Murray Newsletter - January 27, 2021

 

Over the past several months we've taken many drives along dusty graveled roads and dirty, rutted, minimum maintenance roads through Cass, Sarpy, Lancaster and Otoe counties, in hopes of seeing some wildlife. It's fun to see a bobwhite quail, raccoon, fox or deer, but they're becoming much more scarce. Fields are being stripped of tree lines and when that habitat is gone, so are many of the wild creatures. It's ironic though, that in making a trip into Bellevue, we can see 30 or more turkeys in an open field right in the middle of the city amidst the traffic and buildings.

Last week we were thrilled when we crested a hill and saw dozens of bald eagles on a pond's frozen surface gathered around a hole in the ice. My first thought was that I wish I had my old Canon camera, with its 35 mm film, so I could get a fantastic shot of this spectacular sight. My phone would have to do, but I sure wish this image was much more clear, so you can see what we were witness to. The next day, on another outing we spotted 8 eagles in one tree and 15 in another, 25 miles from where we'd seen them gathered on the pond the day before.

A few short decades ago, bald eagles were on the endangered species list. Much of their decline was due to habitat destruction and the use of a pesticide, a poison called DDT. Actions were finally taken by the government and, together with the efforts by everyday citizens, these magnificent icons made a dramatic comeback. About 14 years ago, they were 'upgraded' to the 'threatened' status and are now protected by both the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Is it any wonder that the bald eagle symbolizes the same tenacity, grit and determination of Americans? Our democracy continually needs to be protected to keep it off the 'endangered' list, too. Ask yourself if what you're doing each day is eroding the basic foundation upon which our country was founded.  Has your mind and soul been poisoned by someone or something?  Each one of us needs to prove to each other, and the world, how we Americans strive every day to work together, and not against each other, for the common good. Each one of us can, and must, do this without fail.  It's our responsibility.  Smallest kindnesses and respect speaks volumes, and our whole world will be better for our efforts.

REFLECTION

You have given me riches and ease,
You have given me joys through the years,
I have sat in the shade of your trees,
With the song of your birds in my ears.
I have drunk of your bountiful wine
And done as I've chosen to do,
But, oh wonderful country of mine,
'How little have I done for you!

You have given me safe harbor from harm,
Untroubled I've slept through the nights
And have waked to the new morning's charm
And claimed as my own its delights.
I have taken the finest of fine
From your orchards and fields where it grew,
But, oh wonderful country of mine,
How little I've given to you!

You have given me a home and a place
Where in safety my babies may play;
Health blooms on each bright dimpled face
And laughter is theirs every day.
You have guarded from danger the shrine
Where I worship when toiling is through,
But, oh wonderful country of mine,
How little have I done for you!

I have taken your gifts without thought,
I have revelled in joys that you gave,
That I see now with blood had been bought,
The blood of your earlier braves.
I have lived without making one sign
That the source of my riches I knew,
Now, oh wonderful country of mine,
I'm here to do something for you!

Edgar A. Guest

If you want to see why this matters, check out this 26-minute video.

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MURRAY, NE SNOW REMOVAL and MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE

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DRIVER NEEDED, 2 HRS/DAY

Van Driver needed at Conestoga Schools.
Hours are 7:00 to 8:00 am and 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday.

$16.38/hr.

Contact Midstates School Bus at 402-235-2206 or email conestoga@midstatesschoolbus.com

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IN ELMWOOD, NE - CASS COUNTY FOOD BANK!

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To Schedule Your Upcoming Blood Drive Donation, click HERE or call 1-800­-RED CROSS (1-800­-733-2767):

Avoca

2/15/2021: 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Town Hall, 623 House St

Elmwood

2/15/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fire Hall, 601 N 4th

Plattsmouth

2/10/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, 2128 Lincoln Ave

2/14/2021: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., First Baptist Church, 16220 Highway 75

 

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From the Cass County Clerk:

Beginning February 1, 2021, the Cass County Nebraska Courthouse hours of operation will be from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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To check for updates on covid-19 in Cass County, click the Sarpy/Cass Health Department's Dashboard HERE. You'll see an up-to-date overview and test results, active cases, cumulative cases, hospitals, deaths and maps.

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All children need a secure place to learn and grow. The ideal place should be in their own home, however many kids are not that fortunate.

In times of neglect or abuse, a child must sometimes be removed from their home at a moment's noticed and placed in a warm, safe place. Kids of all ages, from birth through high school, sometimes need the help of the Child Saving Institute.

CSI helps foster parents and biological families learn the skills they need for a safe, well-cared-for, and loving family life.During this unsettling time of covid-19, the Murray Christian Church is collecting essential cleaning items for the Child Saving Institute.

If you would like to donate, here are some things they could use:Pine Sol, Lysol Disinfectant Spray, sanitizing wipes, latex and powder-free disposable gloves, (L & XL), and hand sanitizer.

Please bring items to Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young St, Murray, NE on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, between the hours of 10 - 2:00. You may call the church ahead of time, 402-235-2527, to be sure someone will be there to assist you.

Thank you for helping to keep these children, (and the CSI staff), healthy and happy!.

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Auction inventory >>

 

On-line bidding open now through Saturday >>

 

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TEN YEARS AGO...
Conestoga Wrestling, Volleyball & Basketball, Relay for Life, an Irish Music Concert, Picasso and Einstein at Mahoney and a Fiddle Camp!

 

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Even during the summer and amid the Covid19 crisis, the Conestoga Backpack Program continues to furnish food to local families in need. The program serves the Murray, Nehawka, Union and Beaver Lake areas in southeast Nebraska, and will not turn anyone away.

Just by adding a few of the items listed below to your shopping list and picking them up, you'll be helping someone in a big way. Keep in mind that some of the children are very young and are possibly 'preparing' their own meals, so easy-to-open containers are a good option for little hands.

Also needed are hygienic supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, cotton swabs, tissues and toilet paper.

To make a monetary donation instead, a check made payable to 'CONESTOGA BACKPACK PROGRAM' may be mailed or deposited at Cornerstone Bank, 102 W Main St, Murray, NE 68409. 100% of all monies collected is used for food and hygienic supplies for the families.

To have the items picked up, call Jill at 402-660-3543 to make arrangements. As another alternative, you may drop them off at Cornerstone Bank in Murray or at their Beaver Lake location.

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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ATTENTION FRIENDS 

If you have a compromised immune system or do not feel safe going out to a public grocery store, we have 4 volunteers available to help. Please call the church office to request their services 402.235.2527.

Worship this week will be through Facebook Live.

Thank you,
Pastor Mike and the Murray Christian Church Board

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