Briefly: News notes Monday

Support groups offer help during holidays

The American Cancer Society, in conjunction with Alegent Health, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center and the Nebraska Medical Center, will offer support groups to help people who are going through a cancer diagnosis cope with the emotional stress of the holidays.

On Thursday, a support group for colorectal cancer patients will focus on spirituality and coping with the holidays. Josh McDonald, staff chaplain from Alegent Health Pastoral Care, will present the program from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the American Cancer Society office, 9850 Nicholas St.. A light dinner will be provided.

On Dec. 9, a support group for caregivers of adult cancer patients will meet. This session will be presented by Holly Adams and Linda Dempsey of the Alegent Health Cancer Support Team. The group will meet from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the American Cancer Society office.

Anyone wishing to reserve a spot in either support group should call the American Cancer Society at 393-5801. Reservations for the Thursday session should be made by today, and reservations for the Dec. 9 session by Dec. 4.

Workshop offers tips on federal contracts

People who want to learn how to obtain federal contracts can attend a free workshop from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Nebraska District Small Business Administration office, 10675 Bedford Ave.

Advance registration is recommended. Call 221-7205 or 221-7215.

Speakers will include representatives of the SBA Office of Government Contracting, the SBA Office of Business Opportunity and the Nebraska Business Development Center Procurement Technical Assistance Center, in cooperation with the 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base.

Students will explore eliminating prejudice

In an effort to stop youngsters from learning prejudice, the Anti-Defamation League is offering a Prejudice Elimination Workshop. Now in its 23rd year, the 2009 workshop will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Metropolitan Community College South Omaha campus, 2909 Edward “Babe” Gomez Ave.

Nearly 300 high school juniors from Omaha-area schools will participate. The one-day workshop is designed to help youths confront their own personal biases and assumptions; to stand up to stereotypes, bullying and offensive jokes; and to develop empathy and appreciation for others who are different.

For more information, call 333-1303 or visit www.adl.org/plains-states.

Open house set at Lincoln safety office

The Nebraska Safety Council is holding an open house from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to celebrate the first anniversary at its Lincoln location, 3243 Cornhusker Highway, Suite 10.

Visitors will learn more about the council while meeting the staff and touring the classrooms and office area.

S.A.F.E. program helps vets, families

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System will host a program this week to provide education and emotional support for families and friends of veterans with mental illnesses.

The program will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the VA Medical Center, 4101 Woolworth Ave., in the Education Conference Room.

The Support And Family Education (S.A.F.E.) program is a free monthly, 90-minute confidential workshop.

Reservations are not required, but people with questions can contact a S.A.F.E. program coordinator at 800-451-5796, ext. 94944 or 94396.

Democrats in Sarpy to meet Wednesday

Sarpy County Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lansky’s Pizza, 3909 Twin Creek (39th Street and Highway 370) in Bellevue. A social hour starts an hour before the meeting for networking, dinner and information sharing.

Boys Town seminar looks at hearing aids

Boys Town Audiology will give one-hour seminars on the latest in hearing-device technology at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Boys Town National Research Hospital, 139th and Pacific Streets.

The sessions are free and will include refreshments. Participants are asked to register ahead of time by calling 498-6520.

Red carpet coming out at Red Cross office

Visit the Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday to learn about the organization’s call center, its energy programs, services for military families and much more.

The open house will be at the Heartland Chapter offices at 2912 S. 80th Ave.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Liz Clausen at 343-7760 or clausenl@usa.redcross.org.

Sweet Adelines staging fall show Saturday

The Omaha Chorus of Sweet Adelines International will present its 2009 fall show, “If the Glass Shoe Fits,” Saturday at 7 p.m. at Papillion-La Vista High School, 84th and Centennial Streets. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.

Compiled by Carol Bicak