Oct nh 2013

A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

October 2013 VOL. 38 • 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

Conversation, coffee brewing

Beth Richards (right) and Wrigley welcome Andi Starr to the Minne Lusa House, 2737 Mary Street. Leo Adam Biga recently visited the site and writes about the northeast Omaha area home which was opened to create a place where people could visit and enjoy a cup of coffee.

See page 10.

Gala Wilma Otteman was among the guests at the Hooper Senior Center’s 35th anniversary celebration last month.

See page 3.

Incorporate these ideas into your fall landscape

Please see the ad on page 3

New Horizons Club membership roll rises $25 Bonnie White $10 Michele Shearer Vlasta Kennebeck Patricia Remm $5 Henry Moberg Ramon Sanchez Margaret Evans Penny Morgan $1 Linda Rasmussen Reflects donations received through September 20, 2013.

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Participants needed for a COPD Research Study IRB # 024-09-FB A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of 50mg Tetomilast administered as oral tablets in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with emphysema. (Protocol 197-08-250)

By Melinda Myers

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on’t let a busy schedule stop you from creating a beautiful landscape in your yard. Incorporate a few of these changes in your fall landscape care. You’ll create beautiful results with a limited investment of time and effort.

• Cut the grass, recycle fall leaves, and improve the soil with a pass of the lawn mower. Shred leaves and leave them on the lawn as you mow this fall. As long as you can see the grass through the leaf pieces, the lawn will be fine. As the leaves break down they add organic matter to the soil, improving drainage in clay soil and water holding ability in sandy soils.

Or, as an alternative, use excess leaves as a soil mulch. Shred the leaves with your mower and spread a layer over the soil to conserve moisture and insulate the roots of perennials. Fall mulching gives you a jump on next spring’s landscape chores.

• Improve your lawn’s health by fertilizing this fall with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer. You’ll reduce the risk of disease problems and with slower weed growth in fall, your lawn, not the weeds, will benefit from the nutrients. Fall fertilization also helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer by encouraging deep roots and denser growth that can better compete with weeds and tolerate disease and insects.

• Northern gardeners can follow the holiday schedule and fertilize Labor Day and Halloween.

• Do a bit of planting. Cool season annuals brighten up the fall garden.

Consider adding cold hardy pansies. They provide color in the fall garden, survive

Do you have emphysema or think you may have emphysema? The University of Nebraska Medical Center is conducting a clinical trial of an experimental medication for people with emphysema. Participants must be 40 to 75 years of age and be a current or former smoker.

You will receive medical testing and medication at no cost to you, and will be reimbursed for your time.

If you are interested in participating in this study for people with emphysema, call Sandy at 402-559-6365 or email her at stalbott@unmc.edu.

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October 2013

most winters, and are back blooming in the spring just as the snow melts.

increases hardiness and adds beauty to the winter landscape with their seed heads,

Be sure to remove any diseased or insect-infested plants to reduce the source of pest problems in next year’s garden.

• Fall is also a good time to plant perennials, trees, and shrubs. The soil is warm and the air cooler, so the plants are less stressed and establish more quickly.

Select plants suited to the growing conditions and be sure to give them plenty of room to reach their mature size.

• Plant daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and other bulbs in fall for extra color next spring. Set the bulbs at a depth of two to three times their height deep. Then cover them with soil and sprinkle on a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer promotes rooting without stimulating fall growth subject to winterkill.

• Base your bulb planting time on the weather not the calendar. Start planting after the nighttime temperatures hover between 40 and 50 degrees. Be patient, waiting until the soil cools reduces the risk of early sprouting that often occurs during a warm fall.

• Leave healthy perennials standing for winter. This

dried foliage, and the birds they attract. Plus, it will delay cleanup until spring when gardeners are anxious to get outdoors and start gardening.

However, be sure to remove any diseased or insect-infested plants to reduce the source of pest problems in next year’s garden.

• Start composting or add shredded leaves and other plant debris to an existing compost pile.

Combine fall leaves with other plant waste, a bit of soil or compost, and sprinkle with fertilizer to create compost. Recycling yard waste saves time bagging, hauling, and disposing of green debris. You also reduce or eliminate the need to buy soil amendments to improve your existing garden soil.

Incorporate one or all six of these practices to increase the health and beauty of your landscape now and for years to come.

(Myers is a gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist.)

Celebrating 35 years at the Hooper Senior Center

Make a donation to help support the

“Voice for Older Nebraskans!”

b u l C s n o z i New Hor

Join the

today!

Membership includes a subscription to the New Horizons newspaper.

The Hooper Senior Center board includes (front row, from left): Joan Bushkofsky, Lillian Radtke, and Center Manager Julia George.

(Back row, from left): Leonard Geisler, Connie Fauss, Betty McMaster, and Charleen Sager. Board member Bernie Oerman was not present.

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delicious meal featuring roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, a roll with butter, cake, and a carton of milk; and musical entertainment by Bellevue’s Willard Hailey were among the highlights as the participants at the Hooper Senior Center celebrated the facility’s 35th anniversary on Sept. 11.

Lots of smiles, hugs, and memories were shared as the 55 guests who attended the festivities reminisced about the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging nutrition site and its long history.

Among those on hand was Wilma Otteman, who along with her husband and four other couples, were the original Hooper Senior Center participants. Wilma proudly

wore a colorful corsage as she greeted well-wishers who stopped by her table to say hello.

Center Manager Julia George said the anniversary celebration meant a lot to the men and women of Hooper, a Dodge County community of 830 residents, according to 2010 Census figures.

The Hooper Senior Center – 208 N. Main St. – is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m. Men and women over age 60 who want to enjoy the meal are asked to make a reservation by noon the Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday prior to the lunch they wish to enjoy.

For meal reservations or more information, please call George at 402-654-2537.

2014 health care changes!

Open enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2013

Don’t miss out on learning about your 2014 health care options. n ith more tha w d te in o p p A s… ife companie L & h lt a e H 50 ts sts + benefi o c re a p m o C !

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What you don’t know

could COST YOU!

Let’s talk about the benefits that matter most to you.

Kim Shulters

Senior Insurance Specialist

402-968-1500 kimshulters@gmail.com

October 2013

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

$5

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Other _______

New Horizons New Horizons is the official publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distributed free to people over age 60 in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington, and Cass counties. Those living outside the 5-county region may subscribe for $5 annually.

Address all correspondence to: Jeff Reinhardt, Editor, 4223 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68105-2431.

Phone 402-444-6654. FAX 402-444-3076.

E-mail: jeff.reinhardt@nebraska.gov Advertisements appearing in New Horizons do not imply endorsement of the advertiser by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. However, complaints about advertisers will be reviewed and, if warranted, their advertising discontinued. Display and insert advertising rates available on request. Open rates are commissionable, with discounts for extended runs. Circulation is 20,000 through direct mail and freehand distribution.

Editor..............................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148 Contributing Writers......Nick Schinker, Leo Biga, & Lois Friedman Fremont Delivery.........................Dick Longstein ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, chairperson; Jim Warren, Sarpy County, vice-chairperson; Jerry Kruse, Washington County, secretary; Gary Osborn, Dodge County, & Jim Peterson, Cass 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.

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Just for Her is raising funds for cancer patients, survivors

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maha’s second annual Just For Her event is coming to the CenturyLink Center Oct. 11 to 13. The event will include more than 200 booths and three days of shopping, beauty treatments, health and wellness guidance, entertainment, and tasty treat samplings.

Proceeds will help cancer patients and survivors with the financial burden of purchasing goods and services needed to help in their recovery.

Just For Her is also partnering with Catholic Charities to help stock Omaha area food banks in preparation for the holiday season. For every nonperishable food item donated to Catholic Charities, attendees will receive $1 off the purchase price of an admission ticket.

Times for Just for Her are 5 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 12, and Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $6 in advance or $8 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, log on to www.shop.justforherexpoomaha.com.

Advice for preventing fires in your home

By Jen Vogt

also the third largest cause of injury for older adults. s you age, the risk Whenever possible, smoke for death associated outside and make sure you with fire increases never smoke in bed, while significantly. Adults over drowsy, or under the influage 65 are twice as likely ence of a medication or to die in a house fire as alcohol. Use deep, sturdy their younger counterparts. ashtrays, and make sure Adults over age 85 are four cigarette butts and ashes times as likely. are completely cool before Sunday, Oct. 6 starts Fire throwing them away.

Prevention Week in the • Cook safely. Prevent United States. As an older burns and fires by being adult or the caretaker of an watchful and alert while older adult, are you docooking. Stay in the kitchen ing everything you can to while you’re frying, grillprevent fires in your home? ing, and broiling food.

Follow these simple steps to Turn off burners even if reduce the risk of fires. you need to leave the room • Install and maintain for a short period of time. smoke alarms. Nearly Turn pot handles away from 3,000 people die every year the stove’s edge, and keep in home fires, and many of cooking surfaces clean and them don’t have working free from anything that smoke alarms. It’s a good could catch fire. idea to install smoke alarms • Heat your home safely. on each level of your home As cold weather approaches, and in the areas where you you may be using one of sleep. Test them monthly several methods to heat your and clean or dust them at home. Keep people, pets, least once a year. If you and things that can burn at cannot hear well, there are least three feet away from special smoke alarms avail- radiators, space heaters, able that can flash bright furnaces, and fire places. lights or shake the bed to Turn off space heaters if alert you of a fire. you leave the room or go to • Smoke safely. Smoking sleep. Ask a professional to tobacco products is the lead- install heating equipment ing cause of death by fire for and inspect it every year. adults age 65 and older. It’s It’s also important to plan

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an escape route in case of fire. Know at least two ways to get out of every room in your house, keep important items close to your bed at night, and clear all clutter that might get in your way if you need to escape quickly.

If a fire should happen, stay calm. Get out of your home quickly and stay out; never go back inside for people, pets or things. Feel the door or cracks around a door before opening it.

If you feel any heat, leave the door closed and use another exit. If you have to go through smoke to escape, get low to the floor and move quickly through the smoke to your way out.

By making yourself or your loved ones aware of the risks for fire in their home, you take positive steps to preventing fires which can cause injury or death.

For more information, contact your local fire department via their nonemergency phone number.

They can answer your questions and visit your home to install smoke alarms (see story below).

(Vogt is with Midwest Geriatrics, Inc. in Omaha.)

Omaha Fire Department can install free smoke, carbon monoxide detectors

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he Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education and Affairs Department is available to install free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors inside the residences of area homeowners.

To have a free smoke and/ or carbon monoxide detector installed inside your home, send your name, address, and telephone number to: Omaha Fire Department Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Requests 10245 Weisman Dr. Omaha, NE 68134 For more information, please call 402-444-3560.

HorizonAD-2010:HorizonAD-08 2/4/10 8:00 AM Page 1

PIA Network meeting scheduled for Oct. 9

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he PIA Network will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 3 to 4:15 p.m. at Catholic Charities - Christ Child, 1248 S. 10th St. Mark Intermill, advocacy director for AARP Nebraska, will speak from 3:25 to 3:55 and answer questions about the Affordable Care Act and how it affects older adults.

To register for the meeting or for more information, please call Partnerships in Aging, Inc. at 402-996-8444 by Oct. 6.

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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October 2013

October 2013 events calendar 4 Larry the Cable Guy Orpheum Theater 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

402-345-0606

18 Keith Urban in Concert CenturyLink Center Omaha 7 p.m. $37 to $61.50 402-341-1500

10 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Holland Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

402-345-0606 11 Robin Hood Through Oct. 27 The Rose Theater Friday @ 7 p.m.

Saturday @ 2 & 5 p.m.

Sunday @ 2 p.m. $18 402-345-4848

Spooktacular at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $7 & $8 402-733-8401 19 Things that Go! Through April 13, 2014 Omaha Children’s Museum $2 + $9 admission fee 402-342-6164

12 The Book of Mormons Also Oct. 13, Oct. 15 to 17, & 18 to 20 Orpheum Theater 402-345-0606

25 2th Annual House and Garden Expo Through Oct. 27 CenturyLink Center Omaha 402-346-8003

18 Freud’s Last Session Through Nov. 17 Omaha Community Playhouse Thursday – Saturday @ 7:30 p.m.

Sunday @ 2 p.m.

402-553-0800

World Blues: Taj Mahal and Vusi Mahlasela Holland Performing Arts Center 8 p.m.

402-345-0606

Florence AARP group meets third Monday of month Individuals age 50 and older are invited to attend the meeting of AARP’s Florence chapter the third Monday of each month.

The gatherings are held at Olive Crest United Methodist Church, 7180 N. 60th St. at noon.

The sessions include friendly people,

a meal for $7, a short meeting, and programs on a variety of topics.

For more information or to arrange for a ride, please call Ann Van Hoff at 402556-3576, Marjorie Willard at 402-8401, or Ruth Kruse at 402-453-4825.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of 2013:

October 21 Transylvania & Unitarians With Janet West

November 18 Aprons With Judy Meyers

Please support New Horizons advertisers

Fontenelle Tours Omaha/Council Bluffs: 712-366-9596

Quoted prices are per person, double occupancy. For more information about our tours, please call Ward or Kathy Kinney at Fontenelle Tours at the number listed above.

2013 - 2014 At the request of some of our travelers, we are offering several one-day trips to see if there is an interest in these shorter trips. If there is an interest, we will continue to offer them. If we have to cancel them because we don’t have a minimum number of travelers, the one-day trips will be discontinued.

At 6:30 P.M. on October 23rd, 2013 we will be hosting a 2014 travel show!

Join us at the Holiday Inn Express, 10729 J St. “Nunset Boulevard” at the Lofte. October 13. $99. Enjoy another great performance at the Lofte Community Theater in Manley, NE. This Sunday afternoon performance of the comedy “Nunset Boulevard” will be followed by a home-cooked meal at the Main Street Café in Louisville, NE where you will have your choice of three great selections.

“Fox on the Fairway” at the New Theater. October 16. $119. Take a Wednesday trip to Kansas City and enjoy a great comedy about country club life during a golf tournament, as well as a wonderful lunch buffet at the New Theater.

Tracks to Boone & Corn Crib. October 19. $169. A Saturday trip to Boone, Iowa, with a stop for a catered lunch at the “Corn Crib” in Madrid, and wine tasting from the Snus Hill Winery. Includes a one-hour and 45-minute steam locomotive train ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, a ride on the electric trolley, and the Railroad Museum & History Center.

Daniel O’Donnell in Branson. November 4-7. $689. See Daniel O’Donnell, Mel Tillis, Red, Hot…& Blue!, Dinner with Yakov, The Legends in Concert, and your choice of either Miracle of Christmas or The Haygoods.

Christmas at the Lofte. December 8. $99. ($89 if reserved before 10/8/13.) Enjoy another Sunday afternoon performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” followed by a great home cooked meal after the play.

Kansas City Christmas. December 11 - 12. $299. Enjoy a special holiday luncheon at the Webster House, New Theater Restaurant buffet dinner and evening performance of “Never Too Late” starring George Wendt from “Cheers.” “Christmas in Song” at the Quality Hill Playhouse, Toy & Miniature Museum, tour of Strawberry Hill Povitica Bakery, shopping at Crown Center and Zona Rosa, and lodging at the Drury.

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.)

New York City. May 15 - 19, 2014. Five days. Two Broadway shows, Greenwich Village, Wall Street, Ground Zero, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Harbor Cruise, Ellis Island. Stay at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in the heart of New York City six blocks from Central Park!

Northern National Parks. July 15 - 22, 2014. Eight days. Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, Grand Teton National Park, and Park City. Four-night stay at the Snow King Lodge in Jackson, Wy. Reflections of Italy. September 10 - 19, 2014.10 days. Rome, Coliseum, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, Florence, Chianti Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Como, Lugano, Switzerland.

Spectacular South Africa. November 10 - 22, 2014. 13 days. Enjoy springtime in South Africa including Johannesburg, Soweto, Kruger National Park, a Safari game drive, a lagoon cruise in the Knysna Featherbed National Reserve, an Ostrich Farm Visit, Cape Winelands, Cape Town, Table Mountain, traditional African dining, and more. A trip of a lifetime!

Laughlin Laughlin in November (by Air). November 29 – December 2. $329. Includes nonstop, round-trip airfare to Laughlin, Nevada, three nights lodging at the Riverside Resort and Casino on the banks of the Colorado River, and shuttle trans-portation to and from the airport. During this trip Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers will entertain at the Riverside Resort and Smokey Robinson will perform at the Edgewater Resort.

Watch New Horizons and our website www.fontenelletours.com for our trip schedule.

December 10 Christmas Music

Our new address is: 2008 W. Broadway #329, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501

October 2013

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The 211 network can provide info Comedy at Blue Barn Theatre through Oct. 18 about community, human services Call 402-345-1676 for tickets

Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage, translated by Christopher Hampton, will be on stage at the Blue Barn Theatre, 614 S. 11th St., through Oct. 18.

The comedy features two high-strung couples that discuss a playground altercation between their two sons. God of Carnage looks at relationships between spouses

and friends and what happens when things push people over the edge.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for persons age 65 and older.

For tickets or more information, please call 402-345-1676.

New Cassel Retirement Center Celebrating 40 Years of Caring Our Legacy Continues...

§ 24-Hour Health Services § Restaurant Style Meals § Weekly Housekeeping § Scheduled Transportation § Safe & Secure Environment

§ Daily Mass & Rosary § Weekly Inter-Faith Service § Utilities / Cable § Social Activities § Gift Shop / Beauty Salon

It’s Truly a Place to Call Home!

Call (402) 393-2277/ 900 North 90th Street Omaha, NE 68114 / www.newcassel.org Sponsored by the School Sisters of Saint Francis

T

he 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, etc.

• Physical and mental health resources.

• Employment support.

• Support for older Americans and persons with a disability.

• Volunteer opportunities and donations.

The 211 network is open 24 hours a day, seven days

a week. The information is also available online at www.ne211.org.

NARFE meetings

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees’ Chapter 144 meets the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz. For more information, please call 402-333-6460.

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees’ Aksarben Chapter 1370 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz. For more information, please call 402-392-0624.

Dora Bingel Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Dora Bingel Senior Center, 923 N. 38th St., this month for the following: • Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29: Grief Support Group @ 10 a.m.

• Oct. 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, & 30: Ceramics class @ 9 a.m.

• Oct. 2: Holy Communion @ 11 a.m.

• Oct 7, 14, 21, & 28: Al-Anon meeting @ 7 p.m.

• Oct. 16: Regeneration Lunch with singer Charlie Glasgow from the Merrymakers @ 11:30 a.m. The cost is $3.

• Oct. 17: Red Hat Club meeting @ noon.

• Oct. 25: Hard of Hearing Support Group @10:30 a.m.

• Oct. 30: Birthday 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 a foot care clinic the third Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10.

Tuesdays: free matinee @ 12:30 p.m. and quilting group @ 1 p.m.

Wednesday: Devotions @ 10:30 a.m., Tai Chi @ 11:15 a.m., Bingo @ 1 p.m., and Bible study @ 1 p.m.

Friday: Joy Club Devotions @ 9:30 a.m.

For more information, please call 402-898-5854.

Program for caregivers slated for Oct. 29 You’re invited to attend a program titled Resources and Tools for Caregivers on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 9:15 to 11 a.m. in the lower level lecture hall at the New Cassel Retirement Center, 900 N. 90th St. Sponsored by Powerful Tools for Caregivers and CaringConcepts, Inc., the event will feature a presentation on Spirituality and the Caregiver by New Cassel’s Mary Eileen Andresen, MSN, RN. Four hours of adult day services for the participants’ loved ones are available for $25 at New Cassel’s Franciscan Centre. Reservations for the adult day services can be made by calling 402-393-2277.

The fee for Resources and Tools for Caregivers is $5. Registration – which is required by Oct. 25 – can be made by sending your name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number along with a check for $5 (made out to CaringConcepts) to CaringConcepts, 920 S. 206th Ave., Elkhorn, Neb. 68022.

The registration form is available online at www.caringconcepts.org. Click on Resources and Tools for Caregivers.

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AAA: The cost of owning a vehicle has increased by $175 since 2012

R

esults from the AAA 2013 vehicle ownership study shows that compared to last year, it costs about $175 more to own and operate a new sedan annually.

The average costs rose 1.17 cents per mile to the new rate of 60.8 cents per mile, or $9,122 per year, based upon 15,000 miles of annual driving.

Typical SUV costs climbed to $11,599 yearly or 77.3 cents per mile.

While several vehicles involved in the study had increases in fuel economy, it wasn’t enough to offset higher maintenance, depreciation, and insurance costs.

Gas prices were relatively stable compared to the previous year, increasing less than 2 percent to 14.45 cents per mile on average for sedans.

The costs associated with maintaining a vehicle had the single largest percentage increase from 2012 to 2013, growing by 11.26 percent to nearly five cents per mile on average for sedan owners.

AAA calculates the average costs of owning and operating the five top-selling models in three popular size classes including small, medium, and large sedans. Though not part of the AAA composite average, SUV and minivan costs are also included in the brochure.

Visit www.Newsroom.AAA.com to download a copy of the new Driving Cost brochure that includes a worksheet enabling car owners to calculate their driving costs.

“As a Board Certified Audioprosthologist, I have fit over 22,000 hearing aids. The Starkey Wireless Wi hearing aid works best in all situations.”

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Please support New Horizons advertisers

Senior Moving Services

“Moving services personally tailored for seniors.”

We offer a full range of moving services that we believe can reduce the stress and anxiety related to your move. We specialize in both the physical and the emotional aspects of this type of move.

Examples of Services: • Provide a complimentary in-home assessment to determine your transitional needs.

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate all aspects of the move.

• Prepare a floor plan.

• Organize, sort, pack, and unpack household contents.

• Prepare change of address for mail delivery.

• Coordinate transfer of utilities, phone, and cable service.

• Disconnect and reconnect electronics.

• Unpack and settle your new home including hang the shower curtain, make the beds, and hang the pictures; making your new home feel familiar.

• Coordinate shipment of special heirlooms to family members.

To learn more, contact

Senior Moving Services

• Coordinate a profitable dispersal of remaining household items through estate sale, auction, consignment, and/or donation.

today at

We understand the anxiety and the challenges, and we will personally see you through the entire move process; from the first phone call until the last picture is hung. There is hard work to be done and well will be with you every step of the way.

October 2013

402-445-0996

www.seniormovingservices.com

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New Horizons

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Older Nebraskans have free access to legal information Legal Aid of Nebraska operates a free telephone access line for Nebraskans age 60 and older.

Information is offered to help the state’s older men and women with questions on topics like bankruptcy, homestead exemptions, collections, powers of attorney, Medicare, Medicaid, grandparent rights, and Section 8 housing.

The telephone number for the Elder Access Line is 402-827-5656 in Omaha and 1-800-527-7249 statewide.

This service is available to Nebraskans age 60 and older regardless of income, race, or ethnicity.

For more information, log on the Internet to http:// www.legalaidofnebraska.com/EAL.

Millard Senior Center at Montclair You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., for the following: • Wednesday, Oct. 2: Basket weaving classes at 9 a.m. and noon. The cost is $17 (includes materials). The class size is limited, so sign up today.

• Wednesday, Oct. 9: We’ll be making dresses for the young girls in Africa @ 9 a.m.

• Friday, Oct. 18: Senior Health Fair. See the story on page 13 for more information.

• Tuesday, Oct. 29: Halloween party. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume.

• Wednesday, Oct. 30: Holiday craft making class.

Call Susan @ 402-546-1270 for more information.

The Millard Senior Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30. A $3 donation (free on your birthday) 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 (join and get a free t-shirt), Tai Chi class (Mondays and Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for a $1 suggested donation), chair volleyball (Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.), quilting (Tuesdays @ 9 a.m.), card games, quilting on Thursdays @ 9 a.m., and bingo (Tuesdays and Fridays @ noon).

For meal reservations and more information, please call Susan Sunderman at 402-546-1270.

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 get help if you ever need it. In a fall or emergency, every second counts. Lifeline by Immanuel with AutoAlert is a medical alert pendent that can automatically call for help, even if you can’t push your button. Getting you connected 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.

Aging with Passion and Purpose conference set for Oct. 20, 21 at U. of Nebraska Omaha

R

ecent advances in gerontechnology are the focus of the Aging with Passion & Purpose: Aging Well in the Age of Technology, a biennial conference being held Sunday, Oct. 20 and Monday, Oct. 21 on the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Dodge Street campus.

“Gerontechology is technology in the form of products, services, and interventions that enhances the quality and way of life of aging individuals by ensuring good health, full social participation, and independent living,” said Melanie Kiper, community service associate in UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research.

“The current cohorts of elders, those 65 and older, have been part of the greatest revolution in technology,” said Dr. Julie Masters, conference chair and chair of the UNO Department of Gerontology. “They lived during the information evolution from radio to television to microwave ovens to iPhones.”

The conference will open on Oct. 20 with a presentation by R. Benjamin Knapp, Ph.D. Dr. Knapp is the director of the Virginia Tech Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology.

Other speakers will include: • Rev. Chris Alexander of the Countryside Community Church in Omaha.

• Leta Powell Drake, a long-time Nebraska media figure, currently with the Nebraska Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame.

• Nick Stergiou, Ph.D., from the UNO Nebraska Biomechanics Core Facility.

• Deepak Khazanchi, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs at UNO’s College of Information, Science, and Technology.

• Jeremy Lipschultz, Ph.D., from UNO’s School of Communication.

“Baby boomers are among the fastest growing group using social network sites,” said Lipschultz. “It’s important to understand social media as a growing business

The free event will feature: • Altar displays • Food (for purchase) • Live music • Cultural performances • A raffle • Haunted house

www.immanuellifeline.com

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October 2013

that targets older people. I’ll be exploring how this is done in order to expand audience members’ media literacy skills.”

“We will be using Twitter before and during the conference so people can share their conference experiences,” said Ilze Zigurs, former chair of UNO’s Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Analysis. “We will use YouTube to share video clips prior to the conference to highlight key events, during, and after the conference to share experiences.”

In addition to these keynotes, the conference will offer theme-related breakout sessions, an opportunity to talk one-on-one with experts in the older adult industry, a live broadcast of the interactive web-based program Darkwood Brew, and a tour of the brand new Biomechanics Research Building on the UNO campus.

“Our primary audience will be aging professionals, nursing home and hospital administrators, healthcare providers, service providers, researchers, designers, builders, caregivers, educators, and students; however, all are welcome,” said Kiper.

Register for the conference by visiting www.unomaha.edu/app2013.

Early registration is $75 for both days, $25 for Sunday only, and $50 for Monday only. Interested parties can take advantage of early registration until Oct. 1, after which registration is $100 for a single day or both days, or $120 for a single day or both days with the inclusion of earning Continuing Education Unit credits.

For questions about Aging with Passion & Purpose: Aging Well in the Age of Technology, contact Cathy Wyatt at 402-6619611 or by e-mail at cwyatt@artofaginginc. com.

For questions about the UNO Department of Gerontology, contact Charley Reed, UNO media relations coordinator, at 402-554-2129 or by e-mail at unonews@ unomaha.edu.

ENOA menu for October 2013 Tuesday, Oct. 1 Salisbury Beef Wednesday, Oct. 2 Ham & White Beans Thursday, Oct. 3 Breaded Chicken Patty Friday, Oct. 4 Swiss Steak w/Gravy Monday, Oct. 7 Baked Chicken Breast w/Gravy Tuesday, Oct. 8 Apple Glazed Pork Patty Wednesday, Oct. 9 Roast Beef

Thursday, Oct. 17 Sausage w/Sauerkraut Friday, Oct. 18 Beef Stew Monday, Oct. 21 Pork Loin w/Dijon Sauce Tuesday, Oct. 22 Crunchy Pollock Wednesday, Oct. 23 Soft Shell Beef Taco Thursday, Oct. 24 Ham & Potato Casserole

Thursday, Oct. 10 Turkey Fritter

Friday, Oct. 25 Meatloaf w/Brown Gravy

Friday, Oct. 11 Meatball Stroganoff Over Pasta

Monday, Oct. 28 Baked Potato w/Sour Cream

Monday, Oct. 14 CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY

Tuesday, Oct. 29 Swedish Meatballs

Tuesday, Oct. 15 Turkey Breast w/Gravy

Wednesday, Oct. 30 Baked Turkey Ham

Wednesday, Oct. 16 Italian Style Pork Patty

Thursday, Oct. 31 Halloween Meal Cheeseburger

Corrigan Senior Center events calendar You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St. this month for: • Thursday, Oct. 3: Presentation on Healthy Aging by Carole Lainoff @ 11 a.m. Stay for a tasty noon lunch of a breaded chicken patty or a roast beef and cheese sandwich. Bingo will follow the noon lunch.

• Thursday, Oct. 17: Oktoberfest Dinner Dance. Enjoy great food, raffles, and dancing. The Red Raven polka band returns to entertain us @ 11 a.m. The noon lunch menu is pork roast w/gravy, seasoned red potatoes, peas and carrots, sauerkraut, rye bread, and apple pie.

Music and dancing follow the meal. The reservation deadline is noon on Friday, Oct. 11.

• Monday, Oct. 21: Birthday party featuring entertainment by Kim Eames sponsored by the Merrymakers and Medibadge @ 11 a.m. Join us for some lively music, lunch, and bingo as we celebrate the October birthdays. Stay for a tasty noon pork loin or southwest chicken salad lunch and bingo.

• Thursday, Oct. 31: Halloween Party.

Come to the Corrigan haunted house for trick or treats, a costume contest, a

tasty lunch, entertainment and Bingo.

Vocalist and keyboard player Bob Ford from the Grease Band will play Halloween music @ 11:15. Bingo will follow lunch. The noon lunch menu is a cheeseburger, potato wedges, and Halloween (or plain) cake. A deli turkey sandwich is also available.

The center will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14 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.

We offer chair volleyball Tuesday and Thursday @ 11 a.m., Tai Chi on Tuesday and Thursday @ 10 a.m., card games, Bingo, ceramics, exercise, woodcarving, and loads of fun!

For meal reservations or more information, please call Lynnette at 402-731-7210.

Participants needed for a COPD Research Study IRB # 397-11 A clinical outcomes study to compare the effect of Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Inhalation Powder 100/25-mcg with placebo on survival in subjects with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a history of or an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

(Protocol HZC113782) Do you have COPD and a history of cardiovascular disease?

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is conducting a clinical trial of an investigational medication for people with emphysema. The study drug combines a long-acting beta-agonist with corticosteroid in a single inhaler.

You may be eligible if you: • Have a diagnosis of moderate COPD. • Have a history or risk of heart disease.

• Are between 40 and 80 years of age.

• Are a current or former smoker.

You will receive an investigational study drug or placebo, & study-related medical and study procedures at no charge.

Please call Sandy Talbott at 402-559-6365 or email her at stalbott@unmc.edu if you are interested in participating in this study.

October 2013

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House transformed into a place for social engagement

Betsy Scott and John Backus enjoyed hot cups of coffee during a recent Saturday morning visit to the Minne Lusa House.

By Leo Adam Biga Contributing Writer

C

lose friends Sharon Olson and Beth Richards are the neighborhood moms, porch ladies, and activists behind a popular project in northeast Omaha, the Minne Lusa House, totally of their own making.

Without a grant or loan to assist them, these ladies bought and restored an old, run down house in their Minne Lusa neighborhood for the express purpose of making it a place of social engagement. It’s an expression of their shared love for people, conversation, canning, and community.

The tan, stucco structure at 2737 Mary St. is a kind of neighborhood clubhouse where folks come for private canning lessons, public workshops, and the every Saturday Morning Brew open house. Groups also hold meetings there. Writers, artists, and others use it as a quiet sanctuary for creative inspiration and meditation.

These women fixed up the house with the sweat equity of friends, neighbors, and local contractors, tearing down walls, gutting entire rooms, replacing the attic floor, and making many major improvements.

They’ve done it all with their own money and without the aid of a church, community organization, or government program. “And never will as far as I’m concerned,” says Olson, who believes in self-sufficiency. “Why wait until you die and

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give your money to somebody who doesn’t even care what happens, when you can spend your money and do things in a neighborhood that maybe will make a change?”

The cozy home includes a pantry with metal shelving units filled with jars packed to the brim with canned tomatoes, bruschetta, spaghetti sauce, salsa, pickled peaches, sweet and dill pickles, relishes, jams, and jellies. The pantry has two antique tools used during the canning process – a hanging scale and a pestle and mortar from Olson’s druggist grandfather. More shelving units store the pickling spices, flour, and other ingredients used in the canning and baking that goes on there.

When truckloads of corn or bushels full of tomatoes come in from community gardens and local farms there’s a buzz of activity as folks gather at the Minne Lusa House to shuck, peel, chop, boil, spice, and can the bounty. It’s a throwback to the canning parties and barn-raisings of yesteryear.

Right-hand gals Diane FransonKrisor and Diana McIntosh, part of the crew that helped Olson and Richards rehab the house, are regulars at the Saturday brews that feature hot coffee, tea, and assorted homemade toppings and spreads to garnish freshly baked biscuits, turnovers, and bagels. Richards is the canner while Olson is the baker.

Millard resident Betsy Scott has become a Saturday morning Minne Lusa House devotee despite the long commute.

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“Instantly I felt welcomed,” she says. “I just felt at home with Sharon, Beth, Diane, and Diana. Every week I kept coming back I got more and more excited to come up. It’s all about the apple turnovers and the fresh biscuits with the homemade jelly. It’s about, ‘Here, try my tomato jam.’ It brings people together and that’s never a bad thing.”

Scott says the dozens of people who make it to these weekly coffee klatches are attracted like she is to what Olson and Richards embody.

“Their passion for community and for the house itself, their love of canning, and their love of people.

They make every single person feel welcome when they come in, and by the time you leave you feel like you’ve known them forever. I think everyone walks away feeling like they’ve made some new friends. It’s kind of like Cheers but without the beer and without Norm.”

Franson-Krisor grew up in Minne Lusa and she cherishes what the project provides.

“I think it’s wonderful because every neighborhood needs a gathering place. They have really changed this area a lot. I’ve been here (Minne Lusa) for 52 years in a house on the corner, and growing up was all about neighbors communing. That was the thing to do.

All the mothers got together and the kids played. And this is bringing it back.

“Somebody referred to Beth and Sharon as the porch ladies, and that’s how it was when we were growing up,” Franson-Krisor continued. “The women talked over coffee and the kids played, and that’s what’s coming back because of this place. It’s like we’re all one little family here.”

Because it’s neutral ground, elected officials and public servants come to the Minne Lusa House to hear concerns from their constituency. Everyone from Omaha city council members to the police chief has visited. It’s a safehouse for children and adults escaping trouble at home. When there’s an issue in the neighborhood, whether illegal

Beth Richards, a retired USPS mail carrier, has discovered a unique way to spend her retirement years.

October 2013

dumping, unkempt property, or illicit drug dealing, residents view Olson and Richards as the go-to resources to contact the authorities. When there’s something that needs organizing, the “old ladies” at the Minne Lusa House are among the first ones people contact to get things done.

Richards says, “Some people who are afraid to call the police will call us and say, ‘This is going on on our block, can you help us out?’ Sharon is great politically. She’ll go to public hearings, listen, and make her presence known. I’ll tell you right now when (Omaha City Council District 2 representative) Ben Gray sees Sharon he goes, ‘Oh oh.’

Sharon puts them to the task. They know her. That’s what it takes.”

“You have to be a tough person to be down here,” says Olson.

Both Sharon and Beth are strong, assertive, plain-talking, live-outloud types. Olson can be sarcastic.

Richards is more diplomatic. Richards says they’re just enough different to “make it work because there is a balance between the yin and the yang.”

Friends say Olson and Richards personify the do-it-yourself independence, give-the-shirt-off-yourback generosity, puff-out-yourchest pride, and glad-to-know-you warmth that characterize Minne Lusa.

S

ituated between Miller Park and Florence in a tucked away sector east of North 30th Street, Minne Lusa was formed in 1916 by Charles Martin, who designed a neighborhood with California Bungalowstyle homes of wood, stucco, and brick. The homes were built in what was then a cornfield. A pretty boulevard runs through the heart of the area. Many homes and yards are beautifully maintained. The area is enjoying a resurgence of interest because its character-rich homes featuring natural wood floors, ample windows, fireplaces, generous porches, and detached garages sell at highly affordable prices.

Richards says part of the motivation behind the project is “to get the name Minne Lusa out there because nobody knew where Minne Lusa was. We’re not Florence, we’re Minne Lusa. We’re here to promote the neighborhood and to get people to know each other.”

The house has hosted an arts and crafts show and may host another this fall. It also organizes the annual Trick or Treat on the Boo-Levard during Halloween. Minne Lusa Boulevard is decorated for the occasion.

Efforts are underway to get Minne Lusa designated a National Register of Historic Places district.

Olson and Richards support the initiative because they’re so devoted to the neighborhood, generating appreciation for it, and for what makes it special.

--Please turn to page 11.

Beth, Sharon working to restore a sense of community

Diana McIntosh was among the crew members who helped restore the Minne Lusa House.

--Continued from page 10.

These women of a certain age grew up in a time when tight-knit neighborhoods were the rule, not the exception. Olson, a retired phone company employee, resides in the same Minne Lusa house she was raised in and does all she can to preserve the sense of neighborliness and community she’s valued there all her life.

Richards, who fell hard for Minne Lusa during 15 years as a mail carrier there, bought a house in the neighborhood, and the retired U.S. Postal Service employee has made the area her home ever since. She’s flipped some homes there and she takes pains to only sell her properties to buyers with the same sense of community she has.

Much as Olson did, Richards too came of age knowing her neighbors, only not in Omaha but in the small town of Garwin, Iowa where she grew up. The friendly people of Minne Lusa made an impression on Richards because they reminded her of how the people in her hometown related to each other and she wanted to be a part of that again.

“I really like the people,” says Richards. “I just fell in love with this neighborhood.

It’s got a lot of promise, it’s got great homes. When I carried mail here for 15 years I knew everybody who lived between 30th and 24th (streets), from Whitmore Street up to Sharon Drive, and I’d think, ‘Well, it’s too bad these people don’t know these people because they’d really get

along.’ And so now I think we’re slowly getting those people to know each other.”

Among those Richards got to know on her mail route was Olson.

“Sharon and I talked a lot and we became friends over time,” says Beth.

Richards says she and Olson joined the Minne Lusa Neighborhood Association about the same time.

Their idea for the Minne Lusa House was to create an open space that draws people together.

Our goal always was just bringing the neighborhood together,” says Olson.

“People don’t talk to each other the way they used to.

When I grew up neighbors spoke to one another. You

didn’t have to love them, you didn’t have to break bread with them, but you were nice to them, and talked to them. We don’t do that anymore. Well, we do on my block. So the goal was always to bring that back somehow.”

For years Olson held a block party on the stretch of Martin Avenue she lives on.

“I thought that was a good way to get everybody to know everybody,” she says.

Richards says it’s just one of many ways her friend “was working” on strengthening neighborhood and community before the Minne Lusa House was created. For both women it’s a personal mission.

“The old neighborhoods are all fractured because we have issues with landlords that own properties that don’t take care of their places,” says Olson. “We have landlords that rent indiscriminately to anyone and then it just ruins a neighborhood.”

Richards says, “That’s one of the things that drew us together because we’re both angry about what the landlords are doing to older neighborhoods and to our neighborhood.”

These ladies don’t take things lying down either.

When renters in a neighborhood house were causing frequent disturbances with loud music and late night partying, Richards sprung into action.

“I got the landlord’s name and when the neighbors were partying I’d call the landlord at midnight and leave messages, saying,

Diane Franson-Krisor, who grew up and still lives in the Minne Lusa area, relaxes on the front porch at the Minne Lusa House with Wrigley.

‘We’ve got a problem here on Mary (Street), we can’t sleep, the cops have been here, and if we can’t sleep you can’t sleep.’ The landlord finally called me to say they were working on it and finally those people (causing the disturbance) moved out.”

Richards says the landlord promised to be more diligent about the selection of tenants.

“They’ve got nice people in there now,” she adds.

Olson says the problem of absentee landlords “isn’t just in our neighborhood, it’s anywhere east of 72nd Street. People can walk in and buy these houses for $20,000 or $10,000. They do not put a dime into them

and then they’ve got people renting that aren’t going to take care of anything. They don’t better your neighborhood, they destroy your neighborhood.”

She and Richards say many inner city vacant lots and abandoned homes are owned by landlords who live out of state and won’t let go of the properties except for exorbitant prices.

Meanwhile, taxpayers absorb the costs of cutting overgrown weeds or razing structures. Neighbors are left to deal with the blight, eyesores, and dangers that come with empty or unattended properties.

“It’s wrong, this whole system,” says Olson.

--Please turn to page 12.

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(402) 392-0767 • www.BethesdaSeniorLiving.com October 2013

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Friends focused on overcoming north Omaha’s negative image

Andi Starr is among the regular visitors at the Minne Lusa House’s Morning Brew events on Saturdays.

--Continued from page 11.

“We’ve talked to Ben Gray about it,” says Richards. “We’re working on it.”

O

pened in 2011, the Minne Lusa House has become the very gathering spot and conduit for action the women envisioned.

“When this house became available it was primarily for us to say, ‘Let’s try this and see if it will work.’ The means to doing that was canning. Canning brought people in. And as you can see there is nothing here that distracts them,” Olson says, referring to the TV-less kitchen, dining room, and living room.

The office, pantry, finished attic, and basement have no TVs either.

“People have to speak to one another and when you’re canning you have to talk to each other or you won’t have a very good product when you get done,” she adds.

“The canning is fun,” says Richards. “The best part is when somebody tries it and goes, ‘Oh my God, this is great.’ That’s our reward.”

Franson-Krisor says she’s learned to can, garden, and do home improvement projects from working alongside Richards.

Olson fondly recalls a woman who learned to can at the house.

“She sent the cucumber relish she made all over the country to her family and was the hit at Christmas, so she’s a memory to me.”

Then there’s the mother and daughter team who visit. The mother insists on sampling everything while the daughter busies

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herself canning. Upon leaving, the mother beams about how much “WE’VE canned.” The camaraderie is what she’s really after, according to Olson.

A surprising number of young people, including families with small children, come to the Minne Lusa House to can.

T

wo more Saturday morning regulars are husband and wife ministers John and Liz Backus, who live across the street and pastor at nearby Trinity Lutheran Church.

Lots of laughter and stories ensue during their stay.

“Those are things you just can’t put a price tag on,” says Olson. “I think we get more from this than maybe anybody else does. We get to meet all these fun, interesting people. We have a good time with them. We tell people, ‘Don’t come if you don’t want to have a good time.’”

“We’re going to have fun,” adds Richards.

The women didn’t expect all the attention their endeavor has attracted, including an Omaha WorldHerald feature that helped put the Minne Lusa House on the map. As a result the house has become a magnet both for folks in the neighborhood and from well beyond its borders.

“We’ve had people from Council Bluffs, Papillion, Ralston, (and) Gretna come down here for canning lessons,” says Olson.

The way the Minne Lusa House has caught on has taken the founders by surprise.

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Richards says, “When we started this we didn’t know where this was going to go. We had no clue. We didn’t see that coming. We were just going to be a little neighborhood house, and then slowly spread it through the neighborhood.”

The Minne Lusa House captures people’s imagination. Donated boxes of jars and other canning supplies regularly arrive on the front porch. Harvested produce is left for the women to can. Proceeds from the products they make go right back into the house. A Minne Lusa native living in Florida discovered the project and sent personalized coffee mugs.

“We have wonderful support,” Olson says.

She and Richards don’t believe in planning too far ahead or following a strict plan. They just ride the wave and take things as they come.

“Today if you asked us what we would do next year we cannot tell you that. It just falls,” says Olson.

“We don’t set goals. I worked 30 years for the phone company. I’m not putting together any business plan. I’m done with that. We fly by the seat of our pants. Too many years of structure, Beth had structure with the post office for God’s sake. We don’t need that. Nobody needs to tell us what to do.”

Beth and Sharon aren’t sure what the house’s future may be when they’re gone or decide to step down.

“If something happens and we have to shut it down, then we shut it down. There’s no pressure,” says Richards.

Olson can’t see it continuing in its present form or with the same name under someone else’s leadership. “I mean, it’s the Minne Lusa House, it’s unique. If we couldn’t do it anymore and somebody wanted to buy it, it couldn’t be (the) Minne Lusa House anymore, at least not for me.”

Richards says it’s possible the house could always return to being a private residence. “We set it up that if we failed we’d probably lose money but we could sell it as a home for somebody to live in.”

The 1918 built home was occupied by several families over its history, the longest period, 45 years, by the Joseph and Clella Frolio family, who resided there from 1961 to 2005. The Frolio children left some indelible marks in the home, such as a pattern of BB gun pellet holes in one basement wall and handprints on another basement wall. Here and there are personal touches by Olson and Richards, including a vintage rocking chair that belonged to Beth’s great-grandmother.

A plaque hanging in the home’s front room details the chronology and names of the various people who dwelled there.

Olson and Richards hope to create a Minne Lusa museum in the attic to display the photographs and articles they’ve collected about the neighborhood with which they feel such a kinship.

The pair don’t like the bad rap north Omaha gets and they see the Minne Lusa House as a touchstone where people’s negative attitudes and perceptions about the area can be overturned.

“It’s a concept you have to change and it doesn’t get changed overnight,” says Richards.

“People go, ‘Oh my God, it’s north Omaha, there’s shootings, I can’t come there,” bemoans Olson. “(Some) people will not come down here because they’re scared they’re going to be shot. So when we have big groups of people we always say, ‘Do you know where you are? This is The Hood.’ Then they see for themselves what a beautiful area it is.”

Richards says, “We’re bringing people from out of the community into the community, where they find out it’s kind of nice up here. It’s by word of mouth and it spreads.”

More than anything, she says, “What we’ve accomplished is that every day neighbors are getting to know each other.”

Keep up with the doings at the Minne Lusa House at www.facebook.com/minne.house.

(Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.wordpress. com.)

This welcoming sign rests near the front porch at the Minne Lusa House, 2737 Mary St.

October 2013

AARP is offering computer, photo classes during fall The AARP Nebraska Information Center and Kids Can are collaborating to offer classes in basic computer skills for older adults.

The classes – which will be taught at Kids Can, 4860 Q St., – are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons through mid-December.

The cost of the course is $15. You don’t have to be an AARP member to take the course.

A one-afternoon class on the basics of digital photography is also available through AARP and Kids Can. To sign up for either course or for more information, please call 402-3989568.

Nature programs The Fontenelle Nature Association’s SUN (Seniors Understanding Nature) program offers activities 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 $6 per person each month.

For more information, please call Catherine at 402-731-3140, ext. 1019.

Here are the programs: • Oct. 8: One Hundred Years of the Forest.

• Nov. 12: Backyard Birds in Winter.

• Dec. 10: Evergreens for All Seasons.

Eclectic Book Review Club to meet Oct. 15

T

he Eclectic Book Review Club, in its 64th season, continues the 2013 series at the Omaha Field Club, 3615 Woolworth Ave. A noon lunch will be followed by the 12:30 review.

• Oct. 15: University of Nebraska Lincoln professor Andrew Jewell and The Selected Letters of Willa Cather.

• Nov. 19: Creighton University professor Eileen Wirth and From Society Page to Front Page: Nebraska Women in Journalism.

The cost of the luncheons is $13. To reserve your spot, please call Rita at 402-5533147.

Read it & eat

By Lois Friedman readitandeat@yahoo.com

Recipes to prepare you for fall It’s about time to start thinking of the harvest season and putting-up, canning, and cooking heartier dishes for fall.

These cookbooks are loaded with delicious recipes and ideas.

300 Best Rice Cooker Recipes

By Katie Chin (Robert Rose, $24.95) Following the Rice Cooker Know-how chapter are 10 chapters and 300 international recipes with tips and variations for breakfast through desserts. Long and short rice, grains, and legumes using this “handy gizmo” which is a “fast slow cooker.”

One Pan, Two Plates

By Carla Snyder (Chronicle, $24.95) This cooking teacher shares more than 100 dinner meal recipes for two with hints and suggestions. Winter Frittata, Goulash, Stew, Jambalaya, and more cooked in a heavy skillet. Just the recipes you were looking for with detailed instructions.

Salt Block Cooking

By Mark Bitterman (Andrews McMeel, $24.99) The award-winning author guides you through using Himalayan salt blocks from Pakistan to prepare 70 recipes.

Salt block 101 know-how and how-to in this innovative cooking technique from pizza stone hot to chilled caramels cool.

One-Pot Wonders

By Clifford A. Wright (Houghton Mifflin, $23.99) Cooking in a skillet, wok, roasting pan, or casserole dish.

Twenty icons for pots and pans are shown with everything cooked together for soups, salads, and dinners. International recipes with clear numerical instructions.

Senior Health Fair scheduled for Oct. 18 at Millard Senior Center You’re invited to attend the Fall Senior Health Fair on Friday, Oct. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave. The event will feature nurses providing blood sugar level checks and pharmacists to take blood pressure readings and to discuss the hazards of high blood pressure. Flu shot vaccinations and a talk by an ENOA nutritionist on eating properly will also be included.

Participants age 60 and older are welcome to stay for an 11:30 a.m. lunch at the center.

The suggested donation for the meal is $3. Reservations – which need to be made by noon on Thursday, Oct. 17 – are available by calling 402-546-1270.

For more information on the health fair, please call 402444-6513.

AARP is offering driving class AARP is offering a four-hour course on safe driving.

The class is designed to teach older drivers how to boost safety awareness, refresh and improve their driving skills, and minimize crash risks.

There are no exams or tests involved. Participants will receive a certificate of completion. Insurance discounts may apply.

The class cost $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-AARP members.

Here’s the course schedule for this month: Friday, Oct. 11 Noon to 4 p.m.

Metropolitan Community College 27th & Q streets Class ID #: AUAV-004N-71 To register, call 402-457-5231

Rotisserie Chicken Cookbook Edited By Southern Living (Oxmoor, $14.95) Pick up a rotisserie chicken and bring home 101 Southern Living magazine tested recipes including 70 soup, salad, and main dish chicken recipes and two dozen side dishes for busy weeknight dinners, pot lucks, and family gatherings. Notes and “Grab and Go!” ideas. Try this hearty stew.

Saturday, Oct. 12 1 to 5 p.m.

AARP Information Center 1941 S. 42nd St To register, call 402-457-5231 Wednesday, Oct. 23 Noon to 4 p.m.

Bloomfield Forum 9804 Nicholas St. To register, call 402-390-9991

Brunswick Stew

Makes 8 to 10 servings Hands-on time: 5 minutes • Total time: 30 minutes 3 cups chicken broth 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken 1 (24-oz.) container barbecued shredded pork 1 (16-oz.) package frozen vegetable gumbo mixture 1 (10-oz.) package frozen corn 1/2 (10-oz.) package frozen petite lima beans 1/2 cup ketchup Bring all ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally for 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

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Heartland Family Service Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Heartland Family Service Senior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. for the following: • Oct. 2: Visit from Skutt High School students for games, manicures, and more.

• Oct. 7: Reminisce with LaToya.

• Oct. 9: Birthday party with entertainment by the Links @ 10:45 a.m.

• Oct. 11: Trip to the Zoo. Call Karen at 402-552-7480 for more information.

• Oct. 15: Red Hat Society meeting @ Cheddars.

• Oct. 16: Visit from Creighton Prep High students.

• Oct. 31: Halloween party @ 11 a.m.

The center will be closed Oct. 14 for Columbus Day. 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.

Transportation is available within specific boundaries for 50 cents each way.

Regular activities include Tai Chi classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday @ 10:15 a.m. and a nurse visit by Margo Mondays. Call for an appointment.

For meal reservations or more information, please call Karen at 402-552-7480 or the front desk at 402-553-5300.

Our services include:

The second in the Omaha World Adventurers’ 2013-14 season of Escape travelogue films is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Village Pointe Theater, 304 N. 174th St. Showings of Dennis Burkhart’s Stern Wheeling’s Alaska’s Inside Passage are scheduled for 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Burkhart, a Travel Channel producer and director who has filmed more than 85 national parks, will be on hand to explore the wilderness and waterways of Alaska’s Inside Passage while viewers experience the bygone elegance from the Golden Age of stern wheel cruising.

Armchair travelers will enjoy Alaska’s natural wonders and raw ruggedness while visiting places like Sitka, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau.

Viewers can climb aboard the White Horse & Yukon Railroad for sightseeing, whale watch, and view wildlife in its natural setting.

Tickets for the 80-minutes long Stern Wheeling’s Alaska’s Inside Passage are $13 at the door.

Filmmaker The Omaha World Adventurers’ film series is a RJ Enterprises, Inc. production.

Dennis Burkhart For more information, please call 866-385-3824.

WhyArts? exhibition featuring older adults set for Oct. 25 to 28 at Bancroft Street Market

• Plan, schedule, and coordinate the move to your new house, apartment, or retirement community.

• Arrange for utilities, cable, and mail delivery changes.

• Organize estate sale, auction, donation pickup, or shipment.

• Arrange for temporary storage.

• Pack and unpack household contents.

• Coordinate cleaning, staging, and preparing the home before listing or closing.

Call today for a free estimate!

Katie Wray

Film series will take viewers to Alaska’s Inside Passage Oct. 22

402-651-2711 movingon@cox.net www.movingonomaha.com

WhyArts? is sponsoring Bridges, an exhibition of stories and memories retold by older adults through the arts Oct. 25 to 28 at the Bancroft Street Market, 13th and Bancroft streets.

Here’s the schedule: • Oct. 25: Opening night celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. At 6 p.m., there will be a presentation by the residents of Trinity Courtyard and refreshments.

• Oct. 26: Artwork on display from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Oct. 27: Artwork on display from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Oct. 28: Senior Arts Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will include arts activities, refreshments, and artwork on display.

For reservations or more information, please call 402-333-4450 or log on to www.whyartsinc.org.

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One in four Americans will develop foot complications due to diabetes.

Properly fitted shoes are essential for reducing these risks.

Wear Diabetic Shoes To Prevent Foot Complications!

Medicare may reimburse for 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pairs of shoe inserts per calendar year if qualifying conditions are met.

Diabetes Supply Center accepts assignment – we’ll bill Medicare and supplemental insurance for you!

Many styles available!

Diabetes-Supply.com

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49th & Q Street • 402-731-2118 www.southviewheightsomaha.com

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Health care, diabetic foot care screenings in Sarpy, Cass counties The Sarpy/Cass Department of Health and Wellness is sponsoring a series of monthly low-cost diabetic foot care and basic health care screenings for older men and women in Sarpy and Cass counties.

For $5, older adults can receive blood pressure and weight screenings, diabetic foot care, toenail trimming, and health care information.

To schedule an appointment, call 402-392-1818.

Pre-registration is required.

Here’s the schedule: • Bellevue Senior Center: 4th Thursday; 1 to 3 p.m.

• Eagle Senior Center: 2nd Tuesday; 10 a.m. to noon.

• Louisville Senior Center: 1st Wednesday; 10 a.m. to noon.

• Papillion Senior Center: 3rd Wednesday; 10 a.m. to noon.

• Plattsmouth Community Center: 3rd Monday, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Sarpy/Cass Department of Health & Wellness: 3rd Friday; 8 to 10 a.m.

The Sarpy/Cass Department of Health and Wellness in partnership with the Creighton University School of Pharmacy is also offering a free medication safety workshop on Monday, Oct. 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Galvin Rd. in Bellevue.

Participants will discuss management of multiple medications, the risk and benefits of over-the-counter medications, and medication safety.

To register, please call 402-339-4334, ext. 209.

Making Medicare make sense Q: It seems like I’m hearing about fraud and identity theft more often these days, especially against people with Medicare. Knowing the new way to shop for health insurance – the Marketplace – for other consumers is coming in October, I’m worried I could get scammed.

What do I need to know?

A: It’s always wise to be on the lookout for scams, fraud, and con artists, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services encourages you to always guard your personal information.

This is especially true in the upcoming open enrollment period because there may be dishonest people who try to take advantage of those who may not understand what’s happening and what they should or should not be doing.

What’s most important to remember is the Marketplace won’t affect your Medicare coverage or benefits. The Marketplace is primarily for people who don’t have health insurance, have had trouble obtaining coverage because of their health history, or who have individual policies that are expensive. The Marketplace will make quality health insurance more available and more affordable for these people.

If you have Medicare you already have high-quality, affordable coverage and don’t need to shop in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

However, as always, you’ll have the opportunity to change your Medicare coverage during the Medicare open enrollment period that runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this period, you can review your health and prescription drug plans and change them if you want. For example, you might find a plan that has lower out of pocket costs for the prescription medications you take. If you’re happy with what you have, you don’t need to do anything.

You’ll stay with your current choices in 2014.

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 402-444-6536, ext. 224.

In Dodge and Washington counties, please call 402721-7780.

The following have volunteer opportunities in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties: • The Disabled American Veterans/VA Medical Center needs volunteer drivers.

• Good 360 is looking for respite volunteers to process donations and sort items.

• The Douglas County Health Center wants

The Medicare open enrollment period is a time when there’s a higher risk of fraudulent activity. There could be a call or a knock at your door from someone offering you free services, saying you need a new Medicare card, or that you can enroll in a new plan by letting them take the money out of your bank account. Don’t do it!

Medicare will never call you at home unless you’ve already reported a problem. Medicare will never ask for your Social Security number because we already have that information. Medicare will never ask for your bank information unless you’ve called us requesting to pay your premiums automatically.

Likewise, never share your personal information with someone who knocks on your door or contacts you uninvited to sell you a health plan. That’s not allowed under Medicare rules. It’s also against the law for someone who knows you have Medicare to sell you a Marketplace health insurance policy because you don’t need one. Be ready to say “no” if this happens to you.

Finally, if you suspect fraud, please report it to the authorities. You can call your local police, the Nebraska Attorney General, or the Federal Trade Commission if you suspect identity theft. If it has anything to do with Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) anytime, day or night, to report it to us.

Please continue to look to our web resources at www.medicare.gov.www.healthcare.gov and www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.

Watch for future announcements for more information on the Marketplace and how to protect your privacy and financial information. If you have questions, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE any time for answers you can trust.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services want to stop Medicare fraud as much as you do, and together, we can.

(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provided this information.)

volunteers for a variety of assignments.

• Together Inc. is looking for an intake assistant and for a volunteer to coordinate communication efforts.

• Keep Omaha Beautiful/Helping Hands, Inc. wants volunteers for onetime yard cleaning projects.

• The Omaha Police Department needs volunteers for its telephone response unit. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed.

• The American Red

CarFit program slated for Oct. 11 A free CarFit inspection to help older adults drive safer and longer will be held at AgeWell by Immanuel at Trinity Village, 522 W. Lincoln St. in Papillion, on Friday, Oct. 11. The outdoor event will run from 9 a.m. until noon.

CarFit includes a 12-point check to ensure drivers are sitting properly in their vehicle and that the driver’s seat, seatbelt, mirrors, steering wheel, head restraint, gas/brake pedals, and other controls are positioned correctly.

Developed by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association, CarFit is an educational program designed to help mature drivers find out how well they fit with their vehicles, and what actions might be taken to improve this fit. A proper fit in one’s car can greatly increase the driver’s safety and the safety of other drivers.

Trained technicians representing the Creighton University School of Occupational Therapy and AARP will perform the 12-point checks that take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Interested participants should contact AARP at 402-3989568, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to register for the free event.

In addition to the free check, each participant at the CarFit will receive a complimentary large print road atlas and other useful safety items from AAA. To learn more about the CarFit program, visit www.car-fit.org.

Lot 92 • 2 bed 1 bath $12,000

Cross wants volunteers for a variety of duties.

• Creighton University/ Student Support Services needs volunteers to provide support services and as math tutors.

• Alegent Creighton Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center is looking for volunteers for its gift shop, flower shop, etc.

The following has a volunteer opportunity in Dodge County: • The Fremont Car-Go Program needs volunteer drivers.

Lot 263 • 2 bed 2 bath …$6,500

D L SO Lot 316 • 2 bed 2 bath …$14,000

Home Aide, LLC Our caring staff assists older people to live independently in their own home by helping them with the tasks of everyday living.

For more information, call

(402) 504-3535 homeaidellc.net

Lot 41 • 2 bed 1 bath Double Wide…$10,000

We are locally owned & operated, which makes our rates more affordable.

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Medicare Part D open enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 Each year, the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D brings changes that can affect plan selections for nearly 50 million Medicare beneficiaries. This year the rollout of the Health Insurance Marketplace will overlap with the Medicare open enrollment timeframe and may be confusing to people on Medicare.

Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries have the option to change their Medicare Part D coverage for 2014.

This includes anyone using original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Part D prescription drug plans. By comparing the health and prescription drug plans available for 2014, it may be possible to save money and get improved coverage by switching to a different plan.

In 2014, beneficiaries should remember: • Medicare isn’t part of the Health Insurance Marketplace. Beneficiaries don’t have to replace their Medicare coverage with the Marketplace coverage established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Your Medicare is protected and you don’t need to do anything with the Marketplace during the open enrollment period.

• Overall, enrollees can expect a year of flat or decreasing Medicare prescription drug costs. The Department of Health

and Human Services has reported the Part D monthly premiums should remain relatively stable. However, because of the lower prices, beneficiaries may enter the “donut hole” or “coverage gap” more quickly than before. As a result of the ACA, however, there’s better coverage in the gap once the beneficiary gets there.

• During the open enrollment timeframe, Medicare beneficiaries can also review and change Medicare Advantage plans (health and drug coverage combined). Common changes in MA plans can include costs such as premiums and co-pays or changes to covered procedures. Not all plans change every year.

Volunteers Assisting Seniors serves as the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program regional office in the Omaha area providing free, unbiased information to Medicare beneficiaries.

VAS will be holding enrollment events throughout the area during the open enrollment (see below).

At these events, Medicare beneficiaries can sit down with a trained counselor for assistance evaluating their options for 2014.

Assistance is also available outside of the Omaha area by calling 800-234-7119.

Friday, Oct. 18 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Metro Community College 204th St. & W. Dodge Rd. Room 131 402-444-6617

Friday, Nov. 1 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Metro Community College 9110 Giles Rd. Room 222 402-444-6617

Wednesday, Oct. 23 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. Room 502 402-444-6617

Saturday, Nov. 2 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. Room 502 402-444-6617

Wednesday, Oct. 23 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Washington County Extension Office 597 Grant St. (Blair) Suite 200 402-426-9455 (Mary Loftis)

Tuesday, Nov. 5 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. Room 502 402-444-6617

Thursday, Oct. 24 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Washington County Extension Office 597 Grant St. (Blair) Suite 200 402-426-9455 (Mary Loftis) Friday, Oct. 25 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill 4805 N. 72nd St. 402-444-6617 Monday, Oct. 28 1 to 5 p.m.

North Bend Library Heritage Room-Joyce 110 E. 13th St 402-727-2775 (Mary Loftis) Tuesday, Oct. 29 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Metro Community College 835 N. Broad St. (Fremont) Room 210 402-444-6617

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Thursday, Nov. 14 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. • Room 502 402-444-6617 Friday, Nov. 15 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Metro Community College 204th St. & W. Dodge Rd. Room 131 402-444-6617 Wednesday, Nov. 20 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sump Memorial Library 222 N. Jefferson St. (Papillion) 402-444-6617 Friday, Nov. 22 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill 4805 N. 72nd St. 402-444-6617

Thursday, Nov. 7 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dodge County Extension Office 1206 W. 23rd St. (Fremont) 402-727-2775 (Mary Loftis)

Tuesday, Nov. 26 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. Room 502 402-444-6617

Friday, Nov. 8 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dodge County Extension Office 1206 W. 23rd St. (Fremont) 402-727-2775 (Mary Loftis)

Monday, Dec. 2 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. Room 502 402-444-6617

Friday, Nov. 8 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill 4805 N. 72nd St. 402-444-6617

Wednesday, Dec. 4 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Immanuel AgeWell 6801 N. 67th Plz. Suite 100 402-444-6617

Tuesday, Nov. 12 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VAS 1941 S. 42nd St. Room 502 402-444-6617

New Horizons

Friday, Dec. 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Goodwill 4805 N. 72nd St. 402-444-6617

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October 2013

Some ideas for keeping your aging eyes healthy With around 1.75 million people in the United States having age-related macular degeneration, according to the National Institutes of Health, and another 2.2 million suffering from glaucoma, vision is a crucial issue as we age.

The good news is there are things you can do in order to help your eyes age healthily.

“Healthy eyesight is one of those things that people don’t pay much attention to until there is a problem,” explains Dr. Edward Kondrot, founder of the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center. “Ideally, it’s best to take measures to avoid those problems. Many of the problems people have with their vision as they age can be avoided, and even reversed.”

Regardless of one’s age, it is never too early or too late to do things to maintain healthy eyes. Here are 5 tips for doing just that: • Be proactive. Those who do nothing to protect their vision may find they have problems as they age. Just like being proactive to have a healthy heart or mind, it’s important to make healthy vision a priority. This means purposely including healthy vision measures in your lifestyle.

• Eat healthy foods. Diet plays an important role in maintaining one’s vision. It’s important to eat plenty of antioxidant-loaded fruits and vegetables. They’re nutritional powerhouses that will help to protect the eyes. Also, it’s crucial to opt for organic foods, so your body doesn’t take in all the harmful chemicals. Those chemicals provide a toxic overload that impacts the eyes as well as the rest of the body.

• Stay hydrated. Many people who have eye problems are also dehydrated. Staying hydrated is essential to maintaining good eye health. Start each morning with a full glass of room-temperature water. Drinking things like tea and coffee don’t count. Add a little lemon if you prefer, which will also help to flush toxins.

• Watch the shades. Millions of people have taken to wearing sunglasses, but may not be choosing ones that actually protect their eyes. Worse yet, they may choose some that actually weaken them. Dark sunglasses are not necessarily a good choice, as many may believe. When selecting sunglasses be sure to opt for those that block ultraviolet A and B light to really offer your eye protection.

• Reduce eye stress. People stress their eyes in ways that they’re not aware of such as sleeping in a room that has a night light, or light coming from an alarm clock or another room. Another way people stress their eyes is to watch television in a dark room. Both of these things can provide unnecessary stress that can cause damage over time.

“Healthy aging of the eyes can be done and is being done by millions,” adds Dr. Kondrot. “It comes down to being aware of what will help and harm the eyes and then taking measures to do what will benefit them in the long run.”

Bellevue Senior Community Center’s spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Oct. 18 You’re invited to attend a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Lied Activity Center, 2700 Arboretum Dr. in Bellevue. The food will be served from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Bellevue Senior Community Center, 109 W. 22nd Ave. In addition to the spaghetti, the event will feature Bellevue disc jockey Vince Riha, raffle baskets, a silent auction, and more.

Tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for persons under age 12, are available at the Lied Activity Center or the Bellevue Senior Community Center.

For more information, please call 402-293-3041.

Tips for handling those pesky critters ENOA is offering a variety

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By Melinda Myers here’s no doubt managing critters in the landscape can be a challenge especially as food supplies start to dwindle. If you are battling with rabbits, deer, groundhogs, or other wildlife, don’t let down your guard as the growing season begins to wind down.

• Be proactive. Start before they get into the habit of dining on your landscape. It is easier to keep them away than break the dining habit.

• Fence them out. Fencing is the best defense against most wildlife. A four-feet tall fence around a small garden will keep out rabbits. Secure the bottom tight to the ground or bury it several inches to prevent rabbits and voles from crawling underneath. Or fold the bottom of the fence outward, making sure it’s tight to the ground.

Animals tend not to crawl under when the bottom skirt faces away from the garden.

Go deeper, at least 12 to 18 inches, if you’re trying to discourage woodchucks. And make sure the gate is secure. Many hungry animals have found their way into the garden through openings around and under the gate.

A five-foot fence around small garden areas can help safeguard your plantings against hungry deer. Some gardeners report success surrounding their garden with fishing line mounted on posts at one and three

foot heights.

• Break out the repellents. Homemade and commercial repellents can be used. Apply before the animals start feeding and reapply as directed.

• Scare ‘em away. Blow up owls, clanging pans, rubber snakes, slivers of deodorant soap, handfuls of human hair, and noisemakers are scare tactics that have been used by gardeners for years. Consider your environment when selecting a tactic. Urban animals are used to the sound and smell of people. Alternate scare tactics for more effective control. The animals won’t be afraid of a snake that hasn’t moved in weeks.

• Combine tactics. Use a mix of fencing, scare tactics, and repellents. Keep monitoring for damage. If there are enough animals and they’re hungry, they will eat just about anything.

• Don’t forget about nature. Welcome hawks and fox into your landscape. Using less pesticides and tolerating some critters, their food source, will encourage them to visit your yard. These natural pest controllers help keep the garden-munching critters under control.

And most importantly, don’t give up. A bit of persistence, variety, and adaptability is the key to success. Investing some time now will not only deter existing critters from dining in your landscape, but will also reduce the risk of animals moving in next season.

(Myers is a gardening expert, TV/radio host, and columnist.)

of volunteer opportunities The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companion Program, Ombudsman Advocate Program, and Senior Medicare Patrol Program are recruiting older adults to become volunteers.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions must be age 55 or older, meet income guidelines, have a government issued identification card or a driver’s license, able to volunteer at least 15 hours a week, and must complete several background and reference checks.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive a $2.65 an hour stipend, transportation and meal reimbursement, paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, and supplemental accident insurance.

Foster Grandparents work with children who have special needs while Senior Companions work to keep older adults living independently.

Ombudsman advocates work to ensure residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Ombudsman advocates, who must be age 18 or older, are enrolled through an application and screening process.

These volunteers, who are not compensated monetarily for their time, must serve at least two hours a week.

The Senior Medicare Patrol program helps Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and prevent health care fraud.

These volunteers, who are enrolled through an application and screening process, are not compensated monetarily for their time.

For more information, please call 402-444-6536.

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402-339-9080

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Poetry contest offering cash prizes King of Kings Church members donate items to for students, writers over age 50

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ubmissions for the 2014 Poetry Across the Generations competition – sponsored jointly by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Omaha Public Library, and the Omaha Public Schools, are due by Wednesday, March 5.

The annual event features separate contests for poets in grades 7 through 12 and poets age 50 and older. Participants are asked to write two poems each: one about life as a teenager and another about life as a person age 60 or older.

Prizes of $100, $50, and $25 for first, second, and third places, respectively will be awarded. Seven honorable mention finishers will receive $10 each.

inning poets can collect their cash prizes at a Sunday, March 23 poet recognition reception at UNO’s Milo Bail Student Center from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The event will include poetry readings, refreshments, and intergenerational poetry dialogue.

All contest entrants are also invited to an Intergenerational Poetry Slam at UNO’s Milo Bail Student Center on Sunday, March 30 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Adult poetry submission may be sent to Cindy Waldo, Sigma Phi Omega, Department of Gerontology, CB 211, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Neb. 68182-0202 or online to www.omahapoetsplace.net.

Teen poets may submit their poetry to Omaha Public Library, Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, Attn: Karen Berry, 2100 Reading Plz., Elkhorn, Neb. 68022 or online to www. omahapoetsplace.net.

For more information, contact Cindy Waldo at cwaldo@ unomaha.edu.

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ENOA clients as part of its annual StepOut effort

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everal members of the congregation at King of Kings Church, 11615 I St., recently collected paper products and toiletries, and then donated the items along with several gift bags and Christmas cards to dozens of Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging clients.

Throughout the year, King of Kings’ attendees are encouraged to design their own service programs to help out in their community. The 2013 effort culminated on Sept. 1 with StepOut Sunday.

ENOA was one of the program’s benefactors this year at the suggestion of Yvonne Stock, a King of Kings attendee and a member of ENOA’s advisory council.

On StepOut Sunday, a 12-member team of volunteers at King of Kings – from all ages, and some with disabilities – sorted the donated items, made gift bags, and prepared the Christmas cards.

“On behalf of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging and our clients, I want to thank the congregation at King of Kings for their amazing generosity,” said Jeff Reinhardt, ENOA’s director of public affairs.

Karen Lovejoy, coordinator of care ministries at the church, shared a story about a congregation member who made a donation to the StepOut effort.

Among the volunteers that sorted the donated items, made gift bags, and prepared the Christmas cards were (from left): Sharon Zehnder, Daniel Coker, and Karin Coker.

“She loves to donate to projects like this.

She has been without work for some time and was feeling sad about not being able to donate much. A nice tool was left outside her house. A different repairman recently had a tool stolen from him. When the woman tried to give him the tool she had found, the repairman would not accept the tool without giving her some money. She took the money and bought donations for the StepOut project.

“We got teary eyed as she shared this story and as we thanked God for His amazing goodness,” Lovejoy said.

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New Horizons

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October 2013

Vols needed at AARP information center AARP is recruiting older men and women to serve as volunteers at its Nebraska Information Center, 1941 S. 42nd St. (Center Mall).

Volunteers can choose the days and hours they wish to volunteer at the center that is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, please call 402-398.9568.

Australian study: Persons who have cataract surgery live longer

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eople with cataract-related vision loss who have had cataract surgery to improve their sight are living longer than those with visual impairments who chose not to have the procedure, according to an Australian cohort study published this month in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

After comparing the two groups, the researchers found a 40 percent lower long-term mortality risk in those who had the surgery.

The research is drawn from data gathered in the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a population-based study of vision and common eye diseases in an older Australian population. A total of 354 persons age 49 and older and diagnosed with cataract-related vision impairment – some of whom had undergone surgery and others who had not – were assessed between 1992 and 2007.

Adjustments were made for age and gender as well as a number of mortality risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, cardiovascular disease, body mass index, and measures of frailty and comorbid disease. Follow-up visits took place five and 10 years after the baseline exam.

P

revious research had indicated older persons with visual impairment were likely to have greater mortality risk than their age peers with normal vision and that cataract surgery might reduce this risk.

These studies – unlike the Blue Mountains Eye Study – compared people who had undergone cataract surgery with those in the general population or with those who hadn’t had cataract surgery, and didn’t link vision status to the surgical status.

“Our finding complements the previously documented associations between visual impairment and increased mortality among older persons,” said Jie Jin Wang, Ph.D., of the Westmead Millennium Institute and one of the study’s lead researchers.

“It suggests to ophthalmologists that correcting cataract patients’ visual impairment in their daily practice results in improved outcomes beyond that of the eye and vision, and has important impacts on general health.”

The association between correction of cataract-related visual impairments and reduced mortality risk isn’t clearly understood, but plausible factors may include improvements in physical and emotional well-being, optimism, greater confidence associated with independent living after vision improvement, as well as greater ability to comply with prescription medications.

D

r. Wang noted one limitation of the study is participants with cataract-related visual impairment who didn’t have cataract surgery could have had other health problems that prevented them from undergoing surgery, and these other health problems could partly explain the poorer survival among non-surgical participants.

Caused by the clouding of the lens, cataracts are a leading cause of treatable visual impairment that will affect more than half of all Americans by the time they’re age 80. Surgical removal of the opaque lens with an artificial lens implanted is a successful procedure of cataract treatment. If completing everyday tasks is difficult, cataract surgery should be discussed with an ophthalmologist − a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases and conditions.

Older adults who are seeking eye care but who are concerned about its cost may qualify for EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology which offers eye exams and care at no cost to qualifying men and women age 65 and older. Learn more at www.eyecareamerica.org.

UNO student needs interview subjects Vincent Marasco – a master’s graduate research assistant in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation – is looking for older adults to assist him with his master’s thesis research project.

The study will examine how men and women over age 65 enter into intimate relationships with other people. The in-person interviews, which will be audio-recorded, will take approximately 20 minutes.

Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information, please contact Marasco at 402-554-3223 or vmarasco@unomaha.edu.

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

• Safety Equipment Handrails Smoke and Fire Alarms • Painting Interior & Exterior

Monarch Villa West 201 Cedar Dale Road Papillion (402) 331-6882 Bellewood Courts 1002 Bellewood Court Bellevue (402) 292-3300 Managed by Kimball Management., Inc. We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Law.

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

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Maplewood Estates

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Book details the physical reasons for back pain

B

Lifestyle • Community • Convenience • Family Values

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• Quality living at an affordable price • Licensed nurse and certified staff on duty 24 hours a day • Located in scenic downtown Omaha

enjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” has never been more apt considering the millions of Americans who suffer from back pain.

Most people experience significant back pain at

• Medication administration and daily living assistance • 10 spacious floor plans with large closets • Numerous educational, social, spiritual and wellness programs

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The New Horizons is brought to you each month by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

some point in their lives.

“The back consists of many intricate anatomical parts, all of which are dependent on the smooth functioning of each other, but there are many factors people don’t know about that affect the back’s function throughout a lifetime,” says Jesse Cannone, author of The 7-Day Back Pain Cure.

“In order to better heed Franklin’s advice, more people need to know how back pain starts,” Cannone says.

Health should always include a comprehensive view, including vigilance for mental, dietary, and physical well being, he says.

Below, Cannone covers in detail the physical causes that often lead to back pain over time: • Minor problems can lead to major back dysfunction: When a physical condition isn’t corrected, the body starts to break down.

Tight muscles can pull the vertebrae out of alignment, pinching a nerve, or creating a herniated disc. Physical dysfunctions can pressure joints and, over time, stress them to the maximum until they develop inflammation and injury.

Overworked muscles can go into spasm, causing pain and forcing the body into physical dysfunction. Pain from this condition is often triggered by a specific activity, like heavy lifting, which is why most people believe they’ve “thrown out” their back in a singular event. In reality, however, it was a long process.

Your home.Your care.Your pace.

Your home is best and Immanuel Pathways can help you continue living there for as long as possible.

Our program provides a comprehensive system of health care. The model of service is PACE: Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. Our program includes primary, acute and long-term health care as well as day therapeutic and recreational services and transportation. Services are provided in the home, in the community and at our PACE Center.

For complete program details and benefits, please call 402-991-0330.

5755 Sorensen Parkway | Omaha, NE 68152 | www.immanuelpathways.org PACE participants may be fully and personally liable for the costs of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program services. Emergency services are covered. Participants may disenroll at any time.

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October 2013

• Muscle imbalances – the tug of war inside your body: We’re born with well-balanced bodies, but rarely do they stay that way.

Over time, we tend to favor one side of our body, and with repetitive activities, we often create imbalances by working some muscles too much while underutilizing others.

Sitting is one way of creating imbalance, but various activities such as writing, eating, cleaning, cooking, and doing our laundry in which we favor one hand over the other can, too.

• Lack of muscle use: Unlike other machines, which wear out the more they’re used, the human body grows stronger the more you use it. When you don’t use all of your muscles regularly, the muscles that keep the body balanced can wither.

• Loss of muscle flexibility: Women who frequently walk with high heels often suffer a variety of problems as a result. One problem is the shortening of the calf muscle. Imagine the muscle as a rubber band that extends from the back of your knee to your heel. When you wear high heels, the rubber band shortens and, over time, the muscle adapts to this contracted position.

When you take off the heels, the calf muscle will feel pulled. This frequently happens to other muscles in the body, throwing off body balance.

Sertoma Club benefit scheduled for Oct. 6 The Sertoma Club of Omaha’s annual wine tasting fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the party room of the Stonybrook Hy-Vee store, 14591 Stony Brook Blvd.

Proceeds will benefit the Sertoma Club of Omaha’s scholarship fund for nursing students, Camp Sertoma, quality living, and for the Sertoma’s efforts to support better hearing in the community.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.

To order tickets, send a check along with your name, e-mail address, and telephone number to Dick Brokke at 3629 S. 105th St., Omaha, Neb. 681243607.

For more information contact Dick Brokke at 402-290-1655 or dickbrokke@aol.com.