Tagged: Youth

Artwork from the Kent Bellows Studio is on view in the Omaha Mayor’s office.

Anne Meysenburg, Executive Director for the Kent Bellows Studio, said Mayor Jim Suttle's office wanted something to connect them to the art community, as well as something to beautify their offices.  She says the 12 pieces on display include some paintings, some drawings and collage work. 

Meysenburg says the art was created by students over the past couple of semesters.  She says the students and staff at the studio are excited about this collaboration with the Mayor’s office.

Throughout the month of June, 28 young women have been participating in an educational experience called the Eureka Program.

Angie Hodge directs the program.  She says this is the first year the nationwide program has been offered in Nebraska.  Eureka offers 8th grade girls the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and math. 

In addition to focusing on the STEM fields, Hodge says the program also helps build character, and encourage physical wellness.

2.7 million children are in kinship care on any given day in the United States.  

Kinship caregivers are either extended family members or close family friends who take care of kids in their parents’ absence.

Rob Geen, Director of Family Services and Systems Policy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, says often these caregivers are taking care of children without much advance notice. He says making their lives ready to be able to care for the kids is a challenge.  

The May Press Club featured Lincoln Senator Kathy Campbell, Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee and Carolyn Rooker, Executive Director of Voices for Children in Nebraska.

The two talked about the changes the legislature has made dealing with the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children in Nebraska.  Senator Campbell guided the legislation through the Unicameral. Rooker is an advocate on child welfare issues.  She says nationally there are three main things the child welfare system strives to do.

Nebraska Appleseed and the National Health Law Program filed a class action lawsuit last Friday in Lancaster County District Court over services provided to disabled children. 

James Goddard, a staff attorney for Nebraska Appleseed, says the suit was filed on behalf of two children who were denied necessary behavioral health treatment.  

The Omaha Area Youth Orchestra will play popular pieces from Rimsky-Korsakov, Delius and Mendelssohn at its annual Side by Side program.

The Side by Side Concert takes place Sunday at 7:00 in the Holland Center.  OAYO Executive Director Aviva Segall says the program offers the Youth Symphony the chance to perform alongside Omaha Symphony musicians. 

She says Maestro Thomas Wilkins will conduct the majority of the concert.

The Liverpool Legends will perform at Morton Magnet Middle School tonight at 7:00.

The group is comprised of musicians specially picked by Beatle George Harrison’s sister, Louise.  

Dan Mattran, Instrumental Music Director at Morton Magnet, says the concert will offer a complete Beatles experience with music that spans the Fab Four’s entire career.  He says the performance will feature Morton’s chorus and band on selected songs.