May 2011 Highlights « Back

Fuel Up to Play 60 in Nebraska

This month, two schools in Nebraska received a great reward for having some of the highest activity points in the state, earning them a special visit. Two former Huskers that are now in the NFL visited the schools to motivate the children and encourage them to continue with Fuel Up to Play 60 and drink more milk.

Zack Bowman, #35, of the Chicago Bears, told the children of Underwood Hills Focus School (K-6) in Omaha that his focus is to eat healthy foods such as low-fat/fat-free dairy products every day and work out for three to four hours per day so he can be in top shape when the NFL practice resumes. Zack spent 45 minutes outside playing football and basketball with the kids and enjoyed every minute.

Larry Asante, #22, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, visited Goodrich at Dawes Middle School in Lincoln. During the assembly, the children gave an extra cheer for Nebraska dairy farmers. Larry encouraged the kids to drink their milk. He was also challenged by a student to a push up contest and lost by one, doing 91 pushups. Check it out here.

Our Nebraska dairy vending grant application revisions are completed and some applications have been sent out to schools. If a school has contacted you with interest in a vending grant, please contact Caryn at ckusleika@midwestdairy.com.

Other Nebraska Updates

Know Your Nebraska Staff…
Beth Bruck-Upton is a registered dietitian who has been working with the Dairy Council since October of 2008. Beth is a member of the Midwest Dairy Health and Wellness team working with health professionals across the state, and supporting the Fuel Up to Play 60 program in schools. Beth has been married for seven years to her husband, Matt, and they have a 16-month-old little boy named Cooper. Beth has recently been nominated for the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award by the Nebraska Dietetic Association; a great honor for Beth to be recognized by her peers throughout the state.

Know Your Nebraska Board…
Lowell Mueller is the new chairman of the Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association.  Lowell and his wife, Lois, own and operate Vi-View Farms Dairy at Hooper, along with Lowell’s brothers, Dennis and Larry, and their parents, Orlando and Lois Mueller.  The family milks 200 registered Holsteins and has a row crop operation consisting of corn, soybeans and alfalfa.  Lowell and Lois have three children. Reed, their son, helps on the dairy. Kelly, the oldest daughter, and her husband, Matt Baker, have three children and live in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska. Paige, their youngest daughter, and husband, Scott Leising, live in Lincoln.   Lowell enjoys serving on several dairy boards. His hobby is singing in a barbershop chorus called the Fremont Pathfinders who last year won the Central States District Championship and will compete this summer in the International Competition in Kansas City.

Our Fiberglass Cow…We have available for anyone’s use, a life-size milking cow replica.  We are currently “booking engagements” for fairs, parades, picnics, etc.  There are a lot of open dates throughout the summer, so let me know if you have an event where you would like to give the kids an up-close look and touch.  We only ask that you help us coordinate the transportation to your event and to the next one following yours.  Contact me by phone or email.

Our new Nebraska Dairy Princess, Chandra Mosel, is just getting started with her duties.  To schedule appearances, please contact Julie A. Meier, contest director, 4005 Sandalwood Drive, Grand Island, 68803 or email or call julie.meier@thrivent.com at 308-390-9338.