New Horizons Newspaper

A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

March 2012 VOL. 37 • NO. 3

ENOA4223 Center StreetOmaha, NE 68105-2431

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOMAHA NE

PERMIT NO. 389

Caring

New Horizons

Musician, restauranteur, magazine publisher, and community events organizer are among the many roles Jim Boone has played during his illustrious career.

New Horizons editor Jeff Reinhardt chronicles Boone’s life, plans, and dreams.See page 12.

A group of volunteers including (from left): Rosemary Holeman,

Aurora Bryant, Mary Reynolds,

Kay Kirschbaum, and Don Kirschbaum

were involved in a food drive recently as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

See page 17.

Service

Hospice care addresses the physical, social, spiritual, and psychological issues to help alleviate pain, symptoms, and suffering while improving the quality of life for persons in the final months of their life. Nick Schinker takes a closer look at hospice care and its impact on an Omaha family.See page 13.

Hospice

• New Horizons • March 2012

Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, has gained popularity in re-cent years as a nutritional supplement that proponents believe is helpful in staving off the common cold and shortening its duration. But given the variation between dosages and formulations – such herbs are not regulated as medical drugs by the U.S Food and Drug Ad-ministration (FDA) and so makers have little incentive to standardize - it’s hard to get definitive answers as to Echinacea’s effectiveness.

Historically, Native Americans relied on the root of Echinacea to numb tooth-ache pain and treat dyspep-sia as well as snake, insect, and spider bites. While some modern day folks rely on Echinacea based on this anecdotal evidence, scien-tific studies have verified the herb can be effective. A 2008 University of Connect-icut review of 14 different clinical trials of Echinacea

use found taking the supple-ment reduced the chances of getting a cold by 31 percent, and helped people get over cold and flu symptoms a day and a half earlier than those who didn’t take Echinacea.

Researchers initially thought Echinacea’s ef-fectiveness was due to its immune-boosting traits, but they now believe instead the herb works more as an anti-inflammatory agent. A 2009 University of Brit-ish Columbia study found typical commercially avail-able Echinacea preparations are effective in reducing the body’s production of inflam-matory proteins in human bronchial cells. In layman’s terms, this means Echinacea can help lessen the annoy-ing symptoms of common colds, the flu, and other respiratory ailments.

Furthermore, the study found Echinacea is just as effective in reducing bron-chial inflammation whether it’s consumed before or

after a viral infection sets in, indicating taking moder-ate doses on a regular basis during cold season can help prevent some bronchial irritation if and when cold symptoms begin.

A 2010 study of 719 participants in Wisconsin focusing on illness dura-tion and severity found the duration of the common cold could be shortened by taking a pill of some sort, whether Echinacea or a placebo with no active in-gredients. This study merely underscored the importance of psychological factors in fighting illness and did not say that Echinacea isn’t ef-fective.

Given the lack of FDA oversight of herbs, different formulations may contain vastly different amounts of Echinacea. A 2004 evalua-tion of 19 different Echina-cea brands by the non-profit Consumers Union and pub-lished in Consumer Reports found the amount of Echina-cea present in supplements varied considerably from brand to brand, and in some cases, from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

Before taking the Echina-cea plunge, beware the herb can cause allergic reactions in some people and may interact negatively with some common medications. Researchers warn anyone with autoimmune disease or a handful of other illnesses should not take Echinacea without first consulting with their doctor.

(EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a reg-istered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine.)

Echinacea’s impact on staving off colds, shortening their duration

The 211 telephone network has been estab-lished in parts of Nebras-ka to give consumers a single source for infor-mation about community and human services.

By dialing 211, con-sumers can access infor-mation about:

• Human needs re-sources like food banks, shelters, rent and utility assistance, etc.

• Physical and mental health resources.

• Employment support.• Support for older

Americans and persons with a disability.

• Support for children and families.

• Volunteer opportuni-ties and donations.

The 211 network is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The information is also available online at www.ne211.org.

Phone network hasresource information

March 2012 • New Horizons •

Advertisements appearing in New Horizons do not imply endorsement of the advertiser by the Eastern Nebraska Of-fice 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.

New Horizons is the official publication of the East-ern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distrib-uted 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: [email protected]

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.

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

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

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Applicants whose names are on file in the assessor’s office in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties should

have had a homestead exemption form mailed to them by early March. New ap-plicants must contact their county asses-sor’s office to receive the application.

The 2012 forms and a household in-come statement must be completed and returned to the county assessor’s office by June 30, 2012.

A homestead exemption provides property tax relief by exempting all or part of the homestead’s valuation from taxa-tion. The state of Nebraska reimburses the counties and other government subdivi-sions for the lost tax revenue.

To qualify for a homestead exemption, a Nebraska homeowner must be age 65 by Jan. 1, 2012, the home’s owner/occupant through Aug. 15, 2012, and fall within the income guidelines shown below.

Certain homeowners who have a dis-ability and totally-disabled war veterans and their widow(er)s may also be eligible for this annual tax break.

When determining household income, applicants must include Social Security

and Railroad Retirement benefits plus any income for which they receive a Form 1099.

The homestead exemption amount is based on the homeowner’s marital status and income level (see below). Maximum exemptions are based on the average as-sessed value for residential property in each Nebraska county.

The Douglas County Assessor’s office (1819 Farnam St.) is sending volunteers into the community to help older adults complete the application form. The vol-unteers will be located at sites throughout the county. A list of these locations will be included with your application.

Assistance is also available by calling the Volunteers Assisting Seniors at 402-444-6617.

Douglas County residents can also have their homestead exemption questions an-swered by calling 402-597-6659.

Here are the telephone numbers for the assessor’s offices in the counties served by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging: Douglas: 402-444-7060; Sarpy: 402-593-2122; Dodge: 402-727-3916; Cass: 402-296-9310; and Washington: 402-426-6800.

Return homestead exemption applications by June 30

Household income tableOver age 65

Married Income

0 - $30,300.99$30,301 - $31,900.99$31,901 - $33,500.99$33,501 - $35,100.99$35,101 - $36,700.99$36,701 - $38,300.99

$38,301 and over

Over age 65Single Income

0 to $25,800.99$25,801 - $27,200.99$27,201 - $28,500.99$28,501 - $29,900.99$29,901 - $31,200.99$31,201 - $32,500.99

$32,501 and over

Exemption Percentage

10085705540250

FREMONT33 West 6th Street

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8 a.m. - 4 p.m.evenings by appointment(402) 571-1207


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• Quality living at an affordable price

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

• Outstanding activities program

• Locally owned & operated

March 2012 events calendar2

Altar BoysThrough March 25

Omaha Community Playhouse$24 & $40

402-553-0800

No Dogs AllowedThrough March 18The Rose TheaterFriday & Saturday

@ 2 & 7 p.m.Sunday @ 2 p.m.

$16402-345-4849

Omaha Symphony:Soaring Strings

Also March 3Holland Performing

Arts Center8 p.m.

$15 to $75402-342-3560

3The Omaha

Symphonic ChorusTraveling South

First United Methodist Church7:30 p.m.$12 & $15

402-398-1786

6Rock of Ages

Through March 12Orpheum Theater

$25 to $67402-345-0606

9Omaha Symphony

Ronan TynanThrough March 11Holland Performing

Arts CenterFriday & Saturday @ 8 p.m.

Sunday @ 2 p.m.$15 to $80

402-342-3560

10Lady Antebellum with

Darius Rucker and Thompson SquareMid America Center

(Council Bluffs)7 p.m.

$42.50 & $52.50712-323-0536

16Professional Bull Riders

Omaha InvitationalAlso March 17

Mid America Center7:30 p.m.

712-323-0536

17Genealogy: Using U.S. & International Censuses

Mormon Trail Center9 a.m. to noon

FREE402-706-1453

18Crescendo Concert Series

Joseph MartinDundee Presbyterian Church

7 p.m.FREE

402-558-2330

Omaha Symphony:Ensemble Concert

First United Methodist Church2 p.m.$19

402-342-3560

24Omaha Symphony:

KaleidoscopeStrauss Performing Arts Center

@ U. of Nebraska Omaha7 p.m.

402-342-3560

Omaha’s 25th Annual Orchid Show

Also March 25Lauritzen Gardens10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$6402-734-4112

30Click Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

Through April 15The Rose Theater

$16402-345-4849

Luna Negra Dance TheaterOrpheum Theater402-345-0606

Omaha Symphony:Hooray for Hollywood

Holland Performing Arts Center8 p.m.

$15 to $80

31Guns & Hoses Boxing III

Mid-America Center7 p.m.

712-323-0536

Omaha Symphony:The Music of Fleetwood Mac

Holland Performing Arts Center8 p.m.

$25 to $70402-342-3560

Nicholas HalburAttorney & Counselor at Law

[email protected] • www.thompson.law.prowww.linkedin.com/in/nicholashalbur

Are you or a loved one entering a nursing home or in need of long term care? Please, come speak to me about your rights, key care issues, Medicaid, & other payment options.

I am a Nebraska and Iowa attorney in the general practice of law including, but not limited to wills & estates, elder law, powers of attorney, guardianships & conservatorships, & planning for long-term care needs.

13906 Gold Circle, Suite 201

Omaha, NE 68144-2336

402-206-2221

Are you approaching Medicare age and confused about your options? Are you employed and not sure how Medicare works with your employer insurance? Are you a caregiver for your parents and have questions about their Medicare cover-age?

The Medicare program is fraught with complicated decisions and deadlines for enrollment.Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) is offering a workshop to help explain the Medicare pro-gram for people approach-ing Medicare age. The New to Medicare workshop will help answer your questions and better prepare you to make decisions about your health insurance options

when you reach Medicare age.

The workshop is held on the last Wednesday of each month at Vatterott College, 11818 I St. There is no charge for the class, but you must register in advance, as class size is limited.

To reserve your space, please call Volunteers As-sisting Seniors at (402) 444-6617 or go online to www.vas-nebraska.com.

Program designed to explain Medicare to individuals approaching Medicare age


Corrigan Senior Center

The Medicare Rights Center wants to remind Medicare beneficiaries of the new and existing preventive services available to them at no cost. Recently, the Cen-ters for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added five new preventive benefits to its roster of free services for Medicare beneficiaries. The new preventive services include:

• Annual depression screening for all Medicare beneficiaries.

• Intensive obesity screening and behav-ioral counseling to help Medicare ben-eficiaries who are obese lose weight and sustain weight loss through proper diet and exercise.

• Annual cardiovascular screening which gives primary care providers the opportunity to screen for high blood pres-sure, provide counseling around maintain-ing a healthy diet, and when appropriate, recommend taking aspirin.

• Annual alcohol misuse screening for all Medicare beneficiaries, as well as counseling sessions for individuals found to be misusing alcohol.

• STD/STI screening for Medicare ben-eficiaries that fit certain risk factors.

Preventive services are an integral part of high-quality, patient-centered health care, especially for older adults and people with disabilities,” says Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “Because of efforts by CMS to effectively implement the Affordable Care Act, peo-ple with Medicare are able to better access

preventive services and save money.”In addition to accessing these new pre-

ventive benefits, Medicare beneficiaries will continue to be able to receive those free preventive benefits added in 2011, including mammograms, colonoscopies, and the Annual Wellness Visit.

Learn more about Medicare preventive benefits on Medicare Interactive. Benefi-ciaries can also call the Medicare Rights Center’s national consumer helpline at 800-333-4114 for help with Medicare questions or problems.

Medicare beneficiaries will not pay any coinsurance or deductible for these preventive services. Beneficiaries with Medicare private health plans, otherwise known as Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, will also pay no out-of-pocket costs for these preventive services if they see network doctors. However, cost sharing may apply if the primary care provider makes a diagnosis during a service or does additional tests or procedures.

(The Medicare Rights Center provided this information.)

Medicare offering free preventive services

For more information, call the Medicare Rights

Center’s national consumer helpline at

800-333-4114.

You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St. this month for:

• Wednesday, March 7: Taco lunch, popcorn, and more. Eat popcorn and watch TV on the big screen @ 10:30 a.m. At noon, enjoy a taco or a deli sandwich for lunch. Stay for a ceramics class.

• Thursday, March 8: Chair volleyball @ 10:30 a.m. Stay for a pork patty or deli chef salad lunch and bingo.

• Monday, March 12: Pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration with entertainment, lunch, and bingo. At 11 a.m., enjoy entertainment by singer Joe Taylor from the Merrymakers. Stay for a noon lunch and bingo. The reservation deadline is noon on Thursday, March 8.

• Thursday, March 15: St. Paddy’s lunch and Mega Bingo. The noon lunch menu features roast beef. Mega bingo will follow lunch with $75 in cash prizes to be given away! There is a $3 donation for Mega Bingo in addition to the $3 suggested donation for lunch. The reservation dead-line is noon on Tuesday, March 13.

• Monday, March 19: March Birthdays and Welcome Spring party. Join us for great entertainment, a noon lunch, and bingo! At 11 a.m. entertainment by Johnny Ray Gomez from the Merrymakers.

• Thursday, March 22: Coca-Cola Week Celebration.Coke was first bottled for sale in March. The noon lunch features sliced ham with orange sauce or a crabmeat maca-roni salad deli lunch. Stay for bingo! Coke floats will be served after lunch.

• Wednesday, March 28: Trip to Ameristar Casino. The shuttle leave Corrigan @ 11:30 a.m.

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 a variety of fun activities.For meal reservations or more information, please call

Lynnette at 402-731-7210.

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Heartland Family Service Senior Center

Many mainstream mouthwashes contain ingredients that you definitely don’t want to swallow, or even put down

the drain. According to the Environmen-tal Health Association of Nova Scotia’s (EHANS) Guide to Less Toxic Products – a free online resource designed to help con-sumers choose healthier, greener products – conventional mouthwash is often alcohol-based, with an alcohol content ranging from 18 to 26 percent.

“Products with alcohol can contribute to cancers of the mouth, tongue, and throat when used regularly,” the guide reports. A 2009 review in the Dental Journal of Aus-tralia confirmed the link between alcohol-based mouthwashes and an increased risk of oral cancers.

You might want to avoid mouthwashes with fluoride (aka sodium fluoride). While fluoride may help fight cavities, ingesting too much of it has been linked to neurologi-cal problems and could be a cancer trigger as well. Common mouthwash sweeteners have also been linked to health problems. Saccharin is a suspected carcinogen while sucralose may trigger migraines. Synthetic colors can also be troublesome.

Some brands contain formaldehyde (aka quanternium-15). According to the National Cancer Institute, overexposure to formalde-hyde can cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat as well as coughing, wheezing, nausea, and skin irritation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers formaldehyde a “probable human

carcinogen” and research has shown an association between long-term workplace exposure and several specific cancers, in-cluding leukemia.

Few of us are exposed to as much form-aldehyde as, say, morticians, but does that mean its OK to swish it around in our mouths every day?

Other problematic ingredients in many conventional mouthwashes include sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate, cetylpyridinium chloride, and benzalkonium chloride, all which have been shown to be toxic to or-ganisms in the aquatic environments where these chemicals end up after we spit them out.

So what’s a concerned green consumer to do? EHANS recommends mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol, fluoride, artifi-cial colors, or sweeteners.

You can also make your own all-natural mouthwash at home. Eco-friendly consum-er advice columnist Annie Berthold Bond recommends mixing warm water, baking soda or sea salt, and a drop of peppermint and/or tea tree oil for a refreshing and bacteria-excising rinse.

Another recipe involves combining dis-tilled or mineral water with a few dashes of fresh mint and rosemary leaves and some anise seeds; mix well, and swish! A quick Internet search will yield many other down-home natural mouthwash formulas.

(EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environ-mental Magazine.)

Making your own mouthwash

(This letter appeared in The Omaha World-Herald’s Public Pulse section on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.)

For the past year, members of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA) Advisory Council have been very interested in ensuring the agency is focused on meeting the needs of elders in Eastern

Nebraska. While the last few years have been filled with highs and lows for ENOA, resulting in a closer examination of its operations by the state and the community, there is no doubt the agency has corrected its deficiencies and is moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality in serving the needs of older adults and their families in Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Washington, and Dodge Counties now and in the future.

As the local recipient of funding from the U.S. Administration on Aging, the State of Nebraska, and the five counties served by the agency, ENOA’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to meet the needs of area elders. In the past year 250,838 meals were delivered (and) 3,378 older adults were served by care managers seeking to support these people in their homes. Of that total, 608 have participated in the agency’s Medicaid Waiver program. Nearly 270,000 hours have been given by elder volunteers

seeking to make the world a better place in their roles as Senior Companions, Foster Grandparents, and respite volunteers.

Additionally, thanks to the thoughtful fiscal management of ENOA’s executive team, chore services (i.e. lawn care and snow removal) are now being offered in all five counties.

The work of ENOA’s staff is not limited to those over age 60. Grandchildren cared for by grandparents are of great interest to the ENOA staff. Additionally, children in elementary and secondary schools receive care under the watchful eye of Foster Grandparents – serving as positive role models for children whose daily lives may not involve an elder. And for families caring for a loved one, whether a child with special needs or a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s disease, much needed relief is offered through the good work of the Respite Resource Center.

The January issue of New Horizons, the agency’s monthly newspaper, highlights the various services offered by ENOA. For those baby boomers turning 60 and older, or anyone caring for an aging relative, this issue is a must read for individuals wanting to learn more about services in the community. (Archived copies are available at enoa.org.)

At a time when taxpayers express concern about how their dollars are being spent, those residing in Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Dodge, and Washington counties can rest easy knowing the ENOA staff is on the job in making certain those with the greatest social and economic needs are receiving the support they need to maintain their independence.

Advisory Council Members Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

Advisory Council submits letter to Public Pulse

You’re invited to visit the Heartland Family Service Se-nior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. for the following:

• March 1, 5, 8, & 12: Practice for the Omaha Sympho-ny performance on March 14.

• March 6: Make Shamrock pins with Patty @ 10 a.m.• March 15, 22, & 29: Why Arts dance w/Robin Welch.• March 20: Red Hats Society party at the Pizza Ranch.• March 21: Birthday party with entertainment by Links

from the Merrymakers.• March 24: Student League Game Day.• March 29: Tour the Boys Town Hall of History fol-

lowed by lunch at the Boys Town cafeteria. Sign up by seeing Karen or calling her at 402-552-7480.

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. Reserva-tions are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to attend.

A nurse visits Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 402-392-1818 to schedule an appointment.

Regular activities include free Tai Chi classes on Mon-day, Tuesday, and Wednesday @ 10:15 a.m.

For meal reservations or more information, please call Karen Sides at 402-553-5300.

The AARP Driving Safety Program offers a four-hour refresher driving class that reviews the rules of the road and emphasizes driving strategies for persons age 50 and older.

Fees are $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. There are no exams or tests involved. Insur-ance discounts may apply.

Here’s the class schedule:

AARP offering driving class

Monday, March 5Noon to 4 p.m.

Midlands Community Hospital11111 S. 84th Street

To register, please call 1-800-253-4368

Saturday, March 10Noon to 4 p.m.

AARP Information Center1941 S. 42nd Street (Center Mall)

To register, please call 402-398-9568


Leaders from the University of Nebraska Medi-cal Center and its hospital partner, The Ne-braska Medical Center, recently announced preliminary plans for a new cancer center at the medical center’s Omaha campus. The cancer

center would house research facilities, a multidisciplinary outpatient treatment center and clinic, and a new hospital tower. Medical center leaders call it the largest project ever proposed in Nebraska.

“We have some of the leading cancer experts in the world right here at this medical center,” said Glenn A. Fos-dick, president and CEO of The Nebraska Medical Center. “Having all of our experts, patient care areas, and research in one location is more convenient for patients and will allow medical teams to collaborate on patient care and the development of new treatment options.”

“This is a transformational project for all Nebraskans,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “These facilities will elevate our cancer services, enhance our edu-cational programs, and provide a central location and syn-ergy that not only will benefit our clinicians and researchers but most importantly, patients.”

While details of the project are still being reviewed, plans call for three facilities — a multidisciplinary outpa-tient clinic, a 98-lab research tower, and a hospital tower with 108 beds for oncology patients.

In addition to the cancer center, project plans also call for construction of a fourth building to provide outpatient clinic space for the medical center’s various programs out-side of cancer.

Building the new project will require the demolition of Swanson Hall and the parking structure to its south. New parking structures are part of the design for the new cancer center. The project does not call for any expansion west of Saddle Creek Road. Swanson Hall was built in the 1920s and houses offices for UNMC physicians, staff, and re-searchers. No patient care is provided there. The National Cancer Institute has given just 40 cancer centers in the United States the comprehensive designation. This new facility would be built with the goal of including UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center in that group by the year 2020.

“This kind of single-site facility is the future of cancer care and research,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center and oncolo-gist at The Nebraska Medical Center. “Very few academic medical centers are positioned this well geographically and programmatically. We can provide an all-encompassing cancer center with great access, and more importantly, out-standing care and expertise.”

An economic impact study is being done as part of the proposal for the cancer center project. Medical center lead-ers expect the impact on the local economy to be profound with the project creating an estimated 1,200 new jobs by 2020 with an infusion of $100 million annually to Nebras-ka’s economy.

“This is a very collaborative effort to bring a sizable amount of economic development to our community and state,” said Michael Yanney, local businessman and chair-man of the UNMC committee for Campaign for Nebraska, the University of Nebraska Foundation’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. “It will make the city and region a major player in cancer treatment and research.”

More than 85 percent of the costs are expected to come from private funds.

The exact cost of the project has not yet been deter-mined. Estimates indicate the project would cost around $370 million. No construction date has been set. Funding sources are still being sought, including $50 million from the state of Nebraska to support the construction of the cancer research tower.

“Nebraska has an opportunity to make an investment now that will serve the people of the state well into the future,” said James B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska. “Education and job creation are high priorities for Nebraska, and our proposal advances both.”

“These new facilities will elevate Nebraska’s status as an international leader in health science and health care,” Dr. Maurer said.

(UNMC’s Public Relations department provided this information.)

UNMC, Nebraska Medical Center announce plans for cancer facility

?• Bath aides• Care management• Chore services• Community education• Durable medical equipment• Emergency food pantry• Emergency response systems• ENOA facts and figures• ENOA Library• ENOA senior centers• Grandparent Resource Center

Log on to enoa.org

Do you have questions about aging services

in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, or Washington counties?

• Homemakers• Information &

assistance telephone lines

• Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha

• Legal services• Meals on Wheels• Medicaid Waiver• New Horizons• Nutrition counseling

• Ombudsman advocates• Respite care• Respite Resource Center• Rural transportation• Senior Care Options• Senior employment• Support of adult day facilities• Volunteer opportunities

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Web site includes information about:

24 hours a day,

7 days a week!

To advertise in New Horizons,please call Mitch at 402-444-4148

or Jeff at 402-444-6654.

A Safe, Cozy, Homelike Environmentfor those affected by Alzheimer’s & Dementia

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We offer peace of mind for caregivers that need a break to run errands, go shopping, or maybe take a vacation.

• Quality staff specializing in Alzheimer’s & dementia care

• Secure, cozy, home-like environment• One-level floor plan• Quiet, calming atmosphere• Activities and Home Cooked

Meals provided

Adult Day Care &Short Term Stays


The Artof Aging

By Cathy Wyatt, CSA

You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., this month for the follow-ing: • March 2: Health maintenance clinic. • March 13: Lunch Bunch party. • March 14: Birthday party. • March 20: First day of spring party. • March 27: Pinochle tourney. • March 30: A speaker about cholesterol. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through tax season, representatives from AARP’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. An appointment is not necessary. The Millard Senior Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30. A $3 donation is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to enjoy. Center activities include a walking club, Tai Chi, Wii sports, chair volleyball, card games, and bingo. Knitting, crocheting, quilting, needlework, and embroidery classes are available. For meal reservations, please call Rita Mathews at 402-546-1270.

Millard Senior Center

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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.

2012 TOURS

Kansas City Spring Fling (by motorcoach). April 10 – 11. $274. Celebrate Spring! Includes “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at the New Theater Restaurant, “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the American Heartland Theater,Titanic exhibit at Union Station, Arabia Steamboat Museum, and lunch at the Hereford House. (Sign-up by March 9!)

Treasures of Panama. April 11 – 19. See the Miraflores Locks on your tour of Panama City, enjoy a cruise to Monkey Island to see iguanas, toucans, and crocodiles, spend four nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, cruise through the Panama Canal, ride the Panama Canal Railway, visit an indigenous village, and overnight at a luxurious beachfront resort in Playa Bonita. Laughlin in Spring (by air). April 28 – May 2. $349. 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!

Heritage of America. May 25 – June 3. Tour New York City, visit Philadelphia, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Shenandoah National Park, Monticello, Williamsburg, Mount Vernon. In Washington, D.C. visit the Smithsonian, the Capitol, monuments, memorials, museums, White House Visitor Center, Arlington National Cemetery, Kennedy gravesites, and more.

Islands of New England. June 8 – 15. Enjoy a tour of Providence, Rhode Island, Newport’s historic mansions, Marble House, Boston, a cranberry bog, Plymouth Rock, enjoy a New England lobster feast, tour Martha’s Vineyard, cruise to Cape Cod, ride the ferry to Nantucket, tour Hyannisport — home of the Kennedy compound, and enjoy dinner aboard an elegant dinner train.

Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park. July 17 – 24. Beginning in the Canadian province of Alberta, travel to Waterton Lakes National Park, then Glacier National Park and the “Going to the Sun Road,” tour Banff, overnight at the “Castle in the Mountains,” travel to Jasper by way of the Icefields Parkway, see the Maligne Canyon, and visit the vibrant city of Calgary.

“Singin’ in the Rain” on a Sunday Afternoon (by motorcoach) Aug 5. $89. Enjoy another great performance at the Lofte Community Theater in Manley, NE. This Sunday afternoon performance will be followed by a home cooked meal at the Main Street Café in Louisville, NE where you will have your choice of three great selections.

Iowa State Fair. (by motorcoach) Aug 15. $89. Come along to one of the best state fairs in the country. Enjoy mouth-watering food, free entertainment, grandstand concerts, and plenty of blue-ribbon competition. We will also arrange for (we’ll pick it up, have it on the bus, and return it) rental of a scooter for the day.

San Francisco with Lake Tahoe. August 23 - 29. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of San Francisco with the Twin Peaks, Seal Rocks, and Golden Gate Bridge, visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, ride a cable car, visit the wineries of Sonoma Valley. Enjoy Monterey, Pebble Beach, the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento, the old west town of Virginia City, and spend two nights at the Montbleu Resort & Spa in Lake Tahoe including a cruise on beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Nebraska State Fair & “Chances R” (by motorcoach). August 24. $99. Come along for opening day, and check out the fair’s new location in Grand Island! Besides mouth-watering food, free entertainment, contests, competitions, parades, and just plain state fair fun. Enjoy dinner at “Chances R” in York on the way home. We will also arrange for (we’ll pick it up, have it on the bus, and return it) rental of a scooter for the day.

Chicago and the Cubs (by motorcoach). August 28 – 31. $699. Take a tour of Wrigley Field, see Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers afternoon game, Chicago highlights tour, Adler Planetarium, Food Tour, Willis Tower, Tommy Gun’s Garage dinner theater, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, and much more!

Greece and its Islands. September 23 – October 6. Visit Athens, the Olympic Stadium, the Acropolis, Santorini Island, and more.

Nebraska Junk Jaunt (by motorcoach). 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!

Daniel O’Donnell in Branson (by motorcoach). 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 6 great shows! -- Stone Castle Hotel with hot breakfast buffet each morning, comfortable Arrow Stage Lines Motor Coach, seven delicious meals and plenty of time for exploring the shops in Branson! (Only eight seats left!)

Alpine Christmas. December 4 - 11. Explore the Christmas markets of Austria and southern Bavaria. Stay in the Austrian Alps!

Kansas City Christmas. (by motorcoach). Early to Mid December. Enjoy theater, Christmas lights, some shopping, and a few surprises.

Watch our website at www.fontenelletours.com

One by one they stood as they told the group who they were and why they were there. While each story was different, a common

thread weaved them all together; a loved one with a disability.

Interesting, that word disability. I had no idea how broad the scope was until I was exposed to words and conditions I had never heard before.

Welcome to the Grandparents and Extended Family Member Workshop; an annual event for grandparents, aunts, and uncles sponsored by Educational Service Unit #3.

“I developed the workshop in 1989 in Grand Island after the birth of my daugh-ter who had Down syndrome,” said Mary Ann Schiefen. “I saw the need to comfort my siblings, parents, etc., and when I did some research, (I) found out a grandparent workshop had been started in Washington state. I wanted to do the same for those in Nebraska.”

“My husband and I both attended the Grandparents and Extended Family Mem-ber Workshop when our grandson was six months old,” said Lee Onken. “It was a very positive learning experience for us.”

So positive, in fact, the Onken’s joined GRANDS, a support group for Grandpar-ents of Down syndrome children.

O.K., so what’s the big draw to these workshops? For starters, that feeling you’re not alone. Par-ticipants are actually surrounded

by other family members and professionals who understand their situation and want to help.

The next Grandparents and Extended Family Member Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church, 510 N. 93rd St. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. for the event that runs until 2:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or $8 per couple.

“Participants will be able to choose two important topics out of four in the morn-ing,” said Janet Miller, the event’s co-chair. “Those topics address sexuality, mental

health, financial planning, and transition and socialization.”

In addition, there is a presentation imme-diately following lunch. This year’s topic is titled Opportunities to Maximize Positive Outcomes for Extended Families Caring for People with Disabilities. The co-presenters are Nancy Kelley-Gillespie and Karen Rolf. Both are professors with the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Presentation objectives include national and statewide trends, family structures, roles, and relationships, self-care strategies for the caregiver, and practical strategies for daily living.

As with any event, none of this happens without a dedicated and committed group of individu-als. Miller said the committee is

made up of individuals from Educational Service Unit #3, Ollie Webb Center, Inc., PTI-Nebraska, Children’s Respite Care Center, Respite Resource Center, Financial Visions, and several grandparents whose children have disabilities.

“They work diligently every year to address topics expressed by participants and to expand the outreach to enable par-ticipants the opportunity to network with others in similar situations,” Miller said.

For more information or to register (the deadline is April 12), please call Liz at 402-597-4958.

“Learn all you can, join a support group, offer assistance when needed; but most of all, remember that this child is one of your beautiful grandchildren and secondarily that he has special needs,” Onken said.

Workshop for grandparents, extended family members of persons with a disability set for Saturday, April 21

The Metro Omaha Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Support Group will meet on Tuesday, March 20 at 1 p.m. at the Millard branch of the

Omaha Public Library, 13214 Westwood Ln.

LBD is a group of progressive brain dis-eases 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 De-mentia is available online at www.lbda.org/go/awareness.

For more information about the support group, please log on to [email protected] or call Ann Taylor at 402-452-3952.

Call 402-452-3952 for more information

Lewy Body Dementia Support Group to meet March 20


Did you know:• 1 in 6 Americans suffer with hearing loss. • 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible

hearing damage resulting from exposure to noise. • Hearing loss is one of the leading health problems for

people aged 50+.While many people are affected by hearing loss, roughly

85 percent of sufferers remain untreated.Melissa Rodriguez, who is Board Certified in Hearing

Instrument Sciences, has been advocating for hearing loss since she was 18 years old. In 1995, along with obtaining her National Board Certification, Rodriguez opened her own practice, the Hear On Earth Hearing Care Center in El Paso, Texas.

In her forthcoming book, Hear Your Life (which will be released in May 2012), Rodriguez expands her mission to encourage those suffering from hearing loss and their loved ones to seek help.

Hear Your Life is designed to reveal the serious effects of hearing loss by sharing the accounts of real sufferers. The book includes a resource guide that provides useful infor-mation to all readers like measuring the decibels of com-mon noises, interesting facts about the ear, and a hearing self-exam.

A list of frequently asked questions provides answers for hearing loss sufferers and their loved ones. Questions such as how to help a parent or loved one seek help; how expen-sive are hearing aids; and how frequently one should test their hearing.

In an informative and inspiring read, Hear Your Life explores:

• Why hearing loss is the least talked about, most se-verely under diagnosed, and most often untreated medical problem.

• The societal stigma of hearing loss and how to encour-age loved ones to get the medical attention they need.

• Why hearing loss can cause isolation, financial hard-ships, negativism, missed opportunities, and broken rela-tionships.

• How to encourage older adults suffering from hearing loss to seek help.

• Tips for supporting family members and loved ones who have hearing loss.

• Real-life stories of success over hearing loss with the help of hearing aids and support from loved ones

Hear Your Life: Inspiring Stories and Honest Advice for Overcoming Hearing Loss (May 2012) will be avail-able on Amazon.com, bookstores across the country, and at www.hearwithmelissa.com.

Book examines the importanceof being treated for hearing loss

The Alzheimer’s Disease Association’s Midlands Chapter has a variety of caregiver support groups that provide a safe, non-threatening environment for caregiv-ers and family members of loved ones with dementia. Participants discuss strategies to cope with every day issues and are given access to a problem-solving forum.

Most of these support groups meet once a month at a community center, senior center, care facility, hospi-tal, library, or church. The meetings vary from one hour to 90 minutes long.

There are two types of Alzheimer’s disease caregiver support groups: general and specialty. A general group consists of a facilitator and/or a co-facil-itator and caregivers (usu-ally spouses and family members). A specialty group includes two facilitators, the caregiver, and the loved one with dementia. The specialty groups are separated into participants who are age 65 and younger and men and women older than age 65.

For more information, log on to www.alz.org/mid-lands or call Betty K. Chin at 800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s disease chapter offersmonthly support group meetings

By Carol McNulty

Fish, which contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, can be prepared quickly and flavorfully without adding extra fat through baking, broiling, grilling, micro-

waving, poaching, or steaming. University of Nebraska-Lincoln food

specialist Julie Albrecht, Ph.D., says a 10-minute cooking rule of thumb applies to all kinds of fish. Measure the fish at its thickest width and cook 10 minutes for each measured inch of thickness. If the fish is en-closed in aluminum foil or baked in a sauce, cook 15 minutes for each inch. If the fish is frozen and hasn’t been thawed, double the cooking time.

Fish can be baked when whole, whole stuffed, in fillets, in stuffed fillets, in steaks, and in chunks. When baked with chopped vegetables, it makes a quick meal. To bake fish, use pieces similar in size so they cook evenly. Put them in a preheated 450-degree oven and bake uncovered according to the 10-minute rule, basting if desired.

Albrecht says grilling works better with meaty or steak fish such as salmon, halibut, swordfish, tuna, and whole fish. Put the fish on a preheated outdoor grill. Use an oiled grid to keep the skin of the fish from stick-ing to the grill. Delicate fish may require a hinged, fish-shaped wire basket for easier turning and handling. While grilling fish, baste often or marinate an hour before grilling so it doesn’t dry out. Again, use the 10-minute rule to determine cooking time.

To cook fish in the microwave, place it in a shallow container and arrange it so the thicker parts are pointing outward and the thinner parts overlap in the middle of the dish. Put plastic wrap between the overlap-ping parts of the fish. Cover the entire dish with plastic wrap, turning back one corner as a vent. Microwave about three minutes on high for each pound of boneless fish, ro-tating the dish halfway through total cook-

ing time.Poached fish requires a liquid such as fish

stock, water with aromatic herbs or vegeta-bles, or a mixture of wine and water. Boil the liquid in a large saucepan, add the fish, and boil again. At this point, quickly lower the temperature so the liquid simmers and has few bubbles. Cover the pan and allow the fish to cook according to the 10-minute rule.

Fish is best steamed when it is whole, in chunks, in steaks or in stuffed fillets. Put fish on a steamer rack above a sauce-pan containing an inch of water. Cover the pan, bring the water to a boil and use the 10-minute rule to thoroughly cook the fish.

Albrecht reminds us fish that’s done has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees and maintained that temperature for 15 seconds. Use a meat thermometer to determine internal temperature. Visually, when the flesh of the fish is pulled apart with a sharp knife, it should be opaque around the edges and slightly translucent in the center with flakes beginning to separate. At this point, remove the fish from the heat and let it stand for three or four minutes to finish cooking. Fish continues to cook after being removed from a heat source.

For more nutrition and food safety in-formation visit http://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu and www.nutritionknowhow.org.

(McNulty is an educator with the Uni-versity of Nebraska Cooperative Extension office in Douglas and Sarpy counties.)

Food specialist offers suggestions, guidelinesfor quick, flavorful ways to prepare, cook fish

Fish that’s done has reached an

internal temperature of 145 degrees and

maintained that temperature for

15 seconds.

New Horizons Newspaper

Enoa Aging


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The National Association of Retired Fed-eral Employees’

Chapter 144 meets the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Ma-chine, 13955 S. Plz.

For more information, please call 402-333-6460.

The National Associa-tion 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.


Retired fed employeesmeet each month at

Amazing Pizza Machine

Read it & eatBy Lois Friedman

[email protected]

These big recipes are also beautifulThese thick, oversized beauties are glorious cookbooks

with pages and pages of food thrills and knowledge. Bon Appetit Desserts By Barbara Fairchild (Andrews McMeel, $40)

From the magazine’s editor-in-chief and culled from its archives are over 600 easy to follow recipes. Tested in the magazine’s kitchen with shortcuts, tips, ingredient and equipment details and options. Stay on top of the game with all things sweet and wonderful! Dolci By Francine Segan (Stewart Tabori & Chang, $35)

Go on a lavish tour of Italy’s sweets with stories of young, hip bloggers, grandmas, professionals, and their desserts prepared at home. Luscious to read. Look at the name of one of the 100 desserts: Luscious Olive Oil-Lemon Cake Caprese al limone. Ruhlman’s Twenty By Michael Ruhlman (Chronicle, $40)

The 100 recipes in this learn-to-cook manifesto are organized by 20 essential techniques and ingredients. How to think, organize, and prepare in the kitchen. Packed with helpful instructions and how-to photographs, these recipes are guaranteed to elevate anyone’s cooking. Off the Menu By Marissa Guggiana (Welcome Books, $40)

Guggiana spent months traveling, photographing, and sharing staff meals. This is an homage to all the sustainable restaurants she visited and includes profiles of more than 50 American chefs and butchers and more than 100 recipes served at the back of the house. These “foodies” have also recommended some of their favorite places to eat. Small plates to extravaganzas and this chewy, comforting recipe.

Oatmeal Cookies Makes about 4 dozen cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 3 sticks unsalted butter

(cubed at room temperature) 2 cups brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 4 cups oatmeal 8 ounces raisins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, sift to-gether the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. Cream together the softened butter and sugars. Slowly add the eggs, one by one. Add the mixed dry ingredients in stages. Once incorporated, fold in the oats and raisins with a spatula.

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, measure the dough in spoonfuls and drop about 1 1/2 inches apart. Bake for eight to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool.

Legal Aid of Nebraska operates a free telephone ac-cess 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, col-lections, powers of attorney, Medicare, Medicaid, grand-parent rights, and Section 8 housing.

Free phone access to legal informationThe telephone number

for the Elder Access Line is 402-827-5656 in Omaha and 1-800-527-7249 state-wide.

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.


Relects donations received throughFebruary 24, 2012.

Please see the ad on page 3

New Horizons Clubgains new members

$25Patricia BantnerLinda Johnson

Frederick Lagergren

$10Judy Edstrom

Virginia SwierczekCharlotte Schopen

$5John Schaffart, Jr.

Virginia OuradaLola RobinsonDiane Mohatt

Eleanor HingstLois Cernelic

An estimated 60 percent of our household indoor water usage happens in the bathroom. As such, updating old leaky fixtures

and changing a few basic habits could go a long way to saving fresh water and money.

Undoubtedly, the toilet is the biggest water hog in the bathroom. Toilets made before 1993 use up to eight gallons of water per flush, five times what modern toilets use. “It’s a good idea to replace pre-1993 toilets if you can,” says Patty Kim of Na-tional Geographic’s Green Guide. A toilet’s manufacture date is normally stamped under the lid.

If the toilet was made before 1993 and you can’t or don’t want to upgrade it, Kim recommends rescuing a two liter soda bottle from the recycling bin. Fill it partially with water and sand or pebbles and then put it into your toilet’s tank, where it will take up space and force your toilet to use less water every flush. Or get a Toilet Tank Bank for less than two bucks. It hangs in your toilet tank and displaces almost a gallon of water to save water on every flush.

Plumbing leaks account for 14 percent of the total water usage in an average U.S. home. Toilets are often a major culprit. Kim recommends testing your toilet by putting five to 10 drops of food coloring into the tank, then putting the lid back on, but don’t flush. Check back in 15 minutes or so to see if any of the colored water leaked down into the bowl. If so, you have a water-wasting leak, and it might finally be time to replace that aging toilet after all.

The EarthEasy website reports replac-ing an older 18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume six liter flush model “rep-resents a 70 percent saving in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30

percent.” The shower can also be problematic as

a water-waster, especially if the shower-head was made before regulations went into effect in 1992 mandating lower flow. Kim says you can check your showerhead’s age by turning the shower on full blast and catching its output for two minutes in a bucket. If the bucket is overflowing, then your showerhead is an older, more wasteful model.

Newer low flow showerheads won’t come anywhere near to filling the bucket after two minutes. A new showerhead costs around $10 and is a great investment be-cause you can save water and money with every ensuing shower.

Regardless of whether or not you have a newer showerhead, you can save water by turning off the shower to soap up, then turn-ing it back on to rinse. EarthEasy reminds us that even with a new showerhead, even a moderately short shower can still use be-tween 20 and 40 gallons of water. But that’s nothing compared to a bathtub, which can hold as much as 50 to 60 gallons of water.

Additional pearls of wisdom in regard to reducing bathroom water waste include turning off the faucet while brushing teeth. Better yet, fill up a glass with just enough water to rinse after brushing. Likewise for shaving, stop up the sink with a little warm water in it and wiggle your razor around in the basin between strokes. If you suspect your faucet may be spraying harder than it needs to, unscrew the aerator tip where the water comes out and take it into a hardware store for a more stingy replacement.

(EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a reg-istered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine.)

Advice for reducing the amount of water usage in your residence

ENOA senior center menu for March 2012

Thursday, March 1Swedish Meatballs

Friday, March 2Tuna Noodle Au Gratin

Monday, March 5Veal w/Brown Gravy

Tuesday, March 6Beef

Spaghetti Casserole

Wednesday, March 7Soft Shell Beef Taco

Thursday, March 8Apple Glazed

Pork Patty

Friday, March 9Breaded Fish Filet

Monday, March 12Beef w/

Peppers & Onions

Tuesday, March 13Meatloaf w/Gravy

Wednesday, March 14Beef Stew

Thursday, March 15

Sliced Turkey Breast

Friday, March 16Fish Amandine

Monday, March 19Turkey Ham

w/White Beans

Tuesday, March 20Mushroom Chicken

Leg Quarter

Wednesday, March 21Roast Beef

Thursday, March 22Sliced Ham

w/Orange Sauce

Friday, March 23Crunchy Pollock

Monday, March 26Sweet & Sour Chicken Patty

Tuesday, March 27Sausage

w/onions & Peppers on a Bun

Wednesday, March 28

Cheeseburger

Thursday, March 29

Western Baked Beef

Friday, March 30Tuna Macaroni

& Cheese

Basic computer skills made easy!

Call today to see how we can tailor our services to

meet your needs.

Cohen’s Computer Club402-637-3935

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Dr. David M. Cohen, Ph.D.LEARN HOW TO:• Send and receive e-mails.• Use Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.• Use SKYPE for video-conferencing.• Organize addresses, phone numbers, etc.• Play games on the computer.• Shop, read publications, and watch videos online.


--Please turn to page 20.

By Jeff ReinhardtNew Horizons Editor

The area around the Al-exander’s BBQ kiosk at Omaha’s Century Link Center was hopping on a late winter night recently

as dozens of University of Nebraska at Omaha hockey fans ordered and consumed their pre-game meals. Behind the counter, Jim Boone and Marilyn Boone, his wife for 22 years, filled plates with large por-tions of a variety of delicious items including pulled pork sandwiches and potato salad.

“(Eating) Alexander’s makes your stomach happy,” a smiling Jim Boone told one of his customers.

Another typical night for Boone who has been taking care of Oma-hans and making their collective stomach happy since he moved here in 1978.

Boone – who has four broth-ers and two sisters – was born in Shelbyville, Ky. in 1946. His father, James, was a bellhop at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky. His mother, Lucille, worked for the United States Postal Service.

The family moved to Indianapolis in 1957 to be near Jim’s grandfather. A legendary sandlot youth baseball player, Boone said he pitched a no-hitter and slammed four home runs in one game! He attended Arsenal Technical High School where he played baseball and basketball. The roundballers went 76-4 during Boone’s four years with the Titans.

After high school, Boone was drawn toward music as he followed the career of his cousin, Ed Mack, a recording artist with a band called Alvin Cash & the Crawlers. “There was a lot of excitement going on

around him,” Jim recalled.In 1966, The Highlighters, an

Indianapolis-based band, needed a bass guitarist after firing one of its members who failed to appear at a show. Friend Richard Ball quickly taught Jim how to play a couple of songs on the bass guitar. The newly-trained Boone then joined the Highlighters, thus beginning his professional music career.

Later that year, The Highlight-ers won a “Battle of the Bands” in Indianapolis beating out 250 com-petitors. Their prize was a gig open-ing for Bobby Goldsboro and Glen Campbell at the Indiana State Fair.

In 1968, the ensemble, now called The Rhythm Machine, re-corded six songs for Chess Records in Chicago. Two of those songs, Poppin’ Popcorn and Funky 16 Corners became popular with funk music lovers who listened on Indy’s WTLC radio.

During the next 11 years, The Rhythm Machine recorded one album, 22 singles, and toured throughout the

United States and Canada opening for acts like Kool and the Gang and Earth, Wind, & Fire.

In 1978, Boone thought he might be ready for the big time musically so he headed for the west coast.

Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Jim Price – a friend of Boone’s – arranged for Jim and two others to meet with representatives of A & M Records. The label, formed by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, didn’t sign a recording contract with Boone and his colleagues.

During the California trip, Boone was involved in an automobile accident, injuring his knee. On the

journey back home to Indianapolis, the pain in his leg got so bad, Boone stopped in Omaha and checked into Methodist Hospital. He’s lived in Nebraska ever since.

During 18 months of rehab, looking for something to do as he strengthened his knee, Boone orga-nized a series of events titled Sum-mer at the Lake. Each Sunday dur-ing June, July, and August, Boone invited families to attend a day of food, fun, and music at Carter Lake. The outings averaged 5,000 guests each week including 18,000 one night. “I spent $5,000 of my own money,” Boone said.

After the first year of Summer at the Lake, National Football League Hall of Fame member and Omaha native Gale Sayers offered to help Boone offset some of the cost.

“If I can do something on my own, I do it on my own,” said Boone explaining why he refused Sayers’ offer.

Jim felt like he had found a home here. He called his mother to let her know he planned to stay in Nebras-ka. “I told her Omaha needs me. I can make a difference here.”

Summer at the Lake continued through 1981. “I provided clean, family entertainment with no

violence (at any of the events),” he said.

Boone said he put on more than 200 events for Omaha youngsters between 1979 and 1996.

Realizing he needed to raise mon-ey for these activities (by selling ad-vertising), Boone started Go-Ahead Magazine. “I wanted to showcase local bands and musicians,” he said.

Go-Ahead’s circulation rose from 2,000 to 10,000 during its 30-year run that ended in 2010.

One day while delivering Go-Ahead to Evans Tower, Boone was stopped by one of the residents. “She told me I had to do something for seniors,” Jim said.

Boone agreed and contacted representatives from the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging who helped him get the ball rolling. For 13 years, Jim organized and ran A Salute to Seniors at venues ranging from the Radial Highway Social Hall to the Omaha Civic Audito-rium. Each year, hundreds of older adults were able to enjoy a day of free music, dancing, food, and relaxation.

Alexander’s – a restaurant Boone started in 1984 – catered much of the food at the annual event. Boone

“Marilyn has been supportive of all my dreams for Omaha.

Meeting her has been the highlight of my life.”

Jim and Marilyn Boone at the Alexander’s BBQ kiosk they operate at Omaha’s Century Link Center.

Since moving to Omaha in 1978, Boone has put on more than 200 community events for youngsters and older adults.

Boone keeping Omaha happy one event, plateful at a time

March 2012 • New Horizons • --Please turn to page 14.

Deidra Rice, L.P.N (left) reviews the latest information on the Hospice House residents with Cathy Barnes, M.S.N., R.N.

Stan Olson volunteers doing “handyman stuff” at Hospice House. He’s seen here making repairs to a playhouse in a room where visiting children can enjoy toys and make-believe. He formerly volunteered at the Strategic Air and Space Museum. Hospice

House, he says “is a real important place for people and families.”

By Nick SchinkerContributing Writer

Helen Winkler was living the way she wanted – indepen-dently. Active and outgoing at 91 years

old, pain and disease were for other people, not her.

Until Aug. 29, 2011.That was the day Helen’s ex-

treme pain prompted a family member to bring Winkler to Meth-odist Hospital, where medical personnel found her blood pressure had dropped alarmingly low. They introduced fluids to bring her blood pressure back up, administered a shot of morphine to alleviate her pain, and conducted a non-invasive ultrasound exam to try and deter-mine its cause.

The exam revealed an advanced stage of cancer in her liver.

“Our family gathered together and we all decided that we wanted her to be comfortable. We wanted her to be pain free,” says Winkler’s daughter, Roxie Lewis. “It was my mother’s life-long desire to never be put in a care center or a nursing home, and we wanted to honor her wishes.”

Without undergoing a prescribed treatment for her cancer, insurance would not cover Winkler staying in the hospital.

“We thought our only alternative was a care center,” Lewis recalls, “until someone suggested hospice.”

Hospice is another word for compassion. It is care for people whose conditions or illnesses cannot be cured. It

includes medical services, pain

management, and emotional and spiritual support designed to meet the evolving needs of patients and their families.

Hospice care can be provided in a person’s home or in a freestanding hospice center, a hospital, a long-term care facility, or in a nursing home. Though older adults are the most common recipients of hospice care, it is available to anyone of any age who is facing terminal illness. It usually involves regular visits by hospice caregivers, who assist family members and loved ones in providing primary care. Trained hospice professionals help with as-sessments of conditions and in mak-ing appropriate decisions. Hospice caregivers are on call 24/7.

According to the National Hos-pice and Palliative Care Organiza-tion (NHPCO), an estimated 1.58 million people received hospice services in 2010. For that same year, NHPCO estimates approximately 42 percent of all deaths in the United States were under the care of a hos-pice program.

Hospice is the only Medicare benefit that includes pharmaceu-ticals, medical equipment, 24/7 access to care, and support for loved ones after a death. Hospice care is also covered by Medicaid and many private insurance plans.

The organization estimates while the majority (66.7 percent) of patients receive hospice care in their own home, in 2010 nearly 22 percent received care at a hospice inpatient facility – like Hospice House-The Josie Harper Residence in Omaha.

Situated at 7415 Cedar St. just east of the Bergan Mercy Medical Center, Hospice House is the city’s

only certified hospice care facil-ity. It features 26 fully-furnished resident rooms and several levels of care, from inpatient to respite. It is sponsored by Alegent Health, Methodist Hospital, The Nebraska Medical Center, and the Visiting Nurse Association.

Gary W. George has been the executive director at Hospice House since it opened in March 1998. A registered nurse, George is an Oma-ha native who previously served as executive director of the Nebraska AIDS Project.

George says hospice care is as important to families and loved ones as it is to the residents.

“We treat people, not illness,” he says. “Our mission is to em-brace residents living with terminal illnesses and their families and friends with compassionate care and comfort, and to provide end-of-life education to the community. Every-thing we do here really supports that mission.”

Care goes far beyond symptom management, George says.

“We work very hard to meet emotional needs and provide sup-port for spiritual issues,” he says. “It may be as simple as offering a listening ear or holding a hand, but these things are very important to the people we serve.”

Ordained as a Lutheran minister, George is now affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. “They consider the work I do to be my ministry,” he says.

A not-for-profit entity, Hospice House welcomes residents of all ages and faiths. Care is individually tailored to each resident and their family.

Compassionate care for the terminally ill, their families


Hospice services are available to individuals who can no longer benefit from curative treatment and have a life expectancy of six months or less.

Here’s a list of the hospice care providers and hospice inpatient facilities in eastern Nebraska.

(This information was taken from Care Consultants for the Aging’s ElderCare Handbook.)Alegent Health at Home

7070 Spring St.Omaha, NE 68106

800-829-1099402-898-8000

Amazing Angels2216 N. 91st Plz.

Omaha, NE 68134402-455-2500

AseraCare Hospice8702 Frederick St.Omaha, NE 68124

800-536-6288402-926-2680

Compassionate Care Hospice

6818 Grover St. #304Omaha, NE 68106

402-390-2492

Compassionate Care Hospice287 N. 115th St.

Omaha, NE 68154402-333-3149

Fremont Area Medical Center

450 E. 23rd St.Fremont, NE 68025

402-941-7333

Hillcrest Hospice Care1820 Hillcrest Dr. #BBellevue, NE 68005

402-934-2282

Hospice HouseThe Josie

Harper Residence7415 Cedar St.

Omaha, NE 68124402-343-8600

Methodist Home Health & Hospice

8601 W. Dodge Rd. #138Omaha, NE 68114

800-239-3065402-354-3200

Odyssey Health Care444 Regency

Parkway Dr. #200Omaha, NE 68114

402-397-0990

Odyssey Health Care847 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE 68025402-753-9312

St. Joseph Villa Homecare & Hospice

1000 N. 90th St. #203Omaha, NE 68114

402-926-4444

Visiting Nurse Association12565 W. Center Road

Omaha, NE 68144800-456-6869402-342-5566

Hospice care offered in eastern Nebraska

Betsy Morrison, who retired in 2009, volunteers weekly at Hospice House. “God gave me a gift of joy. I get to bring God’s love and joy to these people

and their families, then I go to Mass and fill up again,” she says.

--Continued from page 13. “We respond to the needs being presented,” George says. “We think of our care-givers as walking alongside our residents, not leading the way. This is their jour-ney.”

Roxie Lewis spoke with the social workers at Methodist Hospital about

her mother’s needs and learned of the hospital’s partnership with Hospice House. On the morning of Aug. 31, Winkler was admitted to a private room beside the courtyard at Hos-pice House.

“When we moved my mother in, she asked what the longest stay there was,” Lewis recalls. “They told us two years. She said, ‘Well, I’m going to beat that record.’”

According to statistics from the NHPCO, the me-dian length of hospice ser-vice in 2010 was 19.7 days – less than three weeks. The largest number (35.3 per-cent) of patients were either discharged or passed away in seven days or less.

George says those num-bers reflect a common misconception that hospice

care is only for the last few weeks or days of a person’s life.

“Many people are not taking advantage of hospice care as soon as they can,” he says. “It’s actually designed to provide care for the last six months of life. People who do come into hospice sooner are really getting more of the value. They form better relationships with their caregivers, and they have more time for the relationships they have with family and friends.”

Longer stays afford more opportunities to mend relationships with estranged family members, or to pass along information and memories for descendents, he says.

“They can share per-sonal stories or actually document their histories and leave a lasting legacy for their families,” he says. “It provides more time to educate the families in what lies ahead, and more time for them to accept it. And it gives people longer to say goodbye.”

Lewis says hospice care was a remarkable source of comfort to her mother, her siblings, and other family members.

“It gave us an opportu-

nity to spend quality, quality time with her,” she says. “I’m a retired nurse, but for my brothers and sisters, it gave them a chance to learn what to expect and how to be prepared to handle it.”

Lewis says as the days passed, her mother’s condi-tion slowly deteriorated – but not her spirit. “She got to spend time with literally hundreds of friends and family, right down to her great-grandkids. Everyone who wanted to was able to come see her.”

As the colors outside her window turned to shades of fall, Winkler’s family added personal touches to her view, like a bird feeder and a display of bright mums. “She loved those personal touches,” Lewis says.

When the end grew near, visits were limited to im-mediate family. “One of us would be with her all the time,” she says. “Being alone with her was really a beautiful thing for us.”

She says because her mother’s physical care was provided by the hospice staff, family members could

concentrate on Winkler’s emotional needs – and their own.

“The freedom to enjoy the time that hospice care provides is not only for the patient,” she says. “That’s

something that really ben-efits the entire family.”

Winkler was at Hospice House for seven-and-a-half weeks. On the morning of Oct. 29, family members gathered at her bedside.

“We prayed the Rosary, and each one of us had a hand on her,” Lewis recalls. “She even mouthed some of the prayers with us. Her grandson is a priest, and he re-anointed her. She was prepared for her journey.”

So was her family.“It was the most beautiful

moment it could be,” Lewis says. “We were all prepared, all composed. Hospice had given us a foundation. We were under control. It was a very peaceful passing.”

The difficulty of experiencing death can be eased for family and loved ones

by the trained hospice care professionals. And when a resident passes, these same professionals care for each other.

“We have a very good interviewing and screen-ing process where we look for people whose life ex-periences have given them a passion for end-of-life care,” George says.

“We’re looking for people who come to us and say this is what they are drawn to do.”

Compassion is the key, he says, whether it’s for a resident, a family, or a co-worker.

“Our hospice team members support each other a lot,” he says. “I honestly believe Hospice House is a very healthy place to work.”

Care for residents’ fam-ily doesn’t end with death, George says. Bereavement counseling is available for the 13 months that follow. “Whatever level of care the family wants, that’s what we’ll provide, whether it’s phone calls or personal visits. The hospice team is there for them.”

Lewis says hospice has helped ease the sadness of losing her mother.

“We have no control over death, but we can control our reaction and our re-sponses to it, and our time leading up to it,” she says. “Hospice gave us that op-portunity. They welcomed us any time of the day or night, and that was impor-tant to us.

“We felt like God walked with us every step of the way – along with the hos-pice people.”

“Our mission is to embrace residents living with terminal illnesses and their families

and friends with compassionate care and comfort,

and to provide end-of-life education to the community. Everything we do here really

supports that mission.”

Providing a foundation to deal with end of life issues


$30 = 7 meals or 1.75 hours of in-home homemaker services or 1 bath aide service for frail older adults.

$75 = 17 meals or 4.75 hours of in-home homemaker services or 4 bath aide services for frail older adults.



Other amount (please designate)__________________________

Please contact me. I would like to learn more about how to include the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in my estate planning.

ENOA

I would like to become a partner with the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, and help fulfill your mission with older adults.

Please mail your tax deductible donation with this form to:Eastern Nebraska Office on AgingAttention: Jeff Reinhardt4223 Center StreetOmaha, NE 68105-2431(402) 444-6654

support!We need your Traditional funding sources are making it more difficult

for ENOA to fulfill its mission. Partnership

opportunities are available to businesses and individuals

wanting to help us. These opportunities include

volunteering, memorials, honorariums, gift annuities,

and other tax deductible contributions.

Name:_____________________________________

Address:___________________________________

City:______________State:_____ Zip: __________

Phone:____________________________________

7300 Graceland Drive • Omaha 68134 • www.skylinerc.com

Call today to schedule a tour!

402-572-1870

Experience Counts

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Servingolderadultsformorethan40years

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Bilingual information about hospice care, pal-liative care, helping loved ones with grief and loss, and caregiving is available through the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Partner-ship.

The number for the Cuidando con Carino Compassionate Care HelpLine is (toll free) 1-877-658-8896.

The service is offered weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bilingual resource information offered

Law Offices of Charles E. Dorwart

26 years of legal experience• Wills • Living Trusts • Probate

• Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney

• In Home Consultations • Free Initial Consultation

11414 West Center Road • Suite 344 Omaha, NE 68144

Office: (402) 558-1404 • Fax: (402) [email protected]

RSVPRetired and

SeniorVolunteer Program

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is re-cruiting persons age 55 and older for a variety of oppor-tunities. For more informa-tion in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties, please call 402-444-6558, ext. 224. In Dodge and Washington counties, please call 402-721-7780.

The following have volunteer opportunities in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties:

• The Omaha Visitors Center is looking for a vol-unteer Ambassador.

• Mount View Elemen-tary School needs a Team-Mates mentor.

• The Stephen Center Homeless Shelter wants volunteers for its thrift store.

• Alegent Health Ber-gan Mercy Hospital needs volunteers for its informa-tion desks and as patient and family escorts.

• The Omaha Police De-partment wants volunteers for a variety of assignments.

• Boys Town wants vol-unteer mentors and a volun-teer office assistant.

• The Disabled Ameri-can Veterans need volun-teer drivers.

• Project NEMO wants volunteers for a variety of duties.

• The Douglas County Health Center wants volunteers for a variety of assignments.

• The Omaha Children’s Museum wants volunteers for a variety of duties.

• The Franciscan Centre is looking for volunteers for a variety of assignments.

• The Fund Fighting Fibromyalgia is looking for volunteers for a variety of duties.

• The Waterford at Miracle Hills needs volun-teers for a variety of assign-ments.

• The Omaha Home for

Boys wants volunteer men-tors.

• The Ronald McDonald House Charities needs a receptionist and an opera-tions volunteer.

• The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council/Family Justice Center is looking for volunteers for a variety of assignments.

• ENOA’s Grandparent Resource Center wants volunteers to help walk sheep associated with the Luv a Lamb Program.

The following have volun-teer opportunities in Dodge and Washington counties:

• The Fremont Chamber of Commerce wants a vol-unteer for its visitors center.

• The Blair and Fremont Car-Go Programs needs volunteer drivers.

• CareCorps Inc. is looking for volunteers for a variety of duties.

• The Building Blocks Boutique needs volunteers to help with young mothers and babies.

• The Blair Auxiliary Closet needs help in its warehouse and gift shop.

• The American Red Cross needs a receptionist.

• The Hooper Care Cen-ter wants volunteers for a variety of assignments.

• The May Museum is looking for volunteers to serve as tour guides and for its gift shop and garden.

• The Washington Coun-ty Recycling Center needs volunteers to handle quality control.

• Nye Point Health & Rehab wants volunteers to help with a variety of duties.

• The Fremont Friend-ship Center needs help with its Tuesday Supper Club.

Older adults may notice gradual changes in their

hearing, memory, vision, and mobility that could create the need for assis-tive technology. Some of these older men and women may need a cane, a scooter, a listening de-vice, or a lighted magni-fier.

One way to learn more about obtaining assistive technology equipment is by logging on to at4all.com, a free online service that lists and can help you find these devices in Nebraska.

The service can help consumers:

• Borrow and try the equipment before buying.

• Buy used and/or free equipment.

• List items they want to share or sell.

For more informa-tion, please call Assistive Technology Partnerships at (toll free) 1-888-806-6287.

Assistive technologyequipment availablethrough at4all.com

The Greater Omaha Osteoporosis Support Group will meet on Wednesday, March 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Dining Room D at the Creighton University Medical Center, 601 N. 30th St.

Linda Martins will lead the group in Tai Chi.

For more information, please call 402-493-2493 or 402-280-4810.

Osteo support group


The Omaha Police Department is hosting its 15th annual Safety Expo at the Westroads Mall on Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature emergency vehi-cles and helicopters on display, 60 informa-tional booths focusing on a variety of safety issues, child ID kits, free bicycle helmets for kids, and a take back program sponsored by the DEA where older adults can discard their unused medications.

Older adults will also have an opportu-nity to learn more about the CarFit Pro-gram. Sponsored by AARP, AAA, and the American Occupational Therapy Associa-tion, CarFit gives older driver a chance to see how well their vehicle “fits” them. It also provides information and materials on resources that could enhance their driving safety and increase their mobility.

While older drivers are likely to wear their seatbelts, less likely to speed or drink and drive, they’re more likely to be killed or seriously injured in an automobile ac-cident due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies.

At CarFit events, a team of trained tech-nicians and/or health professionals work to make sure participants fit their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit check takes about 20 minutes to complete.

CarFit can improve driving safety by teaching drivers how to:

New Horizons Newspaper

Enoa Aging

Researchers: No link betweendiet drinks and health problems

Fire Department can install freesmoke, carbon monoxide detectors

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

To have a free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector installed inside your home, send your name, address, and telephone number to:Omaha Fire DepartmentSmoke/Carbon Monoxide Requests10245 Weisman Dr.Omaha, NE 68134


While rumors have circulated for years that diet so-das are unhealthy, researchers have found no direct links between such drinks and specific human health problems. Aspartame (also known as NutraSweet) is the sugar-alter-native of choice for most diet soda makers. It’s 180 times sweeter than sugar but contains no significant calories and does not promote tooth decay.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first ap-proved aspartame in 1974, though health advocates held up its widespread use for over a decade.

Over half of Americans consume aspartame regularly in soda and other foods. All told, diet varieties accounted for 29 percent of the soft drink market for the top 10 sodas in 2010, according to Beverage Digest. Initial reports that implicated aspartame in seizures, headaches, depression, anxiety, memory loss, birth defects, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, methanol toxicity, and even cancer turned out to be false, according to a wide range of peer-reviewed studies and clinical and epidemiological research.

Another concern that has been voiced about aspartame is that it produces methanol when metabolized, which con-verts to formaldehyde (and then formic acid) in the body. But studies have shown the amount of methanol in aspar-tame is less than that found in natural sources such as fruit juices, citrus fruits, and some fermented beverages, and that the amount of formaldehyde generated is also small com-pared to that produced routinely by the body from other foods and drugs.

While aspartame and diet sodas have not been linked directly to specific health problems, researchers who sur-veyed the eating, drinking, smoking, and exercise habits of 2,500 New Yorkers between 2003 and 2010 found those who drank at least one diet soda per day had a 61 percent higher risk of so-called vascular events (e.g. heart attack or stroke) than those who avoided diet soda and other prod-ucts with aspartame.

“If our results are confirmed with future studies, then it would suggest that diet soda may not be the optimal substi-tute for sugar-sweetened beverages for protection against vascular outcomes,” reported the study’s lead author, Han-nah Gardener of the University of Miami School of Medi-cine.

But others say such a finding constitutes a link, not proof of cause and effect, and those who have switched to diet sodas may be replacing the calories they used to get from regular sodas with other unhealthy foods that may be in-creasing their risk of heart attack or stroke.

The takeaway should be that those who drink soda regularly, diet or otherwise, should be sure to exercise and eat right otherwise. Or, better yet, give up the soda entirely. According to Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, healthier choices abound. She suggests start-ing off the day with a glass of 100 percent fruit juice and then drinking skim milk with meals.

“Sip water throughout the day,” she recommended. “For variety, try sparkling water or add a squirt of lemon or cranberry juice to your water.”

(EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine. For more information log on the Internet to www.emagazine.com)

• Properly adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots.

• Properly position their feet on the gas and brake pedals.

• Sit more than 10 inches from the steer-ing wheel to help avoid injuries.

For more information about the Safety Expo, please call Bridget Fitzpatrick of the Omaha Police Department at 402-444-6478.

To learn more about CarFit Programs in Nebraska, please call AARP Nebraska at 402-398-9568.

Safety Expo at Westroads on April 28

Ombudsman AdvocateA Division of ENOA

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging is offering volunteer positions to

individuals to become Ombudsman Advocates for residents of

long-term care facilities and assisted living communities.

Ombudsman Advocates listen to the residents’ needs and work to resolve issues.

Volunteers serve two hours per week in long-term care facilities and assisted

living communities and determine their own flexible work schedule.

To apply to become an Ombudsman Advocate for ENOA in your community,

please contact:

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Ombudsman Advocate Division

402-444-6444, ext. 239

You’re invited to a Star-Spangled Week-end of free activities March 2 to 4 at Rol-ling Hills Ranch, an independent living retirement community at 4324 N. 132nd St.

The event will be highlighted by a veterans benefits seminar March 3 at 11 a.m. The seminar is designed to educate veterans and surviving spouses about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Aid and Attendance program.

The Star-Spangled Weekend will also include an ice cream social March 2 at 3 p.m. and a free patriotic movie showing March 4 at 3 p.m.

To RSVP or for more information, please call Rolling Hills Ranch at 402-391-1055.

Rolling Hills Ranch site forweekend of events March 2 to 4


ENOA volunteers involved in effort tocollect, deliver items to food pantry

Foster Grandparent Mary Reynolds gives Retired and Senior Volunteer Program participant Don

Kirschbaum a high five as Kirschbaum’s wife, Kay, looks on.

Three Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging programs came together recently to collect and donate food to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. The effort was

held in conjunction with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Participants in ENOA’s Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs were among the 150 Senior Corps volunteers locally that collected and donated 75 bags con-taining approximately 300 non-perishable food items.

Each Service Corps program across Nebraska participat-ed in a community project on the day that honors the slain Civil Rights leader.

ENOA’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program par-ticipants delivered the bags of food to the pantry. The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is an RSVP volunteer station. Members of RSVP’s Advisory Council were among those who donated items to the food drive.

Foster Grandparents are men and women age 55 and older of modest income that work in schools, Head Start programs, pre-elementary school child care programs, fa-cilities that focus on mental health issues, substance abuse programs, domestic violence shelters, and hospitals in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties.

Senior Companions are men and women age 55 and older of modest income that provide support and friend-ship to frail older adults in homes and adult day centers in ENOA’s five-county service area. They’re also placed with clients who have Alzheimer’s disease.

RSVP participants, who are age 55 and older, are placed at 74 sites in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties including hospitals, non-profit agencies, libraries, schools, and community centers.

The Corporation for National Service administers FGP, SCP, and RSVP nationally.

“I’m so pleased the Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions had an opportunity to participate in this food drive,” said Mary Parker who coordinates the programs for ENOA.

Pat Tanner, ENOA’s coordinator of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, said her volunteers were proud to be a part of an effort that honored Dr. King while assist-ing a pantry that served more than 1,500 people in North Omaha in 2011.

For more information about FGP, SCP, and RSVP, please call 402-444-6558.

“I’m so pleased the Foster Grandparents and

Senior Companions had an opportunity to participate in

this food drive.”

High gasoline prices and an uncer-tain economy are putting vehicle fuel efficiency at the top of many drivers’ priority lists. A 2011 sur-

vey by Consumer Reports found 62 percent of those surveyed are planning on making their next car much more fuel-efficient. But what if a new vehicle isn’t in your budget? Take heart, there are steps you can take now that can help increase fuel efficiency in what you’re driving today.

John and Helen Taylor, known as the world’s most fuel efficient couple, hold 89 world records and travel the world stretch-ing the boundaries of fuel efficiency, are here to help others do the same. The Taylors say by following the MAP to Smarter Driv-ing, drivers can become more fuel-efficient and do it on a budget. The MAP includes:

• Maintenance: Perform smart mainte-nance before you drive, including making sure tires are not over or under-inflated. Proper air pressure cuts down on fuel used while driving. Keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by more than three percent.

Keep your engine well tuned and repair problems immediately. If your car has failed an emissions test or is noticeably out of tune, repairing the problem could improve your gasoline mileage by four percent on average.

• Actions: Practice smart actions and behaviors while you’re behind the wheel.

Avoid the highs and find the lows. Speed-ing, rapid acceleration, and braking can lower gasoline mileage by five percent at lower speeds and by 33 percent at highway speeds. You should assume each five miles per hour driven over 60 miles per hour is like paying an additional 29 cents per gallon for gas (savings based on an assumed fuel price of $3.65 per gallon).

Also, avoid idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon.

• Products: Purchase smart products at the right price without sacrificing quality:

Choose a high-quality gasoline. Lower-quality gasolines can leave harmful carbon deposits or “gunk,” which can build up on intake valves and fuel injectors. This nega-tively impacts engine performance, vehicle responsiveness, and reduction of fuel flow that all potentially lead to reduced fuel economy.

Use a loyalty or rewards payment card to save. The Taylors suggest stretching your budget.

There are several fuel efficiency myths out there all drivers need to know about including:

• Gadgets can improve gas mileage. Be wary of any devices that say they can get you better mileage. The EPA has found very few devices that can pro-vide any fuel economy benefits. Some may even damage the engine or increase exhaust emissions.

For a list of tested products, visit www.epa.gov.

• Replacing the engine air filter improves fuel efficiency. For older cars with carbu-retors, this can be true. But today’s fuel-injected engines have the fuel-air mixture adjusted by computers. Changing a dirty air filter might improve engine performance, but it won’t affect fuel economy.

• It’s more fuel-efficient to turn on the air conditioning and close the windows. Rolling down your windows can cause an increase in your fuel consumption if you attempt to drive the same speed because of the drag from the wind. Yet, it’s important to note that air conditioning can also put added strain on the engine by using fuel to operate. So, whenever possible use the fan instead.

(Family Features provided this informa-tion.)

Making your vehicle more fuel efficient

Retired men are being recruited to play bridge on Mondays

and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pipal Park Community Center, 7770 Hascall St.

Members can choose to play either or both days. Players are assigned dates to play so all the tables will

have four players.Substitute players are

needed each week because of scheduled absences.

New players are asked to begin by becoming substi-tutes. As openings occur, subs can move into weekly positions if they wish.

Walk-in players usually can’t be accommodated.

The cost is 25 cents per

day, with proceeds going to prizes for the winners. Occasionally, small do-nations are requested to replace the cards and to provide printed materials.

To learn more about this opportunity to join a group of retired men for a friendly afternoon of bridge, please call John at 402-391-7976.

Retired men needed for twice-weekly bridge club



DOUGLAS COUNTY

Toscheduleanappointment,callInterimHealthcare

@402-392-1818

Camelot Senior Center9270CadyAve.

Wednesday10a.m.tonoon

Christie Heights Senior Center5105S.37thSt.

Monday–Thursday9:30to11:30a.m.

Corrigan Senior Center3819XSt.

Monday,Wednesday,&Friday9to11:30a.m.

Crown Tower

5904HenningerDr.Tuesdays–Thursdays11:30a.m.to2:30p.m.

Durham Booth Manor923N.38St.Wednesday

9:30to11:30a.m.

Heartland Family Service Senior Center

2102S.42St.Monday–Thursday

10a.m.tonoon

Florence Community Center

2920BondessonSt.Tuesday

9:30a.m.tonoon

Jewish Community Center333S.132ndSt.

Monday9to11:30a.m.

Millard Montclair Senior Center

2304S.135thAve.FirstFridayofthemonth

9:30to11:30a.m.

St. Mary Magdalene Senior Center1817DodgeSt.

Tuesday–Thursday10a.m.tonoon

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Ag-ing offers health maintenance clin-ics at 17 sites in Douglas, Sarpy,

Dodge, and Cass counties. The clinic’s goals are to ensure that older adults have ongoing access to regular health screen-ings at a low cost.

Services include vital signs and weight monitoring, foot and nail care, prepara-tion and administration of medications (includes syringes and Medisets), injec-

tions, blood glucose monitoring, breast exams, nutrition and health counseling, diet monitoring, and referrals to health care providers.

The maximum contribution request is $5 per visit.


Here’s a listing of the sites, addresses, days and times, and how to make an ap-pointment.

DOUGLAS COUNTY(Cont’d)Toscheduleanappointment,

callInterimHealthcare@402-392-1818

Underwood Tower 4850UnderwoodAve.Tuesday–Thursday

1to3p.m.

SARPY COUNTYToscheduleanappointment,


Bellevue Senior Center

109W.22ndSt.Monday–Thursday

9a.m.tonoon

Papillion Senior Center1001LimerickRd.

FirstandthirdWednesdayofthemonth

10a.m.tonoon

DODGE COUNTY Toscheduleanappointment,


Fremont Senior Center

1730W.16thSt.FirstandthirdTuesday

ofthemonth9:30a.m.to12:30p.m.

Snyder Senior Center2nd&ElmStreetsThirdWednesday

ofthemonth11a.m.to2p.m.

CASS COUNTYToscheduleanappointment.

signupatthecenterslistedbelow.

Louisville Senior Center

5th&ElmStreetsThirdTuesdayofthemonth

9a.m.tonoon402-234-2120

Plattsmouth Senior Center625Ave.A

FourthMondayofthemonth9a.m.tonoon

402-296-5800,ext.1

ENOA health maintenance clinics

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.

Affilated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America www.immanuelcommunities.com

Immanuel Courtyard6757 Newport AvenueOmaha, NE 68152402-829-2912

Assisted Living at Immanuel Courtyard6759 Newport AvenueOmaha, NE 68152402-829-2990

Trinity Courtyard620 West Lincoln StreetPapillion, NE 68046402-614-1900

Income guidelines apply

By Steve Casto

Are you above average? In order to be above aver-age you only have to be better than 50 percent of everyone else, right? Here are some statistics that

baffle the mind:• 94 percent of college professors believed they have

above-average teaching skills.• 80 percent of drivers polled said their driving is above

average.• 92 percent of high school students said they were of

good character even though 27 percent of those students admitted to stealing from a store in the prior year. Sixty percent admitted to cheating on an exam.

It’s easy to see overconfidence in others, if not in our-selves. On the other hand there are several studies that show we can also be very loss averse or pessimistic. These studies estimate we feel loss more than twice as much as we feel gain. If we lose $100 it feels more than twice as bad as receiving $100 feels good.

So which is it? Are we over confident or pessimistic? Yes to both! It’s part of being human. We’re emotional and that’s what makes people so interesting.

However, we need to understand this about ourselves because as a consequence, many of us make bold predic-tions, but timid choices. Do you know someone that has told you they know a stock is going to double over the next year. When you ask them how they did with the stock, they admit they never bought it?

As I pointed out earlier, it’s easier to see these emotional decision in others than it is to see them in ourselves. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan to follow in place, so we don’t make reactionary decisions. It’s why I want you to be confident in your financial plan.

Now would be a great time to review your financial plan and renew your confidence in that plan.

(Casto is an Omaha senior financial advisor.)

Do you have confidence in your financial plans?

The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers a variety of programs and services including specialized telecom-munications equipment such as a free ampli-fied telephone and ring signaling devices,

an assistive devices loan program, presentations about the concerns of the deaf and hard of hearing, and sign language classes.

For more information, please call Beth Ellsworth at 402-595-2774 or (toll free) 800-545-6244, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Help for the deaf, hard of hearing


Inviting You to Become

Part of Our Family

Welcome Home!

Florence Home HealthCare | House of Hope Alzheimer’s CareTransitions Day Program | Royale Oaks Assisted Living | Unimed Community Pharmacy

We want to hear from you!

[email protected] appreciate your interest in ENOA and the New Horizons.

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

• Do you have a comment about the agency and how it serves older adults in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties?

• Maybe you have a story idea for the New Horizons.

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

By Dr. Timothy Payne, M.D.

Healthy, functioning joints are frequently taken for granted. Every year in the United States, millions of adults set new fit-

ness goals. Runners train for marathons, overworked executives hit the gym, thou-sands brave the winter weather to hit the ski slopes, and families hop on their bikes for a ride around the neighborhood. However, if you’re one of the millions of Americans liv-ing with osteoarthritis, simple and mundane tasks such as climbing stairs and walking can be a challenge.

Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints. Inflammation, pain, and loss of functional-ity occur when the cartilage protecting the joint breaks down and the two bones rub together.

The Centers for Disease Control reports each year an estimated 46 million adults in the United States are told by a physician they have some form of arthritis, rheuma-toid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. The most common form of arthritis is osteo-arthritis, and in 2005, an estimated 27 mil-lion adults were diagnosed with the disease.

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions (AORC) cost the United States billions of dollars each year. In fact, in 2003, reports showed AORC cost the U.S. $127.8 billion dollars ($80.8 billion in medical care expen-ditures and $47.0 billion in lost earnings).

As a former college wrestler and football player, an avid golfer, and a physician with over 30 years of experience in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, I’ve seen first-hand the adverse affects of living with os-teoarthritis. Many patients are told by their physicians their only options for treatment are exercise, non-steroidal anti-inflammato-ry drugs, hyaluronic acid injections, or total knee replacement surgery.

There are several treatment options for osteoarthritis of the knee. Exercise is the number one recommended treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee because it builds muscle mass that can help stabilize the knee. Further, with obesity contributing to the progression of OA due to the stress of added weight on the joints, exercise can also help with weight loss, thereby reducing pressure on the knee.

Another treatment option for OA of the knee is non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce the inflammation of the joint. However, adverse side effects of pharmaceutical treatments include stomach irritation, possible stomach ulcers, elevated blood pressure, or aggravation of heart conditions.

Viscosupplementation injections are given in a series of one to five shots over the course of several months (depending on the product used). These injections are ef-fective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritic knees, but the results may vary from patient to patient.

Total knee replacement surgery (TKR) is the most invasive of all treatment options. In this surgical procedure, the end of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the lower leg (tibia) are replaced with artificial com-ponents to create a synthetic joint. Since the surfaces that were previously rubbing on each other have now been replaced and realigned, this reduces the patient’s pain, but full range of motion after this surgery may not be possible if there were signifi-

cant anatomical changes preceding surgical intervention.

Total knee replacement surgery carries risks for patients such a blood clots in the leg or lung, infection, heart attack, stroke, and loosening of the artificial knee. Ad-ditionally, depending on wear and tear, the joint may need to be replaced at a later date if loosening becomes painful. Rehabilita-tion time to restore knee function can take several weeks to months.

In May 2009, I began prescribing VQ OrthoCare’s OActiveTM knee brace and BioniCare® System, the first non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatment option for osteoarthritis of the knee. The treatment delivers a low-level pulsed elec-trical signal to the knee through two elec-trodes held in place on the inside of a joint unloading brace, developed specifically to treat osteoarthritis by mimicking the natu-rally occurring signal present in a healthy knee joint. The low-level pulsed electrical signal is not felt by the patient.

Because not every patient is a good can-didate for surgery, drugs or injections due to age and other risk factors, the OActive knee brace and BioniCare System alleviates risks associated with surgery, pharmaceuticals, and injections, while helping to alleviate pain and allow patients to return to their normal, active lifestyles.

As a prescribed treatment for osteoarthri-tis of the knee, the OActive knee brace and BioniCare System patients are under the care of a physician at all times. On average, patients using the OActive knee brace and BioniCare System have reported experienc-ing positive results after 750 hours.

Unlike a standard knee brace, the Bioni-Care device is integrated into the OActive “unloader” knee brace to reduce the impact of body weight on the knee and reduce the patient’s pain. The OActive Knee Brace is worn undetected under clothing and allows for optimal movement of the entire leg.

Within the first year, I have seen a 70 per-cent improvement rate in pain, symptoms, and knee function with the OActive knee brace and BioniCare System.

Ultimately, taking care of ourselves at ev-ery stage along the way is the best treatment to preventing disease and illness as we grow older. This begins with exercise and nutri-tion, and continues by educating ourselves on the best treatment options. Always con-sult with your physician and ask questions about the risks and results you can expect from every treatment option. And this year, set your new year’s resolutions to beginning or returning to your normal, healthy, and active lifestyle.

(Dr. Payne specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and back rehabilita-tion at M&M Orthopaedics in Downers Grove, Illinois.)

New type of brace, electrical stimulationoffer options when treating osteoarthritis

The CDC reports each year an estimated 46 million adults in the United States are told

by a physician they have some form of arthritis,

rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

Fremont Friendship Center

You’re invited to visit the Fremont Friendship Center, 1730 W. 16th St. (Christensen Field) to socialize, enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal, exercise, play pool, visit the computer lab, play cards, etc.

The facility is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednes-day, and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays (supper club @ 5:30 p.m.), and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. A $3 donation is sug-gested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to enjoy.

This month’s activities include:• March 6: Volunteer Recognition Night.• March 7: Pianist Wally @ 10:30 a.m.• March 8: Music by Roger Webb @ 10:30 a.m.• March 14: Music by the Link Duo @ 10:30 a.m. fol-

lowed by the March birthday party.• March 20: Casino trip. The cost is $10 with lunch on

your own.• March 21: Accordionist Charles @ 10:30 a.m.• March 22: Entertainment by Dean Hansen @ 10:30

a.m.• March 27: Movie about the center with Larry @

10:30 a.m.• March 28: Music by Art and Gwen Schmidt @

10:30 a.m.For meal reservations or for more information, please

call Laurie Harms at 402-727-2815.


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

A Caring Community Called HOME!

• No Entrance Fee• Medicaid Waiver Approved

• All Utilities & Housekeeping Included• Spacious 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments

Independent & Assisted

Living

Boone (second from left) with his fellow members of the Rhythm Machine.

Jim singing and playing the bass guitar for the Rhythm Machine.

--Continued from page 12.and his father share Alexander as their middle name. During the last 28 years, Alexander’s has been housed at five Omaha locations.

The Salute to Seniors ended in 1997. “When I got my AARP card, I decided it was time for me to enjoy some senior ac-tivities,” Boone said.

At an age when many people are retired, Boone is entering a new phase in his life. His of-fice is filled with photographs and stories from Go-Ahead

and plaques from organizations like ENOA, the City of Omaha, and the Urban League. Boone would like to take these items and start a museum.

His schedule also includes a weekly television show on Cox Cable channel 109 Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Somehow Boone still has time to work on his dream of building a complex of baseball diamonds for North Omaha youth ages 5 to 17.“Kids have to learn you can’t play the whole game (of life) by yourself,” he explained.

A major hurdle Boone must overcome to start the baseball program is to acquire the land. “If I can get that, I’ll take care of the rest of it,” Jim said confidently.

Anyone who knows Boone has no doubt one day North Omaha youngsters will be circling the bases at the Go-Ahead Enter-

tainment Complex. It’s unlikely, however, that any of them will throw a no-hitter and hit four homers in one game like Jim.

As he looks back at his many accom-plishments, Boone said he couldn’t have achieved any of them without his wife whom he’s known for 32 years. “Marilyn has been supportive of all my dreams for Omaha. Meeting her has been the highlight of my life.”

Boone focusing attention on youth baseball complexSee the ad on page 9

Two for one tickets availablefor travelogue film March 28

Omaha World Adventurers is offering two tickets for the price of one to New Horizons readers redeeming the OWA ad on page 9 at the fifth travelogue in its 2011-12 season, The Real World of Western Europe.

Producer Rick Howard will be on hand for the film’s presentation on Wednesday, March 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the 20 Grand Theater, 14304 W. Maple Rd.

Howard will take armchair travelers by land and sea to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Neth-erlands, and Greece. They’ll have an opportunity to visit castles, cruise the Venice canals, then drive through the breathtaking French and Swiss Alps.

Single admission is $10. New Horizons readers can redeem the coupon on page 9 at the 20 Grand Theater box office and receive two tickets for $10.

Omaha World Adventurers is a RJ Enterprises, Inc./Franklin Film Artists production.


For more information, please call Gloria

at 402-444-6444, ext. 279

ENOA Library

Open weekdays • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.1st Floor • 4223 Center Street

• Books & Videotapes:Aging-related topics,

health/medical, caregiving, entertainment,

hobbies, travel,self-improvement,

financial, humor, history.

• Reference Materials:State & local guides, insurance booklets,

housing options, ENOA programs,

grandparent resources, respite resources.



WHITMORE LAW OFFICEWills • Trusts • Probate

AARP Legal Service Network • No Charge For Initial Consultation

7602 Pacific Street, Ste 200 • (402) 391-2400

http://whitmorelaw.com

Ask A Lawyer:Q — Should I put my child’s name on my home title?

A — Let’s look at the pros and cons of this. Pro — It will avoid the need for probate on your home. Con — You would make a gift of a share of the property, and your child would become an owner (joint tenancy). Your child and his/her spouse would have to sign if you ever wished to borrow against your home or sell it. If you ever need Medicaid, you would be subject to a penalty period. Your child would also have to pay capital gain tax on the difference between your original cost and the value at the time of your death.

You can avoid these negative factors by use of a simple trust, which is often the best way to avoid probate.

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

Who isn’t looking to save a little money these days? Here are some easy ways you can save money on preparing your

taxes, as well as ways you might be able to pay out a little less.

• IRS Free File: More savings, less tax-ing.

Looking for a fast, easy, and free op-tion to do your taxes? IRS Free File allows everyone to prepare and e-file his or her federal tax returns for free. The step-by-step, brand name software offered by the IRS’ commercial partners helps you find the tax breaks you’re due.

Each of the approximately 20 private-sector partners tailors their offerings based on criteria such as income, age, or state resi-dency. If you need help finding a Free File match, select the “get help finding a Free File company” as your option. Enter a little information about yourself and the matches will appear. Some also offer state returns for free or for a fee.

While all the companies have different criteria, if you made $57,000 or less in 2011 — and that’s 70 percent of us — you’ll be eligible for at least one free tax software program.

If your income was higher than $57,000, you can still prepare and e-file your return for free by using Free File Fellable Forms. This is the electronic version of IRS paper forms. It’s more basic and is probably best for people comfortable preparing their own paper tax returns. It doesn’t support state tax returns.

Go to www.irs.gov/freefile to get started.

The IRS recommends keeping all tax-related documents for three years in case of an audit. Keeping track of income-related documents can help you take

full advantage of deductions available to you. If you don’t have the information, you might be losing out on money.

What should you have handy when it’s time to fill out this year’s returns? Records such as:

• A copy of last year’s tax return. • Valid Social Security numbers for you,

your spouse, and your children.• All income statements, i.e. W-2 forms

from all employers. • Interest/dividend statements, i.e. 1099

forms.• Form 1099-G showing any state re-

funds. • Unemployment compensation amount.• Social Security benefits. • Expense receipts for deductions.

Find out if you’re eligible for the EITC

No tax benefit offers a greater lifeline to working families than EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). Yet, one out of every five eligible taxpay-

ers fails to claim it, according to the IRS. Because of the economy, even more people may be eligible if they’ve had changes in their earned income. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The amount of qualifying income depends on your situation. For example, married workers, who earned $49,078 or less from wages, self-employment, or farm income last year, are filing jointly, and have two qualifying children, could be eligible.

The maximum credit for 2011 tax returns is $5,751 for workers with three or more qualifying children.

• Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on a number of factors including earnings, filing status, and eligible children. Workers without qualifying children may

be eligible for a smaller credit amount. • You must file a tax return, even if you

don’t have a filing requirement, and specifi-cally claim the credit. Those who typically fail to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit include rural workers and their families; non-traditional families, such as grand-parents or foster parents raising children; taxpayers without qualifying children; in-dividuals with limited English proficiency; and taxpayers with disabilities.

• If you claim EITC, it can be complex, so try to avoid the common errors such as mistakes on income amounts, filing head of household when you should file as married, or claiming children who haven’t lived with you for more than half the year.

• If you use a paid tax return preparer, make sure to seek out a reputable one. Tax professionals must sign returns they prepare and use their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers.

To learn more about EITC, go to www.irs.gov/eitc and use the EITC Assistant, or ask your tax professional.

All EITC claimants are eligible for free tax help from the 12,000 volunteer sites nationwide or to use Free File at www.irs.gov/freefile.

Did you know?

• Because of a holiday, the 2012 tax deadline is April 17.

• Eighty percent of taxpayers get a re-fund.

• IRS2GO is a new Smartphone applica-tion that lets you track your refund.

• You can visit “Where’s My Refund?” at www.irs.gov.

• The Internal Revenue Services’ official website (www.irs.gov) has a new look and the latest information.

If you need personal assistance to prepare your tax return, there are 12,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assis-tance (VITA) sites nationwide. These sites offer free help to those earning

around $50,000 or less. To locate the near-est VITA site, search for “VITA” on IRS.gov.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), which is supported by AARP, offers free tax help to people who are age 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org.

(Family Features provided this informa-tion.)

Save money when filing your taxes

EngAge Wellness, a University of Nebraska Medical Center program at the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging (HICSA), Leav-enworth Street at 38th Avenue, will offer a

FallProof balance and mobility training class for older adults beginning March 5. The class runs Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. for 12 weeks.

FallProof is a multidimensional, evidence-based program developed by Debra Rose, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Successful Aging at California State University, Fullerton. FallProof has been recognized nationally by the National Council on Aging.

According to the Center for Disease Control, each year one in three people age 65 and older falls. Here are some facts listed on the CDC’s website:

• Among those age 65 or older, falls are the leading cause of injury death.

• For those age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury.

• Even those who fall without injury may develop a fear of falling, and limit their physical activities (which gets them out of shape and even more susceptible to falling).

If you are of that age range, avoiding falls is one of the best things you can do.

The Foolproof program includes pre and post- assessment tests and can be tailored to almost any level of stability among people age 50 and older. Classes will include training on center

of gravity control, postural strategy, gait enhancement, multi-sensory training, and strength and flexibility. HICSA wellness specialist Heather Lenz is Nebras-ka’s only certified FallProof trainer. The class can be used as a preemptive move, Lenz said, even for those who are already in excellent shape.

“Still, some of those normal aging things are going to happen. And you need to do even more work,” she said.

Barb Tripp was a student in EngAge’s pilot FallProof program as Lenz worked toward her final certification. Tripp said she had fallen before, and developed “a ter-rible fear of falling.” Though it could have been daunt-ing, she took the class.

“I knew I had to do it,” she said. “I didn’t give myself a choice.”

Tripp is working toward more confidence. She said she’s eager for the official FallProof program to begin.

Classes are $50 for EngAge premium members, $122 for EngAge basic members, and $146 for non-members.

For information, please call Lenz at 402-552-7229 or Jeannie Hannan at 402-552-7227.

UNMC’s EngAge Wellness program is offering a 12-week FallProof class


Q: What are the 2012 cost-sharing amounts for Medicare Part A & Medi-care Part B?

A: The 2012 Part B premium for most beneficiaries is $99.90 per month. This is a $3.50 per month increase for most benefi-ciaries. However, it’s a decrease for those who joined the Medicare program in 2010 or 2011 and who were paying higher premi-ums as a result.

The difference in the Medicare Part B premiums paid by some beneficiaries the past few years is because of a law which freezes Part B premiums for those already in the program, when there is no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their Social Security benefits, and their Medicare Part B premium is deducted from their Social Security checks.

This law was in effect the past two years when there was no COLA. The law then didn’t apply to those men and women who joined Medicare since Jan. 1, 2010, or for those Medicare beneficiaries who don’t have their Part B premium deducted from their Social Security checks. As a result, they paid higher premiums, which are now reduced to the $99.90 level.

Note, however, that nearly everyone paying the $3.50 per month Medicare Part B premium increase this year will get a far larger increase in Social Security benefits to offset it due to the cost-of-living increase this year. The average COLA for Social Security benefits for 2012 is about $43 per month.

There’s more good news. The Medicare Part B deductible – the amount beneficiaries pay out of pocket first for some services before Medicare begins paying – is $140 in 2012. That’s $22 less last year.

The Part A deductible for beneficiaries admitted as a hospital inpatient is up only slightly from last year to $1,156. That’s an increase of only 2.1 percent, far lower than previous years and lower than the general inflation rate.

The Part A deductible is the beneficiary’s only cost for up to 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. Daily co-insurance payments for hospital stays longer than 60 days have also increased by 2.1 percent.

About 99 percent of Medicare beneficia-ries don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A since they or their spouse have at least 40 calendar quarters of Medicare-covered employment during their working lifetimes. For those who don’t meet this requirement, the monthly premiums for Part A are the same as they were in 2011.

For beneficiaries in skilled nursing fa-cilities, the daily co-insurance for days 21 through 100 is now $144.50, an increase of $3 from 2011. Beneficiaries don’t pay any-thing for the first 20 days of skilled nursing facility care. However, to qualify for Medi-care coverage, your doctor must certify you need daily skilled care like intravenous injections or physical therapy, and your stay follows at least a three-day, medically nec-essary, inpatient hospital stay for a related illness or injury.

Approximately four percent of the Medi-care population will pay higher Medicare Part B premiums as required in the Medi-care Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. The 2003 law stated that beginning in 2007 the Part B premium a beneficiary will pay each month will be based on the beneficiary’s annual

income. This means your Part B premiums are higher in 2012 if the income shown on your 2010 tax return is greater than $85,000 for an individual return, or $170,000 for a joint return.

Persons whom this applies to will get a special notification along with information about how to pay and how to appeal if you think you shouldn’t have to pay the higher premiums.

This is really good news for the majority of Medicare beneficiaries. You’ll be better off, overall, with the decrease in the Medi-care Part B deductible, the cost-of-living increase in your Social Security check this year, and with only slight increases in Part A deductibles and Part B premiums.

Also, with new tools provided by the Affordable Care Act – the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that administers these programs – is improving how we pay providers, helping patients get the care they need, and spend-ing our health care dollars more wisely.

Recently, there has been an e-mail circulating to the general public falsely claiming the Medicare Part B premium will increase to $247

in 2014 as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

Medicare Part B premiums are calculated each year based on health care costs the previous year. Since Medicare calculates the premiums each year based on factors that change from year to year, the claim to know what Medicare premiums will be in the future can’t be true.

The formula used to calculate Medicare Part B premiums was established by Con-gress years ago. For most Medicare benefi-ciaries, Medicare will pay 75 percent of the calculated premium, while Medicare ben-eficiaries will be responsible for 25 percent. The health care reform plan formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, didn’t make changes to the way the Medicare Part B premium is calculated each year. The recent health care law leaves in place the long-established methods for calculating Medicare Part B premiums.

However, one of the potential effects of the Affordable Care Act may be to slow the growth of these premiums over time. The new healthcare law intends to decrease fraud, waste, and abuse and drive down health care costs through delivery system reforms such as preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions and an increased emphasis on prevention and effective treat-ments.

Because the Part B premium is calculated based on health care costs, a decrease in the growth rate of these overall expenses will result in a similar slower growth rate for Part B premium costs.

If you have a question about Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also visit www.medicare.gov or www.healthcare.gov to read more about the Af-fordable Care Act.

(This information was provided by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Ser-vices.)

Making Medicare make sense

One of the potential effects of the

Affordable Care Act may be

to slow the growth of these

premiums over time.

Douglas County representatives recently an-nounced a new dental discount card program available to county residents. Careington International Corporation administers the

program in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo).

This discount card can help Douglas County resi-dents save five to 50 percent on their dental care servic-es, and 20 percent on orthodontic services. This afford-able plan starts at $6.95 per month and $59 per year for individuals and $8.95 per month or $69 per year for families.

“The card is easy to use and will save people money,” said Douglas County Board Chair Mary Ann Borgeson. “Cardholders schedule an appointment with a participating dentist or specialist and present their card to receive a discount at the time of service. There are no forms to complete and everyone in the house-hold is eligible to receive a discount,” she added.

With this discount card (which is not an in-surance plan) participants will experience significant savings on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root

canals, and more. “Especially during these tough times, NACo is

pleased to provide this discount dental program to our member counties,” said NACo President Lenny Eliason, Commissioner in Athens County, Ohio. “This program is the latest of many valuable offerings that our association provides to our member counties.”

The NACo Dental Discount Card Program can complement health insurance plans or work in conjunc-tion with health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and health reimbursement arrangements. It is also a cost-effective way for younger retirees to meet their dental needs.

More information about the NACo Dental Discount Card Program is available at www.nacodentalprogram.com or by calling (toll free) 877-354-6226.

Plans start at $59 annually

Dental discount card programavailable in Douglas County

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.

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

www.immanuellifeline.com


CLASSIFIEDSPlease call 402-444-4148

or 402- 444-6654to place your ad

TheWellingtonLife.com • Papillion, NE • 402-331-3101

The WellingtonRETIREMENT RESIDENCE

No yard work, no shoveling, no honey-do lists. We’ve left the labor of home ownership behind and now we live life to the fullest. We love our

new apartment, all the affordable amenities and the luxury of time to do things together.

Freedom to enjoy life Thanks to The Wellington

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 refresh-ments.

The cost is $5 per person each month.

To register, or for more information, please call Catherine Kuper at 402-731-3140, ext. 240.

Here’s the next program:• March 13: Marvelous

Mammals with Sam Wilson from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Nature programs forolder adults offered

DO YOU NEED HELP?With meals, laundry, errands,

and household duties.Reasonable rates.

Call 402-345-2596

Moving, refelting, assemble, repair,tear down. Used slate tables.

We pay CASH for slate pool tables.

Big Red Billiards402-598-5225

POOL TABLES

PAID THROUGH APRIL 2012

Lamplighter IISome of the nicest, newer 1 bedroom apartments. Elevator, w & d, heated

parking garage. Small complex. By bus & shopping. No pets or smoking.

93rd & Maple • 402-397-6921

402-731-2094

Driveways, garage floors,sidewalks, retaining walls.

patio specialists. Insured/references.

13 year BBB Member

A+ Heartland Concrete Const.

Will transfer your cassettes, LPs, & 8-tracks to CD.

Also VHS tapes to DVD.402-345-3232

John Bouska1913 Farnam St. #70868102-1915

OLD STUFF WANTED(before 1975)

Postcards, photos, drapes, lamps, 1950s and before fabrics,

clothes, lady’s hats, & men’s ties, pictures, pottery, glass, jewelry, toys, fountain

pens, furniture, etc.Call anytime

402-397-0254 or 402-250-9389

REPUTABLE SERVICES, INC.

402-4 5 5-7 0 0 0

• Remodeling & Home Improvement

• Safety Equipment Handrails

Smoke and Fire Alarms

• Painting Interior & Exterior

• Handyman Services

• Senior Discounts

• Free Estimates

• References • Fully Insured

Quality Professional Service

Better Business Bureau Member

deFreeseManor

2669 DodgeOmaha, NE

402-345-0622

Subsidized housing for those age 62 and over

with incomesunder $24,750

(1 person)or $28,250

(two persons)

Senior Citizens (62+)

Accepting applications for HUD-subsidized apartments in

Papillion & Bellevue. Rent determined by income and medical expenses.

Monarch Villa West201 Cedar Dale Road

Papillion (402) 331-6882

Bellewood Courts1002 Bellewood Court

Bellevue (402) 292-3300

Managed by Kimball Management., Inc.

We do business in accordance with

the Fair Housing Law.

Tree TrimmingBeat the

falling flakes!

402-894-9206

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

Senior discount.

TOP CASH PAIDBest & honest prices

paid for: Old jewelry, furniture, glassware, Hummels,

knick-knacks, old hats & purses, dolls, old toys, quilts, linens, buttons, pottery, etc.

Also buying estates & partial estates.

Call Bev at 402-339-2856

Please supportNH advertisers!

Looking for a newplace to call home???

We now have a one-bedroom apartmentavailable that includes awasher/dryer and garagefor only $675 a month at

Parkside Apartments7775 Park Drive

Ralston, NE

If you are interested injoining a great communityof residents over age 55,

please call 402-339-9080

Integrity Builders

BBB Honor Roll member

Free estimates & inspections

• Roofs • Windows • Siding • Gutters

Storm damage specialist

Call Colin @ 402-510-7360

Please support NH advertisers!

Norm and Wilma Pearson were crowned the King and Queen of Hearts at the Fremont Friendship

Center’s Valentine’s Day party last month.

Norm, Wilma Pearson crowned atFremont Friendship Center party

Entertainment by Wayne Miller, dancing, and the coro-nation of King Norm and Queen Norma Pearson were among the highlights as 75 older men and women attended the annual Valentine’s Day party last month at the Fremont Friendship Center.

Miller’s services were paid for through funds raised by the Fremont Friendship Center board.

The Pearsons – married for 67 years – were selected from the 21 candidates nominated.

The kindness they show center newcomers, their loving care, humor, and center participation combined with the love and concern they show to one another were among the reasons the Pearsons were selected, according to center manager Laurie Harms.

For more information on the Fremont Friendship Center, please call 402-727-2815.

KEYSTONE HOME CARE

Prices good through March 31, 2012

C e l e b r a t i n g 5 2 y e a r s o f i M P r o V i n g y o U r H e a lt H !

Check out our diabetic shoe selectionYou could qualify for FREE diabetic shoes. Medicare/Medicaid covers the cost of diabetic shoes so you may have little or no costs. Our staff will work with your insurance provider to see if you’re covered.

Call 402-391-2659 today to set up an appointment for a

custom fitting and a FREE evaluation.

DIABETIC?

Save over

50%

Quad Canesstarting at $19.99

$29.99

Bath chair with back

Save$35

• Shower benches

• Toilet seat risers & safety frames

• Grab bars

• Cushions of all types

• Transfer benches

• Sick room needs

We carry in stock the following items (Not covered by Medicare)

• Sanitary supplies, diapers, & pads

• Rubber gloves

• Hosiery & compression socks

• Orthopedic supports

• Aids to daily living

SUPPORT HOSIERY(Compression)

BUY 1GET 1 for1/2 price

Starting at $19.99Elevated toilet seat with arms

Starting at

$39.88

Save

$20

Starting at$249.99

Save

50%

Everest & Jennings wheelchairs

$59.99

Steel CommodeSave

$30

Invacare WheelchairsStarting at $599.99 WE RENT

• power wheelchairs• knee walkers• wheelchairs• hospital beds

Rollators

Starting at$77.

66

With handbrakes, seat, and basket.

Deluxe 6” wheels : $99.99Deluxe 8” wheels: $149.99

Pride GO GOElite Traveler4 Wheel Scooterwhile supplies last

$949.99

$97.88

Steel transport chairs starting at

Save$80

$88.88

Bath transfer bench

7328 Maple St reet • Omaha, Nebraska • 402-391-2659Open six days a week • Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Closed Sunday

New Horizons Newspaper

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