Momaha Magazine - April 2019 by Omaha World-Herald

momaha.com

VOLUME 10 Â· ISSUE 4 APRIL

Love earth

Small acts that can change the world

KIDS CAMP Your guide to adventures for your child

2019

Boys Town Speech-Language Therapy

Helping

Children Succeed

All parents want their children to succeed. If you are concerned about your childâ€™s speech-language development, Boys Town Speech-Language Therapy can help. Our speech-language therapists work with children and families to address a range of communication concerns. If you think your child may be experiencing problems, schedule a communication evaluation today. Boys Town Speech-Language Therapy Boys Town Pediatrics 6517 South 180 Street 531.355.5087

Boys Town Medical Campus - Downtown Lied Learning & Technology Center 425 N 30 Street 531.355.5087

boystownhospital.org

HEIDI HOFFMAN

CONTENTS

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

SPONSORED FEATURE MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

ON TO HIGH SCHOOL Parents share why their daughters took the leap to attend Marian

n Omaha, we’re fortunate to have strong public schools and multiple private school options. With so many good choices, it can be hard to decide. For many students, moving on to the neighborhood high school is the best option. For others, it’s time to take a leap and experience something different. If you think your child could benefit from something new, then keep reading. At Marian, 25 percent of our students come from public schools. We recently sat down with a group of public school parents to learn more about how they ultimately chose Marian. In most cases, they weren’t looking to make a change from their neighborhood school system. These parent insights provide solid tips for the decision-making process. COURTESY OF MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

IT STARTS EARLY

Peer conversations about where kids are going to high school begin in fifth and sixth grade. At this age, kids are still open to parental views and may be willing to consider a different school or district. They are also beginning to form their own opinions, often in line with those of their friends. If you would like to explore high school options for your child, now is the time to act. Research your options and learn the strengths and offerings of each school. How do these match up with your child’s interests? You can gather a lot of information via school websites but also talk with parents who have children at the school. Schedule a tour. Meet with administrators, see the facilities, ask questions. Shadow a student. Most schools will match a prospective student with a current student, so she can experience a school day and meet students and teachers. Visit more than once, if necessary.

From our interviews we learned that the decision-making process takes time. In some cases, it was the student who led the parents to our door. In other cases, the parent was nudging a resistant teen. In all cases, once the student spent the day at Marian, she wanted to attend. We consistently hear from parents and students alike that the shadow visit was the swing vote. Girls who initially had no interest in attending Marian were then ready to enroll.

ALL-GIRLS ADVANTAGE

So what is the conversion factor? For these parents who enrolled their daughters at Marian, the most significant factor was environment. Marian is a girlfriendly environment where parents tell us: • All-girls creates a community that is high-energy, encouraging and empowering. • She is allowed to be smart. • The girls can be themselves without inhibitions. • You take away judgments on

appearances and boy-girl relationships. That’s the Marian factor; however, every school will have its niche. You need to match the benefits of the school to the needs of your child.

WORTH MENTIONING

Once you open up your options, you might be faced with challenges. If you’re moving from public to private, the cost of tuition can be a shock. Private schools want to partner with families to make tuition affordable. Set up an appointment with the finance office to discuss your projected financial aid amounts, deadlines and application procedures. At Marian, 50 percent of the students receive aid. We take inquiries and begin counseling families well before they apply to high school. Schools are eager to welcome new families and can help you through the transition process. With change, comes growth. Moving on to high school is an opportunity for parents as well as students to take a leap.

ABOUT MARIAN Marian is a Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school twice recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. As Nebraska’s only Class A girls high school, Marian provides the opportunities of a large high school in a smaller setting. Marian welcomes students of all cultural, economic and spiritual backgrounds. As a prospective parent, we encourage you to take advantage of all the exciting events Marian has planned for your daughter. For more information, visit www. marianhighschool.net. To schedule a shadow visit, please contact: Molly Woodman, director of admissions, 402-571-2618 x1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org.

April 2019

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Come visit us! Contact Director of Admissions Molly Adams Woodman at 402.571.2618, ext. 1161 or mwoodman@omahamarian.org to schedule a shadow day or tour.

marianhighschool.net

7 4 0 0 M I L I TA RY AV E N U E

â€¢

OMAHA, NE 68134 2148441-01

ON OUR RADAR MARJIE DUCEY

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH CAR FUN Kanoodle Gravity is perfect for a long car ride. It’s good for two people, but it’s also possible to play alone. You choose one of 40 challenges, set up the puzzle pieces as shown and then use the remaining pieces to complete your puzzle — taking turns if you’re playing with someone else. The game is for ages 7 and older, but even a 5-year-old enjoyed playing. While he didn’t quite get the game, he was still using critical thinking and problem solving — a true win! $19.99; www. educationalinsights.com

AHOY, MATES While the idea of hitting a ball back and forth sounded fun to one mom’s kids, ages 5 and 2, it was harder than it seemed. Still, they loved the eye patches and sword paddles from Table Tennis Pirate Pong; in fact there were a few times they tried to sword fight each other. Mom and dad even loved getting in on the game! The size and shape of the paddles — along with wearing an eye patch — made for a tougher game, but overall it was a fun family challenge. $24.99; www.cortextoys.com

CRITICAL FUN The STEM Explorers Geomakers were a big hit with our 5-year-old tester. He loved making new geometric shapes (as well as some random things like a spider) and his mom loved that it boosts early geometry, critical thinking and fine motor skills. Just remember to pick them up because the little balls aren’t fun to step on! $14.99; www.learningresources. com

April 2019

NO BUDGING IT This adorable Haakaa Mushroom Wooden Bowl was a big hit with a 2-year-old, who loved eating his cereal from it. Mom loved how he couldn’t budge the bowl and spill — a pretty common occurrence. She has used other bowls with suction bases, and none has worked as well as this. Available in four bright colors. $28.99 haakaausa.com.

FLOWER POWER It’s hard to find anything to dislike about the flower cocotte from Le Creuset, which our cook recently put to the test by making jambalaya. The surprisingly light, 2.25-quart cast iron dish effortlessly seared chicken, bacon and andouille sausage without sticking. It quickly caramelized onions and cooked bell peppers before a nice simmer cooked the rice and warmed the crushed tomato base. The cocotte proved easy to clean, and the flower-shaped dish would look at home in pretty much any interior design. $200, lecreuset.com.

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Eat your heart out, PB&J lovers Celebrate National Peanut Better and Jelly Day on April 2 with a sweet and creamy twist the whole family will enjoy: cookies and bars.

STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Hoffman

April 2019

PBJ Oatmeal Bars

PBJ Thumbprint Cookies

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1½ cups sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

••

• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt • 1½ cups jam (we used strawberry) ••

1/ 3

cup oatmeal

••

1/ 3

cup peanuts, chopped

••

1/ 3

cup walnuts, chopped

1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. 2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar. 3. Add the vanilla, eggs and peanut butter and mix until well-combined. 4. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. 5. Spread two-thirds of the dough in the pan. Spread the jam evenly over the dough. Sprinkle oatmeal on top of the jam. Drop small globs of the remaining dough evenly over the jam. 6. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts and bake for 45 minutes, until golden brown. 7. Let cool and serve.

1/ 3

cup strawberry jam

1. In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients (except jam) to combine. 2. Press dough together into a ball, wrap tightly and chill in fridge 1 hour. 3. Heat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat and place on parchment-lined cookie sheet. 5. Lightly press your thumb in the center of each ball. Add ¼ teaspoon of jam in the center of each cookie. 6. Bake 7 to 9 minutes. Allow cookies to cool and serve. Recipe adapted from jessicafavin.com

Recipe adapted from chowhound.com

EASY-SEW TOTE BAG STORY Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

April 2019

e’re all encouraged to use cloth bags instead of the plastic variety, and this lined tote is easy to make. It’s fun to personalize the fabric − dog fabric for a dog lover or super heroes for a youngster who needs a book bag. You can change the size, too, if you need something a little bigger for your shopping needs.

Easy-sew bag • ½ yard cotton fabric • ½ yard of complementary cotton fabric for inner lining • ½ yard of heavy fusible interfacing • 42 inches of canvas strap • Fabric scissors or rotary cutter • Sewing machine

MAY 28-AUGUST 2

• Thread • Iron

Source: Jessica Kesterson for HGTV

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Join us for a summer of

EXPLORE and G R O W

OUTDOOR E ADVENTUR

Summer Adventure Camps at Lauritzen Gardens provide exciting opportunities for children ages 5-12 to foster an appreciation for the environment through direct experiences with the natural world.

• FUN

THEMES

for children to explore science, nature and art!

• FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING The garden offers morning and afternoon camps, supervised lunch, and extended drop-off/pick-up packages to give parents flexibility. • OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISCOVERY Camps include nature hikes, plant and wildlife encounters, crafts and other hands-on activities to keep kids active. • CAMPS DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS like problem solving, decision making, collaboration, communication, creativity, leadership, and socialization. • SESSIONS range from $55-$235.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

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1. Cut two 18-by-14-inch rectangles of both outer and inner fabric choices. Then cut two 18-by-14-inch rectangles of interfacing. Cut canvas straps into two 21inch lengths. 2. On the long side of all rectangles, snip a 2-by-2inch square from only the bottom corners. Repeat for interfacing. This will form the base of the tote. 3. Press interfacing to wrong side of outer fabric rectangle. 4. Pin outer fabric’s right sides together and sew straight half-inch seams along the sides and bottom of piece. Note: Leave the top and two snipped corners unsewn. Press seams open. 5. Pinch together gaps in snipped corners, lining up the side and bottom seams in the center. Pin straight across and sew a half-inch seam. This step adds depth to the bag and creates a flat bottom. 6. Pin right sides of inner (liner) fabric rectangles together and repeat the above steps. 7. Flip liner right-side out and place inside outer fabrics so that right sides are together. Tuck canvas straps between inner and outer fabrics so that two edges of one face the front and two edges of the other face the back of bag. Pin the end of each canvas strap about 4 inches from side seam then pin fabric edges together around perimeter of bag opening. 8. Beginning at a side seam, stitch a half-inch seam almost all the way around the tote, stopping 4 inches before the starting point – this should catch all four ends of the canvas straps while leaving ample room for turning. 9. Pull both fabrics and straps through the 4-inch gap, turning the tote bag right-side out. Lightly press with a warm iron to remove wrinkles. 10. Top-stitch around the tote bag’s entire opening to finish edges. This will also help reinforce canvas straps and shut the gap left in the previous step for turning.

Camp themes range from dinosaurs to our signature “Meet the Metro-O” and “Wizard Academy” camps and are led by certified teachers. Register today!

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha (402) 346-4002, ext. 253

www.lauritzengardens.org

SPONSORED FEATURE HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

OVERCOMING ANXIETY Huntington Learning Center helps boy build confidence STORY Mike Watkins

lthough son Talan had exhibited fleeting signs of anxiety in the past – even as early as kindergarten – the anxiety he experienced at the start of sixth grade last fall was much more alarming to mom Cara Kuhne. He couldn’t concentrate. He was constantly afraid of failing and disappointing his teacher. He was behind and couldn’t seem to catch up, even though he knew the material and excelled in math (he was in an advanced mathematics class). His parents, doctors and teachers couldn’t figure out what was wrong. “Here was my bubbly, sarcastic child who became defeated because he had such a hard time transitioning from elementary to junior high,” Cara said. “That led to a lot Huntington Learning Center helped Talan Kuhne of anxiety that affected his with the transition to middle school. performance in the classroom. “We’re not exactly sure why, but we think it had to do with meeting new adults in positions of Having heard about Huntington authority and not wanting to disappoint Learning Center from a variety of them, so he puts a tremendous amount advertisements, Cara looked into its of pressure on himself to do well. It’s been services and quickly discovered that it was very difficult for him.” the place that could help her son. Recognizing this problem, Cara first “I was impressed right away with sought the help of a therapist for Talan, Huntington’s longevity in Omaha, and but that didn’t alter his reactions. once we met with Gwyn Morris (center They considered hiring a private tutor director) and everyone there, they quickly but decided to pursue another route understood what I was talking about and to ease his anxiety in the classroom what Talan was experiencing and put – particularly when it came to math together an education plan specific to instruction and homework at Elkhorn Talan’s needs,” Cara said. “He’s very bright, and he loves Ridge Middle School.

science, so I knew he was understanding the material in math. He just had trouble controlling his anxiety. Huntington knew what to do to help him gain confidence and believe that he could do it on his own.” Huntington teachers helped Talan handle increased homework and a faster pace in middle school. Along with teaching him to take better notes in class and be more organized and self-sufficient, they helped him understand syllabus timelines and manage his schedule for handing in assignments. But ultimately, Cara said, everyone at Huntington has helped Talan believe in himself and his natural abilities for learning and practicing math. “Middle school isn’t as ‘fluffy’ as elementary school because the teachers hold the students more accountable for their own work and schedule, and it took him a while to acclimate to those higher expectations and increased responsibility,” Cara said. “There were numerous times when he came home from school last fall really upset and very distraught. “But now, he’s such a different kid. He’s still a lovable, funny kid, but now he’s much more confident and sure that he’s doing his best work. Huntington has played a big role in that, and it’s obvious from Talan’s calmer demeanor and confidence that their work with him is making a huge difference.”

ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, algebra through calculus, chemistry and other sciences. Huntington offers prep for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.

April 2019

GET ORGANIZED AMY TOKOS Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE An earth-friendly approach to organizing your home

aking some easy steps to make our homes more environmentally friendly can also make the world a better place for our children. The phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” is a good starting point.

REDUCE Build a green cleaning kit. Chemicals are not good for the environment. You can find lots of natural cleaning “recipes” online to minimize the number of cleaners in your cabinet. Unsubscribe to catalogs and other mailings. Most have customer service numbers listed. Reach out and ask to be removed from their lists. The FTC has information for consumers to optout of unsolicited mail, emails and phone calls. Visit www.consumer. ftc.gov Use more cloth napkins and cloth towels. Minimize your use of disposable napkins and other paper products and, in turn, minimize your trash. You can also go the no-napkin route where you only use them if needed. Plan errands to reduce travel and save on gas. Pick a day to run all your errands and plan your route in a clockwise direction. This will increase the number of right turns, which minimizes your idling time. Shop with a list and buy only what is on your list. Sticking to a list will stop you from guessing at the store and help you purchase only what you need. This will reduce the amount of stuff you throw out. Be picky about what enters your home. Think toys and

Build a green cleaning kit.

clothes for starters. Know that anything you purchase means the store will restock that item, which then means the resources to make that item will be needed. If you don’t need an item, then don’t buy it and save the earth’s resources.

REUSE Repurpose items that you already have in your home. Shoe boxes, cardboard boxes, ice cube trays and plastic food containers can all be used to help you organize. Do you have baskets that you no longer want as decoration? Use them inside cabinets to help organize items. Keep reusable bags handy. Many cities are moving to charge consumers for plastic bags and some stores charge for bags, either plastic or paper. If you can keep reusable bags handy, it will be better for the environment and your pocket book. The ideal place for reusable bags is somewhere in the pathway to your car. Some

people store them in the car, and that works if they are in your line of vision. If they’re in the trunk, the odds of them being forgotten are high. Donate magazines instead of recycling. There are retirement communities, libraries and schools that could use your old magazines. Find a place to drop them off. A magazine read many times is better than one that gets read once and thrown away. Free the books on your shelves for re-use. There are a lot of books out there collecting dust. If you have some of these, share or donate them.

RECYCLE Make recycling easy. Recycling adds a step to your regular process. So in order for your recycling effort to be successful, you need to make it easy. An extra trash can designated for recycling next to your regular trash can is the solution.

SKINNY DESSERT Youâ€™ll be tempted to serve these easy drop cookies for breakfast too! STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Christen

April 2019

ince the holidays, Iâ€™ve been on a quest to replicate an oatmeal-and-carrot breakfast cookie I savored at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada. The cookie, offered by an Amish vendor, was dense but soft and chewy with traces of maple and cinnamon in every bite. Finally, Iâ€™m enjoying something similar at home, thanks to an adaptive dough recipe for Healthy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies featured on the blog Amyâ€™s Healthy Baking. These skinny grab-and-go treats (about 100 calories per serving) are super filling and travel well. Bonus: no butter, refined flour or refined sugar.

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Grow with us! Youâ€™re invited to schedule a free meeting to get to

Healthy Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies

Yield: 14 cookies

â€˘ 24-hour nurse helpline

â€˘ 1 cup instant oats â€˘ Âž cup whole wheat or gluten-free flour

â€˘ 24-hour appointment scheduling â€˘ Extended evening and Saturday hours

â€˘ 1Â˝ teaspoons baking powder

â€˘ Same Day Pediatrics for sick appointments

â€˘ 1Â˝ teaspoons ground cinnamon

* Five convenient Omaha locations

â€˘â€˘

1/ 8

teaspoon salt

â€˘ 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or unsalted butter or margarine, melted and cooled slightly) â€˘ 1 large egg, room temperature boystownpediatrics.org

â€˘ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract â€˘ Â˝ cup pure maple syrup â€˘ Âž cup grated carrots (about 1 medium, peeled first)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut oil or unsalted butter, egg and vanilla. Stir in the maple syrup until thoroughly incorporated. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the carrots. 3. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. (If chilling longer, cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the entire surface of the cookie dough.) 4. Heat oven to 325 F, and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. 5. Drop the cookie dough into 14 rounded scoops on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly using a spatula. (The cookies donâ€™t spread very much.) 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cookies may appear underdone, but the centers continue to cook on the warm baking sheet. (Pulling the cookies out after the outsides have just barely set ensures they stay extra soft and chewy.) 7. Cool on baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. If the cookies are flimsy after cooling, let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container. Notes: Measure both the oats and flour using a spoon-and-level method. If you scoop from the container using the measuring cup, youâ€™ll end up with 1.5 times as much oats, which will dry out your cookies and make them crumbly. Variations: 1. For added texture and flavor, fold in Âź cup ground walnuts and Âź cup raisins. 2. Substitute honey or agave for the pure maple syrup. 3. Mix in Âź cup dried blueberries for a tangy burst of flavor. 4. Or finish off a batch with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top.

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Summer Fun Class! June 11, 18 and 25 6 - 7 pm â€˘ $45 BATON â€˘ POM/DANCE TUMBLING NE W A ND CUR R E NT S TUD E NTS W E LC OME !

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TWEET-WORTHY DIY Don’t throw away that empty milk carton! Upcycle it for the birds STYLING Jessica Thompson PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

Springtime is when birds are most active. Calling them to your yard is a hoot with this DIY bird feeder.

Milk Carton bird feeder • Construction paper or paint in color of choice • Scissors • Glue • Empty milk or juice carton • Craft knife • Popsicle sticks • String or yarn • Birdseed

1. Cover the carton with paper or paint. If using paper, cut a hole for the carton cap to poke through. 2. Cut eyes and a beak from construction paper. Glue to the front of the carton. 3. Using the knife, carve a hole about 3 inches in diameter in the front of the carton, starting just below the tip of the beak. 4. Using knife, cut wing shapes on opposite sides of carton (see our example). Lift the “wings” so they separate from the carton. 5. Make a small hole or slash below the large circle for popsicle stick as a perch. 6. Poke two holes in the top edge of the carton. Thread string or yarn through each hole, and tie each end to desired length. 7. Fill with birdseed and hang outside. Tip: You can use lids from bottles and cartons that you’re recycling for the owl’s eyes, instead of paper.

FUNKY FEEDER With duct tape, design ideas are quick to percolate STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

We may not have coffee trees in the Midwest. But we have coffee cans and that’s a pretty big attraction for hungry birds.

Recycled Coffee Can Bird Feeder • Used coffee can with plastic lid • Can opener • Craft paint • Paintbrush • Scissors • Duct tape • Yarn • Birdseed

1. Clean and open both ends of the coffee can with a can opener. 2. Cut the coffee can’s plastic lid in half. Paint the lid halves and let dry. 3. Place a half lid on either side of the can, making sure they align with each other. 4. Decorate your can with colorful duct tape. Tape the lid halves on as well. Tip: Layer the tape to create different widths. 5. Cut yarn or ribbon to desired length. Thread through the can and tie a bow. 6. Fill with birdseed and hang outside. Source: www.momtastic.com

SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

unexpected benefits Army veteran finds life-changing routine, friendships at Sarpy YMCA STORY + PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Watkins

hikitha Russell lived in Missouri, Washington, Kentucky, Rhode Island and Germany during her career with the U.S. Army. Retirement from the military led her and her family to Nebraska and their “forever home” in Papillion more than four years ago. Shikitha and husband Lamonte relocated from Rhode Island shortly after welcoming daughter Nadia into their family. The couple also have a son, Caleb, 10. “Papillion is regarded as a Top 5 city for military relocation and living, based on a Forbes magazine article we read during our research,” Shikitha says. “There are great schools, low crime, not an overwhelmingly large population and an affordable cost of living.” Shikitha was a stay-at-home mom when she first moved to Papillion and found her way to the Sarpy County YMCA, where she and her family quickly became regulars. “We’ve really been able to connect and interact with the community through the Y,” she says. Lamonte, who also is retired military, and Shikitha, who both work full time, make a point to visit the Sarpy County YMCA with their children. The couple have been active in Y programs, as well, coaching youth soccer and hosting trunk-or-treat events for member families. “We love coming to the Y, and the kids love swimming there and being involved with teams and sports and other activities,” Shikitha says. She suffered post-traumatic stress disorder related to a tour of Iraq in the mid-2000s, she says. She struggled with depression and public anxiety and often stayed home with the kids when the family first moved

April 2019

to Papillion. She credits a small all-female exercise class at the Sarpy County YMCA taught by a personal trainer and fellow veteran with helping her come out of her shell. “I was there to get the kids involved with sports – soccer, T-ball, swimming – and didn’t expect to find a group for me, but that’s how it worked out,” she says. “I had put on some weight between retiring, having my daughter and being home so much with the kids. “It didn’t take long before I was opening up to some of the people in

the group and forming friendships. It was quite unexpected but lifechanging.” A blood clot in her lung required a month-long break from her exercise group. “Adam (the class instructor) helped coach me through my recovery, and I dropped weight,” Shikitha says. “I also got started in yoga, and that helped me with my breathing and flexibility. “All-in-all, my family loves the YMCA, and in so many ways, it helped change my life for the better. It’s our refuge. It’s our home away from home.”

The Midwest’s Largest

HORSE EVENT! April 4-7, 2019 • CHI Health Center

Four Ticketed Events • Tickets start at $12.50 • VIP Ticket Packages

Free to the Public • Warm-Up Arena • Demonstration Arena • Boutique Shopping

For Ticket Purchases and Event Information: www.internationalomaha.com

Fun for KIDS • Horse-less Mini-Jump Competition • Horse Discovery Zone • Horse Parade

Home of The 2017 Longines World Cup™ Jumping & FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals 2144188-01

EMPOWER YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

M O R E T H A N YO U R S E L F metroymca.org

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LET’S GET PLOGGING! Every choice, every day can help the natural world STORY Marjie Ducey PHOTOGRAPHY Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

r. Cheryl Morris, vice president of conservation at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, is asked every day what people can do to help the environment. Many think one individual’s actions don’t make an impact. But Morris says that’s not true. “That’s what I find so inspiring − what people can do,’’ she says. “We can make choices every single day to help our natural world.’’ Morris says everyone is intimately connected with the natural environment and conservation. We just don’t recognize it on a daily basis.

Our behaviors and choices have a consequence, she says. Some directly impact the environment. Reducing our use of plastics, for example, affects the health of our oceans. Recycling cell phones and gaming devices means less mining of resources in Africa, which can in turn hurt animals there. Planting flowers with nectar that supply food for bees and butterflies directly affects those populations. So does cutting back on pesticides. “All of those are simple choices we make every single day,’’ Morris says.

More Earth Day tips from the zoo staff and Momaha editors

Take a cue from our Swedish friends and go plogging. Set out on a walk to get some fresh air, pick up litter and make your community a cleaner place. Take your usual stroll through your neighborhood, swing by a nearby park or check out new hiking trails – just don’t forget to grab your trash bag.

Plant a pollinator-friendly garden and reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides. Most people know about planting milkweed for monarch butterflies. But go to xerces.org and discover the perfect pollinator plants, trees and shrubs for this part of the country. The Northern Plains list provides blooming time, color and water needs for each.

Build a compost pile – good for the environment and great for your garden. Simply set aside a corner of your yard for a pile of yard waste, mulched leaves, vegetable and fruit scraps or buy a composter. For low-cost compost, check out the City of Omaha’s popular OmaGro.com program.

Skip plastic straws if you don’t need them. Each year, an estimated 18 billion pounds of plastic waste enters the world’s oceans from coastal regions. That’s about equivalent to five grocery bags of plastic trash piled up on every foot of coastline on the planet.

Practice sustainable food shopping by purchasing sustainable palm oil products and seafood. Palm oil production is responsible for world deforestation, which contributes to climate change. Some fish species are threatened by over fishing; get the latest by downloading the Seafood Watch app.

April 2019

6 Recycle your old smart phone, iPod or gaming device to cut down on the need to mine coltan from gorilla habitats in Africa. It’s as easy as a trip to the zoo. Bring electronics to the Guest Services area for recycling. There are also dropoffs at Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion, the elevator building that takes guests down to gorillas and near the orangutans.

7 Use reusable shopping bags. See how to make your own lined tote, Page 14.

Practice responsible tourism by respecting wildlife and their habitats, purchasing responsible souvenirs and knowing the conservation issues faced in the areas you are visiting so you don’t contribute to them.

Research your favorite animal and the threats that species faces. Create awareness by hosting a fundraiser for a conservation organization. Check out groups like Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club or the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Organize or participate in a lake or river cleanup event. The zoo will begin hosting these community events this spring. Go to omahazoo.com/specialevents for information. Other ways to help rivers can be found at americanrivers.org or riverrelief.org.

Starting plants from seed easy with paper pots STORY Debbie Brozanic PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

get some of my most creative ideas while working in my garden. Like using origami paper folding techniques to make seed starter pots for the Master Gardener Speakers Bureau at the Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties. Seeds for your own project can be found at area garden shops, hardware stores, grocery stores, online and through the Omaha Public Library Common Soil seed library.

April 2019

THE BASICS

A seed packet typically has the following information: germination (how soon the seed will sprout), how deep to plant the seed, days to maturity, sunlight requirements, watering requirements and transplanting recommendations. It also should tell you whether the plant is an annual, a perennial or a biennial. Most first-time gardeners enjoy a flower that will sprout fairly fast, such as an annual, which will last for one season. Annuals such as sweet alyssum, celosia, cornflower or bachelor button, marigold and cosmos sprout within five to seven days. Nasturtium typically sprouts in 10 to 12 days. Starting vegetables from seed is easy for inexperienced gardeners as well. Arugula, spinach, baby carrots and radishes sprout quite fast.

WHAT YOU DO

1. Start with a single sheet of newspaper, about 22 inches by 11 inches. Fold into box according to video instructions found on momaha.com. 2. Using a waterproof marker, write the name of the plant and the date the seeds were planted on each newspaper pot. 3. Plant seeds according to packet directions. Note: Soil-less mixes provide a great medium for seed starting as they are porous and harbor fewer diseases than ones that contain garden soil. 4. Place your pots on an old cookie sheet and set indoors in a warm, sunny area or under a grow light on a seed starting warming mat. 5. Water gently and keep the mix moist, not soggy. 6. Resist touching the seedlings as they sprout. They are very delicate. The initial set of green leaves are from the seed not the plant. Once you see the second set of green leaves, the plant is off to a good start. 7. When the seedlings are about 5 inches tall, transplant them outside. Get the seeds used to being outdoors first by putting them in a semi-sunny place against the wall of the house or patio for about a week. This step is called hardening. 8. Dig a 5-inch-by-5-inch hole, about 3 inches deep, and gently set the seedling pot in the ground using an old spatula. Gently tear open or cut the outer corners of the box to allow room for the plantâ€™s roots to establish themselves. Water regularly and watch your seedlings thrive!

SEED STARTING

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Find more information about starting plants from seeds at extension.unl.edu/statewide/fillmore/Seeds.pdf. Source: â€œDIY: Newspaper Pots for Seed Starting/Cuttingsâ€? by Crouton Crackerjacks, 2014.

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EARTH DAY TREAT Food coloring puts a fun spin on classic sugar cookie recipe STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

April 2019

SWIM

Earth Day Sugar Cookies • 1¼ cups white sugar • 1 cup butter

INTO

SPRING

• 3 egg yolks • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon almond extract • 2½ cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar • Blue and green food coloring • Optional: heart candy decoration

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease two cookie sheets. 2. Cream together sugar and butter. Beat in egg yolks and almond and vanilla extract. 3. Add flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Stir. (Note: Dough will be firm. Don’t worry – it is supposed to be this way.) 4. Divide dough in half. Add blue food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other half. 5. Pinch off pieces of both the blue and green dough. Swirl them together and roll into a walnut-sized ball. 6. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Don’t flatten. Bake 10 to 11 minutes, until tops are cracked. 7. If adding heart candy decoration, add with about a minute left in the bake time.

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SPONSORED FEATURE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER

The HPV vaccination is recommended for boys and girls at age 11 or 12.

SURVIVOR STORIES Vaccinations can prevent most HPV-related cancers

“C

ervical cancer is not an easy cancer, and the treatments and psychosocial impact of it are incredibly devastating to a woman and the people who love her,” says cervical cancer survivor Christine Baze. Baze is one of several survivors of human papillomavirus-related cancers featured in an American Cancer Society video titled “HPV Survivor Stories,” which can be found on YouTube. She is also like a lot of the cervical cancer patients seen by Dr. Linda Duska, a gynecologic oncologist at the University of Virginia Health System. Duska says that many of the women that she takes care of with cervical cancer are young women who have not even begun their families. Because of their cervical cancer, many will never be able to have children of their own. Unfortunately, many people do not understand how common HPV is or know the diseases it can cause. As Dr. Michael Moore, a head and neck cancer surgeon at UC Davis, explains, “It’s not limited to cervical cancer. It has a huge

April 2019

spectrum of diseases. Everything from cervical cancer, anal cancer, and head and neck cancer. It can affect both girls and boys.” Frank Summers, a firefighter and father, was young and in great health before being diagnosed with HPVrelated head and neck cancer. “I never really had a (health) problem and all of a sudden I’m dealing with cancer. Emotionally that was an incredible blow to feel like I wasn’t a young healthy man anymore.” HPV-related cancers can affect anyone and everyone, but they are also cancers that could be avoided. “This is something that could have been prevented if that patient had access to either screening or to vaccination,” Duska said. The HPV vaccination is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for boys and girls at age 11 or 12. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the targeted HPV types, as well as the most common health

problems caused by them. It is most effective in preventing HPV-related diseases if it is received prior to exposure to HPV, which is why it is recommended for adolescents. Despite this recommendation, fewer than half of adolescents nationally and under 60 percent in Nebraska are up to date on HPV vaccinations, according to the CDC. “This vaccine is amazing, and parents have the opportunity to utilize this vaccine to help ensure that these cancers do not happen to their children,” Baze says. The University of Nebraska Medical Center Colleges of Pharmacy and Public Health have partnered with the Douglas County Health Department to raise awareness about the recommended adolescent vaccinations. The vaccines are readily available either at your physician’s office or at most community pharmacies in Nebraska. To learn more, ask your physician or pharmacist.

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Eggs in their Sunday best Grab a tie and get decorating STORY Sue Story Truax

Easter eggs should be dressed in holiday finery, just like the people at church that Sunday. Think vibrant blue bubbled all over the shell, purple-pink batik, a whisper of green, multicolored tweed or an intricate repeating pattern. These egg-dying techniques are easier than you might think.

CHRIS MACHIAN

April 2019

Color Transfer Dyed Eggs Makes 12 • 6 silk neckties or other colored, patterned silk • Seam ripper • Scissors • Iron, optional • 12 eggs with white shells • Light-colored scrap fabric, such as an old pillowcase • Cooking pot or pots • 12 rubber bands, 12 long twist ties, string or dental floss • Water • White or apple cider vinegar • Tongs, chopsticks or a slotted spoon • Large plate or drying rack • Vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray, optional • Paper towel, optional

1. With the back side of a tie facing you, use a seam ripper, scissors or both to remove the label(s) and any loop for tucking in the tie’s bottom piece. Remove the loose seam that holds the middle of the tie together. Pull out the coarse fabric that helps shape the tie. Rip out or cut out the lining at the fat end of the tie. 2. Because you will be using only about half the tie, you don’t have to rip out or spread flat the

CHRIS MACHIAN

Easter eggs colored by boiling with a silk tie. unused narrower portion. Instead, spread out the bottom, wider part of the tie. If desired, iron to make it flat. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with remaining five ties. 4. From the bottom, wider part of one tie, cut a piece of silk large enough to cover one egg with enough extra fabric on the narrower end of the egg to secure with a rubber band or other fastener. 5. Cut a similar sized piece of fabric from the lightcolored scrap fabric. 6. Place the fatter end of the egg in the middle of the right side of the silk piece. (The right side is the portion seen when the tie is worn.) 7. Wrap the egg with the right side of the

silk touching the eggshell. Make sure as much fabric as possible is flat against the eggshell. 8. While holding in place the yet-tobe-secured end, wrap the lightcolored cloth piece around the silk. The light-colored layer will keep the silk from billowing away from the egg. 9. Use a rubber band or other fastener to secure the pieces of fabric around the egg as tightly as possible. Set aside. 10. From the remaining wide part of the tie, cut another piece of silk for the second egg. Wrap the egg in the silk piece with right side of silk touching the eggshell. Hold in place while wrapping in a piece

of light-colored fabric. Secure and set aside. 11. Repeat these steps until all the eggs are wrapped and ready to cook. 12. Group like silk colors together for cooking. Use one pot for reds, another for blues, etc. 13. Place wrapped eggs in as many pots as needed. Add enough cold water to each pot to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch. Then add a few tablespoons of vinegar to each pot. 14. Bring to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. 15. Use tongs, chopsticks or a slotted spoon to remove cooked eggs to plate or cooling rack. Allow eggs to cool to room temperature before unwrapping. Discard fasteners and wet fabric. 16. If desired, use a paper towel to lightly rub vegetable oil on the eggshells to make them shine, or spray the eggs with nonstick spray and rub with paper towel. Refrigerate eggs if you plan to eat them. Notes: Some directions say to cook the eggs in an enamel or glass pot. I experimented with enamel, stainless steel and hard anodized aluminum. They all worked fine. Rubber bands worked best for me to secure the fabric tightly around the eggs. My sister had success with long twist ties. Younger children may lack the fine motor skills needed for this step.

Crayon Shaving Easter Eggs • Old cheese grater • Crayons • Hard-cooked eggs that are still warm • Paper towels

1. Using the fine side of a grater, grate the crayons. Do this before cooking the eggs. 2. Hard boil eggs. Dry the eggs off after cooking. 3. Using tongs, put an egg on a paper towel. Sprinkle crayon shavings over it. Wrap the towel around the egg to spread the shavings. 4. Allow to cool then unwrap egg to reveal your tweed-y design. Note: I colored 10 eggs. By the last few, the eggs had cooled enough that they didn’t melt the crayons as well and the crayon got a little thick in places. You can leave them like this if you like. I placed the still wrapped eggs in a warmed toaster oven to continue melting the crayon shavings. Recipe courtesy Tracey Bland, Council Bluffs

KILEY CRUSE

April 2019

CALEB

Age 9, Type I Diabetes A fourth grader with a mean front-kick, karateloving Caleb has been fighting Type I Diabetes since he was 2 years old. Never in the ring alone, he has the specialists at Children’s in his corner – “black belts” in treating children with diabetes and endocrine disorders.

Experienced, unparalleled care for children with diabetes and a full spectrum of endocrine disorders brings families from across the Midwest to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. Our endocrine program specializes in treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal, pubertal and growth disorders and other congenital or acquired endocrine-related conditions. For a pediatric endocrinology specialist, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org/Endocrinology. 2135796-01

PINE CONE CRITTERS STYLING Jessica Thompson PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

Remember pet rocks? This summer, it’s pinecone critters. Make all three; then let the kids use their imaginations to create more to trade and share.

Pine cone critters • Pine cones

• Scissors

• Construction paper

• White paint

• Tip: When gluing paper to paper, use craft glue. When

• Craft glue

• Drawing utensils (optional)

gluing paper to pinecone,

• Hot-glue gun

• Tape (optional)

use hot glue.

Hedgehog

1. For face, cut a 3-inch circle from construction paper. 2. Using scissors, cut a slit toward the center of the circle. Roll paper into a cone shape and secure with tape or craft glue. 3. Cut two ears from paper and attach with craft glue to wide edge of paper cone. 4. Cut eyes from paper and attach with craft glue to cone (or draw the eyes directly on cone). 5. Draw on a smile and color in the tip of the cone for the hedgehog’s nose. 6. Hot glue the finished face to the top of pine cone. Let dry.

Fox

1. Cut fox head, tail, two legs, eyes and nose out of paper. 2. Select a different paper color and cut a tip for the tail; attach to tail with craft glue. 3. Fold the bottom of the tail about a half-inch to create a tab and hot-glue the tail to the back of the pine cone. 4. Glue facial features to the head and attach a small length of paper on the back of the head as an anchor point for hot-gluing the head to the front of the pine cone. 5. Fold the top edge of each leg and hot glue to pine cone body, below the face. Let dry.

April 2019

Penguin

1. Put white paint in a bowl and roll a pine cone in it, making sure most of the tips are covered in white. Let dry for at least 24 hours. 2. Cut a penguin head, inner face, eyes, beak, wings and feet from paper. 3. Glue the facial features to the head and attach a small length of paper on the back of the head as an anchor point. Hot glue that piece to the front of the pine cone, making sure the face stares forward. 4. Hot glue the feet to the bottom of the pine cone. 5. Fold the top edge of each wing section, and hot glue on opposite sides of the pine cone. Let dry.