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You can run, but you cannot hide!
As ordered by President Obama after the Fort Hood shootings the previous week, the flag remained at half-mast at Conestoga Jr-Sr High School this Veteran's Day morning, as the school saluted our nation's active-duty, retired and fallen military personnel.
Preceding the program, patriotic music played by the Jr. High band, under the direction of Dwight Rose, welcomed the crowd into the gym.
Principal, David Friedli, called for the Presentation of the Colors by the Conestoga FFA and Paige Price led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Shannon King and Kirsten Clawson read President Obama's Presidential Proclamation, then the band played 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
One of the highlights of the morning was when one of Conestoga's own, former graduate (class of 1987), USAF Ret. Msgt. Christopher Edward Behrns, shown below, spoke to the crowd of his 20+ years of service to our country. Msgt Behrns answered many questions asked of him by the students.
Cory Schlichtemeier and Jess Merrill gave two readings - 'The Unknown Soldier' and President Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.
Lindsay Drake asked for recognition of the attending veterans, as each stood up and was applauded. Afterward, the veterans formed a receiving line as students, staff and visitors expressed their thanks to each of them for their service.
The Conestoga High School choir sang a stirring selection, 'Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones', before Veterans Day Poster Contest winners were announced. Music Director, Dwight Rose, ended the program playing 'Taps', before the retiring of the colors by the FFA members.
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Conestoga Elementary students celebrated Veteran's Day in an afternoon program, under the direction of Music Teacher, Amanda Bair.
Cub Scout Pack 471 presented the colors, then the elementary students led all in singing our national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.
A song from the Revolutionary War, 'Chester', was performed by the 5th and 6th grades and students spoke of the origins of the 'Unknown Soldiers' and 'Armistice Day'. 'In Service to Our Country' and 'There Will be Peace' were two patriotic numbers sung by the elementary students in honor of our veterans. The Conestoga High School choir, once again, sang, 'Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones' for the crowd.
Five students gave a history lesson on each of the five military service songs, 'The Army Goes Rolling Along' or ('Caisson Song'), 'Marine's Hymn', 'Anchors Aweigh' - Navy, 'The Air Force Song' or ('Wild Blue Yonder') and 'Semper Paratus' (Always Ready) - Coast Guard. Veterans in the audience were asked to stand up as each of their service songs was played.
Both the Conestoga Elementary and Jr-Sr. High School wish to extend their gratitude to America's military members and their families for their sacrifice and service to our country!
100 YEARS YOUNG! On Thursday, November 12, 2009, a long-time Murray resident celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. During the morning party at the English Rose restaurant in Murray, Margaret Meisinger was greeted as she arrived, with the 'Happy Birthday' song. Cake, cookies and coffee was served by Donna Tritsch, Beth Jacobson and Minnie Mae Sayers. Many stopped to visit with the 'birthday girl', gave birthday hugs and dropped greeting cards in a wicker basket. Above, Beth Jacobson, left, and Donna Tritsch served coffee and cake and greeted guests. Above, Margaret with friend, Linda Konfrst. More friends above, visit while waiting for Margaret to arrive. Margaret's two nephews and a niece, along with their spouses are shown below with Dennis, (with beard), and Margaret. They came from Massachusetts, Georgia and Overland Park, Kansas to join in the celebration. Later in the day, the three 3rd grade classes, along with teacher, Marilyn Myrtue of Conestoga Elementary, walked across the street to sing to Mrs. Meisinger in her front yard. Friends and neighbors also stopped by for the festivities. The students had made a huge birthday card poster and asked Mrs. Meisinger questions about her childhood and her long life. Above, Marilyn Myrtue and her class of 3rd graders, surround Margaret with birthday wishes. Margaret and her husband, Reuben, (Butch), were the original owners of the Murray Lockers. Their one child, Dennis, lives at home and helps to care for his mother. Reuben (Butch) and Margaret Meisinger on their wedding day in 1946. In July 1971, Margaret is shown with employee and friend, Lena Hoschar, at the Murray Locker. Below, Although Margaret is legally blind, she took her two canes and, along with her dog, Peppy, went for an evening walk on her 100th birthday before going out for dinner with her relatives. She walks often and says if she doesn't get out and move, she doesn't feel 'productive'. You go, Girl!!! (Thanks go out to Sherrill Konfrst who played a big part in planning this celebration. She was, however, unable to attend, due to her father's illness and hospitalization.)
Many condolences go out to the family of Fay Jose, who passed away last Thursday, November 12, 2009. Fay lived in the Murray area before moving into Plattsmouth. He worked for many years as a carpenter and had many, many friends in and around the Murray and Plattsmouth area. He will surely be missed. (Photo collage by Fay's grand-daughter, Sharlyn) Come early and see your friends and family members to the only fundraising event the church holds each year. Soup and sandwich lunch served by the UNITED METHODIST WOMEN at 11:30. Auction starts immediately after lunch at 1:00 p.m. with auctioneer, Gene Sisco. There's too much to list here, but a small sample of items for auction includes home-canned foods, homemade baked goods, services, quilts, crafts and much more! Bid for a good reason - God's work in action for the Nehawka community and surrounding area's supportive and mission needs. EIGHTH ANNUAL SHORT STORY CONTEST A new division for Intermediate School Students, Grades 3-5, is being added this year. Story length should be 1,000-2,000 words (there is no minimum word requirement for the Intermediate category) and submissions should be written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works. No essays, please. Books by the author that writers can read to get ideas about content and style are: Short Works 1907-1919 Mother Mason Short Works 1920-1954 The Rim of the Prairie The Cutters A Lantern in her Hand Spring Came on Forever A White Bird Flying Miss Bishop Song of Years The Lieutenant's Lady Journey into Christmas The Drum Goes Dead The Man who Caught the Weather Prizes will be awarded at the annual Spring Banquet of the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation. Cash prize amounts are:
High School (grades 9-12) and Middle School (grades 6-8):
Intermediate School, (grades 3-5): Writers, please send a cover sheet with your name, address, e-mail address, phone number, title of story, and two copies of your story, one with your name and one without. Include a line telling how you learned about the contest. For students, add age, grade, school, and teacher's name to the cover sheet. Please enclose a SASE for return of contest results. Stories will not be returned. Families of Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation Board Members are not eligible. The due date for submissions is the author's birthday, February 17, 2010 (postmark date). Send submissions to: Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation, P.O. Box 167, Elmwood, NE 68349. A complete list of rules can be found at www.BessStreeterAldrich.org. PLATTSMOUTH / LOUISVILLE WILL HOLD H1N1 VACCINATION CLINICS
An additional supply of H1N1 vaccine has arrived and the Sarpy/Cass Department of Health and Wellness will be holding public vaccination clinics for those who are most at risk for complications from H1N1 and who are within the geographical area of the schools listed below. WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED? For this public clinic, five target groups have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years, and persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. We ask people who are not in one of these groups to be patient and allow people most at risk for complications from H1N1 influenza to get vaccinated first. After the CDC ships enough vaccine to states to serve the at-risk individuals in our counties, the vaccine will be made available to those in Sarpy and Cass counties who want it. The Health Department advises those attending the clinics to wear short sleeves under sweatshirts and jackets. Thursday, November 19 at 12:30-3:30 for middle and high school students 4:00-6:30 for preschool and elementary students and community members who are in priority groups.
Saturday, November 21 at Open to Cass and Sarpy residents who are in priority groups. COST: There will be no charge. As more doses become available, more public clinics will be provided, most likely in local school facilities.
Contact: HOLIDAY MAILING TIPS from THE POSTMASTER
Meeting for Otoe County Genealogical Society The Otoe County Genealogical Society will hold its December 10th meeting at the Talmage Public Library in Talmage, Nebraska. This meeting will welcome all new members into the society, and will also cover topics of interest concerning genealogical research in the Otoe County area. This meeting is open to all who are interested in joining the society, or just wish to attend to learn more about genealogical research in general. During this meeting, OCGS President, Curtis Wolbert, will present a class on 'Obtaining Federal Records', covering which records the U.S. Government maintains on its citizens, and how someone can easily obtain these records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Visitors are also encouraged to check out the library's Genealogy Reference Area, which maintains numerous genealogical records of the citizens of Talmage, and also maintains the original copies of the 'Talmage Tribune' & 'Talmage Topics' newspapers. Our society meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm. Please check out our website, or contact the Morton-James Public Library or the Otoe County Museum of Memories for more information. Curtis Wolbert President/Otoe County Genealogical Society http://ocgs.homestead.com
CONESTOGA CHEERLEADERS IN THE PINK... (Photo and story contributed by Gretchen King)
Cabela's Inc. Continues Investment in Technology with Data Center and Technology Development Center in Papillion Cabela's Inc. plans to invest in a state-of-the-art Data and Technology Development Center in Papillion, Neb., the eighth Nebraska community to host a Cabela's facility. The company, headquartered in Sidney, also has business units in Grand Island, Kearney, La Vista, Lincoln, North Platte and Oshkosh. Included in the Papillion Business and Technology Park development are: A 16,000-square-foot data center, with potential expansion of an additional 7,000 square feet. Cabela's expects to invest $10-$15 million in the center, which will employ up to 20 employees. A Technology Development Center, up to 50,000 square-feet, with up to 100 workspaces. Initial employment is expected to be 20 to 50 employees, including programmers and other IT specialists. The Data Center is expected to open in January, 2011. A date for construction of the Technology Development Center has not been determined. "A key element of our strategic focus is to continuously improve every aspect of our business," said Tommy Millner, Cabela's Chief Executive Officer. "Our investment in this world-class information-technology complex in Papillion will provide our employees with the tools and technology to affect continuous improvement across the Cabela's enterprise." Cabela's Data Center will provide technological support; the Technology Development Center programming and other support for the company's business operations, which include world-famous catalogs, a thriving e-commerce site and 30 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada. After looking at a number of sites around the U.S., Cabela's chose Papillion for its friendly business climate, which includes competitive public power rates and hard-working residents, as well as the prime location that offers room for expansion. http://www.cabelas.com/ The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's (UNL) Master of Business Administration program earned a top spot in BusinessWeek magazine's new ranking of part-time MBA programs. UNL was ranked fourth nationally and first in the Regional-Midwest among part-time MBA programs. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/11/1105_best_part_time_business_schools/7.htm CNNMoney.com Names Omaha, Lincoln Among Best Metro Areas for Small Business Startups Two Nebraska cities have made the top 10 list of CNNMoney.com's best metro areas for small business startups. Omaha is ranked No. 3 in the online publication's list of "midsize places." Lincoln is No. 10. The article notes "Omaha's low cost of living, great schools, and affordable yet educated workforce make for a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity." The authors write that Nebraska offers "customers some of the lowest utility rates in the country," while "business owners can also benefit from the 'Nebraska Advantage,' a series of state tax incentives that in some cases nearly eliminates the burden of corporate income and sales taxes." The article also pays tribute to Omaha's "burgeoning arts and culture scene." Lincoln, meanwhile, boasts an "educated workforce and Midwestern work ethic," according to CNNMoney.com. "In recent years, Lincoln has a resurgence of young business owners. Entrepreneurship is promoted locally by the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska, which fosters local technology businesses and recruits young talent to Lincoln." Summaries on both cities available at http://money.cnn.com/smallbusiness/best_places_launch/2009/states/NE.html
Community volunteers and leaders celebrated their efforts at successfully promoting and encouraging economic and community development as part of the 46th Annual Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) awards banquet in Kearney. The event capped the Second Annual Governor's Conference on Rural Development. NCIP awards reflect outstanding community and economic development projects, and is a program of the Nebraska DED. The Otto Hoiberg Award for top overall community development went to Gothenburg. The Good Neighbor Award, presented to a community that has assisted, supported and encouraged a neighboring community or region, went to Wilber. The Founders Award, which honors an outstanding intergovernmental project in Nebraska, had two winners this year: David City Methane Project, and Chase County Schools and Mid-Plains Community College. The Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award went to Muriel Kotschwar from Farnam for over 20 years of consistent volunteer service. The Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award recognizes outstanding youth who develop and lead projects and peers for the betterment of their communities. Class I (Pop: 1-800)-Billie Wassom, Alexandria; Class II (Pop: 801-1,700)-Jordyn Lechtenberg, Ainsworth; Class IV (Pop: 5,001+)-Megan Dimmitt, Alliance; Class V (Multi-Community)-Robert Kolterman, Seward County. Governor's Community Spirit Awards are given for overall excellence in community and economic development: Class I: (Pop. 1-500) Farnam; Class II: (Pop. 501-1,700) Bassett; Class III: (1,700-5,000) Gothenburg; Class IV: (Pop. 5,001+) Nebraska City; Class V (Multi-Community)-Seward County.
RECIPE This cool weather makes me think of warming-up the house with something from the oven like a casserole or something sweet. Here's a good, easy casserole that you make using leftover chicken or turkey for the next night's meal. Like the title says, mix it up the night before and just pop it in the oven. My mom got this recipe from one of her elementary school classmates at their 50th class reunion several years ago. CHICKEN NIGHT BEFORE Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, pour into a 13x9 greased pan, cover and refrigerate till the next day: If you have questions or comments or you would like to submit items for next week's Wednesday Newsletter, If possible, please email photos and documents in JPG format, If you'd like to send items via the U.S. postal service and you'd like to have them returned to you, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Send in plenty of time to be received by noon on Monday to: Editor, MurrayNebraska.com Remember to include 'who, what, when, where and why', Thank you!
Fay's daughter, Sherrill, and husband, Al Konfrst, reside in Murray and son, Dr. Barry Jose and wife, Mary, live in Plattsmouth. He has three grandchildren, Matthew Jose, Des Moines, Iowa; Denise Ayers and husband Cole, of Murray and Sharlyn Deterding and husband, Tony, of Plattsmouth. His great-grandchildren are Dalton and Jarett Ayers and Jocelyn and Delaney Deterding.
email NO LATER THAN NOON on MONDAY to:
(about 480 x 360 is a good size).
201 N How Ave
Murray, NE
68409-8403
along with any other helpful details.