Momaha May 2023

ACTION PERIOD

Omaha organization helps women who don’t have access to period supplies

AND A CHERRY ON TOP

Ice cream sodas hit the spot on a sunny summer day

KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com

402-444-1375

consulting editor

COURTNEY BRUMMER-CLARK cbclark@owh.com

402-444-3118

assistant editor

MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com

402-444-1034

contributors

GRACE BELLINGHAUSEN

KORI RADLOFF

ALYSSA JOHNSON THE BOOKWORM

CHILDREN’S PHYSICIANS designer

EMILY WIRTZ

cover photo

KILEY CRUSE

custom publishing sales coordinator

NICK CAVALLARO nick.cavallaro@owh.com

402-444-1202

MOTHER’S DAY

‘FIVE MINUTES’ PEACE’

by Jill Murphy

All Mrs. Large wants is ve minutes’ peace from her energetic children, but chaos follows her all the way from the kitchen to the bath and back again.

‘SEVEN SILLY EATERS’

by Mary Ann Hoberman

illustrated by Marla Frazee

A funny picture book about solving — nally!

— a growing family’s pickyeater problem! Peter wants only milk, Lucy won’t settle for anything but homemade lemonade, and Jack is stuck on applesauce... Each new addition to the household brings a new demand for a special meal. What’s a mother to do?

‘YOU BE MOMMY’

by Karla Clark

illustrated by Zoe Persico

In this clever, rhyming picture book, a mother tells her child that she’s simply too tired to be Mommy tonight and asks her daughter to take over for her. An utterly relatable theme told with humor and heart provides a story parents and children will delight in reading together at bedtime.

‘RAMONA AND HER MOTHER’

by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Quimby

is “seven and a half right now,” if you ask her. Not allowed to stay home alone, yet old enough to watch pesky Willa Jean, Ramona wonders when her mother will treat her like

her older sister, Beezus. But with her parents’ unsettling quarrels and some spelling trouble at school, Ramona wonders if growing up is all it’s cracked up to be.

‘MY MOM – IN HER OWN WORDS’

by Miriam Hathaway

Mom, your life is a gift. You hold within you a story that only you can share. Fill the pages of this book with your one-of-akind memories — whether it’s a special moment from your childhood, an unforgettable adventure, or a piece of advice to share. Speak from the heart. Because when you are nished, you will create a gift that will be loved for generations.

‘WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM’

by Gregory E. Lang and Susanna Leonard Hill illustrated by Sydney Hanson

This picture book is a touching story to show a girl all the ways her mother will help her grow and to remind her of the special bond only she can have with Mom. It features charming illustrations and

heartwarming rhymes about the moments mothers and daughters share. Perfect for any girl mom, new mom or mother-to-be.

‘I’VE LOVED YOU SINCE FOREVER’

by Hoda Kotb

illustrated by Suzie Mason

This book is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. The story was inspired by teh author’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy. “In the universe, there was you and there was me, waiting for the day our stars would meet…”

‘GOOD MOM’S GUIDE TO MAKING BAD CHOICES’

by Jamilah Mapp and Erica Dickerson

These best friends, single mothers, and creators of the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast are here to remind every woman that you can be a good mom despite not tting the “perfect mom” standard. In this part memoir, part guide and part manifesto, they bring refreshing honesty and down-to-earth humor to the stories of their own journeys as mothers.

Find these titles and many more by shopping locally at The Bookworm. Located at 90th and Center Streets, The Bookworm is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 6,000-square-feet of space. The Bookworm offers an excellent selection of books, an outstanding children’s section and friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the books they sell. Learn

UNDERSTANDING CAUSES KEY TO TREATING

ALLERGIES

CHILDREN’S PHYSICIANS

Spring is in the air, which means allergies are, too. Allergies are very common in children but it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cause. Reactions range from a runny nose to dif culty breathing. Knowing the causes and symptoms can be helpful and potentially lifesaving. Children’s Physicians Plattsmouth pediatrician Dr. Tina Scott-Mordhorst stresses the importance of understanding allergen causes.

“You have your seasonal allergies, which are associated with outdoor allergens like weed, tree and grass pollens,” she said. “There are indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander

and some molds. Children and adults can also have dietary allergies to peanuts, dairy, shell sh, eggs and tree nuts.”

Most allergies are more of a nuisance and don’t pose a severe health risk. Keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Itchy or irritated eyes

• Skin irritation like rashes or eczema

• Vomiting and diarrhea with certain foods

Unfortunately, some people may have severe reactions that are considered medical emergencies. Anytime there is dif culty

breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, Dr. Scott-Mordhorst recommends seeking immediate medical attention.

“Anaphylactic reactions are the scary ones and are always a medical emergency.”

If you suspect that your child may have allergies, Dr. Melissa St. Germain, M.D., vice president and medical director at Children’s Physicians, says there are plenty of ways to combat symptoms with the guidance of a pediatrician.

“For older children, oral antihistamines and nasal steroids can be very effective, and some are safe to use every day. Nasal saline also works very well in clearing out the nasal passages and respiratory system,” St. Germain

ADOBE STOCK

said. She adds that keeping your pillows and mattresses in zipper covers and not allowing pets into bedrooms can also help limit allergen exposure. Always encourage washing your hands and even taking a shower after coming inside as this can remove allergens resting on the skin.

If you are unsure of your child’s symptoms or if you see an increase in severity, reach out to your child’s pediatrician. They may prescribe a daily allergy medication, recommend scheduling an appointment with an allergist or possibly treat for another illness. For more information about the providers and services offered by Children’s Physicians, visit ChildrensOmaha.Org/PrimaryCare.

MAKE WATER SAFETY A PRIORITY

ALYSSA JOHNSON

World-Herald Sta Writer

Pool days beat the summer heat, but they also come with a looming possibility of accidents.

For Blake Collingsworth and his wife Kathy, founders of Josh the Otter, that dreadful day came in June of 2008 when their toddler, Joshua, fell into the pool at a family get-together and drowned.

While the couple thought they had everything in place with a locked fence and high door locks, it only took a few minutes for them to lose their son forever. Now, they are working to get the message to other parents and adults while teaching children water safety with their children’s book, “Josh the Baby Otter.”

At the YMCA, Association Director of Aquatics Cheryll Peterson-Brachle is also trying to prevent fun afternoons at the pool from turning into fatal accidents with swimming lessons and life-saving classes.

Here are some water-safety tips to utilize this summer:

SET BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR CHILD AROUND WATER

The rst step to protecting your child from dangerous water situations is to establish the rules before they even touch the water. Whether you are at a friend’s house, a lake or your own backyard, teach your child from a young age that they must always ask for permission to get into the water.

“We talk to our kids about how it’s important to look both ways before you cross the street,” Peterson-Brachle said.

“It’s equally important that children ask a responsible adult before they get in the water.”

In addition to asking for permission, pair the children into swimming buddies who can look out for one another. Blake Collingsworth said it’s also important to discuss with children about tiring out and to communicate when they need to rest.

Perceptually, kids can think that rafts and safety points are closer than they actually are, Collingsworth said it’s important for

children to understand when their bodies are becoming wary.

SET STANDARDS WITH PRESENT ADULTS TO WATCH THE CHILDREN

Even if a lifeguard is present, Collingsworth and Peterson-Brachle agree that a responsible adult should provide an extra layer of protection with one more set of eyes.

“As lifeguards, we work really hard to watch and try to identify people when they get in trouble before it’s too late,” Peterson-Brachle said. “The parents are also a watchful eye over that because they know their kids. They can start to see that they’re getting tired, and then it might be necessary for them to restrict them to water that they can stand in or being in the water with them.”

For the adults watching the children, take 15-minute shifts with your undivided attention. This means putting away distractions such as a phone, book or leaving to grab a drink. After your shift, another adult should be designated to watch the pool.

PREPARE YOUR CHILD TO SUCCEED

Peterson-Brachle recommends signing up for swimming lessons as early as six months old to learn how to turn onto their back to get air in the event that they fall into the water. If a child can crawl, they can get to the water.

“Anytime the child is in a swimming lesson, you help decrease their risk of drowning,” she said.

In addition to swimming lessons, all non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guardapproved life jacket and have a responsible

ADOBE STOCK

All non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket in addition to having adult supervision in a pool.

adult in the water. Peterson-Brachle said that even swimmers can quickly become a nonswimmer when they become tired.

While water wings and blow-up inner tubes are fun, she said they should be avoided as a safety piece as they frequently lose air and can put a child at risk.

Peterson-Brachle also recommends that parents buy bright-colored swimsuits so children are more easily identified in the scenario that a child becomes passive and goes under water. While pool water clarity does help, dark colors and blue shades of swimsuits can easily be unrecognizable at the bottom of a pool.

ASSESS THE SITUATION PRIOR TO SWIMMING

There are stark differences between public and private pools as opposed to open waters such as lakes and rivers.

Peterson-Brachle said that while swimming in open water, it’s difficult to know what the depth of the water is and what lies underneath. In addition, you should only swim in lakes and rivers that are designated for swimming. Open water is not as forgiving as pool water from the standpoint that it can lower visibility and currents can quickly take children under.

No matter where you are swimming, Collingsworth said, you should always locate where the shepherd’s hook is in case you must pull a child out of the water. Locate the AED and emergency phone.

PREPARE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AT HOME AND AWAY

For those with swimming pools at home, Collingsworth recommends having a locking

fence around the water and covers for when the pool is not in use. He recommends adding a motion sensor camera that will send a notification to your phone. He suggests setting a specific alert sound to differentiate from other cameras on your property.

“If I would have had that on my phone when Joshua wandered out to that backyard pool, it would have alerted me. I could have looked at my phone and seen him out there,” he said.

Along with physical barriers to the pool, Peterson-Brachle recommends keeping toys out of the water when they are not in use to avoid the attraction to the pool. Oftentimes, she said, kids will reach into the water for a toy, fall in and quickly become a fatality. She also said to keep a first aid kit, extension pole or shepherd’s hook, life jackets and an emergency phone nearby.

PREPARE YOURSELF

Finally, when taking precautions for your child, you should also consider your own situation in the water. While swimming lessons are recommended for your child, PetersonBrachle recommends that parents take swimming lessons as well for those who don’t know how to swim. Organizations like the YMCA teach children as young as six months old as well as teenagers and adults.

Another resource parents should consider is learning CPR and introducing the concept to their kids. The American Red Cross, National Safety Council of Nebraska and other organizations provide training courses for individuals and groups to learn life saving skills.

Consider enrolling your child in swimming lessons as early as six months of age. At that age they can learn to roll on to their back if they fall in water.

Farmers markets soon to be in FULL SWING

GRACE BELLINGHAUSEN

Council Blu s Nonpareil Sta Writer

Support local small businesses in your community by visiting these Omaha area farmers markets for produce, entertainment and more.

OMAHA

Omaha Farmers Market, Old Market

When: Saturdays, through Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Old Market, 11th and Jackson Streets

Information: omahafarmersmarket.com/ old-market

Omaha Farmers Market, Aksarben Village

When: Sundays, May 7 through Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Aksarben Village, 67th Street and Mercy Road

Information: omahafarmersmarket.com/ aksarben-village

Night Market

When: Last Friday of the month, May through August from 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St.

Information: midtowncrossing.com/event/ night-market-presented-by-veridian-creditunion

Gifford Park Neighborhood Market

When: Fridays, June through August from 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Gifford Park Business District, 520 N. 33rd St.

Information: facebook.com/ GiffordParkNeighborhoodMarket

Sheelytown Makers Market

When: Saturdays, through Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 3522 Center St.

Information: search “Makers Market” under Events on Facebook

Florence Mill’s Farmers Market

When: Sundays, June through September from 8 a.m. to noon

Where: 9102 N. 30th St.

Information: facebook.com/the orencemill

COUNCIL BLUFFS

Farmers Market Council Bluffs

When: Thursdays, May through September from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Bayliss Park, First Avenue and Bayliss Park

Information: the712initiative.org/events/ farmersmarketcb

BELLEVUE

Bellevue Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, June 3 through Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Washington Park, 20th Street and Franklin Avenue

Information: bellevue.net and search “Farmers Market” under the “Recreation + Living” tab

GRETNA

Downtown Gretna Farmers Market

When: Saturdays, June 3 through Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Downtown Gretna, along the red brick roads of McKenna Avenue

Information: facebook.com/ GretnaNEFarmersMarket

PAPILLION

Papillion Farmers Market

When: Wednesdays, May 24 through Aug. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Papillion City Park, Lincoln and Washington Streets

Information: papillion.org/333/PapillionFarmers-Market

Mike Von Weihe of Old Tree Farm in Carson, Iowa, restocks his turnip bin at the Omaha Farmers Market in the Old Market. KENT SIEVERS , THE WORLD-HERALD

The Bellevue Farmers Market is held in Washington Park on Saturdays.

SCOTT STEWART, BELLEVUE LEADER

SHRINKY DINKS keychain creates big smiles

KILEY CRUSE

World-Herald Sta Writer

ith Mother’s Day just around the corner, a keepsake keychain is sure to delight mom or grandma. Shrinky Dinks are the perfect medium for kids to create this fun handprint craft. Shrink art crafts

have been around for half-a-century, but they are just as much fun today.

For this activity, you’ll use blank Shrinky Dinks sheets and acrylic paints. We love these adorable owers, but you can head to the internet for more ideas for hand and footprint pictures — butter ies and sh are other popular options.

SHRINKY DINKS FLOWER KEYCHAIN

Shrinky Dinks sheets

Paintbrushes

touch up any places of the handprint that didn’t transfer. Let dry.

Let dry completely. If the paint is wet when it’s baked, it will be likely to ake off.

Cut out around the handprint ower. Punch out a hole in the

too thick there’s a chance it will

Paint child’s hand and press rmly on the Shrinky Dink sheet. You’ll want the paint thick enough to transfer a good print but not so thick that the transfer is gloppy. If the paint is too thick there’s a chance it will ake off after baked.

stem and leaves below the middle of the handprint.

handprint. Paint a heart in the

top. hole.

6. Bake according to Shrinky Dinks package directions. Add a keychain through the

W E WOULDN’ T CHANGE A T HING, NOT EVEN ONE CHROMOSOME’

Omaha toddler with Down syndrome now ‘thriving’ with help from Early Development Network

BY KIERSTIN MERGENS, MA , L AT, ATC SPECIAL FOR EARLY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

“You were the one that gave birth at the school,” the reception nurse said as I was trying to find my newbor n girl at Methodist Women’s Hospital.

Yes, indeed I was.

In October 2020, I got a phone call from that same hospital that would change the trajectory of my life. My OB said my anatomy ultrasound a few days prior showed some fluid around our baby girl’s kidneys, and she showed signs of a flat nasal bone.

At our perinatologist appointment the next day, we were told she had five total soft markers for Down syndrome.

I cried, my husband cried, and even the perinatologist cried with us and hugged me in the middle of a pandemic. He said something I’ll never forget: “It’s OK to cry, it’s OK to feel all the feelings, and it’s OK to grieve the death of the baby you thought you were having.” I spent the next four months getting my hands and eyes on every resource I could find.

On Feb. 11, 2021, I texted my husband and said I felt a weird tingle in my side. I was at Elkhor n High School, where I’m the athletic trainer Forty minutes later, we were holding Breckyn LeighAnn, having just delivered her on the floor of the faculty locker room.

EMS then took us to the Women’s Hospital emergency room. Breckyn was taken to the NICU after getting an initial green light, while I was taken to labor and delivery and then eventually to recovery

After all the craziness, I couldn’t sleep. At 2 a.m., I decided to go find my new baby girl. That was the first time I heard, “You were the one that gave birth at the school,” and it certainly would not be the last.

Breckyn was in the NICU for eight days for oxygen and feeding issues.

She was hospitalized five times in her first year, including open-heart surgery, and twice in the last year, including tethered spinal cord surgery

We were overwhelmed by all the great infor mation and resources given to us by the hospital. One of those resources was the Early Development Network. Breckyn started receiving services from them at around 2 months old.

We have an awesome early intervention team our services coordinator is the best! She helped us get Breck on Medicaid, the aged and disabled waiver, and any other service or resource she thinks we’d benefit from having.

Two years later, she still receives physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy She also has an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, as well as services coordination.

Thankfully, she’s been thriving and hasn’t been hospitalized for illness in over a year She loves being in the water, playing outside with her 4-yearold sister, going on family outings in her cool wagon, eating anything and everything, reading books, and coloring.

I did grieve the death of the neurotypical child we were expecting. Then I prepared to have a child with special needs. Breckyn is the happiest, sweetest with a pinch of sass baby girl who is the light of our lives and brings a smile to the face of everyone she meets. We love our little family so much and wouldn’t change a thing, not even one chromosome.

It is 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.

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

GELLYDROP NAILS

Ohora semicured gel nail strips are similar in concept to other nail strips available. The main difference is these strips sold by Gellydrops are thicker and they set with a UV LED light. Our tester said, “I’m terribly hard on polish and don’t even try regular polish anymore. I got two tiny chips on day 10 but they were small enough I could live with them. The strips stayed on for 16 days before I removed them.” Gellydrops also sells a remover that works well and was odor free. gellydrops.com, $13-20, depending on style

STICKER SUNCATCHER KIT

This kit comes with everything you need to decorate seven suncatchers based on the book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” “This was the perfect spring time craft. My 3 year old needed to be guided but my 8 and 5 year olds were completely independent.” Placing the suncatchers on a white piece of paper while decorating made it easier for the kids to see. The butterfly has specific sticker shapes, so make sure to start with that one. “We finished our time together by reading the story and it was a lot of fun!” amazon.com, $14.99

TRAVEL SLING BAG

The Nomatic Navigator Collapsible Sling Bag is perfect for travel or everyday use. When traveling, this sling folds up smaller than a tennis ball for convenient packing. This versatile bag has two compartments and some smaller pockets inside the large compartment for organization. It holds a deceiving amount for its size. The sling bag also has held up extremely well with daily use. nomatic.com, $59.99

OCCLUSION EYE PATCHES

Developed by a mom whose son fought wearing an eye patch, See Worthy has a line of super fun, kid-friendly designs that will have your child excited about having to wear an eye patch. Each pack contains 48 patches in four fun designs. There are more than a dozen themed design packs to choose from. The company also has a line of port covers. worthybrands.com, $28.50

blast from the past Enjoy a with an ICE CREAM SODA

a step back in time. They have been around for about 150 years. Otto Baur of Denver claims to have rst invented the ice cream soda in 1871 (completely by accident), but he doesn’t usually get credit for it. That honor goes to Robert McCay Green of Philadelphia who created the drink — also by accident — in 1874.

I give props to both men for creating a luscious, creamy dessert/drink that everyone should try. For the uninitiated, an ice cream

soda is similar to an ice cream oat. A oat consists of two ingredients: ice cream and your favorite soda — typically root beer or cola. An ice cream soda on the other hand uses cream, chocolate sauce, seltzer or club soda and ice cream. (Variations on the drink can be made by substituting avored syrups typically found in the coffee aisle, such as Torani.)

uses fountains that were popular during the 19th and 20th

Some may be fortunate enough to have indulged in one of these sweet treats from the drug store soda fountains that were popular during the 19th and 20th centuries. There are still a few of these gems around, but they are harder and harder to nd. Luckily, ice cream sodas are simple enough to make at home.

All I know is an old-fashioned ice cream soda is a fabulous summertime treat.

3 tablespoons cream

3 tablespoons chocolate

• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Cold club soda or seltzer water Whipped cream, optional Maraschino cherry, optional

NOTES

•

Pour the half and half into a tall

12-ounce glass. or seltzer to ll almost to the top of the glass.

Add the chocolate syrup can stir. Add about ½ cup club soda or seltzer and stir until slightly foamy. Add two scoops of ice cream

cherry, if desired.

• For a different avor, try substituting avored syrups commonly used for coffees, such as Torani, in place of the

Half and half can be substituted for the cream. It just won’t have quite the same richness. For a different avor, try substituting avored syrups commonly used for coffees, such as Torani, in place of the chocolate syrup. Strawberry, peach and vanilla are all delicious options.

• Cold club soda or seltzer will help reduce the foaming.

TO SUPPLY WOMEN WITH PERIOD PRODUCTS

MARJIE DUCEY World-Herald Sta Writer

Kristin Lowrey couldn’t stop thinking about the hardships that face women who can’t afford to purchase period products.

It’s a struggle for two in ve women in the United States. One in three low-income women report missing school, work or similar events because they don’t have access to period supplies.

Those numbers were unacceptable to Lowrey, who founded Access Period to help women in Omaha and across Nebraska address the issue. Access Period is a member of the Alliance for Period Supplies.

Think, she said, how uncomfortable it is to be caught without products.

“That feeling of panic and being worried all day for some people it’s just their daily reality,” she said. “Every time they have their period that’s how it feels.”

It might be someone in the western half of the state who doesn’t have a big box store nearby with its cheaper prices, a single mom struggling to provide food for her children or a young woman in college.

“Nobody was really tackling it head on,” she said.

However, in the last year and a half, thanks to the sponsorship of Healthy Blue and support from other agencies in Omaha and across Nebraska, Access Period has donated 300,000 period products across the state.

But it’s still not enough.

“We have a wait list about a mile long of organizations that could use these products that we just aren’t able to reach yet,” Lowrey said.

Access Period isn’t the only organization trying to help. Other groups such as the Poverty Impact Network in Lincoln include period products with other hygiene items for the needy. The Period Project at the College of St. Mary has held drives to provide the funds to put free period products in every restroom on the campus.

Many people don’t realize how the products can be beyond the reach of a lowincome woman. In 2021, Lowrey said, prices jumped and they continue to grow.

They also aren’t covered by any government safety net programs, she said.

Lowrey began seeing the need when she became part of the board of directors for Partnership 4 Hope and while working with and mentoring young adult former foster youth.

“I witnessed the dif culty that many people in our community, especially our most vulnerable, have accessing basic needs,” she said.

Although she works as a communications director for Remedy Intelligent Staf ng, the company has been very supportive, allowing her to work as many as 50 hours a week with Access Period.

Each pack handed out by Access Period contains 75 tampons or pads, 20 liners, personal wipes and disposal bags. That covers three months. One-month kits are available for people experiencing homelessness or who don’t have a place to store the products.

When Lowrey started, she relied on women at book clubs and church events to help pack kits. Now, large organizations such as Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Conagra and Charles Schwab are holding packing parties.

About 20 partner agencies in Omaha and across Nebraska distribute products. It’s a diverse group, including places such as the Union for

Her goal is to distribute 500 three-month kits each month. Monetary contributions are always welcome because she can buy the products cheaper than an individual visiting a store.

While the problem is seldom talked about, it’s a high priority for the people Lowrey’s organization serves.

“The whole family is able to thrive when the caretaker is able to go to work and school,” she said. “It does feel really good.”

KATELYN SAKALA

An Access Period packing party at the Healthy Blue welcome room in South Omaha.

Contemporary Art, All Saints Food Pantry, the Teen Center and Community Connections at the Creighton Law School.

FAMILIES CAN “IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES” WITH THE ROSE’S 2023-24 SEASON

KORI RADLOFF

Amix of familiar favorites, unexpected twists and world premieres will invite families to imagine new possibilities during The Rose Theater’s 2023-24 season.

This season has a mix of familiar tales told in new and exciting ways, so the entire family from grandparents to the youngest generation can all connect with each other, says Rose Artistic Director Matthew Gutschick.

“Imagine sharing the joy, laughter, and adventure of a long running PBS show, one of the most beloved Christmas-time Claymation classics, the uplifting words of Dr. Maya Angelou, the peaceful tunes of Bob Marley, and perhaps the greatest piece of literature for children ever written in “Charlotte’s Web” — with some surprising new shows in between,” he said.

The 2023-24 Rose season consists of six hour-long mainstage shows included with membership, along with two premium mainstage shows featuring larger casts, more complex staging and an overall enhanced theater experience with reserved seating and an intermission.

A common theme woven among the shows selected for season is empowerment. Every production this season has a protagonist who finds they are far more powerful than they initially expected.

“Whether that’s about finding hidden talents like Arthur and Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, overcoming fears like in ‘Life Doesn’t Frighten Me’ and ‘Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds’, or even Charlie finding that his kindness sets him apart from other kids, each protagonist makes an important discovery about their own strength,” Gutschick said.

The 2023-24 season includes:

MEMBER SHOWS

“Arthur & Friends Make a Musical” (Sept. 8-24, 2023)

“Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” (Oct. 6-22, 2023)

“Night at the Farm: A Bedtime Party” (Jan. 19-Feb. 4, 2024)

“Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds” (Feb. 23Mar. 10, 2024)

“Red Riding Hood” (Mar. 22-Apr. 7, 2024)

“Charlotte’s Web” (Apr. 19-May 5, 2024)

PREMIUM SHOWS

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Dec. 1-23, 2023)

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (June 7-23, 2024)

The six member shows included in The Rose’s mainstage lineup are free with Rose membership or $30 per ticket for nonmembers. A family membership is $125 and includes four tickets to each of the six member shows and additional benefits.

Tickets to The Rose’s two premium shows, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” are $3237. Members receive discounts off premium show tickets.

A number of accommodations are made for audience members with exceptionalities, including American Sign Language interpretation, audio description services for the blind and sensory-friendly performances. Visit The Rose website for specific information for each show.

Each show is carefully selected to present families with familiar favorites as well as innovative new stories. Productions are designed to engage young audiences and introduce them to a wide genre of artistic styles, helping them develop a lifelong love of the performing arts. In particular, the 2023-24 season will offer audiences an unexpected journey of imagination.

“Each of these productions will completely transform the stage so much between shows to fit these really different stories. Audiences are going to experience a journey full of surprises. Each time they walk through The Rose doors, audience members will be transported to a vibrant new world,” Gutschick said.

The Rose is dedicated to inspiring young people and their families to discover the magic of theater, to find their voices and enrich their communities.

Central to this mission has always been the understanding that theater has the power to transform the community by helping audiences better understand a variety of viewpoints and building empathy for others.

“We believe theater is essential to helping children develop the skills they need to lead a successful, fulfilled life,” Gutschick said. “This has been a core value from our early beginnings in 1949, and it is just as true today.”

Rose Theater memberships are on sale now at rosetheater.org or by calling The Rose Box Office at 402-345-4849. Individual tickets will be available to the general public on Aug. 1.

“Charlotte’s Web” THE ROSE THEATER

THE ROSE THEATER “Red Riding Hood”

Nationally Accredited Care for Complex Epilepsy is at Boys Town

Did you know that 5-10% of children will have a seizure? Whether it’s a first-time seizure or a known chronic condition, the Boys Town Epilepsy Program is here for you and your family, The Boys Town Epilepsy Program has comprehensive care you can trust supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment methods.

• Our epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) provides cutting-edge inpatient imaging dedicated exclusively to monitoring seizure activity in pediatric patients.

• The Boys Town First-Time Seizure Clinic offers timely appointments to provide quick and accurate diagnoses for first-time seizures in children.

• Board-certified neurosurgeons are available when medication alone isn’t enough, guided by next-generation magnetoencephalography (MEG) imaging systems to pinpoint where seizure activity is in the brain prior to surgery

Add all this to our team of genetic neurologists, behavioral health experts and dietitians, and each patient ends up with a life-changing treatment plan that is tailored to their needs.

Call 531-355-7420 or visit boystownhospital.org/epilepsy to schedule an appointment.

The Boys Town Epilepsy Program is now Nebraska’s only pediatric-focused level 4 epilepsy center, with accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

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