VOLUME 13 · ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY
BE WELL Help kids catch up on academics by pulling out some games
EXPLODING WITH FUN Science projects can boost your child’s curiosity, confidence
2022
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February 2022
CONTENTS
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2022 editor-in-chief
KILEY CRUSE kiley.cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375
consulting editor
CO U R T N E Y B R U M M E R - C L A R K cbclark@owh.com 402-444-3118
assistant editor
MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034
KILEY CRUSE/THE WORLD-HERALD
momaha.com editor
REAL MOMS + ADVICE 4 Bookshelf 7 Be Well 8 Science Projects 9 On Our Radar 15 Things to Do 15 Chalkboard
SEASONAL 11 Valentine Tic-Tac-Toe 12 Jenga Games + Crafts 14 Hot Cocoa on a Stick
SPONSORED CONTENT 10 Early Development Network
A S H L E E CO F F E Y ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075
designer
JENNIFER FRENCL
cover photo
A D O B E S TO C K
custom publishing sales coordinator N I C K C AVA L L A R O nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202
Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2022 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.
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BOOKSHELF ASHLEE COFFEY
PIQUE YOUNG READER’S CURIOSITY WITH GRAPHIC NOVELS W hen I was growing up, comic books and other graphic novels weren’t really considered “reading.” Teachers didn’t usually encourage kids to read comic books. And when it came to graphic novels, libraries didn’t always have wide selections and, honestly, there weren’t a lot of appropriate options for kids. If you read a comic, you might have heard, “You should read a real book,” by a teacher, librarian, parent or other adult. None of that is true today. There are now innumerable graphic novels geared for kids, and more are coming out all the time. And we now know just how great graphic novels are for kids to read. In fact, librarians and educators today have come to accept graphic novels as a “method of storytelling on a par with novels, picture books, movies or audiobooks,” according to Scholastic.com. In 2020, two graphic novels won the top prizes for children’s literature. “New Kid,” by Jerry Craft, won
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the John Newbery Medal, becoming the first graphic novel to receive the prize for the “most outstanding contribution to children’s literature.” And “The Undefeated,” illustrated by Kadir Nelson and written by Kwame Alexander, won the Randolph Caldecott Medal for the “most distinguished American picture book for children.” Both books also received Coretta Scott King awards. Graphic novels help motivate kids to read, and are a great option for those who struggle with the traditional book format. And sure, they are full of pictures, but they’re also full of text. The mixture of words and pictures stimulates the reader’s brain when they interpret how they go together. They still have to follow plot, character development, conflicts and more. It actually takes a lot of skill to fully read and comprehend graphic novels. So the next time your child is looking for a new favorite book, consider a graphic novel. Here are some popular options to check out.
“NARWHAL: UNICORN OF THE SEA” by Ben Clanton
Narwhal and Jelly might not seem like they have a lot in common, but they share a love of waffles, parties and adventures. Kids will love following them as they discover the big ocean together. This early graphic novel showcases friendship, the joys of working together and just how powerful imagination can be. Ages 6 to 9
“THE BAD GUYS”
by Aaron Blabey Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Legs the Spider have one goal — to show they’re good guys by helping animals who need it. But their good deeds often go unnoticed because of their species — mean and scary. The art is fun and silly and the characters are even more so. They will have your reader laughing until they cry. Ages 7 to 10
BOOKSHELF ASHLEE COFFEY
“THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS” by Dav Pilkey
Two mischievous kids, Harold and George, create a superhero named Captain Underpants. They accidentally make him real when they hypnotize their grumpy school principal, Mr. Krupp, into thinking he really is Captain Underpants. Ages 7+
“DOG MAN”
by Dav Pilkey A policeman and his dog are both injured in an explosion. Through surgery, they save the head of the dog and the body of the man to create “Dog Man.” The book chronicles the adventures of the hero, Dog Man. Ages 7+
“THE STONEKEEPER”
“WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED”
After their dad dies, Emily and Navin move with their mother to their deceased greatgrandfather’s house, which proves to be a dangerous place. A scary creature lures their mom through a door in the basement and the kids must enlist the help of a mechanical rabbit to enter an underground world to save her. Ages 8 to 12
Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, live in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Life is tough for them there — not enough food, little medical care and it’s boring. When Omar gets the chance to go to school, he realizes it’s a chance to change their future — even if it means leaving his brother every day. This heartbreaking and hopeful story shows what every-day life is like for refugees. Ages 10+
by Kazu Kibuishi
“LUMBERJANES”
by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
by Noelle Stevenson Spending the summer at scout camp, five friends find some strange creatures and supernatural goings-on while out in the woods. Mal, Ripley, Molly, April and Jo team up for wacky and heartwarming adventures in this fun coming-of-age tale, whose 75-issue run ended with a fantastic finale in 2020. Ages 10+
“BONE”
by Jeff Smith Part light-hearted, silly cartoon story and part dark fantasy thriller, “Bone” is a comic book classic. Published between 1991 and 2004, this comic by Jeff Smith is the oldest book on this list, but it’s also one of the best.
The three protagonists — Fone Bone and his two cousins, Phoncible P. “Phoney” Bone and Smiley Bone — meet a girl named Thorn and must navigate evil fantasy-style monsters that live throughout the Valley. It’s fun, funny and exciting. Ages 11+
“PUMPKINHEADS”
by Rainbow Rowell Deja and Josiah work together every fall at the best pumpkin patch. Every year, they’re reunited on Sept. 1 and say goodbye on Halloween. But this Halloween is different. They’re seniors now, and this will be their last shift together. Instead of feeling sad, Deja has a plan: Go out with a bang. Ages 12+
This Valentine’s Day, remember to celebrate and rejoice in all forms of LOVE. Best Sellers – New Releases Marriage Resources – Gifts Photo Frames – Children’s Toys Personalized Engraving – Journals Mugs – Holiday Merchandise And so much more!
Stop by Divine Truth Christian Store today for the perfect reminder to commemorate those you truly care about.
6905 S 84th St. La Vista, NE 68128 | 402.592.4866 | DivineTruthChristian.com 5
Every child, everywhere, deserves the very best. It’s why Children’s Hospital & Medical Center combines the largest group of pediatric specialties in the region, the most advanced technology and the biggest hearts all in one place. Together, in this safe and welcoming environment of excellence, we’re shaping the future of pediatric medicine to deliver the very best for kids. Visit ChildrensOmaha.org or call 1.800.833.3100 to find a physician near you.
CARE
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ADVO CACY
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RESEARCH
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E D U C AT I O N
ADOBE STOCK
BE WELL MARJIE DUCEY
Pull out the games and story books W
and help your child catch up in a fun way
ith all of the disruptions in the school calendar the last few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no wonder that parents are worried about their children’s education. It’s not unfounded; some studies say that students may be months behind in subjects like math and reading. All is not lost. There are things that you can do to help at home that don’t involve more school books. Activities where both you and your child can have a blast while learning at the same time. Staff at the Omaha Public Schools gave us these tips and learning resources to help your child catch up, if needed. 1. Read every day. Read aloud to and
with your student, encourage your student to read independently and talk to you about what they are reading. Utilize books, magazines, newspapers and online books. 2. Talking to your child about what you are doing and thinking as you are doing it will build vocabulary, language skills and reasoning. 3. Here are some activities that enrich and connect mathematics and reading to daily life while building vocabulary: • Cooking and baking • Building and crafts • Gardening • Budgeting and grocery shopping • Creating a daily schedule with times including a.m. and p.m.
Planning travel with maps and distances 4. Sorting and patterning with household objects 5. Matching and sorting games also will help, by building words and putting numbers and letters in order. Find items around the house that match a number or a letter (five pillows).Talk about the letters and numbers; their shapes, what they represent. 6. Play games that promote reasoning and number sense: • Dice games like Yahtzee, Trouble, Farkle and Tenzi • Strategy games like Sequence, Dominoes, Mancala, Backgammon, Monopoly or Chess • Card games such as Uno, Phase 10,
Skip Bo, Rummy, War, Set, Bridge, Cribbage and Pinochle 7. Play games that promote reading skills: Boggle, Scrabble, Apples to Apples Junior, Hedbanz, Scattergories Junior 8. Playing any game that requires conversation will build vocabulary. 9. Some online learning activities: • OPS: iRead, Amira, Lexia, Zearn, MAP Accelerator • Digital resources subscribed to by schools (consult your student’s teacher) • Khan Academy • Greg Tang’s online skill games and learning games • Storyline Online
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HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD CHOOSE A FUN AND CHALLENGING PROJECT
DOWN TO A
SCIENCE TEXT Courtney Love, Best Reviews
S
cience projects are more than just a showy presentation on science fair day. Working on these projects can boost your child’s confidence and skills for future studies, experiments and presentations, as well as create a deeper understanding of a topic or the scientific process. While science fair projects can be fun, they can be a hefty amount of work as well as stressful, and choosing a topic can be one of the most challenging parts. Here are some tips to help you guide your child to a science project that fits their interest, but also their deadline and your budget.
help guide them along a clearer path. Science project formats include: Experiment/investigation: Make and test a hypothesis. Demonstration: Re-test a classic experiment. Research: Report findings from particular topics. Model: Create something that demonstrates a concept. Collection: Present extensive knowledge over a chosen topic.
PROJECT PROCESS
Your child’s teacher will dictate the rubric for their science project, but as a general rule of Before deciding on a project idea, it’s worth thumb, the steps will involve: considering which type of science fair project Choosing a testable question Designing and conducting an experiyour child would like to do. If they are interested in a particular subject, but short on project ideas, ment Examining the results understanding the differences in approach may
TYPES OF SCIENCE PROJECTS
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Sharing the experiment and results, which can include a project title, the hypothesis, materials used, the procedure, results, background research and conclusion.
PROJECT MATERIALS
If you’re going full creative from the get-go, you’ll need to know where to find and stock up on the necessities. If you want to minimize your shopping list, opt for a starter kit that provides the basics for a specific project. For example, instead of making your own volcano, model mold kits are available to buy to get you a head start.
PROJECT IDEAS BASED ON AGE
If you or your child are feeling stuck, consider these project ideas based on what grade your child is in at school. Elementary school A volcano
Salt crystals with their favorite toys A lava lamp Bath bombs A potato battery Middle school Discover the best soil for growing seeds. Examine which bubble gum makes the biggest bubbles. Experiment with variables that make pennies rust at different speeds. Create a balloon lung. Explore how various materials respond to magnets. High school Measure water quality. Make an infinity mirror using LED lights. Experiment with bacteria growth. Explore fingerprint analysis. Discover the impact of weather, and what influences it.
ON OUR RADAR: 6 SCIENCE KITS TO TRY AMAZING BACTERIA SCIENCE KIT
Learn microbiology with this bacteria science kit, which comes equipped with all you need to get started, including pre-packed plates containing agar that are ready to experiment with. It also comes with a bonus eBook, full of project-inspiring experiments. Recommended for ages 13+ $23.99 at Amazon
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ULTIMATE VOLCANO KIT
This volcano kit guarantees improved explosive power for a super-fun and educational project. It comes equipped with a sturdy volcano, paints that are realistic colors, a complete learning guide, pop crystals and two real rocks. Recommended for ages 6+ $14.99 at Amazon
4M CLEAN WATER SCIENCE KIT
This desalination kit is the perfect project booster, teaching water purification. This water science kit comes with everything you need, including a plastic filter system, active carbon, sand, rock and filter paper. Recommended for ages 8+ $14.99 at Amazon
4M WEATHER SCIENCE KIT
4M POTATO CLOCK
Deepen your child’s understanding of the weather and have them begin experimenting with static electricity, water cycles and air currents. This kit includes all the tools needed for more than six experiments, including potting soil, a desk lamp, beans and more. Recommended for ages 8+ $14.99 at Amazon
Play with the impressive power of green science with this fully equipped kit. It includes a digital clock, wires, prongs and assembly instructions. All you need is a couple of potatoes. Recommended for ages 8+ $19.95 at Amazon
AMAZON.COM PHOTOS
SNTIEECR STEM PHYSICS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT LEARNING STARTER KIT
Boost your child’s physics learning skills with this electricity magnetism science experiment kit, packed with 77 items for electricity and 21 items for magnetism. With this kit, your child will be able to build many different projects. Recommended for ages 14+ $68.99 at Amazon
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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SPONSORED FEATURE EARLY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK
MILESTONES TO LOVE Hands-on activities will help your toddler develop fine motor skills
Special for Early Development Network
Y
our child’s fine motor skills play a crucial role in their development. Fine motor skills are defined as the use and movement of smaller muscles in the hands, fingers and wrists. These skills enable your child to become more independent in daily activities such as teeth brushing, using utensils to eat and even getting dressed. Children develop these skills at their own pace, which is perfectly OK. There are plenty of fun activities to help your child grow not only their fine motor skills, but also their social and academic skills.
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MOTOR SKILLS MILESTONES 6-12 Months
12 Months to 2 Years
2 to 4 Years
• Child can clap hands • They can touch things using their index finger • They start to feed themselves finger foods
• Your child can scribble on paper • They are eating with a spoon • They are beginning to use a pincer grasp when holding crayons and markers
• Your child can wash their hands without assistance • They can correctly hold and use eating utensils • Your child can trace shapes on paper and use scissors
Activities: • Help them move a toy from one hand to another • Finger painting • Stack blocks or other objects
Activities: • Have your child help with dinner by showing them how to stir or pour ingredients • Help your child practice zipping or buttoning their own clothing
Activities: • Crafts including the hole punch or scissors • Writing letters or drawing paths with sidewalk chalk or on indoor chalkboards • Sorting small objects such as buttons by size or color
Research shows that the first three years are the most important time for learning in a child’s life. Providing support and services early improves a child’s ability to develop and learn. Also, it may prevent or decrease the need for special help later. The goal for early intervention in Nebraska is to “open a window of opportunity” for families to help their children develop to their full potential. It’s never too early to ask questions about your child’s development. Take advantage of free early intervention services through your school district. Call 402-597-4936 or visit our website at omahaedn.esu3.org.
THIS VALENTINE’S DAY-THEMED GAME IS ALL
T
X’s and O’s
TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey
here are no shortage of games, crafts and goodies when it comes to Valentine’s Day. But one that combines them all is this simple, yet fun Valentine’s Day tic-tac-toe snack game. You get the fun of making it, playing it and, once finished, eating it.
VALENTINE’S DAY TAC-TAC-TOE
• • • •
Graham crackers Frosting Candy hearts in two colors Piping bags
1. Carefully cut graham crackers in half to form a square. 2. Get a piping bag ready. Heat up some canned frosting in the microwave for about 30 seconds and then put a few spoonfuls into the piping bag. 3. Carefully pipe out a tic-tac-toe board on your graham cracker. Once you’re done, you’re ready to play! 4. Taking turns, use the candy hearts to play the game. 5. Once you’re done playing, enjoy! (Extra game boards are encouraged.)
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More Than A
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Game
Turn Jenga blocks into educational opportunities, fun crafts TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse
J
enga can be so much more than a game of strategy (combined with a little bit of luck). There are myriad ways to turn it into an educational game. And there equally as many ways to use those little blocks to create unique crafts.
EDUCATIONAL GAMES Have kids read/answer the words or problems that are written on the blocks as they stack the tower and then repeat as the blocks are pulled out while playing the game. Tip: If a piece of transparent tape is put on the blocks, you can write on the tape with a permanent marker. When your child needs new words, phrases or math facts, a paper towel and a little rubbing alcohol will remove the marker and you can start all over. Here are just a few ideas which can be adapted to your child’s needs. Math facts: Put problems on one side and answers on the other. Sight words: Spell out sight words and have children read them and try to build silly sentences with them. Number words: Put numerals on one side, spell out the word on the other. Foreign language: Put the English version of the word on one side and the foreign language translation on the other.
CRAFTS Keychains, trivets, necklace holders, candle holders, boxes, wall hangings ... the list goes on and on. There are so many cute crafts that can be created out of unused Jenga blocks. We gave three a try. Tip: Many stores have sets of blocks called Tumbling Towers or something similar that are less expensive than the name brand game. If you are using the blocks for the sole purpose of crafting, I recommend these as they do not have the Jenga logo stamped into the side of them. Dollar stores also have mini sets if you’d prefer something smaller to craft with. KEYCHAIN • Wooden block • Mod Podge • 18mm screw eye • Key ring • Stickers, craft paper, etc. • Optional: stain or watercolor paints
1. If you want the wood colored, you can stain it or paint with watercolor paints. 2. If using paper, cut scraps of plain or patterned paper about an 1/8 inch smaller than the four sides of the wood block. 3. Glue paper or affix stickers to the block. 4. Cover in Mod Podge and allow to dry. 5. Check edges and apply a second coat of Mod Podge if necessary. 6. In the center of the top, attach the screw eye. Add a key ring.
*** TRIVET • Wooden blocks ( We made two designs, one using 12 blocks, the other 16.) • Wood glue • Stain, if using • Clear coat sealant 1. Arrange the blocks in a pattern you like. 2. Using wood glue, glue the blocks together. Allow to dry completely. If you are planning to stain the trivet, make sure you wipe away any excess glue or the stain won’t absorb. 3. Stain piece of using. 4. Apply a clear coat sealant.
Swim Lessons register noW for once-A-Week sWiM lessons Ages 6 Mos. & older. Morning, Afternoon, evening & sAt. Morning
*** BOX • Wooden blocks • Wood glue • Stain • Clear sealant 1. Lay wooden blocks out in the pattern for the size box you want. Our box was about 5-by-7inches and used 36 blocks. The bottom is made up of eight blocks, two squares made of four blocks each that are glued together. The sides of our boxes are made from alternating the blocks in a wide and skinny pattern. The long sides are made of eight blocks and the short sides are made of six blocks. Glue the side blocks together. Let dry. 2. At this point you should have five sets of blocks that are glued together — a bottom and four sides. Using wood glue, secure the sides to the base of the box. Allow to dry completely. 3. Stain the box if you choose. 4. Seal with a clear spray sealant.
402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 13
5. Chill until firm. 6. Remove chocolate from pan and remove foil. Cut into squares. Top square with a square of homemade marshmallow and insert craft stick or lollipop stick to hold together. 7. Store in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, two weeks in the refrigerator or up to a month in the freezer. Once they start to dry out, they won’t melt as well into the hot milk. OPTIONAL: You can also pour the warmed chocolate mix into silicone molds instead of an 8-by8-inch pan. If you’d prefer to skip the homemade marshmallows and use another topping, add the toppings in Step 4 and press lightly to make sure they stick. Optional toppings ideas: Crushed peppermint candy, storebought large or mini marshmallows, sprinkles, crushed Butterfinger, crushed Health bar, white chocolate drizzle, mini chocolate chips, etc. Adapted from princesspinkygirl.com
HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS
After you try these fluffy, light-as-air homemade marshmallows, you’ll never want another one from the store.
• • • • • • • •
Hot cocoa ... on a stick? You bet, and it’s delicious, too. TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse
H
ot Chocolate on a Stick is a block of rich chocolate topped with a fluffy homemade marshmallow and they are held together with a built-in stir stick. Simply warm up a mug of milk (sorry, water doesn’t work well) and then dip and stir the hot chocolate stick around in the milk, and it will soon be the most creamy, delicious hot chocolate. If you’re not up for making marshmallows, you can still make the chocolate part and add store-bought marshmallows or other fun toppings.
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HOT CHOCOLATE ON A STICK • • • • • •
½ cup heavy cream 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped Craft sticks or lollipop sticks Homemade marshmallows (recipe follows)
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk. Over medium heat, stir until cream and milk are hot but not boiling. 2. Add the chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate and remove from heat. Let the pan sit for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. 3. Stir or whisk melted chocolate until creamy. 4. Pour the chocolate into a foil-lined 8-by-8-inch pan.
.75 ounces unf lavored gelatin, 3 envelopes ½ cup cold water 2 cups granulated sugar ⅔ cups light corn syrup ¼ cup water ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Powdered sugar
1. Line a 9-by-9-inch pan with plastic wrap and lightly oil it using non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. 2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup cold water. Soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. 3. While gelatin is soaking, combine sugar, corn syrup and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan. Over medium-high heat, whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil. As soon as it is boiling, set the timer and allow it to boil hard for 3 minutes without stirring. (Sugar should reach about 230 F.) 4. Carefully pour the boiling syrup into soaked gelatin. Using the whisk attachment, turn on the mixer starting on low and gradually moving up to high speed. Add the salt and beat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fluffy and mostly cooled, almost room temperature. After it reaches that stage, add the vanilla extract and beat to incorporate. 5. Grease a rubber spatula or silicone scraper with neutral oil and transfer the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. Use the spatula to spread the marshmallow evenly into the pan. Take another piece of lightly oiled plastic wrap and press lightly on top of the marshmallow, creating a seal. Let the mixture sit for a few hours, or overnight, until cooled and firmly set. 6. Sprinkle a cutting surface very generously with powdered sugar. Remove marshmallow from pan and lay on top of the sugar. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar as well. Use a large, sharp knife to cut into squares. Separate pieces and toss to coat all surfaces with powdered sugar. 7. Store in an airtight container. They will keep for about three weeks. Adapted from www.foodiewithfamily.com
CHALKBOARD
THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
A glimpse at what’s happening in our local schools.
TEXT Ashlee Coffey
Attention school administrators: to submit a photo to our monthly chalkboard, please send to goodnews@owh.com. Include a photo credit and a caption. THOMAS MALISZEWSKI
Left: Elkhorn Mount Michael brought sophomore students together for a cornhole tournament as a way for the class to bond. The event included dinner, too. Pictured, from left, are Sam Schwartz, Luke Albers, Matt Adam, Daniel Collins, Jack McMahon, Nathan Hovey, Leo Ramsey (hidden), Noah Seward, Obadiah Laa, and Aidan Farrell.
ELKHORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Right: Hillrise Elementary HALE students were challenged to build a bridge out of popsicle sticks and glue that could hold at least 50 pounds. The top bridge held more than 350 pounds. First the students used KNEX kits to decide what type of bridge to build and how to best go about it. That also taught them about the forces of compression and tension. Pictured constructing their kits are Hailey Haberling and Emily McKenna.
OMAHA MERCY
Omaha Mercy has two National Merit semifinalists in Abby Wessling, left and Maisie Wieser. Abby scored a perfect 36 on her ACT and Maisie a 35.
CARRIE WENDT
1. Kids Funfare. Every Thursday in February, head to Regency Court Omaha, 120 Regency Parkway, for a fun event. Feb. 10 will feature Joe the Magician; Feb. 17 will be a Seuss-sational Science show; and Feb. 24 will feature Stomp Chomp Roar. The event goes from 10 to 11 a.m. outside of Borsheims in the mall. 2. Make some crafts. Every Sunday in February, Michaels craft store is offering free Makebreak classes from 2 to 4 p.m. Families can come in store to make a craft or grab a make-andtake kit. Crafts include a pink ombre necklace and keychain (today), a Galentine’s Day champagne tassel (Feb. 13), a small macrame holder (Feb. 20) and abstract art (Feb. 27). The classes are free but registration is required. 3. Go ice skating. Moms and dads, get a babysitter and head to Motto McLean Ice Arena on Feb. 12 for Date Skate from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. The night will include ice skating, pizza, pop and an ice cream bar. Cost is $25 per couple. Register online by Feb. 7. Motto McLean Ice Arena is located at 5015 S. 45th St. 4. Make a bird feeder. Lauritzen Gardens will host a family-friendly craft class on Feb. 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. During the class, you’ll make your own Valentine’s Day-themed hanging bird feeder. Participants will receive all materials to complete the craft. Cost is $45 for a family of four who are nonmembers and $35 for a family of four who are members. Registration is required by Feb. 7. Lauritzen Gardens is located at 100 Bancroft St. 5. Meet Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol. The Omaha Children’s Museum will host Chase & Skye’s PAW-some Family Fun Weekend Feb. 18-20. Come snap a photo with Chase and Skye, make your own pup badge, shake a leg in the Pup-Pup Boogie and get creative with Rocky’s Recycling challenge. Activities are included with regular museum admission, which is $14 for ages 2 to 59. Seniors 60 years and older are $13. Children under 24 months and members are free. Tickets purchased for the last hour of the day are $5. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The museum is located at 500 S. 20th St. 6. Watch a movie. Head to Edge of the Universe, 6070 N. Maple St., on Feb. 25 for a fun movie night featuring Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” The movie starts at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress up, quote or sing along to the movie.
Oakdale Elementary students, from left, Josh Cogswell, Hudson Villwok and Charlie Wendt enjoy an Omaha Westside football game. They are best friends and football fanatics.
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ACTING « DANCE « VOICE « DRAMA « MUSICAL THEATER
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February 2022
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