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February 2015
THE402Rocking it
for Parentsamp Children
HONESTABETURNS 205
In Memory of Sean
Jenny Sexton Volunteers to
Pay Tribute
MEET THE ORANDSKids at Heart
Visit ChildrensOmahaorg for more information on how we can help your child For a pediatrician family physician or pediatric specialist call 18008333100
Ella age 6Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS
HERFamilyAdFNLDec2014indd 1 112514 221 PM
On the CoverMiles Tapp 2
features6 Toddler Tchaikovskys Baby Maestro is music to the youngest of ears12 The 402 Rocking it for Parents and Children20 Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaha
departments5 health Cutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards8 meet the family Kids at Heart at the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum10 lifestyle The Death of Cursive14 diy V-Day Photobooth16 young hero In Memory of Sean18 activity Breaking the Ice22 mind amp body ldquoIn life above all be kindrdquo 24 food Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes26 mom on the rocks Valentinersquos Day is for the dogs27 fitness Bridge Pose28 calendar of events30 the grandpa chronicles The Role of Ritual
4emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Volume 2 bull Issue 9PUBLISHER
Todd Lemke
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
David Williams
MANAGING EDITOR
Robert Nelson
EDITORIAL INTERN
Claire Martin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
John Gawley
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY amp INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Bill Sitzmann
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER amp WEB CONTENT MANAGER
Kristen Hoffman
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rachel Joy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bev Carlson bull Anna Hensel bull Allison Janda Lisa Lukecart bull Claire Martin bull Leslie Murrell
Kara Schweiss bull Kara Wesely
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Lukecart
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Gwen Lemke bull Greg Bruns bull Gil Cohen Kyle Fischer Angie bull Hall bull George Idelman
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Sandy Besch Matson
ACCOUNT ASSISTANTS
Alicia Smith Hollins bull Jessica Linhart Dawn Dennis bull 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 $995 to
PO Box 461208 Papillion NE 68046-1208
wwwomahamagazinecom
Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publi-cations Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned
The information contained within HerFamily is for infor-mational 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 re-produced in whole or in part without written permission
of Omaha Publications 4028842000
Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine LTD
february 2015on the inside
omahamagazine
omahamagazine
omahamagazine
20
12
h
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp5
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannhealth
olly Martens struggle may sound all too common After the birth of her children she experienced a variety
of symptoms She had low energy she experienced moodiness and mood swings felt generally crabby and could not lose weight around her mid-section Martens knew her struggle was not unique but also knew she had to do something about it
ldquoWith both pregnancies I gained so much weight and really had trouble with my mid-section I finally figured out what to do about it and was so happy I made the decision to be healthier overallrdquo Martens says
Martens with the help of Vice Cross Fit gym went on what she calls a sugar detox Once she was educated about sugar and added sugars she was shocked at how much of it she had been consuming
ldquoThey really taught me how much sugar I was eating and what all that sugar was doing to be body The sugar in our diet really has a bad affect on our bodiesrdquo
Martens was in for even more of a shock After 21 days she was amazed at how different she felt ldquoI felt awesome I was not so tired I didnrsquot get headaches anymore My skin cleared up and my stomach was much flatterrdquo
What was even more refreshing was that Martens never felt deprived She says she truly felt she could maintain healthy or ldquocleanrdquo eating
ldquoI ate so much food especially meat I never did feel deprived The cravings were not thererdquo Martens says
It was that lack of deprivation that Martens felt was the key to her success After the 21 day sugar detox Martens continued to maintain sugar-free eating during the week and would indulge a little on weekends
Shannon Muhs a dietician with Hy-Vee was able to shed some light on how our bodies react when we have too much sugar in our diet
ldquoWhen we eat more sugar our bodies experience a brief high followed by a sort of crash which is why we feel more sluggish Our bodies will also produce excess insulin which will cause the body to want to eat more and eventually our bodies run out of places to store that excess sugar and it starts to store itself as fatrdquo Muhs says
As Martens experienced once sugar is eliminated it doesnrsquot take long for our bodies to recover ldquoWithin a couple of days you should have more sustained energy and a more balanced energy load You should not experience as many highs and lows and should be craving less sweetsrdquo she says
Martens plans on maintaining her healthier lifestyle and even convinced her husband to join her on her journey who after limiting sugar lost close to 40 pounds
ldquoWe both feel so much better Itrsquos really amazing I was never really big on diets but this is something I donrsquot feel is necessarily a diet Itrsquos a lifestyle and I am very passionate about itrdquoemsp
Sugar LowCutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards
f or some local Omaha business owners work doesnrsquot necessarily mean no play
Take entrepreneur Deborah Shimokawa for examplemdashcreator and owner of the studio Baby Maestro and single mom extraordinaire ldquoI love to sing and I love childrenrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoThose are my two passions I thought lsquoIf I can do something with both of those Irsquoll be a very happy personrsquordquo
Baby Maestro created in 2004 is an early childhood music education program that offers various music dance and instrumental classes for parents to bond with their babies and young children The concept isnrsquot exclusive to Omaha though Shimokawa actually picked up the idea after falling in love with a similar studio in Atlanta after the birth of her first child Quinn
ldquoIt was a two-fold benefitrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI could socialize with other moms about being new parents and it was also a great bonding activity for Quinn and me When I moved back to Omaha I kind of looked around for a similar music program but never found one that had that same happy feeling so I said lsquoWell Irsquoll start itrsquordquo
In addition to running her own business Shimokawa a single mom also juggles raising three kids aged 6 to 11 and navigating their endless
Toddler TchaikovskysBABY MAESTRO is Music to the Youngest of Ears
repertoire of activities which include but arenrsquot limited to soccer baseball basketball flag football and taekwondo lessons
However Baby Maestro has never been a burden that interferes with parent life according to Shimokawa
ldquoThe beauty of it is that I can still take my kids to school every day and help them with their homework or take them to their activitiesrdquo she says ldquoI get to go out and work with passion and then come home and be with my kids and raise them Itrsquos the best of both worldsrdquo
Shimokawa adds that Baby Maestro is the perfect blend of work and play where she can witness the relationships between parent and child that strengthen each day Her highest reward is hearing the impact that her music classes have on her pint-sized studentsrsquo lives whether that be babies bouncing to familiar tunes in the car or toddlers conducting their own dance classes for their parents
ldquoThere are so many rewarding parts of my jobrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI signed a lease when my youngest was two weeks old and I havenrsquot looked back It was the best decision I couldrsquove possibly maderdquoemsp
6emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
story by Claire Martin photography by Dede Zimmermanfeature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp7
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Visit ChildrensOmahaorg for more information on how we can help your child For a pediatrician family physician or pediatric specialist call 18008333100
Ella age 6Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS
HERFamilyAdFNLDec2014indd 1 112514 221 PM
On the CoverMiles Tapp 2
features6 Toddler Tchaikovskys Baby Maestro is music to the youngest of ears12 The 402 Rocking it for Parents and Children20 Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaha
departments5 health Cutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards8 meet the family Kids at Heart at the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum10 lifestyle The Death of Cursive14 diy V-Day Photobooth16 young hero In Memory of Sean18 activity Breaking the Ice22 mind amp body ldquoIn life above all be kindrdquo 24 food Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes26 mom on the rocks Valentinersquos Day is for the dogs27 fitness Bridge Pose28 calendar of events30 the grandpa chronicles The Role of Ritual
4emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Volume 2 bull Issue 9PUBLISHER
Todd Lemke
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
David Williams
MANAGING EDITOR
Robert Nelson
EDITORIAL INTERN
Claire Martin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
John Gawley
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY amp INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Bill Sitzmann
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER amp WEB CONTENT MANAGER
Kristen Hoffman
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rachel Joy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bev Carlson bull Anna Hensel bull Allison Janda Lisa Lukecart bull Claire Martin bull Leslie Murrell
Kara Schweiss bull Kara Wesely
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Lukecart
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Gwen Lemke bull Greg Bruns bull Gil Cohen Kyle Fischer Angie bull Hall bull George Idelman
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Sandy Besch Matson
ACCOUNT ASSISTANTS
Alicia Smith Hollins bull Jessica Linhart Dawn Dennis bull 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 $995 to
PO Box 461208 Papillion NE 68046-1208
wwwomahamagazinecom
Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publi-cations Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned
The information contained within HerFamily is for infor-mational 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 re-produced in whole or in part without written permission
of Omaha Publications 4028842000
Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine LTD
february 2015on the inside
omahamagazine
omahamagazine
omahamagazine
20
12
h
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp5
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannhealth
olly Martens struggle may sound all too common After the birth of her children she experienced a variety
of symptoms She had low energy she experienced moodiness and mood swings felt generally crabby and could not lose weight around her mid-section Martens knew her struggle was not unique but also knew she had to do something about it
ldquoWith both pregnancies I gained so much weight and really had trouble with my mid-section I finally figured out what to do about it and was so happy I made the decision to be healthier overallrdquo Martens says
Martens with the help of Vice Cross Fit gym went on what she calls a sugar detox Once she was educated about sugar and added sugars she was shocked at how much of it she had been consuming
ldquoThey really taught me how much sugar I was eating and what all that sugar was doing to be body The sugar in our diet really has a bad affect on our bodiesrdquo
Martens was in for even more of a shock After 21 days she was amazed at how different she felt ldquoI felt awesome I was not so tired I didnrsquot get headaches anymore My skin cleared up and my stomach was much flatterrdquo
What was even more refreshing was that Martens never felt deprived She says she truly felt she could maintain healthy or ldquocleanrdquo eating
ldquoI ate so much food especially meat I never did feel deprived The cravings were not thererdquo Martens says
It was that lack of deprivation that Martens felt was the key to her success After the 21 day sugar detox Martens continued to maintain sugar-free eating during the week and would indulge a little on weekends
Shannon Muhs a dietician with Hy-Vee was able to shed some light on how our bodies react when we have too much sugar in our diet
ldquoWhen we eat more sugar our bodies experience a brief high followed by a sort of crash which is why we feel more sluggish Our bodies will also produce excess insulin which will cause the body to want to eat more and eventually our bodies run out of places to store that excess sugar and it starts to store itself as fatrdquo Muhs says
As Martens experienced once sugar is eliminated it doesnrsquot take long for our bodies to recover ldquoWithin a couple of days you should have more sustained energy and a more balanced energy load You should not experience as many highs and lows and should be craving less sweetsrdquo she says
Martens plans on maintaining her healthier lifestyle and even convinced her husband to join her on her journey who after limiting sugar lost close to 40 pounds
ldquoWe both feel so much better Itrsquos really amazing I was never really big on diets but this is something I donrsquot feel is necessarily a diet Itrsquos a lifestyle and I am very passionate about itrdquoemsp
Sugar LowCutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards
f or some local Omaha business owners work doesnrsquot necessarily mean no play
Take entrepreneur Deborah Shimokawa for examplemdashcreator and owner of the studio Baby Maestro and single mom extraordinaire ldquoI love to sing and I love childrenrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoThose are my two passions I thought lsquoIf I can do something with both of those Irsquoll be a very happy personrsquordquo
Baby Maestro created in 2004 is an early childhood music education program that offers various music dance and instrumental classes for parents to bond with their babies and young children The concept isnrsquot exclusive to Omaha though Shimokawa actually picked up the idea after falling in love with a similar studio in Atlanta after the birth of her first child Quinn
ldquoIt was a two-fold benefitrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI could socialize with other moms about being new parents and it was also a great bonding activity for Quinn and me When I moved back to Omaha I kind of looked around for a similar music program but never found one that had that same happy feeling so I said lsquoWell Irsquoll start itrsquordquo
In addition to running her own business Shimokawa a single mom also juggles raising three kids aged 6 to 11 and navigating their endless
Toddler TchaikovskysBABY MAESTRO is Music to the Youngest of Ears
repertoire of activities which include but arenrsquot limited to soccer baseball basketball flag football and taekwondo lessons
However Baby Maestro has never been a burden that interferes with parent life according to Shimokawa
ldquoThe beauty of it is that I can still take my kids to school every day and help them with their homework or take them to their activitiesrdquo she says ldquoI get to go out and work with passion and then come home and be with my kids and raise them Itrsquos the best of both worldsrdquo
Shimokawa adds that Baby Maestro is the perfect blend of work and play where she can witness the relationships between parent and child that strengthen each day Her highest reward is hearing the impact that her music classes have on her pint-sized studentsrsquo lives whether that be babies bouncing to familiar tunes in the car or toddlers conducting their own dance classes for their parents
ldquoThere are so many rewarding parts of my jobrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI signed a lease when my youngest was two weeks old and I havenrsquot looked back It was the best decision I couldrsquove possibly maderdquoemsp
6emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
story by Claire Martin photography by Dede Zimmermanfeature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp7
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
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Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
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2
3
4
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Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
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Call your Local
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402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
On the CoverMiles Tapp 2
features6 Toddler Tchaikovskys Baby Maestro is music to the youngest of ears12 The 402 Rocking it for Parents and Children20 Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaha
departments5 health Cutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards8 meet the family Kids at Heart at the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum10 lifestyle The Death of Cursive14 diy V-Day Photobooth16 young hero In Memory of Sean18 activity Breaking the Ice22 mind amp body ldquoIn life above all be kindrdquo 24 food Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes26 mom on the rocks Valentinersquos Day is for the dogs27 fitness Bridge Pose28 calendar of events30 the grandpa chronicles The Role of Ritual
4emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Volume 2 bull Issue 9PUBLISHER
Todd Lemke
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
David Williams
MANAGING EDITOR
Robert Nelson
EDITORIAL INTERN
Claire Martin
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
John Gawley
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY amp INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Bill Sitzmann
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER amp WEB CONTENT MANAGER
Kristen Hoffman
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rachel Joy
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bev Carlson bull Anna Hensel bull Allison Janda Lisa Lukecart bull Claire Martin bull Leslie Murrell
Kara Schweiss bull Kara Wesely
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Lukecart
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Gwen Lemke bull Greg Bruns bull Gil Cohen Kyle Fischer Angie bull Hall bull George Idelman
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Sandy Besch Matson
ACCOUNT ASSISTANTS
Alicia Smith Hollins bull Jessica Linhart Dawn Dennis bull 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 $995 to
PO Box 461208 Papillion NE 68046-1208
wwwomahamagazinecom
Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publi-cations Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned
The information contained within HerFamily is for infor-mational 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 re-produced in whole or in part without written permission
of Omaha Publications 4028842000
Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine LTD
february 2015on the inside
omahamagazine
omahamagazine
omahamagazine
20
12
h
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp5
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannhealth
olly Martens struggle may sound all too common After the birth of her children she experienced a variety
of symptoms She had low energy she experienced moodiness and mood swings felt generally crabby and could not lose weight around her mid-section Martens knew her struggle was not unique but also knew she had to do something about it
ldquoWith both pregnancies I gained so much weight and really had trouble with my mid-section I finally figured out what to do about it and was so happy I made the decision to be healthier overallrdquo Martens says
Martens with the help of Vice Cross Fit gym went on what she calls a sugar detox Once she was educated about sugar and added sugars she was shocked at how much of it she had been consuming
ldquoThey really taught me how much sugar I was eating and what all that sugar was doing to be body The sugar in our diet really has a bad affect on our bodiesrdquo
Martens was in for even more of a shock After 21 days she was amazed at how different she felt ldquoI felt awesome I was not so tired I didnrsquot get headaches anymore My skin cleared up and my stomach was much flatterrdquo
What was even more refreshing was that Martens never felt deprived She says she truly felt she could maintain healthy or ldquocleanrdquo eating
ldquoI ate so much food especially meat I never did feel deprived The cravings were not thererdquo Martens says
It was that lack of deprivation that Martens felt was the key to her success After the 21 day sugar detox Martens continued to maintain sugar-free eating during the week and would indulge a little on weekends
Shannon Muhs a dietician with Hy-Vee was able to shed some light on how our bodies react when we have too much sugar in our diet
ldquoWhen we eat more sugar our bodies experience a brief high followed by a sort of crash which is why we feel more sluggish Our bodies will also produce excess insulin which will cause the body to want to eat more and eventually our bodies run out of places to store that excess sugar and it starts to store itself as fatrdquo Muhs says
As Martens experienced once sugar is eliminated it doesnrsquot take long for our bodies to recover ldquoWithin a couple of days you should have more sustained energy and a more balanced energy load You should not experience as many highs and lows and should be craving less sweetsrdquo she says
Martens plans on maintaining her healthier lifestyle and even convinced her husband to join her on her journey who after limiting sugar lost close to 40 pounds
ldquoWe both feel so much better Itrsquos really amazing I was never really big on diets but this is something I donrsquot feel is necessarily a diet Itrsquos a lifestyle and I am very passionate about itrdquoemsp
Sugar LowCutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards
f or some local Omaha business owners work doesnrsquot necessarily mean no play
Take entrepreneur Deborah Shimokawa for examplemdashcreator and owner of the studio Baby Maestro and single mom extraordinaire ldquoI love to sing and I love childrenrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoThose are my two passions I thought lsquoIf I can do something with both of those Irsquoll be a very happy personrsquordquo
Baby Maestro created in 2004 is an early childhood music education program that offers various music dance and instrumental classes for parents to bond with their babies and young children The concept isnrsquot exclusive to Omaha though Shimokawa actually picked up the idea after falling in love with a similar studio in Atlanta after the birth of her first child Quinn
ldquoIt was a two-fold benefitrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI could socialize with other moms about being new parents and it was also a great bonding activity for Quinn and me When I moved back to Omaha I kind of looked around for a similar music program but never found one that had that same happy feeling so I said lsquoWell Irsquoll start itrsquordquo
In addition to running her own business Shimokawa a single mom also juggles raising three kids aged 6 to 11 and navigating their endless
Toddler TchaikovskysBABY MAESTRO is Music to the Youngest of Ears
repertoire of activities which include but arenrsquot limited to soccer baseball basketball flag football and taekwondo lessons
However Baby Maestro has never been a burden that interferes with parent life according to Shimokawa
ldquoThe beauty of it is that I can still take my kids to school every day and help them with their homework or take them to their activitiesrdquo she says ldquoI get to go out and work with passion and then come home and be with my kids and raise them Itrsquos the best of both worldsrdquo
Shimokawa adds that Baby Maestro is the perfect blend of work and play where she can witness the relationships between parent and child that strengthen each day Her highest reward is hearing the impact that her music classes have on her pint-sized studentsrsquo lives whether that be babies bouncing to familiar tunes in the car or toddlers conducting their own dance classes for their parents
ldquoThere are so many rewarding parts of my jobrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI signed a lease when my youngest was two weeks old and I havenrsquot looked back It was the best decision I couldrsquove possibly maderdquoemsp
6emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
story by Claire Martin photography by Dede Zimmermanfeature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp7
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
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Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
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402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
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LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
h
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp5
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannhealth
olly Martens struggle may sound all too common After the birth of her children she experienced a variety
of symptoms She had low energy she experienced moodiness and mood swings felt generally crabby and could not lose weight around her mid-section Martens knew her struggle was not unique but also knew she had to do something about it
ldquoWith both pregnancies I gained so much weight and really had trouble with my mid-section I finally figured out what to do about it and was so happy I made the decision to be healthier overallrdquo Martens says
Martens with the help of Vice Cross Fit gym went on what she calls a sugar detox Once she was educated about sugar and added sugars she was shocked at how much of it she had been consuming
ldquoThey really taught me how much sugar I was eating and what all that sugar was doing to be body The sugar in our diet really has a bad affect on our bodiesrdquo
Martens was in for even more of a shock After 21 days she was amazed at how different she felt ldquoI felt awesome I was not so tired I didnrsquot get headaches anymore My skin cleared up and my stomach was much flatterrdquo
What was even more refreshing was that Martens never felt deprived She says she truly felt she could maintain healthy or ldquocleanrdquo eating
ldquoI ate so much food especially meat I never did feel deprived The cravings were not thererdquo Martens says
It was that lack of deprivation that Martens felt was the key to her success After the 21 day sugar detox Martens continued to maintain sugar-free eating during the week and would indulge a little on weekends
Shannon Muhs a dietician with Hy-Vee was able to shed some light on how our bodies react when we have too much sugar in our diet
ldquoWhen we eat more sugar our bodies experience a brief high followed by a sort of crash which is why we feel more sluggish Our bodies will also produce excess insulin which will cause the body to want to eat more and eventually our bodies run out of places to store that excess sugar and it starts to store itself as fatrdquo Muhs says
As Martens experienced once sugar is eliminated it doesnrsquot take long for our bodies to recover ldquoWithin a couple of days you should have more sustained energy and a more balanced energy load You should not experience as many highs and lows and should be craving less sweetsrdquo she says
Martens plans on maintaining her healthier lifestyle and even convinced her husband to join her on her journey who after limiting sugar lost close to 40 pounds
ldquoWe both feel so much better Itrsquos really amazing I was never really big on diets but this is something I donrsquot feel is necessarily a diet Itrsquos a lifestyle and I am very passionate about itrdquoemsp
Sugar LowCutting Sugar Can Offer Sweet Rewards
f or some local Omaha business owners work doesnrsquot necessarily mean no play
Take entrepreneur Deborah Shimokawa for examplemdashcreator and owner of the studio Baby Maestro and single mom extraordinaire ldquoI love to sing and I love childrenrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoThose are my two passions I thought lsquoIf I can do something with both of those Irsquoll be a very happy personrsquordquo
Baby Maestro created in 2004 is an early childhood music education program that offers various music dance and instrumental classes for parents to bond with their babies and young children The concept isnrsquot exclusive to Omaha though Shimokawa actually picked up the idea after falling in love with a similar studio in Atlanta after the birth of her first child Quinn
ldquoIt was a two-fold benefitrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI could socialize with other moms about being new parents and it was also a great bonding activity for Quinn and me When I moved back to Omaha I kind of looked around for a similar music program but never found one that had that same happy feeling so I said lsquoWell Irsquoll start itrsquordquo
In addition to running her own business Shimokawa a single mom also juggles raising three kids aged 6 to 11 and navigating their endless
Toddler TchaikovskysBABY MAESTRO is Music to the Youngest of Ears
repertoire of activities which include but arenrsquot limited to soccer baseball basketball flag football and taekwondo lessons
However Baby Maestro has never been a burden that interferes with parent life according to Shimokawa
ldquoThe beauty of it is that I can still take my kids to school every day and help them with their homework or take them to their activitiesrdquo she says ldquoI get to go out and work with passion and then come home and be with my kids and raise them Itrsquos the best of both worldsrdquo
Shimokawa adds that Baby Maestro is the perfect blend of work and play where she can witness the relationships between parent and child that strengthen each day Her highest reward is hearing the impact that her music classes have on her pint-sized studentsrsquo lives whether that be babies bouncing to familiar tunes in the car or toddlers conducting their own dance classes for their parents
ldquoThere are so many rewarding parts of my jobrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI signed a lease when my youngest was two weeks old and I havenrsquot looked back It was the best decision I couldrsquove possibly maderdquoemsp
6emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
story by Claire Martin photography by Dede Zimmermanfeature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp7
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
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2
3
4
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Molly Maid clean is now green
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Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
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402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
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j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
f or some local Omaha business owners work doesnrsquot necessarily mean no play
Take entrepreneur Deborah Shimokawa for examplemdashcreator and owner of the studio Baby Maestro and single mom extraordinaire ldquoI love to sing and I love childrenrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoThose are my two passions I thought lsquoIf I can do something with both of those Irsquoll be a very happy personrsquordquo
Baby Maestro created in 2004 is an early childhood music education program that offers various music dance and instrumental classes for parents to bond with their babies and young children The concept isnrsquot exclusive to Omaha though Shimokawa actually picked up the idea after falling in love with a similar studio in Atlanta after the birth of her first child Quinn
ldquoIt was a two-fold benefitrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI could socialize with other moms about being new parents and it was also a great bonding activity for Quinn and me When I moved back to Omaha I kind of looked around for a similar music program but never found one that had that same happy feeling so I said lsquoWell Irsquoll start itrsquordquo
In addition to running her own business Shimokawa a single mom also juggles raising three kids aged 6 to 11 and navigating their endless
Toddler TchaikovskysBABY MAESTRO is Music to the Youngest of Ears
repertoire of activities which include but arenrsquot limited to soccer baseball basketball flag football and taekwondo lessons
However Baby Maestro has never been a burden that interferes with parent life according to Shimokawa
ldquoThe beauty of it is that I can still take my kids to school every day and help them with their homework or take them to their activitiesrdquo she says ldquoI get to go out and work with passion and then come home and be with my kids and raise them Itrsquos the best of both worldsrdquo
Shimokawa adds that Baby Maestro is the perfect blend of work and play where she can witness the relationships between parent and child that strengthen each day Her highest reward is hearing the impact that her music classes have on her pint-sized studentsrsquo lives whether that be babies bouncing to familiar tunes in the car or toddlers conducting their own dance classes for their parents
ldquoThere are so many rewarding parts of my jobrdquo Shimokawa says ldquoI signed a lease when my youngest was two weeks old and I havenrsquot looked back It was the best decision I couldrsquove possibly maderdquoemsp
6emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
story by Claire Martin photography by Dede Zimmermanfeature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp7
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp7
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Amy and Matt Orand with Simon Lily Milo
8emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Anna Hensel photography by Bill Sitzmannmeet the family
Meet the OrandsKids at Heart
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
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Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
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402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
f or Matt Orand a day at the office is childrsquos playmdashor at least figuring out what children want to play with
As the Creative Director of the Omaha Childrenrsquos Museum Orand is the one tasked with designing musical steps creating interactive apps or making sure that the fake food found in the museumrsquos play grocery store isnrsquot so realistic that kids try to take a bite out of it
Luckily he can rely on some of the museumrsquos biggest fans to help him design exhibits that kids will rave about his children Lily (7) Simon (5) Milo (18 months) and their fourth child who was born after press time in December They all happen to fall within the 8-and-under age range that is the Childrenrsquos Museum focus
Orand started at the Childrenrsquos Museum eight years ago when his wife Amy was pregnant with Lily After graduating with degrees in graphic design and sculpting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha there werenrsquot many careers out there where he could have the chance to work with kids in a creative field but he just happened to stumble upon his dream job at the Childrenrsquos Museum
ldquoHersquos just a kid at heartrdquo explains Amy OrandWhile the Childrenrsquos Museum is a perfect fit for a big kid
like Orand it lends itself to an even cooler experience for his four young ones who essentially get an all-access pass to the museum The Orands began taking daughter Lily to the museum just a few weeks after she was born and she can usually be found there whenever Matt needs help or is opening a new exhibit
As a result the Childrenrsquos Museum holds a special place in the heart of the Orand family Itrsquos where Lily stood on her own for the first time thanks to an exhibit designed to help infants pull themselves up Itrsquos where Orand aided in the restoration of the giant colorful zoo characters he himself played on as a child at the Gordmans department store Now he gets to see his children play on the same playground figures
ldquoI think for me itrsquos just been fun to have them around when I can kind of take them behind the scenesrdquo says Orand ldquoI can bring them to sneak previews and bring them to see works in progressrdquo
But itrsquos not all just fun and games for the Orand family Matt also enlists his children to test out ideas for new exhibits He is constantly observing what cartoons his kids are watching what games they like to play with their friends or what toys they gravitate toward
ldquoDadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo-Amy Orand
ldquoIrsquoll just gauge like lsquowhat sounds more fun a superhero or a pirate exhibitrsquo says Orand And theyrsquoll ask questions like lsquoWhatrsquos going to be in the exhibit Dad If itrsquos superheroes is it going to have this Can I put on a capersquordquo
Itrsquos all a necessary part of Orandrsquos job being able to see the world from a kidrsquos perspective He recalls the frustration many kids including his own experienced when the museum unveiled an air blast tube in one of its new exhibits
The tube was located next to a collection of toy balls so many of the kids thought that when they placed the balls in the tube the tube would blast the balls in the air When the tube did no such thing they became frustrated The museum took the contraption off the floor and Orand and the rest of the museum staff redesigned it re-launching it as a ldquoBall-istic Blasterrdquo
ldquoYou think yoursquove got everything figured out and you know exactly how theyrsquore going to use it and yoursquore totally blown away or something unexpected happensrdquo says Orand
Following in their dadrsquos footsteps the Orand kids relish creativity The Orands already notice a budding affinity for art in daughter Lily who is adamant that she doesnrsquot want to have a ldquoboringrdquo career when she grows up Amy an insurance agent laughs when she describes how the kids see her career versus Mattrsquos
ldquoMomrsquos got the boring insurance job and dadrsquos got about the coolest job on the face of the planetrdquo says Amy ldquoI think they kind of take it for granted because they havenrsquot known it any other wayrdquo
But for now Matt is okay with putting off the day until his kids can fully comprehend all that he does Son Simon recently started adding an extra line to his nightly prayersmdasha token of thanks to God for ldquomaking my dad good at making robot dinosaursrdquo
Simon is referring to the robotic dinosaurs in one of the museumrsquos traveling exhibits one of the areas of the museum that does not fall under Mattrsquos jurisdiction But Matt says with a chuckle ldquoI just donrsquot really have the heart to correct him and tell him that I didnrsquot make itrdquoemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp9
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
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2
3
4
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Molly Maid clean is now green
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Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
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402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
l ook closely Bet you canrsquot even read it The strong curvaceous loops of the ldquoLrdquo intersect just a little too closely
with hellipis that an ldquoordquo It hooks right up with hellip ldquozrdquohellipsomething In it though there is a sense of beauty in the slants the graceful curves
Too bad this beautiful writing form is practically dead Cursive seems destined for the same literary fate as the typewriter
Freshman Colby Gomes is part of that generation that is no longer charmed by cursive writing On a recent day at Millard West High School he tossed an example essay back to his English teacher with a laugh I canrsquot read thisrdquo he said ldquoWhy notrdquo ldquoBecause itrsquos in cursiverdquo Gomes responded
Reading teacher Diane Eubanks started noticing this trend in her sixth grade classes at Alice Buffett Middle School Eubanks has been teaching for 26 years first at the King Science and Technology Magnet Center She used to write nothing but cursive on the board and it was a deep part of the curriculum ldquoNow I canrsquot because they [students] canrsquot read itrdquo Eubanks says ldquoIt really did surprise me I do understand it but it is kind of sadrdquo
She believes that out of her 200 or so students only 10 can read and write cursive
The Common Core State Standards for many public schools have omitted cursive as a necessity even though it has been linked to higher cognitive skills in memory and brain development Nebraska along with Texas Alaska and Virginia has not adopted the standards Some states such as Hawaii have even dropped cursive completely so students can learn 21st century skills such as keyboarding
Unlike Omaha Public Schools which concentrate on cursive writing during the last semesters of third grade the Catholic Schools of Omaha require an entire year of focus
Kim Abts a teacherrsquos assistant at St Roberts Bellarmine was shocked when a public school transfer student still could not write or read cursive in the fourth grade ldquoI think Irsquove taken it for grantedrdquo Abts says ldquoI thought that was just a normal natural thingrdquo
Abts says after third grade students are not allowed to print For example Unlike Eubanks teachers at St Roberts still write cursive on the board as well
10emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Kara Wesely photography by Bill Sitzmannlifestyle
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Eubanks believes teachers just have limited time to teach handwriting In addition most students rarely write anything anymore because everything is on some sort of computer ldquoTechnology has made us somewhat brain-deadrdquo Gomes says
Gomes recalls learning handwriting clear back in the third grade at Willowdale but now he uses it to sign only his name He believes cursive is just too complicated for his generation ldquoWe donrsquot want to take the time to make the loopy-doopsrdquo he explains
Wyatt Spethman a fifth grader at Whitetail Creek in Gretna disagrees He believes cursive is faster plus it looks ldquofancierrdquo Spethman boasts his handwriting is good and accepts the challenge to write ldquoI love donutsrdquo When he tries though he pauses He explains he does not know how to make a capital ldquoIrdquo
ldquoI just forgot about itrdquo he says shrugging Reminiscing about her 26 years of
teaching Eubanks still recalls the beautifully scrawled handwriting of former students ldquoIt is a lost art reallyrdquo she says sighing
Perhaps this epitaph will be etched into cursiversquos tombstone In print emsp
WHAT DID
YOURCHILD
LEARN TODAY
Call (402)932-4978or visit omahacmorgto begin your childrsquos
LEARNING
Largest childrenrsquos frame selection in Omaha
(We have adults covered too)
cool^
12660 Q Street Omaha | Tel (402) 896-3300 wwwmillardfamilyeyecarecom
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp11
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
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MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
a band takes the stage awash in colorful lighting Below them an audience murmurs and sips their
drinks sitting tall or standing around various corners of the room The first few notes of an opening song are strummed on the guitar and a cheer rises from the crowd
This may sound like your traditional Omaha bar featuring your favorite band but that couldnrsquot be further from the truth In fact all of the drinks were made next door to the venue at Aromarsquos Coffee shop Plus one third of the audience is under 21 ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo says Ben Shafer executive director of the space
The 402 Arts Collective in Benson is an all ages venue all the time Itrsquos a place to not only expose your children to music and culture but also itrsquos a chance to enjoy a night on the town even when parents canrsquot find a sitter
The 402 isnrsquot just a musical venue They offer music lessons too Artist Instructors are available to teach just about every popular musical instrument and Shafer adds some not so popular ones as well While most students are under 18 Shafer says they welcome adults into The 402 as well Granted it is nice for mom to take a break while her child learns ldquoPeople come
to Benson and drop their student off while they just relax in the coffee shop and sip on a latterdquo Shafer shares Worried your kid is too young Shafer adds that children can begin learning an instrument as early as six years old Additional offerings such as ldquoRock Academyrdquo can be found online at 402artscollectiveorg
Registration for programs can be done easily by going to their website and clicking ldquolessonsrdquo Parents can see musical and artistic offerings as well as bios for the individual Artist Instructor The 402 also offers scholarships to in-need families
Shafer says The 402 strives to offer two shows every weekendmdashFriday night and Saturday night
Perhaps The 402rsquos most noticeable asset is its location Parents not only have the opportunity to expose their child to music but also to a variety of people ldquoThe culture down here is a melting pot of so many tastes and flavorsrdquo Shafer says ldquoI think some of Omaharsquos greatest thinkers and artists can be found just walking the street on any given dayrdquoemsp
ldquoWe really think that there are a lot kids out there who are under 18 who need to be exposed to amazing talent and be inspired by greatnessrdquo-Ben Shafer
12emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmannfeature
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Ben Shafer
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp13
The 402ROCKING IT FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
14emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
diyby Kristen Hoffman photography by Bill Sitzmann
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
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FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
v alentinersquos Day has always felt backwards to me My idea of romance looks more like hiking
through the woods rather than a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a teddy bear (not that Irsquoll ever turn down chocolate) So you can understand the eye-rolling that occurred as I researched Valentinersquos Day DIY projects earlier this month After scrolling through a sea of cutesy pink construction paper I didnrsquot see a thing that I would be proud to put my name on So I decided to ditch the frilly love letters and bring out the gold and glitter for a glam V-Day photobooth environment
V-Day Photobooth
SUPPLIESbull Colored paperbull Scissors Bladebull Cutting boardbull Large cardboard boxbull Spray adhesivebull Glitterbull Hole Punchbull String
DIRECTIONS1 Choose your colors Since Irsquom not one
for red and pink I picked out three large pieces of paper in white beige and brown
2 If you are doing this with kids you can draw hearts and cut them out with scissors If it is just you do what I did and draw the hearts with a blade With this many hearts to cut out it will save you a lot of time
3 Lay out a few of the hearts on a large cardboard box or something to protect your floors I would recommend doing this step in your garage or in an area that has ventilation Apply spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter on each heart Let dry flip and repeat on other side The spray adhesive evenly coats the paper and keeps it from warping while drying
4 Punch holes in all the hearts Holes donrsquot have to be in one place Punching holes in different places on the hearts will cause them to hang in whimsical ways
5 Cut about 4-5 feet of string and tie a few hearts to each string
6 Hang strings from the ceiling in front of a blank surface and yoursquove got yourself a perfect photobooth for your Valentinersquos Day party
TIP Be very careful when transporting these
bad boys They tangle easily and we all know tangles lead to profanities You donrsquot want to look up to see every other mom in the room with their jaws on the floor covering their childrsquos ears Keep cool and keep organizedemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp15
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
Molly Maidrsquos private label cleaningproducts are environmentally safe biodegradable and non-toxic
Itrsquos healthier for my family the products are all natural cleaners and disin-fectants I donrsquot worry about fumes residue or build up
Irsquom doing my part to help the environmentEven the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time
Molly Maidrsquos ldquoSmall Efforts Big Resultsrdquo brochure provide additional informa-tion about creating a more green friendlyhome
People always notice how clean and fresh my home is now Irsquom proud totell them itrsquos also a Molly Maid Green Home
1
2
3
4
5
Molly Maid clean is now green
5
Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly people are guaranteed to notice
Each franchise independently owned and operated
Reasons why it makes sense
For a Cleaning Plan designed aroundyour home and your lifestyle
Call your Local
MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHACOUNCIL BLUFFS
402932MAID (6243)A clean you can
trust
cathytichymollymaidcom
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
j enny Sexton always looked up to brother Sean This time she was looking down at him
LiterallyldquoI bet you canrsquotrdquo Sean yelled He had just
jumped from their two story deck and now stood proudly on the ground ldquoI bet you I canrdquo Jenny taunted back Their bantering continued ending with a canrsquot-ever-say-no double-dog-dare from Sean Even at five Jenny knew she had to make the leap It was a double-dog-dare after all
Unlike Sean Jenny hit the landingmdashhard ldquoDonrsquot tell momrdquo Sean said after seeing Jennyrsquos blue eyes well up with tears
Jenny later learned she had broken her left arm but she also realized something important She would follow her brother anywhere even off the ledge of a deck
Jenny now a junior at Millard West High School laughs at the memory She is stylish in her UGG boots black tights and turquoise sweater She smacks her gum looks up thoughtfully and laughs again ldquoIlikehellipwanted to do everything he didrdquo Jenny says
Jenny followed in her big brotherrsquos footsteps including copying his cool teenage lingo ldquoyou know like gangstarsquordquo Whether it was Sean surviving a water balloon being smashed over his head or Sean serving seniors at a nursing home his passion for helping others did not go unnoticed by his sister
Four years older than Jenny Sean helped her put her schedule together her freshman year of high school so she could follow the same path he took Hospital Volunteer Health Academy Exemplary Student ldquoBut now I donrsquot know what to dordquo Jenny says Her voice turns husky and she slips her long straight hair behind her ears
The plan the siblings came up with together for Jennyrsquos four years of high school remains unfinished Near the end of his senior year Sean fainted in his Health Academy class and was rushed to the hospital His diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia changed Jennyrsquos life forever Jenny was crushed but tried to stay strong and ldquoplay it offrdquo
In one snapshot of his graduation Sean
In Memory of SeanJenny Sexton helps others as a
living tribute to her departed brother
is pale from chemotherapy bald his green robe too big for his thin body His arm is wrapped tightly around his sister and a huge proud smile is on his face Two years later Sean lost his battle to cancer ldquoI really looked up to himrdquo Jenny says
Jenny felt strongly she should volunteer at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital just like Sean did during her sophomore year Sean also loved the volunteers as a patient ldquoIt was a chance for him to see teens people his own agerdquo Jenny explains She knew it was something she just had to do because these visits meant so much to him
Her first day during orientation she was in a white empty room where a bit of the sadness crept through the walls Jenny remembered telling her brother she loved him before he left for the hospital on the last day of his life She had one last chance to see him to say her good-byes and exchange a few ldquoI love yoursquosrdquo before her parentsrsquo car rolled away
At the hospital Sean entered a comatose-like state His once healthy skinhellipnow a pale sickly yellow
16emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
young heroby Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmann
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Young Hero proudly sponsored by
Jenny broke down ldquoIrsquom just glad he wasnrsquot awake to see me like thatrdquo Jenny says
Even in this moment Jenny is selfless It is something others have noticed
including Kassidy Arena Kassidy believes Jenny is sometimes too
sugary sweet Jennyrsquos fiery red hair doesnrsquot match her personality Kassidy explains Jenny can be a bit of a pushover at times especially with children
And yet Kassidy cannot help but admire Jennyrsquos dedication to others
ldquoWhenever Irsquom venting about my dumb personal life shersquos helping actual peoplerdquo Kassidy says with a loud laugh ldquoI got into volunteering because of herrdquo
At Lakeside every Tuesday Jenny works behind a desk She is hoping to work more directly with the patients At Childrenrsquos Hospital and Medical Center Jenny cleans toys or run errands The best part of her night though is when she can play with the kids
Jenny looks down clasps her hands together and smiles shyly A two-year-old boy captured her heart a couple weeks ago and Jenny just canrsquot forget him His dark skin puffy hair and adorable brown eyes are imprinted on her heart
Jenny and a few other volunteers tugged him around in a red wagon He never said anything but Jenny felt she made him happy ldquoI just knew I was making a differencerdquo Jenny says To her the hospital is no longer a place of heartache but instead one filled with laughter
Jenny wears a green wristband most of the time ldquoSMS-2012rdquo is deeply embedded into it It stands for Sean Michael Sexton and the year he was diagnosed ldquoHe (Sean) would be proud of memdashmaking a differencerdquo Jenny saysemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp17
Visit us today12965 W Center Rd 4027780650
HoursMon-Thu 10-6Fri-Sat 10-5Sun 12-4
LFSneborg middot infoLFSneborg
Friday Feb 20 2015
dinner amp auction
Honorary cHair
nancy K JoHnson
il Palazzo bull 5110 nortH 132nd street bull omaHa ne cmurraylFsneborg
LFS Her Family ad 12-08-14indd 1 1282014 123544 PM
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
18emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Lisa Lukecart photography by Bill Sitzmannactivity
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
omamagcomsave
Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
f
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp19
or many area families summer doesnrsquot really begin until Omaharsquos 15 outdoor public pools open for
the season and the closing date is a sad reminder that swimming has ended for another year But even on the coldest of winter days families can still satisfy their longing to get in the water by visiting any of the cityrsquos indoor pool facilities
ldquoThey are open public facilities so anyone who pays the admittance fee and follows the rules is allowed to use themrdquo says Tracy Stratman recreation manager for the City of Omaha Parks Recreation and Public Property department ldquoThose indoor pools are so valuable because our summers are so short I think theyrsquore like hidden gems in the cityrdquo
Full-size 25-meter indoor pools are housed at Mockingbird Hills Community Center at 10242 Mockingbird Drive and Montclair Community Center at 2304 S 135th Avenue Common Ground at 1701 Veterans Dr in Elkhorn became part of the Omaha indoor pool facility group several years ago after Elkhorn was annexed but it is a membership-based facility
ldquoMontclair and Mockingbird are not membership-based like Common Ground so you do not have to be a member itrsquos a pay-as-you go We do have punch cards and seasonal passes which obviously drop the (per visit) costrdquo Stratman explains
ldquoSwimming really is a life skillrdquo Stratman says ldquoSwimming is one of those sports or activities that really hits all ages and all abilities Even if yoursquore recovering from an injury or are an older adult therersquos always something you can do in the pool But therersquos also a level of competition if yoursquore a seasoned lap swimmer or even a competitive swimmerrdquo
Krista Andress an Omaha mom with sons ages 13 and 11 says her family has enjoyed swimming at both the Mockingbird and Montclair facilities and that she researched Omaharsquos recreational centers online before moving here from Colorado a few years ago
ldquoWersquore a recreational family We like to take advantage of community rec centersrdquo she says adding that she and her husband actually met while working at such a facility in another community ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo
The former lifeguard adds ldquoIrsquom a big advocate that everyone should learn how to swimrdquo
Swimming lessons are available through the City of Omaha for all ages starting with Float for Life at nine months through group lessons for children and older youth Stratman says Adults or children can also sign up for private instruction
ldquoAs a parent I think this is the perfect time for swim lessons because therersquos not that rush to get them comfortable in the water before the season startsrdquo Stratman says
Drop-in admission fees for Montclair are only $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors and kids under age 2 are admitted free Special reduced admission periods and designated open recreational swimming hoursmdashas well as lap swimming hours exercise classes and lessonsmdashare posted on the City of Omaha website at wwwcityofomahaorgparksemsp
Breaking the IceOmaharsquos ldquohidden gemsrdquo offer inexpensive
swimming through the rough Nebraska winters
ldquoSwimming is great exercise and swimming at a community center pool is really a great family activityrdquo-Krista Andress
Posh PeacockConsignment Gallery
Furniture amp Home Decor
4029339666 - poshpeacocknet
Bel Air Plaza 704 12100 W Center Rd
A Treasure Troveof Delightful amp Valuable Things
JULYAUGUST bull 2014
war amp PeaceChuck Hagel battles for a future free of the quagmires of the past
OmaharsquostopDentiststrade
Best of Omahatrade Campaign 2015
The Loyal Royal Alex Gordon
Malorie MaddoxOmaha Stories
trade
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
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Donrsquot miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Paige ReitzProgram Coordinator
a
Art School A Union of Youth and Art in North Omaharsquos Union for Contemporary Art
20emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Allison Janda photography by Bill Sitzmann
re those balloonsrdquo the instructor asks a young girl dressed warmly in pink sweatpants and a purple
sweatshirt The girl looks up and nods enthusiastically before returning to her drawing
No itrsquos not a school day Itrsquos Saturday at The Union For Contemporary Art but the youth program is in full swingmdashjust as it is every Saturday
Established in 2011 The Union for Contemporary Art located just south of 24th and Lake streets was founded to provide opportunities to local artists and connect North Omaha youth to the arts Founder Brigitte McQueen Shew says that the non-profit arts organization was badly needed to not only provide opportunities for artists but to bridge gaps in the community
Ending up here on a whim in 2001 McQueen Shew decided to move to Seattle not long after Having come to Omaha after living in New York City she says the divide between North Omaha and the rest of the city was overwhelming to her But eventually she moved back ldquoI realized running away from that issue wasnrsquot the right thing to do Thatrsquos something you fight against it isnrsquot something you let drive you awayrdquo she says
A journalist McQueen Shew had no experience in the world of non-profits However after she returned she began to research North Omaha and found herself falling in love with the community She decided to start an arts organization not only one for
local artists but also one for area youth who would benefit from mentorship access to materials and space connections with professional artists and programs designed for both them and their parents
The Union For Contemporary Art is no doubt a place where local artists can find support and visibilitymdashespecially through the Studio Fellowship Programmdashbut itrsquos greatest gift to the community may be the role it plays in offering mentoring to the arearsquos young people Many of the other local after-school programs in the area revolve around athletics McQueen Shew notes Perhaps too many ldquoIrsquove had parents tell me lsquoMy kid can get a scholarship playing basketball but they canrsquot get a scholarship with artrsquordquo McQueen Shew says ldquoI really wanted to address thatrdquo
She says that while she doesnrsquot expect that every child who comes through the mentorship program will go on to be an artist it still matters she says to immerse North Omaha youth in art ldquoItrsquos part of our everydaymdashfrom graffiti on buildings to the ways we dress ourselvesrdquo she says ldquoTo know art is to better know the world around yourdquoemsp
feature
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp21
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
In life ldquoAbove all be kindrdquo
22emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
mind amp bodyby Bev Carlson Lutheran Family Services
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
a s I was picking up my coffee one frozen morning a few weeks ago I noticed there was no one in the drive-through line behind me That in itself was unusual My caffeine
supplier of choice generally drew a crowd this time of day Order rush to pay rush to grab a cup rush to work Hour after hour Car after car Irsquom sure the drive-through clerks barely even noticed who was in the hundreds of vehicles that passed through
But this morning felt different It was one of those crisp Nebraska mornings where the sunrise was still throwing pinks and purples across the sky I was feeling good I had the drive-thru to myself I felt talkative ldquoGood morning How are you doing Is your day going wellrdquo I asked
The shocked look on the clerkrsquos face was priceless She smiled and said ldquoUm itrsquos good How are yourdquo
I kept looking in my rear-view mirror to make sure I wasnrsquot holding up progress and I answered her Then we actually chatted for a minute or two About the weather About the upcoming holidays Nothing earth-shattering Just quick small-talk As I finally saw a car pull up to place an order I smiled and said ldquoI really appreciate the good service I get here Have a great dayrdquo
The whole exchange lasted two minutes MaybeI noticed the clerk watched my car drive away with a smile on
her face then she turned back to help the next customer Although the exchange was spontaneous it was also uplifting
I suppose for my random act of kindness that day I could have paid the tab for the next customer That would have been easy but anonymous I had to wonder if giving a few minutes of time and treating the drive-through clerk with respect might have been the greater win at least for me She was charming sweet and interesting How long did she go before another customer took a second to ask her about her day and then wait for the answer Hours Days
I suspect these kinds of simple exchanges are becoming more rare Wersquove become so inwardly-focused and driven by technology that wersquove forgotten how to take a moment to simply be human To be kind
Irsquom one of the few people who is not a big fan of the movie Avatar although I enjoyed the special effects There was one line that really stood out to me in that script The two romantic leads were gazing at each other but rather than saying ldquoI love yourdquo said ldquoI see yourdquo
ldquoI see yourdquo ldquoI acknowledge yourdquo ldquoI value yourdquo ldquoI appreciate yourdquo
What a precious and powerful thing to communicate to another person Rather than looking past them through them around themhellip you actually look at them You see them and you recognize that they like you have their own struggles challenges or worries to deal with Just like you Every single day
Canrsquot we just look up from our smartphones for a few minutes Just take a second or two and really see the person who is serving you or you are doing business with Or sitting beside And justhellipbe kind Not only will you leave the room better than you found it you will be better too The gift of kindness as is the case with most gifts can bring as much joy to the giver as to the recipient emsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp23
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes
ingredientsbull 8 oz bittersweet
chocolate coarsely chopped (or 1 12 cups semisweet chocolate chips)
bull 6 Tbsp trans fat-free margarine
bull 6 large eggs separated at room temperature
bull 12 cup granulated sugar
bull 2 Tbsp confectioners sugar
preparation1 Preheat oven to 275deg Line 18 cups of two
12-cup muffin pans with paper liners2 In a microwave-safe bowl combine
chocolate and margarine Microwave on high for 30 seconds stir and continue to microwave at 10-second intervals until melted
3 Add the egg yolks to the melted chocolate and whisk to combine Set aside
4 With an electric mixer whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form Gradually add granulated sugar beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat) Whisk one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture
5 Gently fold the chocolate-egg white mixture into remaining whites
6 With an ice-cream scoop divide batter evenly among 18 lined cups filling each three-quarters full Bake rotating pans halfway through until cupcakes are just set in centers about 25 minutes Transfer pans to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes (their centers will sink) Sprinkle with confectioners sugar
Yield 18 cupcakes
Nutrition Facts Calories 134 Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 62mg
Sodium 54mg Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 1g Protein 2g
y ou can be gluten free and have your cupcakes too with this easy gluten-free chocolate cupcakes recipe emsp
Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKidscom The Healthy Kohlrsquos Kids program is a partnership between Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center and Kohlrsquos Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness
24emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
sponsored content by Childrenrsquos Hospital amp Medical Center food
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2014emsp25
Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to
your home Remember Valentinersquos Day
February 14th84th and 1st St
Downtown Papillion402-331-9136
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study foradults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate thesafety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symp-toms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must bull Be between 18 and 80 years of age bull Have a fever of at least 1004 F (if over 65 years of age at least 1000 F) bull Have two or more of the following symptoms - Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
Do you have symptoms of the flu
Local doctors are currently conducting the FAVOR medical research study for adults who are experiencing symptoms of the flu They want to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational flu medication called favipiravir
People who participate in the FAVOR study will receive the study drug for five days and will visit the study clinic each day during dosing as well as two times after dosing ends If you believe you are experiencing flu symptoms now or you begin to experience flu symptoms later this season we hope that you will consider participating in this study
To pre-qualify for this study you must
- Cough sore throat headache nasal congestion body aches and pains or fatigue
All study-related care is provided at no cost and payment for your time and travel will be provided
07242013
To learn more about FAVOR please visit wwwfavorflustudycom or contact
All sbe
Do you have symptoms of the flu
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
Favipiravir research
FAV R
To Learn More Contact Quality Clinical Research At 402-934-0044
The FAVOR study is evaluating an investigational flu medication
0724
2013
18 flavorsBaked daily Birthdays Weddings GraduationsOn-site party room
buy one get one
FREEExpires February 28 2015
HoursMonday-Saturday raquo11am-8pm
Located at Midlands Placeoff 84th Street and Highway 370
Maybe a Cupcake Will Help
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Valentinersquos Dayis for the Dogs
n ow that our kids are in junior high they donrsquot have those Valentinersquos Day class parties For Chris and I romance has
digressed into the form of a nap In lieu of all the typical celebrations we make Valentinersquos Day a proclaimed day of love for our dog
I love all dogs and their furry souls A dog walks by me and I immediately inquire about the name of the dog the breed its age and its personality Irsquom always curious about a dogrsquos connection to their human
Before kids or even marriage we had Farley the Wonderdog a 125 pound loyalty-and-gentle-giant of a black lab Since I was vetoed on letting him be in our wedding party Farley was represented at our wedding with a custom-made cake topper Once the babies arrived our Farley became our personal service dog He cleaned up anything on the floor He would assess the extent of my cooking project and man his station right next to the cutting board
When the kids learned to crawl hersquod keep them corralled And when theyrsquod get too close hersquod lick them until they toddled away When they learned to walk hersquod keep an eye on them and then get out of their way lacking in their judgment of newfound confidence in their upright adventures On occasion hersquod knock them down with a whap of his tail just to remind them whorsquos really in charge
My kids were 9 years old when we made the heartbreaking decision to put Farley down They grew up with him Farley taught us that we have room in our hearts to love dogs He taught me the profound and still perplexing lesson that dogs will take any love you give them and reciprocate with an exponentially greater rate
And that is true love Itrsquos a give of everything you havemdashregardless if you have thumbs or not Farley also taught us to clear all food up to six feet high and hide all shoes But mostly he taught us that we have room in our hearts to love another dog
So thatrsquos when we rescued Maybee The word ldquomayberdquo initiates hope to a child Our furry family member Maybee is a sign of hope and possibilities for all great things to our family Maybee is a herding dog and for the first year we had her she kept the kids in line by nipping them on their backside I love this dog
As it stands now Irsquom trying to decide if we saved Maybee or if she saved us Either way wersquoll celebrate Valentinersquos Day with our sweet smart and beautiful dog Instead of chocolate and
Sweethearts wersquoll take a romantic stroll in the park and give her
doggy treats and a rawhide Thank you Maybee We
love youemsp
26emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
by Leslie Murrell mom on the rocks
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Bridge PoseSanskrit name Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (SET-too BAHN-dah Sar-van-GAHS-anna)
t he Bridge Pose stretches the spine chest and neck while stimulating the abdominal organs lungs and thyroid This pose is particularly good for improving
your digestion of foodemsp
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp27
by Rachel Joy photography by Bill Sitzmannfitness
1 Lie face-up on the floor with the arms alongside the body and palms face down
2 Take one deep inhale and on your exhale press your inner feet and arms actively into the floor and lift the hips up towards the ceiling
3 Extend through the arms to help you stay on the tops of your shoulders
4 Wiggle the shoulder blades together and clasp the hands
5 Firm the outer arms and broaden the shoulder blades to lift the chest Lift chin slightly away from sternum
6 Breathe deeply for 5-10 breaths
7 Exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor
Beginners Tip
if necessary place a folded blanket under your shoulders to protect your neck
Exercise
We are the most experienced full-service family owned real estate company in America
npdodgecom
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
FOR THE KIDS
BAM ITrsquoS A PICTURE BOOK THE ART BEHIND GRAPHIC NOVELSTHROUGH MARCH 29 2015 JOSLYN ART MUSEUM ndash
2200 DODGE ST Popular among young readers
graphic novels are known for their comic
format They are generally described as
ldquosequential artrdquo where a series of illustrations
tell the story but unlike newspaper comics
they are the length of a novel and include
narrative development This exhibition features
the work of Jarrett J Krosoczka Mark Crilley
Matt Holm Raina Telgemeier and Lincoln
Peirce Tuesday - Wednesday amp Friday - Sunday
10am- 4pm Thursday 10am- 8pm Free
admission 402-342-3300
- JOSLYNORG
SESAME STREET LIVETHROUGH FEBRUARY 25 CENTURYLINK CENTER
OMAHA ndash 455 N 10TH ST Cher D2K Tour with
special guest Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Tickets available through Ticketmaster 8pm
$21-$117 402-341-1500
-- CENTURYLINKCENTEROMAHACOM
JOHN TARGALIArsquoS IMAGINOCEANFEBRUARY 19 ORPHEUM THEATERndash 409 S 16TH ST A
one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show John
Tartagliarsquos ImaginOncean is a magical undersea
adventure for kids of all ages Jam-packed
with music ranging from swing to RampB to Big
Band John Tartagliarsquos ImaginOcean is a blast
from first big splash to the last wave goodbye
700pm Tickets starting at $22 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
FOR THE FAMILY
EXTREME PLANETFEBRUARY 10 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Take an electrifying
journey into some of our planetrsquos most extreme
environments with Carsten Peter The German
photographer and filmmaker is enthusiastically
obsessed with devising innovative photographic
techniques that allow him to capture dramatic
never-before-seen images of places few
humans have dared ever go 730pm $22
402-345-0606
-TICKETOMAHACOM
PIXAR IN CONCERTFEBRUARY 14 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST Treat your family
to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films
including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash
all with the scores played live while visually
stunning clips from the movies play on the
big screen 730pm Tickets starting at $22
402-345-0606
ndash OMAHASYMPHONYORG
LITTLE WOMENTHROUGH FEBRUARY 22 OMAHA COMMUNITY
PLAYHOUSEmdash6915 CASS ST Jo Meg Beth and
Amy guided by their beloved Marmee are
more different than any sisters could be With
their father off to war the women find strength
in themselves and each other to endure
heartache and loss and celebrate joys and
accomplishments Experience this timeless
beloved literary classic as an exhilarating
musical with stunning production elements and
a powerful score Share laughter and tears with
your entire family in this canrsquot-miss production
402-553-0800
ndash OMAHAPLAYHOUSECOM
FOR MOM amp DAD
AMERICAN MODERNS FROM OrsquoKEEFFE TO ROCKWELLFEBRUARY 8-MAY 17 JOSLYN ART MUSEUMmdash2200
DODGE ST This exhibition explores the ways
American artists including Georgia OrsquoKeeffe
Marsden Hartley Stuart Davis Rockwell Kent
and Norman Rockwell engaged the modern
world This exhibition will have a ticket fee Free
for members youth ages 17 and younger amp
college students with ID 402-342-3300
-JOSLYNORG
SWAN LAKE THE SUZANNE FARRELL BALLETFEBRUARY 14 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
301 N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE A performance of
Balanchinersquos Swan Lake headlines the evening
This one-act enchanting story is performed to
the original Tchaikovsky score The program
also includes Balanchinersquos Allegro Brillante and
Agon 730pm Starting at $29 402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
HOT SARDINESFEBRUARY 17 HOLLAND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTERmdash1200 DOUGLAS ST What better way to
celebrate Mardi Gras than with a New Orleans
gypsy jazz party band The Hot Sardinesrsquo
soundmdashwartime Paris via New Orleansmdashis
steeped in hot jazz and salty stride piano 7pm
Tickets starting at $2625 402-345-0606
- TICKETOMAHACOM
THE SECOND CITYFEBRUARY 26 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 301
N 12TH ST LINCOLN NE The worldrsquos top sketch
and improv comedy troupe returns to the Lied
This hilarious cast of comedians joins a long
line of former Second City performers who
have gone on to super-star status including
John Belushi Bill Murray Steve Carell Tina Fey
and Stephen Colbert 730pm Starting at $20
402-472-4700
ndash LIEDCENTERORG
Second CityExtreme PlanetImaginocean
28emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
Calendar of Events
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp29
Sunday Feb 22 bull Holland CenterJoin Music Director Thomas Wilkins on an exhilarating journey full of energy and fun straight into the heart and soul of music
Tickets Adults amp Kids $12
Saturday Feb 14 Holland CenterTreat your family to favorite scenes from DisneyPixar films including Toy Story Wall-E Up and Brave ndash all with the scores played live while visually stunning clips from the movies play on the big screen
Tickets Start at $19
Movie Music Series Sponsor
4023450606 | OMAHASYMPHONYORG
Thomas Wilkins conductor
MAKEA SPLASHSwim lessons arenrsquot just for the summer - you can swim year-round at the Y
We have classesfor swimmersof all ages and
abilities
Call your local YMCA for more
info
Winter 2 Swim Lessons - February 22-April 11 2015Registration begins - Member February 2 Non member February 6
Looking for holiday gift ideas YMCA has swim lessons for all ages
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
wwwmetroymcaorg
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
t
Duct Tape DreamsThe Role of Ritual
he first years of a childrsquos life are jam-packed with an endless string of memorable ldquofirstsrdquo The rite of passage that is climbing into your first ldquobig boy bedrdquo ranks right up there with such landmark moments
as sitting up unassisted for the first time learning to walk or uttering your first words
So it was with more than a little surprise that my wife Julie and I learned that it was going to be no easy task to get our grandchildren Easton (5) and Barrett (3) into new more age-appropriate bedtime arrangements during sleepovers in our home
Easton sleeps on an inflatable mattress when hersquos over at our place Barrett who was moved into his own bed at home some time ago still sleeps in a crib when hersquos with us Now itrsquos time for Easton to graduate to a real bed while Barrett takes his brotherrsquos place on the air mattress
Which brings me to a point of puzzlement Barrett would never accept sleeping in a crib in his own home these days but he is reluctant to abandon his spot when it comes time to crash in our home Compounding matters Easton wonrsquot budge from his air mattress
The point is that habits rituals and traditions are organic They are born of a certain set of specific circumstances ones that may be nullified when the scenery people or time changes Ritual exists to bring order among chaos Our sleeping arrangements trump those of when they are home simply and solely because they arehellipwell ours They are our way Our tradition
Easton associates his mattress with camping Hersquos not merely on the floor at his grandparentrsquos house hersquos on a wilderness adventure The latest addition to his little carpeted campsite is that he now insists on sleeping under the flickering glow of an electric candle that mirrors the dancing flames of a crackling campfire
Understanding why Barrett persists in his desire to stick to his crib is less obvious to us but wersquore confident nonetheless that it has everything to do with the fact that things are just ldquodifferentrdquo at grandma and grandparsquos place
All of which is to me an informative lesson in early childhood development It seems counterintuitive on many levels but I find it fascinating that their little brains are already so compartmentalized so capable of receiving the very same stimuli (ldquoItrsquos bedtimerdquo) and processing that information in two diametrically opposing ways
ldquoDifferentrdquo is okay in this case so long as it is supported by a framework that speaks to a childrsquos need to feel safe and secure when they are away from their parents
Funny thing is I managed to puncture Eastonrsquos air mattress the last time we babysat which I assumed would force the issue of moving him into a bed But he still wouldnrsquot budge Letting the air out of his mattress was like letting the air out of his sense of securityhellipso it was time to get out the duct tapeemsp
30emspHerFamily bull February 2015 omahamagazinecom
the grandpa chroniclesby David Williams
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
bestofomahacom HerFamily bull February 2015emsp31
Raising kids is hard Itrsquos OK to ask for advice
Thirteen years from now shersquoll start an Internet relationship with an older man
This is Addie
PROvIded by bOys TOwnregA seRvIce Of The nebRAsKA dePARTmenT Of heAlTh amp humAn seRvIces
nebraskafamilyhelplinenegov
888-866-8660
1206-3400 HelplineHerFamilyAddieAd7625x4917indd 1 103014 312 PM
Erin Cox Event Director
402-884-2038 | erinomahamagazinecom
EVENTS by OMAHA MAGAZINE
Events by Omaha Magazine is a full service event production company specializing in trade shows corporate events product launches and social gatherings From concept to delivery our goal is to provide an exceptional event experience for the host and their guests
Your Vision Our Innovation Event Solutions
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes
Omaha Magazine5921 S 118th CirOmaha NE 68137
Professional Dance Education For All Ages Jazz bull Hip-Hop bull Lyrical bull Tap bull Ballet bull Pointe bull Modern bull Contemporary bull Dance Theater
We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education
4024935671 bull onpointedancecentrecom 1812 N 120th Street Omaha Nebraska 68154
We were proud to participate in both the 2011 Macyrsquos Thanksgiving Day Parade and
2014 Capital One Bowl Halftime Show
Award Winning Competition Team
Register now for summer and fall classes