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January 20, 2014 Leave a comment
Motorcycles were out on a warm day in January. Photo Credit, Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
January 20, 2014 Leave a comment
Tues., Jan. 21st
9:00 a.m. Fitness Club
10:00 a.m. Music by Mary Bacon
1:00 p.m. Boggle
2:00 p.m. Bingo
Wed., Jan. 22nd
9:00 a.m. Fitness Club
10:00 a.m. Bango
10:45 a.m. Mile Walkers
7:00 p.m. Movie Night
Thurs., Jan. 23rd
9:00 a.m. Fitness Club
9:30 a.m. Clue Trivia
10:00 a.m. Sing Along
1:00 p.m. Dominos
Fri., Jan. 24th
9:00 a.m. Fitness Club
9:15 a.m. Reading
10:00 a.m. Bean Bag Toss
10:45 a.m. Mile Walkers
Sat., Jan. 25th
7:00 p.m. Lawrence Welk-TV
Sun., Jan. 26th
9:00 a.m. Reach Out & Live-TV Channel 4
2:00 p.m. Presbyterian Church Services
January 20, 2014 Leave a comment
* 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 village board and the Bancroft Senior Center have been working together to provide Meals on Wheels for the residents that live within the city limits. You must be 60 years and older. The meals will be prepared by the Lyons Happy Days Senior Center and the suggested donation is $4 per meal. There needs to be at least 7 or 8 people who will take the meals Tuesday through Friday every week. We have a driver for 4 days of the week but not on Mondays. If you are interested in having Meals on Wheels contact the senior center at 402-648-3387 by January 30. Our goal is to get this program implemented by February 4th. We also need volunteers to deliver the meals once they get to Bancroft. Contact the senior center if you have any question.
Weekly Activities:
Wed. Jan. 22: No melody chimes today. Come and bowl using the Wii game at 1:00 and then we will play bingo at 2:00
Thurs.: Jan. 23: Pool 9:30. Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:30. Stop in for coffee at 10:00. Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:30.
Fri. Jan. 24: Sign up for the pinochle tournament 1:30.
Sunday, January 26: Annual Soup Dinner. Have you signed up to volunteer to work that day?
Mon. Jan. 27: Stop in for coffee. Sign up for the pitch tournament at 1:15. Monthly board meeting at 3:00.
Tues. Jan. 28: Play pool at 9:30. Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:00. Remember to sign up for the fried chicken dinner at noon today Deborah Willcox will talk about nutrition at 12:20. Cards after lunch.
Wed. Jan 29: No melody chimes today. A pitch tournament will be held at 1:30.
January 19, 2014 Leave a comment
The moon was beautiful last night. I took these two pictures on the way home from Uehling.
January 18, 2014 Leave a comment
Please plan to attend an informational luncheon regarding the Intern Nebraska (InternNE) program which connects college students and employers from across the state. This program allows college students to gain valuable business experience that will help them in future careers while successful internships help businesses fill skilled positions. The InternNE Grant Program provides financial assistance, up to $5,000 per eligible internship, to eligible companies in Nebraska who are creating new internships.
The luncheon will be held on Thursday, January 30th, at 12:00 noon at the Oakland City Auditorium, Rosen Room. InternNE underwent significant changes on October 1, 2013 – join us to learn more. Allison Hatch with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development will share information about how a business can leverage this program to create competitive and engaging internships. Internships create lasting connections between students and the region so whether you’re a business wanting to learn more about internship opportunities or a parent of a potential intern this presentation is for you!
Space is limited. The deadline to RSVP is Tuesday, January 28th. You can respond either by email at burtcoedc@abbnebraska.com or calling 402-374-2953. This seminar is hosted by the Burt County Economic Development Corporation.
January 18, 2014 Leave a comment
Lyons, Nebraska -The Center for Rural Affairs is hosting a 10 week series of beginning farmer workshops as part of their Beginning Latino Farmer Program. Workshops are designed for those in the Latino community who are interested in starting their own farm or ranch.
Workshops are free and open to the public, and will be taught in Spanish. Attendees will build their capacity for agricultural success, learning business management, financial literacy, and leadership tools. Expert speakers will present on topics such as producer associations and marketing. At the end of the series, attendees will have the opportunity to visit specific area farms, participating in more hands-on workshops, to learn more about direct-marketing and crop and animal handling.
“The goal of the program is to help aspiring and beginning Latino farmers become viable producers and be connected to the resources necessary to be successful,” said Erin Frank with the Center for Rural Affairs. “One of the most important resources can be the Farm Service Agency. We always bring someone in from FSA to discuss their loan programs, especially their new microloan program, which is built for beginning and alternative farmers.”
Potential attendees should contact Erin Frank at erinf@cfra.org or (402) 822-0066 to receive a detailed itinerary and to sign up.
Potential attendees should contact Erin Frank at erinf@cfra.org or (402) 822-0066 to receive a detailed itinerary and to sign up.
January 18, 2014 Leave a comment
Look who’s new in the library and just waiting to share a story with a little person! Thank you to Wells Fargo Bank for this wonderful gift!
A new addition to Oakland Public Library! Photo Credit/Rosa Schmidt, Library Director of Oakland Public Library.
January 16, 2014 Leave a comment
Angie Marr Graham, Kristi Marr Dahlgren, Grandma Bea Sundquist, Denise Marr Gilliland and Jeff Marr. Photo courtesy of Angie Marr Graham.
January 16, 2014 Leave a comment
Photo Courtesy of Rosa Schmidt, Library Director, Oakland Public Library.
January 16, 2014 Leave a comment
News Column
John Wilson
Extension Educator
December 13, 2013
Feeding Birds
One of the best ways to enjoy wildlife in the comfort of your home is to watch birds at a feeder. You’ll be amazed at the variety of birds that will come to your feeder throughout the year. Experts disagree about whether backyard bird feeding significantly helps bird populations. But feeding certainly can help individual birds living near your home.
Some people, like my wife and I, feed birds year-round. While this isn’t necessary, we enjoy watching the birds that are attracted to our backyard. However, the most critical time to feed birds is during spring and fall migration, when birds need extra energy, and especially during the winter and early spring when other food sources for birds that spend the winter here may become scarce. At this time of year, it is important to keep feeding birds once you start. Birds may become dependent on your feeders and an interruption in their food supply can stress them.
Set up your feeders in a quiet place where they are easy to see and convenient to refill. Feeders close to natural shelter such as trees or shrubs offer resting places for birds between feedings and a quick refuge if a hawk flies through. Evergreens are ideal because their thick foliage buffers winter winds and offers year-round hiding places from predators.
Be careful not to locate your feeder too close to cover, though. Nearby branches can provide easy access for seed-hungry squirrels and hiding places for bird-hungry cats. A distance of about 10 feet seems to be a good compromise, but try experimenting. You can provide resting and escape cover for ground-feeding birds by placing shrubs or loosely stacked brush piles near your feeders.
There are many types of feeders and different types will be used by different birds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Bird feeder options include tray or platform feeders, hopper or house feeders, window feeders, tube feeders, nyjer seed feeders and suet feeders.
Some feeders will come with shields over the top, or you can purchase optional shields, that discourage other animals such as squirrels or raccoons from jumping down on a feeder from a nearby tree. Notice I said discourage because my experience is, these seed-robbing critters like to figure out how to overcome any obstacle you might throw in their way. The weight of a larger animal will cause some feeders to close access to the seed, but they will remain open when birds are feeding.
There are just as many types of bird food as there are types of bird feeders. Some of the more common food sources include sunflower seed, proso millet, milo, cracked corn, or mixtures of these seeds… as well as nyjer seed and suet blocks. Different birds will be attracted to different types of seed. So put up a couple feeders and use different types of bird food in different feeders. Don’t forget to scatter a little seed on the ground for those birds that won’t go to the feeders, but will feed on the ground for seed you left them or that other birds scattered out of the feeders.
There are a number of sources of information about birds on-line, but one I have found particularly helpful is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website at http://www.allaboutbirds.org. They also have a couple of interesting programs where you watch and count the birds that you observe. One of these is called FeederWatch and the other is the Great Backyard Bird Count.
Just as important as feeding birds during the winter is a supply of fresh water. You can purchase birdbath heaters that keep water from freezing during the winter. Besides drinking water, birds need water to keep their feathers clean and fluffy to protect them against cold temperatures.
Remember, bird feeders and waterers make great Christmas presents for that hard to shop for person. For more information on feeding birds, check out http://www.allaboutbirds.org or contact your local UNL Extension office.
John Wilson
Kat Country Hub 
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