Social Speaks: What Was Your Favorite Part of the Burt County Fair?

August 17, 2015 Leave a comment


For those of you that went to the Burt County Fair, what did you enjoy the most this year?

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Kats’ Korner: What a great Burt County Fair!

August 14, 2015 Leave a comment


Congratulations to the Burt County Fair Board and all of the individuals that gave of their time to make the 2015 Burt County Fair a success! Every year, the fair has more to offer, more events to go to and new additions to the fairgrounds, thanks to the same people.

The new addition this year is a windmill donated by Mark and Jodi Petersen of Craig. It is located just to the north of the 4-H kitchen, adding more beauty to the fairgrounds. As I walked through the midway, exhibits and other locations, many people commented on how wonderful it was to see a windmill, a bit of country, at the fairgrounds. Thanks to Mark and Jodi for such a grand addition to the fairgrounds.

I tried a new adventure at this year’s fair. I decided, at the last minute, to enter pictures in the fair. I didn’t have all of them printed, which led to a quick look through my pictures on my computer, picking out what I wanted to enter and sending my choices to Walgreens to be printed. I did quite well for the first time. I had several first and second places along with a few third places. I enjoyed looking at all of the pictures everyone submitted. Seeing life through another person’s lens is quite fascinating and educational. I am going to be better prepared for next year’s fair. I have a folder on my computer to put pictures in throughout the year so I will be ready for next year’s contest! I already have two pictures in the folder.

I also entered an afghan and a scarf that I crocheted. The scarf received a first place award in the crocheted accessory category. The afghan won the best afghan award! I was so surprised when I saw a huge purple ribbon placed on my afghan! I have never won a purple ribbon, so I was very excited. The first thought that came to mind was how proud my Grandma Beatrice Sundquist would be. She encouraged me to crochet at a very young age. I was fascinated at the beautiful items she crocheted. She was my inspiration. I just know she was smiling down on me with pride.

Now to come up with a crocheted project for next year!

Everything at the fair was so enjoyable. We were so blessed to have our daughter and son-in-law, Whitney and Tri, and our granddaughter Penelope, come to the fair parade. Penelope is only eight months old and she just smiled, taking in all of the entries that passed by her. We were so happy to have them bring her to her first Burt County Fair. She rode the merry-go-round and the little train too!

I have to say an extra thank you to David Pearson, the interim fair manager, for working so hard making the Burt County Fair unforgettable. He always had a smile on his face. Good job David!

Next year’s fair is August 5th-9th. Mark your calendars!!

Penelope loved the merry go round! Photo credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Penelope loved the merry go round! Photo credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

My winning afghan! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

My winning afghan! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Social Speaks: Favorite Part of the Burt County Fair

August 6, 2015 Leave a comment


With the Burt County Fair just a few days away, I am curious, what is your favorite event or part of the fair?

  • Denise LeAnn Marr-Gilliland I will get the ball rolling. Jeff and I love going to both kitchens to eat and the cattlemen’s bbq after the parade, which we love too. Most of all, we feel like it is a reunion of the county, seeing many people we haven’t seen in a while!
  •  Diane Thomas-Greckel 4-H Kitchen. !!
  •  Jackie Black My girls love the dog show!!!
  • Kay Gibbs Kommers Used to be the demo derby…the best was the figure 8 races…
  •  Lauri Bundy Canarsky Since Leonard & I met at the fair like 100 years ago, it’s a family event for us. We always have our camper in the park as a home base for us all to gather & gives Larinda a place to stay.
  • Bev Case Landholm Love Fair food! Enjoy any of the 4-H events the grandkids are on. Beef show Sunday and of course the parade.
  • SueEllen Hammer Bullarama.
  •  Lisa Parcel I love every part of the fair. The livestock shows,walking thru all the exhibits, the entertainment, the parade, the beer garden, seeing all the people, but most of all the 4-H kitchen. I don’t have to cook the whole fair.
  •  Brenda Pearson Every thing also!!!! See people you only see once a year.
  •  Jane Olson Love the parade and the Cattlemen’s BBQ. This year they’re having a rodeo aren’t they, I’m looking forward to attending that.
  •  Mary Alice Pearson I enjoy it all. Has been so much a part of my life for so many years Love it..
  •  Susan Penke I agree with Lisa. It wouldn’t be the Burt Co Fair if you didn’t walk up and down that HILL see everything and everyone!
  •  Linda Carlson it is all just great and to me means the official end of summer. It was s much fun watching my boys show livestock and Mindy take 20 items for the Smiley Belles.
  • Jackie Rooney Guenther Bull riding. .. ride rank for a cure!!
  • Bobette Toalson 4-H exhibits and seeing all the familiar faces! We will miss the fair this year, but our hearts will be there.
  •  Paula Stromquist Watching the grandkids on rides & of course the great fair food…funnel cakes!!!!

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After the Storm: Book Review by Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director

July 23, 2015 Leave a comment


By Rosa Schmidt

Over the years, I have seen the popularity of many Amish series, most written by highly respected authors, such as Beverly Lewis, Cindy Woodsmall, Wanda Brunstetter, and Suzanne Woods Fisher, to name a few. Linda Castillo however, has brought something totally new and different to the “Amish” novel. Rather than a sweet romance, hers is a highly suspenseful mystery!

The newly published, “After the Storm” happens to be Castillo’s seventh Kate Burkholder novel.  The series began in 2009 with “Sworn to Silence” where we were introduced to our main character, Police Chief Kate Burkholder. Working in a small town with a large Amish population, Kate herself was raised Amish and left the fold at eighteen; she now works in the same community in which she grew up.

This series offers well-written characters, with just the right amount of mystery, personal detail, and tension to keep these stories interesting. “After the Storm” has been described as an “electrifying thriller” in which Kate Burkholder must uncover a family’s long-hidden past to solve a brutal murder. Tension builds quickly with a tornado on the ground headed Kate’s way and in its wake, the discovery of long-hidden human remains.

The Kate Burkholder novels are definitely not the “Amish” stories many readers are used to, but if you are looking for a new mystery series, this may be it. Each story can be read on its own, however after reading “After the Storm”, you may find yourself wanting to go back to the beginning and read all the way through the series to follow the continuing storyline of Kate’s personal life.

And, as always, you can find this entire series on your library’s shelves. Visit your library today and pick up something new to read!

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

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The Loss of a Pet

July 16, 2015 Leave a comment


Our dog, Sox, died a few days ago, he was 15 years old.

I remember when our daughter, Whitney, picked him out at the Humane Society in Fremont. He was not the cutest dog there. He was a mix of breeds, or a Heinz 57. He was one of several from the same litter left there. But, he was the only one left.

Whitney took one look at him and knew he was the dog for her. I wondered, but over time, learned she was right from the beginning.

Every night, he slept in Whitney’s room. He was definitely her dog. He wasn’t a watchdog. He would bark, but usually it was because the doorbell rang or someone knocked at the door. He didn’t bark at outside noises.

The grandkids loved playing with him. He would lie right beside them and they would pet him, sometimes harder than they should, but he never flinched or became angry. He loved them and felt he was protecting them by being beside them. I think most dogs protect children.

After Whitney went to college, he became more attached to me. He followed me all over the house. If I was walking towards the front door, he ran to get there ahead of me. He couldn’t wait to run and play in the yard.

But, the minute Whitney walked in the door, he was her dog again. He adored her. She would cut his hair. He would sit in front of her, never moving, until she was done. He wasn’t quite as accepting of me cutting his hair. Sometimes Jeff would have to help me.

He started to go downhill, then rebounded, only to go downhill later. I was taking him to the veterinarian the following morning, but he passed away late the night before, peacefully and on his favorite rug.

I felt like we had lost a member of the family. But, in truth, we had. I dreaded telling Whitney. I knew how much the news would hurt.

We gave him a proper burial.

It is so sad that pets don’t live as long as we do. I have had many dogs over the years and cry like a baby when they die.

I discovered how attached I was to him once he was gone. So, I have decided to get another dog. My sister Angie has puppies and next week, one of them will be coming to our house. His name will be Shiloh. I read the books about Shiloh, loved them and thought the name would be appropriate.

If you have a place in your heart for a pet, there are many that need rescued and placed in a good home.

Contact your local humane society today!

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Oakland Library Book Review: The Martian by Andy Weir

July 14, 2015 Leave a comment


 By Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director 

 The Martian by Andy Weir grabs the reader the instant you begin. The story is told from the perspective of Mark Watney, an astronaut for NASA. He and a crew are collecting samples on MARS when a dust storm causes them to do an emergency evacuation. During the process, Watney is injured and presumed dead. His captain, in an effort to save the rest of the crew leaves his body on MARS. Only Watney is not dead and the tale that unfolds is incredible.

As the story progresses we get narratives from key NASA members, media and Watney’s crew, further drawing us into the suspense. Will Watney be saved or will he die alone on MARS?

Weir is a masterful writer, from his descriptions of MARS, the equipment involved, to the character depth. Despite all of the technical jargon the story flows enough that even non-science fiction readers will enjoy “The Martian”.

The son of a physicist, and with a background in computer science, Weir researched to make the story realistic; studying orbital mechanics, astronomy, and the history of manned spaceflight.      

Director Ridley Scott brings “The Martian” to theaters this October, starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristin Wiig and Kate Mara. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this amazing story by reading the book first. You know the book is always better!

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Rosa’s Book Review: The Wright Brothers

July 1, 2015 Leave a comment


By Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director

David McCullough has been widely acclaimed as a “master of the art of narrative history”. He is twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize, twice winner of the National Book Award, and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.
McCullough’s most recent book, “The Wright Brothers” tells the dramatic story-behind-the-story about the courageous brothers who taught the world how to fly: Wilbur and Orville Wright.

On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two unknown brothers from Ohio changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe what had happened: the age of flight had begun, with the first heavier-than-air, powered machine carrying a pilot.

Who were these men and how was it that they achieved what they did? Far more than a couple of unschooled Dayton bicycle mechanics who happened to hit on success, they were men of exceptional courage and determination, and of far-ranging intellectual interests and ceaseless curiosity, much of which they attributed to their upbringing. The house they lived in had no electricity or indoor plumbing, but there were books aplenty, supplied mainly by their preacher father, and they never stopped reading.

When they worked together, no problem seemed to be insurmountable. Wilbur was unquestionably a genius. Orville had such mechanical ingenuity as few had ever seen. That they had no more than a public high school education, little money and no contacts in high places, never stopped them in their mission to take to the air. Nothing did, not even the self-evident reality that every time they took off in one of their contrivances, they risked being killed.

In this thrilling book, master historian David McCullough draws on the immense riches of the Wright Papers, including private diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks, and more than a thousand letters from private family correspondence to tell the human side of the Wright Brothers’ story, including the little-known contributions of their sister, Katharine, without whom things might well have gone differently for them.

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Kats’ Korner: Freedom Isn’t Free

June 30, 2015 Leave a comment


“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”——President Ronald Reagan.

 

Living in the United States of America is a privilege, so are our freedoms.

Freedom isn’t free. It has had a huge price tag since 1776. 1.4 million soldiers have died protecting our country and our freedom.

Thanking them never seems like enough. Their loyalty to their country is priceless. I wish war never had to happen. I above all wish lives didn’t have to be sacrificed to protect what is ours. Unfortunately, wishing will not protect our home. We have to fight, which the United States has done, and will continue to do. We never shy away from a battle. We stand tall and proud, willing to do whatever it takes to keep our rights, not letting anyone take them away.

As it says in the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

There are many celebrations this weekend in honor of the 4th of July. Oakland has the July 3rd Party in the Park beginning at 5:00 p.m. Lyons has a 4th of July celebration beginning July 3rd and continuing through Sunday, July 5th. Check Kat Country Hub for times of events.

Take time this weekend to honor those that have fought the fight, won the battle, giving their all so you can live in the land of the free because of the brave.

God Bless the USA!

 

 

 

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Book Review: All the Light We Cannot See

June 17, 2015 Leave a comment


By Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director

Anthony Doerr’s winner of the 2015 Pulitzer for Fiction, “All the light we cannot see”, deftly weaves the story of Marie-Laure LeBlanc and Werner Pfennig during World War II. Marie-Laure, valiant and inquisitive, lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When Marie-Laure is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris, and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, tow-headed German orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s collide.

I know, I know….there are so many stories set during WW2. However, the stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors make “All the light we cannot see” one that deserves to be read. Much more than a war story, Doerr’s novel illuminates the miraculous impact that seminal events have on the rest of our lives.

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Rosa Schmidt, Oakland Public Library Director. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Personalized Learning for Every Student

June 15, 2015 Leave a comment


Rachel Wise, District 3, Nebraska State Board of Education 

Over the past few weeks I have had several opportunities to think about how the State Board of Education should lead to ensure personalized or individualized learning for every student. This month, Sandra Dop, from the Iowa Department of Public Instruction, provided an outstanding overview on the work underway in Iowa around competency-based education. Competency-based education is generally defined as students demonstrating they have learned the expected knowledge and skills in specific subjects or grade levels. For more information on competency-based education in Iowa go to www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/standards-curriculum/competency-based-pathways. One of the strengths of competency-based education is the ability to truly personalize or individualize learning for each and every student.

The personalization of learning leads me to my next topic this month, the individualization of education that we provide for students with disabilities. In October 2013, I shared with you that I was once a special education teacher and administrator, and I have a passion for all students, including students with disabilities. In that article, I highlighted some amazing young people who should be recognized for their capabilities rather than their disabilities. Though federal and state laws have created an opportunity for all students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate and individualized education and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) sets the rules and provides a variety of supports and services to children with disabilities from birth through age 21, it might be time to re-think the rules and processes that we use to serve individuals with disabilities.

In April, I had an opportunity to attend a convening of teams of representatives from Special Olympics, state boards, departments of education and school districts from across the country to share ideas and strategies for improving social inclusion and outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Schools and communities need to be welcoming places of hope, opportunity and access and work collaboratively with non-profit organizations, parents and students to ensure the inclusion of all students

In May, Clarice Jackson, the CEO of the Voice Advocacy Center made a compelling case for personalizing education through her presentation to the Nebraska State Board of Education. As an advocate and service provider for individuals with dyslexia, she shared with us that dyslexia is the most common learning disability and that one out of every five individuals has some degree of dyslexia. Her advocacy is for improved processes of early identification and an improved system of supports for children with dyslexia. Go to www.voiceadvocacycenter.com to learn more. As a former special education teacher, her comments resonated with me. I concur with her statements on the importance of early identification and the need to prioritize the teaching of reading with strategies that are individualized to meet the unique needs and learning pace of each child.

In my opinion, the Nebraska State Board of Education has an opportunity and a responsibility to review the current regulatory environment and to ensure best practices and strategies to individualize learning and social inclusion for each student is in place at every school in Nebraska.

This article represents my personal view, not that of the State Board of Education or my role as president. Feel free to contact me at rachel.wise@nebraska.gov. Search the Nebraska Department of Education website at www.education.ne.gov to learn more about education in our state.

 

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