New Horizons Newspaper by Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

October 2012 VOL. 37 â&#x20AC;˘ NO. 10

ENOA 4223 Center Street Omaha, NE 68105-2431

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389

New Horizons ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Leaders Leo Adam Biga introduces New Horizons readers to community activists Jose and Linda Garcia. The Garcias ran the Las Artes Cultural Center in South Omaha and launched the Mexican American Historical Society of the Midlands. See page 10.

On board

Movement

Saddle up

In the first of a five-part series titled, ENOA board meeting, Mary Ann Borgeson, chair of ENOAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governing board, is profiled. See page 3.

Robin Welch has been teaching dance for 47 years. Recently, she taught a series of classes at the Heartland Family Service Senior Center. See page 7.

Joe Kirshenbaum, age 93, bought a clothing store from his father-in-law in 1950 and helped build the Omaha business into Wolf Bros. Western Store. See page 18.

Keep those cockroaches under control

Dora Bingel Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Dora Bingel Senior Center, 923 N. 38th St., this month for the following: • Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29: Al-Anon meeting @ 7 p.m. • Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Grief Support Group meeting @ 10 a.m. • Oct. 17: Regeneration Lunch with singer Michael Lyon @ noon. The cost of the lunch and music is $3. • Oct. 18: Red Hat Club meeting @ noon. • Oct. 26: Hard of Hearing Support Group @ 10:30 a.m. • Oct. 31: Birthday & Halloween Party Luncheon @ noon. Eat free if you have an October Birthday! 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: Crochet class @ 9:30 a.m., Tai Chi class @ 11: 15 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. Family Service Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Heartland Family Service Senior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. for the following: • Wednesday, Oct. 3: Visit by students from Skutt Catholic High School. • Thursday, Oct. 4, 11, & 18: WhyArts? visual arts program. • Tuesday, Oct. 16: Red Hat Society meeting at the Greek Islands. • Wednesday, Oct. 24: Birthday party with entertainment by Ron and Pam sponsored by the Merrymakers. • Sunday, Oct. 28: Student League pumpkin decorating from 3 to 5 p.m. • Wednesday, Oct. 31: Halloween party. Wear your costumes. The center will be closed on Monday, Oct. 8 for Columbus Day. A nurse visits Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Karen at 402-552-7480 for details. The Heartland Family Service Senior Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is normally served at noon. A $3 donation is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to attend. For meal reservations or more information, please call Karen Sides at 402-552-7480.

George

Mills

4 Vote for Change! George Mills OPPD

OPPD

By Carol McNulty ontrolling cockroaches in homes is important to human health. Roaches can transfer germs by crawling on counter tops, dishes, and silverware. These germs may cause food poisoning, trigger allergies that are asthmatic, and cause other diseases. Entomologist Barb Ogg, Ph.D. says there are four roach species found in Nebraska homes including the German, Oriental, brown-banded, and American. Roaches are most active at night. They spend time on porous surfaces, such as wood, cardboard, and paper because they can saturate them with their odor and attract other roaches. Roaches eat organic substances such as food crumbs, grease, garbage, cotton, wool fabrics, cardboard, and wallpaper glue and prefer to live near their food and water sources. Ogg says the first step to getting rid of roaches is to find problem areas by inspecting all rooms in the home and using sticky traps to capture them. Use a flashlight and a small mirror to peak behind or under appliances and cabinets. Look for dead roaches, shed skins, egg cases, and roach droppings. Roach hiding places also can be found by quietly entering a dark room and watching where they run when the light is turned on. Eliminate roaches by wiping out their food sources. Keep kitchens clean and don’t allow grease, crumbs, or clutter to accumulate. Move stoves and refrigerators and scrub on, around, underneath, and behind them. Clean cupboards inside and outside. Wash and dry dishes immediately and don’t leave dirty dishes on the counter top or in the dishwasher overnight. Store all food, including pet food, in tightly sealed, roach-proof containers. Don’t leave bowls of pet food on the floor overnight. Garbage is attractive to roaches, so keep garbage, compost, and recyclables in tightly sealed containers. Empty them daily, preferably in the evening when roaches are most active. According to Ogg, another way to eliminate roaches is to take away their hiding places. Getting rid of clutter is key. If there are gaps in kitchen cabinets or between pieces of wood shelving, clean, vacuum, and seal them with silicon caulk. Remove drawers in the kitchen and inspect inside the frame. Repair cracks and crevices in basement walls and floors. Steel wool may be inserted into cracks for a quick fix. Seal gaps around indoor and outdoor water, gas, and heating pipes. Replace missing or damaged baseboards. To quickly reduce roach populations

• Former Douglas County Commissioner

•

The 2012-13 season of the Omaha World Adventures travelogues series continues this month as filmmaker John Holod presents The Canadian Rockies in high definition on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Armchair travelers will enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and natural wonders as they visit the Rockies from Glacier Park in Montana to Jasper, Alberta. The travelogue includes stops at Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Kootenay National Park, and other spectacular sites. The film will be shown at the 20 Grand Cinema, 14304 W. Maple Rd. The admission price is $12. Discount season tickets are still available. For more information, please call RJ Enterprises, Inc. at 866-385-3824.

New Cassel Retirement Center Saturday, November 10, 2012 9am to 3pm

• Holy Cross Parish Council • Former Husker football player • Author, coach, and teacher • Married with three children

New Horizons

Canadian Rockies adventure set for Oct. 3, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Boutique

• Douglas County Blue Ribbon Committee

(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

Paid for by the committee to elect George Mills Michael Mills, Treasurer 5146 Pine St. • Omaha, NE 68106 www.georgemillsforoppd.com

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found behind appliances or in cupboards, have a vacuum cleaner ready to suck them up. Traps can help reduce the number of roaches but it’s almost impossible to eliminate all roaches with traps alone. Ogg says one of the best ways to control roaches is using bait products. They’re available in small plastic containers, called bait stations, or as a gel. Baits are environmentally safe and do not harm people or pets. Roaches use the bait as a food source when other food sources are eliminated. Bait stations can be stuck to the walls, but need to be changed after they’re empty as roaches will hide in them. Some roaches will eat the bait and be poisoned while others can be poisoned after eating the dead roach bodies or droppings. Dusts are another product that can be used. Dusts damage the waxy coating of the roach’s body, causing it to shrivel and die. Boric acid is a readily available dust that roaches ingest when they groom themselves. It acts as a stomach poison, but is one of the safest control products to use around people and pets. Apply dusts in very thin layers underneath appliances and inside void areas that are inaccessible to children and pets. For more information on pest management visit http://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu or http://lancaster.unl.edu . (McNulty is an educator with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in Douglas and Sarpy counties.)

Omaha, NE 68114 / www.newcassel.org Sponsored by the School Sisters of Saint Francis

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October 2012

Borgeson: ENOA is committed to the future

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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 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 CITY/STATE/ZIP

Mary Ann Borgeson has been on the ENOA Governing Board since 1995. As the number of older adults retiring and living in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties continues to increase dramatically, keeping up with the growing demand for aging services will be the greatest challenge the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging faces, according to Mary Ann Borgeson, chair of the agency’s governing board.

1994 to 2006, and was elected to the Douglas County Board in 1994. Mary Ann said she was attracted to public service by her husband’s encouragement as well as through her undergraduate studies at UNO. “Making a difference and helping people is my favorite part of public service, while the politics involved in getting things done can sometimes be the most challenging aspect of my job,” Borgeson said. She asked to serve on the ENOA board because she has a passion for health and human services. “I have great respect for the older adults in our community and I want to ensure that quality services are in place for “I’m pleased to say ENOA has a dedicat- them and that their needs are met.” ed, hard-working, and committed group of ENOA has been given the important employees and volunteers I’m confident will task of developing and providing a strong meet that challenge,” said Borgeson who continuum of services for older adults in has served on the board since 1995. Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and WashA member of the Douglas County Board ington counties, according to Borgeson. of Commissioners, Borgeson, age 50, rep“The agency’s role is to be a resource to resents District 6, an area that encompasses older individuals and their families when Elkhorn, Waterloo, Valley, and Millard. they need to know what aging services are In 1997, she was elected to serve as the available and how to connect with those first female chair of the Douglas County services and service providers,” Mary Ann Board of Commissioners. added. An Omaha native, Borgeson attended Borgeson said as the policy making arm Holy Cross Grade School, Daniel J. Gross for the agency, the ENOA board has a High School, the Immanuel School of Ravariety of responsibilities. “The board prodiologic Technology, and the University of vides leadership, guidance, and oversight as Nebraska at Omaha. She has a BGS degree ENOA carries out its mission of ensuring in public administration. that older adults in our region have access Mary Ann and her husband, Bob, have to programs and services that are designed been married for 24 years. The Borgesons to keep them active, independent, and living have a daughter, Beth, sons Rob, Ed, and in their homes for as long as possible.” Rick, and grandchildren, Alec and Alena. As members of the Baby Boom genAfter college, Borgeson worked as a eration begin to retire and the demand for radiologic technologist and the operations aging services rises, agencies like ENOA manager of the first mobile MRI unit in the may need to adjust accordingly. “I don’t Omaha/Lincoln area from 1982 to 1993. necessarily see our role changing, but I do She was a community service system repsee ENOA being committed to the future no resentative for a local health system from matter what it brings,” Borgeson said.

ENOA board meeting

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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.

October 2012

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New Horizons

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Tips for buying a bike, riding safely

Corrigan Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St. this month for: • Oct. 1: First Aid for Seniors class presented by Creighton University pharmacy students @ 11 a.m. • Oct. 15, 22, & 29: WhyArts? workshops with artist Joe Broghammer from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Please call 402-731-7210 ASAP to sign-up. Following class, a noon lunch will be served. • Oct. 15: Alegent Creighton Health Lifesaver party. • Oct. 16: Free CPR class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Win door prizes. Call 1-800-ALEGENT to register ASAP. • Oct. 16: T’ai Chi @ 10 a.m., chair volleyball @ 11 a.m., and a soft taco lunch at noon. • Oct. 18: Octoberfest Dinner Dance. Enjoy great food, raffles, and dancing! Red Raven entertains guests at 11 a.m. The noon menu is highlighted by pork roast with gravy, seasoned red potatoes, and apple pie. Music and dancing follows the meal. The reservation deadline is noon on Friday, Oct. 12. • Oct. 22: Birthday party featuring entertainment by Kim Eames sponsored by the Merrymakers and Medibadge @ 11 a.m. Stay for a tasty noon lunch and bingo. • Oct. 29: Animals of the Great Plains – a Fontenelle Nature Center program – @ 11 a.m. Lunch and bingo will follow the presentation. Call today for reservations. • Oct. 31: Halloween Party featuring trick or treats, a costume contest, a tasty lunch, entertainment and Bingo! Music by Dave Salmons @ 11:15 a.m. Bingo to follow lunch. The noon menu features a cheeseburger or a deli turkey sandwich. The center is closed on Oct. 8 for Columbus Day. 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. For meal reservations or more information, please call Lynnette at 402-731-7210.

icyclists ride for numerous reasons, but whether it’s to get an adrenaline rush, travel to nearby destinations, take in the scenery, or stay active and healthy, there are many benefits that everyone can enjoy. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, offers tips for riding sensibly and explains its benefits. Before selecting a bike, it’s important to determine how you’ll be using it: on a paved road, off-road, or both? This will dictate the type of bike you’ll need. • Mountain bikes have a robust frame and wide, knobby tires to withstand dirt, rocky trails, and other off-road terrain. • Road bikes are generally lighter in weight with a thin frame and tires to support speed on pavement. • Hybrid bikes offer the best of both worlds, combining aspects from both mountain and road bikes to accommodate light off-road riding and faster cycling on paved paths. When choosing a bike, make sure the frame is appropriate. To find the right fit, straddle the bike and stand flatfooted. There should be at least one inch of clearance between your groin and the top tube on road and hybrid bikes, and two inches on a mountain bike. It’s also essential to consider the seat height. Your knee should be slightly bent when the pedal is at the bottom of its rotation. To check the distance between the seat and the handlebars, ask someone to hold

GET A JUMP ON

the bike steady while you sit on the seat with your hands on the handlebars. You should feel comfortable and relaxed. Here are some tips for bike riding: • Always wear a helmet. This simple rule protects you from head trauma and prevents brain injury. The helmet should have a snug fit, sit level, and cover as much of your head as possible, especially the forehead. • Start slowly. Begin with short rides, adding miles and increasing intensity as your cardiovascular ability increases. • Establish varied routes. Diverse courses keep your interest peaked, giving you different scenery to enjoy and offering new challenges. • Improve your technique. The better your technique, the more efficient you’ll be. While pedaling, many beginners only push down with one foot, relying on the opposing foot to carry through the swing. Instead, while pushing down with one foot, pull up with the other to make a circular motion. • Take a “brake.” Don’t squeeze the brakes too hard, and never clutch the front brake first. Remember to brake before a turn, not during, and pedal through for more control. While making a sharp turn, stop pedaling with the foot at the top of the swing to avoid scraping the pedal. • Get in gear. To climb a hill, shift up a few gears and stay seated as long as possible to keep your core engaged. There are several benefits to bike riding --Please turn to page 15.

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New Horizons

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October 2012

Senior Village

RSVP Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 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 a receptionist and an operations volunteer. • The Omaha Home for Boys is looking for volunteer mentors. • Omaha Serves needs volunteers to help with disaster recovery. • Pathways to Compassion Hospice needs volunteers for a variety of duties. • Pathfinder House is looking for volunteers for movie nights, a walking club, and to socialize with residents. • The Heartland Council for Helping Hands wants volunteers to help woth 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 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 Pathfinder House in Fremont wants volunteers for its Sit n’ Fit program, movie nights, and its walking 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. Merick Manor. • The Danish American Archive and Library in Blair needs volunteers for a variety of assignments.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at series of ENOA open houses Oct. 9 to 31

he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is hosting a series of open houses in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties to educate persons of all ages about volunteer opportunities in their communities. Representatives from ENOA’s Senior Companion Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Ombudsman Advocate Program, Senior Medicare Patrol Program, and Foster Grandparent Program will be on hand at the open houses

to discuss their programs, hand out materials, and answer questions. The Corporation for National and Community Service sponsors the Senior Companion Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program. For more information about the open houses, please call Chris Gillette at 402444-6536, ext. 221. Here’s a list of the open house locations, times, and dates.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

SARPY COUNTY CONTINUED

Wednesday, October 17 10 to 11 a.m. South Omaha Library 2808 Q St.

Thursday, October 11 10 to 11 a.m. Bellevue University SARPY1000 COUNTY Galvin Rd.CONTINUED South John Muller Administrative Services Building (Five story glass building) Garden Level Multipurpose Room

Thursday, October 25 10 to 11 a.m. Charles Washington Library 2868 Ames Ave.

DODGE COUNTY

Friday, October 26 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Elkhorn Library 2100 Reading Plz. (204th & Burdette streets)

Tuesday, October 16 10 to 11 a.m. Fremont Auditorium Community Room 925 N. Broad St.

Wednesday, October 31 10 to 11 a.m. Douglas County Extension Office 8015 West Center Rd.

CASS COUNTY

SARPY COUNTY Tuesday, October 9 10 to 11 a.m. Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department Community Room 8335 Platteview Rd. Papillion

Applications being accepted through Nov. 2 for Rebuilding Together

ebuilding Together is accepting applications through Friday, Nov. 2 for its 2013 Rebuilding Day, scheduled for April 27. To qualify for help from Rebuilding Together, applicants must be at least age 62 or permanently disabled at any age. They must own their home and live within the Omaha city limits east of 52nd Street. The homeowners served by Rebuilding Together are low-income, can’t physically make the repairs to their homes, and can’t afford to hire someone to do the work. Applications are available by contacting the Rebuilding Together office at 402-965-9201, through case managers at the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging and the Visiting Nurse Association, or by calling 211 for a referral. Rebuilding Together is a volunteer organization that provides a wide range of free home repairs. Repairs may include plumbing, electrical, doors, locks, flooring, roof repairs, general clean up, and home modifications like handicap ramps, grab bars, and improved lighting. Rebuilding Together is beginning its 18th year, and has made repairs to more than 1,000 homes totaling $5 million.

Someday this button might save your life. For now, it sets you free. 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.

www.immanuellifeline.com

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.

Tuesday, October 23 10 to 11 a.m. Main Street Cafe 221 Main St. Louisville WASHINGTON COUNTY Wednesday, October 24 10 to 11 a.m. Blair Chamber of Commerce 1646 Washington St.

Call Angie or Carol at

402-572-1870 7300 Graceland Drive • Omaha 68134 • www.skylinerc.com

October 2012

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New Horizons

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Free phone access to legal information

Located at 2304 S. 135th Ave.

Johanns to host Medicare event at Millard Senior Center on Oct. 1

egal 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.

nited States Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska will host an informational Medicare event on Monday, Oct. 1 at the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave. The event, which starts at 9:30 a.m., will provide an overview of the 2013 Medicare Part D program. This year, the Medicare Part D enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, older adults may switch their Medicare Part D prescription plan. Benefit counselors will be on hand to discuss and answer questions about the 2013 Medicare Part D program and the annual enrollment period. Jeff Reinhardt, director of public affairs for the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, will also be available at the center that morning to discuss the agency’s programs and services. Sen. Mike Johanns For more information, please call Sen. Johanns’ office at 402-758-8981.

Frederick Square • 2910 South 84th St. • Omaha, NE 68124 (402) 399-0777 • www.diabetes-education.com HorizonAD-2010:HorizonAD-08 2/4/10 8:00 AM Page 1 NH10

Seminar on end of life issues set for Nov. 7

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 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 address the value of facing 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 or for more information, please call 402-559-6345.

‘Red’ at Blue Barn through Oct. 20 Red, the 2010 Tony Award winner for best play, is being presented through Oct. 20 at the Blue Barn Theatre, 614 S. 11th St. Red is the portrait of an artist striving to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. Show times are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. The Oct. 14 show is sold out. Tickets are $20 for persons age 65 and older or for groups of 10 or more. Adult tickets are $25. For reservations, please call 402-345-1576.

Millard Senior Center October 2012 events You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., this month for the following: • Monday, Oct. 1: Health Fair from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Available services will include diabetes checks, facial derma scans, and flu shots. Speakers will also be there to present a Town Hall discussion on Medicare. • Tuesday, Oct. 2: Treat Day. Bring your favorite snack or treat to share with everyone. • Wednesday, Oct. 10: Dresses for Africa program. We supply all the material and notions to make the dresses. Come join the fun even if you don’t sew. We’ll have a job for you such as cutting, ironing, or pulling through the elastic pieces. • Tuesday, Oct. 23: Millionaires and Mansions tour of the downtown Omaha area just north of Dodge Street on Ollie the Trolley. Learn about the Mercer Mansion, Joslyn Castle, the Louis Nash residence, and more. Be at the Montclair Senior Center by 10 a.m. You’ll return in time for lunch. Cost of the tour is $10. A deli lunch is available for a $3 donation. Please contact Susan at 402-546-1270 to sign up. • Tuesday, Oct. 30: Pinochle Tournament. Come join the fun and fellowship. • Tuesday, Oct. 30: Halloween Party. Wear your favorite costume or wear a hat and call it a costume. Nebraska Methodist College nursing students will be at the center during October for diabetes and blood pressure checks. 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.

We want to hear from

you!

• Do you gave questions about the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, its programs or services?

Attorneys at Law William E. Seidler Jr.

www.seidler-seidler-law.com 10050 Regency Circle, Suite 525 Omaha, NE 68114-5705

402-397-3801

Delivering quality legal services since 1957.

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New Horizons

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October 2012

• Do you have a comment about the agency and how it serves older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties? • Maybe you have a story idea for the New Horizons.

Send your questions,comments, story ideas, etc. to

DHHS.ENOA@nebraska.gov We appreciate your interest in ENOA and the New Horizons.

Enjoying the benefits of moving to music

Bob Hammond

nstructors Robin Welch and Deborah Carr stand in front of a group of four men and seven women who are anxious to get moving. “Put your weight on the front part of the feet and keep your elbows facing forward,” Carr says. “Try to stretch those muscles,” an energetic Welch encourages as the students raise their arms above their heads, some a few inches higher than their neighbors are able.

“It keeps us from sitting around and pushes the brain cells that might be trying to fall asleep.” It’s warm-up time during the first day in a three-day series of 45 to 60-minute Dance for Seniors classes at the Heartland Family Service Senior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. The classes are sponsored by Why Arts?, an Omaha organization whose mission is to provide art experiences to all ages, abilities, and cultures to enhance their quality of life. Dance for Seniors offers fun and good basic movement to music, according to Welch who was the principal dancer for the Omaha Ballet from 1985 to 1991. Later, she served as the company’s resident choreographer, ballet mistress, and school director. Welch says dancing stimulates an individual’s cognitive and physical skills, improves balance and coordination, increases flexibility, and provides a good aerobic workout in a social environment. “It feels good to move.” The music adds a sense of style to the equation as it propels and

Sandy Carlson energizes the dancers. “Dancing to music is extremely primitive,” according to Welch. “It was the first form of communication and storytelling.”

he stretching continues for about 10 minutes. “We’re lubricating those joints,” Welch says. “Put your fingertips on the chairs for balance,” she instructs. “Arch your back like a cat,” Carr says. The stretched out, warmed-up dancers are now ready to move. Carr pushes the button on a music machine, and the sounds of Frank Sinatra singing You Make Me Feel So Young fills the room. “Don’t you agree the best music

Leonard Johnson

Alice Pelander

is from the ‘40s?” Deborah asks. The students agree unanimously. As the music plays and the movement continues, more and more older adults join in the fun. A smiling Carr adds to the festivities by passing out maracas. “The props help us get into the mood,” Welch says. The students are shown some new dance steps to accompany their shaking of the maracas as Rosemary Clooney’s version of Mambo Italiano emanates from the speakers. Some of the students are disappointed when Welch suggests taking a water break. “I want to try that one (dance) again,” says a voicefrom the back of the room.

they begin dancing to the song One from the popular musical A Chorus Line. Lunchtime at the senior center nears, so the dancers are seated while they cool down. “Breath in, breath out,” Carr says. “Reach high with one arm, now the other. That’s it.” As they leave the “dance floor,” it’s obvious the Dancing for Seniors participants have enjoyed the experience. “It keeps us from sitting around and pushes the brain cells that might be trying to fall asleep,” says Alice Pelander. “You guys are brilliant,” the smiling, compassionate Welch announces. “Bravo.”

fter the break, Carr and Welch pass out black top hats. Leonard Johnson removes his red, white, and blue Chicago Cubs baseball cap and places the top hat on his head. “Step, kick, kick, kick,” Welch instructs. The older adults make a smooth transition to Broadway as

Deborah Carr (foreground left) and Robin Welch (foreground right) recently taught a three-day Dance for Seniors class at the Heartland Family Service Senior Center.

October 2012

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Page 7

Low levels of vitamin D in older adults can mean a much greater risk of death

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2013 Discover Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria. September 11 – 20. Fly with us – Ward and Kathy – round trip from Eppley Airfield to the beautiful countryside of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria, 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, 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 1200-year-old restaurant owned by Monks. (Early booking saves $250 per person.) 2012 MOTORCOACH Daniel O’Donnell in Branson. Nov 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 Motor Coach, seven delicious meals and plenty of time for exploring the shops in Branson! (Call for availability!) Kansas City Christmas. Dec 4 - 5. $289. Enjoy a special holiday luncheon at the Webster House and 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 Inn and more holiday surprises! IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COLLETTE VACATIONS (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. LAUGHLIN Fall in Laughlin (by Air). October 6 - 10. $299. 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. SOLD OUT. 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! Watch our website at www.fontenelletours.com

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A new study concludes that among older adults – especially those who are frail – low levels of vitamin D can mean a much greater risk of death. The randomized, nationally representative study found older adults with low vitamin D levels had a 30 percent greater risk of death than people who had higher levels. Overall, people who were frail had more than double the risk of death than those who were not frail. Frail adults with low levels of vitamin D tripled their risk of death over people who were not frail and who had higher levels of vitamin D. “What this really means is that it is important to assess vitamin D levels in older adults, and especially among people who are frail,” said lead author Ellen Smit of Oregon State University. Smit said past studies have separately associated frailty and low vitamin D with a greater mortality risk, but this is the first study to look at the combined effect. This study, published online in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined more than 4,300 adults older than 60 using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. “Older adults need to be screened for vitamin D,” said Smit, who is a nutritional epidemiologist at OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences. Her research is focused on diet, metabolism, and physical activity in relation to both chronic disease and HIV infection. “Our study suggests there is an opportunity for intervention with those who are in the pre-frail group, but could live longer, more independent lives if they get proper nutrition and exercise.” Frailty is when a person experiences a decrease in physical functioning characterized by at least three of the following five criteria: muscle weakness, slow walking, exhaustion, low physical activity, and unintentional weight loss.Because of the cross-sectional nature of the survey, researchers could not determine if low vitamin D contributed to frailty, or whether frail people became vitamin D deficient because of health problems. However, Smit said the

longitudinal analysis on death showed it may not matter which came first. “If you have both, it may not really matter which came first because you are worse off and at greater risk of dying than other older people who are frail and who don’t have low vitamin D,” she said. “This is an important finding because we already know there is a biological basis for this. Vitamin D impacts muscle function and bones, so it makes sense that it plays a big role in frailty.” About 70 percent of Americans, and up to a billion people worldwide, have insufficient levels of vitamin D. And during the winter months in northern climates, it can be difficult to get enough just from the sun. Staff from OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute recommends adults take 2,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D daily. The current federal guidelines are 600 IU for most adults, and 800 for those older than 70. “We want the older population to be able to live as independent for as long as possible, and those who are frail have a number of health problems as they age,” Smit said. “A balanced diet including good sources of vitamin D like milk and fish, and being physically active outdoors, will go a long way in helping older adults to stay independent and healthy for longer.”

Program for caregivers on Oct. 23 Powerful Tools for Caregivers and CaringConcepts, Inc. are co-sponsoring a program titled, Resources and Tools For Caregivers on Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the auditorium at New Cassel, 900 N. 90th St. The agenda is highlighted by Marlene Lund’s talk titled, Medicare/Medicaid… How it Affects You. Participants will also have an opportunity to network with caregivers. The program’s cost is $5. To register or for more information, log on to www.caringconcepts.org and click on Resources and Tools For Caregivers.

Go to seniordriving.aaa.com

New website can educate older adults about the risks of driving, multiple meds

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 types of medications have been shown to increase automobile crash risks by up to 41 percent. Research has indicated 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. For more information, log on the Internet to seniordriving.aaa.com.

October 2012

Lewy Body Dementia support group meeting scheduled for Oct. 16

he Metro Omaha Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Support Group will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 16 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, affecting more than 1.3 million American families. 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.

Nebraskans warned about the dangers of bats, rabies

ats have been found recently in large numbers in Douglas County. Normally, bats become more prevalent in houses this time of the year as they try to find warmth from the cooler nights. The Douglas County Health Department and the Nebraska Humane Society are warning residents to protect themselves from rabies. Because bats are among the animals that carry rabies – a fatal disease - the first step is to educate people so they can avoid exposure, and then to make sure proper treatment follows if a bat bites someone. “One of our biggest fears is that you can be bitten while you are sleeping and not know it,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “Bat bites don’t always leave an obvious mark, but you still may be infected.” Bats should never be allowed into your home. You may want to “bat-proof” your home by closing any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch. This can be done by caulking the opening, or by using window screens, chimney caps, or stainless steel wool. It’s especially important to cover outside entry points. Keep doors to the outside closed tightly, and if you have problems with bats, it’s best to call an animal control or wildlife conservation agency for help.

s the weather cools, bats will try to go inside homes, according to the Nebraska Humane Society’s Vice President of Field Operations Mark Langan. “If you find a bat in your home, isolate that bat in a room and call the Humane Society right away at 444-7800, ext. 1. If you have been bitten or exposed to saliva, call your doctor,” Langan said. “We are concerned that some people may be exposed while they are asleep and not know about it.” Here are some important facts about bats and rabies you need to remember: • Avoid wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. Avoid any animal – wild, farm, or pet – that you don’t know. • Bats often enter buildings this time of the year to find warmth as the evenings cool. Be sure to take the right steps to keep them out of your living space. • Lab tests are needed to confirm if a bat has rabies, but if you’re bitten by a bat or exposed to bat saliva, call your doctor immediately and wash the wound. Then call the Nebraska Humane Society or Douglas County Health Department. • If you have to capture a bat by yourself, wear gloves and use a piece of cardboard to put the bat into a bag or coffee can, then call the Humane Society. It’s preferable to isolate the bat in a room and let trained personnel from the Nebraska Humane Society capture it. • Don’t release a captured bat or do unnecessary damage if you kill the animal, because the head is needed for rabies testing. • Remember, rabies is virtually always fatal without prompt treatment following exposure, however it’s 100 percent preventable with proper medical care. If you have questions about bats, please call the Douglas County Health Department at 402-444-7489 or the Nebraska Humane Society at 402-444-7800, ext. 1. For more information on bats and how to protect yourself from their bites, go to the Centers for Disease Control Web site at www.cdc.gov. Enter bats in the search box.

‘Music to My Bones’ celebration scheduled for Oct. 6 - Nov. 10

he Mexican American Historical Society of the Midlands is presenting Music to My Bones, a Los Dias de Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit and celebration Oct. 6 through Nov. 10. The events will be held at the Bancroft Street Market Gallery, 10th and Bancroft streets. Times are 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. The festivities will include several artists displaying their work, lectures by Jose Garcia from the Mexican American Historical Society, art classes on sugar skulls, Mexican paper cutting, and Mexican decorative boxes, as well as a variety of musical performances. The fee for the art classes is $5 for teens and adults and $2 for children. Youngsters under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. To register for the art classes or for more information, please call Linda at 402-651-9918.

Call 402-444-6617 for an appointment

Medicare Part D open enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7

he 2012 open enrollment period for Medicare Part D begins Oct. 15 and 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 a situation where the individual is 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 metropolitan 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.)

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New Horizons

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Page 9

Garcias devoted to promoting Latino art, culture, history

Jose Garcia’s resume includes stints as a program developer, corporate officer, and a member of the United States Army. By Leo Adam Biga Contributing Writer

ose Francisco Garcia and Linda Garcia are one of those meant-to-be couples you rarely meet in real life. They’re very different people in some ways and clearly alike in others but what they have at their core is an abiding respect and appreciation for each other. Call them simpatico. These Omaha retirees are two of the busiest people you’ll ever know. They immerse themselves in community activities that seek to enrich, educate, and entertain. Both bring diverse experiences and gifts to their relationship and to their community-centered work. Jose, 67, has business and organizational acumen from his years as an activist, program developer, and corporate officer. He also brings a certain discipline from his stint in the United States Army. Linda, 66, is an artist, storyteller, teacher, and former children’s librarian, with a fine aesthetic sensibility and keen intuition. He’s the fly-in-the-ointment agitator. She’s the smooth-everythingover nurturer. Though Jose says he’s a loner by nature, he doesn’t mind public displays and isn’t shy about promoting himself, Linda, or their work. That’s not the case with her. You won’t find the many awards she’s been honored with displayed in their home. “I’m not a commodity. I don’t want to be. I have a real hard time tooting my own horn,” she says. “To get people to pull stuff from

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me is real hard. I don’t like to be in the limelight that much. There for a while I couldn’t even sign my artwork because it’s not really just me; it’s a gift that comes through me. I really feel that.” The multimedia artist works with lots of recycled materials – including cardboard and paper – to create sculptures, cutouts, toys, and dolls. Linda says she gets so lost in her work that “time is distorted,” adding, “I could be working on a project thinking it’s only been an hour and it’s been six hours.” “The real world means nothing to her” in those creative reveries, says Jose, who credits whatever aesthetic awareness he’s gained to his wife.

ach is knowledgeable and passionate about the art, culture, and history of their shared Chicano roots. They’ve spent countless hours studying Mexican art, traveling to exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. For decades they’ve collected Mexican art objects and materials and shared them with the public. “We’re Chicanos. What we do is we share art history and culture – that’s what Chicanos do and we’ve lived by that credo,” says Jose. Their largest scale event to date is Music to My Bones, an exhibition and celebration of Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead that runs Oct. 6 through Nov. 12 at the Bancroft Street Market, 10th and Bancroft streets in South Omaha (see the story on page 9 for more information.) In addition to displaying original artwork by contemporary artists from the metropolitan Omaha area

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October 2012

Linda Garcia is an artist, storyteller, teacher, and former children’s librarian with the Omaha Public Library. and from Mexico the multimedia event features art presentations, art classes, live music, and dance performances. “We’re showing all those aspects of the Day of the Dead from the traditional to the modern, and how people in the United States and in other regions, especially artists, have embraced the Day of the Dead,” says Linda. “It’s crossed cultures, it’s crossed religions, it’s crossed ages, it’s crossed regions as an expression of death, of talking about death in a positive way.” The Omaha exhibit is dedicated to the memories of Isabel “Chavela” Gonzales Hernandez and the Barrientos brothers – Vidal, Juan, and Panfilo – and their musical contributions to the community. Linda’s designed a large music ofrenda installation in honor of those two families and other Latino artists. “We want it to be multidimensional for people who honestly want to know the tradition and culture of Dia de los Muertos.” says Jose. “We’ll have everything from ofrendas to presentations to kiosks to musical groups. We want to blanket it as best we can. And we have so much material we can put into action. It’s going to be relevant and traditional and not made up. The art’s going to be primo. “We have a collection of metal works – candelabras – from Mexico. We have a huge collection of calaveras sugar skulls. Dioramas. So it’s a chance for us to utilize our collection.” Jose will also be drawing on his huge Spanish music archive “to give body to the work.” The dozens of artists and musi-

cians participating in the show were “handpicked” by Linda. “I want to highlight these artists and musicians. I feel like a mom to them,” she says. Among the featured artists Linda has adopted is Bart Vargas, who has come to appreciate what Linda and Jose contribute to artists like himself. “Personally, I am very pleased to be working with Jose and Linda,” Vargas says. “As a mixed blood artist I have often struggled with having a metaphorical foot in two worlds, never quite feeling a sense of belonging to either. As a child I had very little exposure to half of my origins, often feeling like an immigrant to my own Mexican heritage. “I am excited to work with Jose and Linda because the upcoming exhibit is the first time that I get to work within the context of my own cultural heritage,” he continues. “Both Jose and Linda are very generous, knowledgeable, and approachable. I have already learned much from them and look forward to working with them again.” Much as the Garcias collect art, they collect artists, whom they work with over and over again. The exhibits the couple curate flow from their collection, which they began accumulating shortly after marrying in 1977. “She didn’t become a material collector until I came around,” Jose says of Linda. “She was a spiritual collector. Everything was here,” he says, indicating her head. Many of the Garcias’ acquisitions come from trips they’ve made to --Please turn to page 11.

Jose, Linda’s ‘Music to My Bones’ set to begin Oct. 6 --Continued from page 10. their ancestral homeland. They’ve now amassed private holdings that would be the envy of any museum. Their multi-story Bemis Park neighborhood home, whose oak-finished interior is in the Craftsman style, is filled with art and artifacts from basement to attic. “We surround ourselves with our collection,” Linda says. “You’ll see we don’t take care of some household things because we spend all our money on art and books.” Off-site storage units contain the rest.

t one point, the Garcias operated the Las Artes Cultural Center in South Omaha as a venue for showing some of their vast Mexican wares. More recently they formed the Mexican American Historical Society of the Midlands as a kind of extension of their collection. Jose and Linda now serve on the board of the organization for which they curate exhibitions and programs. They often dip into their collection for presentations and workshops. Linda is an artist for the Nebraska Arts Council Artist in Schools and Communities residency program. She just finished a three-month summer residency at the South Omaha Branch Library where she taught Mexican folk arts. She covered repujado (metal embossing), pinturas de amate (bark painting), nichos (Mexican decorative boxes), papel picado (Mexican paper cutting art), pinata making, printmaking, yarn painting of the indigenous Huichols, and woodcarving and painting of the indigenous Oaxaca people. Maria Teresa Gaston, emeritus director of the Center for Service and Justice at Creighton University, has had the pleasure of being taught by Linda. “One of my favorite experiences with Linda was attending an art workshop she led when she and Jose had Las Artes. She taught us how to make Mexican-styled cut metal ornaments from soda cans. I loved being in her presence and being led to connect with ancient traditions and release my own creative spirit. I have often thought of that Saturday morning and longed for more of that mentoring. “She has a way of teaching that calls out beauty and belief in all who are with her.” Gaston’s also enjoyed Garcia’s storytelling talent. “This past summer I had the opportunity to hear Linda present stories and lead 50 young Latinas in hands-on artwork and personal exploration as a part of the Latina Summer Academy. Linda had the girls in the palm of her hand. They listened so attentively as she presented folk stories of love and beauty.” Linda also teaches at Granville Villa Retirement Center, the South Omaha Boys and Girls Club, the

Jose and Linda Garcia outside their multi-story Bemis Park neighborhood home. Joslyn Art Museum, and other sites. Whatever the program, subject, or theme, the Garcias likely have a ready archive, a reference, or an example at hand to give the project depth or perspective. If they don’t have what they need themselves, they get it. “We’ve used our material to design exhibits and as teaching materials. I use it a lot to teach,” says Linda. “Anything we do, whether an exhibit or a talk, we do a lot of research. That’s the reason we have a collection, because we use it.” Jose says the sizable library they’ve cultivated invariably contains books that “bubble up whenever we have a project.” Their teaching and research often lead to new collecting interests. For example, as soon as the couple began teaching about Oaxacan woodcarvings, Jose says they had

to have them, and so they collected the items. “Now we own about 15 Oaxacan wood carving objects. That’s the story of our lives.” Thus, the collection ever expands as they add new elements. Their hardcover book collection alone numbers in the thousands.

inda’s not alone in presenting the material. Jose, a trustee with the Nebraska State Historical Society and a former Douglas County Historical Society board member, also does his share of presenting and teaching. Gaston can attest to his ability to hold an audience. “I fondly remember a presentation Jose gave on the life of Frida Kahlo (the Mexican painter and wife of Diego Rivera). Jose is a great teacher and his words were accompanied by the power of the

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images he presented and the beautiful papel picado hanging behind him – works of Linda’s hands.” Jose has also taken it upon himself to document Omaha Latino life through photographs. He makes a point of showing up and snapping pictures, these days mostly with a digital camera, at countless community events. He posts the images to his Picasa web albums on Google-Plus. Sometimes his photos are published in El Perico and other local publications. Gaston says, “I love seeing Jose around the community at events of all kinds.” “You can call him a community photographer,” says Linda. Jose also searches out documents and photos that illustrate the long, rich history and culture of Latino Omaha. Just one of his discoveries --Please turn to page 12.

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Couple brought together by a shared Chicanoness --Continued from page 11. is an original framed poster printed in Spanish promoting a 1935 Cinco de Mayo celebration in Omaha. The event was sponsored by the Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana or Mexican Mutual Aid Society, founded in 1928. He says the society operated a school called Lazaro de Cardenas, where English was taught to Mexican immigrants.

So I enlisted in the U.S. Army as Jose Francisco Garcia. To this day everyone in K.C. that is family knows me by Joe Frank.” He served one tour in Vietnam with an engineer battalion operating in and around a support base, Dong Tam, near the city of My Tho. He was apolitical entering the service but he came out highly politicized. “Emotionally, I changed and became obsessed with ending the war when I returned stateside. To this day I see every environment I am in as a possible threat and am under constant alert for intruders, danger, checking for escape routes, just in case. The Vietnam experience literally buried the joy of being alive and changed it into the anxiety of living.” Back home he not only joined the antiwar effort he intersected with the burgeoning Chicano Movement. Much of his activism centered around the two colleges he attended in his native Kansas City. At Penn Valley Metropolitan Community College, he says, “I What’s important to know, he connected with every radical group says, is that “we had neighborhoods on the face of the planet, including that had experiences with our ancesthe Weathermen, SNCC (Student tral artistic and historic culture that Nonviolent Coordinating Commitwas relevant to American history tee), the Brown Berets, the Black but we weren’t being taught it, we Panthers. Always a loner, I gathered never learned it in public school. my causes in a singular manner and We learned from our own commumarched as they say to my own nity. There was a Mexican commudrums. After a stint on the student nity.” council, I organized Libra, an alterJose says most of the local Mexinate bookstore. can population then was based in “My first action as a student South Omaha. The railroads and activist was taking over our chanpackinghouses were their main cellor’s office because he refused employers. to install a ramp for a veteran that “The history and contributions had been wounded in action, and for of Mexican-Americans to Omaha is other handicapped people.” such an important part of our story,” Jose says at the University of says Gaston, “and Jose so reverentMissouri-Kansas City he organized ly, professionally, and passionately a group called United Mexican keeps this history alive for Latinos American Students and “became inand non-Latinos. He presents the volved in West Side actions, blowJose Garcia helped start the Mexican American Historical courage and beauty and also the outs, marches, demonstrations.” Society of the Midlands in 2009. luchas (battles) and sufferings of La After getting his bachelor’s deRaza (Spanish-speaking peoples). people would give him because he college degrees, but there was a gree from UMKC Jose worked as a His leadership and advocacy on be- would ask for what he wanted. I’ve certain disconnect between our life program developer with the Kansas half of the Latino community have learned to ask for what I want.” experience as Mexican Americans Council of Low Income Peoples inspired young and old.” She believes they make an effec- and George Washington. and Migrant Workers in Garden Gaston says the Garcias are noth- tive team. “I think to an extent we “And then when the Chicano City, Kan. He made several trips ing less than “community builders,” balance with each other. I think we movement started welling up. Rev. to Washington, D.C. to negotiate adding, “Jose and Linda’s incredible do blend well.” And they genuinely Robert Navarro was the seminal proposals for housing and health dedication to the well-being of the enjoy each other’s company. “We guy, the match that lit the Chicano services. Latino community and the Omaha like to spend time with each other. movement here in Omaha. Then all Before coming to Omaha in 1976 community deserves great thanks.” We share a lot of things. We have of a sudden nothing made sense, he married and worked a series of Both Garcias are on the Speakers stacks of stuff we’ve written togeth- especially when you started hearing jobs. He was employed at Xerox, Bureau for the Nebraska Humanier. Some of it’s real personal.” about all of this art and culture that twice, became a hypnotist helpties Council. She’s a storyteller with Jose, who grew up in Kansas had a thousand years of equity – the ing people lose weight and reduce NHC’s Prime Time Family ReadCity, Mo. and lost his mother Mayans, the Aztecs – that was never stress, sold cemetery lots, sold ing program at the South Omaha when he was age 6, lived a kind of even approached in our educational Kirby vacuum cleaners door to Branch Library. vagabond life until he wound up experiences. It drove Linda to find door, and even picked apples one Because of the amount of main Omaha and met Linda. He was out what was going on.” harvest season in Kansas. terial in the Garcias’ possession, going through a divorce at the time It drove Jose to find himself. “I couldn’t keep a job. Then I ranging from sculpture to fabric to and he and Linda were just friends “I suppose part of the motivation came to Omaha and I started the paper objects to books, only a fracat first before becoming serious. He to seek out an identity began way whole thing all over again. I did tion can be displayed at any given appreciates what he found in her. back on the 31st of January 1966. various things here.” time. So they bring out small selec“Linda is a very natural creature At my Army induction-swearing in He eventually got on with the tions to present with their talks and of her element. She’s like an angel ceremony, I had a copy of my birth Chicago Northwestern Railroad programs. without being blessed. Everything is certificate I had never seen. On it as a clerk and worked his way up “We don’t have a gallery, so our full of life and energy and she just my name was listed as Jose Franto training personnel. The railroad gallery is the community,” says can’t wait to tap into it, to share it. cisco Garcia. This was an identity was purchased by Union Pacific Jose, and for Music to My Bones Linda has never brought a negative taken away from me by my kinder- and years later Jose took his buyout their gallery is the Bancroft Street or bad influence into our relationgarten teacher Miss Margaret, when from them. Market. ship or into our domestic life or into she changed my name to Joe Frank. --Please turn to page 13.

“The Vietnam experience literally buried the joy of being alive and changed it into the anxiety of living.”

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The fall exhibition, which has been made possible by grant funding, “is a Jose and Linda Garcia production,” he says. “We’ll receive no compensation for our activities. It is all in benefit of the Mexican American Historical Society and to keep this historical objective going.” These life partners enjoy collaborating on projects. “Some people say relationships are like rivers and you’re within the same bank but with us it’s more than that. We’re a symbiotic relationship,” he says. “She’s kind of like my Jiminy Cricket. I’m very aggressive, I’m in your face, I’m an attack dog, that’s what I do. And she reels me in.” Linda admires his tell-it-like-it-is style. “You may not like what he says but he speaks up and says it in front of you. One thing I really learned from Jose is to speak out and not be this timid girl. I saw the respect

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the way that we raised our family.” The couple has two grown sons, Che and Carlos Garcia, and two granddaughters, London and Elliette. One of the key things that brought them together in the first place and that keeps them together after 35 years is their shared Chicanoness. They both got caught up in the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s and for them the movement’s aim of empowering and immersing U.S. citizens of Mexican descent in the richness of their shared heritage has never ended. Indeed, the Garcias have devoted their retired years – she’s a former Omaha Public Library children’s librarian and he’s an ex-Union Pacific Railroad officer – to preserving and displaying their heritage. “The Chicano movement was about identity,” Jose explains. “Yes, we were American, and yes we knew English, and yes we were third generation, and yes we had

Trip to Mexico opened a whole new world to Linda --Continued from page 12. Among Jose’s early Omaha gigs was serving as director of the Chicano Awareness Center. It’s where he met Linda who was already active in the organization. Omaha Latino activist Abelardo Hernandez says then as now Jose and Linda were a force to be reckoned with. “She helped us with our art classes and later joined us in our folkloric dance troupe. She sacrificed a lot of her time to help the young kids understand the arts and traditions of our people. Linda has never let up in our struggle for knowledge. “Jose was able to identify with what we as Chicanos were trying to attain. He has managed to find some great archives that people have entrusted unto him. He has also given a lot of his time towards communicating with city and state officials. Jose seems to know what buttons to push when working on our behalf.”

hen it came to relationships, Linda says she was dead set against marriage and had a whole rationale worked out to justify her attitude. “I knew clear back as a girl that nobody was going to make me happy. I wasn’t going to give that responsibility to a person, no matter who it was. Happiness does not come from outside, and I knew that when I was in the third grade. I don’t know what it was. I tell people I was born with old lady eyes. I was an old soul.” Jose was immediately taken by her beauty and spirit. Linda, on the other hand, says, “I didn’t want a thing to do with him. I was involved with somebody else at the time anyway. Besides, I just didn’t think it was in the cards for me. I was older, kind of set in my ways being single. I wanted to do my own thing.” She began warming however to this newcomer. He intrigued her. “It was more curiosity about each other. We found out we could talk. Love and all that didn’t come until much, much, much later, and I don’t even think we spoke it then. We just both knew we’d be together. He was one of the few people I could talk to and he really listened and he really looked at you and he had opinions.” We were compatible.” Just as Jose, Linda underwent her own identity catharsis. “When I went to Mexico my senior year at College of St. Mary I came back very disappointed knowing I had taken four years of art history and the only time anything Mexican was mentioned was one period, and it was just four muralists, and they were all male,” she recalls. Mexico opened a whole new world to her she was eager to explore. “In the marketplace I’d watch the women grab a piece of material and roll it and before your eyes came out a doll. It was amazing.”

She was enthralled by the handmade art, some of the techniques going back centuries, she came upon. Then there was all the history she discovered. “It hit me really hard when I came back. First, it was a cultural shock. It was like, ‘Why didn’t anybody ever tell me this?’ And the answer was because it wasn’t up to them to tell you in any way, it’s up to you. But how do you know to look?

“I’m not really Mexican, I’m an American, but the combination made me a Chicana.” “I just became really hungry for getting my hands on this and the Chicano movement. It was like an awakening. That happened to a lot of people. What was awakened was the art, (and) literature, of becoming who you are as a Chicano. I’m not really Mexican, I’m an American, but the combination made me a Chicana, which means I seek knowledge, but it’s not enough to stop there, you must transmit it to other people and share it. In other words, be a teacher. “It’s not enough to collect and learn and keep it all to ourselves. That’s the reason for this place,” she says, referring to the Mexican

The Garcias would like to start a free research and public library containing their catalogued and digitized collection. American Historical Society. It’s the reason for Music to My Bones. “It is stuff to people, it’s more than that to us. It’s more than leaving things to people; it’s leaving the story. Without the story it’s absolutely meaningless. “I made the commitment to show the kids I was teaching that there’s so much more. I just started digging. In the process of learning you have to do the research, you have to go out there and dig.” There’s also the matter of leaving and passing on a legacy. “I think everybody wants to do that in a way – to say, ‘I was here, I want to leave a mark.’ Like with the Day of the Dead they say there are three deaths: the first death is the physical, and then when you’re buried and nobody can see you, but the worst death is to be forgotten. “We want to leave a legacy, OK,

but it’s more than that, it’s trying to teach the community. They also have a legacy and they also have a responsibility to carry their family traditions and to know how to take care of photographs and keepsakes.” About their role as historians, curators, and culturists, the Garcias say, “Somebody’s gotta do it.” Their work is far from done in their estimation. They’d like to form a free research and public library containing their catalogued and digitized collection. They’d like to have a permanent exhibition space. “We don’t have a million dollars but were Chicanos, we’re going to do what we have to do to get it done,” says Jose. And these two will do it together as long as they can. “We’ve become two old souls together,” he says. (Read more of Biga’s work at leoadambiga.wordpress.com.)

Married since 1977 and the parents of two sons, Linda and Jose Garcia – who also have two granddaughters – have become two old souls together.

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SeniorHelp volunteer opportunities

Get resource info through 211 network The 211 telephone network has been established in parts of Nebraska to give consumers a single source for information about community and human services. By dialing 211, consumers can access information about human needs resources like food banks, shelters, rent and utility assistance, physical and mental health resources, employment support, support for older Americans and persons with a disability, support for children and families, and volunteer opportunities. The 211 network is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The information is also available online at (www. ne211.org).

NORTH OMAHA SENIOR COTTAGES 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. Contact John Boone at Holy Name Housing

402-453-6100

The 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 402-561-2238 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-year-old in Fremont, and caulking windows and repairing the floors in a trailer home in Murray. • Household Assistance: Volunteers are being recruited to provide housekeeping,

Ivan Anderson

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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.

Book written for widows Omaha author Janet Laird has written a book titled, Surviving Widowhood with Maggie Montclair and Friends. The book’s purpose is to support and enhance friendship among widows. For more information, please call Laird at 402-592-1427.

Assistance available for persons with a disability, their families, caregivers

he Hotline for Disability Services is available to provide 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.

Alzheimer’s disease support group meetings The Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter offers a variety of caregiver support groups including: • The clubhouse at One Pacific Place Apartments, 1365 S. 101st St. This early stage support group – which is designed for a couple (a caregiver and a loved one age 65 or older with early stage dementia) – meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. To register, please call Betty K. Chin at 402-502-4301. • New Cassel Retirement Center, 900 N. 90th St. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. This is an early stage support group. Contact Kelly @ 402-393-2113 or Betty @ 402502-4301 for more information. • Memorial Community Hospital, 810 N. 22nd St. in Blair. The group meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. This group is designed for caregivers. Contact Evonne @ 712-642-3170 or Colleen @ 402-426-8790 for more information. • The Ralston Senior Center, 7301 Q St., Suite 100. Meets the first Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. This group is designed for caregivers. Contact Ernestine @ 402659-9251 for more information.

Bicycles, bicycling... --Continued from page 4. such as: • Weight loss. The amount of calories burned during a bike ride depends on a person’s weight and the ride’s intensity. For example, if a rider weighs 200 pounds and cycles at a rate of eight miles per hour, he’ll burn about 190 calories in 30 minutes. • Low-impact exercise. Biking puts less stress on your joints compared to running. • Heart health. Thirty minutes of biking each day can cut the risk of heart disease in half. • Stress reducer. Cycling can be an escape. You choose your speed and route and have the opportunity to clear your head and enjoy your surroundings. • Camaraderie. Join a bike club or find a friend to ride with to keep you motivated and make it more enjoyable.

• Efficiency. Biking is a great way to get to and from work, run errands, and travel to other nearby places. Opt for a bike ride rather than a car ride to save money on gas and burn calories.

Computer classes The AARP Nebraska Information Center and the Kids Can Community Center are sponsoring beginners computer classes for older adults this fall. The three-day, ninehour course – which costs $15 – includes basic computer terms, how to format and type documents, an introduction to Windows 7, how to file and backup your documents, using spell check, cutting and pasting, and how to surf the Internet. For more information, please call 402-398-9568.

We Can Still Do It! Trouble getting around? Learn how to take control of your mobility and get moving again! All FREE sessions are from 11:30-12:30 and include lunch from Sgt. Peffers.

FREE Lunch!

RSVP to secure your spot! 402.408.1990.

You will be able to try out all the different equipment and learn from national experts what items may help you to stay in your home longer, safely.

October 2 -3:

Trouble getting up and down stairs? Can’t walk as much as you used to? Learn about Bruno stairglides, Drive transport chairs and the latest in rolling walkers! Get a free mobility gift (no purchase necessary).

October 9 -10:

Bathroom Safety: We all use them…learn how to make yours safe and functional. See how simple bathroom safety changes from Nova can help you! Learn about many different walk-in tub and shower options from SanSpa. Perfect for every home! Are you on oxygen? Come and learn from Invacare how you CAN BE MOBILE while using oxygen and a walker or scooter. Get a free mobility gift (no purchase necessary).

October 11-12:

Plus

Get out and GO! Learn about lightweight and portable scooters from Pride Mobility, as well as heavy duty power wheelchairs - there’s one that’s right for everyone! Also learn how electric reclining lift chairs can help you get in and out of your favorite chair SAFELY! Transporting your wheelchair or scooter is a snap with many different vehicle lift options from Bruno. Get a free mobility gift (no purchase necessary).

October 1: FREE LEG VEIN SCREENING!

Free Leg Vein Screening from 9am to 4pm - The leg vein screening is a seven minute, non-invasive, totally painless test to determine if you may be a risk for leg vein problems. Free food!

Kindly RSVP 402.408.1990 October 11: ATTN: BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS!

12741 Q Street • Omaha, NE 402.408.1990 www.kohlls.com

Free Breast Care Open House for Breast Cancer Survivors from 10am to 2pm! Let one of our experienced mastectomy fitters show you what’s new! Free food! Free ItStays and TruClean ($10 retail value).

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Please see the ad on page 3

New Horizons Club membership roll rises $50 Frederick Lagergren $25 Natalia Henriksen

Dance Wednesdays at Legion Post #1

lder adults are encouraged to attend a dance Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post #1, 7811 Davenport St. For more information, please call 402-392-0444.

Retired fed employees meet at Omaha eatery

$20 Ardeth Henderson

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, call 402-392-0624.

$10 Barbara Pedersen $5 Jean Staskiewicz Gloria O’Dowd Lorraine Barton Bernice Zieg Reflects donations through September 21, 2012.

Alzheimer’s Night

ENOA’s SeniorHelp, Chore Program are available to provide snow removal

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.

The Alzheimer’s disease Association’s Midlands chapter is sponsoring Alzheimer’s disease and Other Dementia Awareness Night on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at the TAC Center, 3215 Cuming St. Retired judge Jane Prochaska will discuss Legal Issues and Dementia at 4:45 p.m. At 6 p.m., there will be a presentation on Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics from the Alzheimer’s disease Association’s Midlands chapter. Registration for this event – in which a light meal will be served – is required. To register or for more information, please call 800272-3900 or 402-502-4301.

October 2012 events calendar 5 Mike Birbiglia’s My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend Holland Performing Arts Center 8 p.m. $35 & $45 402-345-0606 Rockbrook Village’s Apple Day Craft Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FREE 402-390-0890 6 Fall Chrysanthemum Show Through Nov. 18 Lauritzen Gardens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $3 & $7 402-346-4002 Japanese Ambience Festival Also Oct. 7 Lauritzen Gardens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $3 & $7 402-346-4002 Magic City Trolley Tour Durham Museum 10:30 a.m. $20 402-444-5027

14 Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Orpheum Theater 7 p.m. $19 to $45 402-345-0606 Millionaires & Mansions North Gold Coast Trolley Tour Durham Museum 1:30 p.m. $20 402-444-5027 19 The Borrowers Through Nov. 4 The Rose Theater $18 402-345-4849 20 14th Annual Art Auction Gala Event Bemis Center for Contemporary Art (724 S. 12th St.) 5:30 to 10 p.m. 402-341-7130 21 The Capitol Steps Orpheum Theater 7 p.m. $19 to $45 402-345-0606

7 Millionaires & Mansions South Gold Coast Trolley Tour Durham Museum 1:30 p.m. $20 402-444-5027

23 Shrek the Musical Through Oct. 28 Orpheum Theater $25 to $75 402-345-0606

13 Wayne Brady Holland Performing Arts Center 8 p.m. $25 to $60 402-345-0606

28 Ghoulish Garden Adventure Lauritzen Gardens Noon to 4 p.m. $3 & $7 402-346-4002

Crickett is offering discounts for wireless phone service for Omaha, Fremont residents Wireless telephone service provider Cricket Communications is offering Crickett Lifeline Credit, a discount of $13.50 per month on phone bills for eligible Fremont and Omaha residents. Individuals may be eligible to enroll one wireless phone bill per household if they meet certain income guidelines (at or below 135 percent of the poverty level) or participate in one of the following government assistance programs: Medicaid, Kids Connection, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF),National School Lunch Program’s FREE Lunch Program. For more information, please call Lynn Taylor at 402612-0012 or 402-573-2263 or log on the Internet to mycricket.com.

Fremont spaghetti dinner set for Oct. 18

he annual spaghetti feed at Christensen Field, 1730 W. 16th St., in Fremont is scheduled for Thursday. Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $6. Children under age 5 can eat free. Carry out dinners are available. For more information, please call 402-727-2815.

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ENOA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for persons of all ages 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.

Programs for older nature lovers The Fontenelle Nature Association’s SUN (Seniors Understanding Nature) program has an activity for older adults the second Tuesday of each month at the Fontenelle Nature Center, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. North. The programs, held from 9:45 to 11 a.m., feature an indoor program, an optional nature walk, and refreshments. The cost is $5 per person each month. For more information, please call Catherine Kuper at 402-731-3140, ext. 1019. Here’s the program for October:

Volunteers given disaster kits during event sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service

n Sept. 11, an estimated 130 Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging volunteers gathered at St. Paul United Methodist Church – 5410 Corby St. – for the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Day of Service and Remembrance. Volunteers from ENOA’s Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program received disaster kits from members of the programs’ Youth Task Force. The Youth Task Force, led by SeniorHelp volunteers Akansha and Nimansha Jain, received a grant from Scholastic Corporation to purchase a variety of items that might be needed during a disaster including flashlights, blankets, and bottled water. The kits also featured a File of Life folder which contains an individual’s photo and the contact and medical information a responder might need during a disaster. The items were assembled into kits by RSVP volunteers who help out at local Red Cross stations. In conjunction with

Youth Task Force members Akansha Jain (far left) and Nimansha Jain (far right) present disaster kits to volunteers Major Page, Jr. and Mildred Spoon. the local Corporation for National and Community Service’s Day of Service and Remembrance effort, the Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions – who recently completed Disaster Preparation for Seniors Training along with the RSVP volunteers – collected hygiene products that were donated to local military families and veterans

through the Red Cross. In addition to the disaster kit distribution, the local 9/11 event featured patriotic music by Jerry Brabec, a demonstration on folding the American flag, and presentations by Captain David Mann from the Omaha Fire Department and Wendy Shipley from the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency.

October 9 Western China Provinces of Chongqing & Sichuan Peace Corps volunteer Elizabeth Chalen will discuss life in Western China.

VAS has monthly workshops for those new to Medicare Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) sponsors free New to Medicare workshops on the last Wednesday of each month for individuals: • 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. 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

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Joe Kirshenbaum, 93, says Wolf Bros. has been his life

he smell of leather is the first thing customers notice when they enter Wolf Bros. Western Store, 7001 Dodge St. in Omaha. Within seconds, their eyes begin roaming 5,000 square feet of boots, hats, jeans, shirts, belts, saddles, and a variety of Western wear and accessories in a multitude of sizes, shapes, colors, and designs for men, women, cowpokes, and city folks. It all began in 1924 when Samuel Wolf opened a men’s fine clothing store in downtown Omaha at 14th and Douglas streets. In 1950, Joe Kirshenbaum borrowed $12,500 from a local bank and bought the haberdashery from Wolf – his father-in-law – and relocated the business to inside the Hill Hotel at 507 S. 16th St. During those days, ranchers from Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, Idaho, and other outposts stayed in and around the Hill Hotel when they brought their cattle to the Omaha Stockyards. Because of the ranchers’ growing demand for Western wear, Kirshenbaum altered his store’s inventory and changed its name to Wolf Bros. Western Store. Today, Kirshenbaum, his son, Tom, and grandson, Matt, run a thriving business in a tough economy. Joe’s son, Dick, operates the family’s other business, Boots for Less, near 132nd Street and West Center Road. “We do three times the business in one month that we used to do in a year,” Joe, age 93, said during a recent interview at Wolf Bros. “I credit the stores’ success to my sons and grandson,” he added. Tom suggested his father was being modest. “He did everything to get things started and he’s instilled a strong work ethic into all of us.”

orn in Kupel, Ukraine in 1919, Joe – at age seven months – and six of his family members migrated to Poland after bribing a guard at the Ukraine-Poland border. “We stayed in Poland for three months until we could get United States visas,” Kirshenbaum said. Two of Joe’s aunts had relatives living in Omaha, so the family came to Nebraska in 1920. Kirshenbaum’s solid work ethic first became evident when as a pre-teen; he began selling Omaha World-Herald newspapers to Ford factory workers near 16th and Cuming streets. “I sold them for three cents and got to keep a penny,” he recalled. By age 13, Joe had a World-Herald newspaper delivery route near the Creighton University campus. “My parents couldn’t give me an allowance, so I had to earn my own money or go without it.” He also went car-to-car selling treats at Evans Ice Cream near 36th and Center streets. “Cones were a nickel, sundaes were a dime, and banana splits were 15 cents,” Kirshenbaum recalled.

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Joe Kirshenbaum walks through Wolf Bros. Western Store’s extensive collection of saddles. After graduating from Omaha Central High School in 1938, Joe enrolled in the University of Nebraska to study business. He also worked in a Lincoln grocery store, waited tables at a fraternity, and began his career selling clothes at Ben Simon’s.

“I’m so happy my sons and grandson love the business enough to have stayed in it.” Kirshenbaum left college in 1942 to enter the United States Army. After training and serving in Maryland and Louisiana, Joe was shipped to Europe, and in June 1945, landed on Utah Beach two weeks after the DDay invasion by American troops. After the war ended, he returned to the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1946. While working as a women’s clothing salesman at Natelson’s in Omaha, Joe met Audrey Wolf. The couple was married for 54 years

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before Audrey’s death in 2001. The Kirshenbaums have four children and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

fter buying the clothing store from his father-in-law and shifting its focus to Western wear and gear, Kirshenbaum promoted the business and its special line of products by attending rodeos, horse shows, horse races, and square dances. Because its growing customer base was moving west, in 1963, Joe moved Wolf Bros. first to 72nd and Dodge streets, and then to its present location in 1972. The store was destroyed by the May 1975 tornado, but was rebuilt bigger and better than ever coming back with a saddle and tack department. By 1985, Kirshenbaum began spending half of the year living in Palm Springs, Calif. Although he recently gave up the sport, Joe played tennis six days a week. He also volunteered for 13 years, first at the Stroke Recovery Center and then at Desert Hospital. After Audrey’s death, Kirshenbaum built a special relationship with Virginia Allen. “She’s

a tremendous and caring companion. She’s made my life what it is today,” Joe said. “She keeps me young.”

hese days, when in Omaha, Kirshenbaum still works 30 to 40 hours a week at Wolf Bros. signing checks, visiting with and helping customers, and checking in new merchandise. Looking back at his career, Joe’s proud to have helped build a strong, four-generation family business. “I’m so happy my sons and grandson love the business enough to have stayed in it.” During the last 63 years, Kirshenbaum’s made hundreds of friends and outfitted celebrities like Johnny Carson, Arthur Godfrey, Roy Rogers, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash for shows. “This business has been my life,” he said. At age 93, Joe said he’s about ready to ride off into the sunset and leave Wolf Bros. and Boots for Less to Tom, Dick, and Matt. Tom isn’t so sure Joe’s ready to retire, but said working with his father has been wonderful. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Read it & eat By Lois Friedman readitandeat@yahoo.com

Delicious recipes for the fall Here are a few South African cookbooks: Bitten By Sarah Graham (Struik) Here’s a quirky cross between a food memoir and a cookbook from this blogger. Let’s Cook 5 By Carmen Niehaus (H&R) More than 400 recipes from snacks to sweet endings with brief instructions. Family Fare By C. Erasmus & E. Barnard (H&R) Monthly menus, shopping lists, and 150 quick and economical recipes in a helpful format. The Cookbook Library By Anne Willan (University of California Press, $50) Four centuries, 40 recipes, a collection of historical stories, culinary history, and drawings. The dishes we eat and why. Enjoy this collection from Andrews McMeel Canal House/La Dolce Vita By M. Hamilton & C. Hirsheimer ($19.95) The seventh in this series on Italian home cooking from these former magazine editors. Viva Italia! Bluestem By C. & M. Garrelts ($45) More than 100 seasonal recipes and culinary techniques from the chefs of this acclaimed Kansas City restaurant. My Family Table By John Besh ($35) Stories and 140 recipes created by this award-winning chef to inspire you to cook family fare. Glorious family and food photographs. Warm a chilly morning and warm your choice of fillings to add to this recipe. Simple Cheese Omelet ( Serves 2) 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 eggs, beaten Salt Freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup grated or crumbled cheese

DCHC’s annual chicken dinner slated for Oct. 4

he Douglas County Health Center Foundation’s seventh annual Fall Feast Broasted Chicken Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the DCHC, 4102 Woolworth Ave. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 10 and younger. Tickets purchased on Oct. 4 are $9 for adults and $7 for children ages 10 and younger. Dinner includes broasted chicken, potatoes and gravy, a vegetable, stuffing, a salad, dessert, and a drink. Dine-in, take-out, or curbside service is available. For more information, please call 402-444-7313.

CLASSIFIEDS Please call 402-444-4148 or 402-444-6654 to place your ad

POOL TABLES Moving, refelting, assemble, repair, tear down. Used slate tables. We pay CASH for slate pool tables.

Big Red Billiards 402-598-5225 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

Elizabeth Here’s your ad What for the classified section for the October issu ife Is You Make It... let me know if this is ok, or if you have any changes, give m Make It Great, Relax at Saint Joseph Tower! @ 402-444-4148. If okay mail your check for $16.00 to:

• Quality living at an affordable price

New• Outstanding Horizons activities program

c/o Jeff Reinhardt, Editor

• Licensed nurse staff and • Locally owned Street certified staff on duty 244223 Center & operated hours a day Omaha, NE 68105

Thanks! Mitch Laudenback @ New Horizons Barbie Dolls for sale

Lamplighter II

Four large boxes filled with unopened boxes of Barbie Dolls collected over the years. All for $125. For more information, call 402-505-6022

Some of the nicest, newer 1 bedroom apartments. Elevator, w & d, heated parking garage. Small complex. By bus & shopping. No pets or smoking.

A+ Heartland Concrete Const.

Betsy’s Sewing Service

Driveways, garage floors, sidewalks, retaining walls. patio specialists. Insured/references. 13 year BBB Member

402-731-2094

deFreese PAID THROUGH Manor SEPTEMBER 2012

93rd & Maple • 402-397-6921

Meeting you mending needs in the Bellevue, Plattsmouth & Papillion areas. For more information call

402-614-8430

Tree Trimming Beat the falling leaves!

Chipping & removal. Your prunings chipped. Experienced & insured. Senior discount.

• Remodeling & Home Improvement

Subsidized housing for those age 62 and over with incomes under $25,050 (1 person) or $28,600 (two persons)

• Safety Equipment Handrails Smoke and Fire Alarms

2669 Dodge Omaha, NE 402-345-0622

Accepting applications for HUD-subsidized apartments in Papillion & Bellevue. Rent determined by income and medical expenses.

TOP CASH PAID

Monarch Villa West 201 Cedar Dale Road Papillion (402) 331-6882

REPUTABLE SERVICES, INC.

• Painting Interior & Exterior

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready to go and near the stove. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beaten eggs with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the skillet, stirring faster than for scrambled eggs, forming small curds of cooked eggs. Continue stirring until the eggs have cooked about halfway through. Then add the cheese or other filling on top of the eggs. Allow the eggs to rest away from the heat for a moment to cook further, then tilt the pan downward and use the spatula to roll the omelet over and onto a plate.

August 30, 2012

• Handyman Services • Senior Discounts • Free Estimates • References • Fully Insured Quality Professional Service Better Business Bureau Member

402-4 5 5-7 0 0 0

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

402-894-9206 Senior Citizens (62+)

Bellewood Courts 1002 Bellewood Court Bellevue (402) 292-3300 Managed by Kimball Management., Inc. We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Law.

Please support New Horizons advertisers!

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

Enoa Aging October 2012

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New Horizons

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Page 19

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE Wills • Trusts • Probate

Immanuel Affordable Communities Immanuel Communities offers beautiful affordable independent apartment homes for seniors who are on a fixed income.

Ask A Lawyer: Q — What is the difference between a will and a living trust?

Call today to schedule a personal visit.

A — A will states your desires for your property at your death, but can’t avoid the time and expense of probate, which can leave your loved ones in limbo for some time. It also doesn’t provide any protection if you become unable to care for your property. With a trust, you remain in control unless you become incapacitated, at which point the trust provides management of your assets for your benefit until you recover.

AARP Legal Service Network • No Charge For Initial Consultation

Monday, Oct. 1 Creole Steak Tuesday, Oct. 2 Oven-fried Chicken Breast Wednesday, Oct. 3 Savory Beef Casserole Thursday, Oct. 4 Herbed Pork Loin Friday, Oct. 5 Sausage w/Sauerkraut Monday, Oct. 8 CLOSED Tuesday, Oct. 9 BBQ Rib on a Bun

Income guidelines apply

Have a question about estate planning? Give us a call!

ENOA senior center menu for October 2012

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

7602 Pacific Street, Ste 200 • (402) 391-2400 http://whitmorelaw.com

Affilated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

www.immanuelcommunities.com

Wednesday, Oct. 10 Glazed Ham Thursday, Oct. 11 Cornbread Chicken Friday, Oct. 12 Beef Spaghetti Sauce over Pasta Monday, Oct. 15 Meatloaf Tuesday, Oct. 16 Soft Shell Beef Taco

Celebrating

lived a life well

Friday, Oct. 26 Sloppy Joes

Call Saint Jude Hospice at 1-800-HOSPICE (467-7423) and let the healing wings take flight. www.saintjudehospice.org

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Monday, Oct. 22 Ham & Potato Casserole

Thursday, Oct. 25 Cranberry Dijon

We adhere to Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

New Horizons

Friday, Oct. 19 Turkey Breast w/Gravy

Wednesday, Oct. 24 Salisbury Steak

Our mission is to provide the love and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He has loved us.

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Thursday, Oct. 18 Ham & White Beans

Tuesday, Oct. 23 Crunchy Pollock

Every man and woman is made up of experiences and memories that create a lasting legacy for their family members. That’s why Saint Jude Hospice focuses on a patient’s whole life.

Page 20

Wednesday, Oct. 17 Breaded Chicken Patty

October 2012

Monday, Oct. 29 Teriyaki Meatballs Tuesday, Oct. 30 Turkey Fritters Wednesday, Oct. 31 Cheeseburger

Benefit 5K run for Lewy Body Dementia set for Friday, Oct. 12 The Giddy Up for Gary 5K run, a benefit for Gary Julin and the Lewy Body Dementia Association, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 12. The race begins at 7 p.m. at Peak Performance, 78th and Cass streets. The fee is $30 until Oct. 6, $40 from Oct. 7 through Oct. 11, and $45 on race day. Participants will receive a t-shirt. To register or for more information, log on to www.u2canrun.org.