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Leta’s LegacyContinued from page 5.“She was truly that talented andhad developed her craft,” Aaron said.“She could have gone on and did greatwork, but she had an even greaterimpact by staying in Lincoln. Sheshowcased Nebraska talent and had animpact on broadcasting as a whole bystaying here.”Lincoln became Leta’s home, andshe even was affectionately dubbed byJohnny Carson as “Leta of Lincoln.”Despite her hectic work schedule,Leta raised her son, Aaron, herself.“She truly loved Nebraska andchose to raise me here,” he said. “Shewas always showcasing Nebraskato the world through her work andproudly wearing Husker clothing.”While Leta may have been a localcelebrity, Aaron didn’t know anydifferently. He says he had a mostlynormal childhood, although it didinclude some unique opportunities toattend local events, movies and travel.Leta did her best to work hard in bothher career and raising Aaron.Although Aaron didn’t followin his mother’s footsteps into abroadcasting career, he took lifelessons from her along the way.“I did gain her ability to judgeyour audience,” he said. “Leta had askill of pairing up her interview withwhomever the audience was. She hada way of adapting and making eachinterview engaging for the audienceand making the other person thecelebrity in the moment — whetherthat was a 6-year-old on TV for thefirst time or a barbershop quartet ora movie star — she was the conduitbetween her audience and whomevershe was interviewing.”In August 2021, Leta Powell Drake washonored by the University of NebraskaLincoln with its highest honorarydegree, the Doctorate of HumaneLetters. Photos courtesy of University ofNebraska–Lincoln.Aaron uses these learned skillswhen he does public speaking asa medical consultant in medicalresearch, evaluating his audience andadjusting his speech as needed.An Enduring EffectWith a long list of awards andrecognitions, Leta’s extraordinaryachievements secured her spotAngels Care Home Health Wishes You and Your Family AHappy New Year!GENERAL SERVICES Skilled Nursing Wound Care Restorative Therapy(Physical, Speech & Occupational) Falls Prevention Disease Management Medication Management Blood Glucose MonitoringEducation20SPECIALTY PROGRAMS Take a Breath Respiratory Program Behavioral Health at Home Anxiety & Depression Chronic Care Pain Management Program Care Connections Pre-Palliative Care Alzheimer’s & Dementia ProgramContact us today to discuss how we can help you stay healthy at home.LINCOLNand surrounding areas402-328-00486 Living WellProudly Serving:Care AnHomeHealthAngMar Managed OLUMBUSand surrounding areas402-564-5729

as a prolific contributor to Lincoln, Nebraska, and thebroadcasting industry nationwide.Just a few of her recognitions include: inducted intothe Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in2010, and the Nebraska Press Women Marian AndersenNebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame in 2014. Shewas awarded Lincoln Community Playhouse’s Elsie Awardfor Outstanding Performance six times, and placed twicein the top 10 of the All Women’s Transcontinental Air RacePowder Puff Derby, piloting a single engine airplane acrossthe U.S.UNL bestowed its highest honorary degree, theDoctorate of Humane Letters, to Leta at its August 2021undergraduate ceremony. This degree is awarded to thosewho have distinguished themselves through humanitarianand philanthropic contributions to society.“If we could all have as rich and full life as Leta did,we’d look back and have no regrets,” her son said. “She hadso many things she accomplished in her lifetime, but thegreatest was being able to live her life the way she did. Itwasn’t a single moment, trophy, award or plaque — theyall had value — but it was being a woman with a careerand still have a family despite work obligations. She wasable to do what she wanted her own way and didn’t feel thepressure to fit into a mold.” LWProvidingbetterservice.No fuss.No hassle.Experience fast and secureinternet, crystal-clear TV,and dependable phone.SWITCH TODAY!1750 South 20th Street Lincoln(402) 475-6791 sumnerplacecare.com9401 Andermatt Drive Lincoln(402) 327-6300 /LivingLiving Well 7

COAHP Serves Older Adults throughCommunity NetworkingThe Coalition of Older Adult HealthPromotion (COAHP) is a networkof members who share a common goalto address the needs, concerns andlegislation pertaining to older adultsin Lincoln.COAHP’s mission is tofacilitate opportunities to promotecommunication and coordinationamong providers by sharinginformation and identifying servicesand needs that impact older adults insoutheast Nebraska.The organization’s membersinclude those working in senior livingto skilled nursing and independentliving communities, hospice and homehealth agencies, pharmacies, movingcompanies and really just about anybusiness or organization that workswith older adults in the community.Becca Henry, HoriSun Hospicecommunity relations coordinator, hasbeen part of COAHP for five years andcurrently serves as president.“I remember being new in thehealth care community, and I learnedso much from joining COAHP,” shesaid. “I learned about businesses,educational opportunities and otherservices available for older adults in theLincoln area.”COAHP members meet oncea month for an informational ornetworking event. Educational topicscover anything relevant to aging adults,such as Medicare, scams, legislation, orhow other places in the world handlesituations that older adults are facing.The networking events allowmembers to get to know one another,share resources and expertise. Thisnetwork of members positively impactsaging adults by expanding agencies’connections to others, providingreferrals and helping the community.8 Living WellThe Coalition of Older Adult Health Promotion (COAHP) members gather at aluncheon to network and discuss issues affecting older adults in the area.“Lincoln is a unique city, and weare all looking out for one another,”Henry said. “Our aging communitybenefits from having professionalsconnected who care and treat everyonelike family. In a community this big, it’spretty special we can all work together.”The Community’s BenefitEach year, COAHP provides two 500 scholarships to students pursuinga career to work with aging adultsand recognizes a professional andvolunteer in the community throughits Community Health Awards.COAHP praises the efforts ofeveryone working in the agingindustry.“Thank you for everything youdo in the community,” Henry said.“For those on the front lines caringfor one of our most vulnerablepopulations, your dedication,adaptability, perseverance andcreativity are astounding. Olderadults here are fortunate to be caredfor by the loving hands and hearts ofprofessionals in Lincoln.”COAHP has raised money todonate fans for seniors throughAging Partners. With a lesseneddemand for fans, COAHP has insteaddonated funds to the Aging PartnersEmergency funds — now the JoyceKubicek Fund — to help older adultswho need assistance paying foremergency services such as utilities,moving, rent, deposits and othersituations.As a way to give back to local agingadults, COAHP created the Make AWish Come True program in 2016.Through the program, COAHP is ableto grant “wishes” to older adults whomay not otherwise have the opportunityto do activities such as concerts, specialmeals out, trips to visit family membersand a night at the movies. Lincolncitizens are encouraged to submitnominations of older adults age 65and over for this donation-supportedprogram. Forms can be found at www.lincolncoahp.com.Join COAHPAny individual, business ororganization that works with olderadults can join COAHP. The annualcost is 40 for businesses and 20 forindividuals.For more information on COAHP,visit www.lincolncoahp.com, or theFacebook page “Coalition for OlderAdult Health Promotion Lincoln NE.” LW

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A New Twist to a Favorite GameBy combining music withget better by learning musicthe beloved game ofin and out, he said. Hebingo, music bingo wasstarted listening to andformed. And it’s hittingresearching music tothe right note as anenhance the game.entertainment option for“I found myself goingmany.farther and farther backDuring a game,in time with thethe host plays snippetssongs, finding outElliott Piper, the creator ofof a song. If you havewho influenced who,The Music Bingo People,enjoys the game as much asthe song on your card,where certain stylesthe players do.you mark it. Five in ahad come from androw makes a bingo andwhat the referencesearns the participant a prize.in songs from each decade wereMusic bingo had become popularreferring to,” Piper said.in other parts of the world, similarHe started listening to musicto the popularity of Trivia Night atby Bing and Bob Crosby, Doris Day,breweries and bars. In 2017, a friendFrank Sinatra and Judy Garland.asked Lincoln resident Elliott PiperPiper gathered an extensive collectionto create a music bingo game. Piper,of music from the 1940s to 1960sa software developer at the time,and was able to see the connectionscreated a game from the ground upbetween styles, instruments andand tested it at Backswing Brewinglyrics still in use today.Co. in August 2017 — where he“I loved it,” he said. “All of it.”continues to host weekly games.So he went about trying toSoon after, Piper was addingincorporate the older music intoanother location to his weekly roster,games at bars, parties and breweries,and then another. Six months laterbut he found most attendees didn’tand with minimal advertising, Piperhave the appreciation or recognitionfound himself running music bingofor it. He then turned to thegames almost nightly. So in Maycommunities which experienced that2018, he quit his day job and becamemusic firsthand.The Music Bingo Guy.Piper went door to doorAs demand grew, Piper changedasking those at senior centers andthe company name to The Musicretirement, assisted living andBingo People. He and his eightmemory care facilities to try it. Now,employees conduct music bingohe does about 200 games annually ingames primarily in the Lincoln andthese settings.Omaha areas. Piper himself does“I saw this as an additional wayabout 900 shows a year at assistedto share my love of the music withliving centers, corporate events, bars,those who would appreciate it fully,”breweries, private parties, elementaryhe said. “I feel extremely gratefulschools and for other fundraisers.when I find folks reliving their“It’s a great way to listen toearlier experiences through my songdifferent kinds of music,” he said.choices.”Music bingo is still being playedNew Clientelein Bellevue, Nebraska, at the firstOnce Piper began doing musicolder adult location that accepted hisbingo full time, he sought ways to10 Living WellMusic bingo is a new way to play bingoby listening to music.proposal to try it. Music bingo alsocan often be found being played atAging Partners’ Senior Centers andother retirement and assisted-livingfacilities throughout the Lincoln andOmaha areas.Positive ExperiencesTo keep his games fresh, Piperis always listening to and addingmusic. He also watches his audiencefor recognition of certain songs andartists.“I know all these songs front toback, but I enjoy hearing the storiespeople tell about them, why theyenjoy them and what was going onin the world when the songs werepopular,” he said.Piper strives to have every musicbingo playlist connect listeners withpositive memories and provide anostalgic environment.

Thinking of Downsizing? Sell your house “as is.” No agent commissions or fees. We payclosing costs. We pay up to 1,000 in moving expenses. Close on YOUR date of choice.Belinda Mellick looks forward to her first music bingo game atthe Northeast Senior Center.“The best compliment I can get is people singingalong,” he said. “The whole goal of the game is to remindpeople of songs they haven’t thought of in a while, butknow really well.”You, too, can play music bingo. A full schedule ofpublic events can be found at www.themusicbingopeople.com. Look for Music Bingo at an Aging Partners SeniorCenter near you. LWWe Provide The Fastest, Easiest, Most Convenient WayTo Sell Your House“After three other home buyers toldme they couldn’t help me and mysituation was just to complicated,Ben, from The Sierra Group took onand handled my difficult situation in atimely manner and with a wonderfuloutcome. You will not be unhappy.”Debra S.ook!copy of my bCall for a Free“A very smooth transaction with a fairmarket price. I’m glad we didn’t go theregular real estate route. Veryprofessional and everything wasupfront with no suprises. Thanks forhelping me sell my mother’s house.”Terry E.Providing Solutions for Home Sellers for more than 20 YearsWe Work withHoarding SituationsVeteran OwnedBusinessThe Sierra Group, LLCCall us: 402-291-5005www.7DaysCash.comLiving Well 11

PlanningAheadBenefits Counselors Availableto Help Provide GuidanceIMolli Stolz, Aging Partners healthinsurance and benefits counselort can be difficult to navigatethe extensive information forhealth insurance and other benefitsavailable. For those age 60 and over,Aging Partners Health Insurance andBenefits Counseling can help answerquestions about public benefits,transitioning to retirement andhealth insurance options, including: Medicare (eligibility,supplements, Advantage Plans,Part D prescription plans andlow-income Medicare benefits) Medicaid Social Security Homestead Tax Exemption Long-term care insurance Life insurance Prescription drug cost assistanceCounselors can explain andreview insurance concerns andproducts.“I can call Social Security ifsomeone needs help to enroll,help plan Medicare comparisonsfor supplements, Part D andAdvantage Plans to find the bestplan for them,” said Molli Stolz,benefits counselor.Stolz also can help enrollindividuals in most parts ofMedicare, and answer questionsrelated to what people need toknow about Medicare when theyturn 65; Parts A, B, D, AdvantagePlans and Supplements; yearlyIn Your CommunityHepburn Square2501 “Q” St., Lincoln A 55 independent living community Elevator and controlled access entry Cat friendly with additional deposit and rent All electric Common area laundry free to tenants Community and craft room in the building Off-street parkingBringCommunityHomeEvery day brings an opportunity to connect, learnand grow. From cooking demos to exerciseclasses, book clubs and informative workshops,AARP has so many virtual options at yourfingertips.Click to connect at aarp.org/nearyou402-476-008612 Living Well /AARPNE @AARPNE

changes, updates and open enrollment; errors andappeals, and low-income assistance programs.Counselors also can help review a person’s decisionsand provide additional resources and information.Benefits counselors can help individuals apply forpatient assistance plans for outstanding medical bills;and help those who need medical equipment theycannot afford. They do not provide estate planningor give financial or investment advice, but they canexplain scenarios and options. They do not work withmortgages or reverse mortgages. For the situationsthey cannot help with, they can direct people to theright place.To reach Aging Partners Health Insurance andBenefits Counseling, call 402-441-7070 or 800-2470938. Services are free, however, a contribution issuggested.Before calling, Stolz suggests people know theirquestions they want to ask, income and have awritten list of financial assets and prescriptions. ForSocial Security questions, it’s helpful to know yourSocial Security benefits, which you can obtain fromwww.socialsecurity.gov. LWOur streamlined order fulfillment processes reduce humancontact with your supplies, ensuring that you donʼt have toworry when they arrive at your door. Stay safe, stayhealthy, and thank you for social distancing.(402) OSTOMYENTERAL NUTRITIONCOMPRESSIONWOUND SUPPLIESLiving Well 13

Memory Care Offers Safety,Stability for Those Facing DementiaCaring for a loved one with dementia can take a tollnot only on the individual, but caregivers and lovedones, too.According to the National Institute on Aging,dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking,remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that itinterferes with a person’s daily life and activities.There are several types of dementia, includingAlzheimer’s disease. Being progressive and having no cure,a person must depend completely upon others for basicactivities of living when it is most severe.People with dementia often can be cared for at home;but as the disease progresses, many caregivers findthemselves having to consider putting their loved one in amemory care facility.While the cost for memory care is more than what canbe found for typical assisted living, the care is designedspecifically for those who need it and staff is specificallytrained for memory care.Caregivers of those with dementia tend to carry onuntil it becomes just too much, said Michele Carlson,Legacy Arbors activities director and certified Alzheimer’sdisease and dementia care trainer, certified dementiapractitioner and dementia educator.Memory care needs to be considered seriously whensafety becomes an issue. Legacy Arbors is an assisted livingMemory Care Community designed for individuals needingmemory care support.“Most people can tolerate the repetitiveness,” Carlsonsaid. “They can manage a lot until the individual isn’t safe.”Safety concerns include actions such as leaving a stoveon, not taking medications or taking all the medications,wandering off and getting lost.“Most who have a memory disease don’t realize it,”The Arbors offers a loving, safe environment for those withdementia.14 Living WellThe Arbors staff member, Jen, and resident, Patty, enjoytalking.Carlson said. “They want to do the th

Toll free: 800-247-0938 (Nebraska only) Publisher, editor and advertising: David Norris, 402-441-6156 Mailing list and accounts: Deb Elrod, 402-441-6146 Production Coordinators: News Link, 402-475-6397 Living Well is a service of Aging Partners. A voluntary suggested annual subscription of