A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
November 2012 VOL. 37 • NO. 11
ENOA 4223 Center Street Omaha, NE 68105-2431
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389
New Horizons ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Cross country
Frank Jenson (left) and Bill Staley – both age 66 – rode their recumbent bicycles across the United States recently to raise money for and increase awareness of Tourette syndrome. New Horizons editor Jeff Reinhardt chronicles their journey. The story begins on page 10.
O N B O A RD
INS IDE Barc has holiday gift ideas from Nebraska ............4 November 2012 calendar of events .......................6 Sign up for Medicare Part D ...............................12 ‘Read it and eat’ ..................................................12 Day of the Dead celebration ...............................15 ENOA offers snow removal .................................17
In the second installment of a five-part series titled ENOA board meeting, board secretary Bob Missel – who represents Dodge County – is profiled. See page 3.
The benefits of having a pet................................17 Vehicles powered by CNG ..................................19
Corrigan Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St. this month for: • Thursday, Nov. 1: Music of the ‘40’s by the Hometowners senior choral group @ 11 a.m. followed by a roast beef lunch at noon. Please make your reservations ASAP. • Monday, Nov. 5: Veterans Month kick-off with speaker Webster Bell @ 10 a.m. Listen to a talk about hospice and end of life care sponsored by Alegent Creighton Hospice @ 11 a.m. Stay for lunch and bingo. • Thursday, Nov. 8: Lunch followed by flu shots sponsored by Walgreens @ 12:30 p.m. Call 402-731-7210 by noon on Nov. 5 to schedule your vaccination. • Tuesday, Nov. 13: Veterans Salute by St. Peter & Paul Elementary School students @ 10:30 a.m. followed by a ham dinner and bingo. The reservation deadline is Nov. 9. • Thursday, Nov. 15: Turkey dinner and Mega bingo. Everyone’s invited to enjoy a noon lunch featuring roast turkey and dressing, whipped sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, a tossed salad, a wheat roll, and pumpkin pie. Play Mega bingo with $100 in cash prizes. The reservation deadline is noon on Friday, Nov. 9. • Monday, Nov. 19: Talk on What is Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? @ 10 a.m. Birthday party with Merrymakers vocalist Michael Lyon @ 11 a.m. • Wednesday, Nov. 21: Corrigan Thanksgiving dinner. Join us at noon for a special turkey lunch with all the fixings including pumpkin pie. Bingo will follow lunch. The center is closed Nov. 12, 22, & 23 for the holidays. The Corrigan Senior Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is served at noon. A $3 donation is normally suggested for the meal. Reservations are normally due by noon the business day prior to the meal you wish to enjoy. We offer chair volleyball, card games, bingo, ceramics, exercise, woodcarving, and loads of fun! For meal reservations or more information, please call Lynnette at 402-731-7210.
Expires soon.
OMAHA 12100 W. Center Rd. (NW Corner of 120th & Center) Belair Plaza
FREMONT 2415 E. 23rd Ave South (East Hwy 30 next to Earl May)
Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. evenings by appointment
(402) 727-7866 1-800-239-7866
“Lowest prices on the latest technology guaranteed.”
www.glassmanhearing.com
(402) 571-1207
Please support New Horizons advertisers
Start
your
&
shopping
early this year while supporting two valuable programs in your community!
19 Annual Poinsettia Sale th
Name: ________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________
The annual Foster Grandparent Program’s and Senior Companion Program’s
Poinsettia Sale
City/State/Zip: _______________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________________________________________
Single Stem
Multiple Stem
(5-7 Blooms) $11.00
(10-12 Blooms) $22.00
Red _____
en this form, and th te le p m o c e s a Ple a check mail it back with rent Program a p d n ra G r te s o F (made out to the Program) to: n io n a p m o C r io n or the Se
ia Sale t t e s n i o P P FGP/SC treet S r e t n e C 3 422 68105 E N , a h a m O ext. 246 , 6 3 5 6 4 4 4 402 .gov
Pink _____ White _____ Total _____ $11 = ______
Have these beautiful poinsettias delivered to your home or business.
Check the delivery date you prefer November 29, 2012
ebraska
@n mary.parker
Page 2
•
New Horizons
Red _____ Pink _____ White _____ Tri-Color ______ Total _____ $22=_______
December 6, 2012
The order deadline is
November 15, 2012 •
November 2012
Missel: ENOA needs sustainable revenue sources
I
n 1925, Gerald Sampter opened Sampter’s Clothing at 517 N. Main St. in Fremont. His goal was to provide quality clothing at a fair price. In 1983, Gerald’s grandson, Bob Missel, took over the Sampter’s operation. Missel helped grow the business, and in 2008 the store was named Nebraska Retailer of the Year.
“Voice for Older Nebraskans!”
b u l C s n o z i r New Ho
Join the
ENOA board meeting Combining the lessons learned from his grandfather, the knowledge gained through owning and managing a successful business, and a desire to give back to his community, Missel was appointed to the Dodge County Board of Supervisors in 2004. Two years later he was elected to that board representing District 5, and in 2007 Bob was selected as board chair. Born in Detroit, Mich., Missel, age 53, attended Dearborn High School before enrolling at Lake Superior University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. where he studied accounting and business law. Bob and Michele Missel, LMHP, have been married for 30 years. The couple has two daughters, Megan and Jennifer, ages 27 and 24, respectively, and a 27-year-old foster son named Darin. When not running Sampter’s Clothing, serving the public, or spending time with his family, Missel is an avid coin collector and a member of the Fremont Coin Club, the Omaha Coin Club, and a past president of the Nebraska Numismatic Association.
M
issel said meeting with and working for the people of Dodge County and eastern Nebraska are his favorite parts of public service. “Dodge County has a very dedicated team of people, and I take great pride in helping them in every way possible,” he added. Missel said making the hard, sometimes unpopular choices is the most difficult aspect of serving on the Dodge County Board of Supervisors and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Governing Board. Missel – who serves as its secretary – joined the ENOA board in 2004. He sees the panel’s role as enacting policies, monitoring its programs, and being an advocate for the agency’s executive
Make a donation to help support the
today!
Membership includes a subscription to the New Horizons newspaper. New Horizons Club Send Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging 4223 Center Street to: Omaha, NE 68105-2431 Bob Missel joined the Dodge County Board of Supervisors in 2004. director. “Being on the ENOA board appealed to me because it offered me an opportunity to collaborate with Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, and Washington counties while providing much needed programs and services,” he said.
I get the New Horizons regularly and don’t need to be put on the mailing list. I would like to start receiving the New Horizons at home. My address is below. NAME ADDRESS
“I think the trend to keep older men and women in their homes will continue to grow in popularity.” ENOA’s role in the five-county area it serves is to help older adults remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible, Missel said. “I think the trend to keep older men and women in their homes will continue to grow in popularity as our aging population tackles the rising costs of healthcare.” ENOA and its staff do an amazing job of serving the age 60 and older population, according to Missel, who said the agency’s greatest strength is the variety of programs and services it offers. “The biggest challenge ENOA faces is the ability to continue funding these programs and services while finding sustainable sources of revenue,” he added.
New Cassel Retirement Center Holiday Boutique
Saturday, November 10, 2012 9am to 3pm
(Auditorium Entrance) Crafts / Quilt Raffle/ Bake Sale
§ 3 Delicious Meals Daily § Transportation Available § Wellness, Recreation & Activities § 24-Hour Health Services § Gift Shop / Beauty Salon
§ Daily Mass & Rosary § Weekly Inter-Faith Service § Weekly Housekeeping § Safe & Secure Environment § Computer Lab
Call (402) 393-2277/ 900 North 90th Street Omaha, NE 68114 / www.newcassel.org Sponsored by the School Sisters of Saint Francis
November 2012
CITY/STATE/ZIP
$5
$25
$10
$50
$15
Other _______
New Horizons New Horizons is the official publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distributed free to people over age 60 in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington, and Cass counties. Those living outside the 5-county region may subscribe for $5 annually. Address all correspondence to: Jeff Reinhardt, Editor, 4223 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68105-2431. Phone 402-444-6654. FAX 402-444-3076. E-mail: jeff.reinhardt@nebraska.gov Advertisements appearing in New Horizons do not imply endorsement of the advertiser by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. However, complaints about advertisers will be reviewed and, if warranted, their advertising discontinued. Display and insert advertising rates available on request. Open rates are commissionable, with discounts for extended runs. Circulation is 20,000 through direct mail and freehand distribution.
Editor..............................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148 Contributing Writers......Nick Schinker, Leo Biga, Barc Wade, & Lois Friedman Fremont Delivery.........................Dick Longstein ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, chairperson; Ron Nolte, Cass County, vice-chairperson; Bob Missel, Dodge County, secretary; Jim Warren, Sarpy County, & Jerry Kruse, Washington County. The New Horizons and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging provide services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, or age.
•
New Horizons
•
Page 3
Products made in Nebraska make great holiday gifts
W
ine is a popular Christmas gift . . . but vinegar? You’ve got to be kidding. George Paul of Cody, Neb., isn’t kidding. In a change in direction, with an about-face as great as could be imagined, he turned from raising cattle to raising grapes. It began in 1999 when Paul staked out his first vines with the intention of making wine, never dreaming he would eventually claim to be the first in Nebraska to open a “vinegary.” Paul joined other Nebraska entrepreneurs marketing candy, cheese, beefsteaks, popcorn treats, wine, and fruitcakes who discover their products are especially popular as Christmas gifts. They find their way to the foot of Christmas trees nearly everywhere in the U.S. Givers often send them to former Nebraskans as a reminder of their home state and all it has to offer. Each has a story to tell. Most have on-site stores you can visit and buy. All offer mail order delivery. Where and how to buy these products appears in a sidebar to this story on page 5. Paul gave up the rigors of ranching to ride herd on grapevines grown on his Sandhills property near Cody, 29 miles west of Valentine. Once his winery became established, Paul became interested in expanding his business into vinegar making. With a matching $292,500 in grants from the USDA and Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the vinegary took shape in the form of a straw bale building with a passive solar design in 2007. Now, in making vinegar the “Old World Style” way. Paul depends on Nebraska-grown fruits for his condiments including wild plums, chokecherries, sand cherries, raspberries, apples, and grapes. Crushed, pressed, and fermented, they provide flavors and aromas found most often in expensive and rare gourmet vinegars. Besides at his own unique shop, George Paul Vinegars can be purchased at Grow Nebraska Stores and via mail order. Grandma’s cake recipe lives
S
ome 300 miles southeast of Cody in Beatrice, a mainstay among desserts of the holiday season keep ovens busy within the walls of the Beatrice Bakery, Co. It’s here that Grandma’s Fruit and Nut Cakes are baked, stored in refrigerators for months to enhance their flavor, and then shipped for sale at grocery and retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. A total of 1.2 million pounds of them in all sizes and shapes, every one handbaked. The recipe for these sometimes maligned Christmas favorites officially dates to 1917. It was discovered by a pair of German immigrants in a trunk belonging to their grandmother, hence the fruitcake’s name. Throughout its
Page 4
•
early years, the fruitcakes were produced in the Lantz Brothers’ St. Louis bakery but relocated to Beatrice in 1963, where production has gone on almost uninterrupted ever since. The bakery’s existence hasn’t been easy, surviving many changes in ownership, going from the Wilke Baking Company, to Metz Baking, to Sara Lee Corp., to Earthgrains Corp. The latter planned to shut down the Beatrice operation in 2001, but a group of local citizens pooled their resources and saved the plant and the jobs of 42 employees. Grandma’s Original Fruitcake fame has been enhanced by flattering national and regional publicity, including being featured on ABC’s The View, CBS News, CNN, Fancy Food Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, and The Omaha World Herald.
railroad’s transcontinental dining cars. Its reputation was further enhanced when in 1961 Gov. Frank B. Morrison sent steaks to every state’s governor as well as to President John F. Kennedy. Omaha Steaks also gets plenty of national recognition, having been featured on Good Morning America, CBS Early Show, Oprah, The View, The Dr. Phil Show, The Rachel Ray Show, and Live With Regis and Kelly. In 2011 it was featured on Celebrity Apprentice, starring Donald Trump. The company began mail order operations in 1952 and opened its first retail store in Omaha in 1976. Now there are 85 locations in 29 states. With growth, the company moved into its present location at 4400 S. 96 St. where it has a retail store. Other retail outlets in Omaha
Travelogue By Barc Wade You may think your grocery list is often long, but consider the ingredients used by Grandma’s over a year’s time: 120,000 pounds of raisins, 100,000 pounds of walnuts, 75,000 pounds of pecans, 170,000 pounds of cherries, 135,000 pounds of pineapple, and 85,000 pounds of whole eggs. Add to that 5,000 gallons of bourbon, rum, and brandy. As soon as the Christmas rush – which peaks in November – is over, the process begins all over again in mid-January and continues at maximum production through March. In recent years, the bakery has added other tasty treats to their productions lines such as breakfast breads, dessert liqueur cakes, and streusel coffee cakes. Cabella’s, Hy-Vee, and stores supplied by Nash Finch are among those featuring Beatrice Baking products. No mistake, Nebraska steaks are great
A
nother Nebraska-made food gift that probably is the most famous of all, also owes its origin to an immigrant family. From a humble beginning that originally was named Table Supply Meat Co., it’s now known internationally as Omaha Steaks. J.J. Simon and his son, B.A., started the company as a butcher shop in downtown Omaha. Today, it annually generates sales near $450 million and is Omaha’s 25th largest employer with 1,800 full time and another 2,500 seasonal workers. One of the early coups by Omaha Steaks was when B.A.’s son, Lester, convinced the Union Pacific Railroad to feature their hand-selected steaks on the
New Horizons
•
are located at 17390 W. Center Rd. (Lakeside Plaza), and 78th and Dodge (Tower Plaza) streets. Mail order and retail stores feature packages providing a wide selection of food specialties including filet mignons, top sirloin, jumbo franks, boneless pork chops, steak burgers, chicken breasts, stuffed baked potatoes, sausage, seafood, and desserts. Compared to grocery store prices, Omaha Steaks products carry higher price tags but make up for it with superb quality. Omaha Steaks often markets its products using their trademarked slogan: “The Official Sponsor of Tailgating.” In 2010, the company added Ndamukong Suh as a spokesperson, following his selection as the NFL’s Rookie of the Year and his illustrious career at the University of Nebraska. Everyone’s sweet on meltaways
I
f you’re a chocolate lover in Nebraska it’s almost a guarantee you know of Bakers Candies, especially their famed meltaways. The Greenwood-based chocolate factory produces an average of 2,000 pounds of the colorful, foilwrapped chocolates daily. Over a year’s time that adds up to more than a half-million pounds or 30 million individual candies. Enjoying a meltaway isn’t about eating it, instead you lay it on your tongue and it just slowly melts away, giving you plenty of time to enjoy and appreciate its unique quality. Little would most buyers suspect its founder, Kevin Baker, came from a professional career in the aerospace industry with no background in candy-making, even confessing to me in an interview some years ago that he really
November 2012
doesn’t like chocolate all that much. Nevertheless, with his background of building and servicing equipment used in the mass production of U.S. military systems, he applied some of that knowledge in developing an automated, cost-saving production line that could produce chocolate of gourmet quality at teasingly low prices. Production at his 25,000 square foot plant began in 1987 and opened its retail store around Valentine’s Day the following year. The meltaways were an instant hit and continue to grow, with the number of employees fluctuating between 20 and 30. Gearing up for the Christmas season begins around Labor Day and by Halloween shipments of the chocolates are on their way to retail outlets, which include HyVee grocery stores, Walgreens, Hallmark Card & Gift stores, and many others where they’re available year-round. In the course of a year, the company needs 500,000 pounds of chocolate plus other ingredients such as palm kernel oil, nuts, and flavorings. Besides meltaways, Bakers also produces hot chocolate mix, peanut clusters, pecan patties, and special packaged items for Husker and Iowa Hawkeye fans. For Omaha area fans, the alternate U.S. Highway 6 route to Lincoln on football Saturdays always means a big boost in on-site sales where shoppers can purchase meltaway seconds at a big discount. Got goats, got cheese
S
omething you don’t expect to see in Nebraska where cattle rule, is a herd of 150 goats. Hogs and sheep, yes, but goats? Why are they on the northern outskirts of Lincoln? They reflect a dream of Caruth Van Beuzekom, who with her husband and their three children, produce organic food. Milk and cheese are produced under the name of Dutch Girl Creamery. The goats roam the pastures of ShadowBrook Farm, where they share 34 acres with grass-based beef cows, 10 acres devoted to organically grown herbs and vegetables, and 12 acres of alfalfa to feed livestock. Unusual for this part of the country, one acre is also devoted to growing cut flowers. To extend their truck farming season, they installed four hoop-houses that enable them to produce vegetables up to 10 months a year. The Creamery’s artisan goat cheeses are popular for personal use and gift giving, including feta, Manchengo, Chevre, Belle Sabine, Manon, Ogallala Tomme, and Brie. During the summer months their cheeses, vegetables, and herbs can be found at farmer’s markets in Lincoln and Omaha. These products help make co-owner Charuth feel right at home. She grew up in the --Please turn to page 5.
List of items born in Nebraska includes wine, cheese --Continued from page 4. Netherlands and came to the U.S. to study at the University of California Santa Cruz. It was while here she met Kevin Loth, a fellow student from Lincoln who became her husband. To enhance the mission of their farming operation, Charuth has visited artisan farmer/producers throughout the U.S. and Europe to learn more about the intricacies of high quality cheese making, including two months at Neals Yard Dairy in London last winter, learning about the curing process. Customers have become great boosters of ShadowBrook Farm’s organic farm goals, to the extent they have pitched in to fund the building of an on-farm cheese processing facility, which has been dependent upon the foodprocessing department at the University of NebraskaLincoln. The plea for support of the $25.000 project attracted 165 backers with gifts ranging from $5 to $1,000, meeting its goal in late July 2012. The building, when completed, will house two processing rooms, three aging cellars for curing, and the ability for visitors to view the cheese-making operations. Got Jersey cows, got cheese
O
ne of Nebraska’s largest dairy farms and producer of fine cheeses is Branched Oak Farm near Raymond about 10 miles northwest of Lincoln. The area is sometimes referred to as the “Bohemian Alps” because of the rolling hills and streams cutting through gentle valleys. Riding herd on their beef cattle and cows is the husband and wife team of Doug and Krista Dittman. They call their 230 acres Branched Oak Farm, a name derived from neighboring near one of eastern Nebraska’s most popular recreational lakes. They pride themselves on producing products free of chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones. Doug started the operation in 1991. When he married Krista in 1999, they committed themselves to raising grass-fed beef and free-range chickens. The Dittmans eventually gave up chicken and egg production to concentrate on a growing demand for
their cheeses. They describe it as a farmstead cheese operation, so named because it’s made on the farm that gives them complete quality control of the milk used in production. They built their own cave for aging of the cheese. It’s also temperature and humidity controlled for peak ripening. Cheeses include: Quark, similar to yogurt cheese, but not as sour; Camembert, similar to that produced in northern France; Gouda, a firm cheese with a nutty taste; Mozzarella, available only during the tomato season; Cheese Curd, snack cheese incorporating varying herb blends; plus seasonal favorites. Both the Lincolnarea cheese producers are popular stops for fans headed for Husker football games.
popped corn being consumed in Mexico around 3600 B.C. and even earlier in Peru in 4700 B.C. It’s claimed that Christopher Columbus introduced popcorn to Europeans after one of his voyages to America. Later, popcorn was found to be in the regular diet of Native Americans in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, and since the early 1900s, movies and popcorn have united to provide as much as 40 percent of movie revenue and provides 90 percent profit. In another bit of cornology, the largest popcorn ball ever created was displayed in 2006 at Lake Forest, Ill. It was a 3,145-pound whopperpopper measuring eight feet in diameter.
‘Pop’ star of Nebraska agriculture
Wines are fine and easy to find
I
f they didn’t mind being copycats, Morrison Farms of Clearwater, Neb., might want to consider a promotional chant somewhat like this: I pop, you pop, we all pop for corn we pop so let’s have popcorn every day. And America does love popcorn, consuming 16 billion quarts annually. That’s 51 quarts for every man, woman, and child. Lucky for Nebraska’s economy, the state is the nation’s largest producer, much of it from Morrison Farms of northeastern Nebraska, produced on land claimed in 1883 as a result of the Homestead Act of 1862. Five generations of Morrisons have held on to the original acreage and added more, moving from traditional raising of beef cattle and general farming, to concentrate on popcorn production. Under the leadership of Frank C. Morrison, his farm’s label can be found in 60 countries worldwide. Headquarters, processing, and packaging are located on the farm where the popcorn is grown. Most of its production is sold in bulk form, 35 to 50 pound bags, but is also available in microwave (24 packs for $7.20) and twopound bags for $1 (shipping charges added.) The microwave version comes in butter, butter light, natural, and natural light. There’s evidence of
I
t’s hard to believe there are 24 wineries in Nebraska, stretching from near the Kansas border in southeast Nebraska to a few miles from Wyoming in the Panhandle. The propelling force behind this boom was the success of the Cuthills Vineyards near the northeast Nebraska community of Pierce. Established in 1985 by Ed Swanson, it thrived on America’s growing fascination for wine and set standards for in-state followers. On his 15-1/2 acre plot, he nurses more than 50 varieties of grapes, most of them French hybrids, plus many experimental varieties. Cuthills draws visitors from nearby Willow Creek State Recreation area with its 700-acre lake. James Arthur Vineyards in Raymond, six miles north of Lincoln, is the state’s largest vineyard, located within 400 acres of natural prairie grasslands. Besides supplying its own wine needs, it also supplements the volume of grapes needed by other state wineries. The winner of many awards across the nation, it’s also a hot spot for visitors and entertainment including the sponsorship of a Renaissance Festival in May and a summer music series. The winery also has a party room, tasting room, and offers winemakers dinners and cellar master classes. The most unusual of
November 2012
Nebraska grape growers is SchillingBridge in Pawnee City that is a producer of wine AND is also a microbrewery. There are a dozen wineries within an hour’s drive in the Omaha/Lincoln area. Soaring Wings
Vineyard in Springfield and Too Far North Winery in Fort Calhoun are practically on Omaha’s doorstep. Wines have become popular Christmas gifts and many of the Nebraska wineries offer mail order services.
Ordering Nebraska-made goods This review of seven Nebraska-made products is meant to call attention to the dozens of entrepreneurs who could help solve your holiday gift-giving problems. These small businesses offer a wide range of products including soaps, candles, fine art, jewelry, home fashions, pet supplies, men’s and women’s fashions, and food products galore. To broaden your possibilities, seek copies of the following brochures: • The Grow Book. Call 888-476-9632 or log on the Internet to info@grownebraska.org. More than 300 listings presented in 11 categories and by city. • From Nebraska Gift Shop. Located in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District, call 402-476-2455. • Nebraska Travel & Tourism. Call 888-444-1867 or www.VisitNebraska.gov. Ask for copies of Nebraska Wine Passport, Nebraska Passport, and Nebraska Wine Passport. For individual product information: • George Paul Vinegar: Call 402-8234067 or log on to www. georgepaulvinegar.com. • Beatrice Bakery: Call 800-228-4030 or go online to www. beatricebakery.com. Sold in store at Cabela’s, Hy-Vee, Bag ‘n Save, No Frills, and Old Home outlets. • Omaha Steaks: See accompanying story on page 4 for a list of its Omaha stores. Call 402-593-4223. • Bakers Candies: Call 402-789-2700. Its on-site store is on U.S. Highway 6 in Greenwood. • Shadow Brook Farm: Call 402-499-7584 or visit its location at 2201 W. Denton Rd. in Lincoln. • Branched Oak Farm: Call 402-783-2124 or visit its location at 17015 NW 70th St. in Raymond. • Morrison Farms: Call 402-887-5335 or log on the Internet to www.morrisonfarms.com.
ife Is What You Make It... L Make It Great, Be Joyful at Saint Joseph Tower!
•
• Quality living at an affordable price
• Outstanding activities program
• Licensed nurse staff and certified staff on duty 24 hours a day
• Locally owned & operated
New Horizons
•
Page 5
Military veterans, their dependents can take AARP driving class for free during November
A
ARP appreciates America’s military veterans and their dependents. To thank these men and women, AARP is offering them an opportunity to take its driver safety classroom course for free during November. The class is also available to non veterans and their dependents ($12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members). This course gives older drivers an opportunity to learn proven strategies to help them maintain their confidence behind the wheel. There are no exams or tests involved. Persons completing the course are eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance. Here are the classes being offered during November. Friday, Nov. 2 12 to 4 p.m. Metropolitan Community College Elkhorn campus 204th Street & West Dodge Road Class ID # AUAV004N72 Call 402-457-5231 to register Friday, Nov. 2 1 to 5 p.m. Age Well Immanuel 6901 N. 72nd St. Call 402-829-3206 to register Thursday, Nov. 8 12 to 4 p.m. Midlands Hospital 11111 S. 84th St. Call 1-800-253-4368 to register Friday, Nov. 9 12 to 4 p.m. Metropolitan Community College LaVista campus 9110 Giles Road Class ID# AUAV004N70 Call 402-457-5231 to register Friday, Nov. 9 1 to 5 p.m. Ridgewood Retirement Village 12301 N. 149th Circle Call 402-829-7644 to register
Saturday, Nov. 10 12 to 4 p.m. Dora Bingel Senior Center 923 N. 38th St. Call 402-898-5854 to register Wednesday, Nov. 14 12 to 4 p.m. Bloomfield Forum 9804 Nicholas St. Call 402-390-9991 to register
November 2012 calendar of events 1 Autumn Festival An Arts & Crafts Affair Through Nov. 4 Century Link Center $6 & $7 402-331-2889 Christmas Stamps Through Dec. 31 Boys Town FREE 402-498-1141 11 Veteran’s Recognition Day At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE for active military, veterans, and their immediate family 402-733-8401
Wednesday, Nov. 14 1 to 5 p.m. Pacific Springs Village 805 S 173rd Court Call 402-829-5626 to register Thursday, Nov. 15 12 to 4 p.m. New Cassel 900 N. 90th Street Call 402-398-9568 to register Friday, Nov. 16 12 to 4 p.m. Metropolitan Community College South Omaha campus 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Drive Class ID# AUAV004N 71 Call 402-457-5231 to register
15 The Lewis & Clark Cluster Dog Show Through Nov. 18 Century Link Center $5 & $7 402-346-3950
16 A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 23 Omaha Community Playhouse 402-553-0800 17 Open Studios Bemis Center for the Contemporary Arts 8 p.m. 402-341-7130 22 Holiday Lights Festival Through Jan. 14 Downtown Omaha 402-345-5401 23 Christmas at Union Station Through Dec. 31 Durham Museum $5, $6, & $8 402-444-5071 Madeline’s Christmas Through Dec. 16 The Rose Theater $20 to $25 402-345-4848
Saturday, Nov. 17 1 to 5 p.m. Tangier Shriner’s Club 2823 S. 84th Street Call 402-829-5626 to register
Please support New Horizons advertisers
Immanuel Affordable Communities Immanuel Communities offers beautiful affordable independent apartment homes for seniors who are on a fixed income. Call today to schedule a personal visit.
Creating awareness of screening benefits for diabetes available under Medicare. The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s National Senior Corps Association programs have joined forces with Novo Nordisk and the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions to help educate older Nebraskans about the 2012 Medicare Diabetes Screening Project. Men and women age 65 and older will be encouraged to use free preventive diabetes screening benefits offered through Medicare.
For more information, please call ENOA at 402-444-6536 ext. 224 or 246.
Income guidelines apply
Immanuel Courtyard 6757 Newport Avenue Omaha, NE 68152 402-829-2912
Assisted Living at Immanuel Courtyard 6759 Newport Avenue Omaha, NE 68152 402-829-2990
Trinity Courtyard 620 West Lincoln Street Papillion, NE 68046 402-614-1900 School of Pharmacy and Health Profession
Affilated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Page 6
•
www.immanuelcommunities.com
New Horizons
•
November 2012
Could your kitchen pass a health inspection? By Carol McNulty
N
o one wants to go to a restaurant that didn’t pass its health inspection, but do people wonder if their own kitchen would pass a health
inspection? They should, according to extension food specialist Julie Albrecht, Ph.D. Clean kitchens provide more than something pretty to examine. Though people may not be able to see, smell, or taste viruses and germs, they are present. These bacteria can spread easily between hands, utensils, cutting boards, sinks, food, and countertops. It’s important to keep food surfaces, surroundings, and food preparers clean. Hand washing is extremely important. Hands and kitchen surfaces should be washed with hot soapy water to prevent the spread of bacteria. Hand washing should occur before preparing food and after various activities like using the bathroom, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, touching a cut or open sore, playing outside, and playing with pets. When washing, scrubbing should occur for at least 15 seconds or singing Happy Birthday twice. Wipe up spills as they occur with dishcloths or single-use paper towels. Reusable dishcloths should be changed daily and washed in a clothes washer with hot water before reuse. If wiping a dirty counter with a dishcloth, it may need to be washed before it’s re-used. Scrubbers and sponges should be sanitized and changed often. Albrecht says the best way to deep clean and sanitize dishes and food preparation surfaces is for people to create their own sanitizing product by using one teaspoon of chlorine bleach in one gallon of warm water. Mixing chemicals isn’t advised, as certain chemicals, such as ammonia and chlorine, should never be mixed because together they create a deadly gas. Many cleaning agents contain one of these compounds. Baking soda alone can also be used for some cleaning purposes. Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes, or countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing one food item before beginning preparation for the next food item. Also, use separate cutting boards for meats, poultry, and vegetables. Replace boards when they become worn with cuts and grooves, as those cuts can harbor bacteria. Rinse all fruits and vegetables under cool water before eating them. Before peeling melons, oranges, lemons, and bananas, rinse them under running tap water to remove bacteria. Also wash fruits and vegetables right before using them, not before storing
them. Fresh produce should be refrigerated within two hours of peeling or cutting.
A
lbrecht says another important step for keeping the kitchen health-inspector ready is by maintaining a clean refrigerator. Clean the inside of the refrigerator at least every three months by removing shelves and bins. Placing an open box of baking soda on one of the refrigerator shelves can help keep the refrigerator smelling fresh. Don’t use solvent cleaning agents, abrasives, and cleansers that may give food a chemical taste or cause damage to the refrigerator’s interior finish. Closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions. To clean the outside, use a soft cloth and mild liquid dishwashing detergent along with cleansers and polishes made for appliances. Make sure the front grill is free of dust and lint so there is free airflow to the condenser. Clean the condenser coil with a brush or vacuum cleaner several times during the year to remove dirt, lint. and other accumulations. Generally, cooked leftovers can be stored for four days. Raw poultry and ground meats can be stored for one to two days. If unsure about how long other meats, poultry, and egg products can be stored, refer to a cold storage chart. If food has spoiled and odors remain, the following steps can be taken to remove the odors: • Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with equal parts vinegar and water. • Wash the inside of the refrigerator with a solution of baking soda and water, scrubbing the gaskets, shelves, sides, and door. Let it air out for several days. • Stuff the refrigerator with rolled newspapers, close the door and leave it for several days. Then, remove the paper and clean the inside with vinegar and water. • Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in the bottom of the refrigerator or place them in an open container. • Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the freezer, close the door for 24 hours, and then check for odors. • Use a commercial product available at hardware and housewares stores, following the manufacturers’ instructions. For more information on food safety and nutrition visit http://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu and www.nutritionknowhow.org. (McNulty is an educator with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in Douglas and Sarpy counties.)
November 2012
Lewy Body Dementia support group The Metro Body group Dementia (LBD) LewyOmaha BodyLewy support meeting Support Group will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Millard branch of the Omaha Public Library, 13214 Westwood Ln. LBD is a group of progressive brain diseases that are the second leading cause of degenerative dementia among older adults. More information about Lewy Body Dementia is available online at www.lbda.org/go/awareness. For more information about the support group, please log on to annt88@cox.net or call Ann Taylor at 402-452-3952.
Retired fed employees meet at Omaha eatery The National Association of Retired Federal Employees’ Chapter 144 meets the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S. Plz. For more information, please call 402-333-6460. The National Association of Retired Federal Employees’ Aksarben Chapter 1370 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S. Plz. For more information, please call 402-392-0624.
Dora Bingel Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Dora Bingel Senior Center, 923 N. 38th St., this month for the following: • Nov. 5, 12, 19, & 26: Al-Anon meeting @ 7 p.m. • Nov. 6, 13, 20, & 27: Grief Support Group @ 10 a.m. • Nov. 10: AARP Safe Driving class from noon to 4:30 p.m. Call 402-898-5854 for reservations. Free for veterans, $12 for AARP members, and $14 for non-members. • Nov. 14: Johnny Ray Gomez sings @ noon. The Regeneration Thanksgiving Meal is $3. • Nov. 28: Birthday party luncheon @ noon. Eat for free if you have a November birthday. • Nov. 30: Hard of Hearing Support Group @10:30 a.m. A nutritious lunch is served on Tuesday and Friday; a fancier lunch is offered on Wednesday. A $1 donation is suggested for the meals, other than $3 for Regeneration. Round-trip transportation is available for $3.Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for all meals. Other activities offered at the facility include: Foot care clinics Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10. • Tuesday: Free matinee movie @ 12:30 p.m. • Wednesdays: Tai Chi class @ 11:30 a.m., and Bible study @ 1 p.m. • Fridays: Joy Club @ 9:30 a.m. Bible study @ 1 p.m. For more information, please call 402-898-5854.
•
New Horizons
•
Page 7
ENOA senior center menu
For a limited time only Are you age 62 or better and want to live independently, but in a catered environment?
Skyline Retirement Community is offering a studio apartment with: • Full kitchen ALL THIS FOR • All utilities included ONLY $600 • FREE satellite TV PER MONTH!!!!! Limited number of • Library apartments available. • Chapel • Fitness center with age appropriate classes and a personal fitness trainer on site. Call Angie or Carol at
402-572-1870 7300 Graceland Drive • Omaha 68134 • www.skylinerc.com
The New Horizons is brought to you each month by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.
Thursday, Nov. 1 Roast Beef
Friday, Nov. 16 Cheeseburger
Friday, Nov. 2 BBQ Rib Patty
Monday, Nov. 19 Breaded Chicken Patty
Monday, Nov. 5 Savory Beef Casserole
Tuesday, Nov. 20 Meatloaf
Tuesday, Nov. 6 Herbed Pork Loin
Wednesday, Nov. 21 Turkey Breast w/Gravy
Wednesday, Nov. 7 Creole Steak
Thursday, Nov. 22 CLOSED
Thursday, Nov. 8 Sausage w/Sauerkraut
Friday, Nov. 23 CLOSED
Friday, Nov. 9 Oven Fried Chicken Breast
Monday, Nov. 26 Salisbury Steak
Monday, Nov. 12 CLOSED
Tuesday, Nov. 27 Cranberry Dijon Chicken
Tuesday, Nov. 13 Glazed Ham Wednesday, Nov. 14 Mozzarella Chicken Thursday, Nov. 15 Beef Spaghetti Sauce over Rotini Pasta
Wednesday, Nov. 28 Crunchy Pollock Thursday, Nov. 29 Sloppy Joes Friday, Nov. 30 Ham & Potato Casserole
All-In-One Oxygen System A Healthier COPD Solution No more Tanks! No more Carts!
So discrete you can hardly tell she’s using oxygen.
Page 8
•
New Horizons
•
November 2012
After losing a loved one, consider attending a support group By Jen Vogt Midwest Geriatrics, Inc.
After the death of a loved one, chances are you’ve received as much advice as you have sympathy. It seems everyone is full of ideas on how you should cope during this difficult time. Some advice is wise and helpful. Some may cause you more pain. Still other advice might leave you feeling confused. Attending a bereavement support group may be the solution you need to make sense of your grief and determine which advice is right for you. However, a bereavement support group may be your first experience with support groups and you may have a few questions before deciding if this is the right path for you. • What is a support group? A bereavement support group is a meeting of a small group of people who have recently experienced the death of a loved one. These people are generally more understanding because they’re going through a
similar experience as you. These groups offer an opportunity to talk about what you’re going through in a safe and confidential environment.
There is support and encouragement for others on their journey of grief. • What happens during a support group meeting? Every bereavement support group is different, but they all follow a similar model. The group’s facilitator will remind everyone of the guidelines for participation including the confidential nature of the shared information. People can then share their individual stories, as much or as little as they would like to share. Open discussion is included in the meeting, and there are sometimes specific topics discussed for educational purposes. • Who runs a support group? There are many different types of support
group facilitators. Some groups are facilitated by trained mental health professionals, some by members of the clergy, and others are considered “selfhelp” groups facilitated by individuals who have experienced grief personally. • How could a support group be helpful? Everyone will have a different experience with a support group’s ability to help them cope. Participants are able to connect with others who have had similar experiences to their own grief. Further, the support group offers a dedicated opportunity to talk about their feelings. The bereavement group’s support can extend many months after the loss of a friend or family member. • How is a support group chosen? The most important thing you can look for in a support group is finding one where you feel comfortable. This may mean a group whose members have similar situations to yours. It may also mean looking
for a facilitator who is knowledgeable about grief and running a support group. Remember the first group you visit may not be the best option for helping you cope with your loss. It’s important to remember a support group isn’t a therapy group or a social networking group. Healing happens
and friendships are often formed, but the support group’s primary purpose is to share the life and death of a lost loved one in a compassionate atmosphere. There are sometimes tears and sometimes laughter, but most importantly, there is support and encouragement for others on their journey of grief.
USAF’s Brass in Blue to perform free concert Nov. 11 at Orpheum Theater The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band’s Brass in Blue, a pioneering symphonic brass ensemble, will perform a free concert honoring our veterans on Nov. 11 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha. Complimentary tickets are available online at www. ticketomaha.com. Patrons are encouraged to use the print at home option to receive their tickets and save postage expense. Tickets are also available in person at the Ticket Omaha box office, 13th & Douglas streets. A maximum of four tickets per order are available. The United States Strategic Command will host this event. TV personality Dave Webber will serve as master of ceremonies. In addition, brass students from Papillion-La Vista South High School and Bellevue East High School will perform with Brass in Blue during the concert. For more information, please contact Technical Sgt. Amy Lynch at 402-294-0482.
Join other seniors who have put the winter blues behind.
GET A JUMP ON
WINTER!!!
artment p a n a t n Re ceive e r d n a r be in Novem REE RENT plus hs F two mont icity & r t c e l e e e fr 6 months rter! a t s r a c c ri free elect
Woodbridge
Harrison Heights
7205 North 73rd Plaza Circle • Omaha, NE 68122
7544 Gertrude Street • LaVista, NE, 68128
402-573-5555
402-933-8080
Senior Village
Senior Village
SELF
November 2012
•
New Horizons
•
Page 9
Retired judge, probation administrator bike across America
Frank Jenson takes a break from the Tour de Tourette beside Pend Oreille Lake outside Sandpoint, Idaho. By Jeff Reinhardt New Horizons Editor
T
ourette syndrome is a neurological condition that causes people of all ages to make involuntary rapid movements and vocalizations called tics. Bill Staley, a former Sarpy County Juvenile Court judge (for 17 years) and retired Midland University professor (for another 17 years) has had Tourette since his early teens. As a way to raise research dollars and to increase public awareness of Tourette syndrome, a disorder that impacts the lives of thousands of Americans, Staley and buddy Frank Jenson recently rode their recumbent bicycles across America. Jenson, who retired in July as Nebraska deputy probation administrator, and Staley – both age 66 – started their 60-day, 3,465-miles journey from Bellingham, Wash. on July 14. The bicyclists concluded their ride in New York City’s Central Park on Sept. 11. Friends for 37 years, Staley and Jenson began riding their bikes together to celebrate Frank’s 50th birthday in 1996. Later that summer they participated in the weeklong 400-plus miles Bike Ride Across Nebraska. During the next 15 years, the pair went on a variety of twowheel expeditions through Iowa, Wisconsin, Montana, Missouri, Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Michigan. “We’ve done those ‘little trips’,”
The bicyclists are packed and ready to leave Omaha.
Page 10
•
a smiling Jenson said. “We needed something more challenging.” Frank and Bill had talked about making a cross-country bicycle ride together for years, but were unable to follow their dream until Jenson retired this summer. While Staley and Jenson estimated their ride would take around two months to complete, the men did little other planning or physical training before heading out on the open road this summer. “Nothing could have prepared us for those mountains,” Staley said. “But after three days of riding, you’re good to go. After two weeks, the hills weren’t that hard to climb.” Lacking a support vehicle, Jenson said factors like weather and road conditions made it difficult to make specific plans regarding how far they could ride each day, where they were going to sleep each night, etc.
Bill Staley parks his recumbent bicycle on a bridge near Canyon Creek in Washington. “If you set too many goals you’re going to fail,” he added. “We didn’t think of it in terms of going 3,500 miles, we thought more about making the next 50 yards (at a time),” Staley said.
J
enson’s son and son-in law transported Jenson, Staley, and their accessories to Bellingham
to begin the transcontinental trek. Frank and Jo, his wife for 45 years, have two children and four grandchildren. Bill and Janet Staley, married for 26 years, have one child. On July 14, Jenson and Staley headed east from the Bellingham home of Bill’s friend, Rich --Please turn to page 11.
Frank Jenson (left) and Bill Staley began their cross country recumbent bicycle ride on July 14 heading east from Rich O’Connor’s home in Bellingham, Wash.
New Horizons
•
November 2012
Frank, Bill raised money, made friends on Tour de Tourette
Frank Jenson (left) and Bill Staley, both age 66, have been making long-distance bicycle rides together for more than 16 years. --Continued from page 10. O’Connor. Each man pulled a trailer filled with more than 50 pounds of gear including clothes (for both cold and warm weather), inner tubes, spare bicycle parts, a first aid kit, tools, a tent, a sleeping bag, bottles of water, bread, peanut butter, jelly, and dried soup. Signs on the back of the trailers identified the riders as being members of Tour de Tourette. On some days, Jenson and Staley wore bluegreen t-shirts emblazoned with the words Team TSA (Tourette Syndrome Association). During the expedition, Frank and Bill averaged nearly 60 miles daily. The longest day covered 96 miles, with 26 miles being the shortest distance traveled between sunrise and sunset. Along the way, Jenson and Staley made dozens of friends including a man with Tourette syndrome who gave them $20 for “gas money.” A one-armed man in a Wisconsin bar and grill donated $1.50 to the
The journey took Jenson (above) and Staley into Canada.
cause. “That was all the money he had,” Jenson said. Before Frank and Bill left the establishment, two other patrons had each given them $5. Staley said the Tour de Tourette collected $400 to $500. Contributions are still coming into the Tourette Syndrome Association’s web site (ts@tsa-usa. org). The Nebraskans also met Rich Hartom, a New Jersey man who was vacationing in Washington with his wife. Hartom greeted Jenson and Staley outside Central Park on Sept. 11 and welcomed the pair into his home that evening.
A
fter riding along roads that ranged from Interstate highways to gravel on any given day, Staley and Jenson
pitched their tent in campgrounds, in city parks, on beaches, and inside barns on roughly 75 percent of the nights. Trying to find places to stay each night was a challenge. “We played it by ear all the way,” Bill said. Sleep didn’t always come easily for Staley. The same couldn’t be said for Jenson. “This guy hits the sleeping bag and 90 seconds later he’s out,” Bill said of Frank. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were normally eaten in restaurants. “Some of the best meals we had (however), were peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and soup,” Staley said. Weather played a major role on the ride. The Tour de Tourette participants encountered thunderstorms, record high
Frank and Bill concluded their 60-day, 3,465-miles bike ride on Sept. 11 in New York City’s Central Park.
November 2012
•
temperatures in Montana and North Dakota, record lows in Minnesota, as well as tornado warnings in Washington and New York. Although maps were used, many of the roads Staley and Jenson traveled upon couldn’t be followed on a GPS. Bill said he was surprised by how rarely the pair headed for a dead end. “I knew we were OK as long as we were going east.” While St. Cloud, Minn. was the largest city Jenson and Staley rode through until reaching the “Big Apple,” traffic was a constant concern along the way. “You have to be defensive because the drivers don’t always look out for you,” Frank said. Another test the riders encountered was being away from their families for two months. The only face time they shared with their loved ones along the journey came when Janet Staley and Izzy, the family dog, met Bill and Frank in Minnesota on their only day off. --Please turn to page 18.
Bill on the Pere Marquette Rail and Trail in Michigan.
New Horizons
•
Page 11
Appointments are available with VAS to enroll in Medicare Part D through Dec. 7
T
he 2012 open enrollment period for Medicare Part D runs through Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries have the ability to review their prescription drug coverage and/or switch to a prescription drug plan that best meets their needs. Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their drug plan annually. Medicare Part D drug plans can change their costs and the formulary (list of drugs) covered each year. The prescription drug plan a beneficiary has may not include the same medications for the coming year, resulting in their being responsible for the full price for a needed medication. During the open enrollment period, beneficiaries can switch from original Medicare with a prescription drug plan to a Medicare Advantage plan or from an Advantage plan back to original Medicare. They can also switch from one Advantage plan to another and from one prescription drug plan to another depending on what scenario best meets their needs. When choosing a Medicare Part D drug
plan, beneficiaries need to look at all the costs, not just the premium. The costs throughout the year will depend on what drugs the person takes, if the plan they choose includes their medications on its formulary, and whether there are any restrictions. Another plan may have lower co-pays, cover more of the beneficiary’s drugs, have fewer restrictions, or offer some coverage during the coverage gap. Even if a beneficiary is satisfied with their plan, they should check to see if they have the best coverage available to meet their needs in 2013. In Omaha, Volunteers Assisting Seniors serves as the regional office for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program. During the open enrollment period, VAS will provide Medicare-trained counselors to assist beneficiaries in reviewing their plan at enrollment events throughout the metro Omaha area. For a schedule of enrollment events, please visit www.vas-nebraska.com. To schedule an appointment, please call VAS at 402-444-6617. (VAS provided this information.)
Read it & eat By Lois Friedman readitandeat@yahoo.com
Try something new for Thanksgiving Fall is in the air and our thoughts turn to all the delicious Thanksgiving preparations. Add something new to your holiday traditions. Dinner In A Bowl From Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen (Wiley, $17.99) Here are 160 recipes with nutritional information you can make with confidence, many in 30 minutes, or make ahead and enjoy with a chopped deli turkey salad. Nigella Kitchen By Nigella Lawson (Hyperion, $35) The food TV star launches a new series and cookbook with 190 recipes. Everyone is drawn to the heart of the home especially the kitchen if Pumpkin Scones are baking. Everyday to Entertaining By M. Deeds & C. Snyder (Robert Rose, $24.95) Learn the basics and add ingredients to create sophisticated recipes with “ease and panache.” Information on techniques, tips, colorful graphics, and photographs. Once Upon a Chicken Pie By Johan DeVilliers (IPM/Struik, $28) This cookbook/travelogue covers glorious South African mementos, food, photographs, tales, and 70 recipes with clear instructions from the author/artist. The Half-Hour Hostess Edited by Southern Living Oxmoor House, $24.95) Here are 35 menus with recipes, ideas, and simple game plans to put together a gala gathering for friends and fa ily. Nibble on Candied Pumpkin Seeds to start!
Candied Pumpkin Seeds
Makes about 4 & 3/4 cups Hands-on time: 17 minutes Total time: 25 min. Make Ahead Note: Cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container up to two days. 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 tbsp. paprika 3/4 tsp. salt 3 tbsp. fresh orange juice Parchment paper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pumpkin seeds in a medium-size nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring often, eight to 10 minutes or until puffed. (Do not brown.) Transfer to a medium bowl. Combine granulated sugar and next three ingredients. Toss pumpkin seeds with orange juice. Add sugar mixture, tossing to coat. Spread in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined jellyroll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for six minutes, stirring once.
Please support NH advertisers Law Offices of Charles E. Dorwart 26 years of legal experience • Wills • Living Trusts • Probate • Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney • In Home Consultations • Free Initial Consultation 440 Regency Parkway Drive • Suite 139 Omaha, NE 68114 Office: (402) 558-1404 • Fax: (402) 779-7498 Cdorwartjd@aol.com
Page 12
•
New Horizons
•
November 2012
Online tool details side effects of medications on older drivers
M
ore than 80 percent of drivers age 65 and older regularly take medications, yet only half of them have talked to a medical professional about the possible subsequent safety issues related to driving. The AAA Foundation for Safety has developed Roadwise Rx, a free online tool that details common side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications for older drivers. Roadwise Rx gives users an easy way to virtually pool together their pill bottles and talk to their doctor, according to AAA President and CEO Robert Darbeinet. Certain medications have been shown to increase automobile crash risks by up to 41 percent. Research has shown nearly one in five older drivers uses five or more prescription medications. AAA felt there was a need to develop a tool to help older drivers understand the safety risks of driving while using multiple medications. “In most states, including Nebraska, a motorist may be charged for driving under the influence of drugs, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medications,” said Fred Zwonecheck, administrator of the Nebraska Office on Highway Safety. “For that reason, it’s important to know and understand the side effects of any medications being consumed before operating a motor vehicle.” For more information, log on the Internet to seniordriving.aaa.com.
r u o y d e e n e W
! t r o p p su
I would like to become a partner with the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, and help fulfill your mission with older adults.
ENOA
Diabetes education center is offering classes, programs during November
Y
ou’re invited to enroll in a class or attend a program at the Diabetes Education Center (DECM) of the Midlands, 2910 S. 84th St. • Monday, Nov. 5 and Thursday, Nov. 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. or Monday, Nov. 26 & Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m.: Basic Skills Class. • Wednesday, Nov. 7: Pre-Pump Class from 4 to 6 p.m. for persons considering insulin pump therapy or who are awaiting training for insulin pump initiation. • Saturday, Nov. 10: Living Well with Diabetes support group from 10 to 11:30 a.m. • Monday, Nov. 12 through Thursday, Nov. 15: Diabetes management class from 4 to 8:30 p.m. To register or for more information, please call the DECM at 402-3990777.
Please support New Horizons advertisers
Traditional funding sources are making it more difficult for ENOA to fulfill its mission. Partnership opportunities are available to businesses and individuals wanting to help us. These opportunities include volunteering, memorials, honorariums, gift annuities, and other tax deductible contributions.
$30 = 7 meals or 1.75 hours of in-home homemaker services or 1 bath aide service for frail older adults. $75 = 17 meals or 4.75 hours of in-home homemaker services or 4 bath aide services for frail older adults. $150 = 35 meals or 9.5 hours of in-home homemaker services or 8 bath aide services for frail older adults. $300 = 70 meals or 19.25 hours of in-home homemaker services or 16 bath aide services for frail older adults. Other amount (please designate)__________________________ Please contact me. I would like to learn more about how to include the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in my estate planning. Name:_____________________________________
Please ma donationil your tax deducti with this fo ble rm to: Easter
n Office oNebraska n Aging Address:___________________________________ Attention : Jef City:______________State:_____ Zip: __________ Phone:____________________________________
4223 Ce f Reinhardt Omaha, nter Street NE 6810 5-2431 (402
) 444-665
4
November 2012
•
New Horizons
•
Page 13
Millard Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., this month for the following: • Nov. 6: Chair Volleyball Tournament featuring teams from Millard, LaVista, and perhaps one other senior center. The competition begins at 10 a.m. • Nov. 9: Presentation by Web Bell at 11 a.m. A military veteran, Bell volunteers at the SAC Museum and has many interesting stories to share. • Nov. 14: Dressmaking for young girls in Africa. We’ll also be making shorts for young men in Africa from 9 to 11:30 a.m. No sewing experience required. Volunteers are needed to iron, cut fabric, and pull elastic. The Millard Senior Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30. A $3 donation is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to enjoy. Center activities include a walking club, Tai Chi, chair volleyball, card games, quilting class, and bingo. For meal reservations, please call Susan Sunderman at 402-546-1270.
Fontenelle Tours Omaha/Council Bluffs: 712-366-9596
Quoted prices are per person, double occupancy. For more information about our tours, please call Ward or Kathy Kinney at Fontenelle Tours at the numbers listed above.
2013 Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. Sept 11 – 20, 2013. Fly with us—Ward and Kathy—round trip from Eppley Airfield to the beautiful countryside of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria with four-night stays in two cities--Bern, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria. With our Collette Vacations tour guide, we’ll explore the city of Bern, travel the shores of Lake Geneva to the medieval Chateau de Chillon, enjoy a panoramic train ride through the Swiss Alps to an Alpine ski resort, and visit Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” In Salzburg see the Mirabell Gardens (from the “Sound of Music”) and Mozart’s birthplace, visit Oberammergau, see a Tyrolean folklore show, and dine in a 1,200-year-old restaurant owned by Monks. (Early booking saves $250 per person.)
2012 Motorcoach Daniel O’Donnell in Branson. November 14 - 17. $689. “Daniel O’Donnell,” “SIX, The Knudsen Brothers,” “Joseph” at the Sight & Sound Theater, “Chubby Checker,” “Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone,” and the “Brett Family.” A total of six great shows! Stone Castle Hotel with hot breakfast buffet each morning, comfortable Arrow Stage Lines Motorcoach, seven delicious meals and plenty of time for exploring the shops in Branson! (We have 4 seats left!)
Let us help you find a Collette Vacation to your special destination when YOU want to go. Collette offers trips to numerous destinations both within the United States and throughout the world. Each trip is offered on many different dates throughout the year. Call us for further information. Alpine Christmas. December 4 - 11. Explore the Christmas markets of Austria and southern Bavaria. Stay in the Austrian Alps in same hotel for the entire trip! Tour Innsbruck, visit Munich, Oberammergau, Salzburg, and much more.
Please support New Horizons advertisers!
S e l l Yo u r H o u s e “As Is,” At a Fair Price, On the Date of Your Choice !!!! • • • • •
Laughlin Laughlin in December (by air). December 8 - 12. $279. Includes non-stop, round-trip airfare to Laughlin, Nevada, four nights lodging at the Riverside Resort and Casino on the banks of the Colorado River, and shuttle transportation to and from the airport. Register early…these trips fill up fast!
We use private funds so we can close fast. You don’t have to do any repairs. Move when you want. Leave any or all of your stuff. No Commissions or Fees. We pay Closing Costs.
Call Today for a Free Report: (402)-291-5005 or www.7DaysCash.com The Sierra Group LLC / We are a Professional Home Buying Company
Watch our website at www.fontenelletours.com
New Horizons
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is recruiting persons age 55 and older for a variety of opportunities. For more information in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties, please call 402-444-6558, ext. 224. In Dodge and Washington counties, please call 402721-7780. The following have volunteer opportunities in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties: • Mount View Elementary School wants a TeamMates mentor. • Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Hospital needs volunteers for its information desks and as patient and family escorts. • Boys Town wants volunteer mentors and a volunteer office assistant. • The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers. • The Ronald McDonald House Charities needs volunteers for general duties. • The Omaha Home for Boys is looking for volunteer mentors. • Pathfinder House is looking for volunteers for movie nights, a walking club, and to socialize with residents. • The Heartland Coun-
Legal Aid of Nebraska operates a free telephone access line for Nebraskans age 60 and older. Information is offered to help the state’s older men and women with questions on topics like bankruptcy, homestead exemptions, collections, powers of attorney, Medicare, Medicaid, grandparent rights, and Section 8 housing. The telephone number for the Elder Access Line is 402-827-5656 in Omaha and 1-800-527-7249 statewide. This service is available to Nebraskans age 60 and older regardless of income, race, or ethnicity. For more information, log on the Internet to http:// www.legalaidofnebraska.com/EAL.
In Partnership with Collette Vacations
•
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Phone line provides access to free legal information for older adults
Kansas City Christmas. December 4 - 5. $289. Enjoy a special holiday luncheon at the Webster House, the American Heartland Theater’s performance of “Nuncrackers, The Nunsense Christmas Musical,” New Theater Restaurant buffet luncheon and “The Game’s Afoot” performance starring Marion Ross from ‘Happy Days.’ Lodging at the Drury and more holiday surprises!
Page 14
RSVP
cil New Outlook Pioneers wants volunteers to help with its Hug a Bear Project. • Keep Omaha Beautiful needs volunteers to help with yard cleaning projects (not lawn mowing) for older adults and persons with a disability. • The Omaha Children’s Museum wants a volunteer member check-in assistant. • The Douglas County Historical Society is looking for volunteer to greet visitors and to serve refreshments. • The Douglas County Health Center wants volunteers for a variety of assignments. • The Omaha Police Department needs volunteers for general duties. • Together Inc. is looking for an intake assistant. The following have volunteer opportunities in Dodge and Washington counties: • The Blair and Fremont Car-Go Programs needs volunteer drivers. • The Fremont Friendship Center needs help with its Tuesday Supper Club. • The Fremont Area Medical Center is looking for volunteers for its information desk on weekends and to help out evenings at the A.J. Merrick Manor. • The Danish American Archive and Library in Blair needs volunteers for a variety of assignments.
BBB Member Member of The Sierra Group LLC is a licensed real estate agent
•
November 2012
Bilingual information Bilingual information about hospice care, palliative care, helping loved ones with grief and loss, and caregiving is available through the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Partnership. The number for the Cuidando con Carino Compassionate Care HelpLine is (toll free) 1-877-658-8896. The service is offered weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ENOA volunteer opportunities The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, Ombudsman Advocate Program, and Senior Medicare Patrol Program are recruiting older adults to become volunteers. Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions must be age 55 or older, meet income guidelines, have a government issued identification card or a driver’s license, able to volunteer at least 15 hours a week, and must complete several background and reference checks. Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive a $2.65 an hour stipend, transportation and meal reimbursement, paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, and supplemental accident insurance. Foster Grandparents work with children who have special needs while Senior Companions work to keep older adults living independently. Ombudsman advocates work to ensure residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities enjoy the best possible quality of life. Ombudsman advocates, who must be age 18 or older, are enrolled through an application and screening process. These volunteers, who are not compensated monetarily for their time, must serve at least two hours a week. The Senior Medicare Patrol program helps Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and prevent health care fraud. These volunteers, who are enrolled through an application and screening process, are not compensated monetarily for their time, For more information, please call 402-444-6536.
Dia de los Muertos celebrated at Intercultural Community Center
Sixta Miranda (left) and Estela Partida were among the men, women, boys, and girls who enjoyed the annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Intercultural Community Center, 2021 U St on Oct. 26. The festivities featured an altar display, live music, raffles, an arts and crafts sale, sugar skulls, delicious food, a haunted house, and other children’s activities.
Visit some of America’s amazing places by viewing Travelogues film on Nov. 6
F
ilmmaker Bob DeLoss will take audiences on a cross-country visual tour of America as part of the Omaha World Adventurers Travelogues series. DeLoss’ America’s Amazing Places, Part II will be shown on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the 20 Grand Cinema. 14304 W. Maple Rd. General admission tickets, which are available at the door, are $12. Season tickets are also sold at the door. The film tour begins in California and heads east to venues like South Dakota, Minnesota, Georgia, and Florida. Armchair travelers will enjoy seeing elephant seals, buffalo, the Chief Crazy Horse sculpture, the Spam Museum, cowboys herding range animals, and Franklin Roosevelt’s Little White House in Warm Springs, Ga. For more information, please call RJ Enterprises Production at 1-866-385-3824.
WHITMORE LAW OFFICE Wills • Trusts • Probate
Ask A Lawyer: Q — In addition to avoiding probate, what are some benefits of a trust?
Sponsored by the Douglas County Historical Society
Charles Dickens’ great-great grandson will perform holiday classics at Field Club, Gen. Crook Museum
T
o celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, his greatgreat grandson Gerald Dickens will perform a series of shows in Omaha Nov. 16 and 17 at the Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave. and the General Crook House Museum at historic Fort Omaha, 32nd Street & Sorensen Parkway. Sponsored by the Douglas County Historical Society, the festivities will include: • Nov. 16: A Chance Encounter with Mr. Dickens at 3 p.m. at the Field Club. Tea, Tarts, and Truffles begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $37 for DCHS members and $40 for nonmembers. • Nov. 16: Dickens Gala with a performance of A Christmas Carol at 7 p.m. at the Field Club. Hors d’oeuvres and libations will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $72 for DCHS members and $75 for nonmembers. • Nov. 17: A Christmas Carol at 1 p.m. at the Field Club.
Gerald Dickens is the great-great grandson of author Charles Dickens.
Tickets are $27 for DCHS members and $30 for nonmembers. • Nov. 17: Complete Works of Dickens at 7 p.m. at the General Crook House Museum. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $72 for DCHS members and $75 for nonmembers. Gerald Dickens will be available to sign a special selection of books and gifts at a reception following each performance. For tickets and more information, please call 402-455-9990 or log on the Internet to douglascohistory. org.
A — Gifts to minors can be held in the trust until they are ready to inherit, without court supervision. A trust provides you with more privacy than a will, and is difficult to challenge. A trust can prevent unintentionally disinheriting a child, which can happen in a blended family, even with a will. You can make provision for beneficiaries with special needs, or choose for professional management of your trust if you become disabled. The benefits of a trust are for everyone, not just for “rich people.” Have a question about estate planning? Give us a call!
AARP Legal Service Network • No Charge For Initial Consultation
7602 Pacific Street, Ste 200 • (402) 391-2400 http://whitmorelaw.com
A Caring Community Called HOME! Independent & Assisted Living
• No Entrance Fee • Medicaid Waiver Approved • All Utilities & Housekeeping Included • Spacious 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments
Oncology worshop scheduled for Dec. 1 An oncology workshop titled, Give in, Give Over, & Look Up is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 11615 I St. Topics will include understanding the basics of cancer care, life during cancer treatment, finding community resources, after treatment care, and spiritual care. The $20 cost includes lunch. Seven contact hour CEUs are available for another $20. Space is limited, so please register online by Nov. 11 at kingofkingsomaha.org or by calling 402-333-6464.
November 2012
49th & Q Street • 402-731-2118 www.southviewheightsomaha.com
•
New Horizons
•
Page 15
SeniorHelp volunteer opportunities
T
he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s SeniorHelp Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for persons of all ages that provide services to help older adults in ways that support dignity and independence in their daily lives. For more information, please call Karen Kelly at 402561-2238 or send an e-mail to karen.kelly@nebraska.gov. • Companionship: Volunteers are needed to visit clients in Omaha zip codes 68102, 68104, 68105, and 68112 as well as in Fremont. • Transportation: Drivers are being asked to take older adults grocery shopping every other week in the Omaha area, to medical appointments as needed in the Omaha area, and to transport an older adult in Bellevue to the food bank twice a month. • Handyman/Home Maintenance: Volunteers are needed to provide home repairs in the Omaha area. Other projects include installing a hand railing in a garage for an 82-year-old in Fremont, building a ramp for a 78-yearold in Fremont, and caulking windows and repairing the floors in a trailer home in Murray. • Household Assistance: Volunteers are being recruited to provide housekeeping, sorting, and organizing in the Omaha area, and to grocery shop by a list for 65-year-old in Bellevue. • Meals Delivery: Drivers are needed to deliver midday meals in Omaha zip codes 68114, 68134, and 68144. • Lawn Mowing: Volunteers are needed to mow lawns in the Omaha area. • Painting: Volunteers are being asked to paint the inside and outside of homes in the Omaha area and to paint and seal a basement wall and railing in Bellevue. • Yard: Volunteers are being recruited to clean gutters, rake, trim bushes, haul debris, and wash windows in the Omaha area. Other projects include cleaning windows for a Springfield resident and cleaning a yard in Fremont.
Sweet Adelines’ show ‘The Gospel Truth’ slated for Nov. 10
VAS offers monthly workshop for persons new to Medicare
The Acappella Omaha Chorus of Sweet Adelines International presents its 2012 fall show The Gospel Truth on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Papillion/LaVista High School, 84th and Centennial streets. The 7 p.m. show – which costs $2 – will also feature Grateful Heart, a regional men’s Gospel quartet. For tickets or more information, please call 402-932-0155.
New to Medicare workshops on the last Wednesday of each month for persons: • Approaching Medicare age who are confused about their options. • Who are employed but aren’t sure how Medicare works with their employer insurance. • Who are caring for their parents and have questions about Medicare coverage. The New to Medicare workshops are held at Vatterott College, 11818 I St. For more information or to register, please call VAS at 402-444-6617 or visit www.vas-nebraska.com.
Grief seminar scheduled for Nov. 7
A Enoa Aging seminar titled Being Mindful: A Thought Provoking Journey About Loss and End of Life is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Durham Research Center auditorium (west end of the UNMC
NORTH OMAHA SENIOR COTTAGES
Do
enoa.org
The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Web site includes information about:
With Lifeline by Immanuel, you can enjoy an independent lifestyle in your own home — knowing that you can call for help if you ever need it. One push of your Lifeline button connects you to someone with access to your medical history, someone who can evaluate your situation and immediately send help. To learn more about the security and peace of mind provided by Lifeline, call (402) 829-3277 or toll-free at (800) 676-9449. Free activation for November.
www.immanuellifeline.com
New Horizons
aging services
Log on to
Someday this button might save your life. For now, it sets you free.
•
?
have questions
in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, or Washington counties?
402-453-6100
Page 16
you
about
Contact John Boone at Holy Name Housing
grief and loss with courage and strength. Registration is required and the cost is $15 for the general public and $35 for nurses who will receive continuing education credits. To register, please call 402-559-6345.
campus). Dr. Julie Masters, chair of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Department of Gerontology, will discuss coming to terms with our own mortality. UNMC’s Marlene Schneider, BS, will highlight the value of facing
New Horizons Newspaper
Two-bedroom units for rent • $530/month plus utilities Must be age 55 or older Amenities include geothermal heating for lower utility bills, stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, and dishwasher. Washer & dryer in every unit plus an attached garage and a community garden.
Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) sponsors free
•
• • • • • • • • • • •
Bath aides Care management Chore services Community education Durable medical equipment Emergency food pantry Emergency response systems ENOA facts and figures ENOA Library ENOA senior centers Grandparent Resource Center
November 2012
24 hours a day, • Homemakers 7 days a week! • Information & assistance telephone lines • Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha • Legal services • Meals on Wheels • Medicaid Waiver • New Horizons • Nutrition counseling
• • • • • • •
Ombudsman advocates Respite care Respite Resource Center Rural transportation Senior Care Options Senior employment Support of adult day facilities • Volunteer opportunities
Campaign to provide hospice education To help families understand what hospice is and how it can improve the quality of life, the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association created the Hospice lets me be… awareness campaign. “Hospice is the process of helping patients live well during the final phase of life,” Dr. Lisa Mansur explains in the campaign video. “They are not so much afraid of dying. They are afraid of suffering and they want a plan of care,” she adds. “Our studies show many people have a misconception of what hospice is and they don’t know how to find or access hospice services,” says NHPCA Executive Director Heath Boddy. “This multi-media awareness campaign uses a variety of elements that can be found online at www. HospiceLetsMeBe.org to help people begin the conversation about end-of-life care. Additionally, Boddy said the awareness campaign was created to encourage patients and their families to tell their stories about hospice care and how it benefits or
has benefited their lives. These stories of real Nebraskans sharing their hospice experiences are at the core of the campaign. In the campaign video, a hospice patient named Helen shares her story about turning to hospice care after frequent trips to the hospital. While at first, she thought hospice was a “death sentence,” she now feels it has increased her quality of life. Hospice allows her to stay in her own home to do the things she loves. The video also shares the story of Fred, whose estranged father received hospice care. Thanks to hospice, Fred was able to reconnect with his father months before he died. Additional tools and resources including other stories from hospice patients, hospice provider information, and tools to help you start the conversation, can be found at www.hospiceletsmebe.org. (The Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association provided this information.)
Organization outlines benefits of pet ownership for older adults Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption organization, is striving to spread the word about the health benefits of pet ownership. Dogs may be man’s best friend, but did you know pets could also be a baby boomer’s best medicine? Check out some of these amazing facts that prove how pet ownership can boost overall health and wellness: • Help lower your blood pressure with a Beagle. A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than those who did not own a pet. • Stress less…walk a Weimaraner: According to an international study, just walking with a furry friend helps calm frayed nerves, offering instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown the impact of a stressful situation is less on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. • Help prevent heart disease with a Poodle: Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability and therefore a measure of protection from heart disease. • Beat the blues with a canine or feline: When older adults face adversity, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Pets, by giving unconditional love, help fight depression and loneliness, and promote an interest in life. Their bonding behavior can also foster a sense of security. • Help survive a heart attack…adopt an Afghan hound: A study by the U.S. Department of Health concluded that 28 percent of heart patients who have pets survive serious heart attacks, compared to only six percent of heart patients without pets. • Switch from Lipitor to a Labrador: Studies show the cholesterol levels of pet owners are two percent lower than the cholesterol levels of people without pets. Plus, pet owners reduce their risk of having a heart attack by four percent. • More time with a Dalmatian may mean less time with the doctor: A U.S. survey of 1,000 Medicare patients showed that 40 percent of older adults sought the services of a doctor less frequently than those without animal companions. (Adopt A Pet provided this information.)
Please see ad on page 3
New Horizons Club membership roll rises $20 Shari Baumer $15 Barbara Todd $10 Dorothy Wiese $7 Virginia Stopak $5 Roberta Orchard Dorothy Jean Dorsey Tom Glennon Arylss Braun David Eurek $1 Celeste Williams
Reflects donations through October 26, 2012.
November events at Florence Center You’re invited to two events this month at the Florence Community Center/Library, 2920 Bondesson St. • Nov. 9: Veterans Day Celebration at 3:45 p.m. The event will include remarks by Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, a flag ceremony by the Boy Scouts, and music from the USAF Heartland of America Band. • Nov. 29: Annual Soup Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $3. For more information, please call 402-444-5299.
Diabetes education scheduled for Nov. 3 The Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands is sponsoring an open house on Saturday, Nov. 3 in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands, 2910 S. 84th St. Guests will have an opportunity to have their medications reviewed by a pharmacist for possible interactions or lower cost substitutions. Other activities will include yoga and stretch band demonstrations, blood sugar checks, blood pressure checks, a foot care station, and an opportunity to sample healthy appetizers and desserts. While there is no cost to attend the open house, there will be a $5 charge for blood glucose meter accuracy checks, and $15 for an A1C test. For more information, please call 402-399-0777.
November 2012
Holiday programs Touching Hearts at Home Senior Care is preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas meal baskets for older adults and persons with a disability. Persons who would like to donate food for the effort, can call 402394-3303. The organization is also
working with Bloomfield Forum to offer a Holiday Lights tour on Dec. 11 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. A snow date of Dec. 18 has been set. To sign up for or to learn more about the bus tour, please call 402-394-3303.
ENOA’s SeniorHelp, Chore Program are available to provide snow removal
T
he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has two programs available that remove snow from the driveways and sidewalks of older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington
counties. The agency’s SeniorHelp Volunteer Program provides this service for persons age 60 and older that are physically unable to remove snow and have no other options available for snow removal. Volunteers are pre-screened before being matched with clients. ENOA’s Chore Program uses paid providers to remove snow for persons age 60 and older that are physically unable to perform these duties. Individuals using this service will be sent a contribution request based on their income. For more information, please call the SeniorHelp program at 402-444-6536.
Julie Kessel-Schultz, LCSW
Specializing in:
Certified Grief Recovery Specialist
• Geriatrics • Chronic Illness • Depression • Anxiety • Caregiver Stress
Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted
•
Take charge of your future, call me today at
402-431-3459 www.kesselcounseling.com 6901 Dodge St. Omaha, Nebraska 68132
New Horizons
•
Page 17
Survey: Baby boomers need to safeguard against online identity theft, fraud, loss of personal data AVG Technologies, the provider of Internet and mobile security to 128 million active users, recently announced the findings of its digital security survey that shows a pressing need for baby boomers to become more educated about digital security. The numbers revealed baby boomers have a lot of work to do when it comes to safeguarding against identity theft, financial fraud, and loss of personal data. While baby boomers make up one quarter of the U.S. population, 81 percent own desktop computers, 61 percent use laptops, and 30 percent have smartphones. A surprising 20 percent use tablets to conduct online transactions. Although baby boomers have demonstrated a willingness to use today’s most advanced digital platforms, many aren’t aware of the resources available to protect their identities. The survey showed: • Sixty-five percent don’t check online banking statements more than once per week. • More than 40 percent use one low limit credit card for online purchases “Some of the better attackers know exactly who they are dealing with and will view baby boomers as being deficient in online safety skills,” said J.R. Smith, CEO of AVG Technologies. “The opportunity to take advantage of them is on the rise; therefore, it’s important for baby boomers to familiarize themselves with how to minimize the risk of theft or fraud.” Some baby boomers have taken proactive steps toward digital security. The survey showed 39 percent run manual antivirus scans more than once per month. However, more than 50 percent back up their home computer data with external media such as CDs, USB sticks, or other personal storage products. When it comes to mobile security, baby boomers are even further exposed: • Almost 60 percent don’t use a cell phone password. • Forty-five percent would have to manually re-enter data should their phone be lost or stolen. • Nearly 20 percent report at least one other person knows their password. “Mobile devices have become extremely
popular with aging parents and grandparents,” said Smith. “Tablets and smartphones make life easier by allowing access to family photos, banking, shopping, and medical records from any location at any time. What they don›t know is that public Wi-Fi, for example, makes them extremely vulnerable to data theft.” In addition to installing a free, robust antivirus program on PCs and mobile devices, AVG recommends the following simple steps to minimize the risk of fraudulent charges, identity theft, and personal data loss: • Use one credit card with a low spending limit for all online purchases. Monitor this account regularly, and flag any inappropriate activity immediately to the bank or lending institution. • Change passwords regularly. Use variations for each online account, and never share them with others. • Back up data on computers with external hard drives or a cloud-based solution. • Protect data on the go. The more personal information is shared via mobile devices, the more hackers will target these tools. • Be wary of phishing scams. Never click on links in emails from banks or other financial institutions. Go directly to their URL and enter login information from their homepage. (AVG provided this information.)
Christmas story at Blue Barn Nov. 23 through Dec. 15
N
eil Haven’s Who Killed Santa? will be on stage at the Blue Barn Theatre, 614 S. 11th St., Nov. 23 through Dec. 15. Tempers flare as Santa deals with Frosty, Tiny Tim, The Little Drummer Boy, and Rudolph at a holiday party. With the audience’s help, detectives solve St. Nick’s murder in this whodunit. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors (65+) and groups of 10 or more. For reservations and more information, please call 402-345-1576.
Jenson, Staley...
Bill Staley
Frank Jenson
--Continued from page 11.
O
n Sept. 10, the Tour de Tourette spent the evening 11 miles from its Central Park destination on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. The original plan had the trek ending at the TSA’s headquarters in Queens. An inability to find a safe bike route to Queens, however, rerouted the bicyclists to Central Park and the Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. TSA representatives greeted Jenson and Staley at the New York City landmarks. Bill, who lost 10 pounds on the trip, said he felt stronger on the last day than he did on the first. “We could have gone another 1,000 miles.” An amazing attitude for a man who in addition to having Tourette syndrome, is a diabetic, and in 2010, underwent open-heart surgery. Staley said his doctor calls him the “poster boy for rehabbing heart patients.” Jenson, who had set a goal of losing 25 pounds, actually lost 27 pounds on the ride. While both men were proud of their accomplishments, Jenson and Staley also felt a bit let down at journey’s end. “This had been our life for 60 days. Now what do we do?” Bill asked rhetorically. Staley had a piece of advice for others considering following the Tour de Tourette’s path. “You really have to leave your ego at home.” He said riders will encounter way too many things along the way outside their control. Bill also had some words of wisdom for retired men and women. “It’s OK to get slower (as you get older) as long as you don’t stop.”
Making Medicare make sense Q: I’m hearing about Medicare Part D’s open enrollment period again. I’m already enrolled in the program. Do I have to do anything or worry about this? A: You don’t have to do anything, but it could be well worth your time to check into your choices. You may find a different Medicare health and/or prescription drug plan with better coverage for your needs with higher quality and lower costs. Medicare’s open enrollment period – Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 – is when you can explore options for
Page 18
•
2013 that reflect the fact Medicare is stronger than ever. You may find better choices than you had last year with lower costs. Medicare will also show you which plans have the best performance. Best of all, average monthly premiums next year for both stand alone prescription drug coverage and Medicare health plans will be stable. The administrator of your current plan must send out information about its 2013 premiums and coverage. Read this information carefully. If your health or drug needs have changed over the past year, or if
New Horizons
•
your current plan is raising premiums or other out of pocket costs, it’s usually worth the time to consider other plans. There may be a more cost-effective option. If not, and you’re satisfied with your current plan, you can decide to do nothing and your enrollment in the current plan won’t change in 2013. If you do enroll in a new Medicare health and/ or prescription drug plan during open enrollment this fall, your new plan will be effective Jan. 1, 2013. (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided this information.)
November 2012
Members of the TSA staff – headquartered in Queens – met Staley and Jenson in Central Park.
Is Compressed Natural Gas the fuel option of the future?
Monthly programs for older nature lovers
It’s a great time to learn to live well with diabetes!
The Fontenelle Nature Association’s SUN (Seniors It’s difficult to say which of the growing number of Understanding Nature) fuel options will power the cars of the future. But natural If you have met your out of pocket costs for the year, program has an activity gas, given its domestic abundance, low price, and lesser your diabetes education may be covered at no cost to you! for older adults the second carbon footprint, is certainly a contender, at least as far Tuesday of each month as researchers at the federally funded Argonne National Medicare covers 2 hours of dietitian one-to-one visits at the Fontenelle Nature Laboratory are concerned. every year for persons with diabetes! Obed Oas Center, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. Some of the same engineers there who developed the 3110 Annabelle Drive. SCHEDULE AN OFFICE VISIT OR AN EDUCATION CLASS TODAY! North. batteries now used in electric cars have been 68123 tasked with Bellevuue, Nebraska The programs, held from improving natural gas powered engine technologies thanks Diabetes education offers: 9:45 to 11 a.m., feature to anticipated consumer demand for vehicles powered by • One-to-one consultation - Let our dietitians help tailor a new nutrian indoor program, an something cheaper and greener than gasoline but without tion plan for you, help you with weight management, or any aspect of Obed, fuels. optional nature walk, and the hassles of other alternative diabetes management. Here’s your ad for the classified sectionrefreshments. for the November issue. Please let me The cost is $5 • Diabetes education classes - If you want to focus on prevention, are personGive eachme month. know if you have any changes, or if thisper is okay. a call @ 444-4148 newly diagnosed, are struggling to control your diabetes, or need a more to let me know, then mail your check for For $16.00 to:information, refresher - we have a class for you. please call Catherine Kuper New Horizons at 402-731-3140, ext. 1019. To find our more, call Jean at 402-399-0777 X230 TODAY! c/o Jeff Reinhardt, Editor November 13 4223 Center Street Nebraska Culture – Omaha, NE 68105 Who Were They? Thanks! Mitch Laudenback @ New Horizons
While there’s an abundant supply of domestic natural gas in the United States, a lack of refueling stations must be overcome if CNG is to become a popular fuel choice for American drivers. “Our conclusion is that natural gas as a transportation fuel has both adequate abundance and cost advantages that make a strong case to focus interest in the technology as a real game changer in U.S. energy security,” Mike Duoba, an engineer at Argonne’s Transportation Technology Research and Development Center outside of Chicago, told the Talking Points Memo news blog. “In terms of consumer ownership and use costs, the case to make a switch from current fuels to compressed natural gas (CNG) is much more compelling than for other alternative fuels like ethanol and electricity,” he added. Given this promise – in addition to a February 2012 Department of Energy announcement of a $30 million competition aimed at finding ways “to harness our abundant supplies of domestic natural gas for vehicles” – Duoba and his colleague have been ramping up vehicle systems analysis and engine research and testing around CNG as a way to wean ourselves off of foreign fuel sources. Their goal is to improve the efficiency of the CNG combustion process so it can fit into a new line of engines that can run on gasoline or CNG equally as well, giving consumers the flexibility of choice without any tradeoffs. Duoba thinks such a vehicle would have significant consumer appeal, especially in light of sluggish sales of the latest round of electric vehicles from the major automakers. “At least for some time, compared to plug-in vehicle batteries, CNG storage offers lower weight, higher energy storage, lower costs, and faster refueling/recharging.” And while CNG vehicles would generate emissions from their tailpipes, the Argonne team believes their overall emissions footprint would be smaller than that of an electric vehicle drawing power from the fossil-fuel-based electric grid. To Duoba the appeal of CNG is more about reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil sources than on saving the planet. “Various technologies have been successful at reducing the environmental impact (criteria pollution) over the decades,” he wrote. “To the extent that consumption of foreign petroleum has not been reduced to acceptable levels, this could be viewed as the principal motivation.” But CNG faces the same major hurdle to becoming widely accepted as any other challenger to gasoline as king of the road: a lack of refueling stations. Whatever does finally unseat gasoline will no doubt have to have a system for refueling that rivals the convenience we’ve come to expect from our corner gas stations. (EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine.)
With archeological technician Linda Plock. Lamplighter II
Some of the nicest, newer 1 bedroom apartments. Elevator, w & d, heated parking garage. Small complex. By bus & shopping. No pets or smoking.
FOR SALE• 2910 South 84th St. • Omaha, NE 68124 Frederick Square 2003 Chrysler Town & County (402) 399-0777 www.diabetes-education.com NH12 LX Mini-Van. Features •V-6, automatic, 3.3 liter engine, with 74,000 miles. Will transfer your Has floor for A+lowered Heartland electric fold down ramp. cassettes, LPs, & Concrete Const. Includes two garage new front tires. Driveways, floors, 8-tracks to CD. Call 402-895-4972. sidewalks, retaining walls.
For Rent to Senior Citizen One bedroom town home on fishing lake. 10 minutes form Bellevue. $695 - includes all utilities, cable TV & Internet. For more information call
(402) 614-0811
POOL TABLES Moving, refelting, assemble, repair, tear down. Used slate tables. We pay CASH for slate pool tables.
Big Red Billiards 402-598-5225
Tree Trimming Beat the falling leaves!
402-731-2094 OLD STUFF WANTED (before 1975) Postcards, photos, drapes, lamps, 1950s and before fabrics, clothes, lady’s hats, & men’s ties, pictures, pottery, glass, jewelry, toys, fountain pens, furniture, etc. Call anytime 402-397-0254 or 402-250-9389
FOR SALE Q6 Edge Power Chair. Includes chair, base, tilt and recline feature, headrest, custom back, and power electric footplate. Features 2-55-amp battery and attendant control. Call 402-895-4972.
PAID THROUGH DECEMBER 2012 402-894-9206 Chipping & removal. Your prunings chipped. Experienced & insured. Senior discount.
REPUTABLE SERVICES, INC.
Senior Citizens (62+)
• Remodeling & Home Improvement
Accepting applications for HUD-subsidized apartments in Papillion & Bellevue. Rent determined by income and medical expenses.
• Safety Equipment Handrails Smoke and Fire Alarms • Painting Interior & Exterior
Monarch Villa West 201 Cedar Dale Road Papillion (402) 331-6882 Bellewood Courts 1002 Bellewood Court Bellevue (402) 292-3300 Managed by Kimball Management., Inc. We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Law.
Also VHS tapes to DVD.
patio specialists. Insured/references. 13 year BBB Member
93rd & Maple • 402-397-6921
• Handyman Services • Senior Discounts • Free Estimates • References • Fully Insured Quality Professional Service
402-345-3232
Barbie Dolls For Sale
Four large boxes filled with unopened boxes of Barbie Dolls collected over the years. For more information, call 402-505-6022
FOR SALE 2003 Chrysler Town & County LX Mini-Van. Features V-6, John Bouska3.3 liter engine, automatic, 1913 Farnam St. miles. #708 with 74,000 Has lowered floor for 68102-1915 electric fold down ramp. Includes two new front tires. Call 402-895-4972.
TOP CASH PAID
Best & honest prices paid for: Old jewelry, furniture, glassware, Hummels, knick-knacks, old hats & purses, dolls, old toys, quilts, linens, buttons, pottery, etc. Also buying estates & partial estates. Call Bev at 402-339-2856
deFreese Manor FOR SALE
Q6 Edge Power Chair. Subsidized Includes chair,housing base, tilt for and those age 62 over recline feature, and headrest, with incomes custom back, and power under electric $25,050 footplate. person) battery Features(12-55-amp and attendant control. or $28,600 Call 402-895-4972. (two persons)
Better Business Bureau Member
402-4 5 5-7 0 0 0
2669 Dodge Omaha, NE 402-345-0622
Enoa Aging November 2012
•
New Horizons
•
Page 19
Hotline can help answer questions about services for persons with a disability, their families Persons with disabilities and their families often need to work with a variety of community and state agencies in order to get the services and support they need. In Nebraska, there’s a program to help answer questions that are encountered along the way and to help find the appropriate resources. The Hotline for Disability Services provides information and referral services to Nebraskans who have questions or concerns related to a disability. This includes information about services available in a certain area, transportation, special parking permits, and legal rights. Questions may be answered by telephone or e-mail and other
information may be obtained by accessing the Hotline’s website. The Hotline for Disability Services website provides general agency and program information regarding services for persons with disabilities. The site may be searched by entering an agency name or by selecting a category, service, county, city, age, or disability. Examples of categories to choose from include: accessibility, advocacy and support, employment, financial, housing/ residential, etc. Information regarding each agency includes a description of their services, as well as information on how to contact them. Interested individuals may call the Hotline toll-
free at 800-742-7594. Questions for the Hotline may also be sent by e-mail to shari.bahensky@ nebraska.gov.
The website for the Hotline can be accessed at www.cap.ne.gov. Click on “Search the Hotline for Disability Services.”
Alzheimer’s Association offering caregiver awareness program in Spanish on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 5 to 6 p.m. at the Intercultural Senior Center
T
he Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter is sponsoring a free bilingual Spanish Caregiver Awareness Night on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Intercultural Senior Center, 2021 U Street (lower level, south side). The program’s topic, Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: The Basics is targeted toward family members or friends who have loved ones with dementia. The guest speaker is Alex Dworak, M.D. from OneWorld Community Health Centers. For more information, please call Betty K. Chin of the Midlands Chapter at 402-502-4301
AARP sponsoring computer classes The AARP Nebraska Information Center and the Kids Can Community Center are sponsoring beginner’s computer classes for older adults this fall.
The three-day, nine-hour course – which costs $15 – includes basic computer terms, how to format and type documents, an introduction to Windows 7, how to file and back up your documents, using spell check, cutting and pasting, and how to surf the Internet. For more information, please call 402-398-9568.
‘Madeline’s Christmas’ on Rose Theater stage
While end-of-life care provides comfort to the patient, it also lets the healing process begin for the family. The mission of Saint Jude Hospice is simple, and is rooted in the words of Jesus Christ: “Love one another as I have loved you.” We make no exceptions. We adhere to Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
Call Saint Jude Hospice at 1-800-HOSPICE and let the healing wings take flight. www.saintjudehospice.org
Where love and healing flow
Madeline’s Christmas will be on stage at the Rose Theater Nov. 23 through Dec. 16. Kids of all ages will be drawn into this charming musical featuring Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved Madeline, her school girlfriends, and teacher Miss Clavel. Audiences young and old will love this Christmas charmer brought to life by the superb Rose Theater cast. Performances are Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. An additional performance will be presented on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The show, which is 75 minutes long, is recommended for persons ages 4 to adult. For tickets, please call 402-345-4849 or purchase them online at www.rosetheater.org.
Alzheimer’s chapter recruiting volunteers The Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter needs facilitators and co-facilitators for its support groups. These groups usually meet once per month, some during the day, and others during the evening. Professionals such as social workers, nurses, teachers, and those with experience in elder care are the most likely candidates for these roles. For more information, please contact Betty at 402502-4301 or bchin@alz.org.
Page 20
•
New Horizons
•
November 2012