August 2014 HerFamily

August 2014

Boys Town Mayor Sam Saintizaire

Spelling Champ Grace Johanningsmeier Nebraska Game & Parks Women’s Programs

The besT plaCe fOr kids.

Diego, age 8 Kearney, NE Critical Aortic Valve Stenosis

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.

inside

on the august 2014 features 8

The Big Leap

From Home School to High School 16 The Beauty of Words

Grace Johanningsmeier

spells her way to fame.

18 More than the ABCs

Is your child emotionally ready

for the classroom?

8

departments 6 health:

22

15

@omahamagazine @omahamagazine omahamagazine

Overloaded Backpacks 10 meet the family:

The Easterday’s 12 DIY:

Repurposed Luggage 14 activity:

Play Ball!

15 young hero:

Boys Town Mayor Sam Saintizaire 20 health:

Natural Bug Repellents 22 lifestyle:

Nebraska Game and Parks

Women’s Programs 24 food:

Chicken Wraps 26 mom on the rocks:

Sad or Glad?

27 fitness:

Split ‘n’ Reach 28 calendar of events 30 the grandpa chronicles:

The Wonder of Vintage Books

Michelle Wing and her children at Fun-Plex.

From left: Lucy, Claire, Olivia, James, and Michelle.

4 HerFamily • August 2014

Volume 2 • Issue 3 PUBLISHER Todd Lemke EXECUTIVE EDITOR David Williams MANAGING EDITOR Robert Nelson EDITORIAL INTERN Jillian Humphries CREATIVE DIRECTOR John Gawley DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & INTERACTIVE MEDIA Bill Sitzmann SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER & WEB CONTENT MANAGER Kristen Hoffman GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rachel Joy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bev Carlson • Anna Hensel • Jillian Humphries Leslie Murrell • Traci Osuna • John P. Sheehan, M.D. Kara Schweiss • Sarah Wengert CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Sarah Lemke 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 Jim Heitz WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Mike Brewer Printed by Omaha Print For a one-year subscription (12 issues), send $9.95 to P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208. www.omahamagazine.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

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

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Dr. John Sheehan

Boys Town Pediatric Orthopaedics Specialized Care for

Kids

From infants to adolescents, our pediatric orthopaedics and sports medicine physicians provide accurate diagnosis, treatment and care for childhood injuries and medical conditions.

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics 速

View all of our Pediatric Specialties and meet our doctors at

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health

sponsored content by John P. Sheehan, M.D., Pediatric Orthopaedist, Boys Town National Research Hospital

Overloaded Backpacks

Often Cause Aches and Pains

o

verloaded backpacks cause stress on the spine and shoulders, resulting in muscle fatigue and strain, claims the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). In fact, the excessive weight in backpacks may cause a child to develop poor posture or slouch excessively.

The AAOS recommends that the maximum weight of the child’s backpack should not exceed 15-20% of the child’s weight. A child who weighs 80 pounds should not carry more than 12-16 pounds in her backpack. This figure may vary depending on the child’s strength and fitness level.

TIPS TO PREVENT BACK PAINS AND INJURIES • Using a backpack with wide, padded straps and a padded back • Using a hip strap when backpacks are overloaded • Firmly tightening both straps in order to hold the backpack two inches above the waist • Placing heavier items close to your back • Using proper lifting techniques: bend at the knees and use the legs to lift the backpack, placing one shoulder strap on at a time • Making frequent stops at your locker to unload books • Using a backpack with wheels Watch for the following warning signs that a backpack is too heavy: change in posture when wearing the backpack, pain while wearing the backpack, struggling when putting on or taking off the backpack, red marks on the shoulders, tingling or numbness in arms or legs.

John P. Sheehan, M.D., Pediatric Orthopaedist, Boys Town National Research Hospital

6 HerFamily • August 2014

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HerFamily HerFamily • August • July 2014 7

school featureSarah Lemke Traci Osuna by

photography by

Lewis and Clark Middle School Counselor Mary Lincoln

8窶ォerFamily 窶｢ August 2014

omahamagazine.com

the big Leap

From Home School to High School

b

y the time most kids get to high school, they are familiar with how school works. They know how to maneuver through an eight-period day, how different teachers have different expectations, and how to get along with all kinds of people. But what happens when the child enters high school never having attended a traditional school? What if, for the previous eight years, your school was your home?

Kathy Bessmer has homeschooled 14 of her 16 children (that’s not a typo) through eighth grade. (Her youngest two are not yet school age). By the time her children are ready to enter high school, she argues, they each have had a well-rounded social experience. What can be tough, though, is making sure the academic transition goes as smoothly as possible.

“It was a little bit of an adjustment for their first semester of their freshman year,” says Bessmer. “They were very accustomed to my teaching and expectations, so they knew what to expect from me and what I expected of them. They kind of had to learn about what other teachers’ expectations were.”

Mary Lincoln, a school counselor with Lewis and Clark Middle School, explains that, like the Bessmers, children that have social connections outside the home will make the shift to public school smoother.

“For parents who homeschool—what I call the ‘right way’— meaning they have their kids involved in sports, music, something that get’s them out in a social situation—it’s a much easier transition because the kids have the social skills.”

Lincoln says parents don’t always consider the social aspect of homeschooling. But it is a big deal.

“If the kids aren’t socialized, they don’t know appropriate responses,” she explains. “They don’t know how to read body language and non-verbals.” Homeschooled children often may

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not have the same exposure to different cultures and lifestyles as children in the school system do. “They haven’t been around girls wearing hijabs or people who look different than they look,” says Lincoln. “So it’s different and they don’t know how to interact.”

Even the structure of a traditional school day can be strange and overwhelming. “I think some [people] are not familiar with how school works: being on an eight-period day; that each teacher may have a different approach to something or a different way to handle a situation. Or having pretty solid deadlines that maybe they’ve never had before.”

Knowing who to go to in the school to answer questions and help resolve issues is important for any child, Lincoln says.

Helping formerly homeschooled students learn their new role in the public school can be an adjustment. Also, Lincoln says it can be difficult for these new students to know when to seek help and from whom in certain social situations. “It’s important not to wait too long, until the situation gets out of hand.”

More and more parents are choosing to educate their children at home. There are still a wide variety of reasons for doing so.

Lincoln explains that some parents, knowing their own children best, can push their children a little harder than teachers in the public schools, allowing them to excel at a quicker rate. Others may choose to homeschool for religious reasons. Some parents want that familial closeness that homeschooling brings. Others may consider homeschooling a way to protect a sensitive or special needs child from being bullied or being lost in the crowd. Whatever the reasons, homeschooling is becoming more and more mainstream.

“There are a lot of good connections for homeschooling parents in Omaha and people are making these connections,” Lincoln says.

HerFamily • August 2014 9

meet the family

by Kara Schweiss photography by Sarah Lemke The Easterday children at home. Back row: Taran (13), Hunter (19), Colin (22), and Zoe (16). In front: Sophie (10) and Zelie (8).

Nature up close

w

Families help wild animals return home.

ith only a handful of part-time and seasonal employees, the very survival of Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. (NWRI)—and the thousands of creatures who receive rehabilitative care from the organization every year —depends on the contributions of nearly 70 volunteers.

“Not everyone comes to us with animal skills per se, but what we’re looking for are people who are dedicated,” says NWRI Executive Director Laura Stastny. “We need them, and more importantly, the animals need them in order to be returned to the wild. It’s not easy work, but it’s really, really rewarding.”

The Easterday family exemplifies the best in volunteerism, Stastny says. Anne Easterday and her 16-year-old daughter Zoë, who will soon be joined by 22-yearold son Colin, help out at the NWRI wildlife center in Louisville or in their home with tasks from cleaning and maintenance to caring for litters of baby opossums around

10 HerFamily • August 2014

the clock. And the relationship with NWRI has really become a family affair; three more Easterday siblings (there are seven total) are too young to officially sign on as volunteers, but they pitch in where they can by changing cage bedding or helping build enclosures.

“That family is fantastic,” Stastny says.

“There’s nothing that phases them and they show all of the qualities we look for.

They show true dedication and they’re willing to not only take the education they’re given, but to educate themselves and really work in the best interest of the animals. They’re amazing and we’re thrilled to have them.”

The Easterdays first connected with NWRI through a web search after finding a stranded wild water bird.

“I had found a pied-billed grebe that had gotten knocked down in a storm and was running down the street in my subdivision.

I didn’t know what it was at the time, just that it was a bird that was unable to fly.

So I picked it up and brought it home and tried to find somebody to take it,” Easterday recalls. “It was actually fine.

I didn’t know that a pied-billed grebe has to have water in order to take off.”

Later that summer, the family turned to NWRI again after finding a fledgling grackle with an injured wing. “We called again and turned it over so somebody could take care of it, and my kids and I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool if we actually knew what to do to help these things?’”

Easterday says. It was Zoë who first suggested that the family volunteer with the organization.

“I just really love animals, especially wild ones, and the idea of taking care of them and helping them was amazing to me,” Zoë says. Although NWRI volunteers can help with tasks like answering phones and assisting with fundraising efforts, she and her mother signed up together for the basic wildlife training program to become qualified to work directly with animals. “I omahamagazine.com

Anne Easterday

didn’t actually really know what to expect,” she says. “It can be a lot of work, but I think it’s worth it.”

Unfortunately, not all injured and orphaned animals survive to be released, and that’s just one of the life lessons the Easterday family has learned in their time with NWRI, says Anne.

“It really brings home the impact that human beings have on the lives of creatures that naturally live around us,” she says. “The kids have really learned and understand that these aren’t pets; they’re wild animals and there’s a difference.”

“The mission of Nebraska Wildlife Rehab is two-fold,” Stastny says. “The first is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release into the wild native wildlife and migratory birds. The second part of our mission is a very strong educational mission. The majority of the wildlife that we get comes to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab due to interference by human beings, often unnecessary interference. It’s only by education bestofomaha.com

that we are going to teach people to live in harmony with wildlife.”

“Wild animals are not suitable for adoption,” Stastny says, “which is why the group focuses on returning animals to their natural habitats and doesn’t keep animals in captivity for educational purposes.

“There are so many reasons for this, but if nothing else, it boils down to the fact that it’s illegal for someone without a permit to have possession of a wild animal. So let’s start there,” she explains. “And while wild animals may be cute when they are really young, they mature and start thinking of things mature animals think about, and they can become really aggressive.”

Eastern cottontail rabbits are the species seen most frequently at NWRI, followed by songbirds and bats. Other creatures indigenous to Nebraska and seen at NWRI include opossums, raccoons, squirrels, woodchucks, red foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and badgers.

Certain species or creatures from other

parts of the country (usually transported unintentionally) may be referred to more appropriate organizations such as the Nebraska Humane Society, the Nebraska Herpetological Society or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These and other animal organizations also bring referrals to NWRI. Zoë Easterday says that her favorite NWRI experience so far has been helping usher Canada goslings to one of their first swimming expeditions. Anne says her most meaningful assignment was assisting with a great blue heron receiving medical treatment after an encounter with fishing line.

“I got to hold this great blue heron in my lap and grasp its beak,” she says.

“For me, it was really special. I’ve always loved animals since I was a child. I feel incredibly blessed to have such close contact with things you usually only see from a distance.”

HerFamily • August 2014 11

diy

by HerFamily staff photography by Sarah Lemke

Just Do It!

Accent Furniture from Repurposed Luggage

12窶ォerFamily 窶｢ August 2014

omahamagazine.com

l

ooking for the perfect storage/ organizer accent piece? Pottery Barn has nothing on this super easy DIY project, one that cost about $30 and took well under an hour to construct.

We found this faux reptile skin valise at an antique store and paired it with books, a houseplant, and '50s-era Royal Copley pottery. With a little imagination in design and execution, this piece could also be adapted to almost any de-clutter decor challenge—think jewelry organizer, sewing and craft supplies storage, even a mini Zen garden.

Big box home stores have a nice selection of legs for projects like this one, but we went with wooden balls sourced from a hobby store. Just be sure to use the ones that have a flat surface shaved off of one end of the orb. You’ll also notice that there is already a pre-drilled hole in the wooden ball that will come in handy later on.

Interested in a more contemporary vibe?

Mirror the same design with a '60s-era, brightly hued cosmetic case in Barbie pink, powder blue, or avocado green.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Luggage of your choice • Stain or paint (we used stain) for the legs in a color that will compliment the luggage • Four wooden balls from a hobby store • Four wood screws slightly larger than the pre-drilled holes of the legs • Measuring tape • Epoxy-style adhesive

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HOW IT WORKS: • Measure and mark the positions of the legs.

• Drill a pilot hole through the bottom of the luggage at the center of each leg.

• Stain or paint the legs the color of your choice.

• Apply the adhesive to the flat surface of the wooden balls just before screwing them into place from inside the luggage piece.

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activity

by Anna Hensel

Play Ball!

Building Strong Bodies and Stronger Minds

t

he initial excitement of having a son or daughter play on their first sports team can sometimes be counterbalanced by concerns that a child may not be fully prepared to enjoy the experience.

Dan Chipps, Creighton University Women’s Head Rowing Coach and assistant coach of his son’s Little League team, has advice on how parents can help their kids have fun, beginning with good sportsmanship. Chipps has found over more than 13 years of experience that he wants to teach both his collegiate and youth athletes similar life skills.

Knowing that his athletes have had a good experience is a top aim, says Chipps, but so is the idea that his players have learned important lessons in how to “communicate and interact with their peers in a way that they probably wouldn’t have gotten in a nonsports activity.”

Here are some tips Chipps has for parents, especially those with kids just starting their rookie seasons in youth sports:

TALK TO THE COACH EARLY ON ABOUT EXPECTATIONS. Chipps and his fellow Little League coaching staff try to set boundaries early with parents about what behavior they deem acceptable and unacceptable at games.

Before your child’s first game, talk to coaches about what they expect from parents and players before, during, and after the game.

DON’T BE HARDER ON YOUR CHILD THAN ANYONE ELSE. Chipps gives this particular piece of advice to parents who are coaching their own child, but it also applies in the bleachers. “As coaches, we obviously want our kids to be the best,” he says, “but we’ve still got to remember that they’re just kids.”

ACT AS A ROLE MODEL. While Chipps’ goal is to teach his players how to interact with others, he believes parents should emulate these skills. Handle disagreements at the appropriate time— don’t start arguments in the middle of a game. “We’ve had teams we play against,” he says, “where they are literally calling balls or strikes, or getting on 14-year-old kids (serving as umpires) about a call.

What are we teaching our athletes?”

PARENTS SHOULD HAVE FUN, TOO. “If you have fun, your kid will have fun,” says Chipps. “If you’re stressed out, freaking out about it [the game], your kid’s going to freak out about it, and they’re not going to enjoy the experience.”

14 HerFamily • August 2014

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young heroes

story and photography by Jillian Humphries

Sam Saintizaire

They Call Him Mr. Mayor

c

overing the wall next to 17-year-old Sam Saintizaire’s bed is a collection of over 100 photos of friends and family smiling out from their 5x7 frames. For Saintizaire, putting a smile on people’s faces day in and day out is a personal goal.

“I like taking care of people,” he says. “I want them to know that they have my back and I have theirs.”

Now after being elected the 114th Mayor of Boys Town, Saintizaire has a lot more backs to watch. He serves as the voice of each and every student across the campus. As a part of his duties, Saintizaire attends village board meetings with administrators.

Interacting with adults in such a business-like setting may be intimidating to some young people, but not Saintizaire. Just one way he has honed his people skills is by welcoming and assisting guests in the Boys Town visitor’s center.

When he isn’t giving tours or attending to schoolwork, Saintizaire has a dizzying schedule that revolves around his year-round commitment to sports—basketball, football, track, and baseball.

He also serves on the student council and hopes to make the National Honor Society next school year. Saintizaire has been the recipient of Boys Town’s Competing with Character award, an honor that recognizes a student exemplifying high character while participating in sporting events.

Originally from Florida, the warm weather native had to get accustomed not only to brutal Nebraska winters, but also to a community with high standards and higher expectations, ones that were going to push him to fulfill his most ambitious goals.

“I was getting into trouble,” Saintizaire says in a solemn tone.

“Not going to school. Disrespecting my parents.”

He cites his dad as one of his biggest role models, and he is working to make his family back in Florida proud. They moved to the United States from Haiti when he was five, and his dad sacrificed his education and worked multiple jobs to get them here.

Now after being in Omaha for three years, Saintizaire is setting an example for his three younger siblings back home, and has big hopes for the future.

One of his constituencies is the group of students attending the campus middle school. Mayor Saintizaire has launched an initiative to push the idea that middle school sports teams be allowed to play at least one game a year on the high school field. Besides delivering a sense of “the big time” to his younger peers, the move is aimed at bringing the campus together on every level.

The plan is a reflection of the career goals for the senior-to-be.

After graduating next May, Saintizaire wants to pursue college football and a career in athletic training.

“I want to work with kids,” he adds, “I want to make sure they always stay safe.” bestofomaha.com

HerFamily • August 2014 15

feature David Williams by

photography by Sarah Lemke

The Beauty of W Grace Johanningsmeier spells her way to fame.

w

hen interviewing a spelling whiz like Grace Johanningsmeier, it’s almost impossible to avoid lapsing into the role of a spelling bee participant.

The road to Washington D.C. and the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the 14-year-old who recently completed the 8th grade at Westside Middle School was paved with words like ‘rongeur’ (a poet), ‘calumny’ (slander) and ‘erinaceous.’

Erinaceous? Hold on a moment, Grace, you’ll have to help me out here. Can you give me a definition? “Something along the lines of being like a hedgehog—of having the qualities of a hedgehog,” Johanningsmeier replies. Origin? “Latin.” Can you use it in a sentence for me?

“That boy in my math class,” she explains, “was described by a girl as being like a hedgehog. I was able to add, ‘Hey, there’s a word for that! Erinaceous!’ That’s one of the cool things about words. The oddest ones can pop up when you least expect them!”

Johanningsmeier comes from a long line of Westside Middle School students who have advanced to the grandest of stages when it comes s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g (French, but with roots in Old English and German…to name, write, or otherwise give the letters, in order, of a word… two can play at this game, Grace, even if only at the novice level).

And Johanningsmeier’s word-craft lineage may also be traced in bloodlines. Her older sister, Emma, a freshman-to-be at Stanford, spelled her way to the nation’s capital in 2010.

The young women are the daughters of Chuck and Gina Johanningsmeier. He’s a (surprise!)

English professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Gina is an International Student Advisor at the same institution.

Grace, who also speaks German and is learning Spanish, doesn’t just study words, she feels them.

“Words have the power to describe the human experience,” she says. “When you find the perfect word for something, there’s that ‘Oh!’ experience that makes you feel so good.”

And Johanningsmeier’s favorite word? Her favorite “Oh!” experience?

“Velleity,” she replies without hesitation. “It describes a wish that isn’t strong enough to act upon. It’s just the perfect word. Beautiful, right?”

Johanningsmeier will begin her freshman year at Westside High School in August.

It is there that she will audition for the school musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Talk about typecasting!

16 HerFamily • August 2014

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Words

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HerFamily • August 2014 17

feature

sponsored content by Bev Carlson, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska

More than the ABCs

In other words, if by the age of five, a child has not learned to sit quietly without running all over a room, or know how to handle another child hurting their feelings without completely melting down and losing control—he or she will struggle. To absorb spelling and math lessons, he needs to be able to calmly move from one task to another or even from naptime to lunchtime without stress.

Behavior problems in young children can be addressed, and it’s crucial that parents act as soon as possible. In fact, the younger the child, the more easily and quickly the issues can be corrected.

Experts have found that, depending on the child’s history, something as simple as changing a bedtime routine or redirecting playtime activities can provide insight and solutions to a child’s behavioral

Is your child emotionally ready for the classroom?

l

ittle 5-year-old Emma already knows her ABCs. Well, most of them. And she can count to five.

Sometimes all the way to seven.

But is she really ready for kindergarten?

Academic ability is only one indicator of whether a child is ready to make the transition from preschool into a kindergarten classroom.

“Research shows that academic learning does not happen in the absence of social and emotional development,” says Megan Jones, Mental Health Therapist. “A child’s brain simply doesn’t take in information without the ability to cope with the environment and handle the stressors that are involved in everyday life.”

18 HerFamily • August 2014

needs. Children who have witnessed or experienced trauma, however, may require more extensive therapy.

Fortunately, our little Emma has developed the social and emotional tools she will need—friendship skills, coping skills, problem solving, and how to recognize and label emotions: “I’m angry.”

“I’m sad today.” “I’m having a happy day.”

These powerful tools will allow her to face her kindergarten classroom calmly, with confidence, and destined for success.

If you think your child may need early childhood behavioral therapy, please contact Lutheran Family Services (LFS) at 402-661-7100. If childhood sexual abuse is of concern, LFS also shares building space and is a partner agency with Project Harmony. This allows the best integration of services for area children.

omahamagazine.com

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HerFamily • August 2014 19

health

by Robert Nelson

Don’t Try This At Home

Some natural bug repellents work. And then there are others.

“b

etter living through chemicals.” It was arguably the motto of a generation at the time DEET was first introduced to Americans in 1957.

However, humans had figured out how to keep mosquitos and other pests at bay long before the 1950s.

As some people have become nervous about putting toxins on their skin, many of those natural bug deterrents have regained favor.

Some, as you can imagine, work better as repellents than others. In a recent test I now regret, I slathered various oils on various parts of my body, walked into a wooded bluff line along the Platte River, sat down on a stump, and waited to see how many of the mosquitos in the vicinity wanted me for lunch.

20 HerFamily • August 2014

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Molly Maid clean is now green!

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

5 Reasons why it makes sense.

CEDARWOOD OIL My left forearm was visited by perhaps 50 percent of the mosquitos that visited my untreated hands, which later itched badly. Conclusion: Moderately Useful.

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

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

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ROSEMARY OIL My favorite-smelling deterrent of the group. However, it was as if my right shoulder had nothing attempting to protect it.

Not recommended.

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I’m doing my part to help the environment.

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

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

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

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Save it for your cats. Not recommended.

LEMON EUCALYPTUS Remember that different repellents have varying results depending on the person. For me, lemon eucalyptus seemed to be the clear winner. My right leg was obviously not attractive to the visiting mosquitos. Recommended.

CITRONELLA Citronella has long been a favorite repellent, especially in candle form. Citronella was fairly effective in protecting my left leg.

Also recommended.

You’ll be impressed.

PEPPERMINT OIL. Nope.

SAGE Double nope.

Okay, so there’s a reason DEET was created. However, there is some truth to claims that natural solutions can be effective.

The most important point here: Don’t try this experiment yourself. It’s not worth the itching, and it’s just plain boneheaded (if I may say so myself) to tempt Lyme disease.

12660 Q Street • 402-896-3300 MillardFamilyEyecare.com bestofomaha.com

HerFamily • August 2014 21

lifestyle

by Sarah Wengert photography by Sarah Lemke

The Great Outdoors Nebraska Game and Parks emphasizes outdoors programs for women and families.

Nebraska Game and Parks’ Christy Christiansen

a

At Christy Christiansen’s dream job as Outdoor Education Specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, her “office” is as boundless as the prairie, lakes are more common than water coolers, and the open sky is the only ceiling in sight.

While many folks get in a day-to-day rut at work, Christiansen says, “there is no typical day” in her position organizing and leading outdoor education programs and activities, many of which are especially tailored for families.

Masterful with a bow, gun, and paddle herself, Christiansen’s passion is exposing folks to Nebraska’s outdoor beauty and many fun activities. She’s especially focused on expanding efforts to attract more women, children, and families to learn and practice outdoors, with programs in shooting, bow hunting, archery, fishing, boat education, and aquatics. Kids also study the natural world itself—animals, habitat, and tracking.

Christiansen knows that moms often make the primary decisions regarding how families spend their time.

“Usually, if mom keys in on an activity, and mom does something, the family is doing it too,” she says, emphasizing the significance of

22 HerFamily • August 2014

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NGPC catering outdoor education specifically to women.

She highlights the importance of getting kids to connect with nature and reap the benefits of uncovering previously untapped talents.

“I always say kids have developed NDD—Nature Deficit Disorder,” Christiansen says. “They need to get off the computer, off the couch, and out in nature.”

Christiansen stresses “outdoors skills are life skills,” which everyone benefits from in many ways. Besides equipping themselves with such an important bundle of abilities, she says, families also benefit from being able to do activities cooperatively.

“You can go out and watch a child’s soccer game or watch their basketball game, but to be out there with your son or daughter, hunting in a tree stand or hiking, it’s a whole other, higher level of engagement and togetherness,” she says.

Although she didn’t start hunting until she was 19, Christiansen’s father worked a second job as a taxidermist out of their home, so she was familiar with the art.

“We always camped and fished as a family, and I was always outdoors,” Christiansen says. “I learned to shoot a bow when

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I was very young and taught archery as a Girl Scout camp counselor in the summer.”

She says practicing and mastering outdoor activities is really empowering.

“There’s just something about outdoor skills that you won’t get from other sports,” says Christiansen. “You don’t have to be an athlete to be successful. Many people are surprised at how well they can shoot; that gives them an immediate boost of confidence.

I swore I wasn’t really good at anything until I discovered hunting and shooting, and, of course, becoming an outdoor educator.”

Christiansen sees people all the time who arrive a novice and end up getting really committed and skilled.

“Bring a friend and just give it try,” Christiansen advises those who might be on the fence. “If nothing else, you’ve had an experience, and you may even uncover a real talent and love for a new activity.”

Visit outdoornebraska.ne.gov/education to learn more about Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s outdoor education workshops, programs, and events.

HerFamily • August 2014 23

food

sponsored content by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

ingredients • 1 cup cooked whole wheat couscous • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp

• 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives, optional • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon 3 Tbsp lemon juice 1/8 tsp salt 1 lb cooked chicken breast, cubed 1/2 cup canned chickpeas,

• 1/4 cup sliced scallions • 1/4 cup sliced seedless red grapes • Black pepper to taste • 4 whole wheat tortillas (8inch diameter) • 2 cups shredded arugula

•

• • •

•

rinsed and drained

preparation 1. In a small bowl, combine cooked couscous with garlic, oil, parsley, tarragon, two tablespoons of the lemon juice and salt.

2. In another bowl, toss chicken, remaining tablespoon of the lemon juice, chickpeas, olives (if using), walnuts, scallions and grapes.

Season with black pepper to taste.

3. Spread equal portions of couscous mixture on the bottom half of each tortilla, leaving room around the edges. Top with the chicken mixture and arugula. Fold the side and bottom edges of each tortilla toward the middle over the filling, and then roll to close the wrap.

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 1 wrap Calories: 453, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 580mg, Carbohydrates: 43g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 34g

24 HerFamily • August 2014

Chicken Wraps

h

ere’s a great grab-and-go lunch that’s healthy and delicious!

Couscous, chickpeas, and olives give this chicken wrap a flavorful boost packed with protein to give your kids more sustaining energy to get through a busy afternoon!

The Healthy Kohl’s Kids program is a partnership between Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Kohl’s Department Stores to educate children and parenting about healthy nutrition and fitness. Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKids.com.

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mom on the rocks

by Leslie Murrell

We appreciate your vote for best Italian at BestofOmaha.com.

Sad or Glad?

The kids are off to school.

b

ack in May when I picked up Max and Lucy from school on the last day, we watched a limo and two Ollie The Trolleys roll by, oozing with glee. They were filled with kids celebrating the end of school. I quickly distracted the kids by asking them if they just got a text.

Because our celebration was a limo in the form of a five-seater Mazda, ice cream at the house, and new Nerf guns.

This summer, our kids have done the following: Three day camps, six track meets, two road trips, Tuesday movies, several video games mastered, the summer reading program, 207 or more complaints of “There’s nothing to eeeeeat.” I’ve heard “There’s nothing to do” 4,599 times.

Okay. I admit it. It gets a little old.

And now, we’ve made it through the majority of the summer. I will try to withhold my glee as I soon drive the kids to school, slow down to a respectable idling pace, and push the kids out of the car.

26 HerFamily • August 2014

But, hold on. Slow down. I need to remember my summers with my kids are numbered.

The truth is, I will miss my kids. We do have great times together. We do make great memories. I know they enjoy the time—at least a good deal of the time.

It’s that balance we hope to create in our kids’ life. With every new school year, we hope they make good friends and make good choices when faced with dilemmas.

I hope they learn easily, and I hope they come to us for help.

But, honestly, just as excited as they are about reuniting with their friends, I am excited to reunite with my mom gang.

It’s time for the kids to go learn and the parents to hop on the Ollie the Trolley for our party.

So I jump in and high-five my mom pals.

We did it (again)!

Read more of Murrell’s work at momontherocks.com.

omahamagazine.com

fitness

by HerFamily staff photography by Bill Sitzmann

Split ‘n’ Reach

t

ake your every day crunch to the next level by adding a leg lift and, if you’d like, incorporating dumbbells. This exercise will tone your abs while also working your shoulders, chest, and legs.

W H AT D I D

YOUR CHILD LEARN TODAY?

Exercise 1. Lie face up with legs and arms extended straight up.

2. If you’re ready for a little extra weight, hold a dumbbell in each hand.

3. Now crunch up as you split your legs apart and reach between legs.

4. Return to the start and repeat, doing three sets of 12 reps.

bestofomaha.com

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

LEARNING! HerFamily • August 2014 27

Calendar of Events Dinos: The Big Dig

The Color Foak 5K

Jazz on the Green

FOR THE KIDS

FOR THE FAMILY

FOR MOM & DAD

ROCKBROOK VILLAGE FRIDAY CONCERTS

SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JAZZ ON THE GREEN

THROUGH AUGUST 29, ROCKBROOK VILLAGE

THROUGH AUGUST 22, SHADOW LAKE TOWNE CENTER

33 FARNAM-DODGE STS. Anchored by the green

SHOPPING CENTER – 108TH AND W. CENTER RD. Local

– 7775 OLSON DR PAPILLION. Live bands include

space of Turner Park, Midtown Crossing is

musicians entertain families every Friday night

a mix of jazz, blues, classic rock, country,

situated in the heart of historic midtown Omaha.

throughout the summer. Bring Granny, a date,

and funk. Various merchant prizes, free face

A blend of shopping, entertainment, and

or the kids and a lawn chair for a delightful

painting, balloon art, and other giveaways for

services, the 225,000-square-feet development

evening. Dine and shop in Rockbrook Village

kids. Outdoor seating is available. 6:30-8:30

features Omaha favorites. Thu/5 pm opens,

before the concert. 10 am- 5pm. Free.

pm. Free. 402-537-0046.

7:30 pm show begins. Free.

402-390-0890

– SHADOWLAKESHOPPING.COM

- JAZZONTHEGREENOMAHA.COM

FAMILY FUN CARNIVAL

THROUGH AUGUST 15, MIDTOWN CROSSING – 31 &

– ROCKBROOKVILLAGE.COM

WORLDFEST

AUGUST 2, STRATEGIC AIR & SPACE MUSEUM – WEST

8TH ANNUAL NEBRASKA BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 2, OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM –

PARK HIGHWAY, ASHLAND. Join the museum for

AUGUST 8 AND 9, COVENTRY CAMPUS, JUST SOUTH

500 S. 20 ST. Join our six sister cities to learn

special amusements and attractions, including:

OF 204TH AND Q STS. Come out for an evening

about different cultures and traditions found

Shuttle Bounce House & Super Slide, Face

featuring unique entertainment, live music,

around the world. Cities include Braunschwig,

Painting, Space Walk & Parachute game, Ring

hot air balloons and check out some of the

Germany, Naas, Ireland, Yantai, China, Xalapa,

Toss, Duck Pond, Lollipop Games, Juggling,

area’s best wines. Tickets that include tastings:

Mexico, Siauliai, Lithuania, and Shizouka, Japan.

Balloon Animals, and so much more. $6-$12;

$12 advance or $15 at the festival. General

$9, kids & adults; $8, seniors; Free, members &

free for members. 11 am – 2 pm. 800-358-5029.

admission: $7. Kids 12 and under: $5. Kids 5 and

children under 2 years. 10 am. 402-342-6164

– SASMUSEUM.COM

under: Free.

– OCM.ORG

- SHOWOFFICEONLINE.COM

COLOR FOAM 5K NEBRASKA STATE FAIR

AUGUST 16, CENTURYLINK CENTER OMAHA

AUGUST 22 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, FONNER PARK

– 455 N. 10TH ST. Color Foam 5k was created to

MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL

– 700 E. STOLLEY PARK RD GRAND ISLAND. The

promote health and wellness and bring the

AUGUST 16, STINSON PARK – 67TH ST AND W.

Nebraska State Fair is an annual, 11-day event.

community together to support local charities.

CENTER RD. Omaha’s homegrown Indie Rock

The fair is held at Fonner Park in Grand Island,

Color Foam 5k is about people being healthy

music festival. Maha is a nonprofit music

following a recent move from its previous host

and having fun while doing it. They are not

festival organized and run by volunteers, and

city of 109 years, Lincoln. Prices vary, free-$55.

about catering to the extreme athlete, but more

brought to you through the support of many

308-382-1620

about giving you a glorious foamy experience

wonderful sponsors. They created Maha for

– STATEFAIR.ORG

like never before. Color Foam 5k is a 5k, un-

community building, not for profit. The idea of

timed race in which thousands of participants

a homegrown music festival had been around

run through different colored foam and get

for years, but finally found the right group of

blasted with colored water. The foam and

volunteers in 2009. If you share their passion,

color are eco-friendly and safe.

they invite you to attend, become a volunteer

– COLORFOAM5K.COM

and/or share your ideas for making Maha bigger and better. Noon-Midnight.

– MAHAMUSICFESTIVAL.COM

28 HerFamily • August 2014

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HerFamily • August 2014 29

the grandpa chronicles

by David Williams photography by Sarah Lemke

(Andre Norton, 1952), a post-apocalyptic adventure where the mutant-battling protagonist stumbles upon the ruins of a place that was apparently once called “New York City.”

The Snow Treasure is still in print and could be acquired with a few clicks of a mouse. But I don’t want just any copy of this classic. I want to read from the exact same edition with the exact same

Of Sophocles, Mutants, and Warhol The Wonder of Vintage Books

30 HerFamily • August 2014

m

y wife, Julie, and I have amassed a library of perhaps 75 children’s books for story time with our grandkids, Easton (4) and Barrett (3). I’m also augmenting the collection with titles that were my faves as a kid.

Hold on a sec. To describe them as mere “titles” doesn’t paint the whole picture.

I’m now on a kick of haunting antique stores and used book shops in search of early ‘60s editions of works like The Snow Treasure (Marie McSwigan, 1942), a tale of heroism that finds Norwegian schoolchildren devising an ingenious scheme to keep a hidden stash of gold out of Nazi hands, and Daybreak: 2250 A.D.

cover art that I so cherished as a young boy. It is difficult to put into words, but I think there is something magical— almost transcendent—about the reading experience when connecting to the past through vintage books.

A love of old books, avid readers already understand, can sometimes lead to the most unexpected of discoveries. Did you know, for example, that Andy Warhol began his career as an illustrator? He gained fame in the ‘50s for his ink drawings used in, of all things, shoe advertisements.

And before executing his first soup can, the artist augmented his income by illustrating children’s books. He was also known for his cats. Lots and lots of cats, just like the ones from Warhol’s work shown on this page from “Sophocles and the Hyena” (Best in Children’s Books No. 33, 1960).

The grandkids don’t care about the provenance of the books we select, but their grandpa is treating the collection process as something akin to a sacred quest, a decidedly idiosyncratic one that speaks to the power of memory and the magic found in dusty, musty volumes of the printed word.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” begins an old adage. “The man who never reads lives only one.”

I want my grandsons to live those thousand lives. Now with the addition of Andy Warhol, let’s make that 1,001. omahamagazine.com

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HerFamily • August 2014 31

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