new horizons newspaper

A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging

March 2013VOL. 38 • NO. 3

ENOA4223 Center StreetOmaha, NE 68105-2431

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDOMAHA NE

PERMIT NO. 389

New Horizons

The benefits of smiling ........................................................2

Information on your 2013 homestead exemption ................3

Is sleep apnea keeping you awake at night? ........................4

March 2013 calendar of events ...........................................6

HIV/AIDS is a growing concern for older Americans ...........8

‘Read it and eat’offers cookbook reviews, recipe ...............12

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month .......................14

Series of programs on bone health begins in March ........17

Tips to help you avoid a hip fracture ................................19

Carl Beck, artistic director at the Omaha Community Playhouse and Susan Baer Collins, the OCP’s associate artistic director, are both retiring at the end of the 2013-14 season. Leo Adam Biga tells their story.See page 10.

ExitStagERight

{See what’s inside

We offer a full range of moving services that we believe can reduce the stress and anxiety related to your move. We specialize in both the physical and the emotional aspects of this type of move.

Examples of Services:• Provide a complimentary in-home assessment

to determine your transitional needs.• Plan, schedule, and coordinate all aspects of the move.• Prepare a floor plan.• Organize, sort, pack, and unpack household contents.• Prepare change of address for mail delivery.• Coordinate transfer of utilities, phone, and

cable service.• Disconnect and reconnect electronics.• Unpack and settle your new home including hang the

shower curtain, make the beds, and hang the pictures; making your new home feel familiar.

• Coordinate shipment of special heirlooms to family members.

• Coordinate a profitable dispersal of remaining household items through estate sale, auction, consignment, and/or donation.

We understand the anxiety and the challenges, and we will personally see you through the entire move process; from the first phone call until the last picture is hung. There is hard work to be done and well will be with you every step of the way.

Senior Moving Services “Moving services personally tailored

for seniors.”

To learn more, contact Senior Moving Services

today at 402-445-0996 www.seniormovingservices.com

• New Horizons • March 2013

For the past 10 years, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has partnered with the Gretna Commu-nity Living Center to provide Meals on Wheels for homebound older adults in

Gretna.As a result of the continued

growth and development of Gretna, the need for home-delivered meals in the city has risen dramatically. The Gretna Community Living Center – which had been respon-sible for preparing and delivering these meals – does not have the capacity to meet the program’s increased demands.

As a result, ENOA is taking a different approach to providing hot, nutritious mid-day meals to homebound Gretna resi-dents age 60 and older, according to Arlis Smidt, who coordinates the program for the agency.

Recently, ENOA became solely responsible for preparing and delivering Meals on Wheels in Gretna. The food, which is prepared by ENOA’s caterer, is being delivered to homes by an ENOA employee or a volunteer.

“Older adults in Gretna who need to cancel a meal or who have other questions about their Meals on Wheels, are asked to please call our office at 402-444-6766,” Smidt said.

“Older adults in Gretna who receive home-delivered meals through ENOA can be assured they’re not losing their service,” she continued. “They will, however, be receiving these meals in a different manner allowing us to serve more people.”

Smidt thanked the Gretna Community Living Center for a decade of quality service with the meals program.

ENOA solely responsible forMeals on Wheels in Gretna New research has found a strong connec-

tion between smiling and general health. According to Laurel House, the Quickie

Chick and columnist on the weekly Fitness and Healthy Food channel on Yahoo!, smil-ing makes you stand out while helping your body function better. Smiling boosts health, reduces stress levels, promotes self-improve-ment, and is a fun way to live a happy and healthier life.

House shared important reasons why smiling is good for us in the winter issue of Natural Healing, Natural Wellness. Along with House’s feature, the newsletter also of-fers a broad spectrum of articles that provide useful information, insights, and inspiration. The publication is available for free down-load at www.topricin.com.

House offered her insight about the ben-efits of smiling:

• Smiling lifts your spirits. Smile, even if you’re not feeling like it. The simple act of smiling, especially when you smile at someone else and they smile back at you, can trick your body and mind into thinking you’re actually happy.

• Smiling is a stress reliever. When you smile you’re physically releasing your jaw muscles, which tend to be tightened in times of stress. The jaw muscles attach to the neck muscles and, when tightened, can lead to headaches. You’ll also minimize those frown lines on your forehead.

“I’ll take smile lines any day,” says House.

• Smiling boosts the immune system. When you smile, your body naturally re-

laxes. When you’re relaxed, your immune system is able to function optimally and can help fight off colds and flu.

• Smiling lowers blood pressure. When you relax your mind and your face by smil-ing, you actually lower your blood pressure. House recommends you sit and enjoy the view, pet your puppy, or do something you enjoy. Smile for five minutes and you’ll notice a difference.

• Smiling is a natural painkiller. It’s been shown that smiling helps the body to naturally release endorphins and serotonin that work together to help us feel better and minimize the sensation of pain.

• Smiling makes you look younger. Smiling helps soften the lines and wrinkles on the forehead while adding youth to your eyes. Forget about getting a facelift and smile instead if you want to immediately shed years off your face.

• Smiling makes you appear confident and successful. People who look confident and approachable are more likely to be pro-moted in business. So put a smile on your face and see how differently others respond to you.

House suggests you share the love. “You really won’t be able to help yourself. Smil-ing is contagious and the world always looks brighter from behind a smile,” she adds.

(Laurel House is a new contributing col-umnist to Natural Healing, Natural Well-ness, a seasonal newsletter published by Topical BioMedics featuring insights from experts in various health fields.)

Smiling makes your body function better

Advertisements appearing in New Horizons do not imply endorsement of the advertiser by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. However, complaints about advertisers will be reviewed and, if warranted, their advertising discon-tinued. Display and insert advertising rates available on request. Open rates are commissionable, with discounts for extended runs. Circulation is 20,000 through direct mail and freehand distribution.

New Horizons is the official publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. The paper is distributed free to people over age 60 in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington, and Cass counties. Those living outside the 5-county region may subscribe for $5 annually. Address all correspondence to: Jeff Reinhardt, Editor, 4223 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68105-2431. Phone 402-444-6654. FAX 402-444-3076. E-mail: [email protected]

The New Horizons and the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging provide services without regard

to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, disability, or age.

Editor..............................................Jeff Reinhardt Ad Mgr................Mitch Laudenback, 402-444-4148Contributing Writers......Nick Schinker, Leo Biga, Barc Wade, & Lois FriedmanFremont Delivery.........................Dick Longstein

ENOA Board of Governors: Mary Ann Borge-son, Douglas County, chairperson; Jim Warren, Sarpy County, vice-chairperson; Jerry Kruse, Washington County, secretary; Gary Osborn, Dodge County, & Jim Peterson, Cass County.

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March 2013 • New Horizons •

Applicants whose names are on file in the assessor’s office in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, and Washington counties

should have a homestead exemption form mailed to them by early March. New ap-plicants must contact their county asses-sor’s office to receive the application.

The 2013 forms and a household in-come statement must be completed and returned to the county assessor’s office by June 30, 2013.

A homestead exemption provides property tax relief by exempting all or part of the homestead’s valuation from taxa-tion. The state of Nebraska reimburses the counties and other government subdivi-sions for the lost tax revenue.

To qualify for a homestead exemption, a Nebraska homeowner must be age 65 by Jan. 1, 2013, the home’s owner/occupant through Aug. 15, 2013, and fall within the income guidelines shown below.

Certain homeowners who have a dis-ability and totally-disabled war veterans and their widow(er)s may also be eligible for this annual tax break.

When determining household income, applicants must include Social Security

and Railroad Retirement benefits plus any income for which they receive a Form 1099.

The homestead exemption amount is based on the homeowner’s marital status and income level (see below). Maximum exemptions are based on the average as-sessed value for residential property in each Nebraska county.

The Douglas County Assessor’s office (1819 Farnam St.) is sending volunteers into the community to help older adults complete the application form. The vol-unteers will be located at sites throughout the county. A list of these locations will be included with your application.

Assistance is also available by calling the Volunteers Assisting Seniors at 402-444-6617.

Douglas County residents can also have their homestead exemption questions an-swered by calling 402-597-6659.

Here are the telephone numbers for the assessor’s offices in the counties served by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging: Douglas: 402-444-7060; Sarpy: 402-593-2122; Dodge: 402-727-3916; Cass: 402-296-9310; and Washington: 402-426-6800.

Return homestead exemption applications by June 30

Household income tableOver age 65

Married Income

0 - $31,000.99$31,001 - $32,700.99$32,701 - $34,400.99$34,401 - $36,000.99$36,001 - $37,700.99$37,701 - $39,300.99

$39,301 and over

Over age 65Single Income

0 to $26,500.99$26,501 - $27,900.99$27,901 - $29,200.99$29,201 - $30,600.99$30,601 - $32,000.99$32,001 - $33,400.99

$33,401 and over

Exemption Percentage

10085705540250

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The National Sleep Foundation estimates 18 million people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.

When we sleep, all the muscles in the body relax. In people who are susceptible to apnea, the relaxed throat and tongue muscles cause soft tissues to block the airway. With air unable to get into the lungs, the oxygen level in the blood drops. When the amount of oxygen reaching the brain decreases, the brain signals the body to wake up and take a breath. The cessation of breathing generally lasts from 10 to 30 seconds and in those with severe apnea may occur hundreds of times a night.

Narrowing of the airway often causes snoring although not all snoring is caused by apnea. Sleep apnea can affect anyone but is more common in men than in women. While it is most prevalent in those who are overweight, there are also anatomical features associated with apnea, including a narrow throat and thick neck.

“Untreated sleep apnea has serious con-sequences for health,” says sleep specialist and otolaryngologist Dr. Gerald Suh. “In-terrupted breathing puts stress on the heart, elevating blood pressure, and denying the patient restful and restorative sleep.”

Because the root causes of apnea are different for each patient, treatment op-tions are being evaluated as evidenced by a recently published study by Dr. Suh. The study confirmed that a combination of procedures is often required to achieve a successful outcome.

“The site of the obstruction causing sleep apnea is different from patient to pa-tient,” says Dr. Suh. “There may be block-age at the nose, the palate, or the base of the tongue. In many patients, there is more than one level of obstruction. The basic surgical procedure is to remove or trim tissue at one or more of these locations.”

For many apnea sufferers, and not just those who are obese, the tongue is a major obstructive factor and surgical procedures have been developed to reduce the size of the tongue at its base.

In Dr. Suh’s study, 50 patients with moderate to severe apnea, all of whom had blockage at the level of the tongue, under-went surgery to address their tongue col-lapse. Patients underwent procedures that remove tissue at the back of the tongue and the tonsil at the base of the tongue.

The study evaluated variables such as age, sex, body mass index, and characteris-tics of the tongue and tonsils for their effect on outcome. The only factors that turned out to be associated with a significant dif-ference in success rate were the relative size

and position of the tongue and the severity of the apnea.

With a successful outcome defined as more than a 50 percent reduction in apnea occurrence and a final apnea-hypopnea index less than 20 – which typically indi-cates a lower risk of morbidity – the overall success rate was 56 percent. Some sub-groups achieved success rates as high as 75 percent.

“This study yielded important informa-tion that helps us understand the factors that contribute to apnea in each patient and de-termine which specific surgical procedures offer the best opportunity for a successful outcome for that individual,” says Dr. Suh.

“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment for apnea,” he continues. “We have a wide array of techniques available and stud-ies like this one that help us make the best match between patient and procedure.”

Dr. Suh says lifestyle changes may bring relief to apnea sufferers. “We recommend weight loss, avoiding sleeping on the back, eliminating alcohol, and other sedating medications that induce muscle relaxation, and avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of apnea by aggravating swelling in the upper airway.”

One standard treatment for apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device - a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth and gently blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep. Other options include dental ap-pliances worn at night that reposition the lower jaw and tongue.

But for patients with more severe apnea and those for whom conservative measures are ineffective or not tolerated, surgery may be necessary to remove tissues that block the airway.

“Curing obstructive sleep apnea or significantly reducing its symptoms will dramatically improve overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke while improving quality of life by allowing patients to sleep restfully,” says Dr. Suh.

Sleep apnea has serious health consequences

“Interrupted breathing puts stress on

the heart, elevating

blood pressure, and denying the

patient restful and restorative sleep.”

Dora Bingel Senior Center

Millard Senior Center

You’re invited to visit the Dora Bingel Senior Center, 923 N. 38th St., this month for the following:

• March 4, 11, 18, & 25: Al-Anon meeting @ 7 p.m. • March 5, 12, 19, & 26: Grief Support Group @ 10

a.m.• March 20: Paul Seibert sings at 11:30 a.m. The Re-

generation Lunch is $3.• March 21: Red Hat Club meeting @ noon. • March 22: Hard of Hearing Support Group @ 10:30

a.m. • March 27: Birthday Party Luncheon @ noon. Eat

free if you have a March birthday! A nutritious lunch is served on Tuesday and Friday. A

fancier lunch is offered on Wednesday. A $1 donation is suggested for the meals, other than $3 for Regeneration.

Round-trip transportation is available for $3.Reservations are required 24 hours in advance for all

meals.Other activities offered at the facility include: • Tuesday: Free matinee movie @ 12:30 p.m.• Wednesdays: Devotions @ 10:30 a.m., Tai Chi class

@ 11:15 a.m., and Bible study @ 1 p.m.• Friday: Joy Club @ 9:30 a.m. and Bingo at 1 p.m.For more information, please call 402-898-5854.

You’re invited to visit the Millard Senior Center at Montclair, 2304 S. 135th Ave., this month for the follow-ing:

• Wednesday, March 6: Easter basket making class @ 9 a.m. The $5 cost covers supplies. Class size is limited to 10 so reserve your spot by calling Susan @ 402-546-1270.

• Wednesday, March13: Sewing dresses for little girls in Africa and making shorts for little boys in Africa from 9 to 11:30 a.m. So far, we’ve made 90 dresses and 20 pairs of shorts.

While appreciated, donations of cotton fabric and other supplies for the sewing project are no longer needed.

• Friday, March 15: The Dancing Grannies perform @ 11:50 a.m.

The Millard Senior Center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served at 11:30. A $3 donation is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to enjoy.

Center activities include a walking club, Tai Chi (Mon-days and Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for $1), chair vol-leyball, card games, quilting class (Thursdays @ 9 a.m.), and bingo.

For meal reservations and more information, please call Susan Sunderman at 402-546-1270.


Make It Great, Be Extraordinary at Saint Joseph Tower! Life Is What You Make It...

• Quality living at an affordable price

• Licensed nurse staff and certified staff on duty 24 hours a day

• Outstanding activities program

• Locally owned & operated

Heartland Family Service Senior Center

AARP is offering computer classes for persons age 50 and older be-

ginning April 17. The nine-hour course

(three classes each three hours long) are $15 and include computer terms, op-erating procedures, format-ting, organizing, and typing documents, setting up files, backing up data, inserting clip art, using spell check, cutting and pasting, deleting files, and surfing the Inter-net.

The classes – which run through June – are taught at the Kids Can Community Center, 48th and Q streets.

For more information or to sign up for a class, please call AARP’s at 402-398-9568.

AARP computer classset to begin on April 17

By Carol McNulty

Fish, which contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, can be pre-pared quickly and flavorfully with-out adding extra fat through baking,

broiling, grilling, microwaving, poaching, or steaming.

Julie Albrecht, Ph.D., food safety special-ist at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln says a 10-minute cooking rule of thumb applies to all kinds of fish. Measure the fish at its thickest width and cook 10 minutes for each measured inch of thickness. If the fish is enclosed in aluminum foil or baked in a sauce, cook 15 minutes for each inch. If the fish is frozen and hasn’t been thawed, double the cooking time.

Fish can be baked when whole, whole stuffed, in fillets, in stuffed fillets, in steaks, and in chunks. When baked with chopped vegetables, it makes a quick meal. To bake fish, use pieces similar in size so they cook evenly. Put them in a preheated 450-degree oven and bake uncovered according to the 10-minute rule, basting if desired.

Albrecht says grilling works better with meaty or steak fish such as salmon, halibut, swordfish, tuna, and whole fish. Put the fish on a preheated outdoor grill. Use an oiled grid to keep the skin of the fish from stick-ing to the grill. Delicate fish may require a hinged, fish-shaped wire basket for easier turning and handling. While grilling fish, baste often or marinate an hour before grilling so it doesn’t dry out. Again, use the 10-minute rule to determine cooking time.

To cook fish in the microwave, place it in a shallow container and arrange it so the thicker parts are pointing outward and the thinner parts overlap in the middle of the dish. Put plastic wrap between the overlap-ping parts of the fish. Cover the entire dish with plastic wrap, turning back one corner as a vent. Microwave about three minutes on high for each pound of boneless fish, ro-tating the dish halfway through total cook-ing time.

Poached fish requires a liquid such as fish stock, water with aromatic herbs or vegeta-bles, or a mixture of wine and water. Boil the liquid in a large saucepan, add the fish, and boil again. At this point, quickly lower the temperature so the liquid simmers and

has few bubbles. Cover the pan and allow the fish to cook according to the 10-minute rule.

Fish is best steamed when it is whole, in chunks, in steaks, or in stuffed fillets. Put fish on a steamer rack above a sauce-pan containing an inch of water. Cover the pan; bring the water to a boil. and use the 10-minute rule to thoroughly cook the fish.

Albrecht reminds us fish that’s done has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees and maintained that temperature for 15 seconds. Use a meat thermometer to determine internal temperature.

Visually, when the flesh of the fish is pulled apart with a sharp knife, it should be opaque around the edges and slightly translucent in the center with flakes begin-ning to separate. At this point, remove the fish from the heat and let it stand for three or four minutes to finish cooking as fish continues to cook after being removed from a heat source.

For more nutrition and food safety infor-mation visit http://douglas-sarpy.unl.edu and www.nutritionknowhow.org .

(McNulty is an educator with the Uni-versity of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Office in Douglas and Sarpy counties.)

Use the 10-minute rule when preparing fish

The Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands is sponsoring a diabetes management class March

11 to 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first day and from 5 to 8 p.m. on the final three days.

This four-session, 13-hour class will be held at 2910 S. 84th St.

The Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands is a nationally recognized non-profit education and treatment cen-ter dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for diabetics and their families.

For more information or to reserve your spot in the class, contact the Diabe-tes Education Center of the Midlands at 402-399-0777 or www.diabetes-educa-tion.com.

Diabetes Education Centeris offering 13-hour classon diabetes management

Participants needed for aCOPD Research Study

IRB # 024-09-FBA multi-center, randomized, double-blind,

placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety of 50mg Tetomilast administered as oral tablets in patients

with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with emphysema. (Protocol 197-08-250)

Do you have emphysema or think you may have emphysema? The University of Nebraska Medical

Center is conducting a clinical trial of an experimental medication for people with

emphysema. Participants must be 40 to 75 years of age and be a current or former smoker.

You will receive medical testing and medication at no cost to you, and will be

reimbursed for your time.

If you are interested in participating in this study for

people with emphysema, call Sandy at 402-559-6365 or

email her at [email protected].

You’re invited to visit the Heartland Family Service Se-nior Center, 2101 S. 42nd St. for the following:

• March 5: Birthday party with entertainment by Paul Siebert from the Merrymakers @ 12:30 p.m.

• March 7, 14, & 21: Dance with Robin Welch and Debra Carr from WhyArts? @ 10:30 a.m.

• March 8: Presentation on women’s cardiac care.• March 22: Rat Pack entertaining at Night Out at the

Sokol. Dinner at Heartland Family Service CEO John Jea-netta’s home before the show. Sign up is limited.

• March 24: Afternoon at the Bemis from 2 to 4. • March 25: Presentation by David Storm on Alegent’s

PACE Program @ 10:45 a.m.• March 31: Watercolor painting class from 3 to 5 p.m.A nurse visits Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Karen

@ 402-453-8487 for an appointment.The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch

is normally served at noon. A $3 donation is suggested for the meal. Reservations are due by noon the business day prior to the lunch you wish to attend. Transportation is available within specific boundaries for 50 cents each way.

Regular activities include Tai Chi classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday @ 10:15 a.m.

For meal reservations or more information, please call Karen at 402-552-7480 or the front desk at 402-553-5300.

With Lifeline by Immanuel, you can enjoy an independent lifestyle in your own home — knowing that you can call for help if you ever need it. One push of your Lifeline button connects you to someone with access to your medical history, someone who can evaluate your situation and immediately send help. To learn more about the security and peace of mind provided by Lifeline, call (402) 829-3277 or toll-free at (800) 676-9449.

Someday this button might save your life.For now, it sets you free.

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49th & Q Street • 402-731-2118www.southviewheightsomaha.com

A Caring Community Called HOME!

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Independent & Assisted

Living

Legal Aid of Nebraska operates a free telephone ac-cess line for Nebraskans age 60 and older.

Information is offered to help the state’s older men and women with ques-tions on topics like bankruptcy, homestead exemptions, collections, powers of attorney, Medi-care, Medicaid, grandpar-ent rights, and Section 8 housing.

The telephone num-ber for the Elder Access Line is 402-827-5656 in Omaha and 1-800-527-7249 statewide.

This service is avail-able to Nebraskans age 60 and older regardless of income, race, or ethnicity.

For more information, log on the Internet to http://www.legalaidofnebraska.com/EAL.

Older Nebraskans have freeaccess to legal information March 2013

events calendar1

All Night StrutA Jumpin’ Jivin’ Jam

Through March 30Omaha Community Playhouse

402-553-8000

Omaha SymphonyMozart

Also March 2Holland Performing

Arts Center8 p.m.

$25 to $75402-342-3560

1200 Club at the HollandThe Bad Plus

Holland Performing Arts Center

8 p.m.$35 (subject to change)

402-345-0606

225th Annual Omaha

Orchid Show and SaleAlso March 3

Lauritzen Gardens10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$6402-734-4112

1200 Club at the HollandGreg Proops

Holland Performing Arts Center8 p.m.

$35 (subject to change)402-345-0606

Omaha Symphonic ChorusLove and Loss

First United Methodist Church7:30 p.m.$12 & $18

402-398-1766

3Omaha Symphony:Misadventures of

Melvin the ExplorerHolland Performing Arts Center

2 p.m.$8 & $10

402-342-3560

The Joffrey Ballet:Le Sacre du Printemps

The Rite of SpringOrpheum Theater

7:30 p.m.$35 to $69

402-345-0606

647th Annual

Triumph of Ag ExpoAlso March 7

Century Link Center Omaha402-346-8003

81200 Club Live at the Holland

Boom ChickHolland Performing

Arts Center8 p.m.

$25 (subject to change)402-345-0606

9Omaha Symphony:

Irving BerlinFrom Rags to Ritzes

Also March 10Holland Performing

Arts CenterSaturday @ 8 p.m.Sunday @ 2 p.m.

$15 to $78402-342-3560

12Disney’s the Lion King

Through April 7Orpheum Theater

$27.50 to $140402-345-0606

1558th Annual

O’Reilly World of WheelsAlso March 16

Century Link Center Omaha402-341-1500

16An Evening with Joan Rivers


8 p.m.$30 to $75

402-345-0606

17Crescendo Concert Series

Jessica MathaesDundee Presbyterian Church

7 p.m.Free tickets issued

402-558-2330

Omaha SymphonyBack in Style:

What’s Old is NewWitherspoon Concert Hall

@ Joslyn Art Museum2 p.m.

$30402-342-3560

21Distant Worlds

Music From Final FantasyHolland Performing

Arts Center7:30 p.m.

$30 to $125402-345-0606

22Omaha Symphony

Sam Harris’ Don’t Stop Believing Music of the ‘80s

Featuring Debbie GibsonAlso March 23


8 p.m.$25 to $70

402-342-3560

30Ballet Nebraska

MomentumWitherspoon Concert Hall

@ Joslyn Art Museum8 p.m.

$19 to $45402-541-6946


University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers have built on Nobel Prize-win-ning research to devise a new way to create powerful stem cells that could cure several conditions that cause blindness.

A team led by Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology and visual sci-ences, can now turn adult limbal stem cells from the cornea into cells similar to power-fully-regenerative embryonic stem cells in animal models.

These new cells can generate retinal progenitor cells that could potentially cure conditions such as glaucoma and age-relat-ed macular degeneration.

The work builds off done by Drs. John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka, who won this year’s Nobel Prize in science after they genetically altered adult stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) which mirror the qualities of embryonic stem cells.

“Whenever a breakthrough such as that is made, it becomes a rung on the ladder that leads to further development,” Dr. Ahmad said.

Rather than use genetic manipulation, Dr. Ahmad’s team soaks the adult limbal stem cells in an enhanced tissue culture.

The soak in the solution changes the mo-lecular make-up of the limbal cells so they become iPSCs.

Dr. Ahmad’s team has transplanted its new IPSCs into the retinas of mice with ex-perimental glaucoma. Early tests show the cells have started to transform into retinal cells that degenerate in glaucoma. They have shown these newly generated retinal cells make the neural connections needed to restore sight.

Further tests will show if sight is re-stored, Dr. Ahmad said, but the work has shown enough promise to secure a $1.48 million, four-year R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health.

The newly created retinal cells also can be studied to see what genes are responsible for sight degeneration and what genes fight vision loss. This could lead to drugs that block the degenerative genes or bolster the genes that fight vision loss, Dr. Ahmad said.

“We’ve shown that changing the envi-ronment around these adult stem cells can change the cells themselves,” Dr. Ahmad said. “We now seek more efficient ways to create these transformative environments to cultivate these powerful cells that may offer hope to so many.”

UNMC research using stem cells to help cure causes of blindness

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Foster Grand-parent Program, Senior Companion Program, Ombuds-man Advocate Program, and Senior Medicare Patrol Program are recruiting older adults to become volunteers.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions must be age 55 or older, meet income guidelines, have a govern-ment issued identification card or a driver’s license, able to volunteer at least 15 hours a week, and must complete several background and reference checks.

Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions receive a $2.65 an hour stipend, transportation and meal reim-bursement, paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave, and supplemental accident insurance.

Foster Grandparents work with children who have spe-cial needs while Senior Companions work to keep older adults living independently.

Ombudsman advocates work to ensure residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Ombudsman advocates, who must be age 18 or older, are enrolled through an application and screening pro-cess. These volunteers, who are not compensated mone-tarily for their time, must serve at least two hours a week.

The Senior Medicare Patrol program helps Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect, and prevent health care fraud. These volunteers, who are enrolled through an applica-tion and screening process, are not compensated mon-etarily for their time,

For more information, please call 402-444-6536.

ENOA is offering a varietyof volunteer opportunities


Persons caring for a loved one with special needs who sometimes feel over-whelmed or stressed by their caregiving responsibilities are invited to attend the Nebraska Respite Network 2013 Caregiver Retreat.

The retreat will be held Wednesday, April 24 and

Thursday, April 25 at the Mahoney State Park Lodge near Ashland, Nebraska.

Activities will include motivational speakers, mas-sage therapy, art and music therapy, and opportunities for caregiver support and collaboration.

The cost is $90 dollars.

Lodging costs are also the responsibility of the regis-trants.

For more information and to learn more about a lim-ited number of scholarships available, please contact Elizabeth Chentland at (402) 996-8444 or [email protected].

Caregiver retreat scheduled for April 24, 25

One out of every four people living with HIV/AIDS is age 50 or older, yet these older individuals are far more likely to be diagnosed when they’re already in the later stages of infection. Such late diagnoses put their health, and the health of others, at greater risk than would have been the case with earlier detection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 43 percent of HIV-positive people between the ages of 50 and 55, and 51 percent of those 65 or older, develop full-blown AIDS within a year of their diagnosis. These older adults account for 35 percent of all AIDS-related deaths. And since many of them are not aware that they have HIV, they could be unknowingly infecting others.

Various psychological barriers may be keeping this older at-risk population from getting tested for HIV. Among them are a general mistrust of the government – for example, the belief that the government is run by a few big interests looking out for themselves – and AIDS-related conspiracy theories, including, for example, the belief the virus is man-made and was created to kill certain groups of people.

Now, a team of UCLA-led researchers has demonstrated that government mistrust and conspiracy fears are deeply ingrained in this vulnerable group and these concerns of-ten, but in one surprising twist, not always, deter these individuals from getting tested for HIV. The findings are published in the peer-reviewed journal The Gerontologist.

“Our work suggests that general mistrust of the government may adversely impact peoples’ willingness to get tested for HIV/AIDS,” said Chandra Ford, an assistant professor of community health sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the study’s primary investigator.

“HIV/AIDS is increasing among people 50 and older, but there’s not a lot of atten-tion being paid to the HIV-prevention needs of these folks. Older adults are more likely to be diagnosed only after they’ve been sick, and as a result, they have worse prog-noses than younger HIV-positive people do,” she continued.

“Also, the CDC recommends anyone who’s in a high-risk category should be tested every year,” she said. “These findings mean that the CDC recommendations are not being followed.”

The researchers sought to test the associa-tion between mistrust of the government, belief in AIDS conspiracy theories, and having been tested for HIV in the previous year. For the cross-sectional study, they worked with data from 226 participants ranging in age from 50 to 85. Participants were recruited from three types of public health venues that serve at-risk populations: STD clinics, needle-exchange sites, and Latino health clinics.

Of the participants, 46.5 percent were Hispanic, 25.2 percent were non-Hispanic blacks, 18.1 percent were non-Hispanic

HIV/AIDS having a major impact on the older populationwhites, and 10.2 percent were of other races or ethnicities.

The researchers found 72 percent of the participants did not trust the government, 30 percent reported a belief in AIDS conspira-cy theories, and 45 percent had not taken an HIV test in the prior 12 months. The more strongly participants mistrusted the govern-ment, the less likely they were to have been tested for HIV in the prior 12 months.

Several of the findings surprised the

researchers — for example, the fact that HIV testing rates among this population were not higher at the locations where the participants were recruited, given that these locations attract large numbers of people with HIV.

“This finding is concerning because the venues all provide HIV testing and care right there,” Ford said.

And there was an even bigger, perhaps counterintuitive surprise. The more strongly participants believed in AIDS conspiracy theories, the more likely they were to have been tested in the previous 12 months.

“We believe they might be proactively testing because they believe it can help them avoid the threats to personal safety that are described in many AIDS conspira-cies,” Ford said. “For instance, if I hold these conspiracy beliefs and a doctor tells me I tested negative, I might get tested again just to confirm the result really is negative.”

By contrast, individuals who reported mistrusting the government might not have been tested because the venues where they were recruited were, in fact, government entities, Ford said.

The study has some weaknesses. For instance, the study design didn’t allow the researchers to determine whether the par-ticipants held their beliefs before or after being tested; thus, the researchers couldn’t tell what prompted their mistrust of the government or conspiracy beliefs. Also, it’s possible the prevalence of these theories is higher in this group than it is in the general public and that some participants may have been afraid to tell the truth.

The next step in the research is to study other groups of older adults to determine if these views are more widely held than just among the at-risk population the researchers studied.

(The University of California at Los An-geles provided this information.)

“Older adults are more likely to be diagnosed only after they’ve been sick, and as a result,

they have worse prognoses than younger

HIV-positive people.”

You’re invited to attend an

Elder Financial Abuse Workshop presented by

Wednesday, March 13, 2013Multi-Purpose Room at the Lake Point Center

2401 Lake St., Suite 201

• 9 a.m.: Free document shredding• 10 a.m.: Opening, welcoming remarks, & a raffle• 10:15 a.m.: Panel discussion featuring experts

from Legal Aid of Nebraska, the Nebraska Attorney General’s office, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, State of Nebraska-Adult Protective Services, and Bank of the West’s Trust Services

• Noon: Lunch and raffleFor more information and to RSVP

please call 402-348-1069.

Fontenelle Tours Omaha/Council Bluffs: 712-366-9596

Quoted prices are per person, double occupancy. For more information about our tours, please call Ward or Kathy Kinney at Fontenelle Tours at the number listed above.

2013 MotorcoachBuddy Holly at the New Theater. July 6. $119. Take a Saturday trip to Kansas City and rock in your seat to the Golden Oldies in the “Buddy Holly Story” while you enjoy a wonderful lunch buffet at the New Theater.

Nebraska Junk Jaunt. September 27-28. $260. Come along on our fifth annual “Junk Jaunt” covering more than 220 miles in central Nebraska. Participating towns have city-wide garage, yard, and bake sales. Two full days of treasure hunting!

Daniel O’Donnell in Branson. November 4-7. $689. See Daniel O’Donnell, Mel Tillis, Red Hot...& Blue!, Dinner with Yakov, The Haygoods, and your choice of either the Miracle of Christmas or the Legends in Concert.

In partnership with Collette Vacations

(Let us help you find a Collette Vacation to your special destination when YOU want to go.

Collette offers trips to numerous destinations both within the United States and throughout the world.

Each trip is offered on many different dates throughout the year.

Call us for further information.) Discover Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. September 11 – 20, 2013. Fly to the beautiful countryside of Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria with four-night stays in two cities: Bern, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria. With your Collette Vacations tour guide, you’ll explore the city of Bern, travel the shores of Lake Geneva to the medieval Chateau de Chillon. Enjoy a panoramic train ride through the Swiss Alps to an Alpine ski resort. Visit Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” In Salzburg see the Mirabell Gardens (from the “Sound of Music”) and Mozart’s birthplace, visit Oberammergau, see a Tyrolean folklore show, and dine in a 1,200-year-old restaurant owned by Monks. Early booking saves $250 per person. Call for more information.)

Laughlin

Laughlin in March (by air). March 28 - 31. $300. Includes non-stop, round-trip airfare to Laughlin, Nevada, three

nights lodging at the Riverside Resort and Casino on the banks of the Colorado River, and shuttle transportation to and from the airport. Register early…these winter trips fill

up fast! (SOLD OUT)

Watch New Horizons and our website www.fontenelletours.comfor our 2013 trip schedule.

Our new address is: 2008 W. Broadway #329,

Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501

Please support New Horizons advertisers!


The search is on for Nebraska’s outstanding older volunteer.

The Salute to Senior Service program, sponsored by Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, honors the con-tributions of adults age 65 and older who give at least 15 hours a month of volun-teer service to their favorite causes.

Nominations for out-standing older volunteers will be accepted before March 31. State winners will be selected by popular vote at SalutetoSeniorSer-

vice.com. Online voting will take place from April 15 to April 30. From those state winners, a panel of senior care experts will pick the national Salute to Senior Service honoree.

Home Instead, Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ favorite nonprofit organizations and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Ser-vice Wall of Fame. In addi-tion, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s nonprofit charity of choice.

Older adults do so much for our community, accord-ing to Vicki Castleman, manager of one of the Home

Instead Senior Care offices serving the Omaha area. “These silent heroes give selflessly, expecting noth-ing in return. And yet, their contributions often make a difference not only to the organizations they serve, but in changing how the public views growing older.”

For more information about the Salute to Senior Service program or to com-plete and submit a nomi-nation form online, visit SalutetoSeniorService.com.

Completed nomination forms also can be mailed to Salute to Senior Service, P.O. Box 285, Bellevue, Neb. 68005.

Help Home Instead honor older vols

FREEColon Cancer Screening FOBT Kits

If you’re age 50 or older, you need to be tested for coloncancer. During March, you can receive a free FOBT kit at

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Immanuel Affordable Communities

Immanuel Communities offers beautiful affordable independent apartment homes for seniors who are on a fixed income.

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By Jen Vogt

March is Na-tional Nutrition Month and there’s no time

like the present to remember the adage, “You are what you eat.” With this motto in mind, you can make health-ier food choices that are critical for older adults. The benefits of these healthy choices can range from resistance to illness or disease, improved mental health, higher energy levels, and better weight manage-ment.

No matter what stage of life a person is in, making nutritional food choices is beneficial. Some of the ben-efits to older adults include:

• Promoting health: Eat-ing a well planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits. A healthy diet reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, bone loss, and some kinds of cancer. If you already have one of these diseases, eating well can help you manage it. Addi-tionally, a balanced diet can reduce high blood pressure and help lower your choles-terol level.

• Maintaining energy: Eating well keeps your energy level up. By con-suming enough calories, your body will have the fuel it needs throughout the day. Everyone’s calorie needs are different, depending on their height, weight, age, sex, and how active they are.

• Finding a healthy weight: Consuming the right number of calories for your activity level helps maintain healthy weight. Extra weight can be a con-cern for older adults since it can increase the risk for diabetes, joint problems,

and heart disease. If you lead a less active

lifestyle, you many need to decrease your calories as you age. Choosing foods that are nutrient-rich with fewer calories can help you feel full without the extra caloric intake.

• Improving your mood: Eating can often be a time for social interaction for people of any age. Eating in a social environment helps stimulate your mind and helps you enjoy your meals. If you enjoy the act of eating, you’re more likely to make healthy choices in your eating habits. Eating well can also give you a self-esteem boost. Every-thing is connected – when your body feels good, you feel better inside and out.

Eating well shouldn’t be something that is thought of as a short-term commit-ment. You can’t rely on a

“diet” or “program” to help you maintain healthy eating habits. By committing to a healthy lifestyle you can make changes that will stick around for years to come.

Whenever you make changes to your diet, be sure to talk with your physician about recommendations for healthy eating. Your doctor can offer advice on proper caloric intake, foods to in-clude or avoid in your diet, and how meal plans can be altered if you suffer from certain medical conditions.

The process of eating well can be started with just a few small changes. There is no time like to today to start making positive changes in your eating habits. Eat-ing well can help you stay healthy, independent, and looking good for years to come.

(Vogt is with Midwest Ge-riatrics, Inc. of Omaha.)

Make a commitment to eating healthy foods

• New Horizons • March 2013--Please turn to page 11.

Collins, Beck share lives, careers based in the theaterBy Leo Adam BigaContributing Writer

A shared passion for theater has kept Susan Baer Collins and Carl Beck joined at the hip for years despite countless moves and

significant life changes. If they were a production, Collins and Beck would be a sensation for their show-must-go-on endurance. A year-and-a-half from now their decades-long run as a dedicated theater team – he’s artistic director and she’s associate artistic director at the Omaha Community Playhouse – will end when they retire from those positions and they go their separate ways. Their love story is not just with dramatics. Back in the early 1970s they fell head over heels for each other while working in the theater – they were even introduced on stage. Carl and Susan began living together, traveling far and wide pur-suing their dreams, including two stays in New York City where they made audition rounds try-ing to break in on Broadway. There and at other stops they worked regular jobs to support their stage aspirations. With nothing tying them down, these theater vagabonds went wherever the work took them. Beck recalls, “We were exceptionally lucky along the way. We had connections that kept taking us to a different step. We remained very open. We were constantly moving, sometimes three or four times in a year, to different cities. So everything had to fit in a Volkswagen Beetle. You lived a very strange life but it was always interesting.” They’ve performed in every conceivable situa-tion, from grand venues to under a leaking circus tent in a driving rainstorm, and from a cattle auction barn to the Nebraska State Penitentiary where one group of inmates was on their best behavior while another group heckled the per-formers the entire time. Dinner theaters became their mainstay. “One of our trips took us to Atlanta where we were in a fantastic theater that did nothing but big musicals – Hello Dolly, (and) Fiddler on the Roof,” says Collins. That Southern metropolis became home when Turner Broadcasting hired Beck and Collins to work in front of and behind the camera for its WTBS superstation. “Maybe the biggest departure was an opportu-nity for us to write and perform on a children’s television show for Turner Broadcasting called Superstation Funtime. I was on the show and Carl was a writer,” says Collins. “We worked for three years in and out of production of this show and in other positions at the network.” Television was a decided change of pace for these theater artists. “There wasn’t the same degree of comfort, of knowledge, of want to work in television as there was in theater,” says Beck. “I just always felt I would be scrambling to catch up in television, but my roots, my base is more theater-driven, and that’s what we would both prefer to be do-ing.” Ironically, Collins has gone on to do extensive work as a voice talent for network TV children’s shows (Street Sharks, Archie’s Weird Mysteries, Liberty’s Kids, Horseland, Strawberry Short-cake, Dino Squad). She also does narration for commercials, documentaries, and corporate videos. Perhaps the couple’s most memorable perfor-mance came in front of British royalty. “We wrote and performed a live show for the Prince of Wales at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta,” Beck explains. “Prince Charles came there as part of a U.S. tour. We had just opened a comedy improv group there with other Nebraskans and were kind of a new topic.”

Atlanta rolled out the red carpet for the royal. “I ended up as the master of ceremonies,” Beck says. “Gladys Knight and the Pips were the big entertainment.” Collins appeared in a sketch quizzing Charles on his knowledge of Southern slang. She got to meet him backstage after the show and was charmed by his droll flattery.

Theater is the couple’s life. Upon marry-ing in 1977 they followed, in their own humble way, the tradition of more famous

husband and wife stage teams such as Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne or Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. Carl and Susan have a son together, Ben Beck, who is a playwright and actor in Omaha. Though Collins and Beck divorced in 1996, they’ve remained friends and colleagues, managing to amicably and successfully work side by side at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Their parallel careers long ago brought them there. Beck came first. When Superstation Funtime was cancelled he “jobbed in” to direct for the Playhouse’s tour-ing company, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. “Then we got the call that (then-executive di-rector) Charles Jones was looking for an associ-ate director to help him because the Playhouse then was undergoing a large expansion, so we moved up there with a 6-month old baby and I became associate director,” says Beck. “That was 1983.” When Jones suffered a stroke in ‘96 Beck became artistic director and Collins took over as the OCP’s associate artistic director. They’ve remained in those positions ever since. “We feel absolutely incredibly lucky to have stumbled into the positions that we have that allow us to live a very pleasant, normal life in a

community like Omaha being able to make our living doing something we both feel very pas-sionate about,” says Beck. Between them, Susan and Carl helm most of the theater’s mainstage shows, particularly the big musicals that are the Playhouse’s stock-in-trade moneymakers. Their professional alliance has endured dating, marriage, and divorce. “We’ve been joined at the hip professionally most of our lives. It’s kind of unusual,” says Collins. When their wedded bliss was no more they looked past their differences to focus on what was best for their son and their own careers. “It couldn’t work any other way,” she says. “We celebrate holidays together, we’ve taken trips together.” Susan has been married for 13 years to an at-torney from Norfolk, Neb., Dennis Collins, who performs at the Playhouse on occasion and has been directed on stage by Beck. “It’s an odd little family, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Collins says. Having lived and worked together so long, the pair connects deeply. “It’s definitely a relationship you cultivate, especially after a divorce,” says Beck. “You real-ize the important things. We certainly don’t want to make anyone we work with or are friends with choose sides. Our single greatest focus was to continue to raise our son and we both are very much a part of his life. No one was going any-where.”

Because they’ve shared a life together, the two artists enjoy a bond that goes well beyond what most associates share.

“We obviously do know each other’s strengths

The careers of Collins and Beck – married in 1977 and divorced in 1996 – have taken them to places like Broadway, children’s TV, and the Omaha Community Playhouse.


--Please turn to page 20.

--Continued from page 10.and weaknesses and have grown very comfort-able over a period of time with being able to support or cover one another or when one’s fired, come to the rescue,” says Beck. They had each other’s back in 2009 when Beck was asked to resign by Playhouse president Tim Schmad in the midst of a budget crisis. Col-lins promptly resigned to show her support for her ex-husband. That riff with management was resolved when Playhouse supporters expressed indignation at Beck’s dismissal and Schmad had a change of heart. The artists patched up their differences with administrators and Beck and Collins resumed their posts. The pair perform similar but separate roles at the Playhouse, where they form a conspiracy of hearts and minds that is all about mutual support. “We rarely work on the same project togeth-er,” says Collins, “What we do is kind of go to bat together in front of the board or executive committee for what we think is necessary to maintain or add to our productions here.” Just as the couple found enough common ground after their divorce to remain friends and colleagues they found a path to come back to the Playhouse after that celebrated flap with their bosses. Healing the wounds from that severing was crucial if the Playhouse was to thrive. “It was a very intense period for absolutely everyone,” recalls Beck. “Those of us that were most affected by it came to realize this was very detrimental to the Playhouse and hurting the institution and that, differences aside, we all very much loved this organization. And for that reason we sat down and started coming to terms with one another because the institution was much greater than the individuals involved and the incident that happened.” Collins says, “Everybody came bearing an olive branch all at the same time.” Still, there was an awkward feeling out period. “Everyone had to find their way after that point and very carefully move forward because you were trying to absorb different people’s attitudes and what had taken place,” says Beck. “It was a gradual process.” A direct benefit from all of that was the divi-sion that previously existed between the art and business sides of the Playhouse was eliminated. Instead of operating independently as they did before, with little discussion or appreciation of what the other did, the two sides began commu-nicating. When Beck and Collins first joined the Play-

house one person, Charles Jones, made the artistic and financial decisions. Eventually, those duties were divided among different people. It just made sense. “I think it’s safe to say there’s a lot more col-laborative decision making that happens than when we first came,” says Collins. “At the time artistic and financial decisions were pretty much managed by the same person. A lot of theaters operated in that way until they started splitting the responsibilities.” But over time the two camps became isolated and mistrustful, all of which contributed to the 2009 fallout. Collins says, “When we first came back from that Tim (Schmad) and Carl and I would have at least weekly meetings, which is something we’d never done. We reported to each other a lot and you could watch both parties start to see what life was like for an arts administrator in the middle of a big recession.” Susan says where before she and Beck never gave much thought to money matters, they now routinely ask themselves, “How do we help justify the budget?” She adds, “And now he (Schmad) sees what is really necessary for all this programming to take place. It’s admirable to watch because before we were seeing the other side as the enemy. Before the ‘dust up’ I never went to a financial committee meeting or a board meeting. I go to everything now. It helps you see what we’re facing.” Part of what the Playhouse faces is a changed environment in which it’s no longer the only show in town. “When we first came if you wanted to see a big musical in Omaha you went to the Playhouse,” says Collins. “Now you can see a first national touring production of Memphis or see The Lion King sit down here for six weeks. That never happened before. There are more theaters now, too.” She frets that what makes the Playhouse spe-cial is lost on some people. “There are people I worry who don’t see the value in nurturing this part of the art form with theater as an avocation. I want to keep in every-body’s brain how important this centrally located community theater is to the nurturing of new talent and new audiences.” The theater is having to adapt to stay relevant. “Audiences are changing,” says Beck. “The old rules don’t necessarily apply anymore. People don’t buy season memberships the way they used to. There are so many more options for their arts dollars today. So we’re becoming less membership oriented and more reliant on single ticket sales.” To better appeal to different audiences the Omaha Community Playhouse now promotes a slate of traditional and nontraditional offerings. “We’ve rebranded our theater as having two very separate spaces. We call it, ‘Find Your Stage.’ We have a more traditional mainstage theater and an edgier, more contemporary the-ater, the Drew,” Beck says. Collins says a big challenge is getting ticket sales up in the mainstage.

Theater’s been the glue that’s kept the couple together and so it shouldn’t be a surprise the two met as actors with the

Nebraska Repertory Theater in Lincoln. Collins moved with her family to Lincoln after growing up in Detroit, Mich. and other places. She was a University of Nebraska-Lincoln theater major. Beck gravitated there from his hometown of Shreveport, La. by way of theater studies at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. After stints with dinner theaters and repertory companies around the nation and that three-year

hiatus in TV, they ended up back in Nebraska, and here is where they’ve stayed. Collins and Beck have faithfully continued the Playhouse’s rich tradition that extends back to its 1924 found-ing that includes notable alums Henry Fonda and Dorothy McGuire and state of the art facilities. The Playhouse has become their theater home. Each feels they’re exactly where they’re meant to be but after giving so much for so long they’ve also put in motion their leaving the Playhouse at the end of the 2013-2014 season. Their rationale for parting ways is simply wanting to move on to do other things. Then there’s the fatigue factor of the time and energy spent mounting shows. Announcing their resignations so far in ad-vance has as much to do with their love for the institution and giving it time to find the right replacements as it does to leaving on their own terms. After all, they’re in good health and they don’t want to wait and be forced out due to ill-ness. Beck and Collins make no bones about what a special place the Playhouse is and the special place it holds in their lives. “It’s a long history,” says Beck. “We came as actors. We then grew into what we became. We had a deep, strong appreciation for its strengths and an understanding of its weaknesses. Mov-ing into management and directing positions we were able to maintain the strengths we always appreciated and went to work on things we felt we could improve. It’s been embraced by the Omaha community for 89 years and when you work here as we have you become entrenched in the history of the organization.” On the other hand, he says, “We’ve been doing it a long time. We’ve been living in a rehearsal hall a long time. You reach a point where you realize new blood is a very positive thing and a transition for the Playhouse is a growth.” Collins says, “We’ve seen a lot of people go out of here on walkers or in ambulances. We didn’t want to be those people who say with a last gasp, ‘I have one more show in me.’ Because as much as this is what we love to do, rarely do you have a day away from the Playhouse. You’re here days in the office but then you’re back from 6 to 10 o’clock in rehearsal. Weekends, forget it. It kind of runs your time.”

In an unusual move, Collins and Beck an-nounced their impending departure in August 2012, a full two years before their resigna-

tions take effect.

Beck has been the Omaha Community Playhouse’s artistic director since 1996.

Collins performed for Prince Charles of Wales at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.

Flap in 2009 eventually united OCP’s artistic, business sides


Read it & eatBy Lois Friedman

[email protected]

Recipes focus on fresh ingredientsGood health ahead and lots of good eating with fresh

ingredients in these cookbooks.

The Back in the Swing Cookbook By B. Unell & J. Fertig (Andrews McMeel, $29.99)

From this non-profit organization, here are 150 fast, good recipes including Back Swing, Treat of the Day, and Who Knew? This book features mind, body, and spirit tips, as well as nutritional facts for breast cancer survivors.

Pure Vegan By Joseph Shuldiner (Chronicle, $29.95)

Develop a plant-based diet using this guide to a pure, lean lifestyle in this gorgeous cookbook. “Celebrate the spoils of the earth” with these 70 recipes, handsome pho-tography, and more.

Wild About Greens By Nava Atlas (Sterling, $24.95)

This cookbook is highlighted by leafy greens, other veg-gies, and pulses with 125 recipes using the abundant variet-ies now available including Greens 101.

The Tastes of Ayurveda By Amrita Sondhi (Arsenal, $26.95)

Based on the ancient healing tradition are these all-vege-tarian recipes for anytime of the day. Included are yoga and breathing exercises.

The Mediterranean Slow Cooker By Michele Scicolone (Houghton Mifflin, $22 & e-book)

From almond to za’atar are 125 Mediterranean based recipes including this Greek dish:

Chicken With Feta and Tomatoes

4 pounds bone-in chicken breasts, legs, and thighs (legs and thighs skinned if you like)Salt and freshly ground pepper2 garlic cloves, finely chopped½ teaspoon dried oregano1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)½ cup chicken broth½ cup chopped pitted kalamata olives½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Spray the insert of a large slow cooker with nonstick cook-ing spray. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Place the pieces in the slow cooker, overlapping slightly. Scatter the garlic and oregano over the top.

Add the tomatoes and broth. Cover and cook on low for four to six hours, or until the chicken is very tender and com-ing away from the bone. Add the olives and cheese. Cover and cook on low for 15 to 30 minutes more, or until hot. Serve hot.

(Serves 4 to 6)

Older adults who have spoken two languages since childhood are faster than single-language speakers at switching from one task to another, according to a study published in a recent issue of The Journal of Neurosci-ence.

Compared to their monolingual peers, lifelong bilin-guals also show different patterns of brain activity when making the switch, according to the study.

The findings suggest the value of regular stimulat-ing mental activity across the lifetime. As people age, cognitive flexibility – the ability to adapt to unfamiliar or unexpected circumstances – and related “executive” functions decline.

Recent studies suggest life-long bilingualism may reduce this decline, a boost that may stem from the experience of constantly switching between languages. However, how brain activity differs between older bilinguals and monolin-guals was previously unclear.

In the study, Brian T. Gold, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare the brain activity of healthy bilingual persons ages 60 to 68 with that of healthy monolingual older adults as they completed a task that tested their cognitive flexibility. The researchers found both groups performed the task accurately. However, bilingual older men and women were faster at completing the task than their monolin-gual peers despite expending less energy in the frontal cortex, an area known to be involved in task switching.

“This study provides some of the first evidence of an association between a particular cognitively stimulating activity – in this case, speaking multiple languages on a daily basis – and brain function,” said John L. Woodard, PhD, an aging expert from Wayne State University, who was not involved with the study.

“The authors provide clear evidence of a different pattern of neural functioning in bilingual versus mono-lingual individuals,” he said.

The researchers also measured the brain activity of younger bilingual and monolingual adults while they performed the cognitive flexibility task.

Overall, the young adults were faster than the older men and women at performing the task. Being bilingual did not affect task performance or brain activity in the young participants. In contrast, older bilinguals per-formed the task faster than their monolingual peers and expended less energy in the frontal parts of their brain.

“This suggests bilingual older adults use their brains more efficiently than monolingual older adults,” Gold said. “Together, these results suggest that lifelong bilin-gualism may exert its strongest benefits on the function-ing of frontal brain regions in aging.”

(The U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Na-tional Science Foundation provided this information.)

Study: Bilingual older adults are faster at switching between tasks The Metro Omaha Lewy

Body Dementia (LBD) Support Group will meet on Tuesday, March 19 at 1 p.m. at the Millard branch of the Omaha Public Library, 13214 Westwood Ln.

Omaha eldercare attorney Catherine Swiniarski will be the featured speaker.

LBD is a group of pro-gressive brain diseases that are the second leading cause of degenerative dementia among older adults, affect-ing more than 1.3 million American families.

More information about Lewy Body Dementia is available online at www.lbda.org/go/awareness.

For more information about the support group, please log on to [email protected] or call Ann Taylor at 402-452-3952.

Lewy Body DementiaSupport Group

The Fontenelle Nature Associa-tion’s SUN (Seniors

Understanding Nature) program offers activities for older adults the second Tuesday of each month at the Fontenelle Nature Center, 1111 Bellevue Blvd North.

The programs, held from 9:45 to 11 a.m., fea-ture an indoor program, an optional nature walk, and refreshments.

The cost is $6 per per-son each month.

For more information, please call Catherine Ku-per at 402-731-3140, ext. 1019.

Here are March through May programs:

• March 12: Cranes on the Move.

• April 9: Native Plants for Wildlife.

• May 14: Flooding Impacts on Riverside & Community Forests.

Nature programsfor older adults

The Omaha Fire Department’s Public Education and Affairs Department is available to install free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors inside the residences of area homeowners.

To have a free smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector installed inside your home, send your name, address, and telephone number to:Omaha Fire DepartmentSmoke/Carbon Monoxide Requests10245 Weisman Dr.Omaha, NE 68134


Omaha Fire Department can install free smoke, carbon monoxide detectors


Law Offices of Charles E. Dorwart

31 years of legal experience• Wills • Living Trusts • Probate

• Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney

• In Home Consultations • Free Initial Consultation

440 Regency Parkway Drive • Suite 139 Omaha, NE 68114

Office: (402) 558-1404 • Fax: (402) [email protected]

Corrigan Senior CenterMarch 2013 events calendar

A Utah State University spokesman recently an-nounced the

results of a study presenting strong evidence that care-givers can promote higher functioning among persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia by modifying the patient’s environment. The Cache County De-mentia Progression Study is the first published academic research to show evidence that environmental factors – such as aspects of the care environment – could slow the progression of Alzheim-er’s disease. The study offers hope for those trying to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of de-mentia, which affects one in eight older Americans and is the only disease among the top 10 causes of death na-tionally that, to date, cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.

The study found that employing higher levels of “positive” coping strate-gies (e.g., problem-focused coping, seeking high levels of social support, counting blessings, etc.) slows patient decline as measured by the Mini-Mental State Exams. This exam is a global mea-sure of cognitive ability that assesses orientation, atten-tion, memory, language, and visuospatial ability. “This study is a ground-breaking event in the fight against dementia, includ-ing Alzheimer’s, which has been so pervasively devas-tating for individuals and families, especially given the limited treatment op-tions for patients and their families,” said Dr. JoAnn Tschanz, Professor at USU and the study’s lead author. “Except for psychiatric symptoms, few studies have examined how caregiver characteristics affect the rate of dementia progression. Our findings indicate signif-icant associations between

caregiver coping strategies and the rate of cognitive and functional decline in demen-tia,” she said. Conducted in Cache County, Utah, by a team of USU researchers along with fellow researchers from Johns Hopkins University, the study assessed 226 per-sons with dementia and their caregivers semi-annually for up to six years. “Greater use of problem-focused coping may be mutually beneficial for both patients and caregivers,” said Dr. Tschanz. “Use of this coping strat-egy may translate into de-veloping a care environment that is tailored to individual patient needs. Furthermore, other research suggests problem-focused coping has been associated with less emotional distress among caregivers. Such strategies may help caregivers cope with the stress of dementia caregiving while curbing the progression of dementia in their patients.”

Study: Modifying their environment can promote higher functioning among persons with Alzheimer’s

Believe it or not, our pets may be exposed to more harsh chemicals through the course of their day than we are. Researchers at the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) found pet dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people.

“Just as children ingest pollutants in tap water, play on lawns with pesticide residues, or breathe in an array of indoor air contaminants, so do their pets,” reports the EWG. Since they develop and age seven or more times faster than children, pets also develop health problems from exposures much faster, according to the EWG.

“Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than is typical for people, with 2.4 times higher levels of stain and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than five times the amounts of mercury, compared to average levels in people,” reports the group.

“For dogs, blood and urine samples were contaminated with 35 chemicals altogether, including 11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and 24 neurotoxins,” reports the EWG.

This is particularly alarming given that man’s best friend is known to have much higher cancer rates than humans. A 2008 Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Center study found that dogs have 35 times more

skin cancer, four times more breast tumors, eight times more bone cancer, and two times more leukemia per capita as humans.

According to researchers from Purdue University, cancer is the second leading cause of death for dogs, with about one in four canines succumbing to some form of the disease. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism – a condition which many think is on the rise in felines due to chemical exposures – is already a leading cause of illness for older cats.

In its Pets for the Environment website, EWG lists dozens of ways for pet owners to ensure dogs and cats are as safe as possible in this dangerous world we inhabit. Among other tips, EWG recommends choosing pet food without chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, and looking for organic or free-range ingredients rather than by-products.

As for drinking water, EWG suggests running tap water through a reverse osmosis filter – either faucet-mounted or pitcher-based – before it goes into a pet’s bowl to remove common contaminants.

Also, replacing old bedding or furniture, especially if it has exposed foam, can prevent pets from ingesting fire retardants.

From avoiding non-stick pans and garden pesticides to choosing greener kitty litter and decking material, the list of tips goes on.

Taking steps to ensure a safer environment for pets – some 63 percent of U.S. homes have at least one – will mean a safer world for humans, too. EWG concludes our pets “well may be serving as sentinels for our own health, as they breathe in, ingest, or absorb the same chemicals that are in our environments.”

(EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine www.emagazine.com).

Pets exposed more than humans to harsh chemicals

Cancer is the second leading cause of death for dogs,

with about one in four canines

succumbing to some form of the disease.

Trinity Courtyard ExpansionAnnouncing 40 additional, affordable apartment

homes for independent seniors.

Informational presentations will be held at Trinity Courtyard on:Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:00 am & 2:30 pm

Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 2:30 pm & 6:30 pmSaturday, April 6, 2013 at 2:30 pm

Call 402-614-1900 to make a reservation.

Accepting applications starting April 17, 2013 at 7:30 amTrinity Family Life Center

520 West Lincoln Street, Papillion, NE 68046

620 West Lincoln Street Papillion, NE 68046 402-614-1900

Affilated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

You’re invited to visit the Corrigan Senior Center, 3819 X St. this month for:

• Monday, March 4, 11, 18, & 25: Join award-winning artist Joseph Broghammer each week from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for an acrylic painting workshop sponsored by WhyArts? Please call 402-731-7210 to sign up for the class.

• Thursday, March 7: Chair volleyball @ 11a.m. followed by a BBQ rib lunch and bingo.

• Monday, March 11: Birthday party featuring the Johnny Ray Gomez Show sponsored by the Merrymakers @ 11 a.m.

• Monday, March 18: St. Paddy’s Day celebration with Michael Walker, the “Vintage Vocalist” @ 11 a.m.

• Thursday, March 21: Welcome Spring roast beef dinner and mega bingo. The noon lunch menu is roast beef, roasted red potatoes, cabbage w/carrots, tossed salad, rye bread, and emerald (or vanilla) pudding. Mega bingo will follow lunch. The reservations deadline is Friday, March 15.

• Wednesday, March 27: Corrigan Easter lunch featuring herb pork loin, Delmonico potatoes, a winter veggie mix, a dinner roll, and creamsicle pudding.

• Thursday, March 28: A Coca-Cola celebration. March is the month that Coke was first bottled for sale. A meatloaf lunch (or deli choice) will be served with Coke floats and bingo following.

The Corrigan Senior Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is served at noon. A $3 donation is normally suggested for the meal. Reservations are normally due by noon the business day prior to the meal you wish to enjoy.

We offer chair volleyball, card games, bingo, ceramics, exercise, woodcarving, and loads of fun!

For meal reservations or more information, please call Lynnette at 402-731-7210.


AARP recently launched the lat-est in its original video series on YouTube, The Cheap Life with Jeff

Yeager featuring AARP savings expert Jeff Yeager. During each weekly episode, Yeager, who is also known as the Ultimate Cheapskate, will discuss tips and tricks on how consumers of all ages can pay less for just about everything, save for retirement, get the most for their money, and up-cycle or reuse everyday items through creative repurposing.

“We know our members want program-ming that features fun and everyday ways to save,” said AARP Vice President of TV and Radio Programming Larry Gannon. “The Cheap Life is one way AARP is meeting the wants and needs of our members and others—by helping them and their families save real money and live the life they want, but at a fraction of the cost.”

For the past four years, Yeager has been a popular contributor to AARP via online articles and “savings challenges,” print articles in AARP’s Bulletin and AARP The Magazine, AARP’s television series and web-only videos, and a weekly blog. Past videos featuring him are among the most viewed and many of his articles are among the top read articles in the money section of www.aarp.org.

“Our research shows AARP members are using YouTube to view videos online,” Gannon said. “And through this popular interface, The Cheap Life delivers fun and engaging ideas on how to enjoy life more

by spending less.” Subscribers to The Cheap Life YouTube

Channel will be able to interact directly with Yeager and have their tips and savings ideas shared with a worldwide audience.”

Each three to five minute episode of The Cheap Life will link back to relevant articles, blog posts, and other helpful tools found on www.aarp.org.

Episodes may include: • The Repurposing Challenge: Encourag-

ing viewers to find multiple uses for every-day household items.

• Don’t Throw That Away: Jeff shares one of his many favorite repurposing ideas.

• Cheapskate Shout-out: Yeager ac-knowledges people who have embraced the cheap life.

• Cheapskate Hall of Fame/Shame: Jeff identifies people who have excelled or failed at being frugal.

The Cheap Life is part of a customized AARP YouTube destination that stream-lines the user experience and better orga-nizes the more than 2,000 videos available for site visitors.

In 2013, AARP will continue to expand its online content offerings by develop-ing premium original programming for the AARP YouTube channel in the form of weekly series focusing on money, health and beauty, technology, and travel.

Consumers can subscribe to The Cheap Life for free by visiting www.youtube.com/cheaplifechannel and becoming a registered YouTube user.

AARP’s video series featured on YouTube

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Reflects donations through February 22, 2013.

Please see the ad on page 3

New Horizons Clubmembership roll rises

$25Frank Markesi

$10Barbara Fangman

Germaine RossJacqueline Devaney

Marian PetersonR.M. Rehwinkle

Marie Toth

$5Rose BlahnikGeri StratmanMilly BenakMarie Rieck

Diane MohattMary Lascala

Vernette Passmore

The Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force is a non-profit, volun-

teer organization of health organizations, businesses, colon cancer survivors, and Omaha area volunteers dedicated to increasing the

number of lives saved from colon cancer by promoting education, early detection, and prevention.

During March – which is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month – the organization is providing free colon cancer screening

through distribution of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kits. In 2012, the task force distributed 2,000 FOBT kits in Omaha and plans to hand out more than 5,000 kits this year. Distribution sites for the free FOBT kits include local pharmacies such as Hy-Vee, Walgreens, Baker’s, Kubat’s, and Health Mart. The kits are also avail-able through the Alegent Faith Community Nursing Network, New Era Baptist Convention, the Eastern Nebraska Community Ac-tion Partnership, and several ENOA senior centers. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United State. It’s estimated that more than 142,000 people will be diagnosed with co-lon cancer in 2013 and more than 50,800 will die from it. Yet the chance of long-term survival from the disease improves significantly with early detection.

If you have questions about the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force or the FOBT kit distribution campaign, visit www.colon-cancertaskforce.org online or call 402-350-5500.

Call 402-350-5500 for more information

Task force handing out FOBT kitsto promote colon cancer awareness

Sunday, April 14, 2013 2 p.m.

Doors open at 1 p.m. pie/ice cream/beverages

German American Society3717 South 120th Street

$7 in advance* • $8 at the door*

You are invited to attend the

Intergeneration Orchestraof Omaha’s

www.igo-omaha.org

The Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha is sponsored by the

Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. Orchestra musicians are under age 25 and age 50 and older.

CONCERTPops&Pie

Annual Spring

Tickets are available by calling Linda @ 402-333-6615

or Chris @ 402-444-6536, ext. 221

2/6/13

To: Steve StemperFrom: Mitch @ New Horizons

Steve,This is a sixteenth page 4 x 2.5 inches. Call if you have any questions, 402-444-4148.

Thanks,Mitch

Rates4 inches x 5 inches

1 time: .....$110

3 time: .....$100/month

6 time: .....$80/month

12 time: ...$70/month

New Horizons4223 Center Street • Omaha, NE 68105

402-444-4148 • Fax: 402-444-3076

STEVE STEMPER • OMAHA, NE • 402-393-5880EMPLOYEES LIFE COMPANY (MUTUAL)

We travel to homes to provide all the hair care needs for older adults, persons who have a disability, who are homebound, and their caregivers. Fully licensed with the state of Nebraska.

402-592-0476Serving Omaha for 22+ years!

In-Home Hair CareAttitudes To Go


The National Association of Retired Federal Employees’ Chapter 144 meets the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz.

For more information, please call 402-333-6460.The National Association of Retired Federal Employees’

Aksarben Chapter 1370 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plz.


Retired fed employees meet at Omaha eatery

The Coalition to Protect Aging Adults is sponsoring a free educational presentation titled Avoiding Unneces-sary Rehospitalizations on Tuesday, March 26. The 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. program (registration begins at 3:15) will be held in the auditorium at the New Cassel Retirement Center, 900 N. 90th St.

Dr. Brenda Bergman-Evans, PhD., will lead the discus-sion and be available to answer questions.

Registration, which is requested by March 25, can be made by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Continuing education credits are available for profes-sionals attending this presentation.

Avoiding rehospitalizations topicof free March 26 presentation

Q: What are the chang-es to Medicare in 2013?

A: Medicare is stronger

than ever now, and recent events haven’t changed your benefits. There are some changes for 2013 as there are every year. Most of the improvements are due to the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care).

For example, Medicare’s wide-ranging preventive services, many of which are now provided to you with no out-of-pocket cost, are unchanged. In fact, Medicare Part B now has improved benefits for those trying to quit smoking. Eight face-to-face counsel-ing sessions for smoking cessation are now covered. Part B also offers obesity screening and counseling. In some cases, co-payments apply for these.

In 2013, people with Medicare Part B will also pay less out of pocket for outpatient mental health treatment. The co-payment is now 35 percent, down from 50 percent. For the initial diagnosis, you’ll continue to pay 20 percent. Medicare pays the rest.

And Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans are now allowed to cover ben-zodiazepine and barbiturate medications such as those used to treat chronic mental disorders, cancer, and epi-lepsy. Prior to this year, Part D coverage wasn’t allowed for these prescription drugs, unless your plan paid the entire cost.

People with Medicare Part D plans will also see a greater discount for their medications once they reach

the coverage gap, or “do-nut hole.” The discount has increased from 50 percent in 2012 to 52.5 percent for brand-name medicines your plan covers and from 14 percent in 2012 to 21 per-cent for generic medicines in 2013. These discounts will be applied automatically at your pharmacy or mail order supplier. You don’t have to ask for them.

Those with Original Medicare coverage will be-gin to see newly designed, easier to understand quar-terly Medicare summary no-tices starting later this year. The language is simpler, the print is larger, and there are clear definitions right on the form.

There are also step-by-step instructions for you to check the form’s accu-racy, appeal anything that’s wrong, or report potential fraud in your account. It’s one more way Medicare is safeguarding your benefits and taxpayer dollars. The new forms will be phased in between now and June. Medicare premiums and deductibles have increased slightly in 2013. By law, the premium must cover a fixed percentage of Medicare’s expenses. Premium increas-es are in line with projected cost increases.

Medicare Part B premi-ums have gone up slowly over the past five years – an average of less than 2 per cent per year. The Part B premium for most people in 2013 is $104.90 per month, up $5. The annual Part B deductible is $147, an increase of $7 compared to 2012. The Part A deduct-

ible, if you are admitted to a hospital, is $1,184, an increase of $28.

For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.medicare.gov.

Making Medicare make sense

The New Horizons is brought to you each month by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

Participants needed for a COPD Research Study

IRB # 397-11

A clinical outcomes study to compare the effect of Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Inhalation Powder 100/25-mcg

with placebo on survival in subjects with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a history of or an

increased risk for cardiovascular disease. (Protocol HZC113782)

Do you have COPD and a history of cardiovascular disease? The University of Nebraska Medical Center is conducting a clinical trial of an investigational medication for people with

emphysema. The study drug combines a long-acting beta-agonist with corticosteroid in a single inhaler.

You may be eligible if you:• Have a diagnosis of moderate COPD.• Have a history or risk of heart disease.• Are between 40 and 80 years of age.

• Are a current or former smoker.

You will receive an investigational study drug or placebo, & study-related medical and study procedures at no charge.

Please call Sandy Talbott at 402-559-6365 or email her at

[email protected] if you are interested in participating

in this study.

The dark comedy, A Behanding in Spokane will be on stage through March 16 at the Blue Barn The-atre, 614 S. 11th St.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The show exposes the graphic, gritty details of American life.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and for groups of 10 or more.


Blue Barn productionruns through March 16


?• Bath aides• Care management• Chore services• Community education• Durable medical equipment• Emergency food pantry• Emergency response systems• ENOA facts and figures• ENOA Library• ENOA senior centers• Grandparent Resource Center

Log on to enoa.org

Do you have questions about aging services

in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass, or Washington counties?

• Homemakers• Information &

assistance telephone lines

• Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha

• Legal services• Meals on Wheels• Medicaid Waiver• New Horizons• Nutrition counseling

• Ombudsman advocates• Respite care• Respite Resource Center• Rural transportation• Senior Care Options• Senior employment• Support of adult day facilities• Volunteer opportunities

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s Web site includes information about:

24 hours a day,

7 days a week!

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently released its U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook which revealed Nebraska ranks 46th for pet ownership with 51.3 percent of its households owning a pet.

The survey is conducted by the AVMA every five years and includes a breakdown of pet ownership by state. The most recent survey, conducted in 2012 but based on 2011 numbers, reveals the top three pet-owning states were Ver-mont (70.8 percent) followed by New Mexico and South Dakota.

The states in 2011 with the lowest percentage of pet-owning households were Rhode Island (53 percent), Min-nesota, and California.

The Sourcebook reveals the states with the most dog owners in 2011 were Arkansas (47.9 percent) followed by New Mexico and Kentucky.

The bottom three states in 2011 for dog ownership were Illinois (32.4 percent), New Jersey, and Minnesota.

The 2011 top three states with the most cat-owning households were Vermont (49.5 percent), Maine, and Or-egon.

Conversely, the states with the lowest rate of cat-owning households in 2011 were California (28.3 percent), South Carolina, and Rhode Island.

“This report reveals a tremendous amount of informa-tion about pets and their owners across the country; what’s constant and what has changed. One of the most important parameters we look at is how well pet owners are doing at keeping their pets healthy,” says Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, president of the AVMA.

“Unfortunately, the report reveals fewer dogs and cats are seeing the veterinarian regularly, and that’s something the AVMA and every companion animal veterinarian are concerned about. Pet owners across the country need to remember to bring their pets into the veterinarian at least once a year to maintain optimal health.”

The report indicates between 2006 and 2011, the per-centage of households that made no trips to the veterinarian increased by 8 percent for dog owners and a staggering 24 percent for cat owners. Overall, about 81 percent of dog owning households made at least one visit to the veterinar-ian in 2011, down 1.7 percent from 2006.

The decrease for cat owners was, once again, much higher, as only 55.1 percent of cat owners made at least one visit to the veterinarian in 2011, down 13.5 percent from 2006.

The U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook offers a great deal of information on pet ownership, trends, and veterinary care. It’s for sale on the AVMA website. For more information about the AVMA or to obtain a copy of the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, visit www.avma.org.

Pet ownership statistics

The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging’s SeniorHelp Program

has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for persons of all ages that provide services to help older adults in ways that support dignity and independence in their daily lives.

For more information, please call Karen Kelly at 402-561-2238 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

• Companionship: Volunteers are needed to visit clients in the Omaha and Bellevue areas.

• Transportation: Drivers are being asked to take older adults grocery shopping, to medical appointments as needed, etc. in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties.

• Handyman/Home Maintenance: Volunteers are needed to provide home repairs in Omaha and the surrounding areas.

• Household assistance: Volunteers are being recruited to provide housekeeping, sorting and/or organizing, do laundry, and to help carry groceries from the car into the home for older adults in the Omaha and Bellevue areas.

• Meals delivery: Drivers are needed to deliver midday meals in zip codes 68114 and 68144.

• Snow removal: Volunteers are needed to remove snow in the Omaha and Bellevue areas.

• Yard work: Volunteers are being recruited to rake leaves, clean gutters, and clean flowerbeds in several areas.

ENOA’s SeniorHelp Program has avariety of volunteer opportunities

Meals on Wheels recipientsreceive Valentine’s Day cards

Anna Perez, Margaret Boswell, and Pamela Bell (left to right) were among the enrollees in

ENOA’s Grandparent Resource Center that along with ENOA staff members and students

from Omaha’s King Magnet School, made 400 Valentine’s Day cards last month for older

adults that receive Meals on Wheels through the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

Hippos George and Martha keep one another laughing throughout the production of the musical George & Martha: Tons of Fun on stage at The Rose – 2001 Farnam St. – March 1 through 17.

Director Stephanie Jacobson and The Rose create a dazzling vaude-ville look and style for this story focusing on the ups and downs of friendship. The play is adapted from James Marshall’s popular books.

Performances of this 60-minute musical (with no intermission) are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18 and reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased by calling 402-345-4849 or online at www.rosethe-ater.org. Discount ticket vouchers are available at area Hy-Vee stores for $14.

George & Martha: Tons of Fun is sponsored by Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Baird Holm, Q98-Five, the Nebraska Arts Council, and the Nebraska Cultural Foundation.

Musical comedy at The Rose

March 1 to 17

The New Horizons

is brought to you each month

by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.


$30 = 7 meals or 1.75 hours of in-home homemaker services or 1 bath aide service for frail older adults.

$75 = 17 meals or 4.75 hours of in-home homemaker services or 4 bath aide services for frail older adults.



Other amount (please designate)__________________________

Please contact me. I would like to learn more about how to include the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in my estate planning.

ENOA

I would like to become a partner with the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, and help fulfill your mission with older adults.

Please mail your tax deductible donation with this form to:Eastern Nebraska Office on AgingAttention: Jeff Reinhardt4223 Center StreetOmaha, NE 68105-2431(402) 444-6654

support!We need your Traditional funding sources are making it more difficult

for ENOA to fulfill its mission. Partnership

opportunities are available to businesses and individuals

wanting to help us. These opportunities include

volunteering, memorials, honorariums, gift annuities,

and other tax deductible contributions.

Name:_____________________________________

Address:___________________________________

City:______________State:_____ Zip: __________

Phone:____________________________________

ENOA menu for March 2013

As a way of raising funds for center ac-tivities, the partici-

pants at the Papillion Senior Center – 1001 Limerick Rd. – are selling cookbooks. Called Recipes and Re-membrances, the cookbook includes recipes from center participants and “noted chefs” like Johnny Carson, Tom Osborne, and Papillion mayor David Black.

The book – which fea-tures historical information from the pages of the Papil-lion Times – is dedicated to the Papillion families meeting the challenges of preserving and documenting recipes and the history of downtown Papillion. The book, which sells for $12, is available by calling Laura Jean O’Connor at 402-597-2059.

Wednesday, March 13Osteoporosis

Treatment OptionsWith Dr. Mohsen Zena

10 to 11:30 a.m.Room 5766

Wednesday, April 10What’s Covered?

Medicare Reimbursement

For In-Home Care Services

With Amanda Holst, MS1 to 2:30 p.m. Room 5766

Wednesday, May 7Taking Good Care

of Your FeetWith Dr. John Weremy

1 to 2:30 p.m.Morrison

Seminar Room (lobby level)

The Omaha Area Bone Health Group is hosting a se-ries of free meetings during 2013. The sessions are held at the Creighton University Medical Center, 601 N. 30th St.

The Omaha Area Bone Health Group is sponsored by the Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center and affiliated with the National Osteoporosis Foundation Support Group program.

The organization is dedicated to providing informa-tion and support for persons whose lives are impacted by bone health and osteoporosis.

For more information, please call Dorothy Norton at 402-493-2493 or Susan Recker at 402-280-4810.

Here’s the schedule of programs:

Series of bone health programsto begin Wednesday, March 13

Wednesday, June 12What You Should KnowAbout Hip Protectors

With Dr. Robert Recker1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Room 5766

Wednesday, Sept. 11Bone Healthy Treats

With Jennifer Meyer, RD1 to 2:30 p.m.Room 5766

Wednesday, Oct. 9Physical Activity &

Exercise for Strong BonesWith Karen Paschal, PT

1 to 2:30 p.m.Room 5766

Wednesday, Nov. 13Enjoy Chair Massage

With Beverly Riley1 to 2:30 p.m.Room 5766

Friday, March 1Breaded Fish Fillet

Monday, March 4Swedish Meatballs

Tuesday, March 5Ham & White Beans

Wednesday, March 6Turkey Breast

w/Gravy

Thursday, March 7BBQ Rib on a Bun

Friday, March 8Macaroni & Cheese

Monday, March 11Southwest Chili

Tuesday, March 12Garlic RosemaryChicken Quarter

Wednesday, March 13Roast Beef

Thursday, March 14Country Fried Steak

Friday, March 15Beef Stew

Monday, March 18Chicken Pot Pie

Tuesday, March 19Sliced Ham

Wednesday, March 20Cheese Lasagna Roll

Thursday, March 21Western Baked Beef

Friday, March 22Crunchy Pollock

Monday, March 25Cranberry Dijon Chicken Breast

Tuesday, March 26Soft Shell Beef Taco

Wednesday, March 27Herb Pork Loin

Thursday, March 28Meatloaf w/Mushroom Gravy

Friday, March 29Tuna Noodle Augratin

Papio Senior Center participantsare selling cookbooks for $12

Clint Denn was quoted as saying, “I can resist every-thing except filming Ireland.”

The California filmmaker and his wife spent three months creating Inside Ireland. The film, which is the next installment in the Omaha World Adventurers’ 2012-13 series, will be presented twice on Wednesday, March 20 at the 20 Grand Cinema, 14304 W. Maple Rd. Show times are 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Armchair travelers will enjoy viewing and learning about Ireland’s history, beauty, and fun-loving people.

The Denns’ film includes an Irish sheep farm, meals featuring Irish stew and raisin scones, the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, prehistoric stone sites, ancient mon-asteries, quaint old villages, intriguing ports, and dramatic seaside cliffs.

Tickets to Inside Ireland – which are available at the door – are $12.

The Omaha World Adventurers film series is an RJ Enterprises Production.

For more information, please call (toll free) 866-385-3824.

Next installment of film seriestakes viewers ‘Inside Ireland’


RSVPRetired and

SeniorVolunteer Program

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is re-cruiting persons age 55 and older for a variety of oppor-tunities. For more informa-tion in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties, please call 402-444-6536, ext. 229. In Dodge and Washington counties, please call 402-721-7780.

The following have volunteer opportunities in Douglas, Sarpy, and Cass counties:

• Mount View Elemen-tary School wants a Team-Mates mentor.

• Good 360 is looking for volunteers to process dona-tions as they arrive and to repack items for charities.

• Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Hospital needs vol-unteers for its information desks and as escorts.

• Boys Town wants vol-unteer mentors and a volun-teer office assistant.

• The Disabled Ameri-can Veterans need volun-teer drivers.

• The Omaha Police De-partment needs volunteers for general duties.

• Together Inc. is look-ing for an intake assistant.

The following have volunteer opportunities in Dodge and Washington counties:

• The Blair and Fre-mont Car-Go Programs needs volunteer drivers.

• The Fremont Friend-ship Center needs help with its Tuesday Supper Club.

• The Fremont Area Medical Center is looking for volunteers for its infor-mation desk on weekends and to help out evenings at the A.J. Merrick Manor.

• The Danish American Archive and Library in Blair needs volunteers for a variety of assignments.

By Dr. Ellen Marmur

We all know someone who fits the bill: fair-skinned, covered in “sun spots” after having spent their

younger days soaking up the sun. They were getting a nice bronze tan (or sunburn) while unwittingly bathing themselves in the sun’s harmful UV rays.

While education around skin cancer has increased dramatically, it doesn’t help the generations of sun-worshippers for whom the damage has already been done. I know, because I am an ex-sun worshipper who has survived skin cancer. For these people, pro-active skin care and screening is essential.

One of the most common, but also most unknown pre-cancers of the skin is actinic keratosis (AK). When I ask people if they know what actinic keratosis is, I often get the same exact answer, “I’ve never heard of it.”

This is somewhat alarming given the fact these precancerous spots are the third most frequently diagnosed skin problem - affect-ing upwards of 58 million Americans.

As a dermatologist, I am proud of and happy about all of the education we have seen around melanoma and skin cancer pro-tection. However, one area where we have not seen enough education is the treatment of pre-cancers such as AK. It is important because, despite the fact most AKs remain benign, approximately five to 10 percent develop into squamous cell carcinoma within an average of two

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that is often mistaken for sun spots and is typically diagnosed in older adults. AKs are the result of years of cumu-lative sun damage and are most prevalent in older adults who have spent a lot of time in the sun over the course of their lives.

AKs most often appear on parts of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands, and arms. They’re also more common in people with fair skin, so if you’re one of those people you should be on particularly high alert.

AKs are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can range in color and vary in size. It’s not typical for the sun to affect only small patches of the skin – therefore; people who are diagnosed with an AK will typically develop more AKs. So while there may be one AK on the surface, there may be more nascent AKs that will present over time.

Since there is no way to know ahead of time which AKs will become cancerous, it is very important to seek a dermatolo-gist’s care. Don’t ignore your sunspots! Frequent skin examinations are the key to early detection and prevention. If you think you have AKs you should see your derma-tologist and talk about the best treatment options.

There are many treatment options avail-able, and you should discuss which is best for you with your dermatologist. These treatments include:

• Photodynamic therapy: This treat-

ment involves the application of a photo-sensitizing agent to the AKs. The treated area is exposed to a light that activates the agent. The period between application and exposure will vary and depend on the photosensitizing agent that is used. This treatment targets just the AKs and causes little damage to the surrounding normal tis-sue. Some redness, swelling, and a burning sensation during therapy often occurs.

Cryotherapy (freezing): This treatment involves freezing the AKs with an extreme-ly cold substance such as liquid nitrogen. There is no cutting or anesthesia required. This method causes the lesion(s) to shrink or become crusted and then fall off. After treatment there may be temporary redness and swelling. In some patients this treat-ment can cause permanent white spots on the skin.

• Topical medication: This treatment involves the application of a topical medi-cation to the affected skin. The course of treatment can range from days to weeks, depending on the topical medication that is used. Redness, swelling, and ulceration may occur during treatment.

• Curettage (scraping): This procedure involves the use of a curette to scrape off cells that are damaged. A local anesthetic is required for this procedure. Scarring and skin discoloration may occur at the site of the treatment.

• Chemical peel: Chemicals are applied directly to the AKs. The chemical causes the top layer of skin to slough off. This layer of skin is usually replaced within seven days. Anesthesia is necessary for this procedure and temporary discoloration and irritation can occur.

• Dermabrasion: This procedure in-volves using a rapidly moving brush to remove the affected skin. Local anesthesia is used. Following the procedure, the skin appears red and raw-looking. It can take as long as several months for the treated area to heal.

• Surgical excision: With surgical exci-sion, the entire lesion with some healthy tissue is removed. Scarring is possible with this procedure.

• Lasers: This treatment involves fo-cusing a laser on the lesion. The laser cuts through the skin tissue without causing bleeding. Local anesthesia may be re-quired. This treatment can cause pigment loss in the skin.

As always, it’s imperative to talk to your dermatologist if you think you have AKs, but if you’d like to learn more, please visit www.spotsigns.com. This site has a variety of educational tools including a list of signs, prevention advice, and treatment options. It can even help you find a nearby dermatolo-gist.

Dermatologist: Don’t ignore those sunspots on your skin

Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur

To learn more, please visit www.spotsigns.com.

This site has a variety of educational tools including a

list of signs, prevention advice, and treatment options.

How Caregiving Affects Your Heart, a program sponsored by Powerful Tools for Caregivers and CaringConcepts, Inc., is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in the auditorium at the New Cassel Retire-ment Center, 900 N. 90th St.

Dr. Julie Masters, pro-fessor and chair, Depart-ment of Gerontology at the University of Nebras-ka at Omaha, will be the featured speaker.

Adult day services are available at the Franciscan Centre, 900 N. 90th St., for $25. To make a reserva-tion, please call 402-393-2277.

To register for the program, send your name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, and $5 by March 9 to CaringCon-cepts, Inc., 920 S. 206th Ave., Elkhorn, NE 68022.

Program on caregivingon tap for March 19

at New Cassel

To advertise in New Horizons,

please call Mitch at 402-444-4148

or Jeff at 402-444-6654.

WHITMORE LAW OFFICEWills • Trusts • Probate

AARP Legal Service Network • No Charge For Initial Consultation

7602 Pacific Street, Ste 200 • (402) 391-2400

http://whitmorelaw.com

Ask A Lawyer:Q — Should I put my child’s name on my home title?

A — Let’s look at the pros and cons of this. Pro — It will avoid the need for probate on your home. Con — You would make a gift of a share of the property, and your child would become an owner (joint tenancy). Your child and his/her spouse would have to sign if you ever wished to borrow against your home or sell it. If you ever need Medicaid, you would be subject to a penalty period. Your child would also have to pay capital gain tax on the difference between your original cost and the value at the time of your death.

You can avoid these negative factors by use of a simple trust, which is often the best way to avoid probate.

Have a question about estate planning? Give us a call!


CLASSIFIEDS

New Horizons Newspaper

Enoa Aging

Women sustain three-quarters of all hip fractures, accord-ing to the Centers for Disease Control. Now, there’s yet another concern for older women – heartburn medications further increase their risk.

A recent British Medical Journal report found former and current female smokers who had taken proton pump in-hibitors at least three times a week for more than two years had a 50 percent increased risk of breaking a hip.

One of the most common life changers for otherwise healthy older Americans, and those with other medical problems, is breaking a hip, says award-winning orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc S. Stevens.

“About half of patients who suffer a hip fracture have problems walking afterward, and about a fourth are unable to live independently afterwards. It’s one of the No. 1 rea-sons older adults move into nursing homes,” says Stevens (www.drshealthinc.com) an AMA Physician Recognition Award recipient.

People with osteoporosis – a bone-thinning condition that affects 44 million Americans – have a much greater risk of suffering a fracture, Stevens says. Bones lose strength with increased age, and osteoporosis primarily affects women older than 50. Men make up 20 percent of osteoporosis suf-fers, he adds.

“The most common fractures are to hips, vertebrae, and wrists; the bones that experience the most physical stress on a daily basis. Spinal fractures can also seriously affect a person’s quality of life. They often have a difficult time bathing, dressing, or walking independently,” Stevens says.

Stevens offers tips for preventing a broken hip:• Focus on osteoporosis & nutrition: Stevens says he

advises his patients – especially women – to prevent osteo-porosis by consuming bone-healthy vitamins such as Vita-min D, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and other crucial building blocks for Type I Collagen. Regular exercise also helps strengthen bones.

• Avoid common accidents: While time, lack of ade-quate nutrition, and chronic conditions such as osteoporosis make bones susceptible to breaks, a fall often finishes the job. Most injuries occur at home where people spend most of their time. Keep pathways to the bathroom well lighted at night to help reduce the risk. If you have area rugs, make sure they’re secured to the floor. Install grab bars in the tub or shower.

“Osteoporosis is not a curable condition – but it can often be prevented simply through exercise, good nutri-tion, not smoking, and not drinking excessively,” Stevens says. “There is nothing sadder than to see one of my older, healthy patients go from happy, independent lifestyles to assisted-living or nursing homes because of a fall.”

Surgeon provides tips to help older adults avoid hip fractures

The Nebraska Com-mission for the Deaf and Hard of

Hearing offers a variety of programs and services including:

• Specialized telecom-munications equipment such as a free amplified telephone and ring signal-ing devices.

• An assistive devices loan program.

• Presentations about the concerns of the deaf and hard of hearing.

• Sign language class-es.

For more information, please call Beth Ells-worth at 402-595-2774 or (toll free) 800-545-6244, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Assistance for the deaf, hard of hearing

REPUTABLE SERVICES, INC.

402-4 5 5-7 0 0 0

• Remodeling & Home Improvement

• Safety Equipment Handrails

Smoke and Fire Alarms

• Painting Interior & Exterior

• Handyman Services

• Senior Discounts

• Free Estimates

• References • Fully Insured

Quality Professional Service

Better Business Bureau Member

deFreeseManor

2669 DodgeOmaha, NE

402-345-0622

Subsidized housing for those age 62 and over

with incomesunder $25,050

(1 person)or $28,600

(two persons)

Senior Citizens (62+)

Accepting applications for HUD-subsidized apartments in

Papillion & Bellevue. Rent determined by income and medical expenses.

Monarch Villa West201 Cedar Dale Road

Papillion (402) 331-6882

Bellewood Courts1002 Bellewood Court

Bellevue (402) 292-3300

Managed by Kimball Management., Inc.

We do business in accordance with

the Fair Housing Law.

TOP CASH PAIDBest & honest prices

paid for: Old jewelry, furniture, glassware, Hummels,

knick-knacks, old hats & purses, dolls, old toys, quilts, linens, buttons, pottery, etc.

Also buying estates & partial estates.

Call Bev at 402-339-2856

Tree TrimmingBeat the

falling flakes!

402-894-9206

Chipping & removal. Your prunings chipped. Experienced & insured.

Senior discount.402-731-2094

Driveways, garage floors,sidewalks, retaining walls.

patio specialists. Insured/references.

13 year BBB Member

A+ Heartland Concrete Const.

Lamplighter IISome of the nicest, newer 1 bedroom apartments. Elevator, w & d, heated

parking garage. Small complex. By bus & shopping. No pets or smoking.

93rd & Maple • 402-397-6921

Moving, refelting, assemble, repair,tear down. Used slate tables.

We pay CASH for slate pool tables.

Big Red Billiards402-598-5225

POOL TABLES

PAID THROUGH March 2013

OLD STUFF WANTED(before 1975)

Postcards, photos, drapes, lamps, 1950s and before fabrics,

clothes, lady’s hats, & men’s ties, pictures, pottery, glass, jewelry, toys, fountain

pens, furniture, etc.Call anytime

402-397-0254 or 402-250-9389

Please supportNew Horizons

advertisers

The Medicare program is fraught with compli-cated decisions, deadlines, enrollment periods, etc. Volunteers Assisting Seniors is available to help older adults sort through their Medicare

coverage.A non-profit organization, VAS is offering monthly

workshops to help explain Medicare. Titled, New to Medicare, the programs can answer health insurance questions and help beneficiaries make better decisions about their health insurance options.

The 6:30 to 8 p.m. workshops are held the fourth Thursday of the month at the New Cassel Retirement Center, 900 N. 90th St. Although the programs are free, registration is required due to space limitations.

For more information or to reserve your space, please call VAS at 402-444-6617 or log on the Internet to www.vas-nebraska.com.

VAS and the Senior Health Insurance Information Program are also looking for volunteers to help older adults and persons with a disability make informed health insurance decisions.

The next VAS/SHIIP training classes are scheduled for May 3 and 10.

For more information, please call VAS at 402-444-6617 or log on the Internet to www.vas-nebraska.com.

VAS hosting Medicare workshops,VAS/SHIIP recruiting new volunteers

February 7, 2013Lynette Burton6615 N. 64th Plaza, Apt. 21Omaha, NE 68152

Lynette,Here’s your ad for the classified section for the March issue. Please let me know if this is okay, or if you have any changes, give me a call @ 402-444-4148 or mail your check for $32.00 to:

New Horizons c/o Jeff Reinhardt, Editor 4223 Center Street Omaha, NE 68105

Thanks!Mitch Laudenback @ New Horizons

Eastern Nebraska a Office on Aging • 4223 Center Street • Omaha, NE 68105

LEND A HANDNon-Medical In-Home

Respite Care for SeniorsCNA & Medication Aide Certified. An affordable helping hand when needed. Dedicated to helping families in need.

“Making a difference one step at a time”Licensed and insured.

Please call Lynn for more information:402-686-6200.

Paid with money order

2/14/13

Buying or selling?Use the New Horizons

CLASSIFIEDS!

February 21, 2013Cindi Orozco1447 S. 14th StreetOmaha, NE 68108

CindiHere’s your ad for the classified section for the March issue. Please let me know if this is okay. If you have any changes, give me a call @ 402-444-4148. Once ad is approved mail your check for $16.00 to:

New Horizons c/o Jeff Reinhardt, Editor 4223 Center Street Omaha, NE 68105

Thanks!Mitch Laudenback @ New Horizons

Eastern Nebraska a Office on Aging • 4223 Center Street • Omaha, NE 68105

ROOMMATE WANTED80 yr. old male looking for

male roommate to share expenses. For more information call 402-813-9970.

Please approve before print deadline on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at noon

Thanks.


--Continued from page 11. “We were having discussions about it probably two-and-a-half years ago and we both came to the conclusion we were both ready to do it and doing it at the same time made a lot of sense,” Beck says. “It’s time to do something else and to structure your life in a different way. We’re both wide open. I have a lot of family in the South and in all likelihood I will relocate and spend more time around a beach.” Collins, meanwhile, intends staying in Omaha, where she’s planted deep roots as an actress, director, playwright, and voice talent. “I probably won’t leave Omaha and I will be a part of the theater community, but it’ll be more my timetable and I’ll pick my projects. Carl and I in these positions take on the most potential income-producing projects of the season, which means we do the big musicals with the mega casts. “Back when I first came here I was more like our resident director Amy Lane where I would get to do the funky, quirky little plays in the small theater that we know aren’t going to make money,” Collins continues. “It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten to play with some great piece of writing in a small room with seven or eight actors. I would like to do that and I would like to do a little more performing.” She’d also like to write more. Susan and her late partner, composer Jonathan Coles, wrote three widely performed musicals for young people. An inevitable consequence of announcing their retirement so early, she says, “Is people are thinking we’re retiring tomorrow. We kind of get, ‘Are you still here?’” A big part of giving such long notice was af-fording the Playhouse ample time to find succes-sors who are the right fit for unusual jobs at what is a singular institution. Once their replacements are found, Collins and Beck fully expect to help train or advise them in order to ease that transi-tion. “We know what’s involved. It’s just a very different thing, so you have to have knowledge of the place,” says Collins. “So we’re hoping whoever comes in can give us time before he or she just kicks right in with their first production.” Not only are there multiple productions to mount each season there’s the great elephant in the room that must be constantly fed – the Omaha Community Playhouse’s annual mega production of A Christmas Carol. Besides its

long mainstage run in Omaha, it’s performed by two companies of the Nebraska Theatre Caravan in tours that take the show to the east and west coasts. “A Christmas Carol is a huge component of why we are able to sustain ourselves. It’s both a tour and a resident production, and it isn’t like you could come in tomorrow and just direct the show,” says Collins. “It’s a machine,” says Beck. “We rehearse three productions at the same time. You come in at 9 a.m. and you leave at 10 at night, juggling all three, and the intricacies of that.” “It has a legacy. There’s an integrity about this production,” Collins says. That production of A Christmas Carol is the adaptation the late Charles Jones gifted the the-ater with after his arrival there. Jones, a consum-mate Southern gentleman who oozed charm, was one of the most charismatic figures Beck and Collins have had the pleasure of knowing. “Charles Jones had an amazing capacity to talk anybody into anything, be it corporate donors, be it actors, whomever. Charles was an impresario. Working for him, working around him was daily an education,” says Beck. “There’s the kind of teacher who takes you down to nothing and then lets you try to stand up again and I was never able to respond to that very well,” says Collins. “But I have always thrived under someone who says, ‘I think you can do anything’ or ‘I think you can do more with than you know,’ and that was always Charles. “When I first came here he gave me lots of en-couragement as a performer and then came a day he decided I should start directing and I hadn’t directed anything outside a class. I’ll always be grateful to Charles.”

Education is a major aspect of what Collins and Beck do whether directing a show or conducting workshops and classes. By

its nature, Beck says community theater means working with casts filled with people who have dramatic training or stage experience as well as those who’ve never appeared in a play. “Your job is to get them all to the same level. You’re constantly learning, constantly start-ing from square one with each project and each group of people. You’re dealt a different hand every time you go off. “In every cast I would love to have one very young, inexperienced, eager, talented high school student because they are so genuinely excited to be there and they become the heart and soul of an entire company,” he says. “You can bring a person along and nurture someone. I’ve had two (such students) this year.” Similarly, Collins says it’s the process of creating theater she most enjoys. “It’s going to that audition and your heart’s kind of in the pit of your throat because you’re not sure you’re going to find the people you’re looking for.” More often than not she does. “We get criti-cized for casting the same people but I challenge anybody to name a play where we haven’t intro-duced someone new to the stage.” Discovering new talent is a side bonus. “Julia McKenzie in All Night Strut is my latest, ‘oh-my-gosh, where-did-you-come-from? find’ Collins says. “This young woman that none of us knew just showed up at our auditions. She’s proven to be a phenomenal dancer, with person-ality out her toes, and she can sing, too. We have been nothing but thrilled with her since the day she walked in. Collins also praised Caroline Iliff, a young actress who was cast long ago in A Christmas Carol. “This little girl was darling and we put her in the company and over the years she became such a poised, amazing, capable young perform-

er. She ended up playing Annie in the musical Annie. She went on to play Wendy in Peter Pan and developed this impeccable British accent. “Now she’s a grown-up person playing Belle in A Christmas Carol and off in Texas studying music theater. That’s my baby.” Collins and Beck also enjoy immersing them-selves in the world of a play. “You do a play about Helen Keller, Ann Land-ers, or the music of the 1930s and 40s and you learn a whole bunch of stuff. Each play is its own little being,” she says. “I want to steep myself with as much informa-tion as I can get about the subject matter. Then you try to see it in your head and then some actor comes along and maybe changes your mind or takes your suggestion and runs with it or takes it further than you imagined. It’s just a lot of fun.” Beck says, “Every two to three months you’re faced with a new set of challenges and starting back at square one with casting, with putting a piece together, with finding your way. It doesn’t allow room for getting dull.” He says mounting a community theater pro-duction is a balancing act. “You make the rehearsal process as positive an experience as possible. You don’t abuse. You realize these people get up the next morning and have to be at work, so you’re careful in how you use them.” Carl says one reason why the Omaha Com-munity Playhouse attracts top talent show after show is that it offers something no other theater in town can match. “Casts are featured in a very professional setting with top notch costumes, sets, sound, orchestra, and all of the trappings and so it’s a wonderful realization for a performer. It’s a remarkable facility.” Collins and Beck are quick to add they don’t do it alone. “There would be no way we could feel this pleased about the work we get to do if it wasn’t for the production team and the people we have the privilege of working with every day,” says Collins. “These people are under a lot of pressure and yet they will go the extra mile every time, and they’re right there at your side.” And they’re all under one roof – props, cos-tumes, scenic design, sound, and music. “That’s a really fortuitous thing,” she said. Almost as fortuitous as Collins and Beck en-riching the Omaha theater scene for 30 years. (Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at [email protected].)

After stepping down as the Playhouse’s associate artistic director next year,

Collins plans to stay in Omaha.

Beck says his post-Playhouse life will likely take him to the South where he’ll be with

family and near a beach.

Beck, Collins would like to advise their replacements

new horizons newspaper

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