People receiving ENOA services can now get help with their pets

With the help of a grant from Meals on Wheels America and PetSmart Charities, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging and Leash Pet Transportation are partnering together to offer veterinary and other pet services, along with transportation for the pet to those services for individuals already receiving ENOA services.

ENOA serves families in Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Cass and Washington counties. ENOA’s role is to ensure older adults within its region have access to a continuum of services that enable them to remain active, independent and in their own homes for as long as possible.

Leash is a pet-only ride service providing safe transportation for pets to and from appointments with the groomer, veterinarian, daycare or boarding kennel.

“We started Leash with the goal of not only making pet ownership more convenient but making pet ownership more accessible for those who lack transportation,” founder Marty Sampson said.

“We believe transportation should not be a barrier to pet ownership or providing care for pets. We are excited about this partnership with ENOA because it aligns with our true mission.”

Transporting pets is a barrier many senior pets owners face. Many factors impact an older person’s ability to take their pet to and from necessary services. And a study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found drivers over the age of 70 with a pet in the car have twice the risk of getting into an accident.

“ENOA is thrilled to partner with Leash Pet Transportation to provide this essential service to our community’s older pet owners. We understand the challenges that many seniors face when it comes to caring for their beloved pets, and transportation should never be a barrier to ensuring their pets receive the care they need. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to support older adults in maintaining their independence and the well-being of their animal companions,” said Trish Bergman, ENOA executive director.

If you would like more information, contact ENOA at 402-444-6536.

The Durham Museum has plenty of spooky fun planned for the family during the Halloween season.

Get ready to explore some haunted history behind the walls of historic Union Station and grab some treats along the way. Regular museum admission applies for all activities, although they are free for museum members.

The museum’s annual Great HALL-oween Haunt on Oct. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m., welcomes back a crowd-favorite — dancing zombies — courtesy of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s The Moving Company. In 2013, the dance group made its first appearance at the museum as a zombie flash mob, dancing to the iconic Michael Jackson song “Thriller.” To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of this collaboration, Moving Company alumni will join current dancers for their annual performance.

There will be trick-or-treating fun at the Museum which is partnering with other community organizations including Fontenelle Forest, NE SciFest, Omaha Children’s Museum, PACE Arts and The Rose Theater. Advanced tickets are encouraged. Walk-up tickets will be available, if space allows. Purchase tickets at DurhamMuseum.org/halloween or by calling the museum at 402-444-5071.

Spooky Tales for Tots will be held Oct. 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. On Hallo-weekend, Oct. 28-29, children 12 and under get in free to the museum and costumes are encouraged. Enjoy goodie bags while supplies last, the Haunted Train, Cobweb Caboose, some Halloween-themed games on The Platform and dancing zombies at 12:45 p.m.

Tour the Haunted train on Oct. 24-29 and Oct. 31.

Kids of all ages can visit Homestead National Historical Park on Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. until noon, and join a ranger-led activity to learn about leaves and their characteristics, using detective skills to identify them.

The event is free. Come dressed for the weather. Jackets, sunscreen, and insect repellent are all recommended.

Rascal Martinez and his band performed at the Red Cloud Opera House in 2019 and are returning on Nov. 3.

The Red Cloud Opera House was restored in 2003 and has been celebrating its 20th anniversary season of “fan favorite” performances.

Martinez is a singer/songwriter from Nebraska. With a voice rising “out of the Nebraska plain like cool summer swell,” he blends rockabilly, folk, country and Latin sounds into covers, standards and heartfelt originals.

While he has become something of a national touring force, the singer has stayed close to his Nebraska roots. “Sutherland is a small town,” Martinez said. “It’s very simple living. The songs I write are very simple. They’re kind of a Midwest look at life and relationships.”

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the 7:30 p.m. show. Go to WillaCather.org/events or call 402-746-2653.

Nebraska MultiSport Board of Directors has announced a new name for the facility in La Vista: the CHI Health MultiSport Complex Nebraska.

CHI Health will be the complex’s official medical partner and adviser that will help individuals of all ages reach their health and wellness goals, as well as compete in or learn new sports.

“We are honored to have the reputable name of CHI Health as the moniker on this first-class sports complex. As a leading health provider, we sincerely thank CHI Health for its investment in this facility that will inspire health and wellness in Nebraskans and visitors to our state,” said Mike Cassling, chair of the board of directors for Nebraska MultiSport, a nonprofit organization.

CHI Health Primary Care Medical Director, Dr. Michael Schooff, will represent CHI Health at the sports complex. Through the partnership with CHI Health, the facility will offer education, support and well-being services to athletes, parents and other individuals in the community and region.

“Communities are at their best when they provide accessible opportunities for physical activity, and when we invest in facilities like this, we are investing in the health and vitality of those communities,” Schooff said.

The CHI Health MultiSport Complex Nebraska features 12 all-turf, lighted multipurpose fields to support several sports.

King of Kings Church in Omaha has raised $325,346 during its recent All In campaign, bringing the three-year total to $960,000.

Funds raised will be directed toward projects aimed at providing hope and support to individuals in both the local community and around the world.

“All In is one of the most exciting opportunities for our congregation as they step out in faith each year,” said Greg Griffith, lead pastor. “This year, more than 1,060 families participated, which is up from last year.”

The recipient organizations and designated funds from the All In campaign include a diverse range of beneficiaries. The Omaha Fire Department received $37,433.99 for the purchase of a drone and drone training. Orphan Grain Train received $18,000 for the resettlement of Ukrainian families, SperaVita received $20,000 for training, while RISE Academy was allocated $10,000 for 100 builder bags. Reformation at the Crossroads secured $16,000 for in-kind volunteer support over three months and Nebraska Diaper Bank was given $26,400 for small partner sponsorship.

Other recipients included Bridges Out of Poverty, Access Period, Friends of the Forgotten, Standing Bear Elementary, Sheltering Tree, Brandt House, Disney Elementary, Christian Heritage, Embrace Teachers, Patty’s Pantry, Mission Central, and India Transformed.

Husker Harvest Days, in partnership with the Heartland United Way, continues its tradition of supporting an annual food drive in Grand Island.

For this year’s event, FFA members from across the state donated a minimum of five nonperishable food items and received free entry to the show. In addition, the food drive extended to local grocery stores in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Howard counties during the show week.

The 2023 food drive resulted in 15,101 pounds of food, supporting 22 backpack programs and food pantries across the four counties.

“The food collected is so important to local backpack programs, shelter meal providers and local food pantries to help ensure people have access to food,” said Karen Rathke, president of Heartland United Way.

The Bags of Fun Omaha Chapter delivered 200 Bags of Fun to children fighting life-threatening injuries in 2022 and hopes to reach more than 300 this year.

The organization started in Denver. Gabby Krause, who was fighting a brain tumor, used to bring bags of fun to her hospital appointments and wanted to share that idea with other children. Her family has carried on that wish.

Referrals come from the Child Life Specialists at Nebraska Medicine, Children’s Nebraska, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Angels Among Us, Heart Heroes, Ronald McDonald House, Rainbow House, Children’s Respite Care Center, Endless Journey Hospice and Madonna Rehabilitation.

Bags of Fun Omaha is a nonprofit organization funded by grants, personal donations, corporate sponsorships and event fundraising. You can support Bags of Fun Omaha by attending one of its upcoming events. Tinys Roomz is hosting a Poker event for Bags of Fun Omaha on Nov. 9. Registration is open on the Bags of Fun Omaha website.

Registration opens soon for its annual ice fishing tournament at Whitehawk Lake on Jan. 21, 2024, and you can save the date for its Game Night Gala on April 5. Its Amazon wish list can be accessed through the Share Omaha website. Visit bagsoffunomaha.org for more information.

What happens if organizations that take care of vulnerable people can’t do the work anymore?

For the first time, Omaha-area nonprofit executives focused on the future of human care at a day-long symposium at the Scott Conference Center.

Participants learned about legal, legislative, and hiring challenges. They also engaged with panels of media experts and leaders of local foundations.

“The Future of Human Care Symposium was not just an opportunity to show how nonprofits serve through whole-person care, but hopefully the catalyst for further enhancements in the continued evolution of how nonprofits can partner to better serve our communities,” said Chris Tonniges, president and CEO of Lutheran Family Services.

After 25 years, the annual election day soup and pie meal put on by the United Methodist Women of Trinity United Methodist Church in Ralston has come to an end.

The meal was held in Trinity United Methodist Community Center and featured handmade noodles for the chicken soup.

“Thank you to everyone for your support over the past years,” said Jan Gorman, publicity chair.