Fog Beginning to Lift
December 5, 2014 Leave a comment
It was a very foggy morning, but it was beginning to lift, and the temperature is on the rise! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Christmas Shopping at Oakland Heights
December 5, 2014 Leave a comment
Oakland Heights held their annual bazaar providing shoppers with many items to buy for those on their shopping list. both photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Bancroft Farm to School Food Service Workshop
December 5, 2014 Leave a comment
Lyons, NE – The Center for Rural Affairs will host a free and informative workshop focused on providing food service professionals and school food purchasers resources for sourcing local foods as well as tips for implementation of a Farm to School program.
WHO: The workshop is open to school food professionals, related staff, and administration in the greater Bancroft/Rosalie area. They’ll receive information and participate in hands-on activities on local food procurement, the bidding process, and contracting. A local producer will be on hand to answer specific questions.
WHAT: Free, informative, and hands-on workshop to learn more about Farm to School
WHEN: Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 2:30 – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Bancroft-Rosalie Public School
708 Main St
Bancroft, Nebraska
(appetizers and refreshments provided)
“A third of U.S children under the age of 17 are overweight, and only 2 percent of children in the country eat sufficient fruits and vegetables,” commented Sandra Renner with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Schools with farm to school programs are seeing many gains through improved academic achievement, fewer behavioral issues, and improved diets.”
Furthermore, according to the 2010 Census Bureau, if each of the 796,793 households in Nebraska committed to spending just $10 per week on locally-grown foods the state would keep more than $414 million of the food dollars circulating here in Nebraska, helping both family farms and the local economy. And Nebraskans would have the added benefit of eating fresher, tastier, healthier food.
Visit: http://www.cfra.org/events/bancroft-rosalie-farm-school-food-service-workshop for more information.
RSVP by December 10 to ensure enough materials are available for all attendees. Contact Sandra Renner, Center for Rural Affairs’ Farm to School Associate, 402-687-2103 x1020,sandrar@cfra.org.
This workshop is sponsored the Center for Rural Affairs. Funding for the project is provided in part by USDA Rural Development.
SnapShots by Jeannene
December 4, 2014 Leave a comment
“I think this business chose me,” said Jeannene Schutt, owner of SnapShots by Jeannene. She runs a full service photography studio, based out of Cedar Bluffs, NE. “I do location and studio sessions. All sessions are fully edited,” stated Jeannene. “You have access to image files and professionally printed portraits to hang on your wall.”
Jeannene is in her sixth year at the studio and has been a shutterbug for as long as she can remember. “When the digital age rolled around, I dug my heels in, studying everything I could get my hands on,” said Jeannene. “I came to love the editing and marketing end of photography almost as much as clicking that shutter.”
There is more to the photography business than meets they yet. Jeannene believes in perfection in her work. “I am my worst critic. I want everyone’s portrait to look like I would want my family to look,” stated Jeannene. I put my heart and soul into a session, from beginning to end.”
As her business thrives, she becomes more and more creative, adding new more items to her business. “Buying props is fun, but always needing to update everything from cameras and computers and don’t forget programs. It takes lots of time to feel like you are where you want to be. I think that is different for everyone,” Jeannene said.
Photography is an adventure for her, something she enjoys with each session. “I love the fact that no two days are alike. That must be my ADD,” Jeannene stated.
Being self-employed not only takes a great deal of time and effort, but also requires support from those around you. “I am so lucky to have a husband that has supported every move I make with this business. In fact, he is the one that pushed me into a studio space,” Jeannene said. “My kids and grandkids have played a huge roll. You always have to have someone to practice on.”
If you wish to contact Jeannene for a photo session, she can be reached at 402-628-2646. She also has a site: snapshotsbyjeannene.com. You can also contact her via Facebook at SNAPSHOTS by Jeannene.
Jeannene is always revamping her studio, as seen here. Photo Credit/Jeannene Schutt.
Busy revamping her studio, as she does quite often. Photo Credit/Jeannene Schutt.
One of her favorite pictures of a couple that has been together for many years. Photo Credit/Jeannene Schutt.
A newborn picture she adores too! Photo Credit/Jeannene Schutt.
Do Your Kids do Chores? Only 28% do
December 4, 2014 Leave a comment
Interesting stat I came across this weekend. Only 28% of kids today do chores. Parents aren’t having kids do chores today. Of the 28% that do them, they consider making their bed a chore. They also believe they should be paid to do chores. What do you think?
When I was growing up, I had many chores. I could cook, clean and do laundry by the time I was ten. I didn’t get paid to do them, it was part of being in a family. I never thought of being paid.
Did you have chores? What were they? Did you get paid? Did you have your kids do chores?
I am interested to hear your thoughts on this subject.
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Kathy Peterson We did whatever we were told and when we needed something it was usually there…for money we walked beans and picked up corn after harvest.
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Janet Kai Amen Kathy Peterson same here, always had chores, babysat, walked beans, had a paper route, etc. Started buying my own clothes for school by the age of 10. Cause that’s what we were taught. Had to buy my own first car, not like now where some kids expect mom & dad to buy whatever they want. My kids have been taught like I was, you want something you have to earn it, seems like they take care of it better that way!
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Laura Marr Mittlestadt Growing up on the farm we had a job, water the sheep. 5 bucks a week but I don’t think we ever really got paid and they weren’t our sheep otherwise we probably would have had more chores.
Picking the Perfect Christmas Tree
December 4, 2014 Leave a comment
By John Wilson, Extension Educator
John Wilson
Besides Black Friday sales, the day after Thanksgiving often is the day families will select and put up a natural Christmas tree. Artificial tree sales increased in the past, but those sales have leveled off and now there’s a return to having a traditional tree.
A natural Christmas tree is an environmental friendly way to celebrate the holidays. The average artificial Christmas tree has a life span of 6 years before it ends up in a landfill. A live Christmas tree, while used only one season, can become valuable mulch, a winter bird feeder, or even used as a fish habitat after the holidays.
So how do you pick out the perfect tree? The best way to obtain the freshest tree is to harvest it yourself at a local Christmas tree farm. This way you are guaranteed a fresh tree rather than one that may have been harvested several weeks earlier. A list of Nebraska Christmas tree growers is available on the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website. If cutting your own tree is not possible, here are some ways to check the freshness of a Christmas tree.
First, give the tree a light but vigorous shake. Only a few interior needles will fall out of a fresh tree. If a pile of brown needles appears on the ground, particularly from the branch tips, it is not fresh. Next, reach into a branch and gently pull the needles through your hand as you move out towards the tip. The needles should bend, but remain firmly attached, as your fingers run across them.
Regardless of whether you buy a tree from a lot or cut it yourself, once you get it home, leave it outside in a shady area while you set up the stand. The choice of a stand is probably the most critical factor in maintaining the freshness of the tree once it’s in your home. The stand should hold one-half to one gallon of water as a new Christmas tree may absorb this much water per day. A good rule-of-thumb is a tree will use one quart of water per day for every inch of trunk diameter at the base. If you have a tree with a 3-inch trunk, it may use about three quarts of water per day.
Make sure you start with a clean stand. Before setting up the tree, wash the inside of the stand with a solution of three tablespoons of bleach in a pint of water. After washing, rinse the stand with fresh water. This will reduce the growth of microorganisms that may also plug up the tree’s pores.
Just before you bring the tree in the house cut off the bottom inch or two of the trunk. This will open the sap-filled pores which transport water into the tree. The base cut should be square, not slanted. The angle makes little difference in the amount of water absorbed and it may expose part of the base to air sooner if the water level runs low. Once the tree is in the stand, add water and then never let the stand become empty. If the stand becomes empty for more than six hours, the tree’s pores plug up. Water uptake will be significantly reduced, the tree will dry out, and the needles will soon begin to fall.
If the tree stand does dry up, there is nothing that can be done other than pull the tree out of the stand and re-cut the base… not a pleasant task once the lights and ornaments are already up. Nothing needs to be added to the water in the stand to improve needle retention. Commercial “tree fresher” products do not significantly increase the life of the tree and the home remedies such as aspirin, sugar, soft drinks and vodka do not work and may be harmful to pets that may drink from the stand.
Finally, place the stand in a spot that receives only indirect sunlight and is not near a heat duct, entry door, or other drafty location. This will reduce water loss from the tree and prolong its freshness.
For more information on Christmas tree selection and care, contact your local Nebraska Extension office.
Reminder for Today
December 4, 2014 Leave a comment
Nelson’s Food Pride and Sue’s Flower Shoppe will be open from 4:00-8:00 p.m. for the annual wine and cheese party. The event is open to the public, so be sure to attend!
Christmas Celebrations at the Swedish Heritage Center
December 3, 2014 Leave a comment
The holiday season is in full swing at the Swedish Heritage Center. Oakland is fortunate to have Tom Wallerstedt return to Oakland as the curator. For many years, since former curator Elsie Sebberson passed away, visitors could only visit the center by contacting an individual with a key. Not any longer. Tom’s arrival has changed everything.
Not only did Tom take on the role of curator, he also has done a great deal of work preparing the center for visitors and the holiday season. “When I first arrived at the Swedish Heritage Center, I realized there was much to do,” Tom stated. He took on the responsibility, cleaning every inch of the center, painting walls, rearranging the displays and many other tasks, making the center shine! Tom realizes how important the Swedish Heritage Center is to the community of Oakland, as Swedish is Oakland’s identity. “I had the pleasure of meeting people from Sweden, who visited the center recently. They had wanted to visit Swedish places upon coming to Nebraska and discovered the center. We had a wonderful visit,” Tom said.
The Swedish history of Oakland is something every visitor will surely enjoy, as there are generations of items for every eye to see. A dress hangs in the center that an Oaklander was wearing, anticipating her departure on the Titanic. She later decided not to go, which was a smart choice as history tells us. To find out who wore the dress, stop in at the Swedish Heritage Center.
Also, take time to enjoy Tom’s handiwork, he has quite a creative knack. Before coming home to Oakland, he had a shop of his own in Omaha which proudly displayed his creations, such as the ornaments he creates from corn husks into roses, which are on the Christmas tree at the Swedish Heritage Center, along with the Swedish Dala horses Tom has painted. Many years ago, Tom’s crafty talents were the subject of an article in LTD magazine, featuring his many crafts he hand makes. Tom also has the rose corn his ornaments for sale at the center. They are quite time consuming to make, taking him up to three days to finish. To purchase the ornaments, please contact Tom at the center.
Be sure to attend the Swedish Heritage Center’s many Christmas celebrations:
Thurs., Dec. 11th is the Santa Lucia Festival at 9:00 a.m. The 4th and 5th grade students from Oakland-Craig School perform this Swedish dance every year. The instructor is Teresa Rogers. Everyone is invited to attend. From 4:30-9:00 p.m. is the Swedish “SKAL” hors d’oeuvres, wine and cheese open house. Purchase tickets at Nelson’s Food Pride or at the door.
Sun., Dec. 14th will feature the Burt County Brass performing a Christmas concert beginning at 5:00 p.m. Karl Lundquist will also be reading Christmas poems along with singing by Mia Linder. A traditional Swedish meal will follow the concert. Donations will be accepted for the concert with funds going to the Swedish Heritage Center.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the events at the Swedish Heritage Center and celebrate the Christmas season. You are sure to be beyond pleased.
Tom Wallerstedt just decorating the Christmas Tree at the Swedish Heritage Center with his handmade corn husk rose ornaments. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Some of the Swedish dresses at the Heritage Center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Many wedding dresses are on display at the Swedish Heritage Center in Oakland. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
A beautiful historical Swedish dress at the center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Tom shows the husks he uses to make the gorgeous corn husk rose ornaments he decorates the Christmas tree with. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
The end result,corn husk roses, that take Tom a great deal of time and effort to make. But, he doesn’t mind as he is quite creative. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Getting to Know You With Brooke Johnson
December 3, 2014 Leave a comment
- Occupation: Stay at home mom with a new job on the horizon very soon!
- Family: Fiance Tommy and son Trey.
- Where do you live? Craig, Nebraska
- If you won the lottery, what would be your first purchase? Probably a new vehicle, after I paid off loans and set aside some for Trey’s savings!
- What was your favorite food as a child? Tater tot casserole .
- What Christmas traditions do you and your family have? We set up and decorate the Christmas tree together. Grandma Johnson makes Trey’s sugar cookies and we all get together to do the frosting/decorating of them. Christmas Eve we open a new pair of jammies and a holiday book to read. We also leave Santa a plate of cookies and glass of milk. Next year, we plan to start “Kindness Bears,” where every day in December Trey will do something kind for someone else.
- What is your favorite Christmas song? Silent Night.
- What is your favorite Christmas show? Elf .
- What is your favorite Christmas memory from your childhood? Getting together with my extended families and just enjoying each others company.
- If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? 1. Cure for cancers 2. That everyone is able to experience true happiness. 3. There’s too many wishes!
- What is your favorite form of exercise? Running.
- What is your favorite quote? Let your faith be bigger than your fears.
- What are you most thankful for:? My son, Trey.
- How will you spend this Christmas? I will be hosting the Johnson family Christmas this year on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day will be spent opening presents in the morning and getting together with my family in the afternoon!
Tommy, from left, Trey, Jayde (the family pet) and Brooke. Photo courtesy of Brooke Johnson.
Zeltha M. (Nelson) Larson, 89, of Pender NE
December 3, 2014 Leave a comment
Zeltha M. (Nelson) Larson, 89, of Pender, Nebraska died on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, Nebraska. Memorial services for Zeltha will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Pender; Pastor Dan Springer will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery of Pender. Memorials are suggested to family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.
Zeltha was born on May 21, 1925 in Oakland, Nebraska, the daughter of Rudalth and Elzada (Close) Nelson. After graduating from West Point High School in 1943, Zeltha attended Wayne State Teachers College. She taught rural school west of Pender at District #4 and #5. On March 4, 1945, she was united in marriage to Clarence L. Larson. To this union four children were born: Shirley, Lyle, Deborah, and Myra. The couple farmed in the Pender area. Zeltha enjoyed to garden and paint and was an active member of her church serving on the Ladies Aid.
She is survived by her son Lyle (Karen) Larson of Pender, NE, daughters Deborah (Craig) Luehr of Kenya, Africa and Shirley (Bill) Prabulos of Lincoln, NE, four grandchildren, three step grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Zeltha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Clarence, daughter Myra Larson, sister Muriel Pearson and brothers Harold and Erwin Nelson.
Zeltha Larson
Kat Country Hub 
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