Lincoln Kids! Newspaper Summer 2016

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! e re

Celebrating our 23rd year!

Lincoln Kids!

N E W S P A P E R

Quarterly Family Newspaper

Please Take One!

23rd Year No. 2

“Night Walk”

by Tina Beard,

6 Years Old, Art Around the Corner

Summer 2016 s e s s s!

Cla mp a C &

The Fun-in-the-Sun Issue!

MAY, JUNE & JULY

Ex c Ev itin en g ts!

Your Family Guide for Lincoln and the Surrounding Area

Lincoln Kids!

Youth Theatre Camps

Rehearsals are Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm

The Three Musketeers Rehearsals: May 31st - June 15th Performances: June 16th - 18th

Guys & Dolls Jr.

Rehearsals: June 27th - July 13th Performances: July 14th - July 16th

Best in the West

Rehearsals: July 18th - August 3rd Performances: August 4th - 6th

One-Week Camps & Registration

The Three Musketeers

One-Week Camp Rehearsals Monday - Friday May 23rd - 27th, 10 am - 4 pm

Guys & Dolls Jr.

One-Week Camp Rehearsals Monday - Friday June 20th - 24th, 10 am - 4 pm

Before & after-care available!

Visit our website to register for Youth Theatre & One-Week Camps! www.HaymarketTheatre.org

Page 2 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

TINA BEARD

Summer 2016 Cover Artist Student of

Art Around the Corner Tina Beard, age 6, is a first grade student at Sheridan Elementary School. She was born in Thousand Oaks, CA, and in 2012 moved with her family to Lincoln, NE. She is the youngest in her big, blended family. She loves art because

“you can use so many things to create what you see in your mind.”

Tina plays the violin and her favorite sports are tennis, volleyball and basketball. Her favorite colors are “pink, purple, blue and green” and her favorite subject in school is math. In her spare time, she loves to keep her older brother, Alex, very busy, and to play with her dogs, Abby and Marco, and her cat, Kitty.

Attention Young Artists and Poets!

How would you like to be published in

Lincoln Kids! Newspaper?

T

Karla Goerl & Bennett Martin

his has been an exciting year for our family & Lincoln Kids!

Newspaper...and really, things are just gearing up!

April 1st was the official day founder and former owner/publisher Mark Martin passed the Lincoln Kids! legacy onto us.

We have some large shoes to fill (clown shoes?), but with Mark in the wings to help guide us on this journey, we look forward to bringing even more fun, local opportunities to you, our readers.

Besides taking over the paper, our other big excitement of the year is starting our own fami-

ly. Our son should be making his debut around the beginning of July. Lincoln is such a wonderful place to raise a family. We are excited to explore all the wonderful, kid-friendly opportunities promoted in Lincoln Kids!

This issue was a real blast to put together–we received so many wonderful artwork submissions from studios and individual families. Our community is graced with many fantastic, young artists. It’s an honor to publish such amazing masterpieces.

We’d also like to welcome our new advertisers: The Piccoli Dance Theatre, featured on page 42 next to the Kids Art Gallery; and Meadowlark Music Festival, you can find their summer line-up on page 41.

We hope you enjoy our exciting, jam-packed, fun-in-the-sun issue of Lincoln Kids! We are sure you will find the perfect summer camp, class, activity or event for your family. Have a great summer!

~Karla & Bennett

Mail or email us your ARTWORK and Poems for consideration-TODAY!

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Linco

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FAL L 201 6

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THE

BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE

AUG - SEP - OCT

Advertising • Artwork • Articles • Calendar

Submission deadline: JULY 10 For inquiries, contact: Karla.LincolnKids@gmail.com www.LincolnKidsInc.com Like us on Facebook!

(402) 798-0224 Lincoln Kids! Newspaper 3764 Everett Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68506

ublisher, Editor in Chief, & Sales – Karla Goerl P Distribution - Bennett Martin Calendar & Web Media – Dawn Garcia Publishing Consultant – Mark Martin Illustrations – Local Youth & Ron Wheeler’s Fat Free Clip Art Printer – Page 1 Printers Lincoln Kids! Newspaper is operated by Bennett & Karla, Inc. We are a quarterly family newspaper published in February, May, August & November. Copyright ©2016 by Bennett & Karla, Inc. All rights reserved. We are not responsible for errors and omissions. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited. Lincoln Kids! encourages your submission of feature articles, p h o t o graphs and ideas.

We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication.

Materials will not be returned unless prior arrangements are made. Advertising and information is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. Current and past issues may be viewed online at www.LincolnKidsInc.com.

Summer 2016 • Page 3

Lincoln Kids!

Leaving Lincoln: Summer Day Trips

By Gretchen Garrison, Local Mom, Blogger, and Reader

D

on’t you sometimes wish you could just get out of town? Especially when my kids were little, I would get a bit stir crazy. Yet going too long of a distance required more effort than I was capable of planning.

Presenting: Several Places to go with Kids that are within or just about an hour from Lincoln Because this is summertime, this list is mostly comprised of outdoor opportunities. While many do charge admission, with all that you are saving on fuel, perhaps you can justify the small fees.

Page 4 • lincolnkidsinc.com

AURORA:

Aquatic Facility Pioneer Trails Recreation Area

BEATRICE:

Beatrice Big Blue Water Park Homestead National Monument (explore both indoors & outside!)

BROWNVILLE: COLUMBUS: CRETE:

Meriwether Lew Drege & Missouri River History Museum Riverside Park

Andrew Jackson Higgins National Monument (includes war boat!)

Pawnee Plunge Water Park plus Quincentenary Bell Tower

Crete Heritage Society & 1883 Boswell Observatory (for groups, email janet.jeffries@doane.edu in advance for appointments & activities)

DAVID CITY:

Family Aquatic Center Drive by the Nichols Round Barn

FREMONT:

Splash Station May Museum Arboretum (open afternoons)

GOEHNER:

Seward County Historical Society Museum (lots of indoor fun, PLUS on some Sundays you can ride the outdoor scale trains for free!)

LINCOLN: Saline Wetland Nature Center (north of Lincoln, just far enough away!)

NEBRASKA CITY: Arbor Day Farm (check out the Tree Adventure area!)

WAHOO: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area YORK: Wessels Living History Farm (plenty to do outside and indoors)

Want More Ideas?

Why not Omaha? The possibilities would monopolize this list. To find out what is happening in the big “O,” please follow my blogging friends at “Family Fun in Omaha” and “Oh, My! Omaha.” To find out about my family’s experiences exploring, please check out my blog: OdysseyThroughNebraska.com.

Gretchen Garrison is a Lincoln homeschooling mom who enjoys exploring the town and other nearby areas with her four kids.

Writing primarily on her own blog, www.odysseythroughnebraska.com, she is also a frequent contributing writer for the blog, “Good Life Moms,” and Lincoln Kids! Newspaper.

Lincoln Kids!

Defy Gravity: 1st Birthday & New Value Pricing to Celebrate!

Submitted by the team at Defy Gravity

D

efy Gravity celebrated its first birthday on March 12th. “We are so excited to have celebrated our first birthday in Lincoln. Defy Gravity thanks all those who have come to enjoy our family-friendly environment. We have grown over the past year and offer a wide range of activities,” said Brandon Dallmann, General Manager.

Since opening in 2015, Defy Gravity has grown to more than its initial offerings and is Lincoln’s dynamic interactive fun park offering something for everyone. Defy Gravity now has even more activities for kids and families to enjoy, including new value pricing to celebrate and thank the community for its support.

Family Arcade and Redemption Center features 24 of the latest top arcade games.

Test your skills and have fun with

the family.

Challenge yourself to a variety of games such as Monster D r o p X-Treme, Jurassic Park, and Ice Ball!

Y o u ’ l l earn tickets that can be redeemed on our jam-packed prize wall!

Duel Climbing Wall is our 24-foot double-sided transparent wall that challenges you to compete against the clock or race a competitor to the top.

Trampoline Ninja is a single player experience that offers a twist to interactive fun. Developed

by Defy Gravity, this attraction is equipped with black lights and high-tech special effects. The objective is to battle a virtual ninja

by smashing as many ninja stars on our trampolines as you can in 90 seconds.

Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball is available for teams and individuals on Thursday nights from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. It’s unlike any other dodgeball game available in the area.

Trampoline Fitness is for people who want serious results from a fun and addictive workout routine.

Defy Gravity Lincoln has group

fitness classes that are a fraction of the cost of a gym membership. If you want to burn up to 1,000 calories an hour while actually having fun, our fitness classes are for you.

Classes are offered Monday from 9-10am, Wednesday from 8-9pm & Sunday from 7-8pm.

Laser Maze: just like in Mission Impossible, this attraction challenges you to maneuver your body through a black lit room full of laser beams while racing against the clock for the fastest time.

Bubble Soccer is the most anticipated form of entertainment that is sweeping the country! Whether you are looking for a new league to join, a team-building activity, or an alternative for your next social event, you’ll be sure to experience an adrenaline rush like never before!

Here’s to looking forward to many more years of fun! For more information on Defy Gravity visit www.defygravityusa.com or call 402-817-6900.

Visit us at www.stmarks.org 8550 Pioneers Blvd.

Lincoln, NE 68520

SUMMER

K 1/2 I DDay:S$10 •CFullAday: M$20 PS

Urban Quest

Ages 8-11: June 28 9am-3pm Ages 4-7: June 30 9-11:30am Explore church grounds & the community while completing challenges & navigating road blocks!

Arts Quest

Ages 8-11: July 12 9am-3pm Ages 4-7: July 14 9-11:30am Act, sing, dance, paint, draw, and color!

Express your creative energy to worship!

Cruise Ship Quest

Ages 8-11: July 19 9am-3pm Ages 4-7: July 21 9-11:30am Explore the high seas in style! Come aboard U.S.S. St. Mark for the adventure of the summer!

Water Quest

Ages 8-11: July 26 9am-3pm Ages 4-7: July 28 9-11:30am Slip & slide fun, mess in the mud, and get sticky, ooey, and gooey! Have some wet-n-wild fun in the sun!

Call St. Mark’s (402) 489-8885

VACATI O N

BIBLE SCHOOL Cave Quest: $10/child • $20/family max.

Leadership Quest

June 14-16, 10am-2pm 4th & 5th grade (FREE) Train for a leadership role at Cave Quest Vacation Bible School the next week!

Cave Quest

June 20-24, 9-11:30am Ages 4-11 (3 w/ adult) Become grounded in the rock-solid foundation of God’s love!

M O N D AY MISSION Q U E STS AN D FIELD TRIPS

QUESTS

Ages 4-11 June 27 July 11, 18 & 25 Aug 1 9-11:30am

TRIPS

Ages 8-11 Aug 2; 9am-3pm Ages 4-7 Aug 4; 9-11:30am

Ages 4-7: $40 • Ages 8-11: $50

Put your faith into action by completing the Monday Mission Quest Challenge! Make lunches for Habitat for Humanity workers, clean up church grounds, & serve our community. At the end of the summer each group will embark on a Mission Quest Field Trip, traveling to a local organization to do service. Cost includes 5 camps & 1 trip.

Email childrensministry@stmarks.org Summer 2016 • Page 5

Lincoln Kids!

The Power of Parents (and Nature)

By Lindsay Rogers, Wildlife Education Specialist

A

s a wildlife educator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, I often lead educator workshops to help teachers understand how to incorporate wildlife into their lessons. Although I work with educators from all communities, grades and skill-levels, I work primarily with early childhood educators through a program

“Spider” “Bee” & “Butterfly”

by Students at LUX Center for the Arts

called “Growing Up WILD.” we check out the mulch beds in When leading a teacher workour backyard. We unsurprisingly shop, I often ask early childhood come across roly-polies, millipedes educators their opinions about and spiders. What would happen if snakes. Almost inevitably the I screamed when we came across majority of teachers say they are each of these species and told them scared, terrified or disgusted by that these creatures were disgusting snakes. When or gross? What asked “why” would happen if they usually I insisted these say their mom harmless creaor grandpa tures would bite did not like or sting them? snakes so they (I am personaldon’t either. ly the slightest Sometimes bit terrified of they cite misspiders!)

3-year old Vincent discovers a roly-poly, information or I would be photo compliments of Abby Kula myths about passing along snakes. Change my own misinthe subject to beetles, spiders or formation and opinions as facts. slugs and the conversation is not I would be creating yet another much different. generation of misled and misThis experience reminds me of guided adults. My job as a parent the amazing power I have as a (and my child’s first teacher) is to parent. My children and I are conimpart facts. My role is to encourstantly outside exploring, investiage them to explore. My part is gating, and discovering. Sometimes to help them become life-long

Week-long day camps designed to keep your kids learning & active throughout the summer!

Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm | No camp 5/30 & 7/4

Register Now! Member Rate

Preschool (1/2 day) | $105 K-6 | $155

Non-Member Rate

Preschool (1/2 day) | $120 K-6 | $180

Register at www.LincolnRacquetClub.com 12 camps to choose from! Pick your faves or attend them all!

May 23-27 | School’s Out!

July 5-8 | Animal Planet

May 31-June 3 | Around the World

July 11-15 | Culinary Camp

June 6-10 | LRC Olympics

July 18-22 | Sports of all Sorts

June 13-17 | Super Heroes

July 25-29 | Survivor

June 20-24 | Ultimate Summer

Aug 1-5 | Mad Science

June 27-July 1 | Happy Holidays

Aug 8-11 | The Great Escape Adventure Camp

Page 6 • lincolnkidsinc.com

learners. None of that is possible when I am constantly telling them the treasures they are finding are gross or dangerous.

As I think about the ever growing field of STEM careers, I am reminded why biologists, physicists, chemists and engineers choose this field. It is because they have been encouraged from a young age to explore, wonder and think critically. They are not discouraged by their parent’s preconceived ideas and opinions.

As summer adventures are in full swing, I invite you to head outside and discover nature together. And when you come across something that you are maybe a little scared of, tell your child. Admit that you do not know enough about snakes and spiders.

Ask them to help you learn about these tiny but important creatures.

Learn together. Explore together.

Appreciate nature together. Make memories together.

5300 Old Cheney Road | (402) 423 - 2511 Lincoln Racquet Club Activities & Classes

Visit www.LincolnRacquetClub.com for full class listing & times Kids Activities Yoga Tumbling Gym & Swim Racquetball Hip Hop Dance Kickboxing Parent’s Night Out Private & Group Tennis

Private & Group Swim Private & Group Volleyball Swim Team Swim Conditioning Private & Group Baseball Private & Group Basketball No-School-Day Camps Seasonal Camps & Clinics

Adult Classes Boot Camp BodyCombat BodyFlow BodyPump BodyStep CXworx Functional Strength/ Cardio Circuit Rapidfire 60 H.I.I.T. Kickboxing Cardio Punch Mat Pilates Stott Pilates Power Yoga

Yoga Synrgy 360 Zumba Cardio Tennis Aqua Pilates Aqua Cardio Aqua Zumba Swim Strength Conditioning Group Cycling TRX Training ½ Marathon Training Outdoor Extreme Training Treadmill Interval Training Group Personal Training

Lincoln Kids!

Diving or Gymnastics? Two Great Sports That Go Great Together

By Ann Neal, Nebraska Diving Club Mom Photo Courtesy of NDC

E

ven though divers and gymnasts compete in different venues and use different techniques to get the job done, there are similarities between the two sports that allow athletes the opportunity to follow dreams and fulfill goals regardless of which sport they ultimately choose.

The two sports look a lot alike, both incorporate somersaulting or twisting elements, sometimes you land on your feet, and sometimes you land on your hands. Both sports require the skill of “spotting” which is the ability to see where one is while twisting and/or spinning. Knowing when to come out of a dive or tumbling sequence is important in order to perform the element correctly and avoid a whopping crash in either sport.

Both sports demand flexibility and

strength along with a keen sense of body awareness. In diving, the stronger the diver, the better their technique, and the tighter their position in the air the easier it is to complete the dive.

Based on the philosophy that no matter the sport, an athlete has to be strong, flexible, and disciplined. Head Coach Kris Hoffman of the Nebraska Diving Club (NDC) trains his divers to be athletes first, and divers second. He believes core strength helps a diver with balance, control, flexibility, and reduces injuries. According to Coach Hoffman, many of his divers started in gymnastics and moved to diving later in their careers. He

stated that a number of athletes of the Nebraska Diving Club have experienced great success after switching from the gym to the diving well and that this can also be true of divers-turned-gymnasts.

NDC diver, Taylor Carter, was a gymnast before switching to diving and stated that although the technique in diving is very different than in gymnastics, spatial awareness is necessary in both sports. She stated, “I chose diving because I enjoyed it more… and it gave me an opportunity to compete at the high school and national level.”

Coach Hoffman indicated that over the past few years, nearly all NDC high school athletes who pursued collegiate diving careers received full or partial athletic scholarship offers. The bottom line is that athletes who seek the joy of spinning, twisting, and fulfilling their quest for thrills (and some spills) can have that opportunity and be a part of something

special, be it in the gym or at the diving well.

The Nebraska Diving Club is a year-round program with a monthto-month membership. All levels of divers are welcome, from those who have never been off a diving board to national level competitors. Coach Hoffman is assisted by Natasha Chikina, UNL’s Women’s Diving Coach, Rob Babcock, and Rey Castro. If interested, please contact Coach Hoffman at 402450-2402 for more information.

Untitled

by Saki Sakai, 6 years old, Kindergartener at Maxey Elementary

Summer 2016 • Page 7

Lincoln Kids!

By Diane Wendelin, Preschool Teacher, Pioneers Park Nature Center

S

ticks have been around for centuries, whether you are three, four, five or six years old, they hold a new adventure for every child.

Outside in the natural world sticks have been imaginarily turned into many different things by the children at the Pioneers Park Nature Center Preschool, all of which they’ve created by themselves, with very little teacher prompting.

We have seen sticks used as magic wands for princess parties, drumsticks to tap out a tune on logs, a flag while they pretend to play school or a stick horse to ride upon. The children have pretended to use sticks in all aspects of camping: a fishing pole, a campfire, a skewer for marshmallows and hotdog roasting.

A wonderful eagle’s nest was constructed one day out in the woods, with sticks and small logs by the children. The children constructed it all on their own from a single thought that blossomed, and the children worked together to make their idea come to life. The children have built a log-and-stick fort; it gets remodeled quite often

It’s Not Only a Stick which makes for extra fun when the next preschool class comes to the fort and sees all the changes. Sticks are also used to write and draw in the dirt, sand, and mud while learning numbers, the alphabet and children’s names.

Sticks also become light sabers from Star Wars and other props as the children act out the different shows they’ve seen. An unavoidable use of sticks is when they are used to swat, poke, and swing around, but this can be incorporated into a very teachable moment about weapons and their proper uses, such as hunting. Many of our children come from hunting families and the children have stories to share about their family’s experiences.

Saturday June 4th, 2016

Fre e

5-8 pm at Holmes Lake Park

!

Free Family Fun!

Hands-on Activities!

Canoe Rides! Fishing!

Free Food & Drink! (while supplies last)

Jason St. Sauver

nd BIRDNERD a i ng t BLURB s Ne Su

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Summer is a great time to observe local birds, like robins, jays, cardinals, and wrens, as they build their nests and feed their young. You can put out old pieces of string, hay, grass, and even dog fur for birds to use in their nest. Or maybe put up a bird house for wrens and chickadees. It is very magical to be able to see chicks hatch from eggs and fledge from the nest to be able to fly and feed on their own. But, it can also be a confusing time to know what to do if you see a baby bird on the ground or out of a nest. The answer is easy. If the bird has feathers and can walk or run–even if it cannot fly

of course would be dangerous if it had landed on him or another child.

However, after a discussion with him about safety, he decided on his own that he could roll it to the new spot, which he promptly did.

He was so proud of himself that he figured out how to move the log.

Sticks, whether outside in the natural world or inside the Nature Preschool classroom, are a favorite of many of our preschool students and also the preschool teachers.

Fall registration for the Nature Center Preschool and Pre-K is currently open. Please call the Nature Center Preschool director at 402441-8669 for more information.

The Nature Center also offers six sessions of Camp Discovery, a summer day camp for 3-6 year olds. This program takes place 9:00 – 11:30 am, Monday-Thursdays in June and July. For more information visit lincoln.ne.gov, keyword: Nature Camps.

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yet–leave it be. Parents will know where it is and can feed it on the ground or under the nearest shrubs. If the baby bird is still naked with no feathers and eyes closed, it may need your help. If you know where the nest is and your parents can safely reach it…the bird can be placed back in the nest. It is a myth that the parents won’t feed it if it is touched by humans.

If you cannot reach the nest, or have a bird that is clearly injured, call the local wildlife rehab center and let them, the experts, help the bird out. And always keep cats indoors.

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More info at:

Happy Birding!

Keyword search:

Jason St. Sauver is the bird expert at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center.

For more info, call (402) 797-2301 or email the Bird Nerd at scp@audubon.org.

http://lincoln.ne.gov Waterfest

Page 8 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Inside the Nature Preschool classroom, a bouquet of beautiful sticks in all shapes and sizes is often displayed in a vase. Sticks have many creative uses in arts and crafts. Sticks used as antlers to glue on deer and elk pictures. Sticks made into mobiles or a picture frame for the child’s picture at the beginning of the year to help recognize our friends and their names.

It is amazing to watch what the children do with a basket of assorted sticks. We have watched the children use these sticks to create pictures, create the letters of their name, measure their arms, legs or how tall they are, or even make a long, long line of sticks.

Sticks are for more than just playing make-believe, learning letters and numbers, and crafting.

These versatile, free, learning toys teach creativity, coordination, and critical thinking. One day, a student was lifting a sizable log (for his age) to move to another location. He let the stick drop, which

Lincoln Kids!

Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN!

Free Summer Meals for Kids!

By Michaela Emmons, School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP)

Submitted by Janette Johnson, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department

CIP is planning its third annual fundraiser, “Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN”, set to take place on May 28 at Haymarket Park.

Proceeds will benefit SCIP, a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership.

New this year, children and adults of all ages will participate in a 1-mile Fun Run or 5K Race. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit sponsor booths to become eligible for prizes. Sponsor booths may include a variety of resources, information, treats and activities.

• Registration: 8:00 am • 1-mile Fun Run: 9:00 am • 5K: 9:30 am

earning and good nutrition does not end when school lets out. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals so they are better fueled to learn and grow. The program will run from late May to early August at sites through-

L

S

The 5K Race is $25.00 per person and the 1-mile Fun Run is $15.00 per person. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult; 1 adult can run for free if they are with a child under the age of 9 (event shirt not included).

To purchase tickets visit www. scipnebraska.com.

For additional information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Michaela Emmons at 402-327-6843.

out Lincoln. In collaboration this summer, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and Lincoln Public Schools plan to serve more than 100,000 meals to children 18 years and under at approved SFSP sites.

Spread the word and help kids power up with healthy meals for summer fun! To get more information or find the nearest SFSP approved site near you, please visit: www.lincoln.ne.gov, keyword: summer food.

See our ad below!

2016 SUMMER CAMPS!

Camps run May 23-Aug 12. Two convenient locations.

Featuring academic & enrichment activities and field trips!

Early Learning Center

6220 Logan Ave

Community Learning Center Brownell Elementary

An Early Learning Center serving infant–school age.

We also have Community Learning Centers at Norwood Park and Brownell Elementary Schools.

Call us today!

402-471-3700

tonya@nfclincoln.org 6220 Logan Avenue | Lincoln

For a Refreshing Alternative to Daycare:

Thea Child’s View Montessori School 3341 Pioneers Blvd. Lincoln 402-484-8277 For Ages 18 months to 6 years Suzuki violin lessons

Certified Professional Montessori Teachers

Kindergarten Program Certified through Nebraska Department of Education

Honoring Dr. Montessori’s Vision of the Child’s Potential

Open 7:15 am to 5:45 pm – Part or Full Time Available Summer 2016 • Page 9

Lincoln Kids!

Submitted by America’s Great Stories®

I

n June, the America’s Great Stories® series will inspire hundreds of elementary-aged children by portraying four American leaders who loved God and served their fellow man.

This year’s costumed storytellers will present the lives of these influential Americans:

FUN ALL SUMMER!

Page 10 • lincolnkidsinc.com

America’s Great Stories® 2016 • Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg • Julia Ward Howe, author of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” • George Washington Carver, slave who became a renowned scientist • Martha Washington, who spent almost half of the Revolutionary War with her husband and his men, encouraging them.

Children’s Bibles that retail for

approximately $20.00 are also available to each child (or family) who would like one, while supplies last. Children will also learn a patriotic song and a Bible verse.

The free 45-minute sessions are offered at these locations and times: • The New City Impact Center (1035 North 33rd Street) on Thursdays at 7 p.m. on June 2, 9, 16 and 23.

• Scott Middle School (2200 Pine Lake Road) on Fridays at 10:15 & 11:00 a.m. on June 3, 10, 17 and 24. Please park in the back and follow signs to the gym.

• Morley Elementary School (6800 Monterey Drive) on Fridays at 1:15 p.m. and 2 p.m. on June 3, 10, 17 and 24. Please park in the east lot and follow signs to the gym.

Simply choose one location because storytellers rotate.

Caregivers must remain with the children they bring—adults enjoy the time-honored tradition of storytelling, too!

This series is sponsored entirely

by America’s Great Stories®, a non-denominational and all-volunteer ministry based in Lincoln.

This summer marks its 15th year of storytelling.

Reservations are recommended for groups of 10 or more; please call Terri Heckman at 402-4217142.

For more information, please visit: Americasgreatstories.org or call: 402-486-1776.

We hope to see you there with your children or grandchildren!

TONS OF DEALS!

Lincoln Kids!

LMTA Music Outreach Offers Lessons to Underprivileged Children

By Jo Riecker-Karl

T

he Lincoln Music Teachers Association (LMTA) recently won the “2016 Gladys Lux Education Award” from the Mayor’s Arts Awards and received a project grant from the Lincoln Arts Council for its Music Outreach Program (MOP). For a nominal monthly fee, MOP provides 50 needy students with instruments and music lessons with independent music teachers who meet professional LMTA requirements.

The family must document genuine financial need or extreme circumstances. Most students qualify for either free or reduced-priced lunches, or the family income must fall within Federal Lunch guidelines, according to their most recent income tax return. Students are nominated by an adult, such as a school teacher, counselor or private teacher, who knows their musical interest and strength.

program as well as interact with the students. LMTA believes that Music Outreach students who receive oneon-one mentoring with positive role models will continue to serve the community in performance and LMTA Member Aleta Collier and her MOP student become good citperformed a violin duet at the Barnes and Noble Bookfair izens and philanFundraiser on February 13. thropists. Studies Private or group lessons are taught show that music performance in the MOP teacher’s studio with develops self-confidence, probthe curriculum set by the teachlem-solving and social skills. er. The teacher agrees to proLMTA is a nonprofit organizavide at least one opportunity each tion of independent music teachers year for MOP student(s) who are and college faculty whose primaready to perform in a recital in ry objective is to provide educathe community, such as a nursing tional and performance opportuhome, retirement center, rehabilinities for their member teachers tation hospital, etc. These facility and students. LMTA is an affiliate recitals also become an outreach of the Nebraska Music Teachers for the community who has an Association [NMTA] and Music opportunity to listen to a musical Teachers National Association [MTNA]. The Music Outreach Program is administered by a nine-member volunteer committee of LMTA teachers, partnering with local music stores, piano tuners and businesses. Chet’s Moving and Storage Houses donated MOP pianos and delivers them to student’s homes free of charge. Dietze Music donates free print music

for MOP students. CGSmusic, The Violin Shop and Capital City Strings repair stringed instruments as needed and provide reducedcost rental instruments for string students. Approximately five local piano tuners provide one free tuning and several will do extra reduced-cost tunings. Scott Kerns, (That Tuning Guy) evaluates potential piano donations for suitability.

MOP is supported in part by grants from the Lincoln Arts Council, Nebraska Arts Council & the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, the Lincoln Community Foundation, the Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, the Cooper Foundation and the Harris Foundation in addition to private donations and LMTA fundraisers. In 2011, the M.U.S.I.C. (Music for UnderServed Interested Children) Endowment was established with the Lincoln Community Foundation. As of December 2015, the fund totaled $28,788.94 and paid out $886.52, the approximate cost of funding one student’s lessons for a year.

More information may be found at www.LMTA.info. Click on Music Outreach and MUSIC. Tax-deductible donations to LMTA-MOP or the M.U.S.I.C. Endowment may be made through the website.

May 25, 5-9:00 PM : LMTA will join with 6 local arts organizations to host a Give to Lincoln Day Fundraiser Party at Kuck Motorsports Museum.

All are welcome!

$30 Donation to your favorite organization at the door or bring a receipt for a donation to the Lincoln Community Foundation.

Specializing in Squirmers!

Moms & Dads get great haircuts too!

We Accept Debit & Credit Cards!

• All the latest styles for your child • Specially trained children’s stylists • Video games and special play area • Adult haircuts and facial waxing for moms and dads as well.

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am – 5:45pm

Saturday 9:00am – 2:45pm

402-484-7866 • 237 S. 70th, Suite 106 Summer 2016 • Page 11

Lincoln Kids!

Bring the World to Your Home!

By Karla Goerl, Lincoln Kids! Newspaper

H

ave you ever wondered what it takes to host a foreign exchange student? What’s stopping you from welcoming the world into your home? Maybe your house is too small or family too big? And it’s probably expensive, right?

There are many, many valid questions to ask when considering hosting a child from another country. Do I have to have a child in the same grade? Does my kid have to “swap” places with the student I’m hosting? Do I need to know the native language? How do I choose my student?

This is where the “third parent” comes in. Meet Mandy Mandachit, a local coordinator for Academic Year in America (AYA). She currently has 10 students in Lincoln and the surrounding area representing five countries. She’s here to answer your questions and help

guide you through the application process. She also plays “matchmaker” and really gets to know the host families and students before deciding placement.

She helps the kids and their new families land on their feet as they learn and blend each other’s cultures and customs. She meets the kids at the airport when they arrive and goes the extra mile to keep the kids involved and feel at

PRINCESS ACADEMY I

MAY 23 - 27

Ages 6 and up

$150

IMPROV CAMP

MAY 31 - JUNE 3 JUNE 6 - 17

Mandy with some of her 2015/2016 Foreign Exchange Students & their host families at the State Capital, March 2016.

Ages 7 and up

$125

NIGHT AT THE WAX MUSEUM - THE MUSICAL Ages 7 and up

$300

JUNE 20 - 24

COMIC BOOK ARTIST

JUNE 27 - JULY 1

THE TRIALS OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Ages 7 and up

Ages 7 and up

Ages 7 and up

$300

HELLO, SHAKESPEARE!

JULY 18 - 22

Ages 7 and up

$150

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK, JR

AUGUST 8 - 12

All camps run from 9am - 4pm

Page 12 • lincolnkidsinc.com

$150

CATS + TALE OF TWO CITIES

JULY 5 - JULY 15

JULY 25 - AUG 5

$150

Ages 7 and up

$300

PRINCESS ACADEMY II Ages 6 and up

$150

Before & aftercare is available!

home. In fact, about every month she arranges an activity to regroup her students and parents, allowing them to touch base and share their experiences with each other along the way. Best of all, if you need a helping hand on this journey, Mandy is there for you.

AYA students can enroll for either a full academic year or one semester, and are around age 16 when they start school here in the

States. You don’t have to have a child in the same grade–host families come in all shapes and sizes, from empty-nesters to having several kids of their own, so there’s no “swapping”. All students must speak fluent English, be in good health, be financially supported by their own family, be in good standing academically, and have extracurricular activities to keep them active & involved. So with that in mind, even if you’ve never traveled internationally yourself, why not bring the world to your front door?

AYA averages 900 students annually, with the Midwest having the largest placement. Hosts can try it once or volunteer year after year. Are you interested in learning more? Check out Mandy’s website, www.hostnebraska.org, or email her, amandachit@gmail. com. The experience really brings families together, both at home and across the globe!

Lincoln Kids!

Foster Volunteers Open Hearts and Homes

By Charleen Engberg, Dir. of Education and Volunteers, Capital Humane Society

I

n 2015, just over 380 animals went into our foster care program, where more than 85 foster caregivers cared for them until they were ready to join the adoption program. Thanks to the generosity of these foster volunteers, Capital Humane Society is able to help even more animals in need.

Pets that were fostered last year included: • Kittens that needed to gain weight before they could be spayed or neutered • Orphaned puppies that needed bottle feeding every few hours day and night • A mother cat that needed a quiet place to nurse her litter • A shy dog in need of socialization • A cat recovering from a surgical procedure

LINCOLN PEDIATRIC GROUP, LLC

Every foster case is unique; sometimes placement involves more than one animal and can be for a few weeks or for several months.

Capital Humane Society provides our foster volunteers with the bedding, food, medicine, toys,

about the pets they foster. They understand, however, that they cannot keep them all. They realize the profound impact they’re making by opening up their home and providing the much-needed temporary care at different times to many deserving animals in need.

responsible decisions. One of the best ways to show you care about pets is to take good care of the ones you have at home. If more people are committed to properly caring for their own pets, fewer will end up homeless at the humane society.

To learn more about the programs and services at Capital Humane Society, please visit our website: www.capitalhumanesociety.org.

Capital Humane Society 402-441-4488 www.capitalhumanesociety.org

etc. that they need to care for the dog or cat. Volunteer foster families provide care, a safe space in their home, and transportation to and from the shelter for any needed medical appointments.

Our volunteers care deeply

402-489-3834

William P. Swisher, M.D., F.A.A.P. Douglas D. Ebers, M.D., F.A.A.P. Jeffrey J. David, M.D., F.A.A.P. Kurstin L. Friesen, M.D., F.A.A.P. Michael J. Germer, M.D., F.A.A.P. Kay L. Anderson, M.D., F.A.A.P. Joel A. Greisen, M.D., F.A.A.P. Jason J. Davis, M.D., F.A.A.P. Heather A. Dews, M.D., F.A.A.P. Carrie A. Dell, M.D., F.A.A.P. Philip T. Boucher, M.D., F.A.A.P. Dallas D. Schlegel, PA-C Julie E. Timme, PA-C Becky D. Waegli, PA-C Valerie A. Vernon, PA-C Maureen Garvin, PA-C

We are so fortunate that people in our community care about animals and want to help. Providing foster homes for pets in need is one way that you can put your love for animals into action.

Everyone can make kind and

Sche dule yo scho ol & s ur port phys s ical n ow!

Pieloch Pet Adoption Center 6500 S. 70th Street Lincoln, NE 68516 Admissions & Assessment Center 2320 Park Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502

Join us for

Summer Dance!

Classes available for all ages!

Office Hours Monday–Thursday 8:00 am-7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 pm Sunday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

Lincoln Pediatric Group, LLC 4501 S. 70th, Suite 110, Lincoln www.lincolnpedsgroup.com

Classes held June 6-24, July 11-14, & Aug 29-Sept 2 Introduction to dance for pre-schoolers

Beginning-Intermediate Jazz for all ages

NEW! Princess Dance Camp

Beginning-Intermediate Tap for all ages

Ballet for all ages Beginning-Advanced Pointe for all ages

NEW! Intensive workshop for Intermediate-Advanced Tap, Jazz, & Pointe

(402) 489-6622 www.studio2dance.com • 3601 Calvert Street Check us out on Facebook!

Summer 2016 • Page 13

Lincoln Kids!

10 Years of Sonshine!

Submitted by Trisha Keiser, Director, Camp Sonshine

T

he summer of 2016 will mark 10 years of “Making Memories, and Changing Lives” for Camp Sonshine. In honor of this important milestone, Camp Sonshine will be hosting a 10 Year Celebration on Saturday, August 6. The community is invited to join with current and past campers, families, and staff members to celebrate

this special occasion. Come enjoy games, food, prizes, and a special evening program dedicated to the countless people who have given their time, energy, and resources to see Camp Sonshine impact thousands of children, youth, and teens.

For more information or details about the Camp Sonshine 10 Year Festival, call 402-423-8746 or visit www.CampSonshineMemories. org.

WIC Provides: • Healthy Foods at No Cost • Breast Feeding Support • Nutrition Information

Family Service WIC 501 South 7th St. Lincoln, NE 68508

402-441-8655

WIC is an equal opportunity provider.

Page 14 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

By Lindsey Clausen, Education Director, LUX Center for the Arts

H

ave you ever made something that is truly art? It can be a difficult question to answer. While most of us don’t have our art hanging on the walls of a museum, we have all been creative and crafty at some point in our lives. Drawing within the lines of a coloring book is a great pastime - coloring outside

Coloring Outside the Lines

the lines is the leap that turns a simple activity into a work of art.

I hear adults say “I can’t even draw a stick figure!” all the time.

The funny thing is I don’t recall ever hearing a child say that. There is a shift that happens somewhere along the way…maybe we get self-conscious or maybe we learn the difference between “talent” and “skill” and think we don’t have either. But art is a skill like any other. Reading, writing, math, and drawing can all be taught. We all start out the same way, scribbling as toddlers and squishing our first ball of clay.

This summer, find some time for art in your life. There are dozens of

arts festivals and concerts throughout the summer in Lincoln, including Community Arts Afternoon at LUX Center for the Arts. On Sunday, June 5th from 1-4 p.m. we will open our doors for this FREE event and get messy! There is something for everyone with this year’s lineup of activities including sculpting with clay, mural painting, henna tattoos, tie-dyeing (T-shirts will be available for visitors to purchase for $5) and more. Live pottery wheel demonstrations and music will inspire you and your family in a fun, stress-free, and creative atmosphere.

The truth is we don’t have to lose the magic that art has for us as we

grow. The trick is to keep playing, keep experimenting, and let the creativity just happen. LUX Center for the Arts provides real art classes taught by real artists for kids and adults of all ages. You can always find our current list of classes, summer camps and workshops at www.

LUXcenter.org or visit us in historic University Place at 2601 North 28th Street, near Wesleyan University.

For information contact Lindsey Clausen, Director of Education at LUX Center for the Arts, (402) 466-8692.

Sculptures from Students of LUX Center for the Arts “Seal”

by Fay Harpham 8 years old

“Alligator”

by Sam Anderson 6 years old

Summer 2016 • Page 15

Lincoln Kids!

By Vicki Wood, Youth Services Supervisor, Lincoln City Libraries

O

ne usually thinks of reading as a quiet, sedentary, and solitary activity, but Lincoln City Libraries has set out to dispel that notion with this year’s Summer Reading Program theme: On Your Mark, Get Set… Read! The Library is encouraging kids to exercise their bodies, and their minds, with the help of our “50 Best Books to Activate & Create” book list.

It features books about cooking, origami, starting a small business, learning a new language, exploring the National Parks, camping, birding, drawing, and science experiments among other titles sure to stimulate creativity and encourage participation.

We are also eliminating our paper summer reading program and moving to an online program.

This program works best when parents sign their children up

On Your Mark, Get Set...READ! and have a family account. Each child can customize their profile to include their age and reading interests. Book recommendations and event reminders will arrive via weekly emails to the parents.

Of course, children can register on their own at any library.

Our youth volunteers and staff will be available to help with registration, book logging, or any other component our participants need help with. Accounts can be accessed by smart phones, so parents and their kids can log their reading time and check off completed activities and visits to the library on the go!

There is also a component that allows daycares and camps to register all of the children in their group. The learning tracks allow us to link to booklists, articles, and other content that enhances the Summer Reading Program expe-

SUMMER 2016 SWIMMING LESSONS Warm Water & Good Times!

We also book the best-priced pool parties in town!

Lesson Dates:

Days of the Week:

Registration Begins:

May 31-Jun 9

T-F & M-TH

May 17

Jun 13-Jun 23

M-TH

Jun 7

Jun 27-Jul 7

M-F & T-Th

Jun 21

Jul 11-Jul 20

M-F & M-W

Jul 5

Jul 25-Aug 4

M-TH

Jul 19

Call us Today! 402-486-2525 • 52nd & Stockwell

rience. The summer goal, though, remains the same--to encourage reading throughout the summer so that young people retain their reading skills and develop into lifelong readers and learners.

The library is partnering with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department to highlight ways youth and their families can get active and enjoy Lincoln’s amazing trails and parks. To kick off our program, we are offering the following to families in Lincoln:

Bike from the Branches Challenge

We invite families to ride their bikes from Anderson, Eiseley, Gere or Walt Branch Library to Union Plaza for the Party on The Plaza from 4-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.

Stop in at the library you want

to start at to pick up a registration card. The first 50 riders that visit the library booth at Union Plaza with a registration card and sign up for the Summer Reading Program will receive a one-day free pass to Prairie Life Fitness. All others will get a coupon for a free treat from Dairy Queen.

For the best route, visit http:// lincoln.ne.gov/city/plan/bike/trip. htm.

• Anderson Library, 3635 Touzalin Ave. to 228 N. 21st St. • Eiseley Library, 1530 Superior St. to 228 N. 21st St. • Gere Library, 2400 S. 56th St. to 228 N. 21st St. • Walt Library, 6701 South 14th St. to 228 N. 21st St. Of course, we have lots of great prizes and incentives, as well as a Summer Reading Program for teens and adults. Find out more at http://lincolnlibraries.org/kids/ summer-reading-program-2016/.

Karla-cue

Childhood Books I owe my parents a great, big THANK YOU. Growing up, my home was never short on books. I’d go as far to say that each bedroom had it’s own mini-library. I grew to have an attachment to books and proudly displayed them on my bookshelves. In fact, to this day, I still house a somewhat-large mini-library and have a very hard time letting go of any book. I owe my imagination and creativity to these amazing stories (and my amazing folks).

Now that my husband and I are expecting our first child, I have had the joy of collecting & rereading my favorite childhood stories. Earlier this year on a trip back home, my sister Vici and I rummaged through my parent’s storage to find our cherished childhood collections, and boy did the memories come flooding back. We couldn’t stop smiling as we pulled out book after book.

As the first of my siblings to have a child, I will have to learn to share all over again when it’s time to donate the old favorites to the next budding family. It’s gonna be tough!

Here are some of my childhood favorites: • The House That Had Enough, by P.E. King • Pancakes for Breakfast, by Tomie DePaola • George and Martha Rise and Shine, by James Marshall • Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch • Tales From the Care Bears, several titles by various authors

Page 16 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

Summer 2016 • Page 17

Lincoln Kids!

Page 18 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

L5 Youth Ranch: A Safe Place for Kids & Horses

By Daisy Langston & Taylor Thompson, L5 Youth Ranch, Photos courtesy of L5 Youth Ranch

S

ettled on 112 acres of scenic rolling wooded countryside east of Sprague, L5 Youth Ranch continues to serve Nebraska’s hurting families since it opened in 2006. It is operated by Matt and Daisy Langston, with the help of many volunteers, providing a sanctuary for rescued horses and kids that are struggling.

Instead of being lost in a group, each child is nurtured by a leader who shares in their private tears and victories. Through hands-

on experience, we teach kids the value of life, family, faith, and trust. The sessions are not focused on a rigid, impersonal schedule, but rather on a relationship-based individual need.

The ranch is open for visitors, weather permitting, from May through October.

Kids typically come out once a week and spend up to two hours at the ranch each time they visit.

Most parents note that for their kids, the ranch offers therapy that surpasses any other available options.

The kids appear more relaxed, less anxious, and more content and confident when they are at the ranch. When working with a horse, kids focus on problem solving while helping the

horse. Often conversations about school, personal struggles, triumph and general life happen.

There is no cost to the kids or their families. The only requirement to be welcomed at the L5 Youth Ranch is a willingness to learn. Sessions with Matt, Daisy, or one of the qualified and trusted volunteers are available by appointment; simply call or text Daisy at (402) 525-9964. To learn more about the Ranch visit www.

L5YouthRanch.net.

&

L5 Youth Ranch Saving futures lives Changing

We provide a safe place for kids & horses to foster hope & healing

Does your child struggle with:

Anxiety, Depression, Family Connection, Developing Friendships?

Call or text (402) 525-9964 Email L5_Ranch@hotmail.com, subject line “Lincoln Kids” to find out more.

www.L5YouthRanch.net

Summer 2016 • Page 19

Lincoln Kids!

Practicing Emergent Literacy Skills: Part 2

By Eileen Vautravers, M.D. Past President, Nebraska Dyslexia Association

I

n the last issue of Lincoln Kids! Newspaper we talked about the importance of interactive reading, especially with three to five year old preschoolers. With interactive reading many emergent literacy skills can be developed. These skills have the greatest impact on your child’s reading, spelling, and writing success later in school. Activities to develop these skills in your child were presented in the last issue; in this edition, we present additional emergent literacy skills that impact your child’s future school success.

One emergent literacy skill is print awareness. Help your child learn how to hold a book right side up, so that the print can be read from left to right and from the front cover to the back. Have him turn pages right to left, follow your finger along the lines of print as you read, and point to and enunciate each printed word from left to right and top to bottom on each page. Your child needs to learn that the printed words describe what is happening in the pictures.

Have him “picture read”; in other words, tell about the story from the pictures on the cover and in the book. Ask him to describe what objects he sees or what is happening in the pictures. Ask questions about the story content you have read to him. Have him predict

what might happen next in the story or relate events in the story to his own experiences. Ask him to pick a favorite book and “pretend” to read it to you. Have him identify letters from his name in book titles or printed signs or billboards.

Interactive reading, using these practices, prepares your child to read independently later.

Writing and visual perceptual skills are two emergent literacy skills that can be practiced together. For example, label his artwork with his name and have him copy or write his own name following your example. Dictate the letters of his name and have him print them.

Have him use magnetic letters or alphabet stamps to form his name.

Using a multisensory approach, letters can be formed using playdough, blocks, or shapes cut from construction paper or sandpaper.

Letters can be printed using many types of tools or with a finger in sand or shaving cream. Model the use of writing and drawing in your everyday activities and provide a variety of writing materials, such as markers, pens, crayons, colored pencils, and unlined paper, white board, grocery bags, and notepads for him to experiment with. Teach him how to hold a pencil properly by having him hold a Kleenex in his palm with his fourth and fifth fingers while grasping the pencil with his thumb and index finger, resting the pencil against his middle finger.

Oral language skills are another emergent literacy skill, which is

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Page 20 • lincolnkidsinc.com

valuable in helping develop your child’s conventional school literacy skills, such as reading, writing, comprehension and spelling.

To develop these, ask open-ended questions throughout the day, such as “Tell me about…”, “What do you think about …” or “Why do you think….?” When your younger child gives one word responses, repeat his response and extend it, such as to a response of “car” say “I see one red car.” Carry on conversations with your child during daily routine activities and introduce new vocabulary words.

Finally, your child’s short term memory for spoken language, another emergent literacy skill, can be developed during these conversations also. Give him twoor three-step directions, such as “Pick up your toys, take them to your toy box, and then wash your hands for dinner.” Ask him to retell you the main events of a story you have recently read together, or repeat a nursery rhyme

or song. Ask him questions as you read a story, such as “What color was the boy’s wagon?” or “How many friends went to the park to play?” Incorporate new vocabulary words in conversations with your child and later ask him the words’ meanings.

Interactive reading with your child, utilizing many of these suggestions, is not only fun for all, but it teaches sound processing, alphabet knowledge, print awareness, visual processing skills, writing skills, and short term memory for spoken language. These emergent literacy skills are invaluable in developing your child’s abilities to read, write, spell and comprehend.

If you have concerns about your child’s school performance in these areas, he may have dyslexia.

You may contact the Nebraska Dyslexia Association at info@ ne-da.org or call 402-434-6434.

You can learn more about dyslexia at www.ne-da.org.

Call now to schedule your School Physical!

• 3262 Salt Creek Circle • • 8201 Northwoods Dr. • • 3901 Pine Lake Rd., Suite 210 • • 1336 West A Street, Suite B •

Lincolnʻs Choice for 4 straight years!

Call us at 402-465-5600

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Lincoln Kids!

Weeklong classes with different weekly themes

Class space is limited...Register soon!

Ages 4 years - grade 5

June 6-10

Jr. Cake Boss

Post K-5

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June 13-17

On the Loose with Mother Goose

4-5 yr. Olds

June 13-17

Junior Design Camp

Post K-1

June 13-17

Creative Crafts: Get Crafty

Post 2-5

Tuition: $50 per week

June 20-24

Season Science

Post K-1

For more information or

June 20-24

Science: Design It

Post 2-5

to download a brochure

June 27-July 1

Polar Expedition

4-5 yr. Olds

and registration form

June 27-July 1

Bookworms

Post K-1

July 11-15

Castles and Kingdoms

4-5 yr. Olds

July 11-15

Art: Monster Mash

Post K-1

July 11-15

No Boys Allowed

Post 2-5

July 18-22

Explore the Rainforest

4-5 yr. Olds

July 18-22

Ooey Gooey Science

Post K-5

visit: www.SaintPaulUMC.org Saint Paul UMC

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402-477-6951

8310 Wendell Way (402) 483-4769

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• 3-4 year-olds: T/Th • 4-5 year-olds: M/W/F

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worldofknowledge@neb.rr.com | (402) 483-4769 Summer 2016 • Page 21

Lincoln Kids!

Answers on page 23 at the end of the Zoo article!

Teaching, nurturing, and developing the future... one child at a time.

• • • •

Educational Focus Ages 6wks–12 years Individual Attention M–F 6:30am–6:00pm

• • • •

Video Security Year-round Preschool Summer Programs Locally Owned

Three convenient locations 8215 Northwoods, Ste #100, 402-465-4769 7301 S. 15th St., 402-421-7301 6021 S. 56th St. 402-420-5440 www.aacdc.com Page 22 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

By Sara Reagan, Zookeeper, Lincoln Children’s Zoo

M

y day starts with saying “good morning” to all the animals. I wake up the wallabies, bob with the bobcat, and feed the fossa.

Once everyone is awake, cleaning starts! Before the animals go outside, their exhibits need to be tidied. We wash windows, give fresh water, and clean up poop!

The crocodiles need their pool cleaned and the otters like to smudge their exhibit window with their noses. Once the exhibits are clean the animals can go outside and we can clean the animals’ bedrooms. The snow leopards “mark” their bedrooms with urine and I am amazed every day at how accurate their aim can be.

Feeding is also a big part of our day. Most of the animals I take care of are carnivores, so I use a lot of meat and fish, but the wallabies eat something called wallaby chow,

which is similar to kibble. Some animals don’t need to eat every day, like the crocodiles, but others need to have multiple meals just like we do.

The otters have a breakfast, lunch, and supper, with snacks in between. They have very fast metabolisms, which means they digest their food very quickly, usually in under four hours. They digest their food so fast it usually looks the same going in as it does coming out!

I also provide enrichment every day. Enrichment is something animals need to help their minds stay stimulated. Enrichment can be different smells, sights, and sounds, as well as toys to play with. Snow leopards Everest and Ranney love to play with pumpkins and LeeZoe the fossa loves anything the lemurs

have played with.

Training the animals is a big part of my day as well. In order to provide the best veterinary care to the animals, we can train them to present certain body parts for inspection. Some are also crate trained, like Apollo the bobcat. Richard the otter is practicing receiving injections so he can get vaccines and have his yearly physical. I also get to help train Johnny the serval to leap tenfeet into the air!

Sometimes my day does not go as planned and the animals provide me with surprises. Liv the wallaby is a great example of this.

Two years ago I was enjoying a day off when I got a phone call informing me that I had a wallaby joey that needed to be cared for.

Liv had been rejected by her mom

and was now my new baby! She had to be bottle-fed every three hours and carried in a pouch.

Zookeepers’ days are filled with cleaning, feeding, watering, sometimes cuddling, and more cleaning. We are the first to get to the zoo and usually the last to leave.

The things we do can be quite gross but very rewarding! At the end of every day I am rewarded with chuffs from snow leopards, purrs from the bobcat, and kisses from wallabies. Getting to teach kids about the animals and helping guests learn new things makes me grateful for my job every day.

“Connect the Paws!”

Answers below

Answers from Page 22: 1-E, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-D

A Day in the Life of a Zookeeper

Summer 2016 • Page 23

Lincoln Kids!

By Mandy Haase, Public Relations Coordinator Morrill Hall

A

s mascot of Morrill Hall, “Archie” loves science and natural history! We often find him acting as a scientist setting up experiments to help answer questions about the natural world.

This summer, take time to set up this easy activity discovering what happens to water bugs when several kinds of pollution are introduced into their home: the pond. d What You’ll Nee

• Tap water , clear plastic • 3 short, wide-mouthed ter” wa cups to hold your “pond ular) reg 1 (# ps cli r pe pa l ta • 6 me ” gs “bu to serve as your • 1 plastic spoon il) • 1 T. soil (not potting so s ick hp • Toot nt (soap) • A drop of liquid deterge • 1 funnel • Several paper towels • Two #2 coffee filters vel & sand • About 3 T. each of gra

Page 24 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Archie’s Summer Science Activity PART ONE: CREATE A WATER BUG DIRT TEST

Uh oh! It’s the weekend and campers have arrived at the pond and decide to go for a swim. They wade in and stir up the muddy bottom.

PREDICT: What will happen to the water and to your bugs when soil is added to the clean pond?

EXPERIMENT: Stir half a spoon of soil into your pond. Float your bugs (paper clips).

TEST: Can the bugs still float?

DESCRIBE: What happened to the water and to the bugs? Remove bugs to a dry paper towel.

DETERGENT TEST

The campers have finished dinner and have decided to wash their dishes in the pond.

PREDICT: What will happen to the water and bugs when detergent is added to the clean pond?

EXPERIMENT: Float your bugs.

Dip the tip of your toothpick into a drop of liquid detergent and introduce

a tiny amount of soap into the pond.

TEST: Can the bugs still float?

DESCRIBE: What happened to the water and the bugs?

What about the other species living in the water? How do you think dirt or soap in the water might affect insects and fish in a real pond?

PART TWO: MAKE A CLEAN MACHINE DIRT TEST

Gather together the following materials: 1 cup of polluted water and your paper clip bugs (from Part 1), 2 extra cups, a small funnel, 2 pieces of filter paper, a paper towel, and about 3 tablespoons of gravel or sand.

1. Rinse and dry the water bugs and equipment with clean water so they are free of any pollution.

2. Place the filter paper in the funnel.

3. Predict what will happen to the water after it is filtered.

4. Pour about half of your polluted water through the funnel with the

filter. Be sure you have a clean cup below the funnel to catch the water.

Save the rest of your polluted water for later.

5. Check the results: Hold the filtered water up to the light to check for clarity. Float-test the bugs (paper clips) to find out if the detergent has been removed.

6. Rinse and dry the water bugs and equipment with clean water so they are free of pollution.

7. Use the rest of your polluted water and your other filter to test whether sand and gravel will also clean the water of detergent.

“Archie” the Mammoth Share your experiment findings with “Archie” by taking photos and sharing them on social media. Be sure to tag University of Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall on Facebook or @MorrillHallUNL on Twitter!

Lincoln Kids!

Summer Fun at UNL Band Camp!

By Brian Reetz, UNL Glenn Korff School of Music

T

he University of Nebraska—Lincoln Summer Band Camps will offer students many opportunities to grow their skills during the Summer of 2016.

The Cornhusker Marching Band Camp (July 10-14) fosters leadership, marching fundamentals, and performance skills in all areas of the high school marching band.

Participants receive intensive instruction from clinicians on an individual and group basis. The age range of campers is students entering the 9th grade through leaving the 12th grade (including graduates). Most clinic sessions take place outdoors so participants must come prepared with sunscreen, cool clothing, and athletic shoes. The camp finale is an exhibition performance in Memorial Stadium on the final day of the

camp. Visit: http://www.unl.edu/ band/cornhusker-summer-marching-band-camp.

The Middle School Band Camp (July 6-10) is for students entering the 6th grade through leaving 8th grade, who would be coming to the University of NebraskaLincoln campus for an unforgettable musical experience. This is band like you never knew it could be! Campers will: learn the fundamentals of composition while improvising in a large group context; rehearse in a traditional full band setting in preparation for a capstone performance on the last day of camp; improve individual performance skills in small group, instrument-specific master classes; explore the evolution of the art of music through small group classroom sessions; and relax and have fun with their peers in social activities on the UNL campus! Visit: http://www.unl.edu/band/middleschool-band-camp.

Correction from the Publisher

I would like to take this time to address the following incorrect information published in the Spring edition of Lincoln Kids!

Newspaper: 1) The above article, written about the University of NebraskaLincoln Summer Band Camps, was incorrectly titled “Learn Piano at Any Age!” The correct article and title is posted above, reading “Summer Fun at UNL Band Camp!”

2) We published an incorrect date on the University of NebraskaLincoln Band Camp advertisement to the right. We printed July 1610, 2016. Correction: the Middle School Band Camp occurs July 6-10, 2016.

I personally apologize to the Glenn Korff School of Music and to our readers for the confusion and concern these mistakes have caused.

Sincerely, Karla Goerl, Publisher Summer 2016 • Page 25

Lincoln Kids!

A True Community Effort

By Ann Seacrest, RN, IBCLC, Executive Director, MilkWorks

O

ver the past three years, a coalition of Lincoln healthcare providers has worked together to provide consistent research-based education to support pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This unique effort is led by Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, an organization dedicated to improving the health of our community.

Lincoln families are fortunate to live in a community that values infant nutrition and cares about the health of our kids. This is not the case in all cities across the United States, despite national efforts to increase breastfeeding rates.

The Lincoln Community Breastfeeding Imitative (LCBI) has pulled together prenatal care providers, our hospitals and their birthing staff, pediatric physicians and nurse practitioners, and all community groups who offer support for

breastfeeding moms.

Their first objective was to encourage providers to talk to moms about breastfeeding and encourage them to take a breastfeeding class. Their next step involved the hospitals developing shared policies. This means that moms would hear the same accurate information about breastfeeding at both hospitals. In addition, both hospitals have implemented the researchbased practice of encouraging skinto-skin after a baby is born.

Not that long ago a typical birth image was a newborn being held upside down by its feet and having its bottom slapped. When moms received heavy sedation during childbirth, doctors often needed to vigorously encourage a newborn to breathe. Current research encourages mothers to hold their baby naked on their chest for at least an hour after birth.

Skin-to-skin is known to help stabilize a baby’s body temperature, regulate heart rate and breath-

Capture life’s littlest moments & biggest milestones

• • • • • • • •

in-home, at the studio, & on location newborn | infant | childhood | maternity | family

www.GenesisPhotog.com | 402.413.0129 700 R street, suite 316 | Lincoln, NE | 68501

Page 26 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

ing and maintain a more normal blood sugar level. A baby is also colonized by his or her mother’s healthy bacteria. Skin-to-skin also encourages instinctual breastfeeding behaviors in a baby.

As a new parent, you may be introduced to this practice after your baby is born. It is one of the many ways in which the LCBI is impacting the lives of families as they work together to make a difference in our community.

Little Tikes University Preschool

Horse Camp!

2016

For 3 to 6 year-olds

June 13-16 $80/child Morning Camp

8:30-11:00 am Afternoon Camp

12:00-2:30 pm

Spots fill quickly!

Landscape by Wayde Lyons Urban Legends Art Studio 13 years old, 8th grade, St Johns Catholic school

Contact Denette (402) 430-3836 Denette.Russell@yahoo.com www.LittleTikesUniversity.com 11500 Middle Fork Rd | Lincoln

Lincoln Kids!

Dental Care Designed for Your Child Call us today for an appointment

402-423-3322 3901 Pine Lake Road, Suite 250 Website: www.pediatricdentistrypc.net

...follow us on Facebook!

Brent D. Johnson, DDS, MS Summer 2016 • Page 27

Lincoln Kids!

Lincoln Kids More Fit: School, Community Efforts Working

By Bob Rauner, MD, MPH Director, Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln

W

Fit is It, for Kids & Adults hile obesity is still an important community health problem, the science behind community health shows that being aerobically fit is even more important to the overall health of both kids and adults.

Research shows that an added benefit of aerobic fitness for kids is not only improved health, but also improved academic performance and behavioral health. To be successful in school, kids need learning time and active time, both in the classroom and on the playground. Our own Lincoln Public Schools data shows that students who pass the district aerobic fitness test (Fitnessgram PACER) perform markedly better on the state tests (NeSA) for reading, math and science.

Page 28 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Public Schools Improves Again Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln and Lincoln Public Schools continue to work on joint projects to improve the health of Lincoln’s school age children. Due to these efforts, LPS students have improved their fitness rates every year since 2011.

The efforts of Lincoln Public Schools health and physical education teachers combined with community efforts show continued

improvement in physical fitness for Lincoln’s kids.

Not only is overall fitness getting better, unique to Lincoln is that our kids maintain and improve aerobic fitness as they enter middle school. This is counter to national trends which usually show that students become less physically fit in increasing grades.

• Increasing the percentage of 4th-8th grade students passing the Fitnessgram PACER aerobic fitness test in all grades to 80% by 2020.

• Decreasing by 20% from a 2010 baseline the percentage of Kindergarten - 8th grade students who are obese by 2020.

This reduction would double the national Healthy People 2020 goals for reducing child obesity.

We already beat the national target of a 10% reduction last year!

Promoting Fitness Beyond the Schools Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln, Lincoln Public Schools and other community partners who work on health and fitness have set a goal for improvement for our community’s children for 2020.

We are calling this long-term goal Fit by 2020. The goals are:

Another focus of our projects this last year is expanding efforts beyond the school day. Our school system is a critical part of the community effort, but they can’t improve the health and fitness of our children on their own.

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln collaborates with twenty-one local

Continued on next page

Lincoln Kids!

Bright Lights: Explore Your Interests with Students

...Continued

non-profit organizations who work to make both kids and adults more fit and healthy. From pre-school to after and out-of-school programs for children, to workplace wellness and healthy aging programs, our community partners work with us to promote good nutrition and increased physical activity for all ages and abilities, in every neighborhood and culture. To learn more about the great work they do or learn more about Fit by 2020, visit our website - HealthyLincoln.org.

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health, wellness, & fitness of our community. We collaborate with other organizations to improve health by increasing physical fitness, promoting good nutrition, supporting breastfeeding, and improving cancer screening rates.

Our work includes improving health and wellness policies, conducting community level research, and evaluation of the success of local health initiatives.

Jodi Fuson, Classroom Assistant Specialist, Bright Lights: Summer Learning Adventures

E

mily Graul keeps coming back to volunteer as a Bright Lights classroom

assistant.

“It’s really, really rewarding, and it’s something you can choose what you’re interested in or have a curiosity about,” she shares. “I just always liked volunteering, so it was a great opportunity in the summer to pursue,” she adds.

Emily’s introduction to the classroom assistant role came when she helped her mom, Nancy Hove-Graul, with her sewing class. She guided upper elementary students as they learned the basting stitch, how to sew along curves and make something new out of something old.

The interest and enthusiasm of her students made her experience especially rewarding. She recalled

Untitled

by Sydnie Schildt, 9 years old, Student at Art Planet

one student who finished her denim ruffled skirt (cut from an old pair of jeans). “She was really excited to try it on, something she had crafted herself and could be proud of,” Emily explains.

In another one of her mom’s classes she helped students discover the mechanics behind bridges, arches and other structures with Keva planks donated by the Lincoln Children’s Museum.

Emily’s interest in anatomy and the medical field drew her to “Extreme Dissecting” last summer. Her classroom responsibilities under instructor Steve Nelsen included teaching students about the different medical tools they would use for dissection and monitoring their progress. Emily had fun observing students dissect a shark, crawdads, and a sheep heart and eye (this popular class is back again this year).

As a classroom assistant, Emily received a daily pre-class briefing

from her teacher and wrapped up with some reflection. She says she liked being included as she and the teacher discussed what teaching techniques worked best to help students grasp the concepts.

More than 250 Bright Lights classroom assistants are needed this summer. Adults and students who have completed grade 9 and up may volunteer for morning and afternoon classes or full-day camps (five different weeks to choose from). For more information about class dates, locations and how to apply to become a Bright Lights Classroom Assistant, please visit BrightLights.org.

Westminster Preschool Makes Summer Special

Vacation Bible School Save the Date!

June 20-24 9:00am to 12:00pm Ages 3 years to 5th grade

Quality Christ-based programs

Surf Shack!

Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love

Krayon Campus

Where your child receives the building blocks of learning.

Our proven curriculum based program is lead by caring nurturing teachers. Nutritious hot meals are served each day. Title XX is accepted. Plus, we provide transportation to LPS area schools.

For ages 6 weeks to age 12 Monday – Friday 5:45am–6pm

Call now and ask about our No Enrollemnt Fee for February–March!

We are a proud Step Up To Quality participant.

6001 Normal Blvd.

402-486-4847

KrayonCampus.com

Summer Preschool & Pre-K Classes May 31-August 6 9:00am-12:00pm or 9:00am-3:00pm

July 11-15 9:00am-12:00pm Ages K-5th grade $40/child • $110 max/family After June 12: $45/child • $120 max/family

Extended Care 7:30am-5:30pm

Ages 3-6 years

Creative Arts Camp

Art projects, music, movement, and crafts in a galactic theme!

Contact Suzanne Schneider

402-475-6702 ext. 103

M-F between 7:30am–5:30pm suzanne@westminsterlincoln.org

Visit our website at: wpslincoln.org

Conveniently located at 2110 Sheridan Blvd.

Summer 2016 • Page 29

Lincoln Kids!

Children’s Lessons Directory Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

Name

Instruction

Program

Piano

Private lessons include theory classes with ensembles and performance opportunities. Group lessons available for beginners.

Ages 4–adult. References Available. Call for info or to interview.

Art Lessons

Art classes, private lessons, & birthday parties!

Join an after school club–new sessions every four weeks.

Art

Lots to choose from at Art Planet! Summer Camps, Birthday Parties, The Art Lab Experience for youth ages 5+, Urban Youth Art Mentoring for ages 10-18, Preschool Art Lab, Field Trips, and Pottery Dates for adults!

Check the website for the current schedule and then join us in the Creative Space!

Atkinson Music Studio

Violin & Viola

Private, groups, recitals and public performance opportunities.

Beginners ages 3-adult. All levels! Over 25 years experience!

Member of Lincoln Suzuki Talent Education,Inc.

Blue Raven Music Studios

Guitar, Piano and more!

Guitar, Bass, Piano, Dobro, Lap Steel, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele and Voice instruction for all ages. Fun, positive learning environment. Reduced rate guitar classes for kids ages 5–9. BlueRavenMusic.com

Capital City Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Gymnastics classes for boys & girls ages 2 through 18.

We promote an “I can do” attitude, building not only overall physical skills, but also “life skills”.

Encore Studio

Piano/Keyboard

Piano lessons and piano/keyboard classes for all levels.

Teaching beginners of all ages.

Harris Academy of the Arts

Music Lessons

PRIVATE and GROUP instruction: Piano, Vocal, Guitar, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass.

Percussion,Theatre, Kindermusik, & Children’s Music Academy Multiple, university-trained educators provide reputable, convenient scheduling for the entire family!

2935 Pine Lake Rd (across from South Pointe Mall) 402-423-7121 HarrisAcademyOfTheArts.com

JF International Music Academy (JFIMA)

Music and Language

Professional musician & university-trained educator. Ages 5-adult. Piano, Guitar, Flute, Cello, Bassoon, Guzheng (Chinese string instrument), Vocal (classical, pop, jazz), Theory, & Composition. Also offering language lessons in Chinese & Korean.

Enjoy your first lesson for FREE! JFInternationalMusicAcademy.com

3940 Cornhusker Hwy, Ste. 400 (620) 757-6925 JFFMusicAcademy@gmail.com

Lincoln Music Teachers Association

Music Lessons

Find a Music Teacher!

Access www.LMTA.info for a Teacher Directory.

Scholarships available for those who qualify!

Lincoln Racquet Club

Sports & Activities

Indoor tennis: ages 4 & up. UPTSA Certified Instructors. Private/semi-private/group classes available.

Swimming: private/semi-private/group lessons & conditioning. Elite Baseball & Basketball: lessons with professional coaches. Special activities/clinics: volleyball, basketball, racquetball, yoga, kickboxing, seasonal camps & more. Experienced teachers, competitive rates. Non-members welcome!

Art Classes

Real art taught by real artists! High quality art classes, camps, and private lessons for youth and adults. Popular topics include clay, painting, drawing, metals, and more! Small class sizes for personalized learning.

Dance

Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and 2-Gether.

Studio directed by Melissa Prettyman Meranda, B.A. in Dance.

Come and experience your child’s passion for dance!

My Gym

Gymnastics & Sports Skills

Your child will have fun while building confidence and self esteem in our beginning gymnastics and sports skills classes. Games, relays, dances & rides.

Age appropriate classes. MyGym.com/Lincoln

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4 (near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road) 402-802-9982

Nissa’s String Studio

Violin, Viola, Guitar, Piano, Cello, & more!

We have moved to South Lincoln! Private lessons, workshops, & summer camps.

Making music fun in a positive learning environment. No contracts or additional fees.

3 yearly recitals. Modern waiting area with amenities.

Home of community-based Spitfire Fiddle Band. Call today to get enrolled.

8535 Executive Woods Dr, Ste 100 (near S.14th & Yankee Hill Rd) 402-440-1473 StringStudio.com

Tiger Rock Academy

TaeKwonDo

Life skills and personal development taught by Internationally Certified Instructors. Lessons are available for ages 3 & up. Lessons are divided by age.

Call now for our starter course specials.

TNT Handwriting

Handwriting

Helping beginning & struggling writers learn proper print or cursive letter formation and good writing skills.

We are dedicated to helping your child become a successful writer.

Universal Dance Academy

Dance & Tumbling

Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Repertory, Hip Hop, Tumbling, and All Boys Hip Hop! Ages 2 years-adult. Award Winning Competitive Company!

Creative Movement for 3-4 year olds, and Wee Go Together for 2-3 year olds & their mom/dad/special friend.

Alice Bowen Art Around the Corner Art Planet

LUX Center for the Arts Motions Dance Academy, LLC

Kids! s your u Send k! r ar two

Contact/Location 2501 S. 20th St. 402-435-0386 2129 Winthrop Road (Across from Henry’s) 402-560-3326 ArtAroundTheCorner.net hello@artplanetlincoln.com ArtPlanetLincoln.com Tamara 402-610-2295 Centrally located lauraatpeg@gmail.com (402) 474-0302 All messages returned!

3835 S. 48th St. (across from Union College) 402-486-0599 5030 N. 57th 402-464-9692 CapitalCityGymnastics.net Located near 70th & O Street www.encore-studio.com 402-499-0400

www.LMTA.info LincolnRacquetClub.com 5300 Old Cheney Road Register online or call 402-423-2511 2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 www.LUXcenter.org 8200 Cody Dr., Suite L (1 block N of 14th & Yankee Hill) 402-420-0579 www.MotionsDance.net

8444 Executive Woods Dr. 5900 S 85th St Ste. 100 • Also in Firth 402-483-1011 TNThandwriting.com Kristy.Triplett@TNThandwriting.com 402-421-3538 400 N. 48th Street • Suite C-01 402-477-5900 • Dance4UDA.com

We hope you will join us for the Fall 2016 Issue

Chec k us out o n Face book !

Ad, Article and Children’s art deadline is July 10th, 2016 Phone: 402-798-0224 Email: karla.lincolnkids@gmail.com Web: lincolnkidsinc.com

Page 30 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

2016 Summer Camp Directory Art Around the Corner

Summer Art Camps - Weaving, Marbling, Printmaking, Painting, and more! Morning or afternoon week-long sessions. Ages 6 - 14, tuition $60.

Register online today at www.ArtAroundtheCorner.net • 2129 Winthrop Road, Lincoln, Ne • 402-560-3326. See our ad on page 3!

Art Planet Camps

What do you do with an idea? Come explore something new in the Creative Space this summer! Small class sizes mean more opportunities for your student to grow as an artist during our four different summer camp offerings. Visit the website for the schedule: www.artplanetlincoln.com.

Camp Sonshine Camp Solaris

CAMP SONSHINE: Day camps for K-6 grade. Leadership training for 7-9th grade. Go-karts, archery, nature, crafts, outdoor cooking, swimming, inflatables and more! Located at 13440 S. 25th St. in Roca, minutes from Lincoln. CAMP SOLARIS: Overnight camps for 3-9th grade. Located at 2349 St HWY 34B, south of Firth. Archery tag, airsoft, go-karts, kayaks, water activities, swimming, nature, challenge course and more! For info on either program call (402) 423-8746. CampSonshineMemories.org. See add on page 14!

Chase Dance at ProActive

Chase Dance at ProActive 2 Day Summer Workshops! Hip Hip Boys Only, ages 10 & up: June 24 (4:30-6:30pm) & June 25 (10:00am-12:00pm); Coed Hip Hop, ages 13 & up: July 22 (4:30-6:30pm) & July 23 (10:00am-12:00pm); NEW! Fairies & Princesses, ages 4-6: Mondays from 5:45-6:30pm; NEW! Dolly & Me, ages 3-4: Fridays from 9:15-10:00am.

Located at 7111 Stephanie Lane in Lincoln • Call (402) 413-4018 to register • See ad on page 7!

Christ Lutheran Art Camp

Arts Camp “Created by God’s Design” offers unique classes to 1st graders to adults at Christ Lutheran Church South Campus at 84th & Old Cheney July 24-27.

Artists lead morning, afternoon & evening art & drama workshops; wide variety of classes offered. Registration online www.christlutheranchurch.org

Christ Lutheran VBS

Bring your kids to celebrate Jesus’ love for them at Christ Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School! Singing, snacks, crafts, Bible adventures and laughter.

June 20-24 mornings, or Weekend VBS June 24-26. Learn more and register ages 4 to entering grade 6 online at www.christlutheranchurch.org.

Defy Gravity

Camps are 1 week in length from 8am–Noon daily for kids 6-12 years of age. $100/week for the first child, additional $75/sibling. Camps run July 11-15th, 18-22nd, and 25-29th. Includes: open jump, dodgeball, exercise programs, relay races, crafts, summer Olympic events, learning teamwork and more. Call 402.817.6900 or email LincolnInfo@DefyGravityUSA.com See ad on back page!

Encore Studio

BLAST OFF WITH PIANO! One-week camps for piano/keyboard beginners of all ages. Piano/keyboard classes and lessons for all levels. Camps and classes available June through August, or sign up now for fall. Encore Studio is located near 70th & O Street. (402) 499-0400. www.encore-studio.com.

Haymarket Theatre

Youth Theatre Camps! The Three Musketeers, Guys & Dolls, Jr., & Best in the West. Camps run 2 weeks with performances after. M-F, 10am-4pm. Before & after-care available. Also offering 1-week mini-camps for The Three Musketeers & Guys & Dolls, Jr. Learn more at HaymarketTheatre.org. See ad on page 2!

Hope Community Church VBS

Ocean Commotion: Diving into Noah’s Flood is for kids 3 years of age-5th grade. July 11-15 from 6:00-8:00pm. FREE. Call 402-423-8855 or go to www.hopechurchlincoln.org for more information and to register. Hope Community Church is located at 4700 South Folsom Street (across from YMCA Wright Park).

Husker Track Camp

Summer Husker Track Camp - fun for all ages! We have elementary fun day evening camps where we teach a variety of track events to kids K–5...this is a great place to get outside and get active! We also have Summer Track Camp for all ages starting in late June. We will have coaching in jumps, distance, hurdles, sprints and pole vault.

Check us out at www.Huskertrackcamp.com or email us at Huskertrackcamp@gmail.com. For questions call 402-450-4299.

Jim Ager Golf Course

Numerous junior golf camps all summer for beginner to intermediate junior golfers. Ages 6-12, both boys and girls camps. Golf is a sport that lasts a lifetime!

Visit LincolnCityGolf.org/programs/junior/ for more info. Contact Wade to sign up: (402) 441-8963 or wforeman@lincoln.ne.gov • 3761 Normal Blvd., Lincoln

Kids Park

Flexible summer camp program that works with your schedule! Fun weekly themes. Pick your days and pay as you go. Never pay for days when you are gone and all activities included in our hourly rates. Come as little or as much as you’d like. As always, no reservation required! Kidspark.com/lincoln/events for more information.

Lincoln Children’s Museum Camps

Week long summer camps for ages 4-5, 6-7, & 8-10. Kids explore science, technology, engineering, art, & math through the power of play. Includes exclusive play time in the Museum before open each day. Educational programs year round for ages 18mos-10yrs. Limited space available now at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org. Ad on p.39!

Lincoln Children’s Zoo Camps

Summer camps for all ages! • 3-4yrs+parents: 9:30-11:30am • 4-5yrs & 6-7yrs: 8:30-Noon or 1:00-4:30pm • 8-10yrs & 10-12yrs: 8:30am-4:30pm. Various dates and camp themes offered. Global Youth Expeditions available for ages 14-20. Space is limited! Register at LincolnZoo.org. See our ad on page 23!

Lincoln Midwest Ballet

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company Summer Intensive is an auditioned, intensive summer dance experience designed for students who love dance & want to immerse themselves in a high-quality, two-week dance experience. M-F, July 25-Aug. 5. Professional faculty from around the country! Details & registration available at LincolnMidwestBallet.org. See ad page 39!

Lincoln Racquet Club

Kids of Summer Kamps: Week-long day camps to keep your child learning & active all summer! Twelve themed camps to choose from spanning May 23rd – August 11th.

Pick one or attend them all, from Super Heros to Culinary Arts to Mad Science & of course Sports! Call 402-423-2511 for more info. LincolnRacquetClub.com. See ad page 6!

Little Tikes University

Horse Camp for preschoolers! Join us June 13-16 for fun with horses! Morning class, 8:30-11:00am; Afternoon class, 12:00-2:30pm. $80 per child. Spots fill quickly!

Contact Denette at (402) 430-3836 or Denette.Russel@yahoo.com. Download the registration form online at LittleTikesUniversity.com. 11500 Middle Fork Road, Lincoln.

LUX Center for the Arts

Ages 5-8: Art Zoo- Jun 20-24 & Jul 25-29, 9am-Noon; Character Camp- Jun 20-24, 2-5pm; Ages 9-12: Tween Pottery Wheel- Jun 6-10, 2-5pm; Mixed Media & Upcycled Art- Jun 13-17, 9am-Noon; Ages 13-16: Tween Clay Lab- Jun 20-24, 2-5pm; Portfolio Prep- Jun 27-Jul 1 or Aug 1-5 , 2-5pm See ad on page 15 for more details!

My Gym

Summer Camp Program includes nonstop fun where children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and more.

Ages 2.5-10. Visit our website for more information. MyGym.com/Lincoln. Call 402-802-9982. See our ad on page 7!

Nissa’s String Studio Camp

An introduction to a variety of musical instruments and styles. Hands-on exposure to multiple instruments and an exploration of a variety of styles of music in a fun environment!

No previous musical experience required. May 31-June 3. Camp 1: Ages 4-12, 9am-12pm daily. Camp 2: Ages 13-adult, 2-5pm.

Please contact Manuel at (402) 416-9003 or manuel@stringstudio.com for further information. Offered through Nissa’s String Studio (SW Lincoln). www.stringstudio.com. See ad on page 2!

Northeast Family Center

Two new camps for school-aged children featuring academic & enrichment activities and field trips! Located at two convenient locations: Northeast Family Center at 6220 Logan Avenue or Community Learning Center at Brownell Elementary. Camps run May 23-August 12. See our ad on page 9!

Oxbow Jr. Vet Camp

Explore a day in the life of a veterinarian! Camps available for 2-5th grade & 6-8th grade, M-Th 8am-4pm, June & July. Learn about animal behaviors & nutrition. You keep your scrubs & stethoscope! Registration & location information at: OxbowVetCamp.com. More info: 800-249-0366, VetCamp@OxbowAnimalHealth.com. See ad page 11.

Paint Yourself Silly Art Camp

Wacky Wednesdays Art Club! Themed clubs that meet at both locations! Grouped by grade: 1st-4th & 5th-8th, club goes from 1-5 PM. Glass fusing, pottery painting, clay & more! Only $69!

Summer Art Camps at Pioneer Woods! Camps run all week, M-F, 1-5 PM. For grades 5-9. All About Me, May 23-37; Art Around the World, June 13-17; Aaah! The Great Outdoors! July 25-29.

Just $195/week! $50 off when you sign up for all 3! • Call (402) 486-1010 for info or brochures or download it from our website: PaintYourselfSilly.net • See our ad on page 42!

Parks & Rec. Camps

Summer day camps focus on group games, skill building & individual exploration through a wide range of activities; site-based activities and city-wide field trips. Register for just a week or the whole summer! Need-based scholarships are available. Title XX eligible. Locations include: Air Park, Belmont, Bethany Park, Calvert, ‘F’ Street, Goodrich, Irving and McPhee. Pioneer Park offers Nature Explorer Camp, Wilderness Nature Camp, & Camp Discovery. Registration forms available at: parks.lincoln.ne.gov See our ad on page 2!

Prairie Hill Camp

Country day camps at Nebraska’s first wind powered school! NatureWorks Camps: 1 & 2-week sessions, Jun 6-Jul 1 & Jul 11-Aug 5. Ages 6-12 daily, mini camp for ages 3-6 T/W/Th. 9am-12:30pm. www.prairiehill.com • 7 miles south of Lincoln on Hwy 77 • 402-438-6668. See our Learning Center ad on page 20!

St. Mark’s UMC

Summer Programs

Lots of Summer Fun at St. Mark’s UMC! Summer camps ($10 for a 1/2 day or $20 for full): Urban Quest; Cruise Ship Quest; Arts Quest; and Water Quest! Various age groups and dates.

Cave Quest VBS for 4-11 year olds ($10/child or $20/family). VBS Leadership Quest for 4th & th graders (FREE!): train for a leadership role during the Cave Quest VBS the following week!

Monday Mission Quests & Trips - Ages 4-7: $40, ages 8-11: $50 - complete the Monday Missions and embark on a field trip to showcase your faith! See our ad for more details on page 5!

St. Paul UMC Summer Daze

Week-long classes with weekly themes for children 4 years through 5th grade. 9am-Noon. Cost: $50 per week. “Fun All Summer!” at Saint Paul United Methodist Church!

1144 M Street. For more info email CLink@SaintPaulUMC.org or visit SaintPaulUMC.org. See our ad on page 21!

>>>> more on the next page! >>>> Summer 2016 • Page 31

Lincoln Kids!

2016 Summer Camps Continued Studio 2 Dance

Join us for summer dance where we have classes for everyone! Held Jun 6-24, Jul 11-14, & Aug 29-Sep 2. Intro to dance (Pre-K), NEW! Princess Camp (3-7yrs), Beg-Intmd Jazz, BegIntmd Tap, Ballet for all ages, Beg-Adv Pointe, & NEW! Intensive Workshop for Intmd-Adv Tap, Jazz, & Pointe. More info: (402) 489-6622 • www.studio2dance.com. See ad on pg 13!

Theatre Arts For Kids

Summer Theatre Fun! Workshops for ages 7-15: The Sound of Music, Godspell, Jr., Aladdin, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Rising Stars workshop available for ages 3-6. The Addams Family Musical offered to all ages, adults, too! www.TAFK.org • (608) 322-4549 • info@tafk.org. See our ad on page 40 for more info.

True Dance & Co.

Register early! PRINCESS CAMP • Session I: Jun 6-10; Session II: July 11-15. Mon-Fri: Ages 5 & 6 from 9-10:30am; Ages 3 & 4 from 11am-12:30pm. Dancing, crafts, & fun!

SUMMER INTENSIVE • June 6-24, Special Guest faculty. True Dance Company Auditions: May 21, 9am-2pm. 402-423-8838 • TrueDanceLincoln.com. See ad page 41!

UNL Band Camps

UNL-sponsored Marching Band Camp, July 10-14 for kids entering 9th grade through end of 12th grade. Middle School Band Camp, July 6-10 for students entering 6th grade through the end of 8th grade. Visit: music.unl.edu. Register: http://arts.unl.edu/music/camps. Check out our ad and article on page 25!

Universal Dance Academy

Join Universal Dance Academy for summer dance training & FUN! It’s the ultimate dance experience for boys & girls ages 2-adult. Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tumbling & AwardWinning Competitive Company. Register today for the Summer Intensive Workshop, Jun 13-Jul 28 & Adrenaline Dance Remix Aug 3-4. (402) 477-5900 • www.dance4uda.com. See ad on p.38!

Westminster Summer Camp

Pre-K Classes, 3-6yrs: May 31-Aug 6, 9am-12pm or 9am-3pm. Creative Arts Camp, grades K-5: Jul 11-15, 9am-12pm. Vacation Bible School, 3yrs-5th grade: Jun 20-24, 9am-12pm. Drama Camp, Rumpelstiltskin: M-F Mar 7-11, 9am-3pm. Call 402-475-6702 ext. 103 or go to www.WPSLincoln.org. See our ad on page 29!

YAAL Camps

Join us this summer for our fun-filled lineup! Various camps, classes, musicals, & comedies! Accepting ages 6 & up for Princess Academy I & II, and ages 7 & up for all other programs. All camps run from 9am-4pm with before & after care available. www.yaal.org or call (402) 417-4137 for info. See details in our ad on page 12!

‘Little Ones’ Activities Name

Program

Ager

Classes for ages 6 mos-5 yrs: music, theatre, arts & crafts, etc.

Sessions begin every month. Play Center is open Mon-Sat for indoor play.

Admission is $3.50/person, 12 mos and under free.

Indoor Play Center

Art Planet Kindermusik

Harris Academy of the Arts

LUX Center for the Arts

1300 S. 27th St Recorded Info: 402-441-6788 402-441-6792 parks.lincoln.ne.gov

Preschool Art Lab: Inquiry based creative environment for preschoolers up to age 4 to attend with their caregivers.

Punch card based registration lets you pick and choose the classes you want to attend.

Check the website for current schedule.

hello@artplanetlincoln.com ArtPlanetLincoln.com Tamara • 402-610-2295

FREE Preview Classes! Listen, Move, Play & Grow! Kindermusik–the most trusted music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, & young children.

Experienced university-trained music educators provide reputable, quality instruction.

2935 Pine Lake Rd (across from So. Pointe Mall) 402-423-7121 HarrisAcademyOfTheArts.com

2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 www.LUXcenter.org

Mud Club meets monthly at the LUX. Toddlers and children ages 2+ will work with clay to learn, explore, and get messy. In this 45-minute club, students can quickly immerse themselves in hands-on art-making without committing to a full class.

Baby exercises, songs, dances, infant-safe rides, unique swings and many other parent and me adventures in age appropriate classes starting at 6 weeks up to 13 years.

MyGym.com/Lincoln

My Gym

Contact/Location

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4 (near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road) 402-802-9982

Family-Friendly Restaurants Prices & specials subject to change without notice

Restaurant

Food Type

Kids Specials

Applebee’s

American Grill

Kids’ meals are only 99¢ on Wednesdays!

Available for dine in only at participating Applebee’s locations.

Good toward kids’ meal items for children 12 and under.

Contact/Location

OUR RESTAURANT SECTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PARENTS: Where do you take your family out to eat? Do you have a Taco Tuesday favorite, or a Kids-Eat-Free-Friday that you never miss? LET US KNOW and we’ll reach out to them!

Email Karla with your Go-To Family Restaurants: karla.lincolnkids@gmail.com Page 32 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

40th & Old Cheney Westfield Gateway Mall 3951 N. 27th Street

Lincoln Kids!

This page is full of great places to know about!

...plus private school, preschool and after-school Directory Name

Area of Town

Program

East South

Educational childcare facility offering care for ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Also accepting students for summer programs, as well as Fall school transportation to these schools: Kahoa, Pyrtle, Meadowlane, Calvert, Humann, Zeman, Maxey, Hill, Cavett, Wysong, and Adams. Visit our website for more info: AACDC.com

Bubbles & Blocks

Northeast South

Now two convenient locations! North & our new South Lincoln Center. Family owned child development center. Offering care to children ages 6 wks–12 yrs.

Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6pm. Call now to reserve your spot!

N: 8521 Lexington Ave. 402-328-0404 S: 4930 Lindberg St. 402-488-0024 BubblesAndBlocksCDC.com

Calvert Rec Center

South

Our preschool program is focused on music, art, and other fun early childhood activities to help support the learning and development of children ages 3-5.

Calvert Rec Center, 4500 Stockwell 402-441-8480 parks.lincoln.ne.gov

North Central

Focusing on school readiness, we offer secure, nurturing environments to children ages 6wks–12yrs. Includes before & after school programs at Clinton and Hartley Schools. Programs are accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) &/or the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Title XX accepted. Call now to enroll your child today!

Central

Excellent, Christian Based Early Childhood Care & Education Full-Day Care 6:30am-6pm M-F: Infants-Age 5 Half Day Morning Preschool 8:30-11:30am: Ages 3 (2 days W/F) & 4 (3 days M/T/TH) Title XX accepted. Contact us to tour & enroll!

Centrally located at 43rd & Sumner 402-483-7774 ext. 110 ChristSchools.org

Central

Quality early education program for children 6 weeks–preschool.

Summer programs for K–3rd grade. Visit DimensionsEd.org for information and online forms. Call for availability.

Located in First-Plymouth Church, 20th & D 402-476-8304

South

Our thematic content supports language development in both English & Spanish and allows preschoolers of all language backgrounds to have fun while playing & learning kindergarten readiness skills. Openings currently available! M/W/F, 9-11:30am.

Irving Rec Center, 2010 Van Dorn, 402-441-7954 parks.lincoln.ne.gov

Fingerprints

Child Development Center

Northeast

Featuring an educational curriculum for all ages in a loving Christian environment! Open 6:30am-6:00pm. 6 weeks–10 years.

Enrolling now for part-time PreK morning program. M–F from 9am–11:30am.

Highlands Academy

Northwest

Child Development & Family Resource Center.

Ages 6 weeks–12 years. Full time Care. Preschool Curriculum.

Northwest

Featuring developmentally appropriate curriculum, healthy homemade meals, caring teachers, & two large outdoor play areas. Ages 6wks-5 years accepted.

Open 7am-6pm, M-F. Title XX assistance accepted. Full or part-time care available.

4901 NW 1st Street 402-477-4901 KellysKidsLDC.com

South

Hourly childcare. Fully licensed, no reservations required! Ages 1.5-12 years. Hours: Mon-Thu: 7:30am-10pm. Fri: 7:30am-Midnight. Sat: 10am-Midnight. Sun: 1pm-6pm.

Pick your days for our flexible preschool program & summer camps!

402-413-8849 5633 S. 16th St. Ste. 100 KidsPark.com

Krayon Campus

Central

Child development center that cares for your child’s Individual needs. Ages 6 Weeks–12 Years. Curriculum Based. Nutritious Hot Meals. Title XX accepted.

Transportation to LPS area schools. Open Mon–Fri, 6am-6pm.

6001 Normal Blvd.

402-486-4847 KrayonCampus.com

La Petite Academy

South Central

La Petite Academy is NECPA Accredited & has been inspiring children for over 40 years.

Our quality early education programs are individually designed for children 6 weeks-age 12.

Open 6-6, M-F, Title XX, transportation to area schools. Call about our Fall/Summer school readiness curriculum, Flex Days, and our new “From the Start” Infant/Toddler programs.

Lincoln Christian Preschool

South

Academic Christian preschool providing excellent early childhood education grounded in Biblical truth. Attend 2, 3, or 5 half-day sessions per week.

Both AM and PM available. Check out our website!

Pioneers Park Nature Center

West

Animals + Plants + Hikes = Learning through discovery & creating a lifelong connection to nature! Preschool and Pre-K classes. lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter/preschool.htm

Far South

Ages 18 mo-8th grade. Open 7am-6pm.

Care of farm animals, close to nature, family atmosphere.

Certified Montessori Teachers.

East

Nestled on 80 gorgeous acres east of Lincoln, we offer your child a special and unique experience. New facility. Spacious accommodations, developmental learning centers, and the natural setting of a country school all provide for a wholesome atmosphere.

143rd “O” St. 402-488-0012 Kitra Deger-Director

South

Open 7:15am to 5:45pm. Ages 18 months to 6 years. Part time or full time.

Professionally Certified/Degreed staff.

3341 Pioneers Blvd.

402-484-8277

Southeast

Home-based Licensed Childcare with Preschool located in Southeast Lincoln.

Ages 18 months - Pre K. Licensed and trained full-time staff.

South

Quality, licensed Christian preschool educational program for children 3–5 years.

Five different AM & PM classes & all day classes 9am-3pm. Extended care 7:30-9am & 3-5:30pm. School year and summer classes available. NAEYC accredited.

Southeast

Ages 6 weeks–12 years. Preschool curriculum beginning at age one. Before and after school care. A Step up to Quality Program. Open 6:30am–6:00pm.

Sign language, swimming, soccer, dance, taekwondo & music lessons available.

Academic Advantage

Child Development Center Child Development Center Preschool

Cedars Christ Kids

Child Care & Preschool

Dimensions

Education Programs at First-Plymouth

Dual Language Preschool

Kelly’s Kids

Learning & Development Center

KidsPark

Preschool

Prairie Hill

Learning Center A Montessori School

Prairieview Preschool

The Child’s View Montessori

Tinker Tots

Home Daycare & Preschool

Westminster Preschool

World of Knowledge

Child development Center

Contact/Location 8215 Northwoods, Ste. 100, 402-465-4769 6021 S. 56th Street, 402-420-5440 7301 S. 15th Street, 402-421-7301

402-434-KIDS (5437) CedarsKids.org

7800 Holdrege 402-467-4503 CapitolCity.org 5901 NW 1st Street 402-476-2223 highlandsacademy.com

2700 Jameson North • 402-421-3125 Nicole Lippold–Director 6632 Taylor Park Drive • 402-488-3125 Terra Johnson–Director

5801 S. 84th St. 402-488-8888 x 252 LincolnChristian.org/Preschool West end of Pioneers Park 402.441.7895 7 miles South of Lincoln on Hwy 77 402-438-6668 PrairieHill.com

402-432-9211 Shellyhaec@yahoo.com Located by 33rd & Pioneers Blvd Westminster Presbyterian Church 2110 Sheridan Blvd. • WPSLincoln.org 402-475-6702 ext 103 8310 Wendell Way 402-483-4769 WorldOfKnowledgeNE.com

Summer 2016 • Page 33

Lincoln Kids!

Capital Birthday Ideas Party Directory

Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

Name

Fun Features!

Ager

Contact/Location 1300 S. 27th St Recorded Info: 402-441-6788 402-441-6792 parks.lincoln.ne.gov

The Active Party Place! Open hours and after hours rentals available.

Special play areas for those 2 & under and 3 & over.

Indoor Play Center

ArtAroundTheCorner.net Susan • 402-560-3326 info@artaroundthecorner.net

Choose your art project and we’ll do all the work – set-up to clean-up!

Bring up to ten of your friends and paint, print, or paste your masterpiece.

Contact us at artaroundthecorner.net for details. 2129 Winthrop Road, Lincoln, NE 402-560-3326

Art Around the Corner

hello@artplanetlincoln.com ArtPlanetLincoln.com Tamara • 402-610-2295

Add an artistic element to your birthday party! Come to the studio to celebrate your party “Art Planet” style where guests get to take home their masterpiece as the party favor! Party consists of one hour art lesson plus a half-hour for your cake and presents. You pick the project! Visit the website for a list of project ideas and party details.

Art Planet Cheer Xpress

Have your next Birthday Party at Cheer Xpress. Open Gym parties including trampoline, tumble track, spring floors and lots of fun equipment. Come to play, jump and tumble. Cheer theme parties available too!

Let us do the entertaining, set up, and clean up, so you can enjoy the party!!

CheerXpress.com 402-489-5111 1130 Aries Drive (SW side of 14th & Pine Lake)

Defy Gravity

Kids will love jumping on trampolines, battling Trampoline Ninja, challenging each other in the Laser Maze and on the dual climbing wall. Check out our arcade and so much more! We take care of the food, drinks, and entertainment. Five different packages to choose from. Contact us today!

345 Sporting Village Drive, Ste 1 402-817-6900 DefyGravityLincoln.com 402-413-8849 5633 S. 16th St. KidsPark.com

Private birthday parties available! Invitations, balloon favors, a gift for the birthday child, face painting, art, and games are all included. We do the clean up when the party is over!

Sundays 10:30am-12:30pm or 6:30pm-8:30pm.

KidsPark Larson

402-486-2525 52nd & Stockwell LarsonLifestyleCenter.com

Have your next pool party at Larson Lifestyle’s warm water pool!

Variety of birthday party options to fit any budget. Join us for swimming and bring your gifts and cake for our party room. Call us today for more information.

Lifestyle Center

Lincoln Children’s Museum

Did you know you can rent the entire Children’s Museum!?

Rent a party room for as little as $40. Deluxe parties start at $89 and include supplies & clean up!

Available themes: Pirate, Princess, Cowboy/girl, Safari, Rock Star, Dinosaur, or NEW Super Hero!

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Critter visits, unlimited train rides and all day fun are all included in the Ultimate Birthday Party Package at Lincoln Children’s Zoo! Packages start at only $125. Choose from the jungle themed Safari Room or the iconic Crooked House. Visit LincolnZoo.org to pick your party, select your date and reserve your room and time.

Lincoln Racquet Club

Two hour gym & swim party. Includes room, cake, punch, indoor/outdoor pool, playsmart climbing area, and youth b-ball gym. Add-ons available: Bounce house or your choice of tennis, kickboxing, zumba or dance instruction. Non-members welcome!

Lost In Fun!

Your outdoor playland...indoors! Voted Lincoln’s Choice, “Best Place to Have a Kid’s Birthday Party” in 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015! Indoor fun for all ages! Playsets, foam pit, inflatable jumpers, fun maze, laser maze, video games, jumping pillow, birthday party rooms & snack area. We do company parties, too!

402-477-4000 1420 P Street, Lincoln, NE LincolnChildrensMuseum.org 1222 S 27th Street 402-475-6741 LincolnRacquetClub.com 5300 Old Cheney Road Register online or call 402-423-2511

8431 Cody Drive (15th & Yankee Hill) (402) 261-0440 LostInFun.com

LUX Center for the Arts

Real art taught by real artists! Guests can each build and paint their own clay mugs, bowls, or plates. Other popular projects include canvas painting, fused glass sun catchers, pop-up books, and custom projects.

Pottery wheel parties are available for kids ages 10+.

2601 N. 48th St. 402-466-8692 www.LUXcenter.org

Madsen’s Bowling

Host a Bowling Party! Kids love our bumper bowling. Includes a “personalized” bowling pin gift for the birthday child! Special ramps for the young bowlers. Ask about Jr. Pool Leagues!

47th & Dudley 402-467-3249 2 blks south of 48th & Holdrege

Be a paleontologist, discover some of the most bizarre creatures to inhabit Earth, or go on a treasure hunt exploring the museum’s rocks & minerals! Guided museum activities including a hands-on fossil dig in the Marx Discovery Center & gifts for every child! Seven party themes to choose from. Private party room!

Morrill Hall on the UNL Campus 402-472-2637 museum.unl.edu/birthdays

Your Child is the Star! Supervised age-appropriate games, fun activities, rides, songs, puppets and more!

Your birthday party can enjoy exclusive use of our facility!

MyGym.com/Lincoln

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4 (near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road) 402-802-9982

Morrill Hall My Gym Paint Yourself Silly!

Pioneers Park Nature Center Salon Deja Vu on A

Party-Arty at Paint Yourself Silly! Come unleash your inner artist.

100’s of pieces to choose from. Pottery painting fun for all ages.

Owls, snakes, bugs and the great outdoors are eager to make your child’s birthday a special one! lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter/birthdays.htm Diva Birthday Party: A party for you and 7 of your luckiest friends will be treated with a party hair do and mini manicure...and lets not forget the fun tattooey and glittery things in between!

Sale priced for just $150.00.

PaintYourselfSilly.net Haymarket: 701 P Street • 402-474-1010 4101 Pioneer Woods Dr. #104 • 402-486-1010 West end of Pioneers Park 402.441.7895 Call for more information 402-261-9447

Tiger Rock Academy

Unforgettable party with martial arts, food, games, cut the cake with a sword, break boards and more!

Ninja Turtle parties available! $399 & up for up to 40 friends!

402-483-1011 2 locations available

Urban Legends Art

Bring out your child’s inner artist with a creative birthday party!

2 hours of painting, dancing, and use of 3 tier punch fountain. $15 per child. Leave with masterpiece!

Questions? Email us: UrbanLegendsArtClasses@gmail.com

2632 N 48th St. 402-470-0331 UrbanLegendsArt.com

YMCA: Cooper, Fallbrook & Northeast Branch

Youth Actors Academy of Lincoln

Page 34 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Have your next birthday party at the Y! The YMCA offers a variety of birthday party options to fit any child. Join us to swim or have one of our themed birthday parties.

Parties start at $65. Call for more information. Or visit YMCALincoln.org Be a Broadway Star!

YAAL provides an instructor and our theatre for the birthday child and up to 15 friends.

Choreograph and costume a special performance!

Cooper - 6767 S. 14th St. 402-323-6400 Fallbrook - 700 Penrose Dr. 402-323-6444 Northeast - 2601 N. 70th 402-434-9262 Book at: www.yaal.org

Lincoln Kids!

Support Groups Answers4Families Information, dialogue opportunities, education, & support for families, children and adults with disabilities, individuals over 60, & providers. State & national resources, support group schedules, organizations, & coping tips. Free database (nrrs.ne.gov) of Nebraska service providers. Helpline, 800-746-8420; Answers4Families.org.

Autism Family Network A support organization alternating between fun and informative events. Contact Cathy Martinez, Board President, at afnlincoln@aol.com.

Cancer Support Groups Various cancer support groups and services for patients, family members, & friends. Contact the American Cancer Society, 402-423-4888, 5733 S. 34th Street, Ste. 500.

Charlie Brown’s Kids Grief Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6-8pm. Grief support group for children ages 3-18 who have experienced the death of a parent. Caregivers meet at the same time. Youth share feelings through books, discussions, art, writing & remembrance projects. Sheridan Lutheran, 6955 Old Cheney, 483-1845. Bev Prucha, B3549@aol.com.

Neighbor Community Center, 2617 Y Street, 402477-4173. Angel, 423-6117.

Heartland Home Schoolers Providing encouragement for home school parents.

Offering activities for home schooled students, including skating parties, spelling bee, science fair and more. homeschool-life.com/ne/heartland/.

Help for Attention Deficit Disorders First Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. Parenting network. Creative/challenging activities for children, support/ education for parents. Family meal provided. 5903 Walker Ave., 471-3700.

La Leche League of Lincoln La Leche League’s mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. We have multiple meetings for encouragement and leaders to answer questions throughout Lincoln. For more information call Brooke at 402540-8568 or visit www.lllofne.org

Fibromyalgia Group No meetings. See info at tjkeller.net/lincolnsupport/

Lincoln Area Families with Multiples For families welcoming multiples into their lives, & the joys and challenges that come with them. 434-6533, coordinator.lafm@gmail.com, lincolnmultiples.org, LAFM, P.O. Box 5911, Lincoln, 68505-5911.

Good Neighbor Mothers Offering Moms Support Mom’s support group, 1st & 3rd Thursdays at Good

M.O.M.S. (Meeting Other Mothers) Tuesdays, 9:30-11am, Grace Lutheran Church, 2225

Washington. Conversation, speakers, crafts, snacks, service projects, & various topics; also holiday parties & field trips. Daycare available: $3/child +$1 each additional. Melissa Nickolaus, 464-6921.

a nurturing environment. For more information or to find a group that works with your schedule, visit www.MOPS.org. You can also contact Denise Savage at NebraskaMOPS@gmail.com.

Mom Support Group Wednesdays, Bryan Health Family Birthplace at Institute for Women’s & Children’s Health. Facilitated by lactation consultants. 1:30-2:30PM. 402-481-7103.

Mother Me Weekly meeting group to support mothers of infants through pre-schoolers. A place for moms to talk & be heard, laugh and/or cry. We meet in the evening for moms who are unable to attend daytime meetings. We have a love of fun & love for new moms to join us!

Tuesdays from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Trinity Chiropractic, Inspire ME meeting space, 3120 O Street. Contact julia@circleme.me for more info.

MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Lincoln Lincoln chapter of the International MOMS Club®, a non-profit organization specifically for at-home moms. Several events each month for our members: breakfasts, book clubs, play groups, mom’s night out, etc! Our goal is to support each other through friendship, activities, and service projects in the Lincoln area. http://momsclublincoln.weebly.com.

Montessori After Six For parents of children 5-9 years, Lincoln Montessori School, 489-8110.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Are you a mom of a child aged birth to kindergarten?

There’s a place for you in a MOPS Group! MOPS provides a welcome break for moms; a chance for moms to make new friends, & an opportunity for moms to know they are not alone in the struggles & joys of raising young children. Ten groups in Lincoln and the surrounding area meeting on various Mon/Tue/Wed/ Thu mornings and evenings. Child care provided in

Mourning Hope Grief Support 402-488-8989, email hope@mourninghope.org or visit mourninghope.org.

Open Hearts Adoption Support Group Fellowship for families with adopted children. Family-centered events (Christmas Party, Ethnic Party, Picnics, Mother’s Tea, Harvest Party). Supported through dues and gifts. All families welcome, especially if you want to find out more about adoption!

Dates & locations vary, contact Sherie Quirie, 4655841 or lincoln_openheartsadoption.blogspot.com.

Pet Grief Group An interfaith support group for anyone mourning a recent passing of an animal companion. Second Thursdays in the Resource Room, First-Plymouth, UCC, 2000 D Street. 402-476-7550. firstplymouth.org.

Summer 2016 Calendar: May, June, & July Calendar listings are FREE! To submit your organization’s events: • visit

LincolnKidsInc.com and select submissions • • tell us about it on Facebook • • email Karla.LincolnKids@gmail.com •

Fall 2016 Submission Deadline: July 10, 2016 August, September, & October Free Calendar submissions accepted on a space-available basis. Non-profit & free events prioritized.

Your organization must have permission to advertise prior to submitting to Lincoln Kids! Newspaper.

Lincoln Kids! Newspaper has the right to refuse any submissions with or without notice.

May Beginning April 24, Sundays, 10am Old Cheney Road Farmers’ Market http:// oldcheneyroadfarmersmarket.com/.

Locally produced fruit and vegetables, farmstead cheeses, breads, plants, farm fresh eggs, pastured meats, homemade baked goods, jams and jellies, and more. Kids’ days at Market with educational and fun activities the first Sunday of the month and free, live music every week.

May 5, First Thurs of each month, 6:30-7:00pm Pop In Storytime at Morril Hall. Through stories, songs and movement we’ll learn more about the natural world. Stories and activities are planned for ages 3-5.

May 7, 6:30am-2pm Pancakes in the Park at Auld Pavilion, Antelope Park,, cornhuskerkiwanis.com. Allyou-can-eat pancakes and french toast, sausage, orange juice, milk or coffee. Adults (advance), $6; at door, $7. ages-3-12, $4. 3 and under eat free. Proceeds fund children and youth programs.

May 7, noon-4pm Archery Fun Shoot at Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N 44th St, Lincoln. The archery range will be filled with a mixture of fun and challenging targets for ages 8 and up. We will have a variety of paper and 3D targets. Critter Corner will be set up for youth of all ages. Choose one or both activities to participate in. The cost will be $3 for the Critter Corner for youth, $3 for an hour of youth fun shoot, and $10 for an hour of adult fun shoot.

May 7-8, 9:30am-5pm, FREE Guardians of Freedom Air Show at Lincoln Airport. Civilian aerobatic acts as well as military and vintage demonstrations and a parachute team are among the event’s highlights.

May 7-8, 11am-6pm The Official Renaissance Festival of Nebraska at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S 48th St, Papillion. Annual celebration of Lords, Ladies, scallywags and the fantastical. $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-12, and $10 for groups of 10 and more. BellevueBerryFarm. com, or at RenFestNebraska.com.

May 8, 8-10:00am Mother’s Day Bird Walk at Pioneers Park Prairie Building. Fee: $15. Early morning bird walk followed by brunch. Rolls, fruit, and beverages are included with registration.

Register by May 4.

May 13, 7pm Lincoln Boys Choir Auditions Spring Sing, 402.499.4446, lincolnboyschoir.org. Annual spring concert of the Lincoln Boys Choir.

May 14, 9am Community Crops Plant Sale at Wyuka Stables, 3600 O St, Lincoln, http://communitycrops.org/

events/annual-plant-sale/. Vegetable plants, herbs and perennials, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber, melon, squash, herbs and other high quality naturally grown plants.

May 14, 3:30-4:30pm, “It’s Almost Summer Fiesta” May 24, 4:30-5:30pm, “Backyard BBQ” May 31, 4:30-5:30pm, “Summer Splash” June 4, 3:30-4:30pm, “Morning Favorites” June 7, 4:30-5:30pm, “Creepy Crawlers” June 14, 4:30-5:30pm, “Patriotic Picnic” Hy-Vee Lil’ Chefs Cooking Class $12 per child per class. Kid-friendly cooking class focusing on tasty good-for-you seasonal recipes. Ages: 3-11. *Parent or guardian must accompany 3-4-year-olds. Register at the 70th & Pioneers Hy-Vee Customer Service counter or online at hy-vee.com under Lincoln #5 Store Events.

May 18, 11: 30am – 1pm LMTA General Membership Meeting/ Luncheon at Fellowship Community Church, 8601 Holdrege, Lincoln Music Teachers Association, LMTA.info for updates. Guests Welcome.

May 19, 6:30pm Splash n’ Bash at Horizons Church, 3200 Grainger Parkway, Lincoln, HorizonsChurch.org Join us for our last day of school carnival!

Games range from free to 75 cents. Fire truck, face painting, dunk tank, mascots and more!

Food is also served.

May 21, 4-7pm Bike from the Branches Challenge Families ride their bikes from Anderson, Eiseley, Gere or Walt Branch Library to Union Plaza for the Party on The Plaza. First 50 riders who visit the library booth at Union Plaza with

Summer 2016 • Page 35

Lincoln Kids! registration card and sign up for the Summer Reading Program will receive a one-day free pass to Prairie Life Fitness. All others will get a coupon for a free treat from Dairy Queen. For the best route, visit http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/ plan/bike/trip.htm.

May 21, 22 Bird Bonanza weekend at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, springcreekprairie. audubon.org, atscp@audubon.org, 402-7972301. A full weekend of birding events for all ages.

May 24, June 21 (Holmes Lake), June 9, July 12 (Oak Lake), June 15, July 20 (Bowling Lake), June 25 (Branched Oak SRA), 6-8pm Free Family Fishing day, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Free rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer at each site. Appropriate fishing and park permits are required.

May 25, 9am-4pm “Bison: The Native Americans’ Superstore,” Grades K-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory. org. Take part in the First Nebraskans educational experience, make a bison hide painting, moccasins, and more.

interesting facts about our state.

June 2, 9, 16, 23, Pizza at 5pm, music at 6pm Mozzarella & Music at Lincoln Children’s Museum. Local favorites and Emmy-winning national children’s bands will take the stage for a free concert series. Affordable pizza dinners, live music, bubbles and other children’s activities.

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 7pm at The New City Impact Center (1035 North 33rd Street), June 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:15 & 11:00am, Scott Middle School, June 3, 10, 17, 24, 1:15pm and 2pm, Morley Elementary School America’s Great Stories®, FREE, 45-minutes. America’s Great Stories® series will inspire elementary-aged children by portraying four American leaders who loved God and served their fellow man. This year’s costumed storytellers will present the lives of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Julia Ward Howe, George Washington Carver, and Martha Washington. 402-486-1776, Americasgreatstories.org.

May 25, 5-9pm Give To Lincoln Day Fundraising party at the Kuch Motorsports Museum. LMTA will join with six other arts organizations. Donate to your favorite organization(s) at the door.

May 26 Give to Lincoln Day 2016 Lincoln Community Foundation Fundraiser at https://givetolincoln.razoo.com/giving_events/ g2l16/home.

May 28, 8am Hop, SCIP, Jump & Run at Haymarket Park, scipnebraska.com Participate in a 1-mile Fun Run or 5K race!

Several sponsor booths with info, treats, and activities. Become eligible for prizes! For event info and sponsorship opportunities, visit the website or call (402) 327-6843.

May 28, 10am Free fiddle and Harmonica workshops at the National Homestead Monument in Beatrice.

Full day of fun activities. For more information, contact Deborah by e-mail at debby@ greenblattandseay.com.

May 31-June 15, 10am-4pm (Rehearsals) June 16-18 (Performances) Three Musketeers at Haymarket Theatre, http://haymarkettheatre.org/three-musketeers/.

June

June 4, 5-8pm City of Lincoln Waterfest & Public Works Day at Holmes Lake, http://lincoln.ne.gov, keyword search: waterfest. Free family fun, hands-on activities, free food and drink.

June 5, 1-4pm Community Arts Afternoon at LUX Center for the Arts. FREE. Sculpting with clay, mural painting, henna tattoos, tie-dyeing (T-shirts will be available for visitors to purchase for $5) and more. Live pottery wheel demonstrations and music will inspire you and your family in a fun, stress-free, and creative atmosphere.

June 10, 4:30-6:30pm Home Run for Health with the Lincoln Saltdogs and Fireworks, saltdogs.com/ bryanhomerun.

Over 30 exhibitors with interactive activities.

Meet & greet the Saltdog players. Bounce houses and play areas. Free glow necklace.

One child will be selected to throw the first pitch! Salt Dogs vs. Laredo Lemurs at 6:35pm.

Fireworks following the game.

June 1, noon Young Nebraska Scientists Camps at campuses throughout Nebraska, yns.nebraska. edu. Young Nebraska Scientists summer camps include multi-day sessions for middle and high school students. Apply by May 1.

June 11, 8am Strider Cup Race at The Railyard, 350 N 7th St., Lincoln, striderbikes.com/lincoln, info@ striderbikes.com. Highest level national Strider sanctioned races that give small children and people with special needs a chance to put their Strider Balance Bike skills to the test. These unique Strider organized and operated events cater directly to children 2-5 years old who want to experience the thrill of racing. Children of all sizes and skill levels are welcome to participate.

June 2, 9am-4pm “Nebraska Unwrapped,” Grades K-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Learn

June 11, 10am Community Crops Garden Gala at 5750 S 40th St, Lincoln, communitycrops.org, 402.474.9802, info@communitycrops.org. Join

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us for free gardening fun for the whole family.

Plenty of fun activities, food and a chance to learn about growing your own food.

Saturdays beginning June 11, 10am-12pm investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab at Morrill Hall. Free with Regular Museum Admission. Investigate a variety of science and natural history topics through hands-on activities and exploration.

Sundays beginning June 12 (2nd Sunday), 1:30-4:30pm. Sunday with a Scientist at Morill Hall. Regular Museum Admission.

June 14, 9am-4pm “The Lewis & Clark Expedition Puppet Show,” Grades K-3 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Learn about the adventures of the people on the Lewis & Clark Expedition as they explored the Louisiana Purchase.

the summer lineup in the ad on page 41. More information at meadowlarkmusicfestival.com.

July 11-15, 6-8pm Hope Community Church VBS, FREE 4700 South Folsom Street (across from YMCA Wright Park) Ocean Commotion: Diving into Noah’s Flood, for kids 3 years-5th grade. Call 402-423-8855 or go to hopechurchlincoln.org for more information and to register.

July 15-24 32nd Annual Cornhusker State Games at cornhuskerstategames.com. The purpose of the Games is to provide amateur competition in a wide range of activities. The 2016 Games are scheduled at more than 70 sites in Lincoln, Omaha and surrounding communities.

June 16, 9am-4pm “Music of the Pioneers, 1830s-1930s,” Grades K-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Make instruments, listen to music from many eras in Nebraska’s amazing past, dance, and sing.

July 17, 1-4pm Family Day at the Sheldon Museum of Art Participants will be invited to become engineers, design their own structures, make string art on a giant grid, and create artistic masterpieces based on geometry, tours of the exhibition “Shape Up! Visualizing the Geometric World,” art-making activities, live music, and ice cream from Ivanna Cone. Admission is free.

June 18 & July 9, 7:30-9:30pm Firefly Family Picnics! at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, springcreekprairie. audubon.org, atscp@audubon.org, 402-7972301. $5/person or $8/family. Enjoy the sunset, presentations, and activities at this family-fun event all about FIREFLIES!

July 21, 9am-4pm “Nebraska Symbols,” Grades K-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Learn about the many symbols of Nebraska and how and why they were chosen. Create your own book of Nebraska symbols.

July 18-22,9:00am–noon Dinos, Dioramas and More with the LUX Center for the Arts Class at Morrill Hall. Tour a new exhibition on Nebraska natural history.

Spend the rest of camp creating art.

July 24-28 6:30-8:30pm Horizons VBS, Register at HorizonsChurch. org. The Best Week of the Summer! Toddlers4th graders.

June 20th-24th, 10am -4pm One-week camp: Guys and Dolls, June 27July 13, 10am -4pm (Rehearsals), July 1416 (Performances) Guys and Dolls Jr. at Haymarket Theatre. Experience a condensed version of the Guys and Dolls Camp. Register: http://haymarkettheatre.org/guys-and-dolls-1week.

July 27, 9am-4pm “Photography: Behind the Lens,” Grades 4-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Learn composition of photographs. Make a pin-hole camera.

June 28, 9am-4pm “The Nifty 1950s,” Grades K-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Build a 1950s bungalow out of a shoe box. Play games from the 1950s.

Listen to music of the day.

June 30, 9am-4pm “Nebraskans in the Civil War,” Grades 4-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Find out the important battles the first Nebraskans fought.

July July 7, 9am-4pm “It’s Not Your Grandma’s Quilt,” Grades K-8 at Nebraska History Museum on Centennial Mall at P Street, nebraskahistory.org. Examine historic and contemporary quilts.

July 7-10 Meadowlark music festival. Family-friendly.

Bringing a world of music to Nebraska. See

July 30 , 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Dragonfly Day at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, springcreekprairie.audubon. org, atscp@audubon.org, 402-797-2301. $5/ person or $8/family. Join Fred “the Bugman” Baxendale, UNL Entomologist in the heat of the summer to see and learn about these amazing insects, their unique flight, amazing eyes, importance as predators, and color patterns!

July 30 , 10am-4pm Piccoli Dance Theatre Open House, 1233 Arapahoe Street, (402) 937-0678. Email info@ dancePDT.com or visit dancePDT.com.

New Premier Dance Theatre in Lincoln! Come check us out!

LUX Center for the Arts 2601 N. 48th St.; 402-466-8692; luxcenter.org

check website for various classes and times

May May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 10-11:30am Throw with a Cup of Joe, Adults This class will warm you up to the fundamentals of the pottery wheel. All materials and a fresh pot of coffee from Mo Java Café are provided!

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 12:30-2pm Art Zoo: Mixed Media Animals, Ages 5-9 Students will use a variety of materials including clay, paint, papermache, and more.

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 3-4:30pm Tweens on Wheels, Ages 10-13 Learn about the exciting possibilities of the pottery wheel.

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 10-11:30am Illustration, Ages 5-9 How to illustrate your story ideas. Create characters and environments that you can use in graphics, comic books, story books and more.

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 12:30-2pm Metal Arts, Ages 10-13 Learn to make art and jewelry with metal through a variety of techniques including sawing, hammering, riveting and stamping.

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 3-4:30pm Pop Art Painting, Ages 5-9 Using famous pop artists such as Andy Warhol for inspiration, students will explore painting in the pop-art style.

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 10-11:30am Paint Like the Masters, Ages 10-13 Create your own unique paintings inspired by the styles of masters. Discover new techniques while learning about color theory and the fundamentals of painting.

May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 12:30-2pm Drawing the Bigger Picture, Adults This course explores drawing from observation and photographic sources, with an emphasis on creating larger, multilayered compositions.

June June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 10-11:30am Throw with a Cup of Joe, Adults Fundamentals of the pottery wheel and build skills for returning students. All materials and a fresh pot of coffee from Mo Java Café are provided!

June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 12:30-2pm Tween Clay Lab, Ages 10-13 This class is ideal for those who have taken a clay class before and want more time in the studio to do self-directed projects.

June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 3-4:30pm Sculpt-a-saurus, Ages 5-9 Learn about prehistoric beasts that walked the earth long ago. Different creatures will be studied and sculpted each week.

June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 10-11:30am Making Art with the Masters, Ages 5-9 Study the artwork of a master artist each week and create pieces inspired by their techniques.

Painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Lincoln Kids!

June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 12:30-2pm Scientific & Artistic Minds, Ages 5-9 Conduct scientific experiments that have artistic results with paint, clay, ink and more!

July July 9, 16, 23, 30, 10-11:30am Mud Pies & More, Ages 5-9 Your child will create their own pots and sculptures with pinch, slab, and coil building July 9, 16, 23, 30, 12:30-2pm Thrown & Altered Pottery, Adult Slice, dice, fold, stamp, carve and decorate thrown forms. Everyone will discover new ways to alter pots on and off the wheel while exploring various methods of surface decoration.

July 9, 16, 23, 30, 3-4:30pm Tween Clay Lab, Ages 10-13 Make your own ideas come to life in clay! This class is ideal for those who have taken a clay class before and want more time in the studio to do self-directed projects.

July 9, 16, 23, 30, 10-11:30am Tween Art Sampler, Ages 10-13 Try your hand at sculpting, glass fusing, metalsmithing, and more!

July 9, 16, 23, 30, 12:30-2pm Draw Folklore & More, Ages 5-9 Students will create their own drawings of creatures from folklore and more.

July 9, 16, 23, 30, 10-11:30am Drawing En Plein Air, Adults Students will work from observation, exploring the historic neighborhood and green spaces throughout University Place.

ONGOING EVENTS Bryan West Campus, West Medical Plaza

2222 S. 16th St., Education Classroom, Lower Level

Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Commnunity Group is free and open to any 14+ youth interested in improving their life skills. This voluntary support group helps participants create an individualized plan to deal with difficult times and empower youth to achieve their goals. For more information, call 402432-0158. No registration required.

First-Plymouth, UCC 2000 D Street; 402-476-7550; firstplymouth.org

1st Wednesdays Preschool Mom’s Night Out, 6:30-8pm Speakers, arts, crafts, parenting skills. RSVP deb@firstplymouth.org for child care. No cost.

2nd Thursdays Pet Grief Group in Resource Room. An interfaith support group for anyone mourning a recent passing of an animal companion.

3rd Fridays Preschool Family Fun, 6-8:30 p.m. various locations. Seasonal themes and family fun for families with infants-preschoolers.

YMCA

Sports Camp registration information: ymcalincoln.org/youth

YMCA Youth Sports Camps June 6-10, August 1-5 Soccer Camp, Ages 3-16 June 6-10, Baseball Camp, Grades 2-8 June 6-10, Softball Camp, Grades 2-8 June 13-16, Lacrosse Camp, Grades 2-8 June 20-23, Cheerleading Camp, Grades 1-8 June 20-23, Basketball Camp-Girls, Grades 2-8 July 5-8, Basketball Camp-Boys, Grades 2-8 June 20-24, July 18-22, Tennis Camp, Ages 4-18 June 27-30, Football Camp, Grades 2-8 July 11-14, Speed & Explosive Camp, Grades 3-8 July 25-28, Volleyball Camp, Grades 2-8

Second Fridays, 10-11am IndiZOO features animal-related stories, crafts and the animals! Kids meet a local animal in a safe, hands-on environment with a trained animal expert to teach them about eating, sleeping and social habits.

Saturdays, 10-11am Bilingual English-Spanish Story Time Bring the kiddos down for a story in English with Spanish vocabulary, a game of Spanish BINGO and a related craft. While story time is intended for ages 4-8, most children find one of the activities fun and educational.

Lincoln Berean Church 6400 S. 70th St.; 430-4834; lincolnberean.org

Fridays Celebrate Recovery, biblically based 12-step recovery program for overcoming addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors. Free childcare/kid activities: infants-8th grade.

6:50pm. Praise & Worship. 8pm, Open Share small groups. 9pm, “Crosstalk” Fellowship and snacks in CoffeeHouse. 402-483-6512

Lincoln City Libraries lincolnlibraries.org Anderson…3635 Touzalin…441-8540 Bennett Martin…136 S. 14th…441-8566 Bethany…1810 N. Cotner…4441-8550 Eiseley…1530 Superior…441-4250 Gere…2400 S. 56th…441-8560 South…2675 South St.…441-8570 Walt…6701 S. 14th…441-4460 Williams…5000 Mike Scholl St.…441-8580

Baby Storytimes Baby Storytime is an interactive parent-child time with fun activities designed to promote early literacy, language development and a love of books for children birth to 18 months old.

Eiseley Branch Library, Monday, 10:35-10:55 am Gere Branch Library, Mon, 10-10:20am, Wed, 1010:20am, Thurs, 6:30 to 6:50pm Walt Branch Library, Thursday, 10:30-11am

For times and locations: ymcalincoln.org/ youth-teen-family-program/summer-day-camps

June 6-10, June 20-24, July 11-15, July 25-29 Little Explorers (ages 3-5) Summer Adventure Camp (ages 5-9) Extreme Camp (age 9-13) Creative Camp (ages 5-12) Running Creek outdoors-themed camp (Ages 5-10)

price so everyone can afford to sit at the table.

HY-VEE

27th & Superior, 402-477-4673, tlucas@hy-vee.com

Second Saturday, 10-11am “Kids in the Kitchen” in the teaching kitchen area. Do your kids love to cook? Here is their chance to learn about cooking and nutrition from in-store dietitian, Travis. Cost is $10 per child. RSVP by calling 402-477-4673 or by emailing tlucas@hy-vee.com

Indigo Bridge Books

701 P St., Ste. 102; 402-477-7770, Creamery Bldg. in Haymarket; indigobridgebooks.com

Mondays & Tuesdays from 10-11am. Story time session includes music, games, crafts.

Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, 11:30am-1pm.

Serving soup and bread. Food is available payas-you-can basis rather than with a set menu

Toddler Time For children aged 18 to 36 months and their parents or caregivers. A librarian reads aloud and leads adult-child pairs in activities. Research indicates the importance of the adult-child bond in building early literacy. Toddler Time also supports early literacy by building vocabulary and sharing age-appropriate literature in an atmosphere of fun, engaging activity.

Anderson Branch Library, Mon, 10:30-10:50am Bethany Branch Library, Tues, 10:30-10:50am Eiseley Branch Library, Wed, 10:35-10:55am, Thursday, 10:35-10:55am Gere Branch Library, Tues, 10-10:20am and 10:35-10:55am, Wed, 10:35-10:55am, Thurs, 1010:20am and 10:35-10:55 South Branch Library, Thurs, 10:35-10:55am Walt Branch Library, Tues, 10:30-10:50am

Preschool Storytime Lincoln City Libraries presents its popular preschool storytimes at all library locations.

Preschool Storytime is a half-hour of books and activities for children ages three, four and five.

Newcomers are always welcome!

Bennett Martin Public, Thurs, 10:30-11am Anderson Branch, Tues, 10:30-11am, Wed, 10:3011am Bethany Branch, Thurs, 10:30-11:00am Eiseley Branch, Tuesday, 7-7:30pm, Wed, 10:3011am, Thurs, 10:30-11am Gere Branch, Tues, 10:30-11, Thurs, 10:30-11am

Summer 2016 • Page 37

Lincoln Kids!

South Branch, Wed, 10:30-11am and 2-2:30pm Walt Branch, Tues, 10:30-11am, Wed, 10:30-11am

Storytimes for Families The entire family is welcome to enjoy crafts and storytime from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., except where other times are noted. Check website for dates.

Lincoln Stars Hockey Club

402-474-7827, 586-506-0451, LincolnStars.com 1880 Transformation Drive

Great games all season long, check out website for game schedule.

MilkWorks

5930 S. 58th, Ste W; 402-423-6402; Times and registration at milkworks.org

All About Breastfeeding For expectant moms and dads. Learn breastfeeding basics, as well as the most common challenges that mothers face when breastfeeding, and how to get support. Fee is $25. Includes our Return to Work class.

Return to Work For new mothers returning to work or school outside the home while breastfeeding. Learn the “ins and outs” of pumping, storing milk, federal regulations and working with your daycare provider. You may attend while pregnant, or after baby is born. (Fee is $10 if not signed up for AAB class.)

Introducing Solids & Making Your Own Baby Food Perfect for parents of babies who are 3-9 months old. This class covers tips on readiness signs, safety awareness, introducing new foods and making your own baby food. Fee is $10.

Mom Talk Bring baby and join other breastfeeding mothers for companionship and to share breastfeeding information. FREE. No registration required.

Twin Talk Free Support for moms of multiples! If you are expecting twins, or breastfeeding multiples, join other moms for learning and support. No registration. Older siblings welcome.

Baby Weigh Station 7 days a week - Drop in and weigh your baby at MilkWorks during open hours. We will teach you how to use our baby scale and answer basic questions you have about weight gain. We are a well-child facility, so no need to worry about sick children in the waiting room! FREE. Weigh & Stay at LMEP, 46th & Valley Road, Rm 230. - Drop in to weigh your baby, visit with a Lactation Consultant and ask questions about your baby’s latch or weight gain. There is no fee for this service. All moms welcome.

St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center

Register online at www.saintelizabethonline.com for events, programs and classes or call 402-219-7000

Various childbirth/parenting programs & classes.

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Strategic Air & Space Museum 28210 West Park Hwy, Ashland, 402.944.3100, sasmuseum.com

Every Weekend Science Zone Activities – Make and Take at the SAS Museum every weekend Tuesday, 10am Pint Sized Play Dates - Explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics and more with your budding scientists! Designed for families with pre-Kindergarten youths.

YMCA Camp Kitaki 402-434-92222, ymcacampkitaki.org

YMCA Camp Kitaki is a resident summer camp facility for ages 7-17, whose purpose is to build strong kids and adults through programs that promote positive identity, relationships, values and skills in a unique natural setting just 1/2 an hour from Lincoln and Omaha.

CEDARS

Now Enrolling!

Early Childhood Development and School-Age Programs • Strong focus on social and emotional development to give your child a great start • Classrooms led by educated and experienced teachers • Kindergarten-readiness curriculum • Enrolling children from 6 weeks to 12 years • Extended hours: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm Carol Yoakum at 4621 NW 48th Street Northbridge at 1533 N 27th Street

Call 402-434-5437 or visit cedarskids.org

Lincoln Kids!

The Sound of Music and the Smell of Pizza…

By Sharice Kucera, Director of Marketing at Lincoln Children’s Museum

S

oon the sounds of summer will fill the air. Water SPLASHES as kids cannonball into the pool. Lawn mowers BUZZ around the neighborhood. Steaks SIZZLE as they hit the grill. Fires CRACKLE into the night air. None of these welcome in the season quite as brilliantly as the sound of giggles and live music floating up from Lincoln Children’s Museum’s plaza. It’s Music and Mozzarella time!

The first four Thursday evenings in June, local favorites and Emmywinning national children’s bands will take the stage outside Lincoln Children’s Museum for this 12th annual free concert series. Do you remember your first concert? Let that neat experience be a memory your child can share with you. There are affordable pizza dinners, live music, bubbles and other children’s activities.

Music and Mozzarella, like many activities at Lincoln Children’s Museum, is about getting kids interested in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) through play. Maybe it is the first time a child sees an instrument played live. Maybe the music

blasting from the speakers peaks an interest in engineering and technology. This year will also be unique to the past as children will get to experience nature and water at the newly-renovated, adjacent Centennial Mall.

Especially if your child is past the “why?” stage, it’s nice to be reminded that teaching opportunities surround us every day. There is science behind all the noises around us. Why does water make a noise as it is splashed from a pool? Why do steaks make a sizzle sound while cooking? Whether it’s at the Museum or in life, Lincoln Children’s Museum invites you to let your child’s curiosity be a guide to learning. When figuring out the most fun ways to inspire Lincoln children, the Museum uses resources like Pinterest, parenting blogs, and Lincoln Kids! Newspaper. Learning through play isn’t hard. Just remember how fun it is to take time to slow down, listen, and learn through the summer with them.

Summer 2016 • Page 39

Lincoln Kids!

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Lincoln Kids!

“The Snow Queen” Presented by True Dance & Company

By Shari True, Coach True Dance & Co. “The Snow Queen,” a beautiful new ballet choreographed and re-written by Shari True, is inspired after the original Hans Christian-Anderson fable.

T

rue Dance & Company will present the ballet, The Snow Queen, at Lincoln East High School on May 15. The performance will also feature over 250 students from the school of True Dance & Co. called “When I grow Up”.

Grace Mann, a senior at Lincoln East High School, plays the “Snow Queen”. The ballet is an enchanting story of a little girl, Gerda, (Avery Noden, 10) whose courage and love endures a journey to find her best friend Kay, (Maggie Oulianova, 13) who was captured by the Snow Queen. Featured in the ballet are McKaylee True, 16, as “Fury of the Fire”, Megan Jones as “Enchantress of the Winds” and Crystal Granados, as “Queen of the Garden Roses”. This ballet includes the school of TDC and over 100 children of our community who love ballet.

True Dance & Company also has an award-winning competition team made up of over 85 students who will also perform May 15. The team has competed over the course of this year winning numerous scholarships, choreography awards, technique awards, and showmanship awards. The team ranges from ages 6 to 18 years and is a prestigious and talented group of young individuals who have traveled to Kansas City, Omaha, Denver, and Indianapolis. The performance is co-directed by Nick Gomez & Ashley Durst, and teachers Colleen Johnson and Shari True of True Dance & Company.

This past year in February, True Dance & Company was delighted to also attend the Youth American Grand Prix in Chicago with six of their promising young dancers. YAGP is one of the few ballet competitions in the world. Ballet company directors, college program directors, performing arts high school directors, and artistic directors award young, talented ballerinas scholarships as they compete for a chance to attend the finals in NYC. True Dance presented Nora Schlegel, 13, Leah Anderson, 13,

Ansley Sothan, 12, Finley Peterson, 15, Madison Croomes, 14 and Gracie Herron, 13, in various classical variations at the competition. Leah Anderson, Gracie Herron, and Nora Schlegel all received full-ride scholarships from North Carolina School of Performing Arts Summer Session.

Shari True and Betsy Anderson coach TDC Youth Ballet.

Auditions for the True Dance & Company team will be held Saturday,

May 21, from 9:00a.m-2:00p.m. for students interested in being a part of an award winning competition team which trains in all genres of dance.

True Dance Youth Ballet will hold auditions for the upcoming season on Tuesday, June 7th, at 6:00 p.m. To find out more information about the True Dance & Company school and teams please call 402-423-8838 or visit www.TrueDanceLincoln.com.

Find out how music and movement can nurture your young child’s mind and body!

Call for a free demonstration class and ask about our unlimited classes with enrollment special!

Kindermusik of Lincoln

Shawna Gordon, Director 402-770-1486

kindermusikoflincoln.com www.kindermusikoflincoln.com Summer 2016 • Page 41

Grand Opening: Piccoli Dance Theatre July 30th, 2016

L

By Anthony Piccoli ocal director and choreographer, Courtney Piccoli is opening a new dance and theater school located at the corner of 13th and Arapahoe Streets. A 2015 winner of the Mayors Arts Award for Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts, Miss Courtney has worked on over 200 ballet, theater, and musical productions.

Piccoli Dance Theatre will have four key areas of focus: technique-based excellence for everyone, class variety (for all styles, levels, and ages), business excellence, as well as a competitive company.

“Whether taking one class, or part of our competitive company,” says Miss Courtney, “our students should always feel they are

Page 42 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com.net

Lincoln Kids!

in a supportive environment where they are getting the best education Lincoln has to offer.”

“Furthermore,” continues Courtney, “our students and parents should always feel they have every resource available to be informed, involved, and engaged. I’ve raised a child in the world of dance and I know the importance of clear expectation and timely information.”

While ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop styles will serve as the foundation of classes at Piccoli Dance Theatre, they also offer classes typically not found at other studios.

‘Acting for Dancers’ and ‘Real Musical Theater’ includes singing and characterization, as well as individualized programming through their Pre-Professional Program.

For more information, visit www.dancepdt.com or call (402) 937-0678.

Texture Portrait

by Sarah Hotz, 10 years old, Art Around the C orner

Characters from the Movie “Cars”

by Russell Ortieb, Urban Legends Art Studio

“Astrofizz” sroth,

by Brielle Braun 7 years old, Art Planet

Lincoln Kids!

“Flamingo”

by Nola Detweile r, 5 years old, LUX Center for the Arts

by Avry Victor

Art Gallery “Rhode Island Red”

by Samara Tep, 6 years old Art Around the Corner

“Hidden” by Lynd i Weber, 11 years old, Art Planet

Texture Portrait

by Hudson Miron, 10 years old Art Around the Corner

orld” “Sunset of the W e, 6 years old

by Luigi Forgion Art Planet

Picasso-style Self Portrait s,

by Sylena Morri 3rd grade, ry Calvert Elementa

Sea Scape Oil Painting

by Rhiannon Cottam, 14 years old Urban Legends Art Studio

Crayon Scene

by Yui Sakai, 9 years old, 3rd grader at Maxey Elementary

w

3740 North 27th St. 630 South 72nd St. Lincoln, NE 68521 Omaha, NE 68114 402-466-2229 402-331-9062

ge f Bunkbeds • Loft Beds • Twin & Full Beds Lar ion o t c le Strollers • Carseats • Plus 65+ Cribs on Display!

Se

www.eChildStore.com Summer 2016 • Page 43

The Real Fun this Summer is at

D A I LY D E A L S !

Y A D N G! MO UMPIN TED UNLIMI

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DefyGravityLincoln.com Lincolninfo@DefyGravityUSA.com

345 Sporting Village Drive, Ste. 1, 402-817-6900