To Do In This Town

Sample Saturday for May 19th, 2012

Guide — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:41 +0000

Whether you enjoy the outdoors in Homestead style at Pioneers Park or go ape for the furry little critters from the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Capital Humane Society, the day has lots of adventure in store! If that isn’t enough excitement, check out the No Coast Derby Girls at home in Pershing Center. There is Always Something To Do In This Town!

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This fun day is all about animals that we call our pets. The Capital Humane Society and Golden Retriever Rescue will feature their furry friends plus see how you can adopt a new pet. This is a great day to get hands-on with adoptable pets and experience firsthand over 300 of the Zoo’s animals which includes over 30 endangered animals.

Pioneers Park Nature Center

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

As part of the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Homestead Act, explore a one room school house and the oldest surviving log cabin in the Lincoln area. You’ll have a chance to make a buzz saw and a simple rag doll. To top off the day, try your hand at a bison chip throwing contest. Donation requested.

Pershing – No Coast Derby Girls

7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 19 marks the 4th Annual Military Appreciation Day for the No Coast Derby Girls, Lincoln’s only all-female roller derby team. They play host to the Des Moines Derby Dames, one of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s (WFTDA) newest members. Each year the league honors those who have or are currently serving our country and allow free admission to anyone who shows their Military ID the night of the bout.

The night will kick off with the Road Warrior All Stars facing off against the Des Moines B team at 7pm. Immediately following that bout, the Mad Maxines will take the track agains the Des Moines All Star team. The Maxines are currently 6-3 with their most recent win to Sioux City on May 5th. Can the Maxines continue racking up the wins at home?

Come find out May 19th at Pershing Center! Tickets on sale now. Available at the Pershing Center box office, all Ticket $13 reserved trackside (must be 18) or $11 general admission. Kids 12 & under are free with an adult.

Weekend Activities for May 18, 19, & 20, 2012

Guide — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:11 +0000

May in Lincoln has been beautiful and this weekend looks to be no different. You can find outdoor or indoor activities here. You can find the arts or sports. There is Always Something To Do In This Town.

Friday, May 18th, 2012

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. * * Solid Rock Gymnastics * * Preschool Playdays * * No Play Day This Week

10:30 -11:30 a.m. * * Barnes & Noble South Pointe * *What Did the Giraffe Do? Storytime * * Free

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. * * Bethany Branch Library * * Layne, from the Bennett Martin Public Library, will present a selection of non-fiction titles * * Free

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Family Swims * * $8 per person or $25 per family.

3:30 – 5:30 p.m. * * Barnes & Noble South Pointe * * Summer Reading Kickoff * * Make Your Own Angry Bird * * Free

4:00 – 8:00 p.m. * * Westfield Gateway * * Garden Market * * South Side of Shopping Mall

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Stroke Clinic * * Call 402-489-SWIM (7946) for details.

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. * * 9 Muses Studio * * Third Friday Drum Circle * * Free

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. * * Ten Thousand Villages * * Third Friday Drum Circle * * Free

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * JOYO Theater * * Call 402-466-2441 * * $5 admission

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * Lincoln Community Playhouse * * Anything Goes * * Tickets Call 402-489-7529

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * TADA Theater * * Super Sounds of the Sixties * * Tickets $18 * * Call 402-438-8232

7:30 – 11:30 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Teen Night * * $6 + Skate Rental

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. * * Crescent Moon Coffee * *Acoustic rockabilly with The Mezcal Brothers * * Free

Saturday, May 19th, 2012

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. * * Haymarket * * Farmer’s Market * * Free

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. * * Crescent Moon Coffee * *Farmers Market Music with Tyler Orr * * Free

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. * * Indigo Bridge Books * * Bilingual Children’s Storytime * * Free

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. * * Williamsburg Hy-Vee * * Kids Club – Baseball Theme * * $6 per kid – register in store

10:00 – 12:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Tiny Tots (10 & under only) * * $4 + Skate Rental

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. * * Pioneers Park Nature Center * * School Houses and Log Cabins * * Donation Requested

10:00 – 3:00 p.m. * * Lincoln Children’s Zoo * * Adopt a Lifelong Friend * * Regular Admission Applies

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. * * Barnes & Noble – O Street * * Very Fairy Princess Storytime * * Free

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Family Swims * * $8 per person or $25 per family

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Matinee * * $5 + Skate Rental

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Lightyears from Andromeda * * Admission $8/$5.50

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Forces of Nature * * Admission $8/$5.50

5:30 – 10:00 p.m. * * Eagle Raceway * * Ink Machine presents Super Salute! -Armed Forces Night * * Gate Admission: Adults(13+) $10, Youth(6-12) Free and Child(5 & under) Free.

7:00 – 10:00 p.m. * * Pershing Center * * No Coast Derby Girls * * $13 Admission – 12 and under free

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * JOYO Theater * * Call 402-466-2441* * $5 admission

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * Lincoln Community Playhouse * * Anything Goes * * Tickets Call 402-489-7529

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * TADA Theater * * Super Sounds of the Sixties * * Tickets $18 * * Call 402-438-8232

7:30 – 11:30 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Teen Night * * $6 + Skate Rental

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. * * Crescent Moon Coffee * * Live Music * * Free

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. * * Hyde Observatory * * Star Gazing * * Free

Sunday, May 20th, 2012

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. * * Old Cheney Road Farmer’s Market * * Buy Local

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Family Swims * * $8 per person or $25 per family.

12:00 – 3:00 p.m. * *2012 Tails and Trails Pet Walk * * Humane Society Fundraiser * * Haymarket Park

12:00 – 5:00 p.m. * * Sheldon Museum of Art * * Homestead Express – Storyteller & Video Artist * * Free

12:00 – 8:00 p.m. * * James Arthur Vineyards * * Renaissance Festival * * Admission at gate with all proceeds going to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Matinee * * $5 + Skate Rental

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * International Quilt Study Center * * Quilt Identification Day * * Reservation needed * * Call (402) 472-6549. * * $10 per quilt Non-members, $8 per quilt Members

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. * * Morrill Hall * * Sunday with a Scientist – Bees * * Regular Admission Applies

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Light Years from Andromeda * * Admission $8/$5.50

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Lincoln Community Playhouse * * Anything Goes * * Tickets Call 402-489-7529

2:00 – 5:00 p.m. * * Fresh Start’s Garden Party (1 Talent Plus Way) * * Tickets are $10 each or 4 for $30 * * Call 402-475-7777

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Forces of Nature * * Admission $8/$5.50

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Family Night * * $5.00 each or $12.00 for up to 5 members in a family + Skate Rental

Lincoln Art Tour: Ordinary Homes and Extraordinary Art

Guide — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:24 +0000

LUX Center for the Arts hosts

Lincoln Art Tour: Ordinary Homes and Extraordinary Art

Sunday, June 10, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost for Members: $35

Cost for Non-members: $40

LUX Center for the Arts is hosting a fun new fundraiser on Sunday, June 10 from 2 p.m – 5:30 p.m. Lincoln Art Tour: Ordinary Homes and Extraordinary Art. The tour begins at Wesleyan House, hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan University President Fred Ohles and his wife, Rosemary. The group will then visit the homes of collectors: David Clark and Jay Conrad; Daniel and Elizabeth Nelson; and Lynn Marcus and Patrick Aylward. Participants will be invited to participle in an “arts scavenger hunt” searching for clues at each of the collector’s homes.

Cost for members is $35 and cost for non-members is $40. Register by calling 402.466.8692 or going to www.luxcenter.org. All proceeds support the LUX Center’s educational programming.

Wesleyan House

Wesleyan House was built between 1935 -1938 and designed by architect Bruce Hazen. The home was first owned by William W. Putney, a prominent lawyer in Lincoln. Nebraska Wesleyan University purchased the house in 1998 and is the home of the University President and his wife.

Jay Conrad and David Clark Collection

Their collection includes prints, paintings, ceramics and sculptures that they started collecting in college. Jay and David have focused on collecting local artists that they have developed a personal relationship with or nationally known artists that they are fond of. Landscapes, still life’s, and abstracts make up the majority of their collection.

Elizabeth and Daniel Nelson Collection

Landscapes and abstract paintings along with carved-wood pieces: birds, fish, and ducks make up a majority of their collection. They focus on collecting work of Nebraska artists at all levels of artistic development.

Lynn Marcus and Patrick Aylward Collection

Ceramic lamps by Gordon and Jane Martz, oil and pastel works by Italian artist Adorno Boncianni, tribal rugs, Danish and American mid-century furniture, and Nebraska artists are some of their interests. They have bought pieces from contemporary art galleries, estate and personal sales, eBay, antique malls, and directly from the artists.

LUX Center for the Arts is free and open to the public. Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First Friday of each month, 11a.m. to 8 p.m. Free parking is available on the west side of the building located in historic University Place at 2601 N. 48th Street.

The mission of LUX Center for the Arts is to enhance the lives of a diverse public through the visual arts by providing exceptional learning opportunities in contemporary art, craft, and design. These opportunities, honoring the legacy of arts educator Gladys M. Lux, include art classes, residence programs, gallery exhibitions, and community outreach.

The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported the programs of LUX Center for the Arts through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, at www.nebraskaculturalendowment.org.

Summer Activities for Kids

Jami — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:00:27 +0000

I can hardly believe summer is just weeks away! It seems like the perfect time to highlight some of our favorite summer activities for kids. We are thankful that this town offers a great variety of quality summer expereiences for kids. We listed a few of our favorites and then added links to several others as well. We’d love to hear what your kids love to do in this town during the summer. If your summer is full feel free to put these in your “Next Year” file or pass them along to others looking for things to do with kids this summer.

Riding at Still Water

Horse Camp

To say that our girl loves horses would be a gross understatement. We were thrilled two summers ago when we discovered Still Waters Ranch. They offer a variety of summer horse camp expereinces based on age and ability. Their camps and lessons if you are looking for those, are really reasonably priced and really fun for kids. They do super fun things to teach about horse safety and care and kids get a lot of riding time with a great instructor. Happy Trails!

Get Moving at Music Camp!

Music Camp

Last summer we discovered Around the Corner Music Studio and we haven’t left. The girls loved the piano camp they took and we enrolled our younger girls in the preschool music class this school year! The classes are high energy and involve all kinds of music styles and instruments. The kids have such a good time they hardly realize all the skills they are learning. She also offers private lessons on a variety of instruments. Make a joyful noise!

Dr. Seuss class!

Bright Lights

These are fantastic summer learning classes. They are interest or theme based and the activites are really fun and engaging. Again, kids are so busy have fun expereince that they hardly remember it’s a class they are taking! They also provide before and after care. Farm School, Art, Book and Cook, and Dr. Seuss are among our favorite classes.

Camp Sonshine Video-Worth a Look!

Camp Sonshine

This is by far our family favorite! The girls look forward to it all year long. The games and activites are so fun and the staff is amazing, it is a unique summer camp expereince that really stays with kids all year long.

Zoo Classes

Youth Actor’s Academy of Lincoln-summer classes

Sample Saturday for May 12, 2012

Guide — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:21 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! Here is a Sample Saturday that hopefully involves something the moms in your life love – plants, the kitchen, and cruise ships. There is Always Something To Do In This Town!

Community CROPS Plant Sale

9:00 a.m. – Noon

The Community CROPS Plant Sale is a fantastic annual event where you can buy all your favorite plants and learn about many new ones. The ninth annual sale will be bigger and better than ever, with more plants, more varieties and more fun! Buying plants through CROPS is also a great way to help support community gardens in Lincoln. NEW LOCATION! This year, the plant sale will be held near the CROPS office at 1st and A Streets (1438 S. 1st St). Look for signs.

Nebraska History Museum

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

The Nebraska History Museum is providing a free family workshop where you can decorate an apron for Mother in the style of the 1950s. The basic apron will be provided. Families can add trims and personal designs using markers and fabric crayons. No need to register in advance. Don’t forget to stop and see the John Falter exhibit on 3rd floor that inspired the activity.

Anything Goes - Lincoln Community Playhouse

7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

ANYTHING GOES is about ready to set sail! Madcap antics abound on an ocean liner when nightclub singer turned evangelist, Reno Sweeny, and Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin, try to help Billy, a love-stricken stowaway, woo the heiress Hope Harcourt away from her snooty fiance, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. The effervescent Cole Porter score features “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “Blow, Gabriel, Blow.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students for reserved seating in the Mainstage theatre and available by calling the Box Office at 402-489-7529 or online at www.lincolnplayhouse.com.

Give to Lincoln Day One Week Away

Guide — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:36 +0000

What is Give To Lincoln Day?

Give to Lincoln Day will be a 24 hour day of giving on Thursday, May 17. It is one special day when everyone in Lincoln is asked to make a donation and show support for our local nonprofit organizations that contribute so much to our great city. Together, we have the power to raise thousands of dollars and have a real impact on the future of Lincoln. Every donation made on May 17 will help our nonprofits even more because they will also receive a proportional share of a $200,000 challenge match pool.

Why is Lincoln Community Foundation Sponsoring this Event?

The need for funding has never been greater as our nonprofits are stretched to meet current needs and carry out their work. The mission of the Lincoln Community Foundation is to encourage philanthropy, which is a vital component of a strong city, and to grant funds to improve our community.
The purpose of Give To Lincoln Day is to raise awareness of the current philanthropic needs and opportunities in our community, increase public awareness of local nonprofit organizations, build the capacity of local nonprofits and inspire donors to support the causes that mean the most to them.

Who Can Participate?

All nonprofit organizations recognized as 501 (c) (3) public charities that serve people in Lincoln and Lancaster County are welcome to participate in this event. This will include health and human service organizations, arts and culture, children and families, education, animals, parks and many more Lincoln nonprofit groups. Organizations that exist primarily for religious purposes or political activities are
excluded.

Nonprofits need to register online at www.GiveToLincoln.com to participate and create their online giving page.

How Will People Participate?

Donations to participating nonprofit organizations will be made online at www.GiveToLincoln.com. The event is for 24 hours on Thursday, May 17, beginning at 12:00 am and ending at 11:59 pm. Donations must be made during this time to qualify for the matching funds.
The Lincoln Community Foundation will also receive gifts from individuals who prefer to make their gifts in person, instead of online. People can come to the Foundation office at 215 Centennial Mall South between the hours of 8:00 and 5:00. Minimum donation is $10.

What is the Challenge Match Fund?

The Lincoln Community Foundation will contribute a challenge match fund of $200,000. At the end of the event, every agency will receive a proportional share of this fund, based upon their percentage of the total dollars raised. For example, if an agency receives 5% of the total donations raised during the event, the agency will receive an additional $10,000 from the Challenge Match Fund.

Additional Prizes and Grants

The purpose of Give To Lincoln Day is to encourage philanthropy. The Lincoln Community Foundation will provide three bonus grants to the three nonprofits that have the most donors making gifts during Give To Lincoln Day. $2,500 will be awarded for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third.
Donors are also eligible for bonus grant prizes. Ten times during the day, a donor will be selected at random and an additional bonus grant of $200 will be added to the donation that donor made to their nonprofit organization.
A leader board will be updated in real time during the event and can be viewed on www.GiveToLincoln.com. Nonprofits and the community will be able to see current dollars raised and the number of donors for each nonprofit, as well as prizes that have been awarded.

Questions?

Lincoln Community Foundation staff will answer questions.
Call 402 474-2345 or visit www.GiveToLincoln.com for more information.
Be Informed. Be Involved. Be Invested. Most of all… Be In Lincoln!

Weekend Activities for May 11, 12 & 13, 2012

Guide — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:03 +0000

Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! I hope all of you Lincoln mothers have all your wishes come true on Sunday. If you need to drop hints about gifts or activities, look no further. There is Always Something To Do In This Town.

Friday, May 11th, 2012

9:30 – 11:30 a.m. * * Solid Rock Gymnastics * * Preschool Playdays * * No Play Day This Week

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. * * Indigo Bridge Books * * IndiZOO – Vinny the Vinegaroon Scorpion * * Free

10:30 -11:30 a.m. * * Barnes & Noble South Pointe * *If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Storytime * * Free

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. * * Bethany Branch Library * * Murder in the Midwest: Donna G. from the Bennett Martin * * Free

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Family Swims * * $8 per person or $25 per family.

4:00 – 8:00 p.m. * * Westfield Gateway * * Garden Market * * South Side of Shopping Mall

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. * * Michaels * * Mom’s Day Flower Clip – Make It Take It * * Purchase of Flower Clip

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. * * Sheldon Museum of Art * * Angels Theater Company – Razia’s Shadow * * $10

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * JOYO Theater * * Call 402-466-2441 * * $5 admission

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * Lincoln Community Playhouse * * Anything Goes * * Tickets Call 402-489-7529

7:30 – 11:30 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Teen Night * * $6 + Skate Rental

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. * * Crescent Moon Coffee * *Hot Club Jazz with Swing 105 * * Free

9:00 – 11:00 p.m. * * Mahoney State Park * * Stargazing Party * * Park Permit Required

Saturday, May 12th, 2012

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. * * Haymarket * * Farmer’s Market * * Free

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. * * Community CROPS * * Plant Sale * * Bodhi Organic Garden Supply, 1438 S. 1st St

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. * * Indigo Bridge Books * * Bilingual Children’s Storytime * * Free

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. * * Lowe’s Build & Grow * * Picture Frame Planter * * Free – Register Online

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. * * Pioneers Park Nature Center * * Backyard Composting * * No registration required

10:00 – 12:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Tiny Tots (10 & under only) * * $4 + Skate Rental

10:00 – 12:00 p.m. * * Michaels * * Mom’s Day – Apron & T-Shirt * * Make It Take It with purchase

10:00 – 3:00 p.m. * * Lincoln Children’s Zoo * * Train Day * * Regular Admission Applies

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. * * Barnes & Noble – O Street * * Storytime * * Free

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. * * Camp Oasis (2 mi S of Firth) * * Open House – Come Learn About Camp * * Free

11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. * * Renaissance Fair * * Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch Papillion, NE * * Cost: $12 adult, $6 kids (3-12 years), 2 and under free. $18 for 2-day pass. Advanced coupons: $1-off (for adults only).

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. * * Michaels * * Mom’s Day – Button * * Free Make It Take It

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Family Swims * * $8 per person or $25 per family

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Matinee * * $5 + Skate Rental

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Lightyears from Andromeda * * Admission $8/$5.50

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Nebraska History Museum * * Free Family Workshop – Apron for Mom Decorating

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Forces of Nature * * Admission $8/$5.50

5:30 – 10:00 p.m. * * Eagle Raceway * * Great Clips presents Diva Dash Super Mom’s Tribute * * Gate Admission: Adults(13+) $10, Youth(6-12) Free and Child(5 & under) Free.

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. * * Sheldon Museum of Art * * Angels Theater Company – Razia’s Shadow * * $10

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * JOYO Theater * * Call 402-466-2441* * $5 admission

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. * * Lincoln Community Playhouse * * Anything Goes * * Tickets Call 402-489-7529

7:30 – 11:30 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Teen Night * * $6 + Skate Rental

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. * * Crescent Moon Coffee * * Local acoustic musicians Ace and Dan * * Free

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. * * Hyde Observatory * * Star Gazing * * Free

Happy Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 13th, 2012

8:00 – 10:00 a.m. * * Pioneers Park Nature Center * * Mother’s Day Breakfast & Bird Walk * * Register by May 9 (TODAY)

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. * * Old Cheney Road Farmer’s Market * * Buy Local

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. * * Lincoln Children’s Zoo – Train Day & Mother’s Day * * Free admission for Moms

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * Family Swims * * $8 per person or $25 per family.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Matinee * * $5 + Skate Rental

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Light Years from Andromeda * * Admission $8/$5.50

2:00 – 4:00 p.m. * * Lincoln Community Playhouse * * Anything Goes * * Tickets Call 402-489-7529

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. * * Mueller Planetarium * * Forces of Nature * * Admission $8/$5.50

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. * * Indigo Bridge * * Writer’s Support Group * * Free

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. * * Swimtastic * * FREE Infant & Toddler Clinic * * Trial Class for parents & kids under 2

6:00 – 9:00 p.m. * * Skate Zone * * Family Night * * $5.00 each or $12.00 for up to 5 members in a family + Skate Rental

Poetic Musings on Stone Soup

Guide — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:24 +0000

“Stone Soup”

Gallery Nine Special May Event: “Poetic Musings on Stone Soup“

By “The Interlocutors,” Friday May 11th, 7PM.”

“Ekphrasis,” is the graphic, often dramatic description of a visual work of Art.

After viewing the “Stone Soup” exhibit, collaborative paintings by Robert Esquivel and Vonni Sparks last week, “The Interlocutors” retreated to their garrets and began writing their poetic interpretations of the paintings in this show. Join us as this group of poets share their work, and enjoy the exhibit if you missed the opening, in a very special way.

Gallery Nine, 124 South 9th – 402-477-2822

Friday, May 11th, 7:00PM

FREE Parking is available in the lot directly west of the gallery.

Spring Cleaning Fun!

Jami — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:34:34 +0000

It is spring cleaning time at our house. We do our best to maintain a basic standard of cleanliness during the crazy busy schedule of homeschooling, kids activities, and church commitments, but by this time of year our house just needs a little more attention. We have found that by investing a little time in making the project fun and by engaging in it as a family, spring cleaning can be knocked out quickly and painlessly.

Here are a few ways to help your family make spring cleaning a bit more fun:

Ready, Set, Clean: This is simply a race against the timer to see how much cleaning you can get done before the timer goes off. We use this for things like sorting sock drawers or washing dirty walls. The rules are simple when mom says go everyone starts their given task. Mom then sets the timer for 15 min. and everyone cleans with a happy heart until it goes off. When it goes off, dad checks to make sure the work is being done well and then we celebrate, sometimes we have a little treat or do a funny dance or take a quick bike ride down the street and then head back in to finish our task. Somehow working against a clock and knowing that a fun break is coming makes the working so much more enjoyable!

Pop goes the Job List: You can do this game two ways. You can write your jobs on little slips of paper and then place them inside a balloon before you blow it up and then have kids pop the balloon to see which job will be theirs. You can also blow up one balloon for each task that needs done and then pop a balloon after the task is done, when the balloons are gone, spring cleaning is done and you can celebrate.

Other Ways to Make Cleaning Fun:
Music: Play fun happy music and dance while you clean
Talk it up: Talk about your favorite memories of the year in the room you are cleaning, or talk about all the fun people you spent time with in the room you are working on.
Read to Get Ready: Often we will read a fun house related book before we start cleaning just to get us in the mood. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
Amelia Bedelia Helps Out by Peggy Parish
Funny Farm by Mark Teague

Even in our spring I try to be realistic. I know there is only so much time I have and so much my kids can handle. These are the extra things I try to do, you’ll see mine focus on the kitchen where most of our schooling happens and then the things that really get neglected, yours will be as unique as your family, just remember to focus on what you really want done and not all the things you could do.

My Spring Cleaning List
Clean the kitchen well- fridge, microwave, cabinet doors, walls, kitchen table chairs
Dust the ceiling fans and light fixtures that are up high
Vacuum the vents and around the stair banister
Clean the stair banister which at our house is painted white so it really shows dirt .
Sort out clothes and sock drawers as well as shoes and jackets
Thin out toys

If you are looking to give things away, here are some great ideas of places in our town that are always thankful for donations.

Foster Care Closet: They provide free clothing and baby supplies to foster families and accept clothing of all sizes and baby gear but not toys.

People’s City Mission: They accept clothing, kid things and household items.

I hope you are having a great spring in this great town and that if you find yourself needing to spring clean, you have a touch of fun in the process.

Sample Saturday for May 5th, 2012

Guide — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:02 +0000

Happy Cinco de Mayo Lincoln! I hope you enjoyed another excellent First Friday all across the city and are ready for a great Saturday. This week’s theme is: SHOPPING! Now, I do not consider myself to be an expert shopper. However, this Saturday has so many opportunities, I couldn’t resist some of these super shopping selections. If it shopping isn’t for you, you can Always Find Something To Do In This Town by checking out our Calendar of Events.

Haymarket Farmer’s Market

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

This is the first weekend of a Lincoln favorite – the Haymarket Farmer’s Market. The construction area near the new arena may cause some headaches for parking. But, remember, in the city lots you get the first hour free – if you are disciplined and move quickly, it won’t cost you anything to shop. You can always find a lot of variety and local producers in the largest Lincoln Farmer’s Market. Check out their Facebook page for updates and vendor info!

University Place Art Festival

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The festival features fine arts and crafts, arts demonstrations, food vendors, and street entertainment. Local musicians will provide music for the festival. Food vendors will be encouraged to offer locally grown/produced food as well as the typical tasty festival fare. LUX Center for the Arts will offer children’s art activities as well as arts and crafts demonstrations. This is the second year for this event and we love to support this part of town – stop by and see friendly faces and maybe find some fun arts and crafts too!

Salon Deja Vu – Purses & Panties Fundraiser

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Get your gently used purses, jewelery, and books! Purses will be $5, all other things will be $1 each. The books will be in the parking lot,so anyone can buy those. The good stuff will be inside. You need a ticket to get in there. They cost $5, and a package of kids undies.

The money raised will go to The Hayden Faith Foundation which is named after a young salon client who had five surgeries in the first year of her life. The family just wanted to give back and help families in similar situations how ever they can.

The underwear collected will go to Willies Underwear Project which was started by a retired LPS teacher, Willie Shafer. She has s store room in the basement of a school, where twice a month any school nurse can come and load up on supplies they would need for their school office. The panties (sometimes sweats and stuff too) are meant for kids who have an accident during school hours.

Sunday Highlight:

Old Cheney Road Farmer’s Market

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Last week the vendors and shoppers braved the rain for the first weekend of the market season. Hopefully there will be better weather and you can join them. I know we really enjoy stopping after church on Sundays for a bit of fresh and local produce. My daughter also enjoys the variety of dogs at the market and she spends more time petting dogs of all sizes than shopping!