Wordless Wednesday: Where Were We (in Nebraska)?

Nebraska Science Festival This Week-end (April 26-27)

Nebraska Science Festival 2014

When I first heard about the Nebraska Science Festival, I felt a bit behind.  How did I miss this huge event going on?  But now that I know that this gigantic science fair of sorts is only in its second year, I realized I am not quite as out of it as I thought.  I must say for this being a relatively new event, they have quite the line-up.  What is possibly the best part?  Free or discounted admission to many places!  NOTE: Tickets are still required.  To print out your complimentary tickets and to see the schedule, please visit their site!

Now to highlight a few of the events that are especially for families … (information taken directly from their website!)

The Expo will be held April 24-26 from 8:30 am to 2 pm at The Durham Museum and The Strategic Air & Space Museum. The Expo on April 26 at The Durham Museum will be held from 9 am to 1pm. It’s expected to attract up to 2,000 plus visitors, so be prepared for a busy day!

City Sprouts Community Garden will have special events happening this morning.  This Omaha place is all about involving the community in planting.  They will feature an Arbor Day theme today with educational stations.

(Unfortunately the “Science of Ice Cream is full at E-Creamery.  Doesn’t that sound like a delicious opportunity?)

Fontenelle Forest

April 26 – 27 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stop by the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center on April 26-27 and receive free admission to the forest from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Thanks to a partnership with NET Television, Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie will make a special appearance both afternoons to meet and take photos with children.

I haven’t been to Fontenelle Forest  since I was a child and was trying to figure out how we could make it up there today.  Alas with two baseball practices, a party and a gathering, our visit will have to wait for another day.  Normally it would cost our family $34 to attend, so the free admission is a BIG deal.  Go out and enjoy the free event!

(The “Science of Bacon” at the French Bulldog is also sold out.  I think I am getting hungry …)

The Heartland Organization of Rocketry (T.H.O.R.) had to cancel their plans for the next two days due to the possibility of impending bad weather.

Laurtizen Gardens: I mentioned their TREEmendous Arbor Day Celebration, but I forgot to mention that a kid is admitted free with each paying adult – a definite bargain.  Plus, again the first 100 households leave with a free tree seedling!  (If you have never been to the Gardens, they are absolutely beautiful!)

Lincoln Children’s Museum

April 26 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us for Science Saturday at Lincoln Children’s Museum. We’re teaming up with University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineering and science students to conduct experiments and engineering feats. (NOTE: I heard a rumor that they also have free children’s admission for the first early arrivers today!)

 

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

April 26 – 27 | 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  

Special stations are happening throughout the zoo!

Omaha Children’s Museum

April 27 | 1 – 5 p.m. (TOMORROW)

Enjoy quirky science with the Mad Scientist Show or the April Fool’s Science Show, immerse yourself in a 360-degree science program in the Discovery Dome Planetarium, or enjoy our newest permanent exhibit, “Maker Space.”  Always a  fun musuem to visit!

University of Nebraska State Museum

April 24 – 27 | UNL’s Morrill Hall and Mueller Planetarium

Today just happens to be “Astronomy Day” with all kinds of activities planned.  Yes, there is still admission.  But how many days do you get to meet an astronaut?

I hope you are able to check out some of these fun events!  They are hoping to make this even more of a statewide event.  So, if this week does not work for you, be watching for it next year!  I know that I am already hoping we can attend the school day portion next year!

P.S. I have no idea why the last half is all in italics.  Sorry about that!  Computers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arbor Day In Nebraska

Just in case you missed it, the holiday that Nebraskans can be most proud of is today.  Why?  Because Arbor Day originated in Nebraska.  (Maybe next year I will write a “Flashback Friday” on that!)  Many festivities are planned across the state.  I missed a few today (sorry – I had originally looked it up in the wrong place!), but there are enough activities taking place the rest of the week-end to still keep you plenty busy!

Nebraska City

Arbor Day Festival  How could I start at any another town besides the place that it all originated?  Nebraska City has activities planned all week-end including a fun run, bake sale, flea market and even a parade.  If you hurry, you can catch the two hour carnival tonight.

Omaha

Lauritzen Gardens  TREEmendous Arbor Day Celebration

Tomorrow morning from 9 to 12, you can take a hike and also learn more about trees.  Early arriver?  The first one hundred groups will receive a free seedling!

Know of any other Arbor Day events?  Please comment below or on my Facebook page.  Of course, you can celebrate wherever you go!  The forecast is good – get out and enjoy! 🙂  I can”t resist ending with a song I remember hearing whenever it was Arbor Day time.

P.S. This also happens to be the Nebraska Science Festival week-end!  Even more activities are happening around the Eastern part of Nebraska, and I will write about them tomorrow morning!

 

 

 

Thursday Theater: Ramona Quimby is opening at the Rose Theater tomorrow!

When I was a kid, I was a big fan of Beverly Cleary.  Once you have read about Ramona and Beezus, they become your “friends” for life.  The quirkiness and delightfulness of Cleary’s characters will be coming to life from April 25th to May 11th at the Rose Theater in Omaha.  Here a few pictures (provided to me from the Rose) that give you just a taste of what the play will be like!

With appreciation to the Rose Theater for providing me with these pictures!

As you can tell, much of the play seems to be in a school setting. When I was younger, I would have related to the students and their struggles to be heard.  BUt now, as a former teacher, I can definitely relate to having students with varying levels of engagement.  I am pretty sure I would sympathize with this teacher’s attempt to keep her class on track!

If you are looking for a fun play that would appeal to the whole family, look no further than Ramona Quimby at the Rose Theater.  The play premieres tomorrow night.  The Saturday 2:00 performance on May 3rd will also be interpreted for the hearing impaired.   With having young actors performing, this play will be especially funny and charming!

Bob Kerry Bridge: Spanning Nebraska and Iowa

Last summer, our family enjoyed walking between two states.    The Bob Kerrey Pedesterian Bridge spans the Missouri River and connects both Nebraska and Iowa.    With such wide paths, there was room to explore and enjoy family time outdoors together!

Always fun, especially for kids, to stand between two states!

The bridge itself is a beautiful piece of architecture.

We chose to park on the Councils Bluffs, Iowa side near the park there to walk back and forth.  This seemed to work well, although we mainly ended up there because we missed the exit on the Omaha side. 🙂

As you walk the 3,000 foot path, you can even stop and learn more about the river and conservation on the way.

Being close to downtown Omaha, the bridge is a great way to experience the outdoors while being in a metropolitan area.

Suspended in space!

I hope that we make it back to walk the bridge again in the next several months now that nicer weather is finally arriving in Nebraska!

P.S.  A big thank you to my husband who took many of the great pictures for both yesterday and today’s posts!

 

 

Where Were We (in Nebraska)?

Moving Monday: Shakespeare in Nebraska!

Somehow the Bard and (Ne)Braska just do not seem to go together very well.  But there are some actors in the Good Life state that would like to change that.  Since this week happens to be Shakespeare’s birthday, what a better time to find out more?

(Image from Wikimedia Commons)

I stumbled upon the Nebraska Shakespeare Company when I was flipping channels a few months back.  NET Public Television featured this outstanding theater company as part of their “Nebraska Stories” program.  If you have 10-15 minutes, the program is worth watching.  I love how they are bringing Old English to Nebraska.

Nebraska Stories: Shakespeare Wild West Episode Excerpt

Since Wednesday is considered to be Shakespeare’s birthday – his 450th one to be precise- what a great day to throw a party!  Celebrations will be happening across the “Globe” (:-) ), along with Talk Like Shakespeare Day.    If you can attempt to sound like you are a Shakespearean actor, you may qualify for free food and prizes.  I will post any places I come across on my Facebook page in the next day or two.  There also happens to be a sonnet contest!      Talk Like Shakespeare is a national site where you can find out even more.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.” (The Man Himself)

Friday Photography: The Art of Local Lincoln Artist Ann Williams

Normally for this type of column, I feature many different photographs.  Today I wanted to focus on just one! This commissioned sculpture is entitled, “All Creation Praises.”  For me, this piece just reflects joy.  I think it is beautiful.

Living in the Lincoln area, the artist Ann Williams happens to also be the Visual Arts Director at Lincoln Berean Church.  Several of her pieces are on display there.  To learn more about how and why she created this particular piece, you can visit her page on this artwork.  I debated on trying to summarize her story, but I feel that I would lessen the impact of her sculpture.

If you look carefully at both her website and my blog post about the Lincoln Berean Church “Art Gallery” yesterday, you may notice a few more of her pieces.  What I appreciate most about her work is her intentionality and purpose behind every piece that she creates.  I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

An Unexpected Art Gallery: Lincoln Berean Church

Did you guess where we were yesterday?  Lincoln Berean Church in Southeast Lincoln.

This artwork was created by unexpected artist. 

Through the years of being involved in education, I have been on many tours.  Unexpectedly one of my very favorites was touring the art corridors located in Lincoln Berean Church.  This place has developed quite the art program, and participants display their creative products on the walls and halls of the church.

For this column, I focused more on the sculptures and permanent displays.

Much of the art is on more of a revolving schedule.  This photograph and specially designed cross are a part of the permanent collection.  The cross has a nearby placard where you can read the story behind the artwork.

This piece is near a central area and is a strong visual reminder as to why people can be blessed by attending church.

Entitled, “Redeemed,” this artwork involved the medium of wood.  The story tells how and why this piece was created.  Knowing the story behind the creation causes the viewing to be even more meaningful.

Those participating from Lincoln Berean’s congregation work together to create themed sculptures and pieces.  Meeting weekly to explore various art topics including photography, those who have been gifted in art are able to truly create art from the art.  By visualizing their faith, which is often quite meaningful to them, they can help other envision the qualities that really matter.

A visual reminder of what the church is all about.

If you want to learn more about the art presented or how to incorporate visual arts into your worship experience, Lincoln Berean offers “Art Talks” two Sundays a month.  Here is a description of the events from their website.

An introduction to Art Talks at Lincoln Berean – what it is, what it is about and a bit about the art galleries as well. Everyone is encouraged to join us – both artists and non-artists.

We’ll talk about things like:
Why is art important in worship?
What is the story behind some of the art at Lincoln Berean?
How can a person glorify God through art?

Join us for Art Talks, every 2nd and 4th Sunday, at 10:45 a.m., in the NEW coffee shop area (Level 200).
Upcoming Schedule:April 27 – Art of the Worship Service: A look at the creative process to plan and carry out the weekend services.

This stained glass artwork was created by Cyndie Hanson and is entitled “His.”  (Subtitled “I am, this is, we are HIS.”)  Not able to tour Lincoln Berean’s artwork?  Check out the stained glass pieces at a church in your own area.  Almost every area (at least in the United States) have places with reflective art on display.

If you would like more information on taking a tour of Lincoln Berean’s galleries or about their art program,  please contact their Visual Arts Director, Ann Williams at awilliams@lincolnberean.org  (Tomorrow I will introduce you to Ann’s personal artwork!) Note: when the church’s doors are open, you are usually welcome to take a look around the “gallery” walls without an appointment.  Please remember to follow art courtesy rules – limit your photography to protect the beautiful items on display.
P.S. Lincoln Berean is having a unique experience for remembering Good Friday.  If you would like a place to rest and reflect, their sanctuary will be open from 7 to 7 tomorrow.  See this video for more information. 

Wordless Wednesday: Where Were We (in Nebraska)?