Bancroft Senior Center News

March 11, 2014 Leave a comment


Bancroft Senior Center News

* The senior center provides Information and Assistance to any individual who is looking for services for themselves or another person 60 years and older, the center manager and/or center participant can provide information to individuals on services available within the community. We link individuals to the services and opportunities that are available within or beyond the community itself. We will then establish adequate follow-up procedures to see that their needs were met. For more information call 402-648-3387.

*If you are 60 years and older and need information on programs designed to help keep you in your home longer or if you need legal help, contact Connie at 402-648-3387 or in the evening at 402-648-7648.

* We have the following medical equipment to loan out on an as need basis, wheel chair, bath seats, toilet seat riser and portable toilet chair, crutches or walker. Call 402-648-3387 during office hours.

 

Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels program started in Bancroft February 10th. Anyone over the age of 60 years and lives within the city limits are eligible for these meals. You may sign up anytime for the Meals on Wheels program; you can get the meals delivered however many times you want them each week. You must call 402-687-2332 before 8:45 if you want a meal that day.

We need more volunteers willing to deliver the meals once they get to the senior center in Bancroft. Contact the senior contact 402-648-3387 if you wish to help deliver the meals, want a meal delivered or have a question.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. March 12: Melody chimers will practice at 9:30. Join us for coffee anytime during the day. We will play bingo at 2:00.

Thurs.: March 13:  Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. You pick the card game you would like to play today. You are welcome to come and work on the jig saw puzzle.

Fri. March 14: Senator Lydia Brasch will hold her town hall meeting at the senior center from 10:00 – 1:30 p.m. Call in and make a reservation for the noon meal, serving scalloped potatoes with ham, California blend vegetables, salad and dessert. There will be a pinochle tournament at 1:45.

Mon. March 17: The caregiver support group will meet at 2:00 p.m. If you are a caregiver provider you are invited to come to this meeting.  Our pancake and waffle supper will be served from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. The card party will be at 7:00 p.m.

Tues. March 18: Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:00.  Sign up to play in the pitch tournament at 1:30.

Wed. March 19: Melody chimers will practice at 9:00 a.m.  Sign up to play in the 5-handed pinochle tournament.

 

 

 

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Senator Brasch Townhall Meeting Schedule

March 10, 2014 Leave a comment


DISTRICT 16 TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Senator Brasch will host town hall meetings throughout District 16 to provide a legislative update on senator, committee, and speaker priority bills; consent calendar bills; and commonly addressed issues during the 103rd Legislature.  There will be an opportunity to engage in a Q&A discussion on pending legislation.

 

Friday, March 14

  • Decatur: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Coffee at the Senior Center

  • Bancroft: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch at the Senior Center

Suggested donation of $4.50 for meal, reservations appreciated

  • Beemer: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Coffee at the Beemer Café

Sponsored by Great Plains Communications

  • West Point: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Municipal Building, City Council Chamber

 

Saturday, March 15

  • Oakland: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Coffee at Creative Connections

 

Monday, March 17

  • Tekamah: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Coffee at Chatt Senior Center

  • Blair: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Coffee at City Council Chamber

  • Arlington: 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Light refreshments at the Arlington Community Room

Sponsored by Micheal Dwyer

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Canadian Geese at Summit Lake

March 10, 2014 Leave a comment


These are some of the many Canadian geese at Summit Lake. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

These are some of the many Canadian geese at Summit Lake. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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LDNE Students at Wayne State College Honor Choir

March 10, 2014 Leave a comment


By Jessie Mutum

LDNE Music Student

Voices with the sounds of millions! Thats what over 230 students from grades 9-12 sounded like February 7, 2014 at Wayne State College Honor Choir, with 24 schools attendingThe day was jam- packed with rehearsals all day, which was fun but tiring.

There was never a dull moment with Clinician Dr. Elise Hepworth which was always showing us how to fix our mistakes and make our words smooth like honey. The songs of choice were Total Praise, Going Up to Glory, Things That Never Die, and Can You Hear.

There were 8 people that attended WSC. Seniors Tatiayana Harris, Jesika Kramer, and Sarah Alford, Sophomores Blair Preston, Jessie Mutum, Lena Horak, and Sophie Hsu, and lastly Freshmen Amelia Schlichting.

The entire Wayne State Honor Choir. Photo Courtesy of LDNE.

The entire Wayne State Honor Choir. Photo Courtesy of LDNE.

 

The students from LDNE attending the Honor Choir were: back left to right: Lena Horak, Amelia Shlichting, Jessie Mutum, Kramer bottom Left to right: Blair Preston, Sarah Alford, Sophie Hsu and Tatiayana Harris. Photo Courtesy LDNE.

The students from LDNE attending the Honor Choir were: back left to right: Lena Horak, Amelia Shlichting, Jessie Mutum, Kramer
bottom Left to right: Blair Preston, Sarah Alford, Sophie Hsu and Tatiayana Harris. Photo Courtesy LDNE.

The day was joyous and we want to thank Dr. Hepworth and everyone at Wayne State College for holding this and helping us on the way!

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Happy Meal Tax Cut Bad for Nebraska

March 10, 2014 3 Comments


Lyons, NE – Today the Center for Rural Affairs released a new report, titled – Crumbs for the Middle Class: Tax Benefits for LB 1097 Flow to High Earners, Little for Lower Earners – that examines how the tax proposal would affect Nebraska and it’s citizens.“LB 1097 – the major tax proposal in the 2014 Nebraska Legislature – is costly, would lead to massive budget deficits, and endangers the state’s cash reserve. Tax cut benefits to the highest level of earners are significant. But tax cut benefits to middle- and low-income taxpayers are nearly nonexistent and LB 1097 endangers services and public investments vital to these Nebraskans,” said Jon Bailey, Rural Public Policy Director at the Center for Rural Affairs and author of the report.

LB 1097 proposes to undertake the following:

— Replace the four current personal income tax brackets with three brackets starting at $0, $36,000 and $72,000 for married couples
— Indexes brackets for inflation starting in 2018
— Lowers personal income tax rates for all brackets
— Lowers corporate income tax rates

The Fiscal Note for LB 1097 estimated a loss in General Fund revenue to the state ranging from $140.7 million in fiscal year 2014-2015 to $645.3 million when fully implemented in fiscal year 2018-2019.

“Perhaps the most important question to ask is, who benefits from LB 1097?” Bailey asked. “The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that about 61 percent of LB 1097’s tax cuts would go to the top 20 percent of income earners – those who earn over $92,000. Only seven percent would go to the bottom 40 percent of taxpayers – those who earn less than $37,000.”

Bailey’s report references data from the OpenSky Policy Institute and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy showing the following:

— About 31 percent of tax cut benefits of LB 1097 will go to the top 5 percent of Nebraska earners (those who earn more than $168,000 annually).
— About 16 percent of the tax cut benefits of LB 1097 go to the state’s top 1 percent of earners (those who earn more than $388,000 annually).
— The average taxpayer in the top 1 percent of earners would receive an annual tax cut of about $6,600, about $550 per month.
— Middle-income taxpayers (between $37,000 and $60,000 annually) would receive average tax cuts of about $239 annually, or about $20 per month.
— Lower income taxpayers would receive even less. The lowest 20 percent income group (below $21,000 annually) would receive a tax cut of $25 annually, or about $2 per month; the second lowest income group ($21,000 to $37,000 annually) would receive a tax cut of $122 annually, or about $10 per month.

“Twenty dollars per month for middle-income taxpayers is equivalent to about one Happy Meal at McDonalds each week,” explained Bailey. “Lower income earners wouldn’t even be able to buy the Happy Meal.”

“In addition to the regressive nature of the tax cuts, meaning those at the bottom of the income scale will receive fewer tax cut benefits, LB 1097 has significant long-term consequences,” Bailey added.

According to Bailey’s report, those long-term consequences would include the following:

— LB 1097 would wipe out the current state budget surplus and create a large state budget deficit. LB 1097 would wipe out the projected $109 million surplus and leave the state with an estimated $929 million shortfall as the tax cuts grow through fiscal year 2018.

— State investments in items like education, health care, job training, roads and safe communities would become hostage to the budget deficit caused by LB 1097.

— The state budget could make up for the loss of revenue from LB 1097 by tapping the state’s cash reserve fund. This has been proposed by supporters of LB 1097 and tax cuts in general.

“However, the current balance of the cash reserve fund is $679 million – squarely within recommended amounts,” said Bailey. “In our view it is fiscal malpractice to use a one time, major withdrawal from the state’s reserves for permanent changes in the state’s tax system. That leaves the state potentially unprotected from another economic downturn that needs the cash reserve fund to mitigate damage to necessary state investments.”

“In the long-term LB 1097 will not provide any benefits to middle class or lower income taxpayers,” concluded Bailey. “LB 1097 also has the potential to endanger vital state investments that are in the best interests of middle class and lower income Nebraskans, the state as a whole and Nebraska’s economy.”

A full copy of the report can be viewed and downloaded at: http://www.cfra.org/www.cfra.org/Crumbs-for-the-Middle-Class

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Kidney Disease and Diabetes

March 10, 2014 Leave a comment


By Mary Loftis

Extension Assistant

According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, more than 20 million Americans may have kidney disease and many more are at risk for it.  Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the United States.  The type of kidney disease associated with diabetes, called diabetic nephropathy, develops as a result of damage to the kidneys caused by elevated blood glucose levels over time.  Deborah Willcox, R.D., L.M.N.T., with Franciscan Care Services in West Point, will share dietary hints and precautions that can be taken to protect your kidneys.

Mary Loftis

Mary Loftis

 

Usually there are no symptoms associated with early kidney disease, but as the function of the kidneys deteriorates, a fluid imbalance can occur.  To learn more about kidney function and symptoms of kidney disease we invite you to attend the March 10 session of Control Diabetes for Life.

 

At any stage of kidney disease, you may benefit from the services of a Nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in the care of disorders of the kidneys.  But even if you do not have kidney disease you can be proactive about your kidney health by asking your doctor to give you a yearly update on your risk factors for kidney disease, including your HbA1C level and microalbuminuria test results.  By knowing where you stand, you can take appropriate action to improve your health and prevent or limit kidney dysfunction.

Fitting diabetes into your lifestyle is the key message today. Diabetes does not have to dictate how you live.  University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension and Franciscan Care Services invite you and your family members to participate in a new and exciting diabetes educational program. The series of programs is being offered via two-way interactive distance education. Participants will learn about current issues related to diabetes from educators with over 25 years of team-teaching experience.

 

Monday, March 10, is the first of three programs in the 2014 Control Diabetes for Life series. Topics that will be addressed during the two-hour program are: “Kidney Disease:  Action Steps to Take to Protect Your Health”, “Ways to Cut Food Costs”, and “What’s New in Diabetes Self-Management”, along with other helpful hints. Participants will sample a new recipe for a diabetic appropriate food. Team-teaching the program will be Deborah Willcox, R.D., L.M.N.T., and Stacie Petersen, B.S.N. and Certified Diabetes Educator both of Franciscan Care Services in West Point and Debra Schroeder, UNL Extension Educator in Cuming County.

 

Participants have the opportunity to attend the program from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Tekamah-Herman High School in the Distance Learning Classroom.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Franciscan Care Services of West Pont are hosting the presentation. The program is offered free-of-charge. Control Diabetes for Life will help participants learn to control diabetes and prolong the onset of complications from the disease. These sessions are designed to supplement the education that you received from your local diabetes education team and are not a substitute for diabetes classes through your local health care providers.

Participants are asked to pre-register for “Control Your Diabetes for Life” by calling UNL Extension in Burt County at 402-374-2929. Please register by Friday, March 7th, so the proper number of handouts may be prepared. Nebraska School Food Service Association has approved this session for two hours of continuing education credits for food service staff attending.

Control your diabetes for life!  Start by attending the March 10 distance education program.  Call today to register!

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu

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Middle Name Pride Day

March 10, 2014 Leave a comment


Today is Middle Name Pride Day. It is in honor of the seldom used middle name. Your middle name may often set you apart from others. It was selected with care, so you should be proud of it.
Here’s two reasons to be proud of your middle name:
First, there are plenty of John Smiths and and Mary Jones in the world. It is the middle name your parents gave you that makes your name special.
Second, your parents chose your middle name with consideration. It could have selected to honor a friend or relative. That person may have possessed certain special qualities that they want you to inherit.
Do you know why you were given your middle name? If not, today is the day to find out. If it was in honor of someone, find out a little more about that person.
Enjoy your middle name on Middle Name Pride Day, and every day!

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Barbie’s Birthday

March 9, 2014 Leave a comment


Today is Barbie’s birthday. She was “born” in 1959. Which is your “favorite” Barbie? How many do you have, or had as a child?

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A Beautiful Spring Day

March 9, 2014 Leave a comment


It is a beautiful day! A bit windy, as the flags at Veteran’s Park in Oakland can be seen blowing in a warm breeze!

Veteran's Park in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Veteran’s Park in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Veteran's Park in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Photo Credit, Kat Country Hub.
Veteran’s Park in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Photo Credit, Kat Country Hub.

 

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Happenings at Logan Valley Manor

March 9, 2014 Leave a comment


Mon., March 10th: 9:00 a.m., Fitness Club; 9:30 a.m. Presbyterian Church Services; 10:45 a.m. Mile Walkers; 1:00 p.m. Noodle Volleyball.

Tues., March 11th: 9:00 a.m. Fitness Club; 10:00 a.m. Baking in the annex; 2:00 p.m. Bingo.

Wed., March 12th: Story time with Jo Johnson; 9:00 a.m. Fitness Club; 10:45 a.m. Mile Walkers; 7:00 p.m. Movie and Snack.

Thurs., March 13th: 9:00 a.m. Fitness Club; 10:00 a.m. Bango; 11:15 a.m. Outing to Happy Days Senior Center; 1:00 p.m. Red Hatter’s.

Fri., March 14th: 9:00 a.m. Fitness Club; 10:45 a.m. Mile Walkers; 1:00 p.m. Movie and Snack;  7:00 p.m. Entertainment by Terry James and Janelle.

Sat., March 15th: 10:00 a.m. Rusty Bucket; 7:00 p.m. Lawrence Welk.

Sun., March 16th: 9:00 a.m. Reach Out & Live-TV Channel 4; 2:00 p.m. Bethany Lutheran Church Services.

 

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