MMI first to study BrainPort for children

by N I C O L E L I N D Q U I S T

To an untrained observer, it might appear 12-year-old Stephanie Rehbein is meditating. Her shoes are off and her eyes are closed as she attempts to balance on an exercise ball.

The tipoff that the Omaha sixth-grader is not practicing the mental discipline of meditation is a remote-like device that hangs around her neck. What looks like a thick piece of rust-colored Scotch tape runs from the device into Stephanie’s mouth like a tongue depressor.With this machine, called the BrainPort, Stephanie hopes to rewire her brain.Born with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital defect characterized by incom-plete development of the ear among other facial features, Stephanie is deaf in one ear, and only has 50 percent hearing in the other. The genetic disorder affects her vestibular or balance function and she has frequent dizzy spells.It causes difficulties not only when Stephanie hikes at Camp Luther in Skyler, Neb., but also when she lines up for lunch at school and someone bumps into her. There is concern she will fall more frequently next year when she hits the crowded hallways of junior high school.Max Kurz, Ph.D., director of bio- mechanics in the motion analysis lab at MMI, along with his team of pediatric

physical therapists Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., Reggie Harbourne and Brad Corr, hopes to prevent that from happening with the help of the BrainPort.Using a sensor placed on the tongue, the BrainPort can detect and report any deviance from upright posture. For example, if one leans to the right, the stimulus tingles the tongue on the right side.Such sensory information can be used as a replacement to a damaged vestibular system and correct balance and prevent falls, Dr. Kurz said.

“The brain is a remarkable system capable of rewiring itself,” he said.

One-on-One with Mike Leibowitz by N I C O L E L I N D Q U I S T

Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D., officially be-came only the third director of MMI on May 1. Prior to his appointment, he served as interim director and before that, deputy director. For those who don’t know Dr. Leibowitz all that well, he was kind enough to re-spond to a series of questions that offer insight into his goals and vision for MMI as well as his personal side.

Q: Now that you’ve been named director, what are your short-term goals for MMI?

A: We will make some organizational changes to enhance collabora-tion and create the critical mass needed in some areas to expand academic activities.

Q: If you weren’t the director of MMI, what would you be doing...other than interim or deputy director?

A: Probably driving my wife crazy.

Q: How will things change now, going from the interim to permanent director?

A: I think MMI can move ahead on initiatives that have been delayed as we awaited permanent leadership. In particular we can move ahead on MMI’s research agenda.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

A: You probably would have to ask MMI’s discipline directors. If it is any indication, Erni Steele thinks I have mellowed.

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continued on page 7 see B r a i n P o r tcontinued on page 3

see L E I B O W I T Z

M I K E L E I B O W I T Z

C. Louis Meyer family reconnects with MMIAh, the power of the World Wide Web. Recently, relatives of C. Louis Meyer, whose namesake graces MMI, contacted officials at the Institute to reestablish a relationship with a place their family member loved dearly.

“They must have been doing a search on Google, saw the C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation and wondered why the foundation was named for their grandfather,” said Mike Leibowitz, Ph.D.Some members of the Meyer family now hail from Chicago. A site visit in October by Carol Barrett, the C. Louis Meyer Family Foundation’s administrator may lead to a donation to support MMI’s new pediatric physical therapy residency program.

Genetix GSL-120

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A new slide scanner in the Human Genetics Laboratory at MMI dramatically reduces the need for modern microscopes.

There are just 18 “Genetix” scanners in the world and only two allow for patient information to be entered utilizing a bar code system — one of which is in MMI’s lab and the other in Edinburgh, Scotland. Other systems must enter the information manually.

The new machine automatically scans numerous images of metaphase cells within minutes, whereas before, a cytogenetic technologist had to spend hours behind the lens of a microscope searching for metaphase cells on a slide.

The machine doesn’t do it all though. Skilled cytogenetic tech-nologists are still vital to the process of determining whether the specimen contains an abnormality.

Because the slide scanner can scan up to 120 slides without stopping, Warren Sanger, Ph.D., professor and director of the UNMC Human Genetics Lab, said it will allow experienced cytogenetic technologists to nearly double their efficiency and productivity from approximately 250 cases per year to 500.

Interdisciplinary Symposium on Down syndromeIn order to unlock the potential of those with special needs, a unified plan of care from multiple disciplines and support entities is vital.The second annual MMI symposium, held at UNMC’s Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education on April 25, brought together professionals from many areas as well as families to talk about the treatment of individuals with Down syndrome.Madeleine Will, vice president of public policy and director of the National Policy Center for the National Down Syndrome Society, served as the keynote speaker.She also is the parent of an adult son with Down syndrome.

“The information was presented in a person-first, family centered way, not talking about clinical cases, but with real people,” said Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., organizer of the symposium. “It brought the personal side of health care to the forefront and the families in particular enjoyed the opportunity to interact with professionals and hear about available services in the area and at MMI.”The more than 140 attendees also discussed controversial issues such as genetic counseling and end-of-life issues from a family perspective.Dr. Stuberg said the symposium will continue to be an annual event in the spring. Next year’s interdisciplinary format will be similar to this year’s program, but will cover the topic of muscular dystrophy.

A new environment for physical therapy A former storage area next to the motion analysis lab has been trans- formed into a living-room like therapy room for physical therapy patients.Assistant professor Reggie Harbourne, who coordinated the remodel, wanted something that didn’t look like a lab or a hospital for her postural control studies.

“Babies get scared when the lab doesn’t look like someone’s house,” she said. “In the new room, the colors are warm and friendly, we have comfortable couches and we can dim the lights so it’s not so harsh.”Data collectors will no longer distract from observations of play assess-ment and postural control as they can now sit in the observation room with a one-way mirror. The room opened in early March.

• a new interdisciplinary center for child behavioral health on campus;

• designation and funding as an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center;

• a family center that serves as a state- wide resource and referral center;

And so much more.

The purpose of the new centers would be to create and foster a community in which individuals with disabilities are afforded the same opportunities as their peers.

I believe the faculty and staff here live our tagline: unlocking potential. And it’s time that the world knows it too.

J. Michael Leibowitz, Ph.D., Director

Q: What are the big opportunities for MMI in the coming years?

A: Through the generosity of many individuals and the support of UNMC’s leadership, MMI has an opportunity to create new research, education and service programs that will help many children, youths and adults with disabilities to further enhance their quality of life and opportunities.

Q: Where do you see MMI in 10 years?

A: 444 S. 44th St… If you want a serious answer, I see MMI providing exemplary services, educational programs, basic and applied research and outreach across Nebraska that benefit individuals of all ages with disabilities. The basic mission will remain the same. We have grown over the years, expanding some departments, creating new programs, expanding our use of technology in both a support role and in the delivery of services, and teaching next generations of service providers. We will continue to do more of the same, utilizing an ever increasing knowledge base.

Q: What are you doing when you’re not at work?

A: My family is very important to me. Keeping up with all their activities and remaining a cohesive family as we grow and age is challenging. Investing is my hobby, and based upon the last few years, it’s fortunate it’s not my profession.

Walk and RollA record 608 walkers and rollers raised nearly $30,000 for adult recreation therapy programs at MMI at the fifth annual Walk and Roll for Disabilities. The amount raised is a new Walk and Roll record. Sponsored by the C. Louis Meyer Foundation, No Frills Supermarkets, KGOR and Crouch Recreational Design, the Feb. 22 event was held at Westroads. Program participant and honorary captain Sarah Gardels kicked off the fundraiser with an air horn, followed by entertain- ment from the Salem Steppin’ Saints, drummers and marchers from Omaha’s Salem Baptist Church. Also serving as captains were former Nebraska football player and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch and KETV Channel 7’s Mike’l Severe, who has a son with a genetic disorder. Through the MMI Recreational Therapy Department, not only do adults with disabilities have opportunities for both community and center-based recreation, but the programs also allow for much-needed respite for families and caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.

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more news stories on PA G E 6

Now more than ever, people are asking what the future holds for the Munroe-Meyer Institute.

And me without my crystal ball!

On a more serious note, I think we’d all agree that the vision for MMI is to be known as the premiere interdisciplinary center on disabilities in the Midwest.

But how does an Institute garner that distinction?

The delivery of unmatched care, prep- aration of future health professionals and discovery through innovative research certainly serve as the foundation to such status. However, myself and other MMI leaders envision the following new pro- grams when we look to the future of MMI:

• a new center for rehabilitative biomechanics;

Leibowitz cont. from page 1Mike’s Message

Arts for HeartsHand-made holiday decorations, Christmas cards and ceramic serving dishes lined the tables at the annual Arts for Hearts show last fall. The event raised $2,100, all of which goes to MMI’s adults with developmental disabilities, so they can get together on Thursday nights and do arts and crafts, swim and sing among other activities. The adults who benefit from these programs are also the ones who created the pieces to sell.Oftentimes opportunities for social outlets run out after an adult with a developmental disability turns 21, but not at MMI.

Arvans wins poster presentationRebecca Arvans, a doctoral student in psych- ology, took home top honors at the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s 10th annual Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) poster session. Sponsored by the MMI interdisciplinary education committee, the April 8 event was in the Durham Outpatient Center. Arvans’ research project, “A Systematic Evaluation of Data Collection and Data Evaluation Methods in Early Intervention Programs,” studied the various approaches used to record learning trials. The poster session represents a chance for participants to share their research with other faculty members at MMI and UNMC, said Kellie Ellerbusch, MMI’s LEND training coordinator. Bob Pawlowski, Ed.D., program evaluator specialist, and Tiffany Kodak, Ph.D., and Blake Lancaster, Ph.D., both assistant pro- fessors at MMI, served as judges.

Bethany Hughes

Speech Pathology

April 2009

Kurz honored by UNOMax Kurz, Ph.D., director of biomechanics in the motion analysis lab, received the Distinguished Promising Professional Award for 2009 from The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Education. Dr. Kurz was honored on April 8 at the annual Hollie Bethel Distinguished Alumni Luncheon because “his research in the assess-ment of walking patterns of children with movement disabilities is especially promising and noteworthy.”

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SILVER “U” AWARDS

Silver U Award Program

This award is given annually to approximately 120

employees, who provide consistent performance

that exceeds expectations or for other special

achievements. Unit leaders select employees on a

monthly basis. The number of recipients from each unit is based on unit population.

Recipients receive a Silver ‘U’ pin, a denim shirt with the Silver ‘U’ logo and are

invited to lunch with the chancellor.

Patricia Cattano

Human Genetics Lab

November 2008

Mark Conlin

Business Office

January 2009

Rachel Valleley, Ph.D.

Psychology

March 2009

Sullivan recognized for 30 years of serviceMarsha Sullivan, director of the speech/language pathology department at MMI, was honored for 30 years of service at the annual faculty meet-ing on April 21. She began her career at UNMC in the audiology and speech/ language pathol-ogy department in the School of Allied Health Professions. MMI’s speech/language department includes a clinic for children with speech and language disorders funded by the Scottish Rite Masons and the Hattie B. Munroe Center for Augmentative Communication.

Burt receives research awardJennifer Burt, Ph.D., a post-doctoral fellow in psychology at MMI, was awarded an $18,000 collaborative research award. Dr. Burt will help the Association of University Centers on Disabilities’ Centers for Disease Control develop fact sheets about child development for the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign.

“This is quite an honor, particularly for someone so early in their career,” said Mark Shriver, Ph.D., associate professor in the psychology department at MMI.

The goal of the project, “Using Positive Parenting to Teach Child Development,” is to teach parents how to better identify developmental milestones and early warning signs of developmental delay using health communication materials.

“All parents are trying their best, but sometimes they need additional support and resources to help their children grow and develop the best that they can,” Dr. Burt said.

Ellerbusch awarded grantKellie Ellerbusch, training coordinator of MMI’s Leadership in Education on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program, also received a $3,000 grant from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities for the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign.

To learn more about the “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign, visit:

www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly

To download or order free materials, visit:

www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/ freematerials.html

New EmployeesHuman Genetics Laboratories

Jennifer Conner

Gretchen Rollings

Li Zeng

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New Grants and Contracts

Barb Jackson, Ph.D.Early Childhood Endowment Project

Heartland Regional Newborn Screening Project

Robert Pawloski, Ed.D. 21st Century After School Program Evaluations

Joe Evans, Ph.D. & Robert Pawloski, Ed.D. Healthcare Synergy Project

Torri Tejral Autism Action Partnership Intensive Parent Training in Rural Central Nebraska

Cindy Ellis, M.D.LEND Supplement for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Hank Roane, Ph.D. Efficacy of Various Positive Reinforcers in the Treatment of Destructive Behavior

meet H u g h K a m

Patient Information Office

Julie Gomez

RecreationAmanda Robinson

Erin Von Dollen

Programmer/Analyst

Patient Information Off ice

IT Services

Hometown: Fuzhou City, China, and Hong Kong

The best part about my job is:

being a member of the MMI family, working with co-workers on challenging projects and supporting the Institute’s education, research and patient services objectives.

The accomplishment I am most proud of is:

Living in Omaha for more than 15 years! Considering that I came from a city with more than 7 million people and its temperature is never below 32.

If I had another career it would be:

as a pediatrician

Favorite book: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Chinese Classic Novel)

Favorite movie: Spider-Man

Three adjectives that best describe me are:

Strategic, Activator and Analytical

If I could interview anyone (living or dead)

it would be: President Barack Obama — what an inspirational story!

I used to be a tenor in a church choir.

Not everyone knows that:

On the job with Barb Gloverby N I C O L E L I N D Q U I S T

It’s not in an office associate’s job description to take care of patients.

Nevertheless, one’s main respon-sibility is just as essential — to take care of the people who take care of the patients.

On a daily basis, Barb Glover, office associ-ate I in the physical therapy department at MMI, is the first line to patients. When she’s not interacting with patients, she orders supplies, books travel arrangements and transcribes appointments, among other duties as assigned.

“Office associates do a lot of the day-to-day running that helps the directors and the Institute operate more smoothly,” Glover said.For someone whose desk has a sign that reads: “Beware of Attack Secretary,” Glover has a laid-back attitude.Chalk it up to her experience. She has been with MMI since 1978. Glover received the Chancellor’s employee of the month award in 1987, and the certificate still hangs above her desk.

“The people here are all good, caring, kind and fun,” Glover said. “We’re such a family, and I guess you could call me the mom of our department.

“And with all the kids, it’s like being on a playground all the time.”

Glover is known by the pediatric patients for her candy dish. On occasion, she buys them gifts at the thrift store when they complete their physical and occupational therapy goals.Her friendships with the other office associ-ates are just as strong as her relationships with the patients.

“We’re a close-knit group,” she said. “We’re always there for each other.”In addition to her work as an office associate, Glover also is a member of the MMI support staff. Though not well known, the group is a dedicated bunch that meets monthly to work on projects that benefit MMI’s patients, families and students at JP Lord School.Formed in 1990 by former MMI Director Bruce Buehler, M.D., the group’s main purpose is networking. Together, they share tips to make each other’s jobs easier and plan fundraisers for MMI’s Adopt-a-school, JP Lord. Snack attacks, basket raffles, book sales, Whack the Directors and haunted houses happen because of the hard work of the support staff. Last Christmas, the group raised enough money to feed 10 families in need. For the next project, Glover would like to raise money to fund benches and plants to beautify the front of MMI.

Know of someone who would make a good “On the Job” feature, contact Nicole Lindquist at nlindquist@unmc.edu or 559-9149.

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Stone SoupMMI’s Adopt-a-School, JP Lord, brought a fable to life last fall. Dozens of MMI and JP Lord employees donated canned goods and fresh vegetables to make their own version of

“stone soup.” The tradition has taken place for more than 15 years, said organizer and JP Lord teacher, Joanie Tekippe. Despite a curious variety of ingredients including cream corn and okra, the end result usually tastes like a delectable minestrone or vegetable soup. It is said that whoever finds the stone is supposed to be lucky, but the tradition at JP Lord is that whoever finds the stone does all the dishes.

Eagle Scout raises funds for Wheel ClubNick Seline needed an idea for his Eagle Scout project. While raking leaves one day last fall, it came to him. What if he and his fellow Boy Scouts offered to do yard work and household chores in exchange for a donation to a good cause? The money could go to MMI’s Wheel Club. The Wheel Club is funded entirely by private donations from the Enrichment Foundation of Omaha, the Armstrong-McDonald Family Foundation of Arizona and the Alan and Marcia Baer Charitable Trust of Omaha, among others. Each spring and fall, the club offers those who are unable to independently ride a bike the opportunity to ride a tandem bike with a partner.As the brother of someone with Asperger syndrome, Seline recognized the importance of opportunities for those with disabilities. He and his fellow scouts have amassed $2,500 worth of good deeds to contribute to the Wheel Club. The Alan and Marcia Baer Family Charitable Trust matched the scouts’ earnings. Michael Crawford, Re.D., said the fund established for the Wheel Club through the University of Nebraska Foundation by Seline will be the beginning of a permanent endow-ment for the program.

Wheel Club ride scheduleThe following is a schedule of Wheel Club rides. All rides run from 2 to 4 p.m. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. For more information contact:

Nicole Giron 559-3018 | ngiron@unmc.edu

Spring Rides May 24: Towl Park, 90th and Center streets

June 7: Zorinsky Lake, 168th Street entrance

June 21: Heartland of America Park, downtown Omaha

Fall Rides Sept. 6: Towl Park, 90th and Center streets

Sept. 20: Zorinsky Lake, 168th Street entrance

Oct. 4: Heartland of America Park, downtown Omaha

Oct. 18: Towl Park, 90th and Center streets

Nov. 8: Zorinsky Lake, 168th Street entrance

If her history is any indication, Stephanie will do all of the above. Her mother, Leila, calls her a “determined little girl.”

“We adopted Stephanie from Korea when she was 26-months-old. She was not walk- ing and fell down all the time,” she said.

“Her feet were turned out and under, so she’s had several foot surgeries. She’s also had multiple tubes placed in her ears and several surgeries for ear reconstruction. Recently, she had surgery to implant a bone-anchored hearing aid.

“In other words, there’s a lot she’s had to overcome.”Leila Rehbein points out that she has never treated Stephanie as a child with special needs. Until this year, her daughter didn’t realize she didn’t walk or look the same as other children in her class. That reality has been rough on her.Participating in the study, funded by the MMI Guild, has helped her to cope.

“Contributing to this research study is some- thing only she can do because she has special needs,” Rehbein said. “Normal people can’t, so it really gives her a sense of ability and self-worth that she can do something none of her friends can do.”Dr. Kurz would like to recruit up to 10 children ages six to 18 who have been diagnosed with vestibular disorders to participate in the study along with Stephanie. For more information, call 559-9599.

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“By providing sensory information using the BrainPort, children can learn to rewire other sensory receptors for stable balance or amplify their available vestibular sensory information that has not been lost.”The concept is relatively new to the neuro- science field. MMI is the first center to study children using the BrainPort, but Dr. Kurz is confident his team can develop the best rehabilitative protocol for the BrainPort and the most accurate measurement of subtle changes in postural balance.Stephanie, along with four other children with vestibular disorders, recently completed a variety of standing and walking studies to test her gait and posture. In eight weeks, she will return to MMI for additional tests. Meanwhile, she practices physical therapy exercises with the BrainPort at home twice a day for 20 minutes. Dr. Corr checks on her weekly to ensure progress.

“We are optimistic that we will see improve-ments in balance for children with vestibular disorders,” Dr. Kurz said, noting a recent study that showed adults with balance disorders improved their balance after using the BrainPort.

“Scientific data indicates that the nervous system of children is more adaptive, so we expect to see an even stronger response in children than what previously has been reported in adults.”The long-term goal once the brain is “rewired” is for children to use the device as a therapy tool and not on a daily basis.

“We also hope these children can improve their social acceptance and increase their participation in peer-equivalent activities such as riding a bike and playing sports along with having a reduced fear of falls,” Dr. Kurz said.

BrainPort cont. from page 1

Rhoda Davis-Blatt scholarshipsUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha students Michaela Schenkelberg and Lydia Clark were awarded the Rhoda Davis-Blatt scholarships at the MMI operating board meeting on Feb. 12. Schenkelberg and Clark have volunteered with the recreation department at MMI since high school.Davis-Blatt, who worked as an administrative coordinator for the Munroe Foundation for nearly 30 years, personally presented the women with the money to put toward their education.

Social skills for children and teens with autismTerri Mathews, Ph.D., a psychologist and assistant professor with the Munroe-Meyer Institute, and Lezlee Greguson, Ph.D., a research associate at MMI, have started a social skills program for children and teens with autism.The program is held Monday afternoons in the Munroe-Meyer Diagnostic Center and is partially supported by the Munroe-Meyer Guild. The goal is for children and teens with autism to increase their S.C.O.R.E. skills, (Share ideas, Compliment others, Offer help, Recommend changes and Exercise self-control).Participants in the group all have been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome or ADHD. Organizers hope that through practice the par- ticipants will improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including eye contact, appropriate voice tone and pleasant facial expression.The groups meet weekly for eight weeks. A previous group of adolescents that took part in the sessions showed noticeable improvement after eight weeks.

MMI also runs a support group for siblings of children with autism. The program is sponsored by the Autism Action Partnership. There is no cost to participate. To register for sessions, visit www.autismaction.org For more information, contact:

Tina Sedersten 559-5732 | tsedersten@unmc.edu

Brian Feeney 559-2403 | bfeeney@unmc.edu

Schenkelberg, a sophomore majoring in exercise science at UNO, plans to attend physical therapy school follow-ing graduation. Because of her expe-riences with the recreation therapy department at MMI, she would like to work with children with disabilities. Clark, a junior at UNO, said MMI is the reason she chose to double major in speech pathology and art therapy.

Photo: Michaela Schenkelberg, left, and Lydia Clark with Rhoda Davis-Blatt.

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May 27MMI Employee Picnic

June 5Nebraska Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Summer Conference

June 22Camp Munroe Begins

MMI Info is produced bi-annually for faculty and staff of UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation by UNMC’s Department of Public Relations. For additional copies or copies in accessible formats, please contact:

UNMC-Department of Public Relations 985230 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE 68198-5230 (402)559-4353

Editor: Nicole Lindquist, Public Relations Designer: Jessi Long, Public Relations Photos: UNMC, Department of Public Relations

June 9Cost-Inclusive Program Evaluation Workshop

The University of Nebraska Foundation hopes to make a “Big Splash” for the Munroe-Meyer Institute on Aug. 28th and 29th with 24 hours of recreational and competitive swimming events in Omaha and Lincoln.Funds raised from the first-ever event will help enhance and expand some of the special-ized services and programs that thousands of Nebraskans and numerous communities across the state benefit from each year.

Come rain or shine, the Munroe-Meyer Institute Guild will host the 41st Garden Walk on June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities through various programs and research at MMI.The MMI Guild has a long history of funding grants to initiate or support various seed and startup programs at the Institute, such as Sportsmen Assisting the Nation’s Disabled Sportsmen. The Garden Walk will feature unique and creative ideas in landscaping, planting and patio treatments.

The family-friendly event also demonstrates and implements the important message of integration and inclusion for individuals with special needs.Area athletes and Olympic swimmer, Josh Davis, will participate in the inaugural event. To donate or volunteer, call 402-502-0300 or visit www.mmibigsplash.org

The following is a list of planned events.

Swim and Safety Water Carnival Friday, Aug. 28, 6–9 p.m. This event includes swimming lessons, a family swim, water safety exhibits and challenging activities designed to test and promote water safety. Families also can take underwater photos and watch a “dive-in” movie.

Competitive Youth Meet Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-11 a.m.Meets will consist of four events: 25 yards of each stroke for 10-year-olds and younger, and 50 yards of each stroke for 11 to 18-year-olds.

Corporate/Adult Swim Challenge Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-11 a.m. Four-person teams can compete in a 200-yd medley relay and/or a 200-yd free style relayIndividuals may participate in 100 and 200-yd freestyle events. All levels of competitors are encouraged to participate.

Non-Traditional Swimmer Challenge Saturday, Aug. 29, 8-11 a.m. Swimmers of like abilities may participate in an organized competition with appropriate supervision and assistance. Three individual events will be offered — 50-yd freestyle, 25-yd freestyle and 25-yd backstroke — with buddy relays to follow.

The Big Splash Swim & Splash Saturday, Aug. 29, noon - 2 p.m.Omaha area pools will devote lanes for two hours of relays and swimming events. Swimmers of all ages and abilities will keep the water turning for, and with, the children and adults who have benefited from MMI’s services.

Projects recently funded by the MMI Guild:

Student Stipend

$9,900Sportsmen Assisting the Nation’s

Disabled Sportsmen (SANDS)

$4,500Improving Balance in Children with

Vestibular Disorders

$5,732Social Skills Training for Children and

Adolescents with Severe Social Impairment and Associated Behavior Problems

$4,800Community Inclusion Recreation Programs

$6,000Complete Communication Support for

Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech

$9,620

Garden Walk guests will tour five locations in the Omaha area. This year’s gardens are located at the homes of;

Jim and Robin Griess, 1526 S. 93rd St.Dave and Bonnie Looman, 8703 Grover St.Dr. Frederic Ogren, 9977 Spring St.Tom and Mimi Ramsbottom, 21625 Chancellor RoadLarry and Penny Rosso, 1607 S. 189th Court

Garden Walk tickets are on sale now. Advance tickets are $12. Tickets will be $15 on the day of the event at all gardens.

Children under 5 get in free; however, no strollers are allowed in the gardens. Advance tickets may be purchased at Hy-Vee Stores in Omaha and Council Bluffs as well as local nurseries.

To purchase tickets, contact Rose Kratochvil at (402) 559-6460 or via mail at: Garden Walk Tickets Munroe-Meyer Institute 985450 Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE, 68198-5450

Garden Walk

www.mmiguild.com

the munroe-meyer guild’s 41st

www.mmibigsplash.org

Aug 28 - 29Big Splash

June 14MMI Guild Garden Walk