Lincolnkidsnewspaperwinter15all

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Celebrating our 22nd year!

Lincoln Kids!

Quarterly Family Newspaper

Winter

Please Take One

22nd Year No. 4

2015

“Four Seasons” by Harper Murray, 1st Year Pre-School, Aspen Montessori

It’s the Holiday issue!

November, December & January Your Family Guide for Lincoln and the Surrounding Area

Lincoln Kids!

Max, age 8 Drawn at the Lincoln Kids! Booth Streets Alive! 2015

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Lincoln Kids!

Winter 2015 Cover Artist, Harper Murray, Pre-Schooler at Aspen Montessori “My name is Harper Murray and I will be three at the end of November. I was born in Northern Virginia just outside of Washington D.C. I moved here at the end of February with my parents and little sister. I have been taking art classes at Art Planet since March and I love it. Art is just one of the ways I express myself. I am very curious and enjoy trying new things.

I love to play outside and have not come across a slide I don’t like. My parents read to me all Harper Murray, age 2, with her Halloween pumpkins of the time and one of my favorite books is Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, but right now it’s Spooky House. I started Pre-school at Aspen Montessori this year.

I am making a lot of new friends and learning a lot.”

Advertising, Artwork, Article & Calendar

Deadline for the 2016 Spring Issue is January 10th Covering months: February, March & April

Our BIG camp issue!

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! Email: lincolnkids@windstream.net Phone: (402) 798-0224 Website: lincolnkidsinc.com

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

ublisher and Editor in Chief – Mark Martin P Advertising – Mark Martin & Bennett Martin Calendar and more – Dawn Garcia Associate Publisher – Karla Goerl Illustrations – Children & Ron Wheeler’s Fat Fre e 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 ©2015-16 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.

From the Publisher(s)

Mark Martin, Karla Goerl and Bennett Martin

M

y fellow publishers, Karla Goerl, Bennett Martin and I welcome you to our biggest winter issue to date!

This is our Holiday issue and we have tons of great articles, artwork and places for you and your family to check out.

In this issue we also have our youngest ever cover artist– two-year-old Harper Murray.

She recently moved here from Virgina. Welcome to Lincoln, Harper! We look forward to many more pictures from you.

We have a few new advertisers including Spring Creek Prairie, (see ad below).

Education director, Jason “The Birdnerd” St. Sauver, will be gracing us with a new “bird” column (page 39). Tweet your friends about this one! We also welcome Kids Stuff Superstore (page 40), Trinity Lutheren School (page 27), and Nebraska Diving Club (page 20).

With the Holidays right around the corner make sure to book your train tickets early

Come see where

Wild Nebraska still grows!

for the North Pole Express at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and be sure to visit the Lincoln Children’s Museum’s exciting new exhibits!

Speaking of the Zoo and the Children’s Museum, if you are looking for a Holiday gift that the entire family can enjoy consider a dual membership to the Lincoln Children’s Museum and Lincoln Children’s Zoo. It is double savings & double fun!

For your young dancers, local studio owner Shari True, of True Dance & Company, has created a new danceware line: www.truejoyactive.com On the subject of dance, don’t miss The Nutcracker at the Lied.

Read about it on page 22.

Every issue we receive lots of fun artwork and poems from local area children. We wish to thank the 100 plus children who stopped by our booth at the Streets Alive event last September 20th. The folks at Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln hosted a really fun time for all. Kids: look for some of your artwork in this issue!

A special thanks to our many local contributors who share their wealth of knowledge and literary talents with the readers of Lincoln Kids! newspaper.

Next issue we will have a little surprise to share with you.

Have a fun-filled and safe winter here in the land of Lincoln.

Mark, Karla & Bennett springcreekprairie.audubon.org 11700 SW 100th St | Denton, NE 68339

402-797-2301

Just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center has over three miles of trails through native tallgrass prairie to explore, discovery backpacks available for kids, and great events throughout the year!

Winter 2015 Page 3

Lincoln Kids!

Going Cuckoo over Birthday Cake, Santa, and Balloons

By Sharice Kucera Director of Marketing Lincoln Children’s Museum

A

t Lincoln Children’s Museum we are celebrating our 25th Birthday, hosting Santa, decorating hundreds of candy houses, and dropping thousands of balloons.

All in two months! The excitement is overwhelming!

It all starts on November 8th when we invite all Lincoln families to our 25th Birthday Bash.

We will have the grand opening of our two new exhibits which are Grow Zone, our bigger and better toddler area, and Cuckoo Construction presented by Hausmann Construction, a three story vertical climbing maze. The celebration will include birthday cake, live performances, and giveaways. Some of the Museum’s friends including The State Museum, Pioneers Park Nature

Center, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Innovation Studio, and Lincoln City Libraries will be at the party with activities as well.

After we’ve had our fill of cake, the holiday season comes in fast starting with Holiday Spectacular at 5:00 p.m. on December 4th.

Santa will open his workshop located in the Discovery Gallery and will be available for pictures throughout the night. There will be song, dance, storytelling, indoor snowball fights, decoration making and special guest appearances.

The very next day, Saturday, December 5th, Lincoln families unleash their creativity on some awesome candy houses. Make sure you register for Candy House Funshop early, because hundreds of families look forward to making messes and magic in the kitchen of the Children’s Museum. We supply the house, frosting, and decorations – you just bring visions of sugar plums and your imagination.

Candy House Funshop is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 5 – 20. Times and registration information is located at LincolnChildrensMuseum.org.

Finally, for the 21st year, we invite area families into the Museum for Make Believe Midnight. This fun family New Year’s Eve event is the perfect place to ring in 2016. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m. with a dance party, bubble wrap stomp and party favors. Just before 8:00 p.m., Father Time will say goodbye and welcome Baby New Year just in time for the make believe countdown. This year’s countdown is special though, as it will be led by Cuckoo Construction’s very own Cuckoo Bird for the first time. As the clock strikes “Make Believe Midnight”, the ball will drop along with thousands of balloons. This end of the year event is sure to leave families with fond memories of 2015.

New Exhibits Welcome a New Era for Children’s Museum

By Sharice Kucera Director of Marketing Lincoln Children’s Museum

T

Page 4 • lincolnkidsinc.com

hey’re here! It’s the news buzzing around the happiest place in Lincoln.

The new exhibits are finally here!

Over the past couple of months, Hausmann Construction has been hard at work making the facility ready for our two newest attractions. Meanwhile in Ohio, Roto Production Company was putting the finishing touches on the exhibits themselves. Just a few weeks

ago they arrived at the Museum ready for assembly.

Every day new exciting pieces are being added behind the tarps and barriers. Just this morning, the voice of our newest friend, the Cuckoo Bird, rang out across the Museum for the very first time. He lives at the top of Cuckoo Construction presented

by Hausmann Construction, a 34 foot tall, fully functioning Cuckoo Clock and vertical maze. In Grow Zone, our new toddler area, fun bugs and garden friends are flying in and finding a home.

All of us feel like kids again as the anticipation grows for our 25th Birthday Bash on November 8th. Instead of getting presents, we will be giving them! The grand opening ribbons will be cut on both new play areas on November 8th at 1:30 p.m. We would like to personally invite you to be one of the first to experience these new exhibits. Until then, we will count down the days and lose plenty of sleep! See you soon!

– Your friends at Lincoln Children’s Museum

Lincoln Kids!

E T A CRE

DISCOVER

Three floors of fun with over 40 interactive exhibits!

Gift

25 = 5 5x

Learn

PLAY

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

! e r o l a sG

Gift Cards

Good for memberships, programs, toys, and more! Perfect for the hard-to-buy-for family.

Membership

le to put You may not be ab giving a a bow on it, but quality family a year of of the play time is one gifts. most thoughtful

home!

Take the Museum om the Lots of items fr ith many Museum along w n-powered other imaginatio ockings toys to stuff st s. and fill wish list Winter 2015 Page 5

Lincoln Kids!

What Do Zoo Animals Eat? Submitted by Neely Sutter, Intern at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Can you guess what is on the menu for our cuddly zoo tenants?

When it comes to animals, Zoo CEO John Chapo has all the answers. Visit his article on page 9 to see how many you got right!

Tree Kangaroo (1)

John Chapo (2)

Pygmy Marmoset (3)

Red Panda (4)

Rodrigue’s Fruit Bat (5)

Sloth (6)

(A) Squash, Apple, Eggplant, Orange, Yam, Diet Blend

(B) Kale, Apple, Diet Blend, Nectarine

(C) Bread, Corn, Yam, Greens, Potato, Apple, Biscuits

(D) Fresh, Hot Pizza

(E) Leafeater Biscuits

(F) Banana, Orange, Plum

Holiday Train Ride•Hot Chocolate•Santa•Cookie Decorating•& More!

December 5, 6, 12 & 13

Tickets at LincolnZoo.org

Tickets on sale Nov. 5 at LincolnZoo.org. Tickets may sell out. Advanced ticket purchase is suggested.

Page 6 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

Hey Gram and Grandpa, Give Us a Gift We All Can Enjoy!

T

he Holidays are right around the corner and grandparents are starting to ask their grown children that age old question, “What should we get the grandkids?” How about suggesting to them to give a gift that they, as well as the g-kids, can enjoy. The Lincoln Children’s Museum and the Lincoln Children’s Zoo offer a dual membership that gives you just that. All year long at the Children’s Museum and from April through the end of October at the Zoo you will receive unlimited access to both of these award winning organizations. To quote Sharice Kucera of the Lincoln Children’s Museum, “I think the big benefit is that it is much less expensive than buying admission each time you visit, you receive discounts on many special events and store purchases, and receive both newsletters in the mail with all the fun information. If you’re giving it as a gift, you are giving families two great options of places to enjoy and learn with their children without worrying about spending money.”

What does a dual membership include?

Lincoln Children’s Museum: Children are invited to create, discover and learn through the power of play. Museum members can enjoy our three stories of fun, interactive stations & exhibits nearly every day of the year–rain, snow, or shine. Two brand new exhibits for 2016 are now open and include the biggest exhibit yet, Cuckoo Construction, a three story climbing exhibit, and Grow Zone, a special garden themed area for toddlers and younger.

• FREE admission to the Museum for one year • F REE subscription to Fingerprints, the Museum newsletter • 10% discount on merchandise at the Museum Store • Advance notice and access to special events and programs • Members-only discounts on themed birthday parties and Museum camps • E-news updates

Lincoln Children’s Zoo: Experience animals like never before with up-close encounters at Lincoln Children’s Zoo! With over 400 animals, train and pony rides, live shows on the animal encounter stage and more, the Zoo is a great destination for any age. Tortoise Trek, a brand new tortoise and macaw habitat, is a highly interactive exhibit with opportunities to see tortoises and macaws in a barrier free environment. Save over $60 a year by being a zoo member* • FREE unlimited admission • FREE Boo at the Zoo entry • Exclusive member extra hours • FREE Zootracks Magazine mailed subscription • FREE! September–members get freebies coupon postcard • Discounted tickets to North Pole Express • Discounted tickets to all “Breakfast” Events • Lower-priced registration for Zoo Camps • Lower-priced registration for Tots & Turtles • Special prices on birthday parties

Being a member gives you discounted or free admission to nearly 200 zoos and aquariums nationwide.

In Nebraska and nearby they include:

Riverside Discovery Center 50% discount on admission for any member from an affiliate AZA facility.

1600 S. Beltline Hwy West, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, (308) 6306236.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium 50% off the daily admission ticket, does not include ride or Imax tickets.

3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68107, (402) 733-8400.

Blank Park Zoo Free admission with Dual Lincoln Children’s Zoo Membership.

7401 SW. 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315, (515) 285-4722.

For more information see the ad below!

*based on a family of 5

For just $137, you get access to over 40 interactive exhibits at Lincoln Children’s Museum and over 400 animals at Lincoln Children’s Zoo! Purchase your dual membership online, by phone or by visiting Lincoln Children’s Museum or Lincoln Children’s Zoo today.

Winter 2015 Page 7

Lincoln Kids!

House Training Your Pet approach is that the pet learns to associate the NO with going to the bathroom. If this continues, your dog will start to hide when he or she goes to the bathroom because it thinks that is the problem.”

Scolding a pet if they come home to a mess is also counterproductive. “If the act has been done in the past, the pet will not understand why they are being scolded.”

Instead of scolding after the fact or yelling at their dog, pet owners should have a regular routine so it can go to the bathroom outside.

They should then praise their pet to reinforce the correct behavior.

“I think the most important thing for house training is giving as many opportunities for your pet to eliminate appropriately as possible,” she said. “For puppies it may be every hour, and for adult dogs it could be every three or four hours. Then, once they are starting to catch on, you can make the time between potty breaks longer.”

According to Shelby, a general rule of thumb for puppies is to use their age in months as the number of hours the puppy should be able to hold it. A typical healthy adult

By Charleen Engberg, Director of Education and Volunteers, Capital Humane Society

G

etting a new pet is a lot of fun and can result in years of loving companionship. It can also be a lot of responsibility and successful training that will take time and patience.

Shelby Backhus, Animal Behaviorist at Capital Humane Society, regularly helps pet owners who are having behavioral issues with their animals. House training is a common concern she addresses.

“People regularly call us because they are frustrated that their pet is eliminating inappropriately in the house,” she explained. “Sometimes this is an issue because the animal is not spayed or neutered.

Other times it is because there is an underlying medical cause, in which case, I urge owners to have their pet visit the vet to rule out medical issues. Most of the time though, the animal just needs some proper guidance and training. It can take awhile to fully house train an animal.”

Success will require planning, consistency and the use of lots of praise.

“Many people make the mistake of scolding their dog and yelling “NO” if they observe it eliminating inappropriately,” explained Shelby. “The problem with this

Winter 2015/Spring 2016 Swimming Lessons Sessions Run:

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52nd & Stockwell 402-486-2525 Page 8 • lincolnkidsinc.com

We also book the best priced birthday pool parties in town.

Call us today!

dog can usually hold it for about 7-8 hours, such as overnight.

“An adult dog should get outside to go potty at the very least 3 to 5 times a day,” said Shelby. “One thing that also helps in house training is giving a name to the action.

Every time the dog goes to the bathroom appropriately you can say ‘good potty’, or you can be even more specific and say ‘good poop’ or ‘good pee’; that way the dog understands they are doing a good thing. Then when you need the dog to go to the bathroom you can say ‘go potty’.”

There is no set timeline for a dog to learn house training, according to Shelby. “Puppies as young as four-months-old can be fully house trained. On the other hand it could take up to a year for a puppy to be fully house trained.

With older dogs it depends on how they were raised or their daily routine. If you start a dog on a strict schedule of going outside to go potty, and reward them for eliminating appropriately, most will catch on pretty quickly.”

Cats also need their owners to provide direction and care to promote successful litter box use.

“For cats and kittens, show them where the litter box is, and, if possible, have multiple boxes,” Shelby said. “One thing that helps when bringing a new cat into the home is to keep them confined to the room where the litter box will be. Have the litter box in one corner and food and water in an opposite corner. This way the cat has little options, other than the litter box, until they have settled into the new home. For multiple-cat households you should take the number of cats in the home and add one. The resulting number is how many litter boxes should be available.”

Remember, too, that scooping the litter box daily is very important. Cats may eliminate elsewhere if their litter box is full of waste.

Pets depend on their owners for proper direction. Take the time to educate yourself so you can teach your pet effectively. They will be happier and so will you. To find more great training tips, please visit our website at www.capitalhumanesociety.org.

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

Lincoln Kids!

Connecting Kids to Nature With the Christmas Bird Count

F

or over 110 years, the National Audubon Society and local Audubon chapters around the country have conducted the longest-running citizen science project …the Christmas Bird Count. This amazing bird survey involves community birders of all levels in taking a census for birds in the same area each year to help Audubon and other conservation organizations understand our bird populations and engage local

Count citizens. But, as me! great as this project is, it is an allday event that can, unfortunately, be a bit too involved for our younger birders and their families. But do not fear . . . the Christmas Bird Count identification for Kids (CBC4Kids) is here! are a young Thanks to Sonoma Birding & just looking Tom Russert in 2007, CBC4Kids programs have been popping up all over the country during the holiday season, and this year we are thrilled to announce that Spring

Creek Prairie Audubon Center will be organizing the first ever in the Lincoln area! No birding experience necessary, and part of the day will be binocular and bird activities. So if you birder, or a family for something fun

Specializing in Squirmers!

Mark’s ReMark

On September 20th, fellow publishers Karla, Bennett and I spent the day at at the Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln’s annual “Streets Alive!” event. Besides having tons of fun we collected over 100 drawings made by the children who were skipping, biking, roller skating and jogging past our table. I am always learning something new from our young friends so I wanted to share a “this will make every one laugh” drawing by young Landyn who is age nine. He announced to me that he was going to draw a Tanuki. “A what?” I asked. “A Japanese Raccoon Dog,” he responded as he set to work next to three other children. Later that night I Googled “Tanuki” and saw for myself what he was talking about. A very cool dog! Thanks Landyn, I learned something new!

“Tanuki Dog wearing an X-Men Belt”

by Landyn, age 9 Drawn at the Lincoln Kids! Booth at Streets Alive! 2015

for the kids to do during school break, check out this fun program, get outside, and help bird conservation right here in your own backyard.

The event will be on Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 10am – 12:30pm and is FREE! For more information, contact Jason “the Bird Nerd” at 402-797-2301 or email him at scp@audubon.org.

Moms & Dads get great haircuts too!

We Accept Debit & Credit Cards!

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

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am – 5:45pm

Saturday 9:00am – 2:45pm

402-484-7866 • 237 S. 70th, Suite 106

Lincoln’s Own Dr. Dolittle

By John Chapo, CEO, Lincoln Children’s Zoo “

T

alk to the animals, just imagine it...” is how a favorite song of mine from Dr. Doolittle begins. Maybe I so enjoy that song and those words because I feel a little like I am Lincoln’s own Dr. Doolittle.

Every day I get to go to the Zoo and to see all of my furry, feathered, finned and scaled friends and so many of the Zoo’s residents I have known since they were babies. Take Harvey, Betty and Hales, the Zoo’s resident Galapagos Tortoises. They arrived here as hatchlings (baby tortoises), the size of a tennis ball, and today at the ripe young age of six they are already much larger than a basketball. Then there is Kalif, the Zoo’s longest resident, aside from me of course! He and I go

way back, over 25 years we’ve been together here at the Zoo. We arrived to the Zoo youthful and ready to kick up our feet. I have to say today we both move a bit slower due to our age and arthritis.

Yes, I am the lucky guy who daily (even when the Zoo is closed and at night and the winter) can walk around enjoying the animals, greeting them good morning and goodnight. Often you might find me sharing honking sounds with the peacocks as we call back and forth, or getting a close eye to eye look with a gibbon. You might even find me slipping a treat of monkey biscuits to a camel.

Yep, I am the luckiest guy in town. I’m John Chapo, the Zoo director of the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. You might call me Lincoln’s own Dr. Doolittle!

Answers from Page 6: 1-C, 2-D, 3-E, 4-F, 5-B, 6-A

By Jason St. Sauver, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center

Winter 2015 Page 9

Lincoln Kids!

Read Anything Good Lately? Tips on Finding a Good Book

By Gretchen Garrison Local Mom, Blogger, and Reader

S

everal years ago, a sweet friend made me a little bag that I proudly carry with pride. Stitched on the outside is a tag that says “Bookworm Mom.” Considering that during the school year, we often check out about 100 books at a time, I accept that title!

I have always been a reader, and one of my deepest desires has been to develop my kids into readers as well. Until I took a course in teacher’s college, I thought all books were created equally. The more that I have read books to my kids, the more I have learned how to select titles that are enriching as well as enjoyable.

1) Visit the library frequently. Going to the place where the books are is an important first step in developing readers. Our fami-

ly goes once a week consistently and usually to the same local branch.

(On a side note, that has also cut down on our fines since I know to renew or return on that day!) Since the librarians know us, they often make suggestions if a new title has arrived that they think we would enjoy. They have such a great wealth of book ideas! Wander with the kids in their shelving areas.

Take a look at the book displays – that is a great way to find new authors that you might all enjoy.

2) Let your kids pick their own books, but then pick some to read as a family. Yes, my kids still check out the television show books, but since I am reading high quality

books with them, I feel like it balances out. The point is that they are learning to love to read, and that will happen easier if they are exploring what they enjoy.

3) Look for the medal stickers. If the book has won any type of an award, the honor is usually proudly displayed on the front cover. Perhaps just asking for the list is easier … Caldecott Awards are given to the best picture books of the year. Newbery Awards are given to the best chapter books of the year. One note of caution: just because the book won awards does not necessarily mean that you automatically want to read the title.

Some of the Caldecott winners

Books Everywhere!

BOOKS, books, books by the door, books on the floor.

Up, up, up, on the shelves there they go, there they go, read ‘em all up,up,up, read ‘em all up, up, up.

From my toes to my nose, books piled high, high in the sky.

They all fall down, down, down.

Books by the door, books on the floor.

Up on the shelves, there they go, all back in their places, just like before.

Submitted by: Sarah Lange, age 9

Page 10 • lincolnkidsinc.com

have amazing pictures, but perhaps the message is not one that you feel will be appropriate for your family or even the age of your kids. The American Library Association has additional award winning books on their website to pick from as well.

Want some more book suggestions? For the past year on www.

GoodLifeMoms.com, I have been writing a series entitled “Twelve Books for Twelve Months.”

Featuring some of our favorite titles that follow varying themes, the list should give you a great place to start on at least reading great picture books to your kids. Chapter book lists are a little more challenging since I cannot preview the titles as easily. Definitely ask friends and librarians for recommendations.

Gretchen Garrison is a Lincoln mom who enjoys exploring the town with her four kids. Writing primarily on her own blog, www.odysseythroughnebraska.com, she is also a contributing writer for “Good Life Moms” and “Her View From Home.”

Lincoln Kids!

The Perks of Reading Aloud to Your Tween and Young Teen

By Vicki Wood, Youth Services Supervisor, Lincoln City Libraries

H

aving had three children in five years, I remember when they all could be gathered to listen to the same book. As we made our way through stacks of picture books, to short novels, to the Harry Potter series, their age difference and independent reading abilities didn’t affect their love of listening to a great story. One by one, they discovered the pleasure of solo reading, but could still sometimes be lured back into the fold when I was reading aloud to a younger sibling. Sometime in their early teen years, the shared reading experiences ended.

When my youngest daughter was a senior in high school she was overloaded with coursework and extracurricular activities. One evening, as she struggled to get her

assigned reading completed, I offered to read a few chapters aloud to her to help her catch up.

There was something sweetly familiar about this remembered childhood ritual. The book was Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, one of my favorite books, which was daunting to her because of the language and the historical setting. Reading it aloud allowed me to explain plot intricacies and unfamiliar phrasing and vocabulary.

Reading aloud to your older, independent reader has many rewards, both academic and emotional. Longer works of fiction often contain plot elements that

Reading Sessions

Tutoring For Struggling Readers Fall Sessions

for 1st – 12th grade Sessions meet twice weekly for 60 minutes from early September – early December

Spring Sessions for K – 6th grade

Sessions meet twice weekly for 60 minutes from mid-January – mid-April

Summer Sessions

Is your child reading one or more years below grade level?

Sessions meet four times per week for 90 minutes from mid-June – early July and mid-July to early August

The Kit & Dick Schmoker Reading Center offers tutoring in reading. One-on-one instruction is provided in: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.

for 1st – 6th grade

Tutoring provided by UNL education students under supervision of the literacy faculty. Cost is $220 with a $10 new application fee. Space is limited!

To learn more about the Schmoker Reading Center: Apply on-line at: http://cehs.unl.edu/tlte/readingcenter/ Kit & Dick Schmoker Reading Center

inspire discussion about values, conflicts, and issues children might be grappling with in their real lives.

Sharing a book creates a calm shared experience in the stormy tween and teen years.

Academically, a child’s reading level doesn’t catch up to his listening level until the eighth grade, according to a study highlighted in Jim Trelease’s landmark work, The Read-Aloud Handbook, now in its seventh edition. Trelease emphasizes the importance of modeling the pleasure of reading, as well as “broadening the menu” in much the way we encourage our growing children to sample new foods. Other benefits include an expanded world view, increased vocabulary, and many argue that readers are more empathetic and compassionate.

Finally, only 17% of parents of kids ages 9–11 read aloud to their children. Yet 83% of kids ages 6–17 say being read to is something they either loved or liked a lot. (Scholastic’s Kids & Family Reading Report.)

Visit the library together, set aside a time and place, and begin.

Here are a few suggestions of language- rich, quality books you and your tweens and young teens may enjoy.

Kate DiCamillo’s books are consistently fresh, and full of heart. Start with Because of WinnDixie, segue into the fanciful with The Magician’s Elephant, and follow up with Flora and Ulysses.

Holes by Lois Sachar may have

a slightly more boyish appeal, but this coming-of-age story combines humor, drama, and a healthy dose of redemption sure to capture the hearts of the whole family. View the movie as a family, it has a killer soundtrack.

Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind will forever change the way you and your child view people with disabilities. As the Denver Post said, “If there is one book teens and parents (and everyone else) should read this year, Out of My Mind should be it”. Enough said.

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson is one of those books that packs in a lot of issues–faith, prejudice, friendship, bullying– seamlessly into its pages, inviting discussion.

Rules by Cynthia Lord explores all that is rich, and heartbreaking, about the sibling relationship, especially when it’s complicated by autism.

Marjorie Agosin’s I Lived on Butterfly Hill is narrated by 11-year-old Celeste, who must leave her beloved Chile when a military dictatorship takes over, threatening everything that she loves.

Ivan, a gorilla long kept captive as an attraction in a mall, decides to make a better life for a baby elephant that has been recently added to the display in The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate And don’t forget, if you sometimes can’t do the reading, let the professional readers do it. We have a plethora of books on Playaway, compact disc and on downloadable audio available for checkout. As always, your Lincoln City Libraries’ librarian will be happy to help with book suggestions or show you how to download material from our Overdrive or Hoopla apps.

For application assistance, contact: Melisia Bieber, Reading Center Associate (402)-472-3532, readingcenter@unl.edu Winter 2015 Page 11

Lincoln Kids!

Speech and Language Delay & Disorder: How Does it Relate to Dyslexia?

By Shelli Cook, M.S. CCC-SLP, Speech-Language PathologistVice President, Nebraska Dyslexia Association

S

peech is a verbal form of communication. When it is not understood by others there is a problem. Speech problems, such mispronunciations, can be very frustrating.

Language has to do with meanings, rather than sounds. There is receptive language, which is what we understand, and expressive, which is how we communicate to others.

Language delay is when a child’s language is developing in the right sequence, but at a slower rate. Speech and language disorder describes abnormal language development.

Delayed speech or language development is the most common developmental problem. It affects five to ten percent of preschool kids.

How can I tell if my child’s speech and language development is on track?

There are portions of milestones

to look for in normal speech development. For a complete list see the University of Michigan website for speech-language delay and disorder, http://www.med.umich.edu/ yourchild/topics/speech.htm.

What Can I Do to Help?

Recommendations from the American Speech-Language Association include: • Check your child’s ability to hear, and pay attention to ear problems and infections, especially when they keep occurring.

• Reinforce your child’s communication attempts by looking at him or her, speaking, and imitating his or her vocalizations and expressions.

• Talk a lot to your child. Tell them what you are doing as you do it.

• Plan family trips and outings.

Your new experiences give you something interesting to talk about before, during, and after the outing.

• Look at family photos and talk

“Spooky Trees” Antonia Baylor, Age 12, Art Around the Corner

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about them.

• Answer your child every time they speak—this rewards them for talking.

• Ask your child lots of questions, including about stories in books as you read them.

• Use gestures along with words.

• Don’t criticize grammar mistakes.

Instead, just model good grammar.

How can I tell if my child has a language problem or is just “a late-bloomer” ?

You can’t really tell whether a child with delayed speech is a late bloomer or has an expressive language disorder or other underlying cause of speech delay. That’s why it’s worth seeking help. The earlier your child gets help, the greater their progress will be. And if they turn out to be a late bloomer, the extra attention to their speech will not have hurt them in any way. Your child’s treatment team might include a speech-language pathologist, doctor, an audiologist, educational professionals, and/or a social worker.

The Dyslexia Link

Interestingly, speech-language delays in general put children at risk for dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language-based, specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Of the students with specific learning disabilities receiving special education services, 70-80% have deficits in reading. The International Dyslexia Association states Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.

Warning Signs for Dyslexia are actually seen in the preschool year.

Those for Kindergarten & First Grade include: • Reading errors that show no con-

nection to the sounds of the letters on the page (will say “puppy” instead of the written word “dog” in an illustrated page with a dog shown).

• Does not understand that words come apart.

• Complains about how hard reading is, or “disappearing” when it is time to read.

• A history of reading problems in parents or siblings.

Source: Overcoming Dyslexia ©Sally Shaywitz, M.D.

If you suspect your child may have dyslexia, do not wait. Have your child evaluated. Private practice or public school practitioners trained in Orton Gillinghom, systematic, multisensory evaluation and intervention will be best suited for your childs needs.

These interventions will include auditory, visual, and tactile in nature (International Dyslexia Association).

Where can I find more information?

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association has lots of information on their website, http://www. asha.org. You can also call 1-800638-8255.

The Nebraska Dyslexia Association provides resources and works to enhance the public’s perception and understanding of dyslexia and related language/learning abilities, www.nebraskadyslexia.org and on Facebook.

The International Dyslexia Association website, www.eida.org, provides a wealth of information, including helpful facts sheets.

Understood.org provides information on multiple speech-language disorders.

The University of Michigan website on speech-language delay and disorder, http://www.med.umich.edu/ yourchild/topics/speech.htm

Lincoln Kids!

Anxious, Stressed Out Kids? 7 Things You Can Do About It.

By Summer Brackhan, Integrative Parenting & Health Coach

T

he scene is all too familiar, a child stressing out over a test, a soccer game, a social situation, etc.

Stress and anxiety are becoming a larger problem at an earlier age.

Some kids verbalize their anxiety where other kids internalize it and end up with stomach aches.

Here are seven things that you can do to reduce the stress and anxiety levels in your household and for your kids.

Breathe. Take three deep breaths. This reduces your heartrate and brings more oxygen to the brain. Most people are accustomed to breathing shallow or holding in their breath and then letting out huge sighs when overwhelmed.

Teach your kids to be mindful of their breathing. This way when they feel they are in a situation

that causes them stress, they will be able to engage in something that reduces stress, a simple breath.

Look at your lifestyle.

Do you wear a busy badge?

It has become customary in society to run from one thing to the next, with many people boasting about how busy and tired they are. This is not healthy. Most kids are overscheduled. Kids need downtime to explore, play and develop according to a natural timeline. It is very important for emotional development for kids to have time to “just be”.

Spend more time outdoors.

Connection to nature is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety. A

simple thing like sorting through rocks or digging in the dirt can reduce stress levels.

Increase c a l m i n g foods. Omega 3’s and Magnesium are essential to our nervous system and most people do not get enough. Fish and flax oils are great for Omega 3’s and almonds are high in magnesium. Some kids benefit from a magnesium supplement like Natural Calm.

Focus on character. So much of the current focus in society is on outward achievement like grades, winning a game, clothing options, fitting in with the crowd, etc. Instead focus on skill building. When your child learns

something new compliment them on taking the time to learn a new skill, versus how good they are at the new skill. When they show empathy, courage, determination, or patience, compliment them on those qualities. This teaches kids to look for internal, versus external, motivation.

Let Go. Too often we as parents burden our kids with our own stress levels. If we are stressed out we get shorter with our kids.

We impose rules instead of calmly thinking through a situation. The best thing you can do for your kids is to let go of your own stress.

Instead of prioritizing the to-do list, prioritize a lower stress level in your house.

Grow. Teach your kids that mistakes and missteps are just part of life and essential to learning.

When kids see that mistakes are a natural part of growing up, they embrace new things with enthusiasm, not fear.

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Minty Fresh: Add muddled fresh mint with simple syrup Candied Mint: Stir with a candy cane. Top with chopped Andes Cherry Cordial: Add syrup from a maraschino jar & a cherry on top!

Salted Caramel: Drizzle in some caramel sauce & add just a pinch of salt A la Mode: Drop a scoop of ice cream into your mug - yummy!

Extra Boost: Toss in a shot of espresso or stir in some instant coffee Go Ahead, Have a Nutter: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter until it’s

melted (takes a while, but it’s rich and delicious) The Nutcracker: Mix in a spoonful of chocolate nut butter, like Nutella Darker Yet: Top with dark chocolate shavings and enjoy as they melt Spiced Delight: Add a dash of holiday spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, pumpkin spice, or a blend of a few!

Chai Time: Brew a cup of chai tea and add your cocoa mix to it Holiday Zest: Cut an orange rind into 1/4” strips to steep in your cocoa Hot ’n Spicy: Add a drop of hot sauce or dash of cayenne seasoning Tropic Slide: Stir in coconut cream for a creamy tropical effect Coco Cocoa: Mix in a scant tablespoon of coconut butter - this is also good for chapped lips!

Maple Leaf: Pour in some maple syrup - unleash your inner Elf!

Of course you could always get coffee syrups and add a dash of this & that.

Have a cocozy Christmas!

Give the Gift of Theater Check out our website for details on these Camps!

Cinderella

The Time Machine

Camp starts March 19 Shows May 5–7 & 12–14

Camp starts January 16 Shows March 3–5

Theatre Try-It Days

For elementary age students on their days off!

Nov. 30, Feb. 15 & April 29th

Theatre Adventure Days!

School is out, but the office is still open…What to do? Hire a sitter?

Forget about that!

Send your kids to come play at the Haymarket Theatre for our Theatre Adventure Days!

• January 18–Auditions! • March 7-11–Spring Break Camp! • • March 25th–Page to stage (making adaptations of your favorite stories for the stage!)

Space is limited - register now! www.haymarkettheatre.org • 402-477-2600 • info@haymarkettheatre.org

Winter 2015 Page 13

Lincoln Kids!

GET AWAY FROM THE USUAL AT YMCA CAMP KITAKI UPCOMING CAMPOUT EVENTS

NEW YEARS LIVE Dec. 29th-Jan. 1st • Ages 7-14 • $175

PROGRAM: Come ring in the New Year at Camp Kitaki! For 4 days and 3 nights, campers will enjoy activities such as a dance party, winter gaga, and creating their own country to compete in the Wacky Winter Olympics. This is the longest campout we do during the non-Summer months and is a great way to meet new friends and try out Camp’s programs. From the opening ceremonies to the closing party, this is a campout not to miss!

CABIN FEVER February 13-14 • Ages 7-14 • $57

PROGRAM: Kids have cabin fever? Camp Kitaki has the cure. Cabin Fever campers spend a night at camp with plenty of fun! Sledding and snow activities will be a focus if weather permits. Send your camper to camp while you enjoy a belated night out for Valentine’s Day!

MASTERPIECE ARTS WEEKEND Feb. 26th-28th • Ages 11-15 • $115

PROGRAM: Masterpiece Arts Weekend campers choose an art focus from eight different choices and delve into creating take-home pieces of art. Led by the talented camp staff and outside artists and teachers the event is a great way to explore creativity with no skill required! Learn more about photography, mosaics, music and more! Campers can show off their art to family and friends at the Art Show at the end of the weekend.

YMCA CAMP KITAKI

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WHERE THE MAGIC NEVER ENDS...

SUMMER CAMP • YEAR AROUND CAMPOUTS • OUTDOOR EDUCATION • RETREATS • FAMILY CAMPS Page 14 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

Toys vs. Time

By Lindsay Rogers, Wildlife Education Specialist for the

I

recently asked my 4-yearold what he would like for his upcoming birthday.

“Batman toys,” was his immediate response. “No, I like Aquaman now, so how about an Aquaman bike,” he said a few minutes later. Over the course of the next two weeks, his birthday requests changed at least daily (sometimes hourly).

These often comical conversations got me thinking about the toys I liked as a child and all my childhood memories. I remember playing with my Cabbage Patch Dolls. I loved Legos. But, beyond that, I could not really think of a

toy I cherished because I thought all that much. the pancakes my That is not to say mom was cooking I can’t rememover the campfire ber my childwere going to be hood…I just my only birthday can’t remember cake. I will never the commercial tire of thinking toys. about all our sumMy fondest mer vacations to childhood memstate and nationories are of my al parks; the time time playing we first learned outside with the unique smell my sister. I can of the geysers at Lucy Wacker and her first fish still picture us Yellowstone or Photo by Lindsay Rogers collecting mud, the feel of squishy leaves and berries to make “fancy” moss-covered ground at Olympic mud pies. I can remember turning National Park. our modest swing set into a giant These are the things that really fort. I remember my mother dragmatter. Experiences in nature creging us on annual trips to the apple ate the memories that will last a orchard. I smile at the thought lifetime. If you need proof, think of our first family camping trip of the pictures you take. I rareon my 5th birthday when I cried ly take pictures of my children

playing with their building sets or Batman toys. Instead, I have scores of pictures of the first fish Lucy caught on her own, the time Sam discovered roly-polies under a fallen log, and the family trip to Platte River State Park. I have framed images on my desk of Sam climbing on a log at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lucy running through the prairie at Pioneers Park.

This winter, as you prepare for the holidays, remember that nature is often one of the best gifts. An inexpensive fishing pole will lead to hours of fun at a local pond. A small pair of binoculars will lead to a new-found appreciation for the birds in your own backyard. An annual State Park Pass will lead to a summer of outstanding adventures. And, all of these things will lead to lifelong memories (and great pictures!).

Winter 2015 Page 15

Lincoln Kids!

Leaf Litter Ahoy! - Buried Treasure at Our Feet!

By Jamie Kelley, Naturalist, Pioneers Park Nature Center

T

here are treasures to be discovered right at our feet. Many times when hiking through a wooded area we tend to look up. We look up at the trees, the birds, the canopy above our heads. But there is more to explore, more to be seen, and it’s under our feet. A simple activity that you and your family can enjoy on your next hike is exploring leaf litter. It only takes a few materials, all of which are easily found around the house, and the activity and hike can be as short or as long as you’d like. Enjoy time this fall and winter exploring, and remember, there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing. So pull on the jackets and hats and have happy hiking through the fall and winter seasons.

Leaf Litter Activity: More to explore under our feet

What is leaf litter? Leaf litter is found on the ground in the woods.

It is made up of the leaves, needles, and twigs that are on the ground, basically any dead plant material.

All of this material will eventually decompose and become soil.

What you’ll need: A bag, a small paper lunch sack or reusable cloth or canvas bag would work great. The second item needed is a solid white or light colored piece of cloth about handkerchief size.

Even an old pillow case or piece of sheet would work. Optional tools include a magnifying glass, jar or bug house, paper, and old unwrapped crayons.

What to do: While out walking in an area with lots of trees, collect a few handfuls of leaf litter and place it in your bag.

Next, find a good spot to sit down. Preferably somewhere close to the area where you picked up the leaf litter. Spread out your handkerchief or piece of cloth and gently dump out the contents of Page 16 • lincolnkidsinc.com

your bag. Move the leaves around and explore what’s there.

Right away you might notice that there are insects and spiders moving about in the leaf litter.

Sometimes you might have to shift around and spread out the contents a bit more, but typically you’ll find these little critters moving about. Use a small jar or clear container to scoop one up. Once secured in a container use a magnifying glass to take a look at what was hiding amongst the leaves.

Then investigate the types of leaves, needles, and small pieces of twigs or bark. Sort the items by similar shape, size, or color, making piles of each. Now that you’ve sorted your collection, try creating a pattern with these items. Try to match items in the leaf litter to the plants that are around you. Can you find similar leaves or bark growing on the trees?

Another activity that you can do is have everyone on the hike pick their favorite item they collected and share why. Maybe it’s the color, shape, or something interesting about that item that made it stand out. You can then also make a rubbing of this item. To do this lay a piece of paper over your chosen item. Using the flat side of the unwrapped crayon to color over the paper, you will create an image of your favorite leaf litter material.

When you get home, you can even display your leaf rubbings as fun fall decorations.

Continue to explore the leaf litter or move to a new location and try the activity again. At the new location did you find the same types of leaves and insects?

Are there differences in the color, smell, or texture of the leaf litter in the new location compared to the first location?

Remember all parts of nature

should remain in nature. Clean up by gently brushing off the handkerchief and making sure all contents from the bag are dumped out.

Then release all of the critters you may have captured.

While returning from your hike, talk about what surprised you about the leaf litter and ask questions about your discoveries. Questions can start with “I wonder why...”, “I wonder if...”, “I wonder how...” Remember, it’s okay to not know all the answers.

Use those question to extend this activity at home where you can look up more information in field guides. Remember, there is always more to explore!

Pioneers Park Nature Center offers many opportunities to hike

LINCOLN PEDIATRIC GROUP, LLC

and explore. Join us at one or more of the following programs this fall and winter: Prairie Run: November 7, 9 am.

Cost is $10/child for 1 mile fun run and $20/adult for 5K walk/run.

This run is a fundraising event for the Nature Center’s prairie restoration projects.

Night Hike: November 13th, 6:30– 8:00 pm. Cost is $7/person.

Register by November 10th.

Winter Birding: Monday, December 28 – Thursday, December 31, 10:00 – noon.

Suggested donation $3/person. No pre-registration needed.

For more information about these and more programs at the Nature Center call 402-441-7895 or visit our website, http://lincoln. ne.gov/city/parks/naturecenter. The Nature Center is open MondaySaturday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and Sundays, noon – 5 pm.

402-489-3834

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

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

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

Lincoln Kids!

Winter Break: Maintaining Routines and Keeping the Learning Alive

By Miss Flowers, Education Director at Lincoln Children’s Museum

T

he days are getting shorter and nights are getting crisper. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here then it’s an all out dash of family gatherings, school celebrations, then winter, and finally time for winter vacation. This year Lincoln Public Schools has eight school days off for winter break, that is just long enough to break routine, throw off your child’s sleep schedule, lose focus and affect behavior. As a parent you know how difficult it can be to get the family back into your regular routine after all the holiday fun. Keeping a consistent routine throughout winter break with regular sleep times, regulated screen times and consistent learning opportunities can keep children calm and ready to learn

when school is comes with the holback in session. iday season. Work After this we’ll go Winter break to the museum! with your children, doesn’t have to nieces and nephews mean a break to write a family hisfrom learning. tory or create a famHere are a few ily tree. simple things Create a new holyou can do at home to keep your iday tradition: family story hour. little ones learning during winter Take turns reading winter stories break while creating new family and holiday books aloud with your traditions. kids and other family members.

Have piles of gifts to wrap for Weather permitting, engage in family and friends? Make it a seasonal activities such as sledgame! Ask your child to help you ding, snowball fights or ice skatby measuring the size of the gifts ing as a family. Keeping the body to figure out how much gift-wrap moving keeps the brain moving you need for each. too and it’s a wonderful way to Wintertime in my house usualcreate lasting family memories. ly means lots of baking. Practice In addition to these activities math skills by having your child that your family can do at home, figure out the quantities to half there are plenty of elementary or double your favorite holiday camps during the holiday season recipes. that can keep your children schoolTake advantage of the extra time ready all winter long. During winwith extended family that usually ter break you can fill five of those

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

eight days off of school with camps at the Lincoln Children’s Museum.

On December 23rd kids can get into the holiday spirit with our one-day Gifts & Goodies Camp.

Campers will be baking holiday treats and making handmade gifts.

December 28-30th campers can go “Full STEAM Ahead” with our science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics themed camp.

Full STEAM Ahead is extra special because Sylvan Learning Center will be bringing math, coding and LEGO Robotics activities each day. Finally, join us on January 4th, the last day of winter break, for our Abominable Snow Camp.

We will be studying snow science, talking about winter tall tales and exploring the art of claymation.

For more information or to register, please visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org or call 402-4774000.

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

402-441-8655

WIC is an equal opportunity provider.

Winter 2015 Page 17

Lincoln Kids!

Sneaking Up on Your Kids: Unhealthy Food Marketing to Children

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

Y

ou do everything you can to protect your kids.

We all want our children to grow up healthy and successful. We want to protect them from harm and being led astray by bad influences. It’s pretty easy to identify some threats – strangers with candy, not looking both ways before crossing the street, biking without a helmet. But what about the threats which sneak up on our kids and on us as well? What about the advertising of unhealthy foods that can lead to a lifetime of health problems and a shorter lifespan?

An often unrecognized risk to our children’s health is the barrage of food marketing directed at them.

Multiple Routes to Your Kids

The average child sees about 11 food-related ads per day just from

television alone. Other sources include outdoor advertising (have you ever seen a sporting event without a beverage ad?), electronic media including “advergames” which are video games with embedded logos and ads hidden within handouts directed toward children.

Why is marketing to kids a problem?

Studies estimate that food and beverage marketing account for up to 18% of the obesity epidem-

ic. Obesity related chronic diseases can cut up to five years off the lifespans of our kids.

T h e problem with food and beverage marketing to kids is that young children do not understand the context of advertising. Children under age six cannot distinguish the difference between information from parents or teachers and an advertisement. If a child under six sees Beyoncé or the Minions telling them pop is good, they see that as equivalent to their mom or teacher telling them pop is good.

Children up to age eight also do not understand that advertising is designed to persuade, not to inform. Food and beverage mar-

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keters know this and that is why you see so many of these ads on children’s entertainment.

Yes, free speech is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution! However, it does not protect deceptive advertising. Due to the limited abilities of young children to understand advertising, marketing directed at them can be inherently deceptive.

A common example where the United States does not allow all forms of advertising is tobacco products. You don’t see tobacco companies openly targeting children any more. Remember the Joe Camel ads from when you were young? They are gone now and there is a reason why!

Continued on next page...

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Made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Page 18 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Isn’t this a country with free speech?

Lincoln Kids!

...Continued from page 18 What about other countries?

Some other countries are already restricting food advertising to children as the evidence behind the harmful effects of food and beverage marketing to kids becomes stronger. Because of the mounting evidence, the World Health Organization has called on all countries to restrict such marketing.

What can you do?

That’s the hard part. As you look around (your television, any sporting event, even driving through downtown Lincoln) it’s hard to avoid food marketing to your kids.

Fixing this problem will take time, but make a conscious effort to spot all the marketing and if you think it’s inappropriate at some locations, point it out to the people who manage those organizations.

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

Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln works to improve wellness policies, conduct health research, and collaborate with community partners to promote healthy nutrition, increase fitness, and decrease obesity-related chronic diseases in our city and county. For more information visit www.healthylincoln.org

Always Nice!

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Winter 2015 Page 19

Lincoln Kids!

Diving: Being an Athlete is the First Goal

By Ann Neal Nebraska Diving Club Mom

T

he sport of diving typically gets the most attention during Olympic years when, on television, one can watch athletes from all over the world perform remarkable dives.

These athletes perform dives made up of flips and/or twists from the 3-meter springboard or 10-meter platform. To some, what they do seems impossible and terrifying, but to others, it seems exciting and simplistic. The truth lies somewhere in between.

According to Kris Hoffman, Head Coach of the Nebraska Diving Club (NDC), diving is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, timing, split-second decision making, and courage. There is not one part of the body that is not involved in executing even the most basic dive.

Coach Hoffman sees that every young athlete comes into the sport of diving with certain individual abilities, such as a great vertical jump, strength, flexibility, an impressive toe point, the ability to spin or twist, or being fearless, but notes that very few divers start with this entire package. His goal is to build on the strengths each child has while working to develop areas which may not come as naturally. Divers are asked to constantly make changes and push themselves including being courageous enough to try a new dive or re-try

a dive after a “crash” (a.k.a. belly-flop or back-flop). At each practice, young divers work diligently on their technique and are required to demonstrate a mastery of each skill before being allowed to move on to more difficult dives. As the dives get more difficult, the importance of using proper technique becomes more and more important. Much like a solid foundation is needed when building a home to be certain the walls won’t cave in and floors won’t squeak, a diver cannot build on poor technique or shaky skills and expect solid performances or to learn harder dives. The attitude needed for diving has been compared to that of training for a marathon…it takes time, patience, and dedication first to learn the dives and then to make them appear as effortless and natural as they do.

The philosophy and coaching of diving has shifted since the 80’s and 90’s when less focus was paid to core conditioning and technique and more on “getting the dive off the board.” Coach Hoffman’s philosophy is to develop the athlete in each child, as well as work to master dives. Core strength and conditioning is necessary for all athletics, in addition to developing kinesthetic muscle memory.

Muscle memory involves consolidating a specific movement into memory by doing that movement over and over and over again. Through this process, a long-term muscle memory is created for that movement, allowing it to be performed without conscious effort.

This in turn creates greater efficiency, with less effort and attention, within the motor and memory systems. Muscle memory is particularly important for divers, in that so much happens from the end of the diving board to the entry into the water, and there isn’t a whole lot of time in between.

Coach Hoffman emphasizes that diving provides all the same benefits as other sports, such as individual and team commitment, team unity, developing confidence, expecting more from yourself than you ever thought possible, and

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learning to overcome obstacles and fear. These lessons, learned in the diving well, are the same lessons we work to instill in our children every day. Plus, being able to show all your friends what you can do off the boards at the local pool during the summer is pretty awesome, too.

The Nebraska Diving Club (NDC) practices at the Devaney Sports Center on the University of Nebraska campus in Lincoln and is a year-round program. All levels of divers are welcome including those who have never been off a diving board to national level athletes. Head Coach Kris Hoffman is assisted by Natasha Chinika, UNL’s Women’s Diving Coach, Rob Babcock, and Rey Castro. If you are interested in the NDC program for your child, please contact Coach Hoffman at 402-450-2402 for more information. Please look the NDC advertisement on this page and come try a practice–for free!

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Page 20 • lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

Visit www.tafk.org to register!

Rising Stars: Ages 3-7

Musical Theatre Workshop: Ages 7-15

Saturdays, January 9th – March 5th 9:00-10:00 am

Saturdays, January 9th – April 2nd 10:00 am-4:00 pm (Fridays 6:00-8:00 pm as needed)

Performance: Saturday, March 5th at 10:00 am $185

Performances: Friday, April 1st at 7:00 pm Saturday, April 2nd at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm $335

Voice & Piano Lessons Theatre Arts For Kids offers voice and piano lessons for kids of all ages.

Visit www.tafk.org to find more information about voice lessons and other programs TAFK offers!

Winter 2015 Page 21

Lincoln Kids!

The Peterson Party Onstage at The Nutcracker

By Karla Goerl Lincoln Kids! Newspaper

I

t’s holiday season and the days are just packed.

Baking cookies, sipping cocoa, wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, shopping, parties...and The Nutcracker! This classic ballet comes to life every Christmas season at the Lied Center in Lincoln - and this year is no exception!

The 2015 show will be an especially memorable time for the Peterson’s, who will make their debut as a family of merry-makers during the party scene. This will be the 6th year performing in The Nutcracker for twins Skyler & Finley and mom Kelley, but the first year they all have a scene together in Act I’s “Party Scene”.

Kelley and Skyler have had parts in this scene since 2010 and are excited to have Finley join the party for the first time this year.

Finley, are freshmen at Lincoln Southeast High School, and, thanks to mom, are hooked on dance, too. They will even be celebrating their birthday on December 19th while performing in the show.

Skyler plays football for LSE, is a member of Step Chain, and dancSkyler, Kelley, and Finley Peterson es at Hart Dance Photo Courtesy of Purple Sky Productions Academy outside of football season. “My mom thought “I danced as a company memI wasn’t going to be in the show ber in the Lincoln City Ballet as once I was in high school but, here a teen and have been hooked ever I am and I wouldn’t miss it. I like since. It just seemed natural to the girl-to-guy ratio...and dancing engage my kids in this magical with my sister is pretty cool too.” experience too. One year my oldThis is a special year for Finley, est son, Foster, even joined us,” who has been an apprentice for Kelley said while smiling. the past two years, and this year The Peterson twins, Skyler and

2015 Nutcracker at the Lied

T

he Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company will present its 31st anniversary production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, December 19, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m. The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s Nutcracker features more than 200 dancers from southeastern Nebraska in a performance that showcases a live orchestra and nationally recognized guest artists. The classic story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the finest choreography, costumes, and scenery, making this production a treasured Lincoln tradition.

The cast of The Nutcracker is composed of local dance students who are selected by audition. Featured 2015 student soloists include: Lincoln East senior Grace Mann as Clara; McKaylee True, Page 22 • lincolnkidsinc.com

sophomore at Lincoln East, as Snow Queen; and Olivia Etherton, junior at Lincoln East High School, as Dew Drop.

The Artistic Director of the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company’s Nutcracker production is Shari True.

The Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Herbert E. Dregalla, Jr., will provide Tchaikovsky’s classic score.

2015 PERFORMANCES: Saturday, December 19 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 20 2:00 p.m.

Lied Center for Performing Arts 301 North 12th Street, Lincoln Tickets go on sale Monday, October 26 The Lied Box Office (402) 472-4747 LiedCenter.org Adults: $27, $34, $47 Students: $17, $22, $34

has made the company. Finley is on the LSE Student Council and is captain of the freshman cheer squad. She has been dancing since she was three years old, currently at Hart Dance Academy and True Dance & Company. She is training to compete in the Youth America Grand Prix, a classical ballet competition in Chicago this February.

“I’ve wanted to dance with Sky and my Mom ever since my first year in the Nutcracker. Now we can be my mom’s “kids” in real life and on stage.”

The Nutcracker Ballet is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family - as spectators and performers! Join us this December as we applaud the Peterson family and the many talented performers and musicians as they dance and bring joy to the Lincoln area.

for a s p o o r T e h t y ! c i Rall s s a l C y a Holid

December 19 & 20, 2015 Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company Shari True, Artistic Director Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra

For Tickets Call 402.472.4747 or Visit LiedCenter.org

Lincoln Kids!

Miracle on 70th Street Jami Blair Public Relations CHI Health St. Elizabeth

J

oin CHI Health St. Elizabeth for their sixth annual Christmas celebration, Miracle on 70th Street. This free holiday event will be held at the hospital, located at 555 South 70th Street, on Saturday, December 5 from 8 a.m. to noon. This family fun event is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season.

Santa, his reindeer and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the hospital at 8 a.m. Kids can sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what is on their Christmas list, and Mrs. Claus will be reading Christmas stories to kids of all ages.

B

Children can meet a few of Santa’s reindeer and climb into his sleigh. A professional photographer will be taking photos of children on Santa’s lap. Every family gets to take home one free photo! Additional photos will be available for purchase through an online ordering system.

Kids will also enjoy other fun activities, including crafts and games, live music for children and face painting. For more information, visit www.

CHIhealthStElizabeth.com Join Us December 5th from 8 a.m to noon!

St. Elizabeth Hospital, 555 South 70th Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Call 402.219.8838 for additional information.

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

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

Kindermusik of Lincoln

Shawna Gordon, Director 402-770-1486

kindermusikoflincoln.com www.kindermusikoflincoln.com

“Year of the Dog” Vanity Scott and Jadah Scott, Ages 6 & 9, LUX Center for the Arts

A Christmas Story

egin your family holiday celebration with A Christmas Story!

Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940’s follows young Ralphie Parker on his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas.

Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus himself, at Goldblatt’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boy’s

experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more. A Christmas Story is destined to become a theatrical holiday perennial.

For the Holidays

Give the Gift of Dance!

The Lied Center Shows start at 7:00 PM on December 10, 11, & 12, 2015 Reserved Tickets go on sale: November 10 $10 for Adults & $8 Students Call 402-436-1335 for reservations and information

Winter 2015 Page 23

Lincoln Kids!

Fa-la-la-Laser Shows Light Up Mueller Planetarium During December

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

M

ueller Planetarium at the University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall (south of 14th and Vine Streets on the UNL City Campus) will light up with laser light shows throughout December to help children and families get into the holiday spirit!

Families will get whisked away by holiday songs such as Let it Snow, Jingle Bell Rock, and Sleigh Ride, as well as current pop songs, in a captivating laser-light show.

Along the way, follow the adventures of the world’s only laser penguin, Squeaky, as he tries to figure out how best to return home to Antarctica for the Holidays, a big challenge for a small, flightless bird.

Just for the adults, Mueller Planetarium will have special showings of Laser Beatles and Laser U2.

The Beatles never looked so good. Whether in the mood for a mind-warping ride on a yellow submarine or just looking for an excuse to twist and shout, the Laser Beatles classic rock laser show has something for everyone. Featuring fifteen Beatles clas-

sics, such as Hard Day’s Night, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Yesterday, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this is considered by many to be the most spellbinding Beatles laser show ever.

Laser U2 spans three decades pairing brilliant laser graphics

and abstract images to songs like Where the Streets Have No Name, Beautiful Day, Desire and Vertigo are brilliantly illustrated in vibrant laser light.

Tickets will be sold on a firstcome first-served basis the day of the show at the front desk in Morrill Hall. Regular museum hours are 9:30am to 4:30pm.

The doors will re-open at 5:30pm for evening shows. The museum’s exhibits will not be open during the evening laser shows. Children ages three and under are not admitted into the Planetarium.

For more information go to spacelaser.com/lasers or call the front desk in Morrill Hall 402472-2637

“Flower in a Color Medley”

by Lydia Hotovy age, 11, Homeschooled

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

• • • •

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

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Lincoln Kids!

Large Batch Smart Cookin’

By Bennett Martin Lincoln Kids!

Newspaper, Lincoln Chef

W

orking as a local chef I am always trying to figure out efficient and practical ways to create tasty, nutritious foods while cutting down costs. One of my favorite methods is large-batch prepping & cooking, and then freezing the extras I make. This is an easy concept that just requires doubling your ingredients (but not your time!), and buying larger portions of ingredients usually shaves costs off your per-person price. You will find it’s really not much more work making food for 25 as it is for 5. You will be saving time and money without sacrificing nutrition (and you’ll know exactly what went into your food). With only a little extra planning you can create

your own line of freezer foods that your whole family will love!

Enchiladas are a great example.

Next time you make enchiladas for dinner, simply assemble another batch in a disposable foil pan, but instead of baking it, wrap it up and stick it in the freezer. Now next time you want enchiladas for dinner you have them ready to pop in the oven, and you won’t have to go to the grocery store!

My wife, Karla, and I often

make large batches of foods we know will freeze well. A personal favorite of mine is burritos (especially those of the breakfast variety). Our last batch had sweet potato, bacon, egg and cheese.

The key is to prepare each of your ingredients and let them cool before assembling. We clear the dining room table to use as our prep counter and spread out as many tortilla shells as we can fit.

Then, we each have an ingredient

in hand, and disperse the ingredient on each shell, circling the table as we go. We do this until all the ingredients are used up. Then we just roll them up burrito-style and wrap them in plastic wrap.

We store 6-8 burritos per gallon freezer zip bag and label with the contents and prep date. To reheat our burritos we remove from the plastic wrap and cover with damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on size.

Other foods that freeze well are chili, lasagna, pasta dishes, non-cream based soups, pulled meats like bbq pork, and enchilada chicken, and pot roast. Even baked goods, like waffles, pancakes, and muffins can be frozen for a later date. If you need more ideas just take a stroll down the freezer section of your favorite grocery store. What looks good to you can be made at home yourself!

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Winter 2015 Page 25

Lincoln Kids!

By Summer Brackhan, Integrative Parenting & Health Coach

G

o into any grocery store and the shelves are bursting with gluten-free options. You probably know someone who is gluten-free or tried going gluten-free.

If wheat has been around for ages, why the rise of problems with gluten? One, most wheat has been modified to contain more gluten than in the past. Two, we have become overly dependent upon wheat at every meal. Three, most people do not have the gut bacteria to digest the high consumption of gluten properly due to our change in food habits.

For ages, our ancestors ate wheat, but they also ate foods that were naturally probiotic such as sauerkraut, raw milk yogurt and cheeses along with sourdough bread. This diet rich in probiotics

Is Gluten-Free a Fad or Real? (the bacteria responsible for breaking down and digesting our foods), meant their gut was able to break down the gluten in wheat easier.

The standard American diet of refined sugars and processed foods, along with overuse of antibiotics, etc. messes with our gut bacteria. Our guts are naturally full of bacteria both good and bad.

A good balance of bacteria is 80% good bacteria and 20% bad (pathogenic) bacteria.

When this bacteria is off balance, wheat gluten can easily become undigested and mess up the gut lining. Our gut has little hairs (villi) that are responsible for breaking down and absorbing our vitamins, minerals, etc. If the gut has undigested wheat, it can gunk up the villi and make it hard for

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the body to absorb nutrients. This becomes a huge issue as nutrients are essential to the proper function of our bodies. Deficiencies in nutrients can easily lead to health problems both physically and mentally. In addition this undigested wheat can ultimately lead to a leaky gut where undigested food particles go directly into the blood stream.

This can impact allergies and behavior along with other health issues such as inflammation.

As a health coach, I have personally worked with many families who have reported HUGE behavior changes with aggression and anger after their kids go gluten-free. Adults have reported loosing weight, a reduction in inflammation, an increase in fertility, increased moods and a clear head (no brain fog), just to name a few. Most of the positive results are due to an increase of their gut function and absorption of nutrients.

Does this mean that gluten-free is for you? Not necessarily. Most people will benefit from simply a reduction of wheat products and an increase of probiotics in their diet. For others, going gluten-free for a short time or long-term is essential to rebuilding their health.

The best advice I have, since each person is unique and different, is to be aware of what you and your family are eating and what your health currently is. Many people find a food journal helpful to keep, even just for one week.

Here’s how to keep a food journal- After each meal write down what you and your kids ate and how you feel after the meal. While this may seem like a big task, it is completely worth it! Even after as little as a week, you can see a pattern of what you eat and how you feel. Most people are astounded with how easy it is to see this pattern and figure out what foods makes their bodies thrive and what foods make them feel crummy.

Kids are especially able to figure out what foods make them feel better.

Keep in mind that the body is constantly changing. Don’t assume that since one food bothers now that it will bother for life.

After cleaning up your diet by listening to your body and rebuilding your health, you may be able to return to foods that previously were issues.

To your health!

Please note this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any illnesses, but is a reflection of what I have experienced as a health coach.

Please visit our website at: h ttp://nourishingsouls.com/ health-coaching/

Montessori on the farm

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enrollment starting at 18 months experienced teachers care for farm animals low child-to-adult ratios

Transportation to and from local Elementary Schools (Including bus stop for Norris)

Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 6:30 – 6:00 We are locally owned and operated. Our Director/Owner holds a Bachelors of Science in Education for Special Education/Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education.

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PRAIRIE HILL Learning Center A Montessori school for children 18 mos. - 8th grade.

Nebraska’s First Wind & Solar Powered School.

A non-profit educational corporation. Since 1981.

Certified Montessori teachers.

402-438-6668 www.prairiehill.com

Lincoln Kids!

Honey: Natures Pot of Gold

By Kat & Dustin Scholl, Beekeepers & Owners of K&D’s Honey Bees

D

id you know? It takes the life span of 12 worker bees to gather enough honey to make 1 teaspoon of honey. Honey is an amazing food, there are no added preservatives, flavorings or coloring, because it’s that good!

What is Honey?

Honey gets its start as nectar, which is collected by bees, naturally broken down into simple sugars and stored in honeycombs.

The worker bees constantly fan their wings surrounding the honey storage areas causing evaporation to take place, creating the thick, sweet liquid we know as honey.

Next, the honey is removed from the hive, extracted by the beekeeper and strained to remove any remaining pieces of wax or other particles. Some beekeepers and bottlers might heat the honey to make it easier to strain, but this does nothing to alter the liquid’s natural composition. It only makes the straining process easier and more effective.

Color, Flavor and Form

Honeys differ in color and flavor depending on what blossoms the honey bees visit in search of nectar. Honey color ranges from almost colorless to dark amber brown and its flavor varies from

delectably mild to richly bold. As a general rule, light- colored honey is milder in taste (great for toast and teas) and dark-colored honey is stronger (best for cooking or baking).

Storage & Cooking Tips

• Store honey at room temperature on your kitchen counter or pantry shelf is ideal.

• Storing honey in the refrigerator accelerates the honey’s crystallization. Crystallization is the natural process in which the liquid in honey becomes solid. If your honey crystallizes, simply place the honey jar in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve. Do not microwave your container of honey.

• A 12-ounce jar of honey equals a standard measuring cup.

• When you substitute honey for granulated sugar in recipes, begin by substituting honey for up to half of the sugar called for in the recipe.

In baked goods: • Reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup for each cup of honey used.

• Add about 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for each cup of honey used.

• Reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees to prevent over-browning.

• For easy measuring and cleanup, coat measuring cup or spoon with cooking spray before adding honey.

131 Years of Developing Character & Educating

PreSchool 3 year-olds

Kindergarten through 5th Grade

YIELD: 2 DOZEN

TOTAL TIME: 50 MINUTES

Ingredients 1¼ C Old Fashioned Oats 3 T Shredded Coconut ½ C Sliced Almonds, finely chopped 1 T Hemp Seeds, shelled optional

1 Scoop Whey Protein Powder ½ C Honey ½ C Dried Apricots, chopped ½ C Peanut Butter

Directions

In a medium bowl add the oats, coconut, almonds, hemp seeds and protein powder. Stir until well distributed. Add the honey, apricots and peanut butter and stir well. Put mixing bowl into the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then roll into rounded balls. When chilled, they can last about 5 days.

Serving is 3 energy balls: Calories: 196, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g

Holiday Honey Caramels YIELD: 30 CARAMELS

TOTAL TIME: 65 MINUTES

Ingredients 1 C Butter no substitutions 2 C Honey 2 C Whipping Cream

1 C Brown Sugar 1 t Vanilla Extract Fine Chopped Almonds optional

Directions

Line bottom & sides of 9” square pan with plastic wrap; set aside.

Melt butter in medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add honey, cream & brown sugar; mix well. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium & continue boiling, stirring frequently, until candy thermometer registers 250°F to 255°F, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla; pour into prepared pan. Let cool completely in refrigerator before cutting into individual caramels with very sharp knife. Roll in chopped nuts if desired; wrap individually plastic wrap. Store, tightly wrapped in refrigerator up to 1 month.

Caramels will be soft at room temperature and firm if kept chilled.

Recipes and information from the National Honey Board, www.honey.com

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.

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wpslincoln.org

– Preschool Open House – January 21st from 6-7pm

Preschool AM Classes: 9–11:30 am PM Classes: 12:30-3 pm Pre-K: 9 am-3 pm Extended Care is Available from 7:30-9:00am and 3:00-5:30pm

Conveniently located at 2110 Sheridan Blvd.

Winter 2015 Page 27

Lincoln Kids!

Birth Beyond Bias Difference

By Gabrielle Volkmer www.birthbeyondbias.com

L

amaze, Hypnobirthing, Bradley, what do all these styles of birth have in common?

They all advocate for a particular type of birth.

Lamaze believes that, “birth is normal, natural and healthy, that women have an innate ability to give birth and that women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.”

Hypnobirthing focuses on positive thought patterns, teaches self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing.

The Bradley method boldly proclaims that, “natural childbirth is an important goal since most people want to give their babies every possible advantage. The Bradley method classes teach families how

to have natural births.” That’s all well and good if you have a clear idea of what you want for your birth and one of these styles lines up there. However, in the real world, most of us don’t have a crystal clear vision. That’s why you take a class - to learn about your options!

As for birth classes at a hospital, many are geared toward listing their policies and procedures and telling you what interventions you will receive, rather than introducing the wide variety of options available.

That’s where the Birth Beyond Bias difference comes in. At Birth Beyond Bias, we believe that there is no one right way to birth. You certainly shouldn’t be pushed or

prodded toward What it comes down to, in the a Lamaze, end, is the goal that each particBradley or ular class lays out. Typical birth Hypnobirth if it education has the goal of prepardoesn’t line up ing you to give birth in a specifwith you 100%, ic, pre-ordained manner, using a yet all three clearly defined toolset. Hospital have some classes have the goal of making great techyou comfortable with that hosniques behind them. pital’s policies, procedures, and So in Birth Beyond Bias birth common interventions. Advanced classes, the concepts from many classes might cover specific topdifferent styles of birth are introics in more detail, but there is duced, discussed and practiced, always an agenda, a method you allowing you to decide what are taught to follow. methods and techniques to use or Birth Beyond Bias is different. discard.

The goal of each class series is to On the flip side of things, we help expecting parents understand believe that you should never be that they are in control of the decipushed toward medicinal pain sion-making process, that they relief or interventions unless you have options at every stage, and to want or need them. We discuss provide them with the fundamenyour options for medicinal pain tal understanding of those options management along with an open, needed to ask the right questions honest conversation about any and make informed decisions in potential risks and how to avoid the moment. That’s a commitment side effects. You are never pushed you won’t get anywhere else and to receive or not receive pain medthat is the Birth Beyond Bias difications or interventions; you are ference. simply presented with your options, along with the You’re invited! pros and cons of each of those Birth Beyond Bias Presents: options.

Laboring Under an Illusion: Mass Media Childbirth vs. The Real Thing A Documentary

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Page 28 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

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

W

inter is an especially fabulous time to focus on you and your family’s creativity. There are many opportunities to create things at home before the holidays like making handmade cards, ornaments, and gifts. In the early days of the New Year it can be a challenge to keep everyone from getting bored inside. With the sun setting sooner, many sports seasons are over, and the hectic holiday season behind you, many people turn to creative endeavors.

January, February, and March are some of the busiest months at LUX Center for the Arts and many other

Art is for Everyone

museums and indoor attractions.

Families come out to visit the LUX’s free galleries and people of all ages sign-up to learn new skills or just get creative in art classes.

There are many opportunities to view art for free in Lincoln.

However, it is a lot harder to come by opportunities to make art for free. Even making art at home usually involves some cost for supplies. As a non-profit art center, LUX Center for the Arts primary mission is to make art experiences accessible for everyone. Last year a mother approached me and said the only thing her daughter wanted for Christmas was to take a drawing class. Unfortunately she was unable to spend any money on gifts that year due to financial struggles.

I was able to offer her daughter a spot in the class due to a generous donor who setup a scholarship fund for people just like her.

Free community events are one of the only other opportunities to

make art at no cost. The LUX Center for the Arts hosts three family art making events a year.

The next one is on Sunday, January 24th from 1-4 p.m. We call the event Winterfest and provide winter and valentine themed art activities, snacks, and admission to our galleries at no cost.

You can find out more about our events, classes, and scholarship program at www.LUXcenter. org or visit us in historic University Place at 2601 N. 28th Street near Wesleyan University.

“Year of the Bull”

by Grace Kang, Age 6, LUX Center for the Arts

Winter 2015 Page 29

Lincoln Kids!

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

Name

Instruction

Art Around the Corner Art Planet Atkinson Music Studio

Art

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.

Blue Raven Music Studios

Guitar, Piano and more!

Capital City Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Fiddlestick Music Lincoln Drum Lessons

Suzuki Violin, Piano, Drum

Harris Academy of the Arts

Music Lessons

Lincoln Music Teachers Assn.

Music Lessons

LUX Center for the Arts

Art Classes

Motions Dance Academy, LLC

Dance

Violin, Viola, Guitar, Piano, Cello

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

2130 Winthrop Road 402-261-3599, FiddlestickMusic.com LincolnDrumLessonscom 2935 Pine Lake Rd

www.harrisacademyofthearts.com

www.LMTA.info 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!

Innovative curriculum promotes the learning of a foreign language naturally through highly engaging stories, games, music and movement.

For children 18 months – age 11.

Life skills and personal development taught by Internationally Certified Instructors. Lessons are available for ages 3 and up. Lessons are divided by age. Call now for our starter course specials.

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.

(across from So. Pointe Mall)

402-423-7121

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!

TaeKwonDo

Kids! ur us yo d n e S ork!

Art W

402-486-0599

Find a Music Teacher

Tiger Rock Academy

Dance

3835 S. 48th St. (across from Union College)

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!

2501 S. 20th St. • 402-435-0386

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!

Spanish Classes for Kids

Tumbling & Musical Theatre

Centrally located • email: lauraatpeg@gmail.com

Laura (402) 474-0302

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”.

The Language Project

Universal Dance Academy

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

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

Gymnastics & Sports Skills

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

ArtAroundTheCorner.net

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.

Certified Suzuki violin instruction by professional violinist, Summer Brackhan, member of Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. Piano lessons are both traditional and Suzuki. • Study with professional Chicago trained drummer Jeff Brackhan.

(across from Henry’s)

402-560-3326

Private, groups, recitals and public performance opportunities.

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

Member Lincoln Suzuki Talent Education,Inc

Tennis, Swimming & Activities

My Gym

2129 Winthrop Road

Art classes, Private Lessons, First Friday Art Activities.

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

Piano

Lincoln Racquet Club

Location(s) & phone

Art Lessons

Violin & Viola

Alice Bowen

Program

2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4

(near S 27th & Yankee Hill Road)

402-802-9982

3900 South Street

402-440-1473

www.stringstudio.com

Multiple Lincoln locations: 816-6562656 www.languageprojectkids.com 8444 Executive Woods Dr. 5900 S 85th St Suite 100 Also in Firth

402-483-1011

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

We hope you will join us for the Spring 2016 Issue.

Visit u s on Faceb ook!

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

Page 30 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Lincoln Kids!

Winter Camp Directory Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

Name

Instruction

Program

Location(s) & phone (402) 450-4299

Husker Track Camp

Winter Track Camp

Join us to train for the upcoming track season! Coaching for all events are offered nightly. If you are in elementary school and have never tried track, come to our Elementary Sunday Fundays in Nov. and Jan. Run is fun!

Huskertrackcamp@gmail.com www.Huskertrackcamp.com

My Gym

Winter Camp Programs

Fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts, crafts, music and more!

Nov. 25 & 30; Dec. 23, 28, & 30; Jan. 4: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Call 402-802-9982 – mygym.com/lincoln 2755 Jamie Lane – lincoln@mygym.com

Winter Baseball Camp

December 28, 29, and 30. Baseball Fundamentals Clinics for ages 5-7, 8-11 or 12-14. Cost $90. Call now for details!

NWU Knight Fieldhouse in the Weary Center 402-465-2171

Nebraska Wesleyan Baseball Strategic Air & Space Museum

All New Winter Camp Winter Campout Events

YMCA Camp Kitaki

Create, Explore, & experiment with robotics & aviation!

December 28-31, 2015. Learn more & sign up online.

See our ad on page 28 for more additional in & more events.

www.SASMuseum.com • 402-944-3100 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003

Call 402-434-9222 www.ymcalincoln.org/kitaki

New Years Live: Dec. 29-Jan. 1 • Ages 7-14 • $175 Cabin Fever: Feb. 13-14 • Ages 7-14 • $57 Masterpiece Arts Weekend: Feb. 26-28 • Ages 11-15 • $115. See ad p.14

Maura, Age 9

Rida, Age 8

Anika, Age 8

Chenell, Age 11

Ar t from the

2015 Streets Alive!

Tatum, Age 8

Lin

Hasan, Age 10

coln Kids Booth!

Family Friendly Restaurants Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

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, 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

Winter 2015 Page 31

Lincoln Kids!

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

Name

Area of Town

Program

Location(s) & phone

Academic Advantage Child Development Center

East/South

Educational childcare facility offering care for ages 6 weeks to 12 years. We are also accepting school agers for the summer programs, as well as Fall school transportation to these 10 schools: Kahoa, Pyrtle, Meadowlane, Calvert, Humann, Zeman, Maxey, Hill, Cavett, and Adams. Visit our website for more info: AACDC.com

Brandy’s Bunch Centers

Central/Northeast, Southwest and North/Northwest

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

Bubbles & Blocks

Child Development Center, LLC

Calvert Recrecation PreSchool CEDARS

Christ Kids

Northeast South North Central

Brandy’s Bunch, 1111 Old Cheney, 402.420.0460 Radiant Beginnings, 740 N 70th St., 402.489.0652 2800 Crossbridge Rd, opening in Oct., 402.438.0468

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! 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

Fingerprints

Child Development Center

Northeast

First Learning Center

Southeast

Highlands Academy

Northwest

Immanuel Lutheran

Central

Preschool

KidsPark

South

Kelly’s Kids

Northwest

Learning and Development Center

Krayon Campus La Petite Academy Lincoln Christian Preschool Little Lambs Child Development Center Page 32 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

Central South/Central South Southeast

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

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.

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

Featuring an educational curriculum for all ages in a loving Christian environment! Open 6:30 am-6:00 pm. 6 weeks–10 years. Enrolling now for part-time PreK morning program. M–F from 9am–11:30am.

7800 Holdrege • 402-467-4503

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.

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

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.

capitolcity.org

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

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

continued

Name

Area of Town

Prairie Hill Learning Center Montessori

Far South

Program

Location(s) & phone

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

143rd “O” St. • 402-488-0012

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

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

The Child’s View

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

Westminster Preschool

South

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

Five different AM & PM classes & all day classes 9am-3pm. Extended care 7:309am & 3-5:30pm. School year and summer classes available. NAEYC accredited.

World of Knowledge

Southeast

Montessori

Child development Center

d and g a h c Ea listin y r o t direc ns for ru !

THS N O 3M

Kitra Deger-Director

West end of Pio. Park

402.441.7895

parks.lincoln.ne.gov/naturecenter/preschool

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

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

Advertise with us!

Have a special to promote? An event coming up? A camp or program you’d like to get word out about? Send it our way and we’ll let Lincoln know!

(402) 798-0224 • LincolnKids@windstream.net • www.LincolnKidsInc.com

We o varie ffer a ty o and r f sizes fit yo ates to u r ne eds!

‘Little Ones’ Directory of Services Name

Program/Service

Location(s) & phone

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.

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

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

Winter 2015 Page 33

Lincoln Kids!

Capital Birthday Ideas Party Directory

Prices & Specials subject to change without notice.

Place

Fun Features

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

2129 Winthrop Road

Customized Art Parties for any occasion. Host a Christmas Gift and Craft party, book a Black Light Birthday Bash, or just gather to paint with your friends. E-mail susan@artaroundthecorner.net for details.

Art Around the Corner

(across from Henry’s)

402-560-3326

ArtAroundTheCorner.net

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.

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

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

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.

Lincoln Children’s Museum

Lost In Fun!

52nd & Stockwell • 402-486-2525 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, cake, punch, indoor/outdoor pool, playsmart climbing area, and youth b-ball gym. Add-ons available: Bounce house or your choice of tennis, kickboxing, zumba or dance instruction. Non-members welcome!

Lincoln Racquet Club

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

2601 N. 48th Street • 402-466-8692 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 70th & Pioneers:: 4101 Pioneer Woods Dr. ,#104 • 402-486-1010

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

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

Salon Deja Vu on A

Diva Birthday Party: A party for you and 7 of your luckiest friends will be treated with a party hair do and a mini manicure and lets not forget the fun tattooey and glittery things in between.

Sale priced for just $150.00.

Call for more information 402-261-9447

Tiger Rock Academy

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

2 locations available

University of Nebraska State Museum-Morrill Hall

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.

402-483-1011

Morrill Hall on the UNL Campus

402-472-2637

• www.museum.unl.edu/birthdays

Bring out your child’s inner artist with a creative birthday party! 2 hours of painting, dancing, and use of 3 tier punch fountain. $15 per child. Leave with masterpiece!

Questions? Email us at: Urbanlegendsartclasses@gmail.com

2632 N 48th St., 402-470-0331 Vist our Website at: urbanlegendsart.com

Youth Actors Academy of Lincoln

Be a Broadway Star! YAAL provides an instructor and our theatre for the birthday child and up to 15 friends to choreograph and costume a special performance!

Book at: www.yaal.org

YMCA-Cooper, Fallbrook & Northeast Branch

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

Urban Legends Art

Page 34 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

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

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

Lincoln Kids!

Winter 2015-16 Calendar of Events: November, December, and January 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 Spring 2016 Issue Deadline: January 10, 2016 Months covered: February, March, & April Lincoln Kids! Newspaper Phone: 402-798-0224

November November 1, 2-4pm, Artist talk at 2pm November Art Exhibit “Homestead in Origami” at Homestead National Monument of America (Beatrice, Ne.) Opening Reception Sunday, November 1.

Exhibit dates: November 1-29. Open weekdays 8:30am-5pm and weekends 9am-5pm. Free admission. Homestead National Monument of America. Presentation from Linda Stephen on her 2014 artist residency for the National Parks Service at Homestead National Monument.

Introduction to Homestead Series of origami collage constructions of tallgrass prairie and historic landscapes. “The Dream,” a collaborative artwork with origami made by 200 visitors from 20 states.

November 3, 12pm - 1pm My Gym, 2755 Jamie Ln., Suite 4, $5 Play to your hearts content! Children can explore the gym and new set up every week. (Must be accompanied by an adult) Adults wear socks!

Children go barefoot.

November 5, 7-8:30pm When Your Child Struggles with Reading, Writing and Spelling at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 15050 W. Maple Rd., Omaha, Ne. Parents and educators will appreciate learning key multisensory learning strategies in helping individuals who have dyslexia. There is NO charge for the workshop. For more information, contact the Nebraska Dyslexia Association, www.ne-da.org or 402.434.6434 November 5, 7pm Comedy Night featuring Taylor MasonComedian, Musician, and Ventriloquist at Rococo Theatre, 140 N. 13th St. Comedy Night is a unique event that combines refreshments, desserts, family-friendly comedy and Youth for Christ’s (YFC) mission to help teens--all in one creative program. All funds raised will benefit the youth of Lincoln and surrounding areas through the work of Campus Life, Parent Life and Juvenile Justice. Ticket range from $10$30, students involved in YFC are FREE! For more information and to reserve your tickets, please visit www.yfclincoln.org.

November 6-8 Mini Maker Faire at Barnes & Noble, SouthPointe Pavilions, 2910 Pine Lake Road, 402-421-7979. Highly collaborative and interactive activities for a variety of ages.

November 6-8 You Can’t Take It With You at Lincoln Playhouse. Tickets go on sale to the general public October 26. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students at www.lincolnplayhouse. com or through the box office at 402-489-

7529. Judy Hart will be directing this classic madcap comedy about the odd duck Sycamore clan. Filled with zany characters, this play has been delighting audiences (and giving actors juicy parts) for almost 80 years. You Can’t Take It With You, by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, is one of the rare comedies to win a Pulitzer Prize.

November 7, 9am Prairie Run at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington. 9:00 am , 1 mile (ages 5-12 years old), 9:30 am,| 5k (ages 13 and up) $10/1 mile, $20/5K. Register at www.getmeregistered.com.

Participate in the one mile or 5K run/walk and help support the Nature Center. All proceeds will go towards the support of our land management and prairie restoration projects. Registration open through November 5. All participants will be entered in a prize drawing.

November 7 and all Husker home games

a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online at http:// workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kidsworkshops.

November 7, 10am-Midnight Crazy Hair Day at KidsPark, 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com. Fall into hair-raising fun! Spike, spray, color, braid, up-do, sparkle and gel all sorts of exciting new looks. Come any time, the KidsPark stylists are here all day! All activities included in our hourly rates.

Nov 7, 28, Dec 5, Jan 2 & 23, 7- 10pm 1st and Most 4th Saturday Contra Dances butchnlucy.com/contradance.html. Fun for the whole family! All dances are walked through and called. Kate McBride is the regular caller, and Hot Rosin and River Town String Bands 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 Pavilion 1650 Memorial Drive in Antelope Park. Come for a short lesson before the dance from 7:00 to 7:30pm.

November 8, 2:30pm “Train Songs” Greenblatt & Seay and Friends will present a concert of “Train Songs” downstairs in the Old Avoca, Nebraska Schoolhouse. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $1 for children. The concert will be followed by a light snack and an acoustic jam session. For more information, call 402275-3221, log on to www.greenblattandseay. com, or e-mail debby@greenblattandseay.com.

November 11, 6:30pm-8:30pm Cinnamon Play Dough Cooking Class at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com. Mix a batch of your very own yummy scented play dough! Take it home with a recipe for play later! All activities included in our hourly rates.

During home football games, UNL Campus Rec provides recreational activities in a childcare setting. The program is located in the Campus Rec Center one block east of Memorial Stadium. Children 2-12 years of age are welcome to attend while their parents/ guardians attend the Husker football game.

Check-in begins 90 minutes before game time and ends 45 minutes after game end. Children must be pre-registered to attend. UNL Campus Recreation, 841 North 14th Street, $30 per child per game. http://go.unl.edu/jrblackshirts, 402472-0959.

November 7, 10am - 12pm KIDS CLUB® Wish List at Michaels, 3010 Pine Lake Rd Ste. A or 400 N. 48th St, Ste. A3.

Cost: $2.

November 7, 1-4pm Family Ornament Workshop at Michaels, 3010 Pine Lake Rd Ste. A or 400 N. 48th St, Ste. A3. Cost: $5 per project, supplies included.

November 7, 9am-12pm Build a Veterans Day Jet at The Home Depot, 6800 S. 70th St. or 3300 N. 27th St. Take your kids to The Home Depot and let them get handson with a FREE workshop project designed for children ages 5 - 12. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement,

November 13, 5:00pm-Midnight Freaky Friday Night at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com. Fall into frightful, friendly fun. Create a creepy craft, listen to a flashlight story, and enjoy spooky sensory play. All activities included in our hourly rates.

November 13th, 6:30– 8:00 pm.

Night Hike at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington. Cost is $7/person. Register by November 10th.

November 14, 10am - 12pm KIDS CLUB® Felt Christmas Mouse at Michaels, 3010 Pine Lake Rd Ste A or 400 N 48th St, Ste A3. Cost: $2.

November 14, 10-11am Build and Grow Clinic at Lowes, 6101 Apples Way. Build and Grow Clinics are free to the public. Registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date.

November 14, 10:00am – noon Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab – Bubbles! at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu/. Join us in the science lab as we investigate ‘Bubbles’ through hands-on activities and exploration. Free with Regular Museum Admission.

November 15, 10am-6pm LinConnect Youth Sports & Activities Expo at Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N 84th St, www.lancastereventcenter.org, http:// nebraskasportscouncil.com/LinConnect, 402441-6545. Ticket Price: Adults: $2 & Children 17 & under: FREE. LinConnect is a youth sports/ activity expo designed to help parents connect with youth sports/activity organizations. Youth organizations from around the area will have booths and demo space where parents and children can get more information and meet the organizers personally in one convenient location. New for 2015: The Demonstration Zone is a new addition to this year’s event.

Vendors will have the opportunity to reserve a 20-minute slot to show-off what their organization can offer. All admission benefits the Cornhusker State Games Adopt an Athlete fund. Learn more at CornhuskerStateGames. com/Adopt.

November 15, 1:30-4:30pm Sunday with a Scientist: Veterinary Science at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu/.

November 15, 3:00 p.m.

Nebraska Brass at Holy Savior Lutheran Church, 4710 North 10th Street - Lincoln.

Individual tickets are Adults - $15, Seniors $12, and students are FREE. Call 402-477-7899 for tickets or purchase them at the door.

November 20 Registration, November 26 Trot.

Come join us for the Turkey Trot, Lincoln YMCA’s familyfriendly Thanksgiving morning tradition.

Registration is for the 5K Run, 1-Mile Fun Run/ Walk and 3x1-Mile Relay. Sign up online by November 20 to get an official 2015 Turkey Trot T-shirt! All proceeds go to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign-Strong Kids. For information and to sign up online only, go to ymcalincoln.org/ turkeytrot. Cooper YMCA is at 6767 S. 14th St. (402) 323-6400.

November 21, 10am - 3pm Fall Lego Show at Hobbytown USA, 4107 Pioneer Woods Dr. Ste. 108, Free. Come in to see amazing Lego creations by local artists of the Lincoln-Omaha Lego User Group.

November 21, 10am-Midnight Turkey-tastic Day at KidsPark, 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or www.kidspark.com.

Gobble! Gobble! Shake your tail feather on in to KidsPark for a day stuffed with Thanksgiving fun! All activities included in our hourly rates.

November 22 and December 14, 10am-2pm Holiday Harvest Farmers Market at Park Centers Banquet Hall, 2608 Park Blvd. No longer is a farmers market just for summer.

For two days only, more than twenty of your favorite local farmers and producers will come together for the Holiday Harvest Farmers MarketShop for your holiday feasts and to stock up for the winter at the indoor farmers markets. Find more event information at http:// holidayharvestfarmersmarket.com/.

November 27, 7:30am-Midnight Shop n’ Shout at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com. Kids can come

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Lincoln Kids! will be offered. A Park Entry Permit is required.

get a head start on their holiday creating while mom shops & dad shouts to root on his favorite team! All activities included in our hourly rates.

Nov 27-29, 12-8pm Fri. & Sat., 12-5pm Sun. The Santa Station at SouthPointe Pavilions, 2910 Pine Lake Road, southpointeshopping. com, 402-421-2114, Free. Bring the little ones for a cozy Santa chat then join Santa and a cast of holiday characters (including live reindeer) with music, activities, performers, refreshments and giveaways.

November 28, 9am-12pm Build A School House Bank at The Home Depot, 6800 S. 70th St. or 3300 N. 27th St. Start a project with the kids that you can take to the bank! All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online at http:// workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kidsworkshops.

November 28, 6-8pm Santa Celebration at SouthPointe Pavilions, 2910 Pine Lake Road, southpointeshopping. com, 402-421-2114. Join Santa as he makes his grand entrance with a cast of holiday characters (including live reindeer) plus music, activities, performers, refreshments and giveaways, too.

November 28, 7-10:30pm Downtown Teen Night at Downtown YMCA, 1039 P Street. 5th-8th grade, Free. Open gym, swimming, fitness, boxing club, racquetball, dance club, guest speakers, arts/crafts, music, pizza, and more!

December December 3, 7:30pm, December 4, 7:30pm, December 5, 7:30pm Theatre Production: A Christmas Carol at McDonald Theatre, Nebraska Weselyan, 51st Street and Huntington Ave. Our Christmas tradition continues with Scrooge, ghosts and a whole lot of good cheer. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7.50 for senior citizens and students.

Tickets can be purchased online or reserved at the box office by calling 402-465-2384.

December 4, 5-8pm Holiday Spectacular at Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 P Street, lincolnchildrensmuseum.org, 402-477-4000. To kick off the holiday season, we invite children and families to help us deck the halls of the Museum. Of course no holiday party would be complete without a visit from Santa, who opens the world’s most famous toy shop right in our Discovery Gallery!

December 5, all-day Christmas in the Woods at Ponca State Park, 88090 Spur 26 E., Ponca, Ne. Seasonal educational activities including old-fashion holiday crafts, lighted hayrack ride, free cookies and Wassail, sledding hill, groomed cross-country ski trails (snow permitting), and ice skating. A percent discount lodging package

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December 5, 7am-3pm Eagle Watching Trip at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington. Road trip with us to Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City, MO for Eagle Days. Event includes live eagle programs, exhibits, activities, and access to spotting scopes. Bring your own or borrow a pair of binoculars to view eagles and other migrating waterfowl. Transportation and a sack lunch will be provided. $45/person, register by December 1.

December 5, 9-11am Holiday Greenery Workshop at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington.

Bring a basket, mug, vase or select one from us and create festive holiday décor. Greenery, pine cones, ribbon, wire, and design ideas will be provided. $25/person, register by December 3.

December 5, 10am-Midnight All Aboard The Polar Express at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark. com. All aboard! Enjoy a round trip of holiday fun inspired by the movie The Polar Express & join us for a cozy movie night! All activities included in our hourly rates.

December 5, 10am-2pm Santa Goes to Space at The Strategic Air and Space Museum, 28210 W. Park Hwy (I-80, Exit #426), Ashland, Ne. Http://sasmuseum.com/ events. Young guests will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and sit inside the Museum’s mini-F111. The Museum will also feature spacerelated booths, free planetarium showings, and holiday music in Hangar B. Free with paid admission.

Dec 5, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm Candy House Funshop at Lincoln Children’s Museum, 1420 ‘P’ Street, lincolnchildrensmuseum.org, 402-477-4000.

Ticket Price: $25 for Museum Members, $30 for Non-members (includes 2 free admissions), $25 Take-home kits. A great activity for the entire family. We supply the 15” house frame, frosting & a variety of candies and decorations, you bring the fun!

December 5-6, 11am-3pm North Pole Express at Lincoln Children’s Zoo, 1222 S. 27th Street, lincolnzoo.org, 402475-6741. The North Pole Express is Lincoln’s only train offering services to Santa’s Village!

Your travels will take you through Candy Cane Lane where you’ll stop at The Hive to write your official letter to Santa and see some of his favorite animal friends. Continue down Candy Cane Lane to meet the Big Man himself! After visiting Santa, enjoy treats made by the Elves, hot chocolate and candy canes. Be careful not to fill up on candy canes because your next stop is Mrs. Claus’s Bakery to decorate your very own cookie! Next, head to the Gumdrop Stage and Rudolph’s Animal Kingdom Building to encounter more of Santa’s animals and zookeeper friends. Santa and his elves can’t wait to see you!

December 12, 10:00am – noon Investigate: Second Saturday Science Lab – Building Crystals at University of Nebraska State Museum, 307 Morrill Hall, 402-472-3779, museum.unl.edu/. Join us in the science lab as we investigate ‘Building Crystals’ through hands-on activities and exploration. Free with Regular Museum Admission.

December 12, 1:30pm Classic Christmas at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 West Park Highway, Ashland, Ne. Held at the Peter Kiewit Lodge, meet Santa and get a picture taken FREE by one of our NEBRASKAland photographers! For more information, visit http://www.outdoornebraska. org/. A Park Entry Permit is required.

December 14, 10am-2pm Holiday Harvest Farmers Market at Park Centers Banquet Hall, 2608 Park Blvd. No longer is a farmers market just for summer.

For two days only, more than twenty of your favorite local farmers and producers will come together for the Holiday Harvest Farmers MarketShop for your holiday feasts and to stock up for the winter at the indoor farmers markets. Find more event information at http:// holidayharvestfarmersmarket.com/.

December 19, 10am-Midnight Holiday Gift Workshop at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com.

Shh!-It’s a surprise! Take home a hand-made gift for someone special, wrapped & ready to give! All activities included in our hourly rates.

December 19, 2 & 7 pm; December 20, 2pm The Nutcracker at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St LincolnMidwestBallet.org Nearly 200 dance students from southeastern Nebraska star in our performance that also features a live orchestra and nationally-known guest artists. The classic story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the finest choreography, costumes, and scenery, making this production a treasured community tradition.

December 19, 20, 6:30-8:30pm Living nativity scene at Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, 5750 S. 40th St. 4213704; southernheights.org. This event is held in the parking lot of the church and guests are invited to either drive through or park and view the actors portraying those present at the manger scene along with live animals which give a special and contemplative look at the birth of Christ. This is a free event; however, donations for the Lincoln Food Pantry are welcomed.

December 21, 7:30am-10pm Frozen Fantazy at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com.

Celebrate the first day of winter! Chill out with a fun filled day inspired by Disney’s Frozen. Cool crafts, sing-a-longs, games and special treats.

Costumes welcome! All activities included in our hourly rates.

December 5 Santa & Friends at The Shoppes at Piedmont, 1265 S. Cotner Street, theshoppesatpiedmont.

Every Saturday in December.

December 11, 10am-Midnight Tree-mendous Fun! at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com. What will your unique tree look like? Little hands create a personalized tree to take home. All activities included in our hourly rates.

Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com.

When school is out, KidsPark is in! Join us for daily themes and adventures. No reservation required. Pick your days! All activities included in our hourly rates.

December 28-31, 10:00am–noon.

Winter Birding at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington. Suggested donation $3/person. No pre-registration needed.

December 31-January 1, 6pm Haymarket Theatre Staff will watch your kids on New Year’s Eve at Haymarket Theatre at 803 Q St., 402-477-2600. Students will have fun with their friends supervised by Haymarket Staff and it will free up parents to have fun too!

We will have a dance party, talent show and games! Drop off: 6pm December 31st, 2015.

Pick Up: 10am January 1st, 2016. Cost: $75: Required $25 registration fee. Cost includes: dinner, breakfast and snacks!

January 2016 January 9, 10am-Midnight Winter Wonderland at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com.

Fantasy & science. Learning and play. Create wonderful winter crafts and cool science experiments to learn about the winter season.

All activities included in our hourly rates.

Jan 23, 2-4pm Cross Country Ski Workshop at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington.

Outdoor Adventures from the University of Nebraska will host this cross country ski workshop. Ski rental is included in the registration fee. Workshop will be held inside if weather is not suitable for ski use, otherwise workshop will be outside. Hot chocolate will be provided.

Recommended for individuals 12 and up. $17/ person, register by January 20.

January 30, 9am Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center Annual Meeting at Pioneers Park, 3201 S. Coddington. All are invited to the Friends Annual Meeting. Find out more about the Friends and enjoy refreshments and good conversation.

January 30, 10am-Midnight Silly Sensory Day at KidsPark 14th & Old Cheney, 402-405-4299 or kidspark.com. Slimy, stinky, stretchy, gooey, and ooey! Touch it, smell it, taste it, hear it, see it! Use all your senses to experience some serious fun! All activities included in our hourly rates.

Craft Fairs December 23-January 4, Business Hours Winter Break Camps at KidsPark 14th &

November 6, 5-8pm Wrappable: Gifts from the Heart at LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N. 48th St. Opening Reception: Friday, November 6 from

Lincoln Kids!

5-8 p.m. Purchase art through December 24.

Give the gift of original, handmade art this holiday season! Local, regional, and national artists will sell work including pottery, paintings, photographs, framed prints, jewelry, textiles, wearables, and woodwork at a range of prices. Buyers will be able to purchase works of art and take them home the same day. Shop holiday hours beginning December 2: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2p.m.

November 14, all-day The Cornucopia of Crafts at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 West Park Highway, Ashland. Held at the Peter Kiewit Lodge, enjoy handmade crafts, food, jewelry, metal art, yard art, pottery, and more. Show schedule: Saturday, November 14 – vendor booths & silent auction open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 15 – vendor booths open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

November 15, 9am-3:30pm Seward Craft Fair at the Seward Fair Grounds.

All handcrafted items and some food booths (no national or pyramid scheme things).

November 21, 9am-3:30pm Seward Jr. Women’s Fall Craft Show. Holiday craft show consisting of hand made items only.

Held in two buildings (Ag Pavilion and the Harvest Hall) at the Seward Fairgrounds in Seward, Ne. Over 100 booths of items.

November 27, 5pm & 28, 2pm A Very Vintage Christmas Market at Auld Pavilion at Antelope Park. Shopping for Christmas gifts is way more fun when you are shopping for junk, antiques and handmade unique items. There will be sweets and hot drinks too. Admission is $1 or a non-perishable food item. Items collected will be donated to the Food Bank of Lincoln. Plenty of parking... plenty of junk...plan to join us!

December 5, 9am-3pm Cooper Craft Fair at Cooper YMCA Don’t miss our HUGE lineup of vendors at the Cooper YMCA Craft Fair! Enjoy unique gifts for the holidays, tasty treats and so much more.

Vendors, please sign up as soon as possible.

Please contact Kim Pair at 323-6408 or kpair@ ymcalincoln.org for more information.

December 5, 9am-5pm Season of Crafts Arts and Crafts Show at Lancaster Event Center, 4100 North 84th Street, lancastereventcenter.org, 402-441-6545.

Free Admission. Come out to the Lancaster Event Center for the Season of Crafts Arts and Crafts Show! Large selection of unique Arts and Crafts, handmade items only! Door prize drawings throughout the day with us, so bring your kids and camera!

December 10, 4-9pm Craftacular Indoor Handmade Craft Fair and Cocktail Party to Feature Nebraska Handmade Artists in the Grand Ballroom of The Cornhusker, a Marriott Hotel, http://lincolncraftacular.com/, for a one-night-only celebration of all things handmade. Over 100 handmade artist’s tables, and cocktails and live music. 60 lucky shoppers will receive an amazing reusable swag bag filled with handmade items from our artists. Enjoy the shopping experience while listening to tunes from a mustache wearing tuba player from the The Wildwoods. Entry is free with suggested $1 donation going to Camp Summergold.

December 16, 11am-3pm Holiday gift bazaar, Woodbridge Apartments

clubhouse, 22nd and Pine Lake.

LUX Center for the Arts

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

Lincoln Children’s Museum 1420 P St; 402-477-4000

November 8: 25th Birthday Bash! 1-5 p.m. New Exhibit Grand Opening! All ages. Members: Free. NonMembers: $5. Join us as we celebrate 25 years of play and laughter. This event will include Grand Opening of Cuckoo Construction, our biggest exhibit yet with three stories of climbing fun! Grand Opening of Grow Zone, the magical world where toddlers are safe to play and learn!

Live Entertainment. Birthday Cake. Discovery Gallery full of 25 years of History. Twinkle Appearance. Balloon Drop. Giveaways and much more!

16: Build with Bob - Preschool Play Day. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Members: $25. NonMembers: $30.

30: Cuckoo Construction Camp - Elementary Camp. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 6 - 10. Members: $50. Non-Members: $65.

December 4: Holiday Spectacular! 5 - 8 p.m. All ages.

Members: Free. Non-Members: regular admission.

5-20: Candyhouse Funshop!

Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays. Varying times. All ages.

Members: $25. Non-Members: $30. Take-home kit: $25.

14: Wonderful Winter - Preschool Play Day. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Members: $25.

Non-Members: $30.

23: Gifts & Goodies - Elementary Camp. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 6 - 10. Members: $50. NonMembers: $65.

28-30: Full STEAM Ahead - Elementary Camp.

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 6 - 10. Members: $75. NonMembers: $90.

31: Make Believe Midnight! 6 - 8:30 p.m. All ages. Members: $10. Non-Members: $13.

January 4: The Abominable Snow Camp - Elementary Camp. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 6 - 10. Members: $50. Non-Members: $65.

11 & 14: Little Picassos - Preschool Play Day. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Members: $25. NonMembers: $30.

13: Super Sprouts (Starts). Varying times. Ages 12 - 36 months and caregiver. Members: $32.

Non-Members: $40.

15: Little Explorers (Starts). 10 - 11 a.m. Ages 36 - 48 months and caregiver. Members: $32.

Non-Members: $40.

18: Go-Go-Gadgets - Elementary Camp. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 6 - 10. Members: $50. NonMembers: $65.

25 & 28: R is for Robots - Preschool Play Day. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 3 - 5. Members: $25. NonMembers: $30.

check website for various classes and times Family Classes Saturday Afternoon Family Workshops, 3-4:30pm Dec. 19: Clay Ornaments Dec. 19, 10-11:30am: Spanish/English Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Dec. 19: Clay Snowman Lanterns & Sculptures Dec. 19, 12:30-2pm: Copper Etched Ornaments Dec. 12: Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Dec. 12: Pop-Up, Painted, and Printed Cards Dec. 12: Clay Ornaments Dec. 19: Winter Wonderland Canvas Painting Dec. 19: Santa’s Cookie Plate & Cup (Clay) Saturday Evening Family Workshops , 6-7:30pm Dec. 5: Pop-Up, Painted, and Printed Cards Dec. 5: Clay Ornaments-Taught by Luke Huling Dec. 12: Spanish/English Clay Snowman Lanterns & Sculptures Dec. 12: Winter Wonderland Canvas Painting Dec. 12: Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Dec. 19: Clay Mug Making Dec. 19: Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Weekday Evening Family Workshops, 6-7:30pm Dec. 11: Clay Snowman Lanterns & Sculptures Dec. 11: Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Dec. 18: Clay Snowman Lanterns & Sculptures Dec. 18: Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Sunday Family Workshops Dec. 6, 1-2:30 p.m. Fused Glass Snowflakes & Ornaments Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m. Claymation (NOTE: for Claymation please bring a phone or tablet with a stop-motion app downloaded.

Materials will be provided.) $20 for 2 people, $10 each additional. FREE with LUX Family membership or higher. Limit 1/year. Email rachel@luxcenter.org to register.

Hy-Vee

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

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

Hyde Memorial Observatory The Prairie Astronomy Club. Last Tuesday of the month, open to public, 7:30pm.

Hyde Memorial Observatory, south side of Holmes Lake. prairieastronomyclub.org.

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 Berean Church

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

Ongoing Events Bryan West Campus, West Medical Plaza 2222 S. 16th St., Education Classroom, Lower Level

Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30pm. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Community Group is free and open to any youth interested in improving their life skills. Voluntary support group for youth ages 14+. Participants create an individualized plan to deal with difficult times & empower youth to achieve their goals.

For more information, call 402-432-0158. No registration required.

First-Plymouth, UCC

2000 D Street; 402-476-7550; firstplymouth.org

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

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

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

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

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

Lincoln Children’s Museum 1420 P St; 402-477-4000, lincolnchildrensmuseum.com

Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11:00am Play & Connect Play & Connect is a time for adult socializing while children forge new friendships during a slightly quieter time with older children in school. This gathering is designed for all parents and caregivers with children ages 5 and younger. Held on the Upper Level and is free with a Museum membership or paid admission.

Guests are welcome to come and go any time and enjoy free coffee and treats while supplies last.

Weekdays, 11:30am Kid’s Club FREE to join and all kids who join get their own Kid’s Club membership card! Fun activities for members will be held every weekday at 11:30 a.m. in the Artist’s Studio on the Museum floor.

Maker Mon., Tue. Tune Time, Wed. Smocktales, Thu. Thought Spot, Fri. Mystery Club.

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Lincoln Kids!

Lincoln City Libraries

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

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

Eiseley Branch Library, Monday, 10:35-10:55am.

Gere Branch Library, Mon, 10-10:20am, Wed, 1010:20am, Thurs, 6:30 to 6:50pm.

Walt Branch Library, Thursday, 10:30-11am.

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

Anderson Branch Library, Mon, 10:30-10:50am.

Bethany Branch Library, Tues, 10:30-10:50am.

Eiseley Branch Library, Wed, 10:35-10:55am, Thursday, 10:35-10:55am.

Gere Branch Library, Tues, 10-10:20am and 10:35-10:55am, Wed, 10:35-10:55am, Thurs, 1010:20am and 10:35-10:55am.

South Branch Library, Thurs, 10:35-10:55am.

Walt Branch Library, Tues, 10:30-10:50am.

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

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

Newcomers are always welcome!

Anderson Branch, Tues, 10:30-11am, Wed, 10:3011am.

Bennett Martin Public, Thurs, 10:30-11am.

Bethany Branch, Thurs, 10:30-11:00am.

Eiseley Branch, Tuesday, 7-7:30pm, Wed, 10:3011am, Thurs, 10:30-11am.

Gere Branch, Tues, 10:30-11, Thurs, 10:30-11am.

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

Walt Branch, Tues, 10:30-11am, Wed, 10:3011am.

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

well-child facility, so no need to worry about sick children in the waiting room!

FREE. 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.

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.)

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.

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.

Saint Elizabeth Regional Med Center

Register online at www.saintelizabethonline.com for events, programs and classes or call 402-2197000

Various childbirth and parenting programs and classes offered.

Strategic Air & Space Museum

28210 West Park Hwy, Ashland, 402.944.3100, sasmuseum.com

Lincoln Stars Hockey Club

Every Weekend Science Zone Activities – Make and Take at the SASM every weekend.

MilkWorks

Tuesdays, 10am Pint Sized Play Dates - Explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics and more with your budding scientists! Designed for families with pre-Kindergarten youths.

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

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.

Baby Weigh Station 7 days a week - Drop in and weigh your baby at MilkWorks during open hours. We will teach you how to use our baby scale and answer basic questions you have about weight gain. We are a

Page 38 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com

YMCA Camp Kitaki

402-434-92222, ymcacampkitaki.org

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

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 .

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.

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

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.

Cancer Support Groups Various cancer support groups and services for patients, family members, and 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 pm. Grief support group for children ages 3-18 who have experienced the death of a parent. Caregivers meet at same time.

Youth share feelings through books, discussions, art, writing and remembrance projects. Sheridan Lutheran, 6955 Old Cheney, 483-1845, Bev Prucha, B3549@aol.com.

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. homeschool-life.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 LLLofNE.org offers a monthly Series Meeting, a weekly Breastfeeding Café, and a monthly meeting for mothers of toddlers. Free of charge. 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, 402-465-8065, 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-

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.

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

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

There’s a place for you in a MOPS Group! MOPS provides a welcome break for moms; a chance for moms to make new friends and an opportunity for moms to know they are not alone in the struggles and joys of raising young children. There are 10 different groups in the Lincoln and surrounding areas meeting on various Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and evenings. Child care provided in a nurturing environment. For more information or to find a group that works with your schedule, visit www.MOPS.org. You can also contact Denise Savage at NebraskaMOPS@gmail.com.

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 6:30pm to 8:00pm. 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.

Open Hearts Adoption Support Group Fellowship for families who have adopted children; family centered events (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, 4655841 or at lincoln_openheartsadoption.blogspot.com.

Pet Grief Group 2nd Thursdays. Pet Grief Group in Resource Room.

An interfaith support group for anyone mourning a recent passing of an animal companion. First-Plymouth, UCC, 2000 D Street; 402-476-7550; firstplymouth.org 2nd

Lincoln Kids!

Jason St. Sauver

h BIRDNERD tc i w y BLURB S love he

to

W

in

If o u birds t as much as I do, e k watching them at your a bird feeder in your M or in your local park is abackyard real treat.

We have tons of great local and resident birds that live in Lincoln all year long, like Blue Jays, Chickadees, and Cardinals. A great way to see more local birds in the colder seasons is to put out different treats for them. Switch from seeds to suet with seeds or fruit in it, as this will pack both energy and fat building pieces to keep our feathered friends warm and healthy all winter long. And there are lots of great make-your-own recipes for suet.

It is also a great family project to make peanut butter & seed pine cone feeders.

Just find a pine cone, smear on some organic peanut butter, dip or roll in some bird seed, and hang!

Chef Talk Chai Tea for Health

te

rF oo

d

Happy Birding!

C

with Bennett Martin

hai tea is a fun fall drink to make that can taste truly amazing! What a lot of people dont know about Chai tea is its many health benefits. When you make Chai tea yourself with real cinnamon sticks, fresh cardamom and a nice quality black tea you create something that can heal the body as much as satisfy your taste buds. Many the of the ingredients in Chai tea are also important in Chinese Herbal Medicine.

For instance, cardamom is used for indigestion and nausea, while cinnamon lowers blood sugars, can inhibit ulcers, and ease irritable bowel among a plethora of other health benefits.

If you add clove to your Chai you are giving yourself some extra defense against viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders. Black pepper can also be used and it can stimulate your appetite and digestion. There are lots of other ingredients like orange peel, ginger, fennel or star anise that each hold a unique medicinal property and also add layers of flavor to your Chai tea. Knowing how individual ingredients affect my body is what I like most about Chai and other homemade tea blends. So next time your body needs a boost and your in need of something warm and satisfying make some Chai! Its easy to find recipes and medicinal info online and all the ingredients can easily be found locally!

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

Now 3 Locations

Early Learning Centers

• Pre School Program • Curriculum for All Ages • Before Birth Enrollment

• Low Child to Teacher Ratio • Outdoor Playground • Accepting title XX

Brandy’s Bunch at 1111 Old Cheney (South Entrance of Christ’s Place)

402.420.0460

Radiant Beginnings at 740 N 70th St. (corner or 70th and Vine)

402.489.0652

New 3rd location at 2800 Crossbridge Rd opening in Oct/Nov

402.438.0468

Now Accepting Enrollments. Call us Today!

Winter 2015 Page 39

Lincoln Kids!

“Untitled”

by Helen Parrott, age 5 and Carley Parrott, age 8

“Self-Portraits” by Alex Von Kaenel, age 9, Sarah Fuson, age 6, and Maggie Loos, age 6, students at LUX Center for the Arts

“Spider Web”

by Vanity Scott, age 6, student at LUX Center for the Arts

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

“Two Spiders”

by Grace Kang, age 6, student at LUX Center for the Arts

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Lincoln Kids!

by Avry Victor

Art Gallery

“Untitled”, Splatter Painting,

by Tanner Green, age 13, Teen Open Studio at Art Planet

“Fall Leaves”

by Samara Tep, age 6, Oil Pastel Student at Art Around the Corner

“The Hunter” by Lyndi Weber, age 10. Mixed Media, student at Art Planet

“Love the Environment”

by Stella Criswell, Streets Alive event September 2015 “Flower in a Color Medley” Lydia Hotovy age, 11, Homeschooled “Mandala Starburst”, Maizie Stricker, age 8, Acrylic on Rock, Student at Art Around the Corner

ART AROUND THE CORNER

2129 WINTHROP RD LINCOLN, NE 68502

402-560-3326

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Winter 2015 Page 41

Lincoln Kids!

89 Awesome Things You Should Do This Winter

By Dawn M Garcia, Lincoln Kids! Newspaper There are 89 days this winter, beginning on December 22. Not including Christmas, New Year’s Eve & Day, and various other holidays–that’s a lot of days to feel warm and fuzzy. From snow days, warm pajamas, and hot chocolate to indoor fun centers, museums and ice skating – kids of all ages will find something they love about winter in the 89 things to do listed below. With so many things to do this winter, you might never want winter to end.

Warm thinking, right? Mark off what you’ve done and let us know your favorites on our Facebook page!

1. Go sledding at Pioneers Park or Holmes Lake 2. Build a snowman 3. Make snow pies 4. Sip on a cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and whipped cream 5. Go ice skating at Mahoney Park, Railyard or Lincoln Stars ice box 6. Get involved in a snowball fight 7. Eat warm pumpkin pie a la mode 8. Catch snowflakes with your tongue 9. Make snow angels 10. Snuggle up with a warm blanket 11. Read a good book 12. Bake your favorite cookies 13. Go snowshoeing 14. Wear fuzzy slippers 15. Start and finish a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle 16. Build a snow caterpillar 17. Watch the snow fall 18. Attend an ice hockey game 19. Attend a craft fair 20. Go Christmas lights sightseeing 21. Decorate a gingerbread house 22. Wear fleece pajamas 23. Have a family movie night 24. Go roller skating at Skate Zone 25. Volunteer at a local food pantry, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, church or school

26. Take a winter hike (bundle up!)

27. Build a snow fort and color it with food coloring 28. Go ice fishing with an adult 29. Put flannel sheets on your bed 30. Write a poem about snow 31. Draw, sketch, paint, or color a winter scene or landscape 32. Create homemade cards for family and friends and mail them 33. Cut out paper snowflakes 34. Visit an art gallery 35. Start a new healthy habit 36. Sing Christmas carols 37. Go Christmas caroling 38. Eat breakfast in bed 39. Take an afternoon nap 40. Pretend it’s summer inside: play summer music, dress in flip flops, don your sunglasses, drink lemonade, eat ice cream 41. Play your favorite board games 42. Attend a holiday event 43. Go to a theatre and watch a live performance 44. Admire winter beauty at a Lincoln park 45. Go bowling 46. Swim indoors

47. Visit a museum 48. Play at an indoor fun center 49. Take in a movie at the theaters 50. Rent a toboggan at Mahoney State Park 51. Dress up in your winter coat, gloves, scarf, stocking hat and boots and head outdoors 52. Play outdoor games in the snow 53. Shovel the driveway and sidewalk, help a neighbor with his 54. Do a random act of kindness 55. Donate a sleeping bag or warm blanket to a person in need 56. Take in a holiday concert 57. Attend a winter bonfire 58. Attend Christmas Eve service at church 59. Visit Santa Claus 60. Watch Christmas classics: Charlie Brown’s Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Home Alone 61. Write in a journal and list all the things you love about winter 62. Enjoy hot chocolate at a small local café 63. Read at the library 64. Cuddle with a loved one

65. Play snow tag 66. Look at old family pictures 67. Make homemade popcorn or popcorn balls 68. Eat caramel apples or apple pie 69. Search for animal footprints in the snow 70. Have a snowball rolling contest – who of your friends can roll the biggest snowball?

71. Paint a picture, paint furniture, paint a room 72. Host a fashion show with all of your favorite outfits 73. Play football in the snow 74. Write a letter to an old friend 75. Have an indoor treasure hunt 76. Take a warm bubble bath 77. Host a tea party 78. Complete a word search 79. Cook up a batch of chili & homemade cinnamon rolls 80. Go skiing 81. Make a homemade wreath to hang on the front door 82. Make a homemade bird feeder 83. Feed winter birds peanut butter 84. Eat homemade snow cones 85. Take a sleigh ride 86. Build an igloo 87. Make an advent calendar 88. Go snow tubing on a hill 89. Make indoor s’mores in the microwave or oven

Saint Paul United Methodist Church’s Annual

Friday, Dec. 4 10 am to 2 pm 1144 M Street

Lincoln

Parking available in church garage

For more information call (402) 477-6951

Page 42 • www.lincolnkidsinc.com.net

Delicious homemade cookies!

Over 25 different varieties $10 per box Soup & sandwich lunch (11:30 am to 1:30 pm) $6

Lincoln Kids!

Deck the Halls

By Karla Goerl Lincoln Kids! Newspaper

S

ome of my favorite childhood memories stem from this time of year, especially my family’s tradition of decorating the house with all of my family’s holiday trinkets.

I remember my mother hauling up box after box marked “XMAS”, unearthed from eleven months of storage away from sunshine and warm weather. The boxes and totes were full-to-the brim of neatly packed decorations, knickknacks, dishes, and ornaments. All the shiny designs, tiny bells, and sparkly accents really pumped up the joy of the season for me and my sisters.

We had a melting pot of ornaments--a few antique heirlooms, many keepsakes from family vacations and life events, a garden-variety of colorful balls and baubles,

and several special homemade pieces. Our tree was always eclectic and fun to look at like our very own Eye Spy smackdab in the corner of our living room. My sisters and I all had our favorite ornaments to hang; mine were always the antique mercury glass pieces that had been passed down from previous generations. The miniature nutcracker and other wooden figurines were among my treasured items as well--I believe my grandfather had even made some of them. Of course we couldn’t forget about the shiny glass Christmas Pickle, which we hid as best as we could, tucked away behind a curtain of colorful whatnots and buried deep in the

bristles. Our tree was one to behold, carefully pieced together with love and laughter.

Along with the tree, my sisters and I also looked forward to decorating the rest of our home. The Santa plate and cookie jar had its place in the kitchen. The garlands, strung beads, and wreaths were wrapped and draped until that Christmassy look was juuuust right. I remember my mother’s miniature porcelain village that was always so much fun to set up – we would build our village and play around “our town” until we had visited every shop and said “hi” to every villager.

These memories warm my heart. I encourage you and your

family to hold similar traditions if you celebrate the holidays. I absolutely love thinking back on the times I spent running around the house spreading Christmas cheer.

If it’s not already an annual activity for your family, try to set a date and stick to it year after year. Let the anticipation and hype have your kids looking forward to it.

My family’s date was usually the day after Thanksgiving. A friend of mine’s was the first weekend in December. You could leave it up to Mother Nature and begin with the first heavy snowfall. It’s always fun to add in a couple other holiday treats, like breaks for sipping cocoa, baking and decorating homemade sugar cookies, or building gingerbread houses. With this time of year being such a magical season, it only makes sense to make some magical memories with your young ones. So have a ball and deck the halls!

I Planted a Garden

By Ian Paup 5th grade, Kloefkorn Elementary

a garden I planted ee easy to s it’s very a garden I planted y be a realit so it can I planted a garden green as can be I planted a garden more pretty than trees I planted a garden as plush as can be I planted a garden as fresh as can be I plante d it’s very a garden easy to see I plante d a gard so it co en uld be a reality

CEDARS

Now Enrolling!

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

Call 402-434-5437 or visit cedarskids.org

Winter 2015 Page 43

The Real Fun this Winter is at

Defy Gravity is the first trampoline park in Nebraska where you can actually bounce off the walls! Come enhance your stunt skills at Free Fall, sneak around inside the Laser Maze, and get some airtime at Dunk City! Check out what’s new at the Park: • Bubble Soccer • Glow in the Dark Dodgeball • Trampoline Fitness • •Duel Climbing Wall • Trampoline Ninja • Valentino’s Express Cafe •

New! Bubble Soccer

New! Duel Climbing Wall

The most anticipated form of entertainment that is sweeping the country! Let’s have a ball and hit the field!

Our transparent climbing wall will have you racing to the top! Challenge a friend or beat the clock!

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For people who want serious results from a fun and addictive workout routine!

Battle a virtual ninja by smashing as many ninja stars as you can in 90 seconds!

Call or visit our website today!

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

DefyGravityLincoln.com email: Lincolninfo@DefyGravityUSA.com