Walking the World For Diabetes Awareness
We saw him walking down Highway 50 towards Syracuse Saturday afternoon. I posted this picture on facebook and was told to check him out on the internet. So I did. I found that he has a blog about his cause of raising diabetes awareness. His recent entries describe his trek into Louisville, Manly, Weeping Water, and Syracuse. He is called World Guy. Erik Bendl has walked over two thousand miles for the cause of diabetes awareness. In recent years he and his dog named Nice have walked in over twenty states and Washington D.C. to help diabetes organizations and encourage people to get healthy with exercise to control and prevent diabetes. When you see him on the road, stop to say hello or call him @ (502) 408-5772. With your support of World Guy and diabetes organizations we can make a difference with this world wide disease. Here is an excerpt from his entry into his blog yesterday:
"Before I left Syracuse and walked the grass shoulders of US-50 to Cook Nebraska I sat in the dining section in the Nutcracker gas/food stop. There a local farmer asked me if I'd seen the guy rolling that big earth ball down the highway. After I told him it was me and my purpose of diabetes awareness and more to get everyone walking to control the disease better or to prevent it. This man then told me he was diabetic, was taking a pill for it and then he told me some think he is crazy when he tells them he can check his blood sugar in the morning and it will be high, "say 200", then he will walk the pasture outside his home, a half mile out and a half mile back, then check his blood sugar and it will be normal. He is not able to rid himself of the pills altogether but he agreed and reinforced what I am trying to get through to people, activity helps dramatically on a daily basis.
He was the first person I talked to yesterday and was diabetic. A man in control."
A note from Webmaster: Anyone could be diagnosed with diabetes, big/tall, short/thin, older/younger - diabetes type 2 occurs when one's body develops resistance to its own insulin. Call your doctor and check your blood sugar, especially if you experience unexplained weight loss, thirst, dry moth, etc. I myself lost 20lb with no effort on my part (nice ah?) before I suspected something was wrong. See American Diabetes Association website for details and remember: exersice is twice as importnat as eating right (call Shannon Josoff and stay active!).
Car Accident Friday Morning
We had a close call this week. Friday morning as the Elmwood kids were heading to Murdock to school there was an accident on the curve involving three vehicles carrying our students. One car rear ended another which hit the truck in front. I was coming home from Murdock after dropping Joe off at school and saw cars in the cornfield and the traffic stopped. I was really scared because the buses were sitting there but I figured out right away they weren't involved. The kids were out of their cars so I knew they were going to be okay. Several of the kids went to the hospital to be checked out. There were bumps and bruises, stitches and a concussion. Out of the five kids involved in the accident only one had their seatbelt on. They were very lucky. We were very lucky. I don't know what caused the accident but I know that it could have happened to any of us. This is a reminder to pay attention, the conditions are always right for an accident. Even on a beautiful Friday morning with the sun promising us a nice day. This is a reminder to buckle up! There is a reason it is the law. This is a reminder that no one is invincible..even our teenagers, even though they think they are. And this is a reminder that not only do we love our own kids but we love all of our kids. I can't even imagine what was going through the minds of the rescue personnel on the way to the crash site. And the relief they felt when they found the kids were okay. This is a reminder to all of us to thank our rescue personnel for all they do. They take care of us when we are hurt and they comfort the families. Thank God the kids are fine. And thank God for our rescue personnel. They are awesome!
Friday afternoon on my way to Murdock to pick up Joe after school I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a car fast approaching. Are you serious, I thought, speeding like a race car driver? After the morning we had just had some kid still didn't get it! Boy, I decided I was going to call his/her parents as soon as I saw who it was. I would want someone to call me, wouldn't you? I didn't have to wait long because this car was flying low, it zoomed around me like I was going backwards. Whose reckless kid do you suppose it was? Yours? No, it was a dad. Are you kidding me? I should call his wife. So it is obvious that we stilll don't get it. For his efforts of driving so fast he still arrived at the school only moments before I did. I hope that the thrill of the speed is worth the risk that he was taking. I don't think it is worth it.
4-H Members and Leaders Recognized
Over 135 4-H members, leaders, parents, guests and extension staff celebrated "Learn, Laugh & Grow"; recognizing outstanding accomplishments and 2011 achievements at the annual Achievement Party on Sunday, November 6, at the Expo Building on the Cass County fairgrounds.
This annual event included an afternoon hot dog roast sponsored by the Cass County Bankers Association and awards sponsored by the Cass County Bankers Association, Meeske Hardware, Cass County 4-H Council and Nebraska 4-H Foundation.
Current 4-H Council Members recognized were: (Youth) Alex Abbott, Micah Bolin, Jessica Branson, Matt Griffin, Delayne Martin, Jill McLaughlin, Rachel Morton, Savannah Schafer, Lauren Sparks; (Adults) Lynn Dowding, Kim Griffin, Debbie Hennessy, Shane Hennessy, Stephanie Schafer, Linda Sparks, Gary Stander, Renee’ Hart Thakur, Doug Wehrbein. Outgoing 4-H Council Members recognized for service were all youth and Lynn Dowding, Kim Griffin and Renee’ Hart Thakur.
Adult 4-H Council members elected for a three year term were Lynn Dowding, Kim Griffin and Renee’ Hart Thakur. Youth 4-H Council members elected for a one year term were Micah Bolin, Tara Bornemeier, Matt Griffin, Justin Hennessy, Michaela Horn, Elizabeth Rice, Savannah Schafer, Lauren Sparks, Abby Wehrbein.
Receiving special recognition for years of service as leaders in the 4-H program were: Corky Thomassen (25 years); Carol Bley, David Knabe, Lori Koutecky, Lori Pankonin, Kim Scholting (20 years); Debbie Hennessy, Susan Knabe, Rick Koutecky, Meri Lynn Pehrson, Kim Stone ( 15 years). Five year pins were given for leader recognition to Charity Baker, Kathrena Dettman, Timothy Dettman, Lori Spohr, Kasey Vance, Stephanie Wolcott, Debra Zoucha and two year ribbons to Amelila Gredys, Jeff Neumeister, Jeannie Nickels, Renee’ Hart Thakur.
Kim Griffin, co-leader for the Tomorrow’s Producers 4-H Club, was awarded the Olga Livers Outstanding 4-H Leader Award.
Leader appreciation gifts were provided by the Cass County 4-H Council to all organizational and project leaders.
4-H members receiving Gold Membership pins (over twelve years): Timothy Brown, Taylor Fleischman, Tyler Fleischman, Matthew Lubben, Katherine Reiss, Amanda Slafter; Silver Membership pins (twelve years): Clint Bornemeier, Phillip Brown, Julia Freeburg, Marshall Keil, Delayne Martin, Rachel Parsons, Laurel Reiss, Emilee Smith, Georgia Stawniak, Samantha Thomassen, Derick Vogt, Sarah Warga, Abigail Wehrbein; Bronze Membership pins (ten years): Alicia Bailey, Allie Bird, Jerry Bockman, Tanner Bornemeier, Tara Bornemeier, Kristen Bramhall, Grace Brown, Matthew Griffin, Brittany Hauschild, Tanner Justesen, Lindsey Krause, Devanne Martin, Charlotte Miller, Lindsey Mills, Jamie Nickeson, Brandon Pehrson, Caleb Reiss, Shelby Rohlff, Emily Rohrbough, Serena Rohrbough, Savannah Schafer, Mirissa Scholting, Jenna Schroeder, Wade Sexton, Darion Stohlmann, Kooper Stohlmann, Dylan Sutton, Andrea Tesarek, Katelyn Thoms, Sydney Todd, Brianna Westover. Clover Kids and first year members were recognized with first year pins.
Clubs recognized for Community Service and receiving medals were: 4-H Believers, Cass County Creative Cats, Conestoga Clovers, Country Crickets, Fairland Giants, Nehawka Swine, Plattsmouth Diversity, Southern Cass Sowers, Tomorrow’s Producers, Triple B, Weeping Water Whiz Kidz, 4-H Western Feeders.
Receiving Clubs of Excellence Award Medals: Gold: Cass County Creative Cats, Plattsmouth Diversity, Triple B; Silver : Cornerstone Clovers, Kingdom Kids, Weeping Water Whiz Kidz, 4-H Western Feeders; Bronze: 4-H Believers, Conestoga Clovers, Country Crickets, Fairland Giants, Nehawka Swine, Southern Cass Sowers, Tomorrow’s Producers; Honorable Mention: Bridle & Saddle, Cass County Lamb Kids, CC Explorers, Crazy Canine Critters, Dancerettes, E.M. 4-H Shooting Sports, Greenwood Riders, Hare Raisers, Kick ‘N’ Spurs, Manley Merry Milkers, Stove Creek Rustlers.
Top State 4-H Judging Contest team members recognized: Livestock: Wade Sexton, Taylor Heim, Savannah Schafer; Life Challenge: Brenna Backemeyer, Taylor Heim, Megan Hawks, Whitney Koehn, Grace Brown, Savannah Schafer, Emily Zakaras. Top County Division Judges recognized; Livestock: JJ Bockman, Layne Lambert, Rachel Morton, Sarah Morton, Wade Sexton, Taylor Heim, Josh Wehrbein, Dustin Reckling, Matt Morton, Khobi Ceballos, Mackenzie Stohlmann, Garrett Neumeister, Jeremiah Lubben; Life Challenge: Brenna Backemeyer, Taylor Heim, Megan Hawks, Whitney Koehn, Spencer Koehn, Delaney Bright, Faith C.
High point winners (General 4-H with Animals) in first place receiving Trophies: Michaela Horn (Sr), Savannah Schafer (Int), Delaney Bright (Jr). Receiving second place Silver Medals: Veronica Lawrence (Sr), Matt Griffin (Int), Dalton Nickels (Jr); third place Bronze Medals: Whitney Koehn (Int), Faith C. (Jr); fourth place Bronze Medals: Emily Zakaras (Int), Kate Zakaras (Jr). High Point Award Winners (General 4-H or Animals) in first place receiving Trophies: Nicolette Larsen (Sr), Taylor Heim (Int), Austin Hawks (Jr). Receiving second place Silver Medals: Megan Hawks (Int, Mickayla Larsen (Jr); third place Bronze Medals: Kyle Bogatz (Int), John Willey (Jr); fourth place Bronze Medals: Erwin Thakur (Int), Michaela Lawrence (Jr.). Overall High Point winner was Savannah Schafer.
Non-traditional Award winners recognized: Camp of Choice Awards: James Parriott, Austin Hawks, Jacqueline Parriott, John Willey. Receiving trophies: Rookie of the Year Award: Abraham Vidaurre; Hardship Award: Emily Zakaras; Most Memorable 4-H Experience Award: Kyle Bogatz; Outstanding Citizenship Award: Whitney Koehn; Kid of Character Award: Delaney Bright; 4-H Flop Award: Spenser Koehn; Outstanding Jr. 4-H Member Award: Delaney Bright; Outstanding Intermediate 4-H Member Award: Emily Zakaras. Youth applying for non-traditional awards also won choice of prizes.
Diamond Clover Award Winners receiving First Level Amethyst pins were: Addisyn Bickford, Faith C., Dawson Hill, Spencer Koehn, Zane Rikkli, Abraham Vidaurre, Cole Wendt, Noah Willey; Second Level Aquamarine pins: Faith C., Jenna Meyer, Rebecca Mortensen, Angelica Romero, Kate Zakaras; Third Level Ruby pins: Delaney Bright, Riley Backemeyer, Austin Hawks, Deanna Hill, Jenna Meyer; Fourth Level Sapphire pins: Kyle Bogatz, Matt Griffin, Michaela Lawrence, Veronica Lawrence, Savannah Schafer, John Willey; Fifth Level Emerald pins: Brenna Backemeyer, Josh Bogatz, Megan Hawks, Whitney Koehn, Emily Zakaras.
Clover Kid drawing winners were Alexis Mogensen and Emma C.
A drawing was held for 4-H camp scholarships funded by the 4-H Council. Receiving scholarships were Carter Mogensen and Noah Bolin..
Diane Bolin and Micah Bolin were the lucky winners of the candy jar door prize.
Blue Star Mothers and Cass County 4-H Community Service project
4-H members, leaders and parents who attended the November 6 Achievement party on the Cass County fairgrounds brought enough items to fill ten care packages for United States military personnel who are stationed overseas. This Community Service project of the 4-Hers is a partnership with the Blue Star Mothers chapter in Nebraska City. The chapter hopes to get enough donated items to fill a total of thirty boxes for Christmas this year. Anyone wishing to help with this effort is encouraged to drop items off at the Cass County Extension office located on the Cass County fairgrounds (144th Street and Hwy 1) until November 30. Personal care items can be deodorant, after shave, cologne, female hygiene products, shampoo, body wash, sunscreen, baby powder, diaper wipes, bar soap, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, travel packs of facial tissue, lip salve (tube), nail files. Food items can be dried fruit, sunflower seeds, gum, peanut butter, nuts, cookies, crackers, hard candy (not chocolate), pudding or gelatin snack packs, powdered drink mixes to flavor water, licorice, beef jerky. They would also welcome magazines, crossword puzzles, sudoku puzzles, word finds, deck of cards, pen and paper, greeting cards, envelopes, toys for them to hand out, flip-flops. Kim Schneider of the Nebraska City chapter of Blue Star Mothers is pictured with some of the many items donated by 4-H families.
Annual Auction in Nehawka
The annual auction held by the United Methodist Church in Nehawka is a tradition which began forty eight years ago! Members and friends of the little white church on the corner in Nehawka come together each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day to raise money for mission work, community support, and general expenses of the church. Gene Sisco, well-known auctioneer from Otoe, has been seeking out the highest bidder for forty two years!
The bidding begins this year on Sunday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Building in Nehawka, but don’t wait until 1:00 to show up! Homemade soups and goodies will be served from 11:30 to 1:00 as people gather to visit, look over the auction items, and catch up all on the news of the townspeople.
Prior to the big day of the auction, members and friends of the church are busy making homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce, or horseradish. Our ladies embroider, crochet, knit, paint, and make purses or other crafts all year to entice bidders and in past years a quilt or two have shown up to bring a nice bid too. The men use their skills to craft homemade items from wood, iron, or other materials.
Numerous attendees can be counted on to not only attend the auction each year, but to bid generously on a homemade gooseberry pie or freshly made homemade noodles. Dr. Bill Schlichtemeier and wife Jeanette make the annual trek to Nehawka in search of Betty Hansen’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Bill’s mother, Helen is famous for her beautiful crocheted baby booties and baby blankets. Jars of fresh canned goods are plentiful, as well as cookies, candies and other treats. You just never know what will show up at the auction, but you can count on there being something for everyone of every age. Sisco is particularly adept at drawing excellent bids from children who are sitting on grandpa’s lap! One never knows how much Grandpa Kermit will bid on a toy truck or tractor.
Those who have been attending the auction for years remember the meat from the locker donated by Howard and Helen Heesch and the eggs and homemade horse radish from Ruth and Wildon Switzer
Services, tools, household items and gift certificates are donated by area businesses and we express our sincere thanks to those who support our church and community. The generosity of many businesses makes this auction the success that it is. A community event which requires the dedication and work of many turns out to be a tremendous fund-raiser, but it’s always more than just a fund raiser. It’s a time of community, a time of laughter, and a time of encouragement. “We raise money for God’s glory” says Pastor Sandy Webster. “The blessings that abound that day are just a bonus”!
This year a unique door prize will be given to some lucky person and for the first year we will also have a table of silent auction baskets and items. A generous vacation package will also be awarded to the highest bidder at a very nice time-share at a location of your choice. A Nebraska quilt will go home with the highest bidder.
All are invited to join in the fun, food, fellowship and fundraising! Come and bid! And bid for a good reason—God’s work in action for the Nehawka community and surrounding area. We hope to see you there as this tradition continues and remains close to the hearts of the people of The United Methodist Church in Nehawka.
The Battle of the Bulge Begins
Note from Shannon:
Its time to start the Battle of the Holiday Bulge! Have you already gained an extra 2 -3lbs since Halloween?
Well its only gonna get worse as the holiday season continues so you better start doing something about it now!
Get rid of the all the candy and start eating your veggies!!!!
Come into Josoffs Fitness Center Monday between 8am and 8pm
to get weighed, measured, have your before picture taken and pick up your challenge packet.
The challenge will run from Monday November 14th to Sunday January 8th.
How the challenge works...
You will earn points for physical activity, physical changes and nutritional intake.
You need to get starting info on Monday Nov. 14th between 8am and 8pm in Elmwood at Josoff's Fitness Center.
The scale at Josoffs must be used as official weight for the challenge.
You can choose to weigh in on Saturdays or Mondays each week depending on your schedule.
We will re measure at week 4 and week 8.
Fitness Goal:
90 Min of Cardio per week - biking, brisk walking, running, rowing, aerobics class, swimming this will not include leisure activity or everyday activity
3 strength training workouts per week (bootcamp or weight training program) please have your instructor sign off on sessions.
Points for meeting goal:
1 point per week for 90 min of cardio (if do not reach 90 min in 1 week -no points)
3 points for meeting 3 strength training workouts per week (if only 1 or 2 zero points) please have instructor sign sheet
Points for physical changes:
1 point per lb. lost per week
1 point per inch lost (measured at start, week 4 and week 8)
1 point per %BF lost (measured at start, week 4 and week 8)
1 point per poin lost on BMI (measured at start, week 4 and week 8)
Bonus Points:
Completing more than 90 min of cardio/week = 5 points per week instead of 1
Completing more than 3 strength training sessions/week = 6 points per week instead of 3
participating in a local race of 5k or 10k = 10 points
Nutritional Intake
Goals: Points:
2 serving of Fruits per Day 1 point
5 servings of Veggies per Day 2 points
8 to 10 Glasses water per Day 3 points
4 Wellness Activities weekly 1 point per day
Wellness Activity - check BP, check cholesterol, annual check-up, chiropractor, or a minimum of 5 min of the following: meditation, yoga, stretching, reading deep breathing, foam rolling, or any other activity that relaxes you!
Prizes
The overall winner (person with the most points) will receive a 3 month All Access membership to Josoffs Fitness Center or Louisville Bootcamp,($300 value) and a $100 gift certificate to Josoff's. Gift cert can be used for a private party, table/chair rental, supplements, food and any other services or products we offer.
There will be more prizes added as we go!
Everyone who loses weight over the holiday season will be a winner!!!
You must be a current member of Josoff's Fitness Center or bootcamp to participate.
Below are registration options for anyone wanting to Join the Louisville Bootcamp. If you want to join in Elmwood please call or email for an appt. and we will get you set up with a membership that works best for you.
3 month Lousiville Bootcamp $288
6 month Louisville Bootcamp $540
Automatic Monthly Payment Louisville Bootcamp $96
If you have any questions please call or email me I wish you all luck!!!
Thanks!
Shannon Josoff
402-669-3242
p.s. the packet you pick up on Monday will have a nutrition guide, food log, and fitness log.
OTOE COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The Otoe County Genealogical Society will hold its December 8th meeting at the Unadilla Community Library at 770 'G' Street in Unadilla, Nebraska at 7:00pm. Our guest speaker will be Raymond "Chuck" Waymire, who will give a presentation on “Scottish Genealogical Research.” Mr. Waymire is of Scottish descent and is the author of 5 genealogical reference books. So if you have Scottish ancestors, Mr. Waymire will have some helpful guidance and suggested tools for you to use in your research! Thanks so much, Curtis WolbertPresident/Otoe County Genealogical Societyhttp://ocgs.homestead.com
ANNUAL COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING in ELMWOOD!
The annual community thanksgiving service will be held at the Elmwood Christian Church on Sunday, November 20, at 7:00p.m. Joining together for an evening of thankful worship are the lst Christian Church of Weeping Water, St. Paul UMC of Elmwood, Ebenezer UMC of Murdock and Christian Church of Elmwood. Everyone is invited to this evening service.
Hands on Herps at the Elmwood Public Library
Pam Cheever, with the UNL Extension office, presented the Hands on Herps program at the Elmwood Public Library Monday night. Her assistant, Terry, first presented facts about frogs and toads to the kids. He showed different examples of each and told them about the kinds that are native to Nebraska. Pam presented snakes, lizards, tarantulas, and hissing cockroaches. She had many facts and asked the kids many questions to see how much they knew. The kids were very knowledgable about the reptiles and bugs. After the presentation the kids got to handle the creatures. Everyone walked away with a greater appreciation for the things that usually give us the willys.
Pam started out easy with the garter snakes. The girls are not quite sure what to think.
Terry knows everything there is to know about frogs and toads. The kids were impressed.
We're going to hold them? Seriously?
See the nose on this snake? Looks just like a pig. That's why it is called a hognosed snake.
The sheds (skins) from a hognose snake and a rattle snake look very much alike!
Hissing cochroaches would not survive in our houses, Pam said. Thank goodness!
This bearded dragon is a sweetheart and loves to be petted.
The ball python was a hit with the kids. Not so much with the moms and dads.
The children answered correctly many questions that Pam posed to them.
Josh makes friends with the python. The snake really liked the warmth of Josh's body.
Librarian, Alicia Graybill, helped show off the creatures.
The garter snake was a favorite of the girls.
Sammie shows Brookie the hognosed snake.
Angelica liked "wearing" the snake.
Zach thought maybe he should take this one home. His guinea pig would love it. Or maybe the snake would love the guinea pig?
Alice thought the tarantula was really cool.
Brookie liked how the bearded dragon felt. The spikes are only sharp if it is mad.
Hey, I think I have one of those at home! Garter snakes are very common in Nebraska...and my back yard.
Kaden liked petting the tarantula. It was fuzzy and soft.
The ball python would roll up into a ball to keep warm. Do you see where it gets its name? That made it easier for the kids to snuggle it.
Shay overcame her fear of snakes and held the hognose snake.
Jordyn had no fear! Give me that snake, she said!
Even Draven got to pet the snake.
Shay could pet the little snakes but when they tried to put the python around her neck that's when she drew the line. Nope, not gonna happen, she said.
Community Sustaining Sponsors 2011
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
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2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
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2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor