August is the month of the high-sailing hawks. The hen hawk is the most noticeable. He likes the haze and calm of these long, warm days. He is a bird of leisure and seems always at his ease. How beautiful and majestic are his movements!
John Burroughs
1837 ~1921
American naturalist and essayist
Murray Freedom Festival Regular Meeting
The Murray Freedom Festival Board of Trustees and Volunteers will meet at 7 p.m., on THURSDAY, August 4, 2022, at the Murray Town Hall, 106 W. Main Street, Murray, NE.
The Murray Freedom Festival, a long-running 501c3 non-profit organization, is looking for enthusiastic individuals who are interested and have the time to help run the Murray Freedom Festival.
At this meeting, we will review the 2022 Murray Freedom Festival event and begin the planning process for the 2023 Murray Freedom Festival including talking about potential activities for next year's event!
The Murray Freedom Festival is also seeking your kind and generous financial donation in support of this year's events to be held on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Please visit our website at www.MurrayFreedomFestivalNE.com to learn more and contribute!
We invite those who are interested in helping shape the 2023 Murray Freedom Festival to attend the next meeting on THURSDAY, August 4, 2022.
Thank you and we value your ideas and input!
Murray Freedom Festival Board of Directors
NEBRASKA METEOROLOGISTS' SIMPLIFIED FORECAST CHART for ANY DAY of the YEAR
Books Chosen to Represent Nebraska at National Book Festival
“Letters from Space” and “The Bones of Paradise” chosen for the National Center for the Book’s Great Reads from Great Places program
The Nebraska Center for the Book has selected one youth book and one adult book by Nebraska authors to represent the state at the 2022 National Book Festival: Letters from Space by Clayton Anderson, illustrated by Susan Batori and The Bones of Paradise: A Novel by Jonis Agee.
Both titles will be part of the National Center for the Book’s Great Reads from Great Places program. Great Reads from Great Places features books and authors representing the literary heritage of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Marianas. For over 20 years this program has included a highlighted youth title from each affiliate center. In 2022, Great Reads from Great Places is including titles for adults for the first time.
This year's National Book Festival on Sept. 3 will be held in-person in Washington, D.C., but will include many livestreamed and recorded virtual programs celebrating books and authors. Author Clayton Anderson will take part in an online panel conversation with other chosen authors from state Centers for the Book in the Midwest Region to talk about his book and what inspired him, what he likes most about Nebraska, and more.
This and other panel discussions will be posted toward the end of August on the National Book Festival website and the Library of Congress’s YouTube channel.
About the Books
“Letters from Space”
Written by a real life Astronaut, these letters from space are full of weird science, wild facts, and outrageous true stories from life in space, complete with hysterical illustrations from Susan Batori. The back of the book includes even more interesting information on space, astronauts, and living among the stars.
A starred review in School Library Journal reads: "With a final page of facts about NASA, astronauts, and living in space, this must-purchase entertains with a combination of zany art, humor, and solid facts for fascinated young readers craving space travel even the armchair kind.”
Nebraska’s Great Reads from Great Places book is chosen from the previous year’s Nebraska Book Award winners and this book was awarded the 2021 Nebraska Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category.
“The Bones of Paradise”
A multigenerational family saga set in the unforgiving Nebraska Sand Hills in the years following the massacre at Wounded Knee—it is an ambitious tale of history, vengeance, race, guilt, betrayal, family, and belonging, filled with a vivid cast of characters shaped by violence, love, and a desperate loyalty to the land.
Chosen as the 2022 One Book One Nebraska selection, libraries across Nebraska and other literary and cultural organizations have participated in book discussions, activities, and events that encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
About the Authors
Astronaut Clayton Anderson
Nebraska's only Astronaut, spent 167 days in space and 38 hours and 28 minutes in executing 6 spacewalks. He applied 15 times before NASA selected him as an Astronaut in 1998; and he spent 30 years working for NASA, 15 as an engineer and then 15 as an Astronaut.
Succeeding in one of the most difficult and coveted jobs in the world through perseverance and a never-give-up mantra, Anderson employs NASA’s “Plan, Train and Fly (Execute)” philosophy to all his speaking engagements and projects. Coupled with lessons learned in the areas of leadership, persistence, and passion, he provides unique and “out of this world” insights for those seeking to achieve practical execution.
Astronaut Clayton "Astro Clay" Anderson is the author of three children’s books; Letters from Space, A is for Astronaut: Blasting through the Alphabet, and It's a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut's Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions, and his award winning memoir, The Ordinary Spaceman. You can find out more about Astro Clay and his current and upcoming books at www.AstroClay.com. Follow him on social media @Astro_Clay
Jonis Agee
Agee was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Nebraska and Missouri, places where many of her stories and novels are set. In all, she is the author of thirteen books, including five novels, five collections of short fiction, and two books of poetry.
Agee's novels include The Weight of Dreams (Viking Adult, 1999,) South of Resurrection (Viking Audlt, 1997,) Sweet Eyes (Crown, 1991,) and The River Wife (Random House, 2007.) She's the Adele Hall Professor of English at The University of Nebraska — Lincoln, where she teaches creative writing and twentieth-century fiction.
Agee is married to the writer Brent Spencer. They live in Ponca Hills, which is on the Missouri River, north of Omaha.
"I own twenty pairs of cowboy boots (some of them works of art), love the open road, and believe that ecstasy and hard work are the basic ingredients of life and writing."
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases .
Conestoga High School's Convenience Corner is collecting foods for easy meals needed throughout the summer break, such as mac and cheese, Ramen noodles, etc.
You may drop off donations on Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays, between 10 am and 2 pm at Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young Street. Contact the church office, 402-235-2527 or send email to church2527@windstream.net for more information.
T.E.A.M. TOBACCO EDUCATION ADVOCACY of the MIDLANDS
We are thrilled to announce our 2022 educational line-up!
Each month our coalition will focus on educating the community about a specific tobacco issue through our listserv, social media, and advertising. Additionally, at each monthly meeting a national or local speaker will educate our members & guests on the topic. We are currently meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month from 11:30-12:30 via zoom.
Please invite a colleague or friend!
Register HERE.
NATIONAL BLOOD CRISIS!
Worst Blood Shortage in Over a Decade!
The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. Please schedule your blood donation today.
Local Volunteers and Blood Donors Needed
To Schedule Your Upcoming Blood Drive Donation, click HERE or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767):
Sunday, August 14, 2022
First Baptist Church
16220 Highway 75
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Monday, August 15, 2022
Town Hall
623 House St
Avoca, NE 68307
01:00 PM - 06:00 PM
About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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!
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.
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Dry soup mixes
Canned meat (chicken, tuna)
Boxed prepared meal kits (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Canned fruit and vegetables
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!
KEEP READING about EVENTS in our NEIGHBORING TOWNS
Dear Avoca Friends, near and far!
The Avoca, NE Town Hall has been a big part of the Village for many years. Without it many people would be at a loss on where to gather for village events and many other occasions.
The last couple of years have been a struggle due to covid cancellations, funds are short. The Hall is in major need of repairs. Board members are working on raising money to help cover the cost of repairs that need to be made.
1. New Roof
2. Masonry work on front of building
3. Replacement of Deck
4. General Maintenance
If you would like to help in our efforts to save the Town Hall we
would very much appreciate any monetary donation towards our goal of
$25,000.
How to donate:
Send check made payable to Avoca Town Hall to:
Nadine Kreifels
515 Tefft
Avoca, NE 68307
THANK YOU!
Send Message on FaceBook if you have questions: https://www.facebook.com/Avoca-Nebraska-503016386474287
Sincerely,
AVOCA TOWN HALL BOARD
8 PM – 11 PM
The Fun Pianos Dueling Pianos Show

Greenwood Craft Fair Registration
Craft Fair 2022
When: August 20,2021.
Where: Greenwood Village Park
Time: 10AM- 4PM
10x10 area
*Must provide own table/ shade covering*
$20.00 fee for each 10x10 area
We will be accepting crafters and vendors on a first come first serve basis. You will receive a confirmation email to let you know you were accepted to be a participant in our event. Payments will need to be received to confirm your spot. Applications need to be received before July 23rd,2022.
Thank you for your interest in our event and we look forward to hearing from you.
GREENWOOD 5K & WALK...MCKENNA'S RUN..CURE HD
Sat., August 20, 2022
Greenwood, NE 68366
Additional race information can be found at http://GREENWOOD5K.ORG.
PLACE
Greenwood, NE US 68366
The Greenwood 5K and Walk exists in memory of McKenna Smith, her father Tracy Smith, and grandfather Charlie Smith. All proceeds will be donated to the local Huntington's Disease Foundation.
Register by 8/3/22 to receive a T-shirt. Donate and walk or run without a T-Shirt after 8/3/22.
CLICK HERE FOR ART WORKSHOPS in SPRINGFIELD, NE!
211 Main Street, Louisville, NE
cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com
Like us on FB!
Call for showtimes, 1-800-480-8797, EXT 211. For more info, leave us a voice mail at the end of the message and we'll return your call!

By clicking on this link https://forms.gle/b2kF2MnnuZfFHvcH6 you will be directed to a Google form to register your group for the 2022 GRAND PARADE.
You may also find the link on our website at plattsmouthharvestfestival.com. This year we would like to have as many entries pre-registered as possible, so that we can better organize our parade. Registration is FREE, and numbers will be assigned based on entries received.
We would like to receive all entries by September 5, 2022.
If you are not the contact for a parade entry, please forward this info to the correct person.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail (plattsmouthharvestfestival@gmail.com) or phone, 402-306-6051. We look forward to your continued participation in the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival.
Brian Harvey
Grand Parade Chairman


Luke Bryan Concert
Have you heard the news! Luke Bryan is coming to Murdock for a concert at Stock Hay Company on September 22nd. The whole community is buzzing and it's going to be the event of the year.
Tickets can be purchased here https://www.lukebryan.com/tour


P.A.R.C. members get together Tuesday evenings at Plattsmouth's Burger King at 6 pm.
Monthly meetings the last Saturday of most months at Mom's Cafe in Plattsmouth, 8 am. (NO December monthly meeting.)
Click HERE or on the radio antenna logo above to read the latest newsletter and calendar.
For more info, contact Roger Behrns, rb55930@windstream.net or call 402-234-6775.
ATTENTION, VETERANS!
Do you need assistance? We're here to help!
Contact Cass County Veteran Service Officer
Email: ccvso@cassne.org
Admin Assistant: Jacie Victor
Email: ccvsoadmin@cassne.org
Call for appointment! 402-296-9368
ARE YOU 55+
and
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK?
The following is an employment opportunity available to older adults in Cass County.
Experience Works is a national, non-profit organization funded by the US Dept of Labor to administer the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which assists people 55 and older in getting updated training to assist in returning to the workforce. This is a federally funded program and offers a no-cost employment service to older adults who qualify.
Once accepted into the program, individuals are placed in a training site in or near their community, where they gain on the job experience while working 20-21 hours/week at $8/hour.
We also help with skill assessments, computer training, resumes, cover letters, job search, etc.
The goal is that through the training and job search assistance we gain help older adults gain good jobs in or around their communities.
Stephanie MahonyEmployment and Training CoordinatorExperience Works, Inc.
1111 "O" Street Ste 205
American Job CenterLincoln, NE 68508
Phone: 402-441-1654Fax: 402-441-6038
stephanie_mahony@experienceworks.org
Nebraska Toll-free Number: 1-877-314-7526
https://www.keepcasscountybeautiful.com/index.php
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO THIS NEWSLETTER...
Below is a list of categories that we are happy to post, (at NO COST to you!), in the weekly Murray online newsletter:
Weddings
Engagements
Anniversary
Births
Letters to the Editor
Birthday Greeting
Upcoming Events
Cards of Thanks
Lost and Found
Obituaries
Recipes
Photos
and So Much More!
That's right! These are all items that can appear FREE of CHARGE in each Wednesday's Murray Newsletter and/or Calendar! All YOU have to do is send the information to us - it's that simple!
DEADLINE for submissions to each week's Wednesday Newsletter is NOON on the preceding MONDAY.
There are 3 ways you can submit your articles:
1) You may call your information to 402-235-2926 and leave a voice mail with your name and phone number.
2) Email your story with your name, contact info and story, in plain text to:
Send photos in .jpg format, no larger than 495 pixels wide or photos and fliers in a .pdf, to the e-address above with your story in plain text.
3) Send items via the U.S. postal service to:
Be sure to allow enough time to be received by Monday! Also, when mailing items you'd like to get back, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Remember to include 'who, what, when, where and why', along with any other helpful details, such as a contact person and phone.
Again, you must have your name and contact information included with the information.
Thanks for helping to keep YOUR Murray Newsletter fresh and up-to-date!
**********
SUBSCRIBE to the MURRAY NEWSLETTER
It's easy and FREE! Click HERE.
You will receive an email Wednesday morning at 6:30 with a link to the NL.
You may also receive the Murray NL on your mobile device at 1:30 that same day by entering your number at the 'MURRAY MOBILE' box on this page.
NO WORRIES. We do NOT sell or give your e-address or phone to anyone!
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