Lincolnkidsnewspaperspring2015 by Lincoln Kids Magazine

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Celebrating our 22nd year!

Lincoln Kids! Quarterly Family Newspaper

Please Take One

22nd Year No. 1

Spring 2015

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Travelingâ&#x20AC;? by Lyndi Weber, age 10, ceramic plate, student at Art Planet

February, March & April Your Family Guide for Lincoln and the Surrounding Area.

Lincoln Kids!

Bee ready KidsPark is coming! Open days, evenings and weekends. • Hourly drop-in childcare • Preschool education programs Art, games,

• Fun private parties

stories, play, friends... fun!

Run errands, doctor appointment, lunch with friends.… maybe a date night this weekend...

b oln l Clu c in ra s e L ine ent h T d M res an ly P d m Ge Prou

Discover the Beaut y of Rocks Dealers, Demos, Children’s Activities, Educational Programs, Rough & Uncut Gems, Agates, Gemstones, Minerals, Fossils, Petrified Wood, Equipment & Supplies, Gifts, and Fun! Adults: $5, Adult 2-day pass: $9 Children 11 and under FREE with paid adult. Lancaster Event Center

84th & Havelock, Lincoln, Nebraska

A family favorite for over 20 years.

www.kidspark.com

57th Annual

Support the Lincoln Food Bank! Bring in any non-perishable item for the Food Bank and receive $1 off admission!

Saturday, April 4 9AM - 6PM Sunday, April 5 10AM - 5PM

www.lincolngemmineralclub.org

February

is National Children’s Dental Health Month

• Storytime readings and games at local Barnes & Noble bookstores and Lincoln Public Libraries • Craft activities and storytime readings at the Lincoln Children’s Museum • UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Day sponsor • Reading event with LPS second graders • Learn about healthy foods for your teeth from the registered dietitian at your local Hy-Vee grocery store Learn about all of our National Children’s Dental Health Month events on our social media sites.

800-776-9446

ameritas.com

Page 2 • lincolnkidsinc.com

From The Publisher

Mark Martin

elcome to our Spring edition of Lincoln Kids! Newspaper! I am a very fortunate man! I have a great wife, son and daughter-inlaw. I have a big hearted 200 pound dog named Bernie, and the worlds most continuiously purring cat, Kitty Nit-Witty. I have great friends and I really love what I do for a living, namely publishing this family newspaper. Most importantly I am greatful to have God in my life. In order to produce a newspaper you have to have a lot of things come together. Articles need to be written and gathered, ads built and proofs sent, photos and artwork adjusted and sized, events researched, proofing done for errors, lots of stuff! Probably the most fun has to be seeing the children’s artwork that comes in. We must have published a thousand or so drawings by now. I

Lincoln Kids!

suppose my love of art comes from my mother, Jean Martin. She recently passed away and she left a long legacy of teaching art to mainly children, but also to seniors at her retirement home. While she was still able to see (she was legally blind) she even wrote an art project column for this paper entitled, Momma Moo’s Art Corner. She got the nickname Momma Moo from me shortly after our son was born. She didn’t like the idea of being called Grandma so I suggested instead Grandmoo. She liked it. Prior to her passing whenever I would call her on the phone instead of saying “hello” I would bellow out a long, Moooo. She never mistook my calls for someone elses. Sometimes she would even say, “honey are your feeling okay? Your moo sounds a little weak today.” Speaking of art, I want to give a little plug for another art teacher who I feel needs some recognition, Tamara Kaye. Tamara is the owner of Art Planet (artplanetlincoln.com). Our front cover artist is one of her students. Isn’t that a great cover! You will find more of her students work throughout the paper so if you are looking to find a really good art teacher, check out Art Planet, (see our lessons/birthday directories).

Our Spring edition always features a BIG Spring & Summer Camp SECTION –and for good reason. They are not only great opportunities for fun but they offer a wide variety of experiences for your child. For the best times and dates, it pays to

book early. Many of these camps fill up fast so don’t delay! Have a great spring and summer!

Mark Martin

the publisher

Spring 2015 Cover Artist Hi, my name is Lyndi Weber. I am 10 years old and I am in 5th grade. I love leopards, art, reading books and riding horses. I also love to swim. I have been making art for as long as I can remember. When I first began drawing I drew lots of little two-story houses. Since then I’ve learned to draw animals, people, and things in nature. My favorite things to draw are animals, especially baby animals! Speaking of animals, I happen to have a particular favorite--the leopard. I have read almost every book in the library on the topic of big cats such as lions, tigers, jaguars and leopards. Someday I hope to help the endangered species of big cats. This summer I visited The Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri where I learned about how people, in taking in cute little tiger cubs and other big cats, are actually mistreating them which is why they grow hostile and become abandoned. As it turns out, we are actually a bigger threat to THEM than they are to US! In addition to big cats, I also love horses. I’ve taken riding lessons for two years. My favorite horse to ride is named Bailey because he has a good temperament and a beautiful coat of fur. It should come as no surprise then, that my favorite book series to read is Pegasus! I like art because it is fun to explore different kinds of media such as collage, paint, clay and printmaking. In fact I live in an art studio called Art Planet where my mom and other teachers teach art classes all the time…so I never miss a class!

Come Join Us for our 28th Annual

Advertising, Artwork, Article, & Calendar

Deadline for the 2015 Summer Issue is April 10th. Covering: May, June and July To view our issues online visit our website at: lincolnkidsinc.com

Attention Young Artists and Poets! How would you like to be

Published in Lincoln Kids! Newspaper? Mail or email us a copy of your Artwork and Poems for consideration-TODAY! lincolnkids@windstream.net phone: (402) 798-0224

Email:

website:

lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids! Newspaper, 25660 South 12th St. Martell, Nebraska 68404

ublisher and Editor in Chief – Mark Martin P Advertising – Mark Martin Art Direction – Mark Martin Calendar and more – Dawn Garcia Illustrations – Children & Ron Wheeler’s Fat Free Clip Art Printer – Page 1 Printers Lincoln Kids! Inc is published quarterly in February, May, August and November. Mailing Address: 25660 South 12th Street, Martell, NE, 68404. Phone number: (402) 798-0224. E-mail: lincolnkids@windstream.net Copyright ©2015 by Lincoln Kids! 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, photographs 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. Web site is located at: www.lincolnkidsinc.com Current and past issues may be viewed there.

Saturday, April 18th, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Stage performances throughout the day! Including The String Beans at 11AM.

Hands-on activities, artwork displays and more! For children ages birth – eight.

Southeast Community LAEYC College Gymnasium 8800 “O” Street Free to the public

Sponsored in part by: Lincoln Association for the Education of Young Children Spring 2015 Page 3

Lincoln Kids!

My Scaly, Furry, Feathery... Facebook Friends By Mark Martin and the Lincoln Children’s Zoo

f you are on Facebook, like me, you’ve probably received several friendship requests. Since I am a friend of the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, I have a few “new” friends I would like you to know about:

to live near lakes and reservoirs but unlike other ducks who stay on the ground, we are considered “tree” ducks and spend our time perched on branches. Do you know how we got whistling in our name? It is because of the highpitched whistle sound we make to communicate with each other!

and I are both dromedary camels, which means we have one hump, not two! At the zoo, I like to eat grass, leaves, grain and hay, which helps me to grow to around 6 feet tall and between 900 to 1200 pounds! We like to live in hot, desert areas and in the wild; we can be found in places like Sudan, Somalia, and Pakistan. In order to live in such hot areas, we use our hump to store extra fat to use when we can’t find enough food or water!

Zookeeper friends. Now I enjoy living at the Zoo, playing with my wallaby friends and meeting new people. In the wild, we can be found on the South and West coast of Australia and eat different types of grasses. Did you know that we are the smallest species of wallaby? When I grow up I will only be 10 to 20 pounds and will have a long tail that helps me keep my balance!

Liv

Pepe

Hi, I’m Pepé and I am a pygmy marmoset! Pygmy marmosets like me are the smallest species of monkey in the world! At the Zoo we eat insects, fruit, vegetables, and our favorite treat, sap. I have special teeth that break through tree bark and make the tree sap ooze out. So yummy! We are also known for having twins, almost 90% of the time! When we are babies we are about the size of a human thumb. That’s not very big! Come visit me in April when the Zoo opens!

Topper

Hi, my name is Topper and I’m a Humboldt penguin! In the wild, we would eat things like anchovies, herring and smelt. At the Zoo, we eat fish with vitamins inside. Surprisingly, we aren’t like a lot of other penguins that like cold weather. We come from the coast of Peru and Chile and like warm weather! Did you know that we were born to swim? We have very strong wings and use them to “fly” under water. We can swim as fast as 17 miles per hour. That’s speedy! Have you seen our penguin show? We have one every day the Zoo is open at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Come watch! It’s a must see.

Hey! My name is Liv and I am a one-yearold tammar wallaby at the Zoo! I was born at the Zoo last year and was raised by my

For more Information on the zoo, visit: LincolnZoo.org

Sign Onlin Up e Now

IG CONS

SHOP!

SHOP. SELL. REPEATZ AS NECESSARY. Spring/Summer Children’s Consignment Event! LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

Tony Stark & Sue Storm

Our names are Sue Storm and Tony Stark and we are two of the white-faced whistling ducks at the Zoo! In the wild, we can be found in South America and Africa and we like to eat aquatic insects, mollusks, plant matter, seeds, and rice. White-faced whistling ducks like Page 4 • lincolnkidsinc.com

April 16th - 19th • Clothes For Newborn Through Teen • Maternity Clothes • • Indoor/Outdoor Toys • Strollers/Car Seats • • Furniture • Nursery • Baby Gear • Books •

Micheal

Hey there! My name is Michael and I live with my camel friend ,Courtney at the zoo! Courtney,

Annual Adults’ Sale

April 24th-26th

Everything you love about Neat Repeatz, but for grown-ups!

WWW.NEATREPEATZ.COM • 402.499.5884 •

Lincoln Kids!

My Circular Journey From & Back To Photography By Bonnie Davis, Genesis Photography

hundreds of photo ideas, and spend more money on props than I’d like to admit. I needed more practice, so I asked other moms to lend me their newborns and kiddos, and they graciously did. I soon found out that I not only had a love for the medium, but I also had a knack for it. I still had much to learn, howev-

he moment that I developed my first film negatives in my high school “Intro to Photography” class, I was completely hooked. I spent my time when I was out of school driving around Kansas and trying to find things to photograph. My journeys took me trespassing into abandoned homes on the side of the highway (with the barbed wire scars on my legs to prove it), and wading across rivers, where I—literally–got in over my head, and ruined my mom’s camera. I started college with every intention of being a photography major. After being persuaded that it wasn’t a “practical” career choice, I switched to biology and pursued a career in healthcare. As the years went by, I found myself unfulfilled. I still did photography on the side,

BabyShoot: a behind the scenes glimpse of a newborn session. a wedding here, a sporting event there, and countless nature photos. After my daughter was born, I was introduced to a completely different avenue of photography: infant portraits. I fell in love, and I proceeded to read every book and article I could find, watch every available YouTube video, compile

proper precautions with while posing him. I continue to be taught different lessons with each new assignment. We recently relocated to Lincoln from Denver, and after having to leave my job in Colorado, I decided to embrace the change and launch a business in infant and child photography. For now, I work mostly on-location, but I hope to have an in-home studio soon. I love meeting new families and getting the opportunity to capture er, as I was the amazing forced to personaliadmit when ties of babies I found and children myself in though phothe “golden Bonnie with her daughter when she tography. shower” of For your was about 7 months old. a 12-day-old photographic needs infant whom I hadn’t taken the I can be reached at 402-413-0129.

Capture Life’s Little Beginnings.

Spring and Summer Kidz Closet Consignment Sale! CONSIGN

Let us sell the items that your family has outgrown. Keep 70% of your sales!

SHOP

Baby and kids’ clothing, toys, gear, furniture, maternity and more! Organize, clean and well lit shopping.

SAVE

Huge savings for your family. New and gently-used items sold at a fraction of retail.

March 19, 10am–7pm March 20, 10am–6pm March 21, 10am–3pm* March 22, 10am–2pm* *Most items 1/2 off at Saint Paul United Methodist Church www.saintpaulumc.org

12th and M Streets, downtown Lincoln 402-477-6951 For more info. or to register visit: www.saintpaulumc.org www.facebook.com/saintpaulkidzcloset

(402) 413-0129

www.genesisphotog.com Spring 2015 Page 5

Lincoln Kids!

New Program Helps Parents-To-Be

By Jonathon Volkmer ine out of ten women will suffer complications during the process of pregnancy, labor and birth. That’s something that Gabrielle Volkmer knows all too well, both personally and professionally. “My birth was traumatic, despite healthy outcomes,” she said, “I felt unsupported, confused by the process, and had a hard time adjusting to life as a new mother. Talking to other moms, I discovered I wasn’t alone.” From her office at Southeast Community C ollege’s Entrepreneurship Center, Gabrielle now teaches birth education and preparation classes, works as a professional postpartum support person, and writes the popular blog Birth Beyond Bias. “Americans spend more time

researching car purchases than their choice of doctor or hospital,” she says, “And not by a small m a r gin. But birth isn’t something that you can go into with blind faith that things will go according to plan.” Some of Gabrielle’s first students, Samantha and her husband, Tyler, share how quickly things can change. They enrolled in Gabrielle’s Empower Birth Preparation class after getting pregnant with their first child and expected to deliver in late January.

Now Scheduling School Physicals.

“I wanted to take a birth class because I wanted to be as prepared as I could be,” Samantha explained, “I wanted to know what to expect from labor and delivery. I wanted to know methods of dealing with the pain. I wanted to know my options if the doctors wanted to do interventions. I decided to take Birth Beyond Bias specifically because I wanted to know both sides of the medical controversy, conventional and natural methods. Birth Beyond Bias seemed like a class that wouldn’t judge either side but have an open conversation and research behind each method.” But events took a concerning turn when Samantha went into

preterm labor and delivered her baby via cesarean at 33 weeks. “Although it didn’t go as I thought it would, I feel peace in my birth story with the help of this class,” Samantha said. She says she felt respected, supported and informed. She also knew she could call Gabrielle afterwards for help with errands and support. Fortunately, they and baby are safe and healthy now. “What people should take away from this,” Gabrielle says, “Is that there’s no such thing as over-prepared or ‘seeing how it goes’. It’s your doctor or midwife’s job to make sure you and baby are healthy. It’s my job to make sure you’re prepared beforehand and supported afterward.” Gabrielle Volkmer can be reacged at 402-617-3978 or at birthbeyondbias@gmail.com See her ad below.

Birth BeyondBias Birth Classes Postpartum Support Birth is challenging. Are you prepared?

LINCOLN PEDIATRIC GROUP, LLC

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 Michael J. Huckabee, PA-C Valerie A. Vernon, PA-C Maureen Garvin, PA-C

Know your options and labor with confidence! Birth Beyond Bias provides comprehensive childbirth education for today’s parent. We offer a balanced approach to all your birth options and provide mommy’s helper services afterwards while you adjust! Visit our website at birthbeyondbias.com or call Gabrielle at 402-617-3978 Welcome Maureen Garvin, PA-C

Office Hours Monday–Thursday 8 am-7:00 pm Friday 8 am-4:30 pm Saturday 8 am-2:00 pm Sunday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

Lincoln Pediatric Group, LLC • 402-489-3834 4501 S. 70th, Suite 110, Lincoln

www.lincolnpedsgroup.com

Page 6 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Empower. Embrace. Embark

Perfect gifts for new babies – and their parents!

COME SEE WHAT’S

NEW!

The boutique at MilkWorks

58th and Old Cheney • 402.423.6402 • milkworks.org • open daily

Lincoln Kids!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month cerns are reluctant to smile or laugh because of pain or embarrassment.

Tips and information provided by Ameritas group division

Facing a Lifetime of Oral Health Problems

uring February, Ameritas partners with several organizations to educate families on the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums to ensure good oral health. Look for activities at the Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln City Libraries, University of Nebraska College of Dentistry, Lincoln Public Schools and Barnes & Noble bookstores.

Tooth decay is one of the most common health issues kids face today. It is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever or bronchitis.

Review These Facts:

• Nearly six out of 10 kids in the United States have cavities, and about 25 percent have untreated decay in their permanent teeth. • The root system from baby teeth helps lay the foundation for permanent teeth. • Kids with damaged teeth from cavities at a young age may experience a lifetime of tooth and gum problems. • More than 80 percent of tooth decay in kids occurs on the chew-

Help Kids Develop Happy Smiles

A child’s smile can be contagious, communicating joy and happiness. Likewise, the lack of a smile may express unhappiness, frustration or discontentment. Often kids with oral health con-

Easy, Safe Sitting Solutions

ing surfaces of teeth; dental sealants can help protect these areas. • Due to aching teeth and gums, kids often experience discomfort when eating, learning at school and sleeping at night. • Nationally, kids lose more than 51 million school hours each year due to dental-related illness.

Make Good Oral Health a Habit!

Parents and caregivers can help kids develop a lifetime of good oral health. Here are some good dental habits to teach kids: • Brushing and flossing – Parents should encourage kids to brush their teeth for at least two minutes after breakfast and before bedtime. Floss teeth at least once each day to remove food trapped between teeth and under gums. • Make brushing fun – To motivate kids to develop good habits, purchase a fun cartoon-char-

acter toothbrush and floss or floss picks in their favorite flavors and colors. • First tooth, first year, first dental visit – The American Dental Association recommends that parents schedule their child’s first dental visit at age 1 or when the first tooth appears. Plan ongoing appointments for checkups and cleanings as directed by your dentist. • Healthy eating – Make sure kids consume nutritious foods and drinks that are low in sugar. Avoid snacks and sweet drinks in the evening after your child has brushed and flossed.

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Brent D. Johnson, DDS, MS Spring 2015 Page 7

Lincoln Kids!

Science, Literacy, and the Library By Vicki Wood, Youth Services Supervisor, Lincoln City Libraries

here is a renewed focus on the importance of science education for American students. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) initiatives and curriculum are common now in schools as we try to prepare our students for jobs in a future that will require higher level understanding of technology and science. Every year there are outstanding picture books that introduce scientific principles in a way that very young children can understand. Because of the vagaries of cataloging rules these books are sometimes housed with the picture books, often found in non-fiction or biography and, sometimes, amongst the poetry books. It’s Raining! (Holiday House) j551.577 Gib, by Gail Gibbons

Embark on Global Learning Adventures Without Leaving Lincoln! Registe r by for our April 1st ea discou rly nts!

The Language Project

@TLPkids 402-430-8360 languageprojectkids.com Page 8 • lincolnkidsinc.com

calls in a wooded Finally, a lovely biography of area around their the great champion of science home. The rhyming in the 20th century, Carl Sagan. text includes bird Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the call approximations Mysteries of the Cosmos by that will be fun for Stephanie Sisson (Roaring Brook) young listeners to j Biography Sagan, opens with recreate. Appended Sagan’s boyhood in Brooklyn, is an interview and a fateful trip to the library style question and where a book on stars opened up answer session with a lifetime of fascination with the Check out Steve Jenkins new book, Eye to Eye: the mother bird cosmos and a future career as an How Animals See the World! explaining to young astrophysicist. Sisson’s illustrabird watchers the tions depict the youthful Sagan’s is the perfect introduction to the behavior of nesting birds and why exuberant and curious personality; water cycle, clouds, and how it’s important to keep clear of the one that stayed with him throughmoisture from the sky can vary nest and the fledglings. out his life and career. depending on weather conditions. Author/illustrator Steve Jenkins Many authors, scientists, and Gibbons uses her trademark bright creates some of the most beautiful other accomplished folks recall and simple illustrations to enhance and intriguing books for youth moments when a book or books the straightforward, understandabout the animal world. His latest opened up a door in their minds able text. She has been writing book, Eye to Eye: How Animals and created the dreams they went these type of informational picSee the World (Houghton Mifflin on to pursue as adults. So, let ture books since the 1970s. Look Harcourt) j573.88 Jen, briefly your kids loose among the shelves for two other recent books by touches on the evolution of the eye as often as possible. The youth her, Ladybugs j595.769 Gib and before introducing the many and non-fiction collection contains no Gorillas j599.884, also published varied forms eyes take in the aniless than the accumulated knowlby Holiday House. mal world. Most eye development edge of humankind, packaged in Author Nicola Davies and illushas to do with being the hunter or gorgeous bite-sized pieces, easily trator Emily Sutton have joined the prey, finding food sources, or consumable for young readers. I forces to create an almost whimadapting to an exceptional envifind myself there quite often too! sical science book called, Tiny ronment. Most notable though are Creatures: The World of Microbes the gorgeous, large-format illus(Candlewick Press) j579 Dav. trations of the creatures and their This oversize book explains how amazing eyes. Look for two of these creatures, so vast in numhis other recent books, Creature ber, diverse in shape and size, Features: Twenty-five Animals and important in everything Explain Why They Look the Way from recycling to illness, impact They Do j571.3 Jen, and Mama our lives and the natural world. Get really small with Built a Little Nest jP Ward (both Exceptionally well-designed, this Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). book has wonderful watercolor illustrations that enhance the text, providing useful visual analogies for concepts sometimes too big Tutoring For Struggling Readers K–12th Grade for even the adult mind to comIs your child reading one or more years below grade level? prehend. Be sure to check out an earlier book by Davies, Outside The Kit & Dick Schmoker Reading Center offers tutoring for students grades K–12th. Your Window: A First Book of One-on-one instruction is provided in: phonemic awareness, Nature (Candlewick) cataloged in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. the poetry books, j811 Dav. In Have You Heard the Nesting To learn more about the Schmoker Reading Center: Apply on-line at: http://cehs.unl.edu/tlte/readingcenter/ Bird by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak (Houghton Mifflin For application assistance, contact: Kit & Dick Melisia Bieber, Harcourt) jP Gray, a robin quiSchmoker Reading Center Associate etly sits on her nest while two Reading (402)-472-3532, young children encounter variCenter readingcenter@unl.edu ous other common birds and their

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

eeling cooped up inside with all this cold weather? Exercise your mind by getting creative! I really like to spend my creative energy on projects with a purpose. There always seems to be a reason to give someone a card, weather it is for a birthday or holidays like Valentine’s Day and Easter. This time of year is perfect for getting ahead on card making before sports, vacations, camps, and other distractions get in the way. Even if you are already busy, making cards doesn’t have to take a long time. One of my favorite ways to quickly make one is by folding a piece of thick paper in half and cutting shapes out of the front. For Valentine’s Day you could cut out a heart, for Easter an egg or a rabbit, and for birthdays

Lincoln Kids!

balloons are a great option. After cutting out the shape you can easily color the interior of the shape using the front of the card as your stencil. You could also use the piece of paper you cut out as a template to stencil on colored or patterned paper that you glue to the interior of the card. No matter what your approach is to making a card, the fact that you created it gives it a meaningful and personal touch! If you want to try something new and get creative with your loved ones check out the family art workshops at LUX Center for the Arts. There is always a variety of projects to choose from including clay bowls, fused glass, and painting. You can find our current list of workshops and classes at www.luxcenter.org or visit us in historic University Place at 2601 N. 28th Street near Wesleyan University. For information on classes contact Lindsey Clausen the Director of Education at 402.466.8692.

17th Annual Spring Irish Social Dance

University of Limerick pring is in the in Ireland, where she air and so is earned a Masters Degree, that infectious with emphasis in Irish Irish music that makes Traditional Dance. everyone want to Rivertown String Band dance – and now you Sunday, March 8 at from Omaha will provide can! The Lincoln Irish Auld Rec Center the live and lively music Dancers are pleased to host the 17th Annual Spring Irish for the Ceili on Sunday evening. Social Dance or “Ceili” (KAY- There is a raffle of Irish and Celtic lee) on Sunday, March 8 at Auld items and a kids activity corner Rec Center, 1650 Memorial Dr. where there are shamrocks and in Antelope Park, from 6:30 to leprechauns the kids can color and 9:00 pm. This is a fun, no-pressure they can receive free temporary opportunity to give recreational face tattoos! All children under the Irish dance a try! No experience is age of 12 receive a free gift! Or if you prefer, just come necessary. The music and dances consist and listen to the great live Irish of reels, jigs, waltzes, hornpipes, music. All ages are welcome in polkas and slides. Irish dancing is this family friendly activity for great fun and terrific exercise, and the St. Patrick’s season! Tickets at there is no need to memorize dance the door: $10 for adults and $5 for sequences, as they will be ‘called’. students with a Family cap of $30. Calling the ceili is Catherine Children age 3 and under are free. For more information, call 402Sherer Bishop from Jackson, Mississippi. Bishop received a 421-7142 or visit us on Facebook! Fulbright award to study at the

Spring 2015 Page 9

Lincoln Kids!

Got Twins or Triplets? This Club’s For You!

By Erin Niebuhr

hen you are expecting multiple births, whether it is twins, triplets, quads or more, you’re in very special company. Every year families welcome multiples into their lives and experience both the joys and challenges that accompany them. At times the challenges (medical, economic and personal) of a multiple birth may seem overwhelming, but so are the rewards! The good news is that there is an organization to share these experiences with you. Lincoln Area Families with Multiples exists to support expectant, new, and experienced parents of multiples through education, resource networking, and fellowship opportunities. Lincoln Area Families with Multiples (LAFM) as we currently know it is a non-profit organization that was established in 1994. LAFM evolved from various forms under

Page 10 • lincolnkidsinc.com

different names starting in 1960. Currently, there are more than 70 families in the Lincoln and surrounding areas that are members of our club. Families as far away as Kearney and Grand Island have joined, as LAFM is the only multiples club in the western part of the state. The majority of our families have twins, however, we have about 10 families with triplets, and one family with quads. We even have several families welcoming their second set of twins! Most families join LAFM when they are expecting their multiples, or shortly after they are born. Most members agree that the baby-stage is when you have the most questions, need the most advice and can benefit from the meal program LAFM offers. However, some of our members join when their mul-

tiples are slightly older. In these instances, they can get much needed advice on potty training, how to choose a pre-school, or any number of other issues that come with older multiples. Either way, LAFM provides much more than advice and support. Life-long friendships are made with those who know exactly what you are going through. Club activities are always more fun when you look forward to seeing your other “multiple buddies.”

What LAFM has to Offer

Our organization helps to support members in various ways. Here are some examples: • We have a meal program in which members prepare and deliver meals to help those who have just brought their multiples home from the hospital. • We have meetings where we have a speaker come address the group about topics relevant to parenting. In conjunction with the meetings, we hold social/networking time for parents to gather, ask questions and get advice from other parents of multiples. • A monthly newsletter, “Multiple Messages”, is published and distributed electronically to keep members current with the happenings of the club and upcoming events. • We maintain a mass e-mail group and a Facebook page where members can post questions to one another, buy and sell items, and keep updated on club news. • We have Mom or Dad’s nights out, Couples’ nights out, and play dates for the youngsters.

• Discounted (group rates) or free tickets to hockey games, the circus, Salt Dog games, pumpkin patches, indoor playground and more! • An annual summer picnic, holiday party (Santa comes too), Trunk or Treat and Easter Egg hunt. • A kids consignment sale is held twice a year, where members can sell gently used clothing, household items, furniture, and toys. Members are able to shop the night before the sale is open to the public to find things they may need. The sale is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers! • Discounts on services from many local businesses. We will be holding an informational class for new or expecting parents of multiples. It will consist of a panel of parents of multiples giving their best advice

on life with twins or triplets, and a question and answer time. This event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd, 2015 at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church at 70th & A Street. Childcare will be provided. Please email coordinator.lafm@ gmail.com if you have questions. Register at www.lincolnmultiples. org Contact us at: Lincoln Area Families with Multiples, P.O. Box 5911, Lincoln, NE 68505-5911 Our phone is 402-434-6533. Also, check out our consignment ad on page7 in this paper!

Lincoln Kids!

Using Your Senses to Explore By Jamie Kelley, Naturalist, Pioneers Park Nature Center

’m Jamie, the new naturalist at Pioneers Park Nature Center. I’m passionate about the natural world and love sharing my passion with others. It’s exciting for me to be at the Nature Center and to be a part of a place I have visited ever since I was young. I’m from Lincoln and have always enjoyed spending time outside, riding bikes along the many trails and hiking in the various parks throughout Lincoln. One reason I enjoy hiking and exploring is because no matter the season there is always something new to discover. I want to share with you some of my favorite tools I use for exploring here at Pioneers Park Nature Center. • My eyes for observing. I look high and low, near and far. What do I notice as I travel along the

trail? I might see tracks left behind bumpy, warm or cold, wet or dry? by an animal, a nest up in a tree, Sometimes how something feels or watch the tallgrass blow in the surprise me. What looks soft might wind. be prickly or what looks wet or • My ears for listening. slimy might be dry. Sometimes I stop at different areas along a path and stand still. What do I hear? The rustling of leaves, the buzzing of insects, the songs of birds. Or sometimes I just like to count how many different sounds I hear. • My nose for smelling. I not only stop to smell flowers in bloom but I stop to smell the leaves of a plant or tree Jamie Kelly is the new Pioneers Park and I even like to smell the soil or just inhale Nature Center Naturalist. a nice deep breathe to smell the fresh air. • My sense of wonder. Yes, • My hands are great tools my curiosity is an important tool for learning too. Is it smooth or for exploring nature. I ask a lot of questions. Why does this plant grow like that? What animal made that track? As I hike I’ll look for answers or at least clues that might “Flying Fisher” help me make a good guess. by Sophia Lyman, Many of my favorite tools are age 16, ink on the tools I already have. I like paper, student at to call these my five senses for Art Planet. exploring. But sometimes other tools can be helpful. Here is a list of other items that you might think about bringing with you: • Binoculars, these can help see things that are far way, up in trees,

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or flying in the sky. • A magnifying glass can help see things that are very small or see more details that might not be noticed with only your eyes. • A camera to document new discoveries. • A pack with water and a small snack. This is important especially if it is hot out. • A notebook or journal to draw or write down questions, thoughts, or make lists of things you see and hear. • Field guides (books or smart phone apps) can be useful to help identify different plants or animals. • Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, rain or winter jacket, boots and gloves. Paying attention to the forecast and preparing for the right weather makes for a great experience while in the outdoors. Do you like to explore? The Nature Center is a wonderful place to explore. Nature Explorer Camp, for 6-12 year olds, will take place Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13, from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm each day. This camp is a great way to spend Spring Break! The Nature Center is open Monday-Saturday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday Noon – 5:00 pm. Check out, http:// lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter/ for updates and information about more events and programs. Hope to see you on the trails soon.

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Lincoln Kids!

Easter Alternatives; Let Peter Cottontail Keep Hoping Down That Bunny Trail By Laura Andersen, DVM Director of Veterinary Medicine Capital Humane Society

ggs, chicks, and rabbits are often associated with spring and Easter. For those considering getting a pet rabbit, chick, or duck this year for Easter, I would like to encourage you to ponder that decision carefully. Rabbits can live a decade or more and their care during their lifetime can exceed $4,000. City of Lincoln requires permits for owning chickens and/or ducks and there are strict limitations on how and where they can be housed. Instead of bringing home one of these animals for Easter this year, I have some suggestions for alternatives that will be just as enjoyable. When I was growing up, the Easter bunny often filled my Easter baskets with art supplies. Colored pencils, crayons, paints, clay, and the like can help encourage creativity while the colors celebrate the coming of spring. Egg-shaped chalk is a great idea since it keeps within the theme. Seed packets and small pots or gardening tools are another way to help herald in the coming of spring. Why not create a “basket” out of a planter filled with seeds for flowers to brighten the windowsill or herbs for the kitchen? You’ll have the pleasure of watching the plants grow and even using

the flowers to decorate your home or the herbs for cooking meals together. Even better are gifts that allow for activities with your child or loved one. How about a book you can read together or DVD to watch on family or date night? Tickets to the zoo, movies, or other local events that you can enjoy together also fit nicely into one of those plastic eggs or in an envelop in their Easter basket. Of course, if you can’t resist a cute Easter bunny, how about getting a stuffed animal instead. They’re just as cuddly and require significantly less work. There’s always chocolate bunnies or even bunny-shaped graham crackers and marshmallow peeps if you prefer edibles. If you want to help an animal in need, make a donation for a zoo animal or consider a donation to help homeless animals at Capital Humane Society. If you really do have your heart set on a new pet, start with a book on the care for that animal to ensure you and your family are well prepared for the new addition. Then come visit the Pieloch

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Pet Adoption Center to find a deserving animal in need of a good home. You’ll have that cuddly new pet you’ve been yearning for and the satisfaction of knowing that adoption is a very kind way to acquire a new furry friend for life.

Capital Humane Society 402-441-4488 www.capitalhumanesociety.org Pieloch Pet Adoption Center 6500 S. 70th Street Lincoln, NE 68516 Admissions & Assessment Center 2320 Park Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502

“Texture of the Moon” by Maddie Penn, age 16, ink on paper, student at Art Planet.

Enrolling for 2015-2016 Westminster Preschool is a N.A.E.Y.C. accredited developmental learning program where children enjoy a safe nurturing environment with a small 1-8 teacher-student ratio. Art activities, stories and songs, large motor activities and learning centers allow children to grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. Contact Suzanne Schneider

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Lincoln Kids!

Exploring, Pondering and Learning By Lindsay Rogers, Wildlife Education Specialist for the

have been an outdoor enthusiast my whole life. I spent my summers in high school hiking the trails of the local nature center. I completed complex ecological experiments and presented in local, state and national science competitions. I have a degree in Environmental Studies. I now teach teachers about nature. But, still, I do not know everything there is to know about nature, ecology and conservation. I really have not even scratched the surface. And, honestly, my favorite part of my job is just that–I do not know everything. I get to learn new things daily. I frequently get the excitement of the “ah-ha” moment. And even more fun is that I often get to have these “ahha” moments with children. But these “ah-ha” moments do not happen when someone simply tells me something–they happen when I discover something through doing,

through experiences. I was once working with a group of 3-year-olds in a vegetable garden. The students had planted seeds several months earlier, and although they had been watering and weeding the area during that time, they had not really spent time exploring in the garden. The day of my visit, that was our job. We were simply to go into the garden to see what we could see. To find what we could find. And to ponder what we could ponder. Almost immediately a small boy discovered a large, green vegetable hanging from a plant. “I found a cucumber! I found a cucumber!” the child shouted. Much to the demise of many small carrot plants, the other students sprinted across the garden to the newfound cucumber. Together, they pondered that cucumber. Where did it come from? When did it get there? Was it attached to the plant? Could they touch it? I watched this wonderful scene play out all while knowing it was not at all a cucumber but actually a green pepper. Did I, the all-knowing adult, inform them of their inaccuracy? No! That was not at all

Sam on a log.

Photo by Lindsay Rogers

the point of the day. By simply spewing my knowledge on these children, I would not be teaching them something, I would be telling them something. As these children gain more experience in the garden, the world of vegetables and food, and life in general, they will eventually learn that there is a difference between a cucumber and a pepper. The important thing about this is that

they will learn it by experience, not by someone telling them. It does not matter that my 4-year old convincingly explained that a bird he saw flying was a turkey vulture because it was large, black and flying in the sky. To him, it was a turkey vulture. It was, in fact, not a turkey vulture but a crow. When exploring in nature (or on your walk from the parking lot into preschool), correct identification and ensuring you engorge children with information is not the point. Rather, ask good questions. How do you know it is a Turkey Vulture? What is it doing in the sky? Where do you think it is going? It does not matter if they answer the questions correctly, it matters that they are questioning and thinking. In asking these questions, you will be teaching your child to be a critical thinker. The best way to teach is to explore with, ponder with, question with, learn with your children. Your child will learn, you will learn. Together you will make memories!

Wildlife Poster Contest By Monica Keep, Wildlife Education Assistant at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

hen you walk out of your house in the morning do you see the ocean, or the mountains, what about a desert? If you live in Nebraska, hopefully you didn’t answer “yes” to any of those. More likely what you are going to see is a prairie. In Nebraska we have 3 major types of prairies - Tallgrass prairie in the east, Mixed-grass prairie in the center, and Shortgrass prairie in the west. The kind of prairie you will see depends on where you live in our state.

Now think about the area you live in and the prairie you would see. Think about what types of animals you would see. Insects? Birds? Reptiles? Amphibians? What about plants? Believe it or not, a prairie is comparable to a rain forest in terms of biodiversity. Think of all the species found in a rain forest. Now, think about the prairie not far from your house. Nebraska has a huge amount of biodiversity. And that is something to celebrate! To celebrate Nebraska’s biodiversity, join the Nebraska Wildlife Federation in celebrating National

Wildlife Week - March 16-22, 2015. If you are a 4th – 6th grader in Nebraska, consider entering our poster contest. Design a poster focusing on the 2015 theme – “Wildlife on the Prairie!” Poster design is up to you, it could be a scene, a specific animal or plant that lives in the prairie, or even a drawing of you walking through the prairie! Be creative! Poster must be 11x17 inches in size. On the back of your poster

please include your name, contact information, and grade. Teachers, you are welcome to create a lesson surrounding the contest. Classroom submissions should be submitted together and include the teacher’s name. The deadline for submissions is April 1st, 2015. All posters should be mailed to: Nebraska Wildlife Federation, 4547 Calvert Street, Suite 12, Lincoln, NE 68506. Winners will recognized at the annual Wild Adventure Day at Pioneers Park on Saturday April 25th, at 12pm. For more information visit nebraskawildlife.org Spring 2015 Page 13

Lincoln Kids! “A place where children grow and learn through hands on experiences!”

Immanuel Lutheran Preschool Now Enrolling Now Registering: Elementary: Grades K-5 Morning Preschool: Age 3 Morning & Afternoon Pre-school: Age 4 Learn more about our caring, Christian educational programs at:

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We have 2 and 3 day classes available. Mon/Wed/Fri. 9:30-11:30 & Tues./Thurs. 9:30-11:30 2001 S. 11th Street Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 474-6275 To reserve your spot come by or call today!

Good Shepherd Lutheran School and Preschool Classical Education with a Christ-centered World View

Good Shepherd Students Learn To Become:

• Independent Learners • Articulate Communicators • Critical Thinkers, and Godly Leaders

Join us on Tuesday, March 3rd

Kindergarten Round-up

from 8:10–10:30am (a free half-day for your child to explore our program) Parents are encouraged to stay for a tour, ask questions, and receive information about our program. Half-day kindergarten spots available!

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Children’s Consignment

spring & summer sale event , used” children’s Sell your “gently ing and items th o cl y it rn e at m teen and Shop the gains! thousands of bar

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“Self Portrait” by Emily Hemminger, age 9, mixed media collage, student at Art Planet.

April 9 - 12

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Lincoln Kids!

Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center if they venture off, keeping an eye on them would be helpful. Should you ocated several miles decide to go for a west of Lincoln is a hike, plotting your grassland oasis. An area route is helpful. On set apart for exploring the best the map, the disthat Nebraska nature has to offer, tance of each path is this is the perfect spot for a family noted. Thankfully outing. While you do have to plan some sites are also a bit carefully this time of year nearby the visitor’s Spring Creek, just minutes west of Lincoln, due to the fluctuating nature of center that will capis a great place for a springtime family walk. Nebraska’s weather, visiting could ture the attention of provide just the breath of fresh air these little curious ones. Peering where. Although some trails are that you need after the doldrums over the short wooden bridge will established, any area is open for of winter. Knowing a few things allow you to search for bugs as exploration. To facilitate observain advance will help you enjoy this well as wandering reptiles and tion, backpacks of various themes nature preserve, no matter the age amphibians. On the opposite side are available to check out. For of your kids. of the small pond, turtles often can instance, in the nature themed Toddlers and Preschoolers: be found sunning themselves on sack, journals and pencils are proAlthough a traditional stroller chunky logs. vided for chronicling plants and might get stuck, the mowed paths Elementary Kids: One of my animals along with magnifying are perfect for a jogging stroller. favorite aspects of the Spring glasses and other study tools. Since beginning walkers could get Creek Prairie Audubon Center is For older ones and those that lost in the rather tall prairie grass that you are welcome to hike anyare truly adventurous you can follow the wagon train ruts. Over a century ago, this location was the cut-off route for the commerce part of the Oregon Trail. Last summer, my friend, Lisa, bravely followed me on this winding path • Christ-centered 2, 3 & 5 day sessions up the hill. Climbing through six • Traditional Preschool 8:30-11:30 Redeemer Lutheran feet of prairie grass, we never • Limited Space Available Preschool did find the ruts we were hoping for. Later we discovered that the actual ruts have eroded away and For information and tuition rates call: 402-477-1710 been covered by natural prairie. email us at: rlpreschool@yahoo.com While walking we felt grooves or visit our website at: redeemerlincoln.org and indentations, and we did not By Gretchen M. Garrison

Now Enrolling

recognize that we were experiencing the path the wagons had taken. Reminding your kids to stay nearby is a good idea – getting separated from each other can happen quickly due to the length of the paths. Bringing bug spray and sun screen is highly recommended as well as wearing hiking or tennis shoes. As there is a wonderful picnic area, you can definitely pack a lunch or a snack. Although they do have a water fountain (and restrooms) inside the small visitor’s center, you may want to carry around a water bottle if you intend on extended hikes. The center is open weekdays and weekend afternoons. While a nominal entrance fee is charged generally, every Tuesday has free admission. To find out more information, please call (402-797-2301) or look at their website: springcreekprairie. audubon.org. Writing at www.odysseythroughnebraska.com Gretchen enjoys telling all about Nebraska places to go and people to know. She also happens to be one of the mommy bloggers at www.goodlifemoms.com and manages to homeschool her four children. Usually with a happy heart. Especially if a Dr. Pepper is included in her day.

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• 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

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Saturday March 28th, 2015

First Lutheran Church – 70th and A Streets 8:30 – 9:30 am: Shop early for $1 donation 9:30 – 3:00 pm: Open to everyone Everything from A to Z! Baby furniture and baby gear such as car seats, strollers, and more, Also, toys, lots and lots of clothing, (Preemie to Adult sizes), Anything and Everything you could ever want and more! Spring 2015 Page 15

Lincoln Kids!

New at Morrill Hall: Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab Want to Discover:

By Mandy Haase, Public Relations Coordinator, University of Nebraska State Museum

What’s the Dirt on Soil?, Trapped in Sap, and Bubbles! are all about?

ohn Winkelsas, a retired chemistry teacher from the Washington D.C. area and an NU State Museum volunteer, will lead visitors on an investigation of various science and natural history related topics through hands-on activities and exploration. The program began Saturday, January 10th with the inaugural program ‘snowflake crystals’ “The Museum is a great place for children to enjoy and explore science without the pressure of tests and grades. We are very grateful to Anne M. Hubbard, M.D. and the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation for generous support of the new Science Lab sessions as part of our new Volunteer Program,” said

These are a few of the science-related topics visitors to the University of Nebraska State Museum’s Morrill Hall, (14th and Vine streets) can explore during the new monthly program Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab. Priscilla Grew, Museum Director. “As a Smithsonian affiliate, we are particularly delighted that John Winkelsas brings to Nebraska his past experience as a volunteer at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.” “One of the goals of the museum’s new volunteer program is to enhance the visitor’s experience”, said Kathy French, NU State Museum Education

Coordinator. “Investigating science first hand by our younger visitors will provide another fun and engaging opportunity for

them while at the museum. These young scientists will experience a wide variety of topics throughout the year, many of which will help explain segments of the natural world.” ‘Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab’ will take place the second Saturday of each month in Morrill Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus from 10am - 12pm. Investigate activities are designed for children ages 5-10 and are free with regular museum admission. For upcoming topics go to museum.unl.edu/ investigate.

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“View to the Outdoors” by Anthony Santiago, age 10

Creative Arts Camp

Summer Preschool Classes

July,13-17 9am-noon Ages: K-5th grade $40 per child, $90 max. per family After June 12 cost is $45/$100

May 26-July 31 9–11:30 am or 9–3 pm Ages: 3-6 Extended Care 7:30–9 am / 3–5:30 pm

Art projects, music, movement, crafts in a under the sea theme!

Contact Suzanne Schneider

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MORRILL HALL | 10am–12pm FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION Join us in the science lab as we investigate a variety of science and natural history topics through hands-on activities and exploration.

February 14: Trapped in Sap March 14: Polymers April 11: Food Chains

www.museum.unl.edu/investigate University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History Morrill Hall | South of 14th & Vine | UNL City Campus The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

“The Tsunami Wave” by Josh Sajevic, age 6, student at Art Planet.

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And I think I know what you see when you look at a kid.

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star on my basketball team, rock at math, and plan to head off to college next year, I still wonder if you look at me differently. But please don’t. Please, see in me what you see in all those other kids.

I need you to believe in me the way you believe in them. Will you be a foster parent? Kids like Nick are waiting. 402-434-5437 | www.cedarskids.org Spring 2015 Page 17

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

What is BMI?

Fit is It

am occasionally asked which is more important, fitness or fatness? The short answer is that physical fitness is more important than how much you weigh.

Forget Fat vs. Thin Remember Fit vs. Unfit

Multiple studies have shown that in general it is better to be aerobically fit and a little on the heavy side than it is to have a normal body weight and be unable to pass a basic aerobic fitness test. Additionally, contrary to popular notion, thin does not necessarily mean healthy. Fitness is the more important measure to worry about.

The long answer is a little more complex, but worth explaining to clear up some common misunderstandings. This first issue is how we define “overweight” or “obese”. The most common initial measure is body mass index, or BMI, for short. As a general rule for adults, a number more than 25 is considered to be overweight and more than 30 is considered to be obese. However, this measure can be thrown off by muscle mass and how your weight is distributed. So, someone with a BMI more than 25 and normal waistline (generally less than 35 inches in women or less than 40 inches in men) may be just fine.

The “At Risk” Body Fat

The body fat that puts us most at risk is the fat distributed around

The more they burn...

kids who are more physically fit, get better grades.

Page 18 • lincolnkidsinc.com

{

Research shows

our middle, especially on the inside of your abdomen where it’s hard to see but still affects your waistline. For kids the definition of obesity is a little more complicated and based on a percentile score that requires a calculator. Many parents are not aware of their kid’s weight category, so it’s good to ask at your child’s medical checkup or ask the school nurse to see how your child measures up.

true for Type 2 Diabetes. Even after correcting for fitness, folks who are obese have a higher risk for developing diabetes.

BMI, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

The next question is, what counts as physically fit? In kids, physical fitness is often assessed annually during their PE class using either a timed 1 mile run or a test called the PACER where kids run back and forth across the gym with a timer playing audible beeps at progressively shorter intervals. It gets harder as the test goes on, and there are defined targets for different ages and genders. Lincoln Public Schools has students run the PACER test on all kids from 4th to 8th grade,

Another good question when we say at risk is, at risk for what? It turns out that when we look at the fitness vs. fatness debate, as long as your BMI is less than 35 and you can pass a fitness test, the risk for heart disease and death is much lower in fit/obese people than unfit/normal weight people. However, that’s not

How To Define “Fit” for Kids

...the better they learn.

www.HealthyLincoln.org

Lincoln Kids! ...Fit continued so you can ask your child’s PE teacher how they are doing on this test. This is important because not only is this test an important test of your child’s health, repeated studies have shown that students who pass this test are more likely to pass Nebraska’s state tests on math, reading, science, and writing.

How To Define “Fit” for Adults

For adults, the fitness testing is a little more complicated. In the medical setting this involves a stress test on a treadmill, but there are less expensive ways to test. The medical version uses the term METS (metabolic equivalents) where 1 is the energy you use doing nothing, like sitting on your couch and watching TV. Higher levels of effort are multiples of that, so for example climbing a set of stairs is 7 METS, or 7 times the energy you use sitting still. One of

the major thresholds for being fit enough to have a long life expectancy (even if you are overweight or obese based on your BMI) is 10 METS, which is equivalent to jogging at a 10 minute mile pace. If you can do this, your long-term health will likely be very good. If you can’t run, another threshold you can use is calculation of your VO2 max which some exercise equipment can tell you (e.g., an elliptical trainer or recumbent bike). The VO2 max equivalent of 10 METS is about 35, so if your VO2 max is more then 35, you are likely in pretty good shape. So in summary, fitness is more important than fatness. If you or your child can’t get to a “normal” BMI, don’t worry so much as long as you can meet the above mentioned fitness targets.

Dr. Bob Rauner is the Executive Director of Partnership for A Healthy Lincoln, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving community health, wellness, and fitness.

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Lincoln Kids!

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Performance

Friday, June 5th @ 7pm

Friday, June 19th @ 2pm

Thursday, July 2nd @ 7pm

Ages 7–15: $325 Ages 3–6: $175

Ages 7–15: $275 Ages 3–6: $150

Ages 7–15: $325 Ages 3–6: $175

“Includes two complimentary tickets to the show!”

Location:

Christ Lutheran Church 4325 Sumner Street

Located at Christ Lutheran Church at 4325 Sumner Street. Theatre Arts For Kids is a newly formed non-profit organization (501c3) dedicated to providing quality performing arts training to children in the Lincoln and surrounding areas. Scholarship information is available by contacting ta4kinfo@gmail.com

Page 20 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

A Certified

ÂŽ

Classroom

Youth Theatre How I Became a Pirate Book, Music and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman

Rehearsals: March 14-April 29 Performances: April 30-May 2 and May 7-9

Summer Camps Fairy Tales of Grimm May 26-June 10 Mini-Camp: June 15-19

Stories Under the Big Top June 22-July 8 Mini-Camp: July 13-17

Fame Jr. July 20-August 5

Camps run Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. Before and after-care available.

Learn more about the Haymarket Theatre shows and programs

www.HaymarketTheatre.org info@haymarkettheatre.org â&#x20AC;˘ (402) 477-2600 Spring 2015 Page 21

Lincoln Kids!

Learn something new and have fun! MPS A C R E M M SU SPRING & at the Strategic Air & Space Museum

MAR. 9, APR. 3, & JUN. 1 - JUL. 31, 2015 Our Camps will inspire imaginations and ambitions of our participants, while developing the future scientists and researchers of our community. Offerings include lessons in astronomy, meteorology, aviation, robotics, chemistry, mechanics, and survival!

Learn more & register by going to

www.SASMuseum.com/camps. 28210 W. Par k Hwy., Ashland, NE 68003 • (402)-944-3100

True Dance &Company PRESENTS

PrinceSs CAMP Dancing, crafts, reading and fun activities!

Monday-Friday / $90 Session I: July 20-24 5-6 year olds: 9-10:30 am 3-4 year olds: 11 am-12:30 pm Session II: July 27-31 5-6 year olds: 9-10:30 am 3-4 year olds: 11 am-12:30 pm

Page 22 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

SAY HELLO TO SUMMER YMCA CAMP KITAKI OVERNIGHT CAMPS YMCA Camp Kitaki has summer camp programs for kids ages 7-17. One week sessions begin June 1st and end August 9th! • Summer Camp programs • Ranch Camp programs for kids who love horses! • 1/2 week Adventure Mini Camps for young campers age 7-9 • Two week Leadership Camp programs for teens age 14-17

OUR GOALS YMCA Camp Kitaki strives to provide a safe environment where participants can grow in their: • Relationships • Positive Identity • Values • Skills We do this in a unique natural setting setting with caring role models.

CAMP ACTIVITIES YMCA Camp Kitaki has activities for all interests. Here is a partial list! • Archery • Crafts • Swimming Pool (with Slides!) • Nature • Horseback Riding • Natural Playground • Lake (Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddle Boats) • High Challenge Course • Ziplines

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.YMCACAMPKITAKI.ORG OR CALL 402-434-9222 Financial Assistance is available for those who qualify Spring 2015 Page 23

Lincoln Kids!

Full Day Summer Program 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 26 – August 12

Weekly Options Available Early Registration Now – April 1 Fun-filled activities, field trips, service projects, music, summer reading program, swimming & more to add SPARK to your summer!

Learn more about our caring, Christian educational programs at:

wwwchristschools.org

STILL WATERS equestrian academy Lessons • Boarding • Summer Day Camps

2015 Summer Day Camps

Pony Pals May 26-28, June 9-11, June 14-16, & July 28-30 • 9am–noon

A mini 3-day camp for students ages six (6), seven (7) and eight (8).

Mother and Daughter Camp June 30, July 1, 2 • 9am–2pm • T, W, Th

A special time to bond and grow in your relationship while sharing the fun of horses and riding together.

Horses: Head to Hoof June 1-5, 15-19, July 6-10, 20-24 9am–3pm

A great opportunity for new or infrequent riders to learn and advance through a week of basic horsemanship skills. No previous experience required. For ages eight (8) & older.

New This Year! Trot On! Camp 9am – 3pm June 22-26

For riders already in our lesson program or able to ride independently take your riding and horse knowledge to the next step. Learn more about showing, grooming, etiquette, attire, veterinary care, lunging, obstacle course, and trail rides!

18221 S. 68th St., Hickman, NE 68372 402-432-0543 • stillwaterseq.org

Great Birthday Parties too!

Week long classes with different weekly themes Ages 4 years-grade 5 9 a.m. to noon Tuition: $50 per week For more information: clink@saintpaulumc.org www.saintpaulumc.org

Saint Paul UMC 1144 M Street 402-477-6951

Page 24 • lincolnkidsinc.com

2015 paintyourselfsilly.net

Call for a brochure or visit us online: In the Haymarket call 402-474-1010 70th & Pioneers call 402-486-1010

Lincoln Kids!

Grow and Thrive at Lincoln Children’s Museum um.org or call 402-477-4000.

By Miss Flowers Education Director at the Lincoln Ch ildren’s Museum

’ve heard the saying, “Children, like flowers, need a space to spread their roots.” I find this analogy especially fitting and not just because of the spring season. At Lincoln Children’s Museum our goal is to provide a space for children of all ages to grow and thrive, and whether your child is 2 or 10, we have an education program to nurture your child’s curiosity and also help them “spread their roots.” Super Sprouts is our brand new program for parents and toddlers to learn and grow together. Each four-week session features a different theme; in February and March features Blocks & Building, and our April session is All About Art. Each class includes songs, stories, art projects and hands-on

activities that encourage play and discovery.

Preschool Play Days

These action-packed days include centers, circle time, science, art activities and quiet time. Our Monday Preschool Play Days also include extra special playtime on the Museum floor since we are closed to the public. Preschool Play Days run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and occur on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the year. Our spring themes include: Simple Science, Bees, Bugs & Butterflies, and Fortlandia.

Elementary Camps

Any time Lincoln Public Schools is out of session, we have

LincolnChildrensMuseum.org

an elementary camp. Next up is our Super Sampler: Spring Break Camp! Each day will feature a different theme: art, science, cooking, fantasy and fun. This camp is a great way to explore all that the Lincoln Children’s Museum has to offer and get a sneak peek into our fun plans for summer! Summer break is a great time for kids to learn in alternative ways while they’re outside the classroom. We’ll put our thinking caps on as we prepare to click in at the “Think Factory: Summer 2015.” This is our overarching theme for the nine incredible camps you’ll find only at Lincoln Children’s Museum! For more information, please visit www.lincolnchildrensmuse-

(402) 477-4000

ELEMENTARY CAMPS (AGES 6-10)

For more information on camps, prices or to register, visit LincolnChildrensMuseum.org or call (402) 477-4000.

Spring

March 9-13 April 24

Super Sampler (LPS spring break) LOL Camp

1420 P Street

26th annual

Summer Dance Camp Monday, July 27 to Friday, August 7, 2015

LincolnMidwestBallet.org

Lincoln, NE 68508

THINK THINK

FACTORY spring & summer 2015

Put on your thinking cap and get ready for summer fun! Summer*

June 1-5 June 8-12 June 15-19 June 22-26 & July 29-1 July 6-10 July 13-17 July 20-24 July 20-24 July 27-31 Aug. 3-7

Messy Masterpieces Art Camp Star Camp Mad Scientists & Marvelous Microbes Lights, Camera, Action: Extended Cut School of Wizardry Art Lab: Melt, Mix, Dabble & Draw Kid Chefs: Italian Food Camp Across Lincoln Whodunit! Mystery Camp World Record Breakers

*Save $20!

Get the guaranteed BEST DEAL on summer camps when you register by March 15!

Soring 2015 Page 25

Lincoln Kids!

By Luke Meier MA, PLMHP, C.S.N., Nutritional Counselor for the Lincoln Racquet Club

Kids These Days Want More.

ore candy, more electronics, more apps, more free time. However, they won’t tell you they want more rules. The funny thing is, kids like rules. They like moderation and they like it when these boundaries are reinforced. Though children may not admit to “enjoying” the consequences for breaking a rule, to know they went past their set limit and received a consequence in reassuring.

Now, what in the world do rules and regulations have to do with the food we feed our children? Well, obviously a lot more than we all want to believe. See, quantities and indulgences these days have gotten out of hand. I mean everyday seems to be a reward for just showing up. I remember even when I was growing up, we only got snacks after the baseball

game that we actually won. Now I see parents giving boxes of Fruit Roll-ups because the child has a uniform on. So, what do parents do these days to teach healthy lifestyles? Well, for starters why don’t we refrain from splurging today’s youth with sugary treats just because they did what was expected. Another step to take in the right direction is to keep treats as just that, treats, something unusual and out of the norm, not the standard in the child’s lunch every single day. Another idea to try would be portions. Yes portion out foods, especially highly stimulating foods. For example, portioning out salty chips into a bowl without letting the child, whose eyes are larger than their stomach, choose their quantity. This technique will also save the parent money

Kamps

on wasted snacks. For starter parents, implementing these techniques will be easy. Habits are always easiest when you start from the beginning. For parents who have their young children grabbing huge quantities out of the chip bag, cracker box, or cookie sleeve, it is never too late. Yes changing habits is more difficult than establishing good ones from the beginning, but these core values are going to be beneficial for the youth as they turn into adolescents, then adults. Portion control and moderation isn’t everything. This is only the first step. See, the goal with healthy children should be that the children prefer and actually choose the healthier options. When not given any options

and choosing for the children all the time, then they never learn what to do on their own. Children are too impulsive and eagerly awaiting pleasure to be asked if they prefer the spinach over the potato chips. Rather, you continue to introduce and try out new foods with your children so that their palate can be exposed to an array of flavors and textures, but also so that they can start to crave nutrients in their most natural form. This being, whole, unprocessed foods. Trying different foods and treating processed, sugary, and salty snacks along with high calorie beverages as the “sometimes food” they are will enforce a structure that children will obey. By implementing more natural foods on a daily basis, the standard will exist that healthy foods are real foods and snacks are rare and given in moderate quantities. With this mindset and these techniques you and your family can live moderately improved.

ids of Summer

Week long day camps designed to keep your kids learning and active throughout the summer! Monday-Friday | 8am-5pm |except 5/25 Member Rate Preschool (1/2 day) | $90 K-6 | $140

Non Member Rate Preschool (1/2) day) | $105 K-6 | $165

Price Increase After April 1 Preschool (1/2 day) | $105 K-6 | $155

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

Page 26 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

5300 Old Cheney Rd | (402) 423-2511

Lincoln Racquet Club Activities and Classes

lincolnracquetclub.com for full class listing & times Kids Activities: Racquetball Tumbling Fit Ballet Kids Yoga Danza

kickboxing Private & Group tennis Private & Group swim Swim Conditioning Seasonal Camps/Clinics

Adult Classes: Boot Camp BodyCombat BodyFlow BodyPump BodyStep CXworx Functional Strength / Cardio Circuit H.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 1/2 Marathon Training Group Personal Training

Lincoln Kids!

Summer Camps at the Zoo

By Ryan Gross, Director of Strategic Communications, Lincoln Children’s Zoo

n 1965, Arnott Folsom opened the Zoo with the hopes that children would have a place to get up-close to animals and nature. He created a variety of opportunities for Zoo guests to engage animals, this included educational classes that children could take part of. Fifty years later Zoo staff have continued in Mr. Folsom’s footsteps by continuing to create engaging learning opportunities. In 2014, over 1,100 children got a behind the scenes experience by attending a Zoo summer camp. Summer camps at the Zoo are unique in that children have the opportunity to not only see animals but get to help care for them and learn firsthand about them. Camps

focus on a variety of animals including penguins, horses, gibbons, bobcats and more. Camps also include topics that explore animal abilities and senses. Animal Super Powers is a camp that shows children how some animals can run extremely fast, have amazing vision or have incredible hearing. Children get to learn that what may seem like super power to them is normal to animals. “The past few years we’ve been creating more exciting ways for children to learn about our animals and those in nature,” said John Chapo, president & CEO. Zoo camps are built for children 3 to 12 years old. Younger campers can take part in camps such as Zoo Rangers, Jungle Explorers and Wake Up the Train while older campers can get more involved in camps like Zoo Vets, Jr. Zookeeper and Jr. Zoologists. “We make sure each age group is getting

Little Tikes University

an educational experience that is geared for their learning abilities,” said Chapo. Summer camps at the Zoo are broken up into half day and full day sessions. Younger campers can have the option to attend a morning or afternoon session or doing both where older campers attend camp all day. Camps are a week long and begin on June 1 and end on July 31. “We try to create as many opportunities for children to attend a camp through the summer,” said Chapo. The Zoo recommends registering early for summer camps as they typically sell out. Last year many of the camps were full by May, Chapo noted. This year there are 70 camps to choose from. Parents interested in registering their children to Zoo camp can see the complete camp line up and all the camp descriptions by visiting lincolnzoo.org

Now Enrolling for 2015-2016

NEW class Now Available

5 day a week session Monday–Friday, 8:30-11:30 Afternoon Session Openings Monday / Wednesday / Friday 12:15-2:45 or Tuesday / Thursday 12:15-2:45 Class size is limited and registration deposit required to reserve a spot

www.littletikesuniversity.com

402-430-3836

11500 Middle Fork Rd

GET OUT. BE ACTIVE. HAVE FUN. Nature Explorer Camp

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

March 9-13, 8:30am-5pm

Looking for fun and adventure for your Spring Break? Spend it at the Nature Center! Children ages 6-12 will play games, explore the natural world around them and mak build magic spots and make friends during Spring Break. Extended hours and scholarships are available. Register by March 3! Fee: $170/person. Call 402-441-7895 for more information.

Wilderness Nature Camp

Dates: May 26 - August 7 | Weeks: 11 Time: 7a-6p Fee: $129/wk, $104/holiday wks Scholarships available.

June-July, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm Fee: $170/week | Ages: 6-12yrs Call 402-441-7895 for more information.

Monday-Friday, 7am- 6pm

Camp Discovery

Location

Grades

Call for info

Air Park

K-5

402-441-7876

June-July, Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 11:30pm Fee: $70/week | Ages: 3-6yrs Call 402-441-7895 for more information.

Belmont

K-4

402-441-6789

Bethany Park*

K-5

402-441-7952

Calvert

K-4, 5-7

402-441-8480

F Street

K-5

402-441-7951

Goodrich

5-7

402-441-6789

Irving

K-4, 5-7

402-441-7954

McPhee *10 weeks only

K-5

402-441-7952

parks.lincoln.ne.gov

Dual Language Preschool

Irving Recreation Center’s program allows children to grow by incorporating new experiences into their daily routine. Thematic content supports language development in Spanish and English and allows preschoolers aged 3-5 to have fun while playing and learning kindergarten readiness skills. Need-based scholarships available. Call 402-441-7954 to request an information packet.

Days: M/W or M/W/F from 9:00am-11:30am Fee: $60 or 90/month Soring 2015 Page 27

Lincoln Kids!

6-7

YEAR-OLDS $109 MEMBERS | $129 NON-MEMBERS

3-4

YEAR-OLDS + PARENTS $89 MEMBERS | $104 NON-MEMBERS

MORNING: 8:30 A.M. - NOON

AFTERNOON: 1:00 - 4:30 P.M.

June 1 - 5

Animal Planet

June 1 - 5

Critter Keepers

June 8 - 12

Wild West Wrangler

June 8 - 12

Feast with the Beasts

June 15 - 19

Go Wild!

June 15 - 19

Critter Keepers

June 22 - 26

Catch Me If You Can

June 22 - 26

NEW! Claws, Paws & Jaws

June 29 - July 3

Critter Keepers

June 29 - July 3

Animal Planet

July 6 - 10

Wild West Wrangler

July 6 - 10

Dr. Zoolittle

Wild West Wrangler

July 13 - 17

Penguin Plunge

July 20 - 24

NEW! Undercover Animals

July 27 - 31

Critter Keepers

July 13 - 17

NEW! Undercover Animals

MORNING: 9:30 - 11:30 A.M.

June 8 - 12

Wake Up the Train

June 15 - 19

Down on the Farm

June 22 - 26

Playful Penguins & Friends

June 29 - July 3

Wake Up the Train

July 6 - 10

A to Zoo

July 20 - 24

Wild West Wrangler

July 27 - 31

Wild West Wrangler

Dr. Zoolittle

NEW! Claws, Paws & Jaws

Go Wild!

NEW! Winged Things

Penguin Plunge

*SIGN UP FOR A MORNING & AFTERNOON SESSION TO MAKE IT A FULL-DAY CAMP

4-5

YEAR-OLDS $109 MEMBERS | $129 NON-MEMBERS

8-10

YEAR-OLDS $218 MEMBERS | $258 NON-MEMBERS

MORNING: 8:30 A.M. - NOON

AFTERNOON: 1:00 - 4:30 P.M.

FULL DAY: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

June 1 - 5

Penguins Have Happy Feet

June 1 - 5

Monkey Around

June 1 - 5

Jr. Zookeeper

June 8 - 12

Wake Up the Train

June 8 - 12

Dino Dig

June 8 - 12

NEW! Jr. Zoo Vet

NEW! Water Buddies

June 15 - 19

NEW! Wildlife Rescuers

Animal Super Powers

June 22 - 26

Animal Training 101

NEW! Zoo Rangers

June 29 - July 3

Jr. Zookeeper

Penguins Have Happy Feet

July 6 - 10

NEW! Wildlife Rescuers

Mission to Madagascar

July 13 - 17

Animal Training 101

June 15 - 19

June 22 - 26

NEW! Jungle Explorer

Dino Dig

June 15 - 19

June 22 - 26

June 29 - July 3

NEW! Zoo Rangers

June 29 - July 3

Party With Peacocks

July 20 - 24

NEW! Jr. Zoo Vet

NEW! Water Buddies

July 27 - 31

Jr. Zookeeper

July 6 - 10

Penguins Have Happy Feet

July 6 - 10

Dino Dig

July 13 - 17

NEW! Zoo Action Heroes

July 13 - 17

Great Disappearing Act

July 20 - 24

Wake Up the Train

July 20 - 24

NEW! Zoo Action Heroes

July 27 - 31

Party With Peacocks

July 27 - 31

Monkey Around

NEW! Bug’s Life

*SIGN UP FOR A MORNING & AFTERNOON SESSION TO MAKE IT A FULL-DAY CAMP

Space is limited!

10-12

YEAR-OLDS $218 MEMBERS | $258 NON-MEMBERS FULL DAY: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

June 1 - 5

NEW! Zoo Vets

June 8 - 12

Jr. Zookeeper

June 15 - 19

NEW! Jr. Zoologist

June 22 - 26

NEW! Zoo Vets

June 29 - July 3

Jr. Zookeeper

July 6 - 10

NEW! Jr. Zoologist

July 13 - 17

NEW! Zoo Vets

July 20 - 24

Jr. Zookeeper

July 27 - 31

NEW! Jr. Zoologist

ADVENTU

RES

Belize & F

Adventur

e camps

lorida Trip

available

at LincolnZ

Ages 14-1

camps Page 28 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

oo.org.

Lincoln Kids!

By Christa Melnyk Hines

hen my son’s second grade teacher told me that he often appeared to “check out” during the school day, I was concerned. But I wasn’t entirely surprised that my imaginative child would drift off to his dream world, an infinitely more colorful place than a math facts worksheet. Nonetheless, his daydreaming needed to be addressed. While many dreamers are creative and bright children, they may have trouble getting work done during the school day, struggle with paying attention to the teacher and forget to turn in homework. Worse, they can easily get pegged as slackers. “The tendency to daydream–– though it may be one symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder––does not automatically equal a problem with paying attention when necessary or completing tasks,” writes Amy Fries, author of Daydreams at Work: Wake Up Your Creative Powers. “A child who enjoys daydreaming could well be a budding scientist, writer, artist or visionary entrepreneur.” Because daydreams play an important role in a child’s social-emotional development and creativity, you wouldn’t want to quash a child’s imagination. Rather, the goal is to help him channel the behavior to more appropriate times of the day. Daydreaming isn’t uncommon. A study conducted by Harvard psychologists found that we tend to daydream about 47 percent of the time. Some of our society’s most innovative change makers, artists and inventors like Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and Albert Einstein were famous daydreamers. While the future may be bright for dreamers, it is necessary to find ways to help children engage in order to learn and enjoy success in a structured academic environment. “The daydreamer is usually fascinated by something

Engaging the Daydreamer

that’s been said and is off in that world,” says Dr. Gay Lynn Pendleton Smith, assistant dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education. The secret to reaching a dreamer, she says, is to teach him how to engage outside of his imagination. “That’s really hard in today’s fast-paced world. Our children are connected to a handheld technology device that gives them one-on-one attention and then we put them in a classroom and ask them to focus on something and do something they haven’t done before. And that’s to engage with a whole group of people and to focus on one individual,” Smith says. How can you re-engage your daydreamer? Here are a few tips: • Ensure quiet observation time. Consider if your child is getting enough time to play quietly on his own. Kids given regular quiet time are more likely to exhibit time management and problem solving abilities. Time alone also fosters creativity, self-confidence and independence. Plus, solitude gives kids the opportunity to drive their own play without having to compromise or go along with what the group demands. • Seek physical and creative outlets. “Outside activities will satisfy some of that dream mode so that when they get in the classroom they can engage and start to think,” Smith says. Activities like swimming, karate, art, theater or playing an instrument can nurture concentration skills and provide avenues for self-expression. • Encourage note-taking. Talk to your child’s teacher about having him take notes or write

down basic words or pictures describing what the teacher says. Older children can also write down thoughts that come up on an idea pad. That way they won’t lose the thought, but can continue to focus on the teacher or task at hand. • Discuss seating arrangements. Talk to the teacher about seating your child toward the front of the classroom or just off to the side. By being in the middle of the action, her thoughts may be less likely to wander.

Ask questions. Encourage your child to think of questions she can ask the teacher during instructional time. Also look for opportunities to connect with and listen to your child one-on-one, whether driving in the car or while engaged in a creative process like cooking or baking. Knowing that you are interested in her thoughts may help her feel less inclined to drift off. If your child continues to struggle with focus and paying attention, consult with your pediatrician. Author Biography: Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World. Visit her at www. christamelnykhines.com. -

Signs of inattentiveness disorder, which is on the ADHD spectrum: • Easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another • Have difficulty focusing on one thing • Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable • Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new • Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities • Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to • Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly • Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others • Struggle to follow instructions Source: National Institute of Mental Health For more information on the relationship between ADHD and dyslexia or for helping the struggling reader, writer, speller, contact the Nebraska Dyslexia Association (www.ne-da.org) or call 402-434-6434. Soring 2015 Page 29

Lincoln Kids!

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

Name

Instruction

After school art programs designed to inspire imagination and encourage creativity. All media and techniques taught by qualified and enthusiastic teaching staff. Weekly classes for elementary through high school ages with a focus on engaging students with special needs. New classes every month! Visit our website for the current class schedule.

email: hello@artplanetlincoln.com Web: www.artplanetlincoln.com Tamara 402-610-2295 • Southeast Location

Beginner, Artistic & Competitive Skating

The Artistic Figure Skating Club provides practice time & instruction in Artistic Roller Skating including: Figures, Loops, Solo,Team Dance, Singles/Freestyle, Pairs, etc. Private Lessons avail. Group Beginner Skating lessons on Saturdays. All ages/Skill levels. Annual club meeting is Saturday, Feb.12th at 5PM at Skate Zone. New members welcome!

Skate Zone 300 N 48th Street (Across from Target) (402) 466-6767 or (402) 304 5301

Atkinson Music Studio

Violin & Viola

Alice Bowen

Piano Gymnastics

Capital City Gymnastics Encore Studio

Piano/Keyboard

Harris Academy of the Arts

Music Lessons

Lincoln Music Teachers Assn.

Music Lessons

Lincoln Racquet Club

Tennis, Swimming & Activities

LUX Center for the Arts

Art Classes

Motions Dance Academy, LLC

Dance Gymnastics & Sports Skills

My Gym Page 30 • www.lincolnkids.com Nissa’s String Studio

Tiger Rock Academy TNT Handwriting

Violin, Viola, Guitar, Piano, Cello

TaeKwonDo Tutoring

Universal Dance Academy

Kids! ur us yo d n e S ork! Art W

Location(s) & phone

Art

Art Planet Artistic Roller Skating Club

Program

Dance

Tumbling & Musical Theatre

Private, groups, recitals and public performance opportunities. Beginners ages 3-adult. All levels! Over 25 years experience! Member Lincoln Suzuki Talent Education,Inc

Centrally located • email: lauraatpeg@gmail.com

Laura (402) 474-0302

Private lessons include theory classes with ensembles and performance opportunities. Group lessons available for beginners. Ages 4–Adult. References Available. Call for info. or an interview.

2501 S. 20th St. • 402-435-0386

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”.

5030 N. 57th • 402-464-9692 www.capitalcitygymnastics.net 402-499-0400

Piano lessons and piano/keyboard classes for all levels. Beginners all ages. Studio is located near 70th & O Street.

www.encore-studio.com 2935 Pine Lake Rd

PRIVATE and GROUP music instruction: Piano, Vocal, Guitar, Strings, Woodwinds, Brass. Percussion,Theatre, and Kindermusik, Children’s Music Academy, Multiple, university-trained educators provide reputable, convenient scheduling for the entire family!

www.harrisacademyofthearts.com

Find a Music Teacher

www.LMTA.info

Indoor tennis lessons for ages 4 & older. UPTSA Certified Instructors. Private, Semi-private, group classes available. For swimming lessons we offer private, semi-private, group swimming lessons & swim conditioning. Special activities and clinics include volleyball, basketball, racquetball, yoga, kickboxing, seasonal Camps & more. Experienced teachers, competitive rates. Non-members welcome!

lincolnracquetclub.com 5300 Old Cheney Road Register online or call 402-423-2511

2601 N. 48th Street • 402-466-8692

Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and 2-Gether. Studio directed Melissa Prettyman Meranda, B.A. in Dance. Come and experience your child’s passion for dance!

www.luxcenter.org

8200 Cody Dr., Suite L (one block north of 14th & 402-420-0579 www.motionsdance.net

Yankee Hill Rd.)

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. Professional instruction in our 4-room facility with waiting area. Private lessons, chamber music, recording, recitals, & more. Making music fun in a positive learning environment! Violin, fiddle, viola, acoustic/electric guitar, piano, and cello. Ages 3-adult. Home of Spitfire Fiddle Band. Call us today!

Life skills and personal development taught by Internationally Certified Instructors. Lessons available for ages 4 and up. Early Cubs for ages 3 and early 4 available! Call now for our starter course specials. Helping beginning and struggling writers learn proper print or cursive letter formation and good writing skills. We are dedicated to helping your child become a successful writer. Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Repertory, Hip Hop, Tumbling, Award Winning Competitive Company, Musical Theatre and All Boys Hip Hop! Creative Movement for 3-4 year olds, Wee Go Together for 2-3 year olds & their mom/dad/or special friend.

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4

(near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road)

402-802-9982

3900 South Street

402-440-1473

www.stringstudio.com

8444 Executive Woods Dr. 5900 S 85th St Suite 100 Also in Firth

402-483-1011

TNTHandwriting.com

402-421-3538

400 N. 48th Street • Suite C01 402-477-5900 • dance4uda.com

We hope you will join us for the Summer 2015 Issue. Ad, Article and Children’s art deadline is April 10th, 2015 Phone: 402-798-0224 Email: lincolnkids@windstream.net Web: lincolnkidsinc.com

Page 30 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

(across from So. Pointe Mall)

402-423-7121

Access www.LMTA.info for a Teacher Directory. Scholarships available for those who qualify!

High quality art classes and lessons for youth and adults in a variety of art media and techniques all year long. Small class sizes for one-on-one learning.

All messages returned!

Visit us on ook! Faceb

Lincoln Kids!

2015 Summer Camp Directory Art Planet Camps

Lots of opportunities to get creative this summer at Art Planet with art camps Mon-Thurs mornings or afternoons. Different theme each week with the option to display a prized piece in a student art exhibit! Preschool Fine Arts Play Group will be on Fridays each week after summer camps! www.artplanetlincoln.com

Bright Lights

Summer educational programs created to enlighten, expand, and enrich your child’s horizons. Registration begins online and by mail at noon on April 1st. Summer 2015 dates run: June 8-12; June 22-26; and July 6-10. www.brightlights.org or 402-420-1115. See ad page 29.

Camp Kitaki

Fantastic Summer Camps: 3, 7 and 14-day experiences for ages 7–17. Spring Camps too!: One week sessions begin in June through mid-August. Ranch camp for horse lover, 1/2 week adventure mini camps for age 7-9 and leadership camps for ages 14-17. Call 402-434-9222 or visit ymcalincoln.org/kitaki. See ad on page 23.

Camp Sonshine Camp Solaris

Day camps for Kindergarten–6th grade. Leadership training for 7th-9th grade. Go-karts, archery, nature, crafts, outdoor cooking, water games, inflatables and more! Solaris is new for 5th-9th graders. 13440 S 25th Street just minutes from Lincoln in Roca and Firth. Call 402-423-8746. www.campsonshinememories.org See ad on page 22.

Christ Schools

Summer Palooza! Ages 6-12; Sign up for weekly sessions filled with fun activities, learning & excursions all summer long. Centrally located at 43rd & Sumner. Call 402-483-7774 ext 110 or visit www.christschools.org for info & registration. See ad on page 24.

Summer Program

CHEER XPRESS DEFY GRAVITY Haymarket Theatre Dimensions

Early Education Prog.

Lincoln Children’s Museum Camps Lincoln Children’s Zoo Camps Lincoln Racquet Club Lincoln Midwest Ballet My Gym Stillwaters Ranch

Summer 2015 Camps include: Tumbling Camps, Cheer Kids Camp, Princess Power Camp, Me & My Doll Camp, Superhero Camp for Boys. 1130 Aries Drive (on the SW side of 14th & Pine Lake) Visit our website at cheerxpress.com or call 402-489-5111 for more information. See our ad on page 43. Camps are one week in length from 8am–Noon daily. Run June 1–July 31st. For Kids 6-12 years of age. $100 per week for the first child. Siblings an additional $75/each. 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!

Youth Theatre, How I Became a Pirate, Rehearsals Mar. 14-April. Summer camps: Fairy Tales of Grimm. May 26-June 10, Mini-Camp: June 15-19. Stories Under the Big Top. June 22-July 8, Mini-Camp: July 13-17. Fame Jr. July 20-August 5. Mon.-Fri., 10am-4pm. Before & after-care avail. www.haymarkettheatre.org. See ad on page 21. Summer Discovery Days 2014, located in First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D St. Exciting weekly preschool and elementary experiences during June, July and August. Morning, PM and Extended Sessions available. Enrollment limited! Register: dimensionsfoundation.org or 402-476-8304. Certified Nature Explore Program. See ad page 21. Put on your thinking cap and get ready for summer fun! Elementary camps (ages 6-10). Both Spring and Summer Camps. For more information on camps, prices or to register, call 402-477-4000 or visit: LincolnChildrensMusuem.org See ad on page 25. Camps for 3-4 yr.-olds…9:30-11:30AM; 4-5, 6-7 yr.-olds…8:30AM-NOON, & 1-4:30PM, 8-10 year olds 8:30AM-4:30PM; 10-12 year olds. 8:30AM-4:30PM. Space is limited! Register at www.lincolnzoo.org See our ad on page 28. Kids of Summer Kamps. week long day camps will keep your child learning & active all summer. Eleven different camps to choose from starting May 26th – August 3rd. Attend one or attend them all. Camps range from: Super Heros to LRC Olympics. Call 402-423-2511 for more information . lincolnracquetclub.com See ad page 26. The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Summer Camp is designed for dancers with a minimum of one year of dance studio experience who love dance and want to immerse themselves in a high-quality, two-week dance experience. M-F, July 27-Aug. 7. Professional faculty from around the country! Details and registration available at LincolnMidwestBallet.org See ad on page 27.

Summer Camp Program includes nonstop fun where children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and more. Ages 3-10. Visit our website for more information. mygym.com/lincoln. Call 402-802-9982. See ad on page 19. Mother & Daughter Camp: June1-2. Share the fun of horses & riding together. Horses: Head To Hoof: June 1-5 & 15-19, July 6-10 & 20-24. Basic horsemanship skills. Age (8) or older. Pony Pals: May 26-28, June 9-11 & 14-16, July 28-30. A mini 3-day camp for ages 6-8. 402-432-0543 • stillwaterseq.org See ad page 24.

Oxbow Jr Vet Camp

Vet Camps for 2nd–5th or 6th-8th graders. Learn about animal behaviors and nutrition. Explore a day in the life of a veterinarian (take home your own surgical scrubs & a stethoscope!), perform a simulated exploratory surgery, interact with live animals each day. Register at www.oxbowanimalhealth.com or call 800-249-0366. See ad page 41.

Paint Yourself Silly Art Camp

Art Camps Downtown in the Haymarket, 701 P St. and at South Lincoln store, 4107 Pioneer Woods. Week-long sessions. Well-suited for ages 6-14. Call 402-474-1010 for a brochure. or visit our website at: paintyourselfsilly.net See our ad on page 24.

Parks & Rec. Camps Prairie Hill Camp St. Paul’s Summer Daze Strategic Air & Space

Camps & Academies

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. Need based scholarships are available. Register for just a week or the whole summer! Title XX eligible. Locations include: Air Park, Belmont, Bethany Park, Calvert, ‘F’ Street, Goodrich, Irving and McPhee At Pioneer Park are Nature Explorer Camp, Wilderness Nature Camp and Camp Discovery. Registration forms available at: parks.lincoln.ne.gov See our ad on page 27.

Country day camps at Nebraska’s first wind powered school. One and two-week sessions. Ages 3-6 & 6-12. June 1-26 and July 6-31. Pony riding gardening, farm animals and lots of nature experiences. 7 miles south of Lincoln on Hwy. 77 • 402-438-6668 • prairiehill.com. See our ads on page 41 and page 14. Week-long classes with weekly themes for children 4 years – fifth grade. Before care available to class enrollees. 9am-noon. Cost is $50 per week. Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street. For a brochure call the church office at 402-477-6951 or visit www.saintpaulumc.org. See ad on page 24. Spring & Summer Camps will inspire imaginations and ambitions of our participants, while developing the future scientists and researchers! Offerings include lessons in astronomy, meteorology, aviation, robotics, chemistry,mechanics, and survival! www.SASMuseum.com or call (402) 944-3100 for more info. See our ad on page 22.

Theatre Arts For Kids

Summer Musical Theatre Workshops featuring the musicals Cinderella G2K, The Little Mermaid,Jr. and Once on this Island, Jr For ages 7-15. Located at Christ Lutheran Church at 4325 Sumner Street. website: www.ta4k.com See ad on page 20.

True Dance

Summer Intensive, June 1-12, Special Guest faculty. Princess Camp Session I: July 20-24, 5-6 yr olds: 9-10:30am, 3-4 yr olds: 11 am-12:30pm. Session II: July 27-31, 5-6 yr olds: 9-10:30am, 3-4 yr olds: 11 am-12:30 pm. Register early! 402-423-8838, 5445 Red Rock Lane. www.truedancelincoln.com See ads on pages 43 & 22.

Westminster

Summer Camp

UNL Band Camps

Pre-kindergarten camp for children 3-6 years old. Dates June 15-19. Hours: 9am-3pm. Creative Arts Camp for ages K–5th grade. July 13-17. Vacation Bible School for ages 3rd–5th grade June 16-20. Call 402-475-6702 ext. 103 or go to www.wpslincoln.org. See our display ads on pages 16 & 12.

UNL-sponsored Marching Band Camp, July 5-9 for kids entering 9th grade through end of 12th grade. Middle School Band Camp , July 8-12 for students entering 6th grade through end of 8th grade. Visit: music.unl.edu. See ad on page 21.

Spring 2015 Page 31

Lincoln Kids!

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

Name Academic Advantage Child Development Center

Area of Town Central/South

Brandy’s Bunch

Southeast

Bubbles & Blocks

Northeast

Child Development Center, LLC

Calvert Recrecation PreSchool CEDARS

South North Central

Christ Kids

Program

Location(s) & phone

Educational childcare facility offering care for ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Benefits include: classroom style facilities, year round preschool programs, summer camps, transportation to schools, educated teachers, video security, on-site owners. Hours: 6:30AM – 6PM, Monday–Friday (all three facilities). e-mail: info@aacdc.com

630 N. Cotner Blvd. #200 (behind Westfield Mall) 402-465-4769 • 6021 S. 56th Street (south of 56th & Old Cheney) 402-420-5440 • 7301 S. 15th Street (south of 14th & Pine Lake) 402-421-7301

Come where learning blossoms and friendships grow. Preschool Program, Curriculum for All Ages, Accepting Title XX, Low Child to Teacher Ratio, New Outdoor Playground.

1111 Old Cheney (West Entrance of Christ’s Place) 402-420-0460

Brand new, family owned child development center, now open! Northeast Lincoln location. Offering care to children ages 6 wks–12 yrs. Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6pm. Call now to reserve your spot! Web: bubblesandblock.com

A preschool program focused on music, art, math, and language. A great program of playing and learning that will help prepare your child for kindergarten. M/W/F 9-11:30 and T/Th 9:30-11:30. 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!

Child Care and Preschool

Central

Christ Kids provides quality programming by an experienced and trained staff, taught with a Christian perspective. Infants – 5th grade. Children grow academically, physically, socially and spiritually. Our safe, nurturing environment with small class sizes makes this a great place for kids.

Dimensions Education Programs @ First-Plymouth

Central

Quality early education program for children 6 weeks–preschool. Summer programs for K–4th grade. Visit dimensionsed.org for information or online forms. Call for availability.

Dual Language Preschool

South

First Learning Center

Southeast

Highlands Academy

Northwest

Immanuel Lutheran

Central

Preschool

KidsPark

South

Kelly’s Kids

Northwest

Learning and Development Center

Krayon Campus

Central

La Petite Academy

South/Central

Lincoln Christian Preschool

South

Little Lambs Child Development Center

Prairie Hill Learning Center Montessori

Page 32 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Southeast Far 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, 9-11:30 a.m. Community preschool for children ages 3-5. We believe in learning by exploring and doing. Weekly chapel time. Hands on experiences in our Certified Nature Explore Classroom and small class sizes. All are welcome to grow here.

Child Development & Family Resource Center. Ages 6 weeks–12 years. Full time Care. Preschool Curriculum. Christian preschool program. Small classes with hands on experiences for little learners. Art, science and learning through exploration. AM classes–9-11:30. MWF for 4/5 year olds, TTH for 3/4 year olds. PM sessions available when AM is full. Licensed, drop-in hourly childcare, no reservations required! Open hours are: Mon.-Thu.: 7:30am-10pm. Friday: 7:30am-Midnight. Saturday: 10am-Midnight. Sunday 1pm-6pm. Flexible preschool programs available as well. Opening spring 2015.

Featuring developmentally appropriate curriculum, healthy homemade meals, caring teachers, & a larger outdoor play area. Ages 6wks-5 years accepted, open 7am-6pm M-F. Title XX assistance accepted. Full or part-time care available. 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. 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.

Academic Christian Preschool. Attend 2, 3 or 5 half-day sessions per week. AM and PM available. Quality child care in a nurturing environment for children 6 weeks through 5 years. Small classes. 7:15 am – 5:30 pm – M-F. Title XX, Nutritious Meals. Openings for infants and toddlers.

8521 Lexington Ave. 402-328-0404 Calvert Community Center 4500 Stockwell.

402-441-8480, web: parks.lincoln.ne.gov

402-434-KIDS (5437) cedarskids.org

Centrally located at 43rd and Sumner St 402-483-7774 ext. 110 www.christschools.org located in First-Plymouth Church, 20th & D Sts.

402-476-8304

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

402-488-0919 • flclincoln.org 1551 South 70th Street

5901 NW 1st Street 402-476-2223 2001 South 11th Street 474-6275 402-413-8849 • 5633 S. 16th St. www.kidspark.com 4901 NW 1st Street 402-477-4901 www.kellyskidsldc.com 6001 Normal Blvd.

402-486-4847

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

5801 S. 84th St. 488-8888 x 252 www.lincolnchristian.org/preschool 8300 East Point Rd., Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church –402-484-8844

7 miles South of Lincoln on Hwy 77 Ages 18 mo. thru 8th grade. Open 7am-6pm. Care of farm animals, close to nature, family atmosphere. Certified Montessori Teachers. 402-438-6668 www.prairiehill.com

Lincoln Kids! ...and this page has even more great places to know about.

continued

Name

Area of Town

Program

Location(s) & phone

Prairieview Preschool

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.

Pioneers Park Nature Center Preschool

West

Animals + Plants + Hikes = learning through discovery + creating a lifelong connection to nature. Preschool and Pre-K classes.

Redeemer Lutheran Preschool

Central

Christian based preschool for 3-5 year olds, three class options including 5 days a week. AM preschool from 8-11:30am. Children will enjoy art, songs/music, stories, learning centers & more. Across from Woods Pool. Email: rlpreschool@yahoo.com

Skyview Learning Academy

Southeast

Skyview Learning Academy is the area’s newest preK-8th private elementary school! We focus on hands-on learning, nature and outdoor education. Located on 20 acres SE of Bennet. Tranportation from Lincoln is available. Enrolling all grades.

Sprouts Preschool The Child’s View

Montessori

Tinker Tots Preschool & Childcare

Kitra Deger-Director

West end of Pio. Park

402.441.7895

parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter/preschool

510 S. 33rd • 402-477-1710 www.redeemerlincoln.org

402-799-2054 skyviewlearningacademy.org

Southeast

Sprouts is led by inventive, creative and powerful certified teachers with a passion to educate! Playful Discovery: A perfect class for early learners. Advanced Academy: An academic based class paving the way for transition to kindergarten.

402-328-2952 sproutspreschoollincoln.com

South

Open 7:15 to 5:45 pm. Ages 18 months to 6 years. Part time or full time. Professionally Certified/Degreed staff.

3341 Pioneers Blvd. 402-484-8277

Southeast

Westminster Preschool

South

World of Knowledge

Southeast

Child development Center

143rd “O” St. • 402-488-0012

402-904-4406

Accepting applications for ages 21/2-5. Personal relationship with all families in a home environment. Nationally accredited with developmentally appropriate activities. Affordable rates.

education@tinkertotsdaycare.com Westminster Presbyterian Church 2110 Sheridan Blvd. www.wpslincoln.org 402-475-6702 ext 103

Quality, licensed Christian preschool educational program for children 3–5 years. Five different AM & PM classes & all day classes 9am-3pm. Extended care 7:309am & 3-5:30pm. School year and summer classes available. NAEYC accredited.

8310 Wendell Way 402-483-4769

Ages 6 weeks – 12. Preschool curriculum beginning at age one. Before and after school out care. Sign language, swimming, soccer, dance, taekwondo and music lessons are available. A Step up to Quality Program. Open 6:30AM–6:00PM.

worldofknowledgene.com

‘Little Ones’ Directory of Services Name

Program/Service

Art Planet

Fine Arts Play Group for preschoolers at Art Planet! Encourage creative growth in your little ones while interacting with art materials in a setting that fosters big imaginations! Visit the website for the current class schedule. This is a time for preschoolers and their adult to attend class together. Make new friends!

Ager Indoor Play Center

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.

Location(s) & phone email: hello@artplanetlincoln.com Web: www.artplanetlincoln.com Tamara 402-610-2295 • Southeast Location

1300 S. 27th St 402-441-6788 (recorded info); 402-441-6792; web: parks.lincoln.ne.gov

Kindermusik

Harris Academy of the Arts

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.

My Gym

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.

2935 Pine Lake Rd

(across from So. Pointe Mall)

402-423-7121

www.harrisacademyofthearts.com

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4

(near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road)

402-802-9982

Soring 2015 Page 33

Lincoln Kids!

Capital Birthday Ideas Party Directory

Place

Fun Features

Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

Location(s) & phone 1300 S. 27th St 402-441-6788 (recorded info); 402-441-6792; web: parks.lincoln.ne.gov

The Active Party Place! Open hours and after hours rentals available. Special play areas for those 2 and under and 3 and over.

Ager Indoor Play Center Art Planet

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 half hour for your cake and presents. You pick the project! Visit the website for a list of project ideas and party details.

BB’S

Looking for a great way to entertain the kids at your next birthday party? No matter how large or small your party BB’s has something for everyone. Offering awesome balloons made special for each guest, everyone is sure to have a great time! Balloon deliveries, decorating and live twisting party packages available!

Capital City Gymnastics Champions Fun Center

email: hello@artplanetlincoln.com Web: www.artplanetlincoln.com Tamara 402-610-2295 • Southeast Location email:

bbinlincoln@gmail.com

210-882-2689

5030 N. 57th • 402-464-9692

A Birthday Party with 3 Party Package Options– Featuring a zip line, 18’ inflatable slide, and 15’x15’ bouncer. Plus, foam pit, trampoline and spring floor. Inflatables also available for outside rental.

www.capitalcitygymnastics.net

Best Birthday Parties Ever! Gold package includes a Party Hero, free t-shirt to decorate,

402-434-7066 www.championsfuncenter.com

mystery gift, two activities; choose from bowling, adventure maze, go-karts, mini golf, free fall or water wars, tokens, face painting or balloon animals, pizza & pop, dippin’ dots & cupcakes.

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!!

1130 Aries Drive (on the SW side of 14th & Pine Lake) cheerxpress.com • 402-489-5111

DEFY GRAVITY

The kids will love playing games on the trampolines and competing against each other in the laser maze challenge and Prismatic Explosion! Planning the birthday party of a lifetime is easy. We take care of food, drinks and entertainment. Four different packages to choose from. Contact us today!

345 Sporting Village Drive, Ste 1, (402)817-6900 • defygravitylincoln.com

KidsPark

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.

Larson Lifestyle Center Lincoln Children’s Museum

68th & “P” Street (East Park Plaza)

402-465-5522

52nd & Stockwell • 402-486-2525

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.

www.larsonlifestylecenter.com

1420 P Street, Lincoln, NE 402-477-4000 LincolnChildrensMuseum.org

Celebrate at the Museum! Birthday packages start at $70. Choose from a one-hour themed party room (Pirates, Princess, Cowboy, Cowgirl, & Safari). Includes balloons, party favors, drinks, & paper ware. Museum Members receive a 10% discount. Parties can be booked online at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org, in person, or by phone.

Two hour gym & swim party. Includes room, cookies, 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 cheer instruction. Non-members welcome!

Lincoln Racquet Club Lost In Fun!

Make Laser Quest Your Party Headquarters! Laser Quest, an interactive adventure game of laser tag and hide & seek, provides intense fun for birthday parties, team celebrations, family reunions and group events. Check us out www.laserquest.com

Laser Quest

402-413-8849 • 5633 S. 16th St. www.kidspark.com

Your Outdoor Playland... Indoors! Voted Lincoln’s Choice, “Best Place to Have a Kid’s Birthday Party” in 2012, 2013, 2014. Indoor fun for all ages! Playsets, foam pit, inflatable jumpers, fun maze, laser maze, video games, jumping pillow, birthday party rooms and a snack area.

lincolnracquetclub.com 5300 Old Cheney Road Register online or call 402-423-2511

8431 Cody Drive (15th & Yankee Hill)

(402) 261-0440 • www.lostinfun.com

LUX Center for the Arts

Celebrate at the LUX Center! Embrace your inner artist and choose from a variety of projects including: clay mugs or bowls, screen printed t-shirts and tote bags, group painting and printmaking. Each guest makes their own piece of art!

Madsen’s Bowling

Have 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

My Gym

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!

(near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road)

PartyArty at Paint Yourself Silly! Come unleash your inner artist. 100’s of pieces to choose from. Pottery painting fun for all ages.

Paint Yourself Silly Pioneers Park Nature Center

University of Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall

YMCA-Cooper, Fallbrook & Northeast Branch Page 34 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

www.luxcenter.org

2 blks south of 48th & Holdrege 2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4

402-802-9982

2 Great Locations • www.paintyourselfsilly.net Downtown in the Haymarket: 701 P Street • 402-474-1010 Near 70th & Pioneers: 4107 Pioneer Woods • 402-486-1010

Owls, snakes, bugs and the great outdoors are eager to make your child’s birthday a special one.

Unforgettable party with martial arts, food, games, cut the cake with a sword, break boards and more! Ninja Turtle parties available. $249 & up for up to 40 friends!

Tiger Rock Academy

2601 N. 48th Street • 402-466-8692

West end of Pioneers Park 402.441.7895 parks. lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter/birthdays.html

402-483-1011

2 locations available

Morrill Hall on the UNL Campus

Guided museum activities including a hands-on fossil dig in the Marx Discovery Center and gifts for every child! Five party themes to choose from, private party room.

402-472-2637

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: www.ymcalincoln.org

Cooper - 6767 S. 14th St. Fallbrook - 700 Penrose Dr. Northeast - 2601 N. 70th

• www.museum.unl.edu/birthdays

402-323-6400 402-323-6444 402-434-9262

Lincoln Kids!

Spring 2015 Calendar of Events: February, March, April If your organization would like a free Calendar listing in the next issue go to: LINCOLNKIDSINC.COM - click on Submissions or tell us about it on Facebook: LincolnKidsNewspaper Summer 2015 Issue Deadline: May 10, 2015 Months covered: June July, AugustLincoln Kids! Newspaper Phone: 402-798-0224

February

$5/person ($20 max per family) Award-Winning

Mondays, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, 7-8pm Bead It Fabulous Friendship Bracelets, artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. Learn techniques of making Fabulous Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces embellished with beads. Mondays, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23, 6-8pm Sit & Knit Club artplanetlincoln.com, 402610-2295. A FREE CLUB for kids and adults. There’s no instruction, just bring your own supplies and join us as we share a fun hobby together! *Please note, kids in attendance should be accompanied by an adult* Tuesdays, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, two after school class times! Art Planet Studio Wycinanki and Notan Papercutting Workshop artplanetlincoln. com, 402-610-2295. Students will learn a brief history of the ancient art of papercutting by looking at the Polish art of Wycinanki and the Japanese art of the Notan. They will work with symetry as a design element to create interesting compositions through cutting and layering paper influenced by both cultures. Wednesdays, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, 10-10:45am Preschool Fine Arts PlayGroup artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. A time for you and your preschooler (ages 2-5) to experience wonderful hands-on messy art with a variety of mediums and materials. It’s what we call open-ended creativity and it’s great for sensory, attention span and social skill development - plus LOTS of FUN! Thursdays, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, 6:30-7:30pm Teen Open Studio artplanetlincoln.com, 402610-2295. Open for teens ages 13+ who want to come to Art Planet to explore their own ideas in a loosely structured and supportive environment. An Art Planet teacher will be there to guide ideas with individual attention and access to suitable materials. Fridays, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, 4:15-5:15pm Kids N Clay Versatile Vessels artplanetlincoln. com, 402-610-2295. Students will learn a brief history on what vessels have been used for from ceremonial to functional purposes. They will also use slab and pinch techniques to create their very own unique vessel that they can use for whatever their heart’s content. February 6, 9am-6pm, February 7, 9am-3pm Indoor Garage/Bake Sale at The Cat House, 1935 Q St., http://thecathouse.org. A great selection of household goods, books, clothing, knick-knacks, and items for your children and pets, along with homemade goodies to eat. February 8, 4 pm Singer-Songwriter

Daniel

Christian

sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Youth Group, danielchristianmusic.com at Hevelone Center, 600 Orange Boulevard, Beatrice. Admission:

Singer-Songwriter Daniel Christian blends a pop/rock sensibility with country/folk roots. He weaves hooky, stick-in-your-head melodies backed by big harmonies with thoughtprovoking lyrical content. The result is a style of art and entertainment which, according to fans, “sounds like cinnamon rolls taste!” Saturday, February 7, 9:30am – 4:30pm Dinosaurs & Disasters at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402472-3779, museum.unl.edu One of Lincoln’s most exciting Earth science learning events for children and their families! UNL scientists and students will provide handson activities and demonstrations to engage visitors in scientific discovery. Saturday, February 7, 10am–Noon Pop-up Card Making Class at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, naturecenter@ lincoln.ne.gov, parks.lincoln.ne.gov/ naturecenter. Prairie Building $10/person Learn from local artist Sally Cox how to make extra-special cards for fun or for a special Valentine. Supplies will be provided. Bring your creativity and when the class is done you will have something unique to share. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Register by February 4. Saturday, February 14, 9-11 am Great Backyard Bird Count at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, parks. lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter. Prairie Building $5 Suggested Donation. Meet at the Chet Ager Building for refreshments as we count the visitors at our bird garden. The Wild Bird Habitat Stores will be on hand to discuss how you can attract birds to your backyard. Numbers from the count will be submitted to Cornell University Bird Lab for the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Register by Feb 11. Saturdays, Feb 14, 21, 1-5pm Art Café! artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. This happens on two very special Saturdays per month! Soak in the atmosphere and let your imagination go free while working alongside others. Our staff of Art Planet artists will be there to help, inspire, and encourage you along. An Art Planet artist will lead a project that you can join in on or select a project from our Art Cafe menu! $10/person/project. Saturday, February 14, 10:00am – 12:00pm Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab – Trapped in Sap at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu Join the NU State Museum in the Science Lab as they investigate “trapped in sap” through hands-on activities and exploration. Sunday, February 15, 1:30 – 4:30pm Sunday with A Scientist: Robots at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu Presenters will share scientific information in

a fun informal way through demonstrations, activities or by conducting science on site. February 16, 6:30pm-8:30pm Empower Birth Class at Birth Beyond Bias birthbeyondbias.com/empower EMPOWER Birth Preparation is a class series that includes everything you need to know about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience. This class series runs for 6 weeks. February 16 and 18 Miss Nelson is Missing Auditions Set at Lincoln Community Playhouse Our spring children’s production, Miss Nelson is Missing by Jeffrey Hatcher based on the book by Harry G. Allard Jr. and James Marshall, will be performed on the Mainstage. Performances run April 10-12 and 16-18. Auditions will take place Feby 16 and 18, with callbacks on February 19. Register online at www. lincolnplayhouse.com. There are roles available for three adults and seven children over the age of 8. February 21, 8 am Indoor Triathlon at Bryan Lifepointe Campus, 7501 S. 27th St., bryanhealth.cvent.com/2015tri or call 402-481-8855 Compete individually in this fun event or find two friends and compete as a team. Team categories are all male, all female, or coed. The total triathlon event will be 75 minutes - 10 minutes swim in lap pool, 10-minute transition, 30 minutes on a spin bike, 5-minute transition, 20 minutes on treadmill. A new wave begins every 35 minutes. Individual - $25, Team - $75 February 21, 9am-4pm Accelerated Birth Preparation Class at Birth Beyond Bias, birthbeyondbias.com/empower EMPOWER Birth Preparation is a class series that includes everything you need to know about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience. This is an accelerated class that runs over the course of two weekends February 21st and 28th from 9am-4pm with a 1-hour lunch. February 21, 10-1 p.m. ZooZeum Day at Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420

P Street, (402) 477-4000, lincolnchildrensmuseum. org. A rare and popular event that gives children

and families an opportunity to see, hear and in some cases pet or touch exotic and domestic animals. We welcome guests from various organizations in and around Lincoln that care for—and about—animals. Wednesday, February 25, 6:30 pm

His Little Feet: Light Your World Tour 2014-2015 at Horizons Community Church, 3200 Grainger Parkway, www.youtube.com/

watch?v=bVYm-D0_w2k&feature=youtu.be “His Little Feet” is a children’s choir, ages 6 to 13. Members are children who have been orphaned and rescued from countries including India, Ethiopia and Haiti. While the children are a part of the choir, they participate in His Little Feet’s nationwide “LIGHT YOUR WORLD” International Children’s Choir Tour. This energetic, culturally unique, Gospelcentered presentation brings attention to the plight of millions of orphaned and vulnerable children living in the world today and offers opportunities for people to respond and make a difference. Feb 28, March 28, May 30, 5:30 - 11:00 Last Saturday Contra Dance and Doeden’s Country Dance www.butchnlucy.com/contradance.html

Great family fun! Lesson from 5:30-6:00 to learn how to contra dance. Dance to either Hot Rosin or Rivertown String band from 6:00-8:00 with Kate McBride Calling. No need for a partner, folks generally change partners for each dance although it is not required. Doeden’s Country Dance follows dancing to DJ Al Doeden with dance instruction by Roberta Doeden. Cost is $7/adults and $5/students for the entire night of dancing. The event is at the Auld Recreation Center 1650 Memorial Drive.

March Mondays, March 2, 16, 23, 30 (No class on March 9 during LPS Spring Break), 7-8pm Bead It Easter Art – Beautified with Beads artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. Decorate your room or give a gift of Easter art, created by you! Students will make several projects with a variety of fibers and will add to that the amazing color and texture of beads. Choose from hundreds of beads and fibers in all shapes and sizes! Mondays, March 2, 16, 23, 30 (No club on March 9 during LPS Spring Break), 6-8pm Sit & Knit Club artplanetlincoln.com, 402610-2295. Sit & Knit is a FREE CLUB for kids and adults. There’s no instruction, just bring your own supplies and join us as we share a fun hobby together! *Please note, kids in attendance should be accompanied by an adult* Tuesdays, March 3, 17, 24, 31 (No class on March 10 during LPS spring break); two after school class times! Art Planet Studio Marvelous Mobiles Workshop artplanetlincoln.com, 402-6102295. “To most people who look at a mobile, it’s no more than a series of flat objects that move. To a few, though, it may be poetry.” -Alexander Calder In this class students will learn a brief history of the man who invented the mobile. Alexander Calder had one goal with his art- to have movement be a part of it. Students will create their own mobile using a similar process to what Alexander Calder used when creating this type of art. Wednesdays, March 4, 18, 25 (No class on March 11 during LPS Spring Break), 10-10:45am Preschool Fine Arts PlayGroup artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. Art Planet’s Fine Arts Play Group is a time for you and your preschooler (ages 2-5) to experience wonderful hands-on messy art with a variety of mediums and materials. It’s what we call open-ended creativity and it’s great for sensory, attention span and social skill development plus LOTS of FUN! Thursdays, March 5, 19, 26 (No class on March 12 during LPS Spring Break), 6:30-7:30pm Teen Open Studio artplanetlincoln.com, 402610-2295. Open studio is for teens ages 13+ who want to come to Art Planet to explore their own ideas in a loosely structured and supportive environment. An Art Planet teacher will be there to guide ideas with individual attention and access to suitable materials. Fridays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 4:15-5:15pm Kids N Clay Magical Molds artplanetlincoln. com, 402-610-2295. The Magic of Molds! In this class students will learn how to make a small ceramic press mold. They will then use that mold to reproduce a form over and over. Finally they will attach all of the press molded forms to make an amazing tower!

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Lincoln Kids! Saturdays, March 7 & 21, 1-5pm Art Café! artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. This happens on two very special Saturdays per month! Soak in the atmosphere and let your imagination go free while working alongside others. Our friendly and supportive staff of Art Planet artists will be there to help, inspire, and encourage you along. $10/person/project. March 7, April 4, May 2, 7:00 to 10:00 1st Saturday Contra Dance www.butchnlucy.com/contradance.html Fun for the whole family, sort of like line dancing as couples. All dances are walked through and called. Kate McBride is the regular caller, and Hot Rosin and Rivertown String Band are the two bands that play for the dances. $8/adults, $5/students, and 12 and under are always free. Dances are normally held at Auld Recreation Center 1650 Memorial Drive. Come for a short lesson before the dance from 7:00 to 7:30. March 8, 1:30-4:30 pm Irish Dance Workshop http://lincolnirishdancers.org. Catherine Sherer Bishop from Jackson, Mississippi will provide some basic Irish Social Dance instruction at the YWCA at 26th and O street. Admission $10/ Adults, $5/students with a Family cap of $30. Get $5 off the evening ceili admission if you attend this afternoon Irish Dance Workshop. March 8, 6:30 - 9:00pm Annual Community Ceili Dance (Irish Social Dance), http://lincolnirishdancers.org Catherine Sherer Bishop from Jackson, Mississippi will call to music by Rivertown String Band at the Auld Rec Center 1650 Memorial Drive in Lincoln Nebraska. Come learn to dance simple traditional Irish Social Dances. Fun for the whole family! This is an annual event put on by the Lincoln Irish Dancers. Admission $10/Adults, $5/students with a Family cap of $30. Get $5 off ceili admission if you attend the Irish Dance Workshop from 1:30 to 4:30 at the YWCA at 26th and O street. Sunday, March 8, 1:00-4:00 pm Geology Day at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov, parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter. Chet Ager Building $5 Suggested Donation Learn about fossils, minerals, rocks, and gemstones through displays and demonstrations by members of the Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club. They can also help you identify your own specimens during this drop-in program. March 9-13, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Nature Explorers Day Camp for Children 6-12 years old at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov, parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter. $170/ Camper. Children, 6-12 years old, can spend their Spring Break exploring, playing games, building magic spots, and making friends. Fun and adventure is guaranteed during Nature Explorers Camp, a week long day camp, at the Nature Center. Campers will get outside every day to investigate the natural world. Extended hours are available. Please register by March 3. March 9-14, 9 am– 4 pm Spring Break Theatre Arts Academy Registration, Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS Ages 8-15, With a performance to benefit the Boys and Girls Club at 6 pm, Friday, March 13, additional performances at 1 pm and 3 pm, Saturday, March 14. Registration: $165 (includes t-shirt) Maximum registration: 30. Register online at www.lincolnplayhouse.com or call the box office at 402-489-7529 between

Page 36 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

11 am and 5 pm. Monday through Friday. Scholarships are available Saturday, March 14, 10:00am – 12:00pm Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab – Polymers at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu Join the NU State Museum in the Science Lab as they investigate “polymers” through handson activities and exploration. Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Super Hero Day at Lincoln Children’s

Museum, 1420 P Street, (402) 477-4000, lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. A celebration of

heroes from fantasy and every day, Super Hero Day is pure delight! Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costumes. We give them time to meet and get photos with super heroes and heroines, like Star Wars Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion, Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Parr Family—better known as The Incredibles, Tinker Bell, Princess Merida, Elsa and Anna. Plus, real-life heroes and friends from the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Lincoln Police Department, the Armed Forces, Husker Athletics and the Lincoln Saltdogs add to the festivity. Sunday, March 15, 1:30-4:30pm Sunday with a Scientist: The Brain at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu Presenters will share scientific information in a fun informal way through demonstrations, activities or by conducting science on site. Thursday, March 19 Noon-11:00 pm Sandhill Crane Trip at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, naturecenter@lincoln. ne.gov, parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter. Wild Bird Habitat Store (56th & Hwy 2) $75/ person. Experience one of our planet’s most spectacular wildlife migrations! Visit the Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center, travel rural roads to see the cranes foraging and dancing in the fields, then watch and listen to them return to the Platte River at sunset from a Rowe Sanctuary blind. Fee includes van transportation, dinner, and blind costs. (The $25 blind reservation fee is nonrefundable if the trip is cancelled, or if a participant cancels and a replacement cannot be found.) Must have the ability to walk uneven trails in low light with a guide. Registration and payment required by February 19. March 19 - 22, times vary Spring and Summer Kidz Closet Consignment Sale at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, saintpaulumc.org, facebook. com/saintpaulkidzcloset, 12th and M Streets, downtown Lincoln, 402-477-6951. Consign, shop and save Sunday, March 22, 1:00-3:00 pm Spring Poetry at Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov, parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter. Prairie Building $5 Suggested Donation Celebrate the change of seasons with poetry. Share your own piece of writing, a piece you love, or just come to listen. All ages are welcome to participate. Register by March 19. March 28, 8:30 am - 3 pm Lincoln Multiples Kids Consignment Sale at First Lutheran Church, 70th and A Streets, lincolnmultiples.org Everything from A to Z! Baby furniture and baby gear, toys, clothing.

April Lincoln Children’s Zoo reopens in April! April 4, 9 am-6 pm, April 5, 10 am-5 pm 57th Gem & Mineral Show at Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock, lincolngemmineralclub.org Dealers, demos, children’s activities, educational programs, rough & uncut gems, agates, gemstones, minerals, fossils, petrified wood, equipment & supplies, gifts and fun. Adults $5, 2-day pass $9, children 11 and under FREE with paid adult. Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 7-8pm Bead It Tissue Paper Flowers with Beaded Vases artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. You have heard that “April Showers Bring May Flowers”, but did you know that April art classes bring May flowers too? Well at Art planet they do! Students will learn how to make flowers from tissue paper as well as how to embellish a vase with beads to display that beautiful bouquet of flowers! Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-8pm Sit & Knit Club artplanetlincoln.com, 402610-2295. Sit & Knit is a FREE CLUB for kids and adults. There’s no instruction, just bring your own supplies and join us as we share a fun hobby together! *Please note, kids in attendance should be accompanied by an adult* Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28; two after school class times Art Planet Studio Mexican Tinware and Copper Foil Designs artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. Each month, a different medium is learned through demonstration and hands-on experience with a focus on skill building and gaining a new knowledge of new methods and materials. Wednesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1010:45am Preschool Fine Arts PlayGroup artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. Art Planet’s Fine Arts Play Group is a time for you and your preschooler (ages 2-5) to experience wonderful hands-on messy art with a variety of mediums and materials. It’s what we call open-ended creativity and it’s great for sensory, attention span and social skill development - plus LOTS of FUN! This adult/child class is well suited for parents, grandparents and caregivers too. Thursdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 6:30-7:30pm Teen Open Studio artplanetlincoln.com, 402610-2295. Open studio is for teens ages 13+ who want to come to Art Planet to explore their own ideas in a loosely structured and supportive environment. An Art Planet teacher will be there to guide ideas with individual attention and access to suitable materials. Fridays, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 4:15-5:15pm Kids n Clay at Art Planet artplanetlincoln. com, 402-610-2295. Get your hands dirty and learn techniques with clay that have been used for centuries. Students will learn how to make pottery that can be decorative, functional, or both! April 9-12 Take 2 Children’s Consignment Spring & Summer Sale Event, take2.com Sell your gently used children’s, teen and maternity clothing and items. Shop thousands of bargains.

Saturdays, April 11 & 18, 1-5pm Art Café! artplanetlincoln.com, 402-610-2295. This happens on two very special Saturdays per month! Come by yourself, with friends, a date, or with family and spend time together in our Creative Space. Soak in the atmosphere and let your imagination go free while working alongside others. Our friendly and supportive staff of Art Planet artists will be there to help, inspire, and encourage you along. Each month an Art Planet artist will lead a project that you can join in on or select a project from our Art Cafe menu! $10/person/project. Saturday, April 11, 10:00am – 12:00pm Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab – Food Chains at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu Join the NU State Museum in the Science Lab as they investigate “food chains” through hands-on activities and exploration. Sunday, April 12, 1:30-4:30pm Astronomy Day at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-4723779, museum.unl.edu Mueller Planetarium at the NU State Museum presents Astronomy Day with exciting space science family activities! Monday, April 13 & Monday, October 19 Shining Star at Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P Street, (402) 477-4000, lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

All children deserve the chance play in a safe, friendly environment with their parents, siblings and other children. Shining Star is a free and exclusive event developed to serve families with children whose health has been compromised by a medical condition, specialized surgical procedures or medical treatments. This special event is closed to the general public to allow families who otherwise may not be able to visit the Museum an opportunity to enjoy a special night together away from the home or hospital. Saturday, April 11, 9:30 a.m-noon

Music at the Museum at Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P Street, (402) 477-4000, lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. Young people are

invited to try their hands at different instruments and raise their voices in song. Music teachers and professionals from around the area are onsite to answer questions about instruments and musical activities. It’s a great way to introduce music education to children. This event was first presented at the museum in 2012 by Sigma Alpha Iota, a Lincoln Alumnae/Patroness Chapter of musicians and music educators. April 13 & 14, 9 am - 5 pm Nebraska Science Festival at Skyview Learning Academy, 1066 S 4 Road, Douglas, NE Skyview Learning Academy, the Lincolnarea’s newest preK-8th grade hands-on learning school has been selected to be a host site for part of the 2015 Nebraska Science Festival sponsored by the University of Nebraska Medical Center! Check out our website at SkyviewLearningAcademy.org for more information about this exciting new event! Plan now to join us as we show kids how fantastic learning about science can be!

Mondays, April 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11 & 18 10:00-11:30 am Hand in Hand: Spring Song at Prairie Building/Goldenrod Classroom, Pioneers Park Nature Center, 402-441-7895, naturecenter@ lincoln.ne.gov, parks.lincoln.ne.gov/ naturecenter. $50/child/6 week session You and your child will discover the wonder of

Lincoln Kids! spring through walks, games, crafts, and stories. Please dress for the weather, since we will be spending a portion of each class outside. A snack will be provided. Ages 2 ½-3 ½-year-olds and accompanying adult. Register by April 3. April 16-19 Neat Repeatz Spring/Summer Children’s Consignment Event, Location to be announced. neatrepeatz.com, 402-499-5884 Clothes for newborn through teen, maternity clothes, indoor/outdoor toys, strollers/car seats, furniture, nursery, baby gear, books April 2426 - Annual Adults’ Sale - everything you love about Neat Repeatz but for grown-ups. Friday, April 17, 5-8pm Family Fun Night at Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool, 5201, Old Cheney Rd., http:// weewisdom@netzero.net Wee Wisdom Christian Preschool’s Family Fun Night for ages 3-10, 5-8pm. Carnival games & prizes, food, cotton candy & popcorn, face painting, clowns & balloons, blow-up bouncer and a silent auction with adult and children’s items. Call (402) 420-7111 for more info or email us at weewisdom@netzero.net April 18, 9 am-1 pm Early Childhood Celebration at Southeast Community College Gymnasium, 8800 “O” St. Free to the public, sponsored by Lincoln Association for the Education of Young Children. See performances throughout the day. Including The String Beans at 11 am. Handson activities, artwork displays and more. For children ages birth-8. April 23, 7 pm Informational Class for new or expecting parents of multiples at First Lutheran Church on 70th & A. by Lincoln Area Families with Multiples, www.lincolnmultiples.org, coordinator.lafm@gmail.com, 402-434-6533 The informational class for new or expecting parents of multiples will consist of a panel of parents of multiples giving their best advice on life with twins or triplets, and a question and answer time. Childcare will be provided. Register at www.lincolnmultiples.org. Saturday, April 25, 10-1 a.m. Science Saturday at Lincoln

Children’s Museum, 1420 P Street, (402) 477-4000, lincolnchildrensmuseum.org. During Science

Saturday, guests of the museum will team up with students from the University of NebraskaLincoln for a day filled with cool and fascinating science facts. From experiments to engineering feats, children will have a hands-on opportunity to explore the world that surrounds them as they think and play like scientists. April 25, 5:30 - 11:00

Last Saturday Contra Dance and Country Dance, www.butchnlucy.com/contradance.html

Come dance to EDEN MacADAM SOMER, Larry Unger, and Sam Bartlett as Notorius the trio with Nils Friedland Calling from 6:00 to 8:30. Country Dance to first Notorius and then Al Doeden as Dj until 11:00. $7/adults, $5/ students and 12 and under are free. Great family Fun! If you have never been to a contra dance, come for a lesson from 5:30 to 6:00. All dances are walked through and called. No partner necessary and all ages are welcome. April 25, 12:00-2:00 and 2:30 to 4:00 Contra Dane Band Workshop and dance www.butchnlucy.com/contradance.html If you have ever wanted to play in a band that plays for dancers, come out to the band workshop from 12-2 with Eden MacAdam

Somer, Larry Unger, and Sam Bartlett. Please register in advance by sending an email to henryferguson28@gmail.com. Cost is $10 per individual with a $20 family cap. You will be encouraged to join in to play for two dances from 2:30-3:00 PM after the workshop, and dance until 4:00. Workshop participants get into the afternoon dance for free. All events are at the Auld Recreation Center 1650 Memorial Dr. April 25, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm The Everett Community Gong Show, sponsored by The Everett Community Nonprofit Organization, everettcommunity.org Just like the 1970’s version of the Gong Show! Contestants will take the stage and perform. Celebrity judges will determine if the act will get gonged off the stage or not. Tickets are just $5 at the door. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the field located at 9th and D Streets! Food trucks! An awesome raffle! Entertainment! All proceeds are given to Everett Elementary located at 1123 C Street. April 28, 6:30pm, April 29, 10:30am, April 29, 6:30pm Sesame Street Live at Pinnacle Bank Arena Hosted by two live performers, Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” offers an up-close, interactive experience that includes dance parties. Elmo uses his imagination to “Do the Robot,” Cookie teaches all ‘feets’ to dance, Abby leads a rhyming game, and Ernie shares the fun of dance with the Sesame Street favorite “Shake Your Head One Time.” Favorite friends join the audience on the floor – dancing with fans, not just for them. It’s Sesame Street Live like you’ve never experienced it before! Tickets on sale at ticketmaster.com

artworks. Charcoal, pastels, and pencil drawing will be explored. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

can sharpen their skills and try new things! Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members)

March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4) 12:30 – 2:00 pm Create with Paint (WYPNT-07) Students will try their hand at painting still life, landscape, and animals. Watercolor, tempera paint and acrylic paint will be explored. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

February 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 3 – 4:30 pm Architectural & Artistic Minds (WYMIX-03) Interested in architecture or interior design? Get creative while learning how blueprints are made then design and build a model of your own imagined building! Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4) 3-4:30 pm Culture & Sculpture (WYCER-09) Your child will learn about sculpture and architecture of different cultures around the world. Students then create a clay project inspired by what they learned! Instructor: Michael Larsen Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members)

February 11, 18, 25, March 4 , 6pm – 7:30pm Draw + Paint (WYPNT-04) Use and sharpen your drawing skills to create complete works of art! Pastels, pencils, watercolors and acrylic will be explored in this class. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 6pm-7:30pm Discoveries in Drawing (WYPNT-08) From drawing blue-prints, to designing maps, students will explore non-tradition approaches to drawing. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

February 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 12:30 – 2:00 pm Beginning Drawing (WYPNT-03) Students will learn the fundamentals of drawing by exploring different drawing mediums. Instructor: Staff. Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 10 – 11:30 am Get Up and Paint! (YPNT-01) Students will learn about the advantages of painting on an easel. Still life, landscape, and abstract expressionism will be explored. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members) April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 12:30 – 2 pm Surreal Ceramics (YCER-02) Your child will have a blast making silly and surreal clay sculptures! Artists from the surrealist movement will inspire their unique clay projects. Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members) April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 3 – 4:30 pm Draw Paws & Claws (YPNT-03) Does your child love to draw critters and creatures? This class will break down drawing critters and creatures into a simple step-by-step process. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members) April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 3 – 4:30 pm Culture & Sculpture (WCER-03) Your child will learn about sculpture and architecture of different cultures around the world. Students then create a clay project inspired by what they learned! Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 nonmembers)

February 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 3 – 4:30 pm Culture & Sculpture (WYCER-07) Your child will learn about sculpture and architecture of cultures around the world. Students create a clay project inspired by what they learned! Instructor: Michael Larsen. Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members)

April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 6pm – 7:30pm Create with Paint (YPNT-05) Students will try their hand at painting still life, landscape, and animals. Watercolor, tempera paint and acrylic paint will be explored. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

Feb 11, 18, 25, March 4, 6pm – 7:30pm Jewelry Jam (WYMET-02) Your child will make bracelets, necklaces, and more! Students will make clay pendants, and explore simple ways to make jewelry with metal. Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

Ages 10-13

LUX Center for the Arts

2601 N. 48th St.; 402-466-8692; luxcenter.org

Ages 5-9 February 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 10 – 11:30 am Mud Pies & More (WYCER-05) Your child will create their own pots and sculptures. A variety of techniques will be explored including, pinch, slab, and coil building. Instructor: Michael Larsen Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members)

March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4) 10 – 11:30 am Intermediate Drawing (WYPNT-06) Your child will use drawing skills learned in prior classes to create new artist-inspired

February 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 10:00–11:30 am Upcycled Wearables (WYMIX-02) Make artistic wearables with repurposed materials! Learn to make clothing and jewelry with non-traditional techniques! Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members) February 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 12:30 – 2:00 pm Tweens on Wheels (WYCER-06) Learn about the exciting possibilities of clay by using the pottery wheel. Returning students

March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4), 10 – 11:30 am Painting a Series (WYPNT-05) Create your own series of paintings! Three canvases will be provided for you to explore different ways to tie your ideas together. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members) March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4) 12:30 – 2:00 pm Sculpt Like a Master (WYCER-08) Learn to create the figure in clay by sculpting hands, feet, a head, and then a full figure. Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members) March 14, 21, 28, April 11 (no class April 4) 3 – 4:30 pm Metal Arts (WYMET-03) Learn to make art and jewelry with metal! A variety of techniques will be explored including sawing, hammering, riveting and stamping. Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members) March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 6pm-7:30pm Tweens on Wheels (WYCER-06) Learn about the exciting possibilities of clay by using the pottery wheel. Returning students can sharpen their skills and try new things! Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members) April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 3 – 4:30 pm Draw + Paint (YPNT-04) Use and sharpen your drawing skills to create complete works of art! Pastels, pencils, watercolors and acrylic will be explored in this class. Instructor: Staff Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members) April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 6pm – 7:30pm Metal Arts (YMET-01) Learn to make art and jewelry with metal! A variety of techniques will be explored including sawing, hammering, riveting and stamping. Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members) April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 10 – 11:30 am Tweens on Wheels (YCER-01) Learn about the exciting possibilities of clay by using the pottery wheel. Returning students can sharpen their skills and try new things! Instructor: Michael Larsen Tuition: $60 LUX members ($75 non-members) April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 12:30 – 2 pm Drawing: Beyond Paper (WYPNT-02) Learn to draw on clay, glass, fabric and more! Fuse your drawing skills with new techniques to create interesting new works of art. Instructor:

Spring 2015 Page 37

Lincoln Kids! Michael Larsen Tuition: $52 LUX members ($65 non-members)

Family

January 31, 6pm – 7:30pm (WFAM-02) Fused Glass Valentines Spend your evening getting creative with the whole family! Kids and adults of all ages can enjoy these fun family workshops! Instructor: Luke Huling February 27, Clay Cups (WFAM-04) February 20, Big Canvas (WFAM-05) March 27, Fused Glass Sun Catchers (WFAM-06) 6pm – 7:30pm Tuition: $18 for 2 people $9 each additional person. High School & Adult April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 10 – 11:30 am Coffee & Creativity (MIX-01) Spend your Saturday morning at the LUX! This class is a great introductory course with a variety of mediums including fused glass, painting, and printmaking. All materials and a fresh pot of coffee are provided! Instructor: Luke Huling Tuition: $68 LUX members ($85 non-members) April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 6pm – 7:30pm Beginning & Intermediate Clay (CER-01) Learn to sculpt, assemble, and glaze! Build or advance your skills and make functional and sculptural works in clay. Instructor: Michael Larsen Tuition: $68 LUX members ($85 nonmembers)

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 youth interested in improving their life skills. This voluntary support group for youth ages 14 and over, helps participants create an individualized plan to deal with difficult times and empower youth to achieve their goals. For more information, call 402-432-0158. No registration required.

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 price so everyone can afford to sit at The Table. 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 City Libraries

lincolnlibraries.org Anderson…3635 Touzalin…441-8540 Bennett Martin…136 S. 14th…441-8566 Bethany…1810 N. Cotner…4441-8550

Page 38 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

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 at Walt Thursdays, 10:30-11am, interactive parentchild time designed to promote early literacy, language development and a love of books for birth to 18 months. Preschool Storytime For ages 3-5. Call for information. Toddler Time Parents and children ages 18-36 months: enjoy reading aloud, singing, playing, and dancing together! Call for times and locations at Anderson, Eiseley, Gere, or Walt. Storytimes for Families Family Storytimes are intended for parents and their preschool to elementary-age children and include crafts. Call for times and locations at Gere, South, or Walt. All Ages Storytimes for Families at Walt Every Saturday from 10:30-11:30am. Includes crafts and other activities.

ArtPlanet

402-610-2295; artplanetlincoln.com

Fisrt Saturday each month, 1-3pm Family Art Dayz at the Planet: Families enjoy making art together. A different seasonally themed project is planned for each event for all ages. Cost is $20/first child, siblings are additional $5, parents are free! Register online. Wednesday mornings at 9:15-10am Preschool Paint-n-Play: Storybook based art lessons for you and your preschooler (ages 2-4). One class at $15/class or monthly registration cost of $50/month! Siblings can attend for an additional $5/class. After School Art Clubs Every Thursday. Travel to a different country while taking a year-long trip around the world! At each destination, explore the history of the country’s culture as it relates to art and artists. Open Studio Art: Just for Teens (13+) Every Tuesday, 6-7pm for students who like to work independently to make art. Students may make full use of the studio and supplies with Director supervision and advice. No planned instruction is given.

MilkWorks

5930 S. 58th, Ste W; 402-423-6402; Register and times 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 day care provider. This class is included in the fee for our All About Breastfeeding class. 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 to 9 months old. This class covers tips on readiness signs, safety awareness, introducing new foods and making your own baby food (save money and go organic if you want to!). 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

Calendar listings are FREEEEEE! LINCOLNKIDSINC.com SUPPORT GROUPS Answers4Families Information, opportunities for dialogue, education, and support for families, children and adults with disabilities, individuals over 60, and providers, including state and national resources, support group schedules, organizations, and tips for coping with a variety of issues. 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. Cathy Martinez, Board President at afnlincoln@aol.com Cancer Support Groups Various cancer support groups and services for patients, family members, friends. To find out more, contact the American Cancer Society, 5733 S 34th Street, Ste 500, 402-423-4888 Charlie Brown’s Kids Grief Support Group 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Grief support group for children ages 3-18 who have experienced the death of a parent. Caregivers meet at same time. Youth share their feelings through books, discussions, art, writing and remembrance projects. Sheridan Lutheran, 6955 Old Cheney, 483-1845, Bev Prucha, B3549@aol.com Fibromyalgia Group No meetings. See info at www.tjkeller.net/lincolnsupport/ Good Neighbor Mothers Offering Moms Support Mom’s support group 1st & 3rd Thursdays at Good Neighbor Community Center, 2617 Y Street, 402477-4173. Angel, 423-6117 Heartland Home Schoolers For home schooling families in the Lincoln area, regardless of religious beliefs. Providing encouragement for moms; activities for home schooled students, including skating parties, spelling bee, science fair and more. homeschoollife.com/ne/heartland/ Help for Attention Deficit Disorders First Tuesday, 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 (LLLofNE.org) offers a monthly Series Meeting, a weekly Breastfeeding Café, and a monthly meeting for mothers of toddlers. Free of charge. Thursdays South Group meets 3rd Thursdays 6:30PM, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 8320 S. St.; 450-3240; roberts1715@gmail.com; Friday Breastfeeing Cafe, 10:30AM at Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior St., 402-540-8568, brooke@ thousandhills.org; Toddler Group, 10AM, Warren United Methodist Church, 1205 N. 45th St., Abi, 402465-8065, webhenke@windstream.net Lincoln Area Families with Multiples For families welcoming multiples into their lives, and the joys and challenges that come with them. Find support at 434-6533; coordinator.lafm@gmail.com; lincolnmultiples.org; LAFM, P.O. Box 5911, Lincoln, 68505-5911 M.O.M.S. (Meeting Other Mothers) Grace Lutheran Church, 2225 Washington, Tuesdays, 9:30-11AM, conversation, speakers, crafts, snacks, service projects & various topics; also holiday parties & field trips. Daycare available: $3/1 child and $1 each additional. Melissa Nickolaus, 464-6921

MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Lincoln We are the Lincoln chapter of the International MOMS Club®, a non-profit organization specifically for at-home moms. Each month we have several different events for our members- breakfasts, book clubs, play groups, mom’s night out to name just a few! Our goal is to support each other through friendship, group 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) 1st, 3rd Wednesdays, Southwood Lutheran Church, 9300 S. 40th St. (south of 40th & Yankee Hill Rd.) 9-11:15AM. Speakers, crafts, book club, playgroups, babysitting co-op, and activities for children. Daycare available. southwoodlutheran.org/get-connected/children-and-families/mopsmothers-of-pre-schoolers or Jennifer: 402-328-9247; jennifermchargue@hotmail. com 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 9-11 a.m., New Covenant Church, 6000 S. 84th St. Non-denominational program to encourage, equip, and help women become the best moms they can be. Build friendships; have fun with other moms. Women with children birth through kindergarten are invited to join. Childcare provided. All children are cared for in a nurturing and fun atmosphere. They will experience love in a preschool like setting. $6/meeting. Becky, 402-4845033; mopsnewcov.blogspot.com MOTHER ME Weekly mommies group to support mothers of infants through pre-schoolers. A place for moms to come and talk, laugh and/or cry if they need to. We meet in the evening for moms who are unable to attend daytime meetings. We have a love of fun, and love for new moms to join us at any time! Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Inside Trinity Chiropractic in the Inspire ME meeting space at 3120 O Street. Contact julia@ circleme.me for more information Mourning Hope Grief Support 402-488-8989, email hope@mourninghope.org or visit mourninghope.org 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 Open Hearts Adoption Support Group Fellowship for families who have adopted children; family centered events (such as Christmas Party, Ethnic Party, Picnic, Mother’s Tea, Harvest Party). Supported through dues and gifts. All families welcome, especially if you want to find out more about adoption! Dates and locations vary, contact Sherie Quirie, 465-5841 or at lincoln_openheartsadoption.blogspot. com Parents of Children with Feeding Difficulties Monthly, lower level Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, 575 S. 70th St. Bringing parents of children with feeding difficulties together to share experiences, helpful hints, recipes, and information on feeding programs/clinics in the surrounding area. Visit bigtent.com/groups/feedingsouls; Facebook at Feeding Souls of the Midwest; JenniferMcHargue@ hotmail.com; Jennifer 328-9247 Clubs & Organizations The Prairie Astronomy Club Last Tuesday of the month, open to public, 7:30PM. Hyde Memorial Observatory, south side of Holmes Lake. prairieastronomyclub.org

Lincoln Kids! Spring Calendar Continued... 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.

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.

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

Saint Elizabeth Regional Med Center

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

“Sprinkles” by Molly Wilkinson, age 11, student at Art Planet.

“Lincoln” by Aaron Sorilla, age 14, student at Art Planet

Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

Family Friendly Restaurants Name Amigos/

Kings Classic

Type of Food Mexican & American

Applebee’s Greenfield’s Cafe

American Grill Family

Kid Specials

Fast & Friendly place for the family. 6 Kids’ Meals to choose from – Cheesy Burritos to Cheeseburgers to Chicken Bites. Meals include drink, fries, and an ice cream treat! Reduced price Kid’s Meal EVERY DAY from 5–8 p.m. with adult purchase.

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. Kids Receive a 99¢ Smiley Pancake Meal When You Mention This Ad! With an adult purchase. For ages 12 & under. Great Things are Happening at Greenfield’s!

Kid Meal Deals & Where Kid s Can For Free Eat

Location(s)

5701 NW 1st, 29th & Cornhusker, 48th & Leighton, 4700 W. Huntington, 63rd & Havelock, Coddington & West A, 14th & Q, 27th & Capitol, Gateway Mall, 70th & A, 14th & Hwy 2, 14th & Pine Lake Rd., 56th & Old Cheney

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

7900 South 84th (87th & Hwy 2 across from Walmart) 402-420-3232 • www.greenfieldscafe.com

Spring 2015 Page 39

Lincoln Kids! 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!

by Avry Victor

Art Gallery

Kindermusik of Lincoln

Shawna Gordon, Director 402-770-1486

kindermusikoflincoln.com www.kindermusikoflincoln.com

“Yummy” by Hope Spaulding, age 4, student at Art Planet.

“Nighttime” by Jairus Burkey, age 4, glass mosaic, student at Art Planet “Underwater Sea” by Titus Armstrong, age 5, watercolor on paper, student at Art Planet.

“Almonds at the Beach” by Hannah Schroeder, age 9, student at Art Planet.

Coupons... "

e c n a The D Shoppe

.....Coupon

... Coupons Page 40 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Spring into savings with our new owners Jenny and Chris Thomas. Bring in coupon for 20% off any item!

3841 South 48th • 402-466-1993 (Across From Union College)

www.thedanceshoppes.com

Lincoln Kids!

Today’s Campers, Tomorrow’s Veterinarians By Deann Venditte | Marketing Coordinator, Oxbow Animal Health or many veterinary professionals, the journey to their present career dates back to a childhood interest in animals. Fostering children’s passion for pets can take place in many forms, including family pet ownership, volunteering at local shelters, involvement in a local 4H chapter, and regular visits to the local zoos. For the past twelve years, locally-based Oxbow Animal Health (Murdock, NE) has been fostering kids’ pas-

Junior Vet Camp

Designed for students completing 2nd – 5th grade, the Oxbow Junior Veterinarian Camp includes many hands-on activities involving live animals, games and unique crafts. Campers learn about veterinary tools, x-rays, the circulatory system, I think Teddy’s going to make it! the digestive system, and important issues like animock surgery, Vet Campers are able mal over-population. In addition, to explore their interest in veterithey also get to practice activities nary medicine in fun, educational, real veterinarians perform such as and engaging ways. Oxbow Vet animal health exams and surgery. Camps are designed to cultivate children’s interest in Intermediate Vet Camp animals so that they learn to care for, and respect animals Intermediate Vet Camp offers not just today, but for an students completing 6th – 8th grade entire lifetime. the chance to learn about vari“Every year, we are ous aspects of veterinary science thrilled to offer an oppor(including the cardiovascular systunity for area children to tem, blood, nutrition, and genetics) learn more about animals in fun and engaging ways. and veterinary care in a fun, engaging, and educaJunior Vet Campers take a break. tional environment,” said Oxbow’s President and sion for pets in another, very spe- CEO, John Miller. “By helping foscial way – by hosting its annual ter children’s interest in animals, Veterinarian Camps each summer we can all do our part to ensure a healthy animal care community for in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. At Oxbow Vet Camp, young generations to come.” Oxbow’s Veterinarian Camps campers experience hands-on learning about animals and the many are divided into two age categories measures veterinarians and others – Junior Vet Camp (for students completing 2nd – 5th grade) and take to care for them. From working with local veterinarians to “scrub- Intermediate Vet Camp (for students completing 6th – 8th grades). bing up” and performing their own

Intermediate Campers will learn extensively about large animals (including cows, goats, and elephants) as well as small animals (including dogs, cats, and rabbits). They will perform a mock surgery, with activities including: prepping for surgery, suturing, proper surgery room protocol and dressing for surgery (including items such as scrubs, gloves, head covers, shoe covers, and masks). Professionals from various animal-related careers (such as animal medicine, research and development, the pet food industry, veterinarians and vet techs) will present, lead activities, and answer questions. To learn more about Oxbow’s Junior and Intermediate Vet Camps and print off registration, visit www.oxbowvetcamp.com. For general information or with questions, contact 1-800-249-0366 or email vetcamp@oxbowanimalhealth.com.

Spring 2015 Page 41

Lincoln Kids!

Bright Lights – Giving Students a Mental Boost in the Summer

chool personnel do an amazing job of teaching, guiding and interacting with students during the school year. They pour hundreds of hours of time into their students to give the best academic edge possible.

But what happens during the summer? According to a 2014 report from the National Summer Learning Association by Duke University Professor Harris Cooper, “We found that kids do forget over the summer. Across the board, all kids lose some … skills.” His suggestion for a solution? “Summer affords more freedom to digress from a prescribed curriculum, so you can study at a more leisurely, individualized pace.” Bright Lights, a local summer learning program, is an ideal way for elementary and middle school students to maximize the fun of summer vacation while avoiding learning loss. Students pick a subject that appeals to

them and spend a week delving into the subject through a variety of teacher led activities. As one parent said, “My six-year-old thought she was spending a week enjoying Dr. Seuss, but it was so much more than that! She learned about science, math and other subjects in a fun environment. I don’t think she even realized she was learning.”

Some Class Offerings: Map- Tastic. Grades Post 3-5. Spin the globe of Google Earth to discover the climate, culture and landscape, then create your own 3-D map. Magnificent Matter; Solids, Liquids and Gases. Grade Post K-2. Conduct hands-on experiments as you explore the wonders and properties of matter. Key to Electronics. Grade Post 6-9. Discover the power of electronics as you learn about voltage, circuits and a controller board as you complete amazing projects.

What if… …A summer “Learning Adventure” could make your child eager to learn more? …A summer “Learning Adventure” provided a week’s worth of fun to fight the summer boredom? …A summer “Learning Adventure” created new friendships? Weaving Through Life. Grades Post 4-6. Learn to use several different looms to create projects with paper, yarn, string and natural materials. Mindcraft Day Camp. Grades Post 3-5. Design, build and explore the popular online game as well as a life-size version.

Summer 2015 Bright Lights classes will be held during 6 sessions; June 8-12, June 22-26, and July 6-10; both half-day classes and full-day camps will be available. Registration opens April 1, for students from K-9 grades. For more information on the program, visit brightlights.org

The Science and Magic of FROZEN. Grades Post K-1. Enjoy the magic of the movie as you learn the science of ice and snow.

What if…

A summer “Learning Adventure” increased your child’s potential of success in school this fall?

Summer programs created to enlighten, expand and enrich your child’s horizons.

Visit our website today!

Registration begins April 1st at noon

www.brightlights.org 402-420-1115

Page 42 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com.net

For students K–9th grades.

The Power of Summer 2015 June 8-12, 22-26 and July 6-10

Lincoln Kids!

Can You Hear Me Now? By Anita K. Lovell, MA, LMHP, CPC, Adultspan Counseling

he United States recognizes April as a special opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community. Autism’s prevalence is now one in every 88 children in America. Some of the signs of autism include: Lack of or delay in spoken language. Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, twirling objects, etc). Little or no eye contact. Lack of interest in peer relationships. Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play. Persistent fixation on parts of objects (e.g., wheels on a car, fan blades spinning, etc).

Doctors and family members have been trying to understand how autism, specifically, different senses affect the child’s mind. Ordinary noises such as a toilet flushing, a fire alarm going off, or even the hum of the computer can be intolerable to children with an autism spectrum disorder or a neurodevelopmental disorder. A newer study involving 64 children offers new ideas about why sounds may irritate kids on the autism spectrum. The study published January 14th, 2014 in the Journal of Neuroscience found that children with an autism spectrum disorder experience delays when their brains attempt

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to process information received by their eyes and their ears at the same time. They have a difficult time matching sounds to their appropriate source, as it is a delayed response. The results of the study indicated that typically it takes the brain about a quarter of a second to identify sights and sounds that belong together. But researchers found that children with autism take about twice as long, about half a second. It was determined the brain can’t successfully pair sights and sounds. That problem seemed to be most common for speech sounds. The visual signal and auditory signal are not simultaneous. It is

similar to talking and listening on a poor cell phone connection. For example, you speak and seconds later you hear your echo of what you just said to the person on the other end. You might be hearing your words after the person on the other end has already moved on with the conversation, maybe even a different conversation. Frustrating…isn’t it? Especially if you had to face this dilemma daily. This information has been helpful to parents to help understand some of their children’s problems including their behaviors. Even though children do not “outgrow” autism, it is treatable. Studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. If you want to learn more about how to treat autism and/or characteristics of autism, contact Anita K. Lovell, MA, LMHP, (402) 325-0117.

Summer Fun at CHEER XPRESS!

IVE

402

GUEST FACULTY* Along with True’s own fabulous team!

Summer 2015 Camps:

-423 -883 544 5 RE 8 D RO CK L ANE

*Guest faculty subject to change.

KELSEY NICK CAROLINE CHRIS LEWIS JACOBSEN MARSHALL GOMEZ

Tumbling Camps Cheer Kids Camp Princess Power Camp Me & My Doll Camp Superhero Camp for Boys

RACHEL VICKERY

TRYOUTS FOR COMPETITION CHEER TEAMS- April 19th! Teams for beginning through advanced athletes (ages 4-18)

Buy our SUMMER SEASON PASS for unlimited classes and open gym time!

CHEER XPRESS www.TrueDanceLincoln.com for more info

1130 Aries Drive (on the SW side of 14th & Pine Lake) cheerxpress.com • 402-489-5111 Spring 2015 Page 43

Are you ready to DEFY GRAVITY... Announcing the Grand Opening of Defy Gravity at Speedway Sporting Village, February 19th! Come to Defy Gravity for the best in birthday parties, summer camps and family fun! Defy Gravity is the first trampoline park in Nebraska where you can actually bounce off the walls during open jump, play dodgeball on the trampoline, act like you are in the Mission Impossible movies inside the laser maze, impersonate your favorite basketball star at Dunk City, and test your stunt skills at the Bag Jump!

What are you waiting for, come feel the rush! We also do awesome: • Birthday Parties offering four different levels of birthday packages! • Summer Camps for kids ages 6-12. • Special Events so book your next work, club or class event here!

Call or visit our website today! 345 Sporting Village Drive, Ste 1, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402)817-6900 • defygravitylincoln.com or email us at: Lincolninfo@DefyGravityUSA.com