Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.United Way sets fundraising record
Jim and Diny Landen, chairmen of the United Way of the Midlands 2011 campaign, said the drive raised a record $22.5 million. That's more than the goal ($21.7 million) and was 6.3 percent more than the previous campaign raised.
"Even knowing how generous people in the metro area can be, we're overwhelmed by the response," said Diny Landen.
More than 135 local programs receive donor dollars. The annual fundraising drive also provides callers round-the-clock human service referrals on the 211 phone line. United Way coordinates individual and group volunteer projects for nonprofit organizations as well.
Metro bus routes on Google Maps
Planning a bus trip in Omaha is now easier than ever, thanks to Metro's recent partnership with Google Maps. The website allows passengers to designate an origin and destination in the Omaha area, and receive detailed bus directions, including route maps, bus stop locations, departure times and trip durations.
The service was created at no cost to the agency.
"This partnership with Google represents our ongoing efforts to provide convenient, affordable, and efficient transportation in the Omaha area," said Curt Simon, executive director of Metro Transit. "The ability to access transit information from a smartphone will be a major asset to our customers."
Event recognizes black writers
The English, communications and theater department and Restoring Awareness Culturally and Ethnically (R.A.C.E.) organization at Concordia University in Seward, Neb., will host an open mike presentation of literary works by African-Americans from 10:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday on the top floor of the Janzow Campus Center. The Black History Month event is free and open to the public.
Feb. 11 hikes depend on having snow
If there is snow, Hitchcock Nature Center near Honey Creek, Iowa, is planning a guided snowshoe hike through the Loess Hills on Feb. 11.
The hourlong snowshoeing adventures are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Preregistration and prepayment are required by Friday because space is limited. These workshops are designed for participants 12 and older.
Cost is $5 per person and includes the guided hike, refreshments and the use of snowshoes. Call 712-242-1197 to preregister.
However, no snow, no hike.
Compiled by Carol Bicak
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
