OMAHA, Neb. (July 24, 2008) –Tragedy struck Omaha on December 5^th at Westroads Mall, but during the chaos many quiet heroes emerged.  From the brave and fast acting first responders and hospital staff to the strong willed survivors and resilient Von Maur employees. It is in their honor the American Red Cross, Westroads Mall and Von Maur will be hosting a blood drive at Westroads Mall on July 31^st and August 1^st.  All presenting donors will be receiving free first aid kits from the Heartland Chapter of the Red Cross.

The drive also features a community health and safety fair with emergency and preparedness information.  The Omaha Police Department, Omaha Fire Department and Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross will be present to be honored for their support during the Westroads shooting.

Spanner the Fire Department dalmatian mascot will be at the event along with Police mascots McGruff and Johnny Justice. The Community Emergency Response Team, CERT, will also be present with the Police Department to talk about neighborhood safety.  

The Fire Department will have Flash, an interactive fire truck at the drive along with the Hazard House which teaches fire safety to children.  There will also be interactive activities for children to teach fire, kindergarten and personal safety.  The Heartland Chapter of the Red Cross will be present with safety information, coloring books for children and their swimming lessons mascot Longfellow the whale.  Their Emergency Response Vehicle will also be parked outside of the mall with a fire truck.

Without the generosity of blood donors Fred Wilson, a survivor of the Westroads Mall shooting, might not be here today. Wilson, lost three fourths of his blood supply due to a gunshot wound that severed an artery in his left arm. “We have to take care of each other,” Wilson said.  He added that, “We never know when something like this can happen, so it’s important to have people who are willing to donate blood.”  

Blood Drive Sponsored by Westroads Mall and Von Maur

Thursday, July 31^st from 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, August 1^st from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Westroads Mall- Upper level Von Maur Court near Center Court

10000 California St, Omaha

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Eligible donors must be at least 16-years-old with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form where state permits, must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

This is the link to the 7 secrets to happiness that I talked about on the Tuesday morning show.    Have and nurture close friendships, have adventures, get rid of excess stuff, give in to temptation, balance busy with couch potato time,  liking yourself  is non-negotionable, and stop mentally browsing and get on with a decision.   I really like it. See what you think.

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/just-dreaming/articlecosmo.aspx

JOIN THE DVCC on Tuesday, July 29^th for MEALS TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!  Please help support the DVCC by going out to eat at a participating restaurant on Tuesday, July 29^th, 2008.  Each of the participating restaurants will donate a portion of your bill back to the DVCC!  (see list below) We also have fantastic raffle prizes that have been donated by area businesses.  Simply make a donation to the DVCC during Meals to End DV and you will be entered into the drawing to win fabulous prizes including a white gold and diamond heart pendant from Borsheims, Season tickets to Creighton Men’s Basketball, Women’s B-Ball, and other events, Gift certificates for spa services, a $100.00 gift certificate to Fleming’s and many more prizes! 

If you can’t make lunch or dinner, but want to be entered into the raffle, simply contact Jamie at 398-9928 or dvcc@dvccomaha.org and I will get you a donation envelope to send in your entry. 

Breakfast- Lisa’s Radial Café *817 N 40^th Street, Scooter’s Coffeehouse (Only these locations)*206 S 19^th Street, or lower level of First National Tower, 16^th & Dodge, Seasons @ Tower 5 *1700 Farnam St. Suite 500

Lunch- Bistro 121 * 12129 W Center Rd, CiCi’s Pizza *3205 Oakview Dr., Don Carmelos Pizzeria *3558 Farnam St, Dundee Dell *5007 Underwood Ave, Helados Santa Fe *4807 S 24^th Street, or *4202 S 50^th Street, Katie’s Greek Restaurant *119 S 40^th Street, Lisa’s Radial Café *817 N 40^th Street, McFoster’s Natural Kind Café *302 S 38^th Street, Pizza Shoppe *6056 Maple Street, Quizno’s (this location only)1110 S 71^st Street, Scooter’s Coffeehouse (Only these locations)*206 S 19^th Street, or lower level of First National Tower, 16^th & Dodge, Season @ Tower 5 *1700 Farnam Street, Suite 500, Spirit World *7517 Pacific Street, Taxi’s 1822 N 120^th Street

Dinner- Bistro 121 * 12129 W Center Rd, Blimpie (Rockbrook Village Location ONLY) 10811 Prarie Brook Rd, CiCi’s Pizza *3205 Oakview Dr., Don Carmelos Pizzeria *3558 Farnam St, Dundee Dell *5007 Underwood Ave, Helados Santa Fe *4807 S 24^th Street, or *4202 S 50^th Street, Le Voltaire *56 9 N 155^th Plz., Market Basket * 911 S 87^th Ave., McFoster’s Natural Kind Café *302 S 38^th Street, Omaha Prime *415 S 11^th St., Passport Restaurant * 1101 Jackson St., Pizza Shoppe *6056 Maple Street, Quizno’s (This location only)1110 S 71^st Street, Spirit World *7517 Pacific Street, Taxi’s 1822 N 120^th Street

St. Bernadette Parish Play Production presents their summer musical “The Prince and the Pauper-a new musical” with a cast of 63 actors, adults and children from 13 Catholic Parishes.  Performances are July 23-26 at 7:30 pm and two matinees Sat. and Sun July 26 and 27 at 2 pm.  Tickets are:  Adults $10, Children (10 and under) $5.  To purchase tickets or for more info call St. Bernadette Parish Office 731-4694 ext 302

Broadstreet Theatre presents...

The Great American Trailer Park Musical

July 11-27, 2008 at the Bellevue Little Theatre
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Omaha premiere of the show that's taken Off-Broadway by storm with sold out houses and extended engagements!

There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres - and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband - the storms begin to brew.

Buy Tickets

Tickets may be purchased online at www.broadstreettheatre.com  or reserved by phone.

Adults: $15
Seniors/Students: $13

Phone: (402) 344-3257

This show is for adults but is a wonderful romp unlike anything you've ever seen.

My friend Lorie with Baby D Productions is a terrific director and is bringing back one of my favorite theater groups in Omaha.  Here's an opportunity to have fun and help...

Baby D presents: “AN EVENING AT THE PURPLE PEACOCK”, a fundraiser.

We’ve found a new home in mid-town and will be re-opening Baby D in October. However, there are renovations to be done and we need your help!Come see your favorite local stars play your favorite Hollywood stars! The Golden Age of entertainment comes alive at The Purple Peacock nightclub, with non-stop music, comedy and dance! Starring Erika Hall, Audrey Fisher, Aaron Wilhoft, and Jonathan Wilhoft as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Dean Martin, Al Jolson and many more, all hosted by Rob Baker as George Burns, with Beth Paprocki and Wes Clowers, “An Evening at the Purple Peacock” is just the ticket for a hot summer night!

The Scottish Rite (20^th and Douglas-second floor) has generously donated their beautiful theatre for our cause. But make your reservations today because this extravaganza will run for four performances only, Thursday through Sunday, July 10-13!

Tickets are $18.00, with a $2.00 discount for students, seniors, and active military.

Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 8:00, Sunday at 6:00.

For reservations call 402-991-9155.

Join me at the post matinee discussion with Kairos Pychological on July 13th.  This is a great show...PG-13 subject matter.

Ralston Community Theatre is proud to present

A Chorus Line

Book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas
Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by
Marvin Hamlisch.

Presented July 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2008 7:30 p.m.
     and
July 6, 13, 20, 2008  2:00 p.m.

Ralston Performing Arts Centre
8969 Park Drive, Omaha NE

Tickets are $15 for Adults, and $12 for students
and seniors.  Call 898-3545 for information and reservations or online reservations at www.ralstontheatre.org   

A Chorus Line is a musical for everyone who has
ever had a dream and put it all on the line.

Star listener Donna did some follow up on an incredible effort to resuce animals displaced by the flooding in Iowa.. Here is what she found.

Ten of our area’s most dynamic women will be honored at the 21st annual YWCA Omaha Tribute to Women luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, at the Holiday Inn Central Ballroom, 72^nd and Grover Streets.

The honorees are chosen in 10 categories, based on impact in the award category, community service and a demonstrated commitment to the elimination of one or more forms of discrimination, according to event chair Kathy Martin, and selection chair Deb Bass of Bass & Associates, Inc.  For ticket or table information, please contact Sharon Robino-West, 345-6555, or visit YWCA’s website:   www.ywcaomaha.org

With my college age daughter job hunting, we are keenly aware of the new trend of employers doing a web search.   Heather from Yahoo's Hotjobs  site was on the show  talking about your 'digital footprint'.    She had some great tips about resetting your  facebook or myspace account privacy settings...or changing it up to show off your best features for a job by adding your portfolio or resume.  I was also really impressed to hear that it is still important to send a handwritten thank you note after an interview....and spelling matters.

Here is a link to Heather's article on the subject:

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-5 web tips for landing your first job-409