TIPS TO NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Lincoln, Nebraska, Dec. 19, 2019 — With the holidays approaching, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers are delivering top tips for navigating the season with good cheer. This listicle provides research-based recommendations on designing energy-efficient light displays; accommodating food allergies; adding healthy choices to the holiday buffet; recycling holiday decor; and decreasing stress to maximize the enjoyment of the season.

Counting calories in real time may curb overindulgence

During the holiday season, an average adult gains about a pound — which is often never lost. This trend may contribute to the U.S.’s increasing rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other long-term illnesses. 

Nebraska agricultural economist Christopher Gustafson is working to help people make healthier decisions about food consumption. In a 2019 study, Gustafson explored whether access to a real-time calorie counter would spur healthier choices. 

Compared to people without a calorie tracker, the participants who used the device had a more accurate view of the number of calories they selected over five sequential food choices. They also chose significantly fewer calories overall. The differences occurred in the last few selections, suggesting that people without a tracker overindulged down the line because they underestimated the caloric value of earlier choices.

This means people may make poorer choices at a later point in time — at dessert or during a second trip through the buffet line, for example — because they’ve undershot their caloric intake to that point.

Until free, real-time calorie trackers are available — a long-range goal of Gustafson’s research — people can help themselves by staying attuned to their actual consumption.

“At a time of year full of holiday celebrations — usually with tempting foods — people may be able to make their New Year’s resolutions easier to accomplish by trying to be honest with themselves about the foods they’re consuming now,” Gustafson said.

Boosting your home’s cheer, but not your energy bill

Holiday lights are beautiful, but they also sap power. Estimates from the Department of Energy indicate Americans’ holiday light use burns 6.6 billion kilowatt-hours annually — enough to fuel more than 800,000 homes for a year.

Luckily there are ways to mitigate power use without turning into the Grinch, said Jerry Hudgins, interim director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research and professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering.

Using LED lights rather than traditional incandescent bulbs yields significant savings, he said. They’re more expensive up front, with an LED bulb costing about $1.50 compared to 25 cents for a same-sized regular bulb. But over time, the investment pays off: LEDs use up to 70% less energy than traditional lights, and they last roughly 10 times longer.

“Because of the lower electrical power requirements, LEDs cause fewer greenhouse gases to be emitted from electric power generation, and so are more environmentally friendly,” Hudgins said.

Another power-saving tip is to put your outdoor lights on a timer, so that they’re running during high-traffic times, when the greatest number of people will enjoy them. Hudgins pointed out that after midnight, few people are out and about to admire your display.

Beyond energy-saving tips, Hudgins recommends people stay safe with outdoor holiday displays by using extension cords that are rated for outdoor use and have the proper gauge wire size. A lower number, or gauge, corresponds to a larger diameter wire and can handle a higher electrical load.

“A long extension cord with small gauge wire can overheat if the electrical load is too high,” Hudgins said.

Helping yourself — and your dog — stay calm

Depleted bank accounts, time with the family and an onslaught of parties and events is enough to bring on the holiday frazzle for many people.

One solution? Jeffrey Stevens, associate professor of psychology and director of Nebraska’s Canine Cognition and Human Interaction Lab, said turning to your four-legged companion for support is a scientifically backed way to ratchet down the pressure.

“Our research has shown that briefly petting a dog can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety,” Stevens said. “So if things get a little overwhelming, spend some quality time with your pet to calm yourself and strengthen your bond.”

Remember, though, the holidays aren’t just stressful for people — dogs can get keyed up too, with extra UPS deliveries, guests in the house and packages on the floor to explore. Stevens said to watch out for dogs’ signs of stress — panting, yawning and lip licking in situations where those behaviors don’t typically occur.

“If it seems like your pet is stressed, make sure they have a quiet place to relax away from the hustle and bustle.”

Stevens launched the Canine Cognition and Human Interaction Lab in 2018, aiming to develop a better understanding of dog psychology and how interacting with dogs influences human behavior and psychology.

Enhancing children’s nutrition during the holidays

‘Tis the season for cookies, candy and sweets — but it’s also possible for families to celebrate the holidays healthfully by incorporating fruits and vegetables.

“You can make healthy foods festive by getting creative with fruits and vegetables to make fun snacks that are bright and delightful,” said Carly Hillburn, a Nebraska dietetics intern and collaborator on the Ecological Approach to Family Style dining program.

Examples include making “Grinch Santas” by stacking green grapes, banana slices and strawberries, or placing sliced strawberries and bananas into a candy cane shape.

The EAT Family Style team also recommends:

> Getting children involved at mealtimes to pique their interest in trying their creations. For example, toddlers can dump ingredients into bowls and stir; preschoolers can use cookie cutters and rinse produce; and elementary-aged children can crack eggs and use vegetable peelers.

> Exploring healthy meals by engaging children’s senses and talking about nutritional benefits. Since children are curious about the world, ask them to explore their food using the five senses. You can ask specific questions about foods, such as “Did you hear the celery crunch when you took a bite?” or incorporate nutritional phrases into mealtimes, such as “Fruits will give my body energy.”

EAT Family Style is led by Dipti Dev, the Betti and Richard Robinson Associate Professor of Child, Youth and Family Studies. Saima Hasnin, doctoral student in child, youth and family studies, and Rachel Maloy, an undergraduate in nutrition and dietetics, contributed to this article.

Building happier, healthier families through storytelling

The holiday season is replete with family time and intergenerational gatherings.

Nebraska’s Jody Koenig Kellas, professor of communication studies and an expert on interpersonal, family and health communication, said the family stories we hear and tell can have a significant and lasting impact on family members. For this reason, the holidays can be the perfect time to intentionally engage in storytelling to learn about or revisit family history and create stronger ties.

Koenig Kellas said family stories help create a sense of family identity; socialize members about family meanings, values and beliefs; cope with and make sense of difficulty and stress; and connect with one another. 

But her research shows that how families share stories is crucial.

“Families who engage in storytelling by being present and warm, who share the floor and build on each other’s contributions, who seek out and honor each other’s perspectives on how things happened or the meaning of the story, and who work together to create the meaning or moral of the story – these families report higher levels of health and happiness than families who are distant, disengaged, don’t take each other’s perspectives into account and don’t work together to build story meaning,” Koenig Kellas said.

In short, being mindfully engaged, other-centered and collaborative during the storytelling process is one avenue for promoting family satisfaction and closeness.

Giving your Christmas tree a second life

During the holiday season, decor often includes a fresh-cut Christmas tree. But after the ornaments and lights are back in storage, most real trees end up in landfills, where they can take years to break down.

But there are other options for your evergreen, according to Nebraska Extension horticulture educators Nicole Stoner and Sarah Browning.

Here are their tips:

> Create a backyard habitat to feed the birds: After stripping the tree of decor, move it to the south or east side of your home, anchor it securely and decorate it with strings of popcorn, cranberries or raisins to create a bird oasis. 

> Boost local fish habitat: If you take your tree to a local lake designated for Christmas tree recycling, it will be placed on the lake’s ice in the winter. When the ice melts in spring, the trees fall into the water and function as fish habitat.

> Sustain local parks: Lincoln has several recycling points for Christmas trees, which are collected, chipped and used as mulch or pathway cover in city parks and arboreta.

> Beautify your garden: Chip your tree and use it as garden mulch in the spring. Alternatively, clean up the tree and use it to make a trellis, which can be used to grow cucumbers up off the ground.

Staying merry despite food allergies

Many people love to indulge in the traditional dishes and flavors of the holiday season. But for individuals and families with food allergies, these food-filled events can become dangerous.

“Food allergies are potentially life-threatening conditions affecting millions of Americans, and the only way to prevent reactions is strict avoidance,” said Melanie Downs, assistant professor of food science and technology and a member of Nebraska’s Food Allergy Research and Resource Program. “Even very small amounts of food can cause reactions.”

But Downs and Eleanor Garrow-Holding of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team, a FARRP collaborator, said food allergies are manageable, even during the holidays. Here are their tips for event attendees:

> Contact your host and alert them of the allergy and precautions, including not having the allergen present, if necessary.

> Offer to go a little early and help clean.

> Offer to help the host cook the food.

> Have your child eat a snack before you go, so they’re less tempted to grab food when you’re not watching.

> Bring separate dishes that you know your child can eat.

> Remind your child about not eating anything that you haven’t OK’d first.

> Always be prepared with an allergy and anaphylaxis emergency care plan and epinephrine, if prescribed.

More information is available on the FARRP and FAACT websites, https://farrp.unl.edu and https://www.foodallergyawareness.org/education.

Combating holiday blues in children

The wintertime hustle and bustle is overwhelming to some children, particularly those who have experienced a significant change in their life.

Nebraska Extension’s Lisa Poppe, who specializes in the social and emotional well-being of children, said holiday plans that are typically happy and exciting can be complicated by divorce, separation, remarriage or the loss of a parent or other important figure.

“When children are in these situations, the holidays may remind them of how their life was before, and the emotional conflict and stress can ruin their time,” said Poppe, who is part of the Metro Extension District.

Poppe provided the following tips to help children navigate the stress:

> Maintain family traditions even if a parent is absent. Children look forward to the normalcy of these traditions and feel safe in this routine.

> It’s OK if you don’t see everyone or do everything. Overscheduled children become burned out, overtired and cranky.

> Make sure children get plenty of sleep.

> Build in extra time for traveling, and bring plenty of snacks, games and books with you.

> Don’t forget to take care of yourself. When you’re overcommitted or on edge, children feel that stress.

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WRITER: Tiffany Lee, Office of Research and Economic Development

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CAPITAL CITY READY FOR UNL GAMEDAY TRAFFIC

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said Lincoln is ready to welcome Husker fans to the Capital City for another season of Nebraska football.  The first of the Huskers’ seven home games starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31 against South Alabama.  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• The University of Nebraska adheres to a clear bag policy at Memorial Stadium.  Visit huskers.com/bagpolicy for more information.  
• Fans should lock their vehicles and move valuable items out of sight.
• Drinking alcohol is prohibited on City streets, parking lots, garages and sidewalks, including the trail between Haymarket Park and 8th Street.  
• The sale of tickets, souvenirs or other items is not allowed on City streets or sidewalks.  
• Officers will issue citations for violations that inhibit the use of the street or sidewalk.  
• The sale of food, flowers or balloons requires a sidewalk vendor permit.
• UNL is a smoke/tobacco-free campus.

To avoid gameday traffic and parking challenges, City officials recommend visiting lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: closures) or using the Waze mobile app for maps and street construction information; planning for parking; arriving early; celebrating downtown after games; and using StarTran’s Big Red Express (startran.lincoln.ne.gov).

GETTING TO AND FROM THE GAME

To improve the traffic experience on game day, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities, the Lincoln Police Department, the UNL Police Department and Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) work together.  The City provides traffic control on Lincoln streets, while NDOT helps coordinate traffic on I-180 and I-80.  Coordination efforts include traffic planning, pre- and post-game messaging, planned lane and ramp closures and sharing of incidents with all parties involved as they happen.

On football game days, Interstate 80 exits at I-180/Downtown and 27th Street can be congested, so visitors are encouraged to use other routes into Lincoln:

• From the east, take the Hwy. 6/Cornhusker Hwy. exit 409.  Turn south at State Fair Park Drive and west on Salt Creek Roadway to reach Memorial Stadium, the Champion’s Club and parking facilities east of the stadium and in the Haymarket.
• From the west, use exit I-80 at Homestead Expressway/Hwy. 77 South, then go east on Rosa Parks Way.
• Those using I-80 who plan to park in the Haymarket Park lots will experience less congestion if they enter Lincoln using the Airport exit 399.

Those entering Lincoln on southbound I-180/9th Street, are strongly encouraged to use “N” Street and Arena Drive to access the Haymarket, the Haymarket parking garages and Pinnacle Bank Arena.  To improve traffic flow, the following changes will be in effect before and after the games:

• Two hours before kickoff, southbound 9th Street will be closed starting at the roundabout at 9th Street and Salt Creek Roadway near Memorial Stadium.  The street will reopen once vehicles have left the stadium area after the game.
• Two hours before kickoff, “R”, “Q” and “P” streets will be closed to traffic from 9th Street.  Drivers coming from I-180 will have to use “N” Street to access the Haymarket Area.   
• Salt Creek Roadway will have lane restrictions at 14th Street to better manage traffic congestion.
• 16th Street from Vine to “Q” streets will be closed to northbound traffic.
• Postgame traffic on northbound 10th Street from “Q” to “T” streets will be restricted to I-180.  No traffic will be allowed to go past the stadium on 10th Street.  The street will reopen once pedestrians have left the stadium area after the game.
• Following the game, N. 10th Street south of Charleston Street will be closed to southbound traffic. 
• Following the game, N. 17th Street from Vine to “X” streets will be closed.
• Following the game, for those that have parked in the Haymarket Garages, 7th Street from “N” to “M” streets will be one-way southbound and “M” Street from 7th to 9th streets will be a one-way eastbound.

Other gameday events include the Haymarket Farmers Market every Saturday through October 12 and Railyard entertainment and activities on Fridays and Saturdays.  The Cube in the Railyard will show football games all day on Saturdays.  The area of the Haymarket Farmers Market will close from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday through October 12.  North 7th and 8th streets as well as Canopy Street will close from “P” to “Q” streets. “P” Street will close from 7th to 8th Street and “Q” Street will close from 7th to Canopy streets.

Some City road construction projects may impact gameday traffic:

• The southern two lanes of “Q” Street between N. 11th and N. 12th streets are closed.
• Southbound N. 14th Street between Fletcher Avenue and Morton Street will be closed through September 13.

Other traffic reminders:

• Stadium Drive west of the stadium will be closed to all vehicular traffic.  Passenger drop-off and pick-up will not be allowed in front of the Stadium before or after the game.
• Uber, Lyft and taxi drop-off and pickup will be located at the bus stop in front of Henzlik Hall, 1430 Vine St.
• Charter buses will park on “W” Street between 14th and 16th streets.
• 17th Street from “R” to Vine streets (on the UNL City Campus) is closed.
• Vine Street from N. Antelope Valley Pkwy to 16th Street (on the UNL City Campus) has been reduced to single eastbound and westbound lanes with a bike lane in each direction.

Those choosing to ride bicycles to the game have several options:

• The “N” Street Cycle Track is a protected bikeway for the exclusive use of cyclists on the south side of “N” Street from 23rd Street to Arena Drive.  
• Downtown bike lanes are on 14th Street from “L” to “R” streets and on 11th Street from “Q” to “D” streets.  
• Bike lanes are now open on Vine and 16th streets on UNL City’s Campus. 
• Bike UNL offers free bike valet service for all home games.  Cyclists can drop off their bikes on the east side of Cook Pavilion near 14th and “W” streets two hours prior to kickoff.  The service also accepts BikeLNK bicycles from the City bike share program.  All bikes must be picked up within one hour after the game.  For more information on the bike valet service, visit bike.unl.edu/bikevalet or call 402-472-4777.  For more information on BikeLNK, visit bikelnk.bcycle.com.

GAMEDAY PARKING

Parking meters are enforced Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The following fine system is in effect:

• If the ticket is paid online within seven days from when it is written, the fine is $9.
• If the ticket is paid in person or through the mail within seven days, the fine is $10.
• If the ticket is paid after seven days, the fine is $25 in person or by mail or $24 online.

To avoid parking tickets, fans can purchase a $10 tag for all-day, on-street parking in metered stalls from any City employee wearing a Parking Services shirt at City-operated parking facilities.

Fans can also reserve pre-paid parking in the Haymarket and other City garages through parkandgo.org.  Rates for the four West Haymarket garages are $25, and the other rates vary by garage.  Limited parking will be available for $25 in the VIP Parking Garage attached to the southwest side of Pinnacle Bank Arena.  Parking garages available in the West Haymarket are:

• Red 1, 555 “R” Street
• Green 2, 530 “P” Street
• Blue 3, 535 “P” Street
• Lumberworks, 700 “N” Street

Reserved, reduced-price, pre-paid football parking is also available through parkandgo.org for these locations:

• County-City lots – North (10th and “K”), South (701 S. 10th) and West (802 “J”) – $20 on site and $15 online
• Carriage Park (1120 “L”), Cornhusker Square (1220 “L”) and Center Park (1100 “N”) – $25 on site, $20 online
• Haymarket (9th and “Q”), Lincoln Station South (7th and “P”), Market Place (10th and “Q”), Que Place (1111 “Q”), Red 1 (555 “R”), Green 2 (530 “P”), Blue 3 (535 “P”), University Square (101 N. 14th), Larson Building (1317 “Q”), West Depot lot (676 “O”), Lumberworks (700 “N”) – $30 on site, $25 online
• Sun Valley and Charleston St. lot near Oak Lake Park – vehicle parking is $10 on site and online; RV parking is $50 on site and $45 online
• “N” Street Gravel lot, “N” Street and Arena Drive – vehicle parking is $30 and RV parking is $75 on site  
• 14th and New Hampshire lot – vehicle parking is $20 on site and $15 online, and RV parking is $100 on site and online.
• 1318 “M” Street Garage – $25 on site and $20 online
• 233 S. 14th Street lot – $30 on site and $20 online

Grills are not allowed in City garages.  Grills are allowed at the 14th and New Hampshire lot and at the Sun Valley and Charleston lot.  Fans planning to stay Friday night on City property must purchase their parking online and display the permit in their RV overnight.  RV parking is not allowed at the Haymarket Park baseball/softball complex.  

UNL parking lots will be available for use six hours prior to kick off.  Grills are not allowed in University garages. Gameday parking information and maps are available at parking.unl.edu/ (keyword: football).

Alcohol Consumption

Nebraska State Statute (Chapter 53-186) prohibits the consumption of alcohol on state property. It is unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic liquor upon property owned or controlled by the state or any governmental subdivision thereof unless authorized by the governing bodies having jurisdiction over such property.

Parking is available at the following University areas on game days:

• 17th and “R” garage – $25 day of game, $175 season
• 19th and Vine garage – $25 day of game, $175 season
• 14th and Avery Garage, limited space- $25 day of game, $175 season
• 15th and Vine streets – $25
• 1410 “Q” St. – $25
• 16th and “X” streets – $25
• 17th and Vine streets – $25 day of game, $175 season
• Anderson Hall, 16th St. between “P” and “Q” streets – $25
• Beadle Center, 19th St. north of “S” St. – $25
• 519 N 19th Street between “S” and “U” streets – $25
• 900 North 22nd St. – $20
• 22nd and Vine streets – $20
• 1700 “Y” St. – $25
• 14th and Court streets – $10
• 16th and Court streets – $10
• 14th St. and Military Road – $10                                           

Wheelchair accessible parking is available for $25 per vehicle at UNL Lot 5, Stadium Drive and Salt Creek Roadway. Handicapped parking is available at:

• 14th and “R” streets – $25
• 14th and Avery garage – $25, with free cart shuttle
• 14th and “U” streets, east of Morrill Hall – $25
• 14th St. between Vine and “W” streets, free on-street parking where available

Several private lots are available.  Rates vary, and some offer season passes. 

Vehicles blocking driveways, parked too close to the intersection, parked on public right of way or interfering with vehicle or pedestrian traffic will be towed.  Vehicles will also be subject to towing if parked on job sites or driving lanes on streets or in unfinished areas.  Vehicles towed by order of the Police or a Parking Control Officer are subject to a $50 towing fine in addition to the $49.53 required to retrieve a vehicle from the impoundment lot.  The towing fine does not apply to cars towed from private lots.

BIG RED EXPRESS

In addition to its regular routes, StarTran will provide its Big Red Express service on Husker game days starting two hours before kickoff from six locations:

• The City Municipal Service Center (I-80 airport, exit 399), 949 W. Bond (take first right north of McDonald’s) 
• Southeast Community College, 88th and “O” streets, south parking lot
• Holmes Lake, 70th Street and Normal, north end of lake
• Gateway Mall, 61st and “O” streets, southeast parking area at Sears
• SouthPointe Pavilions, 27th and Pine Lake Road, south of Von Maur
• North Star High School (I-80 airport exit 403), 5801 N. 33rd St. (six blocks east of 27th Street and Folkways Blvd.)

Buses will drop off and depart from “R” Street between 12th and 14th streets.  The last bus will leave the lot 45 minutes prior to kickoff.  The cost is $5 each way, and exact change is required.  No bills larger than $20 will be accepted.  Electronic signs will help direct fans to the Big Red Express locations near the interstate.  Big Red Express season tickets, good for round-trip travel for all home games, are available for $50, a $20 savings, at StarTran, 710 “J” Street, or at the lots on game day.  Tickets also can be purchased via smart phone by texting “TOKEN” to 41411 to receive a download link.  For more information, call 402-476-1234 or visit startran.lincoln.ne.gov.

LINCOLN HISTORY LUNCH SERIES

Aging Partners invites senior citizens and the public to the Lincoln History Lunch Series at Gere Library, 2400 S. 56th St.  The presentations are from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and highlight Lincoln’s history and evolution.  A sack lunch is available for a fee of $4 for age 60 and over, and an $8 fee for those under age 60.  Meal reservations must be made on the Monday prior to the program by calling 402-441-7158.  The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, July 17 – “Lost Restaurants of Lincoln” with Jeff Korbelik, Lincoln Journal Star.  Lincoln has a history rich with delicious food and unique stories.  Long-time restaurant reviewer Korbelik remembers Lincoln’s most memorable eateries and shares his stories.
• Wednesday, August 21 – “Historical Movie Theaters” with Ed Zimmer and Jim McKee.  Don’t miss this visual tour of Lincoln’s many historic theaters by two of Lincoln’s favorite historians.
• Wednesday, September 18 – “John Johnson” with Ed Zimmer.  John Johnson was a Lincoln native, Lincoln High School graduate and University of Nebraska football player.  He also was a talented photographer who provides a unique view of early 20th century Lincoln, especially of Lincoln’s African-American community.

The Lincoln History Lunch Series is co-sponsored by Aging Partners and Lincoln City Libraries.  For more information on Aging Partners, visit aging.lincoln.ne.gov.

May 2019 – FREE STOP THE BLEED CLASSES

Lincoln City Libraries will host four free Stop the Bleed training classes in May.  The courses coincide with Stop the Bleed Month, a nationwide campaign to highlight emergency first aid training.  Classes are limited to 20 participants each.  Call 401-441-8503 to register.   The training schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Anderson Branch Library, 3635 Touzalin Avenue
• Monday, May 6, 2 p.m., Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior Street
• Friday, May 17, 10:30 a.m., Walt Branch Library, 6701 S. 14th Street
• Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m., Gere Branch Library, 2400 S. 56th Street

According to the American College of Surgeons, citizen responders will almost always be first on the scene of an emergency medical situation, no matter how quickly professional emergency responders arrive.    Because an injured person can die from blood loss within minutes, those nearest to someone with life threatening injuries are best positioned to provide first care.

The training program is presented by the City of Lincoln Risk Management Division and Bryan Health.  Training is appropriate for teens and adults and lasts about an hour.

For information about Lincoln City Libraries and its resources, visit www.lincolnlibraries.org.   More information on Stop the Bleed is available at www.bleedingcontrol.org.

AGING PARTNERS EVENTS APRIL 8 THROUGH APRIL 14

SENIORS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE

Read this if you are a senior in Lincoln Nebraska.   Aging Partners invites senior citizens and the general public to attend a variety of senior-focused activities and classes in Lincoln and Lancaster County from April 8 through April 14:

Monday, April 8

• Musical performance by The Clefs, Downtown Senior Center – 10 a.m.
• Qigong Refresh and Recharge class, Cotner Center Condominium – 10 to 11 a.m.
• BINGO, Firth Senior Center – 12:30 p.m.
• 10-point Pitch, Northeast Senior Center – 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• Tai Chi – Continuing 24 Form, Cotner Center Condominium – 1 to 1:30 p.m.
• Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance, Eastridge Presbyterian Church – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Dynamic Movement class, Cotner Center Condominium – 2 to 3 p.m.
• Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance, Eastridge Presbyterian Church – 3 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 9

• Learn to speak Spanish class, Downtown Senior Center – 9:30 a.m.
• Chair Tai Chi, St. Paul United Methodist Church – 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
• Dynamic Movement class, Auld Pavilion – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance, F Street Recreation Center – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Beginners 8 Form Tai Chi for Balance and Fall Prevention class, Auld Pavilion – 10:45 to 11:45 p.m.
• 24 Form Tai Chi, F Street Recreation Center – 6 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10

• Senior Walking Warriors, Hickman Senior Center – 9 to 9:30 a.m.
• Senior Health Promotion UNMC Health Clinic, Vermeer Education Center – 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Book Buddies, Downtown Senior Center – 9:30 a.m.

• BINGO, Northeast Senior Center – 10 a.m.
• Physical activity and exercise class, Asian Senior Center – 10 a.m.
• BINGO, Downtown Senior Center – 10:30 a.m.
• BINGO, JoAnn Maxey Senior Center – 11:30 a.m.
• 10-Point Pitch and Bridge, Northeast Senior Center – 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• Chair Yoga, Eastridge Presbyterian Church – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 11

• Qigong Refresh and Recharge class, Auld Pavilion – 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• Senior Health Promotion UNMC Health Clinic, Downtown Senior Center – 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Writer’s workshop, Northeast Senior Center – 10 to 11 a.m.
• Poetry reading and writer’s workshop with Carol Roland, Downtown Senior Center – 10:30 a.m.
• “Colorful Magic” with magician Bruce Jacoby, Bennet Senior Center – 10:30 a.m.
• Musical performance by Robert Patton and Nancy Vogt, Lake Street Senior Center – 10:30 a.m.
• Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance, F Street Recreation Center – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Musical performance by Mike McCracken and Pete Spotted Horse, Belmont Senior Center – 11 a.m.
• Lincoln City Libraries Bookmobile visit, Lake Street Senior Center – noon to 1 p.m.
• Stepping On – Building Confidence and Reducing Falls class, Eastmont Towers (Seasons) – 1 to 3 p.m.
• Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance, Eastridge Presbyterian Church – 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance, Eastridge Presbyterian Church – 3 to 4 p.m.
• Dynamic Movement class, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church gymnasium – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• “Dinner and a Show” featuring Hillbilly Hal Cottrell, Cotner Center Condominium – dinner at 5:30 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m. (call 402-441-7158 by April 9 for reservations)

Friday, April 12

• Musical performance by Mike McCracken, Northeast Senior Center – 10 a.m.
• Chair Yoga, East Lincoln Christian Church – 11 a.m. to noon

• 10-point Pitch, Northeast Senior Center – 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Senior Center Meal Schedule (reservations required two working days in advance):

Belmont Senior Center (402-441-7990):  Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon

Bennet Senior Center (402-416-7693):  Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon

Downtown Senior Center (402-441-7154):  Monday – Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Firth Senior Center (402-416-7693):  Mondays at 11:30 a.m.

Hickman Senior Center (402-416-7693):  Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.

JoAnn Maxey Senior Center (402-441-7849): Wednesdays and Fridays at noon

Lake Street Senior Center (402-441-7157):  Monday – Friday at 11:30 a.m.

Northeast Senior Center (402-441-7151):  Monday – Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Waverly Senior Center (402-416-7693):  Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Location addresses:

Asian Senior Center, 144 N. 44th St.

Auld Pavilion, 1650 Memorial Drive

Belmont Senior Center, 1234 Judson St.

Bennet Senior Center, 970 Monroe St.

Cotner Center Condominium, 1540 N. Cotner Blvd.

Downtown Senior Center, 1005 “O” St.

East Lincoln Christian Church, 7001 Edenton Road

Eastmont Towers (Seasons), 6305 “O” St.

Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive

F Street Recreation Center, 1225 “F” St.

Firth Senior Center, 311 Nemaha St.

Hickman Senior Center, 115 Locust St.

JoAnn Maxey Senior Center, 2032 “U” St.

Lake Street Senior Center, 2400 S. 11th St.

Northeast Senior Center, 6310 Platte Ave.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd.

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 “M” St.

Vermeer Education Center, 4000 S. 84th St.

Waverly Senior Center, 14410 Folkestone St.

For information on classes or to register, call 402-441-7575.  Roundtrip transportation is available for senior center meals and activities in Lincoln only by calling the centers directly (phone numbers listed in meal schedule).  For more information on senior center events and activities, visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: My Center News) or call 402-441-7158

April 16 – Begin – Diabetes Self-Management Workshop

The Diabetes Self-Management Workshop is a six-week course for adults with diabetes, their family members and friends. At Hillcrest Firethorn Health Services 8601 Firethorn Lane Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m. April 16 through May 21

New six-week session!  Please register early. Classes that do not have sufficient enrollment will be canceled.  To register, call Aging Partners Health and Fitness Center at 402-441-7575.

Learn about diabetes including:

• What to eat and when to exercise.
• Monitoring your blood sugar.
• Foot care.
• Communicating with family and your health care provider.
• Low and high blood sugar.
• Tips for dealing with stress.
• How to set small and achievable goals.
• Overview of relaxation techniques.
• How to increase your self-confidence.
• Feel better and take charge.

This workshop is offered at no cost, but a suggested contribution of $4 per class is appreciated!

 

Lancaster – AGING PARTNERS HOST A MAGIC SHOW

Aging Partners invites seniors and the public to area senior centers in April for “Colorful Magic by Bruce,” featuring Lincoln magician Bruce Jacoby.  The schedule is as follows:

• Monday, April 1 at 10:15 a.m., Downtown Senior Center, 1005 “O” St.
• Thursday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m., Bennet Senior Center, 970 Monroe St. (located in the American Legion Hall).
• Wednesday, April 17 at 10 a.m., Hickman Senior Center, 115 Locust St. (located in the Hickman Community Center).
• Monday, April 22 at 10 a.m., Firth Senior Center, 311 Nemaha St. (located in the Firth Community Center).

Lunch will be served following all four events.  To make lunch reservations, call 402-416-7693 at least two days in advance.  The magic shows are free, but there is a $4 suggested contribution for lunch for those age 60 and over and an $8 fee for those under age 60.

More information on Aging Partners events and activities is available at at www.Aging.lincoln.ne.gov 

Lincoln NE – Saving Your Family Treasures workshops

Saving Your Family Treasures workshops are planned for March 29 and 31 at the University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall. Smithsonian experts will demonstrate how to handle, dry and clean damaged objects and share tips on personal safety, prioritization and preservation options. (Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative)

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION TO HOST WORKSHOPS ON SAVING HEIRLOOMS

Lincoln, Nebraska, March 26, 2019 – The University of Nebraska State Museum and History Nebraska are teaming up with the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative to host workshops on how to preserve damaged personal heirlooms after natural disasters, such as recent flooding across the region. Workshops are 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 29 and 31 at Morrill Hall. The workshops are free and open to the public.

When homes are damaged and lives are upended, treasured keepsakes such as artwork, photos, personal papers and other family heirlooms become more cherished. Even in the aftermath of a disaster, these treasures may be salvageable.

 Individuals can attend one of the Saving Your Family Treasures workshops in person or via a video-conferencing session. Additional information will be provided to those who connect online.

Space is limited. Attendees are asked to register at https://go.unl.edu/treasuresworkshop.

 Smithsonian staff will be in Nebraska to provide the workshops. The Smithsonian is part of the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a partnership of more than 40 national service organizations and federal agencies whose mission is to protect cultural heritage in states, tribes, territories and communities from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.

 The workshops will include a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer period. Smithsonian experts will demonstrate how to handle, dry and clean damaged objects and share tips on personal safety, prioritization and preservation options.

 Due to safety concerns, attendees are asked not to bring damaged objects to the workshop. If there are specific questions about personal heirlooms, attendees are encouraged to bring images of each item to discuss with the preservation experts.

 # # #

NEBRASKA TODAY: http://today.unl.edu

NEWS RELEASES: http://go.unl.edu/releases

EXPERTS SITE: http://news.unl.edu/experts

 

Feb 23 – Help Needed – 200 victims are sex trafficked in Lincoln every month!

Join Lincoln Rotary’s effort to stop sex trafficking by attending a 4 hour training – Saturday, Feb. 23 9am-1pm

Westminster Presbyterian Church 2110 Sheridan Blvd

As part of a 2-person team you’ll receive a script and slide show to train area hotel and motels on how to recognize the signs and how to respond.

Traffickers now avoid facilities that are trained so we know we can make a difference.

To sign up, go to rotarydistrict5650.org and click District events or email sharon.wherry@gmail.com.

All are welcome!

http://rotarydistrict5650.org

Feb – Transcontinental Railroad: The Railroads that Tamed the West

to be featured at Homestead National Monument of America Film Festival

2019 marks the 150^th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. This amazing transportation development shortened a cross country trip from months to mere days.  Transcontinental Railroad: The Railroads that Tamed the West, explores this undertaking initiated by Abraham Lincoln soon after the signing of the Homestead Act. The documentary touches on the innovations and dangers that accompanied this feat, as well as the complications and benefits faced by travelers and employees once the railroad was operational. This film will screen Saturday, February 9, and Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Education Center at Homestead National Monument of America.
Join us for the “Innovation: Transportation During the Homestead Era Film Festival,” Saturdays and Sundays in January, February, and early March at 2:00 p.m., in the Homestead National Monument of America Education Center. This year features films that explore the Transcontinental Railroad and the Apollo Space program:

2 p.m. Saturday/Sunday February 9-10     The Railroad that Tamed the West
2 p.m. Saturday/Sunday February 16-17        Hidden Figures (PG)
2 p.m. Saturday/Sunday February 23-24        The West: The Grandest Empire Under God
2 p.m. Saturday/Sunday March 2-3                In the Shadow of the Moon

Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2019. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM), Facebook (HomesteadNM), and Instagram (HomesteadNPS).

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska and 45 miles south of Lincoln. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit http://www.nps.gov/home/.

Nebraska Medicaid Vote

Even well-off Seniors may need Medicaid one day. Please vote yes.

 

Lincoln – 2018-19 – LED STREETLIGHT CONVERSION TO BEGIN MONDAY

Beginning Monday, October 8, Schneider Electric will begin replacing close to 27,000 of the City’s outdated high-pressure sodium and metal halide streetlights with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures.  Installation will begin on arterial and collector streets, and the project is scheduled to be completed in one year.  Residents can find updated project schedules at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword:  led).

According to Frank Uhlarik, Sustainability and Compliance Manager for the City, the $12.2 million project is designed to improve safety and provide significant annual savings attributable to lower energy and maintenance costs. Under the City’s contract with an Energy Savings Company (ESCO) such as Schneider Electric, the energy and maintenance savings are guaranteed by the ESCO to help pay for the streetlight upgrades.

 

“We’re excited to further our commitment to sustainability and save taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Chris Beutler.  “We will use the cost savings on this project to pay for the improvements, and then we’ll invest them in other important initiatives to make our community safer and more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors.”

Converting street lights to LED technology is one of the energy strategies identified in the Lincoln Environmental Action Plan, which was approved last year.  Uhlarik said the LED conversion project offers the following benefits:

• LEDs offer improved light quality to improve visibility and safety.
• LEDs are highly energy efficiency, which reduces energy consumption and the environmental impact.
• LEDs have a longer lifespan compared to traditional street lamps, reducing maintenance costs.
• LEDs improve aesthetics by creating a more uniform lighting experience throughout the City.

Uhlarik said the City will install two different LED fixtures, depending on location and function.  The two fixtures have different Kelvin numbers, which is the measure of color temperature emitted by a fixture. “Based on resident feedback regarding brightness, the lights installed in neighborhoods will be 3000 Kelvin, which appear to be less bright than the 4000 Kelvin fixtures installed on arterial streets,” he said.

 

Uhlarik said the LED conversion project will also have a positive environmental impact on the community by reducing the City’s annual kilowatt hours by 10.7 million and removing 3.9 million pounds of carbon from the atmosphere. This is equivalent to planting 180,891 trees or removing 1,224 cars from the road.  Additionally, Schneider Electric will recycle a majority of the materials from the existing street lights.

“We are proud to help the City of Lincoln undertake this critical infrastructure project that will dramatically improve safety for City residents and make a lasting positive impact on the environment,” said Tammy Fulop, Vice President, Schneider Electric.  “At Schneider Electric, we are committed to helping municipalities in the Midwest and beyond achieve their vision for infrastructure improvements and sustainability without burdening local taxpayers.”

For more information on the LED conversion project, visit lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: conversion) or contact Uhlarik at fuhlarik.lincoln.ne.gov or 402-441-7588.  For more information on Schneider Electric, visit schneider-electric.us/enable.

Lincoln’s self-driving system in downtown

 

Lincoln is one of 35 Champion Cities chosen to develop a self-driving micro-transit system in downtown.  

 

Bloomberg Philanthropies has named Lincoln as one of 35 Champion Cities for its idea to develop a self-driving micro-transit system in downtown.  Mayor Chris Beutler and others involved in the proposed project will discuss the award and the next steps at a news conference at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 23 in Room 303, County City Building, 555 S. 10th Street.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 555 S. 10th Street, Lincoln, NE

FFM – Executive Travel | We Simplify Travel

Here are my annual TOP 10 TIPS for using frequent flyer miles and credit card points –

# 1 – American and United have the best frequent flyer programs –

Of the big three domestic airlines AA and UA have web sites that are pretty easy to use to find freebie space. They appear to have a lot more “saver award” space that allows for redemption for a reasonable amount of frequent flyer (FF) miles for both domestic and international free tickets than does Delta. DL freebie space is easy to find but often requires twice as many miles as other airlines. Perhaps their planes are so full they don’t have enough empty seats to redeem for freebies.

# 2 – Book your free tickets very early or very late –

A lot of airlines open up frequent flyer seat inventory very early (11 months in advance) or very late (7 to 10 days prior to departure).

# 3 – Don’t use miles for upgrades but for free premium class tickets –

It is a much better deal to use your miles for free tickets and not for upgrades. Most airlines today charge a very high number of miles plus cash to upgrade a seat domestically and internationally. You are much better off simply using all miles for a freebie premium seat ticket than messing with buying a ticket and then using miles and cash to upgrade and in some cases not being able to confirm your upgrade until the day before travel.

# 4 – Use your miles for international business and first class –

This is how you get the biggest bang for your buck. It is pretty easy math. Saver award space (low season) takes about 25,000 miles for a domestic round trip ticket ($400 value or 1.6 cents per mile). International economy class to Europe is 60,000 miles ($1200 value or 2 cents per mile). International business class is 90,000 miles ($4500 value or 5 cents per mile) and international first class is about 140,000 miles ($9000 value or 6.4 cents per mile). You can easily see the value in your miles is using them for international business and first class seats.

# 5 – Airline partners often have easier and cheaper freebie tickets than the major U.S. Airlines –

United, American, and Delta all belong to airline alliances that allow you to redeem airline miles on multiple airlines. There are 28 airlines in the Star Alliance with United Airlines. It is often much easier and a lot cheaper to find a premium (business or first class) freebie seat on a United partner airline like Lufthansa, ANA, Korean Air, and Asiana than on United Airlines. You are still using UA miles, just flying on a partner airline.

# 6 – Beware of airline fuel surcharges on free tickets –

Three cheers for AA, DL and UA as they don’t charge fuel surcharges on freebie tickets. International airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways can charge $1000 or more in fuel surcharge fees on free tickets.

# 7 – The best credit card with the easiest to use points is the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest card (SPG) –

This is my favorite as you can redeem for hotel room nights as low as 2400 points a night (5 cents a point) at Starwood hotels like Westin, Sheraton and Four Points. You can also use your SPG points and transfer them into airline miles. Here is the best part. For every 20,000 points converted to airline miles you get an extra 5000 miles. So 20,000 points = 25,000 airline miles.

# 8 – I put the majority of my credit card miles into Air Canada’s Aeroplan –

Air Canada is a member with United Airlines in the star alliance so I can use my Aeroplan miles to redeem for UA tickets. Sometimes I can find UA tickets cheaper on the Aeroplan site than on the UA web site. This makes no sense but it happens a lot. I also seem to be able to redeem miles for premium seats on foreign airlines much easier and cheaper on Aeroplan than at United.com.

# 9 – Secure your airline tickets first when planning a vacation using FF miles –

The more flexible you are the easier it becomes to find freebie seats using your FF miles. Always start your vacation planning by securing your freebie airline tickets. It is much easier building your hotel stays around your freebie tickets than the other way around.

# 10 – Complimentary upgrades are fast going the way of the dinosaur –

Airlines are dramatically lowering the price of first and business class seats in certain markets to try to get people to buy the seats rather than have all the premium seats filled with non-revenue complimentary upgrade customers. The airlines have figured out in the past that they might sell 4 out of 20 seats in first or business class and the rest were given as complimentary upgrades to their best customers. Now they are trying to lower the price of premium service so that people actually pay for the premium service.

Good news from American Airlines about their new seat pitch –

Last week I wrote about my concern that AA was narrowing the seat pitch on their airplanes from 31 to 29 inches. Obviously, when a person like me, who is 6’4″ hears there will be less legroom between seats it causes heartburn. The good news is that I heard from Becky Braswell, our AA rep that the new seat pitch only applies on the new Boeing 737 Max airplanes and will be only a small handfull of their total fleet. AA is using a new Meridian seat made by Rockwell Interior Systems. The Meridian seat is thinner and lighter but configured more comfortably than some of the bulkier seats you find on other older aircraft.

Please attend our FREE travel night on Thursday! –

Please join us for an alluring and informative evening this Thursday, featuring three of our favorite European destinations; Ireland, Germany and Austria.

Follow Rod Fowler, our Executive Tour Host, as he tour Ireland this September on the wonderful “Ireland – The Emerald Isle” itinerary or travel along with our treasured tour guide, Hildrun Mathies, while she leads you through the magic of the most sought-after Christmas markets in Germany and Austria this November and December. Our “Merry Christmas Europe” yet another of our repeated-by-demand tours, a true fairytale journey!

Our travel night takes place at 7:00pm, at the Bernina Suite #27 at The Shoppes at Piedmont, 1265 S Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68510. Reserve your spot now by calling 402-458-9845 or RSVP by clicking HERE, space is limited. We are looking forward to seeing you!

 
Need information on any of the above? 
Call our friendly travel advisors…. 

Lincoln – 402-435-8888 Toll-free 800-737-0582

Source: Executive Travel | We Simplify Travel

Events | netnebraska.org

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Source: Events | netnebraska.org