Read a New Book

“Read a New Book” Day 29 & 30 : “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg.

As we begin to come to the closure of 2013 and see 2014 before us, we may be thinking of New Year Resolutions. “The Power of Habit…” may be just what you are looking for. Each chapter revolves around a central argument: Habits can be changed, if we understand how they work.

Oakland Compactor Holiday Hours

FYI : The City Compactor will only be open from 1 to 4 pm Tuesday Dec. 31. So if you have anything “old going out” so that you can “bring in the new” you will have 3 hours to get it to the compactor. Happy New Year!

Oakland Library Holiday Hours

FYI : The Oakland Public Library will be closing at 4 pm Tuesday Dec 31 and will be CLOSED Wednesday January 1, 2014.

Bancroft Senior Center News

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.

Weekly Activities:

Wed. Jan. 1: The center is closed. Happy New Year Everyone!

Thurs.: Jan. 2: Pool 9:30. Start the New Year out by coming to the Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:00. Stop in for coffee. Come and play the Wii game at 1:00 and then play bingo at 2:00.

Fri. Jan. 3: Stop in for a cup of coffee. Sign up for the pinochle tournament at 1:30.

Mon. Jan. 6: Bring your food and join us for potluck dinner, it is more enjoyable to eat with friends than by yourself. Cards and puzzles after lunch.

Tues. Jan. 7: Pool 9:30. Tai Chi class at 9:30 and the walking ex. class at 10:00. Pitch tournament is at 1:30.

Wed. Jan 8:  No melody chimes today. Play dominoes or a card game at 1:30.

Keys to Economic Success

Keys to Economic Success

By Don Macke

For over 35 years, the team at the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship has been seeking insight into the keys to local economic development success.  Using the insight that is based on their field work across North America, Don Macke, Director of Entrepreneurial Communities, published an article entitled “Keys to Economic Success”.  I will be featuring different keys in my upcoming columns.  I hope this information encourages everyone to get involved in their communities in 2014.  Remember, the only way things get accomplished is by local citizens getting involved.

Key 1 – Local Responsibility

Economic development does not just happen.  There is no invisible force that creates jobs, provides new investment or expands the tax base authority of local governments.  People and organizations make economic development happen either through private or collective decisions.  As noted earlier in the piece, we argue that America is unique in the fact that economic development is largely a local responsibility.  There are federal, state and even private resources and initiatives that can be most helpful, but the decision to act or not act on economic development rests with localities.  For example, the U.S. Import/Export Bank is a wonderful resource for small businesses, but it is unlikely to be used or even accessed unless communities help link their local businesses with this resource.  Bottom line, pro-active communities and regions can and do change their prosperity through smart, well-worked and sustained economic development.

Key 2 – Smart Game Plan

We can no longer ride on past advantages. Today’s highly competitive global economy and society demands that American communities invest in developing smart game plans rooted in genuine development opportunities.  When asked about why so many communities are losing ground, one of our answers is that they have a dumb strategy. What has worked in the past may no longer make sense.  Two quick examples can illustrate this challenge. The first is rooted in the large number of communities still investing most of their development dollars and energy in business attraction. This strategy made lots of sense when industry was moving out of core cities to suburban and rural areas.  While it may still make some sense as part of an overall plan, it no longer makes sense as a sole strategy.  The second example is tied to communities that have prospered with industries that are part of the defense procurement cluster.  Chances are good that the growth in defense spending will decline as America winds down two wars and struggles to reduce massive federal deficits.  Are these communities prepared to help these mainstay employers shift focus to remain viable?

Festival of Trees

Kay’s Creative Play Child Care ” Children and Snowflakes”. Photo Credit/Kay Steinmeyer.

Festival of Trees

Logan valley Manor “Made With Love, Poinsettia Fun”. Photo Credit/Kay Steinmeyer.

Festival of Trees

Lyons-Decatur Preschool “Little Mini Books with Characters.” Photo Credit/Kay Steinmeyer.

Festival of Trees

Steiny’s General Store “Paint Tree”. Photo Credit/Kay Steinmeyer.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas. The beautiful lights glow for the season. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.