Men, like peaches and pears, grow sweet a little while before they begin to decay.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
1841~1935
American Jurist and Legal Scholar, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
* * * * * * *
Our neighbor, John, dropped by and asked if we liked peaches. Well, yeeeeesssss! He said to come over and pick as many as we'd like. His tree was stooping so low from the weight of them, that it was nearly touching the ground. Boy, they were good, too! Juice and sweet. Neighbors like that are sweet to have, too! Hope you're as lucky!
Thanks, John
MURRAY FREEDOM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
What a difference a few hours makes. Weather forecasters had been telling us for days that the annual Freedom Festival events could possibly be rained out, but the day started out with brilliant blue skies and bright sunshine.
Temps were in the lower 70's as we wandered over to the fire station at 9 am. We always enjoy starting off the big day with family and friends at the MVFD pancake breakfast fundraiser. What a crowd! When we arrived, we saw that tables were full and the lines stretched to the west about 3/4 of the way across the large parking lot. Within about 5 minutes after we took our place in line, the pilgrimage was reaching to the shoulder of the highway. There was easily several hundred, possibly well over a thousand, hungry appetites served. Volunteers even had to make a mad dash for more supplies, as hungry diners just kept coming. Visiting with friends while standing in line sure helped the time go by faster, but any time with friends always seems to zip by wherever you are, doesn't it?
Fire trucks, rescue vehicles and tractors were out for the kids and all to climb on, and in, to check them out.
Once inside, we found some other friends to sit with who we hadn't seen in many months. We enjoyed catching up and hearing their daughter talk about her adventures since graduating high school a year ago. How exciting to be that young and have a whole lifetime ahead to look forward to.
We'd finished eating when the rest of our party finally appeared from the long line. Our friends from Montana found our temperature pretty warm, compared to their mountain home's climate, but their 4 and 6-year olds' appetites didn't notice. Their little tummies had a lot of room for their sausage and pancakes and were filled fast!
Congratulations to Murray's own, Ella Lewis, who was crowned as this year's Miss Murray/Beaver Lake and to this year's Grand Marshal, Whitney VanWinkle, pictured below.
As the day progressed, Geo Blessing, MFF President, (shown below), reported that there were 56 participants signed-up for the early morning 5K run-walk, 32 oozeball teams, 19 cornhole teams and 6 vehicles in the Car Show & Shine. We had record counts for the Festival's events - 32 Oozeball teams, 56 participants in the 5K run-walk, 19 teams for Corn Hole and 6 cars in the Show and Shine Car Show!
Cornhole tournament winners were:
1st place- FunBags-
Rowdy and Angel Woodard
2nd place- A Hole is a Hole
Logan Burow and Alexa Vogler
3rd place- Why is it called Cornhole?
Ben and Erica Brouhard
4th place- The Cornhole Team-
Mitch Groenjes and Jay Stutzman
After a 7-hour tournament, the Skid Marks, (above), reigned as the 2023 oozeball champs! Gee, they look pretty clean for just winning the tournament, dont' they?!
The grand parade started winding its way through town from the elementary school to Young Park at about 6 pm. It's always fun to see the kids chasing after the candy and treats thrown from the parade participants. The biggest kid I know even went home with a few Tootsie Rolls that happened to come his way!
Right after the parade, the band, Cadillac Jack, was nearly set-up when the skies started darkening and releasing a few raindrops. Weather warnings starting pinging phones and the evening's activities suddenly ground to a jolting halt. No music and no fireworks this night, darn it.
The fireworks show went on the next evening, Wednesday, the 5th, to complete this year's event and what a celebration it was! Part of the show was seen from near Weeping Water on Highway 1!
Thanks to Whitney VanWinkle for providing parking south of Young Park and to everyone else, also - all the volunteers, activity participants and spectators for enjoying the Murray Freedom Festival with us! See you next year!
(If you have any additional photos to share, please send them to Editor@MurrayNebraska.com. I'd be happy to post them here!
ATTENTION!
FROM OUR MURRAY POSTMASTER:
Murray Post Office will return to regular Saturday hours on July 15.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your support and understanding.
Download Cass Co Fair Schedule to print >>
Guitars for Vets is a program that teaches military Veterans how to play a Guitar for those wishing to participate. The Vets program issues the Vets a loaner guitar to learn on.
Musicians at the Cornhusker Country Music Theater in Louisville, NE, plus anyone out there who is a guitarist, and wishes to donate their time to teaching, will be showing Vets the learning process so they too can enjoy playing. It's a wonderful pasttime and hobby for both the seasoned musician and the new player.
At the end of the teaching program, each Vet who participated will be provided with a new guitar, books and guitar accessories by The Guitar for Vets Program. From that point on they can move forward with their learning process. On a guitar there is no limit to the amount of learning a person can achieve. They will come away with something they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. Please help to give back to someone who has unselfishly given so much for our country.
Drop us an email at cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com for more information.
This mini-conference will update the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider with data-driven changes in patient care as well as address culture shift in Rural EMS & Fire.
Saturday, Aug. 19 I 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.)
Cost: $30
Contact Hours: 7.5
Course number: EMTL-3260-OCUA I Registration Deadline: Aug. 14
click here for additional details or contact Roxann Buchholz/402.323.3627
LINK TO REGISTER
https://webadvisor.southeast.edu/WebAdvisor/WebAdvisor?TOKENIDX=2241711630&SS=1&APP=ST&CONSTITUENCY=WBCE
BIBLE STUDY CLASS at MURRAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
304 W. YOUNG ST
MURRAY, NE
10 A.M. MOST SUNDAYS, IMMEDIATELY AFTER MORNING SERVICE.
Call church 402-235-2527 or email church2527@windstream.net<;/a> for more information.
Scatter Joy Acres
(Cell) 402-578-6335
4107 Wavery Road
Murray, NE 68409
Conestoga High School's Convenience Corner is collecting hygiene items and foods for easy meals needed throughout the school year such as mac and cheese, Ramen noodles, granola bars, etc.
You may drop off donations on Thursdays between 10 am and 1 pm at Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young Street. Contact the church office, 402-235-2527 or Jessica at 402-297-7254 to make other arrangements. You may also email at church2527@windstream.net for more information.
You may also send items with a high school student or take them to the school.
Your kindness is appreciated!
https://www.teamtobaccofree.org/
WHO CAN YOU HELP WITH YOUR DONATED BLOOD?
CANCER PATIENTS:
We have all known someone suffering with cancer. Here are some ways your donation can help make a difference to cancer patients:
Ideal Donation Type
Platelets donation, because certain cancers and cancer treatments prevent patients from producing their own.
Ideal Blood Type
A positive, A negative, B positive, O positive, AB positive and AB negative
TRAUMA PATIENTS:
Ideal Donation Type
Power Red, because red cells carry oxygen throughout the body and are frequently given to trauma and surgery patients.
AB Elite plasma donation, because AB plasma is needed to help stop bleeding. Call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an AB Elite appointment.
Ideal Blood Type for trauma patients:
For Power Red: O positive, O negative, B negative, A negative
For AB Elite: AB positive, AB negative
SICKLE CELL PATIENTS:
Ideal Donation Type
Whole blood or Power Red, especially from blood donors who are of African descent. Patients with sickle cell disease, who are predominantly Black, can require multiple blood transfusions every year. Donated blood must be very closely matched to the donor’s blood type to avoid transfusion-related complications. Since most patients with sickle cell disease are Black or African American, the most compatible blood type match is most often from a donor of the same race or ethnicity.
Ideal Blood Type
Type O, especially from blood donors who are Black.
BURN PATIENTS:
Ideal Donation Type: AB Elite, because plasma helps maintain blood pressure and other vital functions.
Ideal Blood Type: AB positive, AB negative. Type AB, the universal plasma donor's blood can be given to any patient needing plasma. Make an even greater impact for patients in need by giving an AB Elite plasma donation.
Give Plasma: Call to make an AB Elite appointment.
CHRONIC DISEASE PATIENTS:
Ideal Donation Type: A single whole blood donation can help more than one person.
Ideal Blood Type: All blood types are needed
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):
510 1st Ave
Plattsmouth, NE
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!
Important!
If you are on Medicaid, please make sure your contact information is correct (click banner to update):
KEEP READING about EVENTS in our NEIGHBORING TOWNS
BLOOM WHERE YOU'RE PLANTED FARM
& Rural Route Rust
Get your tickets now for the Preview Party + VIP Shopping Event July 14!
Summer Vintage + Home Market continues July 15-16.
We're excited to see you next weekend for our Summer Vintage + Home Market (formerly known as the Barn Sale). The recent rains have helped to green up the farm, and we're looking forward to sharing a beautiful weekend in the country with you. Here are your options for shopping the sale:
For first-dibs shopping, tickets are now on sale for the Preview Party & VIP Shopping event the evening of July 14, 6:30-9:30 PM. Enjoy preferential shopping, plus complimentary charcuterie cups, desserts, and summer cocktails and mocktails. There will be yard games, photo ops, and a drawing for all ticket holders. Advance tickets are now on sale for $12. Half of ticket proceeds will benefit the local food pantries of SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action) and Tabitha's Thread.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION
The sale continues Saturday, July 15 from 10 AM-8 PM. The Pastry Savant will be selling her gourmet baked goods until 4 PM, and from 4 -8 PM Shortcakes Food Trailer will be serving meals and desserts. Hours on Sunday, July 16 are 10 AM-4 PM. There is no admission fee Saturday or Sunday.
Watch our Facebook page for sneak peek photos, a food truck menu, and more. The barn, lean-to, lodge and lawn will be full of all the great antiques and vintage we've been gathering this summer. Rusty Memories is bringing a wide selection of houseplants, and you'll find fun new home decor and gift items, too. It's going to be epic -- see you soon!
Rural Route Rust
402-840-2207
Food Trucks Coming to PLATTSMOUTH!
Near Witte and Makovicka Physical Therapy, (south of HyVee)
This will continue every month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays until October 2023!
211 Main Street, Louisville, NE
* * * * *
FREE ~ OPEN JAM SESSION the 2nd Sundays of each month, 1 - 4:30.
Bring your instrument, your voice or just come and enjoy the fun!
* * * * *
UPCOMING SATURDAY EVENING SHOWS, 7:30
July 15 ~ The Down Home Band.
July 29 ~ Rayne Mcgill and Kathy Fleming
Email us for more information: cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com
Like us on FB!
Call Larry for more information, 1-402-949-0668.
For more info, leave us a voice mail at the end of the message and we'll return your call!
LOFTE SEASON TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!
PURCHASE NOW AT LOFTE.ORG.
NEHAWKA, NEBRASKA PUBLIC LIBRARY
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
The Union, NE American Legion Auxiliary Hall, 104 W Main St, is available for rental!
Reasonable rates for 4-8 hours
Full kitchen, carpeted dining hall, and all utilities.
Easy to locate on Main Street.
Individuals have rented it for birthday parties,
showers, anniversaries, and funeral dinners.
For more information, or to reserve the Hall, call
Nancy Crook 402-263-2035.
(This is a landline with an answering machine, so leave a voice message, do not try to text.)
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&;nbsp;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<;/strong>
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<;/a>
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:
editor@murraynebraska.com<;/a>.
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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