐŚ ƚŚĞ ŬĞLJǁŽƌĚƐ ͞ĐŽŵŵŽŶ ƐŽŝů͟ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ Ă ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ůŝƐƚ ŽĨ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ƐĞĞĚƐ͘

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 13

>ŽŽŬ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ Ăƚ LJŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ďƌĂŶĐŚ͊ sŝƐŝƚ omahalibrary.org for Ă ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞ ŽĨ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ͘

HerFamily • April 2014 13

2/21/14 3:08 PM

meet the family story by Brittany Mascio • photos by Bill Sitzmann

Brian and Kelly Smith with sons Sam (back row), Comet, and Jack

Brian and Kelly Smith

14 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 14

F

NEARLY TWENTY YEARS , Omaha couple Brian and Kelly Smith have been learning and growing together, quite literally.

The horticulture-inclined, entrepreneurial duo share a love for exploration and education through a small urban farm in Benson with their three sons.

“We’ve always been curious people who love to learn,” Kelly says. “That’s something we hope we instill in each other and in our kids.”

Kelly, a Montessori-trained educator from a family with skilled green thumbs, is the primary educator for their boys Sam (14), Jack (11), and Comet (6), as well as the digging force for most of the family’s urban farm endeavors. Brian, a community builder who discovered tea organics when his parOR

ents first opened the The Tea Smith in 2004, began to explore the science of tea and other agricultural products before introducing the interest fully to the family.

“The first time I tried farm fresh eggs, it was a life-changing experience,” Brian says about his introduction to organic food. What they were eating and where it came from fascinated both Brian and Kelly more than ever.

“Our responsibilities are to our family and to the culture of education,” Brian says. “And it begins first with taking responsibility for yourself on this planet.”

The Smiths were already tending to a small urban garden at their Benson home, but thanks to Kelly’s background in gardening and Brian’s surge in interest in organically sourced foods, the famomahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:08 PM

meet the family

There are always plenty of chores to be done…even on an urban farm.

ily uprooted and planted themselves in a Bennington farmstead.

When they moved from their .17-acre home to a 76-acre farm—a whopping 447 times the amount of land they started with—Brian and Kelly quickly expanded their lifestyle beyond a hobbyist interest.

The Smiths began to grow for scale, caring for chemical-free heirloom vegetables, heritage animals, and distinctive, specialty, cut flowers. They started with farmers markets and worked their way into community supported agriculture programs (CSAs) in the state. Eventually, they became a primary provider for fresh, local produce and floral arrangements for restaurants across town, including The Grey Plume.

Their farm, Black Sheep Farms, also served as the backdrop to their sons’ education, bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 15

HerFamily • April 2014 15

2/21/14 3:08 PM

feature

Thanks for voting us Best of Omahaâ&#x201E;˘

84th and 1st St â&#x20AC;˘ Downtown Papillion 402-331-9136 papillionďŹ&#x201A;owerpatch.com

The exceptional dental care you deserve from the professionals you trust. #SJBO 1FOEMFZ % % 4 t "NZ 3VG % % 4 t +BZ 4BNVFMTPO % % 4 + 3 %FNNBO % % 4 t +FGGSFZ 5 (BSWFZ % % 4

The Dentist at Hillsborough Best Family Dentist

)*--4#0306()t7*--"(& 10*/5t3"-450/ 426"3&t%6/%&& thedentistsomaha.com

Convenient Care

WALK-IN MEDICAL CENTER

No Appointment Necessary

105 N. 31st Ave. Omaha, NE 402.346.1111

3502 Metro Dr. Ste. 200 Council Bluffs, IA 402.346.1111

Farid Sadr, M.D. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Saturday 8:30am-3pm Hours:

www.convenientcarecouncilbluffs.com

16 HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

HF0414.indd 16

and, as Brian says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;that was the biggest and best playground they could have had.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through what we were doing on the farm, our kids grew up knowing that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the answers,â&#x20AC;? Kelly says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key for us is to encourage their confidence to want to figure out things on their own.â&#x20AC;?

The farm offers opportunities every day for hands-on teaching moments. The Smiths found ways to incorporate farm scienceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; everything available to them in the natural cycle of plants and animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;into their homeschooling lessons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working and learning sideby-side with your kids, you develop a deep relationship and understanding of their learning and working style,â&#x20AC;? Brian says.

Eventually, the Smiths opened their home and barn doors to their community as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was only a natural progression,â&#x20AC;? Kelly explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to share, teach, and help others learn from what we knew.â&#x20AC;?

Through classes like Chicken Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a course designed for raising chickens in a city coopâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to more basic seed-starting sessions, Kelly and Brian found that they were able to make farming relatable to others interested in the craft.

After five years of life on the farm, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since settled back into their Benson home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A farm is a good place to find out what your capabilities are,â&#x20AC;? Brian says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes you accountable when you know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your shoulders to pick up the slack.â&#x20AC;?

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken that approach now to consulting projects, where the Smiths help others understand the basics of organic urban planting. For now, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re primarily growing for the family while they establish what their urban farm looks like moving forward. Part of that is figuring out what pieces of their farmstead life theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll carry on into this new chapter for their family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For us, exploration is continuous,â&#x20AC;? Brian says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being open to new experiences has guided us through. Having us together as a duo keeps us confident. We support one another and this allows us to go for it because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we love to do.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to show our kids that throughout everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;good or badâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it leads you to where you need to be,â&#x20AC;? Kelly says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re absolutely where we are meant to be.â&#x20AC;? omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:08 PM

CITIZEN SCIENCE S cie nc e fo r K i d s & Fa m

i li

e s

OmahaZoo.com

HF0414.indd 17

2/21/14 3:08 PM

Citizen Science

Placing children and adults at the heart of scienceâ&#x20AC;¦

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that there are

more questions than answers in our world, and not enough scientists to find those answers.

Through citizen science, kids and adults help make important discoveries.

Citizens help scientists by collecting data and observations, which have aided in the advancement of our knowledge of weather, climate, birds, far-off galaxies, migrations and more.

Plants & Habitats

Citizen Science Projects

:BSE.BQ 1SPKFDU #VECVSTU 1SPKFDU .JMLXFFE (SFBU 4VOýPXFS 1SPKFDU

Birds

r ing bette lp e h f o t r e a pa you!

You can b the world around nd understa

'FFEFS8BUDI NestWatch (SFBU #BDLZBSE #JSE $PVOU

Butterflies and other Insects .POBSDI 8BUDI #JH #VUUFSýZ $PVOU .POBSDI -BSWB .POJUPSJOH 1SPKFDU 'JSFýZ 8BUDI 8JMEMJGF 8BUDI -PTU -BEZCVH 1SPKFDU .POJUPSJOH /FCSBTLB T #VUUFSýJFT

Amphibians

*O UIJT FEJUJPO ZPV XJMM åOE DJUJ[FO science projects that make it easy GPS ZPV BOE ZPVS GBNJMZ UP HFU PVU BOE FYQMPSF )VOESFET PG DJUJ[FO TDJFODF QSPKFDUT BSF JO FYJTUFODF )FSF BSF B GFX UP TQBSL ZPVS JOUFSFTU

$IZUSJE GVOHVT NPOJUPSJOH 'SPH8BUDI 4FBSDIJOH GPS UIF 5JHFS TBMBNBOEFS *OEJDBUFT QSPKFDUT DPOEVDUFE BU PS UISPVHI 0NBIB T )FOSZ %PPSMZ ;PP "RVBSJVN® 'PMMPX 0NBIB T )FOSZ %PPSMZ ;PP "RVBSJVN &EVDBUJPO %FQBSUNFOU PO 'BDFCPPL Visit the Citizen Science section at

OmahaZoo.com/Family

HF0414.indd 18

...for more information on Citizen Science projects in this booklet.

2/21/14 3:08 PM

CREATING

Native Habitat

IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

8IBU XF QMBOU JO PVS ZBSE NBUUFST OPU KVTU UP VT PS PVS OFJHICPST CVU UP XJMEMJGF -FTT UIBO PG MBOE JO UIF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT JT VOEFWFMPQFE

Why Pla

Therefore, birds, pollinators, insects, and other small animals depend on the habitats we create in our own living spaces.

nt

Seed dispersal How do seeds find a new place to grow?

1 $PMMFDU BO BTTPSUNFOU PG TFFET BSPVOE ZPVS OFJHICPSIPPE 1SFEJDU XIJDI TFFET NBZ CFTU CF EJTQFSTFE CZ XJOE PS XBUFS

Native?

Native plantsâ&#x20AC;¦

t 1SPWJEF CFBVUJGVM MBOETDBQJOH PQQPSUVOJUJFT t 3FRVJSF MFTT NBJOUFOBODF BOE XBUFS

2 1MBDF B GBO PO B DPVOUFS EJSFDUFE UPXBSE BO VOPCTUSVDUFE QBUI %SPQ B TFFE POF BU B UJNF JO GSPOU PG UIF GBO BOE SFDPSE IPX GBS FBDI TFFE MBOET GSPN UIF GBO

t %P OPU SFRVJSF DIFNJDBM GFSUJMJ[FS t )BWF EFFQ SPPUT XIJDI IFMQ EJSFDU SBJOXBUFS JOUP UIF TPJM t 4USFOHUIFO UIF DPNQMFY XFC PG DPOOFDUJPOT of the local ecosystem t 1SPWJEF GPPE BOE TIFMUFS GPS OBUJWF XJMEMJGF :PV NBZ BMTP DVMUJWBUF B OBUJWF CBDLZBSE CZ QSPWJEJOH B CJSE CBUI QVUUJOH PVU OFTUJOH CPYFT BOE GFFEFST PS CVJMEJOH B CVUUFSýZ BOE CFF HBSEFO XJUI OBUJWF XJMEýPXFST :PVS OBUJWF CBDLZBSE XJMM OPU POMZ CF B CFBVUJGVM SFUSFBU CVU B TUFQ UPXBSE GPTUFSJOH a healthy planet. /PU POMZ EP UIF SPPUT PG OBUJWF QMBOUT SVO EFFQ TPNF HSBTTFT IBWF SPPUT OFBSMZ GFFU EFFQ CVU UIFTF QMBOUT IBWF BMTP EFWFMPQFE VOJRVF XBZT UP NBLF TVSF UIFJS TFFET TQSFBE BOE TVSWJWF

/PX QMBDF FBDI TFFE JO B CPXM PG XBUFS BOE TUBSU B UJNFS 3FDPSE IPX MPOH JU UBLFT GPS FBDI TFFE UP TJOL Did the results match your predictions?

4 What other ways are seeds dispersed? Use a thick sock UP XFBS PS ESBH BDSPTT UIF HSPVOE PS UISPVHI B åFME Do some seeds stick to the sock?

What advantage might these seeds have?

Learn how to help plants & animals at these events

Party for the Planet - April 19th Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zoo & Aquarium Earth Day Omaha - April 19th Elmwood Park /FCSBTLB T MBSHFTU FDPMPHJDBMMZ GPDVTFE FWFOU

Visit the Citizen Science section at

5P MFBSO NPSF BCPVU QMBOUJOH B OBUJWF IBCJUBU

HF0414.indd 19

OmahaZoo.com/Family

2/21/14 3:08 PM

Take an Epic

Journey

â&#x20AC;¦with Monarchs

The Journey South

Amazingly, the fourth generation of Monarch somehow lives for up to eight months. This is the Monarch that will make the 3,000 mile journey south to the wintering grounds in Mexico!

&BDI GBMM .POBSDI CVUUFSýJFT NBLF BO FYUSBPSEJOBSZ KPVSOFZ GSPN /PSUI "NFSJDB UP PWFSXJOUFSJOH TJUFT JO UIF NPVOUBJOT PG DFOUSBM .FYJDP .POBSDIT BSF UIF POMZ CVUUFSýZ UP NBLF B UXP XBZ NJHSBUJPO TJNJMBS UP TPNF CJSET o B USVMZ SFNBSLBCMF XPOEFS PG OBUVSF SJHIU JO PVS PXO CBDLZBSET *NBHJOF NJMMJPOT PG .POBSDI ýZJOH NPSF UIBO NJMFT

Have you ever been lucky enough to witness Monarchs roosting? As Monarchs migrate south for the winter, they will cluster together in trees at night for warmth and rest. .POBSDIT GSPN DFOUSBM BOE FBTUFSO /PSUI "NFSJDB NJHSBUF TPVUI JO UIF GBMM *U JT JODSFEJCMF UIBU UIFTF .POBSDIT LOPX UIF SPVUF UP UIF TBNF PWFSXJOUFSJOH TJUFT FBDI ZFBS FWFO UIPVHI UIJT HFOFSBUJPO IBT OFWFS CFFO UIFSF CFGPSF

Tagging Monarchs with a special sticker is just one way you can help researchers gather more information about the fall migration. :PV DBO IFMQ HBUIFS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO BCPVU .POBSDIT GSPN ZPVS PXO CBDLZBSE B OFBSCZ QBSL PS OFJHICPSIPPE 5P MFBSO NPSF BCPVU IPX ZPV DBO IFMQ BOE XIBU UIF EBUB JT VTFE GPS WJTJU UIF GPMMPXJOH XFCTJUFT

Monarch Watch MonarchWatch.org Journey North Learner.org/Jnorth

Join Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium during the fall migration to tag monarchs at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park.

HF0414.indd 20

2/21/14 3:09 PM

ren e f d if

ts

es to ri

f o r a M o n a rc h .

The path they follow may ve be the same, but the T he j wo t ourne l Monarchs that make the y sout tel h h and th t r journey are generations apart. e journey no

ry

d 3r Generatio

ti

on

" .POBSDI T KPVSOFZ OPSUI CFHJOT FBDI TQSJOH JO UIF WPMDBOJD NPVOUBJOT PG DFOUSBM .FYJDP 5IJT MPDBUJPO SFNBJOFE B NZTUFSZ VOUJM 5IF .POBSDI UIBU CFHJOT UIF OPSUIXBSE NJHSBUJPO JT OPU UIF TBNF .POBSDI ZPV XJMM TFF JO ZPVS CBDLZBSE UIJT TVNNFS

2n d G e n e ra

t

4 th

Ge

ne

ra

n

The Journey North

1 st G e n e

rat

i

on

io

n Each of these generations lives 2-6 weeks, slowly making their way north seeking out host plants to lay their eggs on.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because it takes approximately three generations of Monarch to make the journey north.

Today scientists are working to understand more about this amazing migration.

How does a new generation of Monarchs find their way to the same overwintering sites each fall?

What allows the generation migrating in the fall to live longer than other generations?

How is habitat loss impacting Monarch numbers?

Many questions remain a mystery and researchers are looking for people like YOU to help!

Tagging dates are dependent on the Monarchs! Visit OmahaZoo.com around mid-August or early September for dates and times.

HF0414.indd 21

2/21/14 3:09 PM

WHAT IS A

waystation?

*NBHJOF ESJWJOH BMM UIF XBZ UP .FYJDP XJUIPVU BOZ QMBDF UP TUPQ GPS GVFM BOE TOBDLT +VTU MJLF XF XPVME OFFE UP TUPQ BOE SFTU Monarchs also rely on places that provide food and other resources, called waystations.

.POBSDIT OFFE OFDUBS QMBOUT GPS GPPE CVU UIFZ BMTP OFFE milkweed a host plant. .POBSDIT BOE UIFJS ZPVOH BSF FYUSFNFMZ QJDLZ .POBSDIT XJMM POMZ MBZ UIFJS FHHT PO NJMLXFFE QMBOUT 8IFO DBUFSQJMMBST FWFOUVBMMZ IBUDI GSPN UIF FHHT UIFZ XJMM VTF UIF NJMLXFFE QMBOUT GPS GPPE

This is a butterfly bush.

Butterflies, including the monarch, love eating the nectar from these plants!

Waystations are disappearing. $BO ZPV JNBHJOF B EBZ XIFO .POBSDIT NBZ OPU NBLF UIFJS FQJD KPVSOFZ 5IF FYQBOTJPO PG DJUJFT SPBET BOE BHSJDVMUVSF BSF UISFBUFOJOH .POBSDIT

YOU can make a difference! $SFBUF CVUUFSýZ GSJFOEMZ BSFBT BOE XBZTUBUJPOT 7JTJU 0NBIB;PP DPN 'BNJMZ GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO PO QMBOUJOH ZPVS PXO CVUUFSýZ HBSEFO "OPUIFS XBZ UIBU ZPV DBO IFMQ JT CZ QMBOUJOH BOE NPOJUPSJOH NJMLXFFE JO ZPVS CBDLZBSE OFJHICPSIPPE TDIPPMZBSE PS BU B QBSL 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO PO IPX UP NPOJUPS BOE PS QMBOU NJMLXFFE JO ZPVS BSFB WJTJU UIF GPMMPXJOH XFCTJUFT

Monarch Joint Venture MonarchJointVenture.org Monarch Larva Monitoring Project mlmp.org

HF0414.indd 22

2/21/14 3:09 PM

*O UIF .JEXFTU NJMLXFFE XBT PODF DPNNPOMZ GPVOE JO QSBJSJFT CVU IBCJUBU EFTUSVDUJPO IBT HSFBUMZ SFEVDFE JUT SBOHF BOE QPQVMBUJPO .POBSDI QPQVMBUJPOT BSF QPTTJCMZ BU UIFJS MPXFTU FWFS XJUI B EFDMJOF JO UIF MBTU ZFBST

Got milkweed?

.JMLXFFE JT GPPE GPS IVOHSZ DBUFSQJMMBST 5IFZ FBU TP NVDI UIBU UIFZ CFDPNF UPP CJH GPS UIFJS TLJO BOE OFFE UP NPMU TIFE UIF TLJO $BUFSQJMMBST HP UISPVHI åWF JOTUBST JOUFSWBMT CFUXFFO NPMUT HSPXJOH GSPN NN VQ UP NN JO BCPVU EBZT

i

e

p la n t

. o n a rc h s

Xill

Caterpillar l ay

th

MBSWBF

ei

r

.

.i

on

lk X

E

h st

ly on

Hs

ee

Egg

eH

" GFNBMF .POBSDI VTVBMMZ MBZT POMZ POF FHH PO B NJMLXFFE QMBOU 5IF FHH JT MBJE on the bottom of the MFBG OFBS UIF UPQ PG UIF QMBOU BOE XJMM IBUDI JO BCPVU GPVS EBZT

Butterfly BEVMU

Com

mo n . i l k Xee E

Chrysalis

.POBSDIT IBWF EFWFMPQFE B TNBSU XBZ UP QSPUFDU UIFNTFMWFT GSPN QSFEBUPST 8IFO UIJT MJUUMF MBSWBF FBUT NJMLXFFE JU BMTP JOHFTUT UIF QMBOUT UPYJOT NBLJOH UIFNTFMWFT UPYJD CPUI BT DBUFSQJMMBST BOE BEVMUT 8IP FWFS TBJE CVUUFSýJFT XFSFO U CSJMMJBOU

0ODF UIF DBUFSQJMMBS JT GVMMZ HSPXO JU GPSNT B DISZTBMJT *OTJEF UIJT DISZTBMJT JU XJMM DPNQMFUFMZ USBOTGPSN JOUP B CVUUFSýZ JO EBZT 7FSZ MJUUMF JT VOEFSTUPPE BCPVU IPX this process happens.

What do you think goes on inside the chrysalis?

Visit the Citizen Science section at

%P ZPV XBOU UP MFBSO NPSF BCPVU BUUSBDUJOH CVUUFSýJFT UP ZPVS ZBSE

HF0414.indd 23

OmahaZoo.com/Family

2/21/14 3:09 PM

SPOT A

Salamander

Nebraska is home to

3 species of salamanders

When thinking of Nebraska wildlife, White-tailed deer, raccoons, or Sandhill cranes may come to mind. Next time you are outside, take a closer look.

Carefully lift up a log or search through fallen leaves and you might find one of Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most elusive animals,

Barred Tiger Salamander Ambystoma mavortium

a salamander.

photographed by Daniel Fogell

Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zoo & Aquarium needs your help!

Eastern Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum photographed by Daniel Fogell

8F BSF PO UIF MPPLPVU GPS Eastern Tiger Salamanders, B TQFDJFT UIBU XBT MBTU TQPUUFE JO FBTUFSO /FCSBTLB BMNPTU ZFBST BHP :PV DBO IFMQ CZ HPJOH PVUTJEF BOE TFBSDIJOH JO BSFBT UIBU TBMBNBOEFST MPWF EBSL EBNQ QMBDFT If you spot a tiger salamander, let us know!

7JTJU UIF XFCTJUF CFMPX GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO BOE UP SFQPSU B TJHIUJOH 0NBIB;PP DPN $POTFSWBUJPO "NQIJCJBO 4BMBNBOEFS

Before you head outâ&#x20AC;Ś 1 3FTQFDU OBUVSF BOE XJMEMJGF 2 "MXBZT MFBWF BO BSFB MPPLJOH CFUUFS UIBO JU XBT GPVOE CZ QJDLJOH VQ BOZ MJUUFS Smallmouth Salamander Ambystoma texanum

3FNFNCFS QMFBTF EP OPU UPVDI PS EJTUVSC UIF TBMBNBOEFS KVTU MFU VT LOPX XIFSF ZPV TBX JU *U T UIBU TJNQMF

photographed by Daniel Fogell

HF0414.indd 24

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Meet a

NEBRASKA NATIVE "EVMU UJHFS TBMBNBOEFST live underground in CVSSPXT NPTU PG UIF ZFBS

4BMBNBOEFST MBZ FHHT XIJDI IBUDI JO EBZT 4BMBNBOEFS MBSWBF SFNBJO JO UIF XBUFS VOUJM UIFZ UVSO JOUP BEVMUT JO BCPVU UP NPOUIT 4PNF XJMM SFNBJO JO UIF MBSWBF GPSN UIFJS FOUJSF MJWFT

Tiger Salamander

"EVMUT GFFE PO XPSNT TOBJMT TMVHT BOE JOTFDUT 4BMBNBOEFS MBSWBF GFFE PO JOTFDU MBSWBF BOE TNBMM DSVTUBDFBOT

5IF 5JHFS 4BMBNBOEFS JT UIF

largest land dwelling salamander JO /PSUI "NFSJDB DN

Salamanders are amphibians KVTU MJLF GSPHT BOE UPBET 5IFZ IBWF TNPPUI NPJTU TLJO BOE QSFGFS UP MJWF OFBS XBUFS

-J[BSET IBWF TDBMFT BOE are a type of reptile.

Many people confuse salamanders with lizards.

Can you tell the difference?

HF0414.indd 25

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Close to 6,000 known species of amphibians live in our world.

However, many are going extinct at an alarming rate. Almost 2,000 species are threatened with extinction; that is nearly 1/3 of the planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amphibians.

Amphibians are vital to the ecosystem and research.

Frogs and toads act as pest control, limiting populations of insects such as mosquitoes, which may carry diseases.

How can you help amphibians?

Become a FrogWatch Volunteer! $BO ZPV UFMM UIF EJGGFSFODF CFUXFFO B DSPBL B SJCCJU BOE B DIJSQ #FDPNF B 'SPH8BUDI WPMVOUFFS UIJT TQSJOH BOE MFBSO UP JEFOUJGZ OBUJWF GSPH BOE UPBE DBMMT :PV XJMM CF IFMQJOH UP NPOJUPS BNQIJCJBO QPQVMBUJPOT BU WBSJPVT TJUFT BGUFS TVOTFU QFSIBQT FWFO JO ZPVS PXO CBDLZBSE 5IJT JT B HSFBU DJUJ[FO TDJFODF BDUJWJUZ GPS HSPVQT JOEJWJEVBMT BOE GBNJMJFT FrogWatch Training - April 12th 1-4p.m.

Wildlife Safari Park 'SFF XJUI 8JMEMJGF 4BGBSJ 1BSL NFNCFSTIJQ PS QBJE BENJTTJPO 3FHJTUSBUJPO SFRVJSFE Frog Day - June 7th 11a.m.-3p.m.

Wildlife Safari Park 7JTJU 8JMEMJGF4BGBSJ1BSL DPN GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO

HF0414.indd 26

A FrogWatch volunteer will: 1 -FBSO UP JEFOUJGZ MPDBM GSPH BOE UPBE TQFDJFT CZ DBMM 2 $POEVDU BO FWFOJOH NPOJUPSJOH WJTJU BU MFBTU NJOVUFT BGUFS TVOTFU %PDVNFOU XFBUIFS DPOEJUJPOT BOE UBLF OPUFT PO ZPVS TJUF 4 8SJUF EPXO TQFDJFT BOE DBMMJOH JOUFOTJUJFT IFBSE 4VCNJU ZPVS EBUB UP ZPVS MPDBM DIBQUFS F H 8JMEMJGF 4BGBSJ 1BSL

6 3FQFBU .POJUPS NVMUJQMF UJNFT GSPN 'FCSVBSZ UISPVHI "VHVTU

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Meet a

Copeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gray Treefrog

NEBRASKA NATIVE

"NQIJCJBOT BSF JOEJDBUPST PG UIF IFBMUI PG PVS FOWJSPONFOU Color can be

Their skin is permeable

gray to green

BMMPXJOH UIFN UP BCTPSC XBUFS *G UIF XBUFS JT QPMMVUFE UIF UPYJOT BSF BCTPSCFE BT XFMM

BOE DBO DIBOHF CBTFE PO UIFJS TVSSPVOEJOHT

5IJT GSPH JT nocturnal BOE DBO PGUFO CF GPVOE CZ ZPVS IPVTF OFBS B MJHIU XBJUJOH GPS JUT OFYU NFBM PG JOTFDUT PS TQJEFST

Capable of HSBWJUZ EFGZJOH featsâ&#x20AC;¦of the feet. " USFFGSPHhT

toe pads are soft and moist, XIJDI FOBCMFT UIFN UP VTF GSJDUJPO UP IBOH PO UP smooth objects like MFBWFT BOE HMBTT

5SFFGSPHT BSF arboreal BS o CPS F BMM XIJDI NFBOT UIFZ MJWF JO USFFT

'PS NPSF UPBEBMMZ BXFTPNF BNQIJCJBO SFTPVSDFT WJTJU 0NBIB;PP DPN $POTFSWBUJPO

HF0414.indd 27

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Meet a

NEBRASKA NATIVE

Firefly

also known as a Lighting Bug

Fireflies talk to each other XJUI MJHIU &BDI UZQF PG åSFýZ ýBTIFT JUT MJHIU JO B QBUUFSO VOJRVF UP JUT TVCTQFDJFT #MJOL CMJOL CMJOL WT CMJOL QBVTF CMJOL CMJOL

Some ZPVOH åSFýJFT DBMMFE MBSWBF

"CPVU 2,000

different types

are luminescent BCMF UP QSPEVDF MJHIU

&WFO UIF FHHT PG TPNF TQFDJFT FNJU MJHIU

PG åSFýJFT IBWF CFFO EJTDPWFSFE

How do they produce light?

.BOZ QSFEBUPST BWPJE FBUJOH åSFýJFT CFDBVTF they taste bitter BOE may be

&BDI åSFýZ IBT TQFDJBM PSHBOT JO UIFJS BCEPNFO They take in PYZHFO XIJDI UIFO DPNCJOFT XJUI B special chemical MVDJGFSJO UP QSPEVDF MJHIU

poisonous.

How can you help fireflies?

.BOZ åSFýJFT BSF EJTBQQFBSJOH 4DJFOUJTUT IBWF KVTU TUBSUFE TUVEZJOH åSFýZ QPQVMBUJPOT TP UIF DBVTFT PG EFDMJOF BSF OPU XFMM VOEFSTUPPE 0CTFSWJOH åSFýJFT JT B HSFBU TVNNFS BDUJWJUZ 4JHO VQ GPS '*3&'-: 8"5$) BOE IFMQ TDJFOUJTUT åOE PVU XIZ UIFZ BSF EJTBQQFBSJOH -FHBDZ NPT PSH 'JSFýZXBUDI

HF0414.indd 28

Why Are Insects Important to You ?

Energy Efficiency

PG FOFSHZ JT FNJUUFE BT MJHIU XJUI OP IFBU ZPV DBO UPVDI B åSFýZ BOE OPU HFU CVSOFE

5IJT JT TPNFUJNFT DBMMFE iDPME MJHIUw "O JODBOEFTDFOU MJHIUCVMC POMZ FNJUT PG JUT FOFSHZ BT MJHIU BOE UIF SFTU BT IFBU UIBU T XIZ UIFZ BSF IPU UP UIF UPVDI " ýVPSFTDFOU CVMC FNJUT PG JUT FOFSHZ BT MJHIU

Insects are everywhere. They are the most common animal on the planet! )FSF JT BO FYBNQMF PG KVTU POF HSPVQ PG JOTFDUT UIBU BSF JNQPSUBOU UP ZPV Bees and other pollinators 8JUIPVU UIFN ZPVS EJFU XPVME CF WFSZ QMBJO :PV DBO UIBOL B QPMMJOBUPS GPS PVU PG FWFSZ CJUFT PG GPPE ZPV UBLF *OTFDUT QPMMJOBUF VQ UP PG PVS GSVJUT BOE WFHFUBCMFT What would the grocery store look like if pollinators were not around?

2/21/14 3:09 PM

miniature

MARVELS )FBE PVUTJEF BOE UBLF DMPTF MPPL BU BOZ USFF USVOL XBUDI B ýPXFS PS DSBXM BSPVOE JO UIF HSBTT UP åOE UIF MJUUMF PS MFHHFE DSFBUVSFT XF LOPX BT CVHT JOTFDUT BOE TQJEFST

Did y

o

Whether you find them fascinating or slightly scary, there is no doubt that these animals serve a purpose in the web of life! uk

now?

Some 900,000 different kinds of insects BSF LOPXO BOE JU JT CFMJFWFE UIBU UIFSF BSF QPTTJCMZ NJMMJPOT PG UZQFT UIBU IBWF OPU ZFU CFFO EJTDPWFSFE +VTU JNBHJOF B OFX UZQF PG JOTFDU PS TQJEFS DPVME CF XBJUJOH UP CF EJTDPWFSFE JO ZPVS PXO CBDLZBSE

"U BOZ UJNF JU JT FTUJNBUFE UIBU UIFSF BSF

10 quintillion individual insects alive!

How many is that? 8SJUF JU PVU IFSF XJUI [FSPT CFIJOE JU

10, _________________________________________________

Try this at homeâ&#x20AC;¦.

Backyard Bug Search

What You Will Need XIJUF TIFFU NBHOJGZJOH HMBTT Directions -BZ UIF TIFFU VOEFSOFBUI B TNBMM USFF PS other plant. Gently shake the plant.

What do you see on the sheet? $BSFGVMMZ FYBNJOF BMM UIF DSFBUVSFT 8IJMF NBOZ JOTFDUT BSF IBSNMFTT CF DBSFGVM OPU UP UPVDI BOZ UIBU ZPV BSF OPU GBNJMJBS XJUI How many types are there?

Do you see any spiders?

What roles do they play in their habitat?

5SZ QVUUJOH UIF TIFFU VOEFS EJGGFSFOU UZQFT PG QMBOUT UP TFF JG UIFSF BSF EJGGFSFODFT JO UIF JOTFDUT ZPV åOE MJWJOH UIFSF #F TVSF UP SFMFBTF UIF JOTFDUT BOE TQJEFST CBDL XIFSF ZPV GPVOE UIFN

Join us at these events to learn more about bugs, insects & spiders Going Buggy - August 9th 11a.m.-3p.m.

Wildlife Safari Park

Lightning Bug Party - June 28th Hummel Nature Center

#SJOH ZPVS CVH HFBS BOE EP B MJUUMF FYQMPSBUJPO PO POF PG UIF USBJMT PS WJTJU POF PG PVS CVH UIFNFE UBCMFT 7JTJU 8JMEMJGF4BGBSJ1BSL DPN GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO

-FBSO XIBU JT FYDJUJOH BCPVU -JHIUOJOH #VHT BOE HP PO B GSJFOEMZ CVH IVOU 3471 SFRVJSFE 7JTJU $JUZPG0NBIB PSH 1BSLT GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO Visit the Citizen Science section at

5P MFBSO NPSF BCPVU BUUSBDUJOH QPMMJOBUPST UP ZPVS ZBSE

HF0414.indd 29

OmahaZoo.com/Family

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Find Your Perchâ&#x20AC;¦

Bird Watching

#JSE XBUDIJOH JT B XPOEFSGVM BDUJWJUZ UIBU DBO JOWPMWF UIF XIPMF GBNJMZ 'SPN DJUZ TUSFFUT UP CBDLZBSET PS GPSFTUT CJSET åOE NBOZ QMBDFT UP DBMM IPNF "OZPOF XIP XBUDIFT CJSET DBO IFMQ TDJFOUJTUT 5IF CFTU QBSU JT TDJFOUJTUT VTF UIF EBUB ZPV DPMMFDU UP CFUUFS VOEFSTUBOE CJSE CFIBWJPS NJHSBUJPOT BOE NPSF

Tools for Bird Watching

#JOPDVMBST

#JSE HVJEF CPPL PS CJSEJOH BQQT GPS TNBSUQIPOFT PS PUIFS NPCJMF EFWJDF

+PVSOBM LFFQJOH USBDL PG CJSET ZPV TFF IFMQT ZPV MFBSO BCPVU UIFN

How do you find birds?

*U T FBTZ 4JU PVUTJEF PS UBLF B XBML 5IPVHI CJSE XBUDIJOH JNQMJFT VTF PG ZPVS FZFT ZPV XJMM BMTP VTF ZPVS FBST UP MJTUFO GPS CJSE DBMMT

by joining us at these local birding events

GET INVOLVED

Birdtastic at Hummel Nature Center - May 3rd -FBSO UP JEFOUJGZ CJSET HP CJSEJOH XIJMF FYQMPSJOH UIF USBJMT BOE DFMFCSBUF VSCBO CJSET XJUI ZPVS GBNJMZ 7JTJU $JUZPG0NBIB PSH 1BSLT GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO

Bird Watch at Wildlife Safari Park - May 10th -FBSO BCPVU CJSET BU UIFNFE UBCMFT PS FYQMPSF PO ZPVS PXO $BUDI B HMJNQTF PG WBSJPVT EVDLT HFFTF BOE DSBOFT 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO WJTJU 8JMEMJGF4BGBSJ1BSL DPN Crane Meadows Viewing Tower is a great spot for bird watching at the Wildlife Safari Park.

HawkWatch Eagle Migration at Hitchcock Nature Center - November 15th 5IJT FWFOU JT SFDPHOJ[FE BT POF PG UIF UPQ IBXLXBUDIFT JO UIF XPSME GPS WJFXJOH NJHSBUJOH CBME FBHMFT 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO WJTJU 1PUUDP$POTFSWBUJPO DPN

CITIZEN SCIENCE FOR THE BIRDS Participate in these bird-themed citizen science projects: 5IF (SFBU #BDLZBSE #JSE $PVOU t 'FFEFS8BUDI t /FTU8BUDI Nebraska Bird Resources /FCSBTLB#JSE-JCSBSZ PSH /FCSBTLB#JSET PSH

Visit the Citizen Science section at

'JOE PVU IPX UP BUUSBDU NPSF CJSET UP ZPVS ZBSE

HF0414.indd 30

OmahaZoo.com/Family

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Meet a Did you know?

VQQFS NBOEJCMF

NEBRASKA NATIVE

Nebraska is home to over 400 species of birds!

Western Meadowlark

DBQ DSPXO eye

CJMM CFBL MPXFS NBOEJCMF

FZF SJOH

n!

is fu tify birds n e id o t how Learning questions e m o s e r hing: Here a bird watc n e h w k s to a

chin

?

nape

cheek throat

back

DIFTU CSFBTU

What size is the bird?

ýBOL

As big as a crow, smaller than a sparrow?

belly SVNQ tail MFH

VOEFS UBJM

What color is the chest, throat, cap, tail, wings, rump and belly? $PMPS DBO CF WFSZ JNQPSUBOU XIFO JEFOUJGZJOH B CJSE Sometimes the EJGGFSFODFT BSF WFSZ TNBMM

What does a bird sound like?

Try th is

foot

at

home!

5IJT TQSJOH PVS GFBUIFSFE GSJFOET XJMM CF CVTZ DPMMFDUJOH NBUFSJBMT GPS UIFJS OFTUT #JSET XJMM VTF EJGGFSFOU NBUFSJBMT GPS DVTIJPOJOH JOTVMBUJOH DBNPVýBHJOH BOE QSPUFDUJOH UIFJS FHHT )FSF BSF TPNF JUFNT ZPV DBO QVU JO ZPVS CBDLZBSE GPS CJSET UP VTF BT OFTUJOH NBUFSJBM Drier lint 4UJDLT PS UXJHT 1JFDFT PG TUSJOH PS ZBSO USZ VTJOH B CSJHIU DPMPS TP ZPV DBO TQPU UIF OFTU NPSF FBTJMZ

#SPPN CSJTUMFT (SBTT DMJQQJOHT

HF0414.indd 31

2/21/14 3:09 PM

TAKE ME TO YOUR

WATER &DPMPHJTUT VTF NBDSP JOWFSUFCSBUFT BT XBUFS RVBMJUZ JOEJDBUPST CFDBVTF UIFZ BSF TFOTJUJWF UP DIBOHFT JO UIF ecosystem. Some macro JOWFSUFCSBUFT DBOOPU TVSWJWF JO QPMMVUFE XBUFS XIJMF PUIFST UISJWF

What are macro invertebrates? .BDSP JOWFSUFCSBUFT BSF TNBMM BOJNBMT UIBU IBWF OP CBDLCPOF BOE DBO CF TFFO XJUI UIF OBLFE FZF 5IFZ BSF BO JNQPSUBOU GPPE TPVSDF UP MBSHFS BOJNBMT JO UIF ecosystem.

,OPXJOH UIJT JOGPSNBUJPO you can determine the quality of your local body of water.

INDICATORS OF WATER QUALITY

Directions

/PX EFUFSNJOF UIF XBUFS RVBMJUZ CBTFE PO XIJDI NBDSP JOWFSUFCSBUFT ZPV PCTFSWFE

Practice *G ZPV DBQUVSF B NBZýZ XPVME ZPV SBUF UIF XBUFS RVBMJUZ BT FYDFMMFOU PS QPPS

poor

Indentification Chart Detailed macro invertebrate identification charts can be found for free on the internet.

fair

4OBJM -FFDI

%SBHPOýZ MBSWB 4DVE $MBN .VTTFM $SBZåTI

excellent

'JMM B CVDLFU IBMGXBZ XJUI XBUFS GSPN the site. Fill compartments in an ice USBZ IBMG GVMM 4UFQ JO UIF XBUFS OFBS UIF CBOL UP TUJS VQ TNBMM DSFBUVSFT 6TF B åTIOFU UP DBUDI NBDSP JOWFSUFCSBUFT BOE FNQUZ JOUP CVDLFU 8BUDI GPS NPWFNFOU PG NBDSP JOWFSUFCSBUFT 5IFZ DBO CF TNBMM TP CF QBUJFOU BOE FYBNJOF DBSFGVMMZ 8IFO ZPV TQPU POF VTF BO FZF ESPQQFS UP USBOTGFS JU UP the ice tray for closer inspection.

6TF B NBHOJGZJOH HMBTT UP JEFOUJGZ UIF NBDSP JOWFSUFCSBUF

4UPOFýZ .BZýZ OZNQI %PCTPOýZ MBSWB %BNTFMýZ MBSWB

Celebrate the importance of water with us at these events World Ocean Day - June 8th Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zoo & Aquarium

HF0414.indd 32

World O! Water - September 6th Wehrspann Lake

2/21/14 3:09 PM

young hero story by Allison Janda • photo by Bill Sitzmann

Young Hero: Klayton Hammer

K

HAMMER WAS BORN a fighter.

His mother, Jennifer, had an emergency C-section after it was discovered that her son was going to be born breach. Just two weeks later, newborn Klayton had a temperature of 104 degrees.

Following a spinal tap at Immanuel Medical Center, Klayton went straight to Children’s Hospital with his mom.

“The emergency doctor at Children’s started him on two antibiotics and an anti-viral medication,” Jennifer says. “When we spoke to the infectious disease doctor, he told us that he had no idea why the emergency doctor had started Klayton on the anti-viral medicine, but that it was probably what saved his life.”

Only 18 days old, Klayton was diagnosed with encephalitis, stemming from the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). “He stopped breathing,” Jennifer recalls. “He was in the NICU for 30 days on a respirator. They were 80 percent sure he would never make it, and if he did, they said he’d probably have a trach [tracheotomy tube] or a feeding tube.”

Klayton began physical therapy at the age of 2 when he first began to sit up. At about 3 years old, he started working with the early intervention program through Omaha Public Schools. Physical and occupational therapists visited the house. By the age of 5, Klayton was walking with the help of a gait trainer. Now 10 years old, he’s involved in a LAYTON

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 33

slew of sports including baseball, soccer, basketball, and cheerleading. “He started playing when he was about 6 and didn’t have any interest,” Jennifer says with a laugh. “Now it’s like he just can’t get enough.”

Sports have benefited Klayton in quite a few ways over the last several years. “They’ve improved his motor skills, including balance and strength,” Jennifer says. “He has also been able to develop his social skills working with the other team members and coaches, and he’s has been able to establish some great friendships.”

When asked what his favorite sport to watch is, Klayton quickly responds, “Football.” His favorite team is, naturally, the Huskers, and his favorite player is Kenny Bell. Jennifer adds that Klayton once asked to grow out his hair like Bell.

It’s not all about sports though. Klayton’s favorite thing to do is go out to eat. He loves Old Chicago, Carlos O’Kelly’s, and Mama’s Pizza, to name a few. He also enjoys spending time with his cousin, Trae, seeing his Grandma and Papa, and going out to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm. “Klayton has always been a determined and outgoing little boy,” Jennifer says. “He will overcome his disabilities in everything that he does.”

Young Hero proudly sponsored by:

HerFamily • April 2014 33

2/21/14 3:09 PM

music education story by Ruth Meints, Omaha Conservatory of Music

Spruce up your child’s learning environment

D

R. SHINICHI SUZUKI, A violinist and educator, stated, “Man is the son of his environment.” As parents, we strive to provide that essential climate where children can grow without any barriers to their success. But what is an excellent environment? Incorporate these five Environmental Cs for a great start.

COMFORTABLE? In his book The Joy of Inspired Teaching, Tim Lautzenheiser suggests, “We should create an environment that is conducive to risk and failure.” If these two elements exist, the comfort level for a child increases. Children who are concerned about being right are less likely to try something new. We can change the notion of “failure” into a positive idea by telling our children the many stories of great men and women whose “failures” have created some of our greatest inventions —think Edison’s incandescent light bulb.

CAPTIVATING? If a child shows a spark of interest in something, carry it through to the absolute end. Just because we have a certain agenda in mind doesn’t mean the child will follow that plan without deviation. Sometimes, the deviations are what create the hooks for the child. Emotional connection greatly strengthens their learning process. One violin student was very inspired by fiddle music but not interested in developing excellent string crossings. Eventually, her string crossings developed into a strong ability by mastering fiddle tunes loaded with string crossing patterns.

34 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 34

COMPREHENSIVE? This idea demands thoroughness. The great violin pedagogue Ivan Galamian taught: “The basic procedure is to present to the mind… problems that progress from the simple to the ever more complicated.

One very important principle has to be kept in mind, a principle that applies to any type of practicing: Whenever one problem is mastered, it is useless to repeat it over and over again.”

We can master any challenge by extrapolating the problem and encountering the material from as many angles as possible.

CREATIVE? A creative environment is a place where all aspects of our learning modes are challenged. This would mean that both the right and left brains are engaged and, if possible, the child is receiving visual, aural, and kinesthetic input.

For example, in teaching the meaning of a musical term, first point out the word in the music and write its definition (visual). Then, demonstrate the musical term (aural). Finally, tie the musical term to a feeling or experience (emotional). While the student incorporates the musical point into their playing (kinesthetic), encourage their efforts (social). In this way, each possible connection for the student has been engaged.

Any suggestions from the child about what to do (child-driven creativity) means they are contributing to the learning process, making the parent’s job easier.

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

music education

LOCATIONS 14460 West Maple Rd.

14303 U St.

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

402.493.0443

402.895.0181

2609 S. 132nd St.

1919 N. 90th St.

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

402.334.6933

402.391.2072

10770 Fort St. [NEC]

4840 Dodge St.

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

402.493.3257

402.558.2000

8315 West Center Rd.

1701 S. Galvin Rd.

Omaha, NE

Bellevue, NE

402.393.2557

402.292.2685

6901 S. 84th St.

545 West Washington St.

LaVista, NE

Council Bluffs, IA

402.339.1090

712.352.4152

Flu Shots Offered Daily

COMPLIMENTARY? Dr. Suzuki said, “Whatever students do well, however well, is a step in the right direction. It will deserve your honest praise.” Always find something that can be complimented in a specific way. For example, “The detail in that drawing is excellent.” Kids generally want to please and repeat activities for which they’ve received accolades. Encourage children by noticing what they are doing right, even when it’s considered “expected behavior.”

Environment is absolutely critical to learning ability and also largely dependent upon what we make of it. For example, in John Steinbeck’s book East of Eden, two characters discuss the destiny of two young boys.

“I don’t very much believe in blood,” one character said. “I think when a man finds good or bad in his children he is seeing only what he planted in them after they cleared the womb.”

“You can’t make a race horse of a pig,” said the other.

“No, but you can make a very fast pig.”

Molly Maid clean is now green!

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

5 1 2

Reasons why it makes sense.

Molly Maid’s private label cleaning products are environmentally safe, biodegradable and non-toxic.

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

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

3

I’m doing my part to help the environment.

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

4

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

5

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

MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS

402.932.MAID (6243) A clean you can trust!

.

Each franchise independently owned and operated

cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 35

HerFamily • April 2014 35

2/21/14 3:09 PM

New Beginnings Spring represents a (re)birth for these fashionably pregnant Omaha couples expecting their first child.

A GIE AN IE & AN NDR REW W N RM NO MAN A This rock Thi rroocckkk-a -aan nd d-rroll d-r oolll ccoouple up plee aarre th he ccoo-f -fou ound ndeerrs rs of o Heeaar Nebr Ne braaska, a, th the nonp the nonp no npro rofi ro fitt that cultivates th th thee st s at ate’’s viibr b an antt mu m sic an and d arts ts coom co mmun mmun mm unit ity. it y Th y.

They ey do maake k ear bud ds in in infa infa fant ant sizes izzes, es, es don’t they ey??

36 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 36

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

SARAH & JON TVRD RDIK Stop thee presses! On Stop O the dayy we were ree to se s nd this isssue to th he printers, H HeerF Fam amil ilyy leearrned d that baby Hugo was borrn the daay be b fore on Feb bru ruary 19. Sarah is a fashion blo l gg g er, stylisst and founder of Hel e lo l Holida day. y.co c m.

Joon is i the h executive creativve director att Ph P en mb no mbllu ue aan nd is a coo-owne neer of Kru n ru ug P Paark r iin n Ben nsoon..

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 37

HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014 37

2/21/14 3:09 PM

LA AU UR REN EN & DANIE I L MULLER Th s pho Thi ph hot otog ogen en nic ic (aan nd ph p otographic) couple own ow n an nd op per erat ate tth he we w dding and portraiture tu re stu tud diio kn know own si simp m ly as the The Mullmp ers, er s, but s, ut the h y’ y’llll soo y’ll oon bee training the lens on thei th eir mos ei eir most mo st preeciioou us “ccliient” yet.

38 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 38

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

! # Sponsored by:

Closes Clo oses sA April 13 13!

3!

Did you know 90% of brain development happens by age 5?

Discover Nebraska Children’s Home Society’s accredited, high-quality, early childhood education programs with low child-to-staff ratios at two locations.

4939 S. 118th St. in Omaha, (402) 898-7760, for children 18 months through Pre-K and 3549 Fontenelle Blvd. in Omaha, (402) 898-7768, for children 6 weeks through Pre-K

Call today for a free, no-obligation tour.

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 39

HerFamily • April 2014 39

2/21/14 3:09 PM

PREVENTION & EARLY INTERVENTION

PERMANENCY & WELL-BEING

CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

WE PRODUCE EXCELLENCE. NOT JUST IN COMPETITIVE CHEER, BUT AS OUTSTANDING PEOPLE.

A staff have been credentialed through a rigorous All process under the USASF (United States All-Star Federation) and are current members of this safety organization.

Children Services (402) 661-7100

402.537.0855

2410 South 140th Circle | Omaha, NE

[two blocks north of Oakview Mall/across the street from Dolphins Carwash]

“It’s not about where you are starting...

It’s about where you’re going!”

ADVICE. EDUCATION. SOLUTIONS. Call us for a confidential counseling session if you are behind on your mortgage payment, credit card payments, or struggling to make ends meet. We are your local community service agency and not just another 1-800 number.

402.333.2227 • www.cccsn.org 40 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 40

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

feature story by Stefanie Monge

Code Crush An Immersive IT Experience for Middle-School Girls Kate Dempsey (second from left) works with UNO student mentors Emily Pachunka, Kaitlin Goettsch, and Jasjit Banwait extracting DNA from strawberries.

M

ORNINGS

SPENT

BUILDING

applications. Afternoons brushing elbows with corporate leaders. Getting a behind-the-scenes look at the role technology plays in places like the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. This isn’t your typical summer camp, and not just because it’s happening during the school year.

More than 70 girls from three states and 34 schools applied for the chance to join Code Crush for the last weekend of March.

University of Nebraska-Omaha’s College of Information Science and Technology faculty and staff geared the five-day event to cultivate an interest with information technology among 8th and 9th grade girls.

The girls spent four days and five nights exploring the many faces of information technology through hands-on workshops, field trips, and panels. The middle-school students also got their first taste of college life thanks to staying on the UNO campus.

Meanwhile, event organizers hoped the inaugural Code Crush would help debunk some myths surrounding the IT profession.

MOBILE

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 41

Code Crush is part of a larger effort by UNO to attract more participation from underrepresented groups in IT—particularly women. Hesham H. Ali, Ph.D., professor and dean in the College of Information Science and Technology, says that women make up only 12-13 percent of IS&T students.

He says numbers are slightly higher at the graduate level thanks to a boost from international enrolees.

Researchers at UNO are working with community groups, schools, and the National Science Foundation to figure out the cause of this considerable gender gap. Ali attributes misconceptions about IT careers as a major factor. “Still there is that image of IT professionals working alone in a dark room writing code,” he says. “People think there’s no interaction or opportunity to make a social impact. Really it’s a lot more than just writing code alone. If we can just get that information out, it might have an impact on changing the image.”

“IT has a great potential to impact society,” adds Deepak Khazanchi, associate dean and professor in the College of Information

Science and Technology. “It already has. If you look at the internet, ATMs, even computers in cars—it’s pervasive.” But, Khazanchi says people don’t realize how much technology is a part of everyday life and that by working in the field, they can in fact make a significant difference.

That sentiment is exactly what drew Westside Middle School 8th-grader Ketevan Mdzinarishvili to Code Crush. Computers, she explains, help people to shape a better understanding of the world around them.

“The complexity of every microchip shows... there are many possibilities in this world.

And I want to explore all of the ones which I am able. Any chance I have to learn about a new career field I would like to take,” Mdzinarishvili says.

Mdzinarishvili, like all the Code Crush students, was accompanied by a teacher who wrote a letter of recommendation for her during the application process. The event was completely free to students. Mentors received a stipend to attend, thanks to funding from industry partners, and attended some sessions with their students. Sessions HerFamily • April 2014 41

2/21/14 3:09 PM

feature story by Stefanie Monge

This summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOTTEST camps are at... # 308 / & - -ČŞ 5" - # 05 4

Destination: DISCOVERY

20 14 June 16-20 July 7-11 July 21-25 Register online before April 15 to receive an early-bird discount and a FREE t-shirt!

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T D

M MISS O OUT!

Kids ages 4+ select from these Camps: t 3PCPUJDT t $4* "EWFOUVSFT t $SFBUJWF 8SJUJOH t &YQMPSF UIF 1POE t -B $VJTJOF 'SBOĂ&#x17D;BJTF t MORE!!! 4FF PVS XFCTJUF

brownell.edu/DestinationDiscovery All of the camps are at

/ )BQQZ )PMMPX #MWE 0NBIB /& 402-556-3772

brownell.edu/DestinationDiscovery

42 HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

HF0414.indd 42

even included a bioinformatics exercise where students extracted DNA from strawberries while their teachers learned how to incorporate new activities into their curriculums. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of the myth has to be resolved at the teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level,â&#x20AC;? Ali says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are the ones connecting students, so talking to counselors, teachers, advisors is really important.â&#x20AC;?

Secondary Coordinator of Excellence in Youth programs at Westside Middle School Kristen Job, who is Mdzinarishviliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mentor, says sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excited about the opportunity for not only her student but also for herself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted to learn how to program and code,â&#x20AC;? she says. Computer programming isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offered at the middle school level, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a chance for both of them to learn a new skill that can be shared when they return to school.

Such real world examples are important for encouraging other women to explore IT careers, according to Kate Dempsey, Research Associate in the School of Interdisciplinary Informatics at UNO. Dempsey works in the field of bioinformatics, which she describes as a combination of biology, math, coding, and computer science, with a little bit of physics and theoretical science thrown in the mix. Dempsey talked to the girls about her work but also about all of the great female scientists that came before her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so important to me to get the word out that there are amazing female scientists out there,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just not as well known. The more that you learn about these important women in IT and sciences, it kind of drives you to say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well I can do it, too.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

The women who do end up enrolling in UNOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Information Science and Technology tend to excel, Ali says. In fact, the top student for the past several years has been a woman. But misconceptions about IT careers can stop some women from pursuing that course of education before they even get to the door. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Research has shown that diversified groups are more productive and more creative, particularly in IT,â&#x20AC;? Ali says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to have teams that come from different ideas and backgrounds so they can contribute in a more productive and creative way.â&#x20AC;? omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

her family

and vacation bible schoollss

4-

Doodle Cakes Summer Camp Registration is in high gear!

Four Sessions Available!

Cost: $125 (Ask about our $25 off early bird special!)

June 9-13, 9am-12 Daily

CAMP INCLUDES: Daily pastry decorating projects, kitchen crafts, etiquette class, proper table setting, games and more!

Children Age 4-5th Grade No Fees Covenant Presbyterian Church 15002 Blondo Street Omaha, NE 68116

Details can be found online at doodlecakes.com To register call us 402-697-8702 14732 Grover St. | Omaha, NE 68144 402-697-8702 | doodlecakes.com

402.498.9000 - www.cpcomaha.org dan@cpcomaha.org

at DUCHESNE! June 9 - July 31 For girls in grades 5-8 and preschool-age boys and girls duchesneacademy.org / 402.558.3800 mbegley@duchesneacademy.org

Have fun with friends

at Girl Scout Camp!

Adventures for girls of all ages.

GirlScoutsNebraska.org

Summer School Program Intensive Reading, Spelling, & Math July 7th - August 1st 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m.

K - 8th Grade | All Ability Levels Space is limited/Small Class Sizes *LY[PĂ&#x201E;LK Teachers | Our 24th year

Our Program is Great For: Retaining what was learned in school Getting a jump start on next year Phonics, decoding & spelling techniques Increased Comprehension & Fluency Mastering math facts and concepts through pre-algebra

Register Today: 402-390-0556 or phoenixacademyomaha.org

Register by April 4th for a $25 discount. Free T-shirt with paid registration.

Phoenix Academy | 1110 N 66th Street Omaha, NE 68132 | 402-390-0556 bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 43

HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014 43

2/21/14 3:09 PM

2014 SUMMER CAMPS THIS SUMMER, THE DURHAM MUSEUM IS THE PLACE TO BE! Design Zone from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry will provide the backdrop for fun and learning in our 2014 Summer Camp program. Whether it is art, music, or engineering, it takes math and science to meet these design challenges.

In Design Zone, you can go behind the scenes and see how video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers and other creative problem solvers use math and science to do the amazing things they do. The Durham Design Zone camp will give kids a chance to spend time in the exhibit each day and apply everyday math concepts to real-life adventures.

CAMPS BEGIN JUNE 2 Call 402-444-5027 or click DurhamMuseum.org to register today!

44 HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

HF0414.indd 44

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

her family

and vacation bible schoollss

C`m\ pfli [i\Xd%

C\Xie kf i`[\ WŽŶĐĂ ,ŝůůƐ &Ăƌŵ͛Ɛ ^ƵŵŵĞƌ ĂLJ ĂŵƉ ŝƐ Ă ĨƵŶ͕ ŚŝŐŚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ǁŚŽ ĚƌĞĂŵ ĂďŽƵƚ ŚŽƌƐĞƐ͘ WƌŽƵĚůLJ ĐĞůĞďƌĂƟŶŐ ŽƵƌ ϰϵƚŚ LJĞĂƌ͊ ŽǁŶůŽĂĚ LJŽƵƌ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ Ăƚ ƉŽŶĐĂŚŝůůƐĨĂƌŵ͘ĐŽŵ Žƌ ĐĂůů <ĞƌƌLJ Ăƚ ϰϬϮ͘ϰϱϯ͘ϳϯϳϯ͘ ^ƉĂĐĞ ŝƐ ůŝŵŝƚĞĚ͘

SESSION 1 / June 9 - June 27 SESSION 2 / July 7 - July 25

a camp for animal loving kids ages 6-12

5IF 4BMWBUJPO "SNZ

Experience FUN, HANDS ON, AWESOME activites like: • Help socialize dogs & cats • Explore animal careers • Create treats & toys for shelter animals • Learn dog training tips • Friday Family Picnics

(FOF &QQMFZ $BNQ Summer camp spots still available!

Call Kim at (402) 898-5921

For more information, go to: www.nehumanesociety.org or call Tracey at (402) 905-3496

LITTLE WAVES Family Swim School Swim Lessons for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, & Kids 2 Week Camp

Lessons Monday-Thursday

All Summer

Lessons Once a Week

(402)932-2030 Registration Available on our Website

LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 45

HerFamily • April 2014 45

2/21/14 3:09 PM

story by Chris Wolfgang â&#x20AC;˘ photo by Bill Sitzmann

R AT E D S : SUPER FUN FOR CHILDREN AGE 5-10

A summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of fun every day 5a^\ 6aP]Sb c^ 6P[b 5a^\ 2aXccTab c^ 2P]^TX]V 5a^\ C^SS[Tab c^ CfTT]b 5^]cT]T[[T 5^aTbczb RP\_b PaT P d]X`dT ^__^acd]Xch c^ Tg_[^aT cWT VaTPc ^dcS^^ab

COMING THIS SUMMER ps m a c 0 4 m o fr e s o o h C

TO A PRIMROSE NEAR YOU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thrills, chills and new best friends!â&#x20AC;?

New t his yea r - FU LL D AY CA MPS

Low camper to counselor ratio

â&#x20AC;˘ Lunch and snacks included â&#x20AC;˘ Having fun and learning all summer â&#x20AC;˘ 12 weekly themes DQG ORWV RI Ă&#x20AC;HOG WULSV

SUMMER CAMP ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN! &DPS3ULPURVH FRP

ATVXbcTa ]^f b_PRT Xb [X\XcTS # ! &" " # U^]cT]T[[TU^aTbc ^aV

PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF LA VISTA 8202 S 97th Plaza | La Vista, NE 68128 _ 3ULPURVH/D9LVWD FRP Š2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

46 HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

HF0414.indd 46

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:09 PM

ffeature eature story sto ry y by

by Ch Chris C hri riss Wo Wolf Wolfgang lffga lfga an ng gâ&#x20AC;˘p photo pho ph h ho otto o by yB Bill iilll S Si Sitzmann iitz ttz zma man nn n

her family

and vacation bible schoollss

'%4 ). 4(%

Mav Kids Summer Camp Around the World in Seven Weeks

!4 4(% *##

R E M M SU

3 0 #!-

June 2- July 25 Registration Begins February 17 402.554.2539 For more information: www.unomaha.edu/camps

2014 HUMMEL DAY CAMP June 2- August 8 Open wRegistration Begins April 12, 2014 REGISTER ONLINE cityofomaha.org/parks â&#x20AC;˘Weekly Sessions â&#x20AC;˘Bus Transportation Provided

We meet the highest level of standards!

OUTDOOR COOKING WILDERNESS SKILLS NATURE IDENTIFICATION ARTS & CRAFTS

JUNE 9 - AUGUST 8 AGES 2- 8TH GRADE WEEKLY DAY CAMP includes field trips, overnights, swimming, before & after care and more!

SPECIALTY CAMPS in basketball, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, art, theater, dance and swim team!

/0%. 4/ 4(% %.4)2% /-!(! #/--5.)49 To receive more information call Member Services at 402-334-6426. www.jewishomaha.org/jcc/camp 3 .$ 342%%4 s /-!(!

JCC Membership Required. bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 47

FORT BUILDING CAMP SONGS HIKING ARCHERY

Hummel Park Nature Center 3033 Hummel Park Road 402.444.4760

Ja azz C a m p

Featt uring g th h e J i m Widn n e r B ig g B and d

JUNE 15tt h -2 20 th h , 2014 4 For middle school-adult intrumentalists and high school-adult vocalists! Jazz ensembles, improvisation, jazz history, masterclasses, and afternoon concerts! Learn from the pros!

Dr. Pete Madsen, Professor of Music, Dir. of Jazz Studies/Trombone Teacher University of Nebraska at Omaha Strauss Performing Arts Center 222 6001 Dodge St, Omaha 402.554.2297 e-mail: petermadsen@unomaha.edu www.unojazzcamp.com

HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014 47

2/21/14 3:09 PM

Let your star shine at The Rose Choose from 60 great summer camps for the performing arts!

Acting Dance Voice Musical Theater

Camps are taught by leading professionals in the field; some feature national guest artist instructors Many performance opportunities

Camps for ages 4-18, beginners to advanced

Featured DRAMA Camps

Creative-based teaching in acting, directing, and playwriting.

3-Week Production Camps

Overnight Theater Camp at Camp Calvin Crest in Fremont

Featured BROADWAY Camps

Technique-based training in dance, voice, and musical theater.

Musical Theater Camps for ages 4-18 Dance Intensives and Dance Camps for ages 3-18 Voice camps for ages 8-18 Acting class with NYC guest instructor Rob Urbinati

Summer brochures are available now at www.rosetheater.org or 402-345-4849.

48 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 48

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:10 PM

her family

and vacation bible schoollss

For questions contact:

David Martin

fine-lines@cox.net 402-871-3682

June 9-13

Creative Writing Summer Camp #15

Beveridge Middle School

8:30-12:00

1616 South 120th Street, Omaha

For more information visit:

www.finelines.org

All supplies will be provided Grades 4-12, College, and Adults

With over 50 years of Christian camping experience!

Camp Rivercrest has modern lodging, trained college aged summer staff, amazing worship and fun activities for all ages like:

Paintball, zipline, high ropes, giant swing, airboat rides and so much more!

Located along the forested hills of the Platte river just outside Fremont NE. Register online at www.camprivercrest.org or call 402-628-6465

July July 20-26, 20-26, 2014 2014

SUMMER SUMMER INSTITUTE INSTITUTE

OCMI

At At the the Omaha Omaha Conservatory Conservatory of of Music Music A week-long week-long summer summer intensive intensive camp camp A for young young musicians musicians of of all all styles. styles. for

Learn Learn More More at at omahacm.org/ocmi omahacm.org/ocmi bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 49

HerFamily • April 2014 49

2/21/14 3:10 PM

her family

and vacation bible schoolls

• • • •

Par 3 and executive courses perfect for the young golfer.

Omaha’s Largest Youth Golf League & Youth Instruction.

Kid’s Equipment and Apparel.

Visit Website for dates & fees.

402.498.9900 | eaglerungolf.com 3435 N. 132nd Street, Omaha

This Summer’s Hottest Camp Is your dream to ride horses?

Registration going on now!

REGISTER BY APRIL 30 & RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT.

REGISTRATION elkhornequestriancenter.com CALL KELLIE 402-238-2027 LOCATION 20915 BENNINGTON ROAD ELKHORN, NE 68022

Live your dream and ride in Western and English. Learn to care for horses in grooming, tacking, bathing, first aid - and much, much more!

CAMP WEEKS:

JUNE 3~7, JUNE 10~14, JUNE 17~21, JUNE 24~28, JULY 8~12, JULY 15~19 PLEASE GO TO www.elkhornequestriancenter.com for registration forms OR CALL Kellie: 402-238-2027 20915 BENNINGTON ROAD ELKHORN, NE 68022

Camps are a great way for your children to learn valuable life lessons in a fun social setting.

Here’s a quick guide to selecting the camp that is right for your child: • • • • •

What training does the staff receive to ensure the safety of your camper?

Are children supervised by an adult or other trained, responsible counselor at all times?

Are they free to go from one activity to another with appropriate supervision?

Is a lunch served? What about snacks?

Some camps fill up fast. Start your search early to lock in a spot for your child.

50 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 50

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:10 PM

teen voice story by Alyssa Zaracki, Bryan High School

Wrapping Up Senior Year

S

ENIOR YEAR, CAN YOU believe it? All of this hard work is finally paying off, and we can see the victory sign ahead.

But no one can prepare us for what we will actually have to go through to put our dreams into reality. So let’s just focus on this last semester and finishing out strong.

This last semester is a waiting game. Everyone gets excited to see who will get some money out of the giant money pot of scholarships.

Me, personally, I’m terrified.

What if I didn’t say the right things in my essay or what if I forgot a reference letter? Trust me, everything that could possibly go wrong is spinning in my head. I’m trying to just worry about my goals—get some scholarships and stay on track with my grades—and look forward to a few possible experiences this last semester.

I’m already thinking about summer as well. I plan on getting an internship as a messenger at a local paper. Just getting your foot in the door and making yourself known can spark so many different opportunities and adventures. Also, this is the last summer before we start college. It’s when we really start feeling like, wow, I did it. I would like to make this summer as memorable as possible, even with a little work at my part-time job every so often.

During the summer, we try not to worry about the overall picture.

I’m already thinking of all the dreams that I have for college and all my expectations. I hope to live in the dorms at University of Nebraska-Omaha and study journalism, along with being involved in clubs and activities.

I do have one fear.

I’m scared that on the first day, I’ll wake up late, and then there will be nowhere to park, and I won’t be able to find my class, and I’ll live the rest of my college career thinking about that one embarrassing moment. Oh, yeah, and spilling coffee on the cute guy in class.

Things happen.

But really, graduation is a big moment for me and many of my peers. I can’t wait to see what the future will bring.

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 51

HerFamily • April 2014 51

2/21/14 3:10 PM

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM

W H AT D I D

YOUR CHILD LEARN TODAY?

Visit the Union Pacific Railroad Museum to experience “Building America,” an immersive exhibit featuring video-game technology; relive the height of passenger rail travel; and learn how Union Pacific and America’s progress have been inextricably linked for more than 150 years.

200 Pearl Street • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

(712) 329-8307 • www.uprrmuseum.org

&Dé (402)932-4978 or visit omahacm.org to begin your child’s •

Free Admission

LEARNING!

( Z\YNLVU ^OV \UKLYZ[HUKZ H ^VTHU»Z JVUJLYUZ 4LTILY (TLYPJHU :VJPL[` VM )YLHZ[ :\YNLVUZ *LY[PÄLK I` [OL (TLYPJHU )VHYK VM :\YNLY` *VTWYLOLUZP]L L]HS\H[PVU VM IYLHZ[ JVTWSHPU[Z 7LYZVUHS JVTWHZZPVUH[L HWWYVHJO [V WH[PLU[ JHYL :HTL KH` HWWVPU[TLU[Z H]HPSHISL :LJVUK VWPUPVUZ WYV]PKLK

MILLARD

FAMILY EYECARE A MEMBER OF

Midlands Two Professional Center 401 E Gold Coast Rd, Ste 329 Papillion, NE 68046 phone (402) 934-9323 fax (402) 934-9471 www.yourbreasthealthcare.com 52 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 52

We pride ourselves on our thorough, up-to-date eyecare, quality Thanks ks ffor or voting vot oti tin ing us BBest of ing products, and friendly service.

Omaha® for 10 years!

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:10 PM

mom on the rocks story by Leslie Murrell

My mom ruins my social media vibe

I

A BIG EXTENDED family, and everyone lives far away, mostly in Texas. At some point, my mom and I thought Skype would be a great idea.

Then she busted me for rolling my eyes at her, which was a bit awkward. All these years, she couldn’t hear me rolling my eyes over the phone.

But the kids are busy and have a lot of activities. It’s hard enough to get us all seated for dinner. Sitting down to video chat wasn’t working well. That, and my mom couldn’t quite figure out how to dial in on Skype. So that was the end of that.

Eventually, we embarked on the social media scene, primarily Facebook. It’s been fun to share pictures and stories with my aunts and uncles and cousins. But there have been a few hiccups.

HAVE

I have a love/hate relationship with my mother and Facebook. I love my mom.

And I love Facebook. But the two, as proven time and time again, should never mix.

Ever. Don’t even get me started on that farm story game.

Sure, I can block and remove mean people. But what are the ethics of blocking people we love (ahem, my mom) who have a tendency to hinder our very funny and very cool social media vibe with the click of a comment?

The upside to having my mom and family on Facebook is that we can share pictures, funny stories, and accomplishments. The downside is when my mom is so proud of the picture that she shares it and makes it public. That’s a Facebook security no-no for Momma. Fortunately, Facebook settings al-

low me to share pictures privately, banning my mom from sharing my kids’ photos. I have to update the setting on occasion.

One thing is for sure: Learning privacy settings and having conversations with my mom have prepared me for current Max and Lucy’s emergence onto the social media scene.

Teaching my mom about the social graces of family on Facebook is a good lesson for me as my own kids start surfing the social media wave. Oh God, I’m going to be my mom on Instagram with my kids. Maybe that’s a good thing. It’ll keep my kids in line. Or maybe I’ll treat my kids as I want to be treated, and it’ll keep me in line. Just please don’t tell my mom about Twitter.

Tips for Social Media Moms Feel free to crawl all over your kids’ accounts.

With young kids, that’s mandatory. I know my mom does this. And I’m okay with that.

Never share other peoples’ personal pictures, especially of kids.

Sharing is for promotion of something.

And for impersonal things, like those really funny e-cards.

Resist the urge to friend all of your kids’ friends.

This one is touchy. Use discretion.

Don’t start a conversation with other people in the comments. Message the person privately.

Know when to like something.

Versus when to share something and when to comment on something.

Do you really need to comment on your kids’ post?

Ask yourself this.

You don’t have to like everything.

I guess you can. But you don’t have to.

Would a private message be better than commenting?

Chances are, it is.

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 53

Talk to your kids.

Remember that your social media connection is not your main communication.

Do not ever use any form of social media to humiliate, embarrass, or upset your kid.

Or anyone.

If you have an issue, take it up privately.

The private message—know it, love it.

HerFamily • April 2014 53

2/21/14 3:10 PM

Calendar of Events FOR THE KIDS

FOR THE FAMILY

FOR MOM & DAD

EARTH DAY OMAHA

OMAHA STORM CHASERS

WAR HORSE

APRIL 19, ELMWOOD PARK

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, WERNER PARK - 12356 BALL-

APRIL 8-13, ORPHEUM THEATER - 409 S 16TH ST.

PARK WAY.

A heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship, and winner of five 2011 Tony Awards®, War Horse is the story of young Albert and his beloved horse, Joey. When Joey is sold to the British cavalry in World War I, he is caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. Astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company bring to life the breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride. Tickets from $35 to $80 402-345-0606 ticketomaha.com

The 24th Annual Earth Day Omaha, Nebraska’s largest ecologically focused event, returns to Elmwood Park. Every year nearly 10,000 people converge on Omaha’s Earth Day event to learn more about people, organizations and businesses that are making a positive impact on the environment. The free event features exhibit booths, children’s activities, and demonstrations by local green organizations, plus live music from top local bands and food from area vendors. All activities are designed to educate and inspire attendees to live green and healthy at home and at work. Elmwood Park Free 11am-6pm. earthdayomaha.com

The Triple-A champion Omaha Storm Chasers begin a defense of their title with 16 home games in April, six of them on kid-friendly non-school nights. Batter Up! LEO LIONNI’S FREDERICK THROUGH APRIL 13, THE ROSE THEATER - 2001

FARNAM ST. Frederick is not like the other field mice in his family. While they spend their summer preparing for the harsh winter ahead, Frederick seems to dream away his days. Will he be able to help his family survive the snowy season? In this gentle musical based on Leo Lionni’s award-winning book, a family discovers the unique value of each of its members. F/7pm, Sat/2pm & 5pm, Sun/2pm. $18 non-members, free for members. 402-345-0147 – rosetheater.org

READY DY FOR FO OR O R PROM? PR PRO P RO R OM? OM Look sharp, guys. Prom is coming & our tuxedos start at $59.99!

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 8014 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68114 402-391-3200 1520 JF Kennedy Drive Bellevue, NE 402-933-4900 144th & Center (Under Old Chicago) Omaha, NE 68114 402-330-6158 54 HerFamily • April 2014

HF0414.indd 54

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:10 PM

Get ready for a musical adventure that will take you over the plains, across the world, and into the far reaches of outer space.

Featuring stunning images and video.

Sunday, April 6 at 2 pm Â&#x192; Holland Center Instrument Petting Zoo & Lobby Activities begin at 1:15 pm Hal France, conductor

bestofomaha.com

HF0414.indd 55

HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014 55

2/21/14 3:10 PM

Omaha Magazine 5921 S. 118th Cir. Omaha, NE 68137

Sophisticated, Smart & Sassy?

We are now hiring

AN ASSOCIATE EDITOR & A SALES ASSOCIATE to join our team at HerFamily magazine.

PART TIME Work while your kids are at school 2-5 days per week Apply to: Editor@OmahaPublications.com

56 HerFamily â&#x20AC;˘ April 2014

HF0414.indd 56

omahamagazine.com

2/21/14 3:10 PM