New Horizons Newspaper

A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

September 2012 VOL. 37 • NO. 9

ENOA 4223 Center Street Omaha, NE 68105-2431

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

New Horizons ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Health

Nick Schinker profiles Dr. Adi Pour.

Since 2002, Dr. Pour has been the director of the Douglas County Health Department.

See page 11.

Legal

G randpa

Mittmender

Clayton Byam, a partner with Byam & Hoarty, has been practicing law for 65 years.

See page 2.

Bill Smith is a Foster Grandparent at the Educare Center of Omaha.

See page 8.

Dan Bouska repairs baseball and softball gloves in his basement workshop.

See page 17.

Omaha attorney likes staying busy, being productive

I

n 1947, Harry Truman was President of the United States, Jackie Robinson became Major League Baseball’s first African-American player, Meet the Press debuted on NBC, Chuck Yeager flew faster than the speed of sound, and Clayton Byam began practicing law in Omaha.

Fast forward 65 years to today, and Byam is a partner with Byam & Hoarty, a general and civil trial practice that includes Thomas Hoarty, Clayton’s son, Joseph, and grandson, Joseph II. Born in Chicago, Byam, his parents, and one of his two sisters moved to Kansas City in 1935 so his father could become the office manager at the Armour meatpacking plant. Clayton graduated from Rockhurst High School and attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City for two years before transferring to Omaha’s Creighton University where he planned to enter law school.

“I knew and admired a number of lawyers, and it was a profession I wanted to enter,” Byam said during a recent interview in his West Dodge Road office.

Those plans were put on hold when Byam – then a member of the Army Reserve – was called to active duty in March 1943. He was stationed initially with the infantry in the Aleutian Islands for about 18 months. After returning to the United States for additional training, he served in France and Germany until WWII ended.

Following his Army discharge, Clayton enrolled in an accelerated program at DePaul University in Chicago where he earned his law degree in 1947.

Byam had enjoyed living in Omaha so he moved back to the city and became an associate of Webb & Kelley, a firm that later became Webb, Kelley, Green, & Byam. By 1968, Webb, Kelley, and Green had died, so Clayton’s practice then consisted of himself and his associates.

In 1982, Joseph Byam graduated from Creighton University’s Law School and joined his father’s firm.

Clayton Byam became an attorney in 1947 because he knew and admired several lawyers.

“When he joined, I stayed around to see how it would work out and I’ve been here ever since,” Clayton said.

Hoarty merged his practice with Clayton and Joseph Byam in 1996.

Joseph Byam II joined the firm in 2011.

Byam said he has enjoys practicing law with Hoarty, Joseph, and Joseph II. “It’s great. Things couldn’t be any better. We work very hard and enjoy having a successful practice.”

He considers himself fortunate to have practiced law in Nebraska.

“We have outstanding lawyers and judges in this state,” he said.

D Clayton in the library at Omaha’s Byam & Hoarty.

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uring the last 65 years, the legal profession has changed a great deal, according to Byam. He said computers and e-mail have made things more efficient but less personal.

“It’s now possible to go through an entire case without seeing the other attorney or their client,” Clayton said. “Things move much faster today because of the technology.”

Keeping up with the constantly changing law is extremely demanding, and Byam enjoys meeting the

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challenge. “I like to keep busy and I try to be productive.”

Despite working well past the traditional retirement age, Clayton continues coming to the firm’s

“I like to feel that I’ve accomplished something and perhaps helped someone in the process. third-floor suite on a full-time basis.

His practice focuses primarily on wills, trusts, estate planning, and real estate.

Byam’s office features a variety of family photos and several stacks of legal documents neatly arranged around his desk.

“Having the experience of being a lawyer for 65 years sounds like quite an accomplishment and

September 2012

the hope is that it’s not one year of experience 65 times,” he said.

W

hen not working, Byam enjoys traveling with Irma, his wife of 61 years, and spending time with their five children, six grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. His interests include reading biographies, particularly about great Americans like Abraham Lincoln, whom Clayton called “our most outstanding president.”

The Byam & Hoarty office reception area contains a bust of Lincoln Clayton has had since he began practicing law and other familiar photographs of America’s 16th president including the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Byam said he hasn’t thought about retirement. “If you’re satisfied with what you’re doing, why not keep doing it. The law has been very good to me, and I’ve been very satisfied.

“I like to feel that I’ve accomplished something and perhaps helped someone in the process. I’m fortunate to be able to work with people I like and doing something I hope is useful.”

‘New Horizons’ to feature monthly profiles of ENOA’s governing board members

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Beginning with the October 2012 issue, the New Horizons will begin profiling members of ENOA’s governing board to educate older Nebraskans about these elected officials that meet monthly to discuss the agency and how it carries out its mission. Members of the ENOA Board of Governors are (from row, from left): Chairperson Mary Ann Borgeson (Douglas County); Jim Warren (Sarpy County); and (back row, from left): Vice-chairperson Ron Nolte (Cass County); Secretary Bob Missel (Dodge County); and Jerry Kruse (Washington County.)

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

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

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

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

Editor..............................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148 Contributing Writers......Nick Schinker, Leo Biga, Barc Wade, & Lois Friedman Fremont Delivery.........................Dick Longstein

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OMAHA 12100 W. Center Rd. (NW Corner of 120th & Center) Belair Plaza Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. evenings by appointment

(402) 571-1207

FREMONT 33 West 6th Street (402) 727-7866 1-800-239-7866

“Lowest prices on the latest technology guaranteed.”

www.glassmanhearing.com

ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, chairperson; Ron Nolte, Cass County, vice-chairperson; Bob Missel, Dodge County, secretary; Jim Warren, Sarpy County, & Jerry Kruse, Washington County.

The New Horizons and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging provide services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, or age.

September 2012

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Fireworks sales benefits ENOA’s meals program

Health fair set for Sept. 20

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ou’re invited to a free health fair at Elk Ridge Village, 19400 Elk Ridge Village (northwest of 192nd and West Dodge Road) on Thursday, Sept.

20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event will feature cholesterol, hearing aid, and blood pressure checks; flu shots, skin cancer screenings, and more.

For more information, please call 402-312-1198.

WHITMORE LAW OFFICE Wills • Trusts • Probate

Ask A Lawyer: Q — In addition to avoiding probate, what are some benefits of a trust?

A — Gifts to minors can be held in the trust until they are ready to inherit, without court supervision. A trust provides you with more privacy than a will, and is difficult to challenge. A trust can prevent unintentionally disinheriting a child, which can happen in a blended family, even with a will.

You can make provision for beneficiaries with special needs, or choose for professional management of your trust if you become disabled. The benefits of a trust are for everyone, not just for “rich people.”

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

AARP Legal Service Network • No Charge For Initial Consultation

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

Arlis Smidt (second from right), coordinator of ENOA’s Meals on Wheels Program, accepts a check for $5,000 from Jay Gould (second from left) of Big Bear Properties. Also pictured are ENOA’s Executive Director Dennis Loose (far left) and Mary Ann Borgeson, chairperson of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s governing board (far right).

ENOA was one of 35 local non-profit agencies selected to benefit from Independence Day fireworks sales in Douglas County during 2012.

Big Bear Properties sold fireworks at several local sites.

Woodbridge

Harrison Heights

7205 North 73rd Plaza Circle • Omaha, NE 68114

7544 Gertrude Street • LaVista, NE, 68128

402-573-5555

402-933-8080

Senior Village

FREE EDUCATIONAL SERIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Elder Abuse Guest speaker: Carol Feelhaver, Coalition to Protect Aging Adults

Making Your Home Accessible Guest speaker: BevVan Phillips, Home Access Solutions

Your Future Self Guest speaker: Cathy Wyatt, Financial Visions

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Fall Prevention Guest speaker: Representative from Hillcrest Health System

Understanding Medicare & Medicaid Guest Speaker: Ben Koley, Financial Visions

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Guest speaker: Cathy Wyatt, Financial Visions

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

Understanding Home Health Care and Home Hospice Guest speaker: Representative from Prime Home Health Care

SELF

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New Horizons

Senior Village

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September 2012

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Woodbridge: 9 to 10 a.m.

Harrison Heights: 10:30 to 11:30a.m.

The Sandwich Generation Guest speaker: Cathy Wyatt, Financial Visions

Dale Percival, Registered Principal, Ben Koley, Advisory Associate. Securities offered through Centaurus Financial Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 1055 North 115h Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68154, 402-827-5547 Centaurus Financial Inc. and Financial Visions are not affiliated.

September 2012 events calendar 1 Tribute to Victory: Boys Town Football Past and Present Through Nov. 30 Boys Town 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FREE 402-498-1186 Worn with Pride: Americans inn Uniform Through Feb. 3, 2013 Durham Museum $5 to $8 402-444-5071 2 Septemberfest: Salute to Labor Through Sept. 5 Heartland of America Park 402-346-4800 4 Millionaires & Mansions North Gold Coast Trolley Tour Durham Museum 6 p.m. $20 402-444-5027 Tempo of Twilight Featuring The Persuaders 6 to 8 p.m. $3 & $7 402-346-4002 7 Diary of a Worm, A Spider, A Fly Through Sept. 23 The Rose Theater $18 402-345-4849 8 Gritty City Trolley Tour Durham Museum 10:30 a.m. $20 402-444-5027 Rockbrook Village’s 41st Annual Art Fair Also Sept. 9 FREE 402-390-0890 9 All European and Motorcycle Show Lauritzen Gardens Noon to 3 p.m. $3 & $7 402-346-4002 From Expositions to Jazz Musicians Trolley Tour Durham Museum 1:30 p.m. $20 444-5027 11 Millionaires & Mansions North Gold Coast Trolley Tour Durham Museum 6 p.m. $20 402-444-5027 13 Habitat for Humanity’s Brew Haha Stinson Park Aksarben Village $35 to $75 402-457-5657, ext. 106

14 Oktoberfest Also Sept. 15 German American Society 3717 S. 120th St. 402-333-6615 Omaha Restaurant Week Through Sept. 23 $19, $29, & $39 402-850-6776 15 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Also Sept. 16 24th & M streets Noon to midnight FREE 402-706-7818 16 Magic City Trolley Tour Durham Museum 1:30 p.m. $20 402-444-5027 18 Gritty City Trolley Tour Durham Museum 6 p.m. $20 402-444-5027 22 Antiques & Garden Show Also Sept. 23 Lauritzen Gardens $10 402-346-4002 The American Soldier Through Jan. 6 Durham Museum $5 to $8 402-444-5071 23 Family Fiesta @ Henry Doorly Zoo Noon to 5 p.m.

Free with Zoo admission 402-733-8401 27 Aksarben’s River City Roundup Rodeo and Stock Show Through Sept. 30 Century Link Center Omaha Free (except for rodeo) 402-554-0800 28 Esperanza Spalding Holland Performing Arts Center 8 p.m. $10 to $55 402-345-0606 29 From Expositions to Jazz Musicians Trolley Tour Durham Museum 10:30 a.m. $20 402-444-5027

MOVE-IN SPECIAL

Leo Vaughan Manor

Independent living Apartments for seniors 55+ 3325 Fontenelle Blvd.

Call for an appointment today!

402-453-1070

• Historic building • One and two bedroom apartments • Near Benson and Saddle Creek Shops • Quality living – affordable rent • Secured entry • Elevator • Community room • Washer/dryer laundry room

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

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

2013 Discover Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. September 11 – 20, 2013. Fly with us – Ward and Kathy – round trip from Eppley Airfield to the beautiful countryside of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria with four-night stays in two cities---Bern, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria. With our Collette Vacations tour guide, we’ll explore the city of Bern, travel the shores of Lake Geneva to the medieval Chateau de Chillon, enjoy a panoramic train ride through the Swiss Alps to an Alpine ski resort, visit Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake,” in Salzburg see the Mirabell Gardens (from the “Sound of Music”) and Mozart’s birthplace, visit Oberammergau, see a Tyrolean folklore show, and dine in a 1200-year-old restaurant owned by Monks. (A special travel presentation for this trip will be held on September 13, 2012, at 6 p.m. at St. Roberts Church, 11900 Pacific Street in Omaha. Early booking saves $250 per person.)

2012 MOTORCOACH Nebraska Junk Jaunt. September 28 – 29. $245. Come along on our fourth annual “Junk Jaunt” covering more than 220 miles in central Nebraska. Participating towns have city-wide garage, yard, and bake sales. Two full days of treasure hunting!

Follow the Rails Art Trail. October 19 – 21. $439. Join us and a step-on guide for this annual event to discover local art and artists in 11 communities along Highway 2 beginning in Grand Island. Enjoy stops such as Nebraska National Forest, Carhenge, Stuhr Museum, and the Secret Garden. Visit art galleries, attend workshops and demonstrations, and learn about the railroad as we travel through the Sandhills. Purchase paintings, pottery, sculptures, and drawings along the way!

Daniel O’Donnell in Branson. November 14 - 17. $689. “Daniel O’Donnell,” “SIX, The Knudsen Brothers,” “Joseph” at the Sight & Sound Theater, “Chubby Checker,” “Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone,” and the “Brett Family.” A total of six great shows! Stone Castle Hotel with hot breakfast buffet each morning, comfortable Arrow Stage Lines Motorcoach, seven delicious meals and plenty of time for exploring the shops in Branson! (Call for availability!)

Kansas City Christmas. December 4 - 5. $289. Enjoy a special holiday luncheon at the Webster House, the American Heartland Theater’s performance of “Nuncrackers, The Nunsense Christmas Musical,” New Theater Restaurant buffet luncheon and “The Game’s `Afoot” performance starring Marion Ross from “Happy Days,” lodging at the Drury, and more holiday surprises!

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.)

Greece and its Islands. September 23 – October 6. See the Acropolis, Royal Palace, and Olympic Stadium in Athens, visit Thermopylae, Kalambaka, remote monastaries in Meteora, the ski resort town of Arachova, Delphi, tour Olympia where the first Olympic games were held, visit the excavations at Mycenae, ferry across the Aegean Sea to Mykonos, sail to the island of Santorini, see vineyards, whitewashed chapels, volcanic cliffs, mountains and valleys in this beautiful country.

Alpine Christmas. December 4 - 11. Explore the Christmas markets of Austria and southern Bavaria. Stay in the Austrian Alps in same hotel for the entire trip! Tour Innsbruck, visit Munich, Oberammergau, Salzburg, and much more.

LAUGHLIN Fall in Laughlin (by air). October 6 - 10. $279. Includes non-stop, round-trip airfare to Laughlin, Nevada. Four nights lodging at the Riverside Resort and Casino on the banks of the Colorado River, and shuttle transportation to and from the airport. Register early…these trips fill up fast!

Watch our website at www.fontenelletours.com

September 2012

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Protecting yourself, your identity

By Carol McNulty

E

veryone has seen the commercials warning about identity theft, and everyone has thought to themselves, “That will never happen to me.” When it does, they ask themselves, “How did this happen to me? What do I do now?” This article will help educate consumers about how to avoid identity theft and what to do if it happens.

University of Nebraska extension educators Debra E. Schroeder and Rebecca L. Versch explain identity theft. You’ve seen it on the news, but how can someone really steal your identity? Thieves steal your personal identification and use that information as if it were their own. They can make withdrawals from bank accounts and ATMs, open credit card accounts, obtain employment, and make deposits or payments on a car or housing under your name.

The easiest way for identity theft to happen is if someone steals your credit card, but that’s not the only way. Thieves can obtain your personal information by going through your trash, accessing public records, stealing from your mailbox, or recording your credit card number when you pay with it over the phone or on the Internet.

How can you make sure this doesn’t happen to you? Schroeder and Versch say to take great care to protect your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, credit card numbers, driver’s license number, bank account numbers, and phone numbers.

Don’t carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport in your purse or wallet except when needed. Never print your Social Security or driver’s license numbers on checks. You don’t have to give out personal information when asked. When businesses ask for personal information, ask these questions before deciding whether to release the information: Why is this information needed? How will it be used? What law requires that I give you this number?

What will happen if I refuse to give the number?

Don’t loan your house or apartment keys to others. Leave a duplicate key to your home with someone you trust in case you’re locked out. Don’t leave your home unlocked because you can’t find your key or will be gone only a short time.

If possible, carry your credit cards and driver’s license in separate wallets. This way, you won’t lose all your identification if one wallet is lost or stolen.

So you’ve taken all these precautions and

more, but a thief has managed to steal your identity. Schroeder and Versch say if you notice strange charges on your credit card bill, immediately notify your carrier. In cases of identity theft, immediately notify all affected parties in writing.

Let your card company, your bank, and any other creditors involved know you’re willing to cooperate with them to reclaim their losses. Be clear you’re not responsible for the charges. Keep copies of all your correspondence and document telephone calls you make so there’ll be no questions of what you reported and how the company agreed to handle it.

Report the theft to your local police department, county sheriff, or State Patrol office.

If you think someone is using your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration office at 1-800-269-0271.

Immediately call the three national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and identification numbers. Follow up all conversations with a written explanation. The toll-free contact information for the major credit reporting agencies is Experian, 888- 397-3742; Transunion, 800-916-8800; and Equifax, 800-685-1111.

Consult “Protect Your Credit and Identity” at http://ianrpubs.unl.edu. Type identity theft for more information.

(McNulty is an educator with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Office in Douglas and Sarpy counties.)

Fall prevention, balance evaluation program scheduled for Sept. 6

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ou’re invited to a free presentation on fall prevention and a balance evaluation on Thursday, Sept. 6 from 10:30 to 11:50 a.m. at the Heartland Family Service Senior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. Occupational therapy doctoral students from Creighton University will be on hand to do balance and fall prevention screenings.

Not all the evaluations will be available for persons who use walkers or canes.

There is a limited number of slots available, so participants need to RSVP to Karen Sides at 402-552-7480 or 402553-300 or e-mail her at ksides@heartlandfamilyservice.org.

Dora Bingel Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Dora Bingel Senior Center, 923 N. 38th St., this month for the following: • Sept. 3, 10, 17, & 24: Al-Anon meeting @ 7 p.m.

• Sept. 4, 11, 18, & 25: Grief Support Group meeting @ 10 a.m.

• Sept. 20: Red Hat Club meeting @ noon.

• Sept. 21: Regeneration Lunch with singer Physha @ noon. The cost of the lunch and music is $3.

• Sept. 26: Birthday Party Luncheon @ noon. Eat free if you have a September birthday!

• Sept. 28: Hard of Hearing Support Group @ 10:30 a.m.

A nutritious lunch is served on Tuesday and Friday; a fancier lunch is offered on Wednesday. A $1 donation is suggested for the meals, other than $3 for Regeneration.

Round-trip transportation is available for $3. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for all meals.

Other activities offered at the facility include: • Tuesday: Free matinee movie @ 12:30 p.m.

• Wednesdays: Crochet class @ 9:30 a.m., Tai Chi class @ 11: 15 a.m., and Bible study @ 1 p.m.

• Fridays: Joy Club @ 9:30 a.m. Bible study @ 1 p.m.

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

Family Service Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Heartland Family Service Senior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. for the following: • Sept. 6: Balance testing by occupational therapy students from Creighton University (see story on this page).

Call Karen @ 402-552-7480 to sign up.

• Sept. 12: Birthday party featuring music by Charlie Glasgow from the Merrymakers.

• Sept 13, 20, & 27: WhyArts? with Robin Welch.

• Sept. 14: Talk on cancer nutrition by nutritionist Beth Saar from ENOA @ 10:45 a.m.

• Sept 18: The Red Hat Society meets at the Bohemian Café.

• Sept. 24: Trip to Nebraska City.

The center will be closed on Sept. 3 for Labor Day. A nurse visits Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Karen at 402-552-7480 for details.

The Heartland Family Service Senior Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is normally served at noon. A $3 donation is suggested for the meal.

Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to attend.

Regular activities include Tai Chi classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday @ 10:15 a.m.

For meal reservations or more information, please call Karen Sides at 402-552-7480.

Blue Barn Theatre releases schedule

Lunch, fashion show on tap for Sept. 29

he 24th season of performances at the Blue Barn Theatre, 614 S. 11th St., has been announced recently.

The congregation and students at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 5020 Grand Ave., are hosting a luncheon and fashion show featuring Sue McLain, owner of Yesterday’s Lady in Beatrice.

The event – which is part of St. Paul’s 125th anniversary celebration – is scheduled for Saturday, Sept.

29. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and be followed by the fashion show at 1:30.

The fashions, which will be modeled by St. Paul members, will be from the Gilded Age when the church and school were founded.

The fashion show is free and the lunch costs $12.

Reservations, which are required for both events, can be made by calling Janet Emken at 402-571-7567.

T

RED

By John Logan Sept. 27 to Oct. 20 Who Killed Santa?

By Neil Haven Nov. 23 to Dec. 15

Home care too expensive?

Try our Adult Day Service for ONLY $50/Day!

Includes *Breakfast *Hot Noon Meal *Afternoon Snack *Activities *Socialization *Medication Supervision Transportation & Personal Care Services are also available

Call (402) 393-2113

M-F 7am-6pm

900 North 90th Street / Omaha, NE 68114 www.newcassel.org Ministry of New Cassel Retirement Center

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September 2012

A Behanding in Spokane

By Martin McDonagh Feb. 21 to March 16 The 39 Steps Adapted by Patrick Barlow May 9 to June 15

Season tickets are $80 for adults and $64 for seniors and students. Buy a season ticket and save 20 percent.

For more information, please call 402-345-1576.

ENOA menu for September 2012 Tuesday, Sept. 4 Parmesan Chicken Wednesday, Sept. 5 Sausage w/Onions Thursday, Sept. 6 Meatloaf Friday, Sept. 7 Soft Shell Beef Taco Monday, Sept. 10 Sloppy Joes Tuesday, Sept. 11 Roast Beef Wednesday, Sept. 12 Turkey Tetrazzini Thursday, Sept. 13 Breaded Chicken Patty Friday, Sept. 14 Cheese Lasagna Rollup Monday, Sept. 17 Turkey Breast w/Gravy Tuesday, Sept. 18 Cheeseburger Wednesday, Sept. 19 Swiss Steak w/Tomato Gravy Thursday, Sept. 20 Creole Pork Friday, Sept. 21 Oven Fried Chicken Monday, Sept. 24 Breaded Fish Tuesday, Sept. 25 Glazed Ham Wednesday, Sept. 26 BBQ Rib Patty Thursday, Sept. 27 Sweet & Sour Chicken Friday, Sept. 28 Spaghetti Casserole

RSVP Retired and Senior Volunteer Program The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is recruiting persons age 55 and older for a variety of opportunities. For more information in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties, please call 402-444-6558, ext. 224.

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

The following have volunteer opportunities in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties: • Mount View Elementary School wants a TeamMates mentor.

• Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Hospital needs volunteers for its information desks and as patient and family escorts.

• Boys Town wants volunteer mentors and a volunteer office assistant.

• The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers.

• The Ronald McDonald House Charities needs a receptionist and an operations volunteer.

• The Omaha Home for Boys is looking for volunteer mentors.

• Omaha Serves needs volunteers to help with disaster recovery.

• Pathways to Compassion Hospice needs volunteers for a variety of duties.

• Pathfinder House is looking for volunteers for movie nights, a walking club, and to socialize with residents.

• The Heartland Council for Helping Hands wants volunteers to help woth its Hug a Bear Project.

• Keep Omaha Beautiful needs volunteers to help with yard cleaning projects (not lawn mowing) for older adults and persons with a disability.

• The Omaha Children’s Museum wants a volunteer member check-in assistant.

The following have volunteer opportunities in Dodge and Washington counties: • The Blair and Fremont Car-Go Programs needs volunteer drivers.

• The Fremont Friendship Center needs help with its Tuesday Supper Club.

• The Pathfinder House in Fremont wants volunteers for its Sit n’ Fit program, movie nights, and its walk-

ing club.

• The Fremont Area Medical Center is looking for volunteers for its information desk on weekends and to help out evenings at the A.J. Merick Manor.

• The Danish American Archive and Library in Blair needs volunteers for a variety of assignments.

Alzheimer’s disease support groups The Alzheimer’s Association Midlands Chapter offers a variety of caregiver support groups including: • New Cassel Retirement Center, 900 N. 90th St. the second Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m.

This is an early stage group designed for a couple (a caregiver and a loved one age 65 or older with early stage dementia). Contact Kelly @ 402-393-2113 or Betty @ 402-502-4301 for more information.

• Memorial Community Hospital, 810 N. 22nd St. in Blair the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Evonne @ 712642-3170 or Colleen @ 402-426-8790 for more information.

• The Ralston Senior Center, 7301 Q St. the first Monday of the month at 9:30 a.m. This group is designed for caregivers.

Contact Ernestine @ 402-659-9251 for more information.

Retired fed employees meet monthly 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.

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

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

Call today to schedule a personal visit.

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Creating awareness of screening benefits for diabetes available under Medicare.

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s National Senior Corps Association programs have joined forces with Novo Nordisk and the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions to help educate older Nebraskans about the 2012 Medicare Diabetes Screening Project.

Men and women age 65 and older will be encouraged to use free preventive diabetes screening benefits offered through Medicare.

For more information, please call ENOA at 402-444-6536 ext. 224 or 246.

School of Pharmacy and Health Profession

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Teacher: Educare Center kids absolutely adore ‘Grandpa Bill’ Smith

Foster Grandparent Bill Smith says he gets a special feeling each time he sees a child speak his first word or take her first step.

T

he 18-months-old child sits comfortably in the 78-yearold man’s lap, as the gentleman, Bill Smith, opens the book titled My Colors, and then begins to read aloud.

“Can you say apple?” Smith asks.

The boy makes a sound and then smiles as he looks up affectionately at the man known as “Grandpa Bill” at the Educare Center of Omaha at Indian Hill Elementary School, 3110 W St. A collaborative effort of the Omaha Public Schools, the state of Nebraska, and the Susan A. Buffett Foundation, the Educare Center’s goal is to provide a better future

for children and their families. The facility and its staff offer all-day, year-round care and education for disadvantaged youngsters from birth to age five.

Smith is a volunteer with the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Foster Grandparent Program. Foster Grandparents are men and women age 55 and older of modest income that volunteer at sites in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties. These locations include Head Start programs, pre-elementary school child care programs, facilities that focus on mental health issues, substance abuse programs, domestic violence shelters, and hospitals.

In addition to the satisfaction that

Grandpa Bill reads My Colors to a youngster in the Educare Center’s infants to toddlers group. comes from working with children who need extra attention, Foster Grandparents receive a tax-free stipend, transportation reimbursement, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, an annual physical examination, and an recognition program.

The Corporation for National and Community Service administers FGP nationally.

M

To be a Foster Grandparent, Smith says you have to love children and have a lot of patience.

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ichaela Brannan – the lead teacher at the Educare Center for a group of boys and girls ranging from infants to toddlers – looks around the room and asks a simple question: “Are you ready to sing?”

Smith moves to another rocking chair across the room as the children take a seat on the floor near his feet.

The song asks the kids, their teachers, and Grandpa Bill a series of What’s That questions. As the music progresses, Smith reaches into a bucket, and one by one pulls out a variety of items including a ball, a paper star, an apple, and a floppy hat to accompany the song’s lyrical inquiries. To a classroom visitor, it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, the youngsters or Smith.

“The kids absolutely adore him,” Brannan says of Smith. “Sometimes they prefer him to the teacher,” she adds with a smile.

In addition to offering another set of eyes and ears to help her watch the active boys and girls, Brannan says Grandpa Bill helps teach the kids about things like ocean life, transportation, and families.

Brannan – who values Smith’s wisdom – says Bill is a positive influence on the Educare staff, its

September 2012

students, and the children’s parents.

“He’s always happy. I’ve never seen him upset. He’s very outgoing and goes out of his way to talk to everyone,” she adds.

O

n a recent hot Monday morning, Smith and Brannan took the kids outside for their weekly water activity. Bill wore Hawaiian swim trunks, a black shirt with the words LIFE GUARD

Bill worked for 46 years in the auto parts business. on the front and back, a pair of black sandals featuring a red Ne braska “N” on them, and a big hat.

Grandpa Bill laughed as he moved around the series of small fountains and poured water from a pitcher on the kids’ heads.

--Please turn to page 15.

Hotline can assist persons with a disability, their families

P

ersons with disabilities and their families often need to work with a variety of community and state agencies in order to get the services and support they need. In Nebraska, there’s a program to help answer questions that are encountered along the way and to help find the appropriate resources.

The Hotline for Disability Services’ toll-free number is 800-742-7594.

a category, service, county, city, age, or disability.

Examples of categories to choose from include accessibility, advocacy and support, employment, financial, housing and residential, etc.

Information regarding each agency includes a description of their services, as well as information on how to contact them.

Questions for the Hotline may also be sent by e-mail to shari.bahensky@ nebraska.gov.

The website for the Hotline can be accessed at: www.cap.ne.gov. Click on “Search the Hotline for Disability Services.”

Eclectic book reviews The Eclectic Book Review Club has announced its fall schedule. The reviews are held at the Omaha Field Club, 3615 Woolworth Ave. A noon lunch is followed by the 12:30 p.m. reviews.

On Sept. 18, Sue Mullin will review Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, a story of the mass migration of African-Americans.

Manya Shorr will review Quiet—The Power of the Introvert In a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain on Oct. 16.

Jeff Kurrus will review his children’s book on Sandhill cranes, Have You Seen Mary? on Nov. 20.

To reserve your seat, call Rita at 402-558-4061.

Harvest Ball for older adults scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21

M

en and women age 55 and older are invited to attend the Harvest Ball on Friday, Sept.

21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bellevue University Student Center, 1000 Galvin Road South in Bellevue.

Sponsored by Hillcrest Health Systems and the Bellevue Senior Community Center, the free event is a benefit for the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s food pantry. While admission is free, guests need to RSVP and bring a food pantry donation.

Guests – who will enjoy music, dancing, delicious food, and more – are encouraged to dress in formal wear or to dress to impress.

To RSVP or for more information, please call 402-2933041.

The Hotline for Disability Services (call 800-7427594 toll free) provides information and referral services to Nebraskans who have questions or concerns related to a disability. This includes information about services available in a certain area, transportation, special parking permits, and legal rights.

Questions may be answered by telephone or e-mail and other information may be obtained by accessing the Hotline’s website.

The Hotline for Disability Services website provides general agency and program information regarding services for persons with disabilities. The site may be searched by entering an agency name or by selecting

Biga’s service can tell Inside Stories Longtime New Horizons contributing writer Leo Adam Biga is launching Inside Stories, a service that delivers professional biographies and histories. Hire Biga to tell your story, your parents’ or your family’s story, or to chart the history of your company, church, club, or organization.

Samples of his work can be found at leoadambiga.wordpress.com.

With your assistance, Biga can prepare a oneof-a-kind, high-quality narrative that can be a treasured gift or keepsake, and archive material that can be updated as needed.

For more information, contact Biga at 402-4454666 or leo32158@cox. net.

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Page 9

Monthly VAS workshops designed for persons new to Medicare Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) sponsors free New with their employer insurance. to Medicare workshops on the last Wednesday of each • Who are caring for their parents and have questions month for persons: about Medicare coverage.

• Approaching Medicare age who are confused about The New to Medicare workshops are held at Vatterott their options.

College, 11818 I St. • Who are employed but aren’t sure how Medicare works For more information, call VAS at 402-444-6617.

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Dia de Los Muertos celebration scheduled for Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Intercultural Senior Center, 2021 U St. (lower level, south side of Sokol South Omaha) is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

This special day that celebrates and remembers friends and relatives who have died, will feature delicious food, strolling musicians, a variety of children’s activities, and an arts and crafts sale.

For more information, please call 402-444-6529.

“I Can’t Live with Excruciating Foot And Leg Pain” Announcing A New High Tech Method For The Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy and Type II Diabetes Symptoms... type of technology and because of the almost immediate type of pain relief, I had to have one of these deep tissue treatments in my facility no matter what the cost.

I invested and implemented this new treatment that utilizes neuromuscular electronic stimulation for healing and pain relieving therapies.

“I drove 120 miles to get this treatment because I had not been able to feel my feet for 15 years. I work on a farm and I would stumble and fall because I could not feel the ground under my feet. I’m getting older and I can’t afford to fall and break something. After the treatments, I was able to feel my feet and toes again.

Now for the first time in over a decade I have feelings in my feet. “ Patient M.H., Age 85

I traveled to another state and enrolled in extensive training. My staff and I witnessed some amazing reductions and eliminations of some of the worst pain syndromes I had ever seen…

And it was FAST! After just a few min“Doc, I can’t live with this excruci- utes of treatment on patients with exating foot and leg pain!” treme and chronic pain of the worst kind, including neuropathy of the feet When you hear this from a patient it and legs, we had patients telling us gets your attention. Typically, I get the how their pain levels had decreased worst of the worst pain patients but when I recently heard this exclamation, and they were shocked. Some of So just how can you see if them had their pain even allevimy attention was particularly peaked.

Dr. Goodman’s ated after only one treatment.

Let’s call this patient Bob. Bob is 62 Neuropathy Pain Relief years old with neuropathy in his hands and feet. He had poorly controlled Type treatment will help you to II Diabetes and his life was literally as reduce or eliminate your he described it “a living hell.” Clearly foot or leg pain? he was coming to the end of his rope.

The nerves in his legs and feet were For a limited number of callers (we damaged and he was in HORRIBLE are limiting this to the first 27 callers CONSTANT PAIN due to the response to this type of offer), we are now offering our unique “I Can’t Sleep at Night!”

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We were able to reduce or He complained to me, “I can’t sleep at even eliminate neuropathy night because my legs feel like they are being eaten by little bugs or pain of the worst kind. chewed on by small animals.”

Using the latest and most recent techDuring the day, he could hardly walk nologies, I now offer a non-invasive, and every step sent shooting pain like non surgical and painless neuropathy lightning from his toes and up his legs pain treatment. I help patients reduce up almost to his knees. He had or even eliminate their neuropathy pain numbness in his feet and couldn’t using nutritional therapies, combined feel his feet very well and had terri- with specific non-surgical, non-invasive, During your free evaluation, you will ble balance problems. He was worried relaxing re-integration, and stimulation be checked for: he might fall and injure himself. treatments of peripheral nerves using -Foot and Leg Circulation He told me that he could not go on liv- Neuromuscular electronic stimulation to -Nerve Sensitivity increase circulation and lymphatic flow ing with this constant, debilitating pain -Pain Fiber Receptors to increase their function quickly. that had made every day a tragedy.

-Thermal Receptors -Pressure Receptor I had to help this man!

-Light Touch Sensitivity -Nutritional Sensitivities I recently was fortunate enough to accidentally discover a new noninvasive and non-drug treatment Once you’ve been evaluated fully and for severe and constant foot and completely with our very thorough leg pain caused by neuropathy.

Neuropathy Treatment Evaluation, we I learned about a new type of nonwill know if you are a candidate for this surgical and painless neuromuscular new painless and effective Neuropathy stimulation treatment that was working Pain Relief Program. wonders with severe, constant chronic Here’s what some patients have pain, including pain caused by Call our office right away to qualify for

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It had the ability to quickly increase circulation to an area (much needed in a neuropathy patient). It could reduce and/or eliminate pain in as little as a few treatments and was changing the lives of patients with severe debilitating pain in offices across the nation.

“I was on 14 medications and my doctors Evaluation Appointments! had told me I may need to have my foot amputated. I hadn't been able to wear shoes other than sandals for years because of my swollen and painful feet.

After going through this program I’ve lost weight and my foot pain is gone. I can now wear normal shoes.”

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Lewy Body support group meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 18 The Metro Omaha Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Support Group will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Millard branch of the Omaha Public Library, 13214 Westwood Ln. LBD is a group of progressive brain diseases that are the second leading cause of degenerative dementia among older adults, affecting more than 1.3 million American families.

More information about Lewy Body Dementia is available online at www. lbda.org/go/awareness.

For more information, call Ann at 402-452-3952.

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 are not compensated monetarily for their time, For more information, please call 402-444-6536.

Dr. Adi Pour has the wellbeing of her community at heart

By Nick Schinker Contributing Writer

I

n 1971, a 20-year-old woman named Adi Guldimann sat in an outdoor café in her hometown of St. Gallen, Switzerland pondering the rest of her life. She had just earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Talhof University. And she was bored.

“I was trying to find myself but I wasn’t sure where to look,” she recalls. “A girlfriend of mine walked by and we started talking.

She asked if I would be interested in coming with her to America. She had some connections with people in Omaha who were from Germany.

They liked our work ethic and had told her there were positions available for medical technicians at the Eppley Cancer Institute.

“I thought, ‘Sure, I’m ready. This is what I think I should do.’ So I said, ‘Yes.’” Adi found Omaha on a map, packed her suitcases, and said goodbye to her parents, siblings, and the beautiful city and country where she had grown up.

“I didn’t intend to leave Switzerland for good,” she says. “I left with the intention of gaining some experience for one or two years and then coming home.”

Today, Adi Guldimann is Adi Pour, Ph.D., the director of the Douglas County Health Department.

An experienced toxicologist, Dr. Pour is in charge of a fulltime staff of 120 people and a department responsible for the health and safety of the more than 500,000 residents of Douglas County and its visitors.

From educational programs that promote environmental safety, wellness for children, and healthy lifestyles, to disease control and ensuring the food we eat in restaurants and at festivals and outdoor markets is safe. It is a responsibility she does not take lightly.

“I have the wellbeing of the community at my heart,” she says.

“I’m not here for me. I’m here very much for the entire community.”

It’s good for us that she decided to stay.

S

t. Gallen is the main urban center of eastern Switzerland, the picturesque gateway to the Appenzell Alps. Its “old city” features houses and buildings from the 16th and 18th centuries. The visually striking Abbey of St. Gall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a library that contains books dating back to the 9th century.

“It’s the seventh largest city in Switzerland, so I grew up in a cityliving atmosphere, pretty similar to what people in Omaha would have had,” Dr. Pour says in an accent that recalls Germany and Switzerland.

“I had a wonderful childhood. I’d spend every Saturday out in the forest camping, doing different

Dr. Adi Pour oversees a staff of 120 people and a department responsible for the health and safety of the more than 500,000 Douglas County residents and its visitors. things. We loved to ski, and it is still one of my favorite sports.”

Dr. Pour’s late father, Titus, owned a financial investment company. Her mother, Margarit, worked in her father’s company and still resides in St. Gallen.

“She was an active, professional woman and a good role model for me,” Dr. Pour says. “She was

a rare woman for that generation who worked in a business. She was one of the first moms who drove a car. She was always involved in the community, volunteering and serving on boards. She was never much of a stay-at-home mom for us.”

As a teenager, Dr. Pour served as a leader for the Cub Scouts. “There

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was a one-week summer camp where four or five of us leaders lived in cabins with 20 to 30 boys, all 1st and 2nd graders. It was one of my most important things growing up.”

Fond of math and inspired by her father, Adi decided to pursue a business degree. But she was --Please turn to page 12.

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Under Dr. Pour’s leadership, DCHD has increased its visibility --Continued from page 11. unsure what to do next. “In Switzerland, you make a decision on a professional path early on,” she says. “That doesn’t mean there will be opportunities.”

When considering the move nearly 5,000 miles to Omaha, her mother’s example served as a source of strength. “She taught me I could be whatever I wanted,” she says. I gained a self confidence from my parents and from myself, being around the boys in a leadership position.”

She came to Omaha with her girlfriend and a third girl. Each had jobs waiting at the Eppley Cancer Institute working for three physicians.

They found the city and its residents to be very welcoming, but not exactly what they had expected.

“We thought there had to be Indians here, like in cowboys and Indians, but we didn’t see any,” she recalls. “So we asked around and were told there was an Indian reservation on the way to Sioux City in Iowa. So we bought a yellow Volkswagen bug, the three of us girls together, and said, ‘Let’s go see the Indians.’

“So we drove through the reservation and thought, ‘Good. Now we have seen the Indians.’

We were so naive. Everything was new and different for us.”

of Health and Human Services in Lincoln. Dr. Pour was hired for the position and commuted to Lincoln from 1989 until 2002. When the director of the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) retired, she applied for that position and was hired. She has had the job 10 years.

“I had a vision for the department,” she says.

“We have worked very hard to realize that vision.”

S

ince taking over leadership at the DCHD, “we have become much more visible in the community,” Dr. Pour says. “We work much more with partners, with businesses and organizations, and we have built wonderful relationships with the hospital systems. We make many decisions on a collaborative basis.”

The county is benefitting from several federal grants, including a $5.7 million Putting Prevention to Work grant as part of the Affordable Care Act. Douglas County is one of 36 communities nationwide to receive the funding. “We had 17 different partners work with us on that grant,” she says.

The county also is the recipient of a $2.5 million Community Transformation grant.

“Again, we brought in partners to help us secure the grant,” she says. “We are realizing that with regard to public health, there are so many sectors that need to be involved to make things work on the community level.”

The DCHD strives to educate children and adults to make healthy eating decisions and put more fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets.

In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in 2006, Omaha ranked 142nd out of 182 cities on an index examining five health factors: obesity, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, and binge drinking.

“That ranking didn’t feel very good,” Dr. Pour says. “We have since seen a collective effort to make this a healthier community and are starting to see progress.”

For example, the health department has secured memorandums of understanding with 300 local businesses to make at least one healthy policy change. “It could be a wellness center, or devoting a break to a walk, or providing a healthy selection on the cafeteria line,” Dr. Pour says.

There are bike racks on Metro Area Transit buses, she says, and a growing number of bike lanes being installed on city streets.

Even Dr. Pour has made changes, moving the candy bowl in her office to a bookshelf, instead placing a bowl of fresh fruit on her meeting table.

“We aren’t telling people what they can and can’t do but we are making it clear they have a choice,” she says. “These are things that make us a healthier community.”

She expressed gratitude that the Omaha Public Schools board gave its approval in August to conducting the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in high schools. Since 1995, the district had opted out of the federal survey that asks 90 questions ranging from seat belt and tobacco use to mental health and violence issues.

“This has been an issue for me since I started at the health department,” Dr. Pour says. “The results will not only show where we need to improve, but also where our programs are succeeding and where we can celebrate with our youth.”

The health department also performs many behind-the-scenes duties. “The reports we gather regarding diseases like pertussis (whooping cough) and West Nile virus, the food inspections, and which restaurant has to be closed – all of this isn’t really visible to the public but when combined ensure we have a safe community,”

“We aren’t telling people what they can and can’t do but we are making it clear they have a choice.

These are things that make us a healthier community.”

S

he liked her job at the cancer institute and sensed a change might be in order.

“After six months I enrolled at UNO (University of Nebraska at Omaha),” she says. “I saw that I had a love and interest in biology and perhaps medicine.”

Adi also found another love interest at the Eppley Institute – a physician named Parviz Pour. They have been married 35 years.

“He helped keep me here,” she says. “He definitely played into the equation.” She has three stepchildren with her husband and six grandchildren.

At UNO, Dr. Pour learned more about herself than about biology. “I sat in the back row of that class and could hardly understand a word. I did well with conversational English but not biology and all the scientific terms.”

After working on her English, she returned to that biology class and passed. And she kept the accent. “I grew up in the German part of Switzerland,” she explains. “My husband was originally from Iran but left when he was 18 and was educated in Germany. We still speak high German in our house. And I go to Switzerland at least once a year.

“I’ve never tried to hide my accent or to lose it. Why should I? It’s a part of me.”

Dr. Pour earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from UNO in 1977. She went on to earn a master’s degree in 1982 and Ph.D. in toxicology in 1986, both at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular pharmacology at Creighton University in 1989.

That was also the year Nebraska created the position of State Toxicologist at the Department

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September 2012

she says.

For example, a doctor seeing patients may find one case of salmonella and report it to the DCHD. “But we get reports of six cases of salmonella from different physicians and then begin to examine if there are linkages to a certain food or a particular place.

“Every reportable disease that comes into the health department is followed up by a communicable disease investigator. These reports give us an accurate picture of what is going on in our community.”

And the DCHD does it all on a staff that is about the same as it was 10 years ago when Dr. Pour took charge. “That shows how much we have tried to collaborate with outside entities.

We evaluate each instance and decide if it is a function no one else in the community can do. If there is someone we can partner with to accomplish the job, that’s what we do.”

Dr. Pour has been honored several times for her work. She is the recipient of the 2007 J.G. Elliot Award given by the University of Nebraska to an individual for advancing health care throughout the state as well as for outstanding contributions to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She was awarded the Public Service Excellence Award for professional service, excellence, and dedication by the Nebraska Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration. She also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Infection Control Network.

Despite the impressive progress under her leadership, many challenges remain, Dr. Pour says.

“The health disparities that exist in the eastern part of the county. If I had my wish, those rates would diminish. The rates of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) would diminish. The infant mortality rate in our African-American community would decrease.”

Wishes won’t solve these problems, she says, but continued hard work and collaboration offer a chance for success.

“I am an optimist. I want to leave our community better off than when I started,” she says. “I think we can handle these challenges. If you know what they are, you can move forward together to meet them.”

It’s an opinion that is strong and confident, from a woman who 40 years ago wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life.

Pour says hard work and collaborations offer the DCHD its best options.

Older adults 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 402827-5656 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.

Letters to ENOA

Please see the ad on page 3

New Horizons Club membership roll rises

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has recently received letters from several of its clients pleased with the agency’s Chore Services Program. Here’s a sample of some of the comments:

$50 Howard Roberts

“We are very well satisfied with the lawn mowing.

They do a great job! Thank you so much.”

$25 Barbara Cermak

S.J. “It is so comforting to know there’s help out there for people in situations like ours.

Again, thank you.”

$15 Tom Bartek Leslie Focht Karen Rasmusen

N.P.

$10 Janice Kjosa Carole Beran Rita Kosmicki Frank Godek

“Thank you. My chore services provider is one wonderful man and does a very good job.

Thanks again.”

C.H.

$5 Betty Stephens Margaret Johnson Carol Vinjamuri Dennis Bullard

“I want to tell you how thankful I am for your lawn services.

The man that mows my grass is very efficient, polite, prompt, (and) just does excellent work.”

Reflects donations through August 28, 2012.

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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.

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

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www.seniormovingservices.com September 2012

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New Horizons

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Page 13

Volunteers honored during celebration at the Bellevue Senior Community Center

The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band performed at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet last month at the Bellevue Senior Community Center. More than 100 volunteers from the Bellevue area were honored at the event which featured a social hour and dinner.

Someday this button might save your life.

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With Lifeline by Immanuel, you can enjoy an independent lifestyle in your own home — knowing that you can call for help if you ever need it. One push of your Lifeline button connects you to someone with access to your medical history, someone who can evaluate your situation and immediately send help. To learn more about the security and peace of mind provided by Lifeline, call (402) 829-3277 or toll-free at (800) 676-9449.

Caregivers may benefit from respite program

By Jen Vogt Do any of these caregivers remind you of someone you know?

• A woman in her 70s who cares for her husband who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

• A woman who drives to her older friend’s house daily to make sure the friend takes her medications.

• A middle-aged man who cares for and lives with his teenage daughters and his older father.

Each of these individuals is caring for someone who has long-term or lifelong physical or psychological challenges. There are approximately 24 to 28 million family caregivers in America. About 65 percent of those being cared for are older adults.

The demands placed on these caregivers can be time consuming, exhausting, and stressful. It’s also often the best option for their loved one. Caring for someone with a chronic health condition can be a full-time job. In addition, the majority of family caregivers also work outside the home. Respite care can provides them with a necessary break from their caregiving responsibilities and allow them to alleviate some of the stresses associated with caring for an older family member or friend.

Respite care provides an opportunity for a caregiver to take some time away from their caregiving duties to complete errands, keep appointments, take a vacation, or have some time off. Utilizing respite care can ensure a loved one will still receive the care they need while the caregiver is away.

Respite stays can last anywhere from a few hours to two weeks.

Respite care for older adults can be provided in different ways. Adult day programs allow individuals to stay for a shorter period of time (usually up to 12 hours).

Adult day programs are an excellent option for individuals who need help caring for a loved one during working hours or overnight.

Respite programs allow longer stays and can be provided in-home or at a senior living community (such as an assisted living or long-term care community). Respite

programs are great resources for services longer than 12 hours at a time up to two weeks.

The cost of respite care can vary depending on the length of stay, the requirements of the individual receiving the care, and the community or organization providing the respite services.

The cost of not utilizing respite services can be expensive to the caregiver and the individual they’re caring for.

Respite care can often seem like a luxury, once medical bills and other expenses are factored into a budget. There are programs available, however, like the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Senior Companion Program that provide in-home respite care by volunteers.

There are also adult day centers and respite programs within long-term care communities and assisted living facilities that offer financial assistance or limited free stays.

Seeking advice from a caregiver support group, clergy member, or a healthcare organization for older adults can provide service referrals and answers to questions caregivers may have.

The cost of not utilizing respite services can be expensive to the caregiver and the individual they’re caring for. By utilizing respite care, lapses in services can be prevented which may decrease hospitalizations and accidents that could occur in the home.

A caregiver’s health can become a priority and some of the stresses associated with being a family caregiver may be alleviated.

This time to themselves, whether accomplishing tasks or taking a vacation, allows them to continue providing top-notch care and assures their loved one’s needs are being met.

If you or someone you know is caring for an older loved one, consider looking into respite care services. They can be an invaluable tool to older adults with a chronic health condition and their family caregivers.

(Vogt is with Midwest Geriatrics, Inc.)

www.immanuellifeline.com

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For a limited time only

26 years of legal experience

Are you age 62 or better and want to live independently, but in a catered environment?

Skyline Retirement Community is offering a studio apartment with: • Full kitchen ALL THIS FOR • All utilities included ONLY $600 • FREE satellite TV PER MONTH!!!!!

Limited number of • Library apartments available.

• Chapel • Fitness center with age appropriate classes and a personal fitness trainer on site.

Call Angie or Carol at

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

Page 14

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• Wills • Living Trusts • Probate • Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney • In Home Consultations • Free Initial Consultation 440 Regency Parkway Drive • Suite 139 Omaha, NE 68114 Office: (402) 558-1404 • Fax: (402) 779-7498 Cdorwartjd@aol.com

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Specializing in:

Certified Grief Recovery Specialist

• Geriatrics • Chronic Illness • Depression • Anxiety • Caregiver Stress

Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted

September 2012

Take charge of your future, call me today at

402-431-3459 www.kesselcounseling.com 6901 Dodge St. Omaha, Nebraska 68132

Women’s conference scheduled for Oct. 5

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ou’re invited to attend the 15th annual Omaha Women’s Health & Wellness Conference titled Becoming Your Best Future Self on Friday, Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the LaVista Conference Center, 12520 Westport Parkway.

The keynote presenters will be Larra PetersenLukenda, Ph.D.; Dr. Jane Potter, M.D.; Dr. Julie Masters; and Dr. Dan Anderson.

The cost is $59 for general registration and $89 for nursing registration.

For more information, please call 402559-6345 or log on the Internet to omahawomenshealthandwellness.org.

Helping your lawn recover from summer

By Melinda Myers

S

ummer can be hard on our lawns. With much of the country suffering from extreme heat and drought conditions this summer, many lawns across the country took a beating.

Fall is the perfect time to help your lawn recover from the stressors of summer and prepare for winter. The warm soil and cooler temperatures promote root growth and thickening of the lawn.

Continue to mow the lawn as long as it keeps growing. Mow high to encourage deep roots and leave clippings on the lawn. They add nutrients and organic matter to the soil and do not cause thatch. There’s no need to cut the lawn shorter for winter unless you’re in an area subject to winter diseases.

Mow don’t rake those fall leaves. This will save you time and improve your lawn. The leaves add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. As long as you can see the grass leaves through the shredded leaves your lawn will be fine.

Or you can shred and collect the leaves in your bagger and add them to your compost, dig into annual gardens to improve the soil, or use as mulch around perennials in the garden.

Consider core aeration if your lawn is suffering from compacted soil and thatch. Core aeration machines remove plugs of soil in the lawn, allowing air and water to reach and nourish the grass roots while promoting the breakdown of the thatch.

Over-seed thin lawns after core aerating. This will enable you to get good seed to soil contact and ultimately enjoy a thicker more lush lawn.

And be sure to fertilize. Fall fertilization helps lawns recover from summer stress, encourages root growth, thickens your grass stand, and prepares the lawn for winter.

Use a low nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite to encourage slow steady growth and prevent damage to already stressed lawns. Plus, research has found when microorganisms work on the nitrogen fertilizer to release the nutrients they also make some of the phosphorous and potassium bound to the soil available to the plants. The phosphorous is good for root growth and potassium boosts hardiness and disease resistance.

Gardeners growing cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass should make their last application sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving before the ground freezes.

And always sweep any clippings, fertilizer, and other debris off walks and drives to prevent them from entering our waterways and eventually our drinking water.

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

Living Well series begins Sept. 6 You’re invited to attend the free Living Well workshops, six weekly sessions held at the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center, 4102 Woolworth Ave. The next Living Well series begins Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. The two-hour sessions will take place each Thursday through Oct. 11.

Developed at Stanford University, Living Well has helped participants learn how to live healthier.

For more information or to enroll, please call 402-444-5200.

Foster Grandparent helping out at Educare...

--Continued from page 8.

As the summer wound down, this was to be the final water activity of the season at the school. “I’m going to miss this,” Bill said as he toweled off his face.

ing a Foster Grandparent.

“You’ve got to love children and you have to have a lot of patience.”

To a classroom visitor, it’s obvious Grandpa Bill

meets those requirements.

“He’s a great guy,” Brannan says.

For more information about the FGP, call 402444-6536, ext. 245 or 246.

AARP town hall meeting on Sept. 13 will allow older adults to have their say

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ARP invites Omaha-area residents to have their say about the future of Medicare and Social Security during a Thursday, Sept. 13 town hall meeting at the Livestock Exchange Building, 4920 S. 30th St. The session is part of AARP’s You’ve Earned a Say effort, a national conversation about strengthening health and retirement security for today’s older adults and future generations. Across the Cornhusker state, thousands of Nebraskans are joining in You’ve Earned a Say through surveys, community conversations, forums, debates, teletown hall sessions, and other activities.

“We want to make sure that ordinary Americans have a voice in the critical debate over Social Security and Medicare.”

At the Omaha event, AARP leaders from Nebraska, Iowa, and Washington, D.C. will share balanced information – both the pros and cons - about the Social Security and Medicare proposals that are being debated in Washington and on the campaign trail. Community members will have the chance to say what they think about the different options on the table to sustain these programs in the years ahead.

“AARP seeks a no-nonsense conversation about these issues without the spin or political jargon we hear so often out of Washington,” said Bob Eppler, who volunteers as president for AARP Nebraska. “We want to make sure that ordinary Americans have a voice in the critical debate over Social Security and Medicare.”

The local town hall meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 10th floor of the Livestock Exchange Building. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost, but space is limited and registration is required. RSVP by Sept. 5 by calling 1-877-926-8300 toll free or register online at http://aarp.event.com/yeastownhall.

In addition, Omaha has been selected to host a stop by a 28-feet long trailer on AARP’s coast-to-coast You’ve Earned a Say tour that will be open to the public prior to the Sept. 13 town hall meeting. The trailer features interactive games, a photo and video recording booth, online surveys, straightforward information about the Medicare and Social Security proposals in Washington, and a chance to win small prizes. People are encouraged to arrive early and visit the trailer starting at 10 a.m. in the parking lot on the east side of the Livestock Exchange Building.

For more about You’ve Earned a Say, log on the Internet to www.earnedasay.org.

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mith, who has seven children, 16 grandkids, and 13 greatgrandkids of his own, heard about the Foster Grandparent Program through a friend who knew the FGP and Bill would be a perfect match.

“I try to show them (Educare staff and students) what a Grandpa should be,” says Smith who retired in 1999 after working 46 years in the auto parts business.

He volunteers weekday mornings at Educare and says he gets a special feeling each time he sees a child speak his first word or take her first step.

“It gets me right here,” he adds, pointing to his heart.

“I love it when they call me ‘Grandpa.’”

Smith says there are two key requirements for anyone thinking about becom-

ife Is What You Make It...

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• Quality living at an affordable price

• Outstanding activities program

• Licensed nurse staff and certified staff on duty 24 hours a day

• Locally owned & operated

Bill Smith and friends cool off during some recent water activities at the Educare Center of Omaha at Indian Hill Elementary School.

September 2012

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New Horizons

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Page 15

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

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he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is hosting a series of open houses in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties to educate persons of all ages about volunteer opportunities in their communities.

Representatives from ENOA’s Senior Companion Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Ombudsman Advocate Program, Senior Medicare Patrol Program, and Foster Grandparent Program will be on hand at the open houses

to discuss their programs, hand out materials, and answer questions.

The Corporation for National and Community Service sponsors the Senior Companion Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and the Foster Grandparent Program.

For more information about the open houses, please call Chris Gillette at 402444-6536, ext. 221.

Here’s a list of the open house locations, times, and dates.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

SARPY COUNTY CONTINUED

Wednesday, October 17 10 to 11 a.m.

South Omaha Library 2808 Q St.

Thursday, October 11 10 to 11 a.m.

Bellevue University SARPY1000 COUNTY Galvin Rd.CONTINUED South John Muller Administrative Services Building (Five story glass building) Garden Level Multipurpose Room

Thursday, October 25 10 to 11 a.m.

Charles Washington Library 2868 Ames Ave.

DODGE COUNTY

Friday, October 26 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Elkhorn Library 2100 Reading Plz. (204th & Burdette streets)

Tuesday, October 16 10 to 11 a.m.

Fremont Auditorium Community Room 925 N. Broad St.

Wednesday, October 31 10 to 11 a.m.

Douglas County Extension Office 8015 West Center Rd.

CASS COUNTY Tuesday, October 23 10 to 11 a.m.

Main Street Cafe 221 Main St. Louisville

SARPY COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Tuesday, October 9 10 to 11 a.m.

Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department Community Room 8335 Platteview Rd. Papillion

Wednesday, October 24 10 to 11 a.m.

Blair Chamber of Commerce 1646 Washington St.

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

A Caring Community Called HOME! Independent & Assisted Living

• No Entrance Fee • Medicaid Waiver Approved • All Utilities & Housekeeping Included • Spacious 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments

Medicare education event set for Sept. 18 A National Medicare Education Week program is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Westside Community Conference Center, 3534 S. 108th St. Information will be available to help Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers learn about their health care options.

While the event is free, participants are asked to RSVP by calling (toll free) 866-673-3545.

Chicken dinner

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

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The Douglas County Health Center Foundation’s annual broasted chicken dinner is set for Thursday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 4102 Woolworth Ave. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 10 and younger.

For more information, please call 402-444-7313.

September 2012

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SeniorHelp

he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s SeniorHelp Program has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for persons of all ages that provide services to help older adults in ways that support dignity and independence in their daily lives.

For more information, please call Karen Kelly at 402561-2238 or send an e-mail to karen.kelly@nebraska. gov.

• Companionship: Volunteers are needed to visit clients in Omaha zip codes 68102, 68104, 68105, and 68112 as well as in Fremont.

• Transportation: Drivers are being asked to take older adults grocery shopping every other week in the Omaha area, to medical appointments as needed in the Omaha area, and to transport an older adult in Bellevue to the food bank twice a month.

• Handyman/Home Maintenance: Volunteers are needed to provide home repairs in the Omaha area.

Other projects include installing a hand railing in a garage for an 82-year-old in Fremont, building a ramp for a 78-year-old in Fremont, and caulking windows and repairing the floors in a trailer home in Murray.

• Household Assistance: Volunteers are being recruited to provide housekeeping, sorting, and organizing in the Omaha area, and to grocery shop by a list for 65-year-old in Bellevue.

• Meals Delivery: Drivers are needed to deliver midday meals in Omaha zip codes 68114, 68134, and 68144 • Lawn Mowing: Volunteers are needed to mow lawns in the Omaha area.

• Painting: Volunteers are being asked to paint the inside and outside of homes in the Omaha area and to paint and seal a basement wall and railing in Bellevue.

• Yard: Volunteers are being recruited to clean gutters, rake, trim bushes, haul debris, and wash windows in the Omaha area. Other projects include cleaning windows for a Springfield resident and cleaning a yard in Fremont.

Corrigan Senior Center You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St. this month for: • Thursday, Sept. 6: Grandparents Lunch & Bingo.

Bring pictures or stories of your grandkids, and let’s celebrate Grandparents Day early. A noon lunch (including a deli choice) will be served before bingo.

• Monday, Sept. 10: Birthday Party @ 11 a.m. Enjoy music by Hal Cottrell (Hillbilly Hal) sponsored by the Merrymakers. Hal is an accomplished singer and songwriter who plays the guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and Dobro! He has been inducted into the Midwest Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Plan to stay for a noon featuring Sloppy Joes or chicken cordon bleu followed by bingo.

• Thursday, Sept. 20: Noon Roast Beef Dinner followed by Mega Bingo featuring $75 in cash prizes.

There’s a $3 suggested donation for dinner and a $3 suggested bingo activity fee. The reservation deadline is noon on Friday, Sept. 14.

• Monday, Sept. 24: River City Round-up Party.

Wear your favorite Western wear and join us for a Wild West show! Omaha’s Country Kickers will perform @ 11:15 a.m. Enjoy a noon lunch with your fellow outlaws and partners, and then stay for bingo.

The Corrigan Senior Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is served at noon. A $3 donation is normally suggested for the meal. Reservations are normally due by noon the business day prior to the meal you wish to enjoy.

We offer chair volleyball, card games, bingo, ceramics, exercise, woodcarving, and loads of fun!

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

Dan’s client list ranges from Little Leaguers to Major Leaguers

Dan Bouska learned how to repair gloves more than 40 years ago because he was too cheap to buy a new mitt.

By Jeff Reinhardt New Horizons Editor

B

aseball gloves have had a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans, their culture, lore, and history for well over a century.

“I won’t be happy until we have every boy in America between the ages of 6 and 16 wearing a glove and swinging a bat,” said the legendary New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth.

Baseball historian John Thorn put it this way: “Donning a glove for a backyard toss, or watching a ballgame, or just reflecting on our baseball days, we are players again forever young.”

Millions of us fondly remember taking that newly purchased mitt and getting it ready for our next sandlot game or to play catch with Dad in the backyard after dinner.

The process had many steps but usually began by rubbing leather oil into the pocket. After the oil dried, the glove was broken in for duty by pounding a baseball and then a fist into the pocket until your hands got tired, sore, or both. Overnight, a baseball was placed inside the pocket and a rubber band wrapped around the glove to help create the proper fit and shape.

In 1870, it’s believed an injured left hand made Doug Allison – a catcher with the Cincinnati Red Stockings – the first player to wear a baseball glove.

The game and its tools of the trade have come a long way since then. Mitts can cost more than $600 and manufacturers make specialized gloves for catchers, first basemen, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders.

Unfortunately, however, like most types of sports equipment, baseball gloves can “break.” That’s

The Mittmender’s sign is a familiar sight for drivers along Omaha’s South 60th Street. when people like Omaha’s Dan Bouska come to the rescue.

B

ouska, 63, runs his Mittmender business in the basement man cave of the home he shares with Linda, his wife for 31 years, south of 60th and Center

At any given time, Dan’s man cave work area may have 10 to 15 baseball gloves ready to be repaired.

September 2012

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streets. Linda has operated a beauty salon upstairs in a converted garage for 26 years.

A semi-retired schoolteacher (32 years with the Omaha Public Schools), Bouska sat barefoot behind a desk wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts as the family dog and cat watched him operate. An assortment of gloves in various stages of disrepair/repair was arranged on the desk and floor.

The father of two sons and a daughter, Bouska – who also has three grandkids – said he has three levels of priority when in comes to deciding which glove to work on next: • Ballplayers who tell him “they’ve got to have their glove in an hour.”

• Rush jobs.

• Men, women, boys, and girls who don’t need their mitts for a week or two.

Most of the items the Mittmender uses to repair baseball gloves can be found in any garage. His toolbox includes a 100-year-old pair of needle nose pliers, a pair of traditional pliers, a razor blade, and a pair of scissors.

He buys an assortment of 600 brown, black, and white 3/16th inch wide leather laces at a time – each measuring 72 inches long – from a manufacturer in Kansas City. The white laces are dyed a variety of colors.

“Some people want the laces to match the color of their uniform,” --Please turn to page 18.

New Horizons

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Page 17

Bouska’s goal is to make repaired mitts look like new --Continued from page 18.

Bouska said.

T

he Mittmender began learning his craft out of necessity at age 21. Bouska – who played baseball at Bishop Ryan High School, Wayne State College, and Creighton University – said his glove was a mess and he was “too cheap to buy a new one.”

Word soon spread about Bouska’s artistry as he started repairing the gloves of his teammates and players from the opposing slowpitch softball teams.

“My goal is to put the glove back together the way it was when it was new,” he said.

The Mittmender’s client list ranges from Little Leaguers to Major Leaguers. He recalled the day University of Nebraska at Omaha baseball coach Bob Herold had a driver park the team bus on the 60th Street island in front of the Bouskas’ home as the Mavericks headed out of town on a weekend road trip.

“He dropped the gloves off with Linda and said he’d be back in two or three days to pick them up,” Bouska said.

In 2010, Dan and Linda had their Lake Okoboji vacation interrupted by a phone call from the trainer for the University of South Carolina baseball team who was in Omaha for the College World Series. The mitt of the Gamecocks’ starting catcher was torn, and Bouska’s handiwork was needed.

“I got back to Omaha at 3 p.m. and had the glove fixed by 5,” the Mittmender said. “That night, South Carolina won the national championship.”

For a typical 2-½ hour mitt repair – which might include replacing the laces, repairing the pocket, web, heel, thumb, or fingers – Bouska said he usually charges enough for the materials plus an extra dollar or two for beer money.

The South Carolina team signed a baseball for him as its way of saying thanks.

For the last 14 or 15 years, Dan has attended the Nebraska State High School Softball Tournament where he mends the players’ gloves for free.

Bouska’s tools include scissors and two types of pliers.

Page 18

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Dan Bouska, aka ‘The Mittmender,’ relaces a baseball glove in his basement workshop.

He said he enjoys seeing smiles on the faces of the young players after their gloves have been repaired.

“I get to see the finished product.

You don’t get that in teaching.”

Bouska fondly recalled customizing a glove for a young Vietnamese girl that had parts of her fingers blown off. The adopted child and her parents were in Omaha for the College World Series and asked

Dan said it’s a privilege to repair baseball gloves.

New Horizons

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Dan to alter the glove so the girl could close it with her stubs. “I did it and now she has a glove,” he said.

“I guess that’s about the best story I have.”

said. “They never let the glove down and the glove never lets them down. If you take the first letter of the word ‘glove’ off, you have ‘love.’”

While the Mittmender said a n an era where some players baseball glove will never wear out, use a machine to break in their there have been two instances when gloves, Bouska is becoming the he couldn’t fix a mitt when it was last of a dying breed. “As much presented to him. On one occasion time as it takes, nobody could do the glove was saturated with mothis and make any money,” he said. tor oil. The other time a customer “I like to be unique and do somewanted Bouska to cut the tops of the thing nobody else is doing.” glove’s fingers off.

Bouska has always treated mend“I told him to buy a new glove,” ing mitts as a hobby and not as a Dan said. job. “I can sit, watch TV, and drink When not working on gloves, a beer while I work,” he said.

Bouska enjoys spending time with Dan tries to restore an inventory his family, volunteering at Tregaron of broken gloves daily, sometimes Golf Course, helping out at Sinspending as much as seven hours nott’s Sand Bar in Papillion, and lacing up mitts. working as a paraprofessional at He said if taken care of properly Highland Elementary School. a good baseball glove should hold Although his hands aren’t as up for more than 25 years. “If you limber as they once were, Bouska make the varsity as a junior or seplans to continue mending mitts for nior in high school, the glove should as long as possible. last until you’re done playing ball.”

“I feel privileged that people drop Baseball players have a mutual off a glove, tell me to fix it, and I love affair with their gloves, Bouska do.”

I

September 2012

Read it & eat

Eighth anniversary at Orchard Gardens

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on Aging • 4223 invited to Center Street • Omaha, NE 68105

By Lois Friedman Eastern Nebraska a Officeou’re attend the eighth anreaditandeat@yahoo.com niversary celebration

at Orchard Gardens Assisted Living, 1006 S. Mayne St. Read these cookbooks before summer ends in Valley on Wednesday, Before summer officially ends and before you pack up all Sept. 12 from 4:30 to 7:30 the delights of summer, check out these cookbooks for bite- p.m.

Orchard Gardens is by-bite enjoyment. owned and managed by the Douglas County Housing Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes Authority.

By Adam Reid (W. W. Norton, $17.95) The festivities – held in America’s test kitchen guru updates July 18, and 2012creates 100 clasconjunction with the 2012 sic and contemporary frosted treats.

National Assisted Living Mary Week – will include the Fiesta at Rick’s Here’s your ad for the classifiedwork section for the August issue. Please let of local artists of all

By Rick Bayless ($35) ages, musical entertainme know this fiesta is okay, or if you have any changes, give me a call @ Enjoy 150 recipes for entertaining withiffour menus ment, a farmers’ market, including game plans and play 402-444-4148. lists. Fiesta forever!

If okay mail your check for $16.00 to: a dunk tank, ice cream, and a Horizons watermelon feed.

The I Love Trader Joe’s Around the World Cookbook New For moreEditor information,

By Cherie Twohy (Ulysses, $17.95) c/o Jeff Reinhardt, Paula Smith at International recipes using this and that from the bulging 4223please Centercall Street 402-359-4604. shelves at the local T. J.s.

Omaha, NE 68105 Hot & Cheesy Thanks!

By Clifford Wright (Wiley, $22.99) The award-winning author creates lovers’ favorite Mitch cheese Laudenback international comfort foods with go-for-it fun. @ New Horizons Sunday Brunch

By Betty Rosbottom (Chronicle, $19.95) What better time to gather family and friends. Fifty recipes celebrating eggs every way you can imagine.

Summer Food In Provence

By Marita Van Vyver (Tafelberg) Bienvenue/ Welcome from this South African writer living in France. Stories, lovely photographs, and more than three dozen recipes in this beautiful cookbook.

Great Easy Meals (Hyperion, $24.99) Featured from the pages of the Food Network magazine are 250 recipes for busy families with nutritional data, tips from the stars and lots of photographs. Whip ‘em up in no time. From the Side Dish chapter: Lemon Potatoes Slice four peeled potatoes into 1½-inch rounds. Toss in an ovenproof skillet with 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, four smashed garlic cloves, four oregano sprigs, and salt and pepper. Add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the potatoes. Cover, bring to a boil and cook five minutes. Uncover and roast at 500˚ for 30 more minutes.

From the 10 Minute Desserts chapter: Chocolate-Glazed Pound Cake Microwave six ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate with one stick cut-up butter and one tablespoon honey on 75 percent power until melted, about two minutes. Whisk until smooth. Place a loaf of pound cake on a rack and drizzle with the glaze.

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

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402-453-6100

Enoa Aging September 2012

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New Horizons

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Page 19

Summer drive collects school supplies

Health fair on Sept. 26 at Intercultural Center

he Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program recently collaborated with Alegent Bergan Mercy Medical Center and the Salvation Army on a back to school supplies drive.

The Salvation Army provided collection boxes

lder adults are invited to a health fair on Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Intercultural Senior Center, 2021 U St. (lower level, south side of Sokol South Omaha).

The event will feature flu shots and free screenings for body mass index, blood pressure, breast cancer, diabetes, and of the head and neck.

Free presentations will also be offered on breast cancer, active women, chair exercises, and other general health information.

To learn more, please call 402-444-6529 or 402933-2643.

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Alegent’s Karen Anderson (left) and Cheryl Morehouse.

that were placed at Alegent Bergan Mercy Medical Center and then filled with school supplies by hospital staff members and RSVP volunteers.

Backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed last month to Omahaarea students in Kindergarten through 12th grade, according to Pat Tanner, ENOA’s RSVP coordinator.

“Bergan’s staff and volunteers are the most generous people around.

Hundreds of items were collected,” said Cheryl Morehouse, manager of the hospital’s volunteer and guest services program.

“I want to thank everyone who donated these muchneeded school supplies,” Tanner said. “We appreci-

ate this opportunity to work with Alegent Bergan Mercy Medical Center, the Salvation Army, and all of our volunteers on this important project.”

Alegent Bergan Mercy Medical Center and the Salvation Army’s Dora Bingel Center are both RSVP volunteer stations.

RSVP’s Pat Tanner with some of the school supplies collected.

End-of-life care from Saint Jude Hospice touches patients and their families with compassion, empathy and a genuine love of humanity.

We’ve made this our mission because we live by the words of Jesus Christ: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

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

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

O

Millard Senior Center

Little Dresses for Africa, a program that makes dresses for young girls in 31 African nations, will begin again at the Millard Senior Center, 2304 S. 135th Ave. (inside the Montclair Community Center) on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m.

Participants can make the dresses during that time or take the material and instructions home with them.

Older adults are also encouraged to visit the center to play chair volleyball Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

For more information, please call 402-546-1270.

Nature programs for older adults The Fontenelle Nature Association’s SUN (Seniors Understanding Nature) program has an activity for older adults the second Tuesday of each month at the Fontenelle Nature Center, 1111 Bellevue Blvd.

North.

The programs, held from 9:45 to 11 a.m., feature an indoor program, an optional nature walk, and refreshments.

The cost is $5 per person each month.

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

September 11 Butterflies of the Midwest With photographer Duane Bright October 9 Western China Provinces of Chongqing & Sichuan With Peace Corps volunteer Elizabeth Chalen November 13 Nebraska Culture – Who Were They?

With archeological technician Linda Plock December 11 Decorate the Hall with Boughs of Greenery!

Jan Heiner from Beyond the Vine will conduct this annual workshop where we use berries, seeds, greenery, and other natural materials to build a beautiful holiday centerpiece for your home.

There is an additional $4 fee to pay for supplies.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

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

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New Horizons

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September 2012